Troy

OK @Cynique While I have no interest in joining the NOI, or adopting their chaste lifestyle, I'd take a Farakhan over a Kaepernick any day of the week. Many, perhaps most, of Farrakhan supporters are not in the Nation. Indeed many in hip hop drew inspiration from him, including myself. He spoke with the force of a contemporary Malcolm, a Malcolm I was too young to witness. Farrakhan, like Malcolm before him, drew criticism from white folks and scared a lot of Black folks too. Malcolm like Farrakhan had a platform they helped lead and did not need the support of the media. Colin does not exist without the media. Malcolm, like Farrakhan, was chosen by Black folks. He was not propped up for us by corporations as our acceptable symbol of protest the way Colin had been. You mis-characterize Farrakhan by saying he never did anything but rant about Jews and do a disservice to the people of the Nation of Islam calling them "Sheeple." But again, I understand why you'd say these things, because that is what the white corporation would have you believe. Cynique you have to understand the power of the media. You don't give them enough credit because you feel you are not impacted, but indeed you are--we all are to a certain extent. Farrakhan only rails against the Jews who do us harm. He speaks highly of Jews he admires. He is a minister so of course he is going to proselytize--that is his job, but no different that a TD Jakes who whitefolks find more acceptable because his is a Christian and does not speak about America's evils... though Jakes is much better at separating Black folks from their money. Yes, Farrakhan's excoriation of CBS's MIke Wallace on 60 minutes was priceless. I seriously doubt Colin is capable of such a thing. I prefer what What Farrakhan said to MIke, clearly exposing America's evil and duplicity for all to see. Kneeling is open to interpretation, says nothing clear, does nothing concrete, and was easily shut down. It took a lot more effort, and violence, to weaken the NOI, to destroy Malcolm and Dr. King. Colin was just fired.

Hi Johanna, of course you book, and all the others shared here will be considered. I appreciate you posting the AALBC.com link I think you may actually be the first authors to ever do that I trust readers will check out the excerpt as well.

Please share the URLs to your website or blog @Mark Radford that is encouraged here. I'm glad you decided to join the conversation!

@Educate2Empower, thanks for contributing to the conversation. It is not easy to expose one's opinions, and work to strong opposition and critique. So again thanks. Obviously, I'm more in your camp as it relates to these issues. I gather from your response that you are from New York City. I still live just a couple of blocks from the housing project I grew up in. Virtually everyone in my situation left for the burbs, or another city long ago. Perhaps it is the long term experience with a community that informs our beliefs. I also live in suburban Tampa, which is diametrically opposed to Harlem, New York in many ways. That stark contrast helps me see things a bit differently than most. Obviously Cardi B's presentation is "by design." All that is really left to debate is what is the motivation for this and does it serve us collectively. As you can see there is disagreement on whether the Cardi B's of the music industry even have an adverse impact on us or how we are perceived. Of course if we, as a people, cannot agree that there is a problem, the motivation is largely moot, because we won't do anything about it. Like @Mel Hopkins, I never heard of Cardi B. she is completely outside my scope of personal influence. The same goes for my kids. We know there are many folks who are largely immune the negative images promulgated by record executives. I can be amused by a Snoop Dogg without feeling the pressure to behave like him. But again I'm not talking about me, Mel, Cynique or others like us. I'm talking about the some of the students I've taught, many of my neighbors, the people I grew up with, and even family. Who are not so immune to these influences. And given the power of social media, may be even more influenced than ever before. I'm talking about the people who know full well who Cardi B. is and idolize her. The people that helped propel her to the top of the charts. These people are not very likely to know who a Rosalind Brewer is, much less be influenced by her success... I'm not suggesting we lay all the blame of Black dysfunction at the feet of Sony, but they are part of the problem --despite all the counter images like COO Brewer (quite an apropos name). Maybe a better strategy would be to ignore the perceived negative influences of a Cardi B. and focus on the positive ones like Ms. Brewer. Personally try both approaches but I can tell you this: People virtually never react when I share something positive and almost always react when I share something negative. Neither approach seems effective at changing minds or helping folks to see an alternative perspective. Only personal experience seems to do that. Given most of us are not open to different experiences sometimes my efforts seem pointless, until you learn you've touched someone in a positive and it makes all of this worthwhile Good luck and continue to educate to empower us all.

@Cynique, Got it. Minister Farrakhan has exposed the evils of American far longer and much more forcefully the Colin has, or likely ever will. Using your reasoning I think you be a strong support of Farrakhan, but you are not. Why?

Again @Cynique you are so fixated on Colin that you can't see my issue is not about him personally. I explained this over and over again, most recently here. I see the activists you like Cynique are all entertainers. That is no surprise, as that is driven by the way our media works. It is one of the reasons 45 is president and why Chance the Rapper is being called on to run the City of Chicago. Sounds like Chance has his head on his shoulders and recognizes someone trained in policy, management, law, community organizing, would be better suited for political office rather than a rapper--even if the city's constituents don't understand this.

Cynique you were the one who brought up the post office. It is interesting you would characterize postal workers as "hard-drinkin, drug-takin street people" just to make a point. Of course Hip-hop is about poverty. While it is not limited to poverty that is where it comes from, making away out of no way. You probably don't remember rap before "the suits" took it over, but I suggest you check out songs the "The Message." The other crap, like Cardi B, was amped up and exploited by corporations. BIngo! Yes, of course white folks get a distorted message of what Blackness is, and are even more susceptible to it because They are less likely to be exposed to counter images. Their racist prejudice is reinforced and exaggerated. Is it any wonder they shoot us with little provocation. All of this is related... You don't have to be young to be militant. And young militants need guidance, and an understanding of history, which they can get from elders, not social media. Cynique, my comments were not against what Colin was protesting (what was it again?). My issue was that media selected him and his agenda and brought him to the fore as our leader. Even before he was shut down by the NFL and his message was co opted by 45, we could easily see that coming, because he does not have a platform or even a coherent strategy. Colin's kneeling and sitting was a just an act, but the media made it so much more. Again Colin's role in activism may evolve and develop, but this will take time. Meanwhile the media will do what it always does; move on to the next thing.

Black people don't do things like this. The closest might be the DC sniper, but he killed far fewer people over a much longer period of time, and even he was an extreme outlier..

What a tragedy...

Most of the activists I support you would know know Cynique; they are not trending on social media. I'm not trying to be sarcastic. I'm saying these Brother and Sisters are not going to garner media attentions because they are serious about helping Black folk. They do substantive work and are not profitable to corporations that thrive in the dysfunctional ravings of 45. Many of them are in the vein of these Brothers, they are one of the main reasons I started AALBC.com; to make their knowledge more widely known and accessible. I know you have heard of Haki Madhubuti, his publishing company, Third World Press, is based in Chicago and just this past weekend celebrated 50 years! Haki has done some important things and was doing important things when Colins parents where children. He has published many important books. I could really go on and on Cynique... The fact of the matter is the media is making much more of this kid's (Colins) actions than is warranted. He has not built anything and he serves at the largess of his owners and has already been dismissed. By contrast, Haki has built an institution. But as we give all our attention to the Colins and ignore the Hakis of the world. These important institutions including his will disappear. This is not to say Colin is a waste. No quite the contrary, he has tons of potential, but he is not there today; only time will tell.

Tyrah, thank you so much for taking the time to express those sentiments. Please thank the author who referred the site. Word of mouth is a powerful tool--still Which book festival did you attend? How did you like it? Very nice website! Many authors are just throwing up Facebook pages, so it is refreshing to see folks contributing something unique to the web.

Cynique this statement right there tells me you have not clue what I'm talking about. Someone with a job at the post office was doing well when I was a kid, those families left the projects and tenements and brought homes in where white people lived (thought whites ultimately fled those communities). Postal workers had cars and full refrigerators. The kids wore the latest fashions and their families went to Disney. You are telling me you work in the post office while your husband worked too--back in a time when one of your jobs could have supported the entire family. No Cynique, I really don't think you truly know what poverty is. You should be glad though, no one should ever have to see this or even experience it.

LOL Mel Agreeing with Pioneer LOL! Mel Black women voted in the presidential elections and voted for Obama like the was the 2nd coming of Christ. But what are we talking about--one demographics lower turn rate versus an even lower rate? There is nothing to be proud about. American participation in the electoral process is pathetic. It looks like these numbers reflect eligible voters not those who bothered to actually register. Still they did not turn out in the midterms (no one did). Maybe if Black folks bothered to show up, Obama would not have taken that famous "shellacking" and loosing both houses crippling his effectiveness for the remainder of his presidency. Bes ure to post a link to your article when it is finished @Mel Hopkins

Hi @B.L. Brown I just added the video to your page: https://aalbc.com/authors/author.php?author_name=B.L.+Brown#video Looks like it was nice event. Would you recommend that authors from outside the immediate area attend this event or is it best suited for local authors?

No Nate, did not mention Dr. King as his inspiration for advising Colin. I seriously doubt Nate knew very much about King's efforts. Pioneer is right, kneeling is the manner in which southern baptists pray. This is the way I was taught. @Cynique, I wonder, are there any other activists (other than Colin) that you support?

Yes he gesture was indeed naused and Colin's intent was honorable. Real Sports is a smart program and appears to have given Colin's efforts a fair treatment--unlike social media. But again the tools of the oppressor will never lead to our liberation. Colin served at the whim of the NFL owners. Having been summarily dismissed his protests has been rendered mute and his original "protest" has morphed into support for the flag. That is until the next shiny object is waved before the media and attention shifts somewhere else. Meanwhile, Black sports fans will continue to watch the game, white fans will continue to fill the arenas expensive seats and buy shitty over priced food. College teams will continue to exploit "student' athletes serving as the NFL's minor league. And those athletes lucky enough to make it can risk brain damage for a 3 year in the NFL. What was Colin protesting again?

@Mel Hopkins, nice I wish there were more Black trust fund kids running around. Like you I'm reinventing myself too. reading and mindset are of course important and change indeed s the only constant. On this we agree. But as I've tried to example to Cynique we can't use our individual experiences and extend them the larger world for they simply do not apply. Why would you expect someone raised in the ghetto to have the same outcome as a smart, attractive, trust fund kid? Sure it is possible not not very likely. Mel why do you continue to say the Black women here are so politically engaged when the data your shared shows that almost half failed to vote? I already know that way than half perhaps 70 to 80% failed to vote in the midterms. I too have been all over the world and to every single state in this country country. But our anecdotes are not proof of anything--obviously not, because we've drawn different conclusions on this issue.

You are right @Cynique , my daughters do not present as if they are heavily influenced by Cardi B. But they had a good education, decent parents, both of whom are college graduates, and did not grow up impoverished, in a ghetto environment. I doubt any of the women in the family for which you are the matriarch would look to Cardi B, as a role model... they have you. But again, you have to get out of your bubble and consider the wider world. Have you ever been to a Black strip club, or any of the after hours spots common in many cities? If you ever spent more than 5 minutes interacting with people in the 'hood, I think you would feel differently. Again, on this issue, continue to believe what you like Cynique, but reality is plainly different. I have not even discussed the impact of the Cardi B. archetype on Black boys... Well we can debate whether the word "fiasco" is appropriate. But you'd have to admit the focus of Colin's original intent has changed--because he never had an ounce of control. This is obvious because the NFL ripped his platform away and 45 has taken the media's attention. As far as "ripping the lid" of the country's loyalty to the flag, that is a bit hyperbolic don't you think? Every war the U.S. has ever fought has demonstrated that. Have you been checking out Burn's documentary on the Vietnam War? Yeah @Pioneer1, yeah colorism is always an issue, as well has the hair, and the voluptuous physiques. If does not seem to matter very much what the men look like, so long as they resent like teenage thugs and use the N-word liberally and gratuitously on the stage--as evidenced by the collection of clips in videos above.

Actually I've listened to a few interviews of Eboni lately she seems to articulate her positions quite well and seems consistent. I was completely unaware of her until Kam sent me a review of her book a few months ago (I did not run it). Eboni reminds be on Mel in many ways. Smart, educated, attractive, and comes from a family of business folk. Eboni said that all of her friends are the same way, and that people need to understand this is the way Black women are. Ebony does consider BIll a "mentor," a term I doubt Mel would ever ascribe to a Bill Reilly. I'm not a fan of Bill, which makes me rather indifferent to Eboni K. But I shared her perspective because she is a Black women with a platform who says Beyonce is doing "more harm than good." Now if she is saying that about Queen Bey, I wonder what she would think of Cardi B. I actually would like to learn what the majority of Black people think about the most popular Black rap artists and how they are positioned in the media. The same positioning I feel that got Biggie and Tupac killed.

Wow this is a such a meaty subject and so many places to comment don't know where to begin :-) Del you gave Mel quite a bit of latitude with the stats she expressed, I know you would not have been nearly as understanding with me ;-) Cynique, sure I made declarative statements, but they were supported by ample evidence. But seemingly social media's impact on the election is like climate change: There can be plenty of evidence, but that is of no consequence as people will only believe what they want to believe. The current social science tells us that people are moved by emotions not wonk. My challenge is that I tend to explain with data, facts, and evidence, which does not move people. Cynique I appreciate the kind words, but I hope you and everybody else think of this forum as much yours as mine. Sure you don't have to worry about the maintenance, the spammers, or expense, but as far as the opinions you all express I trust you all feel free to say what you want. At the same time, I trust folks are introduced to different ideas and perspectives. I know I have been. The bottom line as I've said a number of times. There must be standards, that people generally agree upon, for there to be a cohesive society. We can argue about what those standard might be, but absence any standard means we are in trouble. I also believe that we as a people have given our agency to corporations. Whatever we create is taken from us and perverted. Hip-Hop is a prime example. Finally, since Cardi B. is the top female rapper today (based upon her fantastically successful single), she represents the pinnacle of the musical form right now and perhaps represents the aspirations of many young girls, as a result. Now some of you all may like that--fine. But understand we (Black people) did not put her there. Because we don't choose who is celebrated we can not be served very well. We do not choose which musicians are elevated, we do not choose who are leaders, we do not choice are spokes people. We do not set our own agenda. Today the Colin K fiasco is now about 45 and respecting the flag and a Cardi B is out top rapper... Collectively we can be pretty weak sometimes and it is frustrating that we don't recognize it.

Read AALBC.com's September 27, 2017 eNewsletter for to learn about our latest bestselling books, the current result of my research on Top 25 Black-Owned Sites, new books, and more.

While researching some basic biographical on Ebony K.Williams, I stumbled across this video of Ebony K. Williams. She made me think about the impact of artist on young people. Interestingly Eboni's mom, a Black woman, is a 45 supporter. She felt 45 would make the change needed. As I get older I wish more women my age got as much coverage as these really very young women do.

Ok then, please describe exactly what standard I'm trying to impose @Mel Hopkins.

This is fascinating. I used the very source if the data you supplied and now you call into question the very veracity of the information, as if it is open to different interpretation. Mel you made a mistake, we all do it, we are human. As far as the voter stat you cited, saying 94% of Black women voted for HIllary, this too would have occurred to me to be obviously wrong. But my motivation was more about getting at the truth. So of course I have to examine and understand your assumptions before looking or even considering your conclusions. Mel I never made a declaration of what the standard should be. I saying there should be standards. You insist on making this about my personal standards. But you will not find them as I never tired to define any, despite your attempt so say I have and am trying to impose them on others. If you want to construe my saying that there should be a standard, and not one defined by Sony, into me wanted into take away Black women's agency. Then I don't know what else to say. Well Mel, I actually do take issue with the way Black male rappers are portrayed too. But the email was about Cardi B. I have to believe that you know in your heart of hearts that when I say we should have standards I'm not excluding Black men. Here too I'm surprised you would suggest otherwise.

Hmmmm, OK @Mel Hopkins I assuming we are at the same place when it comes to interpreting data. A statement that you made, and are vigorously defending, is perceived by me to be obviously false--on its face. I assumed once I made that point clear that you would see the obvious mistake, thank me for pointing out the error, adjust you point, and move on. Instead you've dug in deeper. Mel the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Black people (male and female) make up 12% of the work force. Do you still think Black women make off 44% of the workforce. No where did you read that I want to deny women their agency--I want them to reclaim it! What I'm saying is that there needs to be standards, and we can't allow corporations to make them for us. Mel do you disagree with that sentiment? @Cynique, You are right about my lack of knowledge about the contemporary music currently available. And you are right I don't watch the awards shows. In fact this was the same point @CDBurns, used to make about rap, you can't judge it by what the major labels are pushing. Indeed I discover Brothers like Gregory Porter, whose music I enjoy, though a post @Mel Hopkins, made here. However, I'm doubt the culture is "alive and well." Corporation have turned radio stations into an oligarchy and control what we hear on the radio. Other corporation make music available for free download, making it virtually made it impossible for all but the most popular artists to make money from selling their music. I'm sure artist will be artists and continue to struggle to do what they do out of love of the craft. I'm in the same camp; I get it. But I also recognize that oligarchies and a lack of government oversight has made the marketplace worse for musicians collectively. As a result we have artists like Cardi B, rising way above all the other great rappers I'll never earn about. Maybe if Educate2Empower shared information about female rappers they approved of rather than questioning Cardi B. that would have been more helpful. I'm going to share this conversation with them. Hopefully the will chime in...