Author's posts
Jul 08 2016
Why John Lewis Should Not Be Idolized As Our Liberation Hero
It’s time the truth be told to the younger generation regarding the March on Washington and how President, John F. Kennedy had complete control of the march. It’s a known fact that each of the participants known as “The Big 6” compromised the interest of the people to ensure the march was able to take place. Brother, Malcolm X spoke about it extensively, but many dismissed him as a radical Muslim looking to discredit the civil rights movement.
Malcolm X called it the “Farce on Washington,“in his autobiography, “there wasn’t a single logistics aspect uncontrolled. The marchers had been instructed to bring no signs. … They had been told how to arrive, when, where to arrive, where to assemble, when to start marching, the route to march. … Yes, I was there. I observed that circus.”
Today, U.S. Rep. John Lewis is hailed for his participation in the march as an organizer, but little is told about his willingness to have his words censored and the large payment of money he received for such deeds. Lewis, has become the spokesperson for “Bloody Sunday”, the day he was beaten while marching from Selma to Montgomery. in 1965. Now, he seeks to make the young generation of warriors, who are fighting for social justice, to be docile, accept police brutality and to sing “We Shall Overcome”.
While today’s generation seeks to willingly fight for their liberation and freedom by any means necessary, John Lewis is propped up in front of a camera calling for calm, asking the Justice Department for redress against the human atrocities, we are facing in the streets of America. Someone needs to tell Mr. Lewis, this is a new generation of fire brand leaders, thinkers, and warriors who will determine the course of action taken. They are unapologetic and will not have their words censored or turn the other cheek, those days are over. The older generation of civil rights leaders can no longer imposing their worldviews coupled with political abuse of power under the guise of being our leaders. John Lewis should not be idolized as our liberation hero.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights leader and one of the most influential Democrats in Congress admitted his speech was edited by JFK’s Deputy Press Secretary Jack Rosenthal. The word revolution appeared in his original speech six times and was omitted. [READ HERE]
Mr. Lewis was arrested over 47 times in protest of voters rights, police brutality etc. Each time he was released with 48 hours and paid a small fine or no fine at all. There are political prisoners languishing in prison for decades, those are the real heroes. They never felt the need to water down their approach or to seek redress from the system of racism and white supremacy. Let’s honor them and not those who are complicit in our oppression.
Jul 02 2016
The Joseph Worthington Scholarship
In honor of his life, the siblings of Joseph Worthington are seeking to establish “The Joseph Worthington Scholarship” program. We are asking for your financial generosity, to support and help honor the memory of Joseph Worthington.
As many of you know, Joe made his transition on January 31st, 2016. The outpour of support and attendance at his funeral showed the magnitude of love the people had for him. Joseph will always remain a beautiful soul, who is missed, who is mourned, who is loved. Joseph was a super smart, undyingly loyal and faithful friend, brother and father.
As family members, we are still devastated. We are still feeling the pain. So many people have asked what they can do to help the family to honor Joe. We thought long and hard and didn’t have the words, but together we have the power.
By making a donation to the scholarship fund, you are not only enriching the life of someone deserving of a chance to attend college, but you are helping to honor the memory and legacy of Joseph Worthington.
The scholarship fund is being established by the brothers and sisters of Joseph Worthington, to offer a unique opportunity for those who are facing financial hardship or particular life challenges but still want to pursue higher education. The program gives them a chance that most other programs do not offer.
The Joseph Worthington Foundation seeks to become a firm believer in helping young people not only reach their career goals but also establish a secure future.
If you’re unable to donate, please Like and Share our GoFundMe Scholarship Fundraising post with all of your family and friends and help us make a difference.
We would be most grateful, if you would consider supporting us in this worthy cause.
Peace and Prosperity,
The Family & Friends of Joseph Worthington
ATTN: We will also be commemorating Joe’s 50th birthday celebration Joe on August 13-14th in NYC with a cook out and visit to his grave site. We will keep everyone informed of the details as they develop.
Jun 28 2016
Red Cross Don’t Like Black People
A day doesn’t go by that Black folks are not vilified by media, disrespected by retailers and harassed by rouge police officers. The negative images are often times blamed on the victim and in Black folks case, rap music. But, being stereotyped is nothing new to melaninated people. So it does not come as a surprise, Red Cross, which is a disaster relief organization (how ironic) released a poster geared towards children safety while swimming, would use all the black cartoon characters as the bad, unruly and rowdy kids.
Red Cross was quick to respond to state the posters will be removed from all public places. But, what won’t be removed is the racist and white supremacist mind state of Red Cross employees.
By the way, we still waiting to see when Red Cross is going to account for the $500 million collected for Haiti, but only 6 homes were built.
Jun 26 2016
Rahiem Shabazz Receives 2016 Black Humanitarian Award of The Year
I want to thank Black Mogul Magazine for the 2016 Black Humanitarian Award of the Year for Heroic Media Activism. It was definitely an honor accepting the award and being recognized at the 1st Annual Black Humanitarian Awards.
Jun 15 2016
Decrying The Stereotype In A Post & T.J. Maxx Responds
The media creates a damaging image of Black youth and this portrayal leads to draconian laws such as the1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, signed by then President Bill Clinton. 20 years later, we are still seeing the effects. So it would be reasonable to assume, a corporation like T.J. Maxx and Levi would not perpetrate or be complicit in furthering the stereotypes, that lead to unjust laws and negative outcomes.
I thought the same thing, until I seen this picture.
The old racial stereotypes and practices will continue, if we do not call them out. And that is exactly what I did this morning via social media. Within, 30 minutes I received the following response from T.J. Maxx.
The essence of our youth are more than gangsters and lawless individuals. The sociopolitical forces of the dominate society wants us to believe the false narrative, while the police force has become marauding invaders in our community that unjustly imprison millions for petty crimes or no crime at all.
In closing, I will say, I don’t know if this is an old photo that resurfaced or not, but what I do know is we all have a voice to combat the negative images and stereotypes. Let’s use it! Our youth can be our fate or our future!
Jun 07 2016
THE KNOWLEDGE OF SELF SERIES: “Going To The Roots of Blackness”
The Knowledge Bar PRESENTS
THE KNOWLEDGE OF SELF SERIES: “Going To The Roots of Blackness”
FEATURING: ZAZA ALI
SPECIAL APPEARANCE: RAHIEM SHABAZZ
WHERE: Maco Elk’s Lodge
712 W.Duval Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
WHEN: July, 17th, 2016
VENDING & TICKETS: (904) 880-5641 or (850) 212-0230
Jun 07 2016
Juneteenth Celebration and Friendraiser for the Friends of Historic Claflin
Juneteenth Celebration and Friendraiser for the Friends of Historic Claflin
WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2016
TIME: 11 a.m.
PLACE: The Historic Liberty Theater Cultural Community Center
821 8th Avenue, Columbus GA
Sponsored by King’s Town Family Foundation Ltd.
Featuring Columbus’ own soloist and pianist Beverly Hammonds, songstress Madeleine Davis introducing the Keynote Speaker, and Keynote Speaker, Gary Dennis Hines of The “incomparable” Sounds of Blackness.
King’s Town also welcomes to the stage Brother Rahiem Shabazz, who will be on hand to talk about his work and films “Elementary Genocide.”
*Food, Live Music, Unity, Love, Friendship, Family, Good Times!*
Let’s get the historic Claflin building on 5th Avenue restored and turn Columbus, GA into a national leader on how to encourage ‘UNITY IN THE COMMUNITIES’ and restore our families and neighborhoods at the same time.
TICKET PURCHASE: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2560159
May 12 2016
“Out of Darkness” Makes Its Debut Screening In Atlanta
TICKET PURCHASE HERE
May 10 2016
Filmmaker Rahiem Shabazz’s Call to Action: Black People Must Educate Their Children
Once we become conscious of what is innate, greatness can be achieved. If we are blessed enough to be introspective, we know that we have to create our own opportunities. We learn not to be a burden on our people and become prepared to utilize resources to push social change to eradicate the thought that there are no alternatives. Using critical thinking is the key and not apologizing is the stance, but how do we deal with those that don’t understand their inborn sources are truly being tampered with? My recent conversation with filmmaker/producer and owner of Rasha Entertainment Inc., Rahiem Shabazz, shed some light on the topic of genocide and it’s relevance in the educational system and how underhanded this tampering is.
READ HERE
Apr 21 2016
How Melonie Wright Went From Special Ed To Law School Graduate
If anyone knows hard times, it’s Melonie Wright. Ms. Wright’s plight started early on in preschool. Her parents were told that she was a delayed learner, and she was placed into special education classes.
In an exclusive interview with TheRoots, Melonie recounts the ordeal:
“The teachers said I never talked in class, and did not respond the way the other 4-year-olds did at the time. I was too quiet and did not socialize. I do remember the day I was moved down to the developmentally delayed preschool classroom. My dad used to walk me to preschool every day, and that day was no different. We went towards a hallway, one that was not where my true classroom was. I asked him, ‘Daddy, where we going?’ He said, ‘To a different classroom.’”
Despite all the ups and down, Melonie is set to graduate from Emory University School of Law next month. Read more about her inspirational story and how she overcame the odds.
via: TheRoots