Teach the youth about CLAUDIA JONES on our Sankofa Sunday ‘Black Power: Great Black Leaders & Liberators’ online children workshop on Sunday 4 July 2021 at 12:00 GMT. Spaces are limited! For more information, go https://t.co/FWgwvCmC1k #claudiajones pic.twitter.com/bTt0Yjz5o2
— BlackHistoryStudies (@BlkHistStudies) June 29, 2021
Category Archives: Black Success
Scarface Speaks Out on The Severity of His Health & COVID-19 For the First Time
I am in shock, & ask you all to keep Scarface in your thoughts. This post is dedicated to him surviving, to serve as a thank you for what he gave me growing up in his music, and still gives me in those same songs… I also want this to be a testament to the amazing things he has done, such as Houston City Council. The most important thing about that was his reasoning… But more on that below.
I had no idea he was this seriously sick… May he be blessed and heal, to see a long life, as he deserves… Ankh Udja Seneb….
The Diary.
That has remained my favorite Scarface album since I first discovered his music. I can relate to the songs so well, especially back then. He cut into me deeply, his voice absolutely unmistakable, I played his album relentlessly. I still do from time to time.
“I’ve got the man in the mirror, so I’m looking at me vaguely, but I can’t seem to fade me.”– Scarface
He remains the one and only Houston rapper I respect as a person and a musician. His sharp, on point lyrical skill, depth and creativity; his confidence in talking about topics many shy from, are but a few of the reasons I love his music.
No nurse rhyme rapper, like most today, he instead used his distinct voice and knack
for telling vivid, intense stories with a beat that somehow melts together with his voice; so many reasons, he has remained in my top 5 favorite rappers.
Then he did a song with my *father* Tupac, Smile, and I decided I loved him. I take music very much to heart and very seriously; as I do most things in life.
I just saw that he has been very ill due to COVID and kidney failure. My heart literally sank. The good news is the 49 year old man is still living, and can make it through. He seems to be optimistic, I think, regarding recovery and I hope everyone will keep him in their thoughts and hearts as he battles his way through this.
He describes for the first time since the announcement of his being ill his diagnosis and condition in the video interview below. A quote from the interview:
“I gotta do dialysis … four times a week, three hours a day. And that’s taking all my blood out, cleaning it and putting it back in my body. Before the COVID, I never had any kidney disease.”
[Regarding being in the hospital] “Everybody they’re putting on ventilators is f*cking dying, bro. I don’t think there’s any real way to treat the COVID. So I would be in the hospital on a fucking ventilator and I would rather died at home, you know? Than a little hospital room with no toilet, no shower, no nothing, have me quarantined at the hospital. I could have just quarantined at the house. So that month I quarantined at my house was hell bro. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t breathe bro. It was the worst time of my life because I couldn’t do nothing. My kidneys failed, bro.”
“Hanging on that string of death will make you appreciate life. If you let the doctors tell it, they don’t know how I’m alive.”
Before I end this, I have to add that I had no idea he had run for Houston City Council and on top of that, he almost won. You can read about his almost successful run for the “fourth largest city in the United States” and can read more about it here.
I will end this with a quote from his campaign, what he says is so true and sadly too often forgotten. It is a message of truth and hope that needs to be spoken of often, and taught to children, youth and even adults, nationwide…perhaps now, more than ever.
“Let this campaign be a reminder that you can grow up and still live in the ‘hood, and still be the mayor of the fourth largest city in the United States of America. My dad and mom said to their nine kids, ‘You can compete. You can do well. We may not have what somebody else has. We may not drive what somebody else drives. But Sylvester, you can still compete.’ And tonight in this city, you have reaffirmed the message of my parents.” ”
I couldn’t get the embedded code to work, so, here is the full interview [5 minutes] where Scarface talks about his medical condition, and his concern over Texas, Georgia and other idiotic places re-opening right now. You can visit video on YouTube by clicking here.
Inspirational… Black Owned Biz
Video-,Buy Back the Block! Take a Step, Join The Movement if Buying Property and Land; Cheap & Organized
A great, inspiring and easy way to buy back the block! Have ownership in what is rightfully yours, make money and help that money cycle within the community… Let’s thrive!
There is so much history buried I intend to share to anyone who may not be aware of it as soon as my internet is back on (Monday, ideally!)… For now I am limited to posts and I hope you will take the time to consider the videos, and the link to follow.
Interested? Check out BuyTheBlock’s educational site here & get involved!
Beautiful, Rare Video Footage From the 1920s of All Black Towns
These towns and their self-reliant middle class and affluent residents are documented by the home movies of Reverend S. S. Jones, an itinerant minister and businessman.
Stunning and inspiring! Most of us know about Black Wall Wall Street; but there were many towns across America where Black people thrived. Whites didn’t like that, of course, and as we saw with Black Wall Street, these jealous sick freaks stole by demolishing, because they couldn’t handle not being best. It’s hard to be best when they always had others enslaved doing the work for them. But this is a happy post so!
the video footage by clicking here. I can’t embed it sadly. Article associated posted below.
Part three of a four-part series from the film archive of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
By the 1920s, Oklahoma was home to some 50 African-American towns, in addition to a large and prosperous black community living in the city of Tulsa. These towns and their self-reliant middle class and affluent residents are documented by the home movies of Reverend S. S. Jones, an itinerant minister and businessman. Known and respected by the citizens of the towns whose lives he captured on film, Rev. Jones’s work offers revealing glimpses of these communities as a haven for African Americans who very often faced discrimination elsewhere in America.
The subjects are everyday life: a family on the front porch of their bungalow, shop workers at a storefront, farmers plowing their fields, children playing on seesaws in a schoolyard. Much of the material documents the economic life of the towns, from business districts filled with prosperous merchants to the homes of successful professionals, with an abundant countryside beyond.
As Rhea Combs, curator of film and photography for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, points out in her commentary, here we even find a married couple who were oil barons, proof of the extraordinary progress made in the relatively short time since the end of slavery.
The fashions and hairstyles, automobiles and horses, and even such details as a man manually pumping gasoline at a filling station make the films a fascinating record of the lives of Americans, and African Americans in particular, in the early 20th century.
Black History Month-Brief History & My Stance
“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. ”
This post was a lot more in-depth than this, but after having it somehow 50% deleted, I figured I would repost the overall main point, and rant on other related issues on another post.
There are a few reasons I truly dislike Black History month. Until recently I had no idea how it was even founded, I’m ashamed to say.
Black men and women more than earned their place in American history books, both before 1776 and definitely after.
Black History happened in crucial ways, daily, and still they received no pay, no acknowledgement, no kindness or humane treatment. Fast forwarding to 2019 where we still are impacted by the actions of these men and women; one example being the White House and all of the surrounding district was built off of the backs -and brains- of Black men. (Info on this to be in an upcoming post)
Despite the impact and astonishing sacrifice, cruelties and inhumanity these people endured; despite what they did to build the structure desired by whites “in government”- there still has been not only no pay, but also no acknowledgement in public schools or by many others I can think of whom “teach history.”
(And yes, money payment is due. White people today; ok so you were not one of the enslavers… you are, however, reaping the benefits of an oppressive system merciful and preferring of whites; OPENLY, heartlessly. While, at the same time, trying to ensure your so called “place as victim” or playing the “denial card” … whatever way a white person goes if it is not in truth you are openly, knowingly allowing lies to be told, truth and history to be surprised and letting a community continue to struggle and suffer due to racism which is indeed very much, too much, alive in America. But I digress.)
And I haven’t even began on the ancient histories not often spoke of except in falsehood.
Such as, the history of truth which when we find in the amazing, breath taking ancient civilizations of Kemet/Egypt / African history. These people are the reason for everything we take for granted today from the 365 calendar to math and medicine and more. (More posts are to come soon on many, many things in respect to this as well!)
On to the point of this post, even though my last writing was far more informative I feel, I best get back on topic.
Though Black History month is not something I support, as noted I support an all year, truthful history, it began of noble means and the history is honorable.
I am ashamed to admit this is a piece of history I only recently learned.
The origins of what was a brave and wonderful proposal, especially in 1926, was created by Mr. Carter G. Woodson, along side the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
It was, at that time known as “Negro History Week” and was to be honored every year during the second week of February.
These weeks were not selected at random, instead planned as to include the birthdays of Frederick Douglass in the 14th as well as Abraham Lincoln on the 12th.
It was, of course, not met with much more than a rather lethargic response but it didn’t leave Carter disheartened; quiet the opposite.
It took relentless work and perseverance but it finally began to catch on, and finally, the ambition, and the hopes to share and honor Black History seemed to have succeeded.
It wasn’t until 1976 that American presidents began giving recognition to the cause, but after they acknowledged it as an issue of importance (no matter what the reason they really did it for) it became Black History month.
And so it was. Call me negative if desired but I am a realist; Black History month should not only be a year long study, additionally it should not be limited, as it is now, to slavery, segregation, the civil war, the Civil Rights Movement, riots, sit ins, and/or Dr. King.
Black History does not begin with slavery. With that in mind I hope you will go and do some real research on the truths being hidden from you…. or revisit this page at random to learn more truths they try so hard to hide, or even deny. Despite the proof & evidence to be shared…
Video Update: Tony Soto; Black Man, Activist, Father & Victim of Racism in PA Legal System
If you are not aware of my trying to raise awareness about Tony Soto, a Black man -father, son, activist,…- you can catch up by clicking here for some of my former posts on his case.
I am happy to say Tony has been…set semi free from the illegitimate, wrongful capture of a then father to be (he was unable to witness the birth of his only son). As if that moment stolen were not painful enough, he lost his beautiful and loving mother to stage 4 cancer while wrongfully locked up, with no hearings, no trial dates, a bond of $900,000.00…
Why? What happened? Why does *he* matter so much?
And, what is his status now?
The video below explains…I know it’s a bit lengthy, but this is very important; it is a man who has fought for other people life I am trying to update everyone on… So please excuse length…
And, the link I refer to also will explain anything you may have to ask also. Make sure you share that link; we need to raise funds to help this man…
Feel free to ask me anything, and I will try to get it answered.
From his site:
“UPDATE: The crowdfund has been lowered from $10,000.00 to $7,500.00 because Tony’s fiance sold his motorcycle for $2500.00.Aren’t the Philadelphia Police and Prosecutors Just Doing Their Job? They Are Not Corrupt…. Are they?
Part 2- Video / Thoughts on Previous Documentary & CULTURE…
That is what we are missing; culture! Pride !
The other day I made a video regarding a documentary I was watching. The documentary was about racism and segregation in America; as well we the punishment placed upon the Black community when the government(s) finally “desegregated” –
Teachers, who had been more than such prior but also almost like mothers to their students, were ripped of their jobs. Cultural values and teachings began to fade for Black students as they were plunged in head first to history lessons that involved only white heroes, where the people who built this country with -no payment but a lot; far too much; suffering- never went paid for or acknowledged.
The passion the women in this video had for going to school is astonishing to me. Now a days you can’t get kids to go to school or value education even if you try with all you have. The connection is clear, but I want to explore it more.
But before that; here is last nights video. I hope you are all well!
Excited to Report Colin Kaepernick’s Nike Commercial Drops During NFL Opener —
“The person said Nike will feature Kaepernick on several platforms, including billboards, television commercials and online ads. Nike also will create an apparel line for Kaepernick, including a signature shoe, and contribute to his Know Your Rights charity. The deal puts Kaepernick in the top bracket of NFL players with Nike.”
And let us not forget, Nike provides all NFL teams with both game day wear and other apparel, such as sideline wear. The partnership between the two was extended in March to run through 2028.
I think it’s both very depressing how heartless, selfish and mindless people are outraged at people who want to draw attention to an on going evil, especially to this degree. I would say it is almost funny but…it’s not funny at all, really. It’s tragic and the racism in this country that is tolerated -by the government alone- leads me to think about what the beautiful soul of Malcolm X said about civil rights vs human rights. Perhaps it is time to begin reaching for what he spoke of and was working on; appealing to the international community for assistance… Things since he was working for justice and equality have only grown more complex, but I also think in some ways we have an upper hand now.
But I digress. Back to those of you mad at Nike and Kaepernick for doing the right thing.
It’s so funny how many people are hating on Nike now; such as in Denver one store is “clearing out” their Nike stock in, and I quote, “protest.” Yeah. Nike’s losing a lot of sleep over having a clear conscience.
If you are going to protest, make it something worth while like, oh, I don’t know, protesting innocent men, women and children being murdered or beaten, seems like a nice and moral place to start. That and/or demanding these killers do not walk free. Refusing to accept them being treated as innocent the entire trial IF it makes it that far. Paid vacations for killers… All because they protect you and you have no reason to fear them? Hmmm… what about those they don’t serve OR protect?
People are outraged over the display Kaepernick in particular is making. Why should I respect a government or the traditions held by many american’s when this country, the law enforcement here, they don’t give a damn about what they do to others. The good hearted will speak out, and get fired. Is this really an american tradition I want to follow? Hell no. How can any of you really think this “american tradition” is more outrageous than humane treatment, equality and justice?
Police vow to “serve and protect”— wait, I’ll say it this way as it reminds me of a post I came across earlier. Some guy was complaining about all the negativity towards cops. He said something like, “meanwhile, the police save thousands a day and no one pays attention” or something. So I replied, in part, with what I reply to this, “it’s disrespecting the national anthem and the american tradition,” BS:
“And meanwhile, not happening in any legal jurisdiction but once a year, police officer kills and is actually punished for his crime. being sworn to protect the people, not slaughter them, one murder by a cop should carry a heavy sentence unless he can prove he was not to blame. police in america can be caught on camera killing and walk away with nothing. or go buy and sell the gun they used to kill an unarmed human with. police are never in the wrong in america, except with people who want justice…and that doesn’t happen. so stop whining as though you really have it bad. try being a fishermen. they die more often than police while working as do others. and defending is different from what police do. the few i have seen do good were fired. real just system. “
Point of that comment post is… 1) all the players who haven’t or don’t join in protest against a wrong that has been done in one form or another; under one name or another, for hundreds of years, every last one of them should feel a great deal of shame fo
r not being man enough to do what they could… If all players protested even just in the NFL, think of how things would change… Money forces change. But money also made some too damn blind; or perhaps they already were.
Either way, no real man would just look away, letting victims of the inhumane, unethical and on going homicides continue to be targets. Moreover, they are saying it is acceptable behavior to NOT punish those who abuse and/or murder if they have a blue shield in front of them. It’s okay, they are saying, to not have law enforcement not report to the FBI annually the number of people who have lost their lives.
I am so grateful Nike has made the choices they have… They have selected NFL opening night as the night to air the first “Just Do It” commercial with Mr. Colin Kaepernick and others. Apparently Nike, as the following article describes, has always pushed for athletes to strive for more. Their actions give me reason to believe that rich as Nike as a company and such may be, they thus far are proving they actually are on the side of justice.
That being said, I’ll end my rant here and let you read on about the latest with Nike and Kaepernick. I hope others will come through… And that includes anyone reading this as well as myself… Be a hero, regardless of how popular or unpopular you are… Every good and every bad action matters. Do the right thing even if those around you are not…
Nike has unveiled its first “Just Do It” ad narrated by Colin Kaepernick, and a person familiar with the situation says the spot is scheduled to air during the NFL season opener on Thursday night and during football games throughout the season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the airing have…
via Colin Kaepernick’s Nike Commercial Drops; Will Air During NFL Opener — Black America Web
16 Yr Old Heads to Howard University for Biology
A Black teenager who is displaying excellence in the realm of academia will be taking her talents to Howard University this fall. Brendell Allen, 16, will be a part of the institution’s 2022 graduating class, the university reported. Congrats to Young Scholar Brendell Allen, a 16 Year Old Junior Transfer Student! Read more about her…
via 16-Year-Old Student To Pursue Biology Degree At Howard University — News One
Truth- A Right to Fight For... 