The Men of the Tenth Inc. May 2013

The Come Up Teaching the Truth to the Youth

Henry Blair

Does Rick Ross have freedom of speech? Read on Page 2

If You Don’t Know, Now You Know: The Life of Joshua Johnson

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The first successful African-American artist and one of the finest of early American portrait painters, Joshua Johnson remains shrouded in mystery some 180 years after he lived.

The year and place of his birth are unknown, although historians speculate that he was born in the French West Indies and came to America as an indentured servant, living in Maryland. Once he served his time, he would have been freed and soon after pursued a career as a painter in Baltimore, Maryland. It is possible that Johnson studied portrait painting with a member of the celebrated Peale family, which lived in Baltimore at the time and produced many artists. Whatever his training, Johnson distinguished himself as a leading portrait painter by the late 1790s.

More than 80 paintings have been attributed to Johnson, although only one of them bears his signature. The striking

Inventor (born 1804, died 1860). Mr. Blair invented a corn-planting machine, and he was first African American man to receive an U.S. Patent, which was for that device and which occurred on October 14, 1834. He also received a patent for a cotton planter of August 31, 1836.

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The Men of the Tenth Inc. May 2013

Freedom in my Speech By: LaVon Williams

Did you know?

Edward Alexander Bouchet was a Physicist, educator (born 1852, died 1918). Dr. Bouchet was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. degree from an American university, when he received a Ph.D. in

Edward Alexander Bouchet

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April was a very interesting month in the rap world. The media crucified two of its famed artists Rick Ross and Jay Z for expressing themselves in unfavorable ways to critics. The crucifixions began when Rick Ross was dropped from his Reebok endorsement deal because of negative lyrics that encourages date rape.

Fellow rapper, Jay Z was crucified for traveling to Cuba to celebrate his 4-year wedding anniversary with his wife Beyonce Knowles. Over the past month, both of theses situations were constantly topics of discussion by mainstream and local media. I find these two situations important because there seems to be a trend in media to label African Americans (particularly men) as Un-American members of society when they are demonstrating their rights.

For example, often time’s the media tries to show African Americans as something other then responsible members of society by promoting African Americans as gangsters, thieves, and uncivilized beast. In the case of Rick Ross, I think the punishment he received from creating offensive

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The Men of the Tenth Inc. May 2013

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lyrics about women was justified but only to a small instinct. There is no doubt that Rick Ross’s lyrics were harmful to women, the hip-hop community, and black culture; however, what is interesting is how society loves to be selective when certain people say harmful things. I have witnessed people like Bill O’reilly, Mel Gibson, and politicians say some of the most ridiculous comments and still keep their endorsements, gain more support, and smirk while it was happening. Why is it that when African Americans misspeak or do something a few others may disagree with, they are crucified?

According to critical race theorist, these crucifixions are not caused because of racism and all the other isms in life but instead they are caused by a system that needs to be destroyed. Many critical race theorists suggest when African Americans and other minorities are crucified because of racism, exposing the racist only highlights individuals for their hatred. Instead, these theorists suggest the wiser choice is to highlight that there is a system of privilege that validates the mistreatment of others. Therefore, when Jay Z responded to his critics in Open Letter by stating, “you hear the freedom in my speech” it was a clear indication that he was addressing the system and his rights to conduct himself however he pleases under the law.

Besides Jay Z criticizing the system, what is interesting is how Jay Z can speak to the public confidently and candidly because he owns his own company. Unlike politicians, teachers, business executives, and administrators, Jay Z can address issues candidly because he does not have to report to anyone. Jay Z’s position is a clear example of what can happen when you are in business for yourself.

In addition, Rick Ross is also in a position to avoid the haters because despite losing his endorsement

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deal he is still able to earn a living in the music business because he owns a music label. Ross is the owner of Maybach Music Group, which develops, promotes, and funds artists’ projects.

Although Rick Ross and Jay Z are currently under the microscope they both create positive lyrics that encourage others to follow them and become self-made. Being self-made provides unlimited power, courage, and freedom to succeed despite any type of hate. Therefore, please remember the words of Elijah Muhammad, “the love of self and self respect a long with the will to do something for self… will get you the respect of all civilized nations.” Besides, those who continue to hate are like rapper Nas said, “their hatred is confused admiration.”

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The Men of the Tenth Inc. May 2013

Continued from page 1

Hip-Hop Quote of the Month

“Play dumb when

you young and be a older fool. “

--- Papoose from Pimpin Won’t Die

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characteristics of that signed painting with its stiffly posed subjects in three-quarter-view portrait have helped to identify the others. Johnson's portraits and other paintings have been praised by critics for their careful composition; flat, modern style; and inventive use of color.

Although there are few mentions of the artist in the historical record, it has been recorded that he owned property in three counties, a sign of his success as an artist. Records in a local Catholic Church show that he was married and had three children. Little else is known about Johnson; even the color of his skin is in some question. The only reference to him being black comes from an 1817 Baltimore city directory that lists him as a "Free Householder of Colour." In an advertisement printed in a newspaper nearly 20 years earlier, Johnson referred to himself as a "self-taught genius" who had surmounted "many insuperable obstacles in the pursuit of his studies." This comment may hint that he was a black man struggling to succeed in a white society.

Most of Johnson's known portraits are of well-to-do Baltimore families. One of the few works attributed to him of black people is matching portraits of two African-American clergymen, members of the Methodist church. The men are depicted with great dignity and humanity, again indicating that the portraitist may have himself been black.

How and when Joshua Johnson died is unknown. All that remains of this gifted artist are his paintings, but the detective work continues.

The Men of the Tenth Inc. May 2013

Embrace the Unpleasant Once you embrace unpleasant news, not as a negative

but as evidence of a need for change, you aren’t defeated by it. You’re learning from it.

Bill Gates

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