Scratching my head all this time: Before Thanksgiving.

Before we Americans throw down on the turkey, yeah there will be political drama at the dinner table. There will be many other factors in which we will ask the question, what are we thankful for in all. It’s also a Thanksgiving that yet the truth will bust out that some of our Ingenious Native American Folks will not partake in the holiday due to the national day of mourning. If you’re not familiar with it, research! Even you might watch football and the ongoing traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushering the Christmas Season.

But likewise….I’m scratching my head again.

Milwaukee, how’s that streetcar thing doing? Overall, please. No Hop Haters from those who DON’T live in Milwaukee!

So it seems now that the People’s Flag and the Milwaukee Arts Board have to get back in talking about the ongoing idea of getting a new flag. We’ve all have seen it like everyday. But many will agree that the People’s Flag Folks HAVE NOT talked to the whole Milwaukee Community. Why?!

They say that the voting never mattered in the Governor’s race in Wisconsin, mainly Milwaukee. Ummmm, did anyone see the totals while yet folks complained?

Can you be a real church member and bring a level of consciousness that many might fear and still be loyal? Not talking about money in all.

Can the Wisconsin Badgers think big and quietly usher in better talent to run pistol plays? Be advised, Big Ten.

Black Woke Folks: we need to stop all this talk about getting us not to vote. And what is the reason why? Back off! Jeez!

Mostly, in that Georgia Election, the reason why Stacy Abrams lost was due to voter suppression, and I dare say: Racism. Agree or disagree?

Remember when the WWE or the WWF Survivor Series was ON Thanksgiving Day?

What will it take to get the Green Bay Packers to get red hot AGAIN?

You know that Country music has two African-American singers that are killing the scene right now. Like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen. Heard of them? And Country Music is part of Black History!

Who still goes to the clubs and bars after the big meal on Thanksgiving to shake off the pounds?

How about those Milwaukee Bucks though?

And why did Andrew Gillum lose in Florida again, to really someone who is deemed racist?

Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, how really those who love our Military actually SUPPORT our Military? And how many of us really love our Veterans SUPPORT OUR VETS?!! Don’t start illing of not being a fake patriot.

When will Milwaukee EVER get their Holiday Parade…..err Christmas Parade BACK? Come on Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual, Kohls, etc!

This is very disturbing: Why a fight in the Milwaukee Courthouse?

It seems that this portrait in Baraboo sparked an outrage. Of course. But what was the real reason again? Let me guess: that blasted Nazi salute and of course that got Wisconsin in a bad light yet again.

I asked this question last time and I’ll ask it again: The Hallmark Christmas Show is back. Who’s still watching them?!

No offense to the Christmas decors but, why does Thanksgiving get suddenly skipped? I’m mean HELLO! Turkey Day is missing!

This is interesting: Sagittarius Season BEGINS on Thanksgiving Day. Sags: what are we thankful for 9th house rulers?

Remember when Thanksgiving shows actually was reclaiming their time?

Men, has #movember really sunk in? After all that no shave, November thing?

International Men’s Day had come and gone. Why is this day not formally recognized again? And why are the whiny feminists of the world, still treat as this day being sexist?

Speaking of Feminism: why target Kleenex for Mansize tissues again?

Wait a minute: there is a Football Game out the Nintendo Switch? Not Madden! But how do many like the MFL? As in the Mutant Football League? Rated M but this might attract those in the think tanks to actually MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME for the Switch! Madden, or make an “NFL 2K” Sports game. I’m calling this!

Men (and women),  can we remind ourselves not to complain about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day next year in 2019?!!!

When Thanksgiving Day is here: is it Macy’s, Football and Food? or is it Macy’s, Food then FOOTBALL?

When Thanksgiving is over, and for many of us who do not work on a Friday, why is it necessary for those who work on Thanksgiving have to start the Black Friday sales all early?

Speaking of Black Friday: NO SHOPPING FOR ME! But who will be the idiot of the moment when engaging in others for stuff on sale in a violent physical bloodbath? It’s bound to happen. You know it!

Speaking of Small Business Saturday: Who will actually shop locally? No national stuff!

Speaking of Cyber Monday: Best online deals right now. Who has it?

Speaking of Giving Tuesday: Who will donate? To Schools, Organizations, Alumni, Church Groups, Fraternity, Sorority, Legion, etc?

I don’t get it. Since the victory of the recent Wisconsin midterm election, there might be some folks from the black community might call out the new administration of not being diverse enough. My question is: why aren’t many who are complaining (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) not applying?!!

Will Creed II be a hit?

In the last 100 seasons, how many games the Packers won on Thanksgiving? I know, I know. They got archives.

Yes, there was a time that the Native Americans were slaughtered outside after a church service on a Sunday, and years later it was dubbed as the National Day of Mourning. A real question: do many today know that part of the history?

Who might fill up the table that once was occupied by those who passed on?

Who will fill up the table and set a new tone for the big dinner?

And the last question before: how REALLY thankful are you? Like really?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Expect a “Be Thankful” Traditional Blog

My Take: Enough calling the cops based on meaningless stupid stuff!

It’s time for me to blow up. Really. I like many African-Americans in this country have “had it up to here” with all this meaningless and pointless B.S. about the “cop calling Caucasians” and they know who they are telling them about certain black folks doing things like sitting down, waiting, sleeping in college areas, refusing to get up for white customers, and a bunch of lame excuses!

CALLOUT: For all those can I say this, and excuse my french: Shut your trap!

You heard me. We see you doing the same stuff almost and do we get on our phones calling the Po-Po? No!

For many weeks, and months, stop me if you read or heard these examples:

Sleeping while Black:

Or what about this concerning Cracker Barrel and it’s long history of discrimination against blacks?

https://thegrio.com/2018/04/25/cracker-barrel-black-veteran/

A 57 year old black Air Force Veteran was discriminated in restaurant all because of these things: One, the veteran Randy Freeman, 57 years old is a black male. That’s right. Black Male. And he is a business owner. Two, Cracker Barrel had a extended history of discriminating against black customers for years! That is not so shocking. Three: He was kicked out of the restaurant because the restaurant was accusing him of being rude to waitresses via the manager. In the ending result, he filed a federal lawsuit in the regarding the incident that occurred in April.

Let me switch gears on a “I’m calling you out on being quiet” story. I’m sure that many of you heard about the two Native American Teens were on a college campus and they were questioned by the College Police about who they were and what were they doing on campus looking suspicious?

First off, why were they being questioned because they didn’t talk on the tour?! That BS don’t fly right! It don’t. I’ll agree that even this example is nothing more than a reach for racism! Discrimination. Hating on. Get the message. Obviously they were let go and the University wanted them to come back for a shot at the campus. I wouldn’t take that offer because to me it’s a bribe. The college can beg all they want but if they don’t want to comeback, they shouldn’t. I wouldn’t set foot on that college ever again! They got exposed. My this is, go to a different school that you feel is best for you! Nothing else.

Now back to the black stories. This next one, I really don’t understand. This concerns the recent Community Service project of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Everyone knows that Sigma Gamma Rho is the youngest sorority of the Divine Nine and they wear the royal blue and gold and known for being founded in 1922. Plus the mascot is the Poodle. And yes the Sorority has members of well known names like, Vivica A. Fox, MC Lyte, Martha Reeves, Deshauna Barber (Miss USA), Marylin McCoo, just to name a few figures. And yes like many in the NPHC it’s about service work We know the parties and gatherings and strollings. But the keyword in this is SERVICEWORK!

In Pennslyvania: a group of the sorority were cleaning up a portion of a highway 83 when they were interupted by a State Trooper claiming that they were fighting. Then the State Trooper asked them to show their ID’s. Showing ID’s?! All because they were cleaning the interstate. Really?! Eventually in the end, the Sorority was later resumed doing their services and the State Trooper was dismissed from the area of the conversation.

Now I need to ask this on the real: Was that necessary!? I’ve seen community service projects on the Freeways before. Why is this a concern?! And why does this have to be called in through the authorities?! This is so stupid! It’s clearly stupid because it’s a case of an overreach. Yeah I’m going there that it’s a matter of assumption and suspicion that it’s a vendetta that the ongoing so-called being watchful on black folks is now escalated. We all thought that being watched in stores is one thing. But when we are out in the community doing service duties, or waiting on a friend for a business deal, or hearing a convo during a tour like the Native American Teens encountered, or sleeping in a college commons area, and if the majority of that is black, then there is an assumption of trouble that might spark. Oh, but guess what: there was NO CRIME! NOTHING!

It’s like as the major crime of the century just been unleashed. What was the crimes exactly? Folks, all of this is nothing but one thing: fear. It’s all about fear or the assumption of fear that “Oh, he looks suspicious because he’s not talking to me. He needs to be on watch.” Or like “oh we need to be watching those folks. They need look strange with that activity!” What would happen if church folks of any denomination is doing picture taking for a book and they get questioned by the Police? They are doing ministry! Something bigger than themselves! Where’s the crime in that? I often heard this from one of my former teachers whom were white always say, “do something constructive with yourselves!” Yes white folks I’m sampling that notion from you since 1994! Well……what about it?

All of this is junk. Trying to steer away the actual thought. And it’s completely stupid! There are real crimes that happen everyday. And it’s usually the major ones that get you caught on the evening news or the local paper. Why not go after the bad guys who don’t this?

Enough.

My Take on this: Orlando.

 

 

I know what I’m about to say. And I’m going to say it.

Not on Facebook.

Not on Twitter.

Not on Instagram.

But here as I always have a say.

And no I will not use the proverbial “Conspiracy Theories” of the so-called stuff being as they are.

We already know what is going on. Orlando Florida is hit with ingrown attitude of Terror. It took only one guy and taking out about 50 folks in a nightclub. A popular nightclub that is among the LGBT folks. And the thing is, this guy who used a AR-15 on the attendees, used it in anger all because he saw two men kissing or showing their affection in public. This is what it is! What is going on is another dude that was under the influence of ISIS. The gunman Omar Mateen PLEDGED Allegiance to ISIS! And in the words of my current church members that said it years ago: ISIS IS IN AMERICA. And this act of concern sparked one of the worst mass shootings in American History. And for the record, there have been other Massaacres have been worse. They effected the Native Americans and yes, African-Americans as well. And its long documented and hidden until now. We need to recognize that also.

And Omar kills himself. Cowards way out!

And his wife probably knew what was going on.

I’m kind of mystified about this act taking place after the death of Muhammad Ali. Not only that, we had a National Gunfire Awareness Day on June 2nd, where mostly everyone who was affected by gun violence was wearing Orange in solidarity or memory of those who were killed or shot by a gun. How did we get from that, to this?!

Somebody tell me something!

And, for all the “GUN FREAK POSERS” who pose with their guns on Social Media and acting a fool, do you condone this? You better. And you can forget all about the NRA thing of protecting the advancement. Simply because they won’t. They have openly admit that President Obama was not going for their guns!

I would like to know is, what was the real motive behind this?

Was it hate?

Was it all about the “do it for religion? ”

Was it all about hating the LGBT folks because of their lifestyle?

What was it that set this whole thing off and having Omar bringing in a AR-15 in a club that slaughtered at least 50 folks?

And this also: If he didn’t have an issue with black folks, why the Gay/Lesbian Folks?

And yes LGBTQIA folks, there were folks praying yesterday in the sanctuaries. Which is nothing wrong. There might been folks in church yesterday that thought about you and making sure that you are OK. When I say that, they might have friends who are in the Pride LGBTQIA Movement/Community.

I have some connections that I know that in the LGBTQIA Community as well. Some I knew since Community Connections and high school.

Every single of the Pride Festivals around America, were in prayer of those whom were killed. Even at Milwaukee’s PrideFest, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary had a moment to sympathize for those who were killed and wounded. Not only that, metal detectors were used for safety purposes. A first for Milwaukee PrideFest. Ever. Just like Summerfest, African World Festival, the Games at Miller Park or Lambeau Field, and many others.

There were monuments and buildings in the world that were lit up in the Rainbow Colors, and also had Rainbow Flags hung in memory of those died in the shooting.

Knowing yes. We know that President Obama might have another idea. Another idea that might spark a new idea to get these dangerous guns off the hands who might use them for future concerns of hate. Even probably doing extensive background checks of those whom have issue of mental health, or this mental sense of allegiance of joining up with the likes of ISIS.

And while on the subject, let’s not also trip about a “subject over a subject”. There are those who think that this tragedy is a “smokescreen” or a distraction to come to find out that this incident, is taking over the shootings in the black neighborhoods. Or getting to the real roots of why this is when Black Lives Don’t Hardly Matter to those in the media when a promised young black female of a good future is gunned down. Or a common place when a black young male is STILL on the list of being endangered species and being someone’s target to be picked on like in high school. Or have a negative breath that the Church going folks deserved to be killed (like last year) and partially nobody cares!

Well I have a bone to pick here Ladies and Gentlemen, sometimes “we trip” ourselves because whenever we read about so and so’s deaths about those being overshadowed, we get this attitude like it’s skipped over! Don’t act like we know, because when ever we read about a tragic occurrence, or a unexpected death of a young black person, or groups that been targeted so many times and it’s forgettable.

All occurrences no matter how hidden or forthcoming, needs to be clarified, summarized, questioned, concluded and also it needs to be to a point that many MUST GRASP! No matter who or what! This shooting that happened in Orlando is just as bad as if someone lost their son or daughter.

Hold up! Wait a minute!

The victims were someone’s Sons and Daughters! Nevermind their life styles or what made them Gay or Lesbian, they were someone’s family member, probably a well known family member that probably helped the kids’ homework afterschool. Come on now! We KNOW THIS!

Just a sidenote: there were some black LGBT folks and those related to the folks,  in that club were murdered by the senseless act. As an example look at the pics. Especially a recent High School grad, Akyra Murray. She was 18 years old. And again just graduated High School. A mother of 11 Children, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool was 48 years, whom beat cancer TWICE was also killed by the gunfire. And she died by protecting her son Isisiah in the shooting.

And also for some of the positive news, there were lives were spared, thanks to the medics whom saved lives. And also a US Marine had a hand in the life saving too.

Whenever those of us think about that, it does hit home. No matter what.

Now again when it comes to the church, I know there are those who hate the idea of the homosexual thing being a sin. It’s not godly. It’s not how the Bible works. And yes there are those who use the Good Book in a way like a forceful weapon! And I know this is the part where those leave the church and become this “free thinker” person thinking that they know everything. After being in church for a few years with family. REALLY!

Is that all they know?

With the money and that car?

What about the house?

I hate to say this, but with the old tired viewpoint of being conscious is getting so OLD!

Come on Black Militant Conscious folks, you need to wake up! Not just wake up, BUT REALLY REALLY WAKE UP!

MAJOR CALLOUT: What about the church folks who do the worship thing on Sundays, and are active in trying to do the worship thing right? Trying to do the things right and helping the folks out everyday, doing the help all this time, and fellowshipping with those that need fellowshipped, and you (those doing the church hating per se) STILL don’t give them the benefit of the doubt? What does that say about you? Yeah think about that! Reverse treatment is now in play.

Guess what?

I’m part of that group of church folks that wants to reach out without any hypocritical attitudes just to make sure that it’s done right!

I’m a 4th Generation United Methodist Church members that has the “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” ethology. Along with “Rethink Church” and now with “Church can happen anywhere” things. Yes church can be anywhere, even at a Gay Nightclub.  Or at someone’s house that doesn’t believe in God, or in someone’s presence that wants in but not sure. Or yes, EVEN the overly conscious that has “Stay Woke” on a shirt with those being “Pro Black” in a militant type of behavior.

That mentality I got now, is what I’ve learned from my parents, my late grandfathers and grandmothers and others that stayed close to home.

For my LGBT folks reading, yes I’m a church going person. I may not be the most spiritual servant, but I’m hypothesizing the cause to help me to help those like you. I don’t care about your lifestyle. I don’t care when or how you came out. I don’t care about the Festivals you inspire. I don’t care what Pride Parades you’ve been in to organize, or worked in. I don’t care if you still like Hillary Clinton or despise the effects of Donald Trump! I don’t care if you think all churches are lumped together, which they are not!

All I care is that you continue to “do you” no matter what happens! And when you do you, none of that matters. Of course there will be those who will not understand. And yes, you know this. But knowing this, I don’t care what your lifestyle is. But if I come to a Pride Party with a Nikon Camera, and I’m snapping pics away for $100.00 for 3 to four hours, would that be beneficial of me as a Single Black Christian Church going person being constructive?  Or will that benefit me just because of me sharing my talents?  Or just in general?

I’m just asking. And yes the golden rule still stands. And the God that is well known doesn’t hunt out the the folks that have a gayness attitude that harbors and goes for the kill!

On a side note, I visited Orlando twice in my life. I’ve been to Disneyworld in 1985 at nine years old, and Universal Studios. Plus partied along with the Tom Joyner Family Reunion Crew in 2009.

Orlando, you have a nice city. Let me comeback for a third time visit!

In the coming week, even though we are praying for those to get through this tragedy, let us be mindful that these words will still ring out:

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!

 

 

 

 

My take: Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks. And yes, I do recognize a bad memory.

Today, we Americans have celebrated another Thanksgiving Holiday. A day to set aside differences and actually try to come together to give thanks of who we are, what we did, and more. Every single year around this time, I write the “Be Thankful” blogs for simple reasons. Really it’s all about being thankful for the things we have and things yet to be. No matter if it’s staying single, (like me) getting married, or working, seeking to work. going to church for finding a church home, or many other things that most do comment or share. So yes, even though Thanksgiving is only once a year, every November around the fourth Thursday, we should also be thankful for the things we do everyday.

Now I know about the next thing I’m going to write. And alot of you already have declared that you may not or have decided not to celebrate. I think I know why. It had to do with the murder of the Native Americans sometime after the Pilgrims landed in the country. 10 years ago, I was taking a course of U.S. History at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and in the course, a subject came up about Thanksgiving. The teacher asked “what do you know about the first Thanksgiving?’ I remember answering, the Pilgrims, Indians and the first dinner. Basically what I have learned before, so far. But the teacher had also added another piece of the history that I never knew. A Sunday morning, after a church service the Indians were shot, and that somewhat set off the first Thanksgiving as being hurtful for the Native Americans. I like many others who was lectured about that incident, was like, For real?!!! Here, I was like; wait a minute. You mean to tell me, that Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November, a day to feast, and watch/play football is also a day or occasion that some of the Native Americans were killed at the time? And those today, detest that?

That was my initial thought.

For the Native American folks, I feel your pain. I feel your pain of what happened  with your predecessors at that time. You have every right to complain. Where as me, has a right to complain about slavery, and how blacks and those others like them were in shackles and chains. Being forcefully drifted from the motherland of Africa to the Eastern part of the United States like Jamestown, Virginia. And I know that other folks have or had said  currently “Get over it.” It didn’t happen to you. Yes we made it, but never forget the pain that has contradicted in preceding the incidents of the past.

Many of us who study history, we know the history we currently summarize from memory, but like everything else, there is always another element that needs to be recognized no matter how dark or controversial it may be. So, I understand. I also understand that everyone is different. Most believe that “Black History Month” is full of propaganda or racist. Oh, really? Black History Month was founded in 1926 at a time when the stories of African-Americans weren’t recorded in American History. Remember I wrote a blog about that back in February. And Dr. Carter Woodson’s vision of having this was to tell the world that Black folks made a difference also. Not just in America, but also the world. And for those forgotten, Blacks BUILT the White House! When I celebrate Thanksgiving. In General mind you. I celebrate it for the positive reasons. The same with the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and any other American Holiday the same way. Plus, Christmas, Easter and others annual holidays and events. This also includes Black History Month. So Thanksgiving has came and went for 2012. And yes, the positiveness has once again endured every American soul with the same ol’ question: What are you thankful for?

And by the way: for the black folks, check out the article from TheGrio, called “Native American roots in Black America run deep.” My reason being, because some of us should know that we have Indian in our family. Check it out.