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Being Black in America entails navigating a complex landscape shaped by historical legacies, systemic inequalities, and pervasive stereotypes. Persistent racial disparities manifest across various domains, including education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice. Moreover, the social fabric is marred by pervasive racial stereotypes and microaggressions. The psychological toll of navigating a society that often undermines the capabilities and worth of Black individuals is profound. Systemic racism, embedded in policies and institutions, further reinforces these negative perceptions. But what defines Blackness? There’s light-skinned and dark-skinned, house negroes and field negroes, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois, and spiritual and trifling; across the diaspora, the divide is wide yet, we are still unified as we all seek that one common goal of equality and a satisfying life. While progress has been made, the road to racial equity is long and arduous. Advocacy, education, and policy reforms are essential to dismantle the structural barriers that impede the full realization of opportunities and equality for Black Americans. Addressing these obstacles requires a collective effort to challenge ingrained prejudices, dismantle systemic racism, and build a more just and inclusive society. These short essays are designed to focus on the paradigms that signify what it means to being Black (in America). Our multi-faceted successes are on full display as this book will take you on a journey that begat on August 20, 1619, when “20 and odd” Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, arrived in the British colony of Virginia and are then bought by English colonists, to the present-day idealism of wokeness. How much did that purposeful disconnection from our African roots affect us and are we a new breed of people ever since the horrors of The Middle Passage? Does our Blackness harm us? If so, then how can we transpose that ‘curse’ and have it benefit us in education, wealth, religion, health, sports and every other facet of life? For more info: https://www.mafoombay.com/

Book Review Request Author: Marcus A Nelson Release Date: November 1, 2021 Category: Dystopian Thriller http://www.nickrhymer.com Sound was the only element that could save mankind; Straffe knew it and young Nick controlled it, so with the world at the height of its maliciousness, Straffe set out to enlist this boy wonder in hopes to bring about peace. Yet Nick had other plans. Post-apocalyptic, Nick’s hearing is impeccable. Sheltered from the outside woes, he grew up in front of his window listening, mimicking and perfecting all the sounds he heard. Soon, he mastered manipulating insects, animals and eventually people through this new found skill. Finally, he ventured outdoors and took the world’s evils to another level. “Can’t you see I set you free!? I brought you to the light?!” - his signature tune. Becoming world famous for his auditory skills, he held concerts, invoking the crowds into murderous frenzies while impacting the world with a level of cruelty unforeseen. Though his part in the travesties of mankind was just as heinous, Straffe was determined to set things right and knew there was only one way to stop Nick’s rule.

Two and a half years, Americans were left toiling, unlawfully – like slaves. 30 months in a timeless zone of what they knew; what they were. Extracted and uprooted by the thousands, for this very purpose, to Western Texas, far from justice and away from humanity. But for now, forget the ones that survived, for some died not knowing they were free, not knowing their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren have survived their plight. Read more... http://www.mafoombay.com/juneteenth-june-19th-1865/

I used to believe it was a choice but now I've come to realize that there are too many outside factors that influence us. The nature/nurture argument is real and as a result, are we really making a decision or is it our instinct and learning directing our path? Between 'triggers' alerting our sub-conscious and our innate survival instinct, a 'choice' sometimes is just a fulfillment to survive - hence escapism. We need to better learn how to control our control-ables i.e what we eat, read, experience, etc. and through those methods extend our breaking point threshold or destroy it all together. But what's ironic, the more you learn and experience, especially from a Black perspective, you may decrease or become numb to triggers that affect your psyche but that light at the end of the tunnel gets smaller and smaller...

So now what? We spent our money in support of an African based film; shattering records and propelling Africanism into the global equation. Our consumer aspect has always been evident but the display of unity was something new. Your Black card is revoked; I’ve seen facebook friends de-friend friends who haven’t seen it. Kente cloths in 3D. Dashikis at matinees. Busuutis at the concession stand. The display of pride was unprecedented… But how can we change this into a movement? The beginning of something big. Is it possible? Or was the display ‘for entertainment purposes only.’ One of the hardest conditions Blacks have been battling to overcome is support for one another. Black businesses struggle because we don’t want to see each other get ahead. Mainly because we each know how difficult it is to achieve so when we witness success we delegitimize the hard work – drug money, inheritance, etc. anything not including diligence. Since most of us work “twice as hard” we feel it’s unfair that one succeeds and not the other. Jealousy plays a large role as well as a systemic psychosis. We HAVE to overcome this. Knowing your role is key. Not everyone can be a business owner, a doctor, a lawyer or a professional athlete. But we all can be a conscientious consumer and support one another. When one succeeds, we all succeed. And we love spending money. By far the most giving race in America, we save less and spend more than any other group of people across the planet. ‘Keeping up with the Joneses,’ is another problem imbedded in our communities. We’re inundated with consumerism and we succumb. Gucci, Prada, Benzs, Lexuses, etc. all while struggling to make ends meet. It’s the American way and we so desperately want to be included – …and integration has failed the Black Progress. When we couldn’t, we gathered in churches and neighbors homes to plan and plot a movement. We stayed angry but used that irascibility constructively, building pride and unity. i.e. Wakanda. Colonizers didn’t want anything to do with us but as soon as they witnessed our strengths, they used integration for their advantage. The Negro League flourished until Jackie Robinson integrated MLB. And once done, the top stars of the Negro League followed suit to prove to the world that they were just as good, resulting in the inevitable demise of the Negro League. In all fields, our best and brightest, through integration, became determined to show their worth and would ultimately leave behind a community that was in desperate need of their talents. Whether in housing, education, professional fields, entertainment, this tactic depleted our development, setting us back for many years to come. So why Black Panther and not Birth of a Nation? Why support a fantasy hero and not a real one? I, for one, love history and I receive strength and inspiration from my fore-bearers but I can understand Blacks being tired of seeing one another in chains, being beaten, submissive and “weak.” But we can’t build a nation without knowing our past, becoming intimate with our struggles and acceding to our desires to be accepted. That pain hurts but we mustn’t look away but instead face it as a triumphant step into us becoming more focused on our future. But maybe it was the positive light that we were cast in. Kings, queens, scientists, warriors, inventors and unified beyond belief. Maybe that’s what we needed to see in order to become more great. Maybe, just maybe, if we start promoting and distributing these types of successes, we will continue to be on board and start building towards something special. So now there’s an appeal to all artists – painters, rappers, authors, singers, athletes and actors to now showcase positivity and distribute that new light amongst our race. Change the stigma of “Black” so we’ll support not just Black Panther but Black Doctor, Black Lawyer, Black Business Owner and Black Citizen. Once something is proven that it can be done, then: it must be done.

And don't forget Anakin Skywalker. His backstory made you appreciate who he became. Never a Star Wars fan but his character development was extra special...

For me, I've learned to never fault someone for their fate (decision) - for reaching their breaking point; I'm just thankful that I haven't reached mine...

T’Challa v Killmonger Good v Evil But who’s who? T’Challa, as king, is fated with protecting Wakanda, the land he rules. It’s customs, its peoples and most important, its resources primarily vibranium. This resource is the most powerful metal on the planet and as a result has transformed the kingdom he inherited into the most advanced technological civilization known to man. He’s ruler of the most dominant nation on earth albeit secretively as part of his protective plan is to keep this resource entirely within his nation. Killmonger, through events, is a native to Wakanda and feels that its his birth nation’s duty to utilize this powerful resource to conquer the world that has betrayed and second class citizen’ed not just him but all people who are descendants of the African continent. And Killmonger has a point. Here you have a nation with the ability to change the landscape of the entire planet. Utilize their resource to maintain unilateralism of economic, social, military and ethical rights. Usurp authority and ensure that equalities on all fronts are achieved on a global level. Equalities rooted in happiness. IF, that was his motivation. But he wanted revenge. He was corrupted by the ills of the world and received the short end of the stick, all of which Wakanda has the power to correct. His source was negativity and a quest for domination. And that was his mistake. And it’s not that he should be faulted; he was a product of his environment. A man (any person) can only take so much and will ultimately display the qualities of their oppressor. But two wrongs don’t make a right and his quest was subjected in self satisfaction. And although T’Challa began to use his nation’s resources to better the world near the end, was it necessary? Why does Wakanda have to be the governor of all nations? It was already proven that with just a little taste of the power of Wakanda’s most prized resource, “colonizers” couldn’t handle it. Imagine on a larger scale! But… Similar to the ‘America First’ tactic of modern day America, selfishness is never a good trait to behold. It’s bad energy. Negative energy. And like all great civilizations, they come to pass and that stinginess won’t be forgotten. And no matter how intelligent, sophisticated or advanced a nation becomes, it’s still a creation of its citizens and if those persons do not follow the law of energy, compassion, empathy and service, then that nation will fall. And true power is good. Infinite positive energy in all its forms. But without adversity how can you succeed rightfully? How can you discern good from evil? There has to be a common ground, a point before breaking, that leaves you thirsty for change balanced with a strong sense of integrity. A trait Erik lost somewhere between Oakland and his Motherland. And how severe can the pain of oppression be that he chose to be ‘buried in the ocean with his ancestors who jumped from ships cause they knew death was better than bondage.’ His life sacrificed to invoke the seriousness of his devotion into T’Challa in hopes that the king will take action. Most Blacks, at least the ones I associate with, understand Killmonger’s motives and can sympathize with him, but we don’t seek domination or retribution. We still have our integrity in tact. We desire the oppression to end and social justice to become primary but not at the expense of becoming an Oppressor. We just want right. Freedom. Equality. And opportunity. We want a Wakanda to exist in reality so that it can prove to the world that Africans can produce great things when fortuity is awarded. For more thought provoking op-eds, please visit: www.mafoombay.com

Unfortunately there aren't and maybe my optimism is 'a little' too (optimistic) but from my experience working in B&N, kids aged up to 12 (13 - 17 was YA) reacted to books by themes. If the cover was funny, they laughed, sports related they'd look for common ground, etc. and that stokes my belief of race not being a factor. I even look at the cover of the Dork Diary you have above and can see a Black boy and that wouldn't affect a child's decision to be attracted to it. As long as it's not racially motivated, the 'races' can be interchanged. And I combine that with the fact that at that age group, most if not all parents are happy and excited that their child is motivated to read recreationally. It's a win-win. I'd love to see an author do that, cross the borders and see if it's possible. I thought James Patterson was going to do it when he started his YA series, piggy backing off of his Alex Cross series, but he didn't. I do believe it's possible...

I think Ezra Jack Keats did a terrific job with his books of African-American leads. The Snowy Day is an all-time classic across all races and "Peter's" race is never mentioned. Although it's for younger than YA, he did it and was extremely successful. I'd consider Dork Diaries pre-YA, ages 9-13, and there are other series like Captain Underpants, Roald Dahl's books and even the Ramona series that could've been just as successful with Black leads. I think the Hardy Boys could've been Black! I can't think of a series that has tried this but I do believe it's possible for the pre-teen reader.

Wow! Every man should read this with shame; every woman with pride. I can count on one hand the number of books that changed my viewpoint and altered my thinking on a subject I felt I knew extensively - The Civil Rights Movement. In response to the #metoo awareness, I wanted to find a read that was geared towards the topic of abuse, rape, degradation and the defilement of women. I had previously read “Women who run with wolves,” so that's where I started my search. A great book, but I wanted something different. And different I found (thanks Goodreads). read more... purchase

For kids in that age group, I don't think it matters. The key is marketing. Kids are attracted, more so than adults, to themed covers, exciting colors and the facial expressions of the characters so I believe the ethnicity of the person on the cover doesn't matter. THEN, together with their parents, they'll read what it's about and if it's interesting they'll go for it. This series is/was extremely popular and I do believe that if the characters were Black, it would have been just as successful IF, as Black subjects, the series would have been marketed just the same. Basically, you can have Black characters just don't have racially charged themes..

It at least brought back memories, you spelled it the same way my grandmother used to pronounce it!

I edited it and added the links. And yes, he had a few pics and I actually added a link to the author's website you can check out. Thanks for the tips!

Every now and then you find a hidden gem. A piece of history you had no idea existed or even thought to think it would. A Black man becoming a millionaire in Russia? During Jim Crow? When the south became too much to bear, Frederick Bruce Thomas migrated to the Midwest in search of escape and a better life. Settling in Chicago and Brooklyn, he worked as a waiter and sometimes cook before heading to London seeking more freedom. And as fate would have it, he ventured to Russia and while many of his fellow dark-skinned Americans were being lynched and terrorized, he was able to amass a fortune and lifestyle no one could have imagined. Once settled in Russia, away from the racism of America, he renamed himself Fyodor Fyodorovich Tomas, became a Russian citizen and utilizing his penchant for hard work and talents he learned waiting in restaurants, became one of the nation’s richest and most famous owners of theaters and restaurants. Like many other citizens, The Bolshevik Revolution ruined his businesses and barely escaping with his life and a few dollars in his pockets, he escaped to nearby Turkey where he again re-utilizing his skills and had a second run at success in Constantinople becoming ‘the sultan of jazz,’ introducing this new musical art-form to the nation. But American racism and xenophobia crept in and unfortunately he was unable to escape these unfortunate times being embraced throughout the world. A remarkable hidden story of rags to riches to ruin that has escaped the mainstream but should definitely be told to display the ‘success against all odds’ especially during arguable the world’s most tumultuous timeline. More info: http://www.valexandrov.com/summary/ To purchase: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-black-russian-vladimir-alexandrov/1112319054?ean=9780802122292 My full review: http://www.mafoombay.com/the-black-russian-vladimir-alexandrov/ http://www.mafoombay.com Fascinating to say the least.

You may say...BUT, look at the pushback he's receiving from trying to put forth his agenda - travel ban, healthcare, or pretty much anything he's attempting. Only through executive order has he "succeeded" at anything. His Supreme Court pick only sailed through not because of him but as a result of the process. The GOP I liken to a cornered animal. They fight hardest when adversed with death. Now do we kill it or are we frightened away.... Racism will never be eradicated but the true method to defeat any societal ill is SUCCESS. Teach smarts, teach pride, teach respect. This may be 2017 but we must make sure it's not 2018, 2019, 2020, etc. I'm up for the challenge to defeating the right wing agenda, are you? Bringing forth the essence...

Store Manager/training manager. Yes, it affected B&N tremendously, same effect, but they've adapted; incorporating toys & games, restaurants, community outreach, etc. but unfortunately it's a struggle for them to stay afloat. Big Box retailing is declining...

Habit. I worked for B&N for 15 years.

Do you know the circumstances? Convicted of the murder of a state trooper in 1973, Joanne Chesimard was sentenced to life in prison; no parole. She escaped in 1979, fled to Cuba and has lived there in exile ever since. But first, who was Ms. Chesimard? Born during Jim Crow (having to witness overt segregation, separate but ‘equal’ laws, the disparity in wages, earnings gaps between whites and blacks, having to live in government formed dilapidated ghettos, etc.), she grew up destined to be a part of the Black Liberation Movement of the Sixties (She was choice-ed with non-violence but deciding to not not fight back if someone spits in her face was too much to consider, she chose the BLM). A rebel. What citizen of the United States is against the desire or the necessity to fight back against a system that is against you? Taxation without Representation. She joined the Black Panther Party and immediately a target was placed on her back. Assata Shakur Speaks! After her arrest for cop killing, she was formally charged in a slew of pending cases including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, bank robbery and kidnapping; receiving either an acquittal or dismissal on all charges. All after Angela Davis won her trial (The Morning Breaks), so imagine the temperature in desiring a conviction for a militant Black woman – yet she prevailed. Now her being a target was confirmed with the FBI’s COINTELPRO information regarding the ‘take down’ of the ‘terrorist’ organization – The Black Panther Party. Remember, the BPP was formed to protect Black neighborhoods and its citizens from the occupying force of police departments. They used laws (carry permits and open carry displays of weapons) and weren’t afraid to die for freedom. Shootouts became common between The Panthers and the police so that night on the NJ Turnpike, a violent confrontation was sure to occur. One trooper and one Panther was left dead. Officer Harper was wounded as well as Ms. Chesimard and he stated, on the record, that it was she that wounded him, which strengthened the case for her conviction. But forensics determined that she could not have shot him as there was no gun powder residue found on her hands and the gunshot injuries she received were consistent with her being seated and having her hands raised and her injury prevented her from being able to pull a trigger. Officer Harper then admitted to the jury that he lied (all of this is in the transcript). So why was she convicted? An all-white jury convened solely by the prosecution. Being a Black Panther – the #1 organization on the FBI’s hitlist. She beat the system 6 times previous. Outspoken against the government, especially Vietnam. Media assassination with false imagery and public sway towards conviction. And being Unapologetically Black. Now this country was formed under a rebellious spirit. Oppressed by Britain we fought for freedom. Who can honestly concede that that freedom includes Blacks? Through slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation, who can honestly say that Blacks did not have/does not have the right to demand equality? The term Civil Rights has become a noun but its essence of seeking rights that are civil should not be overlooked. Rights that are civil… If you can’t empathize with Assata’s plight, her story, you can’t empathize with the Black struggle. If you haven’t read her story, the transcripts of the case or understood the era (error) that led up to that night on the turnpike, you’re ignorance and lack of desire to gain knowledge is part of the hinderance to eradicating racism in America. If all you conclude is – ‘she killed a cop.’ – you do not understand… www.mafoombay.com - bringing forth the essence...

Do you know the circumstances? Convicted of the murder of a state trooper in 1973, Joanne Chesimard was sentenced to life in prison; no parole. She escaped in 1979, fled to Cuba and has lived there in exile ever since. But first, who was Ms. Chesimard? Born during Jim Crow (having to witness overt segregation, separate but ‘equal’ laws, the disparity in wages, earnings gaps between whites and blacks, having to live in government formed dilapidated ghettos, etc.), she grew up destined to be a part of the Black Liberation Movement of the Sixties (She was choice-ed with non-violence but deciding to not not fight back if someone spits in her face was too much to consider, she chose the BLM). A rebel. What citizen of the United States is against the desire or the necessity to fight back against a system that is against you? Taxation without Representation. She joined the Black Panther Party and immediately a target was placed on her back. Assata Shakur Speaks! After her arrest for cop killing, she was formally charged in a slew of pending cases including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, bank robbery and kidnapping; receiving either an acquittal or dismissal on all charges. All after Angela Davis won her trial (The Morning Breaks), so imagine the temperature in desiring a conviction for a militant Black woman – yet she prevailed. Now her being a target was confirmed with the FBI’s COINTELPRO information regarding the ‘take down’ of the ‘terrorist’ organization – The Black Panther Party. Remember, the BPP was formed to protect Black neighborhoods and its citizens from the occupying force of police departments. They used laws (carry permits and open carry displays of weapons) and weren’t afraid to die for freedom. Shootouts became common between The Panthers and the police so that night on the NJ Turnpike, a violent confrontation was sure to occur. One trooper and one Panther was left dead. Officer Harper was wounded as well as Ms. Chesimard and he stated, on the record, that it was she that wounded him, which strengthened the case for her conviction. But forensics determined that she could not have shot him as there was no gun powder residue found on her hands and the gunshot injuries she received were consistent with her being seated and having her hands raised and her injury prevented her from being able to pull a trigger. Officer Harper then admitted to the jury that he lied (all of this is in the transcript). So why was she convicted? An all-white jury convened solely by the prosecution. Being a Black Panther – the #1 organization on the FBI’s hitlist. She beat the system 6 times previous. Outspoken against the government, especially Vietnam. Media assassination with false imagery and public sway towards conviction. And being Unapologetically Black. Now this country was formed under a rebellious spirit. Oppressed by Britain we fought for freedom. Who can honestly concede that that freedom includes Blacks? Through slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation, who can honestly say that Blacks did not have/does not have the right to demand equality? The term Civil Rights has become a noun but its essence of seeking rights that are civil should not be overlooked. Rights that are civil… If you can’t empathize with Assata’s plight, her story, you can’t empathize with the Black struggle. If you haven’t read her story, the transcripts of the case or understood the era (error) that led up to that night on the turnpike, you’re ignorance and lack of desire to gain knowledge is part of the hinderance to eradicating racism in America. If all you conclude is – ‘she killed a cop.’ – you do not understand…

Try this one. Eric Foner is the best author on Reconstruction. This was the first one of his I read but all of his books are in depth and fantastic.

Two and a half years, Americans were left toiling, unlawfully – like slaves. 30 months in a timeless zone of what they knew; of what they were. For now, forget the ones that survived, for some died not knowing they were free, not knowing their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren have survived their plight. July 4th shall always be stained with the legacy of Juneteenth for that day ALL Americans became free…. I look back through American history, searching for something to grasp, to make me feel like an American. And it’s tough. I see slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, racist policies, the injustice system, the police states, inequality in housing and education, the Tuskegee Experiment, J. Edgar Hoover, southern monuments, racist epithets, etc. and again, it’s tough (to feel like an American). I want that same pride I feel when checking that box “Black or African-American” as I do with just being an American, but that shameful past hangs my head; hanging with the embarrassing legacy this country begat. It took a fight, a bloody fight, to end these aforementioned maladies. Many deaths ignorant if their efforts were in just. Millions of lives lost and infinitely more altered – all with the hopes of one day fully celebrating our national holiday. But I do smile a little brighter on Juneteenth, if only to imagine the joy on the faces of those Black Americans when those Union troops told them to, “put down those hoes, you’re free.” And then the chastisement of those (slave) holders with, “you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.” And yes, I do have my doubts about the American system; and how truly committed are they to equality, but I travel back to Texas, June 19^th, 1865 and have full admiration for our government, for it, then, chose the right path and put forth great effort to equalize ALL it’s citizens. Risking the future of a torn and beaten nation; a nation of uncertainty humbly knowing that if it were to succeed, it must succeed as one. MAFOOMBAY - Bringing forth the essence... www.mafoombay.com

Years ago, when this first came out, I read this. Rarely one to read biographies (they're so self-serving), this was during the height of the Chapelle sketches and he was Eddie Murphy's brother, so I gave it a shot. And I'm glad I did. I instantly became a Charlie Murphy fan for his down to earth-ness and awareness of how blessed he was to achieve his dream. Dude was real. An excerpt: After bombing in St. Louis and Cleveland, we rolled up to our next show at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. By that time, all sorts of crazy, negative thoughts were swirling inside my mind. This was the very same venue where Eddie had performed his breakout stand-up triumph, Delirious, in 1983. Suddenly I was terrified all over again about standing in front of a live audience. As the car approached the venue, I looked out at the soldout crowd of 3,702 people climbing the steps into the performance hall. My palms were slick with sweat. My heart kept throwing itself against the inside of my chest like it was trying to bust down a door. I turned to my cousin Rich and said, "This is it. I'm gonna die here tonight. If I bomb tonight like I bombed the last two nights, it's over for me, man. I quit." I made up my mind that bombing in Constitution Hall would be all the proof I needed to know I wasn't the real deal; to know, once and for all, that I wasn't a professional stand-up comedian, and that I was never going to be one. As soon as I got inside the venue, I was told that a very famous stand-up comedian was waiting for me inside my dressing room. I didn't want to talk with anyone, especially since I was sick with the feeling that I was about to bomb for the third straight performance and that my career as a stand-up was all but over. When they told me who was waiting to speak with me, I thought, What does that brother want? I was horrified. As it happened, all that brother wanted was to say hello and to pass along to me a crucial piece of advice that would change my whole approach to stand-up comedy from that point forward, teaching me how to ingratiate myself to an audience, and saving my career in the process. But before I get into who that comedian was and what he had to tell me, allow me to introduce myself. www.mafoombay.com

Definitely not American. Our society has a long way for this "unthinkality." Just imagine, "500 Americans have so far been killed in Chicago this year..." It's almost laughable. It’s unimaginable, grouping us all together in this fashion. But shouldn’t we be? American is simply, White American. Let’s face it, it is. But I do have hope, I never imagined having a Black President.... African-American. To me it's like the new "negro." Non-threatening, soft, 'light in the ass.' This term diminishes the strength of Black people and I believe the media uses it specifically for that purpose. There are many Blacks in America without African ties (that’s not taking into account we’re ALL from Africa, but that’s a whole 'mother' story) so the African part just refers to ‘having Black skin.’ And also, African-American has no cultural value. Unlike Italian-American, Asian-American, Native American, Blacks have no heritage or motherland to connect to to display pride and unification throughout the world. Blacks, in general, are the newest breed of humans on the planet. Now, BLACK. The term Black has historically been condemned. The rhetoric of blackballed, blacklisted, blackmail, black lie, black prince, black heart, etc. as negativity, evokes a scornful look, or frown, upon anyone that uses any term that involves the word ‘Black.’ So think about it, in the english language, adjectives precede nouns so any use of the word Black before the noun, has already produced a negative effect. Black man, Black woman, Black child, etc. The same thing. Not all cultures and languages utilize this method. But here in America, it’s taught. And that teaching has instilled a lasting negativity that has been embedded in our cultural DNA. James Brown, "Say it loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud!" Black for me. Why? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise." What say you?

Author: Marcus A. Nelson Title: Born from weeds & rats ISBN-13: 978-1533321534 Publication Date: May 1, 2016 Genre: Fiction Synopsis: Religion is the only barrier to Mary’s heart but as that wall begins to crumble, James soon realizes it’s his own self-discovery that’s the true blockade impeding their eternal happiness. There’s nothing but love in 16-year-old James’ neighborhood. Friends, family, community – so his crush on childhood friend Mary was inevitable; a match of destiny. She seemed perfect except her love for Christ is deterring his quest for true love here on earth. With his personal aversion towards religion, James questions, ‘how can he love someone and not love the very thing she loves?’ But they find a way and begin dating, surviving until college when Mary choses an institution devoted to religious studies while, still skeptical, James decides on a different university, in hopes of discovering his true self. They bitterly break apart as James’ self learning leads him down a path that further distances himself from religion and ultimately Mary. Tragedy strikes, will that be the catalyst to propel him back to Christ? Sample Preview: https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1214751