It's NOT Entertainment Folks!

Good for Huffington Post for taking a stand regarding donald trump making a national buffoon of himself and international fools of the rest of us in his quest to suggest that he can actually preside over our country. I did not realize that they had stopped covering trump under the political section of their on-line news feed but had appropriately moved coverage of his “campaign” to the entertainment section. I get it…

Huff Post has now decided however that the buffoon is no longer even entertaining as he jeopardizes US national security with his latest over the top, factually void, hate filled venom now being spewed at the Muslim community over both domestic and international airwaves. Take him serious or not folks, to the rest of the world he is perceived as a viable American candidate for what many regard the “highest office in the land”, President of the United States of America, with impressive poll numbers no less that presumably speak to the mood of the country.

Like it or not, we, the sane American people, are perceived as supportive of or in agreement with the hurtful things this rich and otherwise previously impressive American presidential candidate says or does.  That we gasp in horror, shake our head in disbelief, raise our eyebrows and look wide eyed or side eyed at one another when he speaks, or that we cringe at the very sight of him on our television screen and silently wish that he would just go away goes unnoticed by the outside world. Our silence renders us to the outside world, indifferent or supportive of the havoc and chaos he is creating all around us. Our media’s incessant coverage of his antics in their insatiable pursuit of ratings, from news outlets to hosting Saturday Night Live, fuels this notion that we are supportive or indifferent. By association with trump, we are deemed guilty of his ignorance and hatred toward all people not White and not male, he has insulted all other groups and yet we seem to keep propping him up.  Accordingly we will not be spared when the stuff inevitably hits the fan!

Huffington Post President and Editor in Chief, Arianna Huffington, in her feminine wisdom and courage, has determined that trump’s spew is inciting and dangerous. Her news source has categorized his rhetoric taunting to buffoons of another sort, those extremists who discredit the Muslim religion with acts of terror and violence aimed at those they determine enemies for whatever reason that seems logical only to them. Their aim will not be solely exacted upon donald trump who by the way has around the clock security protection, but at the rest of us as well.  The Huff Post considers trump a threat to national security and rightfully so. They join in Dana Millbank’s assessment in the Washington Post, to call a spade a spade, wherein he declared trump a racist and a bigot! Entertaining however, he is not! 

Going forward, Huff Post reporting will include documented support of just how crazy, xenophobic, vile, racist, unintelligent and dangerous trump and his rhetoric are. Good for Huff Post! Now does mainstream media have the chutzpah to follow suit? This move represents a major a shift in American journalism. It is not the AP or whatever national body it is that combs the news and feeds us the same ole’ lines with the same ole’ slant, no matter the source. The internet has changed all that and now the public can decide for itself what is newsworthy, what version of the story we want to hear and how we want to hear it. We can demand fair, equal, uncensored, unfiltered, non-racist and unbiased reporting. This is long overdue…

Again, hats off to Huff Post! This is a good and responsible decision. I hope other news outlets will follow suit. Just stop giving him coverage…  Incredible that a man so rich in wealth and material goods can be so bankrupt in every other way. I hope Americans will boycott all things trump. I know I will…  

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." 

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Speak On Mrs. Curry, Speak On!!!

It appears that some feathers have been ruffled by comments made by Ayesha Curry regarding how some women dress. Well, I don't find fault with what she said. It is her opinion and she has every right to express it. If women who choose to dress otherwise feel offended, they must probe that for themselves. She said nothing offensive and the way some women dress is tasteless, seemingly inspired by the shock factor to get attention and it should be examined by other women, not men, magazines or fashion companies for obvious reasons...

It is a conversation to be had between women and for the record, not only feminists speak for women and it is WRONG for them to try to shut down or discredit women who don't subscribe to their way of thinking, their dialogue, women who choose to walk a different path. Where was the voice of feminists when a magazine chose to discredit the value and achievements of women by naming Jenner Woman of the Year? Where is the feminist voice in support of the 13 women who are essentially on trial in Oklahoma for being raped by a cop? Where is the feminist voice when working Mothers are sent to prison for daring to achieve a better life and education for their children and send them to schools in better districts? Where is the feminist voice on matters that matter? Oops, I digress...

How crazy is it to accuse a woman who prefers to dress tastefully of "slut shaming" those who choose to dress provocatively? How crazy is that when the line has certainly been blurred? I often joke that the johns', and I imagine the cops too, must get confused sometimes on who is actually soliciting and how many of us have not looked side eyed at the woman in the office (and probably even church) who is actually dressed for the night club? Come on now Ladies since this is our conversation, let's at least be truthful with ourselves. Everyone has a right to dress how she wishes. Everyone has a right to express an opinion about it and we don't all have to agree. It's OK... IJS...

Good for Ayesha! Keep talkin' Girl!!

Happy Birthday Mommy...

Miss Higgi & Wendell Pierce

I tend to read a few books at a time. Presently, one of the books I am reading is authored by actor turned writer, Wendell Pierce, The Wind in the Reeds. He takes the reader on a journey exploring his life from youth to adulthood and pays homage to all the people and experiences that influenced and shaped the man and the phenomenal and socially conscious actor he is today. He passionately writes about his beloved community, Pontchartrain Park, a historically Black working and middle class community thriving in the lower ninth ward section of New Orleans. The book is filled with his love and commitment to preserve, protect and rebuild not only the physical structures post the devastation of Hurricane Katrina but also the integrity and legacy of the only "home" and community he knew, a home and community built by the hard work of his parents and so many others.

Pontchartrain Park, like 90% of New Orleans, was submerged under water on that fateful day in August 2005. Painful memories and disappointment in our government are forever seared in my mind following Hurricane Katrina. I am forever embittered that the US government stood by and essentially did nothing to save fellow citizens and that mainstream media accorded suffering Americans less respect than that given persons suffering similar catastrophes in foreign lands. The government ignored their suffering and the press actually demoted them to non-citizen status referring to them as "refugees" in their own land. It was a truly tragic event, another stain on the face of race relations in American history, Unforgettable, unforgivable and inexcusable.

Thankfully, Mr. Pierce happened to be in New Orleans on a day when his parents needed him most. Following his Mother's hunch to evacuate, he helped drive his Family to safety some 70 miles away. Their home was completely destroyed but not their spirit. The Family was displaced for 16 months while their new home gifted to them by their son was being re-built. He is a kind, loving and appreciative son. He writes that to give his parents a new home gave him great pleasure. This is a feel-good, uplifting and positive book about a Black Family and a Black community. I strongly recommend that you read it...

It is out of character for me to skip ahead in a book. Knowing the outcome spoils the reading. This was not that type of book however and I vowed that I would finish this reading over the holiday weekend. This morning I was halfway through, down to the last five chapters. After reading two chapters, for some odd reason, I skipped two and jumped ahead to read the final chapter. I knew from reading in a previous chapter that Mr. Pierce's Mother, who he affectionately called "Tee" was going to pass away somewhere during the course of reading this book. I was in no hurry to get to that part. He wrote so eloquently of his love, respect and admiration for his Mother that he literally made me fall in love with her too. I was saddened to know that eventually I would read of his loss. The chapter I jumped to was the final chapter of the book wherein he detailed his Mother's illness, her final moments, her final wishes and how ultimately he comes to terms with her passing. He loves her so as I do my Mom who ironically would have celebrated her 74th birthday today. So now I know what prompted me to skip ahead specifically to the last chapter...

As I read Mr. Pierce's very moving account of his emotions leading up and to following the loss of his Mother, I found myself between the pages of his last chapter vividly reliving my own story of pain and loss and my final moments with my own Mother. Quiet tears rolled down my cheeks as I experienced with him the uncompromising love he felt for his Mother and that I shared with my Mother. There was nothing he would not do for her at that moment or throughout her life. I can identify. My Mom was my world...

It has been 28 years since My Mother's passing. As always, she is heavy on my mind and love for her is permanently nestled in my heart. Of course she is especially in my thoughts today because it is her birthday. What would I give to hear her laughter, to make her smile, to show her the world, to shower her with gifts and reciprocate the love and sacrifices she made for me as a child? I love her so... Sadly, I also long for her presence especially today because she could help me to navigate yet another loss. I am still reeling from an act of hurt and betrayal so egregious toward me by one of her other children that I could use her maternal wisdom and comfort that might someday move me toward forgiveness. Some things only a Mother can do... I read this chapter and I am gratefully reminded of lessons learned and impressions held some 28 years ago, that I not only lost my Mother and best Friend but also my Family. She was it... Thankful that where the blood of family has failed me, the bonds of Family established by choice and through friendship have sustained me...  

Be good to your Moms folks, it may be the only unconditional and always reciprocated love you will know and read the book!

Thankful Always for a WONDERFUL Mother and I'm sure she can hear me when I say, 

Happy Birthday Mommy!  

I Miss & I Love You!!! 

Watching the news this morning. They are covering the tragic story of a NY police officer senselessly killed in the line of duty two nights ago. Sad and unnecessary indeed. What is interesting to me this morning is that the media is outing the judge who made a prior decision to sentence the defendant to a drug program instead of prison. They are showing the judge's photo and questioning his legal capacity. I find that quite interesting and wonder why they don’t do the same when judges, prosecutors, cops and others in the judicial system wrongfully convict innocent people or purposely hide, withhold or fabricate evidence that leads to incarceration or even death of innocent people... Why isn't the media just as diligent or committed to exposing bad players in the legal system when the lives of ordinary citizens are also tragically ended or disrupted? All lives do matter so why shame this judge and not others? Just Wonderin'...

Condolences to the officer's Family and all others who have lost loved ones or lifetimes in the pursuit of "justice" in America. Our system is terribly flawed...

Black on Black Crime By Blacks in Blue

Is anyone else bothered that the BLACK female officer involved in tasering a Black City Councilman is the same BLACK female officer involved in the Sandra Bland case? Black on Black crime by Blacks in Blue? I'm Just Askin'... She showed an absolute disregard and blatant disrespect for this Black man and his authority as an elected official. She readily confirms in the video when reminded, that she knows who he is. She responds, "Yeah, I know who he is", and proceeds to support a disturbing and baffling decision to taser him...

I will dare say that she would NEVER have responded similarly or even thought to exercise such faulty and disrespectful judgment if Mr. Miller was a White man of even modest authority, much less an elected city official to whom she inadvertently reports, to whom at least in some way she is held accountable and who conceivably holds the key to her continued employment. NEVER! Please correct me and direct to proof otherwise if I am wrong. Please...

So the burning question for me that we need ask ourselves is, "Do Black Lives Matter to Black People"? This and other types of our behavior suggests not. This officer does not stand alone in her blatant disregard and lack of respect for a Black man of authority. She felt in no way compelled to treat him with the level of dignity or respect she would afford his White counterparts and likely demand for herself as an officer of the law... 

Shame on her!!! Shame on us for not calling her out on it. I do not subscribe to calling for loss of anyone's livelihood but I say get rid of her! She is a bigger danger to the Black community than are her White peers who will use her behavior to justify their own bad acts toward the Black community which we know can be of far greater consequence than a Black city councilman being tasered. Yeah, I said it and I mean it. Be Gone with Her!!! What say ye'? Damn Shame!!!

Click here to see video and please weigh in...  

Do African Americans Abroad Experience White Privilege?,

Took this topic from an article by the same name. It is a good article, Do African Americans Abroad Experience White Privilege?, written by Ms. Malcolm Hughes (Click here for article)

Having had the pleasure to travel to six of the seven continents, having lived in both Spain and Ghana for extended periods of time and because I have enjoyed lengthy vacations in other countries, my cursory answer to the question is "yes" Black Americans DO enjoy a certain privilege when traveling abroad. While it is not applicable to all situations, for the most part it is true, it is freeing and being treated normal or held in some high[er] regard, acknowledged or not, can be addictive and is likely a motivating force for many Blacks to leave the US. My travels have led me to accept and appreciate that in most parts I go, be it in Africa and even in Europe, I have the passport that many others want. I dare say that my Black brethren from other countries who enjoy dual citizenship with the US and who possess two passports, given a choice, very often find it more convenient and less worrisome to travel on their American passport.

While in some circumstances Black Americans carry the burden of overcoming well dispersed and negative stereotypes conveniently conveyed about them throughout the world by White America, more often than not, we step on the foreign playing field, especially in lesser developed countries, with a certain level of unearned credibility, respect and advantages usually reserved for Whites internationally and automatically afforded Whites in America. It is a very different experience. Once however, most foreigners know that we are American, a whole new experience unfolds...

This is a good article to be considered by the Black Americans who travel internationally. Check it out. I think also worthy of discussion is how do we, Black Americans, handle ourselves and respond to being in a reverse situation, especially when in lesser developed countries? Do we take on the behaviors of those who oppress us in the US? Hmmm.... Just Askin'...

Again, this is a good read and can spark good discussion...

If Not Us Folks, Then Who? I'm Just Askin'...

Ms Phyllis Hyman!!! Listen to what she has to say. She is clear on her responsibility to support the community that made her. She calls out her peers and others who did not share her sense of obligation, calls two by name. Pay particular attention at minute mark 3:09. She poses the question we must all ask of ourselves. If not us, then who? IF you have "arrived" and you are not trying to help other Blacks along the way, please know that I have ZERO respect for you and your "success". Just KNOW that...

In the 90s I worked for a Black woman who was the ONLY Black female director for the major telecommunications company I worked for. Her ENTIRE management team which was quite expansive was lily white!!! The ONLY Black employee she ever hired was her secretary who would only last working for her long enough to find a new job in the company. She was horrible. At that time my manager, a fellow MBA and a White woman of course, decided to leave the company. She informed me that her replacement, my new supervisor, would be another White woman, who, get this, held a HIGH SCHOOL diploma and I was expected to train her, Now who thinks that really happened??? NOT!!!

Now don't kid yourself. This young lady not becoming my supervisor was not because of any objection or exercise of authority by the Black female director, an MBA herself, who theoretically was empowered to stop the cycle of such unfair and blatantly discriminatory abuses in the workplace against minority employees. One might ASSume that she too was appalled by the mere suggestion that a fellow Black woman with an MBA, should train and be supervised by a White woman with a high school diploma. Not at all. Instead, this Black woman from Chicago, defended the decision, which quite possibly was hers all along, and was all too eager to share with me what I could do to also be considered fabulous and perhaps get the next promotion... Yeah, she said that!!! As I did with my exiting supervisor, I concluded our meeting by informing her that I would be going over her head to see the Vice President, a White man. I did and the rest was history.

The job was given to a Guyanese woman whose skin was damn near as dark as mine but who would die if someone told her she was anything but White. Poor thing... Undoubtedly this was a strategic move to ward off a potential lawsuit if I decided to sue, which I did not. The Guyanese woman was ridiculous too. She knew of the controversy and of course she defended the nonsense. After a year or so, I left the company and guess who became her supervisor? Yeah, you guessed it! Ms High School Diploma herself!!! Being only concerned with self promotion and not the big picture serves no one well. Not to mention that thing about karma... To this day that high school graduate might hate me and that is OK. But what she did not do was supervise me... Just wasn't going to happen...

To the point at hand as being made by Ms Hyman in her video, shame on the Black director who during the course of my tenure NEVER promoted or hired a Black manager to be on her team and who would dare suggest that I should train and be supervised by someone of lesser professional and academic ilk... Still SMH on this one!!! Sadly, I have seen over the years that this woman has been honored by Black organizations for her achievements. Obviously we don't ask the right questions. It is because we are impressed with and have been conveniently distracted and pacified with gestures of individual success that we have not yet realized collective success and therefore continue to beg for standing as we tread the same tired waters.

So I say it again, IF you have "arrived" and have not made conscious efforts to reach back and help other Blacks, I have ZERO respect for you or your "success". I have protected this woman's identity ONLY because I have never had the conversation with her and have not seen or spoken with her since the late 90's. I am hopeful that the "Sistah" from Chicago, has seen the light and changed her ways...

If not us folks, then WHO? I'm Just 

Askin'...