New prison report includes sad news for blacks in America

As we have known for a long time, blacks make up a disproportionate segment of the prison population in this country. However a new report by the Pew Center on the States sheds some light on how bad the problem really is. The report lists the United States as the world’s No.1 incarcerator, jailing more than one out of 100 adults for the first time in it’s history.

However, even worse that this, is the news that 1 of every 9 black males between the ages of 20 and 34 are in prison. This is compared to 1 out of 30 when you look at all ethnic groups. The numbers are just as bad when you look at black women of the ages of 35 to 39, with 1 out of every 100 in that group being incarcerated. This is compared to 1 out of every 355 white women in this same age group. Why is this? Feel free to comment..

Click here for the AP story on America’s prison population.

Farrakhan sticks with Obama after debate snub

According to a story from the AP,  Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan reportedly advised voters to  continue their support for Barack Obama, in spite of Obama’s statements that he “rejected and denounced” the Nation of Islam leader. These statements were made during the Feb. 26 Democratic debate in response to mediator Tim Russert’s question regarding Farrakhan’s earlier statement of support for Barack, and whether he accepted that support. Obama responded by saying that he denounced the anti-semitic statements made by the minister in the past, and did not ask for his support.

Minister Farrakhan responded to Barack’s comments today by accusing Russert of what he called “Mischief Making” that was intended to “hurt Mr Obama politically.” He also stated that because of this, those who were supporting Barack should continue to do so. How do you feel about Barack’s response to Farrakhan? Feel free to comment!

Click here for the full AP story.

New website studies how blacks have settled in America…

Contrary to popular belief, the slave trade was not the only way that Blacks came to inhabit much of the land that we now know as the United States. Many people of African descent actually chose to come here for many of the same reasons that other ethnic groups came to this country.

They came to escape various types of persecution, which included slavery, but they also came for better economic opportunities, and to break with old traditions. This largely unknown and misunderstood part of history, is now presented in a beautiful website presented by the New York Public Library and its black research arm the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

The website, entitled “In Motion” The African-American Migration Experience”, not only explores the early settlement of Blacks in America, but also explores current migrations such as the movements of people from Africa and the Caribbean, as well as the movements of African-Americans within America, such as the recent movement of blacks from declining cities in the north into revived cities in the south.

To check out this great educational experience, go to the “In Motion” website by clicking here.

Wal-Mart and Tavis Smiley team up for new African-American Museum Exhibition

Wal-mart announced yesterday that it will be serving as the title sponsor for Tavis Smiley’s new “America I AM: The African-American Imprint” traveling exhibit. The exhibit, which is an extension of Smiley’s “Black State of the Union” forum, aims to highlight black contributions to America throughout history. It will feature documents and artifacts from many periods of U.S. history hoping to show the impact that blacks have made on the country.

click here for more information..

Malcolm X:The Ballot or the Bullet

 

This post is inspired by El Hajj Malik Shabazz’ passing on this day 1965. Remember…

 ”The Ballot or The Bullet” -
Malcolm X
1964

Speech Background
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) was an American spokesman for the Nation of Islam. The militant leader was known for “black power” and human rights work. He presented this speech to motivate blacks to fight for civil rights in 1964, less than a year before he was assassinated in New York City on February 21, 1965.

The Speech
Mr. Moderator, Brother Lomax, brothers and sisters, friends and enemies. I just can’t believe everyone in here is a friend, and I don’t want to leave anybody out. The question tonight, as I understand it, is “The Negro Revolt, and Where Do We Go From Here?” or What Next?” In my little humble way of understanding it, it points toward either the ballot or the bullet.
Before we try and explain what is meant by the ballot or the bullet, I would like to clarify something concerning myself. I’m still a Muslim; my religion is still Islam. That’s my personal belief. Just as Adam Clayton Powell is a Christian minister who heads the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York, but at the same time takes part in the political struggles to try and bring about rights to the black people in this country; and Dr. Martin Luther King is a Christian minister down in Atlanta, Georgia, who heads another organization fighting for the civil rights of black people in this country; and Reverend Galamison, I guess you’ve heard of him, is another Christian minister in New York who has been deeply involved in the school boycotts to eliminate segregated education; well, I myself am a minister, not a Christian minister, but a Muslim minister; and I believe in action on all fronts by whatever means necessary.

Texas Debate: Barack In the driver’s seat…

In tonight’s Democratic debate, Barack Obama definitely stepped his game up in several areas: First of all, his posture showed him to be very poised and confident, causing him to look very presidential. This is in contrast to past debates when he was often caught slumped over in his seat, shifting from side to side, looking quite uncomfortable.

In contrast to Barack‘s demeanor, Hillary often looked defeated,constantly nodding her head in response to Obama’s points, generally looking like she had relegated herself to the role of second fiddle. Also in presenting the issues, Barack was deftly able to mix policy with his usual inspirational talking points and totally disarmed Hillary’s argument that he was all talk and no action.

During most of the debate Hillary appeared to be on the defensive, seemingly in disbelief of Barack’s newfound command of the debate stage. Even with the few openings that she was given to cast doubt on Barack’s ability to be President, she was either unable to or refused to take advantage, such as on the final question where the candidates were asked about how they have dealt with their greatest crisis during their lives. I felt that Barack gave a rather weak answer about his growing up in a single parent home, etc. not really stating anything concrete, but Hillary instead of drawing upon her political experiences, and separating herself as the more seasoned candidate, gave an equally soft answer which basically came across as somewhat of a concession speech more than anything else.

While Clinton did not hurt herself during the actual debate, she definitely did not get the win that she needed to bolster her flagging campaign, and in the end that may hurt her chance to win Texas , and with that the Democratic nomination…

3 reasons why Hillary needs to quit NOW…

By Paul Cash

Reason #1.) A lot of people just don’t like her. The Republican strategists are praying that Hillary wins the nomination…Why? Well, it’s simple actually, the fact is, nothing raises the ire of Republican voters like the name Clinton. They know that if Hillary wins, it will mobilize the Republican base like nothing else. And while that will not guarantee them a victory after years of mis-management by Dubya, it will make their job a lot easier. Take a look at these numbers taken from a CNN poll: According to a poll conducted Feb. 1-3, 44% of those polled said that they did not like Clinton, compared with 36% who didn’t like McCain and 31% who didn’t like Obama. Now while her likeability is not the end all be all to her viability as a candidate, it is a huge flaw and it plays right into hands of the Republicans who really shouldn’t have a shot in this election. After all, there’s a good reason why the name “Clinton” is not prominently featured on her campaign posters….

Reason #2.) Obama has broader appeal. If you take a look at the exit polls from yesterday’s so-called “Potomac” primaries in MD, VA, and D.C., you will see that the farther we go in this contest, the more Barack’s appeal widens. Just on the basis of race, Obama took 90% of African Americans polled and roughly 50% of the whites which is extraordinary based on the fact that he was pulling in about 25% of the white vote on Super Tuesday. He has even greater appeal amongst young and independent voters which according to CNN chose Obama at rates of about 60 and 70 percent respectively. What does this mean? This means that Obama’s message carries across a greater segment of the population that Hillary’s, especially with the all-important independent voters, who will be needed to win against a McCain campaign, because he historically does well with the independents also.

Reason #3.) Obama’s campaign reflects just the kind of innovation and common sense thinking that we need in the White House. From the very beginning, Barack’s campaign has set the pace for fundraising, “get out the vote” grassroots organizing, along with the utilization of new technologies such as audio and video streaming on the internet. Because of the innovative ways that they are conducting business, the Clinton campaign has been playing catch-up for a long time, even when they had a lead in the delegate count. From the campaign posters emblazoned with the now popular “CHANGE” slogan, to the state of the art website, that allows users to build their own virtual campaign office to show support, Obama’s campaign shows the out of the box thinking that we need a president to exhibit if the United States is going to continue to lead the world in prosperity and technological savvy. Hillary, on the other hand, can’t even keep track of her campaign funding…Hillary…the writing is on the wall…it’s time to step aside and let the party move forward…Do you think that Hillary should step aside? Feel free to comment…

True Division

By Fahim Malik Nassar

Barely 12 hours after Sen. Barack Obama soundly defeated (in popular votes) Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Chesapeake Primaries. Brother Tavis Smiley, a prominent radio and television personality within the Black Community, speaks out against the Senator.

He annually hosts the State Of The Black Union, a show that discusses the issues pertaining to the African-American community.

Last year, Sen. Obama could not attend the show because he was announcing his candidacy for the president of The United States. Unfortunately for Obama, while he was busy making landmark decisions, Tavis and company were busy lambasting the young Senator for not being there.

This year, Brother Tavis is at it again. The State Of The Black Union is on, and it looks like Sen. Obama may not be able to make it (with Texas primaries, Ohio, Wisconsin, and with him in a heated battle with Sen. Clinton for the Democratic nod). Senator Clinton, on the other hand, has stated she will make it.

Is this a slap in the face to Sen. Obama? I think not. The Chesapeake Primary (Maryland, The District of Columbia, and Virginia) demonstrated that Sen. Clinton does not have the full support of the Black Community and needs to reach out to us. She is trying to garner votes by appearing on the Black station with the Black people, just like her husband did twelve years prior.

In his commentary, Smiley said he was going to “snap” on those who don’t attend on Tuesday’s show, demanding that they own up to black issues and zero in on social justice issues as outlined in the book he edited, “The Covenant with Black America.” …sounds like a book plug to me…

Sen. Obama is a black man, who is attempting to address the problems of All Americans, to include, but not solely to his race.

Tavis… walk with us brother. We are adult voting people. Why would we “snap” on or make references to or attempt to destroy the character of a member of our community who is trying to “do something important” because he cannot attend your show. In this author’s humble opinion Hillary needs to be there. She is out of touch with our community and truly has no clue of the educational starvation, poverty, continued destruction of the black family, continued abuse of our non-violent prisoners, sub-prime mortgages, gangs and the overall disenfranchisement and disillusionment of our people. Obama doesn’t need a refresher course from colleagues who do book tours and talk shows but don’t actually come into the urban areas to talk to the gangs; colleagues who don’t fight for voters rights, employment, and education for non-violent felons after they are released. Brother Tavis, can’t you see that there is a bigger picture going on then sit-ins and bus boycotts?

But moreso than just that, we need UNITY. Take a hint from the Republican Party. The Black and African communities need unification amongst its leadership not division because of a missed show appearance.

Obama has been wise in choosing not to be the “black candidate” but rather a man poised and ready to be president. Why are we still looking at his skin? Why aren’t we seeing the man behind the mask?

Tavis, if you go through with the lambasting of Obama, you may undo any and all progress he has built. Do NOT side with Hillary because she showed up. Remember, she needs our vote. If she scored well in the south and urban areas…she would not have made it either.

See the traps for what they are my people…

The Old Guard vs. The Youngbloods

By Fahim Malik Nassar

Today is a very important political day for all Americans. It is the wake of Super Tuesday and the relevance of an American Black President is truly more evident than ever before. The political rabble-rousing of Bill Clinton and his ridicule of Obama’s success in the South Carolina Primary has now officially been over-shadowed by his taking of 14 of the 22 states in yesterday’s event.

Granted, at this time the delegate count is still being tallied, and Sen. Hillary Clinton has a slight edge at this point. It is too early to tell exactly how close this democratic election is.

Knowing this, Black Americans find themselves in a position we are not used to. Where is our leadership? Where are the American Black leaders our community grew to rely on during the 50s, 60s and 70s?

So far, if you want to look to American Black leadership, look in two places. You will find them in the ground, or buried with their head in the sand. There is no true strength in the American Black communities because of many deep-seeded reasons, but a few factors are readily prevalent:.

1. Economics. The so-called leaders of the past are now comfortable with their regimen of talk shows, speaking engagements and book tours. They are in a tax bracket that has detached them from today’s youthful constituents.

2. Disenfranchisement. Today’s American Black youth are disinterested, disengaged and misinformed about the truth of the state of the Black community. They know that education and health care are severely down in the urban areas, they understand that interest rates are killing their wallet; debt is at an all-time high. They know the value of their dollar does not go nearly as far as it used to. What they do not understand is that the political process is how things change. (based on the last 2 elections it is easy to understand why they feel so disenfranchised).

3. Indifference. There is a definite divide in what our leaders discuss and what their constituents are going through. These are no longer the days of Minister El Hajj Malik Shabazz and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I say that not to knock what these and many other great Americans achieved, but to say the Civil Rights movement is over. We have achieved somewhat of the goals set before us. The problem is, the problems facing the American Black communities are not as overt these days. To say Black People as a whole do not understand truly what they are voting for is not an accusation but rather a feeling that swells throughout the community. We must be reminded of why we are still fighting and to remove the false sense of complacency that has besieged our community.

So, who’s going to take the weight? This is a question that is NOT directed at the political candidates, but rather our community itself. Once again, the need to galvanize our members is vastly apparent.

Our community really needs to put itself back together. Recognize that the education our children receive is lacking on a grand scale. The school system is being used as a baby-sitter to our children, an underpaid, over-worked, under-appreciated baby-sitter with poor materials and resources.

There is a stranglehold on our music and arts. Powers that be have no regulation on what hits the airwaves and internet waves thus setting our children up for a failure of epic proportions. Creativity has been railroaded by monetary influence of a select few who have no other vested interest in our communities other than exploitation.

Sub-prime Mortgages are directly aimed at the urban communities, where most American Blacks reside. Homes are foreclosing at a tremendous rate. Gas prices are $20-$40 higher per fill than they were 8 years ago. Food prices are sky-rocketing, Health care is at welfare conditions for a large percentage of American blacks (those who can actually afford health care). Family care plans (day care, health care, dental, life insurance) are so unaffordable as compared to wages, forcing many families to go without.

There is still plenty left to fight for. Our Fore-Fathers gave us the freedom we have now, what are we giving our children? What future will we have left when the world still sees black vs. white, where an American Black presidential candidate is a big deal, where a female presidential candidate is a big deal, where private industry continues to sacrifice creativity and imagination by monopolizing music and the arts, where the deficit rises, but salaries do not, where interest rates stifle credit ratings by suffocating its masses with unaffordable conditions, it is high time we laced up our Military Surplus boots, donned our red boxing gloves and tell the established environment that there indeed is a necessity for change, and we will put forth the effort to be the beacons of that change.

Older leaders, we thank you for your assistance, tutelage and guidance but it is OUR turn. It is now up to US to turn the corner.

Barack Obama is not Jesus…

By Fahim Malik Nassar

Niggers are scared of revolution. This was said by the Last Poets back in the 1960s and it still rings true today. Why am I saying this? Quite simply because after over 500 years of servitude, degradation, humiliation, de-humanization, and economic suffering, coupled with 50 decades of strife, fighting, marching and vying for a taste of “American Freedom” we finally get to the point where we are an integral part of a system we helped found and we are looking for any reason at all to keep the status quo.

In 2007, a historic landmark in American Black history was reached when Democratic Senator Barack Obama decided to toss his hat in the political arena and run for President of the United States of America.

While there have been candidates of African-American decent in the past, this is the first truly election-worthy candidate in the group. And what do our people as a whole say about this new and shining candidate? “He is not Black enough”.

It seems ole “Fetch and Steppin’” has returned once again to keep American Blacks in their collective place. Why is it that American Blacks need an excuse not to vote for Obama, or not to vote at all!

Now, I am not so much an Obama supporter, as I am a supporter of change. All American across the board can admit one thing… the current status quo is not working.

Every four years we hire someone to tax us to the point of starvation, increase the cost of gas and food, send our sons and daughters to their death, and to shape the definition of our people as spoiled underachieving, complaining, overweight imbeciles in the eyes of the rest of the world.

This has been the case throughout our history, because throughout our history one thing has always remained the same… the person we hire. The President always seems to be a Caucasian Gentleman of over 50 with money and influence. Apparently, we still haven’t figured out that this status quo may be the very thing that holds us back from reaching our full potential as a land, a people and a leader in the world community.

It amazes me that with everything going on in our world today, extreme and direct change is a frightening fact especially amongst American Blacks who, if they just came together in a unified front, could actually change the complexion of American History forever. (I do not mean that in a racial text, but rather in a text of radical change.) With the election of an American Black, it shows true progress and change as well as a willingness to venture out of the collective box we are huddled within.
Again, I am not saying to vote for Obama because he’s Black, but rather do not use that as an excuse NOT to vote for him.

Now, I know there is another historical viewpoint we could use, and it goes by the name of Hillary Clinton. She is more than capable and under any other circumstance I would say this is the right move. But it is not. She is indoctrinated by a combination of Bush legacy, Reganomics, and the past Clinton Administration, which is very much responsible for the mess that we are in today. She is a politician, plain and simple. Electing her will change the status quo, but not as much.

I believe she will have her time, perhaps the next election.

As a whole, Americans need to think outside of the box and deliver who is actually best for this country. Party lines need to be eliminated. Republicans/Democrats are the same exact entity. What has either party done to exact rights or privileges to its people?

Other countries have Government run healthcare, child care, better economic division amongst its people rather than military surplus in the quadruple billions and homeless people in front of the White House.

We need to erase the lines and vote for the right choice.

Barack Obama is not Jesus. He is not the savior of all mankind, but in electing him, we say something about ourselves and our place in America as a whole, not just American Blacks, but Americans.

It’s time for change, my people.