I know that the founding fathers of our great country did not see this coming... not at all... and perhaps they would be just as lost as many of us baby boomers are today in understanding and embracing the world of “Hip Hop.” It is not just the music; but it is a culture all to itself. I know what you are thinking and I am with you... as a baby boomer myself, I find it hard to … [Read more...] about When Hip Hop matters
Perspective
Keep whipping those horses
I once saw a funny picture on a blog of a man standing over a dead horse hitting it with a stick. The meaning was simple; he was beating the metaphorical dead horse. It was tied to a debate that was going on over a pro athlete. I hate to be the one standing over these horses with whips but the situation is dire. We have to get some more rides out of Silver. “Violence once again … [Read more...] about Keep whipping those horses
When peace matters
I know that “World Peace Day” is officially observed a few months from now, but we need help today. The widespread of senseless gun violence and drug use throughout our country are just signals that many aspects of our society are out of balance and things are going wrong for so many. This issue and more are fueling the growing level of mistrust in public officials, law … [Read more...] about When peace matters
A murderous future
Milwaukee is on its way to becoming a major US city. The city boasts two professional sports teams, Bucks and Brewers. The city plays host to two major colleges, Marquette and University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Milwaukee also has various tourist attractions, Mitchell Park Domes, Potawatomi Casino. Milwaukee is working to add the final component: a high murder total. In all … [Read more...] about A murderous future
The true enemy
Another atrocity has taken place in the African American community. Nine people were killed when Dylann Roof went into a Charleston, South Carolina church and started shooting. Roof announced he wanted to kill black people. Many people scream that this is another show of white hate towards black people. This may be true, but the true enemy doesn’t have a color. The true enemy … [Read more...] about The true enemy
When forgiveness matters
In the wake of one the largest mass shootings at a Black church in American history, a number of enduring heartfelt lessons occurred. One of those lessons happened during the bond hearing of the shooter, when all of the affected families of the 9 that were killed had a chance to speak during that hearing. One after one, they all spoke about their loved ones in endearing terms … [Read more...] about When forgiveness matters
Not a moment but a movement
The recently mass shootings in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, SC are a vivid reminder to all of us that the struggle for racial equality, equal rights, human rights, justice and religious freedom continues. This shooting also opened up a number of old wounds that have long been issues of contention and debate in that state as well … [Read more...] about Not a moment but a movement
Helping the little guy
Each day it is an ongoing struggle for a small business or startups to find their place in a complex and competitive world. This is especially true, when there are too many “giants” in the land of opportunity and from the world’s largest economy. It is so clear on all levels and sectors of our modern society, when all you can see are “giants” seemly “hogging” up all the … [Read more...] about Helping the little guy
The greatest joys of fatherhood (Part 1)
What is the meaning of fatherhood? At a workshop “Improving Data on Male Fertility and Family Formation” at the Urban Institute, Washington D.C. (1997), this definition of fatherhood was given: A man becomes a father when he has his first child; this status is fixed, such that, once a man becomes a father he is always a father. He may subsequently have more children or his … [Read more...] about The greatest joys of fatherhood (Part 1)
Lost in this masquerade
Rebuilding Our Community I don’t know if you got the memo, email or phone call recently to come to the next series of community meetings dressed in a disguise and ready to play the next round of games. You betcha! How about a little hide-and-seek with the economic recovery and the jobs that seemly never appear available for those living in the inner city; what about … [Read more...] about Lost in this masquerade