For several weeks I have listened to and participated in conversations about one interesting El Pasoan: Mr. Donald L. Williams…”The Don”…as his friends call him.

 Don has created a stir in the hearts of many to get up, get out and vote. At the same time, he has created a stir for some to question who he is as a person. During the campaign to encourage El Pasoans to make a difference in this year’s Presidential election, Don rallied the troops to make sure that every El Pasoan had the opportunity to at least register to vote regardless of their political preference. Though some may have missed the cutoff date in our local elections, many did realize the importance of registering in preparation for November’s much anticipated event of the century.   

What some consider as an antagonistic demeanor, I chalk up to compellingly bold. Bold enough to stand up for beliefs not only for himself but of others who don’t possess that much needed boldness in today’s society to fight for what is right. I have never been one to even think about understanding the importance of local voting, but Don has encouraged me to believe that it is better to believe in something or someone than nothing at all. I have a better understanding of politics in general because of what little time we have had to talk.

We may not agree on everything, but I can guarantee you this much…he keeps you on your toes when it comes to realizing that you not only can, but must make a difference in the world…one vote at a time. 

The conversations about Don started when I asked a colleague friend of mine what they thought of him. I asked because they stated that he was too outspoken. When asked to elaborate on what makes him too outspoken, their answer was simply put, “Look at all the ruckus he caused about the precinct conventions.” My first thought was to laugh but I contained myself and proceeded to give facts.  

Fact #1: He didn’t cause a ruckus, however he stood up for not only El Paso Democrats but the nation’s Democrats as a whole. By doing so, the challenge was presented at the county convention that was heard and decided by the State Credentials Committee. That Committee awarded El Paso an additional 26 Delegates and 26 Obama Alternates over the 18 we already had. 

Fact #2: He convinced ‘you’ to vote for Obama based on FACTS!

Fact #3: He stated that regardless of the lack of support for Obama in El Paso, he would get the Democratic nod as the candidate of choice…all this while most El Paso’s Democratic leaders leaned towards Clinton.

Fact #4: His outspokenness shouldn’t be considered as brazen, rather wit and wisdom. The more you talk about him, the more you prove he’s getting somebody’s attention. I could go on about the facts we discussed, but I’ll leave that for another time.

As President of the Black El Paso Democrats, he has made a difference in El Paso. Don doesn’t try to make waves for correct political movement alone. He encourages everyone he comes in contact with to move…whether you’re on the right or the left.     For those of you who do know him, give him a word of encouragement to keep up the good work. I’ve never seen anyone so passionate about an election. Could it be that Obama is a black man…? Probably. However, if that is the case, I can completely understand his passion. He grew up in a time when other Black men and women were told they couldn’t be doctors or lawyers. He grew up in a time where Black men were yet lynched for just being black. He grew up in a time where we as Black people were still fighting to be considered 100% human.

He grew up in a time where as a Black man you had to yell to be heard.

He grew up in a time where in spite of the odds against him, he married his sweetheart, a beautiful Mexican-American young lady by the name of Ruth who is his all in all.   

Throughout his years, Don has allowed God to fight his battles…without shame. So, if at the end of the day you’re wondering why he has a smile on his face, it’s not because he’s conceited, its because he knows why he can stand victorious in life.    My personal quote as you ponder the question: “Who is Donald L.Williams?” Don’t judge the man if you don’t know the man. When you do judge him, judge him righteously, not based on someone’s negative viewpoints. As I finished my conversation with my friend, I left them with this one thought: “If someone were to examine you at this very moment…thoroughly, I mean just show up at your house out of the blue, what would they find? Would they find a peaceful, loving atmosphere or one of disarray?” Needless to say, they agreed that Don wouldn’t be where he is today without relying on the positive encouragement of others and the belief that in order to win, you have to fight.  

What I take from knowing Don is, when someone tells you no, your boldness will make them say yes in a split second.  Mr. Williams, if you’re reading this, know that you have made a difference in the lives of many. They may not tell you but as long as you are talking, someone is listening. Keep talking.

Quite simply, the answer is yes. Some may think that whatever a fellow brother or sister is involved in is their business. We tend not to lead them in a positive direction. Whether by way of choice or ignorance, if we see someone we care about falling into harms way, we should do all within our power to encourage them not to sink deeper into a black hole.

If we care for people, we should be there for them…in good times and bad. It’s our duty to Lift As We Climb and thus preparing the way for our children to understand the purpose in which they are put on this earth for: Giving honor to God, acknowledging our big brother Jesus and loving each other unconditionally.

Don’t forget to be a blessing to your own.

check out www.blackelpaso.com for further information on Aint Misbehavin’

Far from it! I am a black woman living in a town where I am the minority, trust me, I’m not blind. Yes, I’ve had my share of racial comments thrown my way. I’ve been followed around in stores. I’ve had the stares and so on. However, that does not change my view that not everyone feels the way of the ignorant few.

My comment to the person was one of motivation. I basically wanted to bring light to the fact that if Obama can do it nationally, we can do it locally. I know that not many positive opportunities are present for people of color in El Paso, but that shouldnt’ stop us from trying to reach the top.  Obama’s nomination is a stepping stone to what has taken decades to accomplish. A black man…viable as the President of the United States. Honestly, growing up, I never thought I would see this day.

In El Paso, there are cases of racism. Racism exists within our own people. You have light skinned brothers and sisters who look down on darker skinned black people. You have overweight black people being degraded by thinner black people. You have black people degrading other black people everyday. Listen to some of the music being played on the airwaves. The acts of racial hate didn’t escape us. As shameful as it is, SOME of us embraced it whether knowingly or unknowingly.

My point is this: Barack Obama is one of the recipients of what so many of our ancestors fought for. Equality. Yes, I’ve heard the ignorance that he isn’t 100% black, but newsflash…Yes he is! In spite of the fact that he was raised by white grandparents and his mother was white, didn’t stop the racial hatred in his life by others. He was black and others let him know it.

This nomination means that we as a people have another reason to get up and the least try to make a way for ourselves in the face of adversity. I know with or without Barack Obama in the White House, I will teach my black children to make their own way in this world. Yes, they will and do today face adversity because of the color of their skin, but that is not going to stop them from getting what God has for them.  My son has been called a n****r for no reason. My 6 year old daughter came home from school saying another child told her that black people are the devil’s children. I mean, it’s not going away. My greatest fear as a parent to a black young man is this: HE WAS BORN SUSPECT. Though I wanted a son, I was fearful for the things he would face in life because of what I had seen other black men go through. Even if he’s innocent, as a black man he’ll be guilty until proven innocent. He thinks I’m paranoid because I tell him, don’t go to any parties where there is drinking because if something goes down…the black kid did it. I’m not crazy, I just know that because of the color of his skin he will automatically be a target for everything negative.

This is why parents need to teach their children how to be respectful and stay away from all appearance of evil. It’s a hard way to discipline, but in the end, they will thank you for it.

I look around El Paso and see the many positive black role models for our young men and women to look up to. The important factor is that there are many black men in El Paso who have the feat of being an example. From Harold Howell (El Paso branch/NAACP) to Bishop Juan O. Lawson (Holy Light COGIC) to Dr. Maceo Dailey (UTEP Professor), our children have great role models, lets expose them to positivity.

In closing, I would like to see a less hateful world; unfortunately that is not going to happen. We still must strive for peace and prosperity while we are yet on this earth, but in doing so we must be wise. No, Obama’s nomination doesn’t mean that racism will decrease, but it sure does feel good to know that not all Americans feel that a black man isn’t capable of running the country. I’m proud of America and all of those Americans black or otherwise who have agreed that not all black men are trying to steal, kill or destroy you.

I received an email from a newsletter I subscribe to and I would like to leave you with these closing words from it:

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns 

Determination is a key ingredient to your success in the matters set before you. You are indeed coming to a new spiritual plateau, but this new level is not easy to achieve, for you will encounter fierce opposition. Discern the attack of the enemy against you and set your face strong against opposing forces. Resist the temptation to run and hide; instead, be strong and courageous in taking and standing this new ground. It is My work that you are manifesting in the earth, and My reward is with those who are obedient, says the Lord. 

Be Blessed,

Moni/ BEP Publisher

I understand the local officials will state that African Americans are “disgruntled” because Hillary won El Paso; this is far from the truth.  As long as a Democrat gets into office, we’re fine.  The problem comes when locally, the racial tension is evident due to racial slurs and the treatment we as African Americans receive at public events such as the recent conventions.  “SOME” of us would like to witness the day a Black Man or Woman becomes President.  Our ancestors fought and some died to make sure we could see a time such as this.  It’s disheartening to know that some El Pasoans who are not Black are upset that we are so proud of this feat. It’s like they expect us to show our appreciation of Obama in silence. 

Some say we deserve an apology locally…please, no one has yet to apologize for slavery so if you think that’s going to happen…jump back to reality.

Not all local Black El Pasoans voted for Obama; but those who did, I am surely proud of for doing so.  If you look beyond Obama’s face and instead look deep into his soul through his eyes, you will see people like Martin Luther King Jr., Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Joe, Cousin Mack and even the Caucasian men and women who helped fight for civil rights saying, “Lift Your Brother.”  How dare some El Pasoans try to deny us the right to be proud that a Black man has made it this far to have top billing as our possible next leader?!

Ignorance comes in many forms and Tuesday night, we saw that take place. If ever there was a question does racism still exist in El Paso…the answer is blatantly yes. Some of “my” fellow Black brothers and sisters were called niggers, monkeys, etc. I personally have blood brothers and sisters who are of mixed race including Caucasian and Mexican.  Racism calls for blood relatives to choose sides as to which race they claim.  If some of them would really dig deep into their history, they would be surprised to find that their great great great grandmother could have been black.  Quick to call somebody a nigger because they are black and they may be black themselves. 

Has anything changed since the Kerner Report…not much. The Kerner report was right.  40 years later we’re still dealing with ignorance. Racism is alive and well and until we as a people start educating our own people about not falling into the stereotype that others expect us to, it will stay this way.

I contacted the state and local Democratic Party Headquarters and I have yet to get an answer pertaining to my question as to why the election judge purposefully did not assure we had the proper paperwork to caucus in my precinct.  If the election judge was there when I asked the question “What about our precinct convention” as they were packing up to leave; why did she continue to leave anyway? 

The only answer I get is: “There is nothing we can do about that now.”  So does this mean my precinct doesn’t matter?  Of course in my precinct, military spouses and soldiers are the majority.  We were in attendance for the convention and no one showed up to give us the proper paperwork. I guess our vote doesn’t count.

Is El Paso a Melting Pot?

It is with great joy and pleasure that I greet you.  Now that the holidays are over, there are some very important events that will soon take place.  The choosing of our Democratic or Republican Presidential Candidates.  It concerns me that some don’t take this as seriously as we as citizens should; with that in mind, several organizations will rally this year to educate you on the importance of your vote, how the whole voting system works and the consequences our children face if we choose to remain known as people who don’t vote. 

 I hope you take advantage of the message forums and comment on topics posted.  Weekly I will post comments and information to topics of interest.  Soon, we will seek authors for some of our topics to post here as well. 

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Black El Paso…”It’s About Life…It’s About Us”