Friday, January 29, 2010

The Frator Heru Institute offers A Practical Model for Community-based Education

The Frator Heru Institute (TFHI) opens the Spring 2010 semester with
over 25 seminars, programs, tutorials and consultancy ranging from
non-profit governance, professional writing, comic book creation,
family wellness, rites-of-passage for girls and boys, acting, computer
literacy to human race studies and rites-of-passage facilitator
certification
.

The Frator Heru Institute (TFHI) has offered affordable and high quality
community-based education to the Philadelphia and surrounding vicinity for
the past 22 years. Now in its 23rd year, with several core classes, seminars
and workshops in How to Obtain 501(c)(3) Status, Family Wellness, Grant
Writing, Rites-of-Passage for Youth (Girls and Boys), Rites-of-Passage
Facilitators Intensive Training for Adults, Mathematics, Computer Literacy,
Art, Acting, Professional Writing, the History of American Popular Music ---
and much more --- the mission of the FHI to provide critical communitybased
education continues and the FHI remains an all-inclusive
community-based program!

The FHI also offers expert consulting, training, strategic curriculum
development and the longest-running Rites programs in Philadelphia, and
has several public initiatives, correspondence and on-site prison outreach
projects (PrOP’s) at HOC, PICC, SCI-Chester, SCI-Graterford and 17 other
PA state institutions. This FHI prison outreach serves upwards to 250
incarcerated persons.

This semester the FHI has expanded to include two rites-of-passage
courses for young women in two separate locations, two art classes, one
figure drawing and the other a comic book creation class, a course on the
history of American popular music, facilitated by the Soul-Patrol’s own Bob
Davis, and a professional writing class for individuals and organizations
looking to improve their overall writing skills and effectiveness.

Of course, the FHI core curriculum courses are still available: How to
Obtain 501(c)(3) Status and Keep it; Proposal Writing for Success; Acting
for Beginners; Cultural Mathematics; Rites-of-Passage for young men and
ROP certification for parents and practitioners; two family development
seminars: Women and Wellness 101 and Positive Family
Communications; And, one all-day certification seminar: Human Race
Studies..

Also, the FHI is offering two computer literacy workshops in conjunction
with Calvary St. Augustine Episcopal Church (40th & Parrish Sts.) and the
Strawberry Mansion Learning Center (30th & Dauphin Sts.).
After 22 years in Philadelphia, The Frator Heru Institute continues to
stand for excellence in uncompromised community-based
education and empowerment by providing expert consulting,
innovative training and effective tutoring.

For more info, visit the website: www.thefratorheruinstitute.org.
The Frator Heru Institute
Mr. Yumy Odom, Founder
1046 W. Jefferson St. – LL
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Office: 215.235.1604
Mobile: 908.334.1793

E-mail: mail@thefratorheruinstitute.org


The Frator Heru Institute is a 501(c)(3) community-based educational, scientific, charitable and
social-change entity created to generate effective and strategic programs, projects and
initiatives that promote self-development, stable families, communities and societies.
The Frator Heru Institute:
A Practical Model for Community-based Education

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Check out my photos on Facebook

facebook
Kwasi Akyeampong
Kwasi Akyeampong has:
1536 friends
4 photos
122 notes
148 wall posts
71 groups

Check out my photos on Facebook


Hi,

I set up a Facebook profile where I can post my pictures, videos and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.

Thanks,
Kwasi

To sign up for Facebook, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1054826854&k=Z61XQ3QSPZTF6BD1QE42P3QT2QIB422AR3IUF&r

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Saturday, January 23, 2010

BABA MASTER KEIDI AWADU: RENASAINCE MAN



Internet Pioneer/Committed Businessman Is Revitalizing
The Vision Of The Great Marcus Garvey


JANUARY 22, 2010

by H. khalif Khalifah

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, VA. – When The Great Marcus Garvey was leaving America
under a deportation order in the nineteen twenties, he promised that he
would return. He said, “Look for me in the whirlwind.

“When times are rough, I shall return, wrapped in the Red, Black And
Green that you know so well.” Anyone who observes, or study the rise of
Baba Master Keidi Awadu may well feel a sense of Deja vue. If you’d like
to see what a UNIA Movement would look like in the 21st Century
Technological Information Age, go to www.livinginblack.com – but be
mindful just as Marcus Garvey could not put all of the UNIA programs and
systems in his newspaper, the Black World, the website is the internet
base of operations for Baba Master Keidi Awadu.

Not since the days of Marcus Garvey, himself, have anyone brought as many
of his different ideals and visions into manifestation for Black people
as have Master Baba Keidi Awadu.
In many ways Keidi Awadu has actually exceeded the expectations and
accomplishments of the Great Black Nationalist of the 20th century. This
strictly in the sense of Keidi Awadu mastery of Internet based
technology. He uses the internet to explode visions that Marcus Garvey
gifted to the world. Technology back in the 1920’s was like horse and
buggy measured to the possibility of what a SUV is to a 2010 family
vacation.

Garvey had a vision of “Africans for the Africans: those at Home and
those Abroad.” Every generation of Garveyite since the death of the Great
Man, in London in 1941, have tried to work to reflect and project that
vision. In the years 2003 and 2004 Baba Master Keidi actually led a wave
of people that supported the establishment of three settlements of Black
people from America in Ghana, West Africa. And while there, he raised
enough money to upgrade the broadcasting capability of a University in
Ghana.

In 2009, The Conscious Rasta, as many remember him from his early days in
service to Black people – many still insist on affectionately calling him
by that branded trade name (he’s written no less than thirty books and
other publications under that name). But the man he calls “my Mentor,
Baba Khalifah” has unofficially awarded him the mastership. It is
expected that the title will be officially bestowed upon him during the
Spring Equinox when a delegation of members of LIB will come to visit The
Southeastern Ujima Region at The Khalifah Estate in Southampton County,
Virginia www.natturnertrail.com The place where the Kujichalia Village
will be established.


WORKING THE GARVEY PROGRAM
IN GHANA, WEST AFRICA


“Blacks should control the economic and body politic in all communities
where they are the resident majority.” Marcus Garvey

During 2003 and 2004, Baba Master Keidi spent a great deal of his time
traveling between America, Ghana and England. The travel and interval of
time opened up another of the visions of Marcus Garvey.

While many rightly associate Garvey with “The Back to Africa Movement,”
students of the “Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey” are mindful of
an equally, and perhaps a more practical and profound approach to the
liberation of African people. Garvey, besides saying “Africans for the
Africans….” Also said that, “Blacks should control the economic and body
politic in the communities where they are the resident majority.”

Whatever it was that peaked the intellect of Master Baba Keidi: the
logistical difficulties; the expense, the indoctrination of Black people
in White Supremacy, or whatever, controlling the space where Black people
live in America is what he has returned to, in Force over the past six
month, or so. While he has certainly not abandoned the ideal of Africa
for the Africans, Keidi has embraced wholeheartedly the ideal of
empowering Black people in America.

In a carefully thought out plan of action, Keidi have initiated a system
of action that will bring our people out of the “killing urban zones of
America,” into Kujichalia Villages that LIB is presently laying the
groundwork to build.
The first of the Villages will be on the land that is documented to be
part of the Slave Plantation where one of the most important attempts to
free Black people in history was conceived, planned and carried out. That
is the Revolt of Nat Turner back in 1831.

For more information about Baba Master Keidi Awadu, please go to
www.livinginblack.com -
For more information about Kujichalia Village:
Southeast Ujima Region, please call (434) 378-2140.

Friday, January 15, 2010

A CALL TO CONFERENCE OF BLACK NATIONALIST ELDERS

By Emamuel L. Knight

JANUARY 15, 2009

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, VA – A call is made to Black nationalist Elders to attend a Pro-Black Media Conference “to Assess the State of, Offer Support, and Give Guidance and Advice to The National Black Community.”

All Black people are welcome to attend and participate but the specific purpose for the Conference is to assess what Black Elders are planning to do with their possessions when they retire and transition.
The purpose of the conference is also to form a National Coalition of Black Nationalist Elders. The Black Nationalist Elders, (NCBNE) will identify worthy work by Black youth to whom they will endorse with words, acts and deeds of support.

TARGETED MEMBERSHIP


The targeted Elders for Membership are identified as sixty (60) years and older whose work in the National Black Community is, and has been in the past, from positions within Black Nationalism (Pan Africanist and other Independence guided formations).
Black Elders, as they are in the greater Black Community, 60 years and older are transitioning (dying) at a faster pace than others within Black America. The Coalition of Black Nationalist Elders is to ensure that the nature of their work, now and after they transition, benefit Black Independence Movements within Black America.
The wealth of NCBNE is profound when collected together. However, since the devastation of the progressive ideology of the general Black community in general, and Black nationalism in particular, there is much prevailing confusion about the ideals, principles and practice of Black Nationalism. The conference will address these concerns.


MEDIA, POLITICS, CULTURE, ECONOMICS & SPIRITUALITY


The conference will focus on five areas of concern in Black America: 1) Politics 2) Culture 3) Economics 4) Spirituality and 5) Media. Models of “systems” that have served Black people well during THEIR OWN lives will be the guiding manner in which the Elders Coalition will work.
The “Callers to Conference” are Dr. Kamau Kambon, and First United Brother, H. Khalif Khalifah. They targeted the over sixty generation primarily because, arguably, all of the major advances of The Black Nation today can be traced to the work of their own generation when they were Black Youth in the 1960’s.
As “elders” in Black America over sixty, there is no dearth of knowledge or understanding about Independence vs any other ideal, Program vs System, Religion vs Spirituality and Words vs Acts and Deeds. The Wisdom from the understanding will guide causes their support.


Anyone of a mind to attend the conference is welcome. The conference will be held at in THE NAT TURNER REFERENCE LIBRARY, 26070 Barhams Hills Road, Drewryville, Virginia 23844 during Black History Month 2010.



The date and time will be announced: call 434-378-2140, or 919-250-9110 to register or get more information.


source:
http://theblacklistpub.ning.com/forum/topics/a-call-to-conference-of-black


Saturday, January 9, 2010

WAVE FOR CHANGE FORUMS & WORKSHOPS - Working Against Violence Everywhere

"We have to realize that our behavior today is our history tomorrow. The question is what history do you want to write for yourself?" Michael Lee Chin

Many black youths are facing a crisis. No Education, No Jobs, No Future. So many feel they are limited by their race many feel hopeless and helpless. A young child is filled with hope and dreams of the future and what they hope to become. Only to face the reality when they reach puberty it is not that easy to grasp. There are many issues facing our young people. Black youths need to demonstrate the seriousness in the pursuit.of education. There is a great need to reduce if not eliminate the extreme high rate of dropout and expulsion within the school system of black youths. Encourage youths to continue their educational growth. Due to the lack of equal job opportunities many find themselves at the very bottom of the career ladder with a lower earning potential. The constant branding of acting black, how else are they suppose to act Black is who they are. There is unacceptable social behavior and that is what needs to change. The continuing saga between police and youth relationship has been a long and ongoing debate that is still not resolved. Black youths are in jail in record numbers. Then there is the internal issues how we treat and respect each other. These are just some of the issues, there are many more we have to save our youths. The killing of black youths has surpass 200 over the last 6 years. This has caused great pain and suffering for the families and members of our community, The present situation is of great concern . We need to stop talking and ACT NOW. As a community we have to speak with ONE VOICE these series of forums will address those issues. The focus will be on Violence,Health, Education, Mental Health and many more issues that youth are facing.

Angela Swain-Thorpe
Project Coordinator
Reachout Committee Inc.
(289) 232-6407
(416) 571-9337
Email http://www.blogger.com/reachout-committee@sympatico.ca
Website http://reachout.jimdo.com/



"It takes a community to raise a child"

If we aren't willing to pay a price for our values, If we aren't willing to make some sacrifices in order to realize them, then we should ask ourselves whether we truly believe in them at all... ...Barack Obama - AUDACITY OF HOPE

Though distances may beckon them, and far away they roam, the concept that will judge their lives are those they learn at home. so teach them love of common things, the keys to inner wealth , and teach them love of fellowman and love of life itself. and though their steps may wander far, they need not walk alone, for surely deep within their hearts they'll carry thought of home.

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Friday, January 8, 2010

Open letter to Afrikan Elders – Pt2

Derrion Albert, the 16-year-old murdered student from Chicago, was not the first tragic killing of an Afrikan by an Afrikan. It also wasn’t the last, unfortunately. What it was is the latest in a series of acts of self-hatred. Malcolm X called that Afrikans wearing the mask of self-hatred. He said that making Afrikans wear that mask was (is) to worst thing white supremacy did to us and that it was (is) our responsibility to get the mask off our face and our people’s face (mind).

Any of us, who truly believe that Malcolm was “Our Shining Black Prince” disrespect his memory if we continue to seat silent while other deaf, dumb, and blind Afrikans continue to wear that mask. We disrespect the tremendous sacrifice of the Three-Ms – Medgar, Malcolm and Martin -- by not doing something to remove the mask from the mind of “our children”. We disrespect the principles of our Afrikan Heritage and Ancestry by not teaching “our children” to respect Black Life.

Whether we say it elegantly and Ebonically, our Elders’ Voices must make the point to “our children” that every Black Life has real value and must not be senselessly extinguished before it has fulfilled the Creator’s intent. Our Elders must pass on the wisdom, rituals and traditions of living an Afrikan-centered life-style to “our children” for be they cursed deaf, dumb and blind for eternity yet we fail them.

The alternative for Afrikan people living a cursed life is to live life to become the kind of people that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., envisioned us becoming when he described us by saying, “When the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, “There lived a great people – a black people – who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization.” It is that majestic vision of black people that we must imbue into “our children” that will have them “believing in the spirituality, humanity and genius of Black people, and in our renewed pursuit of these values” (from the New Afrikan Creed).

And by-the-way, Jacksonains do not need to go to Chicago to witness senseless violence in the Black community. Most recently, we simply need to remember, and never forget the 27 year nurse who simply wanted to enjoy a night out at Birdland. Yatashi Johnson has to be the straw that broke the camel’s back of “Silent from the Elders” in our community. We do not have to wait for the next one. We have to hear Medgar Evers telling us “Every time I think about kids and their innocence, I would wonder how whites can make the youngsters suffers so.” Although, today he undoubtedly would ask how we can make our own children suffer so.

These messages from Malcolm, Martin and Medgar has to resonate today in the Black community through the Afrikan Elders in our community as a message to the next generation to value Black Life. That message must be sent out to “our children” repeatedly by Our Elders until it sinks in for “our children”. And mechanisms must be put in place for “our children” to be able to properly deal with and release their anger and frustrations without harming themselves and others. The Afrikan Village must begin to raise “our children”.

To get it started, I make myself available, and/or will organize a panel of Afrikan Elders from our community, to mediate any dispute where the combatants are receptive to mediation. Simply contact Brotha Lukata at 601.957.2969 for a free consultation on setting up an African Village Meditation Session for yourself and/or a family member. We have got to make the effort for “our children”.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Jackson-MS Chapter of N'COBRA
African People
"Pulling Together to Repair Ourselves"
601.957.2969 or 601.982.0861

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

'THE REAL REASONS 70% OF BLACK WOMEN ARE SINGLE: IT'S NOT WHAT THEY'RE TELLING YOU!'

By J.J. Smith:-

We've all heard on Oprah, CNN, ABC News, and the Washington Post that 70% of black women are single, and 42% are unmarried. We've even recently heard a young black women (Helena Andrews) say that she is successful, black and lonely and that “Bitch is the New Black”. Helena's story is probably the most heartfelt as I can relate to her, when I was in my 20s that is... but now at 40, I can say that there are many things that I have learned about Black men and 2 that stand out the most are that:

1) “Being a bitch” was never going to get me the love I desired from black men. (Note: Being a bitch as in being mean, argumentative, hard to get along with, bitter, etc.)

2) Our "credentials" don't attract men! Just because WE feel that we are successful, independent, professional and educated doesn't mean that's we're attractive to men, or even datable for that matter. I have learned that it is our EXTERIOR that gets a man's attention (smile, look, personality, non-bitchy attitude, confidence and overall attractiveness) and our INTERIOR (our love for God, family, friends, being honest, supportive, respectful, emotionally stable, goal-oriented) that keeps a man coming back for more.

Even though many news organizations have provided the statistics I mentioned above, I've rarely seen these media outlets offer any real solutions. In fact, I've yet to hear anyone really explain the REAL reasons so many black women are single, as its much more complicated than the “numbers.” I personally don't believe in allowing the media to exploit this issue and give an appearance that Black people have issues and challenges that we cannot solve on our own. As a single, successful black women, I refuse to allow the media to make me feel bad or desperate about the plight of the “single black female,” especially given the personal and professional success sistas have made in a male-dominated world. So, Black men and women, WE can facilitate our own discussion on this challenge and identify real solutions that work for us. I'll begin by offering a 2-part article to address this challenge. In Part 1, I will discuss the real reasons why so many Black women are single... because you know the media isn't telling the whole story and in Part 2: I will offer 10 practical solutions for women who are looking to find a “good man.” Please feel free to share other suggestions!

The Real Reasons So Many Black Women are Single:

*Note: Some of the reasons could apply to women that are not black, but the focus of this article is on Black women because that's all we keep hearing about in the media these days.

There are many factors that have lead to why so many Black women are single, but I believe the most significant factors are listed below:

1. The Black Man Shortage (as I read on Essence.com):
42% of Black women are unmarried. 70% of professional Black women are single. The numbers don't lie and there is a real gap between “datable” Black women and men. Even if there is some degree of inaccuracy in the numbers, if you just talk to Black women, many will agree that there are some challenges finding a “good black man, ” that is... one that is not behind bars, gay, or with other races. I'm also fully aware of this challenge due to the number of Black women who write me about it every week. So, the statistics do play a role in this challenge, but it does not tell the whole story. Please read on!

2. Too Many Black Women Have Bought Into the Stereotypes On Who They Are:
The perception that Black women are hard to get along with, mean, bitchy, argumentative, bitter, etc. has become a reality for too many black women. I know, because I used to be that way (and still have relapses on occasion but irrational behavior and constantly “going off” on people, especially your man, is not an attractive quality to have when trying to maintain a relationship with a man. I had to LEARN that just because I was running things at work, didn't mean I was going to run things with my man. So, I had to “check my attitude” at the door when dealing with my black man. Maybe a man really needs to be the head of the household, and if you don't trust that he can be, then leave him alone and move on. A wise man once told me that anything with two heads is a monster, so only 1 can be head of the household, and for me, I prefer it to be my man. Sistas, we know we have carried too much of the financial and emotional burden of raising our families alone, but we should use that to draw strength from and not allow that to make us emotionally weaker. I remember being in my 20s at a management consulting firm I worked for and this brother told me that I would definitely make Partner but no one would ever like me because I was so damn mean, and I actually was naïve enough to take that as a compliment; not realizing that my “meanness and bitchiness” had spilled over into my personal life and keeping me from attracting and keeping good men in my life.

3) Many Black Women Have Made a Conscious Decision To Be Single:
I know you're saying yea right. But this is actually true. I know personally for me, I have been married before, but I prefer to be single, especially since I don't want to have children. Personally, I am not looking to get married again, but I'm not opposed to the idea either. If I meet someone who makes me feel that being married to them is better than my freedom and the luxuries of my single life, then I would consider getting married again. The most important thing to me is to have quality, meaningful relationships with men with similar dreams, goals and interests in life. People fall in love and marry because it's the tradition. Men and women have been getting married since before recorded history. Until recently, America was the most “married” nation in the world. But now many ask, “Do I have to be married to live happily ever after?” In today's society, people have a strong desire to simply be happy, whether that means being married or unmarried. Being single is not synonymous with being “alone”. Many single people do have a meaningful love relationship in their life. Society makes people think that end goal of two people who love each other is a “traditional monogamous marriage” but I don't believe everyone fits that model. Whoever said dating has to end in marriage? If marriages were so great, why do more than half of them end in divorce? So, there are really some women who are happy being single... Seriously!

4) Black Men Don't See Many of the Qualities That They So Much Admire in Their Mothers and Grandmothers:
To say it's just a shortage of black men is only a small part of the problem, but as Black women we have to re-evaluate who we are and who we've become today. Black men don't see the strong, quiet strength of their mothers and grandmothers; neither the homemaking/cooking skills either. In my book Why I Love Men, I have a section called “Never Underestimate the Relationship Between a Man and His Mother” that discusses this further. A wise woman understands the precious bond between a man and his mother. You're not going to change it nor would you want to. A mother is very proud of her son, especially if he's a good man. His mother values him. His mom and grandmother has loved him unconditionally all his life, and well, you, not so long. If you want a smooth relationship with a Black man, be sure you understand WHY he loves his mom so much and it will help you build a stronger relationship with him. And, if you don't know why he admires and loves his mom so much, ask him. In fact, a huge red flag for me is when a guy doesn't have any relationship with his mother, and she is still living. Or if he speaks to his mother in a disrespectful or harsh manner, he will likely treat you the same way.

5) Black Women Have Spent Their Best Years Pursuing Their Education and Career Goals not Realizing that Their Strongest Assets (e.g., Looks, Fertility) Decrease With Age:
I know this may be unpopular, but it is the truth. A woman who wants to have a family should capitalize on her looks, age, and fertility while she is young instead of only focusing on chasing the high-powered career. I believe (and of course I could be wrong) that a man would more likely be with a young, fine woman that is less educated and makes him feel good (in terms of stroking his ego) then an average looking woman with a great career and education.) If marriage and having children is important to you, you may want to NOT focus as much time on pursuing your career goals, but spend more time pursuing and developing meaningful love relationships while you're young, perky and fertile. If you want a husband and family, you have to pursue it with the same focus and attention you did to achieve your career goals, and by all means, don't let you looks, fashion sense, and overall attractiveness go downhill. Note: In my book, Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating, I share insider secrets, practical advice and techniques that any woman can use to maximize her physical beauty without cosmetic surgery, because as shallow as it may sound, how physically attractive you are is very important to men, and should also be to you if you are seriously looking to attract and keep a man.

6) Black Men Struggle More Than Any Other Group of People in Society and in the Workplace:
You have to ask why are there so many black men in prison and under-educated? Why is the unemployment rate so high for black males? Why is the suicide rate so high for black males? Why are so many black men absent in their child's life? Why are black males struggling more than other group of people? We have to better understand the struggles of Black men to really increase the number of “datable” black men...and I'm no expert on the answers to these questions and I know when I'm out of my lane, but there are others who have studied Black males and written on this topic and could surely provide some answers to these questions.

7) Black Women Haven't Adjusted to the New Hypercompetitive Dating Environment That Exists Today:
Many of the traditional rules of courtship don't exist, for better or for worse, Black women have to do things differently to attract and maintain a long-term relationship with a man. And, if you think about it, most of us have never been taught how to date to find a compatible partner. There was no college course for it. Yes, many women have received advice from family or friends. We may have taken advice from other single women. But most of us are winging it as we go. There are some women who are obviously better at it than others. In Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating, I've consolidated the best strategies that I have learned from friends, relatives and my own experiences and frankly some of the best practical advice that I have ever received and successfully applied to attract the type of men I wanted in my life and they did show up. These strategies have worked for others and they can work for you. You can't continue doing the same thing and expect different results. It is time to change your approach to dating!

So, those are my thoughts, I'd love to hear why you think so many Black women are single and please be sure to read Part 2: 10 Things Single Black Women Should Do to Find a “Good Man.”

Also, check out “Real Talk with JJ and The Fellas” see www.jjsmithonline.com, as we will dedicate our radio shows the entire month of January (1/13 and 1/27) we to discuss this topic so that Black men and women can have real dialogue and discuss real solutions. You can check out the show nationally, so please join in the discussion!


J.J. Smith is a Dating and Relationship Expert, Author, Radio Host, Life Coach and Corporate Executive. J.J. is also the host of "Real Talk with JJ and The Fellas," a radio show that provides advice to single women looking for real answers on love, dating, sex and relationships. J.J has appeared on NBC, FOX, NewsChannel8, Glamour Magazine, Ladies Home Journal. the Jamie Foxx Show, Montel Williams Show, Michael Baisden Show, HOT97, KISS 98.7 and many others. J.J. is also the Dating and Relationship Columnist for Black Star News. J.J.'s engaging personality, and no-holds barred dating books offer sometimes controversial guidance that has been grabbing readers and listeners, both men and women alike, and keeping them coming back for more!

J.J. Smith is available to discuss this topic on print/radio/TV. Feel free to contact her at info@jjsmithonline.com at 202-230-7195 or visit her at www.jjsmithonline.com to view her demo reel and media clips.

ALSO CONTACT:
J.J. Smith
202-230-7195
Twitter/Facebook username: jjsmithonline

Distributed through BlackPR.com and BlackNews.com

Monday, January 4, 2010

ANNOUNCING THE DECADE OF THE DIASPORA

Submitted by Sis. Iman Uqdah Hameen SRDC

By Prof. David Horne, Ph.D Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC)

After thousands of conferences, Ndabas, roundtable discussions, forums and meetings talking about the need to unify for positive action, action is now upon us. From January, 2010 to December, 2010, the DECADE OF THE DIASPORA has now been formally announced in OUR WEEKLY in California by the Sixth Region Diasporan Caucus/PADU. The unity and partnership of African descendant folks now has a specific time frame in which to focus the highest levels of its creativity, innovation, hard work and goal-directed energy to accomplish the United States of Africa, aka, Union of African States, in an all-out progressive assault. Failure is not and will not be an option. Why that raison d’etre?

African descendants have flailed away in individual pursuits towards the restoration of dignity, esteem and respect in over 70 countries for a long time. Although there have been notable successes--- the election of President Barack Obama, for example, or the release of Nelson Mandela, the ascendance of Barbados, and the creation of the Central American Black Organization, the continuing attempt to organize the European Diaspora under a common set of principles, among others---Black folks in general are still at the bottom of most measures of power, leverage and significance in the world. As Marcus Garvey and many others have said, until Africa is unified as a force to be reckoned with, Black folks wherever they are will remain disregarded and dispossessed. In order to be truly free, Africa must be operationally united. In order for Africans living in other parts of the world to be truly respected in affiliation with Africa’s transformation, the Diaspora must substantially help push this tremendous rock back up the hill. The Diaspora cannot share in the harvest without fully participating in the tillage and labor.

The DECADE OF THE DIASPORA is the time period in which African folk here, there and across the globe will rise to the challenge of bringing themselves back from obscurity, and within which the Diaspora will demonstrate clearly that it is indeed the 6th Region of Africa and the missing piece of the necessary puzzle to bring all the king’s horses and all the king’s men and women back together again.

During this period, the Diaspora will substantially unify itself internally, so that it can more effectively help continental Africa unify itself totally. That work has already begun in earnest and has begun to bear fruit. PADU, the Pan African Diaspora Union, is a partnership between the SRDC (Sixth Region Diasporan Caucus), WADU (World African Diaspora Union, through an MOU), the UNIA-ACL (Universal Negro Improvement Association- African Communities League), CABO (Central American Black Organization) , African Diaspora Union-Europe, and other such groups, and the list is growing. This coalition of equals brings together a formidable reference point for other Diasporan groups to come together, work together, and actually get significant things done. Wherever Black folks live, love, lay and lose, there are efforts, projects, ideas and events they can participate in, lead, coordinate, announce, and provide credibility to and for that will help achieve the goal of African unification. No one person or group can, will, nor should do it all. This is a collective effort of cumulative microsuccesses. Together it will all work to bring all Africa and Africans together.

The DECADE OF THE DIASPORA is for a better world, an improved set of opportunities to get it right. During this time, African descendant children should be re-acquainted with books, good reading and writing skills and other academic prowess. Barbados and others have already shown how to do that, and there are sporadic reference models of getting it right in other topical areas scattered all over the Diaspora. Those in the Diaspora with insight, vision and heart must bring those models into public view. Speeches, sermons, student activism, community organizing and other dynamism must be focused on work for a purpose—an African purpose-- not just putting in the time to help it pass. Reparations activists must understand that their work is intimately tied to the fate of 21st century Pan Africanism. There will be no reparations victory without African leverage calculated in the equation.

Part of the philosophy and long-time definition of Pan Africanism is that African people deserve to be free, successful and self-determinative. African people are worthy. The DECADE OF THE DIASPORA is to demonstrate that worthiness in more than 360 degrees of achievements. The DECADE OF THE DIASPORA will give the African Experience, in all of its different versions and dimensions, a complete face-lift, make-over and paradigm shift. It will solidify UBUNTU, the foundation African belief in enhancing and preserving humanity as the principal objective in any relationship or engagement, as a healing and merging agent for the world.

Actually, the sole remaining question is what will you do to participate positively in the DECADE OF THE DIASPORA? And, when will you get started? It is not coming, it is here.

ORGANIZINGSRDC@AOL.COM

PAN AFRICAN UNIFICATION DURING OUR LIFETIMES !

THE SIXTH REGION DIASPORA CAUCUS (SRDC) ANNOUNCES:

THE DECADE OF THE DIASPORA HAS BEGUN !!!!!
JANUARY 1, 2010---DECEMBER 31, 2020

DURING THIS HEIGHTENED PERIOD OF FOCUSED ACTIVITY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT REGARDING THE DIASPORA'S MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFRICAN UNIFICATION ----THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA, OR THE UNION OF AFRICAN STATES---THE DIASPORA WILL HELP TO RESTORE, REGAIN AND RE-ESTABLISH AFRICA'S DIGNITY IN THE WORLD, AFRICA'S EARNED RESPECT IN THE WORLD, AFRICA'S LEVERAGE AND POWER IN THE WORLD, AND THEREBY HELP TAKE CONTINENTAL AFRICANS AND AFRICAN DESCENDANTS TO HIGHER GROUND WHEREVER THEY RESIDE. DURING THIS FERTILE PERIOD, THE DIASPORAN GIANT WILL INDEED AWAKEN AND MOVE US ALL FORWARD. THERE ARE MANY, MANY SHOULDERS UPON WHICH THE DIASPORA WILL STAND AND DELIVER AND WE VENERATE THEM ALL..........

--UP YOU MIGHTY RACE,
ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU WILL


SELECTED EXAMPLES OF EXPECTED PROJECTS:

1. PAN AFRICAN PARENTS WILL TEACH THEIR CHILDREN TO HONOR AND RESPECT THEIR PARENTS, THEIR AFRICAN ANCESTORS AND ELDERS, AND THEMSELVES. THE CHILDREN WILL BE MADE TO UNDERSTAND THAT IGNORANCE OF THEMSELVES, THEIR HISTORY AND THEIR WORTH IN THIS WORLD IS THEIR ENEMY, NOT THEIR ALLY.

2. THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REPARATIONS MOVEMENT WILL BE EITHER VICTORIOUS OR ABANDONED BASED ON WHETHER THERE IS THE PRODUCTION AND AGREEMENT ON A VIABLE PLAN TO WIN, CONCOMITANT STRATEGIES AND TACTICS WHICH FLOW FROM THAT PLAN, AND RELENTLESS IMPLEMENTATION WITH A PURPOSE. EXPERIENCE HAS ALREADY TAUGHT THAT WITHOUT A COGENT PLAN, VICTORY IS AND WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE.

3. PAN AFRICAN REPATRIATION WILL BE ACHIEVED--DUAL CITIZENSHIP THROUGHTOUT AFRICA WILL BE AN ACTUAL, NOT FANTASIZED, OPTION---FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE DIASPORA.

4. BSUs AND ASUs WILL BE RETIRED TO LEGACY STATUS AND REPLACED BY PAN AFRICAN CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS FOCUSED ON AFRICAN REDEMPTIVE ACTIVITIES.

5. PAN AFRICAN CULTURE, WITH ITS MANY ARTISTS, INNOVATORS AND CRAFTS EXPERTS, WILL PROVE TO BE THE SOLID BRIDGE NECESSARY TO HELP CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN PAN AFRICAN UNITY.

6. THE SCATTERED GROUPS OF PAN AFRICAN ACTIVISTS WILL RECOGNIZE WHAT OPERATIONAL UNITY--UNITY WITHOUT UNIFORMITY--ACTUALLY MEANS AND OVERCOME THEIR OWN EGOS AND GRANDSTANDING LONG ENOUGH TO CONSOLIDATE INTO PAN AFRICAN PARTNERSHIPS THAT PRODUCE REAL LEVERAGE AND INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE.

7. PAN AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND BUSINESS CENTERS (BUILT, OWNED AND RUN BY DIASPORANS) WILL PROLIFERATE THROUGHOUT THE DIASPORA AND INTERCONNECT ALL LEVELS OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY BETWEEN THE CONTINENT AND THE DIASPORA FOR THE BENEFIT OF BOTH.

8. PAN AFRICANS WILL RE-TAKE CONTROL OF THE EDUCATION OF AFRICAN FOLK AND PUBLICIZE TO THE WORLD THAT DIASPORANS, WHEREVER THEY ARE, ARE WORTHY OF SUCCESS, DIGNITY AND RESPECT.

9. MUTUAL RESPECT WILL INFILTRATE THE LIVES OF DIASPORANS AND HELP MAKE US WHOLE.

10. THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT WILL BECOME A VIABLE PART OF THE PAN AFRICAN MOVEMENT---SAVING THE PLANET IS ABOUT SAVING OURSELVES.

AND MUCH MORE.......

ORGANIZINGSRDC@AOL.COM

Submitted by Sis. Iman Uqdah Hameen SRDC