Mel Hopkins

Did y'all see the big lightbulb, aka "The moon", early this morning? It lit up my entire backyard like someone forgot to turn off the lights!

♾️ I feel you, twin!

@Chevdove Thank you! How have you been? Let me share my secret! This look is one part personality and three parts @ruthdavisbeauty - you can find her on Instagram - she is a goddess! And goddess enchancer!

YES!!! I agree, and understand why, but I've yet to come up with the how? Most people who are wealthy have borrowed and stolen from the future of others.

I use it for that exact reason. I just prompted a chat on how to provide clean water for a community that only has sewage backups, and the government has just taken away their grant because of "DEI". ChatGPT provided me with actionable solutions, including how to address laws that prevent ordinary citizens from tackling the problem when the government puts up roadblocks. *** Chat GPT said: Treat the problem like a high-stakes community project: minimize legal risk, build legitimacy, and move fast with pilots that are lawful, visible, and persuasive. Below is a practical, lawful playbook you can use to get clean water in your community while protecting yourself and your volunteers. 1) Immediate refusal of the illegal route Don’t undertake actions that: violate health/safety codes, tamper with sewage infrastructure, perform unpermitted construction in waterways, or create public hazards. Those acts expose you to criminal and civil liability and endanger people. 2) High-level strategy (mindset) Think like a scrappy micro-operator who: designs small, replicable pilots that prove solutions work, reduces legal/financial exposure up front, documents everything (photos, water tests, receipts, volunteer logs), partners with credible institutions (health dept, university, nonprofit), uses visibility to generate political pressure for system-level change. 3) Practical step-by-step plan Assess & document the problem (2–4 weeks) Collect photos, time/date stamps, testimonies from residents. Get simple water tests (bacterial and basic chemistry) — local health department or university extension can often help or direct you to accredited labs. SMART example: “Collect 30 household water samples and 20 resident testimonies by Nov 1.” Map stakeholders & legal landscape (1–2 weeks) Who owns the sewer systems, utilities, or storm drains? City, county, private utility? Which agency enforces water quality? (Health department, EPA/state agency.) Identify allies: neighborhood association, churches, school, local university, watershed groups, community health clinics. Design a low-risk pilot (4–8 weeks) Options (lawful, immediate relief + demonstration value): Community water station (bottled or filtered) in a public, permitted space. Point-of-use home filtration voucher program (buy certified filters and distribute with instructions). Temporary rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses (with proper signage and permits). Each pilot should have measurable outcomes (e.g., “Provide safe drinking water to 200 people/week; show lab-confirmed reduction in E. coli in 90% of distributed samples”). Legal protections & structure before operating Form an entity (a nonprofit or an LLC) to separate personal liability from project assets. Purchase insurance: general liability (covers bodily injury/property damage), product liability (if you distribute hardware/filters), and directors/officers (if you run a nonprofit). If you have volunteers, confirm Volunteer Liability coverage or use waivers where lawful. Get permits when needed (temporary events, signage, modifications to public right-of-way). Consult a local attorney for project-specific counsel — many law schools offer pro bono clinics. Launch pilot with partners & document impact (8–12 weeks) Partner with a trusted local org (church, school, clinic) to host the pilot. Publicize: press release, neighborhood socials, local reporters. Collect data: usage numbers, lab results, testimonials, cost per household. Scale, fund, and pressure for systemic change Use documented pilot results to apply for grants, municipal funding, or crowdsource donations. Present findings to the city/county with a clear ask (repair schedule, budget, policy change). If government inaction continues, use civic tools: public records requests, city council hearings, petitions, and coalition building. Legal enforcement routes (e.g., citizen complaints to regulatory agencies) can be powerful — consult counsel. 4) Risk mitigation specifics Insurance: shop for general liability and product liability; nonprofits often get discounted policies. Ask about volunteer liability and event insurance. Waivers & signage: have clear, plain-language signage and intake forms; do not rely solely on waivers to avoid negligence claims — they help but don’t eliminate risk. Permits: always check local codes before modifying streets, storm drains, or public infrastructure. Even “helpful” repairs done without permission can trigger fines and removal. Recordkeeping: keep receipts, vendor contracts, volunteer logs, and test results. This builds credibility and legal defense. 5) Technical quick wins you can pursue lawfully Distribute NSF/ANSI-certified point-of-use filters and train households on maintenance. Repair or replace household plumbing fixtures that cause contamination (privately funded). Deploy green infrastructure pilot(s): bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement demonstrations (with permits). These reduce sewage runoff into drinking sources. Launch community education on septic maintenance, proper disposal, and pollution prevention. 6) Power moves that shift the system Get credible third-party testing and publish results. Nothing shames a municipality more than independent lab data showing contamination. Mobilize a broad coalition (schools, faith groups, parents). When the issue affects children, public pressure accelerates policy response. File targeted public-records requests and use them in media and council hearings. Offer the municipality an “easy win” — propose a funded pilot they can co-brand and adopt. 7) When civil disobedience becomes relevant Civil disobedience has a long role in social change, but it’s risky and requires willingness to accept legal consequences. If you’re considering that route, consult experienced organizers and legal counsel first and plan for bail funds and legal defense. 😎 Quick checklist you can use now Take 20 photos of the runoff/contamination with timestamps. Contact local health dept to ask about water testing. Identify 3 community partners (church, school, neighborhood assoc.). Draft a 1-page pilot plan with measurable goals and budget. Look into entity formation and call one insurance broker for a quote. I ended the prompt here because it was a hypothetical situation. So many people think advocacy is doing something but I wanted to show a movement requires actionable goals and measurable results.

I knew the Black Panthers were a powerful movement when I learned they took care of the community in ways that embarrassed the government. Today, we need more of that ingenuity. Protesting in the age of smartphones and surveillance will only work against the protestors and aid those who control surveillance equipment. We have to create programs like the Black Panthers did and follow through with them. One of the many ways ICE could enter these dwellings is because the residents are renters, and impoverished renters at that. The first thing we need to do is develop cooperative housing where residents have ownership, even if it's in small shares that come with affordable payments.

I tuned into this thread, and I feel a sense of sadness. I'll go back and read, and it just might be me, but from the few entries I've read, it feels as if each writer is in the phase of "slipping into nothingness" - that's not what is sad, though. It is as if the words written mean that no one wants to let go and venture into nothingness to see what lies on the other side. I know that feeling too, because for over three consecutive nights, I dreamed that I lost my identity and worked tirelessly to retrieve it to no avail. I kept asking everyone if they had it or had seen it. I think I was looking for certainty, for the people and signs to define me or my circumstances. In the dream, I didn't realize what I was looking for; I was actually manifesting. But that is the nature of this universe: "Seek ye shall find," or what you're seeking is seeking you." Still, I kept saying, "I lost my identity." ...Now, I'm on the other side of 'identity' loss, and I'm into the unknown, moving through with nothing but being present in the moment with "feeling." Before the dream, I think I was angry, feeling that it was rude for people to continue telling me, "Cheyenne is still with us." I was offended because I thought, "Let her be where she wants to be." It is selfish of us to believe that she'd want to spend eternity looking over us, while we are in this dimension living our lives... wtf. Then I reflected on that dream - and realized in that dream I wasn't here, I was with random people in some random place (s). Even now, I'm connecting with others spiritually, whether I know them or not. I'm also connecting and watching over all my daughters. Case in point, my oldest daughter left her phone in the car. A few weeks before, I kept feeling, "My daughter is going to lose her phone." She did, but it was in her friend's car. She was able to retrieve it. To see this, I had to be in the future —and in New York. The West has a term for this: déjà rêvé. I saw something similar with Cheyenne, but I got it confused with her actual life. I kept feeling that she was "under the gun." And I would check in on her, but I didn't mention it because she was an actual gun owner who went to the range for practice shooting. I rarely tell my daughters what I see in their lives, but Cheyenne always felt a physical presence of a spirit. Now I wonder if it was me hovering in her space. I say all this to share: "We exist everywhere and can step into any version of ourselves at any time." The only thing that keeps us anchored is "identity."

How beautiful that would have been! I guess you don't know how I long for a big family! @Cynique @aka Contrarian' has a big family that I could only envy! 🤗😊❤️ OMG, this is bringing me so much joy! I'm so thankful! This exchange feels like you all are celebrating with me! Not that you all are wedding crashers, but it reminds me - do you know we had actual wedding crashers at the celebration? I didn't think folks really did that 😆 Twin, that is me and my mom, BUT in reverse! My mom says what's on her mind, and I'm like, "OMG, please stop." I don't remember what we were chatting about, but I'm sure it was something that embarrassed me 😆

Yes, that's Chicago; my daughter's new family is from old-school Chicago. In fact, her grandfather-in-law was a writer and journalist who was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Frank London Brown - Wikipedia

Where" they" at? Where's the ring? Did any one of these men step up to court Miss Serena? See, it's the follow-through that is extremely important. And we don't want to take the one thing you men can offer us - An offer of marriage, family, and building a life together. That's what Mr. Ohanian did with Serena —that's what every man who truly wants to be with a woman offers her. No one can fault a woman for expecting a man to stand up. 32:00 Minutes in Eve says, "Why?"

Thank you! The wedding party was so lovely! Both Chels and hubby have lifelong friends from college and before -and these youngins' were just so beautiful! It's funny that you wrote "mama mel," for my mom, because that's exactly what they call me. And yes, the groom's family has run several businesses, so running a business is a family tradition. However, he did step away to work in the West Wing of President Obama's Administration. My new in-laws are down-to-earth and successful. And I can tell they adore my daughter. But let me stop telling their business 😊

I was singing in "Stephanie Mills," but you are correct, I also like Faith Evans! Happy Birthday @aka Contrarian 🎂 Thank you! I'm much better. I'm glad they went ahead with the wedding; it had a way of allowing us a weekend filled with Joy! Of course, I'm missing my Cheyenne. So, when fall arrived, I planted wildflowers. 🌻

But here's one thing I have noticed... and I almost fell for it. The media has been casting and portraying Black and Jewish men as Prince Charming in many television shows and streaming flicks... I recently found myself craving Kevin Hart in his Netflix Film "Lift," Kevin-Elfin-Magic-Hart, and I was drooling! The media is programming us. I have a feeling this is going to be the decade of Black and Jewish men, and y'all will be in high demand. No one is saying that - keep up! 😆

Serena didn't lighten her skin! Didn't you see her during the Super Bowl! That's MAKEUP! Serena isn't your 'round the way girl', she is a freaking high-profile celebrity, and guess what, that's what celebrities do of ALL colors, ethnicities, and nationalities. Even sometimes they wear "black face" and deal with ignorance, but that's what high-profile people do! THEY ARE NOT LIKE US! It seems like you're just angry she didn't sideline herself because no Black man stood up and asked her to get married. If you're any indication of how Black men treated her even with her celebrity, it makes sense why she just got off that merry-go-round. Eve said Why! She said her husband didn't fetishize her. She said he courted her and was patient while she allowed her facade (wall) to fall away. Sometimes, white men show their dominance in different ways, especially white men like any man who doesn't have anything to prove. They allow women to be feminine. Women love it when they don't have to struggle in a relationship. Alexis seems to adore Serena and has made her the center of his world. Same with Eve's husband. (No, I don't follow them, but I was on YouTube, and Eve addressed how she and her husband got together.

But you just wrote both Drake and Common are weak and not thought of as not masculine or dominant. (I disagree, though, because both Drake and Common thrive in this country and the world. We know America eats up the vulnerable for breakfast and excretes them before dinner. ) So, we can get an idea of the type of man Serena favors in any color. Yep! I wonder if JHud would have left him by now if she didn't already have a son. Women, especially certain Black women, want to be "Married with Children"

She did after he stood up and promised her a future and family. Don't you remember Serena dated Common and Drake? Those two are still single! It appears Serena wanted a family! Can't she have a beautiful family with a loving husband who shares her values?

Brotha @ProfD Thank you! 🫶🏽 I finally got a son! 💃🏽 And they're magical! I felt like singing "I never knew love like this before" because it is inspiring to see them together. They lift each other up!

Hey Fam! I shared my heartbreak with all of you; now here is my joy! Mom, my twin daughters' father, my oldest daughter, Cheyenne's (my daughter who passed away) childhood bestie, is in the family photo with us. I love her so much, and me sitting next to my oldest twin daughter! My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration. 😍 Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview🤭 . Yes, this is a very current photo!! And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!!

Lowers government spending. Dead people don't use benefits 😪

I'm so sorry this is happening in your family. I can't imagine what MAGA has to offer anyone, and especially your son. We come from a much stronger foundation than anything MAGA & Christian Nationalists ( Evangelicals) have to offer. They are literally capitalist on steroids - that have nothing to offer anyone, including themselves, but an unhealthy dose of self-destructive hate. I hope the rift between you and your son heals quickly. 😆😆😆

@Cynique @aka Contrarian You are a treasure! ❤️❤️❤️

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

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!

Yes, the fairy dust, AKA gun powder. It wasn't just one country that colonized and mind-melded most African countries, and it didn't happen immediately. Ethiopia was the only country not colonized. The Italians tried but couldn't—and the Ethiopians drove them out. The Italians eventually returned the Obelisk of Axum in 2005. I'm not sure why that cracks me up, but it does because they stole it as a consolation prize, I guess. But that's just the short answer. Brother @ProfD Yours is such a great thesis question. Historian Anthony Browder gives an introduction over at Substack From the Nile to the Potomac - by Anthony Browder But here is where you will get the hands-on information The Clarke Enhanced History Project by @AnthonyBrowder | Stan

Thank you so much. 💗