Goodbye Black History Month,See You Next Year

I remember as a kid getting my Black History "assignments". But at the end of the month,all I could tell you was...we were slaves,Harriet Tubman conducted the Underground Railroad,Abraham Lincoln "freed"the slaves,Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat and Dr. King Had A Dream. It was the same thing,year after year. So much so that I would save my assignments from the previous year and used them for the following year. To my surprise no one noticed either. But as I got older,I started to recognize it for what it was.....A JOKE!!!! NOOOOO,I'm not saying the HISTORY is a joke. But the fact people would make it such a big deal one month and never discuss it the next month,was interesting to me. Now as an adult with children,who are forced to repeat the same cycle,I'm CONVINCED it is a joke.
Not because the schools only talk about the accomplishments of our people once a year. But because we as PARENTS only talk about it once a year. Everyone gets excited when their "baby" gives the "I Have A Dream" speech. But as soon as February ends,they're back to quoting Weezy F.Baby-PLEASE say the Baby(that's Lil Wayne for those who don't have kids).Our history is too great to be wrapped up into one month. So can we PLEASE not wait until February 2011 to have Black History month?

Sunday Inspiration

Video Of The Week

Tavis Smiley,This Act Is Getting Old

This video is part of the commentary that started the fallout between Tavis Smiley and Rev.Al Sharpton.

So who's excited about this meeting or "choir rehearsal" as he calls it? You know this type of mess has to stop.How many "meetings","discussions",and "conferences" do we need to have to have a dialogue about the "Black Agenda"? Haven't we sang this song before?
In 2005
The State of The Black Union's theme was:Defining The African American Agenda-Part1.
In 2006,
The SOTBU's theme was: Defining The African American Agenda-Part2.
Now here we are 4-5 years later and the SAME people are about to sing you the SAME song...."WE NEED A BLACK AGENDA AND WE'RE GOING TO FORCE THE POTUS TO ADOPT ONE".
Umm OK,good luck with that.And what exactly does a "Black Agenda" consist of?
Are you going to demand that the President mandate Blacks be hired before anyone else? Are you going to demand that the President make jobs available "FOR BLACKS ONLY"?
Seriously, someone help me understand what a "Black Agenda" is and how does this President survive politically if he does so? Does Tavis and his crew of "Black Leaders" think working class whites and latinos who voted for Obama are going to just sit by and let that happen? That will single-handedly destroy his presidency.
But for the sake of argument,let's just say this DOES need to be discussed(in public).
How can Tavis be objective after he's criticized the President for the last 3 years? That would be like me hosting a birthday party for Michael Steele.
How can Tavis appear credible when he has Michael Eric Dyson on the panel who said "the President runs from race like a black man does the police"?
Tavis has played this record time after time after time and no one appears to be dancing anymore. It's like a football team that runs the same plays but they never score. At some point you need to come up with a different play,better players or get a new coach. Rev.Sharpton tried to sit Tavis down on the bench and give him a new play.He even suggested he defer to new players(Roland Martin,Jeff Johnson,Warren Ballentine)but Tavis is content with the players he's been using(Dr.Cornell West,Dyson,Jesse Jackson).I say it's time for a new coach.

Sure,he and those "Black Leaders" will draw a crowd of "followers".Sure,everyone will try to one up the other with witty punch lines. But when the crowd leaves and the cameras stop rolling,you still haven't scored. You're in the same position as you were when the meeting started. Except now,you REALLY won't get what you want. The last thing THIS President needs right now,is an ultimatum from people who should be doing what they're asking him to do.If you're suppose to be a "Black Leader" then,LEAD!!! But the question is,who will follow you? After all the witty one liners and punchlines that took place during your "choir rehearsal",who's gonna actually help you sing the song?

Rev. Sharpton Tears Into Tavis Smiley LIVE On The Radio

So,It's Tuesday night,I was restless and couldn't sleep. I missed bible study tonight so I decided to listen to an old sermon(Love Sick)by my Pastor-Pastor Vanable H. Moody II of The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham,Al.Hit him up on facebook. Just put Pastor Van in the search box.
Anyway,so my plan was to take some thera-flu,check out a few of my favorite sites, wait on the tera-flu to kick in and lay it down. You know,I can't remember the last time I checked out Dr.Boyce Watkin's blog(The Boyce Blog)but for some reason,tonight I decided to check it out and low and behold I stumbled on this.

PLEASE LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE CONVERSATION


YEP,you heard it right. Rev. Al and Tavis Smiley arguing LIVE ON THE RADIO about whether or not President Obama needs to have a "Black Agenda". And in case you're wondering how I feel about that,my answer is NO!!!!!! (will explain why in my next blog)
*sighing*
I really don't know where to start or if I should start at all. There are two words that drive me absolutely crazy when I see them used in the same sentence. Those words are "Black Leaders". I like to call it the HNIC syndrome. I've never really agreed with the term. Sure,I understand the purpose,but to suggest that one person is a "Black Leader" is to suggest that we all think alike and can't express ourselves without someone speaking for us.Well,actually some of us can't(that's another blog).
I'm not the biggest Rev.Al fan in the world but I do respect what he has attempted to do over the years. Tavis Smiley on the other hand is a different story. I have a genuine disdain for Tavis after he DEMANDED that then Senator Obama attend his State of The Black Union conference. After Obama said he was too busy RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT,but would send his wife instead,that wasn't good enough for Tavis. Plus I thought his conference was becoming a sham anyway.Just a place for people to get their egos stroked and sell books.Rev. Al confirmed that belief.
So when Shaprton put him on blast I was more than excited to see someone tell Tavis what I've been saying for years. Tavis takes what he wants to hear and says it the way he wants it to be heard. The fact that they did it on air is what bothers me. I'm sure the racists over at FOX and other Conservatives are going to love this. Just watch it play out over the next 48 hours.But honestly, I thought it was something that was long overdue. I think even Rev. Sharpton has grown tired of Tavis's act.
Oh well,just thought I would share.Forgive me if it sounds like I'm all over the place with this blog,but the thera-flu is finally kicking in.
Goodnight!!

Sunday Inspiration

Church Leader or Cult Leader?

HOLD UP!!
Before you watch this video. My attorney has advised me to add this disclaimer:
As the creator of this blogspot,I am NOT responsible for any damage you may cause to your screen as a result of this video. I am also not responsible for any loud outburst that may cause you to lose your job,any profanity you may use in front of your children or any physical violence you may cause to the person nearest you.Ok, you guys ready? Alright....... WAIT....you sure? OK........PRESS PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*runs for cover*

Put the gun down!!! Stop cussing!!!! Don't call him!!!! Hold Up!!! Hold Up!!! Take a DEEP breath......BREATHE!!!!! BREATHE!!!!

OKAY!!!!!! We're ready!!!

NOW, do you see the importance of being under the right teaching as it relates to the Word of God? I mean regardless of your religious beliefs,surely know that THIS is some over the top,propaganda,hateful "stuff".Sure,he's a disgrace to the black race and any other race. Sure he's full of self-hatred.Sure he's all that you are thinking he is and so much more. But that's not where I want to go with this blog.
THIS is where I want to go with this blog

The hypocrisy of this man is evident in the fruit that he is attempting to bear. How can anyone of color(ANY COLOR) send their children to a school where this guy is the leader? And yes,i said leader. It may not be a big deal on the surface,but I've watched this person before and he makes regular comments about "his followers".And there lies the problem ladies and gentlemen. Too many people in the body of Christ worship MAN instead of GOD. Many of us know people who go to church every Sunday but they worship certain PEOPLE in the church and as soon as the person they worship leaves the church......well nevermind I better leave that alone.(long story)
*Back to the blog*
In this case the Honorable James David Manning has blind followers.How else would you explain the parents who allow their children to sit under someone so vile, ignorant and hateful as this? Not ONCE,out of all the clips I've seen of this man has he taught the actual Word of God.......NOT ONCE!!!! Yet,people are attending his church and sending their kids to his school.
How are the kids suppose to become productive citizens when the parents are exposing them to THIS type of rhetoric? How can you teach a child to love his neighbor when you are sending him/her to learn under such hated? Sure,this guy has always been over the top.But some of these things he says are just unreal.Instead of attacking President Obama,you would think he would use him as the greatest living example of what can happen if you make the right decisions in life.
I just hope the parents of these children will wake up and realize what they are doing to them and our community before it's too late.

Video Of The Week

No video but the song is a classic.Randy Crawford and Joe Sample......it gets no better than this.

Interracial Dating

When you look at the first couple,what are your first thoughts? And be honest(ladies).
I'm willing to bet,most would see the sister as dating the white guy because she
(a)couldn't find a good black man or(b)she decided to date a white man because he will treat her better.
Now look at the second couple. What are your initial thoughts?
I'm willing to bet most of you are thinking the brother is dating ol girl because
(a)he couldn't handle a strong black woman or (b) the white woman will put up with more "mess" than a sister will.
Am I right? C'mon y'all tell the truth,you know that's what you're thinking!!!!!
Regardless if I'm right or wrong,regardless if it's true or not.I think I speak for most brothas when I say,we REALLY don't care if a black woman is dating a white guy.If that's what she wants to do,then more power to her.And I haven't met one black woman yet, to have a problem with another sister dating a white guy. Matter of fact,many of you probably would say....."good for HER"!!!!!

OOOOOH but I'm POSITIVE many of you have a problem with the brotha dating a white woman. I don't get that,seriously I don't.Why do so many black women lose it when they see a brotha dating a white woman?
YEAH, RIGHT.......y'all DO lose it when you see a brotha dating a white woman!!!!

Ummm,you guys can stop giving me the evil eye through the computer!!!
*yes,I feel the heat* lol

But I mean REAL TALK!!
I hear so many women complain about brothers dating white women...SO WHAT!!!!!If he wasn't YOUR man and she didn't "steal" him from YOU. What's the big freakin deal?!
Oh and if he has money,you guys REALLY become unhinged. Honestly,it all sounds pretty petty to me. Seriously, help me out. Why is it an insult(as I've heard some women say)if he chooses to date someone of another race?
And before I get showered with hate mail from the ladies,let me send out this Public Service Announcement to some of the men.
Fellas,if you're going to date a white woman. How about making sure she hits the gym every now and then. I swear,some of you seem like you grab the first one that comes along.It almost appear you're dating her just to say to say you're dating a white woman. SURELY,you can do better than that. I mean,if that's your thang......that's your thang but C'MON MAN!!!

Fox News Attack On Black America

Saw this over on Jack & Jill,thought I would share it. Why anyone of color will watch this network on a daily basis is beyond me. Anyway, check this out.

Keith Olbermann Special Comment On Tea Party Movement

For months, I've been saying this movement has nothing to do with "Big Government", "Socialism" or anything else these people claim it represents. These people simply cannot accept the fact that "their America" is gone. When this movement first began,I noticed a few different faces in the crowd.But now it's ALL white. Check out this special comment from Keith Olbermann.

Many of these people don't have a clue about the actual policies they hate. Many of them are part of this movement because of the lies and fear mongering they hear from Glenn Beck. If they took the time to understand some of the things they think they hate. They would realize they may BENEFIT from some of them. But when you're blinded with such hatred for President Obama because you think he's a Muslim or a Nazi,it makes it kind of difficult to see the truth.

Brace yourself before you watch this video

Sunday Inspiration

Video Of The Week

Prayer In Public Schools

I was involved in a discussion the other day with a friend who was bent out of shape because people were protesting the Pro-Life commercial of Tim Tebow during the Super Bowl. She made the statement of how it's a shame people aren't allowed to express their beliefs or even pray in schools or in the workplace anymore without offending someone.
I really don't understand how and why people continue to get bent out of shape over issues like this.I believe schools are a place to learn, not a place to pray and learn scriptures like the "wonderful" state of Alabama is proposing. I need to double check but I think I saw an article that said there is a proposal to teach the Bible in public schools here in Alabama. No thanks, I'll pass.I belong to a Bible reading, Bible Teaching and Bible Living church and unless MY Pastor is about to go teach the Word in school, it ain't happening with my children.
If your child wants to say a prayer in school then they can say it privately or get with a group during lunch break.But I'm not interested in someone stopping class to pray over my children. Call me crazy but I'm VERY hesitiant about who I let pray WITH me and OVER me,let alone my children.
There are a group of people in this country who like to toss this issue around like a political football. But I guarantee you those same people would have a HEART ATTACK if they dropped their children off at school and a Muslim kid was in the corner praying with his Koran open. They would raise pure HELL. Why create that kind of hostility in a place where children are sent to learn? I won't lose any sleep if my kids don't pray at school because I know they're prayed for at home. I'm divorced but between me, my ex-wife and other family members,my kids are covered from the time they wake up until the time they lay back down. If more parents took THAT approach maybe they won't get so bent out of shape. Besides,what's the point of praying in schools if you're not praying at home? What's the point of praying publicly if you're not praying privately? Are you telling me that prayer in the schools will stop the violence in schools? Are you telling me that prayer in schools will stop the dropout rate? As wonderful as that may sound,I seriously doubt it!!!
Don't get it twisted,I believe in the power of prayer.However,I believe prayer should take place in the HOME and not in a place of learning.

Ed Shultz On Healthcare

This is MSNBC and radio talk show host Ed Shultz from a free healthcare clinic in Connecticut last week. Whether you know him or don't know him,agree or disagree with him. You have to applaud his effort to bring attention to the healthcare crisis in this country.

Talk To The Hand

Just when I thought I had seen it all, she amazes me again. In a speech where she criticized the President as a charismatic person who "reads teleprompters", THIS woman has notes scribbled on her hand......ON HER HAND!!!! They don't even do that in grade school anymore and some people think she is qualified to be POTUS? Not only was her speech shallow,full of lies,and incoherent. But we still don't have a clear idea of the platform of the Tea Party other than the fact they hate Barack Hussein Obama.Her speech was full of talking points and clever remarks to excite a crowd of 1,000 people with the IQ of a pitbull(without the lipstick). But like everything Sarah Palin does, it lacked substance.They paid this woman $150,000 to come speak,at least she could have memorized what she wanted to say.
I can't say I'm surprised, I mean this IS the same woman who said she could see Russia from Alaska and that gives her foreign policy experience. This IS the same woman that looked like a deer in the headlights when Charlie Gibson asked her to give her opinion on the Bush Doctrine. This IS the same woman who.....ahhh nevermind,I could stay here all day.
But my point is,if President Obama would have been caught reading notes at a speech on national tv,off of his hand, the people on the right would be beside themselves. They already think he is a real life Manchurian Candidate placed here by terrorists to destroy this country(they actually believe that). But at least he can READ unlike the previous guy who read off of the same teleprompters for 8 years.

Sunday Inspiration

This is a great video. Please take time to watch it,you won't regret it!!

The Tea Party National Anthem.......SMH!!!!

Please do not adjust your laptop.Although it's Saturday night,this is not a Saturday Night Live skit. This is a real person. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you......SAMBO.....my bad....Lloyd Marcus. He is one of a handful of African Americans who are part of the Tea Party movement. I'm sorry,Mr.Marcus doesn't like being called African American. He says he's not African,just an American(ummm ok,sure,whatever you say dude).The First Tea Party National convention just wrapped up in Nashville, Tennessee and it was exactly what I thought it would be,a bunch of hateful rhetoric about the President. Sure they tried to disguise it as a concerned group of "Patriots" who are fed up with government spending and high taxes.No need to go into THAT right now. I will address that in the days to come. But I wanted you to see how misguided some people are. I tried to post the video of Lloyd Marcus performing live in front of an all-white crowd of his fellow "Tea Party Patriots". They all looked at him like he was the janitor who stole the microphone and decided to dance a jig.
I could only watch and listen for a few seconds but it appeared that he thinks the President is taking money from people who work and giving it to people who don't. He stated that he wanted his freedom back.
Maybe I missed something but I don't recall the President signing slavery into law. How does this man and others think the President has taken or will take their freedom from them? I just don't get it. It's amazing how people like him, Angela McGlowen and a handful of other people of color choose to wrap themselves up in this "movement".
Make no mistake about it folks, this "movement" isn't about smaller government and lower taxes as the Tea Party and FOX Entertainment would have you believe. This "movement" is about a Black man and his family occupying the White House. This movement is about the fear of other African Americans who will aspire to achieve the office of POTUS. This "movement" is about the fear of "some" white people(especially SOUTHERN Whites)losing what they see is "their America".

This "movement" is about THIS!!!!!

Video Of The Week

Is Conrad Murray A Scapegoat?

We all hate that the King of Pop is no longer with us. We will miss him. Honestly,I've been missing him since he made "Remember The Time"

Ahhhh(daydreaming)......"Remember The Time"



....THAT was my JAM!!!!

"You Rock My World" was tight too(not posting the video)

Where was I?
Oh Yeah,Conrad Murray......
Why is this man about to be charged with MURDER? Why people just can't say MJ overdosed on drugs? Why can't the D.A's office just rule it an accidental death? From everything I've seen and read,the only thing Conrad Murray is guilty of is being a "YES MAN" to MJ.I know there's a lot of pressure from the family to charge SOMEBODY with SOMETHING. But I believe that they are about to make this man a scapegoat.
Yes, I know he was practicing with a suspended license or something like that. But THAT'S why MJ went to him because no one else would write prescriptions for him. I read where MJ asked Murray to give him something stronger because he couldn't sleep. I don't know fam, but this just isn't sitting right with your boy. Interested in getting some feedback on this one.

Powerful Prayers For President Obama

This picture is so powerful, words can't do it justice,writing a blog won't drive home the significance enough. Soo many men of God,praying for then Senator Obama the night before he officially became the Democratic Nominee. It's one of those moments that will live on for generations to come for many African Americans. But let's look even deeper at this picture. How many men in this picture thought they would live to see the day where this would happen? Sure they spent time praying that it may happen in their grandchildren's lifetime. But how many actually thought it would happen in THEIR lifetime? I'm sure many of these men in all of their knowledge and wisdom knew that this would not be an easy task. I'm sure many of them knew that some people would stop at NOTHING to make sure that this would NOT happen. But even in all of their knowledge and wisdom,they probably had no idea that the hatred would be THIS intense. As someone who enjoys blogging and reading other blogs,some of the things directed at President Obama and his family are simply unbelieveable. Of course you have the Glenn Becks of the world who has openly encouraged people to "put a stop" to this President. You have Rush Limbaugh who has openly said "this President wants to enforce reparations and should be stopped". The list of radical Conservatives goes on and on. But one of the saddest things I've seen is this.


At first glance it looks innocent,until you actually read the bible verse. Last week I saw a middle age Black woman with this on her car as a bumper sticker. Of course me being ME,I asked WHY did she have the bumper sticker on her car? She asked me why SHOULDN'T she pray for the President? I then asked her to go look in that dirty,dingy,dusty bible she had sitting on her dashboard and to read OUT LOUD the bible verse.
The verse reads as follows
Psalm 109
Verse 8
May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.

Verse 9
May his children be fatherless,and his wife a widow.

I could go further into the scripture but you get the point.
After she read it,the light bulb went off. She began to explain to me that she works part time as a housekeeper in this area of town called Mountain Brook and the owner of the home gave it to her. For those of you not familiar with the Birmingham area,Mountain Brook is one of the richest areas per capita in the country. Yet it appears they are spiritually bankrupt. She removed the bumper sticker from her car(with my help of course lol).

But the photo of all the Pastors touching and agreeing is so powerful because it shows that when TRUE prayer is taking place,God receives it. Which is why you have to pray about the way you pray. You have to do it in a way that it is pleasing to God.
Case and point
There were a group of "Evangelical Conservative Pastors" who prayed and fasted for it to rain in Denver the night of the Democratic Nomination. They held candlelight vigil ceremonies and asked others to pray that bad weather would put a stop to the event. Well, as you may remember,that night in Denver was about as perfect of an evening you will ever see. The crowd well exceeded 86,000. Candidate Obama became the official Democratic Nominee for the office of POTUS.
On the flip side,the ENTIRE WEEK of the Republican Convention, Hurricane Gustav threatened to hit New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast area. The Republican convention had to be SCALED BACK,DOWNSIZED,and SHORTENED so they wouldn't appear to seem insensitive after the impact Hurricane Katrina had on that very same area. Maybe it's just me but maybe that was God's way of letting them know he's not a Republican God or a Democratic God....he's a SOVEREIGN God. Maybe the reason their was a record crowd in Denver and a smaller than expected crowd in Minneapolis was because God was INCREASING someone's territory(record crowd) to DECREASE someone else's territory(scaled back activities). And for the record,Hurricane Gustav wasn't as bad as it was predicted to be.Not sure what your religious beliefs are or what your political position is but whatever you do, PLEASE pray for President Obama and his family. Also,pray for his enemies for they know not what they do.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell............Don't Care

I'm having a hard time understanding the uproar over repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell". Do these people not know that gays already serve in the military? They've been serving since the beginning of time. Yet,some people(Conservatives) are blowing a gasket because they think this will destroy morale. Sen.John McCain has said for the past 4 years that he would defer to the Generals on this issue. But yesterday when one of the Generals and Secretary of Defense, both agreed with the President,he accused them of being biased and not consulting congress.

WHO CARES!!!!!?

As long as they can do the job they were trained to do,it doesn't bother me one bit. Not that I agree with the lifestyle,but if we were to do what some of these back woods,good ole boy politicians(mostly Southern Conservatives)want us to do and ban all gays from the military. How would we fight the "War on Terror" that they're so obsessed with?