Mike Vick, and doing the right thing.

Michael Vick....what were you thinking about? Why would you risk millions of dollars to make a few thousand??? Why would you risk the ire of the NFL so you could watch dogs fight? Why would you risk losing multi-million dollar endorsement contracts for the sake of something as primal as dogfighting? Why, why, why??

You may or may not be allowed to play in the NFL when you leave prison but if I were a betting man, I'd bet against you. In fact, I'd like to bet you considering your luck with gambling. But seriously, I cannot understand why someone of your stature would continue to associate with the entourage you were keeping. At some point in everyone's life, we have to let certain people in our lives go. And I don't care how far the friendships go back. If your childhood friends are doing illegal activities, and you are a multi-millionaire whose livelihood depends on staying out of trouble, guess what: you tell your boys, "Peace." As in "I'm out, five thousand, holla at your boy." You guys go let these dogs fight, do your drugs, sell your drugs, do whatever and best of luck but I'm not foresaking my future just so we can still hang out.

I know he's probably sitting around asking himself how his life just went so wrong so fast. Just like anyone else who makes a tragic mistake, you suddenly realize that all you had to do was just ....do nothing. Of all the investment opportunities, why dogfighting? And as much as organizations like PETA and the SPCA exhibit so much enthusiasm for eliminating this type of activiy, with your high profile I just can't believe you would put yourself in this position.

Michael Vick probably will never read this so I'm going to address our audience. I'm going to especially ask all young, Black men to read this carefully.

We live in a society that operates on a double standard. Had Brett Favre or Tom Brady been the person involved, this picture would look entirely different. They'd be made to apologize, they'd work out some sort of deal that would keep them out of prison, they'd do public service announcements, the public would be upset but eventually they'd be forgiven and they'd maybe face suspension for a while from the league. But it doesn't work like that for Black athletes. And truth be told, Mike had already established himself as a "thug" in the minds of many before this event. The court of public opinion didn't like his braids, they didn't like how he gave the finger to fans in Atlanta when they booed his play, and they didn't like when he was suspected of having marijuana in a water bottle in the airport. And even though he didn't have any drugs on him, who cares about the details? So with all this in mind, young Black men, remember this: live right. Don't speed, don't jaywalk, don't avoid child support, don't get in fights in strip clubs, don't gamble illegally, don't hit women, don't carry unregistered guns, don't think you are above the law. Is it hard to live like that? No. Just remember that your actions will be judged more harshly than the actions of others. It's not fair, I know. But what can you do? This is our lot in life. But I see it like this: if I know I can't do something I just don't do it. Forget the nonesense about "street cred" and "keeping it real." Why glorify ghetto life and pretend that you lose your blackness if you live a legal, productive life?

I know I don't understand the thought process of someone like Mike Vick or any superstar athlete. I haven't been coddled all my life because I could play ball well. I had the luxury of having two parents who loved me but didn't let me get away with stupid behavior and I had that from birth. So even though I am calling Mike out for being stupid, I can't relate to him and I should't judge him. He'll be judged on Aug. 27 and it will probably be unpleasant. But I know he knew it was illegal to do what he was doing. So regardless of his background, and regardless of anyone else's, when you are grown you know what is right and wrong. I could have gone to jail many times in my youth had simple luck not intervened. But as I got older, I came to appreciate my freedom, and I still do. Maybe Mike will appreciate his in about 12-18 months.

Tiger, amateur golf, busters and haters.

We've been gone for a minute, doing a few things. But we are back with a few thoughts. Number one, golf.

The H Man and I recently competed in a little tourney hosted and put together by some good friends. I had been playing decently most of the year but I got to the tournament and.....choked, blew up, bombed. H managed to play some decent rounds and was actually in contention for the title but came up a few strokes short. He claims he hasn't been playing much this summer but I know him well enough to know that he has played more than he admitted.

My man Tiger Woods captured his 13th major and is hot on the tail of Jack Nicklaus to overtake his record 18 majors. TW is clearly the best golfer on the planet and probably in history. But until he gets his 18th major, there are some fools who insist on demeaning him, and not giving credit where credit is due. The top three who come to mind are: Sergio Garcia, the talented but unable to close, poor mannered, narcissistic, complaining, whining like a beeotch, Michelob sponsored Spaniard. Next, the clownish, disliked by all, foolish South African, Rory Sabattini, who thinks that Tiger is "as beatable as ever" but who has gotten smoked by TW in their last two rounds against each other by about 8 strokes per outing, I believe. And most recently, the journeyman, ugly shirt wearing, ugly wife having, redneck, Woody Austin, who despite losing to Tiger by a couple of strokes, believes he played better golf than Tiger in the championship. This fool actually stated that "I played better golf than Tiger on Friday, he just got the ball in the hole." For those of you who don't follow golf, let me just inform you: the object is to get to the ball in the hole with the fewest number of strokes. That's what TW does, year in and year out. Tiger's avg. score on tour is 68.04 and Woody's is 70.37. That equates to 2.33 strokes a day in Tiger's favor, which over the course of a four day tournament gives Tiger a 9.32 stroke advantage. Woody, check the numbers, player. Your comments regarding outplaying Tiger made you seem small, petty and just a little stupid. Nobody would recognize you in public except that you wear stupid shirts with a "Tabasco" logo. Tiger wears the Nike swoosh. Dude, you simply don't measure up. Take your check, thank God that you can play well enough to make a living, and don't criticize a legend.

Here are a few more "Woodyisms", things that only a fool could say:

Barkley was better than Jordan....he just didn't win any championships.

Frazier was better than Ali...........he just beat him one out of three.

I play better golf than Howard.............I just haven't beaten him yet.

Keith was a player...........he just chose not to get any play.

Phil Mickleson is the best...........the media just likes Tiger more.

Keith (last name omitted to protect his ego) was a friend of ours in college who had a girlfriend that everyone slept with....but him. Okay, that's harsh and not really true. Everyone didn't sleep with her: just his roommate. Keith fancied himself the "choosy lover." He only wanted the best. I guess the best never came along because I can't name one girl/woman he's ever been with intimately and in college, everybody knows who is getting some play and who isn't. The point I'm making is that you don't talk a game that you can't back up, whether it is golf, basketball, being a lover. Just let your actions speak for themselves.

Perspective...

I hate the mall ......or do I?

I hate the mall!! I went to the mall Friday night and Saturday afternoon because I had nothing else to do.

I'm 41 years old. I'll be 42 on June 18. I came to a harsh reality yesterday. I'm too old for the mall on a Saturday afternoon.

There was a time when going to the mall to kill time or as a social outing was fun. Now, it is a reality check. The average aged person at the mall must be around 19. The clothes in the stores all look alike , too. They look like they have all been worn and just thrown on a hanger. I'm not going to wear any of this crap and I'm not going to spend $200.00 for jeans. I'm too old to be influenced by what some Hollywood star wears. I don't see any stars my age wearing $200.00 jeans. When you get in your 40's, and you have a regular job that you go to each day, you should have enough common sense to know that $200.00 would be better spent investing in the stock of the company that makes $200.00 jeans than in buying the jeans. What the hell is "premium" denim anyway? Premium gas, yes. Premium denim? C'mon, man!!! If your car manufacturer says to use premium gas and you don't, your car will run funny and you'll have to have it repaired. But if think your body needs premium denim to run properly, I suggest you get a premium psychiatrist.

I also realized I'm too old for the mall because I have no patience wtih these rude kids running loose in the mall. If I hadn't stopped walking on several occasions, about 15 kids would have run into me at some point. No one bothered to say "excuse me," either. These little bastards are rude. I'm getting too old to tolerate rudeness so I think I've made my last trip to the mall on a Saturday.

I remember as a teenager seeing guys about my age walking in the mall and thinking that they just looked out of place. If they were with a woman, I knew they'd been dragged there against their will. If they were alone I thought they were maybe picking something up for their wives or girlfriends. Maybe they needed something for themselves. But to just be in the mall, walking around with no real destination? What was that all about? There's nothing here for you. And now that I'm older, I know why they were there. They wanted to kill some time before meeting someone for something important elsewhere. The mall sucks!

The one thing I do like about the mall is looking at the young girls. No, not the real young girls: I'm no R. Kelly. I mean the ones who are at least 19 and look like women. They like to show their cleavage, which is something I like to watch. They all seem to have tatoos, as well, and in the same places. They have them in the smalls of their backs, or right above their navels. But I can't help but wonder how that's going to look when they are 60 and their skin isn't tight anymore and their stomachs are way past being flat. That butterfly on her stomach will look like a caterpillar again at 60. But for now, she is sexy and I would just like to see how many more tatoos she has in little secret places. I think that statement was confirmation that I'm getting old. I sound like a pervert. And I don't even care.

So let's see. I don't like the kids running rampant, I don't like the clothes, and common pieces of clothing like jeans cost as much the rent in my first apartment. But there are lots of pretty young things with great bodies, pretty faces and nice smiles. They are dressed sexy and they provide fuel for my fantasies. Maybe I'll give it another chance.

Come and get it...

My recycling that is...

So, you like the internet?

Phillip Emeagwali - Big Brain

Read about this dude's contribution to modern computing.

http://www.time.com/time/2007/blackhistmth/bios/04.html

A Decision Making Tip

"When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount."

Dakota Indian Proverb

ObamaWatch

The candidates gather. Some articulate their positions fairly well while others fumble and expose beliefs and prejudices best kept private. The hyper focus on Barack Obama is creating opportunities to address a variety of interesting issues.

Check out the article on time.com (courtesy of Cabong). ..

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1584736,00.html

The interesting thing is how the combination of the current political landscape and the new players on the scene has the potential to force a leadership transition. This could signal the evolution from one commonly accepted style and posture to a more fitting and up to date approach.

• ...."good" blacks and "bad" blacks...
• African American or other African heritage?
• Agitators = authentic black
• Arrival of new leadership and the transition

I'm watching to see how Obama handles the next 12 months.

H

What chu talkin' bout.......

How do you feel about the state of Black radio?

In particular, the morning drive format. Are the morning drive shows too redundant? It would seem that no matter who you tune in to, be it the local hip hop station, the "best of r and b and old school" formats, or the nationally syndicated programs, the topics and the hosts are virtually identical. Where is the freshness, the originality? And where is the intelligent discussion and proper use of language?

Here's the general format: a lead guy (i.e. Tom Joyner, Steve Harvey, or your local disc jockey), a woman, a comedian (sidekick) and on some days, usually Friday, the gay guy. The latter member of the team is always over the top and truly stereotypical, with effeminate speech patterns and general ramblings about the men he finds attractive.

These shows are successful and listened to by a wide audience. And many times, the information they broadcast can be useful. For example, keeping the audience aware of health issues, educational opportunities, and companies that practice racist policies as part of normal business procedure. I offer kudos to the programs for these offerings. And many times, a tremendous good is done through fund raising efforts that benefit Black causes, such as Tom Joyner's work with the United Negro College Fund and the generous donations that many HBCU's receive as a result of his and his audience's participation and financial commitments.

On the other hand, is the significant good work that Black radio does compromised by the daily behavior of some of the hosts of Black radio? My primary concern in raising this question revolves around a very simple issue: language. Why do so many Black broadcasters use poor grammar in their daily conversations with their audience? I think the answer to the question is to humor the audience. But it does something else, in my opinion. Poor language influences others to use poor language. And since most of the audience won't have their own radio programs but instead will need to be able to present themselves to the world in a manner that is easily understood, why don't these radio hosts try to influence their audiences to speak properly? And I don't mean "proper" in a stuffy, psuedo superior sounding manner. I mean simply having your nouns match your verbs, and speak to your audience with a little less slang. Because first and foremost, the radio hosts are broadcasters. They should not assume that their entire listening audience wants to hear words that are mispronounced purposely. You can't fight against being stereotyped and then act out that stereotype. You can't say, "I'm not ignorant" and then act ignorant.

For better or worse, radio is a daily part of most of our lives. We like to listen to music, hear the latest gossip, and find out where the parties are for the upcoming weekend. But here's the rub: when that information is constantly delivered via announcers with poor language skills, we begin to mimic that poor language, consciously and/or subconciously. Our young people seem to especially susceptible to this. And poor language skills can be a barrier to success in life. And with our people already at a disadvantage, do we need to cultivate and promote poor language?

Imagine the ridicule that would have been generated had one of the greatest speeches ever delivered to our nation and the world been full of grammatical errors. Imagine how progress would have been slowed or even stopped had one of the greatest leaders of all time been using improper grammar.

In America, a lot of Black people still equate speaking correctly with "acting White." That is a ridiculous, obsence and degrading thought process. This is America and English is our native language. There is nothing wrong at all with learning to read, write and speak your native language correctly. I consider myself to be as Black as anyone else. I like my people's flair with language, fashion, athletics and every other aspect of society we touch. But what happened to our desire to improve ourselves, which can clearly begin with the ability to express one's self with clarity? If I don't know what you are talking about, how can I relate to you? How can I empathize with your plight? If you are applying for a job and the interviewer isn't comfortable with your language skills, even if you can do the job, you probably won't get the job.

I think we have a problem in that many of us who have a forum to communicate with our people don't communicate as effectively as we could or should. I find myself listening to NPR or other radio stations as I drive to work because of the insipid topics and language often used on Black radio. And it bothers me that I can't listen to these programs without cringing or becoming irritated at the hosts. I want to listen, I want to support their programs. But I'm tired of being spoken to by people mangling the language. How something is said is sometimes as important as what is said.

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/21stC/issue-2.3/kolb.html


Most sincerly,
Cabong

Modern Day Tawana Brawley?

I am a graduate of both North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Duke University. I believe this fact qualifies me to address an issue affecting both of my alma maters and the black community at large - the Duke Rape Case. Both universities are located in Durham, NC. One, the nations first state funded historically black college and the other, a predominantly white university with a nearly $4 billion endowment. I attended NCCU as an undergraduate earning my bachelors degree and Duke to earn an MBA. The dancers hired to entertain at a Duke lacrosse team party were students at NCCU.

For those not familiar with the Tawana Brawley case, follow the link below for a brief summary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawana_Brawley

In short, Ms. Brawley gained notoriety in late 1987 for alleging that she had been assaulted by six white men. She claimed some of the men were police officers. The details of the assault were particularly obscene - racial epithets were written on her torso in charcoal and feces was smeared on her face. She was found in a garbage can near her apartment.

The black community immediately came to her defense...understandibly so given the alleged details of the assault. The outpouring of sympathy and financial support from the public at largewas soon followed by the arrival of Reverend Al Sharpton - the self declared, primary spokesperson for all those suffering racial injustice. A grand jury hearing was arranged in an effort to bring all the facts in the case forward.

Following a thorough investigation, no evidence of a sexual assault was found and the rest of Ms. Brawley's story fell apart like a house of cards. In the end, no case was brought against the six men accused, and Ms. Brawley and her mother fled NY state with approximately $300,000 that had been collected to support her anticipated legal effort.

Now - fast forward 20 years and consider the details of the Duke rape case. We have a similar situation with a black woman accusing several white men of kidnapping, physical assault and rape. I don't mean to insinuate that all the details of these cases are similar, only that the negative impact and the scrutiny they bring to the black community is similar and considerable.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not that concerned with a few from the privileged set having to take an L over something they may or may not have actually done. The very same thing, and significantly worse, has happened to many, many black men in the past as a result of false accusations. At the end of the day, the negative impact on the (seemingly) wrongly accused will be minimal. Their network of wealth and connection will come forth to provide for them and they will live their lives as planned.

The point I am raising is how negatively these - again seemingly false -accusations affect the black community. I listed with great interest to the press conference held by the defense attorneys after Nifong's misdeeds were brought to light. They read from the accusers original testimony following the alleged attack. She described in great detail how she was assaulted, who did it and for how long. I mean very, very specific detail. This testimony was then compared to her latest statemnts which went something like this - "I can't be certain I was actually penetrated during the attack". Wow! What a significant about face.

Now, as we approach the apparent end of this saga a few things are clear. Nifong seems to have achieved his objective. He endeared himself to the blacks in Durham County by jumping on the case and supporting the exotic dancer. He "defended the rights" of black folks and was reelected as the District Attorney for Durham County, NC. The lacross players are most likely going to be exhonerated of all charges so in the end, their interests will be met.

A few questions for your consideration:

• Where does this leave the black community?


• Are we too easily manipulated?


• How and why did the initial allegations come about?


• Did the monied university or someone representing their interests get to the accuser and provider her with motivation to change her story?


• What role did race and class play in this case?

Just a few things for you to consider. For me, I still support both universities in spirit, but only one financially....and I still like booty dancers.

H

Just "get over" it...

My writing partner (and former heaving drinking buddy) raised a few questions in his previous post. I have a response. To me, an easy and apparent answer comes to mind. "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

Why are we still "waiting to fulfill" the dream and why are significant "firsts" just not being fulfilled? As I said, the answers or the reasons behind this retarded evolution is closely connected to the legacy of racism and majority privilege that exists in the United States.

I read and try keep my self up to speed on how our society is evolving. The residual impact of how our country was developed is apparent. Time and the effect of old age will slowly address issues like the one described in this article. So, my answer is fairly direct - It's taking this long to achieve the dream because people like Mr. Hargrove are still alive and in positions of authority and influence.

I actually laughed out loud when I read this little news blurb and considered the absurdity of Mr. Hargrove's statement. Anyone who believes that the impact of slavery on the black community and the associated impact on America's current societal issues is sadly mistaken.

Just "get over" it! As long as people with that attitude are alive, raising children and influencing others, the fulfilment of the dream will be in jeopardy. I read with great interest an anonymous comment on Cabong's "The Big Picture" post. I was struck with how well the contributor addressed aaaalllota issues. As the comment indicates - We "still have a long way to go"...

H

The Big Picture

Keep an Eye on the Big Picture

As we approach the biggest television viewing day of the year, let’s put some things in perspective. The media has been making a big deal, and deservedly so, of the fact that Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith, two African American head coaches, are leading their respective teams into the Super Bowl. I am proud of these two men as well and I do not ignore the significance of their accomplishments. But even as I anticipated their wins on Sunday watching the games, I had a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Why, almost 39 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., is America still waiting to fulfill his dream? Why, almost 39 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., are we still experiencing these very significant “firsts?” And now that we have coaches of color on the sidelines, how much longer before we have a majority owner in the NFL? How much longer until we have a commissioner of color in a major professional sport? We have a long way to go so let’s temper our enthusiasm and stay in the fight.

I know that change takes time and I know you cannot rush progress. But I think this is a moment in time that can be used by all Americans to examine where we are as a country. Since most of America will at some point glance at the game, whether you are a football fan or not, challenge yourself to use this moment of historical significance to examine your feelings about race. You don’t have to engage anyone in conversation to do this. Just look inward and ask some tough questions of yourself. For example, if you are a white person, ask yourself if you would let a Black person make financial decisions for you and your family’s future? Ask yourself if you trust a Black surgeon to save your life or the life of a loved one. Some Black people need to ask themselves the same questions because there are some self-esteem issues and identity issues that many of us possess that have passed down through the generations that cause us to look at our own people and ourselves in negative ways. So while we celebrate the accomplishments of our Super Bowl coaches and acknowledge their ability, examine how we feel about other issues that have more at stake than simply winning a football game.

I met my writing partner and friend, H (the catalyst) in college at North Carolina Central University in 1983. From the day we met we had a friendship that often involved discussions of race from historical perspectives. We liked to challenge each other as to which of us had the greater knowledge of Black history. It was a fun discussion and both of us would learn from the other. We never did denigrate Black professionals or the significant contributions of our people. Sadly, I have heard other Black people engage in the type of hatred I would expect from a racist. I have heard my people say they would not go to a Black doctor, or use a Black lawyer or engineer or architect, etc. Many of our own people have been brainwashed into believing that we are less qualified than our White counterparts. So in that way, many Blacks and Whites share the same views. Rarely, though, do you see or hear a White person deny the competency of another White person. If you do, it’s an isolated incident and a criticism of one person, not the generalization against an entire race. I’ve actually known graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) say they wouldn’t send their children to their alma mater or any other HBCU. That to me is reprehensible but I also feel sorry for someone who feels that way.

I tie the above paragraph to the Super Bowl coaches for one reason. Most people accept Blacks in significant roles in sports. We as a people have proven ourselves to be good athletes who regularly compete and dominate at the highest levels in sports. And now, with Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy on the sidelines the world can see that intellectually, Black people can lead in sports. But we still have to reach the point where we strive to meet the dreams of Dr. King and judge all people on the content of their character. And we also have to get to the point where we trust the intelligence of all races in all endeavors. We must shed the hatred and self-hatred that causes us to only trust certain races to do certain jobs.

The old cliché is that sport brings people together. Let’s use this moment in sports history to start coming together in a bigger and more important arena: LIFE.

Please think,
Cabong

African Americans & Christianity

Is religion, specifically Christianity, helpful or harmful to Black people? Where I live, in Charlotte, NC, just asking that question will cause people to accuse me of being an atheist. In fact, I have been called an atheist many times. I consider myself to be an agnostic, though. An agnostic is defined by MerriamWebster.com as " a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god."

Here, briefly, is why I can't just have faith (a firm belief in something for which there is no proof) that there is a God. I really need some tangible evidence. If God exists and he is omnipotent and merciful and created all of us in his image, I need for someone to explain to me why Blacks the world over suffer in disproportionate numbers compared to all other races.

• Why do my brothers and sisters in Africa suffer from AIDS, famine, drought, and exploitation in increasingly alarming numbers?
  


• Why do Blacks in America have household incomes, on average, that are a fifth of the average household income of white families?

Now, I know that some people, especially racist white people and perhaps ultra conservative Republican Black people, will say that Black people don't work hard enough or smart enough. They will say that we should pull ourselves up by our boot straps and argue that if some Blacks succeed, then all can succeed. And there may be a shard of truth in that assertion for many Black people. But I have another opinion.

Perhaps if our take on God and religion was a little different, we wouldn't make rationalizations that hold us back from meeting our full potential. Maybe if many (not all, mind you) of our ministers stopped telling their congregations things like "when the rent is due and you don't have any money, God will take care of it", we might not be in such bad shape financially because we would understand that money doesn't drop from the sky and having the occasional good fortune of finding or earning a little extra money isn't a "blessing from God" but some good luck or the result of actually earning that money.

Maybe if we stop using God as a crutch and following the style of Christianity introduced to us by our original oppressor - the slave master/owner - we might make some real progress. Because the slave master was of the opinion that there were passages in the Bible that justified slavery. And at the same time he made this justification, he would not allow the slaves to practice the religion brought from Africa or there would be severe consequences to pay, from being whipped or having families separated or even death. And over time, through the complications and dynamics that occurred during slavery, we adopted the version(s) of Christianity we have today.

Many of us (not all by any means) seem to take complete solace in religion because we have been taught to do so. And I think that is a mistake. Simply accepting a philosophy at face value because your parents and grandparents practiced that philosophy isn't sufficient reason to buy into that philosophy without thinking about what you are practicing.

I am not saying God doesn't exist: I am saying I can't be sure.

I don't see how anyone can be sure ... but that's a personal issue. My big issues with religion and Black people is this: don't just go to church and pray to God because that's what someone else does and you are afraid you'll go to hell if you don't. Don't assume that because you go to church on Sundays you are somehow morally superior to those who don't. And please, if you are religious and you want to engage me in a discussion about God, stop getting overly emotional and offended when your philosophy is challenged. Educate yourself and be able to have a logical conversation. Be proactive with your life and don't wait on God to take care of you. If you ask for his assistance along the way because that gives you more confidence, great. But do some of the work yourself, too, whether your goal is earning more money, finding some peace of mind, or losing weight.

One other thing: George W. Bush campaigned for and won the Presidency by calling himself a "Christian." He doesn't act like any version of a Christian I have read about. I guess there are many versions, though. So be careful how you label yourself.

Sincerely,
Cabong

Couldn't have said it better myself...

I think all who heard about the story of Wesley Autry were touched by his selfless act. For those who saw the diagram of exactly what Mr. Autry faced and the small space he had to protect himself and the disoriented victim, his bravery and selflessness are even more amazing.

The editorial piece shown here says it best!

New Direction in Leadership & Politics

...maybe this new direction in leadership will encourage a more significant turn out from the African American community at the polls...?

As my boy just asked me via e mail...

"Is America really ready for this?"

...my response...

"I don't know!"

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/17/us/politics/17obama.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Black History Month and Voting

As we celebrate the National holiday recognizing the work of Dr. Martin Luther King and approach February, Black History Month, many important issues are raised. One of the good things about this time of year is the amount of programming you find on television addressing issues important to Black America.

I was lucky enough to catch a documentary outlining the challenges faced by the Freedom Riders and remarked on how driven, focused and aware the young students in the documentary were. They appeared to understand the importance of their role in being responsible and driving change. I then noted the stark contrast in the image of the “typical” young students today. The students in the documentary were dressed professionally, spoke well and were working hard to address significant issues. They were risking their lives, or at least a fairly serious beat down at the hands of southern racists, in an effort to desegregate bus stations in the South.

What are young students or young Black people doing today? What efforts are they addressing that relate to the advancement of the race? What recognition do they have of the sacrifices that have been made on their/our behalf’s?

I don’t know if the climate of the day is the same as it was in the past. I am certain that Black people today do not feel the sense of urgency required to support the continuing “struggle”.

How about this? How about we start with Black people VOTING? People have lived difficult lives and even died to give us the opportunity to vote. How can we ignore that privilege and stay at home on Election Day? What good reason could you possibly have for not going to the polls?

If you are reading this and know anyone that DOES NOT vote, please make every effort to impress upon them the importance of exercising this very important right.

Our Journey in Cyberspace!

The Black race is "seemingly" in a state of crisis. If one reads, watches or listens to popular media, it may appear that the majority of African Americans live in poverty, exhibit sexually irresponsible behavior, are chronically violent or criminal by nature and do not work hard enough or smart enough to make something positive of their lives. But the popular media has it wrong for the majority of the stories they broadcast and publish. And they have it wrong because too few African Americans work in media. There are too few writers, broadcasters, directors, producers and managers in radio, television, print media and internet outlets.

We are here to begin to dispel myths, tell the truth and help bring about change in how our people are portrayed. We will examine the behavior of our people but we will also discuss the causes of those behaviors. We will not make excuses but we will not simply cast accusations, either.

This blog will be free of simple rhetoric. Our goal is to tell the truth at all times. Sometimes that will be painful but pain is often a part of growth. We wish to grow and we wish for our audience to grow with us. We look forward to the journey and invite your feedback.

Sincerely,
H and Cabong