Prof. Griff Speaks To YBW On Issues Of Concern

Interview with Public Enemy Artist and Lecturer, Prof. Griff, by Tolu Olorunda.

“Prof. Griff” is a Hip-Hop artist, community activist, lecturer and so much more. He has accumulated enormous knowledge, over the years, in his struggle for the liberation of young black and brown minds. Prof. Griff is a member of the legendary group, Public Enemy, but he has also branched-out and pursued solo projects, in his musical career. He is a vociferous lecturer, who has taught at Colleges and High Schools for some time, while trying to stress the importance of understanding the texture of the new wave of Hip-Hop in the 21^st century. Along with fellow lecturer, known as “The Black Dot,” he has spoken extensively on the “vibratory frequencies” and “chakras” that influence the majority of music, news and entertainment packages -- which dominate the mainstream-channels today. In 2007, he was featured in an underground documentary, entitled, “Turn off Channel Zero.” The documentary was constructed for some candid-analysis of the dynamic effects of Media Empires – such as Viacom – on the minds, hearts and souls of young black and brown youth. Professor Griff is a dedicated and relentless fighter for Truth and Justice, who has steadfastly criticized the Hip-Hop Industry for its opulence, materialistic-obsession, misogyny and destructive-content. I had the opportunity to speak with him on issues pertinent to Black America – focusing on three pivotal pillars – with regards to the incivility of today’s young folks, the responsibility of the adults, and the complicity of commercial Hip-Hop in the destruction of black heritage:

YOUNG FOLKS

Thanks for joining us, Professor Griff. I want to go right-off-the-bat to an issue that is deeply pressing: Teenage Pregnancy. Psychologist, Frances Cress Welsing, speaks of teenage-pregnancy -- being as a result of an emotional-overdose in young black girls? Do you agree with that inference, and what are effectual means of combating it?

I agree with it wholeheartedly, and in order to combat it – just as the great philosophers and teachers who came before us advocated – we need to “know thyself.” And in order to know thyself, we need to know our open enemy also. There’s a DVD out now titled, “Medical Apartheid;” it explains in detail the experimentation on young black girls during slavery. When you look at how the black woman was used in slavery – to produce multiple slave children – and you put it under a microscope, you then incorporate it into the education of young children in the home. We can also ‘offset’ teenage pregnancy (in our community) by changing certain behaviors.

TV and Radio seem to be the primary sources of entertainment and stimulation for young black/brown kids. How does one utilize those channels in order to reach them?

You don’t; you turn them off. There’s nothing that our open enemy would put on his major networks – as far as entertainment – that would educate our children. We need to stop thinking that way; that’s absolutely ridiculous. Several years ago, investigative researcher, Cory Johnson, put certain cartoons under the microscope. He talked about the perversion of subliminal suggestions and advertising that goes on in the context of three-minute cartoons. Furthermore, most of our actresses and actors are not concerned with what goes on in the lives of the younger ones.

It’s no secret that the majority of Black and Brown kids are dying mentally, morally and spiritually. What is your diagnosis of the state of the young community, and what are the prescriptions that you offer?

You have to primarily put those dynamics under the microscope. If we’re dying spiritually, we’re dying simply because there are no diets -- as far as the educational element is concerned. If what Dr. Cress Welsing said in “The Isis Papers” is correct – with regards to Racism and White Supremacy being both local and global -- we need to take this issue more seriously. We are letting our open enemy destroy the minds of our young people in the third and fourth grade. If our kids are spiritually-educated in religious institutions on Sunday Mornings, what do we expect at the end of the day? And to write a prescription for that, the hearts, minds and souls of our young people’s destiny must be put back into our own hands; and until we take the daunting task of educating our young people, we’re going to remain in this position.

ADULTS

What’s your overall-assessment of African Americans in the mainstream of the media beltway?

Well, that’s a very political-oriented question, and in most cases, the average-person answering it would tend to be more politically-correct. But, if the belt tightens within the beltway; what do you think would happen to Black people attempting to be more politically-correct in the arena of politics. First of all, let’s define politics: Politics is the science of governing people. If black people can’t govern themselves, then who are we governing? We presently have a fundamental disconnect with our young people. I sat on a panel at Martin Luther King Library, in Washington D.C - where the focus was “Bridging the Gap: The Civil Rights movement vs. Hip-Hop community” - and we couldn’t even come to amicable terms. So, we need to bridge the gap, and work on those agendas that never reach the news stations and TV networks.

In the documentary “Turn Off Channel Zero,” you spoke of “raising the dead;” can you elaborate on that?

What I mean by raising the dead is, raising the mentally and spiritually dead, from the grave of ignorance. And, ignorance is bliss; a lot of people just want to remain deaf, blind and dumb. We also have to understand that it is not going to be an easy task; to tell someone that ‘Lil Wayne’ is not “the best rapper” of all time, provokes a fight. And, we need to understand that dynamic.

As an historian, what role did slavery play vis-à-vis the present crisis of Black and Brown disunity?

Well, slavery was three-fold, and it depends on how you view it. The way I view it, nothing good came out of it; and those in the struggle for liberation and mind-revolution feel the same way too. So, as far as I’m concerned, slavery did nothing good for black people, and that’s the bottom-line.

HIP-HOP

Moving on to Hip-Hop; how destructive is - that element of what you coined “disposable music” in - Hip-Hop today?

Well, we’re talking of Hip-Hop being co-opted; i.e. the upper/middle-echelons of the music industry having the ability to market and develop the new Hip-hop sound. Also, N.W.A (Niggaz with Attitude) was used sort of as a template for every other Hip-Hop act that came after it. And then the movies that came out such as, Boyz n the Hood, and Menace II Society, set the template and frequency for what the future Hip-Hop sound would be. Prior to Hip-Hop being “niggerized,” we put out images that uplifted the people, but now Hip-Hop has grown to be very destructive. I’m doing a lecture-series now, called “Destroying Hip-Hop’s Appetite of Self-Destruction,” because unfortunately, all we’re deriving right now from Hip-Hop is low-vibratory frequency. Hip-Hop was once the voice of the voiceless, and a sub-culture of our ultimate/grand culture, and those are some of the things we need to understand.

In the late 1980’s Public Enemy emerged and changed the industry and culture of Hip-Hop forever. But, can you rewind and take us back to the beginning -- and how oblivious you might have been to the significance of what you we’re doing at the time?

It was definitely one of those things that we didn’t initially recognize, but was guided by the spirit. We didn’t know that what we we’re doing – in the context of those 4 or 5 albums - was going to change the course. But, most important was what we we’re doing outside of the music – such as, the prisons we visited, the hospitals we visited, and the projects we visited – that made the larger difference. Of course, we we’re blinded in hindsight, because we didn’t know that we we’re going to raise a nation of millions or 5,000 leaders. Stevie Wonder said that, “when you believe in things that you don't understand you will suffer.” We we’re trying to resurrect and reflect back on the “Black Panther Party.” We didn’t know that we we’re going to start a mind-revolution, but we knew that we we’re going to start something, so we had a goal.

Public Enemy gaining access to Def Jam is still looked upon as a phenomenon today – as many ‘conscious-artists’ lament their inability to get ‘looked upon’ by a mainstream/major record-label. How did the Def Jam thing happen; and being that your message was black-nationalistic in nature, how come no one saw the threat you we’re posing?

They trivialized what we we’re doing. They thought it was cute; and just innocent kids with Malcolm X key chains. No one saw it coming, and they didn’t think that Public Enemy would hit that hard. They heard our music on a College radio station, and automatically assumed that we we’re clawless. Also, initially, they just wanted to sign Chuck D – not the other 6 guys. And then, Chuck D incorporated “The Bomb Squad,” my community activism and Flavor Flav. More so, with Flavor Flav, because they assumed that we couldn’t be dangerous with a ‘clown’ on the stage with us. So, when we stepped up to the plate, and they found out that we we’re raising the conscience-level of black people, we caught them by surprise. By the time they found out our true objective, it was too late. It was too late, because by that time, we had thousands of white kids devoted to our music. And, we incorporated those white kids into our thrust of revolution. Those white kids came to our concerts and carried the messages back to the suburbs. Finally, Def Jam tried to regurgitate our music, and slowly tried to chip away Public Enemy by eliminating its members, one by one – such as giving Flavor-Flav a reality show. From the looks of it today, they might have successfully neutralized Public enemy – and it was by design.

Lastly, what are your upcoming projects – both musical and social?

I can’t give my personal plans up - on an open-interview - but we plan on uniting the political-action networks. What’s wrong with Talib Kweli, Mos-Def, Common, Public Enemy and KRS-One sitting down together to put forth a 4-point agenda to be adhered to? Such as: NO more disrespect of our women in Hip-Hop videos; and NO more ‘bling-blinging’ of Diamonds out of South Africa, Sierra Leone and The Congo; and NO more ‘big I’ and ‘little u’; and NO more signing of contracts with Beer and Liquor companies – which inversely further the destruction of our communities. If we can put forth this platform out, and the artists give their words, things will certainly change.

Thank you so much for your input sir, we sincerely appreciate it. Prof. Griff can be contacted at: http://www.myspace.com/professorgriffofpublicenemy

This interview was conducted by Tolu Olorunda, Staff Writer for YourBlackWorld.com

Lauren London Speaks On Thuggish/Violent Men

To say that the recent statements of 'Actress', Lauren London - in a "King Magazine" interview - is disquieting, is both an underestimation and misunderstanding of the potency attached to the wordage of certain celebrities within our community. Young Black Women are continuously lusting after the aptly-described "ruffnecks" and "thugged-out" brothers within our culture. It was in 1993, when MC Lyte, rapped - on a song called "Ruffneck," from the album, "Aint No Other" -  "I need a ruffneck/I need a dude with attitude/Who only needs his fingers with his food/Karl Kani saggin' timbos draggin'/Frontin' in his ride with his home boys braggin'/Lying 'bout the Lyte how he knocked boots last night/But he's a ruffneck so that's alright." At the time, such allusions were looked upon as little other than artistic-expression, but with the rise in domestic-abuse among black households, such sentiments are beginning to lead to open clues vis-à-vis black-female misjudment. It is an ancient blurb that the good guy always finishes last, but Miss London seemed to put the L in Ludicrous with her recent morally-reprehensible comments. When asked by the interviewer of her choice in men, she replied: 

"An authentic gangsta—that deletes about half the rap game off your list. I love guys who are street. I won’t even give soft guys a chance. Menace II Society is my shit! Caine was like my first crush. Actually, O-Dog was my true dream guy. I was in love with him, from that opening scene where he pops the convenience-store worker. He had me from that gunshot [laughs]. He was ’hood, and I loved that."

- With such statements, it is no wonder our culture is dissipating faster than the dreams of 'authentic' actresses who are more than qualified, but are turned around as a result of their stead-fast belief in integrity. That therefore 'deletes' Ms. London off any such list.

Lavena Johnson - Black Female Soldier Raped

In July 2005, 19-year-old Johnson became the first female soldier from Missouri to die in Iraq. She was found with a broken nose, black eye and loose teeth, acid burns on her genitals, presumably to eliminate DNA evidence of rape, a trail of blood leading away from her tent and a bullet hole in her head. Unbelievably, that's not the most horrifying part of the story. Here's what is: Army investigators ruled her death a suicide.

Beyond the obvious evidence of abuse, there was no sign of depression or suicidal ideation in Johnson's psychological profile. The bullet wound was in the wrong place for her to have shot herself with her dominant hand, and the exit wound was the wrong size to have come from her own M-16, as the Army suggested it did. The blatant lie the military has tried to sell Johnson's family is on a par with the cover-up surrounding football star Pat Tillman's 2004 death in a friendly fire incident. Unlike Tillman's widely reported story, however, outside the blogosphere -- where writers like Philip Barron have worked tirelessly to keep Johnson's name in the spotlight -- the LaVena Johnson case has rarely been noted. And sadly, it is far from unique. In a story in the New Zealand Herald on Wednesday, Tracey Barnett writes, "[LaVena's father] John Johnson has discovered far more stories that have matched his daughter's than he ever wanted to know. Ten other families of 'suicide' female soldiers have contacted him. The common thread among them -- rape..."

For more info, pls. visit: 

http://www.lavenajohnson.com/

http://www.waveflux.net/lavena-johnson/

http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/2008/06/27/lavena_johnson/index.html?source=refresh

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10518131

Black Life Blog: Why I hate Same Sex Marriage

I’m against same-sex marriage as a heterosexual male that’s been married for 22 years. And, been having the same sex for 21 years. It gets a little old. “Turn out the lights, dear. Close the door, dear. Did you let the dog out? Did you let him back in, dear?”

And now the government is seeking to ban the only sex I’ve been having and assume I’ll be able to have the rest of my life. Since when does the government care about what happens inside MY bedroom. It’s not that “sexy”. It just is what it is. I’ve resigned myself to it – so why can’t the government?

For the record, I’m all for different sex marriage. But, you see, I’m not gonna bring it up to the misses. No, it’s worked pretty well the past 22 years and with any luck, for the next twenty-two years.

Oh sure, once in a while – when the kid’s not home, we may go to a room other than our bedroom – but that doesn’t happen all that often. And there was that time in a hotel on a trip to

South Carolina. But, for the most part, it’s been the same sex.

Oh, when we were married, I thought it’d be different all the time. We were so young then, and I was so foolish. But it became pretty clear, pretty quickly that once a pattern was established, it was pretty much set in stone.

The rules have never been discussed but they sure are crystal clear to me.

ONE, never ask for sex – same sex or different sex. If you get some, be glad that it’s come your way. And always be appreciative.

TWO, never ask for sex. Same sex or different sex.

THREE, always make sure the light is out.


FOUR, always make sure the door is locked – even when no one else is home.

FIVE, always make sure the dog is back in the house before instituting rules three and four.

So, you see, I know the rules. I know it’s gonna be same sex. And that’s good enough for me. And it certainly seems good enough for the misses. So, government. But out! Our same sex is none of your business. It usually is none of my business. But when I make it my business, I don’t need your help. And neither does the misses.

Ben Merens is a public speaker and a talk show host at Wisconsin Public Radio in Milwaukee.
He and his wife will celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on June 21st.
Ben’s website is http://www.benmerens.com/.

GemStones Speaks To Your Black World On Life & Music

Interview with 1st and 15th Recording Artist, GemStones, by Tolu Olorunda.


GemStones (formerly known as Gemini), is a recording artist on Lupe Fiasco’s vanity record label 1st & 15th. He was raised in Jeffrey Manor/South C on the South Side of Chicago. In 2007, he shot the video for the first single off of his upcoming album, Troubles of the World called “We On” featuring Lupe Fiasco. He appeared on MTV for “MTV Diary” and in August 2007, he was a “featured artist on MySpace.” In December of 2007 GemStones was featured on Fiasco’s sophomore album, The Cool. He appeared on tracks “Free Chilly”, “The Die”, “Go Baby”, and Lupe’s first single “Dumb it Down.” He recently endured a startling experience, which he aptly describes as his “transition.” He lost over 70 pounds, and picked up a socially-conscientious style of Hip-Hop. A highly articulate and lucid speaker, he claims to still posses the lyrical-velocity that accrued fans in the first place. Fresh off “The Cool Tour,” GemStones is now ready to take his place in the Mainstream. His mixtape, Testimony of Gemstones was released June 20th and his debut album, Troubles of the World is due to drop in fall of 2008. I had the pleasure of speaking with GemStones on his life, his music, and his overall outlook on a broad swath of issues:  

Thanks so much for joining us, GemStones. Can you pls. inform us of your background, past projects and the struggle leading up to 1st and 15th records?

Well, I grew up in Chicago, as a rapper/singer. Originally, I adopted the name, “Gemini,” because Gemini is a sleek personality, so I was double-sided. My negative side was me rapping, and my positive side was me singing. I ran into Lupe (Fiasco) in 2001. I was recording in a studio, and Lupe walked in with the late “Stack Bundles.” At the time, Stack Bundles was also signed to 1st and 15th Records. When he heard my verses, he was so impressed, and before time passed, I was signed to 1st and 15th. I then began putting songs together for a whole year, by grindin’. I was living with a couple of producers, who made beats and offered them to me. After a while, I finally got a record-deal. Then I started recording with Lupe, and then he released his first major album, “Food and Liquor,” and I was featured on almost every song on it. And in 2006, when MTV did the special, “My Block Chicago,” I was featured as the headliner. I also hosted “Sucker Free Sunday.” And then late last year, Lupe released his 2nd album, “The Cool,” and I appeared on about 4 songs. I joined Lupe on “The Cool Tour” where we performed shows in almost every major city in the world. In the middle of the shows, Lupe would stop it for me to showcase my talents, and rock the crowds of sometimes, about 15,000 people. With all that, people began to notice me, and I got a whole page in the Source magazine, and a whole page in XXL magazine. And recently, I just released my major mixtape, “The Testimony of Gemstones.”

What are the lessons you’ve learned - musically and beyond - from working with Lupe Fiasco?

Well, I’m more conscious of what I say now, and what comes out of my mouth. In the beginning, I was just rapping to put rhymes together. I watched Lupe’s music evolve, and as I was around Lupe more, I saw the impact he was having on people, with his new brand. Lupe helped me find my voice; and his influence made it easier for me to find out what my calling was. My lyrics and my rhymes are a lot more potent than they we’re before. I’m still rapping with the same intensity that I was, but I’m just more socially-conscious.

Can you describe the radical makeover that you underwent, with regards to your musical and physical life?

I wasn’t eating good; I was out drinking and smoking, and wasn’t taking care of my body. I was injecting all kinds of toxic into my body -- and destroying it. I was up to 320 pounds, when I had a mild heart attack. I was out with Lupe one night in L.A, when I felt a numbing-pain on my left side, and all I could think of was the fact that I was about to have a heart attack. I thought about how I had survived the hood - with gun-shots and so much more - and how I couldn’t go out from food. After that, I went to the hospital, and got my body back on track. I started eating vegetables, chicken breasts, and drinking water. With regards to my music, I started transitioning from the bogus, negative style of rap I was performing, to what I’m involved with today. But, I didn’t plan for it to happen; everything just fell into place after my weight loss. Before I knew it, I became healthy spiritually, mentally and physically. In the past, I had catered to my fans and whatever they wanted to hear; I had degraded women, and with my mother listening to my music, it grew uncomfortable. With my new self, I wrote songs like “Skeleton” and “Good morning.” I realized that if I wasn’t part of the solution, I was part of the problem, and so I made a 180 degree turnaround.

Why the name-change from Gemini to Gemstones?

Well, I had some legal trouble, where someone already owned the name, so I had to make the fix and change it to Gemstones.

What is your overall perspective on Hip-Hop today - especially in the Chi – which is widely rumored to be the next biggest thing?

I think Hip-Hop will be good. I never thought Hip-Hop was dead, but I also thought it was on life-support. And, with cats like Common, Lupe and myself - keeping it strong when things weren’t going as good - we helped it. It was because of cats like that who didn’t sell out for a dime -- that Hip-Hop never died. And if you notice, things are starting to get better – it’s recovering. In Chicago, we hold the elements of Hip-Hop down. We have always made good music for the soul. I also believe that with my transition, I’ve made a big impact with keeping Hip-Hop alive. Even in the clubs; the music that is being played today, trumps that of 3 yrs. ago. Yet sometimes, I feel that rap has to be responsible for some of the more negative things that happen around us. And, whether we as rappers want to admit it or not, the kids are listening to us. When young girls start to believe that they can’t be lawyers and doctors anymore; that all there is to be is some video vixen, you have to take it seriously. The tongue is mighty, and when we realize that we can speak things into existence, we might become more conscious of our lyrical content. I think that if we could turn the negative to positive, we would become so strong as a people.

What’s your take on Barack Obama, and do you have any criticisms of his campaign?

I say thumbs up to him. It’s good to see a black person in a position like that. We’ve been held back for so long, and for any black person who’s doing something positive, I’m always with it. I wish him the best of luck.  

You come from a rich musical background. In fact, you describe it as being vital in your shaping. As an artist and entertainer; how concerned are you that many public schools are slowly but drastically losing their music programs?

I’m very concerned, and I think that we as adults and entertainers need to step up and step in. We need to put our foot down. As soon as we start doing our job, things would start to turn around; but I’m hopeful that we’ll be alright though. 

Can you tell us about the Testimony of Gemstones – which is your latest mixtape?

The Testimony of Gemstones is me testifying and apologizing to all my fans, who I might have misled in the past. I might have led people to destruction with some of my past lyrics. I don’t know what to call what I do, but it’s not rapping. I’m telling the truth; it just happens to come over a beat. Rapping seems to be ‘just putting words together because they match.’ The Testimony of Gemstones is all about real life and inspiration. I came from nothing, and I’m testifying to everyone who can relate to me, and the subjects that I touch on in the mixtape, are rarely touched on by most of these rappers. Ever since the release, I’ve been getting ‘5s’ all across the board, and people are going nuts over it. The response so far has been amazing, and it is an orientation before my album, “Troubles of the World” drops -- which is slated to drop later this year. I made the mixtape to prepare the public for Troubles of the World. The album is so raw, that I had to ‘dumb it down’ for them in the form of this mixtape. 

Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring artists and entertainers, hoping to get ahead in the ‘wildfire’ industry of Hip-Hop?

Don’t sell your soul, and don’t ever sell out for a dollar. People chase the dollar and miss the pot of gold at the end of the road. Also, never give up on your dreams – which is the main thing. Kanye West once told me, “to be with greatness, you got to play with the greats.” Lastly, keep God first and stay humble; patience is a virtue, and you can ‘Touch the Sky.’

For more information on GemStones and his latest/future projects, visit: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=66875165

This interview was conducted by Tolu Olorunda, Staff Writer for YourBlackWorld.com

Juan Williams And ESPN Compare Shaq With Imus

On the June 24th broadcast of the ESPN Show, "Outside The Lines," a comparison was made between NBA Star, Shaquille Oneal's recent freestyle-session and Shock-Jock, Don Imus's latest racial tirade. This parallel by ESPN is very disturbing, as a satirical skit by a ball-player - aimed at a fellow ball-player - bears no resemblance to such hate-filled and vitriol-imbued remarks, as that of Don Imus on Monday, June 23, 2008. As expected, FOX News "analyst," Juan Williams, was present to entertain and congratulate the idea:

Barack Obama - GOP: "Did I Mention He's Black"

Presidential-Hopeful, Barack Obama at a fundraiser in Jacksonville, speaks of possible GOP tactics vis-a-vis the potency of fear-mongering. He admits that his cultural-identity might be a tool the Republicans will use in an attempt to dissuade his supporters:

Dr. Boyce Watkins, Wendy Williams Talk Oprah and Bill Cosby

Dr. Boyce Watkins and shock jock Wendy Williams at WBLS in New York talk about Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby and life in general. Wendy Williams and Dr. Boyce get along quite well as they both seem to have a problem with Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby.

Conservative Senator: Shoot-On-Sight...Obama

On the June 18, 2008 edition of the Don Wade & Roma Morning Show, Rep. Mark Kirk, of Illinois's 10th congressional district, spoke of an hypothetical assassination attempt on Sen. Barack Obama. For those of us who can recall, this would not be the first time a Conservative has spoken of Barack Obama in such terms. Late last month, FOX News Contributor, Liz Trotta, referred to the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton's reference to RFK's assassination, saying; "Some are reading it as a suggestion that somebody knock off Osama," and when corrected by the interviewer, Bill Hemmer, she said, "Obama. Well...both if we could!"

Republican Talk-Show Host Assaults Michelle Obama

On the June 18, 2008 broadcast of MSNBCS's "Verdict with Dan Abrams," Conservative Talk-Show Host, Lars Larson, spoke of Michelle Obama as an ungrateful, lazy and un-fulfilled woman. Unfortunately, the host of the show, Dan Abrams, was unable to take control of the incident or reprimand his guest. Coincidentally, this would not be the first time Dan Abrams has refused to defend a Black Woman being verbally-assaulted on his show: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o45G2actM8I . When would this madness stop?!!! Would Cindy McCain, Hillary Clinton or Laura Bush be treated the same way???!!!!! Black Women are being incessantly assailed by the rhetoric of Chauvinists, without any ramifications. It is incumbent upon us to do what is necessary to protect the integrity of our women:

Rap Music To Blame For Michelle Obama's Problems? - Pearl Jr.

Is Today's Black Music To Blame For All of This? Pearl Jr.

Just within the past few days, I've been shocked and awed to no end; furthermore, to add insult to injury, major media isn't discussing these high levels of racism against Black women like they did with Rev. Wright. Oh, my bad, Blacks were to look like the racist in that instance and now when non-Blacks do it, it's just barely mentioned. As usual, NOW (National Association of Women) is MIA (missing in action). How about endorsing Barack Obama, NOW that Hillary is out? Despite crucifying Michelle Obama for her obvious delight of being REALLY proud of America, 9-year-old Malia and 6-year-old Sasha have been labeled "Nappy Headed Hos" by a racist group of people who approved, created, built and leased office space to demagogue-like, so-called, artist Yazmany Arboleda, who developed a HATE exhibit called, "The Assasination of Barack Obama". The well-raised daughters of two highly educated, respected, and accomplished Black people have come VICTIM to being lumped into a group of women who have been misogynized to no end in hip hop music. It's time we face the facts. Rap crap music has devastated the Black family leading to the downfall of the Black community. Not even the most successful and powerful Black man's family in political history is immune to being labeled worthless by whoever deems it. Do you recall, the most hated President Bush ever being called "trailer park trash"? Not hardly because the claim would be off base-President George W. Bush is a warmonger as well as a failure as a President to be accurate. In lieu, to label little girls a derogatory term aimed at sex-aged promiscuous Black females, the phrase must NOW be used to describe ALL Black females, despite their age, background, integrity, personality, actions, or prestige. Then I hear and see that Michelle Obama is being branded "Obama's Baby Mama" instead of Barack's wife. This wreckless slur solidifies the hatred, disrespect, and dismissal of Black women as human beings worthy of a successful Black man's love, matrimony, and commitment. Fox News' Michelle Malkin, a Philippino racist against anything non-White, labeled Mrs. Obama inaccurately, because a "Baby's Mama" isn't married to the father, and since the text on the screen reiterated Ms. Malkin's words, it proves malice, forethought, and apparent collaboration with a female producer by the name of Jessica Herzberg, the show's producer. It's now fun to hurt Black women. Why not, it seems Black men do it all the time, so let's all jump in and rip out the hearts of Black women; after all, too many Black men are too psychologically twisted to realize that the disrespect, abandonment and dishonor they show to Black women will affect their own daughters, mothers and sisters--creating a hostile world for their own off springs, even if their children are bi-racial. Actor/comedian Eddie Griffin has recently been slapped with a lawsuit because he didn't realize that by his own actions of putting down Black women, abandoning Black women, and going on the big screen praising non-Black women that his own MAMA would be so very disrespected he would get enraged to the point of physically assaulting a producer on his newly developed reality show. You see, they put Griffin's mother in a cheap cheesy hotel and then treated her as if she had no attributes to be respected. After all, she did raise him and must take some responsibility for his actions--the good AND the bad! I wonder what will it take for us to learn and for Black men to take a stand and NEVER allow that stand to fall down, as with the Don Imus insult to a girl's basketball team calling them "Nappy Headed Hos" and Duane "Dog" Chapman racist rant against his White son's Black girlfriend calling her the "N" word. After a short-lived controversy, both of them got their shows back, and Imus even got a raise and a better time slot. You see, the word prejudice (pre-judgment) needs to be re-introduced into everyday language as the most pervasive form of racism today--if one is disrespected, then all are subject to be put in the same category of some form of worthlessness. The hatred of Black women is so vivid that Michelle Obama is being strung up once again. This time for something she didn't even say. Mrs. Obama is being accused of using the term "Whitey", which is supposed to be on some church tape somewhere, but, of course, the tape will soon come to a conservative talk radio or cable news show near you soon. Meanwhile, everyone hate her for the pretense that it MIGHT be true! The most recent example of straight ignorance and weakness on behalf of Black men that relates to the pre-judgment of Black males, rap crap artist Lil Wayne has a photo of himself as a baby on his recent album cover with gang teardrops, tattoos, and other thug paraphernalia to promote his filthy degrading noise. The most disheartening part is the record company has went all out to saturate the marketplace with a thug baby meaning ALL Black males are criminals and menaces to society despite the age, once again! Yes, yes, it is top-level record executives, not Black-owned companies, who green light these society destroying images for public consumption. Remember Motown's music of love and healing, featuring songs and lyrics like "Baby Baby Don't Cry", "My Guy", "Ain't No Woman Like the One I Got, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" "Precious Love" and the sweetest of all, "My Girl". This music gave strength through togetherness. The above small list of songs, written, owned, distributed, and produced by Blacks, of the 1960's, bonded the Black race with love so strong, Blacks tore down the walls of segregation and created a whole new world with vast possibilities. Today, too many of us are begging to be a part of our own downfall, raising our arms and hands up high, urging pick me pick me, I'll say the most despicable, degrading words if I could just have a few years of fame and fortune, paid to them by those who HATE Black progress. Even Ashanti has sold her soul to the devil with her newest song urging for Black women to kill, stab, shoot Black men who cheat. I mean, damn, how low can we go? Inspite of all of this, there is hope lying directly in front of Blacks. The glass ceiling may be shattered to pieces with the Obama's having the best odds of living in the White House as President and First Lady of the USA. Just know, the Obama's are only two people; Blacks must do the work to NEVER, EVER, EVER support ANYTHING that disrespects or dishonors anything Black, and that includes going in your child's room and destroying all that anger music that resonates like a prayer of pain and failure in your child's heart each and every time they hear it. Too bad, Lil Wayne's album is slated to have the #1 best selling week of 2008. This time, maybe 70 percent of rap crap sales are White hip hoppers because judging by the above atrocities, it's fun and cool to judge Blacks in a bad light. By analyzing rap crap's dismal sales of 2007 and 2008, hip hop is truly a dying genre that should have been never been transformed and owned by non-Blacks. The most disheartening revelation is Blacks financed their own demise, and if Blacks can do that, then Blacks can contribute to their own growth and prosperity. Pearl Jr. is an author, activist, journalist and producer. She is is a member of the National Academy of Media Arts & Sciences. She has authored three books, one documentary and has successfully ran four websites (award-winning) and serves as the founder and owner of Elbow Grease Productions (EGP) and Pearl Jr. Publications. She is best known for her work in the African-American community. She is a long-time activist. As an activist, Pearl Jr. has successfully challenged major corporations to respect the Black community, she has protested and forced major corporations such as Nissan Motors, Ebay, and the NAACP to change their ways to better represent a positive image for African-Americans. Pearl Jr. has also leads the charge consistently against negative rap music. She writes widely published articles such as, "The Rap Crap Treason Act" and "The Golddigger lie leads to Black Male Failure," which has awaken the sleepy giant in the hearts and minds of the Black public. She runs the websites: TRUtalk.us, MichaelJacksonInsider.com, and BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com

FOX NEWS Villifies Black Women

The less than reputable folks over at FOX News are at it again. This time, they take it further, in their 'scientific-breakdown' of the "Angry Black Woman." Watch "Reporter," Cal Thomas, educate us about Angry Black Women:

Transcript from the Restraining Order of Superhead's Boyfriend

"Respondent (Steffans) has been physically abusive, has made threats and has been stalking me." "Several months ago she (Steffans) attempted to attack me in the bedroom. She lunged at me and tried to choke me and had both hands around my neck. She then locked herself inside the bathroom. When she came out she had marked up her own neck, and said, "Yeah muthaf*cka this is going to look really good!" "Respondent (Steffans) has been checking my email and voicemail without authorization.""She (Steffans) has hurt herself before and threatened that she would report me to the authorities on multiple occasions. She has followed me to auditions. She has showed up on the set during filming where I was working. She has broken my property and caused significant damage to my vehicle." "I've (Darius McCray) also witnessed her abuse her soon. I've seen her slap her 10 year old son across the face with such force that her son fell to the ground in tears. She has called him names like monkey and stupid. She has asked him questions like, WHAT THE F*CK IS WRONG WITH YOU?" "When I (Darius) told her I was going to leave her, she (Steffans) pulled out two large chef knives and stood with both of her hands raised towards me. She called her son into the room, and stated, THIS IS MY ACCOMPLICE. HOW MANY PIECES DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE IN MUTHERF*CKER!"

R. Kelly is Toast: An Attorney Speaks on the R. Kelly Trial

by Jamal Wright, Esq.

R. Kelly is toast.

The talented R&B singer, who has been charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography, is in the final days of the trial of his life in Chicago. Having beaten his first child pornography case in Florida in 2004 on a technicality, he is up against much tougher odds in this case. Namely, he’s up against strong evidence in the form of a certain infamous videotape.

During the Florida case about explicit photos, his attorneys argued successfully that the main evidence against him should be suppressed due to a faulty process of search and seizure. Prosecutors were defeated, citing the difficulties of connecting evidence to Kelly that the jury can’t even know exists. This time Kelly is facing more motivated prosecutors and up to 15 years in the slammer.

At the beginning of this trial in Chicago, the linchpin evidence didn’t get suppressed. The jury was forced to sit through the entire video. Not good. The defense was forced to resort to ridiculous assertions like the notion that the tape had been doctored or that it was someone else besides the world-famous Kelly, on the tape. Imagine that. One of the biggest stars in the world forced to deny his own image in a video that everybody knows is him. It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone.

He’s toast.

But all the Kelly-funded children’s charities in the world won’t help me muster up an ounce of sympathy for him. Mostly because I think he’s guilty. But also because I believe he’s either stupid or crazy.

Crazy is more forgivable. He may be a sick man. Evidence certainly would support it. You don’t to have to Google his name to know what his reputation is. In an affidavit filed in a 2005 civil case, Jay-Z alleged that Kelly would treat tour audiences to videos of himself with young girls simulating sex acts. He makes videotapes of himself with underage females and allows the tapes out of his sight. Classic crazy. That reeks of someone who doesn’t know right from wrong, even after he was charged earlier for the same type of stuff in Florida. He certainly can’t control his fix.

If he’s sick, then he needs help and this situation is probably the best way for him to get it.

If he’s stupid, it’s unforgivable. It’s unforgivable because he’s blessed with the money to have the best management around him. The type of management that would advise him not to film himself committing felonies with a minor in a such a way that makes a prosecutor smile. A bunch of fellas that would tell him of all he had to lose.

It’s not over for Kelly. The case is scheduled to go to the jury very soon. Every case comes down to the jury’s view. They could view him as an honest business man getting hassled or as a charitable superstar. They could let him go. They could give him the opportunity to help himself on his own.

What can we learn from this?

Here’s the advice Kelly could’ve paid for, but you get for free.
Stay away from committing criminal acts, obviously. But if you absolutely must go criminal, never take pictures of yourself committing a crime. I cringe when I see young males in the inner-city taking pictures holding joints or drinking under age. Detectives and prosecutors have another name for these pictures. Evidence.
I would expand this rule outside of law and say never take a picture doing something you would have trouble explaining to your 11 year-old grand kid when you’re 72. Once a picture hits the internet, it’s out of your hands forever the control over who sees it and under what context it is seen.

In essence, Myspace, is not really yours.

And it isn’t R Kelly’s either. He should’ve known that. But maybe he’s just crazy.

by Jamal Wright, Esq

New Orleans to Be the Site for the State of the Black World Conference

Press Release

The Institute of the Black World 21st Century, underthe leadership of veteran social and politicalactivist Dr. Ron Daniels, announced plans today toconvene the Second State of the Black World Conference(SOBWC) in New Orleans, November 19-23, 2008. Centered on the theme Return to the Source, RestoringFamily, Rebuilding Community, Renewing the Struggle, amajor goal of the conference is to focus national andinternational attention on New Orleans and the Gulf insupport of the right to return of evacuees/displacedpersons and their heroic struggle to reclaim andrebuild their homes and neighborhoods. Accordingly,the organizers of SOBWC hope to attract some 3,000people from Black communities across the United Statesand people of African descent communities in Canada,the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe andAfrica.

Timed to occur after the historic presidentialelection of 2008, SOBWC will assess the outcome of theelection and discuss strategies for advancing aprogressive public policy agenda and privateinitiatives to empower the Black community no matterwho wins the White House. The program/schedule willinclude the Damu Smith Leadership Development andOrganizer Training Institute; A National/InternationalTown Hall Meeting; Katrina Policy Roundtables; aSpecial Session on Haiti; Pan African Policy Forum;Black Family Summit; a wide range of issue areaWorking Sessions: and, Intergenerational Dialogues.

Scores of national, regional and local civilrights/human rights, religious, labor and politicalleaders and activists are being invited to participatein the conference including Marc Morial,President/CEO, National Urban League; Kevin Powell,author, commentator and political activist; Rev. JesseL. Jackson, President, National Rainbow/PushCoalition; Susan Taylor, former Editorial Director,Essence Magazine; Rev. Al Sharpton, President,National Action Network; Dr. Iva Carruthers, GeneralSecretary, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference; KimberlyCrenshaw, Columbia and UCLA Law Professor; RolandMartin, CNN Analyst; Makani Themba-Nixon, ExecutiveDirector, Praxis Project; Dr. Cornel West; Bev Smith,National Radio Talk Show Host;

Haki Madhubuti, author, poet and DistinguishedProfessor; Melanie Campbell, President, NationalCoalition for Black Civic Participation; SoniaSanchez, internationally acclaimed author and poet;and, Danny Glover, actor and humanitarian. SOBWC will also present a Leadership Award toMichael Baisdan for his galvanizing work on the Jena 6Case and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Rev. JeremiahWright for his courageous and visionary leadership asan apostle of liberation theology. Rick Adams,Co-Convener, West PA Black Political Assembly, isChairman of the National Planning Committee; KimberleyRichards, Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond,is Co-Chairperson; and, Larry Hayes, NationalAssociation of Black Social Workers, is the NewOrleans Liaison.

For further Information call: 888.774.2921 or emailsobwc@ibw21.orghttp://www.stateoftheblackworld.org