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.  

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.

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

"Hands Off Assata"

Know the facts... This is much deeper than we think a big part of this is about getting at Cuba, let alone Sis. Assata. Cuba is the itch that America can't stop scratching. Cuba offered support to aid Katrina victims, but America arrogantly refused. Remember, the mob boys back in the day once owned Cuba and were stripped of their power when Castro & Che' ran them out--so, that has not been forgiven, the pressure on America to get back control of Cuba is increasing. Now, Jay and B going to Cuba recently raised some smoke--Jay got his slap on the wrist from the POTUS last week in a joke "I got 99 problems and now Jay-Z's one."  Placing Sis. Assata on this list "is an attempt to inflame public opinion," as her lawyer said, for it is also the pretext to something bigger.  I say "Hands Off Assata" & Free All Political Prisoners... Mumia Abu Jamal, Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald, and "the countless others who have been falsely locked up by this white man."

A Different Thanksgiving Perspective

While I know most of us in the African American community "Get2Gether" on Thanksgiving with our families out of the tradition of gathering. We must never forget our Native & Indigenous Family (whom many of us claim we have mixed in us) imprint on this European holiday; it should never be diminished because of the fallacies in historical interpretation. One must never forgo truth for comfort; The truth should always make you uncomfortable if your guilty. As Susan Sarandon said "Speak Your Truth, Even If Your Voice Shakes."

For More Read:

Thanksgiving: A Day of Celebration or Mourning for Native Americans?
http://racerelations.about.com/od/historyofracerelations/a/ShouldYouCelebrateThanksgiving.htm

No Thanks to Thanksgiving
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_9371.shtml?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncovering The Myth of Thanksgiving
www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/article_6595.shtml

No Thanks To Thanksgiving
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_8344.shtml

The New Slave Shoe... Chains & Shackles Remixed

"A test market of who or how many Africans are awake in the Americas, it does not matter we know that they are still sleep." ~Annini

Many people will ask, "what's the big deal?, it's just a shoe!"  "It's makes a fashion statement...," or, even worst when someone Black says "Who cares slavery is over and besides other Blacks sold Blacks into slavery."  What an asinine statement from someone who is not able to understand, and share genuine feelings of concern, for all of the pain and suffering our great-great grandparents endured while in chattel enslavement during the African Holocaust.

"JS Roundhouse Mids, dropping in August."

It is very saddening to note especially when someone who is Black makes such an absurd statement.  I can almost bet my last dollar, as guest columnist Tingba Muhammad noted in a recent column in The Final Call Newspaper, "It is almost impossible to imagine a Jewish person saying anything similar: 'Since there were Jews that financially supported Hitler, and Jews that were soldiers and officers in the Nazi army, and Jews that delivered other Jews to the concentration camps, I don’t want to hear about any Jewish Holocaust.'"  Indeed, such a statement is impossible to imagine to juxtapose the horror and ongoing effects of the suffering, pain and total destruction of a people.

Bottom line is, we have to educated, and teach our young people point blank not to buy into this buffoonery & trickery, like J-Cole said in the joint 'Nobody's Perfect,' "They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer..."  At the end of the day, this is just another in a long line of signs, and as I like to cogently say "another kick in the ass!"  Time is long over do... WAKE UP & DO FOR SELF!

Our Little Brother Trayvon Martin! No Justice, No Peace!

There is really nothing more to be said in this matter, the brotha will let the visual aids speak!!!

Peace indeed to the family of Our Lil' Brother Trayvon, and May Allah (God) be pleased with him!

What is a Black Life worth in 2012? What is the life of the disenfranchised, poor and oppressed worth?

                                  Did you forget about Mrs. Mamie Till's baby boy Emmett? 1941-1955

 I know you have not forgotten about Mrs. Mamie Till's Baby Boy?

                                                                 Trayvon by Jasiri X

                                            
                                                           Strange Fruit -Billie Holiday

Baby Spritual Food Vs. Mature Spiritual Food Pt 1: It's Time for You & I to Spiritually Man Up!

  “We have more millionaires, and a few billionaires and more members of the Black middle class, yet the masses of our people are slipping further and further behind and are deeper and deeper in the valley of poverty and want,” -Min. Farrakhan

The Great One's

There have been many "Great One's" whom have come among us and we as a whole do not reflect the lessons they have tried to teach us.  We have dropped the ball of our collective growth and development economically, socially, spiritually, and morally as a people.  For every step of progress we have made over the past fifty years or more, it seems as if we have taken ten steps back, sort a like a free fall.  Today we are being forced to take a razor sharp focus and laser sharp approach at looking at our collective selves.  For one to stop and say that the African American community is in peril today would not be an understatement.  It is quite obvious and there is no doubt and one does not have to go into grave detail or provide significant statistical evidence.  Because all you have to do is look around you and see "What's Going On," as the late great singer Marvin Gaye suggested.

Our level of of cultural, moral, and spiritual discernment as a people has suffered significantly over the past thirty years or so.  We have allowed the ills and vices of this world to literally destroy our advancement(s) as a people.  In every area of human life we are currently at the bottom or very near the bottom.  The current context of our existence cannot continue down this path.  It is time we put an end to the madness that is plaguing our communities.  We have had several opportunities to make things right over these years but we continue to drop the ball.  As noted earlier we have made some progress.  We have more African Americans in positions of power and influence than at any other time in our history, here in America.  But as a whole we do not reflect that progress that the few have had.

When one enters the Black community today a number of factors are very noticeable as to why we are in the peril we are in.  The one that has been most devastating is that we control and own very little in our own community.  Every other ethnic group is presently doing business, commerce, and earning a profit in our community besides us.  We have become the minority in our own neighborhoods when it comes to business, commerce and earning a profit today.  And it is nobody's fault but our own!  Our dollars do not even reciprocate among us--not even once!  The Harvest Institute (www.harvestinstitue.org), a Washington, D.C. Black think tank that addresses how money circulates in various communities noted:

•Money circulates in the White Community unlimited times

•Money circulates in Jewish Communities over 12 times

•Money circulates in Asian Communities over 9 times

•Money circulates in Latino Communities over 6 times

•Money circulates in the African-American Community 0-1 time

Sure forms of discrimination and disenfranchisement still rear their ugly heads but we have always faced obstacles in our path towards progress.  So there is no excuse especially in today's context where we have some of the brightest and smartest people, that our race has ever produced.  Problem is we have been hit in our "Umoja" and "Ujima" heads resulting in us forgetting our collective obligations as a people.   

When will the sleeping giant awaken to claim what is ours?  As suggested earlier we are being forced to rise now and do for our selves.  Things are are not getting any better under this current system of things as a whole but in particularly for Blacks and Latinos.  A paradigm shift is urgently needed.  We have to get up off of our collective bottoms and go for self.or else we will slip deeper into the abyss.  We have to awaken from the amnesia of our moral, cultural, and spiritual discernment in order to save ourselves and our community.  In this war, we have to be ready to accept that everyone will not want to come along or, further more can be saved.  There will be casualties and collateral damage--this is just a fact we will have to endure.  But the good news is that we can achieve our collective goals as people if we are untied for the common good. 

We have to get off of the baby milk of our individual and basic progress as a people and set our systems up to accept the whole nourishment of our collective advancement.  We can do this by supporting initiatives like Empowerment Experiment, Less Talk and More Action Empowerment Tour, and Three Year Economic Savings Program.  All of these can be achieved but the question remains are we going to continue to take forever in do so.  We are indeed in perilous times and we must put our best foot forward to make a change.  We must rely on our God first then ourselves to help us to "See It Through."  

Study Torah, Injeel, and Quran: Three Course Meal

On a spiritual note, we must honestly question ourselves and not be afraid to go into much deeper spiritual discourse and discernment when looking at our plight as a people.  We have to put down the basic notions of our collective needs like continuing to advocate for "jobs and justice," or looking for reparations.  It is apparent that we need jobs and reparations but we must begin to create the jobs we need for ourselves versus expecting and putting the sole onus on the federal government, to do so   The onus is on us now for the economic repair, growth, and development, that we seek.

We have to study the history of the Scriptures in both the historical and contemporary context.  Especially the story of the "Children of Israel."  We cannot simply be satisfied with basic scriptural truths and then run from or dodge the more deeper and difficult scriptural truths.   We show a lack of spiritual maturity and discernment when we do this--which are offensive and disrespectful to God.  Furthermore our lack of spiritual maturity and discernment under-develops our faith and convictions in God and His Christ, and our ability to make proper choices and decisions.  Hence, which is why we have been asleep and not been awake on our post of active and consistent advancement as a people.  As noted above one can tell our spiritual condition and age upon entering our community.  We have been wondering in the contemporary proverbial desert trying to find our way into the "Promised Land."  The responsibility of feeding ourselves proper spiritual food and doing for self cannot continue to allude us.  To continue down this path will keep us in the abyss of spiritual weakness and inability.  Resulting in us continuing to look towards someone else to provide for us the things we should be providing for our selves.  As the great Hon. Marcus M. Garvey declared "Up you mighty people! You can accomplish What you will!"

More Web Sites of Interests upon the Subject Matter:

PowerNomics

FraserNet-Urban Professional Empowerment 

The eSecret 

Business Challenge For:2010 

'Wake Up or Die in Your Sleep'

UjamaaDeals.Com

Scriptural & Literary Support:

You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” -Deuteronomy 4:6 NRSV

They are a nation void of sense; there is no understanding in them. If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern what the end would be. -Deuteronomy 32:28-29

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.  None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. -1 Corinthians 2:6 NRSV

until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.  We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.  But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. -Ephesians 4:13-16 NSRV

About thisb we have much to say that is hard to explain, since you have become dull in understanding.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food; for everyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is unskilled in the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.  -Heb 5:11-14 NRSV

Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.  -Heb 6:1-2 NRSV

and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.  -James 1:4 NRSV

And He will teach him the Book and the wisdom and the Tavrat(Torah) and the Injeel(Gospel). -Surah 3:48

And when he had attained his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge: and thus do We reward those who do good. -Surah 12:22

This is of what your Lord has revealed to you of wisdom, and do not associate any other god with Allah lest you should be thrown into hell, blamed, cast away. -Surah 17:39

And (as for) Lut(Lot), We gave him wisdom and knowledge, and We delivered him from the town which wrought abominations; surely they were an evil people, transgressors; -Surah 21:74

And when he attained his maturity and became full grown, We granted him wisdom and knowledge; and thus do We reward those who do good (to others). -Surah 28:14

He it is Who created you from dust, then from a small lifegerm, then from a clot, then He brings you forth as a child, then that you may attain your maturity, then that you may be old -- and of you there are some who are caused to die before -- and that you may reach an appointed term, and that you may understand. -Surah 40:67

“What is the purpose of education? Are we just in school to get an education so that we can go out and get a job and make some money, ride in a car, live in a nice home, abandon the ghetto and leave your brothers and sisters behind and think that we’ve made progress in the world? Is this what God intended when he asked us to go after knowledge from the cradle to the grave?” -Farrakhan

Ode To Marcus Garvey

Who are "they?"

The history of an oppressed people is hidden in the lies and the agreed myth of its conquerors. -Meridel Le Seuer

Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.” – Frantz Fanon

In the African American community the term used to describe white people or those in power, control, and domination is, "they." One has often wondered who "they" actually were, apart from the sole belief that "they," were only a people or race. One engaging in conversation(s) over the ill effects of socio-economic, political, and racial issues and concerns where blacks, Latinos, and other racially discriminated groups are involved, most likely would invoke the notion of "they did it," or "they caused it" or "they set it up," alluding to "the white."

People Talkin'

Looking at "they" in the context as systems or

constructs puts a clearer understanding of the term in play for me. When we define "they" as systems of control, domination, power, and oppression, we tell the whole truth of the matter versus just saying "they" meaning "the white man did it." There is no doubt that "they" have been the leading architects of these systems of control, domination, power, and oppression. But to suggest that all white men or people are solely responsible for the effect(s) these various systems of control, domination, power, and oppression have and still present are not fully just.


We must continue to tell the whole story of the matter and not omit portions we are unconformable with, ashamed of, or offer up an adulterated version(s) that demonizes or attributes effects or outcomes inappropriately or solely. As African Americans, we must own up to the fact that there were other Africans involved in the ushering in of the "Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade." Perhaps not to the degree of those who carried it out and received a huge benefit from it, like the Portuguese, the British, the French, the Spanish, the Dutch, and Americans. Which by the way, from a theological perspective suggests that these people were perhaps Jews, Christians, and Muslims in many cases. Moreover, when we allow ourselves to be transparent, we allow the spirit of Christ the ability to free and renew our hearts and minds.

PBWY

Bro. Lamon

Your faith is... Do We really understand what faith is?

Your Faith is...

In all of the monotheistic religions, faith is the source of all belief in God's word and promise to those whom believe in Him. From a Biblical perspective we understand that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things, which are seen, were not made of things, which are visible. (Heb 11:1-3 NKJV). Most of us live our lives based on the above scripture; it is the substance of our trust (hope) in what faith truly means to us. One's faith can be the lone catalyst that produces understanding, courage, knowledge and vision, which are the core components of faith that keep us on the straight path towards victory!

Japanese Symbol for "Faith" Kanji

However, faith that does not have definitive understanding, courage, knowledge and vision is forever fading and has no backbone. For example, the required core components of faith are explained throughout scripture. First off, we need an “understanding” of our faith. Having an “understanding” of our faith allows us to stand on the word of God in that we believe that He will do everything that He said He'd do for us! Furthermore, our “understanding” of our faith produces “hope” and the definition of “hope” is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is a feeling that something desired might happen, when the outlook may or may not warrant it. (Farlex Free Dictionary)

"Pistis” root word is the Greek is faith, which also means to come to trust or believe. For man to move forward he must believe and trust that the vision he has comes from God, thus allowing him to move forward it complete faith without hesitation. “Faith that moves mountains is first of all focused on God. The objective of your faith is God. 

Larry Poncho Brown "Window of Faith"

The objective of your faith is whatever mountain you are dealing with. However, without faith it is impossible to please God." (Salas, T June 2010).  This is “such a powerful description of what 'courage' looks like. With it we lay hold to eternal life, we overcome, we become more Christ like. Faith is the catalyst for apprehending the intangible. I always like a man with vision. A man or woman with vision means that they are not limited to what they see in the natural but they reach for what is in the eternal realm of the Spirit and pull it into NOW! I trust God and I know something about Him, He is faithful. Having faith in the originator of faith can only produce a positive result..." (Seaton, J June 2010)

As we journey along the path of life it is wise that we surround ourselves with people that have a spiritual backbone. Because those are type of Believers that will never leave you on the side of the road like the traveler whom was hit on his head while on the pathway from Jerusalem to Jericho. Those are type of Believers you will want with you in a dark alley. This is the kind of faith that Yeshua (Jesus) displayed during his time among people of his day. The reason why we honor and love him so today is because he was the greatest example of what “faith,” truly is. Simply put one can say Christ’s “faith” was very courageous and exemplary especially when we study the scripture and learn of the trials and tribulations that tested his “faith” daily.

Most of us have heard the saying "Without vision there is no progress,” however many of us tend to forget that the above saying was coined from Biblical text. In the book of Hosea 4:6, it says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” and Proverbs 29:18, it says, "Where there is no vision the people perish; but he who keeps the law blessed is he." When one has a vision they are able to proceed forward in making progress of being a good steward of faith.

The above paragraph makes a great segue into another component required on the faith journey and that is "knowledge." What is "knowledge" according to the Farlex free dictionary; knowledge is the state or fact of knowing. Paraphrasing Min. Louis Farrakhan "Knowledge compliments faith... In other words what good is faith if one doesn't have the knowledge to back it up." Moreover, faith can therefore be gained through reflection and the acquisition of knowledge, and not by blind and irrational commitment.

The Holy Qur’an lines up with the Biblical teachings of faith as it states true faith is that which is based on knowledge and supported by argument. Any belief that is not based and supported is considered by the Qur'an to be mere caprice and whim, which a thinking person must avoid. (Sheikh Idris, J,). Jesus taught: “If the blind lead the blind both fall in the ditch." When our faith is definitive in understanding, courage, knowledge and vision in it will never allow us to be impulsive and cowardly followers of Almighty God! When we stand on the truth of His word--we are unapologetic and unwavering in our stance against the wiles of opposition towards His word! So, the knowledge and understanding that we have in God supports our faith, which builds our courage and grows our vision in what has been promised. 

Your faith is the protector of your destiny this is how we are able to truly acknowledge God's word when it says, " For we walk by faith and not by sight." (2Cor 5:7 KJV). “And but my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." (Heb 10: 38 NIV). "Faith is deeply and firmly implanted in human nature in that, it is not like a plant which has sprouted from dung which has no root and a slight calamity can uproot it like the word of disbelief about which can be uprooted from the very surface of the earth; it has no stability” (Sheikh Idris, J, Pillars of Faith, www.islamm.com, Holy Qur’an 14:26).

"A person with a good experience is never at the mercy of a person with a good argument. You have an experience that is building a foundation that cannot be moved. And it will also be a place for others to build on--I know you can't have faith unless you're being challenged. So the courage you're exhibiting let's me know that it is only matter of time." (Seaton, J June 2010). Although we may not have the physical sight to see what is in store for us God gives us the knowledge and understanding, which produces the hope that builds our courage that provides us with a vision for us to truly see the spiritual realm of His word and promise. Furthermore, this is why we are able to bear witness to the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) and all the prophets that have come from Abraham to Muhammad. Because their faith ultimately was the protector of there destines!

Life is challenging and seemingly impossible in itself and without faith it is even more perplexing. We cannot expect to proceed forward with any certainty unless definitive understanding, courage, knowledge and vision are at the forefront, which are the tools given to us by our faith that causes us to move forward. It is our faith that allows us to soar high and run towards our personal pursuits when we may have our doubts and others deem us unwise. Furthermore, we are never in total chaos or loss when we have faith to move us forth during our dark moments. It is our straight path to victory!

More next time God Willing...

Peace & Blessings,


Bro. Lamon -Chairman Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings


Scriptural and Literary support:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ep 6:10-20 NKJV)

There is no compulsion in religion — the right way is indeed clearly distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in the devil and believes in Allah (God), he indeed lays hold on the firmest handle which shall never break. And Allah (God) is Hearing, Knowing. (Surah 2:256 MMA)

Copyright June 2010 The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings-Revised August 2011

Here's A Thought... aka "Academic Workout"

Here's a thought... As a people who have been enslaved, taken from their original land, forced to live in a strange land with a new name, religion, and way of life. Do we make concessions for the initiators of our torment? Or is just forgiveness?

To my historical and scriptural scholars... Who was Constantine theGreat? He is revered as the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and issued the Edict of Milan that promoted religious tolerance. However, he is the initiator of many of the pagan traditions practiced that have nothing to do with Christ or so-called Christianity. 

Such as: The mythical and preposterous version of the Virgin Birth of Mary, Jesus' b-day as December 25th, The symbol of the "Cross" representing Christ instead of the Fish, The belief in the Trinity as Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are all One and last but not least Sunday as the Sabbath instead of Saturday. None of this is true so-called Christianity, it's a version just like the King James Version of the Bible is a reinterpretation, translation, or revision of the Original.

"Every aspect has a an affect on the other." "Anytime something has been translated or revised from its original form it looses something in the process."

Dr. Josef A. A. Ben-Jochannan, in his book “The Need For A Black Bible,” states, “…magical (esoterical) religion has been one of mankind’s greatest emotional achievements, equally mankind’s greatest creation against peaceful coexistence between socio-political groupings.” He further states, that we must remove from ourselves the “mental shackle of esoterical religion.”

Where did Rap Music & Hip Hop Culture go?

"You have to create problems to create profit. There is no profit under the current paradigm in saving lives, putting balance on this planet, having justice and peace or anything else. There is just no profit there."- Michael Ruppert



Technique 1200's Turntable



Long before Hip Hop came on the scene in the late 70's and early 80's before sky rocketing into the 90's--she was destined to become an anomaly.  The deviation and departure from the original essence of rap has caused a paradigm shift that has caused her to make a turn to the dark side like Anakin Skywalker.  To suggest that Rap Music and Hip Hop culture have fallen into a cesspool of filth, outrageous sensationalism, and pompous grandeur today would not be an unfair assessment.

Hip Hop is no different than any other activity of life and is not exempt from the grasps of corruption or damage that is reflective of the current state of human life today.  As a former DJ, I cherished the days of putting a vinyl record on a Technique 1200 turntable, it was simply priceless! 

The Golden Era

During the Golden Era of Hip Hop (1986-1999), the era that I am most intimate with sparked of the most influential period of music history in modern times.  Like Muhammad Ali said, "I shuck up the world!"  That's exactly what Hip Hop did on so many levels because it was an expression of a generation.  Chuck D of Public Enemy said it best "Rap is the CNN of the ghetto."  This was the time of the beautiful diversity in Rap Music and Hip Hop culture that expressed various perspectives of urban life.  We had a menu of choices to choose from that spoke to our collective and diverse interests.  There was the politically sharp Public Enemy, the savvy Run-DMC, the controversial NWA, and the jovial DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince to just name a few.  Hip Hop allowed us to be ourselves and not have to emulate anybody else but ourselves. 



B.I.G. & Pac early 90's

I saw the change coming during the East Coast/West Coast Beef which was a sign of what was to come..  The implementation of diabolically concocted schemes and tactics descended upon Hip Hop culture like bats in the night--schemes like what I've termed as "crime profit theory," the shrewd economic tactic practiced by privatized companies to gain and profit off of the prison system.  Of the nearly 2.1 million adult men and women imprisoned in the United States, roughly 70% are persons of color (Davis, 1998).  Many of them are Black and Latino males between the ages of 18-35 in this country (USA) and of those many most are in prisons run by private corporations like Corrections Corporation of America, Wackenhut, who trade their stock on Wall Street based upon how many people are in jail (Ruppert, 2011).

In my humble estimation this is no different than Blacks in the south picking cotton from sun up to sun down or being sharecroppers making pennies--while those who profited off of their blood, sweat, and tears made millions!  "It's all the same game," just an updated version.  "Recording executives are more interested in turning a quick buck than nurturing rap culture -- and they are behind the apparent demise of hip-hop music," suggests Hip Hop legend Davey D.  And might I add the demise of American music in general.

So, for one to assert that the "East Coast/West Coast Beef" was orchestrated wouldn't be too preposterous of an assertion especially when covert and overt operations like CONTELPRO existed during the 60's to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize" the activities of those progressive socio-political movements and their leaders of the 60's.  The beef sure made a lot of people rich in particular the record companies and yet the murders of Biggie and Pac still remain unsolved.

Hip Hop Culture

The "dumbing down" of Rap music to gain profit versus producing a culture that has a keen mental perspective is outright criminal!  The high bar that was set in the early 90's by acts like the Ghetto Boys, Spice 1, Ice-T, Eric B & Rakim, Kool G. Rap, and KRS-One of the vivid accounts of urban life fell off dramatically and abruptly started the demise of a culture that was once responsible for changing and saving a generation.  The neutralization of powerful voices like Poor Righteous Teachers, Gangstarr, Brand Nubian, X-Clan, and Kam were all diminished by the late 90's quickly became directly and in-directly responsible for the filthy, disrespectful, and deplorable condition(s) of a generation.  Today, we have more and more Black and Latino teen pregnancy, teen violence, and teens not graduating from high school like never before as all the latest statistics suggest.  All of these ill conditions can not only be linked to Hip Hop culture but to a failing educational system, the prison industrial complex, and a corrupt monetary system, just to name a few.

Thank the Hip Hop gods for the re-birth of conscious rap and that there is hope but it is being challenged and comprised daily.  Now, we have the likes of Common and Kayne West, whom many would say have gone mainstream and have been suppressed from the conscious rappers that they once were so they could make more money.  I beg to differ in some respects but that's another story.  But there are others like Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Mos Def along with the refreshing Lupe Fiasco and the intelligent Mikkey Halsted both from Chicago and the radically charged Kendrick Lamar of Compton who are carrying the torch.  The edgy late 90's rap trio the LOX whom were signed to Bad Boy Records the label that broke the careers of the late great Notorious B.I.G. and Puffy made a serious suggestion "Let's Start Rap Over, Back To The Way Things Were."  Where's the love? 

Nuff Said!

Literary, Scriptural Support, & Footnotes:

^{Davis, Angela Y. September 1, 1998. "Masked Racism: Reflections on the Prison Industrial Complex". See}

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=8

http://parkstepp.tumblr.com/post/3628963426/you-have-to-%C2%A0create-problems-to-create-profit

 
"A Huey P. Newton Story - Actions - COINTELPRO
 
COINTELPRO Revisited - Spying & Disruption - IN BLACK AND WHITE: THE F.B.I. PAPERS

http://defendingjustice.org/pdfs/factsheets/10-Fact%20Sheet%20-%20System%20as%20Racist.pdf

http://www.daveyd.com/commentaryishiphopdead.html

http://www.alternet.org/media/48693

Still segregated 57 years later but worst... Huh?

"Today is the 57th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared racial segregation in U.S. public schools unconstitutional. Also today, American schools are more segregated than they were four decades ago."

Yes, there are more African Americans with positions of power and money today but what about the masses of our people who are still behind. We've been fighting for the same programs for years... we're still talking about jobs, justice, and education.  We have no real power even though we vote and pay our taxes and might I add have a Black man in the head office today.  This is a very painful topic to discuss because people died for us to have equal rights and justice but I feel like their spirits will never RIP until we learn to truly do for self.  They were fighting for what they thought was right at the time but like Dr. King knew in the end we were on a tight rope.  Which is why the recollections of those close to him during that time described why he was in a melancholy mood the days before his death--he knew we were integrating into a burning house!

Took look up 57 years later and say that we are more segregated than before especially with all of the advancement we have seen is appalling!  Which is why we must candidly and respectfully ask the question(s) Did the Civil Rights Movement really help or hurt us in the long run?  And, do we really have a future in America?  Because based on this article, historical data, and other charges for social-justice and equal rights we have fought for--lets off the feeling that we haven't really overcome.  This is not a gloom and doom argument or critique but one of transparency that addresses some serious issues and concerns.  If we are truly going to deal with this and other issues that continue to hunt us, we are going to have to figure this thing out soon!  Because time is of the essence and we don't have anymore of it to waste.  Our children's children will feel an even worst effect in the next 10 to 20 years, if this is not truthfully addressed! 

We can't continue to wait on or blame our problems on the government or a racist society.  We need to solve our own issues because the responsibility is on us at this point in the game.  We have more teens not graduating from high school like never before as all the latest statistics suggest.  Sure there are several complex issues that present a challenge but those issues can be corrected.  If we don't honestly look at and address our role in the matter, it will continue to get worst.  It will be interesting to see if we'll be singing the same song in the years to come but this commentator sure hopes not!

http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/05/brown_v_board_of_education_feature.html