Gabby Critics

I really don't understand how people can criticize Gabby Douglas!
I mean, you must really be a miserbale person to go after a young lady who had the drive, the ambition, the audacity to chase her dream.
Instead of congratulating her, people are attacking the way she wear her hair.
They're attacking her physical appearance.
They're attacking her mother's decision to send her to Iowa to live with another family.
Why!?
Does her success remind them of their failures?
Does the fact that she work out NINE TIMES A WEEK remind them of how lazy they are?
Does her mother's decision to go bankrupt to make sure her daughter had everything she needed to be successful remind them of the mother who never did anything for them?
What is it?
The sad part about it- the majority of the criticism is coming from people who look just like her.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.........
The only thing "we" as a people love more than building each other up-is tearing each other down.
If there is anyone who deserves our total support-it's Gabby Douglas!
This young lady is a role model for thousands of young African-American girls who have the desire to follow in her footsteps.
One of those girls just happen to be my nine year old daughter.
So please..........if you don't have anything nice to say about this young lady, keep your comments to yourself.
The rest of us who are proud to see a young lady doing something positive, would greatly appreciate it!
#teamgabby

And Now, A Word From The Chairman of The Board

Greetings Board of Directors!

WOW!
It's been a full month since we've held any meetings, and judging by the.............
(wait a minute, let me check the numbers)
.........judging by the counter at the bottom of the page, 686 visitors have stuck their heads
in the door since July 7th,  only to find out that The Board Room is empty!
Well, not anymore!
The Chairman of The Board is back in his chair and ready to talk about everything from
Gabby Douglas to Artur Davis (sellout) to the overly religious people who criticized Juanita Bynum for revealing things in her past!

Get ready for an interesting week of discussions.

Sincerly,
The Chairman of The Board

Frank Ocean Comes Out Of The Closet

Earlier this week, popular R&B singer Frank Ocean announced that he's bisexual.
My first reaction to this was,
"Who the hell is Frank Ocean?"
Seriously, I don't listen to any of this so-called R&B music that's played on the radio today.
My second reaction to this was,
"There is no such thing as being bisexual, you're either gay or you're not.
While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I applaud this brotha for having the courage to come forward.
Too often, gay men try to hide their sexuality by publicly dating women, and privately dating men.
That is so cowardly!
Be who you are and stop playing games with the lives of millions of unsuspecting, innocent women.
(Although some of you women are so blinded by his "sweet" personality that you miss all the warning signs.)
Warning Sign #1
If all of your boyfriend's close friends are gay-or have gay traits-chances are your boyfriend is also gay.
I'm just saying............

Again, I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I applaud Frank Ocean for having the courage to come out of the closet.

Happy Birthday Malia Obama

I think I speak for every father when I say-regardless of how old our daughters get, they will always be our baby girls.

I'm sure the President feels the same way.

Happy 14th Birthday Malia!

What A Man REALLY Want In A Woman?

A friend of mine asked me this question about two months ago.
To be honest with you, I politely blew it off.
It was nothing against my friend, she just happened to catch me at a time when I was dealing with my thing.
(see previous blog)
A few weeks later, another one of my friends hosted a discussion on the exact same topic.
It was a great discussion because she interviewed some real brothers .
These men weren't trying to say what they thought women wanted to hear, they were expressing how they believe most men feel.
So after watching that discussion, I began thinking about an answer to my friend's question;
"What does a man really want in a woman?"
I thought about it......and then I thought about it some more.
I knew what I wanted to say, but for some reason, I just couldn't figure out how to say it.
Then I saw the above picture.
Coincidentally, I saw the above picture a few days after God granted me my RELEASE from the thing that I'd been dealing with.
(again, see previous blog)
You see, my thing was a previous relationship.
One of the things I used to do in that relationship, was lay my head in the lap, or on the chest of the woman I was dating-just like the man in the above picture.
When I did that, I felt like I was in a safe place-just like the man in the above picture.
I truly believe every "man" wants one thing, and one thing only from a woman-to feel like she is his safe place.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels relaxed.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels at ease.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he has somewhere to rest the burdens that may have kept him up all night.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like no obstacle can get in his way.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like regardless of how many enemies he has, he can win the battle.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can confess his faults and failures and still find encouragement.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can talk openly about his past without being judged or condemned.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can make a mistake without it ever being thrown back in his face.
When a man finds a safe place, he feels like he can deal with the gossip, rumors and lies of church folks because he has a prayer partner at home.
(my bad-that was personal)
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like regardless of how well he's doing, he can always push himself to do better.

I could go on and on and on, but there's no need to do that.
If you want to know what a man really wants in a woman-all you have to do is look at the above photo to find your answer.

RELEASE ! ! !

We're all family here, right?
(Cool, that's what I thought.)
Since we're all family, I've decided to be a little transparent with this blog.

Have you ever had to deal with a certain thing that had control over your life?
This thing can be something from your past.
It can be an incident from your childhood.
It can be a past relationship.
It can be low self-esteem.
It can be an addiction.
Itr can be a number of things.
But I'm sure everyone, at some point or time in their life has had to deal with a certain thing.

About a year or so ago, I started dealing with a thing of my own.
I recognized it, and decided to deal with it.
In fact, last year when I went on vacation, I got up early one morning and released my thing into the Atlantic Ocean.
I even took the above picture to remind myself that this thing would no longer have control over my life.
Well somehow, someway this thing navigated itself back to Birmingham, Al. and found me again.
Once it found me, it began to control me-again.
It controlled my thoughts.
It controlled my decisions.
It controlled every aspect of my life.
I mean, I woke up thinking about it.
I went to work thinking about it.
And I went to bed thinking about it.
This thing hurt me, it made me angry, and it made my bitter.
And you know what's so sad about it?
I didn't even recognize that this thing was back in my life-until a few weeks ago.

A few weeks ago, I was talking to one of my very good friends (Carvice King) and she was telling me about the thing she was dealing with.
I've known about her thing for years, and we've discussed it over and over and over again.
But this time when we were discussing it, she sounded different.
She sounded like her thing didn't even exist anymore.
Then out of nowhere, she said something that literally changed my dispostion.
She said, "I turned it (her thing) over to God and He RELEASED me from it."
I paid no attention to it at the time, I just continued listening.
She said, "Once He released me from that situation, a door opened that I thought I had closed years ago.

*detour*
Never open or close a door, until GOD tells you to open or close a door. Because if you open or close a door without his permission, that door might swing back and hit you in the face-which can be very painful.
(you'll catch that later)

*back to the blog*
After we got off the phone, I continued on about my business.
Then I started hearing the word;
RELEASE!
I brushed it off, but minutes later I started hearing it again, and again, and again.
Pretty soon, it sounded like a thousand people were in my ear screaming;
RELEASE!
RELEASE!
RELEASE!
(similiar to the end of the Sunday's Praise & Inspiration video below)
Then before I knew it, I was asking God to RELEASE me from my thing.
Within seconds, He granted me my RELEASE!.
Immediately after that,  things started happening.
I started getting my focus back.
I started getting my vision back.
I started getting my swagger back.
(Well, I never lost my swagger-but you get the point.)
Things started happening to me that hadn't happened in almost 18 months.
I started to feel close to God again.
I started to feel like I was walking in my purpose again.
I started feeling like, well, I started feeling like the Chairman of the Board again.

My point is this:
Whatever you're going through...........
Whatever you're dealing with..............
Whatever your thing is, don't try to deal with it on your own.
Don't try to hide it, fight it, or ignore it.
Recognize it, confess it, and turn it over to God.
And I promise you, He will give you a RELEASE!

Sunday Morning Praise & Inspiration

Neo Soul Saturday

Today's spotlight features one of the most amazing voices you'll ever hear.
Her name is Maysa Leak.
She's been a fixture on the music scene for years.
Those of you who are true jazz fans, you may remember her from her days as the front singer with the group Incognito.
But for those of you who haven't heard of her, here's one of my favorites for you to enjoy.

Support Real Music!

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly To Be Honored At BET Awards

Remember last year when I told you I wasn't watching another award show until Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly was honored?

Well, guess what!

It's happening tomorrow night at the BET Awards.

So, if you hear someone screaming loud, or singing off key through your laptop, don't get alarmed.

It will be me celebrating with my favorite band of all time as they finally get the respect they deserve.

Black Marines Honored

This week, about 400 of the first black Marines were honored in Washington D.C. for their service to this country during World War II.

These are the Marines from Montford Point, N.C.- a camp that was specifically built for black Marines.

While their white counterparts lived in comfortable housing units, they were forced to live in huts made out of thick cardboard, with no A/C and no heat that housed as many as forty men.

Can you imagine that?

I commend these brave men for having the courage to fight for their country during a time when their country wouldn't fight for them.

So, the next time you see a member of our armed forces, shake their hand and thank them for their service to our country.

But if you're ever fortunate enough to run into one of these men, give them a hug and take a few extra minutes to let them know how much you appreciate their courage, their honor, and their sacrifice.

I'm sure it will mean a lot to them.

NOW What?

First, he was a Muslim.
Then, he wasn't born in America.
Then, he associated with terrorists.
Then, it was Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Then, he wasn't quailfied to be President.
Then, he only became President because ACORN "stole" the election for him.
Then, he wanted to take your guns.
Then, the tea party wanted to "take their country back".
(This ain't YOUR damn country to begin with.)
Then, he was compared to Hitler.
Then, he was a socialist.
Then, he was destroying America.
Then, he was attacking "Freedom".
Then...........
Then..........
Then...........

And now that the Supreme Court of The United States has upheld his Healthcare Reform Bill, I have one question for all of you detractors, haters, racists etc.

NOW, what?

What are you going to come up with next?
Don't you get it?
Don't you understand that this country doesn't have the hatred and venom in their hearts like you have in yours?
I mean, think about it.
A CONSERVATIVE justice, appointed by a Republican President was the deciding vote to rule that the President's signature bill was deemed constitutional.

If that doesn't wake you up, then maybe you'll just have to wait until the general election to see that you're now a minoirty in this country.
And I'm not talking about your skin color, or ethinicity-I'm talking about the way you think.

Happy Father's Day!

Look at this photo...........seriously, just look at it!
Wouldn't you love to know what the older man was saying to these kids?
If I had to guess, he was probably telling them about the struggle their families, and their people had just come out of.
This photo, titled Storytelling Time-was taken in Thomasville, Al. by Kathryn Tucker Windham in 1971-the year I was born.

Unfortunately, a lot has changed since 1971.
Many children are being raised without even knowing who their fathers are.
Many of those fathers have walked out on their families, and some just aren't ready to accept the responsibilty of fatherhood
There was a time when I would judge those men.
But the older I get, the more I realize it's not wise to judge a man's decisions unless I've walked in his shoes.
Sure, I have my own personal opinions on it, but on this Father's Day weekend-instead of talking down to those men. I'll just say a prayer for them and hope that God lays it on their heart to reach out to their children.
And for those of you who have fathers that have tried to reach out to you, but you're unwilling to accept that olive branch because you're still bitter about his absence-I want to challenge you to put your differences aside, just for this one day.
Because after all, he's still your father.

 

Don't Give Up On Your Dreams

Normally, (well not lately), but normally, I would post a Neo Soul Saturday video to spotlight an unknown, or up and coming Neo Soul artist.
But today, I want to do something different.
I want to post a song that has been playing in my head since the moment I woke up this morning.
You see, a few years ago, God gave me a vision.
I know, I know............some of you may look at me sideways when I say "GOD gave me a vision"-but that's your problem-not mine.
God indeed gave me a vision, and like most people, I thought my vision would happen overnight.
I thought I could just sit down, write the vision, make it plain, speak it into the atmosphere, and the vision would manifest out of nowhere.
What I didn't anticipate were the struggles along the way.
I didn't anticipate the extra distractions and drama I would have to deal with.
I didn't anticipate the mistrust of people who called themselves my friends.
I didn't anticipate the heartbreak and lessons in love I would experience.
I didn't anticipate that some who claimed to be for me, may actually be against me.
I didn't anticipate any of those things.

But regardless of the distractions, the roadblocks, the people telling me I was crazy, and even those who told me my "stupid" vision would never happen because I was cursed-I'm still encouraged.
And I want you to be too.
I hope this song encourages you to encourage someone else to continue to pursue their goals, their dreams, and their vision.
I hope it will encourage you to NEVER give up on your dreams.

"Men" Suing To Join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

*blank stare*

Really?
I mean, seriously?
Can we stop the madness now?
Is this what we're coming to?
Grown men suing to join a sorority?
Normally, I would laugh this mess off and keep it moving.
But with the "evolving" attitude of people in this country, including our President (who I still support), I wouldn't be surprised if some liberal judge somewhere decides to rule in favor of these "men".
And if that happens, we might as well shut all Black Greek Letter Organizations DOWN! 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has produced some wonderful women.
It's a damn shame that a group of "men", are allowed to publicly disrespect them like this!
What's next: Some hard, lesbian chick suing to be a Q-Dog?

Black on Black Crime: When Will It Stop?

I was in Atlanta last week with my son at a baseball tournament and saw on the news where a young man showed up at the funeral of the guy he was suspected of murdering, and started shooting......killing two people and wounding three others.
-In Lowndes, County, Al., a man shot and killed a pair of nine year old twins and their 73 year old caretaker. The coward left their bodies on the side of the road.
-In Auburn, Al., a man showed up at a pool party, started a fight over a woman-then shot and killed three people-including two former Auburn football players.
-In Birmingham, Al. a teenager shot and killed three people because he felt like he was disrespected after a card game.
I could go on and on on but unfortunately, you get the picture.

You know, one of the things that really burns me up is what I call the "Selective Outrage" we have as a community. I blogged about it in reference to the Trayvon Martin case. Many of you disagreed with me, but you have to admit, I had a great point.
You disagree?
Ok, answer this for me:
How quick do you think these pimps  so called civil rights leaders would've been in Alabama if the man accused of murdering those nine year old black twins was white?

How much hell do you think they would have raised if the man who shot and killed those people at that funeral looked like George Zimmerman?

Don't get it twisted, that dude should get the electric chair, but my point is:
We look the other way when it comes to black on black crime because we don't want our dirty laundry to air out in a public place. But the minute we can air out someone else's dirty laundry, we get off of our lazy ass fat behinds and start singing "We Shall Overcome" and chanting "No Justice, No Peace!"

As much as it pains me to say this-correction-it doesn't pain me at all.
It needs to be said..........There's a certain segment of our community that are savages and need to be treated as such.
What?
Did I say something wrong?
You didn't like the savages remark?
Ok, go check the stats and murder rates. And if I'm wrong, I'll retract my statement.
Go ahead and check........I'll wait!
(That's what I thought.)

There's a certain segment of our community that are savages and need to be treated as such.
The best way to treat these savages is to make examples out of them.
And the way to make examples out of them is to make sure their punishments are quick and swift.
Yes, I'm talking about the death penalty.
If these guys (and in some cases-girls) knew they would be executed 72 hours after being convicted beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt, maybe they would think twice about taking someone else's life.
When will this cycle of black on black crime stop?

Neo Soul Saturday

If you're not familiar with this brotha and his work, please check him out.

He's currently on tour with Sy Smith and The Foreign Exchange and the show is crazy!

Hope you enjoy.

African-Americans and High Blood Pressure

Today while I was at the gym doing my 5 miles on the stationary bike (after I did 5 miles on the treadmill and before I walked 1.5 miles at the park), I read an article in a health and fitness magazine that I found very alarming.
The article highlighted the number of African-Americans who take medication for high blood pressure.
The reason the article was so alarming is because it suggested that 35% of those people are under the age of 40.
Unfortunately, I know a few people who fall into this catagory.
Board of Directors, that is NOT normal!
At age forty, you should be in the best shape of your life!
Yes, I know your time may be limited.
Yes, I know you have to take care of the kids.
Yes, I know you work a lot of hours.
But I firmly believe people (especially men) make time for what they want to make time for.
Why not make time to take care of your body?
Last year as I approached my 40th birthday, I made a committment to get in better shape.
Since making that commitment I've lost 15 pounds and I feel great!
Now as I approach my 41st birthday on Monday, I'm determined to stay on my health and exercise kick.
And I'm determined to get as many people as I can to join me.

"Wind Me Up Chuck!"

Hold up!!
Hold up!!

*Doing my go-go dance while watching this video*

Mannnnnn..........what you guys know about THAT??

I got my first taste of Chuck Brown live in Atlanta at Freaknik in 1995.

I think it was 95-my Freaknik days were a blur.
(Don't ask me why).

After that night, I was hooked on Go-Go.

And after that night, I was hooked on Chuck Brown.

His influence can be found in the music of everyone from Doug E. Fresh, to Jill Scott.

The Godfather of Go-Go will truly be missed!

"Wind Me Up Chuck!"

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all of you wonderful moms are enjoying your day.

Saw this brotha in concert last night and thought I would share this with you.


Happy Mother's Day!

Another Thirteen Year Old Is Murdered

Last Friday night, here in my hometown of Birmingham, Al., this young man was murdered.
He was thirteen years old.
He was in the seventh grade.
He was the quarterback on his middle school football team.
Sounds like another innocent life taken too soon, right?

WRONG!

This thirteen year old was murdered by someone who decided he wasn't going to be a victim of a carjacking.
The teen, who was wearing a t-shirt wrapped around his face as a bandana, flashed a gun and ordered the citizen to get out of his car.
Instead of getting out of his car, the would be victim pulled out his gun and fatally shot the teen.
At the risk of sounding insensitive;
I must say that I feel no sympathy in this case.
I mean, sure, it's a tragedy that this kid is dead.
But quite honestly, the quicker we can remove people like this out of our society, the better all of our lives will be.

*Why are you guys looking at me like that?*

Ok, since you think I've lost my mind, let me ask you a question;
If someone tried to carjack YOU at 11pm, and YOU had a gun-wouldn't you defend yourself just as this citizen did?
You should!
I know I would!
In fact, I would shoot first, and ask questions later.
And the question I would ask is this:
What the hell is a thirteen year old doing out at 11pm?
Where are his parents?
More specifically-
WHERE IS HIS FATHER?
(The answer to that question probably has a lot to do with the reason you're reading this blog.)

Listen, at some point we have to come to the realization that our community is under attack.
And the perpetartors come in all sizes, and unfortunately, in all age groups.

It's time to take our communities back.
And if that means taking it back by force-so be it!