Troy

Yeah I'm sure you are right that the highways are very likely to be jammed Cynique. I plan to drive to to either TN, GA, NC, or SC. depending on who has the best forecast. Yeah Del the sky will change outside the path of the totality, but by all accounts that I've read it is a completely different experience. The following account is one of the more subdued ones I've read: "I doubt if the effect of witnessing a total eclipse ever quite passes away. The impression is singularly vivid and quieting for days, and can never be wholly lost. A startling nearness to the gigantic forces of nature and their inconceivable operation seems to have been established. Personalities and towns and cities, and hates and jealousies, and even mundane hopes, grow very small and very far away.Professor Langley says of this superb sight: ‘The spectacle is one of which, though the man of science may prosaically state the facts, perhaps only the poet could render the impression." --Professor Langley

By all accounts, everyone who views these events says you need to be in the path of totality. @Cynique should try to get one of your kids or grand kids to drive you down to Carbondale next month it is basically a straight shot down I57. In Carbondale, the totality will happen at 1:21 p.m. CDT. The partial phases of the eclipse start at 11:52 a.m., and end at 2:47 p.m. For you it will actually be convenient, providing the weather holds out.

Thanks for the recommendation Mel, unfortunately, this book is out of print. If it is not too much trouble can you post a photo of the cover, I'll add it to the website for archival purposes. Interesting analogy.

I've heard so much hype about the impact a total solar eclipse has on people that I plan to check it out. https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/south-carolina/ I'm planning to head to South Carolina to view this event.

The article I emailed about Google hijacking business from booksellers got a lot of attention. Much of the reader feedback mentioned Amazon as another problem. I atually think they are a bigger problem, but that is an article for another day. At any rate one reader left me the following message: Thanks for this email – very illuminating. I will keep in mind when purchasing. Keep up the great work. I am looking for a good book on the Reconstruction – have any recommendations? I share this message here, obviously, to get some recommendations. It also stuck me that any Black bookseller, worth a darn, should have been able to come up with the names of a couple of good books on the subject of Reconstruction off the top their head. One of the many challenges I have is that addressing issues the one I described with Google really does sap time and energy away from my effectiveness as a bookseller.

No, I'm saying it matters more how one interprets what I said. The constitution and Dr. Kings words are misconstrued and quoted out of context, distorting the meaning of both

@Pioneer1, are you joking?! What percentage of the population do Black folks make up of America? Compare that to the percentage of property or business ownership. Once you obtain those two numbers, then let me know what you think then. "What happens to a dream deferred..."

@Pioneer1 there are plenty of English words to convey the meaning of fronting, including the word "fronting," Mispronunciation of words is another matter. But to your point and Del's, there are people who are concerned about the loss of languages. Apparently there are about 7,000 languages, most of which will disappearing quite rapidly. People are concerned that the loss of the languages will mean a loss of a real understanding of the cultures. Cynique is right. While much of our history was destroyed; there is a lot we could know if we bothered to crack a book every once in a while... unfortunately much of information obtained by us seems to be derived from social media.

If you are in, or near, New York City today, check out the Phillis Wheatley Books at the Harlem Book Fair.

The Nation of Islam has given 'Hova's 4:44 their stamp of approval. I recieved the following in an email today. (I still have not heard the album) Give Jay-Z Some CREDIT: The Jewish History in 4:44 It took just a few hours for Jay-Z's 4:44 release to go platinum. And it took less than that for the ADL to go berserk. Its desperation to be relevant has pushed its leader Jonathan Greenblatt to the edge of anti-Black absurdity. In 2017 the ADL was exposed for inflating its statistics on "anti-Semitism" to include hundreds of cases of Jews attacking and threatening each other. Its "police training" program is implicated in an alarming number of departments whose officers have murdered unarmed Blacks. Responsible Jewish leaders are openly criticizing the ADL for its political opportunism and for falsely using "anti-Semitism" to stifle dissent. And apartheid Israel is becoming more and more isolated on the world stage. Jay Z--a Black man with lots of money--provided the perfect dog-whistle distraction from that intra-Jewish mayhem and strife. The ADL just had to ride in on Jay-Z's album hype to charge the rap impresario with "Black anti-Semitism." At issue was a lyric in his song "The Story of O.J." that goes like this: Rich nigga, poor nigga,| house nigga, field nigga Still nigga, still nigga You wanna know what's more important than throwin away money at a strip club? Credit You ever wonder why the Jewish people own all the property in America? This how they did it, Financial freedom my only hope F**k livin' rich and dyin' broke. It is not clear what the ADL is upset about. Is it that Jay-Z has demeaned strip clubs? Is it his six-time use of the word "nigga"? The ADL then kicked the bees' nest: "The idea that Jews 'own all the property' in this country and have used credit to financially get ahead are odious and false. Yet, such notions have lingered in society for decades, and we are concerned that this lyric could feed into preconceived notions about Jews and alleged Jewish 'control' of the banks and finance." Russell Simmons, a longtime activist in Black-Jewish relations, took umbrage at the ADL's "anti-Semitism" slur against his friend Jay-Z and labeled the Jewish organization "mischief makers." Simmons further fueled Jewish outrage by confirming the extraordinary Jewish presence in the business end of Black "music, film, television, fashion, technology and financial service." He said "the hip-hop community including myself have partnered with Jews where there were no blacks to partner with." But the item that really must be examined is Jay-Z's partnering Jews with "credit." He says "credit" is how Jews achieved land ownership and "financial freedom." And here Jay-Z demonstrates an impressive knowledge of Jewish history, a history that Jews are desperate to keep hidden--especially from Blacks. Read deeper into Jay-Z's lyrics and one will find a troubling reality: When Blacks emerged from slavery, they were specifically targeted by Jewish merchants, who exploited them mercilessly. Most freedmen became sharecroppers, farmers that were forced into renting land, mules, tools, and seeds from Jewish businessmen at exorbitant rates. In Message To The Blackman in America, The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, wrote that "[My people] encountered credit difficulties, hardships of repayment of loans and hardship with white executives from whom the loans must be asked." Mark Twain, the iconic chronicler of Deep Southern culture, described the nature of the Black-Jewish sharecropping relationship. As he saw it: "In the Cotton States, after the war, the simple and ignorant Negroes made the crops for the white planter on shares. The Jew came down in force, set up shop on the plantation, supplied all the Negro's wants on credit, and at the end of the season was proprietor of the Negro's share of the present crop and of part of the share of his next one. Before long, the whites detested the Jew, and it is doubtful if the Negro loved him." Similarly, the great Harvard-trained scholar W.E.B. Du Bois travelled the South, studying Blacks and the conditions they faced in post-slavery America. While in Georgia he wrote: "Nearly all the lands belong to Russian Jews," a people whom he described as "shrewd and unscrupulous." He surveyed the businesses, mills, and factories in the region and came to a startling conclusion: "The Jew is the heir of the slave-baron." He spoke of their exploitation of Blacks and published these observations in a book called The Souls of Black Folk. Jews were upset with him, and they even tried to force him to change the word "Jew" to "foreigner" or "immigrant." But a government study confirmed that Du Bois was spot on. The report revealed that there amidst Black Georgia, "Nine-tenths of the storekeepers...are Jewish merchants--some Russian and German Jews, but most of them Polish Jews." Writing in 1895, Du Bois (who would become an NAACP official) further calculated that these slimy "credit arrangements" were in part responsible for the poor ex-slave losing an incredible three-quarters of the wages due him since the end of the Civil War. Delving further into Jay Z's 4:44 history lesson reveals that the money acquired in these credit schemes was parlayed into the acquisition of land--plantation land. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, "the cotton-plantations in many parts of the South were wholly in the hands of the Jews, and as a consequence slavery found its advocates among them." The notorious investment bankers and financiers Lehman Brothers started as cotton merchants in Montgomery. So powerful were the Lehmans that Alabama appointed Mayer Lehman as cotton agent for the state! This put Lehman in charge of managing the state's chief asset--a million-bale annual cotton crop--as well as the state's 435,000 enslaved Africans. Many notable Jewish families and institutions, including Neiman Marcus and the infamous Rothschild family of international bankers, can trace their wealth to the cotton fields of the American South. One can easily see why the ADL doesn't want Jay-Z's powerful Black-Jewish truths to be made known. The source of Jewish wealth is in plantation slavery and the credit schemes that ensnared our poor sharecroppers in the Jim Crow south. Thus, today, when our talented Blacks in the entertainment industry seek financing from Jews for their productions and projects--as Russell Simmons says they do--they are tapping into money with a deeply troubling past. It is a past that Blacks and Jews MUST confront if we intend to build better future relationships. So Jay-Z's profound Black-Jewish history lesson in 4:44 is not "Black anti-Semitism." He is simply giving credit where credit is due. For more details about this history, please see The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews, Volume 2.

I have not listened to the album, yet, but I put down New York's Village Voice newspaper to post this comment. The quote which opened this post is from writer Greg Tate. I have to admit the quote prompted a big "Oh Brother!" in my head. I'm just not accustomed to reading Jay Z being being compared with Public Enemy from the perspective of "Pro-Black Nationalism." Still after reading that quote from Tate I was like now I have to listen to this album--I then immediately pulled back because I felt manipulated. As if the Village Voice was part of the machine created to encourage readers to rush out buy the Album (or whatever the collection of digital files are called today). But even the act of my posting this comment is the reaction of someone being manipulated to take an action to talk about the album and thereby provide free publicity. I feel used. Even the affiliate code I embedded in the link to Amazon, makes me an unwitting part of this machine. ...maybe I'm over thinking this huh? Maybe I would just lighten up and try to enjoy the album huh? I can't do it.. Now if someone reading this, has listened to the album and agrees with Tate's-- assessment even marginally--I'll check out the album. I can honestly say I have no interest otherwise. I have heard a potion of one of the cuts from the album where Jay's daughter is rapping it came across as self-indulgent and uninteresting, and definitely not a song that would prompt me to want to hear more. But again if anyone feels Jay has demonstrated himself as being a pro-Black Nationalist, not only will I listen to the album, I'll support the multi millionaire with some of my meager funds and buy it.

The following videos are courtesy of What's the 41 TV: http://www.whatsthe411.com/ AAMBC LITERARY AWARDS; THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR MARCUS BOOKS IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA A NECESSARY COMMUNITY BOKSTORE A SALUTE TO GO ON GIRL BOOK CLUB HILLARY CLINTON AT BEA, QUEENS BOOK FESTIVAL, AND THE BLACK PACK PARTY

The marketing copy starts out, "Welcome to the long awaited Antidote to the Willie Lynch’s Making of a Slave document." Which sends up red flags considering that letter is a hoax... That said, Black Unity will likely remain a fantasy. The incentives for achieving this goal are all wrong, and the entire culture is aligned in such a way to prevent most of us from being interested in it as a goal. There are are indeed many people, I consider myself one, who find this a goal worth pursuing and actively engaged in it. But the evidence it pretty clear; collectively we aren't willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make Black Unity a reality. I wish I was wrong, and that books like this were unnecessary, but the evidence speaks for itself.

In this case, it appears, the owner simply retired and the store went with her. I guess there was no need for a Go Fund me page; if no one was interested in ensuring the store continued.

Make sure you send me the book cover and ISBN first Brotherman!

Position Available: Publishing Assistant Job Description: At the direction of the publisher, the publishing assistant helps coordinate multiple aspects of Black Classic Press operations, including production, order fulfillment/customer service, and inventory management as well as marketing and communications. This is a hands-on publishing position working in production and administration, with limited editorial responsibilities. Initially, the publishing assistant will work 20-30 hours per week with the expectation to become a full-time employee. Compensation will be based on skills and experience. In addition to compensation, the publishing assistant will be exposed to one of the best, fully rounded, experiences in independent and commercial publishing available today. Job Location: Black Classic Press office in Baltimore, Maryland Core responsibilities include: Providing administrative support for the publisher, which may include the following areas: contracts and rights, copyright registration, royalties, permissions, online retail sites, inventory, book production, in-house order system maintenance, proofreading, monitoring sales and inventory; preparing customer orders (which could weigh up to 50 pounds), and managing e-book strategy Assisting with the development of new publications;maintaining production schedules, researching, proofreading, fact-finding, verifying information, addressing queries, filing and updating databases, and communicating with customers via phone, mail, and email. To be considered, qualified applicants will have: A College Degree with a strong background in History, English, Social Science or Mass Communications 2 years of administrative/office experience An experienced awareness of Black history, literature, and culture Superior organization skills, is a self-starter, and works well independently and at the direction of others Advanced skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Social Media Excellent verbal and written communication skills Better than average grammar and math skills Knowledge of InDesign and Chicago Manual of Style helpful Social media and/or marketing experience a plus How to apply: Email your resume with a cover letter to bcpemployment@gmail.com. Resumes must be submitted by July 31, 2017. About Black Classic Press Founded in 1978, Black Classic Press specializes in re-publishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent. Our current strategic focus is on expanding the title list by acquiring new academic titles and adding historical reprints. In 1995, we became a leading pioneer in digital and on-demand printing enabling us to produce our titles in-house and as needed.

I know you have no malintent. So keyword stuff is working for you? Please considering sharing your insights here: https://aalbc.com/tc/forum/14-bloggers-helping-bloggers/ (I'll understand if you don't want to share the strategy publically).

Read Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article: "Wisconsin's only black-owned bookstore closes, leaving memories — and a void" After 28 years, Carla Allison is retiring and with her, the last black-owned bookstore in Wisconsin closed on Saturday (July 8th). I wonder what percentage of Black Owned Bookstores, or business for that matter, survive their owners?

Yes, we do. Why do you ask?

Hickson, Just an FYI: Google hates keyword stuffing, the practice of loading up a webpage with keywords without meaningful content. This page will be hurt in SEO for that reason. At some point I need to consider the impact on the rest of the websites SEO. While a few pages are not likely to make a difference to AALBC.com, please, for your sake, consider listing the of hashtags only once.

Pioneer is this really a full 90 minute rant? I listened to a good 10 minutes and will probably check out more of the video later. I will also check out breakingbrown.com, a site I never heard of before today. I agree with everything Yvette said in the portion of the video I listened. The point of the clip that you started was exactly what I was talking about when it comes to having a better understanding of people who don't have a lot of money and how much harder it is for them. Of course poor white people have the same problems, but they don't have the additional burden of living a a white racist culture. I think Cynique is right the country does not belong to you, or I. We are allowed to live here (for now). Most often any wealth we accumulate is the result of providing entertainment for the folks who actually do own this country. Of course there are loads of wealthy professionals and entrepreneurs in America, but those success stories are a relative minority in the Black community--for the reasons we all understand. Worse the most successful Black usually give their money and talents to those who really do own the country. These Back folks strive to go to their schools, live in their neighborhoods, and support their businesses (including their websites). If these Black folks become successful enough, they begin to see themselves as different, better even, than other Blacks and they begin to talk down poor Blacks. Bill Cosby famously did this. There is never a shortage of Black folks who condemn the poor for failing to pull themselves out of poverty while failing to recognize the situation that got them there and the conditions that keep them a virtual permanent underclass. What Yvette was talking about was not letting others tell us that we don't belong here, that we have a right to this country, that we have shed blood to earn our place here. The "right" however does not mean that what we have. We have a right to justice, but we don't often get it. @Pioneer1, perhaps your celebration is premature. I think you need to embrace the "fight to become a American." An American who shares equally in the full rights and privileges guaranteed to all of its citizens. An American that shares the wealth more equitably among it citizens. New York City for example, has almost 100 billionaires, but there are countless working Black people who are homeless or struggling to pay rent. While countless apartments sit idle because the wealthy buy them as investments. Nah man, becoming an American is a daily struggle. Some of us think that struggle ended in the 60's after the passing of civil rights legislation... maybe that is our problem.

Maybe you are both right in a way. No, Sara's words did not make me fly into a rage, if words did that to me I would given this forum up long ago. I also knew at the time Cynique did not need defending. Yes Sara crossed the line but it was also the culmination of her behavior that resulted in my action that an chastising her--which was pretty mild reaction. To put his into perspective Sara deleted her posts herself and left. She was not permanently banned. She could post right now if she wanted, but she won't for a bunch of reasons, the main one being is that she can't not tolerate anyone who disagrees with her. But enough about her... Longstoryshort the real issue is content. You give Bill Maher a pass because you like him. You can couch it any way you like, but you have made it very plain that if your boy Bill uses the word in a manner that you subjectively approve it is not a fighting word. I agree with you in this case. Obviously, others disagreed with us in this. Words don't have meaning, only people do.

Yes there is cultural competent to class. Lower class people generally behave differently that middle and upper class people. But when you are struggling financially your behaviors and attitudes necessarily change and not always for the best. I know white folks are hooked up in ways that Black people are not. Even when I was in corporate America I never filled out a job application, beyond my first job, I was always hooked up by someone that knew me and my work. That someone was always white... Networks are important white folks naturally have large more powerful networks. My problem was that I, unnecessarily, limited my network to the Black community. That was a mistake on many levels. but you live, learn and made adjustments. Maybe that is what being American really means, working to embrace the broader community, which maximizes your potential for success.

As part of the on going AALBC.com upgrade effort. I've added a photo gallery to the website. Now a photo gallery is not a big deal to add to a site, but I've been hosting most of my photos on Facebook. Which at the time seemed like a good idea as I could tag people and they could like the photos. Today however I now this was a mistake because now (Jul 9, 2017) Facebook beats AALBC.com on a query I should own, "https://www.google.com/search?q=aalbc+photos." Given the photos I've added to Facebooks, and the lack of organized images on AALBC.com, Facebook should win. I added a Photo Gallery and have added almost 1,000 photos--today alone. I have thousand of more photos. Many of them were taken by my photographer friend, Marcia Wilson of WideVision Photography. We hope to be able to monetize these images by selling prints or digital rights. Ultimately I will delete all of the images from my Facebook page. Unfortunately, I still can't access my Facebook Fan page. It simply times out, There is a set of photos I need to download from Facebook, but I can't access it and I can't find a local copy... Hopefully I'll be able to retrieve those images. Gallery Index Black Pack Party 2017 (56 images) Brooklyn Book Festival 2016(69 images) Harlem Fete 2016 (5 images) Black Pack Party 2015 (18 images) Black-Pack-Party-2014 (41 images) Black Pack Party 2013 (39 images) Black Pack Party 2012(125 images) Black Pack Party 2011(110 images) National Black Book Festival 2010(83 images) Dripping Ink Photo Exhibition @AALBC(84 images) National Book Club Conference 2009(105 images) Black Pack Party & BEA 2009(118 images) Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival 2008(96 images)

The replacement I used for my commenting is called Hashover: http://tildehash.com/?page=hashover Surprisingly I actually getting far more comments than I did with Disqus. I know implementing the software will not be for everyone as it requires more intimate knowledge of and ability to manage one's website...