DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM?

A Goal and a Standardl? Really!!!

I just completed reading Midnight: A Gangsters Love Story written by Sister Souljah. I completely enjoyed the read, but seriously asks the question (which by the way I will answer): Is the character Midnight a goal and a standard for men in America?

Answer: Midnight is NOT a goal and standard for men in America!!! A male protagonists in literature whom I would consider a goal and standard would be Grant from A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. It is important to note that to understand and embody manhood (it's aquisition, practice, and perfection) is a process. The transformation from Boy to Man (as articulated by Naim Ak'bar in his book 'Visions for Black Men - and be mindful that this text can represent ALL MEN regardless of Race) - is as great a challenge as any that we mortals must grapple with. Many have fallen short of achieving the feat of manhood, but remember - only a MALE can truly understand, practice, and perfect manhood. Women have enough of a task trying to aquire, practice, and perfect womanhood, so I usually become weary when a women expresses her opinion concerning what she feels the goals and standards of men should be. I enjoyed the Character of Midnight, but experiencing his weakness in the face of adversity (he kills two men who posed a challenge in the silence of the night) leads me to many questions about his aquisition of manhood, as asserted by brother Ak'bar. There have been many people I have wanted to choke the life from over my years, but in many of these cases time, and emotional healing brought about kindness and friendship. Was Gold and Conflict that big a threat to the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Midnight and his Umma and Naja? Is Sister Souljah saying through her text that some homicides are 'justifiable' for boy's in the projects? I pray she is not, because it would be as culturally damaging as Beyonce's Soldier which articulates the idea that a SOLDIER is one whose status is HOOD and STREET with the ability to FLIP MONEY THREE WAYS! In my humble opinion MEN who are goals for other men or those who are standards are those who have saved lives or become presidents. I would argue that Grant or Barack Obama would be a goal and standard for manhood, and I doubt very seriously that either of them would conclude (if faced with the same circumstances as Midnight was when he DECIDED on ending Gold and Conflicts life) DEATH TO THEM BOTH! A MAN would have found another way to protect his family, even if it meant recreating the business plan and taking some of the aquired income that Umma Designs secured and moving into a safer community. Midnight had many qualities that MEN have, but unfortunately at the end he was still a BOY not a MAN; so to speak of his as a goal and standard for men raises my eyebrow to Sister Souljah! Question to Sister Souljah: Is Midnight: A Gangster's Love Story and INDICTMENT of men within American culture?

Congratulations to Fantasia's Stars Cheerleaders

Fantasia's Stars Cheerleaders had a wonderful performance at Our Lady of Sorrow's Cheerleading competition in Hamilton, New Jersey over the weekend on 2/26/11. Great job Indira on your outstanding performance.

ISSUES CONCERNING MEN ALL THE TIME

It is important for men to have a place to go in order to get information, and discuss issues that affect them. Some of the issues are as follows: 1 - Does the most Abuse cases against women take place during the superbowl? 2 - Is Child Support in California state sanctioned homicide 3 - Gender. Visit http://ncfm.org/

Holiday's We Must Begin to Celebrate

When Apartheid ended and the African National Congress under Nelson Mandela came into power in South Africa in 1994, the national holidays were changed to days that would be meaningful to all South Africans.

21 March: Human Rights Day

On this day in 1960 the police killed 69 people at Sharpeville who were participating in a protest against the pass laws. Many were shot in the back. The carnage made world headlines. Four days later the government banned black political organizations, many leaders were arrested or went into exile. During the Apartheid era there were human rights abuses by all sides; Human Rights Day is but one step to ensure that the people of South Africa are aware of their human rights and to ensure that such abuses never again occur.

27 April: Freedom Day

This was the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa, i.e. an election when all adults could vote irrespective of their race, and the day in 1997 when the new constitution took effect.

1 May: Worker's Day

Many countries around the world commemorate the contribution made by workers to society on May Day (America doesn't celebrate this holiday because of its communist origins). It has traditionally been a day to protest for better wages and working conditions. Given the role that trade unions played in the fight for freedom, it is unsurprising that South Africa commemorates this day.

16 June: Youth Day

On June 1976 students in Soweto rioted in protest against the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction of half their school curriculum, sparking eight months of violent uprisings across the country. Youth Day is a national holiday in honour of all the young people who lost their lives in the struggle against Apartheid and Bantu Education.

18 July: Mandela Day

A new public holiday introduced by President Jacob Zuma in 2009 to celebrate South Africa's most famous son -- Nelson Mandela. "It will give people in South Africa and all over the world the opportunity to do something good to help others. Madiba was politically active for 67 years, and on Mandela Day people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, will be called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate."

9 August: National Women's Day

On this day in 1956 some 20,000 women marched to the Union [government] Buildings in Pretoria to protest against a law requiring black women to carry passes. This day is celebrated as a reminder of the contribution made by women to society, the achievements that have been made for women's rights, and to acknowledge the difficulties and prejudices many women still face.

24 September: Heritage Day

Nelson Mandela used the phrase "rainbow nation" to describe South Africa's diverse cultures, customs, traditions, histories, and languages. This day is a celebration of that diversity.

16 December: Day of Reconciliation

Afrikaners traditionally celebrated 16 December as the Day of the Vow, remembering the day in 1838 when a group of Voortrekkers defeated a Zulu army at the Battle of Blood River, while ANC activists commemorated it as the day in 1961 when the ANC started to arm its soldiers to overthrow Apartheid. In the new South Africa's it's a day of reconciliation, a day to focus on overcoming the conflicts of the past and building a new nation.

MY FIRST TRUE VALENTINE - ODE TO MY WIFE - SHIRIN QUDDUS-CLARK

An Arctic World,

of darkness

and chilling thoughts

at bedtime,

of lonely anguish -

I've lived - many years;

until the ICE

had engulfed

MY HEART -

the DOUBT,

of being adequate -

knowing that the ONE,

who REQUIRED INTEGRITY,

HONOR,

MATURE RESPONSIBILITY,

PATIENCE,

HUMILITY,

PERSERVERANCE,

while at the same time,

an ability to EXCITE PASSION,

would not accept

mediocrity -

even if it meant

standing alone -

I chipped -

many years,

the GLAICER of my ways -

Praying that one day,

I'd be ready to

take on, master, and succeed

IN BEING A HUSBAND!

HUMBLE

UNDERSTANDING

SUPERMAN

BOLD

ALLURING

NEEDING-PASSION

DIVINE!

I'm going to spend

this LIFETIME

getting to know you -

falling in love OVER and OVER

again,

till DEATH do we DIFFUSE -

into one another's SOUL

ABSORBING EACH OTHER -

REFUSING TO MISS ONE DROP -

OF THE LOVE -

THAT STRUCK MY BLEEDING HEART,

THAT FIRST DAY

I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU!

FROM OUR VERY FIRST

INTERACTION

WHEN THE IDEA OF YOU

PIERCED THE ICE,

AND THE MELTING BEGAN -

MY LOVE,

I CHERISH YOU!

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME

TO BE YOUR LAWFUL!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

SHIRIN QUDDUS-CLARK

BLACK BEAUTY EXPO 2011

DO YOU THINK YOUR HAIRSTYLE CAN WIN IT ALL? http://momoway.com/black-beauty-expo-2011-fair-event-8fvx

Which last name SHOPS THE MOST?

INTERESTING ARTICLE ON SHOPPING CULTURE: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2045050,00.html

BAD GIRLS CLUB 2012: DESTINATION INMATES

How has the Bad Girls Club affected American teenaged girls?

Man Burns Himself in Protest!!!

Tunisian fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi Burns Himself in Protest

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/222103-Protestors-burn-themselves-up-In-Tunisia-Algeria-Egypt-and-Saudi-Arabia

Asma Mahfouz: A Woman Who Helped Start A Revolution

This Woman Helped start the Revolution in Egypt. Listen to the video she posted: http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2011/02/woman-who-helped-start-revolution.html#

Welfare Analysis

Read this great thesis on the Welfare State. http://www.hks.harvard.edu/inequality/Seminar/Papers/Edin.PDF

SWIRL? ONE HELL OF A EUPHEMISM!!!

SWIRL!!! http://hiphopwired.com/2011/01/06/down-with-the-swirl-10-successful-white-men-with-black-women-by-their-sides-30097/

http://hiphopwired.com/2011/01/06/down-with-the-swirl-10-successful-white-men-with-black-women-by-their-sides-30097/

Hip Hop Stash Presents: 1st Class Launch Party

SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 13TH, 2011

OPRAH AND BONO CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST A.I.D.S

Read the article at the following:

http://www.blacknews.com/pr/oprah_ipod101.html

LIFE IN PRISON

http://www.northjersey.com/news/115022284_Duckett_gets_life_in_prison_for_murder_of_Montclair_resident_Monica_Paul.html

REVOLUTION EGYPT

The '6th of April Youth Movement' has led an uprising in Egypt. Throughout the course of the 'Revolution' we will be analyzing the situation in Egypt on The Peoples Point of View!!!

Moment of Silence

A Candlelight Vigil for Monica Paul: She will always be with us. Rest in Peace.

Learn about the story of our Beloved Monica Paul at the following sites:

1 - http://www.monicapaul.org/

2 - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ipetitions.com%2Fpetition%2FMonica&h=96fd1

3 - http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=114051@wcbs....

4 - http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=114511@wcbs....

To show support for Monica's Law email message to : monicas_law@yahoo.com

Ifeoma's Fabulous Karma Fashion Show

Hosted by 2-Faced Monters the 'Skirts in the Streets' Event led with Bands that showcased classics like 'Wanted Dead or Alive'and 'Love is a Battle Field'; followed up by a Heavy Metal Group promoting "We like to B.A.N.G" (Bringing A New Government) - all kicking off the event in 'High Fashion'. Then a local a Hip Hop group came out doing a song called 'Drop It.' The fashion kicked off with 'Spaghetti -n- Lipgloss' who sent out a group of models sporting a line of fashion that was in a word 'Interesting' as indicated by one 'wardrobe malfunction' exposing too much!!! Another musical selection by Amanda singing an original song called 'I'll play your game' , followed by Bobby Pissola singing a song called 'One Love.' The Manneqin Boys bedazzled us with a line of alternative-trendy decorated shades. Another musical selection by Midnight Mossaic; keeping the night moving. Then a poet performing a melodic work. Finally Ifeoma's Fabulous Karma pushing a line of clothing designed for Full Figured women that the crowd went wild over.

Congratulations to all of the talented people working hard for the people!!!!

GOAT ROACH?

According to author Shanae Hall in her book 'Why do I have to think like a man?' the WORST man on earth is a GOAT ROACH!!! WTF is a GOAT ROACH?

Discrimination?

The first blacks arrived as slaves in the colonies in 1619. By the middle of the nineteenth century there were 4.5 million blacks in this country. The earliest education given to them was by the missionaries to convert them to Christianity. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts established many schools. The southern states opposed the education of blacks because these states were still favoring slavery. In spite of individual efforts, the education of blacks remained very low until Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The literacy rate that was around 5% in the 1860s rose to 40% in 1890 and by 1910 it was at 70%.

Letter to Judge Patricia Cosgrove

Judge Patricia Cosgrove
209 S. High Street
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 643 - 2228

Re: A Citizen’s appeal for Ms. Kelly Williams - Bolar

Dear Judge Cosgrove:
I write this letter in the spirit of humility and empathy as an American Parent concerned about the potential for a national precedent being considered as a bi-product of your ruling in the case concerning Ms. Kelly Williams-Bolar. As parents we are working to secure our children within American Society by seeking out the most ideal academic situations as per our individual opinions and circumstances. This journey is laden with successes and misfortunes along the way, but one thing that holds us together is the knowledge that we are not alone; the surrounding village is there to help us along the way. Part of the village that we have always relied on have been the institutions; planned parenthood, social service agencies, and particularly the courts. This ruling (criminalizing a parent for finding a way to get her children in a good school) has the potential to undermine the efforts made by any parent that finds themselves in situations similar to that of Ms. Kelly Williams-Bolar. I appeal to the logic of your ruling Judge Cosgrove - is it really a felony for a parent (with the greatest of intentions) to secure placement for her children in a school district she concluded would provide the highest quality education (a district that she had a family member living in/the children‘s father)?
Based on the news report I read (http://antikryptos.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/black-mother-jailed-for-sending-kids-to-white-school-district-2/); understanding that it is a second hand source (I would like to know if you can send me any public court records concerning the case being discussed) - stated that Ms. Williams-Bolar was convicted of two counts of tampering with court records after registering her children for school. The sentence given for this conviction was 10-days in jail coupled with 3 years of probation (based on the fact that it was a felony charge). There are many American children who live between townships based on separations and divorces. Can a child NOT go to the library in the township of their non-custodial parent? It is unfortunate that these situations occur in our advanced society, but the fact remains that they do and I am of the view that our priority as a community is to the well being of the children. I implore you to reconsider this decision to jail and criminalize Ms. Williams - Bolar.
I pray that you consider changing your position on the case of Ms. Williams-Bolar. Please feel free to contact me at any of the following as I would appreciate the opportunity to further state my view that criminalizing Ms. Williams-Bolar only hurts the village: Bernard W. Clark - Address 1726 Dryden Way - Crofton - MD - 21114 - Phone # 973-901-7374 - Email Address: BClarkA30@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
Bernard W. Clark Jr.

MOTHER JAILED FOR SENDING KIDS TO WHITE SCHOOL DISTRICT ILLEGALLY

Should public schools allow kids to go to schools in which their extended family live?

Check out Article: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=491235135987#!/?sk=messages&tid=1271763730779

Cultural Assassins Series

Wilt Chamberlain - one of the greatest basketball players of all time - revealed in his biography A VIEW FROM ABOVE that he slept with over 20,000 women. How was this possible? Can this happen in today's society?

Tea Party Disgrace?

Considering the nobility represented by the American Patriots who launched the Revolutionary War, would you consider today's Tea Party a disgrace?

HARLEM BOOK FAIR 2011

HARLEM BOOK FAIR

SATURDAY, JULY 23RD, 2011

SAVE THE DATE

The Cultural Assassination of Niki Minaj

Arguably the most prolific MC since 50 cent, Niki Minaj joins an 'Elite Class' of 'Cultural Assassins,' so tied into the 'Business Model' of Corporate success that her 'Art' (whether consciously or unconsciously) helps to undermine teenage desires to strive for a positive value system; leading them to abandon American hallmark ideas such as abstinence, chilvary, integrity, and honor (a phenomenon destroying the quality of American life). The recent disaster of 90 teenagers pregnant at a high school, the 'baby pact girls,' and the viral fad of glue-on color wigs can be attributed to the success of Niki Lewinski; the equal and opposite reaction of her rise to superstardom. Her 'Go Hard' intensity, which translates into exaggerated sexual promiscuity, coupled with a ferocious aggression towards financial success Niki Minaj has led American teenagers down a road 'Most Traveled.' Is it possible for our culture to heal from the affects of Niki Minaj?

Gothic Literature...

As a writer of Gothic Literature I have learned to LIVE inside my painful moments! There is a nostalgia that comes with MY PAIN!!!

Kicking Off Black History Month!!!

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)Up From Slavery (1901)

Love

We've both cut through life's umbrage -

finding the path towards Paradise -

AHHH -

the beauty of that narrow strip -

patiently absorbing it with hands clenched -

until we reach our transition - the energy of each touch -

a fondness for each wrinkle developing on our faces -

AHHH -

all life is in the creator of this road -

and thee provided!!!

Holding On

A
Blissful basketball
Court is coming
Downtown for us all
Enlighten the people with information
From her house we were walking
Going to the store first for snacks
He got chips and juice for the game
I was elated to go with all my friends
Joyously he like her - kept following her the whole way
Kindly said she doesn't like basketball, and she did mean it
Loving him is hard, he wants you to like sports for real
Man was he pissed off at her not wanting her to be around
"No more time for her," he said at the game for all to hear
Out of the blue she cried very badly feeling very hurt and betrayed by him
People were asking her was she going to be ok now that he embarrassed her publicly
Quietly he just left and it was all over - she stayed and was consoled by her friends
Really crazy is what everyone began to say - and it was starting to spread all over the place
So everyone left the basketball game extremely puzzled not knowing what was really going on -
we were all confused
To most people who attended the game it was rather problematic that so much had happened
and no one knew
Understanding is what he really wants her to feel about sports and he can't seem to handle that
she is not
Very confused and hurt at heart were the two of them - not really knowing how to move
forward from where they were
When he finally broke down and called her apologizing for not being very kind and trying to
break her down she was happy
XOXOXO - MAUHHHH was her response as she laughed in joy over the phone wanting the
kindness that he was showing to last a lifetime
You are the love of my life she told him, now realizing that liking some of the things that he was
into wouldn't be bad
Zealously they continued their warm conversation until it was time for diner, and Mom yelled
upstairs "If you finished your homework then come down and eat."

The End

What Did You Learn Today?

In School I learned YOU,

found myself THINKING I's LIKED,

and the HATE that I knew - found ME,

was nothing more

than JUMBLED THOUGHTS.

written on POST IT NOTES -

Left at the bus stop,

to wonder if I BELONGED.

sitting ALONE - EATING ALONE!

WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION?

The Obama Report Card

How would you grade the President's Administration?