The Fourth of July: Blackwards...

Universal Greetings & Salutations To The People of The Human Family.  Today is independence day in America.  The historical relevance of this day is intricate and complicated.  For people of color like Native and African Americans the history is a stained and tainted one.  The declaration stated that "All men were created equal."  But those of us in the African and Native American community know this was far from the case.  Especially the fact that many of the signers of the declaration were slavers.  As the great ancestor Frederick Douglass pointed out in his 1852 speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" "I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us.  I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary!  Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.  The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. — The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.  The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me.  This Fourth [of] July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn."  The points Douglas makes are points that poke America contemporarily, perhaps not in the same context, but in the same sentiment.  The notion that America has become a post-racial nation is ludicrous.  The systemic evils that have crippled people of color especially Africans Americans suggest the rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by us--in totality."

"The 4th of July is also not Independence Day for people of color.  It wasn't until the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870 that all men had the right to vote regardless of race -- on paper, that is, not in practice. People of color were systematically, and all too successfully, disenfranchised for another century.  July 4th of 1776 was certainly not a day of Independence or reverence for Native Americans.  It wasn't until 1924 that Native Americans could unilaterally become citizens of the United States and have the voting rights to go with it." -Carina Kolodny

Make no mistake, America has come a long way since 1776, and she is a great nation, but, she has egregiously digressed.  Yes, even with the first sitting African American POTUS.  One may ask, "Why point this out?" "Why bring up the past?"  They may state "You are free, you could be living in a country like Iran or Cuba," or "If you dislike America then go live somewhere else."  I point this out because as a spiritual man, I know like the great Dr. MLK, Jr. knew "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."  I point this because as a spiritual, I know like author of Declaration of Independence knew "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever."  I bring this up the past because as Malcolm X stated "“Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research.  And when you see that you’ve got problems, all you have to do is examine the historic method used all over the world by others who have problems similar to yours. And once you see how they got theirs straight, then you know how you can get yours straight.”  America has not been beautiful for people of color, and when we hear from those who say they want to return America back to what she was or "never appreciated the benefits of local fascism," we tremble.  We tremble because we know what this type of patriotic-talk means.
"Happy white peoples independence day the slaves weren't free but I'm sure they enjoyed the fireworks." -Chris Rock

When people of color bring up or point out America's past, it is not because we dislike or hate America, although some do, but it because we see what America can be.  The greatness that is in America inspires the world.  The goodness that is the America people inspires the world.  But the same can be said about the evil that is in America because there is a thin line between greatness, goodness, and evil.  Paraphrasing Minister Louis Farrakhan "One can be great, but that doesn't mean their good, because good is a moral quality that one possesses."  America's evils are seemingly outweighing her greatness and the goodness found in her

citizens.  All one has to do is look at the world picture screen to get a not so picturesque view of how America is seen throughout the world.  To the world America is at the top of "spiritual wickedness (existing) in high places," she is the master architect of "principalities--powers and rulers of darkness in this world."  In most instances, there is a difference between America and the American people.  Many American people know America has not been be all that she can be, they know that her laws are unjust, and they know that if she is the Christian Nation she claims to be that God's justice will not sleep forever, because it "rolls down like rivers of running water."  Many Americans see what Thomas Jefferson saw that America will have to answer for what she has done and is doing.

Black Business: Why Blacks don't support Black Businesses?

Why Blacks don't support Black Businesses?

According to late psychologist Dr. Amos Wilson "Identity is essential to economics..." In other words, if one does not identity with one's culture its easy to spend your money with others. African American businesses often fail because we no longer identify with being Black holistically.  We've been Americanized in a way that has taken us from the idea of collective work & responsibility (Ujima) and cooperative economics (Ujamaa) as a people.  You darn for sure won't see the Chinese spending a ton of money outside of their community.

Dr. Umar Johnson says "teaching your child that they have a shared identity with their enemy is one of the worst things you can do."  Essentially, what Johnson is saying is, by assimilating ourselves into a system that constantly and consistently attacks Black culture, we are serving a death sentence.  Question is like Joe Madison - "The Black Eagle" often asks "What are you (we) gonna do about it?"  And, the reality is, we can do something about it, if we so choose, in spite of the obstacles.  

The Normalization of Sexual Orientation

The onslaught of media attention over one's sexual preference has hit a level of polarization that makes me wonder.  Why is the choice of one's sexual orientation a big to do?  Is there an agenda behind it?  Of course, I have some understanding of why, and we can run the issue from end zone to end zone.  That is not my undertaking here.   I believe it is one's right to have a preference, and I'm not opposed to that. But, to presuppose that being gay is the new Black, is extreme.  Notably, the LGBTQ community has experienced suppression in various forms, but not to the level of the Black community.  As one of my colleagues said, "There is no comparison."

African American Men wearing "Gay is the new Black" T-Shirt

If I decide to come out like radio host Rickey Smiley as "heterosexual."  Will that make the news or be written off as mere comedy?  When one decides to "come out" such as former pro athlete Michael Sam it truly is their decision, and everyone doesn't need to know.  It's the individual's business and responsibility to be comfortable with the skin their in--not mine, or anyone else's.  I am not an advocate of homophobia, and anyone who chooses to harbor ill feelings against those in the LGBTQ community must stand down.  Constructive honest dialog is the order of the day, and this is the approach I choose to take.

Theologically speaking, transgression is transgression, and the human family shares a common bond when it comes to wrong doing.  The question was raised in my theology class last night: Is being gay the sin or is the sexual act the sin?  There are strong arguments on both sides.  I don't believe being gay in "name" or "title" is a sin because gay, lesbian, etc. is one's sexual preference or orientation--not the sexual act.  According to the standard that the scriptures set biblically and quranically--the "sex act" is the sin.  Therefore, one cannot judge or condemn the LGBTQ community based on a "title."  Many hear the name or title, and automatically think sin.  At the end of the day, we all will have to present ourselves before God as one approved, and give account of our record.

Former Pro Football Player Michael Sam

The reality is, we are in a media age that puts the public into dissemination overload.  The attempt to "normalize" sexual preference and orientation makes me question the agenda.  

Do those in the LGBTQ community deserve the universal and inalienable human rights given to others?  Absolutely!  But, to normalize the obstacles the community endures as having something in common to the plight of the Black struggle is far from the crux of the matter.  Gay, being deemed as the new Black has become the new slogan... But, that is very offensive, misleading, and problematic on many levels, as being gay is not a badge of racial pride, especially when one thoroughly examines what it means to be Black and gay.  In fact, in many cases Black folk who are a part of the LGBTQ community have been alienated and marginalized because of their race, and not their sexuality.  *Originally written Feb 2014, Updated Feb 2016.

Further reading to consider:

‘No Blacks’ Is Not a Sexual Preference. It’s Racism http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/09/no-blacks-is-not-a-sexual-preference-it-s-racism.html

The People’s District: 5 Reasons Gay is Not the New Black

http://forthdistrict.com/5-reasons-gay-is-not-the-new-black/

Are Gay Men More Racist Than Straight Men?

http://new.www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-alvear/are-gay-men-more-racist-t_b_6984072.html

RACISM IN THE GAY COMMUNITY AND HOMOPHOBIA IN THE BLACK

COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING THE GAY BLACK MALE EXPERIENCE

https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05222008-112356/unrestricted/ClarenceEBrownIII2008Thesis.pdf

‘You’re Really Nice, but I Don’t Date Black Guys’: Racism or Preference? (VIDEO)

http://new.www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-manske/youre-really-sweet-im-just-not-into-black-guys-racism-or-preference_b_6401436.html

Richard Sherman -- Still a Thug!

Many people are blasting Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman over his so-called "rant" after the Seahawks Superbowl win. He's been called every derogatory racial slur on the planet. According to reports he is being referred to as a "thug," "crazy man," "gangsta," "dangerous" and last but never least the proverbial "n-word." Now, as a former football player and current coach, I know what it means to play with heart and passion. When you have a competitive spirit, you compete, it's that plain and simple. Guys talk all type of smack in the game of sports on and off the field. It's part of the culture!
Now, do I agree with the many who said his remarks were mistimed, absolutely, but it is what it is, and what is is the game of football. Trash talking is a part of the culture of sports as mentioned above. While critics blasted the likes of Tom Brady (cursed out a referee), John Mcenroe (Classic rant on umpires) Coach Bobby Knight (Throwing chairs), and Coach Mike Gundy (I'm 40, I'm a man) for their rants. All of these individuals (who are White) were romanticized, and never forced to endure the type of derogatory onslaughts that Sherman and other Black athletes endure. Paraphrasing radio talk show host Joe Madison "If you're white it's alright, and if you're black it's not."

Let me switch to my social scientist hat... If you think we live in a post racial America I must say with all due respect-Stop Thinking It! Many people say "African Americans are always playing the race card." But, in all candor, I submit the card cannot be played if it is not in the deck. Black athletes have always been categorically castigated--while our white counterparts are romanticized. Think about some of the greatest rants in sports history. Sherman's exuberance is right in step with the same exuberance that a Serena Williams or Muhammad Ali exclaimed when they won. Ali was dragged through the media during his day, and he too, while not college educated was highly intelligent. America had never seen anything like the bold and charismatic Ali--Ali "shuck up the world," and the labeling of the African American athlete began. Sherman who grew up in Compton is being labeled as "America's New Thug." Never mind the fact that Sherman graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and went on to Standford to earn a 3.9 GPA--he's still a THUG!

In the words of Muhammad Ali according to Minister Louis Farrakhan during a conversation they had some years back--"The Champ" uttered these words "Still a nigger, brother." What Ali was saying to Farrakhan was that no matter how far African Americans have come in American life we are still thought of as "niggers."  Like blogger Olivia A. Cole wonders, I too am wondering " what it takes for a black man to be regarded as human in America." The categorical castigation of Black males continues and is a result of the perverted mind of white supremacy. I know many think we live in a post racial society, but the dominate power structure can't let it (power) go. The dehumanization of black males continues, and the idea of black male masculinity being seen as dangerous, obtrusive, and thuggish is woven in to the racial tapestry of American life.

Unity Among...

The reason I believe in unity among the various faith traditions especially those of the three Abrahamic Faiths is because Satan, the Devil, Shaitan, Beelzebub, the Evil One, etc. has the whole world of religion blinded like the Sons of God in the book of Job (who didn't even know Satan had come with them). This is all because of fervent arguments over doctrines and dogmas that keep our attention off of him (our common and open enemy) that prevent us from uniting to destroy this world of evil along with the Satanic mind that purveys in it. So, if you are person who loves truth that stands against the wiles of Satan (the Evil One), then it shouldn't matter what you call yourself or (I call myself) in terms of a religious title. ~Bro. Lamon

Unity Pendant created by Dr. Steven McSwain

What would America have been like if Dr. King and Elijah Muhammad, if the Civil Rights Movement and the Nationalist Movement saw the common ground and each of us worked together for the common cause, which is the TOTAL LIBERATION of our people? -Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan #TheTime pt. 23 http://youtu.be/6Z2M6o18_UM

Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad & Reverend Dr. Martin L. King Jr.

What Would America and The World look like if religions & people of Good will saw the common enemy of us alike, and each of us work(ed) together for a common cause, which is to destroy Satan's world and establish God's Kingdom on Earth? -The Brotha #Peace #Unity #Interfaith

Reverend Dr. Martin L. King Jr. and Minister Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik Shabazz )

Mental Slavery

Brain in Chains

Damn! Why can't I free myself from this Mental Slavery? I'm trapped and I can't get out!!!

See most of us think, myself included that it was "The White Man" holdin' us back!!! But when I finally realized, I found out it was really us who's holdin' us back, not "The White Man!"

Too many times before; you, and I, blamed "The White Man" for our screw-ups, Fuc%ups, mess-ups, & the Bull Sh$t mentality you, and I have!

Now, don't get it twist... "The White Man," and others have played a major roll in our demise as history has taught us, but today the onus is on us!!! "The White Man," is not forcing us to rob, kill, steal, and shoot one another, nor get twisted back!

Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey

See, learning to accept responsibility for our thoughts, actions, and ways... for some damn reason is hard for us to admit. Huh, I guess some body has to take the blame other than us (you know)!

I'll tell your what I do know, you and I must free ourselves from this Mental Slavery some way some how--or else we will continue to die!!! (c)

Lamon Caldwell II
Original Composed 2005
Edited 2010
Re-Edited 2013

Truth & Widsdom : The Shock of the Hour, Katrina & Rita

"I don't serve some milquetoast God... He is a God of ultimate power." -Farrakhan

Cogitate this... Peeps all over the country brace as we get ready for another hurricane to hit... This time it's Rita (another sista)!!! But seriously, peeps have different opinions about why this devastation is happening--some say it's to get rid of evil, some say God is not happy w/ America, Kayne says "Bush don't like Black people." There are a number of factors that play a role in the reasoning of why but we as people have to be wise and seek truth when in doubt. In order to do this, we must carefully examine from an unadulterated historical, factual, and spiritual perspective in order to get answers. This is just a thought... What do you feel???

-L aka The Brotha

Chew on this spiritual perspective... I thought this was interesting!!!

***The element of surprise comes upon us when we are not prepared to deal with truth! Truth is the foundation of life as discipline has been said to be the foundation of wisdom. When we seek The Creator as we should without hesitance we will receive all that he has for us!!! The Creator has many attributes and we as believers whether of traditional or non-traditional faiths tend to focus on The Creator's non-threatening attributes (in which we should rightfully so), i.e., mercy, grace, or love... And forget about his attributes of wrath, anger, & destruction. Let us be wise and ponder what has been shared w/ us through scripture...

Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
Genesis 6:3 NIV

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 NIV

Those who disbelieve -- it being alike to them whether thou warn them or warn them not -- they will not believe.
Surah (Chap) 2:6 Holy Quran

Comments on the blog:

T writes:

I've been tripping off all of the devastation that is going on in our own backyard for weeks now.. And the question does present itself- Why is this happening here??? On our soil?? The problem is we as Americans are so immune to things happening to us because we always see them when they occur halfway around the world.. I think that's why so many people felt either connected because they do have half a heart or they have people down there or they felt disconnected because they don't understand the magnitude of these occurrences and the effect they have on our country emotionally and fiscally for years to come..I think some people treated it like it was happening in another country. I had someone tell me "Why do you care about something that happened in some other state?" I had to brush it off because it was a young white male who obviously has no sense of the world around him and I can only blame his parents for his stupidity.

As I watched the situation unfold Down South, and I saw all of the things that occurred after the hurricane @ the Superdome and the Convention Center.. I was sick, frustrated, and down right pissed. I can't even tell you how many angry emails went out to these new stations for calling citizens "refugees" like they've never payed taxes in this country. But those responsible for things that could have been controlled will be dealt with in due time- on this planet or in the afterlife. And then you're left with the questions- many questions that we'll never know the true answer to because people are so clever and strategic at the blame game. At times like this, the only thing you can lean on is Faith.

As far as the spiritual aspect of the situation, I don't think that the "Powers that Be" would place anything on our doorsteps that we can't handle. I think every few years or decades, there has to be a spiritual shock-wave sent through our society so that people don't forget that no matter what your religious beliefs are, we do have a Creator and this time on earth will soon come to an end.. Be kind to your fellow man and take nothing for granted.


- Copyright Sept 2005 Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings

The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings is an organization of Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe who are students of Divine scriptural teachings who cross generational, religious, and cultural gaps to promote healing and to reveal the linkages between all Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe... by whatever name you call Him, He is the same Universal Divine Creator/One God of the entire Universe.

How Far Are We Gonna Go People?

The blatantly sexually suggestive, foul language, misogynistic, and believe it or not misandrist over and undertones that permeate Hip-Hop and R&B music and video production today has run a muck! -The Brotha's Corner (Inuendo2010 v. 1997) Click link for full blog

“If you can control a man’s thinking, you don’t have to worry about his actions. If you can determine what a man thinks you do not have worry about what he will do. If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don’t have to compel him to seek an inferior status, he will do so without being told and if you can make a man believe that he is justly an outcast, you don’t have to order him to the back door, he will go to the back door on his own and if there is no back door, the very nature of the man will demand that you build one.”-Carter G. Wodson, Mis-Education of the Negro

Nicci Minaj at BET Awards 2011

This has gone way too far people!!! Mother Sojourner, Harriett, Lena, Betty, Dorothy, and Coretta are all turning over in their graves behind madness like this... how long are we gonna allow this degenerate behavior to continue people?  This young lady is talented indeed, but she is using the art of free and creative expression in a very deplorable and foul way.  Obviously she is aware of what she is doing beyond just being a creative marketing tool for the proverbial “shock value moment.”  A former mentor once shared with me “Many people tell you what you don’t know won’t hurt you but I’m here to tell you what you don’t know may kill you.”  The mental death of a people is now the order of the day among the African American community, or as some scholars suggest the "dumbing-down" effect.  We are no longer in the grasps of chattel slavery; we are now in the abyss of mental slavery; and it surely is not the “white man’s fault" or doing.  Mr. Willie Lynch's plan is being carried out in full effect today by-US!

92' LA Riots

I do not want to put sole responsibility on Ms. Minaj because this deplorable and disrespectful behavior has been brewing since the polarizing images of the proverbial black male went across the world through print, film, and television media in the early 90’s.  The images found in movies like Boys -N- The Hood, MenanceIISociety, television coverage of events like the OJ Simpson trial, and riots that followed the Rodney King verdict all showed black men in a negative, scary, and demon like manner.  These events scared the mess out of white America and painted young black men as predators that needed to be locked down or killed.  This is why we have seen a rise in what is now known as the prison industrial complex-MASS INCARCERATION.  It also projected an image of us across the entire world; an image not of high esteem and beauty but one of disgust and immorality that allowed our women to be called "bitches and ho's" and our men to be seen as "thugs, gang-bangers, and dope dealers."  These ills of Black urban life have been accepted as the norm and are reflective in every aspect of urban culture today.  We see young men with saggin’ pants, wearing caps indoors, young ladies practically naked on the streets, and adolescents belting out offensively foul language or reenacting the overtly suggestive sexual innuendo of the latest rap song or video.  Today, we find these kinds of antics very funny and amusing.  Our level of tolerance and acceptance today has been diminished from the high moral standards those of old once held us to.  We just do not find these kinds of artistic expressions unsettling or appalling, so we tend to just over look them versus addressing them for what they really are.  We have taken a blind eye approach to the fact and reality of the matter!

Father taking his kids to school.

We have to stand against this in every way possible.  This cannot be just written off as free or creative expression.  Yes, we that are aware can shield our young one’s ears and cover their eyes but we are not always with them.  With the flooding of mass media, it is hard to fully control what their delicate eyes and ears hear and see.  The best thing we can do is train them up in the way to go and hope they remember their training and not give in to the madness that surrounds them constantly.  We are at war and we must realize and recognize the art of war where ever it rears its ugly head.


Forever Forward, Never Backwards

-Bro. Lamon