Last year, many across America were mesmerized by the dulcet sounds of Jamie Foxx and T-Pain’s hit song “Blame it on the Alcohol.” The song had a great beat, reminded us of the allure of dancing the night away and the benefits that extra libations might h
Last year, many across America were mesmerized by the dulcet sounds of Jamie Foxx and T-Pain’s hit song "Blame it on the Alcohol." The song had a great beat, reminded us of the allure of dancing the night away and the benefits that extra libations might have on the chances of having a better night than you anticipated. Of course, when all the music stops, there are too many people who are blaming their behavior on the alcohol, as well as their failed marriages, inability to keep a job and a host of health problems. Today is a special day to look at these issues, nationally and especially in the African-American community. June 10th holds a special place in the hearts of many who have struggled with addiction, it is the anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 in Akron Ohio, by former businessman Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Wilson, troubled by years of alcohol abuse had been trying various methods to kick his addiction after hitting rock bottom. Smith had been working with different organizations trying to help fellow problem drinkers find sobriety. Together, these men helped create the now famous 12 Step Program, which is not only a linchpin of AA membership but literally thousands of other self-help organizations all over the world. At a time when many African-Americans were not allowed to eat where they wanted to or live where they wished, Alcoholics Anonymous always had open doors. The first African-American members were invited to join by Bill Wilson himself in 1940, and the organization has had a strong (but of course anonymous) membership of African-Americans ever since. Aman known as “Jim S.” a physician, founded the first Black Alcoholics Anonymous group in 1940 with full and equal treatment for all members.
African-Americans have always had a curious relationship with alcohol in this country, in some ways divorced from a drinking culture and in other ways engulfed by it. In Africa, the tradition of drinking libations amongst the Dogon, the Onitshas, and hundreds of other nations for religious and other ceremonies was standard. African beer was world renowned, as well as various types of wines. Ironically, it was the trade of molasses for African slaves to create Rum that became part of the infamous ‘triangular trade’ route that ripped millions of Africans from their homes and brought them to America for chattel slavery. During slavery, alcohol was used to dull slaves into a stupor on the few holidays they had. Drinking games were created by slave owners to manipulate those in their control.
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