Friday, February 11, 2011
Egypt
Congratulations on your nonviolent revolution. That is the way to show the Arab-Muslim world how to engage injustice, corruption and oppression. Alhamdilailah.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The "Dis-intergration" of the Black Community
I must have read hundreds of books covering, to some degree, the experience of Africans in America. Even as I tell me myself that "It is time to move on," I find another compelling title to distract me. This was the case with Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson's latest book on the subject, Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America.
Robinson writes a convincing depiction of contemporary black America. In fact, he makes a very good case for just how out of touch that term is today. He depicts the often exclusive social worlds that black people live in today; complete with their own value systems, politics, economic status and life expectations. Disintegration is an important book for those of us who like to engage topics without regard to who is listening, and not simply leave ourselves over to wondering... Why? The author's discussion of the emergence of African immigrants and mixed race blacks into the mainstream, where the vast majority of black people are, is worthwhile on its own. He discusses the dynamics of competition among these two subgroups for educational resources and jobs that people outside of "Black America" may not know. The emergent class of blacks outscore all cohort of students on standardized test -- including whites and Asians -- and make steady progress within the prevailing US economy.
Robinson further depicts a transcendent class of of super rich and powerful African Americans who are second to none in their ability to influence modern American life in many spheres. Among this (race) transcending class you will find media magnets, captains of industry, entertainment moguls and, most notably, the President of the United States of America.
For me, however, the most compelling story is the abandoned class of stagnant native born blacks. While they exist as the least in number among African Americans, their profile is probably the best known. Often the focus of any discussion about inner city crime, under performing schools, and lagging quality of life indicators like health and housing, this abandoned class of African Americans pose the most galvanizing argument for a new civil rights agenda in the 21st century.
My experience has been that even among those professionals who are on the front lines with the abandoned class -- of Black America -- few seem to comprehend the sociology behind their delima. Otherwise exasperated school teachers, repetitious practices among social workers, and fruitless exhortations from advocates would not be so frequent. I recommended Disintegration, not only for book clubs and black history classes, but for professional development among school faculty and human service workers of all kind.
Robinson writes a convincing depiction of contemporary black America. In fact, he makes a very good case for just how out of touch that term is today. He depicts the often exclusive social worlds that black people live in today; complete with their own value systems, politics, economic status and life expectations. Disintegration is an important book for those of us who like to engage topics without regard to who is listening, and not simply leave ourselves over to wondering... Why? The author's discussion of the emergence of African immigrants and mixed race blacks into the mainstream, where the vast majority of black people are, is worthwhile on its own. He discusses the dynamics of competition among these two subgroups for educational resources and jobs that people outside of "Black America" may not know. The emergent class of blacks outscore all cohort of students on standardized test -- including whites and Asians -- and make steady progress within the prevailing US economy.
Robinson further depicts a transcendent class of of super rich and powerful African Americans who are second to none in their ability to influence modern American life in many spheres. Among this (race) transcending class you will find media magnets, captains of industry, entertainment moguls and, most notably, the President of the United States of America.
For me, however, the most compelling story is the abandoned class of stagnant native born blacks. While they exist as the least in number among African Americans, their profile is probably the best known. Often the focus of any discussion about inner city crime, under performing schools, and lagging quality of life indicators like health and housing, this abandoned class of African Americans pose the most galvanizing argument for a new civil rights agenda in the 21st century.
My experience has been that even among those professionals who are on the front lines with the abandoned class -- of Black America -- few seem to comprehend the sociology behind their delima. Otherwise exasperated school teachers, repetitious practices among social workers, and fruitless exhortations from advocates would not be so frequent. I recommended Disintegration, not only for book clubs and black history classes, but for professional development among school faculty and human service workers of all kind.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ramadan 2010
On this the 29Th day of the Ramadan fast, I write my first entry on the subject. I am not certain why I neglected to write my thoughts on the tradition this year. I suppose the more I come to read and reflect on the teachings in the Qur'an I realize that a preoccupation with rituals and gestures distracts one from the goal of Islam: Knowledge of self and mastery of ones appetites; that you might revere the blessings and miracles of the Almighty; and become ever blessed and rightly guided.
I often say that the Ramadan fast is about the only religious tenant I observe regularly. The personal challenge of it invites me, and I derive satisfaction in the 'giving' and the transformation of it. May God be pleased with me. My zakat (charitable giving) will be to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. They are a reputable organization whose done good work for the downtrodden in our area for many years. Alhamdulailah.
I often say that the Ramadan fast is about the only religious tenant I observe regularly. The personal challenge of it invites me, and I derive satisfaction in the 'giving' and the transformation of it. May God be pleased with me. My zakat (charitable giving) will be to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. They are a reputable organization whose done good work for the downtrodden in our area for many years. Alhamdulailah.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
President Wyclef?
Is the man's ego winning out over his better nature, again! For those who may not be familiar with the back story... Lauryn Hill once strongly implied that the break up of the Fugees was credited to their (collective) refusal to grow into more conscious and responsible actions (lyrics, production, etc.), and to be completely square with each other, despite all the success they had experienced. Much of this was put at the feet of Wyclef... [Yeah, I know she's had some issues of her own.] Despite the break up of the group, Wyclef Jean went on to become a huge celebrity. Although if you ask , me his artistic prowess became stagnant a long time ago. Nevertheless, his influence in Haiti was justly earned. And I believe that he genuinely wants the best for his people.
...But hold on, Wyclef! When certain political celebrities saw that your star could be used to leverage their reach into Haiti, they heralded you as their friend, and the great hope of your people. Then you, rightly, decided to go around their non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and provide direct intervention by your own charity. Good for you!... But you did a shoddy job. My check to your foundation, YeLe Haiti, has still not been cashed. Nevertheless, because you acted like a free man, you quickly were lambasted by your friends in the media. Your cousin, Pras Michele, had to come on MSNBC and make amends for your less than efficient management of funds raised by you for YeLe... And he promised to get it right for you. Good for Pras! Some of us were not fooled, however. Your REAL transgression, Wyclef, was attracting too much of that earthquake relief money away from the global charitable outfits that have come to rely on these natural disasters to balloon their budgets. "Bad, boy! Don't you do that again."
Now they have found a new role for you... "Run for President of your country. We'll help ya!" Never mind that you seem ignorant of the many pernicious forces arrayed against your country-men for years -- or reluctant to raise a voice against them. [Hmm... I wonder if you even know Haitian history?] Never mind that the people of Haiti have not found any real disagreement with current President, Rene Preval. Your friends in the media and the political stars of "micro-lending" and "green technology" don't like him though -- probably because he is not anti-Aristide enough for them. Now there are media reports that Haitian relief money is still not reaching the masses effectively, and they want to lay that at the feet of the current president. Isn't that what they said about your money when you tried to take it off the plantation? Hundreds of millions pledged and housing is still woefully lacking. They claim that it is the government's fault for one reason or another... Thus setting the stage for your election platform.
Ahh...Can you just work on a Fugees reunion album instead?
...But hold on, Wyclef! When certain political celebrities saw that your star could be used to leverage their reach into Haiti, they heralded you as their friend, and the great hope of your people. Then you, rightly, decided to go around their non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and provide direct intervention by your own charity. Good for you!... But you did a shoddy job. My check to your foundation, YeLe Haiti, has still not been cashed. Nevertheless, because you acted like a free man, you quickly were lambasted by your friends in the media. Your cousin, Pras Michele, had to come on MSNBC and make amends for your less than efficient management of funds raised by you for YeLe... And he promised to get it right for you. Good for Pras! Some of us were not fooled, however. Your REAL transgression, Wyclef, was attracting too much of that earthquake relief money away from the global charitable outfits that have come to rely on these natural disasters to balloon their budgets. "Bad, boy! Don't you do that again."
Now they have found a new role for you... "Run for President of your country. We'll help ya!" Never mind that you seem ignorant of the many pernicious forces arrayed against your country-men for years -- or reluctant to raise a voice against them. [Hmm... I wonder if you even know Haitian history?] Never mind that the people of Haiti have not found any real disagreement with current President, Rene Preval. Your friends in the media and the political stars of "micro-lending" and "green technology" don't like him though -- probably because he is not anti-Aristide enough for them. Now there are media reports that Haitian relief money is still not reaching the masses effectively, and they want to lay that at the feet of the current president. Isn't that what they said about your money when you tried to take it off the plantation? Hundreds of millions pledged and housing is still woefully lacking. They claim that it is the government's fault for one reason or another... Thus setting the stage for your election platform.
Ahh...Can you just work on a Fugees reunion album instead?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Free Media!
Followers can receive the following media delivered free of charge, if claimed via e-mail within the next 30 days! Limit one per claimant.
Vietnam: America's Conflict (cd set)
Quilting the Black-eyed Pea (collected poems, N. Giovanni)
Aren't We the Lucky Ones (cd), B. Ullman, R. Harney)
Economics for Dummies
On Bullshit, H.G. Frankfurt
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, M. Taylor
The Stuggle for Black Equality, H. Sitkoff
Malcolm X: The Last Speeches (Etd, B. Perry)
Gone Fishin, W. Mosley
A Great And Mighty Walk, J. H. Clark (cd)
Vietnam: America's Conflict (cd set)
Quilting the Black-eyed Pea (collected poems, N. Giovanni)
Aren't We the Lucky Ones (cd), B. Ullman, R. Harney)
Economics for Dummies
On Bullshit, H.G. Frankfurt
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, M. Taylor
The Stuggle for Black Equality, H. Sitkoff
Malcolm X: The Last Speeches (Etd, B. Perry)
Gone Fishin, W. Mosley
A Great And Mighty Walk, J. H. Clark (cd)
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