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Hi AALBC fam! I was watching this video on YouTube, Comedian Shuler King and Pharaoh Head Part 2. And while I was listening to him drop knowledge, I thought about how much I missed this forum. It is funny how you can go through life and acquire a bunch of skills, knowledge, and still not know how to use them until you add LOVE. I feel like that sometimes, like I ask What's the point? Then, I remembered whenever I lost my balance, my family would fill me up with love, give me that pick-me-up, and I would get energized. But it hit me, there was still something missing. It was the part I felt while listening to Shuler. I remembered when I'd come right back here, get into some battle of wits, and then I'd remember who I am completely. AALBC forum is like drinking from the chaotic and primordial waters of NUN. I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself, thank you! or see my whimsical self in my twin, @Del @Delanoadmire the wit of @Cynique @aka Contrarian,and I get energized to know how strong and brilliant women can be! I recently wondered if I'd recognize @ProfD if I heard him whispering in a library or lecturing in front of a class. You are such a mystery that I feel like I know you. Just this morning, I sent energy to, @Chevdove so she will finish her book. She is the one who needs to tell the story of African Adam!. I am proud of my alumni @Troy. Dude, you are an inspiration to me! I'm enjoying watching you beat your dreams into submission. @richardmurray you make me crazy with your projects, but please know I enjoy your enthusiasm! @frankster we haven't engaged in debate, but I'm glad you're here. You echo many of my beliefs and remind me to uncover their origins. @harry brown 's commentary through prose and poetry is a great wake-up call... I could probably go on and name many more if I searched through my memory, but I'm about to go skipping back into the world again. Thank you, thank you, each and every one of you, even the ones I missed and didn't list, thank you for sharing your Love!

Made it! Today's my 92nd birthday. Don't know whether to laugh or cry. Such is life.

Sista @Mel Hopkins, it's always great whenever you decide to plop into your chair in the proverbial coffeehouse that is AALBC. Always appreciate your contribution to the discussion. I don't work in academia or the ministry but if/whenever you run across a 6 foot, well dressed, nice watch wearing, bald-headed Black man pontificating about anything in a lecture hall or pulpit or playing the piano, that could be your brotha from another mutha.

Suddenly I've drifted into a crazy zone. I have nothing but time on my hands, and I live around the clock, only sleeping when I'm sleepy, only eating when I'm hungry, suspended in limbo. My Samsung smart phone is my ever present companion and it's like there's a connection between my fingers and its keyboard and I have a compulsion to just write long dissertations or crazy vignettes, my words and thoughts feeding on each other like i'm overtaken by a rogue AI entity that compels me to write about things I didn't know I knew, - like my subconcious mind is on overdrive. Like now. Fortunately, I'm not immobile nor in dire health. But I do tire easily, and like to curl up on my recliner, where i still set aside time to do patternless crossword puzzles that seem to work themselves and play Bridge on line with computerized robots - who seem to becoming more human by the day... Family relationships are normal, but there's this other world that I drift in and out of and when I sleep I have vivid dreams about all those who have gone ahead. In a recent one it seemed like my husband had hooked up with an old girlfriend. Why do I find this funny??? Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, not lonely nor depressed, just curious about this weird state I'm caught up in. I still sometimes sneak out at night and look up at the stars... Now i'm about to gear up for my daily walk up and down the driveway. Stay tuned, - or tune out if you have better things to do than read the ramblings of a crazy ol lady. Hoping some winning POWERBALLnumbers will pop into my head. Nothing like a billion dollars to calm your impulses.

Well, what's a little "strawman" lapse between friends?

IMO, you have reached the zenith of life. We should all be so fortunate to get there. Relative good health is a bonus in the zenith of life. There is no shortage of posts that we express how much we enjoy your input here. I certainly look forward to and get a kick out of your ramblings. Keep posting as long as time allows..

Brother Muhammad quoted the Honorable Minister Farrakhan saying "whoever programs the diameter of one's thinking also controls the circumference of their activity." That's some heavy sh8t right there.

Speaking of @aka Contrarian and longevity. This popped in my inbox this morning. I first met Carolyn at least 20 years ago, she is part of the NYC literati founding a literary magazine and a film festival. Celebrate Harlem's Newest Centenarian! Happy 100th Birthday, Mom! Dear Fam, Today, join my family and I in honoring my mother's 100th birthday celebration! I'm taking pause over the next few days to rejoice my mom's longevity and contributions to her Harlem community. We have lost so many loved ones during the past few years that it is necessary to take time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and special milestones (personal and professional) in our lives. NYC's hustle culture rarely allows you to honor important moments in your life or take time to be present in the moment and relax. We are human and not machines. As a Libra, I am committed to practicing the art of balance and invite you to take time to reflect and shout out "Happy 100th Birthday" to my special mom. She inspired me to be courageous during the pandemic and return to the foundation she established when I was five years old. Mom was the first vegetarian I know who started a personal protest in buying food filled with "chemicals" and "Yellow Dye Number 9." Her favorite book was "Back to Eden," which favored holistic living and natural foods. I attribute my mom's longevity not only to what she put in her body but her mental capacity to put faith, love and compassion above everything. May mom continue to enjoy more years with us! Enclosed is my short poem dedicated to mom that I wrote years ago! Wishing you a happy holiday weekend and joy! peace and blessings, Carolyn Executive Director African Voices Declaration of Independence (The Day My Mother Went Insane) the day she went insane my mother declared herself a Sovereign State She threw away money Washington, Lincoln & Jackson went up in flames she hung a red flag in the living room, declared her home a new nation The day my mother went insane started 25 years ago She passed a law against Red meat, declared it an illegal contraband in her home She tossed pork chops, steak and even the leftover fried chicken in the trash Her insanity she says Is God´s Wisdom the day my mother went insane she threw away her pressing comb, let her hair lock she screamed about conspiracies against Black boys and girls, attending schools that don't teach and dying at the hands of cops that kill the day my mother went insane American doctors held her hostage, tried to make her believe Prozac and talk shows were real tried to make her believe that killing babies was okay tried to make her believe their insanity was reality the day my mother went insane I cried, silently because she was Free A nation unto her own. © January 1999, Carolyn A. Butts

You too man! I clearly remember the first time I saw you in 1991, because you are a black man in a mostly white environment. You were working in a computer lab a place I ultimately got a job which in some indirect way led to AALBC, Well, I appreciate you and everyone else who spends some of their precious time here. The only thing that will save the rest of the web, including websites like AALBC are human beings. The amount of AI generated content on social media is staggering.

Had to destroy the mood, didn't you...........

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

@Mel Hopkins You are so beautiful inside and out! You bring so much positive energy to this community and to the world!

I think it is totally ridiculous. But, I'm not surprised. Federalizing DC is consistent with what POTUS OJ promised to deliver to his base supporters in terms of hyper-white nationalism. I do not believe this stunt will be sustained beyond 30 days. Congress won't uphold it. Otherwise, I'm sitting back with my popcorn watching how this clown administration and circus continues over 3.5 years. Time flies. I look forward to the fallout being in our rearview like the pandemic.

I hope so, good buddy.

I figured you weren't rocking the 'rows out in them streetz.

Btw, I don't wear the corn rows on public They are just a way of keeping my real hair out of the way of my "artificial coiffs".

The morning newcast I woke up to yesterday was ablast with the report that a new ICE headquarters has just opened up in the town where I live, which is a western suburb of Chicago. This facility is not near my block but its grounds have quickly filled up with a large loud group of protesters. Nobody saw this coming and the mayor, who is a black woman, has not been heard from. There are a lot of Latinos living around here so we shall see what ensues. And here I thought I was removed from all of this, then suddenly it's right in my back yard. Hope they don't snatch up the Mexican landscapers who keep our grass cut. My first name happens to be Spanish so I'm keeping my ID card handy. Hola!

That's funny. As a platinum member of the hetero community, while my appreciation of women is unmatched and my affinity for snatch box is undisputed, I have never detailed my escapades and adventures in tickling tulips on this forum or anywhere else.

@DelanoIt helps if you are good company for yourself. The ol saw about "idle time being the playground of the devil" should probably be heeded, however.

I tore my ACL so I also have a lot of time. Waste a lot if time, but I read a book or a chart an hour or two and periodically. I have caught the eyes of strangers and say hello. Or people will ask me if I'm okay or how did i hurt my leg. Also meeting more people. I think having time allows forces to pull you towards them.

52 shot and 7 dead doesn't read like impulse. My guess would be beefs and disputes. I don't believe these n8gglets are using registered and licensed guns to shoot each other. Gun control won't keep those weapons off the street. I believe guns that are not sold on the black market are being recirculated by dirty law enforcementt officers. Confiscated and turned in guns end up back on the streets. That sad reality has been ongoing since the late 1980s when murder rates skyrocketed especially due to folks selling drugs and settling their differences with firearms. Gang bangers took it to another level with their ignorance and foolishness.

Many Black folks either think racism doesn't exist and/or it has somehow gotten *better*. Then, there's the sellout n8gglets and sleight of hand tricks that deflect or distract from racism. Reminds of those cell phone videos and police body cam videos where the authorities try to tell us not to believe our lying eyes.

This is all great! (sorry I got the year wrong). Yes they do, which is why I, at 5'7'' have never been challenged in the lady department

To me, Language is a tool which can often be inadequate. Abstract ideas often dwell in the spaces between the lines. ZEN exemplifies this.

@TroyActually, I was born in 1933. My true astral twin is Roman Polanski who was born the exact same year and day as me. August, 18, 1933. In addition to being a brilliant film director (Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown) and husband of Sharon Tate, the starlet who was among those murdered by Charles Manson followers, Polanski was later accused of seducing an underage nymphet and "exiled" from this country. He's still alive, however. The hunky Robert Redford now in his late 80s, was also born on August 18th as well as my boy Andy Samberg of SNL and other comic ventures. Sadly, the recently deceased Malcolm Jamal Warner was also born on August 18th... A group from my hometown is compiling a history of its early black settlers and my story is among the accounts which will appear in a book they plan to publish. I'm also among the 3 oldest living black alumni of the highschool I attended and I was honored at the annual all alumni cook out a couple of years back. My family is familar with all I care to share about my history which is unique in some ways but mundane in others.... In the AI world of the future, history will be devalued and dispensed with. Who cares?

I believe that lady was friends with the four little girls who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing back in 1963. She should be almost 80 years old now.

I'm late to the party. Happy belated birthday @aka Contrarian! Here are a few famous people who were also born in August of 1932: Melvin Van Peebles, V. S. Naipaul, Mel Tillis, Peter O’Toole, Meir Kahane, Edward Kennedy sadly not are still alive Kahane was assassinated in middle age and Van Peebles died during the pandemic and was the oldest of the bunch making it to 89. I hope you family appreciates the gem you are. They should be recording your every word you have so much history, family and societal, it should be recorded. Have you heard of story corps: https://storycorps.org/participate/

Hello I would like to introduce myself. My name is Swiyyah. I'm new here. I'm an author and speaker. I write books on mental health and inspiration. My books have become required and suggested reading in Universities and High schools. You can find my books here Click here www.swiyyah.com

Many folks in major cities know exactly who's responsible for committing most crimes. Family members aren't going to drop dimes on their relatives and friends. Public officials, law enforcement and the judicial system thrive on crime. It is job security and fuels the economy. IMO, if folks were serious about eliminating crime, it could be solved in a month or less without the national guard or any form of fascism. The whole exercise is MAGA-approved fascism and hyper-white nationalism. Da Bears fans can definitely look forward to a promising season. They should compete well in the NFC North.

Not surprising, Chicago's Mayor and Police Chief, both of whom are black , quickly responded that crime is down in Chicago (although you wouldn't guess this if you listen to nightly local newscasts), and they do not welcome any outside meddling. Struggling with huge budget deficiencies, including teachers' demands, the mayor's rating are also waaay down. Reaction to Trump's threat has been mostly along racial and party lines. Black folks just want the shootings to stop because they so often involve innocent kids. Also, a lot of the killings are the result of individuals settling personal disputes with guns, as opposed to gang violence. Break-ins and robberies remain a threat, unfortunately. Our Democrat Governor says he hasn't heard anything official from the Trump administration and he has no intention of cooperating with it. I don't think anybody really believes that calling out the "Nazi" Guard is the answer, especially Chicago's large Hispanic population who are too busy worrying about ICE to welcome any other government intervention. In answer to your question, - the picture is blurred by mixed emotions. I agree with those who complain that the situation reeks with a fascistic police state foreboding. Chicagoland does, however, seem to be in agreement when it comes to DA BEARS. Beating KC's scrub team was fun to watch even if we'll probably never see those scoreboard figures again. But our hopes are alive and well. We at least have a promising backup QB.

love is all I bring cause that is all I have.....love

Isn't that the mentality of a lot of religious fanatics??? They feel that if they are killed in the name of their religion then they'll go to paradise and some believe they'll get virgins as a reward? Others don't believe in religion but will sacrifice their life for their "families" or "patriotism". Different people have different excuses but what they all have in common is their willingness to give up their lives for a cause they feel is greater than themselves.

richardmurray In my experience very few human beings allow themselves to ever be sacrificed. What about soldiers who sign up during times of war and offer their services and very lives for a nation or "cause"? You can look over to the Middle East where there's no shortage of young men willing to sacrifice themselves for their particular cause.

It took me years to finally see it but when I did I loved it: FENCES Denzel did an excellent job directing AND acting in that movie. Viola wasn't bad either. Straight up FBA culture. If you are a Black American, that movie HAS to hit you somewhere. I wish my Parents were still alive because I would have loved sitting in the living room watching that one with Them over and over again.

Mel Now here I was thinking this thread was dedicated to me personally, only to open it up and see a whole pack of OTHER names tagged in the OP...lol. Always a pleasure when you drop by and kick it with the fam, young lady. I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself, Maybe you learn more about yourself, but clearly you aren't learning much about ME or you wouldn't waste so much time arguing with me...lol. But hey.....lol....whatever it takes to get your attention.

True. They are the 2 sides of the one coin representing destiny. Peace.

As my 92nd birthday approaches on August 18th, I have drifted into a reflective mood. At this point in my journey I'm experiencing a need to look back and reflect, even as I wonder if I'll make it to August 18th, considering how much my health has deteriorated during the past few months, a situation that renders me as ready as I'll ever be to blow this pop stand. This ol world is currently so screwed up and, imo, on a collision with what I think will be changes so drastic that I will be out of my element. So, whatever. All the points of view and personal philosophies of those who regularly post here, especially as it pertains to the black condition, have inspired me to put myself in perspective and share my thoughts when it comes to where I fit on the black spectrum. Bear with me because this is probably my swan song, and I may ramble. Hopefully, however, something learned about the caliber of my blackness wiil be enlightening when it comes to examining the multi-faceted nature of black America. I have always described myself as a "hybrid" descendant of slaves. That's my tribe. And it's a HoHum passive one. According to Ancestry.com, my blood lines include Irish, German, Native American and, last but not least, African by way of the Sierra Leone region of Nigeria. I do not consider the Atlantic Ocean my homeland because my ancestors obviously reached and landed in America, and were transported to the North Carolina location of what had been one of the country's most prolific slave markets. And the rest is my history. My genesis begins in the territory that originally belonged to the native American tribes like the Osage one which my paternal Grandmother was descended from. . Both my paternal and maternal great grand parents were born into slavery, the women folk, typically raped by their white slave masters... My forebears have always identified themselves as colored, negro, black, depending on the era, and I have never strayed from or had any desire to identify myself as anything other than a non white person who has no delusions about the treachery and guile of the ruthless men who established the White Power Structure that controls the globe. The most negroid thing about me is my hair, having once had an abundant, bushy crop which lent itself very well to an afro style which I affected during the 1960s when I felt compelled to establish my "negritude", (a popular term back in those days.) And, when it came to the civil rights movement, although I was not an activist out there demonstrating in the streets, in my own personal way via the Op/Ed pages of 2 of Chicago's major newspapers, I was very supportive of those courageous enough to put their lives on the line to secure equality for all. I consider myself, for want of a better term, a "soul sista", very comfortable in my skin, having no great affinity for Interacting on a regular basis with Caucasian Americans. I am a product of the middleclass black bougeoise values that I was raised with, having no illusions about the superficial materialistic aspects of this designation. Paradoxically and inexplicably, I harbor a great revulsion for right-wing conservative black Republicans, and I despise Donald Trump and his Maggots! I was born in 1933 and grew up in the small town suburb of Chicago where my parents settled in 1922 as part of the first wave of the Great Migration of Negroes leaving the south, seeking a better life up north and, uniquely, even in those pre- civil rights years, I always resided in mixed neighborhoods, always attended integrated schools and, as part of the great Civil Service work force, always held jobs working side-by-side with white co-workers. So, my mutated homo sapien "cousins" are no strangers to me. I neither like nor dislike them, opting to just judge them on an individual basis, always keeping my guard up. My politics are a reflection of my core personsality. I am a Moderate Liberal, not a militant radical progressive because I'm too cynical to take seriously these erratic types with self-serving agendas. I have never been ambitious because I'm lazy and don't like too much responsiblity or anything difficult or demanding, just content to do enough to get by. I am not proud to confess that I have gone through life, avoiding anything that required great effort on my part. I am lazy and unmotivated, only good and creative at things that interest me. I do, however, lean toward the aesthetic, profound spititual things in life and this includes liberty and justice for all. I have lived through the terms of 15 presidents and can honestly say that the administration of whomever was in office never greatly impacted on my personal day- to-day life. I've managed without even trying, to stay under the radar and - get by. I retired from the US Post Office in 1992 after 30 years of service so I have been retired longer than I worked, collecting a substantial pension replete with COLA raises, receiving money every month for doing nothing other than waking up every morning. If a problem exists when it comes to my black status it stems from my objectivity coupled with an affinity for the whole truth, 2 traits lacking in "gung ho" black chauvanists. This has led me to "divorce" on the grounds of incompatibility, the black race as it exists in the judgment of those who seek to mold it exclusively in their personal image, focusing on what in my judgment, amounts to merely chasing their tails when it comes to effectiveness. So, It is what it is, and I am what I am, - someone who will leave this earth, strong in my conviction that I am as authentically black as the most passionate chest beater. I close by acknowledging that, black is beautifully bountiful but - there are 2 sides to every coin. And so it goes...

I believe by getting a better understanding about genes will help to diminish the negative bias in all categories you mentioned. For example, when the phenotype is regarded in terms of skin color, therefore, it would help to understand gene expression and how 'a blending affect' occurs. But when the origin of skin color is acknowledged in terms of the first modern male, this kind of truth would completely shed light on the truth and expose a lot of negativity that came about.

These are trying times Twin. Reaching deeply into the Magic Bag @Mel Hopkins

Hey @Delano are you aware of this Brother? @Pioneer1 before you say anything I already know Randolph does meet you criteria of being Black. I'm publishing a fictionalized account of his life:

@Mel Hopkins thank you I am glad you are well and happy and I hope you have more love in your near or far future than you dream

And now RFK,JR is taking away funding from MMR measles, mumps, rubella vaccine - and guess what? US sees measles resurgence as researchers seek new treatments | wcnc.com "Most of these patients are unvaccinated and researchers are now racing to create the first measles treatments in decades." Link is a gift article From the Wall Street Journal.| The Race to Find a Measles Treatment as Infections Surge Vaccine was so effective the disease was considered eliminated in the U.S., but resurgence of outbreaks spurs need for drugs By Dominique Mosbergen Aug. 8, 2025 5:30 am ET

@DelanoI'm becoming more and more hooked on what my sister, who died much too soon at age 60, liked to suggest: that life is a dream that we wake up from when we "die". Dreams have taken on a greater significance at this point because they fill my sleeping hours, always bringing to mind Poe's poem: All that we see or seem, Is just a dream within a dream. zzzzzzzzz

Don't worry too much about it. Our time on the planet isn't long. This data will end up in a digital repository.

Understood. I also recognize your distaste for proselytization. However, there would be less multilog in threads if one has to embrace a philosophy prior to espousing their beliefs and/or opinion on the the subject.

Ther forums are more popular than the clubs or the blogs because of organic reach. If I post on AALBC proper more poele may see it if ti is promoted. PDFs are readable by anyone with a modern browser and they retain your desired format some may print it out. How many words are we talking?

@aka Contrarian, NFL is back. Diehard fans will take whatever we can get including pre-season games. i watched most of Da Bears match-up against the Dolphins. Of course, QB Caleb Williams and most of the #1s didn't play. Hopefully, the new Bears coaching staff will be able to build a winning team around solid pieces already in place. My Redskins/Commanders looked like hot garbage on Friday night. Very few starters played but still...giving up a TD on opening kick-off is not a good look. Well, da Bears and Commanders won't face off during regular season. If both teams make the playoffs...it could happen. Stay tuned....

Actually, it's Tethers who own and run the Essence festival now.

Hello everyone My name is Aaron, and I’m reaching out to kindly request a review consideration for my client’s children’s book, Liah’s Midnight Train Adventure. This story centers around a young Black girl named Liah who, during a midnight journey, learns that patience, courage, and trust can lead to unexpected joy — even in moments of fear and uncertainty. When her beloved cat, Momo, goes missing at the train station, Liah wants to panic and act fast. But through her father's gentle guidance, she learns that sometimes, staying calm and waiting is the bravest thing you can do. At its heart, the book carries the message: Good things take time, and patience can make all the difference. It would be an honor to have Liah’s Midnight Train Adventure reviewed by the African American Book Club, whose work I deeply admire in supporting Black literature and authors. I believe this story adds a gentle and empowering voice to the bookshelf of young readers — especially those who deserve to see themselves reflected in stories of growth, family, and emotional resilience. If you’re currently accepting children’s books for review, I’d love to send you a digital or physical copy, along with any additional materials you may need. Here are a few key details: Title: Liah’s Midnight Train Adventure ASIN: B0F6YNZKJ3 Publisher: Royal Bird Publishing Publication Date: April 29, 2025 Language: English Reading Age: 4 – 10 years File Size: 5.5 MB Available on: am*zon Kindle Store