AMAZING Hadiya Pendleton's Mother Funeral Remarks

 

It's hard for ANY parent to lose their child(ren) to gunplay, but it's a sad reality of our world. I don't care what anyone says, when you take God out of the equation, this is the result. Hadiya was a 15-year old honor student from Chicago who had everything going for her: Smart, pretty, destined for doing big things, etc. Two Chicago gang members were charged Monday in the death of a 15-year-old honor student. They mistook her and her friends for members of a rival gang and attacked the group in retaliation for a shooting that injured one of the men over the summer, according to police. Nonetheless, a child had her life tragically cut short. She will never be able to experience senior prom, going to college, getting a good career, marriage, etc. The way her mother held it together was amazing. She was strong even if she had reason to break down. It's a cold world when children's lives are cut short. Shakes Head.

Disgusted White Girl Vs. Black Royalty

Had to repost..White women's opinion of black women & a brother's response Please take a moment and read this. Pretty Deep! Thumbs up to this black man. Enjoy.

It seems that an article was written to Sister 2 Sister magazine by a Caucasian woman who requested a response from black men. I'm so glad she got what she asked for (and more) !!!

Dear Jamie: I'm sorry but I would like to challenge some of your Black male readers. I am a White female who is engaged to a Black male-good-looking, educated and loving. I just don't understand a lot of Black female's attitudes about our relationship. My man decided he wanted me because the pickings amongst Black women were slim to none. As he said they were either too fat, too loud, too mean, too argumentative, too needy, too materialistic or carrying too much excess baggage. Before I became engaged, whenever I went out I was constantly approached by Black men, willing to wine and dine me and give me the world. If Black women are so up in arms about us being with their men, why don't they look at themselves and make some changes. I am tired of the dirty looks I get and snide remarks when we're out in public. I would like to hear from some Black men about why we are so appealing and coveted by them. Bryant Gumbel just left his wife of 26 years for one of us Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, the model Tyson Beckford, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Kofi Anan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Don Cornelius, Berry Gordy, Billy Blanks, Larry Fishburne, Wesley Snipes...I could go on and on. But, right now, I'm a little angry and that is why I wrote this so hurriedly. Don't be mad with us White women because so many of your men want us. Get your acts together and learn from us and we may lead you to treat your men better. If I'm wrong, Black men, let me know. Disgusted White Girl, Somewhere in VA RESPONSE

Dear Jamie: I would like to respond to the letter written by A Disgusted White Girl. Let me start by saying that I am a 28-year old black man. I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management. I have a good job at a major corporation and have recently purchased a house. So, I consider myself to be among the ranks of successful black men. I will not use my precious time to slander white people. I just want to set the record straight of why black men date white women. Back in the day, one of the biggest reasons why black men dated white women was because they were considered easy. The black girls in my neighborhood were raised in the church. They were very strict about when they lost their virginity and who they lost it to. Because of our impatience to wait, brothers would look for someone who would give it up easy without too much hassle. So, they turned to the white girls. Nowadays, in my opinion, a lot of brothers date white women because they are docile and easy to control. A lot of black men, because of insecurities, fears, and overall weaknesses, have become intimidated by the strength of our black women. We are afraid that our woman will be more successful than us, make more money than us, drive nicer cars and own bigger houses.

Because of this fear, many black men look for a more docile woman. Someone we can control. I have talked to numerous black men and they continuously comment on how easy it is to control and walk over their white women. I just want to set the record straight. I want A Disgusted White Girl to know that not all successful black men date white women. Brothers like Ahmad Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Morris Chestnut, Will Smith, Blair Underwood, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Rock all married strong black women And, to flip the script, there are numerous white men, in and out of the spot light, who openly or secretly desire black women over white women. Ted Danson, Robert DeNiro, and David Bowie to name a few. I just don't want a disgusted white girl to be misinformed Stop thinking that because you are white that you are some type of goddess. Remember, when black Egyptian Queens like Hatsepshut and Nitorcris were ruling Dynasties and armies of men in Egypt, you were over in the caves of Europe eating raw meat and beating each other over the head with clubs.

Read your history! It was the black woman that taught you how to cook and season your food. It was the black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was black women who were breast feeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the black woman that had to endure watching their fathers, husbands, and children beaten, killed, and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being black and being a woman. And, through all this, Still They Rise! It is because of the black women's strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that I could never date anyone except my black Queen. It is not just the outer beauty that captivates and draws me to them. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that I love them. Their inner beauty is what I find most appealing about black women. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in, and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why I have fallen in love with black women. I honestly believe that your anger is geared more toward jealousy and envy more so than snotty looks. If this were not so, then why do you continuously go to tanning salons to darken your skin? If you are so proud to be white, then why don't you just be happy with your pale skin? Why do you continue to inject your lips, hips, and breasts with unnatural and dangerous substances so you can look fuller and more voluptuous? I think that your anger is really a result of you wanting to have what the black woman has.

BOTTOM LINE: If I were looking for a docile woman, someone I can walk over and control, I would give you a call. But, unfortunately, I am looking for a Virtuous Woman. Someone that can be a good wife and mother to my children. Someone who can be my best friend and understands my struggles. I am looking for a soul mate. I am looking for a sister and; unfortunately, you do not and CANNOT fit the bill. No offense taken, none given. Signed, Black Royalty

 

Wow!! We must pass this on to make the day of the Black Queens and remind our black kings of what they have

 

 

My View: Two things wrong with this letter: 1. The white woman thinks she's God's gift to black men by giving a list of black men who married "one of us" (in her words) and 2. While the response has valid points, it was a black woman posing as a black man with that response because if you pay attention to the rhetoric, NO MAN gets THAT emotional in his response. I'm all for praising good, strong black women but to me, the response was glorified simpery. Let's keep it real; as I recall, didn't Cuba Gooding get caught up in some drama because his white woman called him a nigger? That's what I thought. No man who has his stuff together is going to be intimidated by a woman of equal or greater success. Why would he? Most men who are on point seek out a likeminded woman to build a life with. Just like successful women seek out successful men, the reverse is true.

Black History Facts (Miami, FL)

It's Black History Month so I'm dedicating this blog commentary to some notable Black History facts about Miami, FL:

 

1. D.A. Dorsey was one of the first American black millionaires in the South. He once owned Fisher Island, which is an exclusive part of Miami filled with multi-millionaires and billionaires.

 

2. Overtown, Miami's oldest black neighborhood served as a place of rest and refuge for black entertainers who weren't allowed to lodge at prominent venues like Eden Roc and Fontainebleau where they performed. Further, many prominent blacks like Joe Louis, W.E.B. Du Bois and Zora Neale Hurston lodged and entertained in the neighborhood.

 

3. Miami Gardens (which used to be called Carol City before the name change in 2003) was the last city in northern Miami-Dade where blacks moved to escape real ghettos like Opa Locka, Liberty City (including Brownsville) and Overtown.

 

4. Liberty Square (commonly referred to as Pork & Beans) is the first public housing project for blacks in the Southern United States, and one of the first built in the nation. It was first built in 1934 and has expanded over the years. The boundaries are NW 67th to the North, NW 62nd St. to the South, 12th & 15th Avenues to the East & West.

 

5.  Arthur McDuffie (December 3,1946 – December 21, 1979) was an African American who died as a result of injuries suffered at the hands of five white Miami-Dade police officers after a traffic stop was conducted. He had led the officers on a high-speed chase on his motorcycle, and was driving with a suspended license. The officers were acquitted of charges in McDuffie's death.

One of the worst race riots in United States history broke out in the black neighborhoods of Overtown and Liberty City in Miami after the officers' acquittals. The federal government tried Veverka, one of the officers, on civil rights violations in 1980; he was acquitted. In 1981 Dade County paid McDuffie's family a settlement of $1.1 million after it filed a civil lawsuit against the officials.

 

6. Peace In The Hood is an annual festival held in Miami's Liberty City. It is named in honor of Uncle Al, a famous DJ who was murdered in the Miami streets. Every year, around Uncle Al's birthday, Liberty City residents celebrate his legacy and philosophy of non-violence.

 

7. The Hampton House was a popular Miami motel and social hub for blacks in the 50's & 60's. It was the only motel open for blacks during segregation, featuring luxurious accommodations with valet parking, 24-hour food service, a banquet hall and a jazz club where all colors of people congregated to hear the best performers of the day. And not only was the jazz great, the Hampton House was important historically. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali were frequent guests.

Before You Do

  

 

 

 LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
 A dog was so faithful that the woman could leave her baby with it and go out to attend other matters. She always returned to find the child soundly asleep with the dog faithfully watching over him. One day, something tragic happened.
 The woman as usual, left the baby in the "hands" of this faithful dog and went out shopping. When she returned, she discovered rather a nasty scene, there was a total mess. The baby's cot was dismantled, his nappies and clothes torn to shreds with blood stains all over the bedroom where she left the child and the dog. Shocked, the woman wailed as she began looking for the baby.
 All of a sudden, she saw the faithful dog emerging from under the bed. It was covered with blood and licking it's mouth as if it had just finished a delicious meal.
The woman got angry and assumed that the dog had devoured her baby. Without much thought she beat the dog with a wood to death. But as she continued searching for the"remains" of her child, she beheld another scene.
 Close to the bed was the baby who, although lying on the bare floor, was safe and under the bed where the body of a snake was torn to pieces in what had been a fierce battle between the snake and the dog which was now dead. Then reality dawned on the woman who now began to understand what took place in her absence. The dog fought to protect the baby from the ravenous snake.
 It was too late for her now to make amends because in her impatience and anger, she had killed the faithful dog. How often have we misjudged people and torn them to shreds with harsh words and deeds before we have had time to evaluate the situation?
 This is called SIN OF PRESUMPTION. Presuming things our way without taking the trouble to find out exactly what the situation really is. Little patience can drastically reduce major lifelong mistakes. Who Are You misjudging right now? Don't think what you think others are thinking. Take time to get the whole truth.

My View: The lady should be kicking herself repeatedly because in her haste, she takes out her dog who was protecting her child. I hope she feels like crap (by right she should) because there was no reason for her to fly off the handle. Her first thought was the dog devoured her baby, but after careful observation, she realized the dog was keeping her child safe. It's too late to make amends because once the damage is done, there's no coming back. How many of us have done this? Presumed the situation our way instead of taking a step back? The issue with presumption is it never ends well because the person's judgment is clouded. They're thinking one way when 9 times out of the 10, the situation is different. Reacting in anger, harsh things are said and done and once you realize it wasn't all that to begin with, it's too late. That person will never look at you the same & rightfully so. You may feel remorse, but it's too late. The damage has been done. So Before You Do, get all the facts and make your move. There's nothing worse than looking crazy by jumping the gun only to realize you don't have a reason to fire off.

Richard, Why Are You Single?

Most of my friends & acquaintances are in relationships and doing alright for themselves; I'm proud of their accomplishments and reinforce that every chance I get because some of them have been through a lot to get where they are. The longer I've been alone, the more frequently I'm asked by my mom & dad, "Son, you don't have a girlfriend yet?" My response has always been "If it's meant to be, God will make it happen." It makes sense because even though the Bible says it's not good for man to be alone, he doesn't hold it against me if I choose not to get romantically involved. Besides, I've got goals to accomplish, stuff to do in life and a relationship is going to get in the way of my ambition. Some people think there's something wrong with you if you choose not to jump on the relationship train. Relationships are a lot of work, and not everyone is willing to work at a relationship. For me, I have to REALLY care about a woman to give her my all; that's something I don't take lightly. You give up your freedom & independence; you are entrusting your heart to another person believing they will do right by you and with all these failed relationships going around, I'm not risking that. For me, it's all or nothing. I need a guarantee that if I'm clicking up with a woman, it's going to work. She's right for me and I for her. To do this, I'm taking it slow. I'm a good man that's willing to give my goodness to the RIGHT woman (and she reciprocates), but at this point other things take precedence. I'm happy for everyone that has found their soulmate, but some people aren't cut out for a relationship. Depending on their ambition, whatever they're undertaking requires 100% focus and when you're focused on a dream, you can't be burdened by a relationship. Your spouse wants you to devote more time to them and your aspirations require full concentration if you want to get where you desire to be.

You Are The Company You Keep

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. "In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.

The key statement in all of this is "Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships." The keyword is RIGHT. Having the right people in your corner will yield dividends. Some people may not make the cut and that's ok. If you're trying to get somewhere in life, you will have to accept the fact that your circle will decrease and those who remain, are your teammates in this journey called life.

 



Strength IS NOT...

Nojma Reflects

49 minutes ago

Sisters, your strength isn't getting your hand and elbow in the perfect 90 degree angle as you place it on your hip, constrict your neck and roll your eyes as venom spews from your mouth. Your strength isn't assisting in the emasculation and castration of the Black Man. Your strength isn't in challenging him to an "I can do anything you can do but better contest". Your strength isn't in breaking down a man that society attempts to break down every day. You will never find peace if you constantly promote chaos.
We say a man can't handle a strong woman. The above is NOT strength. The above is being Willie Lynch's mouthpiece. Let me tell you what a strong woman REALLY is.
A strong woman is a GODLY woman. A strong woman understands the blueprint of our slave masters, but REFUSES to build HIS world, and concentrates on building GOD'S KINGDOM. A Strong Woman recognizes that wombs of many generations have built efficient slaves, and if both the physical and mental wombs placed us in this condition, then both the mental and physical wombs will free us from this condition.
A strong woman shows support, encouragement, she nurtures, consoles, revives, rebuilds, and she also repairs. Again if this society attempts to break the Black Man down then we have to put him back together again. A strong woman is studious , she is a master scientist in her kitchen, she nurses her family back to health, she is the dean in her home as she is the first teacher, she understands that as hard as it is for her, it is even harder for HIM. A strong woman knows the power of words, so she chooses them carefully. A strong woman doesn't absolve the Black Man of his duty, but cultivates the God within him so that he can effectively perform his duty. A strong woman doesn't turn the hearts of her children away from their father, she positions their hearts towards him.
#RealStrength101

 

My View: TAKE THAT, TAKE THAT, TAKE THAT! If I haven't said it before, I'll say it again: I enjoy Sister Nojma's writing because it's positive and she's not afraid to check women on their belligerent behavior. Every time a man calls a woman out for her nonsense, it's taken as an attack. Most men admire strong women, but a truly STRONG woman has her own voice, but is submissive to her man if he's leading honorably. Some women think challenging their man on everything is strength, but it's not. A man battles enough when he steps outside his home, and to come home to have to do battle with his woman is TOO MUCH. A man's home is his castle, the one place where he should have peace and if his woman isn't providing that for him, she can & will be replaced. Just like women will tolerate their man's foolishness for so long until she replaces him, the same applies to women. Usually, men won't think twice about replacing a woman that's not up to snuff.