By The Urban Politician

April 12, 2012

Why are we still spending money with Wal-mart? I know that they have better prices and you can get all of your household needs from them. It’s time to rethink that and watch who you spend your dollars with. Would you spend money with a business that uses their profits to push policies and laws that go against everything that you believe in? Of course not!  Well, if your spending money with Wal-mart, that’s what [...]]]>

By The Urban Politician

April 12, 2012

Why are we still spending money with Wal-mart? I know that they have better prices and you can get all of your household needs from them. It’s time to rethink that and watch who you spend your dollars with. Would you spend money with a business that uses their profits to push policies and laws that go against everything that you believe in? Of course not!  Well, if your spending money with Wal-mart, that’s what you’re doing.

Let’s follow the money….

For starters, Wal-Mart gives 97% percent of their political donations to the Republican Party and their causes. Check here to read article.

Let’s continue with Wal-Marts destructive policies against women. Not sure how many of you know that 1.5 million female workers filed a class action suit against Wal-Mart for gender discrimination in the workplace,  only to have their case thrown out by a 5-4 vote with the Conservative leaning Supreme Court.

Moving on…

Since the killing of Trayvon Martin, Stand your Ground laws in Florida and over two dozen states have been introduced to us. The debate has raged as whether this law was a good law or not. Most would agree that the application of this law is under serious review. I submit that this law is much too vague and allows vigilantism to flourish. If we look at the genesis of this law, you will find the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is at its core.

ALEC Founded in the early 1970s to promote right-wing policies at the state level, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s focus has shifted to favor the promotion of state legislation and regulation that benefits its corporate sponsors. A fact that should come as no surprise given its funding by right-wing foundations and corporate membership fees ranging from $5000 to $50,000. The council boasts a large clearinghouse of research, model bills, and legislative strategies to promote its agenda. Read more about ALEC,  Click here

To the point, ALEC is responsible for writing and promoting legislation such as Stand your Ground, Voter ID, privatizing the prison system and other public services. Wal-Mart among others sits on ALEC’s Private Enterprise Board for ALEC.

How do we get involved…?

Colorofchange.org, an African American organization exists to strengthen Black America’s political voice. Their goal is to empower members – Black Americans and allies – to make government more responsive to the concerns of Black American s and to bring about positive political and social change for everyone. They have circulating a petition among its members and social media to stop ALEC’s corporate members from continuing to support.  As of today, Coke, Pepsi, Wendy’s, Intuit, and Kraft has pulled their support from ALEC.

Wal-Mart has so far refused and has no intentions on pulling their support from ALEC and its destructive policies. Why, because they haven’t seen a change in their profits. African Americans shop at their stores by the droves. We’re spending our money with a company that does not have our best interest in mind. It’s like their laughing at us in their board rooms, thinking that the best place to hide from African Americans is in broad daylight. Let’s show them differently.

It’s time to pull our support from Wal-Mart until it recognizes that it cannot continue to do business as usual. We are paying close attention and we will not continue to spend our hard earned money so that they can turn around and use our money on policies that have an adverse affect on our families and community at large.

Where’s the Movement? You’re Voice Counts!

The Tragedy of Trayvon Martin

 The recent killing of Trayvon Martin, while BEING BLACK and doing no wrong, has caught our attention and angered us all. Yet another young Black male gets killed with no justice.  How could this happen? Where is the justice? Fortunately, the Justice Department has intervened in this case. However, there is a MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM going on here. While our outrage is justified, we need to look much [...]]]>

The Tragedy of Trayvon Martin

 The recent killing of Trayvon Martin, while BEING BLACK and doing no wrong, has caught our attention and angered us all. Yet another young Black male gets killed with no justice.  How could this happen? Where is the justice? Fortunately, the Justice Department has intervened in this case. However, there is a MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM going on here. While our outrage is justified, we need to look much deeper into the laws that protected George Zimmerman from being arrested, on the spot, in the first place. One of the laws that I’d like to bring particular attention to is the “Stand-Your-Ground” law.

Stand-your-ground

“Other states expressly relieve the home’s occupants of any duty to retreat or announce their intent to use deadly force before they can be legally justified in doing so to defend themselves. Clauses that state this fact are called “Stand-Your-Ground”, “Line in the Sand” or “No Duty To Retreat” clauses, and state exactly that the defender has no duty or other requirement to abandon a place in which he has a right to be, or to give up ground to an assailant. States often differentiate between altercations occurring inside a home or business and altercations in public places; there may be a duty to retreat from an assailant in public when there is no duty to retreat from one’s own property, or there may be no duty to retreat from anywhere the defender may legally be.  Other restrictions may still exist; when in public, a person must be carrying the firearm in a legal manner, whether concealed or openly.”

One of the most powerful lobbying groups, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has consistently been lobbying states to pass this bill. As of this date, 16 states have adopted the “Stand-Your-Ground” legislation.  Those states with “Stand-Your-Ground” laws are: AL, AZ, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MT, NV, NH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, WA”. The state of Michigan is in the process of adopting it and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Republican controlled legislature in Virginia isn’t far behind.

In a striking departure, police departments across the country are against this law. They are unable to properly investigate and arrest perpetrators who claim self defense. In the 5 months after Florida passed this bill there were 10 cases in which an individual claimed self defense, 6 of the cases resulted in death and the remaining 4 were injured. Only one victim is cited for having a gun.

My fear….is now that this case has national exposure….and more people are familiar with these laws….it will be open season on all of us. The Justice Department can intervene in all these cases. It’s time to repeal these laws. It’s time to contact your state politicians and ask them to repeal it. if they are unwilling to do so, then exercise your right to vote them out of office.

While we are going about our daily lives, politicians are enacting laws that continue to violate our Civil Right to walk down the street drinking an iced tea and munching on a bag of skittles while “Being Black.” They are taking away our right to vote and rolling back women’s reproductive rights. WE can no longer take the position that there is nothing we can do about it. Changes need to be made, and it begins with you and I. We have rights, and it’s time that we hold our politicians accountable for their actions. Make it happen people!!!

Where’s the Movement?

Donald Blount aka The Urban Politician

Original article posted on Black News.Com

From the creators of the “Brave Bold and Beautiful” Book Series and “Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful” –

Sacramento, CA (November 9, 2011) — Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool & Anita Royston, creators of the “Brave, Bold and Beautiful” Book Series are asking the public to submit their stories to be published in two of their upcoming books.

They comment, “Our purpose is to spread the word about those stories that have not been told of perseverance, dignity, [...]]]>

Original article posted on Black News.Com

From the creators of the “Brave Bold and Beautiful” Book Series and “Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful” –

Sacramento, CA (November 9, 2011) — Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool & Anita Royston, creators of the “Brave, Bold and Beautiful” Book Series are asking the public to submit their stories to be published in two of their upcoming books.

They comment, “Our purpose is to spread the word about those stories that have not been told of perseverance, dignity, transformation and grace from demographic groups that have been forgotten. We want to ensure that everyone leaves an intentional legacy for generations to live by and create a forum where we can share the beauty of the human spirit in all of its magnificence.”

BOOK #1

The first book, entitled, Our Black Mothers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful!, is an anthology honoring mothers, mother figures of African descent (living or deceased). You are invited to share your stories about the powerful black women in your lives, to bring them the recognition they deserve as matriarchs.

Submission Guidelines:Stories must be touching and truthful. Tell us what’s unique about your mother or mother figure. Mothers have frailties and strengths so remember a lesson or event that stood out, an act that moved you. How did your mother/mother figure empower or impact your life. What is your most vivid memory of your mother/mother figure. Biographies about your mother/mother figure are fine. Stories that involved difficulties are sought too as long as there is something positive to be derived from them. They want to inspire as well as have each accepted story become a part of a larger legacy.

BOOK #2

The second book entitled, Challenges, Truths and Triumphs – The Success Stories of People of Color: Brave, Bold and Beautiful!, is an upcoming anthology honoring people of color who have overcome obstacles in their lives and have accomplished feats through struggle, oppression, hardship and indifference.

Submission Guidelines: Tell us about your family or yourself and the journey and sacrifices that were made to make you or your family what you/they are. You can write about a specific incidence or write a biography about your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, self or friends that you know of who defied the odds and have led positive lives and created success with very little. Remember, they are seeking inspirational stories.

Example: There is a true story about a father from Mexico who came to the United States and he and his wife raised several children in two train box cars. Today each adult child is a college graduate with successful careers. This is a compelling story with details on how they survived and what type of family life they had. Another example is of a woman who is Hmong from Vietnam and survived for several days in mosquito infested waters to migrate to Thailand and finally to the United States. Today she is putting her children through college while working six days a week as a janitor. Another example is a father who was put on the hate list of the KKK because he spoke up against injustice and had to flee his home state and send for his family. He went on to become a well respected minister who supported both men and women who were called to minister to others.

For this book, they are accepting stories from Individuals who are Asian, Asian Pacific Islander, Native American, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, East Indian, African American, African, Jewish, Hispanic, Latino/Latina.
GENERAL Q&A ABOUT SUBMISSIONS:

1) Do you have to be a professional writer to submit a story? No. Everyone has a story. If needed, stories will be edited for clarity.

2) Can I submit a story that has already been published? They prefer original stories, but previously published stories will be considered, however, please indicate if that is the case. Stories must be true and accurate. Accepted stories may be edited for clarity.

3) Can I submit more than one story? Absolutely! You can submit up to two stories per anthology.

4) Can I submit stories for both anthologies? Yes you can submit stories for both Our Black Mothers and Challenges, Truths and Triumphs.

5) Will poetry be accepted? Yes they will, but they are most interested in short stories.
SPECIFICATIONS:

Photographs: Please do not send photographs until requested.

Length: 350-1,500 words. Please include your bio of 150 words or less. In other words tell us about you, your accomplishments, and anything relevant that they can list in the book if your story is selected.

Format: If mailing your submission please don’t send original copies because they cannot be returned. Visit www.braveboldbeautifulseries.com and view submission guidelines for more details and tips.

Please submit typed double spaced manuscript via U.S. mail. Important – all manuscripts should include which anthology you are writing for i.e.: Our Black Mothers or Challenges, Truths and Triumphs, your first and last name, address, email address, and a day and evening phone number indicating what is the best time to call (day or evening) on the top of left side of manuscript. Send to Stories, BBB, 4506 Lippi Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823).

If emailing your submission, please visit www.braveboldbeautifulseries.com and use their general submission email. Remember to include which anthology you are writing for, i.e.:Our Black Mothers or Challenges, Truths and Triumphs, your first and last name, mailing address, email address, and day and evening phone number indicating the best time to call.
COMPENSATION:

Authors of selected stories for each anthology will be notified and will receive a copy of the book and receive a bio and byline, plus a small honorarium upon publication of the book. Please keep in mind that publishing an anthology of this magnitude takes time. So no phone calls please.
DEADLINES:

March 31, 2012 for Our Black Mothers
May 31, 2012 for Challenges, Truths Triumphs
For all the guidelines on how to write and submit your story, visit their website atwww.braveboldbeautifulseries.com
PRESS CONTACT:
Anita Royston
Brave Bold Beautiful Books
anitaroystonca@gmail.com

(AP)  LOS ANGELES — It was as if Heavy D knew that it would be his last tweet.

The self-proclaimed “overweight lover” of hip hop, who became one of rap’s top hit makers with his charming combination of humor and positivity, enthusiastically told his Twitter followers Tuesday morning to “BE INSPIRED!”

He later collapsed outside his Beverly Hills home following a shopping trip, unable to breathe, before he was transported to a nearby hospital where he died. He was 44. Detectives found [...]]]>

(AP)  LOS ANGELES — It was as if Heavy D knew that it would be his last tweet.

The self-proclaimed “overweight lover” of hip hop, who became one of rap’s top hit makers with his charming combination of humor and positivity, enthusiastically told his Twitter followers Tuesday morning to “BE INSPIRED!”

He later collapsed outside his Beverly Hills home following a shopping trip, unable to breathe, before he was transported to a nearby hospital where he died. He was 44. Detectives found no signs of foul play and believe his death was medically related, said police Lt. Mark Rosen.

“BE INSPIRED!” was typical of the positive tweets Heavy D would send, and as his final tweet, it was fitting for the life that Heavy D lived.

The Jamaica-born rapper, who grew up in New York, became one of the genre’s most integral stars in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as it relied on new voices and star power to fuel its phenomenal growth in the mainstream. Heavy D and his crew — Heavy D and the Boyz — unabashedly burst onto the rap scene in 1987 with their debut album “Living Large.”

The deep-voiced rapper’s earliest hit, “The Overweight Lover’s in the House,” played up his hefty frame. But while that nickname would stick, his weight did not become his shtick like the Fat Boys. What drew people to his music was his singular style celebrating an easygoing, party vibe — sometimes humorous, sometimes inspiring and usually positive.

Combined with the fusion of the “New Jack Swing” musical style, Heavy D was a constant presence on the charts, and a go-to figure for several performers. He collaborated with Michael Jackson on the 1991 single “Jam,” rapped with a young Notorious B.I.G. in 1993 on “A Buncha N—–” and dueted with B.B. King on the 1997 tune “Keep It Coming.”

Heavy D, who was never afraid to bust a move or perform as a character, also found success on the screen. He created the theme songs for the sketch comedy shows “In Living Color” and “MADtv” and acted on such TV shows as “Boston Public,” ”The Tracy Morgan Show” and “Law & Order: SVU,” as well as in the films “Life,” ”Step Up” and most recently “Tower Heist.”

While switching between acting and performing in the late 1990s, Heavy D wasn’t as musically successful with his later Boyz-free albums. He attempted a reggae-fueled comeback in 2008 with the album “Vibes,” which didn’t contain any rapping, before he returned to his lyrical roots on his most recent effort, “Love Opus,” which was released in September.

A lighter Heavy D — coming in at apparently 135 pounds less than his former weight — returned to the stage for a pair of energetic performances last month. He delivered a medley of past hits at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, and joined La Toya Jackson on stage for a rendition of “Jam” at the tribute concert for Michael Jackson in Cardiff, Wales.

The impact of Heavy D’s inspiration was omnipresent Tuesday among the hip-hop community on Twitter. His sudden death prompted “Law & Order” actor and rapper Ice T to remind everyone to “stop for a second, take a breath and realize how lucky you are to be alive,” while reminding MC Hammer that Heavy D was always “part of what’s good about the world.”

___

AP Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody in Los Angeles and AP Writer Mesfin Fekadu in New York contributed to this report.

___

AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/derrikjlang/.

Written by Alisha L. Gordon, M.Ed.Founder of “Finding the Pieces”, Speaker, and Teacher

Dear Georgia,

Today, many of your sons and daughters mourn for you.

Since the inception of your statehood in 1732, you’ve always seemed to lag behind.

You were the last to establish yourself as the original 13 Colonies. You were also the last state to restore yourself back to the union in 1870.

You’ve spent many years sweeping your darkest hours under rugs. The Atlanta Race Riots of 1906 are hardly in [...]]]>

Written by Alisha L. Gordon, M.Ed.Founder of “Finding the Pieces”, Speaker, and Teacher

Dear Georgia,

Today, many of your sons and daughters mourn for you.

Since the inception of your statehood in 1732, you’ve always seemed to lag behind.

You were the last to establish yourself as the original 13 Colonies. You were also the last state to restore yourself back to the union in 1870.

You’ve spent many years sweeping your darkest hours under rugs. The Atlanta Race Riots of 1906 are hardly in your history books.

Your capital city of Atlanta has brought some redeeming qualities to you. She was a central point for civil and social movements throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s and in her younger years, was considered the “golden city” of the South.

W.E.B. DuBois spoke of her greatness in his book The Souls of Black Folk. In chapter five of the book, “Of the Wings of Atalanta,” he personified you as the “Queen of Cotton,” “Gateway to the Land of Sun,” and a city crowned with a “hundred hills” with its high chimneys and progressive ways. It reigned regally among its sister cities as a place of promise.

What was most prolific about DuBois’ exploration of you, my dear city, was his comparison to the Greek goddess Atalanta. She was the fairest of all the women during her time, quick on her feet, highly sought after, much like you are. Countless men lost their lives in the pursuit of her; no one could catch up to her crafty ways and lightning fast feet. She swore to marry the man who could beat her in a foot race; the Greek youth Hippomenes outsmarted her by laying three golden apples along her path causing her to stop to pick up the golden treasures versus staying focused on the race set before her.

…and in all our Nation’s striving is not the Gospel of Work befouled by the Gospel of Pay? So common is this that one-half think it normal; so unquestioned, that we almost fear to question if the end of racing is not gold, if the aim of man is not rightly to be rich. And if this is the fault of America, how dire a danger lies before a new land and a new city, lest Atlanta, stooping for mere gold, shall find that gold accursed!

It was no maiden’s idle whim that started this hard racing; a fearful wilderness lay about the feet of that city after the War,–feudalism, poverty, the rise of the Third Estate, serfdom, the re-birth of Law and Order, and above and between all, the Veil of Race. How heavy a journey for weary feet! What wings must Atalanta have to flit over all this hollow and hill, through sour wood and sullen water, and by the red waste of sun-baked clay! How fleet must Atalanta be if she will not be tempted by gold to profane the Sanctuary! — The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. DuBois

DuBois points out that it was Atalanta’s greed that distracted her from maintaining her elite place among the women of her time, and in many ways, Atlanta, you have succumbed to the same travesty. I think you desperately want to regain your speed, ignore the solemn golden “apples” that are strewn amongst your path, but their temptation too great. The thwarted position of power you may lose is deemed too precious to sacrifice.

Today, Georgia, you had the opportunity to restore and redeem yourself. For the 531 lynchings that occurred on your soil over the course of 86 years (from 1886-1968). For the two braves souls who integrated our beloved University of Georgia. For Genarlow Wilson. For the disproportionate ways you gave home loans to your citizens without a second thought to their well-being. Because of it, we are number one for home foreclosures. For the number of students who enter four-year colleges and universities with deficiencies because politics and the “good ol’ boy” educational system of Georgia leave our kids grasping at straws in college lectures all across the country. For Raquel Nelson who faced a longer sentence for jay walking (three years) than the man who killed her son in a DUI accident as they crossed the street (He was sentenced to six months). And for your son, Troy Davis.

All of America was watching us, Georgia. Seeing what we would do with our brother Troy Davis. They waited to see if our light would shine bright enough in the midst of the racially charged comments, both private and public, and let Lady Justice balance her scales in favor of Mr. Davis. Those in support of him (and even those not in support of him, but of equality and common judicial sense) never wanted him to go “free.” The conviction of guilty was made and there was a price to pay. Nevertheless, tomorrow, we will play God.

We will use our sovereignty as a city and state to go through with a decision made 20 years ago, to take the life of a man whose decisions changed the course of not only his life, but also the life of slain officer MacPhail.

God, in all his sovereignty, has shown mercy to us all despite our flaws, imperfections, our social and civil injustices towards each other. He’s watched us run each other over with pickup trucks, delay in providing care to the sick and homeless, turn our noses up at those who look or believe differently than us. He’s watched us steal from the poor, give to the rich, and not give a second thought. He’s watched our children suffer at our own hands and still, He’s shown us mercy.

He’s blessed our country in ways unimaginable, giving us opportunity after opportunity to get it right. To love as He loves. To see our sons and daughters as He sees us. His grace and mercy, despite our self-inflicted wounds, covers us year after year, decade after decade in hopes that we’ll eventually follow suit and show that same grace and mercy to others.

We had another chance. We didn’t take it.

As a native of Georgia, Decatur to be specific, I mourn for us. We’ve taken some steps back in our progression; there’s a silent, suffocating fear that is hovering over our state. Much like the Georgia of the 1900′s, we want to progress. We want to be more, shine brighter, do greater works for our citizens, but we are afraid. We’re afraid that if we don’t stop for our “golden apples” of self-preservation, we’ll lose the race. If we dare change the course of the social expectations of race relations and the judicial system, we’ll be ostracized as the “red-headed step child” of the South. On bumper stickers and laser light shows across our state, we hear the silent, yet resounding call “the South shall rise again!” whispered in the crevices of our homes and sheltered pockets of our social circles.

Sadly, we only lift up the repetitive, cyclical, disintegrated ideologies and tattered “victories” of our past defeats.

When will we become brave enough to do what’s right, even if history has proven that doing what is right means standing alone?

Sincerely your homegrown daughter,

Alisha L. Gordon

Follow Alisha L. Gordon, M.Ed. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AlishaLGordon