My take: Black Folks, it’s just Halloween. Chill out!

By now, many of us have had our Halloween Decorations looking so-so scary. We decorated our houses and community centers so spooky that we need to change the game for next year in Halloween 2018. Which we have to do before we vote in the Midterms. And yes, we had to put up our costumes on wax to think again about next year as well. Plus I had a costume that I had to sample from my father’s work wear to pay tribute to him.

BUT………I have to address my black Kings and Queens in regarding this thing of Halloween, Christians, Ebony Magazine, and certain thing about “Pagan Holidays”. Let me go in on my people. Even though I love my blackness, honor my ancestors and also fly the red, black and green in the heart like the red white and blue. I’m reading the article online from Ebony Magazine (via Facebook)  the latest one that had an article with Meagan Good dressed like Catwoman. Oh, by now that everyone knows, she married a pastor earlier this year per se and many questioned about her choice celebrating All Hallow’s Eve in a FREAKING COSTUME! Really?!

Then I went to this BallersAlert Instagram Page. And when I was view the page in term of Meagan Good doing her, all these comments mainly coming from those whom are considered “Christian” and being black and proud had this remorse of shaming her just because she’s a Christian celebrating this “so-called” scary evil holiday known as Halloween.

For all of my black readers whom think they know everything about Halloween or having this negative stat of pagan holidays: SPELL IT! Spell Pagan. Let me school you on this: Do you know what Halloween really means? It really means Comes from the adage of All Hallow’s Eve in which leads into a holiday called All Saint’s Day. Heard of All Saint’s Day? You should! If you called out a name, or remembered a person that recently passed, that is part of it! If you go to church, you have should have heard the thought about All Saints Day, PERIOD! But what does that have to do with Halloween? Part of that is another meaning that you probably never got the knowledge of: Holy Evening.  THAT IS WHAT HALLOWEEN REALLY MEANS! It’s a HOLY EVENING.

According to Wikipedia: As you should know –

The word Halloween or Hallowe’en dates to about 1745 and is of Christian origin. The word “Hallowe’en” means “hallowed evening” or “holy evening”. It comes from a Scottish term for All Hallows’ Eve (the evening before All Hallows’ Day). In Scots, the word “eve” is even, and this is contracted to e’en or een. Over time, (All) Hallow(s) E(v)en evolved into Hallowe’en. Although the phrase “All Hallows'” is found in Old English “All Hallows’ Eve” is itself not seen until 1556.

Oh wait, there’s more for you Christians:

Christian influence (via Wikipedia)

Today’s Halloween customs are also thought to have been influenced by Christian dogma and practices derived from it. Halloween is the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows’ Day (also known as All Saints’ or Hallowmas) on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, thus giving the holiday on 31 October the full name of All Hallows’ Eve (meaning the evening before All Hallows’ Day).[69] Since the time of the early Church,[70] major feasts in Christianity (such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost) had vigils that began the night before, as did the feast of All Hallows’.[71] These three days are collectively called Allhallowtide and are a time for honoring the saints and praying for the recently departed souls who have yet to reach Heaven. Commemorations of all saints and martyrs were held by several churches on various dates, mostly in springtime.[72] In 609, Pope Boniface IV re-dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to “St Mary and all martyrs” on 13 May. This was the same date as Lemuria, an ancient Roman festival of the dead, and the same date as the commemoration of all saints in Edessa in the time of Ephrem.[73]
The feast of All Hallows’, on its current date in the Western Church, may be traced to Pope Gregory III’s (731–741) founding of an oratory in St Peter’s for the relics “of the holy apostles and of all saints, martyrs and confessors”.[74][75] In 835, All Hallows’ Day was officially switched to 1 November, the same date as Samhain, at the behest of Pope Gregory IV.[76] Some suggest this was due to Celtic influence, while others suggest it was a Germanic idea,[76] although it is claimed that both Germanic and Celtic-speaking peoples commemorated the dead at the beginning of winter.[77] They may have seen it as the most fitting time to do so, as it is a time of ‘dying’ in nature.[76][77] It is also suggested that the change was made on the “practical grounds that Rome in summer could not accommodate the great number of pilgrims who flocked to it”, and perhaps because of public health considerations regarding Roman Fever – a disease that claimed a number of lives during the sultry summers of the region.[78]

By the end of the 12th century they had become holy days of obligation across Europe and involved such traditions as ringing church bells for the souls in purgatory. In addition, “it was customary for criers dressed in black to parade the streets, ringing a bell of mournful sound and calling on all good Christians to remember the poor souls.”[80] “Souling”, the custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for all christened souls,[81] has been suggested as the origin of trick-or-treating.[82] The custom dates back at least as far as the 15th century[83] and was found in parts of England, Flanders, Germany and Austria.[53] Groups of poor people, often children, would go door-to-door during Allhallowtide, collecting soul cakes, in exchange for praying for the dead, especially the souls of the givers’ friends and relatives.[83][84][85] Soul cakes would also be offered for the souls themselves to eat,[53] or the ‘soulers’ would act as their representatives.[86] As with the Lenten tradition of hot cross buns, Allhallowtide soul cakes were often marked with a cross, indicating that they were baked as alms.[87] Shakespeare mentions souling in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1593).[88] On the custom of wearing costumes, Christian minister Prince Sorie Conteh wrote: “It was traditionally believed that the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints’ Day, and All Hallows’ Eve provided one last chance for the dead to gain vengeance on their enemies before moving to the next world. In order to avoid being recognized by any soul that might be seeking such vengeance, people would don masks or costumes to disguise their identities”.[89]

It is claimed that in the Middle Ages, churches that were too poor to display the relics of martyred saints at Allhallowtide let parishioners dress up as saints instead.[90][91] Some Christians continue to observe this custom at Halloween today.[92] Lesley Bannatyne believes this could have been a Christianization of an earlier pagan custom.[93] While souling, Christians would carry with them “lanterns made of hollowed-out turnips”.[94] It has been suggested that the carved jack-o’-lantern, a popular symbol of Halloween, originally represented the souls of the dead.[95] On Halloween, in medieval Europe, fires served a dual purpose, being lit to guide returning souls to the homes of their families, as well as to deflect demons from haunting sincere Christian folk.[96][97] Households in Austria, England and Ireland often had “candles burning in every room to guide the souls back to visit their earthly homes”. These were known as “soul lights”.[98][99][100] Many Christians in mainland Europe, especially in France, believed “that once a year, on Hallowe’en, the dead of the churchyards rose for one wild, hideous carnival” known as the danse macabre, which has often been depicted in church decoration.[101]

Christopher Allmand and Rosamond McKitterick write in The New Cambridge Medieval History that “Christians were moved by the sight of the Infant Jesus playing on his mother’s knee; their hearts were touched by the Pietà; and patron saints reassured them by their presence. But, all the while, the danse macabre urged them not to forget the end of all earthly things.”[102] This danse macabre was enacted at village pageants and at court masques, with people “dressing up as corpses from various strata of society”, and may have been the origin of modern-day Halloween costume parties.[94][103][91][104]
In parts of Britain, these customs came under attack during the Reformation as some Protestants berated purgatory as a “popish” doctrine incompatible with their notion of predestination. Thus, for some Nonconformist Protestants, the theology of All Hallows’ Eve was redefined; without the doctrine of purgatory, “the returning souls cannot be journeying from Purgatory on their way to Heaven, as Catholics frequently believe and assert. Instead, the so-called ghosts are thought to be in actuality evil spirits. As such they are threatening.”[99] Other Protestants maintained belief in an intermediate state, known as Hades (Bosom of Abraham),[105] and continued to observe the original customs, especially souling, candlelit processions and the ringing of church bells in memory of the dead.[69][106]

Mark Donnelly, a professor of medieval archæology, and historian Daniel Diehl, with regard to the evil spirits, on Halloween, write that “barns and homes were blessed to protect people and livestock from the effect of witches, who were believed to accompany the malignant spirits as they traveled the earth.”[107] In the 19th century, in some rural parts of England, families gathered on hills on the night of All Hallows’ Eve. One held a bunch of burning straw on a pitchfork while the rest knelt around him in a circle, praying for the souls of relatives and friends until the flames went out. This was known as teen’lay.[108] The rising popularity of Guy Fawkes Night (5 November) from 1605 onward, saw many Halloween traditions appropriated by that holiday instead, and Halloween’s popularity waned in Britain, with the noteworthy exception of Scotland.[109] There and in Ireland, they had been celebrating Samhain and Halloween since at least the early Middle Ages, and the Scottish kirk took a more pragmatic approach to Halloween, seeing it as important to the life cycle and rites of passage of communities and thus ensuring its survival in the country.[109]

In France, some Christian families, on the night of All Hallows’ Eve, prayed beside the graves of their loved ones, setting down dishes full of milk for them.[98] On Halloween, in Italy, some families left a large meal out for ghosts of their passed relatives, before they departed for church services.[110] In Spain, on this night, special pastries are baked, known as “bones of the holy” (Spanish: Huesos de Santo) and put them on the graves of the churchyard, a practice that continues to this day.[111]

 

 

Makes sense now? Keywords: HOLY EVENING!

Now from my understanding that the Holy Evening Holiday may have some pagan roots. Halloween has some pagan connections but it’s not entirely EVIL! When folk think of “Pagan Holidays” they think it’s something that is demonic or trickery. REALLY? Not all holidays are “Pagan Holidays.” If your wedding or a loved ones funeral is considered a “Pagan Holiday” filled with evil or demonic implications, then I guess you haven’t been to one. Or you don’t know enough! That is the problem today, why do many feel (espcially in the black community) that pagan holidays are evil, knowing that there are some “Pagan Holidays” are good? You got Christmas coming up in celebrating the Birth of Jesus, and many folks are calling that being a “Pagan Holiday”: Many of you got it all twisted. Not all Pagan Holidays are evil .

CALLOUT:  Is Juneteenth Day a Pagan Holiday?

Is many of our holidays that we started (KWANZAA) is considered a Pagan Holiday?

Is waving the Red Black and Green on Marcus Garvey’s Birthday or any BLACK HOLIDAY is considered a Pagan Holiday? Oh, you don’t hear me.

Why I am saying this? Why I am calling out the gossiperes to this manner? Real simple, LACK OF KNOWLEDGE! That is what this is. All that so called opinons that man of you spilled on Social Media makes no sense at all. And I’m assuming that BallerAlert wanted your reaction. They really don’t care about it. Just to make money and hurt your feelings.

Despite what Meagan Good does in her spare time should not be a concern on anyone. Even Black Christians! Now I’m a Black Christian myself and I do celebrate and decorate the Holy Evening thing of Halloween on my house. And don’t come at me with all that “pagan holiday opinionized mess” that black christians shouldn’t be celebrating this holiday. That goes double for the non-church folk! If any christian celebrates Halloween without any harm or concern, it shouldn’t be a problem! Many of us need to reread the Lord’s Prayer featuring the words: Hallowed be thy name. The Keyword is Hallowed. That word again.

Learn it.

Black Folks, it’s just Halloween. Chill out!

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My Take: This “beef” about Dr. Umar Johnson and Roland Martin is just that: DUMB!

Oh, let me go in on this mess. There were fireworks on TVOne this past week via News One Now. Take a look:

 

Ok. This is for all the “Dr. Umar Johnson Conscious Maniacs” out there: stop the pain. I repeat, STOP THE PAIN!

For the last couple of days, you all have been so out of character about the “beatdown” that Dr. Umar Johnson got on News One Now this past week. I’ve seen your comments on Roland Martin’s page on Facebook, and the utter disgust that many of you called him a COON all because in your viewpoints, that Dr. Johnson got the hard questions hit at him on Roland’s Show. Oh that’s right, Dr. Umar Johnson is in a public spotlight. Of course he’ll called out on his lineage to Frederick Douglass and his family. Of course of course he got called out on the comments about black men marry white women and the distain about when the black men are out doing other things for other people, they forget that the women they know need help too: The black woman. Of course many have called him out on the subjects at hand. Even about Tim Wise and others. And his degrees! Really folks?

But this past week and even today, many of you still are calling out Roland to make that apology to Dr. Umar Johnson. Are you done now? Can Roland do his job and get on with his journalism and his frat life in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity? Can he get on with his TVONE News One Now Life, his family life? Can he do that please? Maybe I think Roland and this is just my opinion only, personally does not need to apologize. Period. Or maybe in a sense he does need to apologize to the fans of him and Umar. But here’s the thing that many of you Umar fans need to know: WE GET CALLED OUT EVERYDAY! How many of you reading this blog that are fans of Dr. Umar Johnson and get called out everyday at your jobs, your households, your families, your friends, your pookies and nee-nees at the the family reunion? Let that sink in, as our younger folks would say.

Hey, I get called out. Where was the help on that? Hello?!!!!

CALLOUT: Let’s be honest, this will pass in two to three weeks. And after that, what’s next?

There are a lot more stuff happening in the black community than worrying about Dr. Umar Johnson being roasted on News One Now. Like really. When are we going to call out black unemployment? Our black health? Our black employment? Our black entertainment? Our black melanin popping stuff? Our various causes in our communities? Our education and finance? Our so-called true level of consciousness that many of us don’t have, or abuse and use? Even our black churches that don’t do enough than those that do enough? Our clubs, organizations, and even US? I would rather worry about those, and call out those causes than this silly crap between a black man who is a Pan Africanist and a Black Journalist asking those “TOUGH TOUGH” questions. Has Roland been called out before? I assume he has. But knowing him, he defends his record. All the time. We see it on social media everytime. I’ll bet many are like, “man Stephen you like Roland Martin so much, do you? All up in his fanbase and junk”. Well, maybe. I may not agree with Roland all the time, but he does have pointers to think about.  And that doesn’t need calling out.

But yo, we got bigger fish to fry for sure. Why don’t we Hotep that?

 

The Rant of Stephen’s Spot – Milwaukee County: Sheriff David Clarke needs to go in 2018. Period.

For most of us in Milwaukee County, Sheriff David Clarke had overstep too many times. We know what they are. And apparently we know it’s not just him parading around in the cowboys hat or being a supporter of #45.  This recent act in the Milwaukee County Jail in which another prisoner was deceased and also there an act of villainy in which the water in the prisoner’s cell was turned off completely. This is an act of that miscarriage. I’m telling this because it’s happened before. Go back to 2016. Please.

This recent act has had the county and the city buzzing.  The prisoner, Terrill Thomas was the inmate that had lot of attention of this situation including black media of News One. And not only that, our own black media was all over this.

What was the real reason why Terill Thomas was given no fluids during his prison stay?!

I am asking that for those of us that again, voted up for Clarke are we satisfied with his job now? After him going on Fox News and most recently on Milwaukee​ Black Radio that in attempt to hid his real cover per se, I must ask again is Sheriff David Clarke worthy enough for his job? 

Let’s be honest, yes we watched over and over about the inmate’s news about him not getting any water of any reason, and the mixed emotions of prisoners in the County Jail not getting enough protection or treatment per se in 2016, the words are already on the wall. Let’s be honest again: Clarke is not right. And many have asked Walker to remove him from the Sheriff’s chair immediately. But of course, Walker says that it’s up to the Milwaukee County Voters to make that decision.

Which brings me to this: Earnell Lucas. A former MPD Officer of 25 years of experience​ plus a former MLB Security Supervisor now wants to run against Clarke. Plus he is already getting noticed that he could be the man that can take on Clarke in 2018. 

So yes, this is what I think that Clarke should​ go to the unemployment line. And Milwaukee County: time to come correct. 

And that is my rant.

Scratching my head all this time. The hot minute edition.🔥🔥🔥🔥

It’s been a hot minute since the scratching my head blog has been unleashed. I know it’s been a couple of weeks since my father passed and still dealing with the fact he’s gone.

But I still have something to say about the not so happy current affairs of the country and the world. So here it is.

Why do certain folks have an issue of Angela Rye’s shirt: “We built this joint for free!” Knowing it’s the truth when it concerns African Americans? 

Why do certain folks (Church Minded) have to get attacked knowing that they have to go harder every single time in and out of the four walls?

Is going after North Korea really all that? 

What’s this? Bill O’Reilly got fired from Fox News? And the station is under fire of racial discrimination of it’s black employees. Why hasn’t no one seem to realize that racism still rears its ugly head in America’s DNA? Especially at Fox News!

Stop hating on the Milwaukee Streetcar, Milwaukee. You know folks need jobs right?

Who was so glad to hear Former President Obama’s voice after all this mess of 45?

Men, when the women had Women’s History Month in March, we realize that every “Movember” is our International Men’s Month, right? Why trip?

The Republicans failed to sign away the Affordable Care Act. Why didn’t they say something to change it then 7 years ago? Oh, they were still hating on Obama.

Was Shea Moisture really that marketable to black women? 

For the Serena Williams haters worldwide: she’s beating you. Why hate her and her choice of marriage, and her soon to be child? And Black Kings(and queens): let it go.

Is anyone feeling the Milwaukee Bucks lately? #FearTheDeer #DeerRun

Yo, this Eric Thames “talk” about him doing roids or juicing is nothing but a distraction. Dude was tested three times and nothing came out bad. So what is the real problem? Where are the test results?!! We speculte too much, Americans.

Can African American Men be relaunchers for Adult Internships too? 

If moving out of Milwaukee is a solution to get away from violence, why do the suburban areas have issues of drug problems? And some violence issues too? My father once said, “it’s bad everywhere.”

In 2018: the midterms are coming. Midterm Elections. Can Wisco get rid of Scott Walker and David Clarke for real? 

Introvert folks, are we still good? 

So the State of Wisconsin has this problem of 80,000 plus jobs that need to be filled. As well as Milwaukee. And the companies all say “we need to find people.” Well what is the real problem with hiring, matching, education, training and transportation, in getting that job? 

Was the “Mother of all Bombs” really that necessary in Syria?

So the Nintendo Switch is out. Who is really waiting to see if us “grownfolks” gamers can try it? 

Milwaukee: you realize our 2nd MPS Alumni Reunion is coming in May, right? 

I need to ask this question: and it’s for those who wished reunions. Why do many get mad about a so so class reunion that tried to happen but didn’t work? Also why get mad at all class reunions? You know you can use that to generate your class reunions right?

Why is there not enough representation for African Americans when it comes to groups like The American Legion and it’s subgroups? Note: some of them might have been or are American Legion members.

Why is Wisconsin “the state so far” doesn’t do expungements?

Really Ivanka Trump? Your father is a champion when it comes to women? You know what he said to Billy Bush, right?

Question: is it a check up, or a physical? Make up your minds when going to the doctors, folks. Jeez.

Should TJ Watt be a Green Bay Packer?

In May, Military Appreciation Month is approaching. Why do we get “Veterans Day” and “Memorial Day” mixed up? 

I need to ask: why did we sent our kids back to school the DAY AFTER EASTER?! Back in my day, we started our spring break on Good Friday, then the week was nothing but a break. And the week after, it was back in the classrooms. Explain!

Do folks really believe the fake news on Social Media that folks display? 

Why do folks have to test the Bible in what the folks who want to say that the people are right and the Good Book is bad? Seriously.

If you are a single man with no kids and not married (Especially if you’re Black) why the barrage of assumptions from women who wanted them to have kids and a wife? Um….Last I checked: kids cost money! And many women today have gone “Independent”. Society does suck.

And the last question to ask: Is the truth dead? Or just opinionated? 

I’m back, folks. Get woke! Stay empowered.

Scratching my head all this time. In Black History Month 2017.

I did this last year in Black History Month. And it’s back again. So yep, it’s time to scratch the noggin and actually boil the questions. Oh yes, we know we’re in the era of that dude named Trump, and many of us might loose our minds. So now I ask, what’s next for the future of Black History Month? And many of us have been spoiled that it’s supposed to be everyday, but hardly: we black folks DON’T acknowledge our history EVERYDAY! WE DON’T. Yeah, we can do this after March and get all charged up, but might ask where was the energy during February? Hmm……It’s the same ole thing we encounter every time.

Are we still believing this statement? Be honest.

Why are those saying that it’s “National African-American History Month”, than “Black History Month?” Black History Month is now global, not just for the United States.

Is the whole thing about the 45th President saying that the word “black” is outdated true? Last I checked: BLACK is BLACK!

Someone stop me: when we black folks say we celebrate our people everyday or I’m black everyday, are we meaning this or just saying to get the monkeys off the back? Just be honest!

Someone stop me again: are we really teaching our children more about black history everyday? Be honest.

I asked this last year many times: Have you missed Obama?

Is Donald Trump really supporting black folks? Or should I say, those whom are on his side are black?

When was the last time that many took their kids to see a tomb of a famous African-American Figure than to see a  pair of Air Jordans at the mall?

When was the last time that many saw a famous African-American figure that was still dropping knowledge and took the kids?

How many more of the New England Patriots whom are black will not attend the White House?

Dang MSNBC! Why did you kicked off Tamron Hall?!

Is it just me, or is America wants to be driven by those in office whom do not have experience or just being dumb?

You do know that 2017 is a voting year, right?

Is the black media still on point?

I’m surprised that many in America didn’t know who James White was after the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Um, did anyone checked the Wisconsin Badgers for Reference?

How hard will “The Quad” on BET will go?

Is it just me, or what has gotten into BET with the added cussing in movies?

Had everyone seen Hidden Figures? Not Hidden Colors. HIDDEN FIGURES!

Should AFROPUNK make a Milwaukee Visit? Take my money.

When will President Obama release his memoir? If that happens TAKE MY MONEY!

Black Businesses: are you holding up well?

Was Maxwell out of bounds for his remarks about including whites for Black History Month?

Did The New Edition Story on BET really sparked new ideas for biopics?

Should all of the black Alumni of High Schools or Colleges rock dashikis for Black History Month? Primarily with the school colors we know?

Who still reads books? Mainly African-American Novels?

For my Black Introverts, are we good? Are we are still holding up to resist?

This year in Music Anniversaries: 30 years of Jody Watley’s Real Love, Whitney Houston’s I wanna dance with somebody under the self titled Album, Whitney. Kool Moe Dee’s How You Like Me Now made the cut, NWA and the Posse made it’s debut by the group itself. Even Michael Jackson’s Bad was good.

25 years of R.Kelly & The Public Announcement’s She’s Got That Vibe and Honey Love. Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back. EnVogue’s Funky Divas of Free Your Mind, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, My Lovin’and Give it up Turn it loose. Mary J. Blige’s What the 411? Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard Soundtrack.  Boyz II Men (ALL FOUR OF THEM) serenade the women with the single, End of the Road. Also, Prince with the Love Symbol Album premiered,  and Bobby Brown had the joint Bobby out with Humpin’ Around as a hot single. Just to name a few.

20 years of Missy Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly, Puff Daddy and Family’s No Way Out, Aaliyah had The One I gave my heart to and Hot Like Fire, Timbaland/Magoo debuted Welcome to our World, Will Smith was back with Big Willie Style, The Notorious BIG’s last album before his death: Life after Death, and Michael Jackson had the album out called “Blood on the Dance Floor.” Just to name a few.

15 years ago: Ashanti and Tweet both debuted with their albums, Musiq Soulchild had “Juslisen”, Meshell Ndegeocello had the album, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape.  Plus Donell Jones had the joint Life Goes On, Will Smith was Born to Reign, Nelly had the joint Nellyville, Sean Paul had the Dutty Rock thing going, LL Cool J: 10,  Deborah Cox (one of my favorite black Canadian exports) had the album out called The Morning After, and Missy Elliott took us back in time with old school hip hop beats in Under Construction. Just to name a few.

And  10 years of Angie Stone’s The Art of War. Plus Timbaland took us a Shock Value favor with Keri Hilson singing hooks. What music are you celebrating….IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

This year in Movie Anniversaries: 10 years of I am Legend, Why Did I Get Married? and Black Snake Moan. 20 years of Men in Black, Soul Food, and Amistad. 25 years of Class Act, Mo’ Money, Bebe’s Kids, Diggstown, Malcolm X, and Trespass. 30 years of Beverly Hills Cop II, Leonard Part 6, Sign ‘o’ The Times, and Shaka Zulu.  What flicks are you celebrating….IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

This year in TV Shows that are Anniversary material: Martin. 25 years since WZUP, Martin Love the kids, get the steppin’, and many of the quotes that we know it like that. Also, Living Single debuted in the same year also of 1992. Plus, The Cosby Show ended the 8 year reign the same year.  Easy question: What shows are you celebrating in Black History Month?

Is Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots show still rolling with new ideas?

Will TVONE continue to roll hard with shows and news?

We keep talking about the firsts in Black History. Who’s next?

I’m not easily fooled by the phrases, Black Future Month, or Black Conscious Month. Nope. Wanna know why?

I’m not easily fooled by this notion of blacks not referencing the ideals that Africans were sold by their own and America ate up the idea of slavery commodity. Wanna know why? (Hint: Part of it is the truth whether we like it or not.)

When will all schools acknowledge Black History? Not just in the cities.

When all those who hate the idea of Black History Month actually stop hating?!

When will all those who don’t like the thought of having a Black History Month actually read what Dr. Carter Woodson wrote about the miseducation portion of us not knowing our history?

And yet again, how will all of this be worthy for our children, especially our black children that need to know this? Not just in school, but in the homes, and certainly in other areas like the church and community centers?

I learned black history in the house, school, and church!

So, Happy Black History Month! or #HapppyBHM2017 whatever many prefer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black History Month 2017: Now what?

Oh it’s time once again to go back to the learning tree.

For this: it’s once again that my centerpiece is set for Black History Month. No millennials, not black futures month, or a thing being conscious month. Black History Month is back again being 91 years old, and yes there many of us who think we know everything that is Black History. Or do we?

Like many years before, there are spoiler alerts: Stop me if you heard this one:

“I celebrate my people everyday.”

Or: “Every month is Black History Month.”

Or: “Black History Month begins January 1st and ends December 31st”.

Or: “I’m Black Everyday.”

Oh really? Hear me out.

How many of us in the black communities and classrooms, homes and churches and many others (including Social Media) do actually believe that when we say that, it’s almost we’re lying to ourselves?

Think about it. Years back on this blog again, I ask this same question:

What (in the H.E. Double Hockey Sticks) do we do everyday?

We are at work, school, in line to buy that new gadget, that line of weave, that line of new Jordans, that latest new single by J. Cole or a underrated rock band, or the list goes on and on! And the thing is, the age range is not a factor. You mean to tell me we can list all the sports records in Football and how the Atlanta Falcons CHOKED in the 51st SuperBowl(after beating Green Bay Twice), but can’t recite the reasons why black players couldn’t make the roster because of skin color? Or many of us love guns/militarism. Why wasn’t the US Military at the time had black servicemen who did their job for their country, but never got love for the country they served for?

I want to jump back to the quote of “celebrating our people everyday” and such.

If we really celebrate our people everyday, where are those who have NOT BEEN CELEBRATED?! Where are they at? How many of us who bleed that quote of celebrating us everyday never gave the flowers to those whom always been hidden every single time.  It’s always the front runners, the lead dogs, those that got the first divas for being out more than those that didn’t get one trophy for the hard work. And they have been grinding! What about those whom you got on your Social Media lists that has all those boat loaded accomplishments that you read about, but have this so-called opinion of them being so radical with actions or whatever and you don’t say nothing to be appreciative? Some of you may know where I’m going with this! But here’s the kicker. Many of us don’t hardly acknowledge it as much, while still being ALIVE!

5 years ago in February, Whitney Houston’s Funeral was taking place. And one of her former Bodyguards said something about giving flowers to those whom are living. That’s real talk. Every black man, and of course every black woman should be given their flowers RIGHT NOW for not only the appreciation of work, or a birthday, an anniversary, or being a good citizen or family member or friend, but still around.

CALLOUT: Especially us Black Males need that too! 

Many of us give flowers at a time of funerals. But that person lying in a casket or ashes in urns never got the chance to smell the roses while living. We need to recognize and check ourselves that yes, life is short. Anyone of us could be taken out for selfish or health reasons of anytime. That’s also real talk!

And about the phrase: “I’m black everyday or every month.”

Well duh! Of course many of us in the black community are black everyday! And I hope it’s not a diss towards Black History Month. I’ll admit that yes we got this pride of being a proud black man or a proud black woman. We got pride of recognizing our culture, our objectives, our purpose and our existence. We know.

However: I have to stress this, there are those of us whom are NOT proud of our heritage! Inner hate. Being ashamed. Being disregarded of not acknowledging the thought of having a prideful positive outlook of being black overall. Stop me if you have heard this before.

When black folks say “I’m black everyday”, I say: of course! And I dare say: what else?

• Are you black everyday and helping out your community?
• Are you black everyday and give back to your Alumni?
• Are you black everyday and providing a value of support in your families, churches, fraternities, sororities, neighborhoods, and your place of employment?
• Are you black everyday and giving back overall of the work after you somewhat post on Facebook, and other social media outlet?
• Are you black everyday and not dissing or shaming the culture that many of us made fun of when we were younger?
• Are you black everyday that after you have all those meetings and actually go over and review of what happened and how to make it better for the merrier?
• Are you black everyday (talking to the men) whom don’t do the domestic violence thing, or dissing the health needs, dissing the black women in a ego sense, or financial concerns?
• Are you black everyday, (talking to the women) who don’t diss all black men whom you think that they are dogs, ain’t all that like some thug, not being appreciated or loved, supportive, or not very extroverted like many of you, or who assumes that he has to make the same amount of cash, or whatever like many of you? As well as not dissing your needs of medical or finance?
• Are we black everyday, and not hating on our educational values?
• Are we black everyday and not hating on each other for clothes, money, what you don’t have, when forcing someone to speak, a certain game console, shoes, gadgets, food supply, or anything that is not worthy of being jealous?
• Are we black everyday and fighting against racism, the gangs, prostitution,  etc?
• Are we black everyday and do the Christian or religious related thing to things that matter and thinking it straight?
• Are we black everyday and having a goal to have a better value of our history and future?
• Are we black everyday and vote in every Election? Should have thought about that in November.
• Are we black everyday like we supposed to be black everyday ? Just asking.

MASSIVE CALLOUT: We need to be real!

Oh and white folks: look, don’t ask the same tired question about when is a “White History Month” going to happen. Clearly you guys got every month locked in on the freaking calendar. Stop playing with yourselves!

Later on before the month is out, I’ll be doing a review of what was I think stood out in #BHM2017.

But for now: My #BHM2017 centerpiece is displayed on the table while staying in the struggle.

 

Community Alert: Support this cause!

So there is a plan of killing off African-American Programs that help African-Americans. And I must ask why. More recently, one of a black organizations, here in Milwaukee has been shut down by the State of Wisconsin. Asha Family Services, almost 30 years in the city and Madison has been the focal point of helping African-American Women in the awareness of Domestic Violence. We all know that October is the month in which not only Domestic Violence is the subject but also Breast Cancer Awareness as well.

But in this instance, it’s not about talking about it, it’s about addressing it. Plus the angle of helping “your own” in relation to African-American outlets of support is in serious jeopardy. They let the white owned per se needy organizations run without any problems. They didn’t touch the Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans folks and EVEN the Afrikaans (not African-Americans) weren’t harmed. But the African-Americans stuff of cultural or special needs that caters mostly, they’ll go after that. WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?! Oh, I guess it’s one of those black things that must be eliminated right? Is that the problem?

If not, then what is? Better get woke now!

This country in my opinion fears Black American Intelligence! Sad but true. Just admit it. And I dare say there are those whom are black and somewhat on the side of per se “conservative” fear that also. Don’t tell me this is still a thing that doesn’t go as much!

Still want to help out black cultural businesses?  Support this one via Sistah’s Cafe. Support it well and fairly!

https://www.gofundme.com/OpenSistahsCafe

A Stephen’s Spot Exclusive: To be a Patriot or not?

 

It’s time. Oh yes it’s time.

For several weeks it’s been football players like Colin Kaepernick taking knees. There have been black volleyball players taking knees. High school football players taking knees. There have been other NFL players raising black fists in the air. Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane sits as the National Anthem is played. And four members of the Miami Dolphins took knees as well. Plus Denver Broncos Linebacker Brandon Marshall took his knee during the anthem.

But what is this all entail? Some anti-american movement? Was there a part in school that flag etiquette was not taught? Some are asking what is it about African-Americans (per some) having a disdain of hate when it comes to the Nation Anthem and that grand American Flag that many think it’s a symbol of oppression?

Oh it’s time y’all!

Long history of slavery,racism, oppression, tyranny, persecution have plagued this country for 240+ years. Thus is not new to black folks. But if you’re that white dude or female that enjoying being overly patriotic, or assuming that racism or oppression is one and done: then maybe you need to have those seats and listen up.

How many times have I heard and seen black folks in this country feeling oppressed about a location, subject, topic, category, or non-engaged because of the color of their skin? No matter if they didn’t get the job, or promotion, or just being a regular customer, or officer of a well known company that “religiously” doesn’t hire black folks? Lots of times. And I know so because there was a time, I was discriminated of a job offer in Waukesha because of me being black. Remember Dresser Waukesha? That company.

Most of the focus was shifted on the day that most of us had to reflect: September 11th. The same September 11th as we know had the most hellacious smackdown on American Soil. When the planes struck the Twin Towers, and the Pentagon. We know how it felt to go out on a clear nice day 15 years ago, and having that to be ruined by those that wanted this country to feel being sucker punched.

• Many of us 15 years ago had to put American Flags out to show solidarity or support that many of us really care about the well being of being “American.”
• Many of us 15 years ago, packed the church! And the rows of pews were filled as if a funeral was taking place.
• Many of us 15 years ago saw both the Republicans and Democrats were singing God Bless America outside of Capitol Hill.
• Many of us 15 years ago were questioning about why we were attacked in the first place. Heck were still talking about it!
• Many of us 15 years ago copied these words: Never Forget. – I got something to say about NEVER FORGET in my next blog.

So I guess in asking, after the booing of President Obama on the 15th Anniversary of 9/11, what is the legality of showing your so-called patriotism, or “Selected Patriotism” about this? He ain’t George W. Bush, I’ll tell you that!

Lot of folks be like, the flag though……. It’s a symbol of oppression. Others say it’s about freedom, but really? Look here, what I’m about to say that might not be suitable for the hyper conscious of black folks, but I’m going to say this. The stars and stripes on display is fine as is. Yeah I said it! You can take the flag and put it on a t-shirt and many ways. Even on a dress. But it’s only “negative” when you use it in a negative action or situation that many normally well know. The key word in this sentence is “NEGATIVE!” There is part of your symbol of oppression, black people!  Remember back in school when your teacher was talking about weapons? Back in my Milwaukee Public Schools days, I had an english teacher at Jackie Robinson Middle School, telling us about weapons and how they can come into play when fights occur. When for example: a stapler is used for one thing to staple papers, but on the other hand it can be used as a weapon against another person in a playground/classroom fight. No joke! That goes for anything like Irons, TV’s or a wooden chair, or even an American Flag!  If you use the American Flag as a weapon in a physical sense, then it becomes a weapon! I’m not just talking a psychological sense. Or that “Symbol of Oppression Sense.” I’m just making it clear as I say this. When I was in college, I took a US History Course and one of the things I remember about loving America, is that there was a time that the American Legion  would lay the physical on you if you didn’t respond that you love America. In this case, you would be smacked senseless. No joke. But that was then.

How many white folks see the RGB Flag, or the Marcus Garvey Flag as a symbol of oppression? Or Segregation? Tell me! And there will be black folks  in your face saying it’s not. The color Red is the blood. The Green is the land, and the Black symbolizes the people of the folks whom were first of Africa: black. And the reason why I asked this question, because some will respond about the American Flag being not totally racist or oppressed out of emotion. Wait a second: that’s been the whole story all this time: Out of emotion!

Let’s be honest, many of us were never EVER educated enough about stuff like this. Like what happened in all? You see other countries getting all with their sense of honor, but us folks here in the good ole USA: half of us do it, and the other half don’t do it and complain. When the Fourth of July was happening, you got many black folks on Instagram and Facebook asking “what are you celebrating?” Well I ask this: what are YOU celebrating? Clap back perhaps? Let’s be real about it! Just asking.

It’s time that this issue needs to be open for dear life! It’s also time that every single destructive act that America produced, copied, destroyed, buried, manipulated, severed, thwarted, oppressed, racially inclined, sexualized badly, religiously hacked, conscious resistance of betrayal and many other horrific things that the country weathered in its 240 year history. From the black slaves to settle in 1619 in bondage, to the lands stolen from the Native Americans. It’s time!

Something that I reminded myself when writing the My Fox Milwaukee blogs about America. If America were to admit the truth of any wrong doing, then it must come to grips of it.

Now if you’re like Kate Upton who is too blind to see that, along with her “depressing” viewpoints of the NFL players taking knees during the National Anthem, then that’s a problem. I don’t see her or some wannabe overly patriotic person telling that in the inner cities, the black communities, or any member of the Mothers of the Movement that has lost Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Dontre Hamilton. Or Mike Brown. I don’t see her doing that. Better start, white chick! So with all this kneeling, it’s another form of expressing Constitutional Rights. Like many of you not going out after church to a bar. Or get drunk at a club on Saturday night. Or giving your money to Walmart or your churches financial goals!

HELLO!

Or even choosing to have your child home schooled or not. Or posing your gun on Facebook or Instagram like a joker just to get noticed. Well it’s your Constitutional right. But you better be responsible for your Constitutional rights as it progresses for your next lifetime! I say that in all things.

Speaking of that: The Star Spangled Banner. The official theme song of America. For many many years, the anthem has been played, sung at events, played in solos and many others. And there were those got criticized of the Anthem being a disgrace to those serve in uniform. But I’ll say that the Anthem is good “on display”. But the author, Francis Scott Key that made the anthem in 1812, was also an owner of slaves! The third stanza in the Anthem, which no one hardly sings by the way, spells out as this:

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion

A home and a Country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Well ladies and gents, let’s breakdown the meat of the third stanza. Now many are already saying that the stantza is racist. The words in the stanza: “No refuge could save the hireling and slave” some say that is so racist that it needs to be erased. But what did Francis Scott Key meant by this? Since he was a slave owner by the way.

• The word Refuge means in dictionary terms as we know is related to Refugee, as being forced to cross national boundaries and cannot return home safely.
• Hireling means: A person who works only for pay, especially in a menial or boring job, with little or no concern for the value of work. In a adjective sense: it also means serving for pay only, vernal, and mercenary. See that?

But when you put it all together in that ONE LINE: The Refugees of the slaves, our ancestors were forced in bondage, couldn’t return to Africa that had to be worked for menial jobs, with no concern for the work values of the jobs that was slave related. Henceforth: “No refuge could save the hireling and slave.”

Hmmm….we have those type of jobs today right?

And some are making the arguement that it related to the Black Slaves going to the British side for Freedom. While many is the opposite like being force fed into menial work being in bondage for so long.

So with that being asked: Is the Star-Spangled Banner as a whole is a racist song when it comes to black folks? Just because one line in the song is considered racist doesn’t mean the WHOLE SONG is racist! Let’s be real. But it’s worth examining of asking W. Is “America the Beautiful” racist? Is “God Bless America” racist? Oh, let me ask this: Is “Lift Every Voice and Sing” the same song we sing at MLK events a racist song? Uh-oh! I went there! Now many of you are thinking, “really Stephen? Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a racist song! It’s about unity”. I know, but what about America’s anthems? Shoud they hold the real true meaning of unity as well? Without all the lines of Racism? Think about that while doing you feel is worthy of protest. It’s ok. No one is not going to say anything.

So with all the kneeling, to me it’s not about the flag in Colin Kaepernick’s opinion. Nor it’s all about those following the idea that Colin is doing. It’s all about really addressing the ongoing treatment that Black folks get EVERYDAY that is unfair, not right, and I dare say UN-AMERICAN when innocent lives are being taken everyday without notice. Even not getting the jobs without notice. Not getting healthcare without NOTICE. Not getting to the finish line like the other guys WITHOUT NOTICE! Do you see this?

Maybe I might catch hades for this, but I think many job seekers RIGHT NOW looking for work, that got disrespected either online or in person at interviews,  need to boycott the companies that don’t hire black folks due to their race. That’s right I said it! I CALLED IT. The best way to combat that, in my opinion, is do what everyone is doing the least: Go into your own business. I don’t care if you use drones for retail houses for $200.00, or own your own store that is home grown. Or take pictures as a side gig at Funerals. Get your own business started and you can hire many folks you want. Or run it yourself being your own boss. And I’ll BET that those looking in will be kicking themselves in the crotch or feet wishing like for example:  “why didn’t we get them (him or her) to work for us?” speeches. Mainly because the ignorance of that CEO or HR didn’t allow them to come into get picked or hired. And many of you CEO’s who are just now reading this, might be that CEO or Owner that is facing that truth like a bullet. And the same with HR’s and etc. Admit the guilt!

And yes, some of the sponsors that the players had, are now pulled. All because of the kneeling image. BUT some have come out to be new sponsors. When Brandon Marshall’s Sponsorship from the Academy Federal Credit Union and CenturyLink, of all folks, Russell Simmons the brother of Rev Run of Run DMC, got Rushcard calling for Brandon. Talk about turnabouts fair play.

So let me end by saying this. I did this when Alton Sterling passed, and I’m saying it here in the Red, White and Blue. Stars and Stripes and a strong message to relate:

 

Now let that take a knee to respond with the black fist up and hands over hearts.

Another one killed: this really?!

 

 

Man, tell me this is not happening. Seriously this is not happening. I thought I was dreaming about another black man got killed but this is no dream. It’s was real. Another black male, Philando Castile out of Minnesota was gunned down in a traffic stop while in the car with his fiancée and daughter. And he was only 32 years old, worked with kids, no criminal record and, a Teamster member and tell me folks, why did he had to die? All because of a traffic stop. And trying to get his ID. All recorded on Facebook Live. Just a day or two ago, Alston Sterling out of Baton Rouge was gunned down and his death after the Fourth of July really sparked a wide reaction of horror that this man of 37 years old father is not coming back. Some say he had a gun. And if anyone had the chance to look at the hellish video of him being gunned down, I’ll bet you or others whom are African-American, were just as disgusted and horrified as everyone whom was feeling.

Today on Social Media, mostly on Facebook, it was a wave of sadness, anger, some wanted to know when are we going to start shooting back.No kidding. No matter what you call it, it was all the same thing. Most of us were black. And the feeling of this was a repeated broken record that was on played over and over again. Even I had to dive in on this being as this day of being horrified. In my commentary, this is what I written this morning about these killings:

Just my own commentary here: I like everyone else is really horrified about the recent events that took place in Louisiana (which I visited in 2001) and also in Minnesota(which I have visited in ’95) with the shootings. Both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile should not have died like that at all. PERIOD! This whole thing I’ll agree is a sickening effect that continues to plague us even today. In the 90’s, when most of us were teens in high school, the phrase “endangered species” came up concerning young black males. Now, in this era of Smartphones and stuff, that phrase came back like a boomerang. Straight up. I know many had gone in on the 4th, in terms of being targeted after celebrating the Independence (flags, decorating the Red White and Blue in all). Guess what: (and I’m surprised that others haven’t commented this) other holidays, occasions, birthdays, the first day of school, the last day of school, the midterm break from college, a block party event, anniversaries, reunions, even personal days can be celebrated, but also can have problems like this! It doesn’t matter if it’s New Years, Christmas, Labor Day, Halloween, Black Friday, and even after observing Juneteenth Day. I’m just saying! Every year, I say the words: The Struggle Continues after the 4th, and even after my December 5th Birthday. And in between. So yes, indeed the struggle continues. Even after two black men whom were doing their thing before their untimely deaths shouldn’t have been vanquished at all.

Again: The Struggle Continues!

 

Yes. That is my written take on these shootings. As I said in my last blog about this, and this again is for those who still have this disdain about the Fourth of July or Fourth of YOU LIE things: You do realize, and I don’t care if you are in Black Radio, you do realize that folks can be killed in any part of the calendar year, right? Why the Fourth of July? Many had to hard on that. What many don’t realize that anytime you might get this, bullets have no eyes, no holidays, no race, and definitely no anything. The deaths of these two black men whom passed on this week after the 4th, after the 240th Anniversary in all, is a constant reminder that our work is not done! Our work AGAIN is not DONE! America as 240 years young it is, must continue to accept the past of wrong doings to be a better nation with all Ameicans alike. Even the ones we don’t like. However with this act of violence, and the act of these Black Fathers are not here, again, we got to work harder on this. And if their names made the list of no convictions, I will NOT be suprised. This will be another example of the Struggle is continuing on now. There are 5 months left in the year of 2016. Next couple of months will be hard for these familes as they go through that phase of daddy is not coming home. The empty chair or space will be hard to look at though holidays, birthdays, and also not watching their kids growing up. I feel for the kids, that will have to experience of not growing up without a father. Already one of a well known actress Issa Rae according the wires, has raised money for Alton Sterlings’ kids in terms of scholarship money. And just to think that Issa is an Introvert.

Also on Facebook: A local cop of 2o years had to comment on today’s occurance that went so viral and this was a DEEP DEEP MESSAGE:

 

What you just heard is Officer Nakia Jones. An officer of 20 YEARS SINCE 1996 that had gone hell, fire and brimstone and was VERY passionate about this message. If you know those officers that had a open partnership that are doing the righth things and are very serious and are supportive of the officers that do have this mentality, this to me is one of those officers in America that is doing the job thus far. Yes we do get concerned about BAD Cops, and racist cops. But one of my relatives whom is a Milwaukee Officer said that not all cops are bad and not all black men are bad! This to me realize that there is some good in everything. As we should. There are good employees, bad employees and employees that are just there. However, there are employees that will listen and take up the class of responsibility to ENSURE that trust does STAYS OPEN!

Officer Jones wanted to quit like she indicated, but she stayed. And I hope and pray that Officers like her and men like her will continue to stay on the force for the right reasons and to ensure a clear path of understanding and openess in the communities.Hopefully this might open a new dialouge that we the community can call out the concerns that we need to do at all times!

This is so crazy. And yes this happened in the week of the 4th of July. And many of us on the African-American Tip have this mixed bag about the 4th. This morning as I was listening to WNOV, which I still do. There was a talk about the flag. In referecing in which about getting black folks to wear the flag. There was statement on the format (The Fourm) of giving a reason why blacks should wear the Stars and Stripes. Well here’s my reason and I think I could probably give a reason for this. Again if you are a WNOV Listener and black, and have a opinion on this, which I respect. I’ll give you my reason why I feel that rocking the stars and stripes is partially not a bad thing.

One of the real reasons why I wear the “Stars and Stripes” or to display the Stars and Stripes, is not just to show off. Its not to gracefully forcefuly to shut up the haters or to sell out. One of the real reasons why I do it, because its in the heart.Its in the heart of interest that I think would be comfortable. What do I mean by that, you ask? Maybe it’s my personality, maybe it’s my way of showing my own patriotism. Maybe it’s my way of showing active in community service. One of the community service that I do is an Election Inspector. And it’s a job that I volunteer for that has given me 10 years to serve. Another reason is probably my way of expression. Another could be my way of being active. Another reason that I continue to serve needs. It has nothing to do with being weak. Maybe that’s the reasons why I still probably have it on me since. Maybe I’m “not as American” as I think like everyone else. I don’t know. But I know that even though I’ve been a US Citizen for all of my years of life, I also can give the country a bit of a “Come to Jesus meeting” when certain things of America goes sour! This includes Racism. This includes Gun Violence. This includes Police Brutality. This includes Job Discrimination. This includes Sexism. This also includes Black Lives Matter! Even my choice on how to finish my college degrees in a format of my choice. This also includes that if I see a child or teen act up, I’m going to tell them NO! If I tell a non-profit job developer about the use of attacking me, like I did with the Milwaukee Urban League in 2005, I will call out the hypocritical mindet period! No matter who is in charge or works there. I’ve done it!  If anyone on Social Media questions my judgement or questions why I got this or that in a opinionated thought, I’ll question them back in asking why you want to know. If they want to get defensive, I’ll get defensive. That is like dealing with a bully. Or an instagater that’s always in your business.

Black folks who want a reason(s) for blacks like me to displays or wear a flag, did I give you my reason?

Let’s dont assume that with me per se rocking the stars and stripes is a worst thing in the world. I’ve seen worst than me that will make the question of “What are you celebrating?”look like a Co-Ed  Gym class on a worst day! Look here: If I want to display my way of the Red, White and Blue as well as the Red Black and Green basically it’s my right. I mean do we have this thing about Freedom of Expression? Come on!

There are bigger fish to fry that worring about a black male or black female wearing anything like Red White and Blue or the stars and stripes. And worrying about blacks celebrating the 4th. And just to remind the Conscious Crowd, even showing some revoultionary radical thought of conscioness can also be like showing a customized patriotism act of defiance. Even also addressing BLACK LIVES MATTER! And EVEN as I write right now, about 12:22AM CST in Milwaukee, Officers whom lost their lives in Civic Duty in Dallas, Texas.

Shut it down! House Democrats ain’t playing.

I know I’m not the only one had to glue in to see the sit in by the house democrats. For the last 24 hours, we have seen the members of the House Democrats use something that hasn’t been done before, use their POWER and their First Amendment rights to debate their viewpoints about the ongoing Gun Legislation Issue that has many in America having a concern about the RESPONSIBLE use of Guns.

We again, had June 2nd. The day that everyone was wearing Orange in solidarity of those whom were killed in the line of fire. Remember that: And you had mothers who were doing the activism whom had lost their kids due to a BULLET! Of course the NRA and those that the NRA had pocketed those in Congress to maintain that familiar line just to jack us up. We know what it is.

For the sit in, just to let all the #BlackLivesMatter, or any other young movement per se that is all about the whatever that moves the crowd, Representative John Lewis IS STILL THE MAN. The same guy whom was apart of the Civil Rights Movement with the marches, way back when is still the man. He also showed his fellow Democrats how is supposed to be done. And still, as a black man as he is, his voice still lingers! The last time Representative Lewis was arrested, we know, was 55 years ago. At the time (young millennials and those on a hotep scale) he got arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for using a whites only bathroom! And many calling him a fool with this sit in. Well many are just naive that a person like him is still alive at 76 years old doing the unapologetic thing.

Listen: for all the “somewhat conscious” folks that know everything and claim that they see that it is a show, in the words of the lyrics out now: you need to cut it!!! Ain’t nobody got time for the foolishness. This sit in was not a game. And for those dissing the man of John Lewis, like him or not, Respect him! I didn’t say “Respeck”. Its Respect with a T.

Even if your name is Paul Ryan. Yeah he’s in this also.

I heard what he said. And as a Wisconsinite that bears from the same state as he’s from it’s just embarrassing for him to say that. He better know as well as any Republican in that House, that the acts of Rep. John Lewis was no political stunt. Voting nothing on the Gun Bills or saying no to everything that President Obama does or tried to do, is a political stunt! Check yourselves Republicans.

I say this, if Rep. John Lewis wants another sit in, DO IT! Teach them the game, legend.

Let me remind those in memory: We got an election coming up in November. I repeat, we have an election coming up in November. And normally we should be engaged in deciding where we as a country should go after January, 2017 when President Obama leaves office. And I’ll bet many are like “Oh good! Obama is gone. Couldn’t stand him!” Well, guess what, when he writes that book, or if the OFA is still kicking it, I want President Obama unload ALL Uncut Commentary about the things he was facing while he was in office for 8 years. I want to see it. Literally!