asoldier4justice's Blog

What it means to be an Americanized African Freedom Fighter...

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The Zeitgeist-The Spirit of The Time-is calling this generation of creative and talented Americanized African Freedom Fighters to continue the work of their ancestral Freedom Fighters. Todays Freedom Fighter is faced with the challenge of actualizing True Freedom within the Americanized African community. True Freedom goes far beyond the limits of social and political freedoms as its goal is to bring about a true understanding of the systemic processes in which one lives and then utilizing that knowledge to effectively manipulate the systems social, educational, economic, and political institutions for the betterment of ones community, people, and society at-large.

All throughout the history of the African brought to and born in America, Freedom Fighters have been forced to overcome what seems like a never-ending struggle for human security and political stability. Even so, there is little doubt, today, that our ancestral Freedom Fighters were successful in their struggle to change/eliminate inhumane social conditions and to transform Americas political conscientious. In fact, todays Americanized African community collectively represents the most socially mobile and politically endowed generation of Africans to ever transcend the shackles of American bondage. This struggle, however, continues as there is still a strong element of social and political resistance that seeks to limit the freedom of Americanized Africans. More importantly, theres an even greater need for a concerted effort to fight the psychological bondage and lack of economic self-empowerment that devastate Americanized African communities and severely limit the ability of all Americanized Africans to truly enjoy the benefits from our social and political freedoms.

Samuel Johnson once wrote, The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. The Americanized Africans struggle to break the chains of psychological bondage represents a crucial step in the Freedom Fighters struggle for True Freedom. This is a struggle of biblical proportions because for over four hundred years the Africans brought to and born in America have had to endure a physical, social, and psychological process of inhumane and negative acculturation that is unmatched in the history of mankind. Within the Americanized African community the chains of psychological bondage consist of economic exploitation, hostility, self-hatred, greed, intergenerational family and community discord, substance abuse, violence, social and academic paucities, and small mindedness. On a daily basis, these forces of inhumane and negative acculturation have hindered Americanized Africans from coming together and effectively utilizing available resources to create the type of powerful community-based social, educational, political, and economic self-empowering institutions that are needed to rid our communities of some very long-standing debilitating conditions.

Economic self-empowerment is the second most crucial step in the process of bringing about True Freedom for all Americanized Africans. Therefore, todays Freedom Fighters must also come to battle with an agenda that outlines, advocates, and facilitates the implementation and management of a national economic self-empowerment strategy within the Americanized African community. This national process of economic self-empowerment must promote a detailed strategic plan for taking control of community-based financial resources and institutions. The plan must also lead the way for providing a linkage to the vast network of highly capable Americanized Africans who can establish and manage a national economic systemic course of action that effectively develops community-based opportunities, financial institutions, and entrepreneurial prospects that capitalize on the vast amount of economic wealth within the Americanized African community. The basis of this economic self-empowerment plan centers upon the premise that when well trained, qualified, and experienced community servants have direct operating control over community-based economic resources and institutions the quality of life in the areas of family hood, social/community awareness, education, health, housing, and politics are greatly enhanced. In addition, a critical element of this plan is a systemic structure that puts forth a national effort to promote the retooling and training of community members and leaders on matters regarding economic and community development as well as community-based business affairs.

The next frontier for Americanized African Freedom Fighters is True Freedom for all Americanized African communities. I find it most fitting to claim this struggle as todays Americanized African Freedom Fighters Kairos, their moment of truth; as it represents a time for them to come forward and collectively help improve the quality of life for others. Jimmy Carter describes the significance of this calling when he said, Each generation?. has to face circumstances not of its own choosing, but by which its character is measured and its spirit tested. There is absolutely no doubt that the road to True Freedom leads through the battle grounds of psychological freedom and economic self-empowerment and will therefore surely test the character and spirit of todays Americanized African Freedom Fighters. The struggle for True Freedom will prove to be a worthy opponent as it will have to go far beyond the limits of social and political freedoms to achieve its goal; which for the first time will bring about a true understanding of the systemic processes in which Americanized Africans live and then help them to utilize that knowledge to effectively manipulate the system?s social, educational, economic, and political institutions for the betterment of the Americanized African community, people, and society at-large. Lets not forget the purpose of effective communication, followed by responsive action. It will take communication, unity and a joint effort to change the communities in which we live--- please respect each other.

Much love and peace

A Soldier for Justice

Toni-Louise

7 Comments |

African-Americans and their contribution- YES ITS TIME and YES WE DESERVE IT!

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FrankyBeverly357-

Heres my take on the conversation and where we left off-I lived in Spanish Harlem for about a year. I conversed with the local residents and to my surprised was informed that I didnt act like the average black person. What average means I dont know? You referenced earlier that Dominicans are considered Africans-correct me if Im wrong. Im going to use Africans because to my understanding thats a mutual basis of the uprising of Africans and other cultures of colors--as we know it. I had hoped to be able to include more coherent thoughts by now, but I still havent reflected all the way through this issue yet. I preface my comments with these thoughts in mind to acknowledge they are evolving and that I am seeking constructive feedback.

Its been awhile since we, as a country, have faced such wonderful opportunities with the possible electing of our first African-Diverse President. From here, it is difficult to really gauge its effect, were only able to live it vicariously through the media--a pretty helpless feeling, given that we rarely ever get the whole story through our news outlets. My recolection and my understanding FrankyBeverly357, we differ in the context that your parents who became citizens in 1996 worked hard in this country. I dont remember you referencing those who also worked hard too include most minority races. I asked when your parents came to this country, I would like to know the answer. But heres where I am going with this: Lets compare African-American with Dominican-American if anyone else cares to join in-please do. Now Im posting this blog with the intention of providing factual information as to why I feel its time for African-Americans to surmount or amount to something of social status beyond normal recognition. I in no way am reflecting that other cultures of color are less deserving. Im just trying to come to some understanding why others feel Barack will get assassinated and if he does why it will be looked upon as something that went down in history. I dont feel it will. If Barack is assassinated after winning the election, I believe it will be looked upon quite differently.

Whomever is responsible for protecting Political figures--guess what? Barack is one individual who needs to be closely guarded and protected. They need too make sure nothing happens to this GREAT LEADER OF CHANGE AND HOPE. I deeply feel any harm to Barack will affect the communities of this country with much more grief than the Kennedy assassinations. The people of this country are growing restless-everyone is in need of alot of HOPE and BARACK offers all of us hope. Believe me you may not feel it- but please do believe it's not a black THANG!

I guess, this is a good jumping off point as any. The following information highlights the difference between the structural culture and the individuals seeking citizenship. While the structural culture acts of courage and compassion will comfort many; it amazes me that other cultures of color are just as guilty in neglecting and recognizing that these individual African-actors are the actual- lets call it-- initial institution. I think its time this country recognized and accepted the basis of their economical structure. Its pretty basic-but it has to be said! The history of slavery in the United States (1700-1865) began several years after the English colonist first settled in to the U.S. Constitution. Before the widespread establishment of chattel slavery, much labor was organized under a system of bonded labor known as indentured servitude. This typically lasted for several years for white and black alike, and it was a means of using labor to pay the costs of transporting people to the colonies. By the 1700s court rulings established the racial basis of the American INCARCERATION of slavery to apply chiefly to Africans and people of African descent, and occasionally to Native Americans From 1654 until 1865, slavery for life was legal within the boundaries of the present

Most slaves were black, and were held by whites, but also by some Native Americans and free blacks. The majority of slaveholding was in the southern United States. According to the 1860 U.S. census, nearly four million slaves were held in a total population of just over 12 million in the 15 states in which slavery was still legal. Of all 1,515,605 families in the 15 slave states, 393,967 held slaves (roughly one in four), amounting to 8% of all American families. Most households, however, had only a few slaves. The concentration of slaves were held by planters, defined by historians as those who held 20 or more slaves. The planters achieved wealth and social and political power. Ninety-five percent of black people lived in the South, comprising one-third of the population there, as opposed to 1% of the population of the North.

and MUST I REMIND YOU!!!! YOU!!!! and YOU!!!!!!!!

THE WEALTH OF THE UNITED STATES in the first half of the 19th century was greatly enhanced by the labor of African Americans. But with the Union victory in the Civil War, the slave-labor system was abolished in the South. The large southern cotton plantations became much less profitable. Northern industry, which had expanded rapidly before and during the war, surged even further ahead of the Souths agricultural economy. Industrialists from northeastern states came to dominate many aspects of the nations life, including social and some aspects of political affairs. The planter class of the South lost power temporarily. The rapid economic development following the Civil War laid the groundwork for the modern U.S. industrial economy.

38 Comments |

The What ifs....?

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After the February 12^th election day here in the Metro (VA-DC-MD) area, I thought I should bring up a discussion about something I believe has been or could be one of the primary reasons African-American communities fail to surpass previous set aspirations-of-generations before us. Has our mind-set become wanton, making us our worse enemy or is it the obstinate ways of our elder generation that make it impossible to work towards a positive future for African-Americans in this country? Is the opposition capitalizing off our inability to see clearly; the real picture- is that what the N word is all about? Is it possible to break the cycle- by confronting this question in our minds?? WHAT IF? FOR---- EXAMPLE--- I decided to take some time on February 12 and ride through some African-American neighborhoods. The morning of February 12^th was cold, however, driven campaign workers still stood on corners holding signs and screaming at the top of their lungs- Barack Obama! or some celebrated slogan to generate or populate votes. I also rode the bus through Maryland, DC and Virginia and discussed with some riders the prospect of Obama. When I traveled to the Howard University area, I noticed that buses werent frequenting the Georgia Avenue bus route as usual. This was confirmed by complaining passengers who finally boarded the bus with accumulated ice on their umbrellas and the hoods of their childrens coats. When I entered the subway and rode the Orange line towards Arlington, Virginia a passenger informed me (African-American) that Barack had won Virginia, excited about the news I turned to the passenger behind me (White) and whispered Barack won! To my surprise she concurred but added We couldnt make it to the polls due to the bad weather conditions. Who were WE-was she talking to me? I guess it could have been one of many oppositions or obstacles? I dont know-however, she continued by corroborating that her husband was stuck at a traffic light-and didnt clear it until it had changed eight times. I later arrived at the West Falls Church subway station in Virginia, bus riders waited for several hours- including myself; for a bus to show. Buses had slowed to almost nothing. As we stood and watched-helplessly --buses were going in the opposite direction but didnt return- MY QUESTION-- unbeknowst to us---just when we weren't watching could the buses been used to sabotage the election- not fact finding- but it is something that makes you go HMMMMM!???

okay heres the WHAT IF????

You and I both know if we can get out of work-we will just keeping it real for the moment. Yes- the road conditions were bad-however, what is a more important factor- getting people to the polls- or a bus driver calling their boss and requesting a return to the bus depot? People in general are creatures of habits. Everything we do in life becomes a statistic in which others capitalize. Statistically, people of color utilize public transportation the most-correct me if Im wrong- Im taking a stab at this- So, what happens if you- someone whose job is important - such as getting people to the polls suggest returning to the depot on the day of the elections? Do you honestly think others-not naming who they are- because we truly do not know- are not fully aware of the advantage of parking a bus utilized in a neighborhood of people of color on election day---unbeknownst to the driver- probably African-American but than again he/she doesnt have to be- are they fully aware of the consequences of their actions--- and if not what was Rosa Parks doing? These thoughts didnt hit me until much later-so I too am guilty of not paying attention. Taking it one step further-.on any other day would these buses continue running? Im just trying to work this out--- help me out? By the way I spoke with my sister in Seattle the same evening-while on the phone with her- the news in Seattle was reporting that the polls where held open due to bad weather conditions. This woman on the subway had complained about the weather being her excuse for not making it to the polls at approximately 6:30-7pm EST- it was on the news in Seattle by 10 PST. Do you have any similar stories or suggestions we should be taking into consideration? Im telling you this because daily I am informing or being informed about what I should do or what you should do to secure our rights---or propel our communities in a positive direction. It took several days before I was aware of the conditions on Election Day?am I going too far- you tell me? BP family what I am trying to say be consciously aware of the decisions you make daily- it could be the culprit of community failure. It's important to think long and hard when you are in a position involving the people in your community-think about the outcome of your decisions. I truly believe there is more to gain when you are a positive contributor than the opulence of being a selfish individual.

15 Comments |

Thurgood Marshall's interview w/ Mike Wallace about Democrats

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I have wanted to share this video with you for some time. Please take the time and view it. Tell me what you get from this. Is there a difference between the Southern and Northern Democrats?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2531594984326849079&q=thurgood+marshall&pr=goog-sl

Found this link- I have no ideal wants going on here- but it's interesting read. I think W. Virginans are having a conversation amongst themselves about Congressmand Byrd- it just goes to show you never know whose watching. I think you may find this interesting...Also watch this video about Hillary!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzfK7AWx6_s

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Ok Messiahdem

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Hi BP Family-

I was contacted by the above- bp member in regards to the debate last night and I felt compelled to respond to his concerns. However, I would like to request that Messiahdem- lead off with a subject. I suspect he has something he would like to discuss. Anyone else- feel free to jump in- I think I would like to be a person of opinion this time- let's see what others have to say?

Peace and love

Toni-Louise

70 Comments |