C
Clitoria Tawn'E'Shia Schwartz
Guest
(DETROIT) In a decision that's expected to send shockwaves through the
African-American community--and yet, give much relief to teachers
everywhere--a federal judge ruled today that black women no longer have
independent naming rights for their children. Too many black children--
and many adults--bear names that border on not even being words, he
said.
"I am simply tired of these ridiculous names black women are giving
their children," said U.S. Federal Judge Ryan Cabrera before rendering
his decision. "Someone had to put a stop to it."
The rule applies to all black women, but Cabrera singled out
impoverished mothers.
"They are the worst perpetrators," he said. "They put in apostrophes
where none are needed. They think a 'Q' is a must. There was a time
when Shaniqua and Tawanda were names you dreaded. Now, if you're a
black girl, you hope you get a name as sensible as one of those."
Few stepped forward to defend black women--and black women themselves
seemed relieved.
"It's so hard to keep coming up with something unique," said Uneeqqi
Jenkins, 22, an African-American mother of seven who survives on
public assistance. Her children are named Daryl, Q'Antity, Uhlleejsha,
Cray-Ig, Fellisittee, Tay'Sh'awn and Day'Shawndra.
Beginning in one week, at least three white people must agree with the
name before a black mother can name her child.
"Hopefully we can see a lot more black children with sensible names
like Jake and Connor," Cabrera said.
His ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought by a 13-year-old girl whose
mother created her name using Incan hieroglyphics.
"She said it would make me stand out," said the girl, whose name can't
be reproduced by The Peoples News' technology. "But it's really just
stupid."
The National Association of Elementary School Teachers celebrated
Cabrera's decision.
"Oh my God, the first day of school you'd be standing there sweating,
looking at the list of names wondering 'How do I pronounce
Q'J'Q'Sha.'?" said Joyce Harmon, NAEST spokeswoman. "Is this even
English?"
The practice of giving black children outlandish names began in the
1960s, when blacks were getting in touch with their African roots,
said historian Corlione Vest. But even he admits it got out of hand.
"I have a niece who's six. I'm embarrassed to say I can't even
pronounce her name," said Vest, a professor at Princeton University.
"Whenever I want to talk to her, I just wait until she looks at me and
then I wave her over."
Cabrera's ruling exempted black men because so few of them are
actually involved in their children's lives.
African-American community--and yet, give much relief to teachers
everywhere--a federal judge ruled today that black women no longer have
independent naming rights for their children. Too many black children--
and many adults--bear names that border on not even being words, he
said.
"I am simply tired of these ridiculous names black women are giving
their children," said U.S. Federal Judge Ryan Cabrera before rendering
his decision. "Someone had to put a stop to it."
The rule applies to all black women, but Cabrera singled out
impoverished mothers.
"They are the worst perpetrators," he said. "They put in apostrophes
where none are needed. They think a 'Q' is a must. There was a time
when Shaniqua and Tawanda were names you dreaded. Now, if you're a
black girl, you hope you get a name as sensible as one of those."
Few stepped forward to defend black women--and black women themselves
seemed relieved.
"It's so hard to keep coming up with something unique," said Uneeqqi
Jenkins, 22, an African-American mother of seven who survives on
public assistance. Her children are named Daryl, Q'Antity, Uhlleejsha,
Cray-Ig, Fellisittee, Tay'Sh'awn and Day'Shawndra.
Beginning in one week, at least three white people must agree with the
name before a black mother can name her child.
"Hopefully we can see a lot more black children with sensible names
like Jake and Connor," Cabrera said.
His ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought by a 13-year-old girl whose
mother created her name using Incan hieroglyphics.
"She said it would make me stand out," said the girl, whose name can't
be reproduced by The Peoples News' technology. "But it's really just
stupid."
The National Association of Elementary School Teachers celebrated
Cabrera's decision.
"Oh my God, the first day of school you'd be standing there sweating,
looking at the list of names wondering 'How do I pronounce
Q'J'Q'Sha.'?" said Joyce Harmon, NAEST spokeswoman. "Is this even
English?"
The practice of giving black children outlandish names began in the
1960s, when blacks were getting in touch with their African roots,
said historian Corlione Vest. But even he admits it got out of hand.
"I have a niece who's six. I'm embarrassed to say I can't even
pronounce her name," said Vest, a professor at Princeton University.
"Whenever I want to talk to her, I just wait until she looks at me and
then I wave her over."
Cabrera's ruling exempted black men because so few of them are
actually involved in their children's lives.
