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"Actually YOUR stance on "race" is illogical.Knowing that race is a CATEGORY, logically speaking there MUST be more than one option.So for you to take the position that there is only ONE race....the human race.Is like saying that there is only ONE flavor of soda pop....the "soda pop" flavor.See my point?" No I don't. Did you know in 1950, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a statement asserting that all humans belong to the same species and that “race” is not a biological reality but a myth. This was a summary of the findings of an international panel of anthropologists, geneticists, sociologists, and psychologists? And I'm sure you are aware the Journal of Science produced an article entitled, "Taking Race out of Human Genetics". They are not the only group of scientists and geneticists to advocate the same position. But of course your scientific research and verifiable documentation can and will prove them wrong. Correct? I am very curious to hear your argument that clearly debunks and proves their advocation flawed and unacceptably incorrect. Please give us a reference for your body of research and documentation. I'm very open minded and curious as to what your particular counter-science has produced....

(bad link removed) Throughout the history of the internet, Messageboards have been one of the foundational tools people have used to connect with like-minded individuals on the web from all over the world. They have stood the test time, predating the AOL Craze, Myspace, and lasting into what we know as the current generation of Social Media with Powerhouses like Facebook and Twitter. The ability for Online-Forums to last so long is the need for people to have meaningful discussions with a form of depth and anonymity that other forms of Social Media cannot not provide. While the heydey of forums can be considered to be over, the continual prominence of several large messageboard that cover all niches of life speak to their importance even in today’s climate. One of the world’s largest and most active websites ‘Reddit’ is a Messageboard. Several prominent forums like Boxden, BlackHairCair, and Kanyetothe.com, have thousands of active members who readily contribute often controversial opinions to different takes on Social Events in Urban Culture. Forum’s still have a unique ability to unite groups of people and provide a depth of information and discussion not often found on certain subjects. One thing that is lacking, are large and prominent Black-Owned Forums. It is even quite hard to find a time in the history of the internet when a true black forum could be considered one of the Top even in the niche of Black Websites. If we take a look at the largest ‘Urban’ (and I call it this instead of ‘Black’ sites for a reason) like the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph, and add in a few others like Lipstick Alley, The Coli, and Topix African-American Forum, we can go as far as to say that the majority of these sites are owned by non-black entities. That’s why we want to provide a list of the best True Black Forums on the internet, ones that are really Black-Owned, and that facilitate positive discussions and representations of the Black Community Honorable Mention – The Black Board Community Forum (bad link removed) bad link removed Did you think we wouldn’t mention ourselves? The newest forum out of all the ones mentioned, it could be argued that it deserves a place near the top of this list. But to be fair-and-balanced (since we are writing this article after all) we will leave it off the official standings. The Black Board opened in early 2016 and has already established itself quickly as one of the best places on the internet where Black People can discuss a variety of issues under a Black-Owned Umbrella. The Black Board focuses on general discussion on News and Social Issues, and also on everyday experiences in Life. The owner of the website is active in the local and national Black Activism community and partners with a variety of other Black Websites and Media Content Creators. They also have a great form of community currency that encourages interactions. # 5: Black Visions (bad link removed) bad link removed Black Visions is one of the oldest sites on this list. They describe themselves as “ your go-to place to experience news, information, entertainment, and political discussion with black people from all around the globe. Post your thoughts on a modern, efficient bulletin board software system, with a full suite of text editing, emotes, pictures, and videos. Connect with your black brothers and sisters everywhere at any time, with our message board.” Black Visions focuses on more serious discussions, often on political topics. They also feature a system of closed membership that vets potential members. This allows them to closely control the quality of discussions and enforce anti-Black trolling. 4: Cocoa Lounge ((bad link removed)) (bad link removed) The Cocoa Lounge is a O.G. on this list. Around for over a decade, it has managed to remain at the forefront of Black Forums and maintain, while many other sites have come and gone. The Cocoa Lounge specializes in discussions that involve Black Literature, Poetry, Spirituality, Current Events, and Celebrities. While not as active as some of the other sites on this list it has years of an incredible backlog of great discussions due to it being a mainstay for such a long time. The Cocoa Lounge has more than earned it’s spot in this conversation. 3: SomaliSpot.com (www.somalispot.com) somalispot.com SomaliSpot is technically the newest forum officially on this list, but they are by far the most active. They broke out of long established messageboard SomaliNet just a few years ago and already have appeared to supplant that site as the Premiere discussion forum for the Somali People on the internet. A general discussion board that focuses on conversations going on in Somali Culture, the site as already proven to have a influential reach, with discussions there going viral and even spilling over into News Stories that effect real life situations, going as far as Elected Public Officials. This site also may be the most controversial on here as well because of some of these situations, but there is no denying SomaliSpot and it’s Owner appear to have etched their mark in The Online World of The Somali People in a short time, which deserves respect on it’s own. 2: AALBC (https://aalbc.com/) aalbc.com AALBC is unique in this list because they specifically focus on African-American Books & Literature. This also gives them their strength, as you will be hard pressed to find a forum with more mature discussions from a Black userbase on the internet. Also focusing on Cultural and Racial Discussions, AALBC puts a spotlight on journalists and writers in the Black Community, with a dedicated owner who is respected in the field and also covers events that he features on the site. AALBC is about educating and networking, and the importance of that work in the Black Community gives them their well-deserved spot as #2 on this list. 1: Destee (www.destee.com) destee.com The Granddaddy (Grandmother) of all Black Forums, past or present, on the internet. There was absolutely no question that Destee would perch itself at the very top of this list. Around for almost 20 years, Destee.com is the trailblazer for all Black Forums on the web. The namesake of the forum’s owner (Sister Destee, one the most respected Black figures online) Destee is the number one place on the web for no-nonsense, 100% pro-black, discussions. The greatness of Destee lies not just in it’s ability to stand the test of time, but also by without hesitation eliminating any negative conversations or members that wish to harm the black community. Although heavily moderated, and not as active as other sites on this list, Destee has more than earned it’s spot as the leader of Black Forums, period. We look forward to 20 more years of seeing Destee remain one of the Best Places online Period for Black People!

I'm in the final throes of redesigning this website. The last major task is changing the look and feel of the website. You may have noticed that about 18 months ago I changed the design of the site, introducing the orange background and optimizing the site for mobile. But feedback from my students and others have given me reason to make additional modifications--including a major overhaul of the homepage and major section main pages, books, authors, reviews, etc. At any rate, I've been playing around with different color schemes and designs. I've changed my Blog to reflect an option I'm considering. Please visit my Blog and let me know what you think of the revisions. Post your replies here or email me at troy@aalbc.com Thanks, Troy

Every once in a while i need to connect with the elements and be made aware of my star child status. i arose at 6:am this morning, bundled up and ventured out my front door to stare up at the sky and renew my kinship with my astrological relatives. Local weather forecasters were predicting that a cloud cover would probably obscure the rare celestial phenomenon that was scheduled to take place this dawn. They said the same thing last summer on the day of the much anticipated solar-eclipse. But in both cases, their predictions didn't phase me. Just as i had a clear view of a big orange sun and was able to stand barefoot in the grass and watch its entire eclipse, a super "blue" moon was also very visible in the sky where i was last night, and i witnessed it gradually dwindle into a tiny crescent sliver and then go dark. i felt so exhilarated and close to nature standing alone in the dark, feeling but not seeing a chilly breeze swirl around my head. i won't be around the next time these rare events occur, and i consider myself fortunate to have witnessed them and been able to soak up the sun rays and moon beams which, actually seemed to revitalize me! Pantheism is starting to appeal more and more to me. I'm at one with the universe, going toward the light, headed for the vernal equinox. Winter is leaving.

@Troy

Yeah, I'd have to agree with @Cynique on this one too. I spoke at a blogger conference a few years ago that was attended by mostly Black women and the vast majority of women had natural hairstyles. My mom, sister, daughters and their mother wear they hair naturally. Of course my personal observations are just anecdotes, but based upon my observations more women are going natural today than 20 years ago. I'd admit this does differ from the images we see in the media. But again we don't control this images...

I shared this on social media, but all the replies were posted on the social media platform themselves. I'll add this to an upcoming newsletter and make it clearer the responses should be posted here

@Xeon, You'll discover none of this will matter to @Pioneer1. Once my man believes something, he does not change his mind. He will never accept the what modern science tells us if it conflicts with his world view. But he is not alone, many people are comfortable with the racial categories and the stereotypes that go alone with them... it helps them make sense of the very nuanced beings humans are.

@Xeon, sure white people absolutely have something to do with it. We don't green light big budget films, give 7-figure advances, or select academy award winners. White folks determine who is successful, and as a result define what is valuable and noteworthy. Problems arise from the inevitable mismatch between what white folks validate and what Black folks think should be validated. So when African "condescend" as Cynique described it is because they believe the hype. In other words the white validation has gone to their heads and they believe they are better than American Blacks... It is already a cliche that foreign Blacks are naturally harder working and smarter than American Blacks. Of course this is silly, but people believe it, in part because white folks believe it. When we view the world from the perspective of white folks we get into trouble with each other.

"Being employed is not synonymous with earning a living wage. And the drop in black unemployment is simply the culmination of a trend that started during the Obama administration." This is very true. Like you, I find it insulting and a very devious ploy by Fuhrer Trump to attempt to take credit for something that was already happening. Unemployment was falling in constant numbers before he took office! Of course the Trump zombies will bleat and swallow every word of this deliberately misleading claim (under his stewardship -he personally is responsible for the decrease in unemployment). The GOP and the White House cabal are the ultimate spinmeisters. The world see's it everyday!

"The only way the so-called "gang problem" will be solved will be to allow Black and Brown men an opportunity to help RE-DESIGN this society in a way that they won't feel so left out." And what is preventing them from doing so? You, like everyone else in this country, are to free to organize any type of gang or organization you desire. People do it every single day. You are free to form a collective that shares a common ideology or goal. What is preventing them from doing so? just curious.....

A great professional looking site providing a potpourri of material for anyone interested in reading or writing books. The table of contents in this online magazine is a menu made more attractive by the inclusion of pictures. It's a busy site that resonates with immediacy and verve. Would i subscribe to it? Yes.

Lol, Cynique....Cynique....Cynique....... Actually your post adds MORE credibility to my assertion! In a sarcastic "half playing" way you basically revealed that half of what I said was actually TRUE. You just gave your own twisted spin on WHY it was true. A threat, you are not. i could see this being a scenario with Mel, - but you?? No way Mel is a female and perhaps poses a threat to your status is ANOTHER way such as getting more of Troy's attention. But you don't post on this site for sexual attention....not in a DIRECT way. You want the basic....overall....in general....attention and that's where I become a threat to you. However concerning Mel, I will say this....... I think that because of you slight attraction towards ME, you see Mel is a threat to that. You probably think I may end up paying more attention to her than to you.....lol. 　 But, believe it or not, when you don't post for a while, i actually hope that i haven't driven away the most prolific poster this site has. Basically you admit that when I don't post for a while you get frustrated and wonder when you "see" me again. Sorry, "Daddy's" kinda busy now a days....lol 　 　 　 very much of the time i have nothing to say, so i feed off of what other people post or - i write silly little essays like this thread Because you want attention..... And anyone who threatens to take some of that attention away become a threat to you. And to show that they're are no hard feelings, i am perfectly willing to have Troy relieve me of any obligation that comes with having a forum bearing my name, and to change the title of this board to "Pioneer's Corner" Now you're trying to put pressure on Troy to "choose" between us....lol. Further supporting my assertion that you see me as a threat. You're fairly confident that this will never happen, but this is your way of expressing your frustration of such a strong personality being present. Kind of like how a jealous wife will point at every woman she sees her husband looking at and tell him to go hop in bed with her or give his ring to HER and marry HER instead. BTW, one credible theory in regard to my reaction to you could have something to do with a gnat. You mean you're attracted to my presence like a gnat is attracted to a dog's testicles? I insinuated that earlier. There is a possiblity that your constantly arguing with me is a way of getting my attention and enjoying some "masculine energy" coming your way. Troy gives it to you in a positive way, and you get it from me in a more "negative" way.....although I'm probably not as heavy handed towards you as you would like me to be....lol. In other words....you'd LOVE for "daddy" to whoop that ass from time to time, but I won't take the bait. BTW, I haven't gotten anything off "my" chest......I just revealed what was in YOURS. There are a lot of things I'm feeling and thinking that I haven't posted and will NEVER post, lol.