I'M A NASTY GIRL, 

I VOTE &

I'M WITH HER!!!!  

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016

VOTE FOR RESPECT FOR ALL!

VOTE FOR HILLARY!!! 

Birth Of An Awakening...

Have you seen the movie Birth of a Nation? If no, it is not too late. Get to the theater....

As soon as I heard the name of this movie and understood that it was about Nat Turner, I knew it was a movie I wanted to see. I heard loud and clear the genius of the message producer, director, writer and lead actor of the movie, Nate Parker, was sending for me to hear. I fully expected and was not disappointed that that he would capture the essence of who Nat Turner was and the story of Black rebellion that has been stifled or resisted throughout history in every genre. There was no way he could be so bodacious and then not wholly step into the expectation he had created. He did not disappoint...

The original Birth of a Nation was a racist post reconstruction film released in 1915. White actors in black face depicted the previously enslaved, now free Black majority in the south as a threat and a menace to the very existence of the white minority in the south who had previously ruled and enslaved Black Americans who were now empowered to vote and hold political office, to work and prosper for themselves,  support their own communities and live and thrive independently of white folks. You know, the kind of fear trump is doing his best to instill in white America now, 100 years later in 2016....   

Certainly the original movie made crystal clear that the virtue of White women was at risk. Ravenous Black men would become consumed with them and their undeniable beauty and would surely start raping them with impunity if Blacks were in control. The movie depicted the worst of scenarios given even the possibility of a Black ruling class. It added to the fear and fury and became the holy bible and most effective recruiting tool for racist Whites and the kkk whose membership flourished. The movie, charging between 75 cents and $2 was a blockbuster, raking in more than more than $10 million in 1915! President Woodrow Wilson hosted a private viewing of the film at the white house and declared it amongst the best ever made. I wonder if President Obama will host a private viewing of the 2016 Birth of a Nation and make a similar declaration. Hmm, Just Wonderin'. I digress...   

Originally I saw the movie in Harlem on the night before it's official debut. Seated behind me I could hear a Black man crying. Black men don't cry, certainly not in public theaters. I share that to illustrate just how impeccably Nate Parker conveyed the story of Nat Turner and the power of telling a story of pride, resistance and rebellion of Blacks enslaved in America. Mr. Parker left no stone unturned in what is undoubtedly intended to be the signature piece in his life's work. That this film embodied his passion as a writer, director, actor but most importantly as a Black man is inescapable as is the fact that his work speaks in very loud volume to any progressive, forward thinking and proud Black American who longs to have the truth of our history to be told.  I left the theater with jumbled emotions; feeling empty, overwhelmed and uncharacteristically speechless but undoubtedly overjoyed and proud that the movie was made and resolved to do my part to make sure that others got to the theater to see it.

In less than 48 hours following my original viewing, I would co-host an organized private viewing and community discussion of the film with a group of 150 movie goers. The comments offered following the movie were made from the heart. Attendees, old and young, offered their immediate and gut reactions to seeing the movie; from an elder who offered memories of the indignity of being poor in South Carolina picking cotton alongside her parents until the age of 16 when she offered her own rebellion and just refused to do it any more to a young man of 12 or so who offered his joy that the resistance of slavery by Blacks as well as the reality of the cruelty of slavery was being shown for its truth and not romanticized or watered down as being nonexistent regarding the former or less harsh in the latter as often is the case.

Compelling and inspiring commentary was offered by all. Interestingly enough, many brought it back home to what is happening in Black America still today. Comparisons of Black lives mattering then and now seemed inevitable. A prime example that comes to mind is how many in opposition to the movie and any celebration of Nat Turner criticized that he and his band of warriors killed women and children. To which I respond in amazement that one dares to compare loss of life of 60 whites over two days of revolt, no matter how tragic, to loss of life, liberty, dignity and so much of millions of Blacks for more than four centuries. Our babies were fed to alligators... Our women were raped... Our men were castrated and hung... Nat Turner himself, upon capture two months after leading his revolt, was skinned and dismembered. His limbs were preserved as "souvenirs". His skin was used to make purses for women... Two days and 60 bodies. More than four centuries and to many bodies to count... Really? Is there any comparison?

Of course there was pride in our story of rebellion finally being told. Nate Parker also made it abundantly clear how religion was used to manipulate compliance, obedience and to instill fear in the enslaved African and Nat Turner's masterful ability to understand and reverse the application of religious teachings.

The film depicted the will and determination of the Black man to protect and defend his woman and the strength and determination of the Black woman to support and empower her man. Someone pointed out that Nat Turner lived and was willing to die for a single purpose, to uplift and free his people; a quality and level of commitment few possess for any cause today.

Above and beyond all it was abundantly clear after watching this movie why such efforts were made to create the negative chatter specifically intended to quell the excitement, if not the release, certainly attendance at this movie, Undoubtedly it is a truth that some would want never to be told. Never should Blacks be empowered or inspired by our history. or to believe in ourselves or our capabilities. Never should Blacks enslaved in America be depicted as aware or unhappy about our predicament then or now regarding enslavement in America. Never should Blacks who dare(d) to rebel in America be celebrated. Never, never, never...  Thus stories of distraction were created to deter from the relevance, importance and ultimately delivery of this story.

This film and it's message of resistance, pride and rebellion far outweigh what might be any trepidation or reservation one might have about seeing the movie, supporting Nate Parker, criticism of acts committed by Nat Turner, artistic freedoms depicting history or any other excuse not to see the movie. The movie is powerful, all inspiring on so many levels, is certainly award worthy. It tells a must see story that any proud people would want to be told, that any proud people would want to see...

Prior to seeing the movie I might have accepted one's decision not to support to film for any one of a myriad of reasons being offered. Now that I have seen Birth of a Nation, I view any such reasoning, particularly by Black Americans, as beyond frivolous, obstructionist, destructive, ill thought and certainly not in accord with any claims of progressive thinking. No matter your misgiving, it does not outweigh or rise above the importance or relevance of the message of this movie.  Don't be part of the problem contributing to suppression of an awakening in American, impeding the telling or celebration of Black heroes and Black history in America, deterring our taking control of the narrative of our story about us and how it is told in America. Don't be bamboozled or distracted by those who have ulterior motives that don't serve you/us well. Step up and be part of the solution. GO SEE THE MOVIE!  You can thank me later...  

Reflections on Debate; Round One!

Hillary remained cool, calm and collected and allowed trump to show/be the ass he is...

Her coolness forced him to damn near choke on his tongue. He wanted so bad to have her engage in his ignorance with him but she refused. She allowed him to ramble, at one point she asked us to listen to what we had just heard. He is such an ass, she didn't even have to go after him. He tripped over his own words...

She invoked Michelle Obama's speech which subtly reminded us of his wife stealing the First Lady's speech when she quoted that when they go low, the Dems stay high. Most times I criticize them for it but tonight it worked!

His water became his pacifier. Every time he wanted to go off, he sipped on that water. He had to restrain himself . rubio should send him a case of water as he did rubio after his gaffe with water...

Why would he bring up temperament? BAD Move!!! The audience even laughed...

She got him to concede that he hasn't paid taxes! Not to mention her 3 points on why he won't produce his taxes; he's a fraud who exaggerates his wealth, who has not paid taxes, who does not give to charities, who is indebted to banks and foreign entities and who is quite possibly a security risk...

She showed him to be a racist; 1973 Housing discrimination, stop and frisk

She showed him to be a sexist reminding him/us that he has called women pigs, slobs and dogs. He was foolish enough to bring up Rosie O'Donnell. Hillary reminded him of Alicia Machado, the beauty queen who has since become a citizen and who she reminded votes! Translation; she's a woman who votes who you insulted, women vote. She's a Latina, Latinos vote! And not for trump!

trump really put his foot in it when he taunted that she stayed home while he campaigned. She concurred that she did in fact stay home preparing for the debate, unlike him... She cold cocked him when she added that similarly she has been preparing to be President inferring that he is not! POW!!!

She did a rope a dope on him that was so good, Ali was cheering her on from Heaven!!! Easy to rope a dope when the subject really is a DOPE!

She did a good job! The yahoos are gonna vote for him no matter what. Those on the fence could not have been impressed with him. Hope they came to the side of the blue woman in the red suit!

She showed up decked out in republican red, throwing their colors in their face! She let them know that she was there to kick some republican ass!!! Mission accomplished! trump said she did not look the part, I beg to differ. She looked well rested and very prepared. She exuded absolute confidence and measured pride making her power statement in her red suit!

trump could never have been prepared for this or any other debate. One cannot learn in a few weeks, not even in a few years, that which he refused to learn or pay attention to over decades. That is what is so important to remember at the polls. While politics may be calling for a non traditional and novice candidate, being well read, literate, abreast of at least basic domestic and international issues coupled with a solid understanding of foreign affairs, is NON-negotiable. Campaigning to the unthinking who are not concerned about his incompetence is probably a better use of his time. He cannot play catch up in just a few weeks... 

GOOD JOB on Round One HILLARY! Now let's do our part, VOTE, as Hillary said, like our future depends on it because it does!!!

Peaceful Protest...

For all who would silence or condemn 49er Colin Kaepernick for sitting out the national anthem at a recent football game, remember our Brothas at the 1968 Olympics, John Carlos and Tommie Smith. They told them that the time and place they chose to exercise their first amendment right to peaceful protest was 'inappropriate" too. FORTY EIGHT years ago they protested to bring attention to the same issue, the state of Blacks in America. So tell me, when is the "appropriate" time and what is the "appropriate" manner to raise or bring attention to this very relevant matter? 

I await your response...

The Question of Timing & Birth of a Nation

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A Little Bit of Flavor...

Annie Lee

I am in African braiding hair salon. Goodbye Afro. The shop is shared with a Latin barber shop. Spanish music is playing in the background. The Muslim women kneel in separate corners in prayer. Other women are selling clothes, make up and food. A Brotha' came in selling earrings, another toothpaste. LOL! An Asian woman came in trying to sell Black people bootleg DVDs. Go figure. A lot going on in here...

The African women are loud and spirited, as are Black American women when we gather. They are however, seemingly more animated. They laugh heartily, talk all at once and very loud. Their language is foreign. Their spirit is familiar...

Uh oh, a Black American Sistah is going off because her braids, which are BEAUTIFUL, don't "look like the picture". I understood that. LOL! My African Sistahs however are holding their own, defending their Sister and her intricate corn row work. It looks like art work. It really does. I want to defend her too but I dare not! Staying in my lane! LOL!

4.5 hours later and voila, I am done! The joint is quiet. Most have left. Two customers remain, the now pleased Black American woman who admits that she will return and a young Latina woman who has never had braids before. Her scalp is killing her, she wonders how she will sleep tonight and tells me she has to report to work at Nordstrom Rack at 5am. Lord, she didn't say Nordstrom Rack? My weakness. I need not know that there is one here... I tell her sleep won't come easy tonight but assure her that she will be fine in a day or so...

Back into the Harlem streets. Wish I could find in this "city that never sleeps", somewhere to get a pedicure and eyebrow wax at 11pm. Not likely... I might walk home but as it is a little late, I'd better bus it...

Goodnight Folks!

Lift Every Voice!!!

thomas blanton I/M 261691

thomas blanton, convicted murderer of Four Little Black Girls in Birmingham is scheduled for a parole  (click to read story) hearing on this Wednesday, August 3, 2016. It is our responsibility to loudly object to his being released. His reckless disregard resulted in murder of  innocent children. He should die in prison... We must stand strong and vocal in our opposition of his release. Please take a moment to contact the Alabama State Parole Board and let them know. 

CALL TO ACTION:
We must join the Alabama NAACP and others and express our displeasure.
Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: 334.353.7771 - 334.353.8067
Fax: 334.353.9400
General Information: questions@paroles.alabama.gov
Victim Services: Victim.Services@paroles.alabama.gov

The Chairman of the Parole Board, Cliff Walker, is a Black Man. Give him the tools he needs to be encouraged to do the right thing and  deny this inmate'e release.  "... he has never accepted responsibility for the bombing or expressed any remorse..."  Let's respond in  kind.  Call, Email, Write! Do Something  to Lift Your Voice & Be Heard!!! 

Hearing Scheduled for Wednesday, August 3, 2016

BLANTON, THOMAS EDWIN JR   216691   08/03/2016

EXCERPT:
The president of the Alabama NAACP, Bernard Simelton, said releasing Blanton at a time when protests are occurring nationwide over police killings of black people would send a horrible message. NAACP chapters statewide are sending letters in opposition to Blanton’s release, and the Birmingham chapter is sending a busload of people to oppose parole, he said. 

Densie McNair, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson

Be sure to do your part. Keep him incarcerated for their sake. 

Take Action!