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What I learned about Black History from The Soprano’s

February 15, 2012 in Diversity, Inclusion by newresource | 1 comment

When I began this Black History Month series I asked a question as an example to why it’s still important and relevant to celebrate BHM. The question was “Who was the 1st African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize?” Like most, I used to think it was Dr. King. And that would be wrong. The correct answer is Ralph Johnson Bunche. I didn’t learn that from the history books or research for a paper or even this series.  I learn that Bunche was awarded the prize by watching the HBO series “The Soprano’s.”

I was a fan of the show. It was about a reluctant Mob Boss that regularly visited a psychiatrist, or a head shrink as the wise guys would say. They gave us an inside look at the sex, drugs, violence, love and emotional turmoil that the family and THE FAMILY had to deal with.

One particular episode, the Mob had taken over a construction site where they ran their illegal activities. One of the workers was given a Mobster a little grief and they were about to square off. Just then a black construction worker tried to be the voice of reason and get in between them. That’s when another Mobster grabbed a metal pipe and “whacked” the peace maker right upside the dome. He then yelled, “What are you, Ralph Bunche?” and proceeded to beat him like a drum.

I remember replaying the scene just so I could hear what he said, and once I figured it out, I Googled the name.

Then I got it. Ralph Bunche had won the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation work between the Jews and the Palestinians. It feels good to know that the time I wasted watching that show actually gave me some useful information. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pull that little known Black History fact out of my hat.  Needless to say, I’m awfully proud to have learned about Bunche, no matter how it happened.

You can read more here.

 

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Thomas & George

February 13, 2012 in Diversity, Inclusion, Uncategorized by newresource | No comments

Nope, not Jefferson and Washington! Thomas Jennings and George Crum.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, most of us enjoy them at some point. I’m talking about that salty, zesty, crunchy snack known as potato chips. What we now enjoy with sandwiches, dip and salsa was actually created out of wise-ass-ness. Not sure if that’s a real word but oh well.  George Crum is credited as the inventor of the potato chip but probably never made the money of Lay’s or Ruffles.

The story goes; George was working as a chef in 1853, when a plate of french fries was sent back for being too thick and soft.  Mr. Crum created a new batch but this time he sliced them as thin as possible and cooked them longer, and they were a hit. He opened his own place and served them on every table.

Click here for more on George, as you snack away.

I never knew the first black person to receive a patent was Thomas Jennings. He received it in 1821. I know what you’re thinking, who needs a history lesson but as I stated before, the angle I am working with Black History Month this year is relevant contributions to you and your everyday life.

This is no different, Jennings received his patent for a dry cleaning process called “dry scouring.”  And it’s particularly interesting because when he received his patent there was much debate on whether a black person could own a patent because blacks were consider ¾ of  person.

When Thomas secured the patent he used the proceeds to buy his and the freedom of his family. <Here’s more on Thomas>

While you’re eating your chips trying not to get crumbs and grease on your newly dry cleaned suit, thank these dudes and help me share Black History facts.

It’s all our History.

 

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Cataracts & Nuts

February 6, 2012 in Business, Diversity by newresource | No comments

Hello, if you are a regular reader here on CostofWork, you know I bring a different perspective on any topic especially human resource disciplines. Those same rules apply to Black History Month.

Cataracts

The clouding of a lens, that’s one of the definitions of cataracts. When the lenses in the eye become cloudy you then have cataracts.

I was watching The View” and one of the guests was Regis Philbin. He recently retired from his morning show “Live with Regis and Kelly.” One of the ladies asked him what has he been up to and Regis told them he recently had a cataract removed.  He told them it was a quick laser procedure and now he can read again.

Interesting fact about the cataract, Dr. Patricia Bath, a black woman invented the laser technology to surgically remove them. Before 1985, you had to have a more painful and intrusive procedure, now just some lasers.  Learn more about Dr. Bath here.

Nuts

Ah, the peanut, what a marvelous food. Undoubtedly you know George Washingtion Carver is credited with the invention of the peanut.  He didn’t create it but he discovered over 300 uses for it. 300 uses!

if you’re one of the millions of Americans that suffer from peanut allegories, fear not. There are other great reasons to appreciate George Washington Carver. He also found hundreds of uses for the Soybean and sweet potatoes.  I never knew that.  Remember that next time you enjoy a soybean burger or sweet potatoes fries. Read more here.

Celebrate Black History; It’s American History

 

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It’s Our History

February 1, 2012 in Diversity by newresource | No comments

It’s February and that’s Black History Month in this country. There is some controversy about BHM, even in the Black community. Some folks scoff at it and say, “Why do you have to a month for the Blacks?” and some say “Why do we have to limit Black History to only a month?” , “Why the shortest month of the year?” Well, when Carter G. Woodson created it, it was a week and he choose the 2nd week in February to honor Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. Later it was expanded to a month to honor its creator, Woodson.

Others think Black History Month only perpetuates the racial divide. Well, I disagree with this too. BHM is way to recognize great accomplishments of Black Americans, as much as I love and respect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he is not the only great Black American that made historical contributions to this country. For instance, without using Google can you name the 1st Black to win the Nobel Peace Prize? And for extra credit, what was it for? Here’s a hint, it wasn’t Dr. King.

This month on CostofWork, since this is a human resources blog, I will be spotlighting little known Black Americans that made accomplishments to our everyday life. And not from ancient days, some of it is as recent as the early 2000’s.

I will not pretend to take credit for this information, most of it can be found on the internet. I have recently fallen in love with a website called “Black-Inventors.com”

The first person I want to highlight is Dr. Mark Dean; he helped to create the personal computer. Dr. Dean worked for IBM in the 80’s and still holds 3 of the original 9 patents for the personal computer.

Where would business be without the PC? You can read more here.

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