There are those who choose to believe that simple things like reading, writing and arithmetic are unimportant are traitors to the efforts of the ancestors who braved death just to learn the alphabet. To the enslavers, educated Africans were dangerous to their business of human degradation. Today, too many have volunteered to blind them selves with the shackle of ignorance. Those who would keep the masses oppressed are happy. At one time we resisted. Now, there is willing compliance.

Note: The piece around eyes (and brain) is really a neck collar used during times of enslavement in Louisiana and some of the other states. The little ball-like structures held metal balls that rattled and would give away the position of a runaway. Those who ran away packed them with mud.

BlackCommentator.com artist/cartoonist Charles E. "Chuck" Siler's works feature a variety of themes ranging from New Orleans' lively and unique jazz scene to its lively and equally unique political scene. He uses his art and political cartoons to comment on life's complexities, warts and beauty marks.

His creations include fine watercolors and acrylics and pen and ink cartoons. His cartoons are featured on a regular basis in The Louisiana Weekly.

A Katrina evacuee, Siler has spoken on New Orleans history across the USA at universities and culural events.

Click here to contact Mr. Siler