By Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network Fighting for equality is never an easy thing. To challenge discriminatory policies or change people's pre-conceived ideas is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do. While fighting for your rights is not an easy path however, fighting for the rights of others is even harder still. But when we can … [Read more...] about Michael Sam – an inspiration to all
Perspective
The magnitude of Black History Month
By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson During the month of February the nation pauses to acknowledge the significant contributions made by people of African American ancestry to American greatness. The practice began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard trained black historian, proclaimed that a time should be set aside to reflect on the achievements of blacks in … [Read more...] about The magnitude of Black History Month
When Black men flex, society gets scared
By Walter Fields By chance I watched the NFC Championship football game at the home of a friend and former college football player, Vaughn McKoy. Of course, it was Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman who stole the show. Sherman’s infamously aggressive post-game interview triggered a debate over the appropriateness of his comments. For two Black men watching the … [Read more...] about When Black men flex, society gets scared
Being Frank: Blurred lines
The lines of race in America are not as distinct as they once were. At one point in the history of America the line of race thought was clear: white, black. Later the thought became gray as the white/ black thought process disintegrated. But due to the increase of interactions between black and white and the x-factor brought in by other races those race thought lines are … [Read more...] about Being Frank: Blurred lines
Passing the torch
“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Those were the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as he reflected on the value of labor, its impact and meaning in America. As we pause this week to remember the work and legacy of Dr. King, we also must keep in mind to teach and … [Read more...] about Passing the torch
Honoring Dr. King the man, not the icon
By Paul Schmitz, CEO, Public Allies Dr. Martin Luther King was a transformational leader who inspired our nation and bent the arc of history toward justice. When we remember Dr. King only by his greatest victories and quotations, however, we do a disservice to him and ourselves. The iconic King teaches us incomplete lessons about leadership and the struggle for social … [Read more...] about Honoring Dr. King the man, not the icon
How will you use this new year?
The beginning of a new year is always exciting. Many people bring in a new year with festive celebrations. Other people bring in the New Year meditating on what they want to accomplish with the fresh 365 days. Now that the celebrating and meditating is over, how will you use 2014? A new year is like a fresh start. The calendar changes and it is an excellent opportunity for … [Read more...] about How will you use this new year?
Building churches through pastoral schools of agriculture
Among the many places I visited in Burkina Faso, the most impressive one was a Christian Pastoral Training School built by Pastor Jacques Nignan, located about 'a twenty minutes’ drive south of the capitol city Ouagadougou near Sabtoana. Pastor Jack, as he was called, spoke very good English. He told me that God had given him a vision that he was supposed to build an … [Read more...] about Building churches through pastoral schools of agriculture
Standing Tall – Nelson Mandela
“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” Those were the words of Nelson Mandela, (1918-2013), who became the first black South African to become president of South Africa. His journey to the presidency and his life long struggle for equality for all South Africans is truly noteworthy and is a standard to live by. His work … [Read more...] about Standing Tall – Nelson Mandela
The things we do
Many people often wonder how those who are in the positions of leadership in public service and private business take the news when reports come to light that things are not getting better and that some outcomes are having a negative effect upon others and the community at large. It is assumed that people in leadership will do the right thing, act ethically, make positive … [Read more...] about The things we do