The 4th of July is not a holiday to me

On July 4, 1776, while White Americans celebrated their independence my ancestors were still being held in bondage. I honor them by not celebrating the 4th of July.

Remembering Private First Class LaVena Johnson

LaVena Johnson (July 27, 1985 - July 19, 2005) was a Private First Class in the United States Army whose death, officially ruled a suicide, has attracted international attention amid claims she was raped and murdered. She was the first female soldier from Missouri to die in Iraq. - Wikipedia

U.S. Army Private First Class LaVena Johnson signed up with the army to defend her country but when she needed defending her country, so far, has let her down. Private Johnson served in Iraq and died on June 19, 2005, eight days before her twentieth birthday. The Army ruled her death a suicide despite evidence that she was murdered.


The autopsy report and photographs revealed Johnson had a broken nose, black eye, loose teeth, burns from a corrosive chemical on her genitals, and a gunshot wound that seemed inconsistent with suicide. Several reporters have suspected that the chemical burns were to destroy DNA evidence of a rape. - Wikipedia

Despite calls from her family and others to re-open the case looking into her death the U.S. Army has refused.

As we remember those who fought to protect this country on today let's not forget LaVena. And let's not forget to fight for her.


Read more about Pfc. LaVena Johnson here
Google search page for Pfc. LaVena Johnson here

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

Easter and Alicia Keys

I hope everyone had a nice Easter! And for you Alicia Keys fans you can see her tomorrow (Tuesday) morning on Good Morning America. GMA airs on ABC from 7 until 9am. I'm not sure what hour Alicia will be on but I'd guess the 8 o'clock hour.