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If the NYC mayoral race were a novel, I'd deconstruct its architecture. From one election to the next, the narrative appears to shift away from focused policy debates, instead centering on the influence of religious groups. The major religious factions—Christian nationalists, Muslims, and Jews—each appear to compete for cultural and political dominance within the city. Amid this religious competition, the African diaspora in the U.S.—a powerful and often underestimated voting bloc—continues to be overlooked and taken for granted by both the candidates and the dominant religious groups. It sometimes seems as though these competing religious groups neglect the African diaspora’s influence. Ironically, the roots of these religions trace back to African science-based spirituality, yet this connection receives little attention in political or religious discourse. This dynamic played out in Election 2024: Christian nationalists—including evangelists, southern Baptists, and likely Catholics—rallied strongly behind DJT. Media and external influencers shifted the conversation away from local policy and toward polarizing international issues, like the U.S. stance on Israel and Palestine, further affecting how voters chose among domestic candidates. When reviewing 2025 election results, I noticed Mamdani was not the only Muslim elected, which raises the question of whether heightened coverage of Gaza led to greater sympathy and increased Muslim representation—a trend potentially extending into the midterms. Don’t misunderstand—I bear a grudge against all religions. Religious study should bring wisdom, spirituality, and growth, yet it often has the opposite effect. Religions lead to violence instead of joy and peace. Add patriarchy, and it’s chaos. Returning to the story's structure: Is this a narrative of democratic socialism rising in the heart of Wall Street? Consider Manhattan—the FINANCIAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD—and its boroughs. Is the city that never sleeps really ready to move from capitalism to social ownership? Notably, NYC is the largest property owner according to Curbed.com, and the mayor administers these assets. Perhaps social ownership is the underlying story arc behind recent shifts. So, in this story—call it Project 2025 (S)—the central figure is a young millennial poised to challenge the reigning power and reclaim Manhattan for the people. Behind the scenes, religious struggle, human trafficking disguised as immigration reform, and pervasive surveillance set the chaotic stage for change in the city. Meet the Muslim and Arab Americans who won in US local elections Jews vote for Andrew Cuomo over Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race | The Jerusalem Post "In addition to the Jewish vote, Mamdani lost the Catholic vote by a significant margin: 53% supported Cuomo and 14% backed Sliwa, against 33% for Mamdani. A decisive 75% of voters with no religious affiliation supported Mamdani." Here's a past look at Manhattan when DJT began buying up NY property in the early 70s(?) a look back at Palestinians, Israel, Libya, etc.4 points
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Exactly. Unfortunately, that thing has turned a bunch of folks into lemmings and sheep.2 points
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Easy to overlook and take for granted. Black folks could be a more powerful voting bloc If we were actually demanding tangibles. We have not put forth an agenda to which politicians can be held accountable. Otherwise, we're just exercising our right to vote. We get nothing return. Again, Black folks are easy marks. Other groups of people have zero respect for us. We haven't done anything to correct it. The biggest *problem* is there are too many operatives among Black folks selling us out.2 points
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They Are Many levels to the Answer to each of the Question below... Who Am I Why Am I What Am I2 points
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There are Black majority cities in America like Atlanta, Detroit, Baltimore, and even Jackson Mississippi. What if Black politicians at the municipal level began working with wealthy black entrepreneurs to develop and diversity local economies especially disadvantaged neighborhoods ? Think about it. What if we pooled public and private resources to replicate what Geoffrey Canada did with the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City ? After all a good start early in life in a livable environment comes before any kind of academic achievement or entrepreneurial success. Right? Secondly, what if black business people and politicians formed public/private partnerships to seek out new sources of investment like Chinese, Middle Eastern, and West African ? Third, maybe we need real democracy in black politics which means independent thought and action that challenges the Black Democratic Leadership Establishment. I'm not saying move to the Republican Right. But demand more from our so called leaders. If you can't provide viable solutions to problems like crime, violence, poverty, academic failure, and the racial wealth gap then you get voted out. So what's keeping us from doing these things ? 1. We don't live together and aren't forced to work and strive together inspite of our class, political, or status differences the way Jim Crow and DeFacto residential segregation forced us too. 2. Middle and upper income blacks have their own priorities even among individuals that differ from poor and workingclass blacks. Race, blackness, and struggling against racism don't matter as much anymore or in the same way to all black people. 3. Black business and professional people aren't necessarily always concerned with advancing black people collectively. Elected officials and political insiders often benefit themselves and their cronies. And the Black Capitalist is no different from the white one if he's a major player. The Black Capitalist is about maximizing profit. They only help other blacks if there's money to be made. So this is my non expert take on things.2 points
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It's not like all white people have their thing together. It's no secret that millions of them are in the same category as black folk, struggling to get ahead. And a whole lot of them are worse off that Blacks who have reached some degree of success. It's really about elitism and oligarphy. About wealth being concentrated in the hands of a few who exploit the masses. Yes, white skin is a pass port to opportunity, but it can only take you so far. In reality, true equality has never existed in the world, and traits like honesty and integrity don't necessarily reward you with success. The law of the jungle still pervades human civilization. And rugged individualism has to be fortified with ruthlessness and driven by greed. Luck also plays a role. Life is a bitch. Black folks lost Africa to foreign invaders and they've been struggling ever since. Unity is a pipe dream when skin color is too often the only thing groups have in common. It's a cruel world2 points
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@aka Contrarian as far as I'm concerned, you've earned the right to write anything you want here. I'm sure most people here enjoy your insights. You are that combination I referenced as "Gold" in a recent exchange with Profd. Now as far as your exchanges with Pioneer coming "out a post office bag" (is funny twist on a term I have not heard in a long time), he has the liberty, in all fairness, to dish out the same2 points
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Man, what's the world coming to....... He allegedly died from Pancreatic Cancer, which is said to be very painful. I hope our brother is resting in peace and is free from his suffering. I remember Brown Sugar. And when I hear, for some reason I also think of Domino's "Sweet Potato Pie"....lol. Most of the ladies remember D'Angelo's "How Does It Feel" video when he came on nearly naked grinning and licking his lips and shit, lol.2 points
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Michael Archer aka D'Angelo was the pioneer of Neo-Soul music. His Brown Sugar record turned R&B upside-down back in 1995. His live performances were straight fire. D'Angelo was extremely gifted and talented. He leaves behind a body of musical work that will stand the tests of time. Thanks for the musicianship and music. RIP Mr. Michael Archer aka D'Angelo.2 points
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@aka Contrarian yeah I've been swamped the last few weeks. I even spent a day on Captial Hill working with lobbyists to reduce credit card swipe fees -- fascinating exercise. I missed an opportunity to connect with my man @ProfD but we will catch up. @Delano I know I owe you a response. To make matter worse all my passwords were deleted from my password manger software --twice so I could not log into anything. It is a pain to login into many systems with a password... I can't even login to the admin console here it has been at least a month since I have approved a new account. I also have 2,200 unread emails in my inbox. I there is a better than even money chance that I will delete everything without reading it and change my email address.2 points
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Yeah, I've heard of your in-law: https://aalbc.com/authors/Frank+London+Brown. A collection of his short stories was published a couple of years ago (I see I need to add a couple more of his books). Lives are complex individually and collectively. Thanks for sharing your joy with us @Mel Hopkins. You are truly blessed to have the life you have had and to see your daughter celebrate her nuptials on such a grand scale! Being perhaps the only person on Earth who has had the pleasure of meeting both @aka Contrarian and Mel's mom in the flesh. I think the two would get on quite well @Mel Hopkins. What do you think? Peace & Love.
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I am finding words and numbers allow me to access the unconscious mind of the Querent and for myself i use omens and clock time Yes just be open and don't have set beliefs or feelings. Just allow the information to speak to you. One of the ways is to just doodle or write down the words that pop into your mind.2 points
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This is all so fascinating! So, you say that this was deliberate!? They deliberately misinterpreted the Fifth element!? I have never heard of 'the Fifth Element' but although a lot of what was explained was complex for me, I now am happy to say that I could follow some of the idea of what was addressed. I found it very interesting to hear how electricity and gravity, light, etc. was measured and how all of this relates to space! This topic seems to go along with the science about comets and how they travel through space and how scientist are able to know exactly when comets come their closest to the sun and earth, etc. This is mind blowing for me. Even though, I think that the Harvard expert is a little far fetched on his beliefs about this interstellar comet, I respect his brilliance nonetheless. More importantly, I find it amazing in how the ancient Egyptians defined the Fifth Element. I don't know why, but when I was watching the video about this, I for some strange reason, thought about the ancient American Indians and their 'Dream Catchers' and also, I thought about 'dot matrix'. Even though Space Science is intimidating for me, I am still intrigued and love a little bit that I can understand. Thank you for posting this! I think that you are extremely intelligent! When I think about you addressing these topics, it makes me want to go get that movie about the brilliant woman of Color that had something to do with NASA! I haven't seen that movie yet, but I have been trying to slow down so that I can watch it! Girl, you are too smart! @Mel Hopkins And so is your twin! @Delano He is way over my head and I just don't know how to comment on his threads, but I love to read him though.2 points
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That harvest moon which recently loomed on the horizon, appearing like clock work every year in October, is as wonderous as our resident bee hive. Here it is overlooking the mall parking lot near me. Who's running this show???
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Thank you! That is one of the most classic and fabulous wedding celebrations that I have ever seen! Oh My Gosh! I don't know how many times I have watched this. @Mel Hopkins I can't imagine how happy you must feel! Your daughter and her husband are so incredibly beautiful. Again, you look amazing. LOL! Okay... @Pioneer1 Come on! But you are right on one count, that wedding look like a movie; As if it was straight out of Hollywood.2 points
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You will be around to witness whether or not Da Bears make the playoffs. Of course, as a diehard football fan, it's my pleasure even if your team beats mine.1 point
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Loser has become a derogatory term to demean someone who doesn't amount to much in the eyes of the person using the word. For example, someone could feel that anyone with a net worth of less than $1 million dollars is a loser. Of course, that doesn't make it true. There's no shortage of real losers running around. Otherwise, the term is used as an insult.1 point
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Da Bears should beat the Giants especially since it's a home game.1 point
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There's another super moon brightening up the skies, this one being referred to as the "Beaver Moon", the last and largest one of 2025. This picture was taken from my back porch. All the other images that the camera reflected in the photo are weird. Like an astral Rorscharch ink blot test. Not to mention what looks like a second smaller moon. Hummm. zzzzzzzzzzzz
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Agree! I think this is why you, I, and the rest of the AALBC fam meet up here. We freaking READ! We read our history and study our lessons! We don't let anyone feed us what they want us to know. You can't be sold on anything when you Know Thyself! But without that knowledge, somebody can sell folks an Easy button.1 point
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@richardmurray, the real question to you is will Mayor-Elect Mamdani be former mayor Bill de Blasio 2.0 or better or worse? I know it's way too early to tell. Just wondering from your NYC perspective.1 point
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I wonder is there a FEMALE version of the Drop Squad ? I think "Set It Off" is about as close as Hollywood has come to one.....lol.1 point
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Lol..... You KNOW why they do, but do you UNDERSTAND why they do? You KNOW that poor Whites vote Republican for racist reasons, but when you UNDERSTAND that they care more about maintaining and supporting the System of Racism than they care about their own personal comfort and well being....then you'll also UNDERSTAND that they don't give a fuck about SNAP benefits. ...or CLAP benefits, or STOMP benefits, or PAT-ON-ONE-KNEE-WHILE-TAPPING-YO-TOEZ benefits....lol. The ONLY "benefit" some of those poor toothless "peanut butter smeared on apple slices" eating bastards care about is the "benefit" of seeing some Black folks suffering. ....even if they have to suffer right along with them. "Hey Brian! You've been homeless for a few years now. Aren't you depressed and angry over your situation?" "No sir! Not as long as I got my buddy Tyrone over here along side of me! I'm doing just fine!"1 point
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This is noteworthy report. "Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 for help. The incident occurred on July 6, 2024 - Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler outside her home. - Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. - Inside her home, Grayson ordered Massey to put down a pot of hot water on the stove. - Grayson claimed he believed Massey might throw the water at him and feared for his life, leading him to shoot her. - Body-camera footage showed Grayson drawing his gun, ordering Massey to drop the pot, and then firing three shots, one of which struck her in the face. - The jury deliberated for about two days before reaching a verdict. - Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder, a charge that carries a potential sentence of 4 to 20 years in prison. - The jury could have convicted Grayson of first-degree murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence." The partner of the defendent testified against him, saying he didn't thinknthe victim posed a threat. There was one black male in the jury. The victim's family has filed a multi.million dollar wrongful death suit against law enforcement authorities in Peoria. Illinois, which is where the crime occurred. -1 point
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@DelanoWell, whatever works for you. Sometimes the answer is in the question...1 point
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The Black Holocaust lasted over 500 years in one way or another. This may have resulted in a latent form of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that is passed down genetically. Part of that PTSD could be self-destructive. OTOH, the Jewish Holocaust only lasted a couple of years. IMO, any lingering toll of it is psychological. Jews use it a shield against antisemitism. Jews have definitely received reparations many times over for the pain and suffering of their ancestors. To date, FBA/ADOS have not received any form of reparations for the 400 years of slavery and 100+ years of psychological and physical abuse our people have endured. The untreated PTSD within the FBA/ADOS has to be considered when it comes to any type of dysfunction among our people.1 point
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That is why I advocate mandatory accounting so everyone knows how to deal with the Economic Power Game. Everyone needs to understand how to play for themselves. But cars are just a Planned Obsolescence scam. We are Indoctrinated to concentrate on JOBS and Consuming Junk. The clothes are intended to go out of style. Getting the land paid off to not pay rent or mortgage. Ideally we should control local government but the DIMocrats just might be slightly less full of crap than the Repugnacans. How has accounting not been mandatory in high schools for EveryBody since 1950? .1 point
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Vampires. Zombies. Ghosts. Haints . . . and so much more! Celebrate Halloween and Black Speculative Fiction Month with these spooky titles from MVmedia, Mocha Memoirs Press, Second Sight Publishing, and Triple Threat Comics! MVmedia, LLC
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Right. Maybe this current hyper-white nationalism movement will force Black folks to rely on each other even moreso.1 point
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Thanks so much for your response. There's so much to unpack from many sides. But I'm going to make an effort. 1. We have to approach this from enlightened self interest. A lot of wealthy blacks in business still depend on black customers and government contracts. Advancing human and community development among other blacks translates into more employees and customers which is capital and market share. This is business not altruism. None of this is strictly governmental or philanthropic. It's market based. Changing how we think about business and growth is essential because most black businesses are very small. But it's necessary to think and do things on a bigger scale for your own sake. And it makes sense to partner with other blacks where possible. Think about a black barber and hairdresser coming together to build a distribution company with perhaps a black rental property owner. Groups like the National Black Chamber of Commerce can and should be forums to facilitate this kind of action. Despite all the persistent problems and challenges blacks continue to face as entrepreneurs success is possible. The opportunities to grow a company are real both at home and abroad. Think David Steward of World Wide Technologies and Robert Smith of Vista Equity Partners who are bllionaires. 2. Local government and Civil Society play unique and vital roles in business and community development. Think about taxes, zoning, incentives, funding, and contracting decisions by City Officials matter. If and when blacks in these positions make decisions to help black businesses and communities grow that's progress. And white politicians do it every day. We as black people wrongly say among ourselves - Niggas don't help each other. That's not completely true. Think about United Negro College Fund. Black Greek organizations and even black churches with scholarship funds. Name a major black non-profit or group that has went out of business because blacks don't give? We have to scale up and raise awareness among our own about what's available. The same thing is true about all kinds of black individuals and groups working in our communities all the time making a difference. Black people today despite our difficulties have more money, education, expertise, political power, and opportunities than ever. We need a mindset and initiative to leverage the resources we have to benefit ourselves individually and collectively. Sometimes we are too focused on racism and economic injustice worrying about what's lacking or denied us. I'm firmly committed to fighting for our rights. But there are things we can do beyond advocacy and action at the Federal government level to help ourselves immediately on the ground. Black people in the Jim Crow Era did this very thing with far less than we have today. 3. We have to put people, places, and things in perspective to see how progress is possible. Cities where blacks are a majority and dominate local politics like Atlanta, Detroit, or even Jackson Mississippi are centers of opportunity to experiment with all kinds of ideas. Places like Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago are different. But even in the latter possibilities exist. Geoffrey Canada built the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City with mainly private money from wealthy whites like Bill Gates and corporations. That's an important factor. Black thinkers, activists, politicians, and business people need to study his successes and failures and the possibilities and limits of what Geoffrey Canada did. Think about what happens when black voters want change. It's possible to kick out leaders who are too focused on themselves rather than the people. Two examples come to mind. Charles Rangel defeated Adam Clayton Powell in New York in the 1970 Democratic Party primary for Congress. Corey Booker lost the Newark New Jersey Mayoral race to Sharpe James the sixteen year incumbent in 2002. But Booker returned in 2006 to beat the candidate backed by the retiring James- Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice. Ultimately there are no guarantees or easy answers. But blacks must be persistent and think differently about the challenges we face. We might try and fail doing different things. However failure is guaranteed if we do nothing at all. Now is the time a kind of black pragmatism that includes advocacy, protest, national, state, local government, entrepreneurial, human, and community development.1 point
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I don't lnow whether or not PM Sanae Takaichi is a POTUS OJ figure-head of government. Considering the US/Japan relationship, I'd imagine PM Takaichi will work within joint interestsnof both countries. If POTUS OJ likes working with PM Takaichi, the US will help with Japanese economic issues too.1 point
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I know it is a rhetorical question but for the sake of digital posterity, let's answer it. The Black people in those positions are not of low intelligence. Those Black officers, lawyers and judges do not have the power to change the laws created by white supremacists. Some of those Black people are like overseers on the slave plantation. They willingly prove to white folks that they can be more harsh towards their own people.1 point
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Vesta Williams December 1st 1957 to Septemer 22nd 2011 Her work in the film Posse is so underrated Tell Me Written by Vesta Williams (as Vesta) and Louis Russell Performed by Vesta Williams (as Vesta) A&R [Direction] – Kevin Evans Acoustic Guitar – John Jorgenson Bass – Nathan East Drums – Harvey Mason Engineer [Assistant] – Nazeeh Islam, Rajean DeGrandmaison Harp – Dino Soldo Keyboards, Arranged By – Tim Heintz Mixed By – Charlie Watts (2) Producer – Vesta* Producer [Additional] – Phillip Biff Vincent* Producer, Keyboards, Arranged By, Mixed By – Michael Eckert Lyrics Tell me what's on your mind , baby Tell Me If the loving is strong Tell! Me! What's on your mind, baby Tell Me If the loving is strong oh Tell Me If the loving is strong You got! A simple way of talking to me baby You got my heart on a string You! Got! the simple way of loving me baby Tell me That you love me, again! Tell me That you love me, again! I got this funny feeling De-ep in-si-de That tells me , you, could love me Even mo-re, an And I got to kno-w! You got! A simple way of loving me baby You! got! My heart on a stri-ng You got! A simple way of loving me baby Tell me! That you, want me, again Baby baby baby Tell me That you, want me, again Baby baby baby baby Tell me that you, Yo-[mellisma]-u! Yo-[mellissma-scatting]-u! You [Scatting] [Scatting] [Scatting] [Scatting modulate through four octaves] Tell me That you Tell me that you want me baby Tell me that you need me baby Tell me! ye-ah! Tell me that you Want me, again Tell me, that you want me, again [Scatting] [Scatting two octaves] [Scatting four octaves] LIVE, lovely voice Special Lyrics from Vesta Williams, Attala Zane Giles Ooh... oh... oh Ooh... ooh... Yeah Ooh... ooh... ooh Never thought I'd find a lover Who could love me like no other, Sugar Now I'm spellbound in your hands You're more than twice a man And I love you The more I'm in your arms the more I need you I look in your eyes I feel you The way you hold me, feels so right, (So right) The way you make me feel is oh so special My baby and I just gotta let you know, feels so right You make me feel so special, darlin' On and on it, gettin' stronger You just make me feel so special Nights of passion, filled with moonlight Makes the moments with you so right, baby You have made my life so grand Don't know how glad I am that I have your love The more I'm in your arms, the more I need you No matter where I am I feel you The way you kiss me it feels so good (So good) I love the way you make me feel so special, darlin' And I just gotta let you know That it feels so right You make me feel so special, darlin' On and on feeling stronger Oh... oh... oh... oh... oh Ooh, ooh, yeah (Oh... oh... oh...) Ooh, the more I have your love, the more I need you If I had to change the world, I would to keep you The way you love me, don't ever stop (Oh, oh) There's no one who could make me feel so special, baby And I just gotta let you know That it feels so right You make me feel so special, baby On and on gettin' stronger Oh... oh... oh... oh... oh Special (Special) Special, special (Yes, you are, baby) Special (Yeah) You make me feel so special (You make me feel so good) Special (Baby) Special (I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I) special (Special, hey) You make me feel so special (Special, baby, ooh, ooh) Special, baby, Feels so right you make me feel so special (Special, baby, bay, oh, oh) My love (My love), And it feels so right when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh) Sweet Sweet Love Lyrics from Vesta Williams, Attala Zane Giles, William Matthew Osborne Oh-oh, oh (oh-oh) Oh, oh (oh-oh) Oh (ooh) oh-oh Ooh I remember I was scared Love especially I fell in love with you Stole my heart in such a way What you did to me Can't explain (How you kiss me) how you kiss me (When you kiss me) kiss me (Feel so good) baby, it feels so good (How you hold me) hold me, babe (When you hold me) hold me (Love's so good) love's so good Well, there are so many ways (so many things I do) I gotta make me feel just with your Sweet, sweet love (I love you, yes, I do) Sweet, sweet love (wanna spend my life with you) Sweet, sweet love (I need you every day) Sweet, sweet love (you're in my heart to stay) Sweet, sweet love (ooh) Love is wrong in many ways Stood the test of time Stronger everyday No one loves me like you do I found in you love so true, oh (How you touch me) touch me, babe (When you touch me) touch me (Feel so good) oh, it feels so good (There's no other) there's no other (Other lover) other lover (You're so good) you're so good You're all I ever wanted (all that I'll ever need) I'll ever need with your Sweet, sweet love (I love you, yes I do, oh) Sweet, sweet love (I wanna be right here with you, baby) Sweet, sweet love (you're in my heart to stay) Sweet, sweet love (I love you more every day) Sweet, sweet love (oh, yeah) Oh, oh (oh, oh) oh, oh Ooh You're all I ever wanted (all that I ever need) All that I ever need With your (sweet, sweet love) oh Baby, baby (sweet, sweet love) I need your sweet, sweet love, oh, yeah (sweet, sweet love) Oh, all that I ever need (sweet, sweet love) You're all I ever need, yeah (sweet, sweet love) You're my baby (oh), sweet, sweet love (yeah) You're my honey (oh), sweet, sweet love (yeah) You're my baby (hey), sweet, sweet love Sweet, sweet love (oh, baby your) You're my baby (my baby), sweet, sweet love (my sweet) You're my honey (honey, yeah), sweet, sweet love You're my baby (oh, oh), sweet, sweet love Sweet, sweet love (oh, yeah) Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh (ooh) Sweet, sweet love (sweet baby) Oh-oh-oh-oh (sweet, sweet love) Sweet love, ooh, ooh Sweet, sweet love (oh, yeah, you sweet little, boy) You're my baby, sweet, sweet love Congratulations Lyrics from Vesta Williams,Tena Clark,Gary Prim Saw an old friend on the street She said today's your wedding My heart stopped The tears dropped Saw my whole life pass me by I had to see you, baby I never ran so fast before I rushed inside the chapel door You were waitin' all alone You turned around and heard me call Congratulations I thought it would have been me Standin' here with you Congratulations I hope you're happy 'Cause as long as I can breathe You'll always be the one for me, oh-oh Why was I the last to know? I thought that we were special My soul shakes My heart breaks As I turn and walk away I can't believe it's over We really never said goodbye Thought we'd give it one more try Felt our love was here to stay And now today's your wedding day Congratulations I thought it would have been me Standin' here with you Congratulations I hope you're happy 'Cause as long as I can breathe You'll always be the one for me, oh Congratulations, baby I hope she makes you happy Because you didn't even say goodbye, and hey I thought it should have been me, oh-oh-oh But as long as I can breathe You'll always be the one for me 'Cause as long as I can breathe You'll always be the one for me Congratulations Once Bitten Twice Shy Lyrics from Vesta Williams, Dean Paul Gant Your name is Dracula You suck the life right out of me With a thing called reality Why didn't I fall for you? You took my space and made it yours Now my mind's playin' tricks on me Who's to blame? I'm havin' a dream, I can't wake up That's what I keep tellin' myself, oho, oho There's no shame In losin' control, I'm crackin' up That's what the doctors keep tellin' me I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy Keep one eye open for the bad guy I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy And be suspicious when the moon's high Your eyes are cold as ice I feel them starin' straight through me With a hint of intensity Why must it be this way? Why am I here tied up today? In a room full of past [Incomprehensible] Who's to blame? I'm havin' a dream, I can't wake up That's what I keep tellin' myself, oho, oho There's no shame In losin' control, I'm crackin' up That's what the doctors keep tellin' me I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy Keep one eye open for the bad guy I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy And be suspicious when the moon's high, high, high, yeah Who's to blame? I'm havin' a dream, I can't wake up That's what I keep tellin' myself, oho, oho There's no shame In losin' control, I'm crackin' up That's what the doctors keep tellin' me I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy Keep one eye open for the bad guy I keep screamin' Once bitten, twice shy And be suspicious when the moon's high, high Once bitten, twice shy Once bitten, twice shy (You took my love and made me crazy) (Now everything's so hazy) Once bitten, twice shy (Ooh, you know you're no good, you're no good, no) Once bitten, twice shy Once bitten, twice shy (Your name is Dracula) (You chained me up and locked my gate to you) She is the background voice on Anita Baker's "You Bring Me Joy", it was not written by someone black. Ride of Your Life Written by Mario Van Peebles Performed by Vesta Williams (as Vesta) A&R [Direction] – Kevin Evans Engineer [Assistant] – Rajean DeGrandmaison Mixed By – Charlie Watts (2) Producer – Mario Van Peebles Producer [Additional] – Phillip Biff Vincent* Producer, Keyboards – Michael Eckert Lyrics I WILL HAVE TO MAKE IT MYSELF1 point
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@Troy thanks for allowing the tennis match between @aka Contrarian and @Pioneer1 to play out. They are hilarious. Makes the coffeeshop more lively.1 point
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I gu I Give. How many? All the ones who are proficient in accounting ?1 point
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ProfD There have been individuals who made it. That has done nothing for nation-building and replacing the system of racism white supremacy. But for that ONE individual, they have found success and that is a good thing. One is better than NONE. A successful community starts with INDIVIDUAL successes. House by house, block by block, city by city. If all Black folks focused on their own INDIVIDUAL success instead of being jealous of and fighting eachother...that alone would put us back on top. That whole situation is dysfunctional. Prisoners are not thr model of unity. But YOUR focus and premise seems to suggest that "Black Unity" is the key to success. I'm simply providing you an illustration of Black men who are together and united but are NOT very successful according to most people's idea of "success". Middle Easterners have been fighting for hundreds of years for one reason or another. And where has it gotten them? Look at Gaza...or what's left of it. Fear of death. Not just death, but a PAINFUL death. And torture. And imprisonment. For what? To do what? Black people were the 1st civilization. We already know how to work the land and survive. True. But most Black people want to do MORE than just "survive". They want to live a nice comfortable life with nice cars, air conditioned homes, and many want to smoke that fake ass weed. So they'd rather live UNDER a ruler who can provide them with that, than be on their own where they feel then can ONLY manage basic food, clothing, and shelter at this point in their development. Freedom is about getting rid of any forms ot oppression. Nobody is free. Including White folks. Plenty Black people all over the planet have been taking care of themselves just fine for centuries without white oppression. I agree. And we will continue to do so in the future. It is unfortunate to think or believe AfroAmericans cannot survive without being underneath white folks It's unfortunate that so many AfroAmericans today don't even have a desire to PROVE that thought or belief wrong. Troy Marcus Garvey. Well first of all, Marcus Garvey worked primarily with Black AMERICANS and other Black people in the Caribbean and South America...not ALL Black folks. Second, I'll give you that Marcus Garvey helped Black people who WANTED to be helped. But even the Honorable Marcus Garvey said that some Black folks ain't no good. They ain't no good here in America and won't be any good in Africa. If every African were not ignorant to the fact that they were being transported to a foreign land to be worked to death and that their descendants would suffer the same fate for generations -- I doubt many of those ships would have made it across Atlantic. Related to that statement, here's a clip you may find interesting. Check it out:1 point
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Right. A great financial investment opportunity was lost post-Million Man March. The Million Man March as an event was necessary especially back in 1995. I attended the Million Man March. It was great to see so many positive AfroAmerican Black men of all ages; fathers and sons, uncles, cousins, etc., from all over the USA standing together in fellowship. To your point, there was no long-term plan or follow-up after the Million Man March. I'm not religious but I believe Black churches are missing a huge investment opportunity considering they collectively receive $10-$19 billion dollars per year. A fraction of that money could go into building a Black banking institution. A source of wealth that could be used for other investments.1 point
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You don’t need the with bald heads part. lol! The worst are those brothers rockin the dread locks with the George Jefferson hairline, I was always on the lazy side when it came to my hair so cutting it off works for me. I can’t be bothered to shave every day though. Once or twice a week generally is enough and about all I can muster.1 point
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EXACTLY! Ex-military, Trump supporter ... obviously biased by my Florida environ LOL! Yeah, they have you believing the is one race and respecting woman as equals in no time. LOL! Knowing @Pioneer1 he's found unspeakable use of her unique attribute. Seriously, is she/they an actual living human being?! I'm surprised no one has made a reality TV show of her/them or at least a documentary.1 point
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@Pioneer1 Since I have no idea what you look like THAT would be an interesting photo. In my mind's eye I see you as a bow-tied, bean pie slinging' brother. Other times I see you as a domestic beer-drinking blue-collar guy- with a decent job at "the plant." Perhaps you are both or neither... There were a couple of people who posted here years ago Zane and Thumper. Neither came close to what I thought they would be like in person. I suspect Pioneer would be the same. @Mel Hopkins invite him to GA so that we can see what he looks like1 point
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POTUS OJ is having a blast riding around in his proverbial bumper car. He's a product of reality TV. He knows how to use the media in order to stir the pot. The difference being POTUS Oj is a real world clown causing chaos and confusion. Hopefully, the actions of the clown will not cause unnecessary stress or issues in your life.1 point
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OMG Troy, Yes! They would have a blast together! Seriously, fireworks, laughter, and partying! Thank you!1 point
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Got it the 1st few times. Regardless of internal issues, Haiti and Ireland are still independent countries. Whether it is comfort or anger, my point is those Black folks don't appear to be willing to change their condition. I'm not suggesting or equating comfort with happiness. Maintaining status quo is a form of complacency. Read you clearly there. I even adopted your suggestion of Black tribes. Your suggestion of tribes clicked because I already have it. My dialog here at AALBC is not a recruiting effortt nor a desire to change how anyone else thinks. Just sharing my opinion, view, perspective on topics that come up. Unfortunately, I do not hold my tongue or restrain my typing fingers when I have something to say which is usually about everything. Silence is not an option for me.1 point
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Violence is a path to freedom and power. Those who want it badly enough will do what they have to do. I'm not referring to the barbaric violence colonizers used...committing genocide, raping and pillaging others for their land and bodies. Violence as a form of self-defense is absolutely necessary when diplomacy fails. Several forms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD) to include cognitive dissonance seems to have been passed along and ingrained in the psyche of the descendants of slaves. Most of that work is labor dependent on white folks...paid slavery. The unwillingness to use violence in order to secure freedom and power suggests that Black folks have found a comfortable place within the system of racism white supremacy.1 point
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I don't know what all is going on in the personal conflicts here. I tend to not find that stuff interesting. This "inferiority" issue is deeply psychological. When I was 5 yrs old I was sitting at the kitchen table while my mother was doing my sister's hair with an ironing comb. I was staring at the comb on the stove thinking, "Damn that thing must be HOT!" My mother picked it up with a pot holder to use on her hair. Zzoooooom...! I was gone! Out of the kitchen. That shit is CraZy! I had two older sisters, 4 and 5 years older than me. With different complexions. I began thinking that Black females had an inferiority complex about beauty before I graduated from grammar school. But we are born into this White dominant culture. The Paleface talk about this Stockholm Syndrome. That was because of some hostage incident in Sweden. How much of a Stockholm Syndrome do Black Americans have resulting from centuries of failing to cope with this bullshit. I started reading science fiction at 9. Of course almost all of it written by White men. So any female characters were disproportionately blonde haired and blue eyed. But I ended up learning quite a bit of science because of those books and began to notice most White people in the Real World are not to smart. Then there is the "Acting White" syndrome. .1 point
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@Mel: and of course we have on- line forums where narcissistic windbags full of hot air like pioneer barge in on everybody's posts seeking attention, spamming the threads with silly pictures and imagined scenarios, seeking the approval others. He's all yours. Thank goodness we have the option to reject who we dislike.1 point
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I think its called hidden colors. I have to communicate better. If something isn't clear let me know. Iml either rephrase it or use an analogy. It's a problem I have had often. Irs like as a kid i would do the math problem in my head. And not show all the steps. Hmmm i am still doing that in conversations. I had a sister on Facebook say i like what you write byt can you break it down . So she was like my English to English interpreter. Its also found In the five rings by Mushashi.1 point
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That's beautiful. I heard the news about it, but did not get out to see it. But even though the October full moon is now waning, however, it still looks amazing as I saw it last night when I was driving home.1 point
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Pioneer even a cursory knowledge of American history tells you that race in America was about ancestry. This is a country where white men would rape their enslaved women then enslave their own children. It didn’t matter what they looked like. They were all treated as black. The whole notion of passing wouldn’t even be necessary, but in this country passing as a thing because again it being black is not about what you look like You heard of the man, Walter White he ran the NAACP for years. he is what you would call a White man but he was accepted in the black community as Black. He did have African ancestry. I think it was a grandmother or something. The way you choose to group people is at odds with the way they were grouped in this country for most of its existence. The concept of race needs to be put in the dust bin of history. The reality racism really is on its way out despite the media fixation on a relative handful of wing nuts1 point
