spiritwithpower

2007-09-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Jena 6: The New Surge For Justice

It’s been a little while since I felt the urge, rather the need to write. So, I have been silent on a number of important issues that touch our lives in profound ways: the war, inadequacies of educational institutions, the continued disrespect of black women, global warming, presidential politics, and the gripping violence in communities of color.

However, today, I can not sit silent on the issues raised by the Jena 6 students: racism, criminal injustice and socio-economic inequities that many black and brown skinned persons endure everyday in America. When will it all end?

The Jena 6, as we have come to know these students, acted bravely, courageously and defiantly on behalf of all oppressed, poor and marginalized people in America, not just Louisiana and not just the Jena High School. Their actions have sparked a social revival and moved us out of our complacency and self-interest to a place of change and national-global focused-interests. They have fueled the flames of justice, liberty, and equality for all God’s creation.

We must applaud Louisiana for being the state that challenges everything America supposedly stands for: equality for all, justice for all and liberty for all. It is the state that shows how repression of civil rights and social justice is the real reality of life for so many hidden and unseen faces. Rights and privileges afforded to its more wealthy citizens are God-given and deeply protected. On the other hand, the rights and privilege of its poor, disadvantaged, and communities of color remain a dream deferred.

I join the many activists, preachers, civil rights leaders, students, community and national organizations, church groups, policy makers,alternative media, main street media, bloggers, sororities and fraternities, entertainers, members of the hip hop community in coming together to bridge age, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, and class to heal the emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical pain caused by racist laws and a racist justice system.

Can we bridge egos, big heads and perceived vested interests to launch the next “civil rights” movement that truly liberates the soul of America by looking racism in all of its ugly forms of expression-explicit and implicit at its core? Can we bridge generational gaps and invite the young in spirit, in age, in experience to the table with the tested and tried veterans: bruised from the battle, skilled in the art of war, and the keepers of the truth.

It is my hope that we remain vigilant and determined in our pursuit of justice, of liberation, and prosperity for all. I call for a new surge of justice, in economic parity, educational reforms, and job renewal-living wages. Let us double our local, state, and national resources to wage war on poverty, ignorance, and racism: a surge for justice.

In the weeks ahead, let's mark our ground breaking social revival by wearing black every Thursday (Black Thursday) until all of the Jena 6 are safe, free, and home. And, let us pray too, for our enemies: those opposed to justice.

2007-02-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

War, What is it Good For?

Saturday, January 27, was a historic and inspiring day for the US peace movement. A coalition of peace, social justice, community groups, private citizens, Hollywood stars, university students, houses of worships, national organizations all came together at the Mall in Washington DC, under one umbrella and united against President Bush’s ill-conceived war and his "new way forward strategy."

While, their were many voices and cries of "end the war…peace now, bring our troops home," some wondered if Mr. Bush would continue to ignore the wishes of the American electorate and stubbornly press on with the "surge." Some hoped the billions of US dollars designated to the war effort would be earmarked for our failing public schools, a US job creation program for our urban poor, an universal health care program, and restoration of the Gulf Coast, among a forgotten domestic policy agenda.

If you wondered where the old hippies of yesterday have been, well they have been reincarnated into today’s peace makers. We saw the old, the young, white, brown, yellow, black, toddlers, tweens, teenagers, rich, middle-class, and the poor.

January 27th lays a new foundation for the US Pease movement as it fights to reclaimed its will to engage in the business of democracy…expressing the voice of its citizens in a peaceful protest against militarism, unilateralism, and imperialism. Let democracy ring. Let us be vigilant for peace. And, long after the last placard has been read.... let us stay the course for an end to war forever.

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2007-01-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Truth or Dare- Jimmy Carter In the Hot Seat

President Carter has been harshly criticized for his recent book, entitled, “Palestine Peace Not Apartheid.” It is alleged, that he had faulty research, mischaracterized the facts, and stole the story ideas of colleagues. This seems a little far-fetched for me to believe.

He is a former President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize Awardee, New York Times best selling author, a prolific writer, Founder of the Carter Center, World Statesman, Negotiator and Peace Mediator, and well respected American Citizen. Why, in the prime of his life and career, would he write a “bad” book now? A book that does not represent who he is as a credible observer of the forces, factors, and players in the Middle East and an active participant in the regional affairs.

I traveled to Israel / Palestine on two occasions.: first in 2004 and again in 2005. My life was profoundly and radically changed from my journey there. The issues are complex, interconnected, long-standing and clouded in ancient tribal intricacies. The Israel / Palestine story needs to be told and told over and over until the international community, including the United States get it: the occupation must end.

Perhaps, more to the point, I do not want to believe these allegations. He represents to me the last of the great statesman of our times. The thought of him writing a book of falsities and inaccuracies, troubles my soul and disturbs my spirit.

Not even the best of men, like President Carter, with all their passions and actions can resolve this conflict. I believe that Mr. Carter is one of the best Ambassadors of Peace on the planet. However, the ripple in my spirit, reminds me that I can not believe in anything outside of my own inner being. I must hold firm to my faith and belief in God. God, help me to be still and hear your voice clearly in the midst of all the chaos and death. Even my own voice must be silent to hear God’s voice. Reveal the truth in this conflict-occupation, so we may all be set free.

I would like to share with you some of my photos from my past visits. (This may take a few moments to load)

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2007-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Powell and Rice … A New kind of Black Leadership

On my radio show, Spirit in Action-3rd Tuesdays, January 16th, 2007, I had the pleasure of interviewing distinguished Professor Clarence Lusane, one of the most prolific writers and thinkers of our times. He is an author, activist, scholar, lecturer and journalist. Currently, he is the professor of Political Science at the School of International Service, American University in Washington DC.

On the heels of the nation’s celebration and remembrance of one of its greatest Americans, Martin Luther King, we are challenged with new paradigms of black leadership. Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, these two highly visible black appointees have shaped US foreign policy for the last six years. How would Martin Luther King evaluate their records on promoting policies of peace, human rights, and economic parity around the world?

My show offered our listeners a candid and frank “conversation” on Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice as the top diplomats of US Foreign Policy. Professor Lusane’s recent book, “Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice: Foreign Policy, Race, and Gender The New American Century," provided the back drop for a heated and often times intense dialogue with our listeners. His book represents a scholarly work of modern-day foreign policy. It is a most read for activists, advocates, historians, social and political scientists.

Professor Luanne argues that Powell and Rice, while both supporting the ideology of the Bush Administration, are both different in the tactical approaches each take in executing the Bush’s doctrines’ of militarism, unilateralism, and power. He reports they both use race when it advances the Administration’s political goals.

Conversely, they do not use race to advance racial, class or civil rights objectives.
Ten to one, the listening audience felt that Powell and Rice had preformed their jobs badly. Some even felt “shamed” by them as agents of Bush and his ill-conceived Iraq war plans. The comments reflect the disappointment and desperation members of the community feel toward Powell, Rice, and Bush. They hope and long for progressive black leadership that connects race, gender and class with the broader struggles of all oppressed and impoverished people.

Professor Lusane states, “While some black Americans and many in Africa and the diaspora celebrated the Powell and Rice appointments through the prism of collective racial achievements, others worried that a Clarence Thomas-like Trojan Horse scenario of racial “betrayal” was unfolding.”

As I reflect on the life and mission of Martin Luther King, I think he would remind us that our leadership has a responsibility to create and implement policies and programs that uplift the poor, disadvantage, and the oppressed. And, when we fail to do this, we usher in the destruction of what is good and great about our nation and the role we play in the world. He too, might offer a failing grade to Powell and Rice.

2007-01-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

I Do?

In an interesting article entitled, “Brookings panel encourages African-American marriage,” by James Wright, a journalist for The Washington Afro American Newspaper ,we learn a starling fact: between 1950 and 1996, the percentage of African-American families headed by married couples declined from 78 percent to 34 percent.

Even more alarming is the increase in the number of both African-American men and women who have never been married. Nearly 45 percent of African-American men have never married and 42 percent of African-American women have never married. Also there is an increasing number of African-American women who will never get married. The percentage of African-American women who are married declined from 62 percent to 31 percent between 1950 and 2002.

African-Americans are not only marrying at a lower rate, they are also marrying at a later age. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reports that the age of 30, 81 percent of White women and 77 percent of Hispanics and Asians will marry, but that only 52 percent of African –America women will marry by that age. African-American women are also the least likely to re-marry following divorce. Only 32 percent of African-American women will get married again within five years of divorce; that figure is 58 percent for White women and 44 percent for Hispanic women.

Although, I am reluctant to attribute the declining marriage rate to the lack of available men because I like to think that the universe is filled with every thing we need to fulfill our purposes on the earth.

The relative truth here, is that there are real concrete reasons why African-American men and African-American women are increasingly finding it difficult to come together and stay with each other. Even back in the 50’s African-American men were disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system with high rates of incarceration. We still had the psychological scars of slavery then but somehow we managed to protect and cherish the family. What is different now?

What can we do to turn the corner on these statistics? Is the heart of the problem the issue of commitment? Check out our discussions on http://relationshipsinaction.blogspot.com. I would love to hear your thoughts on these alarming statistics. How can we nurture our children to give them a better chance at successful marriage?

Also, if you are experincing issues with your marriage or relationship and might be considering counseling, please refer to http://counselinginaction.blogspot.com for further information

2007-01-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Gerald Ford-A Really Tall Man

As the nation mourns the loss and death of Gerald Ford, a truly great American, we provide ourselves with a wonderful opportunity to re-shape and re-design our current course of Presidential and Congressional interactions. For that matter, our personal, family and community exchanges.

President Ford’s death is a stark reminder of what it takes to be a citizen of the world and not just a citizen of the United States. He portrayed the kinder more gentle style of leadership that is able to bend and bow without breaking himself or the interest of the nation.

As I reflect on his death, I am reminded that all life and death are timed so perfectly. We are never really ready for death and some may wish it never comes. Even in President Ford’s death he teaches a generation of politicians, pundits, neoconservatives, liberals, and independents that integrity in actions, decency in interpersonal and professional relationships and putting the interests of the nation before one’s own self-interests are all relevant and necessary character traits for governance in the 21st century.

Thank you President Ford for all you did in life and for all you will do in death. You make me proud to be American again.

When will we will get the lessons that President Ford so admirably demonstrated can be achieved? Is it possible to lay down our weapons of partisan politics, our culture of corruption, and imperialist tendencies? Can we birth a new generation of “Fordian” leaders?

2007-01-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Wild, Wild West

Kill him, execute him, and cut off his head: all outcries for justice for an evil and brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein. I watch the news coverage of what was often described as the "biggest" news story of the weekend, Saddam’s execution.

At first, I wasn’t particularly interested in following the story. Mostly, I was not interested because I was ashamed that anyone; person or institution would be so interested in reporting and glorifying an execution no matter whom the victim. It reminded me that we have not progressed beyond brute force as a way of settling our differences.

Secondly, I was embarrassed that the United States, Saddam’s creator and benefactor while causing the destruction of Iraq, wants us to believe that its hands are innocent in the sentencing and execution phases of the trail process. How would that be even likely? Especially, since the United States is the architect of the war.

Thirdly, I was horrified that such an action was carried out in the midst of a sacred and holy time for Muslims around the world. I equate this action with the West’s holy observance of Christmas and its sentencing and killing Donald Rumford for war crimes on December 25, Christmas Day. I am pretty sure this would not sit so well with the entire civilized world.

Lastly, I am sadden by the primitive practice of death by execution. It is never right to kill another. Who are we to judge the actions and deeds of anyone? In doing so, we give permission for others to equally judge us. There will come a day when the United States will be judged and our leadership may be found guilty of crimes against humanity.

2006-12-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

Can We Test for Racism?

CNN"s Paula Zhan special entitled,"Skin-Deep: Racism in American” reports that 80% of people polled believe they are not racist. On the other hand, 80% believe racism is a serious problem in America. So if no one is a racist, than how do we explain the belief that racism is a major concern for Americans? It seems, racism is some one else's problem. At an individual and personal level, we always find ways to be "right" about the way we live our lives and the other guy is "wrong" in the way he or she lives their lives

If you are wondering if you have racial biases, recently a group of social scientists have developed an on-line test called the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This test is quite controversial and at present is being used only as a method to further more discussion on race. The IAT measures implicit attitudes and beliefs that people are either unwilling or unable to report. If you have a preference for certain types of people,supposedly this test can measure that distinction.

Test or no test, racism continues to raise its ugly head in both the private and public lives of Americans. It is not limited to the uneducated but shares an equally ugly heritage with the more privilege and learned of our society. Outbursts of violent racist ranting and raging are familiar events on and off the big screens and performances stages around the country. Michael Richard's recent "rant" opens the old wounds of racism. Again, we are asked to believe that these outbursts are single one time occurrence and do not represent any deeper societal sickness. But do they?

If we define a racist according to the dictionary as “a person with a prejudiced belief that one’s race is superior”, does that mean people of color cannot be racist? Or are we just exhibiting internalized racism. Racist constructs exist where there is a perception or the reality of power and influence. And since people of color, as a whole, do not have power in any real mass way, we are constantly reacting to racism as opposed to being inherently racist. We show all the signs of decades of oppression and repression that eats away at the core of who we are.

For example, I was visiting an exclusive country club with a friend, and while walking through the dinning hall ,an elderly white man asked me to get him a drink. I politely responded, "I do not work here" and under my breathe I said, "Why don't you get me a drink." Some part of me, may have wanted to go nuclear on him. Another part of me, understood that his personal life orientation has allowed him to act or react in certain ways. Years of conditioning has allowed a certain insensitivity to develop. Unless we are constantly and diligently working towards self–awareness , white Americans will continue to make these mistakes and non-white Americans will continue to be in the reactive mode.

Whites and people of color, all need to talk about racism: to look at its repercussions and consequences. We need to reconcile our pain and hurt. And lastly, we need to transcend our shame and guilt of the legacy of slavery and slave-holding.
Do you have racial preferences?

Take the CNN test and write me back. Let me hear your thoughts on race, racism, and reconciliation.

2006-12-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's Just a Game, Right?

Over the course of this weekend, I saw two very violent movies: Mel Gibson's Apocalypto and Edward Zwick's Blood Diamond. Each movie, while very different, told important and meaningful stories about life and death. They both challenged the audience to stretch its understanding of humanity but left horrible imprinting of violence as a way of life.

It is the notion that we cannot tell a story, solve a family dispute, or resolve a global conflict without violence that greatly disturbs me. It suggests that civilization has not progressed beyond an "eye for an eye" and a deeply held view that vengeance is a basic human need to be expressed by any means necessary.

I worry that our children see vivid images of violence as models for solving disagreements, managing conflicts, and navigating timeless tribal tensions. I worry that they study video games to lean how to mane, bully, and kill. I worry they learn that self-control and constraint are signs of weakness and fear.

We have no clearer example than Rick Warrens 'Left Behind External Forces' violent video game targeted at the Christian youth market and aimed at converting or killing Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, gays, or moderate mainline Christians. Warren, who promotes a dominionist Christian theology, leaves no room for tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation.

Violence as a way of problem-solving seems to be ingrained in our culture. As an example, President Bush ordering the death of Saddam Hussein's family to Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen calling for the assassination of Fidel Castro to Pat Robertson, the founder of CBN and controversial religious leader, calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. These highly visible leaders support and promote violent actions as a way to deal with conflict or opposition.

It is highly likely, that while watching FOX, CNN,or CBS, one of the talking heads will unashamedly, call for the death of some enemy of the US. They do so without any thoughts or hesitation that such a call will be answered with more violence. Unfortunately, in our society violence is sanctioned and glorified.

What influence will games like Left Behind External Forces have on our children? Where do we draw the line and how can we reduce the glorification of violence in our society? Where are all the "real" states persons who are willing to denounce unnecessaryy violence in the media ?

2006-12-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Study War No More

The long awaited and much hoped for Iraq Study Group Report is out: making its way through the halls of think tanks, political pundits, talk show personalities, experts on all sides of the political and religious divide, and into the hands of ordinary war-weary citizens around the country and for that matter, people around the world.

The report stated: “Because of the gravity of Iraq’s condition and the country’s vital importance, the United States is facing one of its most difficult and significant international challenges in decades. Because events in Iraq have been set in motion by American decisions and actions, the United States has both a national and a moral interest in doing what it can to give Iraqis an opportunity to avert anarchy.”

It has been hard for me to forget this administration’s polices have been the fundamental reason for the destabilization of the region. It is hard for me to forget that we went into this war without getting assistance or support from the regional players and now we are asking for their partnership in finding solutions to matters of security, governance, and terrorism. It is hard for me to forget that Mr. Bush mislead the American public about the reasons for war with Iraq.

In the ancient days of old, the ruling Kings and Queens would call in their religious and spiritual advisors to guide their leadership and war decisions. Apparently, Mr. Bush does not need any guidance, spiritual or otherwise. It has even been suggested at times that he is in direct consultation with God and believes that God is directing his actions in Iraq. Well, if this is true, than God is doing a lousy job of fighting evil, riding our world of terrorists, and ultimately, bringing freedom to Iraq.

Which then begs the question, “Is God on our side in this war?” I would argue that God is always on the side of justice, righteousness, and peace. The US has lost its way in Iraq and with its Middle East policies. It is unclear how the country will find its way back home: home to civility, to truth speaking, and to peace making. To do so, requires open discussions, candid and frank assessments of all sides of the issue, and an admission that maybe, the US made a mistake in Iraq.

Interestingly to note, I wonder what advice our religious and spiritual leaders would offer Mr. Bush? I think we would be hard press to find a spiritual giant in our land that would not demonize the enemy or re-affirm Mr. Bush’s war against terror, or call for the assassination of an opposition leader.

2006-12-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

To Bus or Not to Bus

The Supreme Court is wrestling with voluntary integration plans in public schools in two cases: Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, 05-908 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education, 05-915. The question before the court is do the policies of these two school systems represent student diversity or other names for illegal racial quotas? The precedence for the case is the 2003 Supreme Court ruling that permitted the limited consideration of race to attain a diverse student body on the college level. That case was hotly debated and narrowly decided with the help of Justice Sarah Day O’Conner.

With the retirement of Justice O’Conner and the addition of Alito and Roberts, the court is likely to render a different opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts has already expressed concern about making school assignments “based on skin color” and not “any other factor.”

Obviously, every child in America is entitled to the best education and the best environment to learn. But even in the richest, industrialized country on the planet, the playing field for many of the country’s schools reflect the poverty and marginality of those who are poor and under-educated. And, unfortunately, we will continue to leave children behind because we simply choose not to allocate enough educational dollars. So, not surprisingly, our schools system has become separate and very unequal. Race and its imprints of racism do matter. We are not yet a society where the field of opportunities have transcended the color of one’s skin or the vocabulary of one’s cultural expressions, or the class one attains.

Some would argue that we no longer need the safe guards of laws, diversity policies, and affirmative action programs and would like us to believe everything is all right. That argument is putting our heads in the sand and perpetuating racism, poverty, and a growing disenfranchised population.

Spiritually, we have the opportunity to explore our deep seated fear “of others”. The Supreme Court and prominent educators have all agreed diversity in the school systems brings a higher quality of education. We have the opportunity to challenge the collective fear “there is not enough” of life to go around and be shared by all God’s creatures. We have an opportunity to be free of fear and hate: to honestly look inwardly at our values, to have a national discussion on education and race.

2006-11-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

Washing Our Hands

Are our hands clean in the Iraq war in the latest cries for a course change? What is the real cost of war? What steps are necessary for the US to take to re-gain its place in the world as a real power broker and global super force? What does peace look like in the Middle East?

During this Thanksgiving break while giving thanks for living in the most blessed country on earth, I pondered the fate of the Iraqis peope. I was concerned about the increasing escalation of sectarian violence in Iraq and the US cries that the Iraqis must assume more responsibility for the security and governance of their country.

On some level this is almost ridiculous. Did we forget that we (US) invaded Iraq under false pretenses and that President Bush called for the death of its leadership? Did we just dismiss from our national conscience that under the USA's policy of eminent domain, we crushed the cradle of civilization and one of the oldest of social systems on the planet?

We have turned the lives of the Iraqi people upside down. We have nurtured and fostered a new generation of extremists and suicide bombers. We have caused collateral damage that we will never be able to explain or justify. We have rendered this society virtually powerless to be a self-governing democracy any time soon.

Let us remember that it is the USA's ill-conceived policy that has this country in a civil war and its rich heritage buried in the ruble of missiles, bombs and guns. And, remember too, that its US sponsored political leadership is ill- equipped and poorly trained to govern its people, institutions, and oppositional forces.

So, as I cut the turkey and sat down to a wonderful meal with my family, I wondered if the Iraqi people will come to know the peace we enjoy in this country? I wondered how many years it will take for them to overcome results of a 'Stay the Course' policy that decimated their culture? How about an earnest apology from the President for making a mess of Iraq: first to the Iraqis, then to the American people, and ultimately the world?

2006-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Voting in Virginia

As I waited anxiously to cast my vote, I was reminded of the many sacrifices, battles, and violence that occurred "back in the day" to ensure that people of color could vote. In a brief moment of reflection, I wondered if our ancestors who had fought so bravely and tirelessly for this right, would be proud of our modern day voting efforts.

After a long drive in the rain and bumper to bumper traffic, I found myself standing in line with 300-400 other people. Many of these people had waited for over two hours to vote. Their faces portrayed a kind of determination that said, "I am not leaving this place no matter what---- until I have had my say." So, we waited.

Despite the drive, the nasty weather and shortage of polling machines, the atmosphere was jovial and light. Little children played amusingly in the hallways. And as children do, they were the perfect entertainment for adults who were weary from the day. And for almost for every child, you could hear an adult go, “Aw, isn’t she cute."

Why would anyone wait two hours to vote? Since I had a little time on my hands, I asked. Michelle, a young woman whose mother had just gotten citizenship in this country from Columbia was determined to cast her vote. She was there, heavily, influenced by her father’s interest in politics and did not want to let him down. And there was Stacy, a bright African American woman, who said, "I want to make sure my voice is heard." I knew she was honoring our ancestors with all of her being. And, finally Kim, an young entrepreneur, simply replied, "we need a change." While the motivations were different: some personal, some borne out of a longing for better days and some committed to "regime change," we waited.

Finally, it was time to vote. I walked calmly to the voting machine and cast my senatorial vote. Immediately, my vote was credited to the other senatorial candidate. I could not believe my eyes. My vote mysteriously went to the opposition candidate not my candidate. WOW. Now, I saw how electronic voting can change a vote. Was it programmed to do this? Did I make an error when touching the screen? Or, was this just a fluke of some kind?

I knew that I did not make an error in touching the screen. I had been especially dutiful in this task. Something else was at work here. I reported it to the poll worker who simply said to tap it again to erase my selection and start all over. She was at a loss to explain what happen. I did as she instructed and entered my vote again. This time it properly recorded my senatorial vote. Suppose I had not been watching so carefully? Suppose I just accepted the touch screen's recording of my vote? Suppose this "error" was replicated all over the state or other states?

Well, no funny acting voting machines, or long lines, shortage of poll workers, intimidating poll watchers or short supply of voting machines were going to prevent this citizen from voting. And it was clear throughout the evening that the many hundreds of patient citizens were equally committed to the democratic act of voting.

I think our ancestors might just be proud of our voting efforts today. Well, at least, in this part of the country.

2006-10-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Man Up, No One is Coming to Save Us

On Spirit In Action, Tuesday, October 24, in the midst of WPFW’s 2006 Fall Pledge Drive, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Steve Perry, author, "Man Up! Nobody is Coming to Save Us." Mr. Perry, an in-your-face truth teller, brings black accountability to a whole new level. He presents a candid, yet compelling discussion on the need for Black men to "Man Up" and be real men for the sake of ours sons, daughters, families, and larger communities.

He both admonishes and challenges our political, civil rights leadership, established Black national organizations, and religious institutions to re-invent themselves in light of the changing cultural forces, the modern day landscape of racism and evolving global dynamics.

Mr. Perry, continues to drive the point home: black man must grow up and leave the nest of mamma, girl friends, aunts, grandmothers to participate in the regeneration and advancement of the Black community. Perry, says, "Black people are at the helm of many of the systems that impact our lives today. We raise, entertain, fed, lead, and educate our children. Failure to own our role in the creation of the condition of our community robs us of the chance to improve it. Once we recognize that we, more than any other group, have the power to transform our currently deplorable conditions. We will finally take hold of the opportunity to foster a healthy Black community.

I was particularly intrigued by his "Is he a mamma’s boy quiz." We all know some black man that has not fully reached his potential. And, we are all too fond of excusing away why that is so. Is your brother, uncle, lover, partner, or husband a Mamma’s boy?

Steve Perry’s Mamma’s Boy Quiz

1. He takes pride in having someone else take care of his responsibilities.

2. He receives regular financial support from someone else.

3. More than once since he’s been an adult he has lived somewhere that he has not paid for. This includes staying with his mother, girlfriend or at one of his boys’ houses.

4. He is one of the last people that you think of when you need help.

5. He puts himself and his interests before everyone else.

6. When you communicate with him it’s not uncommon for the conversation to entail addressing his mounting needs.

7. Other’s generosity is essential to his survival.

8. His big plans and short follow through yields little more than near misses and compelling stories about brushes with fame and fortune.

9. It takes him twice as long and thrice as much prodding to get him to finish tasks, ranging from helping around the house, to getting a job, to paying his bills, to completing his education.

10. You have stopped depending on him and now presume that it is not even worth asking him for help.

You will need to read the book to get the scores for your potential Mamma’s Boy rating. Just to know we have this Mamma’s Boy description is worth the money and mental investment in this book.

During my interview, he fanned the fires even more with his controversial, "It is a big lie that a woman can work and raise kids alone. Yes, he says that there are examples of extraordinary women, kids, and their support networks that combine to do amazing things." However, he contends the failure rates for children coming from single parent’s households are alarming. There is not one day that goes by that we do not hear a sister say, "I don’t need no man. This is my boy and I can raise him all by myself."

Mr. Perry left no stones unturned, as he challenged every aspect of Black life: gangster rap, thug life, black intellectuals like Dr. Michael Dyson and Cornel West to influential black pastors. Of Dr. Dyson, he says, "Dr. Dyson represents herds of apologists who accept no responsibility for the Black condition. Apologists spend countless hours putting us to sleep with thin explanations for the perpetuation of the thug culture."

The thug culture Mr. Perry writes about is a life style that promotes violence, misogyny, self-destruction, and may lead ultimately to death. A life style that sucks black boys into a downward spiral with no end in sight, with ill-reversible consequences to the black community.

As a member of the black clergy family, I challenge us to reclaim our spiritual role as the "watchmen and watchwomen" of our congregations and communities, the moral compass of our "inner movement", and as teachers and practitioners of truth telling. We have work to do: everyone in the Black community has to be actively working to re-cast the stage, the players, the scenes, the resources, and goals of Black families, Black institutions, and the Black middle class.

What is the real issue behind the decline and decay of Black men, the disharmony in our relationships between Black women and Black man, and destruction of Black life? In the upcoming days, I will offer some spiritual insights into these complex interactions and psychological entanglements.

Steve Perry’s Man Up! Is a must read book.

To visit Steve Perry's web site click here
www.renagadebooks.com

2006-10-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Voting for the Future

Only about one out of every three eligible voters has bothered to cast a ballot in mid-term elections in recent years. Thirty six states will hold elections for governor. Thirty four of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be up for grabs. And elections will be held for all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Not only do we have Congressional races at stake, voters will choose many local offices …the town mayor, perhaps, the county sheriff, or a school board director or a tax collector. By exercising thier vote, citizens will help decide how their town, state, and nation will be run. On November 5th, fire stations, school auditoriums, church halls, and other public buildings will become polling places for a day. Do you realize how important your vote is to this country?

If the wrong policy decisions are made by our political leaders in Washington and you did not vote - what should the penalty be for ineffective citizenry? Who pays for the silence of a nation’s people? The stakes are too high for the electorate not to be actively engaged in mid-term elections. What's at stake: 3 African Americans congress persons will have the opportunity to serve as committee chairs and the election of the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives. Additionally, risks include: the countless lives of our sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers trapped in a war and conflict that has very little to do with the security and safety of our nation and more to do with the widening gaps between those of material priviledge and those without.

Can you afford not to vote?

2006-10-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Lost Innocence and school violence

Is increasing violence and pedophilia against children representing a societal trend? We see an alarming number of children being abused physically and sexually in an escalating fashion What are the root cause and psychological triggers ?

Spiritually, children represent the innocence and freedom adults have lost. They are untouched by the pressure of society and express themselves as true ambassadors of the Creator. They are free to laugh, cry, play and love unconditionally. Why would any adult try to rob a child of these treasures?

More than likely, it will occur when that adult themselves have been robbed as a child or never given the chance to enjoy their childhood. Either abused as a child or having traumatizing experiences themselves, they act out this aggression on the weakest victims of all. They have have lost hope and think they are a victim of an unfair society. They did not get the right parents, the right wife, the respect they were owed. They want to rob others of what they have not acquired and in some twisted fashion, thinking that somehow the score is settled and other should suffer as they have.

What do you think? What kinds of safeguards should we be exploring to better protect our children? Better security ? Cameras on every block and class room? Tougher laws? I want to explore the ideas you have.

Dr. Carolyn Boyd