Sunday, December 14, 2014

MATURE BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS featuring M.D. ALEXANDER, THE CHAIN BREAKER

Don't get it twisted, my days of being a "It-was-perfect-back-in-the-day-Conscious-Brother" ended back in 2000. 

I don't think all Black people are innocent and all White people are devilish.  I don't think that reading 1,000 books on Africa, the Civil Rights Movement, and "Black Power" ideologies will solve our issues as African-Americans.

I do know that we need to gain educational and economic empowerment that will give us political leverage.   I do know that we must master math and science as well as spirituality and morality. 

Balance in life, personal development, and self-sufficiency for our communities are the key to empowerment.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

POWER OF THE DISENFRANCHISED

ATTENTION:

To my brothers and sisters who have never been in trouble with the law or been involved in the #streets, please do NOT make the mistake of underestimating the value of this segment of our communities.

If we are to rectify the issues plaguing our communities, men and women with my multifaceted background will be needed (street, #business, and #community service).

Our #youth are being lost to the streets and prisons.  Who better to grab their attention than those who have either been there or who are still there.

Even if your child(ren) "made it" or are "making it" out of harms way, as long as there are growing numbers of disenfranchisement in our communities, no one is going to be completely safe.

Don't misjudge me or look down on me/those with my "type of background" because you may be cutting off your best chance of saving your child(ren) and our future.

Friday, December 5, 2014

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

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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.