Troy

I was just thinking the same thing relative to Katrina and 911. Both seem a life time ago. It is hard to imagine Trump‘s presidencies feeling that way, but as ProfD wrote; The events of 911 created a great deal of patriotism many people flew American flags during that time. I’d imagine most FBAs were either directly effected or knew someone who is directly effected by both 911 and or Katrina.

I’m not sure what you guess are talking about, crime rates are down continuing a long term trend. Car thief is way down, more than other categories.

that is a myth generated during a time when we would rather be anything but African. Yep unfortunately that is the way it works. Ego do you think invented and promulgated idea of race? actually that is what YOU are doing by continuing to promote the white man’s idea of race. her is just one man, very powerful one, but just one man and far from representative of the generations of write people coming after him.

Pioneer even a cursory knowledge of American history tells you that race in America was about ancestry. This is a country where white men would rape their enslaved women then enslave their own children. It didn’t matter what they looked like. They were all treated as black. The whole notion of passing wouldn’t even be necessary, but in this country passing as a thing because again it being black is not about what you look like You heard of the man, Walter White he ran the NAACP for years. he is what you would call a White man but he was accepted in the black community as Black. He did have African ancestry. I think it was a grandmother or something. The way you choose to group people is at odds with the way they were grouped in this country for most of its existence. The concept of race needs to be put in the dust bin of history. The reality racism really is on its way out despite the media fixation on a relative handful of wing nuts

Maybe your data, indeed you consciousness, will end up in a digital repository and you will be effectively immortal. We will either live in a utopia or dystopia. The tech will make one of these outcomes possible. I doubt there will be anything in between.

Well one can do both contemplate mortality AND enjoy life. Well that one went over my head. Apparently Cynique, understood it was a joke given the emoji used.

@Pioneer1 I saw Moonlight. I did not think anything special about it. It was a film like Daughters of the Dust, which did not make the list a slow art film. I think the Matrix should have made the list as it was written by a Black woman who was robbed of credit. especially if you are gonna include films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. It is not clear how they have defined a "Black Movie." The Spike Lee joints are Black movies, many of these are just white movies with a Black actors. Roots belongs on the list to including films like Wild Style is just strange. I guess Roots was a mini series and does not qualify... but still Wild Style is grasping for straws

He seems like someone that might interest you. If you click the book cover, you will find an AI generated podcast that describes the book pretty well.

That thought occurred to me too. Wait, what? Do you mean "home" literally or metaphorically? @aka Contrarian if you get the answer please share. I think if we knew the answer, and if there was a chance things, would be better you'd have billions checking out within the year.

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:

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?

You can post it here or another discussion forms, or I can post it as an article linked to your webpage here on AALBC. In terms of the best way, it depends on what you mean by best. If I post it, it will probably look better. If you post to here more people will see it at least initially.

I have a few favorites off the top of my heard: Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed (1968) John Henrik Clarke - A Great and Mighty Walk

@richardmurray yes, the Association recognizes all types of booksellers. I'm a founding board member.

I just finished chapter #6 of Cosby's King of Ashes and it was one of the best chapters I've read in a book in a long time. King of Ashes S. A. Cosby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK BOOKSTORES OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES TO CHAMPION BLACK LITERARY CULTURE Sacramento, CA (August 4, 2025) — Inspired by the legacy of the country's first Black-owned bookstores and the remarkable individuals behind them, the official launch of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) took place today. As a first-of-its-kind national organization, NAB2 has been built to unify, elevate, and empower Black-owned bookstores across the country. NAB2 is a nonprofit collective created to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black culture by increasing the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores and booksellers. The organization represents a powerful step toward creating long-term infrastructure and collective advocacy for one of the most vital cultural cornerstones of Black America. “For decades Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation. Many of us have talked for years about the power of collective action and now, with the founding of NAB2 we have the ability to institutionalize policies and practices that will allow for the further growth and flourishing of these important institutions”— Blanche Richardson, Founding Board Member and Owner, Marcus Books The organization’s inaugural board includes trailblazers from some of the country’s most historic and impactful Black bookstores. Many of these are now being led by third, fourth and fifth generation family member bookstore owners including Marshall’s Music and Books (Jackson, MS), Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia, PA), Marcus Books (Oakland, CA), and Source Booksellers (Detroit, MI). NAB2’s multi-tiered membership model invites bookstore owners, professional booksellers, and at-large industry allies, authors, publishers, and distributors, to join in shaping a national agenda rooted in equity, culture, and commerce. “My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park. My involvement in the National Association of Black Bookstores is deeply personal. It’s a way for me to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, Founder, National Association of Black Bookstores. The core priorities of the organization are as follows: Elevating the Black bookstore community by offering professional resources, increased visibility, and a strong network of support; Expanding representation in the bookselling industry by supporting long-term financial sustainability and growth; Leveraging economies of scale to benefit both current and future Black bookstores and booksellers; Serving as a collective voice for Black bookstores through advocacy and public engagement; Educating the public about the rich history and enduring legacy of Black bookstores in America. Structured with a full board of directors, advisory board, and general membership body, NAB2 plans to convene virtually and in person throughout the year, with key events slated during Black Lit Weekend in New York (August 15–16) [sic] is incorrect; the event takes place in Newark, NJ from August 14–16. and the Sacramento Black Book Fair (September 12–13). For more information, to become a member, or to support NAB2, visit www.nab2.org or follow @nab2blk on social platforms. About the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) is the first and only national organization dedicated to empowering Black-owned bookstores and booksellers. Founded in 2025, NAB2 exists to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black cultural heritage by strengthening the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores across the United States. Through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and a unified membership network, NAB2 supports Black literary spaces as engines of community, commerce, and cultural change. Learn more at www.nab2.org and follow @nab2blk on social platforms. Media Contact: Pristina Alford Alford & Co. Public Relations pristina@alfordandco.com

By the way, anybody that worked the job long enough to retire from it and raise a family is not “lazy.” You are human. Many people have driven themselves to an early grave stressing over this thing or the other worrying about money keeping up with the Joneses stressing over what other people think of them. During one of my first jobs out of school, someone from the HR department told me that their pension fund was quite strong because the average retiree only collected a pension for four years. Even in my 20s that stat alarmed me. I felt like there had to be more to life than being some corporate tool. 30+years collecting a pension and living comfortably— That is great!

I Love You Am I the only one on this forum who has ever met you in person? I’m still kicking myself for not spending more time with you that evening in Chicago almost a decade ago. Even when this picture was taken, you had been participating on the forums for 12 years! I think you’re the only person here who has firsthand knowledge of that guy named Thumper. After more than two decades of participation, here I believe other than myself, you have the longest tenure of any active poster. In my opinion, you have enriched this forum in many ways and more than any other person. You also set the bar high demonstrating what a 90+ year old person can do when it comes to technology, writing, keeping up with pop culture, politics, and despite a little cynicism maintaining a sense of humor. It is hard to imagine how quickly time has flown by and how fleeting life is. Happy birthday!

This was in my inbox this afternoon: THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES (EVER) THE BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS LIST OF THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES EVER MADE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leading Black Film Critics and Entertainment Reporters Rank the Best Black Movies of All Time (KANSAS CITY, Mo. – August 5th, 2025) —Recently, several major outlets including The New York Times, RollingStone, Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB released lists celebrating the best films of the 21st century. One thing was missing from them all: the perspective of how Black people watch, celebrate, and create cinema. To address this gap, the Black Movie Hall of Fame (BMHOF) reached out to more than 40 of the world’s top Black film critics and entertainment reporters to rank the most important and influential Black films ever made. “Inspired by the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Movies list, this is our fresh take on some of the best movies ever made,” said Shawn Edwards, executive director of the Black Movie Hall of Fame and longtime film critic at WDAF (Fox 4 News – Kansas City).“What sets this list apart from others is that every film on the list is about the Black experience and curated entirely by Black film critics andentertainment journalists. It’s a list from a completely different perspective than you usually see.” This groundbreaking list was curated by a panel led by Edwards and included Gil Robertson (African American Film Critics Association), Aramide Tinubu (Variety), Lee Thomas (WJBK-TV in Detroit), Destiny Jackson (Deadline), Emmanuel Noisette (E-Man’s Reviews), Jasmine Simpkins (KTLA-TV in Los Angeles), Wilson Morales (BlackFilmandTV.com) and Kevin Frazier (Entertainment Tonight), along with dozens of other influential Black film critics and entertainment reporters from around the world. The 100 Best Black Movies Ever 1. “Malcolm X” (1992) 2. “Black Panther” (2018) 3. “Do The Right Thing” (1989) 4. "The Color Purple” (1985) 5. “Moonlight” (2016) 6. “Claudine” (1974) 7. “12 Years a Slave” (2013) 8. “Get Out” (2017) 9. “Sinners” (2025) 10. “Carmen Jones” (1954) 11. “Coming to America” (1988) 12. “Cooley High” (1975) 13. “Sounder” (1972) 14. “Hoop Dreams” (1995) 15. “Super Fly” (1972) 16. “Ray” (2005) 17. “OJ: Made in America” (2016) 18. “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” TV (1974) 19. “American Fiction” (2023) 20. “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) 21. “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” (1979) 22. “Shaft” (1971) 23. “Hidden Figures” (2016) 24. “Friday” (1995) 25. “Dreamgirls” (2006) 26. “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) 27. “The Five Heartbeats” (1991) 28. “I Am Not Your Negro” (2016) 29. “Watermelon Man” (1970) 30. “City of God” (2002) 31. “Glory” (1989) 32. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) 33. “Menace II Society” (1993) 34. “Tsotsi” (2005) 35. “The Emperor Jones” (1933) 36. “Eve’s Bayou” (1997) 37. “Lilies of the Field” (1963) 38. “Soul Food” (1997) 39. “Black Caesar” (1973) 40. "Selma” (2014) 41. “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986) 42. “Island in the Sun” (1957) 43. “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) 44. “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972) 45. “When We Were Kings” (1996) 46. “Love & Basketball” (2000) 47. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1993) 48. “The Mack” (1973) 49. “To Sleep With Anger” (1990) 50. “Within Our Gates” (1920) 51. “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” (1971) 52. “Set It Off” (1997) 53. “Waiting to Exhale” (1995) 54. “Straight Outta Compton” (2015) 55. “Blade” (1998) 56. “Devil in a Blue Dress” (1995) 57. “Sonkofa” (1993) 58. “Love Jones” (1997) 59. “A Rage in Harlem” (1991) 60. “A Soldier’s Story” (1984) 61. “A Dry White Season” (1989) 62. “Hollywood Shuffle” (1987) 63. “Black Orpheus” (1959) 64. “Stormy Weather” (1943) 65. “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988) 66. “Cabin in the Sky” (1943) 67. “The Exile” (1931) 68. “Rosewood” (1997) 69. “To Sir, With Love” (1967) 70. “New Jack City” (1991) 71. “House Party” (1990) 72. “The Green Pastures” (1936) 73. “Hotel Rwanda” (2004) 74. “Home of the Brave” (1949) 75. “Hallelujah!” (1929) 76. “Nothing But a Man” (1964) 77. “Purple Rain” (1984) 78. “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” (1999) 79. “Krush Groove” (1985) 80. “La haine” (1995) 81. “Sugar Cane Alley” (1983) 82. “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts” (2006) 83. “Touki Bouki” (1974) 84. “Juice” (1992) 85. “Uptown Saturday Night” (1974) 86. “Bamboozled” (2000) 87. “Killer of Sheep” (1977) 88. “Cotton Comes to Harlem” (1970) 89. “Paris is Burning” (1991) 90. “Daughters of the Dust” (1991) 91. “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” (1973) 92. “Battle of Algiers” (1966) 93. “Precious” (2009) 94. “Miracle in Harlem” (1948) 95. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967) 96. “Burning an Illusion” (1981). 97. “The Learning Tree” (1969) 98. “Wild Style” (1982) 99. “Black Girl” (1966) 100. “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) To view the full list of all 100 films, visit: https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/top100/. Fun Facts: The oldest movie on the list is “Within Our Gates” (1920). The newest movie on the list is “Sinners”(2025). Filmmaker Spike Lee directs the most titles on the list, with five films. Sidney Poitier stars in six titles—more than any other actor or actress. Denzel Washington appears in four titles, the second most of any actor. There are nine titles directed by women on the list. The list includes six documentaries. There are two animated films on the list. There are two made-for-television movies on the list. Euzhan Palcy is the only woman director with multiple titles (two) on the list. Melvin Van Peebles and Marion Van Peebles are the only father-son director duo with titles on the list. BLACK FILM CRITIC’S ‘TOP 10’ LISTS In addition to unveiling the 100 Best Black Movies of All Time, the Black Movie Hall of Fame engaged more than 40 of the world’s most influential Black film critics and entertainment reporters to share their top10 Black films. This extraordinary group of writers, journalists, and industry voices brings unique perspectives on the movies that have shaped culture and inspired generations. Each critic’s list reflects a personal connection to the stories, artistry, and impact of Black cinema. These curated selections highlight the diversity of experiences and tastes across the global Black film community. “I chose films that made me feel something in the reflection of my Blackness, and films that reminded me of the impact I have in this country, because of my Blackness,” explains Tyra Martin of WGN-TV. View each critic’s individual Top 10 list now at https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/the-critic-lists/. About the Black Movie Hall of Fame The Black Movie Hall of Fame was created to honor the pioneers of Black cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. The BMHOFwill feature interactive and traditional exhibits detailing the global history and impact of Black film. Its mission is to preserve and elevate the cultural significance of Black cinema and celebrate the storytellers who have shaped generations. The BMHOF will officially open on Saturday, February 28, 2026 with a star-studded gala. About Shawn Edwards Shawn Edwards is the longest running Black film critic on television. As a nationally recognized film and television reviewer for Fox 4 News in Kansas City, Missouri for the past 25 years he has won numerous national awards including Best TV Film Critic twice by the LA Press Club's National Entertainment Journalism Awards. Edwards co-founded the African American Film Critics Association in 2003. He is also currently serving his fourth term on the Board of the Critics Choice Association. Edwards created and executive produces "Celebration of Black Cinema and Television' in conjunction with the Critics Choice Association which premiered in 2014 in Los Angeles. The annual awards show airs nationally each February. Edwards began his producing career producing numerous TV shows and documentaries for FGW Productions and BlackTree TV, both based in Los Angeles in 2008. Edwards worked for Hidden Empire Film Group (“Traffik,” “Black and Blue,” “The Intruder” and “Fatale”), based in Los Angeles, as a Senior Marketing Specialist from 2016 to 2021. Currently Edwards is overseeing the creation of the Black Movie Hall of Fame which will be based in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, Missouri. The Hall of Fame, an idea Edwards created, will open in 2026 in the Boone Theater with Edwards functioning as its executive director. For more information or interview requests: Kamia Kindle | The Black Movie Hall of Fame Marketing Lead 816-272-1014 bmhfmarketing@gmail.com

Interestingly @Delano I just watched a movie called The Life of Chuck. It is an unusual film in which math is described in one scene and helped me understand your rankings. It was a good movie overall and I enjoyed it. Going back to your original question from the perspective of our perceived everyday reality matter is fundamental. Going beyond what we can perceive with our senses even when hyped up on Ayahuasca, who knows... even if we say information is the foundation where does it come from? You can infinitely regress asking these questions. Information may just be the foundation we are capable of conceiving.

Some feel that drugs like Ayahuasca, Psilocybin and even weed can help people have spiritual or transcendent experiences.

They are not separate, as all ADOS are Black. Our Brother, Howard French is ADOS, Black, and entitled to reparations the same as you or I. My bad. I meant, "At the end of the day, a person‘s so called race does not tell you anything about them."

You’re gonna have to do a little bit of elaboration for my benefit Del. what do you mean by quantum and information?

most of us ADOS are mixed with Caucasian… “Biracial” is an even more absurd construct, as it just compounds the problem of race. You cannot look at someone and tell that they are “biracial.” You recall the video of the twin girls, where one was what you would define as black and the other white — now it sounds like you would call them biracial, which is meaningless using your racial lens. At the end of the day, a person‘s phenotype does not tell you anything about them. You’ll learn more about a person,, understanding their ethnicity, which includes religion, language, culture… then there is class, nationality, age, shared history (enslavement), gender, sexual orientation, etc. The thickness of one’s lips has nothing to do with any of the above, unless someone decides that it matters for some reason, has the power to enforce it, and convinces others that it makes sense… sounds silly, but this is exactly what has happened.

My point is that without technology the planet's population would not have grown by 7 billion in past 300 years -- that includes the growth in the number of so-called white people too.