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dame-monstre · 5 years ago

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50 Iconic Black Trailblazers Who Represent Every State In America

1 - Alabama: Claudette Colvin

Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin. Born in 1939 in Montgomery, Alabama, Colvin became the first person to be arrested for rebelling against bus segregation in the city after refusing to give up her seat to a white person in 1955. At the time, Colvin was just 15 years old

2 - Alaska: Blanche McSmith

Blanche McSmith (center left) was born in 1920 in Texas. After moving to Alaska in 1949, McSmith became president of the NAACP’s Anchorage branch. A decade later, Smith made history by becoming the first black representative in the Alaska legislature.

3 - Arizona: Dr. Rick Kittles

Dr. Rick Kittles is a highly renowned figure in the field of genetics, known for using DNA testing to explore the ancestry of African-Americans. He currently serves as Chair of Minorities in Cancer Research at the American Association for Cancer Research.

4 - Arkansas: John Cross, Jr.

John Cross Jr. was born in Haynes, Arkansas in 1925. In 1962, Cross became a pastor at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama where civil rights activists would often convene. In 1963, the church was the site of a bomb by KKK members that killed four young girls. Cross became a leader for the grieving town by continuing his sermons and presiding over the three of the girls’ funerals.

5 - California: Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler, born in 1947 in Pasadena, California, was one of few black female sci-fi writers during the high point of her career in the 1970s. In 1995, her work was prestigiously rewarded when she became the first sci-fi author to receive the MacArthur fellowship or “genius grant.” With the money from the grant, Butler bought a home for her mother and herself.

6 - Colorado: Larry Dunn

Larry Dunn, born in Denver, Colorado in 1953, was the keyboardist of Earth, Wind & Fire for 11 years. He helped create the band’s 1975 hit “Shining Star.”

7 - Connecticut: Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1908, but New York is where he made history. In 1945, Powell became the first black person to become a U.S. Representative for the state of New York. Many of the bills he proposed during his 15 years in office would eventually be included in the Civil Rights Act of 1965.

8 - Delaware: Clifford Brown

Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1930, Clifford Brown was an accomplished jazz trumpeter who helped set the standard for the musicians who would succeed him. In 1989, the first Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, which remains an annual event, was held in Wilmington, Delaware to honor the late musician.

9 - Florida: Esther Rolle

From Broadway shows to the classic sitcom “Good Times,” Esther Rolle, born in 1920 in Pompano Beach, Florida, had a prominent acting career. Audiences loved Rolle’s character on TV sitcom “Maude,” so much so that the show’s producer Norman Lear created “Good Times” as a spinoff series in which Rolle would star.

10 - Georgia: Cynthia McKinney

Born in 1955, Cynthia McKinney of Atlanta, Georgia, became the first black woman to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992.

11 - Hawaii: Barack Obama

Born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Barack Obama made history on November 4, 2008 when he was elected to become America’s first black president. His legacy has been an inspiration for citizens worldwide.

12 - Idaho: Victor Wooten

Born in Mountain Home, Idaho in 1964, Victor Wooten was a member of the jazz band Bela Fleck and the Flecktones before embarking on a career as a solo musician. Wooten is a five-time Grammy winning musician was voted one of the top bassists of all time by a Rolling Stone reader poll.

13 - Illinois: Lorraine Hansberry

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1930, Lorraine Hansberry was the first black playwright to have their work staged on Broadway with “A Raisin In The Sun.” She was also the youngest American to receive a New York Critics Circle award.

14 - Indiana: Major Taylor

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was born in 1878 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the first black person to become a champion in a sport and held seven world records by the time he retired at 32-years-old. He retired as one of the richest athletes in history.

15 - Iowa: Charity Adams Earley

Although born in South Carolina in 1918, Charity Adams Earley made history in Fort Des Moines, Iowa when she became one of the first black female officers of the Women’s Army Corps. She later became the first black woman to be commissioned by the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

16 - Kansas: Charlie Parker

Indeed, “Bird Lives” in heart and mind in Kansas City where Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born in 1920. Parker was a highly influential jazz soloist and a leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique and advanced harmonies. Parker was an icon for the hipster subculture and later the Beat Generation, personifying the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual rather than just an entertainer.

17 - Kentucky: bell hooks

Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1952, noted cultural scholar, award-winning author and black feminist who goes by the namesake of her great grandmother, bell hooks. In 2015, the bell hooks Institute was created at Berea college. The institute allows for a comprehensive study into hooks’ works and theories.

18 - Louisiana: Madam C.J. Walker

Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 in Near Delta, Louisiana, Madam C.J. Walker epitomizes the term “self-made.” By inventing and selling hair products, Walker became first American woman to become a self-made millionaire. Walker created a hair routine that’s still popular among black women today referred to as the “Walker System.” Walker donated some of her money to black organizations like the NAACP and the black YMCA.

19 - Maine: William Burney

Born in Augusta, Maine in 1951, William Burney was elected the first black mayor of the town in 1988. (Picture unavailable).

20 - Maryland: Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall was born in 1908 in Baltimore, Maryland. As NAACP Chief Counsel, in 1952, he took on the case of Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) on behalf of the plaintiffs. Marshall won the case, which deemed public school segregation to be unconstitutional. In 1967, Marshall would become an even more prolific figure by becoming the first black Supreme Court Justice.

21 - Massachusetts: Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was born in Senegal in 1753 and sent overseas to Boston, Massachusetts where she would become a slave. While enslaved, Wheatley was constantly exposed to books. In 1773, she became the second woman and the first black person to have their poetry published.

22 - Michigan: Carole Anne-Marie Gist

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1969, Carole Anne-Marie Gist made history when she became the first black Miss USA in 1990.

23 - Minnesota: Toni Stone

Born in 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Toni Stone became the first woman to play in a professional men’s baseball league when she joined the San Francisco Sea Lions of the West Coast Negro Baseball Leagues in 1953. Stone endured endless acts of racial and gender-based discrimination.

24 - Mississippi: Fannie Lou Hamer

Born in 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi, Fannie Lou Hamer was a relentless civil rights advocate. Hamer endured arrests, assault and being shot at by racists upset by Hamer’s activism. Hamer made a notable speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention on being black in America. She helped black citizens register to vote and created organizations to service minority families.

25 - Missouri: Maya Angelou

Born in 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou is a renowned, poet, author and civil rights activist. Her works such as “Still I Rise” and “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” have spanned generations. When close friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on her birthday, Angelou went years without celebrating her April 4th birthday.

26 - Montana: Geraldine Travis

Born in 1931 in Albany, Georgia, Geraldine Travis became the first black person elected to be elected to Montana’s State Legislature in 1974. She worked to advance civil rights both in and outside of government.

27 - Nebraska: Malcolm X

Born Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X was a fearless civil rights icon and a spokesman for the Nation of Islam. The X that replaced his last name was intended to serve as representation of the loss of his African identity. X was responsible for the popularity of the “any means necessary” philosophy which emphasizes going to any length to protect your rights.

28 - Nevada: Henry W. Lockerman

Henry W. Lockerman was a Porter of the Nevada State Senate in 1889. He was a civil war veteran who served in the 79th U.S.C.I. at Fort Scott, Kansas which was the first colored infantry unit in Kansas.

29 - New Hampshire: Myrna Adams

Myrna Adams made history at the University of New Hampshire by becoming the school’s first administrator in 1969 where she aided black students through financial aid and advisement.

30 - New Jersey: David Dinkins

Born in 1927 in Trenton, New Jersey, Howard University alumnus David Dinkins became the first black mayor of New York City in 1989 beating opponent Rudy Giuliani and incumbent Ed Koch. Dinkins went on to teach at Columbia University and has a building named after him in Manhattan.

31 - New Mexico: Sheryl Williams Stapleton

Born in 1958 in Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sheryl Williams Stapleton became the first black woman to serve as New Mexico Legislature’s floor leader in January 2017. She’s served as a State House representative for New Mexico’s 19th district in 1994.

32 - New York: James Baldwin

Born in Harlem in 1924, author James Baldwin’s prolific works like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Giovanni’s Room” have become literary classics.

33 - North Carolina: Moms Mabley

Born in 1894 in Brevard, North Carolina, Moms Mabley’s success in the male-dominated world of comedy was rare. She was the first female comedian to perform at the Apollo theater and appeared in numerous movies. Her life would become the subject of an off-Broadway play as well as a documentary directed by Whoopi Goldberg.

34 - North Dakota: Rosemary Sauvageau

In 2012, Rosemary Sauvageau became the first black Miss North Dakota. Following two second place position in 2010 and 2011 pageants, Sauvageau, 24, persevered and resultantly, made history.

35 - Ohio: Dorothy Dandridge

Born in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, Dorothy Dandridge was an actress, singer and beauty icon. After starring in the 1954 film “Carmen Jones,” Dandridge became the first black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for best actress.

36 - Oklahoma: Ralph Ellison

Born in 1914 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, novelist Ralph Ellison wrote the classic 1953 National Book Award winner in fiction “Invisible Man.” Ellison was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.

37 - Oregon: Geraldine Avery

Geraldine Avery was the first black person to become a police matron in Oregon in 1954.

38 - Pennsylvania: Bayard Rustin

Born in 1912 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the leader of numerous civil rights movements, Bayard Rustin was a much lesser-known civil rights organizer. Rustin, who was also openly gay, worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and played a significant role in King’s commitment to non-violence.

39 - Rhode Island: Ruth Simmons

Although from Texas, Ruth Simmons, born in 1945, made history in Providence, Rhode Island when she became the first black person to serve as president of Brown University in 2001. The presidency also made her the first black person to run an Ivy league University.

40 - South Carolina: Althea Gibson

After becoming the first black female professional tennis player, Althea Gibson, born in 1927 in Silver, South Carolina, would go on to become the first black person to hold a number of titles in the sport. She was the first black person to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open.

41 - Tennessee: DeFord Bailey

Born in 1899 in Smith County, Tennessee, DeFord Bailey was one of country music’s first black notable musicians. His harmonica skills landed him a permanent gig on a radio station until he eventually began recording and performing despite constantly facing racial discrimination.

42 - South Dakota: Oscar Micheaux

Although born in Illinois in 1884, Oscar Micheaux was living in South Dakota when he wrote the book that would serve as the basis for the first full-length feature film by a black filmmaker. Micheaux, who produced both silent and speaking films that appealed to black audiences, is considered the first black successful film director.

43 - Texas: Barbara Jordan

Born in 1936, in Houston, Texas, Barbara Jordan was the first black person and first woman to represent Texas in the U.S. Congress when she became a House Representative in 1973. Additionally, Jordan made a memorable opening speech at Richard Nixon’s impeachment just one year later. Although never very open about her sexuality, Jordan was in a domestic relationship with a woman for over two decades.

44 - Utah: Abner Leonard Howell

Abner Leonard Howell was born in 1877 in Louisiana but raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Howell was a gifted collegiate football player who helped lead University of Michigan’s Wolverines team to success although he didn’t receive public acknowledgement for doing so.

45 - Vermont: Alexander Twilight

Born in 1795 in Corinth, Vermont, Alexander Twilight is believed to be the first American college graduate. He is also the first black person to serve in a U.S. state legislature after his 1836 election to the Vermont General Assembly.

46 - Virginia: Ella Fitzgerald

Born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, 13 time Grammy-winning jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is known as “The First Lady of Song.” Fitzgerald left an abusive home at 15 years old and was forced to overcome the Depression by herself. Nonetheless, she had a remarkable career in music and went on to win the National Medal Of Arts by Ronald Reagan in 1987.

47 - Washington: Yolanda Gail Devers

Born in 1966 in Seattle, Washington, track and field athlete Yolanda Gail Devers was an avid runner during her childhood. But despite having to undergo a strenuous treatment program and facing the possibility of having her feet amputated after being diagnosed with Graves disease in 1990, Devers persevered. She went on to receive gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics’ track and field segments.

48 - West Virginia: Katherine G. Johnson

Born in 1918 in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine G. Johnson is just one-third of the trio of black women whose work with NASA in the 1950s inspired the movie “Hidden Figures.” Her stellar mathematical abilities would eventually play a crucial role in the first successful space exploration by an American. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 by Barack Obama.

49 - Wisconsin: Al Jarreau

Born Alwin Lopez Jarreau in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1940, the actor and singer was the first vocalist to earn three Grammys in three different categories. Jarreau earned three of his six Grammys in pop, jazz and R&B.

50 - Wyoming: Vernon Baker

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1919, Vernon Baker was the only living black WWII veteran to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his military service. He received the award in January 1997 from then-President Bill Clinton.

source: huffingtonpost.com

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dame-monstre · 5 years ago

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Willow’s Masterpost of Witchcraft Information and Masterposts!!!

All of these links will direct you to posts I made and worked hard on for the witchcraft community! Many of these are for beginners or people still finding their footing in magic. I hope this is of some use for someone out there!

Updated as of: 4/9/2020

Posts for Beginners Finding Their Way

🔮 Willow’s Beginner Guide: Where to Begin? - a guide on how to start witchcraft and step into the world of using magic

🔮 What is Visualization and How Do I Do It? - a guide for new witches struggling to visualize when doing spell work or energy work and how to help strengthen visualization skills

🔮 “What is My Path and How Do I Find it?” - an explanation of Paths in witchcraft and how to help find your own path at the start of your witchcraft journey

🔮 Advice to Beginners (ask) - my personal advice to beginners and how they should start researching

Tools, Correspondences, Associations

🔮 Air Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in air magic

🔮 Cosmic Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in cosmic magic

🔮 Earth Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in earth magic

🔮 Fire Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in fire magic

🔮 Storm Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in storm magic

🔮 Water Witchcraft: Tools and Associations - a masterpost of correspondences, tools, crystals, herbs and more for those getting started in water magic

🔮 Fog in Witchcraft - a masterpost about the histories, modern use, associations and spell work using fog

🔮 Love Magick Masterpost - the ultimate masterpost about love magic, tips and correspondences, types of love magic and much more (intended for mature adult audiences due to topics discussed)

🔮 Pokemon Offerings Masterpost - a simple masterpost for offerings, altar pieces, associations and pop culture tips for witches new to pop culture magic who wish to incorporate pokemon into it

🔮 House Hunting Crystals - a list of crystals and their associations that may be helpful when moving or looking for a new home

🔮 Crystals for Artsy Witches - a list of crystals and their associations that may be helpful to witches looking for inspiration, creativity and getting over artist’s and/or writer’s block

🔮 Crystals for Overcoming Fears - a list of crystals to help oneself face and overcome their fears

🔮 Insect (and Non-Insect) Correspondences - a list of insects and other critters and their correspondences for spell work

🔮 Carnivorous Plant Correspondences - a list of carnivorous plants and their correspondences for spell work

🔮 Unconventional and Affordable Ingredients for Spells - a long list for spell ingredients and their correspondences for witches on a tight budget as well as some budgeting tips

🔮 Nebula Correspondences - a list of nebulas and their correspondences for cosmic witchcraft and spell work

🔮 Autumn Leaf Magic - a list of correspondences and suggestions for using leaves and autumn for witchcraft and magic

🔮 Bubbles In Magick - a masterpost about incorporating bubbles into spell work and their correspondences

🔮 Soups and Broths in Magick - a masterpost of correspondences and uses of soups and broths in magic, also my very first post

🔮 Witch Tips: Peacock Feathers - a little post about the correspondences and uses of peacock feathers in magic

Urban Witchcraft and Indoor Magic

🔮 Stuck in the City: Forest Witch Edition - a masterpost of altar ideas, spells, correspondences and tips for witches who are stuck in urban environments or spoonie witches unable to travel to be forest witches

🔮 Stuck in the City: Landlocked Sea Witches - a masterpost of altar ideas, spells, correspondences and tips for witches who are stuck in urban environments, landlocked witches or spoonie witches unable to travel to be ocean witches

🔮 Witch Tips for City Witches - a list of tips and advice for witches who live in cities or urban areas without access to nature or rural spaces

🔮 Sigil Baths - a small information post about sigil baths and working them into your magical routine

🔮 Stimmy Witch Tips - a list of tips for people who stim for numerous reasons and how to incorporate it into your craft

🔮 Witchy Sleep Over Ideas - a fun list of things to do with other witches when hanging out or during sleepovers

🔮 Artsy Witch Tips and Ideas - a masterpost style list of suggestions, tips and ideas for witches who want to incorporate art and art supplies into their craft

Spell Casting, Spells and Cursing

🔮 Substitutions, Reworking and Personalizing Spells - a long guide on how to adjust spells to work better for you or how to change ingredients for spells for ones you prefer or have available.

🔮 Intent and Spell Writing - a guide to writing spells and how to work intent into them

🔮 Object Cursing - a masterpost and informational post about cursing objects and how to maintain them and even remove curses from specific objects

🔮 Advice on Cursing (ask) - an ask reply with advice on cursing, cleansing afterwards, preparation and some suggested ingredients

Mysticism, Spirit Work and Divination

🔮 Guide to Crystal Throwing and Crystal Divination - a guide on how to use crystal throwing for divination purposes and general associations and meanings behind crystals that can be used

🔮 Guide to Colormancy - a masterpost style guide to using colormancy for divination, suggested methods/tools and correspondences of colors

🔮 “Get to Know Your Deck” Tarot Spread - a tarot spread for beginners to help them get to know their tarot cards better and how to improve working with them

🔮 Questions for Tarot Reading - a little guide to help those new to tarot to help better ask questions to their own cards and to other readers to get the best and most helpful answers they can

🔮 Divination Tips for Beginners - a list of tips and advice for those who are new and starting any type of divination

🔮 Guide for Cleansing Tarot and Oracle Cards - a simple guide for cleansing and taking care of cards you use in divination

🔮 Spirit House Rules - a guide on how to write and maintain rules for spirits you are working with for your own personal protection and comfort

🔮 Crystals for Divination - a list for crystals commonly used in divination and psychic practices

Dream Work and Dream Interpretations

🔮 Dream Journals and Dream Work - an advice guide on how to use dream journals and how to incorporate them into witchcraft

🔮 Lucid Dreaming Masterpost - a masterpost about lucid dreaming, how to lucid dream and how to use it in witchcraft and magic

🔮 Nightmare Prevention Masterpost - a masterpost going over a list of herbs, crystals, tips for preventing and handling the aftermath and more for those who suffer from nightmares

🔮 Dream Work Masterpost - a large masterpost of correspondences and ingredients specified for Dream Work

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Snakes in Dreams - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature snakes

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Mermaids and Mermen - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature mermaids and/or mermen

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Vampires - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature vampires

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Teeth - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature teeth

🔮 Dream Interpretations: The Planets - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature the planets of our solar system

🔮 Dream Interpretations: The Sea - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature the sea and ocean

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Amusement Parks - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature amusement parks, carnivals and rides

🔮 Dream Interpretations: Tornadoes - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature tornadoes and their destruction

🔮 Dream Interpretations: The Weather - a long post about analyzing dreams that feature different types of weather

***all of these posts are from my personal Grimoire and are all from my personal blog over the years. Please do not repost these on this platform or others without my permission. These posts are from years of work and research and a lot of love and effort were put into them

Like what I post? Want to support me or buy me a delicious coffee? Feel free to check out my Ko-Fi Page!

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dame-monstre · 5 years ago

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random urban magic and mythology au prompts

There are two vampires in my history class and they always get into intense debates about various historical events they both lived through and it’s a treat

Dude, even my grandma can use a smartphone better than my vampire roommate

This is the worst summer camp ever. That Mothman asshole keeps eating all my left socks to fuck with me and I’ve had it up to here

Yeah I turn into a pomeranian every full moon but y’all won’t be laughing when I fuck up your slippers

When I found and took care of an injured swan, the last thing I expected was for it to shed it’s feathers and turn into a hot person and profess their undying love to me but here we are

Oh dear, I, a clueless selkie have left my coat unattended. It sure would be a shame if the hot lifeguard with the nice shoulders and model-esque build would just take it from me!!!

So there’s this historical movie and an actor said something that the guy they’re portraying once told me word for word…. Wtf wtf wtf wtf (a homie made this one)

As a rusalka it’s my personal mission as a vigilante to rescue those in toxic and abusive relationships. If no one else is going to help those women, I’m doing it myself, vigilante style.

I know you’re a giant but this is the fifth house you’ve stepped on this week, can you PLEASE just order uber eats like a normal person? I’m getting tired of all these calls!

Someone get this banshee a contract, she would be perfect to sing in my heavy metal band!

Turns out the siren in the class next to mine hates being asked to sing but they keep being asked to participate in our school’s musicals much to their annoyance and inability to say no to people

(or alternatively) I asked a siren classmate to be in my drama club’s upcoming musical but turns out they have crippling stage fright. Great

The worst part of having these ghosts as roommates is that they never help with paying rent

I don’t wanna be that guy but there should be something in the rules against flying in the middle of a basketball game. I’m looking at you, faerie on the opposing team

Whenever I have a bad day, I like going to the elderly orc next door. They make great coffee and have lots of wisdom and advice to give.

I’ve been running my granny’s old magic shop for witches and other spellcasters for a while now and I refuse to let this complete asshole who just opened their new fancy shop put me out of business

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dame-monstre · 6 years ago

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Do I have to be pretty? Is it not enough to simply be the loudest person in the room with the best opinions

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dame-monstre · 6 years ago

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remember when angelina jolie got a double mastectomy and Every Single Man on Earth acted like it was a personal attack on them specifically

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dame-monstre · 6 years ago

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The only way we can help

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dame-monstre · 6 years ago

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Humans are Weird: Humans choose who leads them, whoever they may be.

The shuttle slowly descended from the clouds and settled on the landing pad, steam and exhaust coming off it in thick clouds. Representative Klic of the Kodani Federation, Sansavah of the Mortachi Empire, and Yvondri of the Union of Planets all waited to the side of the platform as the clouds blew away. “What do you know of this new human ambassador?” Sansavah asked out loud while staring at the shuttle crews no rushing over. “Not much if anything.” Klic remarked. Sansavah looked at Yvondri who shrugged. “Aside from his name not much. This one was chosen so swiftly that my people did not have enough time to dig up any vital information on them.” Klic’s mandibles twitched as he let out a chuckle. “You mean anything worth blackmailing them over don’t you?” It was Yvondri’s turn to shrug. “I have no idea what you are implying but I would suggest you terminate that line of inquiry before you take this conversation somewhere less cordial.” “Enough you two.” Sansavah said, “They’re opening the shuttle doors now. Let us greet this new ambassador.” The three of them along with their hangers-on stepped out on to the shuttle pad. As they drew closer to the shuttle the hatch finally reached the ground revealing a staircase on the inside of the hatch. Two humans dressed in all black were the first to step out from the shuttle. They gazed around the surrounding area before descending the staircase and took up positions, ready to intercept any threat to their ambassador. Sansavah never understood why human’s needed such security even in the most secure places such as the capital city, but given what he had read about their history their leaders had a dreadful tendency to be murdered. After the guards had taken their positions another human stepped into view. His hair was slicked back and he was wearing what human’s would consider to be the finest garments available to them. He gazed down at the assembled group and smiled before stepping down the steps, his black bag stretched across his shoulder. Sansavah assumed that this was the new human ambassador they had been told of and outstretched his hand. “On behalf of the galactic congress of planets we welcome you, Ms. Hannah Isaac.” The human appeared suddenly uncomfortable and did not return the gesture. The other dignitaries began feeling uncomfortable as well thinking they had somehow offended the human. Human customs were so odd that there were several dozen ways of greeting a human ranging from a physical embrace to punching them in the jaw. The delegates had decided that the widely accepted shaking of appendages would work best. Now they were thinking they should have gone with the punch to the face. “I am honored by your introduction and friendliness but I feel there has been some mistake.” the human said while smiling. He pulled out a strange device from his bag and began taking several steps away from the staircase. “My name is Morgan Murphy, I’m a reporter for the International Herald. I’ve been assigned to this to cover the arrival of ambassador Issac.” Sansavah was about to ask additional questions when the reporter Murphy trained his strange device back up to the plane. He turned and saw a new figure emerging from the plane. The figure resembled a humanoid shape, one even would say that it would be considered desirable to many of the opposite gender. One might even find themselves mistaking the figure entirely for being human were it not for the additional limbs sprouting from their back. Aside from the normal arms and legs of a human, this new person had four segmented quill like limbs extending from her back trailing along the ground as if they were some sort of exotic cape. But what really gave it away was the spider like face they wore. A dozen eyes glittering in the light and several mandibles protruding outward from where a human mouth would be. The new figure slowly stepped down the staircase while Sansavah could hear the reporters strange device making clicking sounds as they moved around into different positions. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps the new figure extended a slender hand with three talon fingers causing some of the other delegates to take a step back. “It is a pleasure,” the figure announced, “to be greeted with such hospitality.” Sansavah grasped the extended hand and shook it as he had watched other humans do in videos. He couldn’t help but notice the fingers were slightly slimy and cooler making him wipe his hands on his clothes. “May I inquire as to who you might be?” Sansavah asked. “Are you another delegate that joined ambassador Issac on her travels here? The insect figures mandibles twitched in a similar way as Klics had as if to chuckle. “I AM ambassador Issac.” Hannah Issac said to the surrounding party. For what felt like an eternity no one said a word. Hannah cocked her head to the side and just continued to stare at the delegates while the reporter continued taking pictures. “But you are not…” Yvondri started but couldn’t finish. The delegates shuffled from side to side in unease until Klic pressed to the front of the group. “This is a human joke yes? Human humor is still so unknown to us.” Klic stepped passed Hannah and gazed upward at the shuttle door. “Is the real ambassador going to come out soon or are they unwell?” As Klic stepped passed Hannah his foot stepped on several of the segmented spines behind her causing her to jolt suddenly. Without a word the security stepped forwards and grabbed Klic. “What!?!??” Klick stammered as they picked him off Hannah’s quills and pulled him away. “What is the meaning of this?!??” Yvondri stepped forward from the group. “This is not how you treat a galactic ambassador! Or do humans do things differently on your world?!!” The guards pulled back Klic and pushed him back towards the delegates. “If you hurt our ambassador again, “ one of the guards spoke looking directly at Klic “ then we will consider it aggression, which we are authorized to use lethal force to prevent further danger to our ambassador.” As the guard finished his sentence Sansavah noticed one of their hands brushing aside their black coats to reveal a holstered weapon. Klic and Yvondri were about to continue with their argument when Sansavah stepped in front of them. “My apologies, we meant no disrespect.” “Hmph!” Hannah said as the quills suddenly became alive and coiled in front of her as she massaged them. “So is it part of your culture that when an ambassador arrives your first act is to insult them and then step on their limbs? I see I was too early when I said I was pleased by your hospitality.” As Sansavah continued talking trying to iron things out Klic and Yvondri pulled the journalist aside. “Is that truly your ambassador?” They asked him. He seemed confused at the notion. “Yes, that is humanities ambassador.” “And you realize that they are not human?” Murphy snorted. “Well that’s pretty obvious isn’t it? Or did you think all humans have four quills that can rip flesh apart like paper?” Klic realized in horror that had the guards not stepped in he may have been killed there and then. He also realized that he had seriously damaged relations right off the bat. Klic and Yvondri withdrew and talked quietly. Could it be the humans are under this species control? Are they her slaves? Was it some sort of species invasion plan? They needed more information and quietly motioned to their nearby staff to begin gathering it as quickly as possible. “That does not excuse his actions!” Klic and Yvondri were drawn back to the conversation between Hannah and Sansavah just as Hannah let go of her quills and they slammed into the ground. “Your fellow ambassador stepped on me right after refusing to recognize me nor my position right after I told him who I was to his face. You can not imagine how insulted I am at this treatment!” Sansavah was desperate now to try and rebuild any form of positive relationship. Klic’s ignorance and disrespect was now looking like it had cost them a potential ally and would spread even further and damage their reputations as a whole. “Again ambassador Issac you have my humblest apo-” Hannah raised her hand to silence him. “Your apologies mean nothing to me since it was not you who wronged me and the guilty party has yet to give apologies of their own.” Hannah turned and began walking back towards the shuttle. “Ambassador where are you going?” Sansavah asked. “This meeting is over as of now and I am going back to my ship. I gave you my time because of the high regards the former ambassador gave you but I see that things have changed since then. Other ambassadors and representatives have asked for my time and I am sure they cannot disappoint me as much as you lot have.” Sansavah turned sharply to Klic and glared at him with such intensity Klic felt like he was about to be murdered. “WAIT!” Klic flung himself on to his hands and knees just as security stepped in between him and Hannah. “I begged your forgiveness over my insulting and rude actions.I know it is no excuse but we had been led to believe that the new ambassador would be a human and I misunderstood the situation entirely. I humbly once again beg your forgiveness!” Hannahs eyes stared at Klic for several seconds in silence before she waved aside her guards. “ I do not forgive your rudeness,” she began causing Sansavah to begin panicking all over again, “but I can understand your reasoning.” She stepped forward and motioned for Klic to rise. “To ensure there are no further misunderstandings between us allow me to lay things out as clear and simple so any further insults will not be misunderstandings but intentional. Which will give me plenty of reasons to cancel all further talks between our peoples.” She was throwing them a lifeline that they’d only get once and they all knew it. “As you say, I am not human.” Hannah began. “My species is known are the Aracnomolis, or Aracno for short. A space fairing people that sailed the stars for countless years after escaping our dying world on hive ships. Our fleet went system to system in a seemingly endless quest to find a new world to live on.” “Eventually we entered a system known as “Sol” which was the home system for humanity. Initially they thought us hostile, and aggressive species come to invade their worlds. It took many days of trial and error before we could properly communicate with them and tell them we were what they called “refugees”. Upon learning that they invited us to their homeworld to land.” Hannah snapped her fingers. “Just like that. There were some concerns about diseases we had or if there was enough room but after another few weeks we had settled in a barren area on the continent of “Australia”. The warm air and constant sunlight did wonders for us after being contained on our ships for so long.” “This was all several generations ago but to fast forward to the interesting bit I was eventually born while my parents were on the planet. Thanks to a rule the humans enforced on their planet for some reason, if you were born on their planet you became a citizen with full rights and protections that were offered to other humans. I spent my youth studying alongside humans, learning both their culture and mine over the years until I was fluent with both.” “But how does that explain how you now hold your current position as ambassador?” Klic asked. Hannah glared at him for interrupting her story but let out several breaths to calm down. “The laws state that only a citizen of earth can obtain hold this position. I am a citizen so I can hold the position, why is that so hard to understand?” “I think my colleagues have been dancing around the main question,” Yvondri cut in, “but I think their main confusion stems from the fact that you represent humanity on the galactic scale, but are not yourself human.” The questioned seemed to upset the human security as Sansavah noticed them frowning. “There was a long time when many humans did not accept us because of that very reason.” Hannah admitted. “We were different, unknown, foreign to their norm and that upset them. Some openly spoke out against us saying we were inferior, while others attacked us and killed our people.” “But,” Hannah fully turned to face the delegates, “there were also those that listened to us and knew that while we appeared different we shared many of the same goals. A better tomorrow, success for our offspring, stability and security for our lives. Just as there were those that spoke out against us there were those that spoke in our defense.” She spread her arms before her, her quills softly twitching side to side. “You find it odd that I am not human and yet speak on humanities behalf, but humans elect ideals to represent them, not just people. I stand for freedom and understanding, reason and acceptance, loyalty and steadfastness.These traits are so ingrained into what represents humanity they see me as someone worthy to speak for them.” Hannah began walking and the group of delegates parted before her. “You may see me as something different, but to humanity I am just another human in different skin.” Hannah continued walking away as her security followed her and the journalist followed soon after continuing to take pictures. Klic stepped close to Sansavah and spoke softly. “Humans are even stranger than I had ever imagined, and that concerns me.” Sansavah chuckled. “That they are, but I would say you have bigger concerns right now.” Klic looked at him as he pointed to the journalist. “That human has a photo of you stepping on the human ambassadors quills after you insulted her.” The color drained from Klic’s face. “Do you think your federation will be pleased with such a deplorable show of disrespect?” “If I were you,” Yvondri spoke,” I would offer him a small moon as payment for them, and I would offer it soon before ambassador decides to use them herself.” Klic began looking back and forth between his fellow ambassadors before quickly running off after the journalist.

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