Blacks With Power| Make America Great Through Black Power

The Black Star line needs to be reborn. Many of you won’t know what that is…and that’s cool: that’s why you have me! LOL In the 1920’s, the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey had amassed a global membership of more than 12 million members in the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. It scared a lot of people…a lot of White Supremacists and Lamb Chop’s Play Along Negroes who had a vested interest in protecting massa’s house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5ayBJopYGI The threat level jumped to an all-new level when Garvey proposed the Black Star Line: a shipping line that would connect the African Diaspora both as people and with the goods and tools necessary for development. It was a move toward independence and an ability for Black people worldwide, to help Black people worldwide. The Black Star Line was the Key to Garvey’s Back to Africa Philosophy But, “Back to Africa” wasn’t about all of us getting back on boats and migrating to Africa. Back to Africa was a way of thought…a

Redemption: thanks be to God, it's a possibility. I mean, if we're stuck being the people we once were...if we're stuck with the reputations we foolishly established, who of us could be good? Right? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt-ZCgK8X9M But, the reality of redemption isn't license for foolishness. Redemption isn't some sort of magic potion, given to those who learn to say "Jesus." It's a journey that we must walk. Like a new instrument - or maybe a set of turntables (or whatever folk are "DJing" on now), redemption is a gift. But that gift will do you no good unless you learn how to use it. So what is the road to redemption and what does it mean to walk it? And once you walk it for yourself - how do you pay that forward? This is the focus of my conversation with Reggie Kee. Reggie was my ADP: responsible for (ehem) "instilling" in me a love for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Most people who know us both and know our experience would never believe that he and I got together for this conversation.

Confederate monuments have become a major topic of discussion lately. Some people want to see them come down. Others want to see them stay up. What is the best way forward? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIVZozGGRM8 I've always thought the Confederacy was treasonous. I've always found it strange that somehow Americans were able to justify treason and graft it in as a celebrated part of history. And I've always thought that Confederate monuments were in fact monuments to treason. Confederate Monuments are Monuments to White Supremacy And it's well beyond time that we hold America accountable for its love of White Supremacy. These Confederate monuments have been erected all over the Country. In both the North and South there are celebrations of Confederate soldiers and other advocates. And the rallying cry is always "Heritage not Hate." My response has always been: "It's a heritage OF hate!" I've recently started reading a very expository book: The Confederate and Neo-Confederate Reader. If you're a ne

Colin Kaepernick is effectively banned from the NFL - not for criminal activity...not for domestic violence...not even for dog fighting or performance enhancement drugs. Kaepernick is banned for having a conscience and resolving to be more than a dumb jock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW_iktgFyaM I know there are people trying to force the NFL to lift the silent ban on Kaepernick. I agree with what Shaun King is saying in this article. But I don't feel like begging the NFL to give him a job. I much rather cause the NFL to lose sponsors and money. I'm not really sure how to organize all of that. But I would imagine it would take identifying top NFL sponsors. Maybe targeting teams with dubious quarterback situations... Maybe it's all of that - and also supporting the work of the Colin Kaepernick Foundation. And that's the focus of the discussion in this episode. And in this episode, more than any other, I'm really encouraging you to join the Facebook Group if you're not already a member. It's a safe s

Training effectively is the key to being on the top of your game. And, with the racist White Supremacist terror of the past week, I think it's become clear that we have to change course...we have to play the game differently and better...become more self-reliant. When only 51% of the Country believes President Trump's response to White Supremacy was weak, we have to consider how safe we are - as Black people - with the other 49% of America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36t0Ol7_B0w In the face of the racist vitriol masquerading as leadership in America, it should be clear: we can rely only on ourselves and our God. I recorded this episode and slated it to go live this week before the terror of Charlottesville. And while the episode doesn't directly address that event, what remains is true is the importance of the message. If we're to find Liberty and advance the Cause of Freedom, it will be because we have been trained to defeat White Supremacy. We must train our youth to be great...to prepare them for

"The Real" is a daytime talkshow similar to the View, but features a cast that is all women of color. Shows like this are powerful in shaping popular culture and the discussions that we have in Society. Even if you don't watch them, you should know that TV talkshows are deconstructing Society and shaping the future of culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_1J0eLOI3o "How," you might ask? Well, take this excerpt from Penn State's archives: As we watch, listen, and are entertained, TV talk shows are rewriting our cultural scripts, altering our perceptions, our social relationships, and our relationships to the natural world.  So let me tell you the real: whether you think conversations are too shallow or too deep, if it's on TV it has the power to influence Society. And that's a power to which we should pay attention, because if we harness the power of Social Media we can "rewrite the cultural scripts" on American Racism, "alter the perceptions" held by racists in our Society and change our relationship t

Ain't no reason or explanation for a Black Republican... That's what many of "us" would say. And as a result, Black Republicans spend their time defending themselves for being Republican rather than sharing how they see themselves sharing in the progress of our people. So, I wanted to give Kimberly Klacik her opportunity to freely share her perspective so you can get to know her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y900TIud1xA Now, typically when we see a Black Republican s/he is selling out the Black Community. But, I would also say that Black Democrats are selling out the Black Community as well. In both cases, I think we need to take time to know these voices on a deeper level - to understand their motivations. You see, when combating propaganda, we must be in the right positions. We must not only be at the table, we must also have a controlling seat at the table...we must ultimately own our own tables. And the reality is that we need commentators on all sides of the argument that will represent the Blac

Lee Merritt, the rapper turned poet and Civil Rights Attorney is on the front lines with those being wounded in the struggle for the mattering of Black lives. Marlin Gipson, Jordan Edwards, Jacqueline Craig and others...Lee has been with them trying to tend to their wounds and advocate on their behalf. And in this episode, he shares his larger vision for the legal struggle to make Black lives matter in America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTvg-BB06tI Oh yes - Lee dropped a verse at the end of this interview! And I want to get him to share more... But to get to that larger vision will take more than Attorney Lee Merritt representing clients when the frequent need arises. It takes a village, right? Not just an attorney...not just several attorneys. So the question becomes, how do we play our part? And that's part of the discussion for this episode. Because we have to have some solutions, right? Don't get me wrong...I'm grateful for Lee Merritt, Darryl Parks, Aramis Ayala, Benjamin Crump, Greg Fran

Our elders pave the way...it's because of them that we are where we are...even if we aren't there yet! LOL There's wisdom with the elders and we should take care to hear from them and learn from them. The wisdom must be deep with John Wills, who built the Black Empowered Men Facebook group to over TWENTY THOUSAND members! We talked about the various reasons that went into him creating the group and his thoughts on what it means for Black men to be empowered. Of course, questions about forgiveness came up and Mr. Wills mentioned why he thought we - Black people - forgive too soon. What do you think about forgiveness? What are your questions about it or struggles with it? I'd love to know your thoughts. Share your questions on Forgiveness What started as an opportunity to get to know the founder of such a prominent group, turned into a potential regular segment for Blacks with Power, "At the Feet of the Elders." Who knows...the name might change: what do you think? Maybe a better format can be developed.

Marriage is a tool that can enhance our journey to the Promised Land, if we use it well. It is also a tool that can leave us in a ditch alongside the Way. As Black people, with a spiritual/metaphorical relationship with "the Plantation," we should particularly understand how a strong marriage can keep you on course to Liberty and keep watch over your blindspots so you aren't captured by the hounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hswzpHAQeM This week, Sonya and I are on retreat: to give thanks for another year of determining to travel the Way together and to discern how we should continue along the Way...who we need to be and what we need to do, to be better at traveling the Way to the Promised Land. Only For Men who are Committed to Love: Download the free guide It's a special time we've committed to cherish, and thanks be to God we've held to thus far. And in this episode, I share some of the reasoning why I think this type of practice is important. I think it's particularly important for me, as a h

What if we already have the power we need to put an end to the madness and make Black Lives Matter? I'm talking reparations. It always comes around to this. But typical approaches to reparations consist of demands we don't have the power to enforce. Let's talk about a different way... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCYWMLH_bDg The reality is that something has got to change, right? Clearly, what we've thought we had accomplished isn't quite accomplished. The system we've used to get this far now seems broken. The hopes have been broken of those who depend upon an effective system for overcoming. So how do we fix this? How do we repair the breach? If you've downloaded your copy of Reparations: The Foundation for Black Power, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't read that guide book, then download your free copy here. After all the racial flare-ups in America, it's important that we consider the end goal of any effort. The stakes are too high for us to keep darting around like squirrels from

Black Girl...shouldering the weight of the Black world...then being blamed for being older than she should be. How do you rise above the limitations of this world, Black girl? And why should a Black boy show concern? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QqIxQTW7OA Black girl development is the subject of a lot of research, including this Georgetown Law Study. And the research shows how social stereotypes have an adverse affect on how a Black girl is perceived. These faulty perceptions place undue pressures on Black girls that aren't faced by White girls. It's another area where dehumanization has become an established norm. In other words, it's another area where Black children...Black people...are denied the opportunity to be as human as Whites. So, how do we break the cycle? How do we transcend the limits placed upon us by Society? The key is wrapped up in a process that's similar to the life cycle of a butterfly. We know that butterflies start as caterpillars. They go through a transition that results in

Big Baller Brand is off and running now that Lonzo Ball is officially with the Lakers. I mean: that's what he needed right? To be in the spotlight so that his off-the-court brand could excel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwtEg_UGuLY   But will Big Baller Brand have the influence LaVar Ball (Lonzo's flamboyant father) predicts? There's some critical things that you must understand - beyond having talent and/or a product, if you're going to build a successful brand. Big Baller Brand: Lifestyle or Flash of Brilliance? So...everyone knows Lonzo Ball can ball. He is a big baller - for now. He's shown flashes of brilliance. We'll see if those flashes spark in the NBA, or if they are snuffed out. We'll see if those flashes of brilliance can become a sustainable, championship caliber flame. The same is true for Big Baller Brand. Will it simply fizzle out? Or will it thrive? And what are the strategies for ensuring that it can thrive? A $500 sneaker and $60 t-shirts can make you some quick cash...yes, the

Crowdfunding is a game changer...but we have to use it effectively. And when used effectively, crowdfunding becomes a critical tool for making Black lives matter in America. It's time to take matters into our own hands and stop waiting. I've identified three steps you can take to begin making Black Lives Matter. You can check it out for free here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y5qG_AmaQI Crowdfunding is critical because one of the biggest justifications for racial disparity is access to resources. You've heard that excuse right? When it comes to schools, the solution is more resources. In quality healthcare, the cry is for more resources. When community services don't serve, the complaint is that there aren't enough resources. There's never enough resources, and resources seem to always be the solution to the problems we face. So, the question becomes: if resources are the solution and there's never enough resources, how will anything get solved? Crowdfunding Gives Us Leverage Because of social med

Black cop...Black cop, Black cop...The black cop is the only real obstacle. Black slave turned black cop is not logical - KRS-ONE With police brutality running rampant in Black communities, this song from KRS-ONE has become relevant again. If you haven't heard it, take a listen. KRS-ONE says it's not logical... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljxp7ggi_g8 The logical question is: why would a Black person sign up to be a Black cop? It's a tough question to answer. And as the son of a Black police officer, I have personally had to confront that question. But there used to be something noble about being a Black cop. What if the time has come for us to revisit the nobility of Black people becoming police officers? I know it's natural to think and feel like the police are the enemy. And a Black police officer can easily be seen as a sell-out. But, what if there's a different perspective? In this episode I speak with Dpty. Chief Malik Aziz of the Dallas Police Department, and also Executive Director of the

Almost a year ago, Micah Xavier Johnson decided to shoot back.  Between war in Afghanistan and the rash of racially motivated violence that leaves us all questioning if Black lives matter in America, Micah Johnson struggled with mental illness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC97IFisr70 Now, that's no excuse for his actions... But a more important basis for his rage is what James Baldwin alluded to in The Fire Next Time. The title alone should say enough. But Baldwin spoke as a "transcendent Negro" to his nephew - angry in the face of racial oppression. He pleaded with his nephew and other young Blacks to not resort to violence. Yet even as he makes this appeal, Baldwin is well aware that next time there'd be no peace...only the fire. It was that fire that compelled Micah to shoot back. And his actions beg the question... Does the Decision to Shoot Back Ever Become Part of the Strategy to Make Black Lives Matter? Of course no one wants to ask that question. But it's an important question...especially

Hennessy is the drink of choice for many in the Black community. Nas, Rakim and several other rappers have endorsed it. Many more rappers have made tracks laced with references to Hennessy...aka da Henny. Personally, I prefer Jack Daniels, but even that will be discussed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Bz2PQsW1o On the road to success, many people will tell you many things. One thing you'll likely hear is that you need to improve your golf game. Deals are made on the golf course, they say. And if you can't play - or don't play - you'll be left out of the inner circles of power. One thing you likely haven't heard - until you finish listening to this episode - is that you need to improve your drink game. You see: after you come of the golf course, you'll end up at the 19th hole for the game after the game. And while deals may be discussed on the golf course, they are finalized on the 19th hole...over drinks. Big sales? Finalized over drinks. New clients? Finalized over drinks. Fast-track promotions? Fi

Terence Crutcher is dead. He was unarmed and Betty Shelby killed him. But because America doesn't believe that Black lives matter and Betty Shelby "feared for her life," she doesn't have to face any consequences for her misjudgment of the situation the cost Terence Crutcher his life. She has the White privilege to be wrong about killing someone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObwGP9YvXms It's so frustrating...right? The reality that in 2017 we still are trying to prove to America that Black lives matter is maddening. I think it's time to stop waiting for majority Society to decide that Black lives matter. I think it's time for us to make them matter. But like Beyoncé said, we must "get in formation." Terence Crutcher, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Walter Scott, Sandra Bland, et al...these instances will continue to occur until we get more Black lawyers in America. We are fighting these battles shorthanded...relying on others to fight for us. With Black lawyers making up only 4% of the nat

Parenting Black kids is quite the challenge. With police and thieves in the street, rampant disparity along racial lines, a school to prison pipeline that preys on Black boys & girls, and etc., there are many things to frighten Black parents. And that's in addition to the normal fears of parenting... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr_72Rt38Ng It's funny tho: if you're like most Black people, you came from a home where corporal punishment was part of your reality. We pride ourselves in sharing stories of the crazy things our parents may have said or did as part of raising us. And though we may shed some things, many times we employ similar strategies in parenting Black kids when we have our own. I, myself, have talked about the irony that White society will criticize how we (culturally) are parenting Black kids. During slavery, we raised their kids! But how much of our parenting style is born from our experience of slavery? How much of parenting Black kids is a product of the brutality of the experienc

"Either you slinging crack rock, or you got a wicked jump shot!" - Biggie Smalls Hopefully, none of y'all are slinging crack rock. Right?! LOL Many have a wicked jump shot...a strong arm, the ability to hit the hole or defend over the top, run the court, track a fly ball or hit it a mile. But then what? But Things Done Changed Biggie Smalls It's not longer enough to simply have a wicked jump shot. It's not enough to use your athletic talent to get out the hood. Rather, we need to leverage that talent to stay paid...for generations. Biggie Smalls was right: sports presents a surefire way to make it out of the hood. But like I said on Chicken George Economics, we have to have a strategic plan that will not only make us free but also keep us free! With all of the money in sports, and with the emphasis on College athletes, AAU, Travel Ball, Pop Warner et al, the question becomes: are you leaving money on the table? Former All American & Syracuse University Running Back George A. Scott joins me on this epi