Dee Miller

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. 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? Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth Excuse or Something else (An inspirational and educational book of articles that speaks to how Black Women Love) The purpose of this book of narrative, non-fictional articles promise to bitch slap you into owning your truth, then apologizing, forgiving, and hugging it out. It will enlighten, educate, answer that burning question that keeps so many up at night (smirk), and will help you help me help others who need help understanding the Truth, Excuse and the Something else as to why ‘Black Women are NOT always so angry’. Hmmmm. Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth, Excuse or Something Else the link: https://amzn.to/3OSHJTC

@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.

@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?

Stop pimping me! Let’s take a closer look at the phrase, ‘Black Women are Always so Angry’. Virtually, every day that I turn on the TV and channel flip, there are ‘Housewives’ of all colors, nationalities and social statuses… and guess what – They’re ALL often angry!!! Then, damn if I don’t flip the channel and hear someone ask: ‘Why are Black Women Always so Angry!’ And, to top it off, there was a show that followed that where a so-called ‘Angry’ Black Woman was in the process of coming face to face with her anger because she has been convinced that, indeed, her constant anger is why her man now dates a off-color. Hmmm, truth, excuse or something else?!! I should mention that this show was not geared toward one Angry Black woman, but rather a group of alleged ‘Angry Black Women’!! What’s really sad, is that these beautiful black women have been pimped by society(so take a look in the mirror & see if the shoe fits) into believing they are truly ‘ALWAYS angry’ and need to be ‘fixed’. So, my question, who pimped society into believing that Black Women are Always so Angry? (Take another look in the mirror - shoe fit?) If you(society) would stop using this stereotype as an excuse for the choices you make, you’d sleep better, love harder, live happier. Om jus say’n. No, I'm NOT an Angry Black Woman'....I'm a Black Beauty that's in love with Black Women and their curvy hips, kinky hair, luscious lips, amazing tone, and their beautiful, forgiving souls. BTW, Why do some spend so much time talking about white people and what they're thinking, feeling, saying, and acting....when there is so much wonder and beauty in our people to honor? Let's spend more time talking about that. Hellerrr.. I'm over here.

@Troy I agree that Morrison not only understood the power of her words but also the intent. A rebel with a cause. I’m gonna get a copy of the African American Philosophers - I’m intrigued. Thanks for the cliff notes.

Awe... @Mel Hopkins and @Troy you're adorbs. I won't dare show my oldie but goodie - I was all forehead and shiny fa-real, and had the nerve to have a toothpick in my mouth, an afro pick in my hair (in several pics) and wore my platform shoes til the heal came off! A legit tom-boy who went to a Catholic Grade School, and graduated with honors throughout all of my formal education years. ahh, the good old days. What's changed from then to now, well, I wear my hair natural, I still have a lot of tom-boy in me, but much more graceful, I have a laptop, a bike...and livin the dream (an artist, an author, but still an 8-5). Hey, it's hard out here for a pimp, but I'm loving the journey! @Mel Hopkins Tru dat!

@Chevdove ...OMG, these are HILARIOUS!!!! Got me laughing so hard that I'm slobbering! OMG, my stomach hurts! Reminds me of the 'where my Vaseline at! days...ROFL! WE BACK IN BUSINESS, BABY!! These are great! Thanks for the laughs!!

Oh, whew...I'm glad the dialog between @Cynique and @Pioneer1 was just a "comedy show" because I really enjoy reading both of their insights on topics that matter. Thanks, @ProfD' I appreciate all of you. Now, let's hug it out, laugh it off, dap it out, raise the red/black/green(Love we share, beautiful color of our skin, land on the other side, once we get over) flag, and get back to OneLove.

@Troy @Pioneer1 @Delano I'm sighing, eye-rolling, and a little bit cussing. When it comes to ANYBODY acknowledging & commenting about me reading a book in public....REALLY? Are we, you seeking confirmation from our white counterpart for some reason, yet sitting in judgment about our own for not recognizing your intellect? I'm pretty intelligent, but I assure you that, not only would I not acknowledge that you're reading, why, because I would already assume that you read because that's what you like to do, but I also don't like talking to people...haha (unless I want to). What does it say about someone like me who wants to ride the train in peace with my random thoughts? Bruh, don't counter-comment about what AfroAmericans are not doing to what whites are doing (unless its a legit and confirmed fact), please. Love you, mean it! I do agree with @Pioneer1 statement; however.

@Lee Vining not real sure how to respond. Our history is endless, yet so much is suppressed, not surprised at our greatness, but saddened by the lifetime of struggle to be treated as human beings, yet we still stand, we continue to forgive, we strive to belong, we still fight to be ‘free’ - resilient, breathtakingly beautiful, undeniably a gift from God. Thanks for sharing.

@Pioneer1i miss you -although it’s me whose been MIA, but some how I knew I could depend on you to make my head tilt upward while my face reorganized itself contemplating a response to your transparency…lol I'm from the projects of NY, and had very few fights because I strategized b4 a comeback. It was Mos def not because I was scared, but because I knew I could hurt somebody, and I didn’t want to end up in juvie, word. there’s a place and time for everything and let’s just say, ‘I got mine’ (wink) BTW…I’m a lover…not a fighter. Why? Because I don’t want to break a nail..LMAO!!

In real life, Chris Rock dropped out of school because of the experience, so for this reason, he soon learned how to deal with bullies and, HEY that Will Smith moment, was how he chose to deal with it and it reminds me of his childhood experiences. So, Chris chose to pick his time and then he got paid to come back on Will Smith for the assault in his own way! I think Chris did the right thing, although some may not like what he said though. He was assaulted. Preach @Chevdove!!

SLAP me once - shame on you. I even forgive your stupidity - good lookin out. The JOKE’s on you. Now, let’s move on. …and that’s how I feel about it.

@Edwina Louise DorchSomething else comes to mind in reference to the book you shared, and the question that was asked. 'The book asks the question - Who do you love? or What is the color of the person that you love? First, I chose to start another topic because I didn't want to interfere with the purpose of your entry, but the question of Love, provoked an observation about Four Letter Words, so thank you for igniting my thoughts. Some four-letter words have lost their power, while other four-letter words have gained strength. Take the four-letter word LOVE, for example, the word love used to have a powerful emotional connection to the mind, body and spirit. It made you tingle. Now the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things. For example, love ya is another way of saying, bye, and thanks for doin me a solid, and oops, sorry... On the other hand, the four-letter word HATE hasn't lost its power, and, in fact, has gained momentum. Even though the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things, its power has remained constant, in that it continues to be associated with a negative connotation. How about the word FEAR. This word and meaning remained consistent in that it keeps one from taking action whether good or bad. What four-letter words cause an emotional reaction for you and why?

@Edwina Louise DorchSomething else comes to mind in reference to the book you shared, and the question that was asked. 'The book asks the question - Who do you love? or What is the color of the person that you love? First, I chose to start another topic because I didn't want to interfere with the purpose of your entry, but the question of Love, provoked an observation about Four Letter Words, so thank you for igniting my thoughts. Some four-letter words have lost their power, while other four-letter words have gained strength. Take the four-letter word LOVE, for example, the word love used to have a powerful emotional connection to the mind, body and spirit. It made you tingle. Now the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things. For example, love ya is another way of saying, bye, and thanks for doin me a solid, and oops, sorry... On the other hand, the four-letter word HATE hasn't lost its power, and, in fact, has gained momentum. Even though the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things, its power has remained constant, in that it continues to be associated with a negative connotation. How about the word FEAR. This word and meaning remained consistent in that it keeps one from taking action whether good or bad. What four-letter words cause an emotional reaction for you and why?

@Edwina Louise Dorch your book referral reminds me of a poem that I wrote, and would like to share. White Paper, Black Ink, Color Pencils, As an artist, I see the beauty, the potential and the mystery in everything, including the gray space. The beauty is that this white piece of paper is at my disposal to do with it as I will. The potential s that it can be folded, cut, decorated, or it can behold information that tells a story. The mystery is that, as it sits alone, one can only wonder what is to become of it. The black ink is what brings the sheet of white paper to life. The beauty of the words gives purpose to how the two will work hand-in-hand. The black ink defines the space by offering the potential of educating and/or entertaining its readers. The black ink solves the mystery. Where would the white sheet of paper be without the black ink? Where would the black ink be without the white sheet of paper? What would happen if I mix in an array of colored pencils? The Black ink welcomes the array of beauty, the white paper appreciates the compliment, and all three mediums create a masterpiece to be cherished. I dare you to look beyond the surface and see love.

@richardmurrayI hear you, but the struggle is real, yo, and I bet the Latinos, Asians, Jewish, Women... all, in one form or another, say that they celebrate their heritage/sexuality all year round. Our culture is expressive, while others are more discrete or is it that we just don't pay attention, or is it that you are just being too hard on my people. We're a proud people - nuf said. I celebrate Black History Month by reading about our greatness and reminiscing about our resilience: Black Wall Street, Black Inventions, Black freedom fighters, Black strength, Black talent that EVERY nationality LOVES. SAY IT LOUD...I’M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!