Dee Miller

@nels your response show cases that you are, indeed,  black greatness! Thank you for sharing.

The premise of my words is that black greatness IS.   Just thought I’d put a poetry spin on it.  OneLove 

36 minutes ago, nels said:

The color of one's skin, the beauty of one's face, or the warmth of one's love is totally irrelevant in today's hardened real world of precision, perfection and dominance

@nels BTW, I completely agree with you.  

WOW!!  CONGRATULATIONS JASON and 133Art!!!  Thanks for sharing @richardmurray! 

There are more Black Superhero/Sci-Fi authors (over 20 in my search) than I thought!  A couple of years ago, I attended a Black Lecture Series.  A Sci-Fi author, Brandon Easton shared his desire to write about Black Heros saving the day and its evolution into the sci-fi world.  Some AMAZING perseverance to stay the course in spite of the endless obstacles.   Sharing a snip of just a few comic books written by African-American writers

Then, I thought about US Congressman, John Lewis who, along with other writings wrote, The March Trilogy which is an autobiographical black and white graphic novel in comic format in which superheroes of the Civil Rights Movement are portrayed,  It's interesting to me that these books are classified as comics, and learned that, it was the comic book Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story (superheros)that inspired him to dive into his work of authoring The March Trilogy.  What makes these books classified as comic books is that these Graphic Novels use descriptive novel-length works written in comic book style - using panels, images, speech bubbles, and narration boxes to tell a story, 

A village of Heros:  I drove my mom 2-hours to visit a friend that she hadn't seen in 64 years!!  OMG...the wisdom that I had the privilege of witnessing as they reminisced about the good-ol-days, was humbling. Although they overcame many, many, many obstacles and witnessed unforgettable events, they laughed hysterically about the conversations they had talking out the window after curfew.     

You can imagine the thoughts and emotions that ran through my mind as I smiled with joy that I was able to make this reunion happen.  Then, I reflected on the village of heroes that surrounded me as I grew up - helping to mold me into the Black Girl Magic that I am today,

A World of Inspiration:  I enjoy being educated by True Stories of Survival, and often find myself thanking them for encouraging me to be a Village Hero and one who Inspires beyond the Village.   There are so many who have inspired me, but Antwone Fisher comes to mind.  Antwone's memoir,  "Finding Fish", which was turned into a movie, titled, "Antwone Fisher" is the story of Antwone, who was born in prison from a teenage mother two months after his father was murdered, after which Antwone was placed in an abusive foster home where he stayed for 14 years. After leaving the foster home, he joined the Navy where he served 11 years and was appointed to the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer by the Master Chief Petty Officer.  Now, he is a director, author, poet, lecturer, college professor, and screenwriter.  

Who is your Village Hero and who outside of your village has inspired you to prevail?  

Reminds me of the song by the Temptations: Ball of Confusion

: 

@harry brown YES!!!!!  Nuf said!

On 7/16/2023 at 11:22 AM, harry brown said:

Only. We,Can. Save. Us...

@harry brown But shout out to the hundreds of thousands of African American hero’s (known and unknown) who have done AMAZING things (big and small) to inspire, promote and build upon Black Greatness.  Unfortunately there are groups that make it their life mission to destroy, prevent, dismiss, down play, hide, and have us believe that we don’t have what it takes….  But we can’t, and won’t give up!  We have to trust the undying love that we have for our people.   As always, We will preserve!!!

@Troy wow! Great interview!  There are four things that really caught my attention. Tom Wood  said: 

1) when the door is open, you have to be prepared to walk through it,  and you gotta be prepared to climb the mountain. His conversations with Martin Luther King included MLK, saying to never give up.

2) Black people are starting to respect their abilities - where as before,  blacks relied on white people to vouch for and validate them.

3) you don’t have to have a college degree, but  be an excellent at whatever you do.

4) Mr Wood had the audacity to walk through the door and climb the mountain to obtain  his engineering degree even though the assistant dean of engineering told him to change his major, because he will never get a job.

BLACK GREATNESS!!! 

I remember when Jet, Essence, and Ebony magazines were must haves.  Really happy to see that they are still available and still black owned.  
 

I used to sit on the floor and study each page of Essence and Ebony. And if jJet magazine said it, it was the truth. Lol!

did you know that Essence Magazine was founded by four bruthas in 1970?  I didn’t. I assumed females were the creatives.

oh the good ol’days!  I just subscribed to Essence.  Can’t wait!!!

Did you know that the nations first  black magazine, called  FREEDOM’S JOURNAL and was published (1827-1829)? 
 

then the Negro Digest was launched in 1942

what are fondest memories of these magazines?  Do your ancestors recall or have they past down memories of Freedoms Journal or Negro Digest?

@Troy I understand.  I completely support the Forum title change.  

I look forward to my moderator duties! 

@Troy @ProfD @Pioneer1 it’s alarming how AI, techno, machines, chat bots, automation, pills…. And other ________ are diminishing free-thinking, human-intervention, critical thinking, social interaction, human-touch, brain development….On soooo many levels.  Our children don’t even have to think, interact, feel …. Like back-inna-day.   All controlled by a few.  
 

I like using my mind!  I want my children to use theirs,  I don’t mind them losing a little sleep trying to figure it out,  it’s OK to get back to basics.  I mean, come on….WHERES THE FIRE!!!
 

and let’s not even talk about hackers, internet crimes, and such.  It’s out-of-control although admittedly  with some benefits 

Ps no I’m not naïve,, in fact I’m pretty intelligent, just stop trying to take my power!!! 

Black Greatness comes in all dimensions.  We’re all included.

Say it loud…What’s your 3-sentence or less, Black Greatness elevator pitch?  

How would you define your brand/Black Greatness to me while taking the elevator from the first floor to the fifth floor,

 Here’s my elevator pitch: 

I’m a creative who develops future leaders who Think Laterally, Lead Differently, and Take Risks.  I do this by moving the political box that threatens to confine my creativity by influencing with impact through show-n-tell.  Thus proving that ‘rules’ get in the way of innovation.

33 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

focus will be on that pain and how to heal that limb,

@Pioneer1 Love what you’re saying, but I’d like to build on this portion of your response as it REALLY resonates ‘Focus on that pain and how to heal’ 

keeping a Black-eye on Black Greatness can be a source of cure-all.  We’ve witnessed it time-and-time again throughout history - working through and healing the pain - organically showcasing our natural Black Greatness.  

55 minutes ago, richardmurray said:

if we all in aalbc can make this corner of the internet a place of some uplifting online, that is worth something

@richardmurray PREACH!!! Just look at all this Black Greatness on aalbc, baby!!!  LOVE IT!!!

@Troy I have no words!!

Thank you,  Julieanna L. Richardson, Founder of The HistoryMakers, and Thank you, Troy Johnson, President of AALBC.

here’s the news link
 

https://www.wltx.com/amp/article/news/local/midlands-woman-south-carolina-woman-farmer-of-year-black-farmers-coalition/101-23ce6e1a-aefa-4905-bcea-c412db78b86a

There are some not-so-well-known hero’s who have made wonderful contributions to communities.

Have you heard about the growing number of black female farmers?

Growing food and community:

According to News19,

Bonita Clemons started the FarmaSis movement in 2016 with the goal of teaching 10,000 Black women about farming. Now, she's won the SC Woman Farmer of the Year!

I’ve been wanting to get a plot at a community garden in the area I just moved to. It will be a fun activity for my mom and me to do together. Not to mention the benefits of growing my own food.

Anyone out there with a veggie garden or who is a farmer and can share some tips?  
 

-AND-

Who, What or How has Black Greatness impacted your life?  Maybe your experience can inspire others

How do you define Black Greatness?  

I would say that I was born with Black Greatness.

My skin - dark as the night – until the light reveals my hue.

My face -  beautiful as the night sky, present in every episode of life. 

My heart -  mysterious as a dark room until the warmth of my love fills your soul.

Yes Ms Clairol, I was born with Black Greatness

what’s your claim to Black Greatness?

I checked out the Blacknificent Life site and am so impressed that I subscribed to it!  
 

looking forward to reading more about Black Greatness!
 

thanks for sharing @Troy!  

@Troy I checked out and subscribed to Blacknificent.  Love their vision!  Thanks for sharing

@Pioneer1 haha…I doubt that you’d be banned.  Your range goes beyond defense bruh.  I see you.  

@Troy I hear you about the title.  Of course it’s a play on words to grab the audience attention.  
 

I make tshirts called, OverDose that cause the same reaction until they understand the message.  
 

obviously, it’s your call on what’s appropriate 

@Troy running AALBC is a huge undertaking, but as you can tell, your followers are dedicated, and it would be an honor to assist with moderating the new Forum.  
 

My only concern is that I don’t frequent the site enough so I wonder how effective I would be.  That said, I am happy to assist with moderating, and adding content.

thoughts?

 my friend, @Pioneer1, I’d love to read your descriptive thoughts

@ProfD @Troy  I know, how about adding another Discussion Forum called, 'A Black-Eye on Black-Power' where we showcase Black-Greatness from Ground Zero to the 27th Floor!

@troy you prove my point by bringing up the slap - keeping that story alive. 

What about the many beautiful work that black people are doing like building green spaces, growing veggie gardens, hosting food drives, building housing, supporting, rallying and doing GREAT things?  YES, they are show-cased.  Bruh, did you miss those stories?

Not surprising since the media continues to have so many of my people in a headlock - only looking down.  Then again, those stories sell.  Not dismissing nor downplaying the sh^%! we've done, but I chose not to give that much of my energy,  Instead, I focus on the millions of lovely black people (in high places and at ground zero) who are doing wonders.

17 minutes ago, Troy said:

When we talk about all of the negative images and the lack of positive images we need to understand that the positive material exists and there is actually more of it.  The problem is that entire system is not designed to elevate the positive stuff. This of course drives down the production of positive stuff and creates incentives for the negative.

Come on now, Troy - I KNOW you know better, so I'm just starting a conversation in another direction.

Our ancestors demonstrated our power when they refused to ride the bus, boycotted, sat at the counter, went to an all-white school... united... We continue to demonstrate the power every day through our successes that were birthed from the paths that our ancestors (beginning from further back than I mentioned) paved which include successes like: Chris Rock, Will Smith, politicians, leaders, entrepreneurs, Bae, athletes, actors, carpenters, inventors, educators.... (you get my point) So, let's stop giving power to what 'they' are doing and do what we do best - YOU SAID IT, 'POSITIVE MATERIAL EXISTS AND THIS IS ACTUALLY MORE OF IT' , SO LET'S CONTINUE TO PAVE THE WAY (unless you think those stories won't hold the attention of the masses, and/or are boring and won't sell).

p.s On the real, I like a little dirt in my coffee now and then too, but I won't let it take over the flavor, nor the pleasure of drinking it.  In fact, I will even go for seconds in order to stay tuned - for a minute.

@Jeromex please read my prior response.  I'd also like to offer you an opportunity to read my book. I know you know better so this is a gentle reminder.   Enjoy!

Oh, and yes, it's on am*zon.  I didn't know about AALBC when I self-published this book a few years ago.  You do better when you know better, right?

@Monica forgive me for my delay.  I've moved out of state and it's taken me a while to get settled.  I would be happy to send you a copy.  Check out my profile for contact info so you can send me your address.  Thank you for your interest.  I believe you will enjoy it very much.  I'd love you hear your transparent feedback.  

2 hours ago, ProfD said:

We do not see or hear similar narratives being posted about any other group of people...men or women. 

 

Society would lead us to believe that other groups of men and women are perfectly well adjusted...responsible, submissive, docile, etc.

 

The anti-Black machine is always working.  That's why it's important to keep the bullseye on the system of racism white supremacy.

 

Way too many Black folks are getting paid to exacerbate the negativity against us...sellling out.

 

The real question(s) is when are Black people especially those who are either in charge of media and/or have some type of access to it...going to stop pimping Black folks with negative images and replace it with positive images of our people in our intelligence, beauty, talent, etc.

@ProfD snh...you my chocolate King have fallen prey.  You dont pay attention to similar, and many times worse narratives posted/spoken about other groups because everything we do is emphasized and headlined to keep the story alive.  And because the story pertains to us, you pay attention.  And dont get me wrong, we make legit headlines for the sh&%! we do, but those headlines become our story because it's their mission to keep the upper hand.  Can't you see that?   I can go on and on about how many of us continue to be sucked into the narrative, but instead, I'd like to share this poem that I dedicate to all of my Chocolate Kings.  

                                                                                                        Why I Love you so much

I love you so much because I can see it in your beautiful eyes – Your determination, your fight, your struggle, your perseverance.

Your beautiful, strong, chocolate facial features tell the story of the plight of your beautiful ancestors

who were born by the river praying that change is gonna come, and that you would see the grass on the other side, once you get over.

The spirit of your great, great grandfather resonates to the deepest part of your core.

You have that spirit that gives you the courage to withstand all obstacles.

That spirit that measures your manhood, that defies defeat - that spirit in which your mother’s breasts nourished you for what’s to come.

Your eyes tell about the passion you have for family. I watch in awe of your bravery every day that you leave home wearing a mask

to conform to what society has defined as ‘acceptable’ in hopes that today, you will overcome.

You don’t show your fear - determined to make it in this world, hoping that society will notice your contributions,

begging quietly to be heard and to be given a chance,  and praying that you’ll make it home alive.

I fall in love with you over and over again when I see the pain in your eyes, frustrated that you have to work twice as hard to get a nod -

having to pat your own self on the back when you know that recognition is due.

Watching you cry inside as you fight to be the man  whom your ancestors paved the way.

My heart bursts at the thought of your strength. I admire your endurance, humility and humble spirit -

taking pride as a blue color worker, a white color worker, a service provider, an entrepreneur, a manager,

The President of the United States of America!

The fact that we still stand, that we continue to overcome, that we continue to make incredible strides and positively enhance the lives of ALL those around us (even though we don't get credit), and the fact that even though much of our story is suppressed, we prevail and continue to make history!!  Our strength and endurance continue to intimidate.  So to me, we are all self-appointed spokespeople for the Black Experience. Amen?