Last month, we lost a brother whom I called a Living Legend; Mr. Norm Conklin. In effort to shine light on someone really repping who is still here with us in the physical to share their experiences, i sought out a Mr. Ted Landsmark an invited him to speak to our NSBE chapter. Suffice it to say, I was floored, humbled, and honored to be in his presence. Aside from the formality of ararnging for a guest speaker and confirming logistics and a topic to focus on, I knew the most beneficial outcome of having Mr. Landsmark would prove to be his unique insight for the assembled group of young profesionals of color. Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes, but when it comes so casually informally, and sincerely; well that makes all the more difference.
For the unaware, I'll back it up a bit. Rewind, selector. Before many young Black folks move to Boston, they usuallyget the warning - from someone - that the city is racist. Much of that stigma stems from the desegregation and busing issues of the 1970's. However, one image stands out amongst them all. On April 5, 1976, a large group of teens flcoked to downtown's City Hall to stage an anti-busing protest. After leaving the City Council's chambers, a group of them got real rowdy and started harassing and attacking any Black person that saw nearby. A young lawyer on his way to meeting ended up on the short end of the stick; literally. He was attacked, beaten up, and speared with an American flag on a pole. A photographer caught the incident on film and it ended up winning a Pulitzer Prize. That lawyer was Ted Landsmark.
His main focus for our discussion was not to talk about that incident, but more to talk about what he does now and how we could forge a mutually beneficial relationship. Just think of the inherent symbolism of his attack, given the weapon of choice (stars & stripes), location (home of the american revolution), and timing (200th anniversary of US).
Ted Landsmark came up. He survived that brutal attack and went on to lead a life of accomplishment and distinction. He is now the president of the Boston Architectural Center, the third largest & oldest school of its type in the country. To think that a kid from East Harlem could go through such challenges in life and persevere is an inspiring stor in itself. Yet, he did more than make us feel good about ourselves. He also challenged us to make a concerted effort to make Boston ours through civic engagement and active participation in making it a home instead of a pitstop. Truly a remarkable man. Nuff respect.
PS: Here is some footage from the April 6th broadcast of Sentaor Bill Owens speaking out after the attack.
For the unaware, I'll back it up a bit. Rewind, selector. Before many young Black folks move to Boston, they usuallyget the warning - from someone - that the city is racist. Much of that stigma stems from the desegregation and busing issues of the 1970's. However, one image stands out amongst them all. On April 5, 1976, a large group of teens flcoked to downtown's City Hall to stage an anti-busing protest. After leaving the City Council's chambers, a group of them got real rowdy and started harassing and attacking any Black person that saw nearby. A young lawyer on his way to meeting ended up on the short end of the stick; literally. He was attacked, beaten up, and speared with an American flag on a pole. A photographer caught the incident on film and it ended up winning a Pulitzer Prize. That lawyer was Ted Landsmark.
His main focus for our discussion was not to talk about that incident, but more to talk about what he does now and how we could forge a mutually beneficial relationship. Just think of the inherent symbolism of his attack, given the weapon of choice (stars & stripes), location (home of the american revolution), and timing (200th anniversary of US).
Ted Landsmark came up. He survived that brutal attack and went on to lead a life of accomplishment and distinction. He is now the president of the Boston Architectural Center, the third largest & oldest school of its type in the country. To think that a kid from East Harlem could go through such challenges in life and persevere is an inspiring stor in itself. Yet, he did more than make us feel good about ourselves. He also challenged us to make a concerted effort to make Boston ours through civic engagement and active participation in making it a home instead of a pitstop. Truly a remarkable man. Nuff respect.
PS: Here is some footage from the April 6th broadcast of Sentaor Bill Owens speaking out after the attack.