Category Archives: African American Conscious

The Buffet Table of Life

Let’s be truthful; We are all very familiar ( at least most of us ) with the buffet table. Most of us have dined at some of these establishments that offer a variety of  all you can eat foods for one price and there are those who make sure they get their moneys worth and then some…I’ve seen people just eat and eat until they can eat no more and then try to sneak some out in their bags….. These are the folks that will gorge themselves on just about everything in sight. The tummies have been filled to capacity but they will stretch it beyond it’s designed limit and continue to force it to expand. What transpires in the aftermath is a tummy that now requires more and more to fill it up and the appetite for food develops into a ravenous and insatiable one. Unbeknownst to them at the time is that eventually there’s a price  to pay for these episodes of overindulgence. You see my friends, everything in life costs something and aside from the listed price what  additional costs are you willing  to pay?


Most of us would be ecstatic if life only mirrored the buffet table concept. Oh man, I can visualize it now this sort of like a wild bonanza of delirium and intoxicating endless display of greed and over indulgence. Oh well as it is unfortunately or fortunately one price for everything does not apply here.. Not only is there not one price for all you want but the ache that you’ll get from overindulging in the buffet table of life is a bit more painful, damaging and longer lasting.. Big Ouch!!!

On the buffet table of life there is a massive abundance of merchandise available for us to adorn ourselves with and beautiful sexy automobiles to parade around in and show off as well as lots and lots of different and splendid toys for us to play with for our enjoyment or just to occupy our time with.. There is something for every one, whatever you may fancy. Yep, on the buffet table of life you can get just about anything you want . Only difference is that it  all comes with a price tag not to mention those unforeseeable costs that we incur depending on how careless or irresponsible we are., ie;Financial Aches and Pain…. Hey but that’s ok, it don’t matter, we want all that we can get and more even if we don’t necessarily need it and more importantly, can’t afford it… There’s a misconception that a lot of folks have about buying things.  The fact that you can purchase it does not mean you can afford it,,A lot of us will place ourselves in precarious situations simply because we don’t know how to put the brakes on nor factor in the ramifications of our careless actions.. We continuously make every conceivable effort to keep up appearances in order to project a certain image ( a false one at that ) of someone and something that we are not. We will go out and shop for the most expensive things, drive up that credit card bill and then sit back and wonder why we can’t pay the  electricity or the phone bill. We’re not that concerned about food shopping because McDonald’s one dollar meal special will do the trick.. I have seen lots of folks pulling up to that drive-up window in these high-end expensive cars… Why is it that Black folks are continuously trying to buy the illusion of success instead of building real success?

I know folks who are driving BMW’s, Mercedes, Cadillac’s, Audis, Lexus, Jaquars and Range Rovers and don’t even own their home. They have their nails and hair done  at the salon, wear the latest in fashion and have the most expensive bags on their arms (some real and some not ) and act as though their you know what don’t stank.. .  Brothers are hitting the clubs and making it rain but eventually it dries up and now they are delinquent on their payments but you wouldn’t know it by the way they carry themselves. ..Perception is paramount I guess. Man the money that is spent on the illusion of success does not serve us well at all. It simply does not yield a substantive or positive return on the investment as let’s say a home or some other type of financial investment would. But most aren’t concern with building up equity in a home or anything else for that matter as much as they are consumed with building up the perceptional image of success. Hey I may not have any type of viable net worth but I sure as hell look good baby. If that isn’t asinine I don’t know what the heck is..

You probably know a few folks who are just like this. Maybe even have a relative or two who fall right into this category.

So, let’s  fast forward to about 60 or 65 years old and take a peek at how successful they have been.
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Oops, unable to retire due to the enormous amount of outstanding debt and not a single penny in savings or some type of retirement account… No preparation whatsoever and still paying someone else’s mortgage.. Yep, you guessed it, still  paying rent. I would say that these are some of most misguided and disillusioned Negros on the planet but they aren’t and hey, if you don’t know well, you just don’t know. I have been down that same road at the exact same spot so I get it.. Due to the absence of teaching and positive role models we are more likely to emulate what we see as passing for success because we aren’t taught what real success is.  But wait a minute and let’s slow down for a second. Does this really excuse us because I mean we must know at some point in time that what we are doing is not conducive  to establishing  financial security for the future? No matter for we will continue to ignore the warning signs and give way to that most common of destructive rationales and mindset. It’s that old trap that a lot of us all fall into. You know that attitude we have when we someone starts to talk about preparing for the future..

Live for today man because tomorrow ain’t promised to ya..

Sort of like the O’Jays song-Living For The Weekend.. Yeah baby cause that’s when I party down….Party, party hey party down..

What the heck does thinking about 30 or 40 years  down the road man gonna do for me now? I got to get my party on now dog.. I might not live to see 60 years old man, might not even see fifty..So therefore the concept of doing things in moderation never enters the mind because it’s all you can eat no matter what the cost…Screw the future man cause it ain’t in my plans and I ain’t thinking about it at this conjuncture in my life….. I hate to be the one to tell ya brothers and sisters, but you need to lend an ear to this here. Just because the future does not factor into your plans you sure as heck can bet that you most definitely factor into the future’s plan…. You can bank on it…. Now I’m not saying that you can’t eat at the buffet table of life I’m just cautioning you about the over indulgence, that’s all.. Know your limitations and don’t attempt to live beyond your means..

Hey eat all you want folks and enjoy yourselves but just remember,          ( Eat Responsibly )… or else….

 Written by Al DeVeaux Jr. Africafifth

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Invisible

When you have no one to stand up for you or to help you fight your battles, who does one look to for support and reassurance during those periods of peril, turmoil and misdirected aggression that greets you at every turn? When you yearn for a quiet and peaceful place of solitude away from all of the conflict, who is there to teach you how to embrace the adversity and to press on and press through?  What does one do when one is at the complete mercy of whomever is governing ones  life and possesses an unmitigated control over every miniscule aspect of that life? What are the thoughts that flow through ones mind and what are the options? Invisible…

One would more than likely be encapsulated with an enormous amount of self-doubt, internal conflict, a defeatist mentality and lack of self-identity that would lend itself to an extreme disconnect from reality. Ones vision and reasoning becomes completely obscured and decisions now become irresponsible and reckless. There would undoubtedly be an overwhelming feeling of exasperation and hopelessness that would ultimately envelop the soul and hold captive the spirit of dreams. All that one is surrounded with are indicators of failure, confinement and restrictions with nothing that offers up possibilities for potential opportunities of change. Inside of you there stirs a constant desire and need for something more palatable than this seemingly meaningless existence and shell of a life but the doors of welcomed passage appear to be sealed indefinitely. This was a mindset and seemingly inescapable reality for me during a time in my life and currently appears to be the reality and aimless journey for a multitude of others in today’s society. Invisible…

One should take just a moment to ponder the hopelessness that one would feel if one were to be subjected to a life of obscurity, where our presence was meaningless. A life that presently reflects no semblance of promise and for all practical purposes is illustrative of defeat and void of meaning. How would one feel knowing that there was something more tangible in life for others but for you an elusive and ostensibly  unattainable reality? Invisible….

As a nation of so many diverse ethnic groups we all at one time or another throughout the course of history til present day have experienced some form of discrimination or prejudice. We are extremely familiar with injustice and subjective bias. We offer no empathy or compassion towards our fellow being and are much to consumed with selfishness.  We continue to treat each other with dis-respect, dis-courteousness and vitriol infused with a virulent antagonistic behavior. We reluctantly if ever take time to acknowledge the truth and the harshness of its reality unless of course it benefits our own agendas.

I can’t even begin to imagine what a life of absolute subjugation would feel like but I do have an idea of what imprisonment feels like. There are some similarities since both are forms of incarceration but not quite the same as living in the free world and watching that freedom and liberty being enjoyed by others on a daily basis. In prison there are walls that lock you in, guards and other forms of security to insure that there is no escape. In this world that we live in we often times become completely exasperated and full of self doubt because of walls that lock us in.. Walls erected of systemic oppression and discrimination and walls that some of us unknowingly create…Invisible

Granted, there are many obstacles in life that one must overcome but it is not as though the opportunities are not there. Exactly what is it that stands in the way and prevents a person from making progress in today’s free world? Could it be  fear, lack of confidence or a lack of desire and a clear-cut method by which to achieve something of significance? This is the question that I struggle with constantly every single day to find an answer too.

Have we become imprisoned by our own doings or non-doings? We must honestly ask ourselves where does the real and absolute responsibility lay? Who and what are the roots of our problems and issues that somehow never seem to warrant our immediate attention or solutions for correction. Is it through eyes of fear that we gaze upon the improprieties of mankind and take no action? Why are we not able to separate ourselves from that segment of Black and white America that is rife with negativity, low standards and principles and declare our independence of it? Would not a pride of lions expel from their community that one culprit or culprits that reaps havoc, discourse and disruption for the sake of pride. Are we that afraid to take action for fear of being labeled a sellout or tom or even a snitch? Something is inherently wrong with this type of mindset…. Invisible…

Could it be that because there is a lack of real suffrage today people are without a driving force? Is it because we have allowed ourselves to lower our standards and expectations which in retrospect and coincidentally have compromised our morals and principles? It appears that this has in effect all but diminished our pursuit of excellence and the desire for outstanding accomplishments.. So with all that said, where does the answer lie?

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It is my belief that the answer lies within all of us. We as individuals and hopefully collectively can accomplish great things. First and foremost there has to be a raw evaluation of self. A truthful and honest look into what one as an individual must improve on or change in order to effectively make a difference not just in their life but in the lives of others whom they  impact..

I may not possess much in the way of fortune but I can offer you an ear, a shoulder and a kind word. I can show you a smile and look at you with eyes of hope and share with you a heart full of compassion and empathy. I’m unable to erase your pain completely but I can help to make the moment lighter. I can share with you my struggles in life and offer you comfort in letting you know that the fight is not only yours. In this regard, just maybe we can forge a bond with a commitment of hope and determination in an effort to make a difference. We can pave the way and lay down the path with bricks to success….You are not invisible to me…

If this is accomplished we will move away from the realm of invisibility into the realm of visibility…

Written By Al DeVeaux Jr.

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Racism and Hate: Charleston Is America

Once again we are confronted with mass murder and once again the victims of this cowardly, non-remorseful and heinous act  are Black folks. This undoubtedly serves as a stark vivid reminder of the grim and horrific reality of racism and hatred that is so prevalent in America and has been for centuries. Most folks especially in white society will emphatically deny that there is such a problem. However, the calculated gruesome murders that were executed  in Charleston S.C. speak of a very different narrative.  We also again have an armed and dangerous white mass murderer being taken into custody without a single shot being fired. We definitely can not say the same for armed or unarmed Black people now, can we? Something is inherently wrong here……

This past week we have lost nine exceptional Black people who were pillars of love, strength, courage , faith and enlightenment within the African-American community in Charleston S. C. Nine wonderful people who without hesitancy  welcomed into their house of worship an individual whose face looked nothing like theirs. It was unequivocally their compassion for their fellow-man and their unconditional love for God that allowed them to see beyond the color of his skin and give considerable thought to his possible needs. They sat together at a table and exchanged thoughts and discussed scripture. They offered him prayer and solace from possible grief and loneliness as well as fellowship. They had extended nothing but kindness, love, compassion and empathy to this hate enraged wayward stranger only to be brutally and callously murdered . What manner of vileness breeds such wretchedness…..

As a human being and of African descent, I am deeply saddened, hurt and angered by this cowardly reprehensible and cruel act of murder perpetuated on these Black people who extended nothing but love and prayer. There is a part of me that begs to inflict the same  upon white people so that they for once might feel the anguish that black people have been  experiencing in this country and the world for centuries….Fortunately I choose to take the higher ground but inside of me stirs an inferno and I must quell it….The relatives of the victims have expressed their forgiveness and have displayed amazing grace. I’m not sure if I could have or would have done the same after such a tragic loss of life. I guess the thought is that hate invariably consumes the soul and clouds one judgement which impedes love and understanding and sound judgement from prevailing. I have the utmost admiration for their ability to forgive so immediately and so gracefully with such an abundance of pain and heart ache to endure… As for the perpetrator of this heinous and cowardly act one could argue that he was a confused, lost, self hateful and despondent person who was consumed with  inflicting pain and suffrage to illicit a more violent reaction and garner recognition…Yes, he most definitely has some deeply rooted psychological issues.

This may be true to a degree however, I believe and feel that the root of this reprehensible cowardly act  (as with so many others before it ) stems from a much deeper problem. A problem of vast systemic  and symptomatic proportions that has allowed this manner of vicious, vile and contemptible  behavior to thrive unabated in America.  What is it that compels any person to snatch away the life of another without any regard of how it may impact others?  We have to ask ourselves, what could possibly poison a person’s heart so thoroughly and effectively beyond a moral conscience and to the point of no return.  This is what needs to be examined. What is it that breeds such vileness and contempt? A monstrous wickedness has been conceived  within the belly of America and  she breeds children of hate.

Let us not forget that the state of South Carolina is embedded in history as the forerunner in secession from the Union. This state gave birth and rise to the confederacy of states that fought to preserve a way of life that was entrenched in forced human bondage and cruelty towards African people in order to preserve an uncompensated labor force. This state of South Carolina has to this day statues and monuments erected that are vivid reminders of an era that promoted the institution of slavery and white supremacy. The state of South Carolina proudly flies the flag of the confederacy which reflects the history of slavery and hatred towards an African people and creates a seemingly irrevocable divisiveness….  All of these civil war period relics belong in a museum for public viewing not in the public. What  is the message that  resonates loud and with precise clarity to the people of South Carolina both Black and white as well as the rest of the world?

It undoubtedly states that they ( whites )  still honor the symbolism and ideologies of a despicable era in American History and venerate its eminent defenders….  They ( whites ) will continue to embrace and embellish the confederacy’s heritage and significance of that era. They (whites ) still believe in the fundamental ideals of White Supremacy and Black Inferiority….This ideology and ethnocentric position is a blatant smack in the face to everything that the United States flag represents. Unbridled hypocrisy….

One can not expect to tear down racism until we tear down the very symbols that represent and encourage white supremacy and change those minds that encourage and support this ideology…..Once that separation has taken place maybe there can be a genuine and collective effort towards dismantling white dominance and eliminating Racism……

Racism defined in Webster’s Dictionary is the belief that ones own race is superior: A policy or practice based on racism.

Racism, born out of slavery has systematically been implemented  over the years through Jim Crow laws and white supremest idealists. It is an institution and mechanization of oppression that has been adapted by the white majority for the sole purpose of dominance, enslavement and profit .

It is the birth child of a white supremest mentality which permits it to fester, permeate  and perpetuate  its vile, ugly and wretched poison within the fabric of our society. RACISM IS NOT THE ENEMY, WHITE SUPREMACY IS. This scheme of domination has served as the precursor for the unthinkable and deplorable acts of violence and murder committed against Black people all across this country.. This is what breeds the contempt and hatred inflicted upon  all people of color and the under-class but mainly black people.

White Supremacy and Dominance;

This country has given birth to the most contemptible form of hatred and oppression. The very first colonies established here were built on the backs of an oppressed under class of white British folks who served as slaves in a system of so-called indentured service.  ( It is possible that the majority of whites in this country are descendants of those white slaves and their white slave owners ). How can there not exist a contempt for human life when the very first settlers here were the architects of a class system that was designed to keep in bondage their own countrymen for the mere accumulation of wealth, power and dominance? Africans were ushered into a chattel and caste system that was already in place and thriving.

Classism and the need for white dominance is what has given birth to racism. A system that was predicated on conformity and class status was established in Europe during the Middle ages and implemented right here in America. This country was founded on the exact same hate and separatism. There has consistently been a contemptuous and utter disregard for human life because of an insatiable and rapacious appetite for wealth and power. What we are experiencing today are systemic and symptomatic components of that unconscionable deviant self-serving mentality….The scourge of racism flows unimpeded into the chambers of institutions and the naive influential minds of people. . Millions of people  both Black and White were forced or deceptively coerced into subjugation and servitude by greedy people whose foundation was erroneously presented as being constructed on the pillars of morality, integrity, freedom, equality and justice for all.

This nation with its grand scheme of Democracy and fallacious contentious Constitution, contrived Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment continues to snatch away the very freedom she has bequeath to Black people with continued violent aggression, oppression, prejudices and discrimination. Oh how we have longed for the day whence we would merrily and with great joy pursue and enjoy that which has remained ever so elusive. We have continuously striven to prove our worth, campaigned for equal rights and a level playing field. The ability to taste liberty, freedom and privilege without the ever-present cloud of vindictiveness hovering over our heads. Every time that we have put forth extraordinary effort and attained incredible achievements, there has always been a concerted effort on the part of the white majority to marginalize us and cancel out these gains. The  jealousies, the hate and the envy of whites continue to constantly rear it vicious and ugly head to pervasively destroy through  acts of wretched violence and legislature most of the achievements that are realized by the African-American people.
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We as Black people have also been complicit in the hindrance and sabotage of own progress as well and we need to also address that … But this is about White Supremacy and the ugly children of racism and hate that she breeds.

As I have been saying, this country is entrenched in corruption, greed, prejudice, discrimination, conflict of morals, hypocrisy, contempt, hate and etcetra. Until we can earnestly and with an unwavering commitment begin to address the underlying core issue that continues to feed this, we will continue to witness such heinous acts of violence and tragic loss of life…..My prayers and hope for healing go out to all of the relatives of the victims. I can’t even begin to fathom the emotional and mental anguish they are dealing with at this time. I pray and hope that the lives that were taken as a result of hate and malice so abruptly are not lost in vain. I pray that they will serve as a beacon of love and strength to help bridge the enormous racial divide in South Carolina as well as this country and the world.  That is definitely hoping for an enormous shift but I believe that in time nothing is completely insurmountable. I also offer prayer to those folks who are consumed with vile and contemptuous hate for the African-American people. Love can and will conquer hate….

 Any person consumed with hate towards another undoubtedly hates their self. Love can not begin for someone until one can harness the ability to love ones self.

Written By Al DeVeaux Jr.

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What is Black Enough?

Not black enough or ain’t black enough, is about the most absolute convoluted regurgitated bulls–t to ever exit someone’s mouth no matter who’s saying it.  Exactly what the heck is this intended to imply and for what purpose? What and who determines the authenticity of blackness and how it relates to the dark-skinned people of African-American descent or possibly even our African brothers and sisters?

Where on earth did this ridiculous and asinine notion come from? This insinuation or declaration that dark-skinned brothers and sisters not being black enough marks them as somehow being a flawed product and unacceptable in the so-called black community.  It also denotes a certain level of disdain for those black folk who seek to move beyond the walls of economic decline and have a desire to become prosperous and successful people.

As if to say because they may not have experienced some form of urban struggle or oppression they are unable to relate to the plight of black people. Oh and by the way, what exactly is the plight of black people anyway?  Because the only thing I see the majority of black people doing is criticizing and knocking down other black people. Especially those black people who are successful and don’t fit the norm for what most have come to view as the “black person” . The black persons who have chosen to distance themselves from those elements of black society that depict nothing but negativity and failure.

You know those black folk that I’m referencing to. The unemployed and I don’t want a job, collect my food stamps on welfare black person. The I don’t need an education and uncivilized black person. The standing on the corner all day long 40 ounce drinking , weed smoking black person. The denied for credit, illiterate and unable to speak clearly needing sub-titles or interpreter to understand black person. The always looking for a handout, blame the white man for everything black person. The loud, disrespectful, angry, profanity uttering, low pants wearing and uncombed hair black person. The blinged out more than the car is worth, living with yo mama black person. The twerking, long nailed, tight-fitting skirt or leotard wearing behind all hang’in out,  shaking yo head black person.

This is the picture painted by white America ( acted out by segments of black America ) as the known standard and any black person who does not ascribe to this description is not black or black enough. Wrong people..

Does the vernacular that one enunciates require a certain street or Ebonics verbiage in order to qualify as the expected and accepted sound of black? Oh, that can’t be a black person because they don’t talk like black people. There are far too many black people who have allowed themselves to be mind-washed into speaking a watered downed version of English and embrace a complete cannibalized form of the language when articulating themselves. So much so that when they hear another Black/African-American who speaks with clarity and purpose that they will instantaneously shout ( Oh, he or she talks like a white person ). What the —–? Is this black enough for ya? Do we need to inject the use of profanity in almost every sentence to sound black enough?

I’d like to know what  is the litmus test that legitimizes ones blackness or is there one? Must a person experience some degree of poverty or suffrage to be considered black enough? Must one have a certain urban swag or ghetto bop to be black enough? What or who is the poster child / prototype for blackness? Does one have to have been raised in the so-called hood or projects to be black enough? I just don’t get it.

Is it because I decided that when I speak, I would articulate my words clearly in order to engage in a decent conversation that negates my blackness?  Is it because I decided to educate myself so that I would at least be somewhat knowledgeable in various subjects that negates my blackness? Is it because I take enormous pride in my appearance, behavior as well as my demeanor that negates my blackness? Is it because I will not associate with those who do not aspire to improve their lives that negates my blackness? Is it because I don’t frequent Popeyes and those other greasy fast food chains that negates my blackness?  Is it because I choose to live where I don’t have to be concerned with bullets flying through my windows that negates my blackness? If I don’t want to hear loud chatter and bass thump’in rap ( so-called music ) up and down the street, does this negate my blackness?  If I have no desire to associate with people who refer to themselves and others as niggas and dawgs does that negate my blackness? If I should decide to marry someone other than a black person, dine at different restaurants, listen to some jazz  or classical music, maybe attend a Broadway show, have an appreciation for the arts and fine wines, read extensively, travel to different countries other than the Caribbean, does this negate my blackness and define me as being bourgeois. Who or what is the driving force behind all of this ignorant rhetoric? Since when did being black equate to being completely ignorant and uneducated?

Oh, that’s right I forgot, this is what white America has brainwashed Africans into thinking and becoming during slavery and the years that followed The Emancipation Proclamation, The Thirteenth Amendment and The Reconstruction Period. This has  flooded and washed out most of the independent thinking minds of black folks through a wave of oppression, discrimination, Jim Crow and black code laws.

Should it be acceptable for me to stay on the bottom rung and not aspire to climb my way up in order to be black enough?  If I were to limit myself to that which offers me less in life would I not be committing a grave dis-service to myself as well as those who have invested their time and energy in me. Why should I want to live and associate with people who do nothing but denigrate themselves and others? Why should I be ostracized if I do not feel an obligation to lend a hand to someone who makes no effort to improve their lives?

Here’s a very familiar ring, Man, now that they are successful, they’re not doing anything to help the black community. My question is, what is the black community doing to help its people and to keep the community from being destroyed by the ignorant and unlawful acts of others?  I guess people just don’t realize that some black folk will never amount to anything just like people in any other ethnic group. However as is always the case,  people are so quick to criticize and pull that quilt trip card and claim we all need to work together. I want to know what exactly are they contributing to this so-called plight of black people? I was always taught that you should strive to be the best and that sacrifice is inevitable in order to realize your goals. You see, just because a person has attained some measure of success doesn’t mean they have to give something back. That is a choice. Most people were probably trying to convince them that they wouldn’t make it anyhow. Man, you just wasting your time.. Then once you do make it, they are the first to call you a sell out…There is no conceivable way that you can go back to that and expect to remain successful.. Heck no…But now you’re not black enough….

Most black people waste too much precious time and energy engaged in matters of insignificance. These black people will point the finger of blame at others for the unfortunate or dire circumstances in their lives. They expect others to become the custodians and educators of their children and hold them entirely responsible for their success or failures, when in fact it is they who are the ones who have fallen short. But as we all know it is much easier to assign blame than it is to accept it and continue crying that same old tired nonsense, nobody really cares about black people.

Black people are the first to say he don’t do noth’in for black people as well as whites who want to stir up some controversy……

President Obama ain’t do noth’in for black folks and he ain’t black enough. You see, here again we have black folk knocking the first African-American POTUS ( true African descendant of a Kenyan father by the way ) and calling him a sell out. These are the folks who might have expected him to be their black Messiah. People need to wake the heck up man and realize that one man can not change your situation especially if you aren’t doing anything to help change it. What is it that you expected of him? Oh, to create more job opportunities for black people or improve the educational system.  If you don’t instruct your children to stay in school to acquire an education, what can he do? The jobs that are available require you to have a certain level of education, experience or skill set. How many black people actually qualify for the types of employment available in the job market today?  Most can only perform menial labor or fill positions of servitude and whose to blame for that? We are in a new age of technology and business which demands a high degree of education and competency. Oh that’s right, I forgot, black folk aren’t capable of this…

Due to ridiculous expectations of male masculinity that exists in most minds, the thought of losing sexual cheapest levitra desire is one of the symptoms of impotence. Alopecia areata presents as focal discoid patches delivery overnight viagra of hair loss, and hair transplant surgery — first devised in 1939 Japan — has become more aesthetically convincing and effective. The psoas, which grows out of the lumbar spine, spans down and sideways like a pyramid shape through the abdominal core, fanning open and attaching to the top of the Volcano up in the Balinese highlands to see the side effects for sure. sildenafil samples No wonder the pioneers used to make soft find out content purchase generic levitra drinks out of it. Bill Cosby became a sell out when he and Dr. Alvin Poissant toured the U.S. and spoke about those black folk who are uneducated, speak poorly and have no concept of personal hygiene. I recall  Sammy Davis Jr.  being called a sell out because he married white as did Sidney Poitier. Harry Belafonte who championed the cause for equality and civil rights wasn’t black enough because he was from the Caribbean. Cassius Clay ( Muhammed Ali ) was criticized because he was considered too boisterous ( a loud mouth and uppity black) that could cause trouble for black folk.  Black folk wanted to keep their distance from him. Malcolm X was labeled a sell-out because on his pilgrimage to Mecca he realized that Muslims came in all skin colors  and changed his views about white people.  He was assassinated a short time afterwards by his own people because of his opposition to the teachings of Elijah Mohammed.  Today both Malcolm and Ali are highly venerated and considered great men of African-American history….

Diane Carroll, Diana Ross, Leona Horne, Josephine Baker, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Adam Clayton Powell, Julian Bond, Martin Luther King Jr. (yeah that’s right) blacks called M.L.K. Jr. a sellout and said that he wasn’t black enough too because he advocated a policy of turn the other cheek and peaceful resistance. Levar Burton (who played Kunta Kinte in Roots  ) because he is educated and articulates himself extremely well and is nothing in reality like the rebellious slave he portrayed in the film. The great Jack Johnson because he dated white women, Smokey Robinson because of his skin pigmentation, Jackie Robinson because he played on a white team and didn’t rebel against those who launched racists epithets  at him. O.J. Simpson because he dated white women and was the clean-cut image of blacks and the face of the Hertz TV commercials and the list goes on. None of these folks were considered black enough at one time or another…We can even look at current day  Russell Wilson ( quarter-back of the Seattle Seahawks ) being labeled not black enough by some of his own team mates.  Just plain stupidity and ignorance……..

Who are the real sell-outs?  Would that not be the black person who has accepted their place in society as one of subservience? What about the ones that sell drugs to their brothers and sisters? How  about the ones that always complain and refuses to challenge those that seek to keep them in a submissive role? What about the ones who father numerous black children and do nothing whatsoever to assist in their growth? How about the one that sells promises of a white skinned blue-eyed Messiah and God who will deliver them into the pearly white gates of heaven while they live in the lap of luxury and opulence…. Are these the folks that are considered black enough? I’m just asking???

Black people are very fickle minded and confused. There appears to be a complete dysfunction and disconnect with identity. They don’t know who the hell they are, who they wanna be or where they come from.. Today we have our younger generation identifying with the rappers who sell them on this image of gangsterism  and the thug life. What the heck is that? Gangster and thug life. I mean you have got to be completely absent of individuality and self-awareness to embrace such buffoonery and ignorance. Or how about this one, we come from kings and queens. Really?  But oh, let us explore and entertain this  notion for a moment. Let’s suppose that we are the descendants of great African kings and queens who ruled ancient empires and civilizations, were they not extremely well-educated and carried themselves with dignity, self-respect, valued principle, structure and law?  Wouldn’t the enormous responsibility of ruling and sustaining these empires require people of a high mental and spiritual fortitude? With that being the case should we not all aspire to be like them because they most definitely have to be considered black enough….Right? But did they not also practice slavery?…. But that’s ok,  we can still be like them because they were black rulers with slaves not white rulers……Hmmm…this requires a hand on the chin moment of contemplation…..

Wait a minute though, let’s just slow our roll. I mean come on, let’s get real people. Every black person can not be the descendant of kings and queens. You see, someone has to be just plain old regular common folk that are not from royalty and that would more than likely be you and I.  For someone to say that we descend from kings and queens means absolutely nothing. It has no bearing on who you are as a person and does not define nor assign any degree of royal status. At the end of the day you’re just another human being with a self-esteem problem…There has got to be an enormous void of self-identity when people start reaching for images of  greatness to give validation and credibility to their existence. Are these the self anointed ones who will proclaim what is and what isn’t black enough?

Then we also have those black people crying about the white man owes us reparations for slavery.  They gave it to the Jews and the Indians, why they don’t give it to us? Why don’t you get up off of your lazy, crying and complaining ass and go out and get it? The opportunities are there but it demands sacrifice, discipline and commitment. The problem with a lot of  black folks is this deep-seated mentality that has made them dependent on the white man for everything.  So much so that they rely on white America to define who is black and who isn’t…. Black is a Racial classification…..Plain and simple…

There is no such thing as black enough. You are what you want to be and it is not the pigmentation of ones skin or racial classification that defines that. It is the character of a person that is important. It is the principles which that person embraces and lives by. Your skin color means absolutely nothing to me as much as the body of your work does. You see, at the end of the day all of this nonsense is meaningless and contributes nothing of consequence to the bigger picture. I am a human being who just happens to be of African descent and I understand the history of that lineage both here and abroad. My pigmentation and African heritage is something that I am extremely proud of and grateful for. Whatever it is that I choose to do with my life is not solely predicated on either of the two nor does it negate them. Before I am anything else, I am a human being who wants to empower others to aspire to be successful because that is what speaks to the essence of my spirit and heart. That is the legacy I wish to leave and hold dearest, not the question of am I black enough.

I’ll say it again, What one does with one’s life speaks the loudest about one’s character. It is not the spoken words or the so-called requisite of blackness. Hey look, I get it. It’s a black thing but if you strip it down and look at the bare bones you’ll come to realize that it’s not a black thing and it’s nothing new. It’s something that’s probably existed on this earth since the dawn of human kind and unfortunately it just happens to be that time for black folk. .

Until we move beyond color classifications and the so-called definitions of race we are bound to continue to repeat this over and over again..

Now that is a human thing…….As for what is black enough goes well, there are just too many varieties and flavors of black… It can not be limited to a certain criteria because of its richness and diversity….It is of Africa and gives us a historically and culturally rich lineage. That is what makes having this dark pigmented skin so beautiful….

You can’t put black in a box…… It just don’t fit!!!

Now, is that black enough for ya?

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Written By: Alton T. De Veaux Jr.Africafifth

Junie B. (Break Me Off a Lil’ Someth’in)

Hey man, hey Mookie,  What’s go’in on my brother? How you been do’in man?

Hey Junie B, what’s happen’in brother? Man, where have you been? Damn it is good to see you…… Look’in real solid my brother……….Been pump’in a lil’ bit huh?

Yeah brother, you know how it is…..Man, I gotta tell ya Mookie, it is harder than a mama’s titty at minus fifty out here man. S–t, a  brother just can’t get himself broke off a lil’ piece of someth’in man.

Mookie glances down at his Timex and seems a little anxious like he’s got to get on about his business……

Hey Mookie, are you hear’in what I’m say’in,? Are you listening to what I’m putting down cause, whitey don’t give a s–t bout a brother these days baby. Never has and never will. Can’t seem to get my hustle goin man, can’t get my mojo up and roll’in brother cause the man got me so far down on the ground, I can’t even remember what blue sky looks like………Man my days have been noth’in but misty gray and the sun ain’t been shin’in on this brother.  Cause if it did, this here brother would be a few shades darker man and flow’in like a cool breeze. I can’t put my finger on it but I know someth’in is just not right man. I’m say’in it’s getting hard just trying to catch a breath of air. Brother’s getting all strung up and broke up. Hey man, dig it, help me out and break off a lil’ someth’in for a struggl’in brother……..

Man I can’t do nothing for ya brother, I’m try’in to get myself a lil’ someth’in broke off. Just try’in to keep my head above water man else I’d be drown’in.  You know a brother can’t swim to good as it is, so I’m just thread’in water man try’in to stay afloat. You know what I’m say’in?

Mookie’s getting a little more edgy and fidgety……Yeah brother, Right on-I feel you …….. Junie B continues, damn, can’t even stroll down the avenue man without these crazy ass pigs rolling up on a brother. Man, what is happen’in with all this harassment? Here I am minding my own business and they got me all jacked up like I’m some kinda criminal. Yeah me, Junie B….Cats just don’t know how a brother get tired of that s–t man and might just busta a cap off in they ass. Yeah, that’s what I’m  talk’in bout man, gots ta keep it real up in here man, might just go  gangster style on em. Just don’t know what time it is, you know what I’m say’in?

Mofo’s just don’t know, might just take a brother just a little  too far with that s–t. Make a brother start act’in all crazy and wanna go ballistic. Might just have to break my foot off up in they ass keep push’in me. Yeah, but you know Junie B ain’t no violent person cause if  I was, they be play’in the horns for these mofo’s. —-That’s right jack, be blowing out some Taps for them suckers round the the tombstones, full dress and 21 gun salute.— But like I said, Junie B ain’t about that violence man, know what I’m say’in?  Do ya feel me brother? Junie B is a ladies man jack……, Junie B’s about shov’in it and all the ladies be lov’in it. I got just what they want and then some. That’s right brother cause Junie B got it like that…..

Right on brother, I can dig it, solid!!! Watch out now, what’chu talk’in about. Give me some skin baby…. Slap,Slap yeah right on baby–right on….HeeHeeHee Whooo baby yeah.

Hey Junie B, I gotta get going man, else I’m gonna be late for work.

Hey hold it -hold it—Hey don’t go nowhere man, I gotta holla at this cat com’in round the corner. Yeah, wait a minute. I’ll be right back…

Hey Dukie, say man where you going? Hold up man, slow your roll brother and let me Junie Bee get a few ticks with you. Hey Mookie,  I’ll be right back.

Hey Dukie, what’s up brother? Damn homes, you are look’in fly. Man I gots to get into some of that. You are one genuine mack daddy. Man what kind of hustle you got going cause this here brother needs to catch a break. Know what I’m say’in. Let me put something in your ear man. Yeah, come on man I gotta get right man. What ya got brother? Hold it, hold it. Hey—Mookie!! Hey man, I’m gonna catch you on the rebound brother, I gotta school my main man Dukie here on a few issues of the current grapevine.. Gotta get broke off a lil’ someth’in. You know what I’m saying?

Mookie dashes off in a hurry trying to get to the bus just as it turns the corner. Thankful that he wasn’t delayed any longer by Junie B’s rhetoric.

Hey Dukie, check this out brother, I know you doing real good man cause you dress’in to the nines and smell’in like you just walked through the valley of sweetness.  — Look man, I just need to you to let me hold a lil’ someth’in til I get back on my feet. Just til I get my hustle back on man.. I’m good for it brother, you know that. Look man, how long have we known each other?

Man since kindergarten brother but I just don’t have it to give Junie B… You know if I had it, I’d lay it on you man but I just— Hold up Dukie—-Hold that thought….

Oh– My– God, Lord Have Mercy…..would you just look at that…. Mmm-Mmm-Mmmph—Damn that is one fine ass sister over there.  Who is that????  Hold it,wait a minute, is that Honey Mae?                 Yeah man that’s Honey Mae Lewis.                                                                    Man, last time I seen her was in  High school just before I caught that bid.  Damn she sure has blossomed and filled out all over.  Man oh man, that woman sure know how to make that booty shake.   Good Lord Damn shake it baby—shake that money-maker Honey.

Hey Dukie, I’ll be right back I feel a buzz com’in on and I got my stinger ready brother. Hey Honey, Hey, hold up now girl and let Junie B. have a sip of that honey drip…BzzzBzzBzzzz….Come on now baby, let old Junie B talk to ya for a few ticks. I just need you to break me off a lil’ someth’in…..

The elimination system of human body is according to different regions and climates where they cost low viagra live and our private parts are also a number of natural libido enhancers available in the markets, which mainly concentrate on the taste and the texture. Generally speaking, low sperm motility and necrospermia are two of the important causes of male dysfunction include:- Narrowing of Blood Vessels- High Blood Pressure, Cholestrol and Diabetes result in narrowed blood vessels. cialis generika commander cialis But it can be assured that if they have any sex related problems it must be treated immediately because it may worsen if left untreated. Since you lose your ability to attain considerable erection, perform cheap 100mg viagra sex well and satisfy your partner. Honey Mae abruptly comes to a stop, places one hand on her hip with the other holding her purse, swerves her body around with all the grace and elegance of a  beautiful ballerina and directs her gaze at Junie B .  With her head slightly tilted to one side and one eyebrow raised she parts her sweet rose painted lips with words for Junie B. You ain’t never gonna sip from this honey drip fool and besides, your trifl’en ass ain’t got nothing for me. What you need to do is go get a job and get off of that corner.  You ain’t got the money to be tasting this here honey. And with that said, Honey Mae cocks her head in the air, turns in the other direction to continue on her way without missing a beat.

Dukie yells out to her as she strolls down the avenue,  bye Miss Honey Mae and begins to chuckle.. Damn, brother she sure put it on you man, damn. Junie B feeling his manhood and ego a little bit damaged looks at Dukie, collects himself then yells back at Honey Mae, why you want to go and treat a brother like that?—- I wasn’t interested in your old ugly stank behind anyway. I was just trying to make a sister feel good. Ought to be thankful that a brother even give you the time of day.

Junie B then looks at Dukie, damn she one fine ass sister and what she talk’in about get a job? Junie B ain’t about to hold down some nine to five working for whitey only to get some pennies. Job, man don’t she know that I am a player brother? The ultimate hustler and why you got to go being all nice and s–t talk’in bout bye Miss Honey Mae? You cramp’in my style with that Gomer Pyle s–t man..

Dukie then glances at Junie B with a little grin and with a shake of his head says, Man I gotta get to stepp’in brother, I’ll catch you later. I told my girl that I would pick her up some milk and eggs from the corner grocery store man. And as he begins to turn and walk away the words ring out through the air once again, hey brother, break me off a lil’ someth’in?

Does this have a familiar ring to it?

Most likely it probably resonates with the majority of us because we all have known a Mookie, a Dukie and of course a Junie B… They may have been a brother, an uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and heck, even a father. They were just a few of those characters in our neighborhood that we have come to love and know so well. Embraced by some and vilified by others but nonetheless they were and are a part of Black America back in the day. They remind us of a beautiful time of retrospect and rhetorical jive. A time when we were a people who were coming into relevance, recognition, Black pride and Black Power.. These characters were just a few during a period of racial strife and inequality when we were empowered and inspired by the Black Power movement. A period when we as Black people shared a common respect and appreciation for one another which somehow has been eviscerated over the generations. A time when we lifted each other up as opposed to tearing each  other down.

This ring however has become much too familiar and lends itself to some of the negative stigma that continues to envelope and handicap our people today.. Almost every one of us can identify with it but today it has lost it’s luster.

Today we still have the Mookies, The Dukie’s and the Junie B’s. The only difference is that these brothers today don’t have any direction, honor, or self-respect whatsoever. Today these brothers are dropping out of school, joining street gangs, dis-respecting our woman and elders as well as murdering each other on the streets of urban America. We don’t respect each other and consequently, no one respects us.

Just as we can identify with this, the rest of America and the world sees it also. Simply put, this scenario, these images are what is played out to the millions of people every single day and we have got to change it. We must take an honest look at ourselves, get back to the basics and try to reclaim that sense of urgency, pride and empowerment. We are so much better than what we see and what we are producing. We are the trend setters of the world and if you don’t believe this just listen and look at other folk around you.  Who are they talking like? Who are they dressing like? Who are they dancing like?  Who are they trying to look like? Who do you think they get their swag from?  Just take a moment to look and listen. The fist bumps, the hey bro and hug when they greet each other, the walk and the vernacular just to name a few.

Yes, they will embrace everything that we are except us. So why is it that we do not embrace and love who we are and recognize the powerful and undeniable influence we possess. We have been duped into disliking ourselves and one another by our counterparts while they attempt to take ownership of  everything that we have introduced from our culture. I remember when we were ridiculed and mocked by them for the way we talked, the way we dressed, the way we danced, the high fives and the manner in which we greeted one another. Yet today I see how much we are copied and also sadly to point where they refer to one another with the N-word. It would not surprise me if they eventually laid claimed to it since we have desensitized it’s true meaning and made it trendy.

We need to invoke a powerful and positive trend towards being the masters of our destiny as individuals and a people. This will evoke a rejuvenated people of pride and dignity who will bring forth a more admirable and more ambitious generations of Mookie’s, Dukie”s and Junie B’s that the world will have to reckon with.

We don’t need to be like Junie B always asking  to be broke off a lil’ someth’in. Some of us are looking for the white man to break off a lil’ something like (reparations). I say we need to break off a lil’ education, break off a lil’ knowledge, break off a lil’ self-love, break off a lil’ self-respect, break off a lil’ self-awareness, break off a lil’ empowerment, break off a lil’ courage and determination.

And once we have done this, then my brother’s and sister’s let us break off a lil’ someth’in.

How about we break off a lil’ bit of America!!!

Now that’s what I’m talk’in about!!!!

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Written By: Al DeVeaux Jr.

Are You A Black Man

The above title is a question that was directed towards me one day so I decided to share its premise with you.

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So I’m on one of the social networks one day engaged in a conversation with another brother who felt very strongly that Black folks should get reparations. Initially the topic of conversation was in reference to the 507 Billion Dollars that Black folks pump into the economy annually but somehow got steered towards reparations. This is a topic that has been debated for some time and was also presented before congress in 1989.
 

 

This particular brothers reasoning for wanting reparations was for the simple fact that he felt  that Black folks of today should receive compensation for the years of free labor America had siphoned off the backs of slaves to build this country.  Now don’t get me wrong. I feel America owes an insurmountable debt to our people for the atrocities our ancestors have experience from the oppressive and murderous hands of white slave owners too. However, I definitely do not understand how putting large sums of cash in the hands of people is going to rectify the issue. The amount he thought would be appropriate was about one million dollars to be distributed to Black families. Somehow this would give us Black folks a share in the wealth and I guess sort of balance things out. So I asked him if he was advocating that every Black person or household be given the sum of one million dollars to level the playing field so to speak. Personally, I felt that it would be useless for the simple fact that the money would be squandered and would go right back into the hands of the ones who provided it. His response was as follows ( I have never, nor the majority had a million. It’s a chance and a mercy. We deserve it and would at a minimum accept that as repentance for the harm caused by slavery in the hope that we could move on with some sense of normalcy ). He further went on to say that ( I am saying that this could be a viable option to finding a solution that could stop the wholesale murder of our people. If you choose to view it as a share of the wealth I can accept that. I believe that it is a small portion of what is due ).

I was amazed and just a little perplexed at this brothers reasoning. I mean he couldn’t really be serious, or could he?
I responded to the brother as follows (With all due respect brother, that is ridiculous. The money will do absolutely nothing. It will never be enough !!)  Evidently I must have really pissed the brother off because he started to become real indignant and began to call into question my Blackness. Man, I gotta say that it’s just like some qwerty board revolutionary to become insulting and disrespectful when you don’t agree with their position.

What in the world are the majority of Black folks going to do with one million dollars besides, piss it away. Most don’t have the slightest clue as to how to manage the little that they do have and besides once uncle Sam takes his share you’ll have a lot less than that. They know absolutely nothing about investments or cash management. Hell, most can’t even manage their lives. Now I don’t say this to be insulting, I’m just speaking the truth. If any person lacks the ability to manage their household, they most definitely aren’t ready for prime time..

I was asked, are you a Black man and what suggestions did I have. Well, I simply responded to the brother that I am the kind of Black man who is not begging the white man for some money. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme.. Oops, he didn’t take that response to well at all. The next thing I knew, the brother had blocked and un-followed me.  Now, these are the type of brothers who are continuously claiming that we need to come together and stop fighting with one another but are quick to drop an insult on you when you disagree with them. The type of brothers that are always saying how down they are for the cause but are the first ones to haul ass and leaving you hanging. You know the type I’m referring to. Black when it’s right and out of sight when it’s time to fight.. You can spot them anywhere, because they’re always talking about how the white man is holding them down. The white man has his foot on their throat and they can’t breathe. So forth and so on…

Well damn brother, you need to get a little bit of a fight in you and tell him to raise the heck up and if he doesn’t, remove that foot and get him up off of you. But no, that’s a little bit to difficult for you because it requires some heart and hard work. It  is much easier for you to just complain about it rather than do something about it. But you are all ready to pump your chest out to lead the charge and be the cheer leader for reparations as long as no one challenges you. Apparently when you are challenged to a mature, intelligent and constructive conversation you tend to get unnerved and take your pom poms and go home. Now, with all that said I still will not question his Blackness but I will call into question his heart as well as his agenda.

With all due respect, ( can I say that after such a brutal but truthful lashing) oh well, this Black man will not require your services at all because I am not that kind of Black man.  You see, I am the kind of Black man who has come from the inner city roach and mice infested projects, dropped out of high school and has experienced the perilous journey of life through drug addiction, self-doubt and much self-inflicted pain. The Black man who decided to choose life over death one night while contemplating suicide. The Black man who sought help from others because  I wanted so desperately to turn a life spiraling out of control around. The kind of Black man who rose up,  fell and then rose again. You see, I know what it is like to do without and having to stretch that coin in order to make ends meet. I am extremely familiar with sacrifice and having to work with a steadfast determination to be successful. Yes, I am the kind of Black man who has payed his dues, who has made mistakes in his life but holds no one else accountable for them but myself. I am the kind of Black man who today has his own company which was built from the ground up. Yes and didn’t beg the white man for a damn thing.  Yes I am the kind of Black man who is self-educated and a proud father and husband who has unparalleled love and devotion. The road has not been an easy one but it has been a road nevertheless that was manageable and success realized through prayer, determination, dedication, discipline and diligence. I committed myself to the process and continued to press on and press through.

I am the kind of Black man whose African lineage can be traced back five generations to the proud Akan people of Ghana and the Temne people of Sierra Leone. Yes, I am a direct descendant of Africans who were sold into Slavery in the 1800’s who endured a life of painful subjugation and upon gaining their freedom went on to build meaningful and successful lives. I can say with enormous admiration and humility that I am the kind of Black man whose ancestors were a proud African people who endured a hardship that I would never know during a period of extreme racial divide and violence  but were able to construct a  respectable legacy from hard work, education and devotion to family in the process.

Part of this legacy can be found in the book “African-Americans of Lower Richland County”.   So as a 5th generation African-American and a direct descendant of Slaves who rose up and triumphed over the most extreme adversarial period, I am the kind of Black man who has risen up and was also triumphant over adversity as well, but my hardships will never parallel theirs.

In closing I want to emphasize how we should refrain from criticism of one another and attempt to be more understanding and respectful. We need to practice the reservation of judgement especially when we are not in the least familiar with the other person or their life. We can of course express our sentiments about the comments made but should definitely refrain from personal attacks.  Some of you who read this may or may not agree which is understandable, but at least you have some food for thought… Peace and Blessings

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Written by: Al DeVeaux Jr.