In 2021 I pose a question to the world, “What defines being Black in 2021?” Over the years the definition of what being Black in the USA has evolved or de-evolved. Being Black was at one time an act of defiance towards a racist system of oppression. Interactions and dealings with other races has also been used to define what was considered Black. “What does being Black in … [Read more...] about Can you define Black?
Frank James
Keep your word
In 2021 African Americans are struggling to find some way to navigate the way US society is changing. There are different forces that are pulling all Americans here and there. You have a pandemic raging across the planet. There is the angst of the coming NFL season. African Americans will have to build a trust with one another to keep from becoming extinct. One easy way African … [Read more...] about Keep your word
Freedom to be
Over the years I have put various opinions about topics out into the world. Anyone who has been reading this column for the past ten years knows this. Many others remember the show, Being Frank where I voiced my thoughts. The latest voicing of my thoughts has come from a podcast, The Last Black Man Standing. It was while doing this latest version of Being Frank where I had an … [Read more...] about Freedom to be
Not another one
The shooting in Columbus, OH of an African American teen has once again put African American people on alert. Ma’Khia Bryant was shot by a police officer during an altercation with another woman. Of course there was a lot of debate about whether the shooting was justified. In reality, justified or not, Bryant is dead and many are angered by this act. I watched the video and … [Read more...] about Not another one
Burnt toast
Another day, another insult to African American people from a white person. The American philosophy seems to have an unwritten rule: “Insult African Americans as much as possible.” The latest Caucasian to throw insults at African Americans is Rob Lederman, who is Jewish. Lederman compared African American women's skin tones to toast settings. Of course there was outrage over … [Read more...] about Burnt toast
Success
The measuring stick for success in sports is how many victories a team or individual achieves. In business the measuring stick for success is how much money and assets are made or acquired. In life the measuring stick for success depends upon who you ask. In the African American community there is plenty of success; yet, it isn’t acknowledged. It is time to celebrate African … [Read more...] about Success
2021: Changes or continued ignorance?
Welcome to 2021. 2020 is in the trash bin of history. Many people in the USA are breathing a sigh of relief because 2020 has come to an end. COVID-19 has punished the US population over the past 10 months. 2021 is being viewed by many people as a chance for the US to gain a semblance of normalcy in all facets of life. Will the US rebound and go into 2021 with fresh ideas? Or … [Read more...] about 2021: Changes or continued ignorance?
No Sell Out and Public Enemy
I got a text from a good friend, David telling me to check the comments on my Instagram account. I did and I had received a like from Public Enemy for a post of the beginning of the Fight The Power video. I smiled and felt proud as the memories came back. I remember the first time I heard the words No Sell Out! Well, the first time that these words resonated with me in my … [Read more...] about No Sell Out and Public Enemy
The illusion resumes
A cheer went up around the world. Donald Trump was defeated and Joe Biden was elected the new President of the USA. African Americans all over the country rejoiced. The evil Trump had been defeated and replaced by a good Democrat in Biden. Biden also has a woman of color as his vice president, Kamala Harris. The rejoicing was doubly high in the African American community. … [Read more...] about The illusion resumes
It started with a knee
The NBA players and the stance they took this COVID infested season deserves a spot in history. Many people talk about the Civil Rights marches of the 60’s as defining moments in US history. The marches and speeches from that time were impactful. The stance the NBA players have taken this past season on social injustice is on the level with the events of the 60’s. People may … [Read more...] about It started with a knee