on the black hand side

What is Juneteenth and Why is It Celebrated?

Perhaps you've heard the term Juneteenth but don't know what it is and why it's important to Black Americans. To keep it short and sweet, the word Juneteenth is a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth." Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Also important to know is that President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 but it took two and a half years for the message of freedom to reach slaves in Texas.

Read more about the history of Juneteenth at www.Juneteenth.com. If your community doesn't celebrate Juneteenth, perhaps you want to coordinate a celebration. It's an exccellent opportunity to reinforce pride, culture, education and community.

Blog I'm Feeling: Mind Your Own Damn Business Politics

I surfed acroos this great blog, Mind Your Own Damn Business Politics, and this great blog post: We Have The ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ Wrong. Check it out.

Things that Make You Go Hmmm...?

This quote was forwarded to me by a friend. What say You?

"The Negro cannot win if he chooses to sacrifice the future of his children for immediate comfort and safety...." This quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  Ironically, and tragically, much of the decimation of the African-American community, by means of betrayal and deceit, is self imposed. This deliberate and systematic discrimination would not flourish if it were not for willing pawns, duplicitous individuals more concerned about personal political gain than the future of the lives they serve. Their culpability is disgraceful and deplorable. The greed for gain by these individuals works to sustain the status quo of destruction; works to 'sacrifice the future of our children for immediate comfort and safety."

 

 

 

 

Global Day of Blogging for Justice: Save Troy Davis!

Several journalists and bloggers have joined Amnesty International and other human rights groups to call attention to the impending execution of Troy Anthony Davis who sits on Death Row in Georgia. Davis has been this close to execution three times before but was spared thanks to expert lawyering. This time Davis may be out of luck as his last extension expired last Saturday.

In spite of the fact that seven of nine witnesses in the twenty year-old case recanted and cited undue influence by law enforcement; Davis is still set to be executed. How the U.S. Supreme Court and the American justice system in general can allow this to happen is nothing short of frightening.

New York Daily News columnist Errol Louis pens an excellent article citing the facts of the case; shoddy and incomplete police investigation and the egregious decision by several Supreme Court Justices to deny Davis a hearing to present new evidence because his papers were filed late.

Where is the justice in such a decision that may result in the murder of an innocent man? Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue should do the right thing and pardon Troy Davis. It is just. It is humane. It is the right thing to do.

Save Troy Anthony Davis. Please.

Can Bing Save Detroit?

Now that businessman and NBA great Dave Bing has been sworn in as mayor of Detroit, Michigan, perhaps the city can get back on track. Faced with daunting financial challenges, Bing brings wisdom and stability to a city desperately in need.

Bing will complete the mayoral term started by disgraced mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and temporarily filled by Council head Ken Cockrel defeated by Bing for the permanent position.

Michelle Howard: Quietly Kicking Butt and Taking Names

While the world was focused on the seizure and rescue of Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, little notice was given to the history-making leader of the anti-piracy crew who took charge and rescued him. That would be the one and only Rear Admiral Michelle Howard who assumed leadership of the crew only three weeks prior to the hostage situation. Who is she? Well, read her bio at this site.

See, I always knew that a sister in a few key places will resolve a lot of the problems this country is experiencing. Anyhoo, perhaps there are other Michelle Howards doing things in the world. If you know of other history makers, give us a shout here.

If You Love Hip-Hop

I was channel flipping and came across an awesome documentary, This Is the Life. It’s about hip-hop and a movement spawned at this obviously legendary place called The Good Life Café in Los Angeles. I am so in love with the talent introduced to me tonight. Giving up mad love to Freestyle Fellowship, Medusa & KoKo, Abstract Rude, Figures of Speech, 2000 Crows and a slew of other folks whose names I can’t remember right now.

If you love real hip-hop, music history or pop culture; this is one film you don’t want to miss.

I know The Last Poets are smiling as the next generation spits truth in poetry and lyrics.

 

President Obama and the Bobby

Here is a photo from President Obama's London visit. While most media outlets covered First Lady Michelle Obama touching the Queen; this exchange received very little coverage. Can you imagine how this gentleman must have felt?

  

Day of Blogging for Justice: No More Electrocution Deaths by Taser

Michael Jacobs, Jr. is the last name on a list of individuals who died after being subjected to electrocution by Taser. Jacobs is #405.

Surely, Jacobs' family wished they'd never called the police to help subdue their mentally ill loved one, but they did. That call led to Michael's death. Family members blame Fort Worth police who allegedly used excessive force to subdue Jacobs. Not only was he electrocuted; the family reports police did not provide medical assistance for at least 20 to thirty minutes. Wow.

There is a story for each of the other 404 people listed. Many of the deaths have been "justified" due to excited delirium. Research shows that excited delirium is a brain disorder and that requires immediate medical attention. At no point should an individual, properly diagnosed with ED or not, be electrocuted to death because of a brain disorder or even drug use. Death by taser must stop.

Too many people have died, in police custody, after electrocution by taser. What is the magic number of deaths required before these deaths are stopped? It goes without saying that law enforcement has a difficult job to do but 405 people dead? What's really going on?

This post is not an indictment of all law enforcement but does question the electrocution death of the 405 people listed on Taser Not Truth. It's time the issue was given the proper impartial scrutiny to prevent unlawful and unneccessary electrocution death by taser.

The Real Soloist: Meet Nathaniel Anthony Ayers

Many you have likely heard of the new Robert Downey, Jr. – Jamie Foxx film, The Soloist, scheduled to open this Friday. Based on the true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and his friendship with LA Times reporter, Steve Lopez, the movie shares stories of life lessons and life experiences of both men.

If the movie is as good as this segment from 60 Minutes, it will be another winning performance for Foxx and Downey.

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