Barack's presence on Black men

Visit the bedroom of most any African American lad and it wouldn’t be surprising to see posters of some star athlete or favored entertainer adorning his wall. For these adolescent males, their pictures represent either who they aspire to be like or what they potentially seek to become. By dressing the walls with their chosen images these boys set before them a continuous reminder of what their goals look like.

In addition to the pictures projected on bedroom walls, these young impressionable boys too often become infatuated with images embellished by African American males on television as well as those colorful illustrations of black males in their neighborhoods.

Body tats enveloping their bodies, saggin’ jeans decorating their undergarments, menacing stares plastered on their faces and despicable dispositions launched with ferocity are too often the images many young men choose to mimic. These attributes, filled with death – spiritual and physical – too often flood the intellectual databases of these youngsters.

Fortunately over the course of the past 21 months black males, men as well as boys, have been blessed to bear witness to a new image – President-Elect Barack Obama. The blessings of Obama arrived long before Nov. 4 when he, the first African American, was elected as the 44th president of the United States. His daily appearance before the world gave the fraternity of African American men, a new poster to adorn on the walls of our minds; a new portrait in which to draw inspiration from.

In Obama, African American males have an excellent example of how to deal with haters. With grace and dignity Obama has demonstrated how to treat people with respect despite the fact that they have shown nothing but disrespect for him. When one considers that of the 16,400 murders committed in 2005 in American that 8,000 were black males, mostly at the hand of a person of color, Obama’s demonstration of how to be cool in controversial situations is instructional for a nation of men committing murder. Black males now have a blueprint of how to properly define and defend oneself in the midst of everyone else trying to negatively define and offend them.

In Obama, black males have an icon for possibility. We witnessed a man free of the poison of impossibility. In Obama black males saw a rendering of faith in action – “Yes We Can, and Yes He Did.”

In Obama, black males have a portrait of a black man who demonstrates how “real” it is to have a wife; more importantly he exhibits publicly how a man is to love his wife. Michelle and Barack is a beautifully painted portrait of “Black Love.” How needed is that visual rendering when statistics reveal that African Americans represent the lowest percentage of married couples in America as well as holding the pole position in divorce.

In Obama, there is a huge poster hung on the nightly news and in daily news publications of how important it is for a father, no matter how important his career is, to invest in intimate loving moments with his children. A world witnessed in Obama the love he has for Malia and Sasha and how much his daughters love their daddy.

In Obama, black boys have a photo that reveals that being educated isn’t an R.S.V.P for white boys only nor is speaking proper English exclusive to nerds. Black boys have seen in Obama a swagger of intelligence and oratory abilities far superior to today’s top hip-hop artist.

A nation of black boys see in Obama that playing basketball and giving a partner some dap is cool, but speaking with authority and intelligence is as cool.

In Obama, black males have the testimony of the nation’s most powerful man excelling despite the pain of his father’s abandonment as well as the absence of any material affluence, possibility because of his father’s absence.

In Obama, black males can believe that they truly can be anything they desire. And hopefully in Obama black males have learned that his harvest (becoming the first African American president) is the result of seeds he planted; seeds of tithing his time, his talents and sometimes his treasures selflessly for the benefit of others.

Because of the historic achievement of Barack Obama a flood of calendars will be published, tee-shirts manufactured and pictures will become decoration on the walls of many African American households. I pray that these visual images are constant reminders that represent who black men can aspire to be – black men who are “the husband of one wife, having children not accused of dissipation or insubordination . . . a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, . . . not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict,” Titus 1:5-16.

A stupid black man

I am a huge opponent of Larry Elder’s ideology, but I believe the underpinning of his book, “Stupid Black Men” is authentic. In the book, released February 2008, Elder used his controversial views to take those he labels as “racial ambulance chasers” to the woodshed to challenge their “racism done me wrong” mindset.

“Whether they are demagogues like Al Sharpton, established politicians like Hillary Clinton, or entertainers like Danny Glover, no one escapes Elder’s cogent arguments and rapier wit,” reads the book’s front flap cover.

Although racism still produces its harvest from seeds planted decades ago, I too believe that too large a percentage of black folks have chosen to view the glass of racism as half empty rather than half-full. The strides that blacks have achieved over the past four decades have been historic and our opportunities exceed those of our forefathers by leaps and bounds.

As African Americans living in the 21st century we are the beneficiaries and descendents of ancestors who struck down slavery, Jim Crow and segregation and did so with a grace that missing in today’s “the white man is holding me black” mindset. No, we can’t sit by ideally and allow our rights to be breeched by 21st century racism practices, but neither should we be decreeing racism in those situations where it does not exist or become so intolerant that white folks are unable to freely discuss issues without being label a racist.

Elder contends that the actions of black leaders like the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sharpton and guilt-ridden white liberals are dividing the country by angrily emphasizing differences rather than celebrating similarities. He maintains that these race card baiters are playing the race card and losing.

There is some truth in his ascertains, however his position on the subject matter is filled with as many holes as those he debates.

While the premise of Elder’s book is plausible, his reasoning – which I’m sure he believes is rational – is ridiculous and reveals that Elder is one “stupid black man.”

Self-described as a someone who has been a thorn in the side of the conventional wisdom crowd, Elder’s “Stupid Black Men” as a complete body of work, was somewhat of a thorn in the side of my conventional wisdom He uses 267 pages to try and convince readers that Democrats are dumb, Republicans are right and black folks spend too much time “bitching.” He spends much of his word count suggesting that folks like Jackson, to include guilt-ridden white liberals are alarmist, always playing the “race card.” But Elder fails to see that he is playing the “race card” as an apologist for the Republican Party – always exonerating any wrong committed by those good ole right-wing conservatives. Elder, Jackson and Sharpton, in their arguments, are all riding on the spirit of truth, but all are bucked by the truth because in their spirit they choose never to straddle the balance of that truth. Truth covers a broad spectrum.

Elder’s stupidity can be seen in his propensity to see simply what he wants so that his point of view is corroborated.

In the seventh chapter entitled, “The Criminal Justice System” Elder provides a recap of the racial tension that took place during the debacle, call the Duke rape case. Elder was sure to let his readers know the innocence of the three accused lacrosse players and indicted those “racial ambulance chasers” that included former District Attorney Mike Nifong, Sharpton and other activist who supported the accuser’s claim. Earlier Elder chastised Sharpton’s presences in another racial charged rape case. In 1989 Sharpton called Trisha Meili, the “Central Park Jogger,” a whore. When discussing this case Elder features only Sharpton’s epithet, he fails to provide for his readers the fact that those five accused black boys, like the three white boys from Duke, were innocent. He also failed to explain that those accused black boys were initially convicted despite there being no DNA evidence to connect them to the crime. Selective reasoning was evident throughout the book.

In other examples of Elder’s bewildering reasoning he paints beautiful portraits of the Republican Party suggesting that the Democrats are ungrateful for the righteousness of the GOP. He also agrees with Mychal Massie, chairman of the black conservative group Project 21, who said, “The NAACP sees racism behind every tree and bush.” Elder sees racism nowhere or at least fail to provide one case where he thought it existed.

What really reveals the ignorance of Elder is his controversial title. In “Stupid Black Men” he clearly takes issue with white liberals and alarmist; call out white folks like Nifong and the Clintons (Bill and Hilliary). Yet the title of his book denigrates black men. I’m only left to believe that naming the book “Stupid White Men,” "Stupid White Women" or “Stupid White Liberals” would have resulted in fewer book sales, or it might have placed Elders in jeopardy with his white brethrens. Elder’s book title was however somewhat poetic, it did include the thought process of at least one “stupid black man.”

A change is gonna come! Maybe it has arrived.

The diversity of Barack Obama is a “Change I Can Believe In.” Attending Obama’s first rally after he won the Democratic nomination for the presidency, I witness first hand the diversity of his message.

Black and white folks, Asians, Hispanics and people of other ethnicities complemented the spectrum of ages which stretched from babies to baby boomers at the Unity Rally held at the Nissan Pavilion last week. The landscape of the evening represented the utopia that America should reflect if it is to truly be patriotic and uphold “We the People.”

Enamored by the beauty of the unity of Obama’s “Unity Rally,” I saw an oasis of people – all races, creeds, and colors, economic and educational classes, who understood that beyond their apparent differences they are more alike than different. But among the diversity of color, age and nationalities that stood out, the multiplicity of black men was even more pronounced for me.

Older gray haired men mixed magnificently with younger brothers sporting bald heads and diamond earrings. Dreads, cornrows, do-rags and Starter fitted caps flipped to the side or back represented the diverse group of black men who traveled to Bristow, Virginia to hear Obama’s message. Black men who looked like successful businessmen as well as brothers, if spotted anywhere else may have thought to be thugs, cheered as one as Obama delivered his message which spoke to Americans, not black, white, wealthy or poor, but Americans.

Despite the variance within the ethnicity of black men their collective applause was for an inclusive message.

The joy of seeing such an assortment of black men standing in unity is birth out of the pain of persistent problems I see faced by black men who too often stand divided. Among the 16,400 murders committed in America in 2005, 8,000 were black men – most murders occurred at the hand of another black man. Maybe the high unemployment rate among black men fueled the heat of some of those murders. And it’s possible that the towering dropout rate – 70 percent nationwide – among African American males was an added accelerant.

If America is to become a better America black boys must at least graduate from high school and engage in activities that detour them from the road to prison. And black men must remain on the free side of those prison walls, employed and building walls of success amongst these boys (African American males ages 15-34 represents almost 70 percent of the prison population).

The results of seeing a black man on the television everyday fighting for the highest office in the land plays a huge role in providing the images needed by black men to stem the tide of their atrocities. Too many African American males have foreclosed on their hope, but witnessing Obama’s historical run for the office of president refinances the spirit of many of these men. Observing how Obama manages his distracters with the grace and dignity that he’s shown are phenomenal examples that black men can do nothing but learn from.

Before Obama, the images of African American men on the television consisted in large, of hip-hop artist, professional athletes and alleged criminals, and in too many instances it is difficult distinguishing the entertainers and athletes from the criminals. But now in Obama there is a black man seen daily on mainstream television that provides an image and a hope that America can believe in; but beyond what other ethnicities believe in, black men have renewed hope and believe through Obama’s success that there is some acreage for them in America. This I believe will fuel a new birth among a nation of black men. Subsequently, the death of hopelessness (high unemployment, dropout and prison rate) will be buried and a resurrection of hopeful black men will surface to become the difference in their neighborhoods.

Obama’s presence is providing hope to a diverse American, but especially to brothers from the hood to those living in upscale neighborhoods. Shirts adorning Jay-Z and LeBron James’ faces are being replaced by Obama’s. Youth not yet old enough to vote, are sporting Obama memorabilia because he is giving them the “audacity to hope.” Many of these youthful observers have now become interested in the political process replacing the apathy that resided within them before Obama with a newly discovered awareness.

Obama, a modern day Moses, offers hope and change, and that’s a “change [I] believe in.” With Obama as the next commander in chief I know “a change is gonna come; oh, yes it will.”

Note: Several publications that usually accept my opinion pieces chose to pass on this piece - I wonder why?

Speak for yourself Sheffield

Comments made by Detroit Tigers outfielder Gary Sheffield has cause something of a controversial stir in the sports world. Responding to a question about why were there more Latin players in Major League Baseball than African-Americans, Sheffield said, “Where I'm from, you can't control us. You might get a guy to do it that way for a while because he wants to benefit, but in the end, he is going to go back to being who he is. And that's a person that you're going to talk to with respect, you're going to talk to like a man.”

As I ponder Sheffield’s claim I find it somewhat difficult to debate. First, unlike Sheffield, I have not played 20 years in the Major League and do not have inside access to know what does and does not happen in the MLB. Who am I to say he's wrong especially when Sheffield's Venezuela teammate, Carlos Guillen, agrees with the 20 year veteran?

“I’m happy he said it,” Guillen told the Detroit Free Press. “I’m glad somebody spoke up.”

But despite Sheffield ascertain and Guillen’s co-sponsor, I can’t debate Sheffield’s claim because more than my lack of access is my lack of understanding; his thoughts are awful confusing to me. “You might get a guy to do it that way.” What is “that way”? I don’t understand. What benefit is Sheffield talking about, and if the guy received the benefit and it’s the end [end of what?],what does the dude need to worry about respect for at that point?

Sorry, the brother has puzzled me.

Now what I assume Sheffield to be saying is that Latin players are docile, which management prefers, oppose to signing militant Black players from the hood who won’t take shit. Is that what Sheffield means by control? If so, I say what an incredible ignorant thought.

Is this nation still in the days where one group of people controls another group? How incredibly naïve I am!

Again, I don’t know what Sheffield was attempting to say, but he threw a culture of Black folks under the bus by making African-Americans appear to be nomadic creatures that lack the ability to conform to law and order. Simultaneously, he threw Latin players under that same bus by making a broad stroke generalization suggesting that somehow they don’t mind bondage.

While I believe that management and media’s tolerance for Black athletes is located at the lowest level of the totem pole, I also know that in today’s marketplace ballplayers, whatever color they are or whatever country they come from, makes no different if they are able to perform on their respective playing field. Trust me, an owner and manager will not turn a deaf ear to a militant brother from the hood that can hit .300 with power and play Gold Glove defense.

C’mon Sheff!

Sheffield tries to offers as proof, to his claim, that Major League Baseball is instituting baseball academies in foreign countries and not in inner-city neighborhoods.

“When you see Major League Baseball putting academies in other countries, obviously that throws up a red flag,” Sheffield tells EPSN.com news service. “You wonder why they ain’t going up in our neighborhood.”

Good question Sheff, but I bet there’s more of an answer than the narrow view that you’ve taken. The majority of inner-city kids are trying to be the next LeBron James, Michael Vick or Jay-Z. This isn’t because the NBA, NFL and record labels are establishing academies in inner-cities, but because basketball, football and hip-hop have a greater appeal to African-American kids. James has been on basketball's national radar since his early high school days. Name one tenth grade baseball player of any hue who is or has been as publicized as well as James was when he was in tenth grade. Name one baseball All-Star game that has the notoriety of the McDonald’s (basketball) or Army (football) All-Star games. And while baseball has just [June 7] televised its first professional draft, basketball and football have made televising drafts a staple of their marketing mix. In addition, African-American professional basketball and football players return to their hood to host camps, play ball and serve as mentors. And lets not forget, football and basketball are more lucrative, provide greater fame and both can be accomplished without having to spend three and four years riding the bus in a minor league.

While I won’t debate Sheff, boy do I think he poorly articulated his thoughts, which were ambiguous. In addition, he made Black folks and Latin players look ignorant.

Speak for yourself Sheff. We, the African-American community, definitely do not need you as a spokesperson, and I bet Latins feel the same.

Jason Whitlock: Talking loud, but doing nothing

I must admit Jason Whitlock delivered an opinion that needed saying regarding the fuss surrounding the deplorable comments made by former CBS radio host Don Imus. To paraphrase Whitlock, a Kansas City Star columnist, Imus’s remarks provided Black folks with yet another opportunity to avoid the real problem; that being self-hatred.

But as I read Whitlock’s commentary, “Imus Isn’t The Real Bad Guy,” (which I agreed with in part) and listened to his comments on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (which again, I agreed with in part); and thinking back to other commentaries written by the former Ball State offensive lineman, I began to wonder if there is a distinction between Whitlock and those socially deviate people (defined by Whitlock’s writings) – Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and the hip-hop artist – he considers problematic.

While I readily acknowledge Whitlock’s writing are filled with strong opinions that deserve a place for discussion amongst African Americans, I’m becoming a little tired of how eloquently “Big Sexy,” as he refers to himself, writes about the problems that affect Black folks, while elusively doing nothing to right those problems.

It’s been said that evil occurs when good men do nothing.

Yes, Whitlock uses his pen to speak truth to power, but if indeed truth is being spoken to power, then it appears the truth is “Big Sexy” may just be big on talk and very little on action. What has he done to abbreviate the problems that affect the African American community – write about it? While he’s quick to point out the problems with Black America, he’s slow to understand that in many ways he’s no different than Jackson, Sharpton, rappers or the Black KKK strolling the strip in Vegas during the All-Star game that have been the subject of his honesty.

If you’re not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.

Whitlock talks about self-hatred, and to a degree he's on point. He also talks about divisiveness; and again it is difficult to deny his opinion. But self-hatred isn’t just rappers spitting misogynistic lyrics. “Divisive methods of seeking social justice,” as Whitlock describes Jackson and Sharpton’s action, can just as easily be defined as someone who criticizes without providing resolutions. Self-hatred and divisiveness, among African Americans, is Black folks who always diagnose the problem, but never deliver solutions for those problems. “Divisive methods of seeking social justice,” include Black folks who use their personal pulpits to divide by spewing their wrath of righteousness, rather than supporting with works of rectitude. Standing on your pulpit above your congregates or in Whitlock’s case, his readers, preaching about the predicament is painless. In contrast, stepping off your soapbox; strapping up your boots and getting out in the field and performing the needed labor to effect change is the grueling task – a task many folks choose never to engage in.

Where ya at Whitlock, in the pulpit or in the field?

While Whitlock writes his thought provoking commentaries, I’m curious does he make himself available to provoke thought in tomorrow’s potential leaders. Does “Big Sexy” visit recreation centers in his hood investing in young brothers so that they don’t become as those brothers he fairly writes about; or is the gifted scribe simply using those brother’s degradation to fill the pages of his column to make himself look like the “Great Black Hope?”

Whitlock, in my opinion, is an exceptional writer. And I respect his spirit to hold people, whomever they may be, accountable for their actions – Lord knows we need brothers willing to speak out, especially against those relics looking to gain face time on national television. But the African American community also needs more brothers who are willing to do the work. The community needs brothers who will help pave the way; not just "pen" the way.

It appears that Whitlock understands the concept of getting in the trenches and paving the way; while at Ball State he blocked for Bernie Parmalee, a 10-year NFL veteran. It’s time for “Big Sexy” to strap up and use his big butt to block for the next generation, just like Rosa Parks [Whitlock has reference Parks on a number of occasions] strapped up and blocked against an oppressive society. Her actions, not her talk, is one reason Whitlock enjoys the freedom to write his thoughts for the Kansas City Star, and offer his opinions on CNN, NBC, Oprah and all the other shows Whitlock has recently appeared on at the expense of of being critical of Black folks.

If Whitlock wants to check brothers on their righteous card, that’s cool; but know he will be checked as well. The scripture reads, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted,” Galatians 6:1.

Whitlock is accountable, like Jackson, Sharpton and hip-hop artist. He too will be called on the carpet when his attempts at social justice, with his pen, run amuck.

Whitlock must continue to use his pen to speak truth as he sees it. But if he ain’t ready to get dirty in the trenches and build a better tomorrow, then he’s nothing more than a poverty pimp using the ignorance of those he chastises to elevate his geniu$.

This commentary first appeared in the Gazette (Prince George's County) in the April 19 edition.

Rev. Jackson where are you?

OK Jesse, your efforts to have Don Imus fired proved successful. As you demanded, MSNBC and CBS booted the shock jock last week. So now, what social cause will you fight to eradicate next? Will it be the dismal public educational system that’s failing African American youth nationwide? Or perhaps you will put up a vigilant fight against the unjust judicial system that appears to prey on young Black men.

What will be your next success story?

Last week the former Duke lacrosse players charged with rape had all charges dropped, not solely because they were innocent, but because they had the financial wherewithal to reveal their innocence. In contrast, America’s prisons are filled with innocent Black men whose lives are void powerful and influential people who will help discover their innocence. Will those brothers be your next success story, or are you just waiting for the next high profile atrocity to surface before you resurface – no doubt when national television is part of the equation.

Lights, camera – Jesse!

Hey, I might be out of place – if so please accept my apology – but before Imus’s disrespectful comments about members of Rutgers women’s basketball team, I had not seen you; not since that high profile Duke rape case. Before that, the government’s handling of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath was the last time you reared your head publicly.

Maybe I have not seen you because you were working diligently to implement fatherhood initiatives to help young brothers become good fathers and strong husbands. No, I have not seen you because you were using your tremendous power and clout to help reduce the proliferation of Black mothers burying their sons, while yet another set of Black mothers watch their sons buried in the penal system. No, maybe your public presence took a back seat to your fight to exterminate the HIV/AIDS virus that’s killing our African American sisters.

I’ve been told that most reverent work is performed without notice. I concur. However, the harvest of any planting eventually becomes visible. Where is the harvest?

According to my research, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer for African American men, who also have the highest rate in the world. African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer less frequently than white women, but died at a higher rate; and HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American women between ages 25-34. I apologize for my ignorance, but what health initiatives have you brokered that has reduced these debilitating diseases crippling Black folks? Your visibility in those fights haven't been as public as your visible efforts to have Imus terminated.

So what am I to think? I’m truly confused, because you maintain that you championed the causes of Black America.

Rev. Jackson statistics indicate the unemployment rate for African Americans males is currently 9.8 percent and hovers north of 45 percent in some cities. Black men are dying at a proportionally high rate (who’s brokering the peace); Black boys are being displaced in the public educational system as early as the third grade and justice as it relates to Black folks is just that – ‘just us.’ Your presences with those causes haven’t been as visible, but then again I don’t watch a lot of television so I just might be out of the loop.

I mean you are the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but you know that. And you are the founder of the RainbowPUSH Coalition, whose mission according to your company websites reads, to serve as an “International Human Rights Organization committed to economic development, voter registration and participation, healthcare, job, peace, education and justice.” I shouldn’t expect anything less from you but for you to fight for those social issues that affect “the least of these,” not because I think you should wage that fight, but because that’s what you promote that you do.

I’m opened to the possibility that my vision about your servant leadership may be skewed. How could I ignore your efforts in the suspension of the Davis-Bacon Act, which was awarding no-bid reconstruction contracts, to rebuild New Orleans, to President Bush’s cronies! And I know, you put the fire to Coca-Cola and Anheuser Busch and pressured them to increase their minority hiring.

But Rev. Jackson, with high percentages of health concerns, unemployment and incarceration in African American communities, combined with depressing percentages of educational success in those same communities, I’m not sure of what to think.

Look, I concede. I’m ignorant, uninformed, undereducated as is relates to your current efforts and accomplishments with regards to the liberation of Black people. One might, rightful, even describe me as possibly being unappreciative for all that you’ve done for Black folks; I’m not. Please be clear, I don’t believe the solutions to these pervasive social ills that affect African Americans solely fall on your shoulders, and truth be told I gotta look in the mirror about what role I’m playing to reduce those ills; but bruh, where are you and how do those African American’s whose issues don’t attract prime time media coverage find you?

This commentary first appeared in the Washington AFRO-American Newspaper in the April 21 - April 27 edition.

Lesson to be learned from the Duke rape case

With their pending rape charges recently dropped, David Evans, Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty are living examples of the slogan, “No Justice, No Peace.”

For 395 days, the three accused former Duke University lacrosse players lived a nightmare because justice for them was denied. But with one spoken statement, “We believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges,” the accused were no longer out on bail, and for the first time in more than a year were able to experience a piece of peace.

For many African American men, living a nightmare as a result of “rogue prosecutors” and polluted police officials are as commonplace as reading a daily newspaper. However, for many white men the thought of justice denied is foreign.

In the press conference following the announcement of their innocence, Seligmann revealed his ignorance of America’s unjust judicial system.

"This entire experience has opened my eyes up to a tragic world of injustice I never knew existed,” said Seligmann. “If police officers and a district attorney can systematically railroad us with absolutely no evidence whatsoever, I can’t imagine what they’d do to people who don’t have the resources to defend themselves.”

What they would do Mr. Seligmann is “systematically” convict those people without as much as a minimal care.

Darryl Hunt, a Winston Salem native was wrongly convicted and sentenced in 1984 to life in prison for the rape and murder of a white woman. Convicted at 19, Hunt served almost 20 years in prison before being exonerated by DNA evidence. According to the Winston Salem Journal newspaper [they conducted a six month investigation] the evidence proved that questionable police tactics and witnesses were used to twice convict Hunt.

Marvin Anderson also convicted at 19 for alleging raping a white woman in New Hanover County, Va., (Richmond suburbs) was sentenced to 210 years in 1982. He served 15 years before DNA evidence proved his innocence. Like Hunt, poor police work solely based on race combined with an incompetent lawyer help put Anderson behind bars.

Hunt and Anderson represent just two of hundreds of African American men who are falsely accused of rape – usually by women of different ethnicities. These innocent victims spend large portions of their lives imprisoned despite no forensic proof, medical evidence or reliable eyewitness account to justify their convictions. Often times these convictions are based on racial intolerance by a community or officers of the court using those innocence men as political stepping stones.

Acknowledging that stereotypes and personal political agenda impeded justice, Seligmann continued with his press conference comments by saying, “So rather than relying on disparaging stereotypes and creating political and racial conflicts all of us need to take a step back from this case and learn from it. The Duke lacrosse case has shown that our society has lost sight of the most fundamental principle of our legal system – the presumption of innocence.”

If presumption of innocence does exist and justice is truly blind as is indicated in every American courtroom with the presence of that lady wearing the blindfold, then a nation must do as Seligmann suggested and learn from the Duke debacle; so that no other offspring of America suffers from unjust neglect. Unfortunately the lady peaks sometimes.

If white folks are wondering why a black woman would falsely accused three innocent white men of rape then wonders why a community of black folks would be in such a uproar before any guilt was established, white folks must first understand that black folks have been on the opposite side of this nightmare for centuries. Lies and hate planted means lies and hate harvested.

History reminds us that in 1925 the community of Rosewood Fla., was invaded and burned by an angry mob of white men who believed Fannie Taylor, a white woman, had been raped by a black man. After burning down the community and killing several African Americans it was established that Taylor had never been rape, but beaten by a white man. Then in 1931 nine black youth, called the Scottsboro Boys, were charged with raping two white women. Despite one woman recanting her story, the boys where still convicted and sentenced to death. They were eventually acquitted after serving several years in prison. And in 1955 Emmett Till wasn’t accused of rape, but was brutally murdered by a mob of white men. Allegedly he whistled at a white woman.

The more thing change the more they remain the same!

If it be the desire of America to live in harmony the constituents of this society must understand that forming alliances along racial lines when a crime or alleged crime is committed opposed to bonding based on what the authentic evidence reveals does nothing to foster harmony, it facilitates hate.

History’s blueprint reveals that it is reasonable to believe that a woman of one ethnicity will again accuse a man or group of men of another ethnicity of rape. But that blueprint also exposes the destruction that will occur as a result of those accusations when a society loses sight of the most fundamental principle of America’s legal system – the presumption of innocence.

If a society plants injustice, then injustice is what that society will harvest.

George Wilhelm Hegel, a 19th century philosopher of history said, “What experience and history teaches is this; that people and governments never have learned anything from history, or acted on principles.” How sad it would be if America proved Hegel’s assertion correct.

Evans, Seligmann and Finnerty, by many accounts, represents the best the country has to offer. They are products of well-to-do families; educated at one of America’s most prestigious universities, and their potential is limitless, in part because of their hue. With their press conference remarks, three of America's assumed best placed America on notice; informing her that she must mead out justice for all -- in all situations. If not, America should engage in a conversation with the three former Duke students who were almost duked. They clearly can share their reality that there is “no peace when there is no justice.”

Black men: Get the gift of life
For Christmas have your prostate screened

The risk of attracting prostate cancer is 60 percent higher for African American men than White men. Black men, diagnosed with prostate cancer, will die twice the rate of White men. And for men of all ethnicities, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer.

More men, according to the “dad” campaign, are diagnosed with prostate cancer than women are with breast cancer. Additionally, “research funding mandated by the federal government for breast cancer outpaces prostate cancer about $870 million to approximately $485 million.

While 49 states mandate that health insurance companies’ cover mammography screenings, only 28 states have legislation requiring health insurance companies cover prostate screenings.

According to the Center for Disease and Prevention, annual prostate screening in Washington, D.C. dipped five percent to 53 percent in 2005. This reduction, according to medical experts, is alarming because the nation’s Capitol has the highest incident of prostate mortality in the country; 51 out of every 100,000 men will die; the national rate is 30.3 per 100,000.

Many of these daunting statistics were revealed at a National Faith-Based Board of Governors Luncheon held on Capitol Hill. Sponsored by the “dad” (Detection and Diagnosis) campaign, the luncheon joined Faith-based leaders with elected officials to discuss strategies for advocating how the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in America can be reduced.

Launched in January 2006, the “dad” campaign, the nation’s first major men’s health care initiative solely dedicated to addressing a life threatening disease, utilizes a “five partner” (industries) – entertainment, sports, corporate, faith-based and political – approach to delivering life-saving information on prostate cancer.

“Five industries play a key role in the success of bringing awareness to men and the people who love them,” explained Stephan Bell, director of Political Relations and Fund Development for the campaign. “Our goal is to get as much information to the public, to the men and the people who love them,” said Bell. “[We want] to increase the awareness of the importance of early [stage I] detection of prostate cancer.”

Entertainers Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones; sports personalities Frank Robinson, the former Washington Nationals manager and Joe Torre, manager of the New York Yankees; Minister Louis Farrakhan and Bishops Desmond Tutu and G.E. Patterson; noted surgeon Dr. Ben Carson, business leader Earl G. Graves Sr., and politicians Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.) and Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Jeff Session (R-Ala.) are prostate cancer survivors.

It is suggested by medical experts that Black men begin prostate testing at age 40. Vann Pettaway, Alabama A&M’s head basketball coach, diagnosed with the disease in 2004 at age 44, to his surprise suffered form an aggressive form of the disease. In excellent physical condition as a result working out with his team, Pettaway was surprised, not only to learn that he had prostate cancer, but that the disease was advanced; an indication that Pettaway fail to be tested early.

Medical experts also suggest that African American men who have a family member – grandfather, father or brother – diagnosed with the disease be tested no later than age 35. Because of the devastation caused by the disease in Black men, some advocates suggest that all African American men be tested their ‘30s.


Seven things Black men must know about prostate cancer!

1) Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in African American men.

2) African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.

3) More than 5,000 African American men will die of the disease in 2006; 30,770 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

4) Prostate caner has no identifiable symptoms during Stage I, the earliest of the four stages. However, if the undiagnosed disease progresses, symptoms will include the following:
a. A need to urinate frequently, especially at night,
b. Difficulties when beginning to urinate,
c. Eventually an inability to urinate will follow,
d. Weak or interrupted flow when urinating,
e. Painful or burning when urinating.

5) The chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases with each immediate relative (father, brother) who has the disease.

6) African American men should get annual prostate screening, to include a digital rectum exam (physical) and PSA [prostate specific antigen] examine determined by blood works.

7) According to Dr. Richard N. Atkins, CEO of National Prostate Cancer Coalition, the diet consumed by African American men – red meat and diet with high fat content – enhances their risk of attracting prostate cancer.

Please go get screened, and have a Merry Christmas & A Happy Extended Life

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To find a wife is!

According to Proverbs 18:22 finding a wife is a good thing and a man obtains favor from the Lord. But despite the blessing that God promised, statistics suggest that a high percentage of African Americans may not believe or agree with the book of wisdom. African Americans represent the lowest percentage of married people in America, marrying at a rate of 42 percent. Whites and Hispanics marry at a rate of 61 and 59 percent respectively.

Some of the factors negatively affecting African American marriages are their prevailing attitudes. Many of today's professional African American women believe they don't need a man, and too many brothers prefer to chase pussy rather than prosperity. "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death," advises Proverbs 14:12.

The prospect of hookin’ up with women who have phat booties and fine bodies can be intoxicating, but the results of “being the man” eventually leaves most brothers in a drunken emptiness searching for a greater purpose in life.

“I looked hard and what I saw alarmed me,” explained James Moore, a successful Washington, D.C. entrepreneur, about his behavior. “I found myself in the same ritual for years. All I did was club and womanize. I had nothing to show for it. Five years of my life was gone and my pockets were empty and all the women I encountered were gone for one reason or another; and my business was stagnate.”

Selfish desires motivate selfish men to “abandon sound principles of conduct.” “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment,” reads Proverbs 18:1. Brothers who act as if there’s power in possessing the pleasure of poo-tang don't know the prosperity in the blessings of a good wife.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies,” reads Proverbs 31:10. Verses 11 through 20 continue, “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruits of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her lions with strength, and strengtheneth her arms . . . She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

As a happily married man, I’ll admit making the commitment to marry wasn’t an easy decision. As a bachelor I owned a beautiful home, a thriving business and had my share of fine sisters who I hung with. Reflecting upon those days, I must admit – it was fun! But my fun as a womanizer doesn’t compare to the joy I receive from being “in one” with my wife. Chasing women will have you accomplishing just that – chasing.

Since that day almost six years ago when I said “I do,” my growth as a man has increased tenfold. My wife provides a spirit of peace for me. She lends an ear to my concerns, acts as sounding board for my ideas, keeps me in check if I step out of line, and is my most ardent cheerleader. Her support allows me the opportunity to focus on projects that will benefit our legacy.

Like mansions, legacies aren’t built with temporary foundations or in this case provisional women. If the amount of energy, time and finances is invested in efforts that deliver short-lived results, what’s the point? If what you are seeking as a man is long-term success, the road you should travel is by way of a good wife. “. . . the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him,” Genesis 2:18.

Brothers, it’s really simple. No matter how smart, debonair, masculine or how much “the man” you might be, you will never become the man you’re destined to be until you accept the Eve that God designed for you.

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