Nobody Knows

Except for the arrival of the first Africans, we came to this country as no other; we were brought against our will. We were brought here into an abusive system of man’s inhumanity to man.

The Spiritual “Nobody Knows” also known as “Nobody Knows de trouble I’ve Seen” sheds light on the Africans’ insight to the troubles surrounding his plight and who it was that truly understood his condition.

The Africans’ troubles did not begin in the unfamiliar abode of the New World as many might believe; they began back in their homeland—Africa. There, Africans captured and enslaved one another. However, their system of slavery was not the cruel one they would come to experience in North America.

With demands for cheap labor in the New World, human bondage was thought to be the best solution. Europeans and Indians were first experimented with, but it was the African whose physical appearance, seemingly never-ending numbers, and station in life made him the likely choice.

Therefore, further conflict among African tribes and villages were encouraged by outsiders. And by providing tribal leaders with weapons, rum, and other goods, it guaranteed continued conflict and a never-ending stream of human labor. Those captured were made to journey to the coastline of West Africa. From the interior of Africa, some traveled 500 miles to the coastline. Upon arriving, they were held at forts while awaiting slave ships headed to the New World and the Indies.

To tell the story of the African’s journey, his troubles, and his hardships, ground breaking television epics such as Roots and more recent made for television movies such as Amistad, The Middle Passage, and HBO’s Slave Narratives have been made.

Without a doubt, the African-American story is being told on a grander scale. Scholarly research has lifted, to some degree, the veil of darkness and forced corrections and rewrites of the African-American plight. In doing so, the world has gained deeper insight into the true and significant foundational contributions of an important segment of society.

In all of this, however, I must confess, as the spiritual suggest, that I don’t really know, nor do I fully understand, the depths of the horror and hardships early Africans endured. Yes, year after year, I celebrate. And year after year, I am further enlightened, challenged, and deeply amazed.

The literary genius behind “Nobody Knows” knew full well that other men would find it hard to identify completely with his plight. As a result, the writer acknowledges the only person he knows who fully understands.

He pens, “Oh! Nobody Knows the trouble I’ve seen, Nobody knows but Jesus; Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, Glory, hallelujah! Glory, hallelujah! Verse one resounds, “Sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down, Oh yes Lord! Sometimes I’m almost to the ground, Oh, yes, Lord!......Oh!

Nobody knows the true horrors of being snatched from their village, put in holding pens, and then confined to coffin size space in slave ships; ships that then made the six to ten week voyage across the Atlantic.

Nobody knows the horrors of the chains, the seemingly endless sea voyage to God knows where. And while en route being nibbled on by rats while schools of sharks followed sensing a forthcoming meal.

Nobody knows the shame of the auction block, the separation of families, and the complete termination of personhood.

Nobody knows what it means to work from sun up to sun down with no hope for the future. Nobody knows what it means to have no rights.

Nobody knows what it means not to be able to go where one pleases. Nobody knows.

The songwriter passionately declares “Nobody knows! Nobody knows! Nobody knows but Jesus.” To the slave, Jesus was the answer: the intimate friend; the One who truly understands. Nobody knows but Jesus.

But Jesus; He is hope in a hopeless situation. But Jesus; He is help in horrible conditions. But Jesus; He is our hand of protection against the perverted and polluted practices of men.

“Oh! Nobody Knows the trouble I’ve seen, Nobody knows but Jesus; Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen, Glory, hallelujah! Glory, hallelujah!”

Artwork by Dr. Talley: a Type-C Print taken in a small village in West Africa

Why We Must Change America Now

     The national theme for Black History Month 2009 as submitted by the NAACP is “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas.” The NAACP has for 100 years been at the forefront of the fight against injustice and unequal rights for people of color. Every year the NAACP set before us, the American people and the world, a theme which stimulates the intellect and challenges everyone to examine race relations and progress. 

In conjunction with the national theme, HBCU’s have been celebrating under the umbrella of “Black Empowerment in the Americas: Be the Change”.

With that theme in mind, I would like to briefly revisit some comments I made while addressing the MLK Holiday. Emphasis, during that occasion, was placed on the word “change”: the buzz word for the 2008 presidential election. I ventured to ask three basic questions. One, what we must change? Two, why we must change? And three, when we must change?

First, what we must change? We must change ourselves. It is, I believe, impossible to change the condition of our world and those who inhabit it until we deal with “self.” Before we attempt to change the exterior, we must change the interior. In other words, before we look outward to change the world, we must look inward. Jesus Christ warned us about being anxious to remove the mote from your brother’s eye and ignore the beam in one’s own.

Changing the world is a little easier when we ourselves have changed. If we do not change ourselves, then, we cannot change the world.

If America, the big brother of the world, seeks to influence other nations politically, economically, and socially then America must first be the finest example of what is possible. America must change internally to be the best example externally.

Change, however, cannot be achieved apart from God. He has to be in the scenario. It is, “He who has made us and not we ourselves.” As a result, the Lord knows better than we do the kind of change we need individually and collectively to make this world a better place. 

Second, why we must change? We must change because we are slowly destroying ourselves, our families, and others. We must change because ultimately what’s at stake is the brotherhood of mankind.

Furthermore, we must change because recent evidence of greed, which can no longer be concealed by pseudo business practice, has brought this nation to its economic knees. Substance abuse, criminal insurgence, hate crimes, violence in our homes, schools, on our jobs, and in our streets all indicate, we are a nation in need of change.

Our court systems are burdened down. Our jails, prisons, and detention centers are so crowded that the idea of releasing the incarcerated is viewed as the best plan of action.

In the African-American community black on black crime, fatherless and single parent households, unemployment, and drugs have decimated many of our neighborhoods.

Living “a thug-life” combined with having a “doing unto others before they do unto you” mentality have many of our young people perishing as fools rather than living together as brothers. We as individuals, as a people, as a nation must change.

All together we have strayed into the far country: both morally and spiritually. And altogether we must find our way back to the ancient landmark that has made us a great nation. Until then, America is of no good to any other nation. She is, as Jesus has said, no more than “the blind leading the blind.” Hence, we must change.

Third, we must change and we must change now. Change was the catalyst that propelled the first African-American into the Presidency of the United States.

The American people did not want the same-old-thing, business-as-usual. The American people wanted change; and they wanted it, Now! Waiting was no longer an option.

This Black History Month know that black empowerment will not automatically happen. We must “be the change” to make it happen.

Subsequently, we cannot and we must not wait. Tomorrow is not promised. We cannot and we must not wait because there are deadly consequences. We cannot and we must not wait because a great deal of work is yet to be done.

People are still being judged by the color of their skin and not by the content of their character. Therefore, we must not wait. We must “be the change.”

We must bridge the gaps that have long since divide people politically, economically, and socially. We must “be the change.”

Now is the time not just for African-Americans; but for all Americans to work more earnestly toward the empowerment of all people.

This can be achieved. We can make this world a better place. But first we must “be the change.”

Artwork above Martin L. King, Jr.: Sacrifice by Dr. Talley, Mix Media Beads

"The NAACP (1909-2009): The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas." 

To pay tribute to the centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University will host an art exhibition titled "The NAACP (1909-2009): The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas."

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m., the exhibit will feature images from the National Alliance of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU), and will be on display through May 11 at the National Center, 1345 Carter Hill Road.

According to Gwen Boyd, staff associate for the National Center, the exhibition of original paintings and sculptures features 24 artists of the NAAHBCU and their interpretations of "The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas" through secondary themes such as voting rights, patriotism, migration and education.

"The exhibit focuses on well-known and little-known civil rights leaders and events in American history," Boyd said. "The NAAHBCU presents a visual history that recognizes and honors the breadth and depth of courage, perseverance and sacrifice endured by generations of African-Americans."

Participating artists, all former or present teachers at historically black colleges and universities, include: Dr. Art Bacon, Talladega, Ala.; William Brooks, Greensboro, N.C.; Ricky Calloway, Warner Robbins, Ga.; Robert Carter, Dix Hills, N.Y.; Dr. William Colvin, Fairfield, Ala.; Willis "Bing" Davis, Dayton, Ohio; Addie Dawson-Euba, Baton Rouge, La.; Louis Delsarte, Atlanta, Ga.; Phillip R. Dotson, Memphis, Tenn.; Dr. Brenda Faison, Greensboro, N.C.; John Feagin, Montgomery, Ala.; James L. Griffin, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Dr. Terry K. Hunter, Orangeburg, S.C.; Ann "Sole Sister" Johnson, Houston, Texas; Ronald B. Kennedy, Baton Rouge, La; Hasaan Kirkland, Charlotte, N.C.; Tracey L. Moore, Houston, Texas; Joseph A. Pearson, Alexandria, La.; Dr. Lee Ransaw, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Dr. Clarence Talley Sr., Prairie View, Texas; Leo Twiggs, Orangeburg, S.C.; Cleve Webber, Montgomery, Ala.; and Dennis Winston, Mechanicsville, Va.

The mission of the NAAHBCU is to bring art and art education to the forefront of member institutions and to keep these programs as institutional priorities for generations to come. The alliance is committed to developing in its members - and especially students - the artistic and life skills needed to function as literate citizens in society.

The NAAHBCU also exists to provide comprehensive activities that offer artistic and expressive opportunities for professional artists employed or formerly employed at member institutions as well as for historians and curators, collectors and friends of the arts. 

The artwork above is title "Nevertheless, America" a mix media work by Dr. Talley

“Not Far From The Tree”

As part of the Black History Month celebrations on the campus of Prairie View A&M University the School of Architecture and The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture presents and art exhibition of works by Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr. and his daughter Crystal Ann Talley. The exhibit title “Not Far From The Tree” showcases some 21 works in a variety of media. 

Dr. Talley is no stranger to PVAMU and the surrounding communities. He is widely recognized for his artistic, ministerial, and professorial work. His philosophy of art, he says, is simple. “Art is everything and everything is art. It is a life perspective that I have tried to pass on to students and my children.” 

“This exhibition,” Dr. Talley explains, “is just another means of doing that. My daughter’s work is just a testimony to what God has placed in her; how she uses it, and how I and my wife help nurture her, is still unfolding. I am thankful and happy to know that the paint brush has not fallen far from the tree.”

Crystal seriously began to hone her skills while attending Waller High School, Waller, Texas. There she studied with art teachers Lea Kohn and Jo Ann Chunn. Under their tutelage, Crystal was a Best of Show recipient in the local school competition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Since graduating from Waller High, Crystal has attended the Western Art Academy courtesy of the Rodeo; and she’s studied at Prairie View A&M University.

Crystal is now enrolled at Texas State University where she is a painting major. Much of her work, as seen in this exhibit, is realistic and experimental. As a student of the arts Crystal says, “I am still trying to find my way, learn as much as I can, work as often as I can, and hopefully along the way discover who I am as an artist.” Crystal doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, her father and mentor, is a constant reminder of what is possible.

“Not Far From The Tree” will be on view in The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture, the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Building. The exhibit will run from February 9 through March 2009. 

To see more of Dr. Talley's work visit www.clarencetalley.com

God Will Buy Your House No Matter How Ugly It Is

The pristine environment the Lord placed man and woman in was meant to be that way forever.

But something happened. “What happened?” What happened to get us in the mess that the world is still in?

Well, man fail short. Man sinned. Man gave in, or should I say woman gave in to sin (1 Timothy 2:14). And the man caved in to the woman.

Nevertheless, the eternal bliss God had designed for Adam and Eve and their progenitors turn into a time-filled-life of sorrow and pain.

Things turned ugly. And the pristine was no longer pristine. The former paradise as Adam and Eve had known it had become just that, “former.”

From a well kept garden to one of thorns and thistles. Adam and Eve’s former abode lush and filled with every desire, they could come to desire, was no longer to be.

The charge in the garden paradise was to be fruitful, multiple, replenish, keep and refrain from eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 1:28, 2:15, 17). This charge guaranteed stability. This charge guaranteed eternal bliss. Keeping this charge meant that man’s home would forever be in a paradise, where, that which is ugly could not reside.

Ugly, in an insidious way, nonetheless made its way into the perfectly planned community God had designed for man.

Being all-wise and ever-ready, God quickly move forward with His buy-back-plan. It was a plan instituted before the foundation of the earth. You see, the actions of Adam, Eve, and the serpent, came as no surprise to God.

Things had gotten ugly; but God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were prepared. They boldly declared: “We buy ugly houses.”

No matter the condition of the house whether there are missing shingles, leaky roof, cracking foundation, mole and mildew, termite infestation, it does not matter. God buys ugly houses.

The stain of sin on all of our lives has left us, from Adam to those yet unborn, looking like ugly dilapidated buildings in the eyes of God. That’s the bad news.

The good news, however, is that all of us, all of mankind, red and yellow, black and white have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

No one has to remain ugly, dilapidated, and weather-beaten. No one, in other words, has to remain in the clutches of sin. God specializes in renovation and restoration (Psalm 23:3).

The renovation and restoration process takes place when you confess that God is in the business of buying ugly houses.

Romans 10:9 put it this way: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

With that confession, spoken from your lips and believed in your heart, God begins the transformation process that takes your run-down-sin-stained-life and transforms it into the image of His Son.

The lying, the evil thought, the corrupt living, the unwholesome talk, the bitterness, rage, and anger which brought your life, into disrepair are all renovated and transform by God.

Jesus Christ made all of this possible when He who knew no sin became sin for us; “that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

There is nothing uglier in the eyes of God than sin. And sadly, we all have sinned and come short. Again, the good news is God can take that which is ugly and make it pleasing and acceptable in His sight (Isaiah 1:18).

Even in this bad housing market, God still buys ugly houses.

God Bless the President of the United States

The historic month of January now gives way to February in which we as a nation celebrate Black History month.

And never, again, will the celebration of African Americans contributions ever be the same.

At last, an African-American, Barack Obama, won the heart of the nation (and the world) and thus the highest office in the land: President of the United States of America.

Obama’s rise to the White House has come after years of toll and struggle by many who have sacrificed to push this nation in a direction where all its citizens are treated equally; and where all are given equal access and opportunity.

Obama’s rise, once again, proves that with hard work, faith, and perseverance that all things are possible.

Like the great freedom fighters of old, grandma and grandpapa believed that such a day would come. So many, however, did not live to see what Obama has accomplished.

We who are witness of this historic event, especially African-Americans, should be bubbling over with joy and pride.

For God has lifted us all out of the dark dungeon of slavery and the horrific injustice that has long plagued us as a people and has brought us into a light so marvelous that its reality seem surreal.

Obama’s rise is something many have testified that they did not believe would happen in their life time. Obama’s rise caught many off guard and unprepared for such a succession. So remarkable that Obama’s rise marks history like few events have ever done.

The history I have lived growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in Louisiana is a history of America that God did not intend.

Yet there were many things that gave me hope and inspired me to keep on keeping on: Negro History Week as it was called then is one of them. To sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” kept kindled in me a hope that some day a change would truly come.

Now with the rise of Obama and this year’s Black History Month celebration, I joyously thank God for moving in a mysterious way. I thank God for positioning Barack Obama, who happens to be a black man, in the gateway of change: change that America so desperately need, change that many Americans desperately want.

It is my prayer that the tidal wave of change that has managed to lift our collective boats of hope is the kind of change that is pleasing to God Almighty. For without God, president Obama will fail. Without God, we will fail. Without God, America fails.

Much of what was said on the campaign trail, in his acceptance speech, and in the inaugural address points to a president whose heart is seemingly in the hand of the Lord (Proverb 21:1). Wisdom to move forward and to make this nation a better nation for all people will take God directing the steps of our new president.

Obama cannot do it alone. National governance, need divine guidance and the prayers of the people. Therefore, as we celebrate this inimitable Black History Month lets not only lift our voices in song but also prayer.

Pray for our president, pray for our nation, pray for our world, and just maybe God will be pleased and raise us all up to where He would have us to be.

Happy Black History Month