Blacks With Power| Make America Great Through Black Power

For Black Greeks, there's always a light-hearted discussion about where it's better to be made: at an HBCU or a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). And having experienced both institutions, I can see the merits of both. There are things that can be done at a one that cannot be done at the other. For White Colleges, Racial Reconciliation is a huge one of those things... With very few White students at HBCUs, it's difficult to engage across color lines within the collegiate setting. However, Black Greeks at White Colleges have an opportunity to develop their ability to confront the White power structure while they're still in school. There's a great deal of value to that. Black Greeks could use the Alumni Support If members of NPHC (Black Greek) organizations are going to be effective at speaking truth to power, they will need the support of those who've crossed before them and are now established in their careers. We all know, systems of White power don't do well at listening to Black people. Jane Blac

Black Fraternities and Sororities cannot really claim to be relevant, can they? I don't know if they really matter to those who aren't members... Hell, they might not really matter to those who are members! There are reasons why retention and reclamation is such a huge issue in Divine 9 organizations. Black Fraternities and Sororities Need to Matter But, what does that mean: they need to matter? What would relevance mean for Black fraternities and sororities? I've remained active at the General Organization level in my fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha). I remain engaged with my Alumni Chapter - even though I'm no longer resident in the State. But I struggle with this idea of relevance. It seems like there's no reason to be active in Black fraternities and sororities...no reason to be engaged - other than to say that you are, ya know? There's gotta be a better reason - right? There's got to be a more virtuous reason for us to remain active and engaged in Black fraternities and sororities than the "shame of not

With President Trump in office, there's a lot of talk about what will happen across the board in the aspects of American Society that are most important to Blacks in America. Chief among those aspects is Education...right? I mean...you've seen how Betsy DeVos has been received by the public, right? Education has long been - rightfully so - a hot-button issue. It wasn't that long ago (circa 1954) that Brown vs. Board of Education ended legal segregation in American public schools. And racial disparities in education still persist. Access to post-secondary education has been and remains a huge problem. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded to fill the void that was created by racism & segregation. HBCUs still fill that void. And there's a long history of struggle to keep these institutions funded and advance their standing so they remain as safe spaces for empowering those that Society would have no problem leaving behind. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is one of the

Financial contentment is a pursuit we are all on in some form or fashion. I mean: if I were to ask you if you want financial contentment, you'd say yes...right? Or, are you the rare person who would say that you don't want financial contentment? Well...maybe this would be clearer if we said financial peace. You may have heard that used more. But being at peace is contentment. So the two are related. I come to understand financial contentment as the place where your relationship with money is at peace...where you and your money are at peace. Financial contentment is that place where money doesn't define your idea of peace. Rather, it is the place where your idea of peace defines your relationship with money. Do you think that way when it comes to your financial planning? It's an important perspective to consider if your goal is to pass on freedom to your children rather than passing on debt (i.e. bondage). It's the mindset that is required to "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery." Often, we plan

I guess racial reconciliation must have been accomplished recently because Time Magazine said that descendants of a slave and a Supreme Court Justice righted a 160-year-old wrong. On March 6, 1857, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney said: Negroes had for more than a century before been regarded as beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect; and that the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. So on March 6, 2017, Charles Taney III, a great-great-great-nephew of Justice Taney issued an apology to Lynne Jackson, the great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott. I don't know who gave Charles the authority to speak on behalf of his family...I damn sure don't know who gave him the authority to apologize on behalf of the Country and White people that took his great-great-great-uncle's ruling as a license to abuse

Cultural responsiveness is the ability to learn from and relate respectfully with people of your own culture as well as those from other cultures. It is a framework that recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning. According to Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, cultural responsiveness encompasses eight principles: Communication of High Expectations Active Teaching Methods Practitioner as Facilitator Inclusion of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students Cultural Sensitivity Reshaping the Curriculum or Delivery of Services Student-Controlled Discourse Small Group Instruction New York University's Metropolitan Center for Urban Education says that these 8 principles should lead to "stronger connections between educators & students." I struggle with the concept. I find myself asking "for what?" And, "to what end?" What would be the purpose of having stronger connections between educators & students? Why is that important...ultimately? I mea

Spoken word is many things to many people...ranging from life itself to a cute pastime that occasionally has value when trying to seduce or vent. But spoken word is so much more...it is our soundtrack. Have you been listening? Ingrid B, founder of #OnTheBSide Entertainment, reminds us of the role poetry plays in our life & ability to weather the social storms of our times. I met Ingrid while serving as a priest in Miami. Trying to escape Coral Gables, one of my Miami brothers told me about the soul of South Florida and the Ambassador of that Soul, Ms. Ingrid B. What was crazy about that encounter was that I learned her father was also a priest in the Episcopal Diocese I was serving! So here's this PK (preacher's kid) who's head of this artistic underworld. It was incredibly compelling...to see her host & navigate an evening to a near Eucharistic joy was a thing of beauty that I had to respect. Spoken Word still Remains an Underworld Well at least for me it does...even though poetry is always present. S

Black Organizations are going to face a difficult time, if a few key things do not change quickly and methodically. Regardless of your political perspectives, it is undeniable that there is a combative tone between the Trump Administration and anyone who disagrees with it. And it would be naive to think that there will never be an issue of contention between the Trump Administration and the myriad Black Organizations addressing various aspects of Black life in America. Black Organizations will need all hands on deck! That's one of the reasons we've launched our sweepstakes. Whether you belong to Divine Nine fraternities & sororities, the NAACP/Urban League, Black Professional Associations (i.e. Executive Leadership Council, National Association of Black Accountants, National Organization of Blacks in Law Enforcement, and etc.)...they each have Annual Conventions. And we all need to be engaged. Through this sweepstakes, BWP is offering you the chance to win the registration fees (up to $500.00) for yourse

Black film presents an undeniable power expression. But there's even more power behind the scenes. John P. Wheatley is a filmmaker & producer who's worked with Gabrielle Union, T.I., Kirk Franklin, Janelle Monáe & countless others. In this episode he shares his insights on the "behind the scenes" power of Black film/production. In the industry with a incredible ability to set the tone of culture, black film provides a means to influence the influencers and multiply one's ability to affect change. And, this perspective isn't just for the Black film industry. How can you employ this method in your sphere? Have You Entered the BWP Sweepstakes? We all belong to various National Social/Community organizations: Divine Nine fraternities & sororities, NAACP/Urban League, Black Professional Associations (i.e. Executive Leadership Council, National Association of Black Accountants, National Organization of Blacks in Law Enforcement, and etc.). They each have Annual Conventions...and those conventions are expensiv

Black Republicans definitely get a bad rap. And sometimes that rap is deserved. Certainly after the recent Black History Listening Session, and pastors arranging sit-downs with "gang thugs" the credibility of Black Republicans is questionable. But what if there is a different rap? What if there are "alternative facts" that would allow you to connect with "woke" brothers and sisters who are Republican? Raynard Jackson isn't afraid to confront the GOP. And he's the founder of Black Americans for a Better Future, where he works to assert the position of credible Black men and women in the Party structure of the GOP. He is not one of those Black Republicans who's beholden to the Party and committed to toeing the Party line at the expense of his street cred. Rather, he's galvanizing men and women who are unapologetically Black and unapologetically Republican. And, in this episode he'll tell you more about his vision for Black Republicans and how that vision fits into the overarching agenda of Blacks in Ameri

Pledge allegiance to the Flag, or be labeled unpatriotic. That's what you'll here in so many circles. But, many of the voices in those circles seem unpatriotic themselves...fueled by bigotry & hatred. How do we pledge allegiance in a way that's authentic to our identity? How do we pledge allegiance in a way that doesn't dishonor our ancestors, and the blood they shed for our freedom? I had a conversation with my 12 year old son that served to spark the content for this episode. I wonder how you are addressing this with your sons and daughters. Are we setting our children up to be strong Americans, honoring the Legacy of our ancestors who fought to end slavery and segregation? In this episode of Blacks with Power, I'll share some strategies for an authentic allegiance to America that is worthy of the Black Legacy. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Blacks with Power Sweepstakes. Encouraging you to get involved with your various organizations, strengthening their ability to fight on our behalf.

Donald Trump is now the President of the United States. What does that mean for Black America? Many are upset. 100 protesters were arrested for riots before the Inaugural Parade. Dozens of politicians boycotted the Inauguration. Yet, none of those things change the reality: Donald Trump is the US President. So, what needs to be our focus for the next four years? How do we engage this period of American History? The answer to those questions will determine if we are able to Protect the Black Legacy and Advance the Cause of Freedom for ourselves and our posterity. Are you interested in those two issues? You see: agenda item number one for President Donald Trump will be to destroy the Obama Legacy. The Black Legacy...the legacy of those who fought and died for the Freedom of Black America...will be attacked next. Yet, every moment offers us a hope. And in this episode, I'll talk about the hope for Black America that is presented by the Presidency of Donald Trump. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Colin Kaepernick & LeBron James have been leading the way in revolutionary sports figures. In 2015, LeBron James initiated a scholarship fund for children of his hometown Akron pledging to give them a four year scholarship to the University of Akron. He also lead other NBA stars in a speech to open the ESPYs, inspiring other athletes to take action. This season in the NFL, Colin Kaepernick has been leading a silent protest to draw attention to police brutality. But, he's also been hosting a "Know Your Rights" camp for inner-city youth. Of course there are other engaged athletes, but these two are the headliners in my opinion. In this episode of Blacks with Power, I talk with Mike Tillery - Public Enemy #1 of the sports media world, who airs his show every Saturday night on Rapstation.com (yea, Chuck D's online network...you know...Public Enemy's Chuck D) He shares his stories from the field - the conversations he's had with your favorite competitors, and how these Ballers can empower the community.

Allhiphop.com (co-founded by today's guest, Chuck Creekmur) is the largest, most widely read hip-hop site on the planet - with about 2 million unique views per day. In order to build that kind of readership, you can't just know hip-hop...you have to be hip-hop. Through Allhiphop, Chuck has racked up numerous accomplishments in the industry and has a keen sense of how the culture is shaping and can shape even those of us who are merely spectators. In this episode, Chuck explains how the Hip-hop Nation can fuel an ownership economy for Blacks in America. What are your thoughts? Take a listen to the episode and post your questions/comments. And be sure to take the quick survey: What needs to happen to "Make America Great" for yourselves and your children? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: About TDE - Top Dawg Entertainment TDE Facebook Chance the Rapper

White people have to change... And, when White people are ready to change, then the racial dynamics will change. Whenever I ask Black people what can we - as Black people - do in order to heal the racial divide, I usually get an answer that presents a hopeless outlook: waiting for White people to find it in their hearts to benevolently abandon notions of supremacy and privilege. But, really: who sees that happening? I have a different take and that's what I'm sharing in this episode. What do you think? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: What you think Blacks can do to heal the divide The History of Joseph Genesis 37:1-44:9

Making America Great again seems to be about rolling back the gains made by the Civil Rights Movement. Unless we can employ power politics, the next four years will be difficult. But what does that all mean? Malcolm X gave us a framework of that meaning, and in this episode we'll lay the foundation for protecting the Black Legacy over the next four years while advancing the Cause of Freedom. I'll be asking your thoughts! So be sure to listen and then post your responses. Resources Mentioned in this Episode The Autobiography of Malcolm X - As told to Alex Haley The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin [VIDEO] Peaceful Protest?

Chicken George was instantly my least favorite but ultimately my favorite character of Roots. He seemed to be such a far cry from his grandfather, Kunta Kinte. Yet, he was ultimately the one who was able to achieve what his grandfather couldn't...his Freedom. What guidance does Chicken George have for us? Do we pursue freedom like Kunta Kinte? Or are we pursuing it like Chicken George? Or, would we admit that we don't even pursue it anymore? What do you think? Resources for This Episode: Roots: Have you watched it with your child? This series will instill the desire for freedom. Statistics about the Black 1% Statistics about the Black Middle Class

How can Black families exercise power? Especially in the present social climate, many of us are left wondering what difference our accomplishments make. In this episode we discuss breaking the hold of Willie Lynch on the Black Family and how we can recommit to freedom. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Text of the Willie Lynch Letter: Note again, the authenticity of this letter has been questioned. Yet if the letter is read, one can see reasons why the letter "could be true." Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: While African Americans managed to emerge from chattel slavery and the oppressive decades that followed with great strength and resiliency, they did not emerge unscathed. Slavery produced centuries of physical, psychological and spiritual injury. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing lays the groundwork for understanding how the past has influenced the present, and opens up the discussion of how we can use the strengths we have gained to heal.

Many have seen the 2016 Presidential Elections as an effort to reassert Whiteness as the superior culture in America. It's as if Black people are being reminded of our place in this Country. But what is our place? And how should our place be defined? That is the topic for this episode. What do you think? Where do you think our place should be? Do you agree with the host? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The Story of Joseph son of Jacob The Book of Exodus  

In the wake of Donald Trump's election to the American Presidency, the looming question is: what does this all mean for Blacks in America? With the whitewash after eight years of having a Black man in the White House, the concern has shifted to guarding against retribution for White people's perception of gains made by Black & Brown people to the detriment of Whites. In response to those sentiments and others, I am launching a new podcast: Blacks with Power. In this episode, I'll unpack the reasons for this show and why I am the one hosting it. Consider it your invitation to be part of the solution that will protect the legacy of our ancestors and advance the pursuit of freedom. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Racial Heresy podcast About Fr. Jabriel Ballentine