'NTheBlack

Racism in God's Pulpit!

2010-01-06T13:20:00.000-06:00

Racism perpetuated from the pulpit is the worst, the most dangerous of all. The recent story about Phoenix pastor, Steve Anderson, praying for the president’s, yes President Obama’s death is disturbing. Not only should he be run out of the pulpit, he should be considered and treated like a terrorist. Hearing that story reminded me of churches that harbored Klansmen who hung blacks and burned crosses and of the ministers who stood by racist Jim Crow era laws and practices. In his, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke to the clergy, many of whom protected racism overtly or by their silent acquiescence to it. He used these words to close it. “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty”. Even now with a black man in the white house, racism is alive and well and we still must pray that the tomorrow that brings love and brotherhood is not too distant.

Brothers....Pay Attention

2009-12-09T11:00:00.002-06:00

Brothers this is for you. Many of us are divorced with children. Some of you must really dislike your exes but you take it out on your children. It's important for both parents to cooperate and, for the Children’s sake, treat each other with love. After all, the fact that you have children together says there was once some love. Listen I know that relationships don't always work but your children need you, your time and your money.

Liars.....That's Who You Are!

2009-10-27T11:18:00.000-05:00

Right Wingers, many of whom identify with or belong to the Republican Party are really going too far in their attacks and criticism of the President. What is so ironic, to me at least, is that these people espouse Patriotism. These are people who claim to LOVE America. But, how can you love America and hate the president who was duly elected by the American people? How can you love America and hate Americans? How can you criticize success and recognition? Here’s how you do it, practice bigotry. Yes I’m saying it loudly, all of you who are finding reasons to hate, to bicker, to disrespect, you are bigots, pure and simple and your claims of love for the country, your so called patriotism, is an out and out lie.

President Obama Dis-respected!

2009-09-10T10:03:00.003-05:00

I was disappointed, to say the least, hearing members of congress jeer the President of the United States during his recent address. I have never heard a president so disrespected. Why, I asked myself. My answer, it was his race, skin color, his heritage. George Bush, neither of them had this happen. Nor would it have happened to Reagan, Nixon, Clinton, Ford, or Jimmy Carter. It certainly wouldn’t have happened to JFK or LBJ. But it happened to Barak Obama. Yes indeed, the President of the United States of America was disrespected. So were the halls of Congress, a place where the laws that govern this nation and shape this world. So were the citizens of this nation.

America has changed for the better, but last night set us back. It reminded me this is still the same America where those fleeing Europe in a quest for freedom, enslaved and endorsed the enslavement of my ancestors. It reminded me that less than 150 years ago, a Black man was considered three-fifths of a human being. It reminded me of days when the mantra of this nation supported theories that said, “When you’re white you’re right, and if you’re black you’d better get back”. It reminded me of the sign that hung at the Cullman, Alabama county line that told Black folk to “read and run”.

All those people who heckled the President of the United States, all those who held signs, who openly demonstrated not just displeasure at his message but contempt for the messenger should apologize to Mr. Barak Obama and to the American people.

Our Children...Dead in the Streets

2009-07-06T11:35:00.003-05:00

Our children are dying, in many cases killing each other and we don’t seem to think we can do anything to stop it. This program is heard in over 40 cities nationwide and the murder of young black men may not be a problem where you are but it’s a big problem where I am. As a father I am always concerned about my children, but as a man I must be concerned for all children. Even though many of the victims are technically adults, meaning over the age of 21, they are still our children. They are children of parents of my generation. Where did we fail them? Moreover, what are we doing to stop the violence? Or perhaps the question should be, do we really care?

Down with the Rebel flag!

2009-05-06T10:13:00.001-05:00

The confederate flag, the old stars and bars that to many people, including me, represent white folk trying to assert their supremacy is back in the news, therefore, I'll weigh in. the Confederate States of America began in 1861 and was no more by 1865. Some quick math says the CSA only lasted 4 years. Prior to 1861 the American flag flew over the former confederacy. After 1865 the American flag again represents the old south. More math indicates that from America’s independence in 1776 until now, some 233 years, in all but 4 there was no confederacy and no need for that flag. So what does that flag represent. It represents failure, a lost cause a lost war between the states. It represents an unsuccessful system, an unsuccessful government created to oppress me and people who look like me, who share my color. There are some who say it is their heritage. Well I pity those who would brag about and continue to promote a heritage of failure, a heritage that oppressed people, a heritage that waged and lost a war and then gave up, tucked their tails and begged for re-entry into the United States. There is one proper place for the Confederate Flag, in a cemetery because it represents dead thinking and a past way of life, or a museum as a symbol of an American failure.

The Black Economy

2009-04-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

Black consumers must realize that they are vital to the success of Black business. As we spend our $8 billion dollars in annual income; and we spend most of it. We all need to make a conscious effort to seek out and support Black entrepreneurs, businessmen and women who have established their own enterprises. Black business should not have to be supported by programs but by people, black people. If we trade with Blacks whenever possible, their businesses will succeed, they will contribute to the economy, and more blacks will take on the challenge of running a business. The money we earn will do more to benefit the communities in which we live. We as a people must raise our understanding concerning economic issues and black consumers must understand that they must spend their money with Black business.

I'm Black and I'm Proud!

2009-02-04T13:32:00.002-06:00

During this Black history month, we all realize that Black people in this country still have a long way to go. But before we start to despair over our social and economic problems, we ought to reflect on just how far we’ve come. As Booker T. Washington penned his book, Up From Slavery, he was no doubt proud and optimistic because he must have believed that the newly freed slaves and their descendents would prosper and make tremendous achievements and contributions to this American society and have we ever. Blacks have given so much to America and because we have, this country is richer. I am proud of what we’ve done and I’m hopeful and optimistic about what we are going to do. I am convinced that we shall overcome our problems and find cures to what ails us. We must keep our eyes on the prize and be proud of our accomplishments.

Keys to Success- Vision and Courage

2008-08-13T11:32:00.002-05:00

Things are changing fast. Our paper dollar is sinking and gold is floating high. Real estate values turned out not be so real and their values are plummeting. But yet, if you have eyes to see and with a little planning, you'll find that there are fortunes to be made. They are to be found hidden in the secret places. They are wrapped in darkness, even gloom. While our current economy is tanking and the personal wealth of millions is evaporating before our eyes, there are some who saw this coming and are beginning to step into the gloom, the darkness, and see what others do not. They see opportunity and are poised to take advantage of the times. You don't have to have cash to take advantage of the changing times. You must have vision however, and courage. Cash helps, but vision, when it is clear, attracts an abundance of cash from those who don't see as clearly as you. Get really clear on your vision. Begin to see what God sees and learn to communicate that. It will attract everything that is needed to survive, even thrive in these trying times

Look in the Mirror

2008-04-30T13:55:00.000-05:00

Who do you blame when things don’t go the way you want or expect? Do you look around at your wife or your husband and try to put the blame on them? Do you blame your parents, your children, your co-workers, or even your boss? Do you blame white people, black people, Asians, or did the devil make you do it? I guess we all have the tendency to want to blame someone for our problems and I’ll admit that we often have help getting into bad situations from time to time. But when you looked for much and it came into little, the bible tells us to consider your ways. When you have much but you are not satisfied, when you work hard and do not see the results, when it seems that the wages you earn are put into a bag with holes consider your ways. When things aren’t going the way you want them to, don’t look around look into your mirror, consider your ways and make the changes you need to make. You just might discover your spouse, your friends, or your pastor weren’t the source of your problem after all.

15 Minutes of Fame

2008-01-22T10:12:00.001-06:00

Flip on the television at any point and time and there's always someone trying to get their 15 minutes of fame on some over the top reality show. When did instant fame take the place of good old fashioned hard work? They say it takes a village to raise a child. Instead of raising a child to seek instant fame and fortune, perhaps we should teach them the importance of having character and integrity as the building blocks to their future. As the old Chinese proverb goes, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” By arming our children with a strong foundation built upon the principles of hard work, honesty and integrity, we're giving them the power to live their lives fully and prosperously even after the 15 minutes of fame is gone.

What's Your Lifestyle Like?

2007-10-10T10:40:00.000-05:00

Lifestyle really does matters! Most of us have seen someone who we know to be our own age but they look so much older. Now for some, health issues beyond their control has caused aging to occur. Those are not the people I am speaking about right now. I am referring to people whose life styles have them looking bad, feeling bad and in many cases doing bad. Brothers and sisters we know the things that cause us problems, such as, smoking, over indulgence in alcohol, lack of rest, not exercising. We all know what our life style issues are and none of us are perfect but as a community we must be concerned and we must show that concern. So I guess that is what I am trying to do with this piece. Let’s check our styles and see if there are some things we can do or things we can stop doing to help us live longer and healthier lives.

Black Churches-Agents for Change

2007-07-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

Many black churches from across America are discovering that they can be catalyst for the creation of Black businesses, jobs, and wealth in the African American community. These churches have adopted as a mission creating economic opportunities for the people and have developed a sort of Christian capitalism. There are numerous examples of churches which have turned empty storefronts into thriving businesses thereby improving property values in their vicinities. These churches have helped their communities attract more fluent residents and other businesses. I believe that more churches should take on the responsibility of reversing poverty and creating foundations for economic development. More churches need to take the lead in encouraging African Americans to pool our dollars, invest in each other, and in our communities.

What About Our Children?

2006-10-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

Our children are dying, in many cases killing each other and we don’t seem to think we can do anything to stop it. The murder of young black men may not be a problem where you are but it’s a big problem where I am. As a father I am always concerned about my children, but as a man I must be concerned for all children. Even though many of the victims are technically adults, meaning over the age of 21, they are still our children. They are children of parents of my generation. Where did we fail them? Moreover, what are we doing to stop the violence? Or perhaps the question should be, do we really care?

A Simple Key to Growing Your Business!

2006-05-16T14:18:00.000-05:00

Some businessmen treat their existing customers much worse than their newer ones. I’ve noticed that some businessmen and women give great quality, prompt efficient service until they feel they’ve got your loyalty, and then they slack off. It seems that the more business we give, the more often you use them the worse they get…then when you decide to stop utilizing their services, you’re the culprit. One of the best ways to grow a small business into a larger one is to maintain old customers while adding new ones. And, the only way to keep customers is to keep them satisfied…that goes for any business…

Strife Among Black People....

2005-12-05T10:15:00.000-06:00

WHY DO BLACK PEOPLE ALWAYS SEEM TO OPPOSE EACH OTHER? THAT’S ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PROBLEMS. NOW, I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT ON A FOOTBALL FIELD OR EVEN IN A BOXING RING, I’M SPEAKING OF OUR OPPOSITION TO EACH OTHER WITHIN OUR VERY INSTITUTIONS, WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS WE CONTROL. WE OPPOSE EACH OTHER IN OUR SCHOOLS, WE OPPOSE EACH OTHER IN OUR COMMUNITIES, WE OPPOSE EACH OTHER IN POLITICS, AND WE EVEN OPPOSE EACH OTHER IN CHURCH. SURE WE WILL NEVER ALL ALWAYS AGREE, BUT WE OPPOSE EACH OTHER SO VEHEMENTLY, THAT WE’VE RAISED A GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO OPPOSE EACH OTHER WITH VIOLENCE. WE NEED TO WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND THAT OUR DESTINIES ARE CONNECTED AND THAT WE NEED TO SET THE RIGHT EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.

Work Ethic

2005-09-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

Some people have it and some don’t. Some folk don’t mind doing whatever it takes to get a job done, while some others always have an excuse as to why a task isn’t finished. There are some people you have confidence in knowing that a thing will be done and done right. Then there are the ones with a poor work ethic that always say, “it’s time to go home, so I’ll finish that tomorrow”. There are some people who come in early and work as long as it takes to get the work done. Those people have a good work ethic. Then there are others you can set your watch by, they’re never around after quitting time. Ask yourself a couple of questions. Am I committed to completing projects even if it means coming in early or staying late? Am I easily discouraged and do I take defeat easily, almost lying down? Ask and decide for yourself whether or not you have a good work ethic.

Church Gossip

2005-08-10T12:36:00.000-05:00

We all know people who seem to happily pass on bad news. When they hear something bad or hear of others problems or misfortunes, they immediately and seemingly cheerfully pass on the news. You always hear them asking “did you hear such and such about so and so”. You know the folk I’m talking about. Many of them are our church members, they sing in the choir, serve as ushers, good church folk but they gossip and seem so happy to be able to tell that someone else is having a hard time. Brothers and sisters, your trials trouble me. If you’re sad, then so am I. If you have a problem, rather than talk about you, I’d rather see if I could help. And should I have to pass on bad news, I will never be happy to do so. No matter who you are.

The New Predators in our Community

2005-07-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

In the past on the Countdown, I’ve talked about the title pawn shops and payday lenders and the way they prey on poor people. Now let me introduce you to a new term, Subprime lenders. These are the people who make home mortgage loans at sometimes outrageous interest rates. Recent data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development unveils the fact that African Americans are again the targets of these predators. Almost one third of the conventional mortgage loans made to blacks in 2004 were Subprime, meaning they carried higher interest rates and fees. All of this is happening at the same time lenders and the U.S. Congress are considering weakening the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which requires banks to provide loans and other services to all areas regardless to their economic condition. There is a disparity in lending and it isn’t fair. Members of the clergy, community activists, politicians and concerned citizens, we must engage lenders and seek changes in their practices. We must insist on fairness and equity in our community and put an end to predatory lending in each and every category.

Welcome!

2005-06-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings, you are now visiting 'NTheBlack. Get ready for various nuggets on how you can find yourself in a better position and what is fondly referred to in the financial realm as 'N The Black!