Troy

"We collectively reject the idea of exploiting this hot button issue, but instead are wholeheartedly COMMITTED TO USING THIS PROJECT TO INCITE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXR65h-zK50 From Actor Nate Parker: Family, Friends and Concerned Citizens, I’m reaching out to you to inform of a campaign I've launched aimed at addressing the crisis affecting black males across America. I was one of the many who tuned in two nights ago to witness the grave injustice hurled at Michael Brown’s family, loved ones and our community at large. I watched as the banner flashed across the TV screen exonerating Darren Wilson and I didn't flinch. The truth is, I knew when I visited Ferguson in September what the result would be. I knew outrage would follow. I knew the lifeless bodies of black men would continue to accumulate across America as we waited for the Justice System to remind us that black lives hold no value. The question that lingered in my mind as I witnessed Mike Brown’s body stretched facedown on the pavement, as I boarded my flight to Ferguson, as I heard the news of Ezell Ford, as I watched the video of John Crawford diving for cover, hear Eric Garner gasping for breath, Roshad McIntosh, LaQuan McDonald, VonDerrit Myers Jr., Cameron Tillman- and most recently Tamir Rice… That lingering question: What will I do? In response to this burning question, I contacted my friend and Academy-Award Nominee Amy Berg, a documentarian and truth teller committed to fighting injustice through her work. After intense strategizing, we have partnered, along with Award-Winning writer/director Matthew Cooke- to produce a documentary examining the Black Male Crisis that has become an epidemic in America. In this documentary we will explore the rampant dehumanization and criminalization of black males. We will highlight the patterns of this systemic device and how that pattern created fertile ground the Michael Brown tragedy and many others. Ferguson represents so many communities across America where the attack on black youth has further disrupted the possibility of racial harmony, further perpetuating the damaged relationship between black youth and police. In creating a documentary that analyzes and creates solution for the Black Male Crisis in America- specifically in Ferguson- we can start a movement throughout the country that brings people of all demographics together to address racial disparity and White supremacy. This is a time of great moral conflict, a conflict that needs the support of every able body to rectify. Join me in this journey. Your contribution and prayers will serve great purpose in preserving the lives of the most at risk human beings in our great country. Thank you all for your support! Nate Parker https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/american-race-a-film-on-the-black-male-crisis

"We collectively reject the idea of exploiting this hot button issue, but instead are wholeheartedly COMMITTED TO USING THIS PROJECT TO INCITE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXR65h-zK50 Family, Friends and Concerned Citizens, I’m reaching out to you to inform of a campaign I've launched aimed at addressing the crisis affecting black males across America. I was one of the many who tuned in two nights ago to witness the grave injustice hurled at Michael Brown’s family, loved ones and our community at large. I watched as the banner flashed across the TV screen exonerating Darren Wilson and I didn't flinch. The truth is, I knew when I visited Ferguson in September what the result would be. I knew outrage would follow. I knew the lifeless bodies of black men would continue to accumulate across America as we waited for the Justice System to remind us that black lives hold no value. The question that lingered in my mind as I witnessed Mike Brown’s body stretched facedown on the pavement, as I boarded my flight to Ferguson, as I heard the news of Ezell Ford, as I watched the video of John Crawford diving for cover, hear Eric Garner gasping for breath, Roshad McIntosh, LaQuan McDonald, VonDerrit Myers Jr., Cameron Tillman- and most recently Tamir Rice… That lingering question: What will I do? In response to this burning question, I contacted my friend and Academy-Award Nominee Amy Berg, a documentarian and truth teller committed to fighting injustice through her work. After intense strategizing, we have partnered, along with Award-Winning writer/director Matthew Cooke- to produce a documentary examining the Black Male Crisis that has become an epidemic in America. In this documentary we will explore the rampant dehumanization and criminalization of black males. We will highlight the patterns of this systemic device and how that pattern created fertile ground the Michael Brown tragedy and many others. Ferguson represents so many communities across America where the attack on black youth has further disrupted the possibility of racial harmony, further perpetuating the damaged relationship between black youth and police. In creating a documentary that analyzes and creates solution for the Black Male Crisis in America- specifically in Ferguson- we can start a movement throughout the country that brings people of all demographics together to address racial disparity and White supremacy. This is a time of great moral conflict, a conflict that needs the support of every able body to rectify. Join me in this journey. Your contribution and prayers will serve great purpose in preserving the lives of the most at risk human beings in our great country. Thank you all for your support! Nate Parker https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/american-race-a-film-on-the-black-male-crisis

This skit was not about spiking a woman drink. Del do you really believe there is a connection between this routine and Cosby's "alleged" rapes? I guess you believe Bill is a serial rapist. There are people in jail for who never raped anyone but were accused of doing it just once. How could this man have raped so many people and never even go to court, let alone jail? What changed why has this now become an issue, in the media, after so many years? Did a payoff check bounce? Was it the book's publication?

"...while you're fellowshipping with the Klan..." LOL! Cynique when was the last time the Klan put a cross on someone's lawn? The point I'm trying to make is that the media is doing us a tremendous disservice. They widely reported, speculated and circulated rumors. "Allegedly" means nothing to people, all the noise on Twitter and Facebook, where all these rumors circulate like wildfire does not say allegedly--not that it would make a difference. At least I know where the Klan stands. That Youtube video does not count as "the media." I'm talking about the Fox News, and CNNs of the world. The alternative would be for the media to do the best they can to report the truth (actual facts they can substantiate). That is information we need and can. Prior to the release of the transcript too many of us believed the young man was holding both hands up trying to surrender and was gunned down by a white racist cop who wanted nothing more than to kill a Black man, now that I heard more of the story the whole situation is not nearly as cut and dried. But emotions have been inflamed, Sharpton has been unleashed, people have been tear gassed and arrested, and business have been lost. I think the media bears much of the responsibility, due to their irresponsible reporting.

This Klan leader's view of the mainstream media mirrors my own As reprehensible as I find the KKK history of violence and against Black people, I'd trust them more than I would mainstream media.

Alex Poucher, a heavily involved member of Anonymous, sat down with Frank Ancona, Imperial Wizard of the Traditional American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan this Sunday. The two groups- Anonymous and the KKK- have had a feud over the last month regarding how to respond to action in Ferguson. Following the release of a controversial flyer by the KKK, Anonymous members took over the KKK's national Twitter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onuMdF-iJIE Steven Colbert is really very silly, but at least he has a platform to highlight Toni Morrison, and bring here to a wide audience something Black people don't have, really. The last time I saw Morrison was at the 2013 National Book Awards where she honored Maya Angelou. Maya would transition less than 6 months later. We got a chance to take a selfie :-)

This video stands in sharp contrast to the fanning the flames, sensationalism chasing journalism promulgated by the likes of CNN. Regardless of the verdict, which was not a surprise to me, there is clearly a problem in America as she relates to Black people. A solution will have to begin with some semblance of committed solidarity (and I don't mean just Black people) Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening.

#FergusonSpeaks As law enforcement officials and national media gear up for a St Louis County Grand Jury’s announcement as to whether it will levy charges against Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson for the August 9th shooting of Michael Brown Jr., activists have issued a 9 minute video communiqué providing an intimate look at the climate on the ground. The video communiqué displays a cross section of the myriad groups activated in the region and includes exclusive footage of Vonderrit Meyers Sr., Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III, celebrated artist and HandsUpUnited.org cofounder Tef Poe, Taurean Russell, Lost Voices organizer Low Key, Millennial Activists United co-creator Ashley Yates, activist and Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams, Damon Davis -- a volunteer with The Don’t Shoot Coalition, Canfield Watchmen founder David Whitt, as well as local Ferguson business managers. Viewers are encouraged to tweet, share, and embed the video using the accompanying hashtag #FergusonSpeaks—extended raw clips of each of the video’s subjects are available upon request.

Del at the time I did not think hip-hop would go global either, but then I had no real framework to appreciate how corporations could capitalize and exploit it. Chris I could not disagree with your professor more. His assumption is that spoken word artists do not understand poetic form. That is what we call stereotyping. I actually doubt, Chris, that you understand how I feel about rap music. Lumping me in with your professor tells me that. Just because I don't consider myself a disciple of hip-hop, and I don't really like much of the popular rap music out today, does not mean that I dislike all rap or that I think rap artist have no musical ability. My feelings are much more nuanced, not stereotypical. Part of the problem in America is that Black people's art is often thrust into a tiny box, stereotyped. If you are Black and write about an urban setting, you are automatically a street/urban/hip-hop author. That designation brings in a ton of baggage, most of it not good. Indeed, the same is true for being a African-American author, who writes about Black characters. The mainstream culture puts you into a category that means only Black people will like you books (read: it won't make any money). It is only interesting if it talks about dysfunction, crime, slavery, etc The only reason what we call "hip-hop" has gone global is because of corporations. Hip-hop has become a corporate tool. Corporations are the primary beneficiaries. Most of the brothers and sisters who originated this thing you call hip-hop are not benefiting from it financially, nor are the vast majority of devotees. You give hip-hop a lot of credit for doing things that I would assert have been done previously under another name. Del, Public enemy was a very powerful force back with hip-hop was a reaction to an oppressive culture. Today hi-hop is a tool an oppressive culture. No I did not expect hip-hop to go global, but I also could not have imaged that the most popular music would be riddled with the n-word and use bitch and ho like they were terms of endearment, but then I had no framework on just how corporations operate.

Bill is not speaking on the allegations it because; (A) He is guilty or; (B ) He is innocent. Either way he gains nothing other than opening the door to more negative questioning about his sex life, family, etc, etc. I think the the officer in Ferguson case will walk, otherwise they would have made the announcement by now. The only reason to delay the announcement until 9 p.m. CST tonight it to mobilize forces. The family has already been informed of the verdict. It is fascinating to observe the "news" outlets frantically position themselves two be the 1st two announce the results of the ‪‎Ferguson‬ verdict. Search engine and social media optimized, stories ready to go--anxiously awaiting to pull the trigger (pardon the pun). Marion Barry did indeed pass. He was loved by the people. DC will probably never see another Major like him. No major city will. I think it was criminal the way they set him up years ago. But they do that to us all the time, don't they?. R.I.P. Mayor B.

The producers of the show would absolutely have Obama if he would show up. The rating would go through the roof! I agree the show would be beneath Obama's dignity. Tavis, in his prime, was arguably the most distinguished Black journalist we had. I thought dancing with the stars was beneath Tavis, but obviously I was wrong.

As an individual, in the short term, I would lose time time, energy and money. Collectively, we lose our in independence. It is the last reason that concerns me the most. Individually I can use strategies that benefit me. Collectively I'm pretty helpless. I can share articles like the one above. I can talk to people. I can become the anti-social media nut no one wants to be around, but if we (content providers) all turn to social media as our primary internet presence we all lose, not just us content providers, but the readers. When we relinquish control of what is seen, by depending corporate controlled social media, only interested in showing what is profitable, we all lose.

Yo Del Happy Belated Birthday Man! Chris I'm not surprised the 2nd song it more popular. It has a more engaging flow. I have no problem understanding the lyrics. Again, as you suggested "better" is subjective. I'm not sure the problem is equal playing time. If I were to extend your book analogy, that would mean I could sell more copies of Toni Morrison's Beloved simply by promoting it more. My experience tells me something different. Often books that sell best on my site are books I was completely unfamiliar with, and not promoting at all. Usually they are not of the caliber of a Toni Morrison novel. Sure after I discover them, through sales I may begin to promote it and ride the wave. People buy what they enjoy. Rational vendors promote what whats poppin' Sometimes you have people like me who push products I think are important for people to consume, knowing darn well there will be fewer takers. We are mission as well as profit driven. But you make less money that way. Ultimately as all sellers focus on what is most popular, everything else gets crowded out. We are seeing this in the book world as we lose platforms. This happened to rap music a Long time ago.

Cynique, OK I'll cut Tavis some slack, as I did not appreciate the nature of the program. Thanks for that. If Barack Obama, after he was out of office for a few years, went on the show as a contestant; how would you feel about that?

A Black man's view of Daniel Handler's Racist Remarks During the National Book Awards. The idea that when I search for Jacqueline Woodson and National Book Awards I don't get information about her accomplishment first, I get news about the "Racist" comments made by the night's MC Daniel Handler (of Lemony Snicket fame). I was at the event it was a sea of white folks. All of the people who were so bent out of shape about the stupid joke could care less that there were virtually no Black people in the audience, at arguably the most prominent book event of the year. Of course the media could care less about us and utilized tremendous energy talking about Daniel's joke rather than coveraging the finalists like Fred Moten and Claudia Rankine. The Black media was just missing in action. And of course social media colludes by serving up the dirt rather than the substance. Meanwhile Black people, clueless, obediently go right to work in service of the corporate machine, feeding into the social media frenzy by commenting and sharing information that is factually incorrect with the requisite faux outrage. All of this results in enriching the social media platforms while diminishing our collective profile. My video of Woodson in two days received 264 views, while a video of Handlers watermelon joke bootlegged from another source gets 10K views in one day. If I was smart I would have just promote the watermelon joke and not the award recipients. Actually if I were smart I'd stop trying to promote books and Black culture altogether. But just when I'm ready to throw in the towel I get an encouraging message from someone who lets me know there are still people who find value in what I'm trying to do. In reaction, to my list of Black National Book Award finalists, someone emailed me saying: Hi Troy, I think serious readers, book groups and literary people, especially those that embrace black literature, want and need these kind of data to keep them hopeful and encouraged. As an avid reader, writer, reviewer, book club member, and researcher, I and others appreciate your contributions and attention to our literature. Our literature matters, is a vital part of American and international history and culture. Keep up the good work. We can't mount a defense, much less and offensive if we don't even recognize when we are being stomped into the ground. Peace, Troy

Chris the panel appeared to have a good mix of people. I was able to find the original flyer below. It definitely was a social media love fest. I expected to gain more insight into social media. I was not expecting a full on sales pitch fr social media. I did not even stay to network afterwards, very disappointing evening...

I think I see the difference in our opinions Chris, what you see as permeation I see as sellin' out. What you see as influence I view as co-optation. To a casual observer the distinction means little, but to me it means everything in the world. The hip-hop of my day was not a tool of corporate America it was instead a direct reaction to oppression. Seen?

Chris I did not know he was doing this until after it was all over. Once I heard about it, my curiosity got the best of me. The video above and one other are the only two I've watched of the program. Again, as I suggested in the other post, clearly represents Tavis Smiley's jumping the shark moment. No I don't view him as seriously as I once did. And no I can't blame hm for getting a check. Though if I were prominent enough to be asked I definitely would not do it unless I was hard up for cash--even then I would seriously consider it. My focus on Tavis, as of late, has been on learning the status of his publishing company, Smileybooks. I put a lot of effort into promoting that business. and attended the launch party. Today I can't get anyone to tell me what happened to the business. Tavis has not replied to my email. Perhaps he is too busy dancing with the stars. OK maybe I should not be joking about Tavis so much.

Here is Jacqueline Woodson's acceptance speech for winning the award. The night's MC was vilified in social media for racists remarks here is my take on what was said. Perhaps needless to say, my take differs greatly from what was written on social media, mostly by people who ever not even there.

I have not see this new show. The clip below looked so painfully corny I could not finish watching even 4 minutes. Why these people have a problem with the show completely escapes me. But trying to reason with Christians about their religion is a waste of time. If their Bible tells them their God's Son Jesus is white; it is pointless to argue. Many people who believe this are also Black. I wouldn't waste my time getting bent out of shape about it.

Chris I agree with most of what you wrote above. I recall hearing Talib say he does not want to be considered a "conscious rap artist." I forget his reasoning, perhaps he did not want to be put in a box. I suspect once you are considered "conscious" that means you are not gonna make any money, because you are no longer commercial. Like selling Black books, you aspire to be a "conscious" rapper it because it is important, not because you wanna become wealthy. But most people, including rappers, "jess gots to get paid." Besides what conscious rap artist is current enjoying commercial success, or has a top record? Has there been a conscious rap group whose music you'd actually play at a party since Arrested Development? I think the reason for this is that all the conscious rappers just are not very good compared to the TI's and LIttle Waynes. If you don't have a bagin' beat as a rap artist you are basically done. At least a signer can create music with their voice. You need the music. The lyrics are secondary, always have been... even from the beginning of hip-hop. Combine a dope beat with great lyrics and you've got a hit.

Well at least Buster is getting paid even though he has "Jumped the Shark." Speaking of jumping the shark as anyone peeped Tavis Smiley on Dancing With the Stars?

Oh the humanity! Why, Tavis why!? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6COpmxyEA0A When did the brother get so fat? OK if they offered me money to prance around in a wig, I probably do it too, but I don't have any money. But if I were a Tavis Smiley there is no way in hell I would do this unless I really needed money. It has simply been fascinating watching Al Sharpton go from Morton Downey to the White House while Tavis goes from respected journalist to Dancing with the Stars. Then again who ever thought Bill Cosby would be accused of rape by 15 different women.

Social Media Bots Offer Phony Friends and Real Profit "...a giant pyramid scheme has emerged on social media, where fake friends now command real money." Earlier in the year I attended a presentation given by Black Enterprise (BE). BE is a publication I respect and have supported for many years, I sold countless subscriptions to the magazine for years, though not as many in the last few years. I also subscribed myself, though not currently. BE held a presentation on social media in which they touted the benefits of using the major social media platform to promote your business. I'm already a bit tight because I feel BE should be promoting the Black owned social media platforms, that are are struggling (like the vast majority of Black platforms online). But I decided to go figuring I might learn something of relevance to me as a Black entrepreneur. During the QA I suggested social media might not be as beneficial as the panelist were making it out to be. One Brother on the panel said he "rejected" my supposition. Unfortunately, it was his show and I was not given an opportunity to elaborate or respond. At any rate, it dawned on me that I may as well have been at Facebook or Twiiter given his reaction. I was disappointed because naively I was thinking the presentation would be more centered on benefiting Black entrepreneurs rather than promoting corporate social media platforms. At any rate, BE is not not unique; few in the Black community seem to truly appreciate what is going on in with social media, and are still touted it as the best thing that has happened for us since emancipation. The majority community however is all over it. Perhaps one day the Black community to catch up and do something about it. Better yet we will stop falling for the okey doke, hook line and sinker... everytime.