Hi, all, and happy Sunday night! It’s a tough time in America, but everywhere we look Americans young and old are rising to the challenge and fighting to keep—and grow—our democracy. To say it’s heartening is an understatement. So let’s take a few minutes to look at all the great news that broke this week.
People should know more about Robert Smalls, who just had a Navy ship named tor him. After he stole that Confederate ship, bringing its crew is slaves and their families to freedom, he went to Washington to help persuade Lincoln to allow escaped slaves to enlist in the military. He then returned to Charleston where he guided naval raids throughout the harbor. After the war he was elected to Congress and served a couple of terms before the violent suppression of African American voters caused his defeat. One of my heroes.
I researched him for a book about Congress I published in 1995; at that time, the best (maybe the only) book was Okon Edet Uya, "From Slavery to Public Service: Robert Smalls 1839-1915, Oxford University Press 1971. There may well be something more recent, though. Also, on a recent visit to Charleston I learned (but didn't have time to visit) that they now have a Museum of Slavery, which is likely to have something on him.
What a blessing you are. Your good news summaries are a tonic, and I have to tell you, have actually changed the attitude of a dear friend, to whom I’ve forwarded your columns, from despair to hope. Thank you!
Thanks, as always, for the good news. And Guantanmera is exactly what I needed today! I love Playing for Change. Everything they do makes me want to dance and smile.
People should know more about Robert Smalls, who just had a Navy ship named tor him. After he stole that Confederate ship, bringing its crew is slaves and their families to freedom, he went to Washington to help persuade Lincoln to allow escaped slaves to enlist in the military. He then returned to Charleston where he guided naval raids throughout the harbor. After the war he was elected to Congress and served a couple of terms before the violent suppression of African American voters caused his defeat. One of my heroes.
I mean, I am going to have to find a book about him now! Do know of a good one?
I researched him for a book about Congress I published in 1995; at that time, the best (maybe the only) book was Okon Edet Uya, "From Slavery to Public Service: Robert Smalls 1839-1915, Oxford University Press 1971. There may well be something more recent, though. Also, on a recent visit to Charleston I learned (but didn't have time to visit) that they now have a Museum of Slavery, which is likely to have something on him.
"ew and yay"
That sums up this chaotic time we live in.
Hahaha doesn't it?
Another great Extra! Extra! And I'd never listened to or knew the words to Guantanamera. Beautiful!
I didn't know the words, either. I was so struck by them, as well as the beauty of the performances.
I look forward to Sunday to read extra!extra!
Added bonus of the music...my granddaughters dance to this daily.
What a joy!
Thank you so much!
A joy, indeed! Thank you!
Yes to Stephen Colbert! Yes to Guantanamera! Yes to all in between! Here's another "ad" for your viewing pleasure, brought to you by Greg Olear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z4LkkoGJHg
Great one! That may very well end up in a future EE!
Thanks, Jessica!
And here's an Extra! Extra! you may not know yet. Tucker Carlson is leaving Fox News! I hope this is gifted; at least I wanted it to be.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/business/media/tucker-carlson-fox-news.html?
I KNOWWWWWW! It's already been entered in next week's Extra Extra! What a gift!
Robert Smalls was a genuine American hero, a patriot who saw the big picture and moved to bring it to fruition.
I'm going to try to find a biography. Sounds like someone I should know more about.
Ok, now I'm ready for Monday 🎶🤗
Yay!
What a blessing you are. Your good news summaries are a tonic, and I have to tell you, have actually changed the attitude of a dear friend, to whom I’ve forwarded your columns, from despair to hope. Thank you!
This makes me very, very happy. Thank you.
Thanks for all the good news. I had not heard of the case in Pennsylvania.
Glad to help!
Everyone should check out Playing for Change on YouTube!!! Fantastic stuff.
It does seem great!
Thank you, thank you! A shot in the arm and a smile for my face every week! My favorite...Ew and Yay.
Playing for Change has got to be one of the most uplifting sites on YouTube. Nothing like watching the world sing...together. What a concept.
Guantanamera reminded me of my favorite pandemic zoom music - The Power of Love. I watched this over and over. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvbWWw9pvQ
Wasn't familiar with this! Watching now!
Wow, yay...Thanks for sharing, Belinda!
Thanks, as always, for the good news. And Guantanmera is exactly what I needed today! I love Playing for Change. Everything they do makes me want to dance and smile.
Thank you so much for this!