Travels in the 2nd half

9 The United States has an uneven history in how it has talked about the treatment of enslaved Africans and their descendants. In fact, the inability to look at racism is still a major issue today. One place that offers an honest appraisals of the history of African Americans in the United States is the Smithsonian museum dedicated to their story. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), in Washington DC, opened in 2016 and is the newest museum in the Smithsonian Institution. However, its history stretches back to 1915, when a group of Black Union Army veterans formed a committee to build a monument to the achievements of African Americans. While they tried for the next forty years, they were unable to secure government funding. In 1987 the National Afro-American Museum, which is privately funded, opened in Wilberforce OH, but the push to open a national museum on the Mall in Washington DC gained strength. In 2003 Congress voted to fund the museum, and the...

Rockefeller Center   Some people say that they hate being in New York city for Christmas. The feel that it is too crowded (it is) and too impersonal (that depends on your friends). To me New York is magical because it puts on a holiday light show that few places can match. This week I am sharing some of my observations from this season.  Bryant Park hosts a skating rink and Holiday Market that is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Mao's Bao serves great dumplings. The pruple dye mean these are lamb As it gets dark, the lights take over Some vendors offer a sense of humor The night skates are lovely The Bryant Park tree   Walking up Fifth Avenue, not as many stores are decorated as there used to be, but the light show is still pretty good. Over on Sixth Ave, several office buildings still create wonderful scenes, especially 1251 6th Ave, where their large ornaments are a yearly favorite. Of course the star attraction is Rockefeller Center, and, on the Sunday before C...