Tag Archives: politics

Impact of Douglass’ Speech on American Freedom

Posted on July 5, 2026 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

On July 3, 2026, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley delivered Frederick Douglass’ iconic speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in the House, commemorating its history 174 years earlier. Douglass critiqued American hypocrisy regarding freedom and slavery, ultimately expressing hope for the end of slavery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Black history. Continue reading →

Posted in Slavery, Revolution, Black patriotism, The Black Blood of Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday: A Reflection

Posted on July 4, 2026 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

On July 4, 2026, America marks its 250th birthday, reflecting on its Declaration of Independence and the historical complexities surrounding its authors, notably Thomas Jefferson’s legacy as a slave owner. The piece underscores the contributions of Black Americans throughout history and critiques the current leadership dynamic, advocating for new, younger voices in governance. Continue reading →

Posted in Black History Month, Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass, Education, ezwwaters, John F. Kennedy, Leadership, Lest We Forget, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Patriotism, Politics, Revolution, Segregation, Slavery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daddy Dearest

Posted on February 2, 2026 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

My father, a Native Southern Son, was born in the same month and year Negro History Week was established. Then, we were Negroes. Thirty-four years later, when I was born, we were still Negroes. When my father died at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass, ezwwaters, Family, Fatherhood, Fathers, Lest We Forget, race, raising black boys, Relationships, Slavery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cancel Culture Redux

Posted on September 20, 2025 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Revisiting “The Cancel-Culture Conundrum.” Continue reading →

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Understanding MLK’s Legacy and America’s Complicated Past

Posted on January 19, 2025 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

The author’s political awakening began with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, marking a profound shift in societal consciousness and the end of the Civil Rights Era. Reflections on history reveal a complex narrative dominated by white perspectives, with 1968 identified as a pivotal and traumatic year for America’s identity. Continue reading →

Posted in Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass, ezwwaters, Growing Up, Lest We Forget, Martin Luther King, Politics, race, raising black boys, Relationships, Religion, Revolution, Streets of Rage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Crimes of Bill Clinton Cannot Be Expugned

Posted on April 20, 2016 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

As Hillary Clinton sprints to the finish line, seemingly to be the democratic candidate for the presidency, I keep thinking of the role her husband, President Bill Clinton, played in the mass incarceration of the nation, specifically Black men.  Granted, … Continue reading →

Posted in crime, Justice Chronicles, Politics, raising black boys, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Waiting for Parole — Between Hope and Despair

Posted on July 19, 2014 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

One of the most powerful forces is hope, oftentimes counterbalanced by despair.  In the criminal justice system, nothing inspires more hope than the possibility of being granted and being released to parole supervision.  On the other hand, nothing drops one … Continue reading →

Posted in Justice Chronicles, Life Sentences, Murder, Parole, Politics, Reentry, Shawshank Redemption | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Prison-Based Gerrymandering” and the 3/5ths Compromise

Posted on May 4, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

                The U.S. Census Bureau counts incarcerated individuals at the locations where they are incarcerated rather than at their prior addresses.  This has political as well as economic consequences.                  Most states’ state … Continue reading →

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