THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

People have seen my personal growth and efforts over the years with the idea that I'm "there".  You know, "there", the place where all is well with no worries...  Not true.

There is a heavy price to becoming a successful #entrepreneur and an effective #activist.  I have sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, a lot.

As an entrepreneur and investor, you take the risk of winning or losing a lot.  I have had my ups and my downs.

I've lost money, vehicles, opportunities, my freedom and my residence.   I've lived out of business offices, hotels, and my car.  I've also lost relationships because of my need to sacrifice.

Do I regret those sacrifices?   Do I wish I would've remained on the path of holding "steady employment" to ensure stability?

NO!  I wouldn't trade the feeling of #freedom and achievement for ANYTHING!  The section of the path I chose is beginning to reward me for my sacrifices which will allow me to bless scores of others.  THAT is worth the losses I have suffered.  Paying the cost for freedom is worth the results.

#WAKEUP and #POWERUP

THE POWER OF RACISM

I'm conscious enough to know that:

-No, Blacks aren't the only Americans disgusted by the acts of police brutality;
-No, Blacks aren't the only victims of police brutality;
-No, Blacks aren't the only people struggling with poverty, political corruption, and community violence...

However, there's NO doubt that Blacks are more than twice as likely to be:

- incarcerated;
- stopped by police;
- denied a loan;
- disenfranchised from their civil rights;
- on the receiving end of a racial slur or racial violence;
- unemployed;
- observed or followed in a store;
- stereotyped;
- die from preventable diseases;
- be diagnosed with a learning disability or behavioral disorder; and
- denied equal pay or a promotion.

Do I see face first, I don't want to, yet it appears that racism is being acted out on me and others that resemble me.

I am not a reactionary, I am a proactive revolutionary fighting against injustice, racism, corruption, dysfunction, and inequality. 

I revolt against these problems and oppressors by:

- improving myself, FIRST;
- improving my relationships; and
- improving my community.

These improvements will assist me in demanding RESPECT from those with whom I interact.  After my family, community, and I have improved our situation, and shown responsibility, by our OWN resolve, then, and only then, can we DEMAND accountability from others.

THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS

What will it take till the #illusion of progress for Blacks in America is completely exposed?

Yes, we get to:
- live in areas we couldn't before,
- eat where we couldn't before, and
- go to schools where we couldn't before...

However, we are still:
- victims of police brutality,
- still receive unequal raises,
- don't own the means to produce nor distribute the basic necessities our communities need, and
- the recipients of rampant #racism.

We traded self-sufficiency and independence for gold-plated servitude.

#WAKEUP #POWERUP

M.D. ALEXANDER'S EVOLUTION AS A SERVANT FOR THE COMMUNITY

In late 1996, I started study groups out of my first house in #Warrensville Heights with everyone from gang members and drug dealers to artists and students.  I changed lives.

From that time to 2000, I continued to study, research, and build with friends, family, and associates under the name of Malachi El Kush (pronounced Mala-ky) till I was convicted by the Feds for organizing a series of unarmed bank robberies to gain money for the needs of family, friends, and community needs.  I was angry and immature yet... I changed lives.

While I was incarcerated, a total of 10 years, I moved on with my studying and building with prisoners from around the World.  I broke bread and shared knowledge with former college administrators, U.S. House Reps, Wise Guys, OG's, Chiefs, and Revolutionaries.  I changed lives and my life was changed.

For the past 4 years, I have grown in my studies and my activities in the community, yet I feel like I have done nothing... This is only the beginning.

I don't know what new adversities I will face as I move forward in my life's purpose, however I do know that I will continue to #change lives, have my life changed, and have no fear.

"THE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE" CONFERENCE (11/30/14)

THE DANGER OF "GOING FOR SELF"

The "I have to worry about me and mine" philosophy is dangerous when dealing with organizations.

When you have an organized body of people systematically attacking you, the least effective defense is to stand alone.

Even if you don't want to deal with everyone involved, at least stand united under the same idea.

White supremacist groups don't all get along yet they're united by one unified concept: the dominance of White Power and their freedom.

Let us all agree that what we need is:

- Freedom
- Justice
- Happiness
- Equality in the Law

Let's unite... POWER UP!