Why?

I understand that politics will provide differences among friends. That is accepted. What I call foul or unnecessary is when friends post articles/videos that have negative racial overtones. We can debate all day long - not a problem. But to post items with vocals containing hatred and negative stereotypes negates all points you are intending. This belief is for all shades of us. Stop the crap. Ask if this will offend friends and families; and then ask why it would. The why is beginning. The why will (and if you continue to pursue the why) tell and show the need of more thought and understanding.

Slavery By Another Name - Promo

Embrace this...HERE in the US

I wrote this a long time ago...don't know why I never posted...

After a week of Black in America on CNN. A week were we learned or relearned what we already knew about our state here in America, without an answer or step-by-step plan on how to fix it we need to learn, search & step outside of the box.

Our present generation (& I would go as far back as the children born in the early 80's) have become an "I want it now", "You need to do for me because I won't/can't or have no interest of learning how", "I do not have to listen to you" or "Education is stupid" generation. Now, I realize that this is an over generalization. There is a large portion of society (present generation) who do not believe or think like this. But let's be real. The media will never portray this percentage consistently. NEVER.

I have always been employed in civil service. I know an antiquated term, but it fits. Besides high school all of my jobs have been in government. And I am not speaking of management. I talking about the down and gritty...meeting the people face to face, seeing all the war damage, listening to how food is not available, don't know where Ma is, never met Dad, can't read past the 3rd grade but 19 years old. In my short years I have seen a lot. Never will say it all because all I have to do live another day.

I am always questioning what can I do? Can I do more? What can my family contribute? My friends? I worked with a youth program for 4 years. An average of 110 kids per year. I am still in contact with probably 45% of them. While sometimes I want to pull my hair out with the issues they walk into, I feel the need to be there. Guide them still. Only because they deserve the chance, opportunity, and vision of what they can become. But sometimes I have to pull back and ask when are they going to stand up on their feet and let me walk behind instead of beside? Shouldn't they want to do that?

Unfortunately, more often than not they don't. I cannot tell you how many young men I come in contact with who cannot answer a simple question about themselves without turning to their Mother or girl. "What is your SSN?" ***Turns to look at girl...she answers*** Wouldn't you as a man want to be capable of answering this? "When was the last time you worked?" "What is it that you want to do in life?" "Can you use a computer?" Time and time again I run into MEN who cannot answer these simple questions.

The crux of the problem is it is not about your station in life. It is about your vision for your future.

Yeah, I can say all this because I come from an middle class family. I never wanted for food, shelter or clothes. But I had my issues. I still have my issues. However, the 1 thing or constant that was always in my life was the want to not live in the same station. Grow.  Become more.

Jobless benefits expire for thousands

This is the drama I will deal with for weeks.  No one can understand how they (the Senate) will go on a two week break when they need unemployment insurance and hiring new employees is at a standstill.  

Jobless benefits expire for thousands: "Extended unemployment benefits will temporarily expire for thousands of Americans on Monday because the Senate went on its spring recess without approving a one-month deadline extension.

"

Quote of the Day

Those who vote decide nothing; those who count the votes decide everything. ~ Joseph Stalin

The BlackList...

I am late watching the Blacklist on HBO...I DVR most of my TV viewing...

I loved and relate to Gwendolyn Brooks...



I read numerous articles regarding the doc and began the viewing believing that it was the same ol same with the same Blacks who are always quoted. However, for me it was not the case.

Beinging the piece with Slash, someone who most Americans believe is Jewish and not bi-racial, he is not one I would expect to be included. Faye Wattleton, Vernon Jordan, Zane, Suzan-Lori Parks, Dawn Staley, and many others. It is a testament to our race, our struggle, and our accomplishments.

And who knew about "The Blacks" a troupe governed by Jean Genet spoken of by Lou Gossett, Jr.?


Of course there was Russell Simmons. We know he will be always asked for his opinion. And rightly so. Just like we ask for Jesse, Al and John Lewis. We always ask the old heads because they bring a prespective. Russell is an old head in the hip-hop game. Don't hate. We still need Russell, because the mess that is out there has to stop. But I digress.

There was Puffy. Diddy. Whoever. But his monolouge does not matter. What matters is the doc incorporated other accomplished Black Americans from Government, Business, the Arts, and we are those people. Black people are seeing. Believing and having a new idea take root that they can become something other than what they see everyday. Whether you come from a long line of Dr.'s or a long line of hustlers. You have a choice. Make your choice and do not allow someone else make the choice for you.

The Olympics are HERE! Part II

Are you watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics? I am. Avid sports fan so anything that will get my juices flowing is a good thing. (Sidenote: How excited was I when I watched Sunday Night Football this past week???!!!!!!!!!)

You can watch the Opening Ceremonies & the events on N-B-C!

So in honor of the games (I am ignoring the whole China thing...nothing against the people...just their policies) I want to showcase the PROUD BLACK AMERICANS that have represented our country...even when OUR country did not want them...

Enjoy...I warn you...might be a long post!


John Baxter Taylor ~ Track & Field

Photo













Alice Coachman ~ Track & Field

Photo

Debbie Thomas ~ Figure Skater


Edwin Moses ~ Track & Field

Photo

Michael Johnson ~ Track & Field




Wyomia Trus ~ Track & Field


Photo

Zina Garrison-Jackson ~ Tennis Star



Photo


George Foreman ~ Boxing

Photo

Lenny Wilkens ~ Basketball Coach




Bob Beamon ~ Track & Field




Ok...Part II Coming Up!

Saturday Morning Recap 07/19 - 07/25/2008

I Pray That This Child Does NOT Remember THIS!!!!

Are you a Teacher? Materials on the low here!

Bike Riding While Black

Black Girls Reaching Puberty TOO SOON

ESPY Awards

As many of you know I am an avid sports fan. Haven't found one I don't like. So I am sitting here watching the ESPY awards & loving that this year's Arthur Ashe Award goes to Tommie Smith & John Carlos. Many remember the picture. The shot that made history & shocked the world.

Congratulations to these men...Tommie Smith & John Carlos for their stance & win.


(If a video becomes available with the tribute I will repost.)

Saturday Morning Recap-Week 07/12-07/18/2008

Genocide Charge

Grandma Wants a Hitman!

Editor of New Yorker on Barack's Cover

Grandma Still Taking it OFF!!!

Quote of the Day

You don’t mess with a man’s money; you don’t mess with a man’s woman; you don’t mess with a man’s family or has manhood—these were a man’s principle. ~ Claude Brown

Saturday Morning Recap-Week 06/28-07/04/2008

Banished from 158 counties in GA

More than 1/2 of firearm deaths are Suicides

Baby cut from woman's womb

Grow Your Own Food

Moore's Ford Bridge Lynching Don't know about this lynching in 1946? Read more here. here. here.

I know GAS prices are RIDICULOUS...but really.....link

Tuskegee Airman~Lt. Col. Chuck Dryden

Lt. Col. Chuck Dryden died June 24, 2008 @ the age of 87.

Source

Hundreds pay last respects to Tuskegee Airman

By S.A. REID

The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 07/02/08

Hundreds gave Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Chuck Dryden a final send off into the heavens Tuesday.

Relatives, friends and other admirers gathered at Cascade United Methodist Church in southwest Atlanta to say their final goodbyes to the World War II fighter pilot who helped break down racial barriers in the U.S. military.

Link

See this is why YOU have to be careful...Part II

I am so late with this news...but I have ask everyone to read this post at What About Our Daughters...

22 y.o. Black Woman to 11 year-old Black Girl Gang Raped By 20 Men and boys: "That girl, knew What She Was Doing"


No words...
No words...
No words...

Wimbledon Fashion

Sports junkie (& unemployed chick) that I am have stayed glued to the TV for Wimbledon. It's a highlight of my summer since football is taking soooo long to get here.

Normally, the highlight is not the outfits the competitors were. Especially since the Americans seem to be dropping like flies. Ole England has a rule about Wimbledon. All white or no play. So how could you dress that up? This is year the maker's that be have taken it up a notch! Really.

Check out Huffington

To get you started...but please go to the link above to see the others.

Ms. Serena Williams in Trench
Photo Courtesy


& a little Hotness for the girls....James Blake
Photo Courtesy

Fear of a Black President

Please read this post over at the Huffington Post. Amazed @ the balls it took to publish it b/c I know there are many out there who think the same way.

Happy Birthday!!! Prince Roger Nelson

All Prince

Verzion...




1999...




Purple Rain...




Musicology




Cream




Diamonds & Pearls




Happy Birthday...My Gemini

The Week in Photos--May28-June3

My life in a week with family and friends. I am thankful.

Woman who cursed MARTA rider now in special home | ajc.com

The woman whose tirade against an elderly MARTA train passenger was caught on video has been released from jail and is living in a personal care home for the mentally ill.

read more digg story

I watched the video once and it was enough for me. I was ashamed @ people who laughed and made jokes. In my eyes it was obvious a mental illness was at the forefront not a woman acting a fool. I am pleased that the government saw this and decided to do the right thing and get her help. Not sentence her. SO often people who have mental illness are thrown into prison instead of being offered the treatment they need. It is known that prison does not rehabilitate. It provides education on how to be better @ whatever they were placed in prison for.

Please pray for this girl and the victim. They both will need it. Although I believe that the older lady (victim) recognized the illness. She comes from the generation when we locked "the special" person in the backroom.

Natural Hair

A well written article about natural vs. straight hair on Black College Wire.



A small excerpt.




Hair Debate Rages On as Natural Styles Take Root

By Ashley McDonald - Black College Wire


Each morning at the start of the day, two women prepare to perform their daily beauty rituals.
One woman reaches in her drawer and pulls out her flat iron to smooth out her chemically-straightened tresses. The smell of oil and burning hair rises to the ceiling. Once done straightening, a cloud of oil sheen surrounds her head. The fog clears and after 30 minutes in the mirror, her hair is finally presentable.


Just down the street, the other woman stares into her bathroom mirror. She does not have a bone straight mane resting on her head. Instead she reaches for her afro pick, detangles her tight coils, applies some natural oils to her kinky mane, ties her headband securely and marvels in the beauty of her natural texture.


When it comes to African-American women, hair can be a touchy subject. Some women cling tightly to the implications that surround having long silky hair, while other women choose to display what nature placed on their heads.



For more go here---->



What are you rockin'?