On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors: African American History Through Historical Poetic Verse

By Jimmy McJamerson Ph.D. and Nanthalia W. McJamerson

On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors is an individual effort to articulate that Africans and African-Americans are achievers, that our history is one of being contributors to society instead of destroyers, that playing the “dozens” or “snapping” is unacceptable in our communities. Our history is not one of killing each other, nor is it one of negativism, but rather it is one of strength, hope, achievement, excellence and creativity. On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors seeks to redirect our youth’s miseducation through reminders of African-American achievement in the form of studying history through the poetic form.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781665503495

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© 2020 JIMMY McJAMERSON, Ph. D. All rights reserved.

Cover Design by Phillip Michael LeBlanc

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No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

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ISBN: 978-1-6655-0348-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-0349-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020919664

Published by AuthorHouse 10/21/2020

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PRAISE FOR ON THE SHOULDERS

OF OUR ANCESTORS

A history book with poetry is a unique combination. Dr. Jimmy McJamerson is not only a master teacher but also a sensitive poet. On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors is a workbook that encourages us to understand and appreciate our history and it challenges us then soothes us with powerful words and insightful thoughts. Bravo to Dr. McJamerson!

George C. Fraser, CEO Frasernet

Author, Success Runs in Our Race and Run for Success

I have read On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors by Dr. Jimmy McJamerson and I found it a very interesting and inspiring work. Each of the poems uses the past to teach us about the present and to inspire us to improve the future. In addition, the teaching activities are very exciting and challenging. They help to reinforce the lessons in the poems and expand the knowledge of those who participate in them. They require work beyond merely reading the poems and helping research into the past. The introduction to the poems helps to lay the groundwork for the lessons that they teach.

Marvin Fletcher, Ph.D.

Professor of History - Ohio University

Author, The Black Soldier and Officer in the United States Army, 1891-1917

and America’s First Black General: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., 1880-1970

I found this guide to be an inspiration. It is unique in its approach of using poetry to teach history, psychology, education and science. Yet it also harkens back to the strong oral history, a means by which so much has been preserved and conveyed to new generations. It is a welcome newcomer in the field of African-American history and education.

Kathryn Newman, Ph.D.

Professor of Education - Grambling State University

Dr. McJamerson’s On the Shoulders of our Ancestors: African-American History through Historical Poetic Verse is an inspiring work. The incorporation of poetry compliments historical knowledge and adds a level of depth that appeals to the reader of all ages. The work brings the past to life and engages the reader on a personal level. Not only does it enhance historical knowledge, but also it evokes pride and self-awareness which is a complex task that the work accomplishes with ease.

Roshunda Belton, Ph. D., Chair, Department of History

Benjamin A. Quarles Endowed Professor – Grambling State University

On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors is a unique workbook celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans in highly creative and engaging learning activities. With a blend of inspirational original poetry and relevant historical notes, the author challenges each reader to react, on a personal and intellectual basis, to an abundance of stimulating thoughts, facts and concepts. I recommend it highly to teachers and parents who want to promote critical thinking, development of original thought processes, and greater awareness of highlights in African-American history.

Connie Perdreau

Director, Education Abroad - Ohio University

Past President, NAFSA: Association of International Educators

DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to the memory of my parents, the late Willie and Banksie Wells McJamerson, to my sister, the late Viola, and my brothers, the late Willie, Glen and Theopher, and Albert. To my daughter, Nicole Tian, my son, Jimmy II and my son-in-law, Douglas Kearney.

To my mentors, friends and adopted parents, Drs. Robert L. and Minnie T. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. David Wright, and to Auntie, Mrs. Mary A. Hobdy

To Dr. Neari Warner, former President of Grambling State University, who encouraged me to write this book

To my beautiful black goddess, my wife, friend and companion for life, Dr. Nanthalia Washington McJamerson

AS YOUR FATHER, I WAS

AND I WILL BE THERE

(Dedicated to my children: Nicole McJamerson Kearney and Jimmy McJamerson II)

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It is through my seed that you are in this world. I was there to see you take your first breath and to carry you home with a smile on my face. I was there to hold and rock you when you could not sleep. And, yes, you kept me up all night. But you know, I was there when you took your first steps and said, Daddy.

I was there to read to you and help with your math problems and to simply say, I know you can excel. And if you faltered or stumbled, I was there to lift you up and encourage you on your way.

As your father, I have tried my best to teach you how to play all the sports, and I have reminded you that the important thing is not whether you win every time but rather how you play the game.

I was there to carry you to church on Sundays or to Vacation Bible School. Oh yes, if my job kept me away from you, it was because, as your father, I had to provide for you, your sisters, brothers and your mother.

You see, my job as your father includes the following titles: disciplinarian, coach, teacher, friend, counselor, joke teller, doctor, defender, cook and loan officer.

Whatever you become, you are a part of me and the essence of my being. Remember, as your father, I was and I will always be there for you because I love you!

©Jimmy McJamerson

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to my Mom, Dr. M. T. Bailey, for sharing her life and having faith in me; Mrs. Carolyn Douglas Collier, a friend for life; and Mrs. Wanda Peters, my editor.

To those who are a part of my network who have helped me or whom I have helped:

CONTENTS

Foreword

Introduction

Words from the Historian/Poet

POEMS & ACTIVITIES

I Am Bad and You Can’t Stop Me

I Cannot Be Denied!

Pass It On

Come Here, Black Woman, and Listen!

Hand It Down

We, Too, Are Inventors

We Have Much To Be Proud About

Juneteenth – Our Freedom Day

I Am a Teacher

The African American Male – A Survivor

Honoring Dr. Mcjamerson’s Work

BONUS POEMS

Selected Bibliography

FOREWORD

(Reprint of Retirement Letter)

In drafting this letter for Dr. Jimmy McJamerson’s retirement…I didn’t want to just jot down a few glowing platitudes about what a great a teacher he was and how much of an influence he has had on my development in my professional and personal life. That’s too easy and a bit of a disservice to a man who has helped shape minds and taught many of us that striving for excellence in a particular field or discipline was a continuous venture…

So, in thinking about what to say about Dr. McJamerson (J-Mac) upon retiring from teaching, I was a little sad and also frustrated. Though this is supposed to be a celebration of what J-Mac has accomplished, given, and bestowed upon students and the Grambling community for more than 30 years, I am a little sad that future generations of students who will enroll at Grambling State University will deprived of his presence and mentorship.

In 1991, I walked into Dr. McJamerson’s African American History class as a 20 year old know-it-all planning to ace the class based on the fact that I considered myself an exceptional student. That bravado lasted all of twenty minutes after Dr. McJamerson introduced himself and outlined what was expected of us for the semester. Understand, for Dr. McJamerson, researching and writing term papers wasn’t about spending a few hours in the library and turning in a half-[baked] paper. Dr. McJamerson’s methodology was about exhausting your resources only to find more resources to exhaust. He was instilling in us the true idea of perfection, not for the sake of perfection, but for growth and ultimately never being satisfied with the victory of a singular moment. Expanding our minds and pushing our talents to their ultimate conclusion… only to do it again on a different topic. If memory serves me correctly, our class had three term papers to write during that semester. That’s what made it beautiful.

Dr. McJamerson has a few sayings that he always used with students in class. Then there were the sayings he crafted for those of a particular skill set or demeanor—in my case, intellectually arrogance, miscast as confidence. The expression was, The more you learn, the more you realize you didn’t know [anything] in the first place. Of the many things I learned in his class and personal conversations, this funny little piece of knowledge basically sums up what I gained from Dr. McJamerson.

Mediocrity is not an attribute he tolerated in his charges. This ideology and methodology bestowed upon me has served me well in the best and worst of times for 20 years working in the businesses of publishing, entertainment, and education. Recently coming out of the most challenging period of my life, it is those life lessons that I have relied on to push through depression and a rapidly changing landscape in my fields of work to forge ahead and be better than what I was when I was satisfied with my position in life. What I got from Dr. McJamerson continues to serve me well in life, and it is those same methods I have used on my students while teaching in Oakland, California.

It is an honor and privilege for me to be able to share a few of these words on the night that you are celebrating your retirement. You deserve it. Though I may not have appreciated the challenges in 1991, now, in 2012, I can honestly say that you have helped me become a more diverse reader, thinker and writer. I hope GSU will be able to find another academic mind like yours. One who will push—no, forcefully shove—you to strive for better. One who can take mediocre students and show them how to become exceptionally smart. One who can challenge and hone the talents or temper the arrogance of those who have yet to reach the highpoint of their abilities. All this you have done for me and countless others. On this night I would like to say, Thank you and I love you. Happy retirement!

Allen Scott Gordon

Publisher, Compton, CA

GSU Alumni, Spring 1995

INTRODUCTION

Dr. McJamerson has veered from basic traditional approaches of presenting African-American historical material to students, peers, other ethnic components of society, parents and especially teachers by authoring the workbook, On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors: African-American History Through Historical Poetic Verse.

The author’s creativity is brilliantly exhibited in the twenty-one poems composed for his African-American Collection, from which ten have been selected for this format. For the edification of every participant, each poem is introduced by a short historical note. The poem follows with easily understood outlined directions for detailed study of the poem by means of the activities presented for each exercise.

A variety of activities is recommended. They are included under the headings of Definitions, Discussion Items, Identification, Multiple Choice Items, Essay Suggestions, In-Class Activities and Homework. Each exercise demonstrates keen perception by the author as he seeks to channel motivational challenges for expected desirable behavioral modification by the participants.

This underlying perception is based upon the idea that the student will study the academic avenues presented in a conscientious mode. It is also sincerely hoped that the student will reflect pensively upon the rich, ancestral heritage that brought forth, in spite of contrived and natural obstacles, a plethora of positive images spanning all categories of mankind.

It is fervently hoped