Saturday, April 28, 2007

A Day That Brought Me Up...And Made Me Whole.

Today, I went out on my lawn and look toward the Heavens and stood silently, listening to the wind pass my ears. I then closed my eyes and began to cry. Why? Because, I felt so blessed. At that precise moment; I felt God's arms around me and felt this big hug from Him. The next moment, I felt as though I was gliding through the clouds looking down at myself standing there on the lawn, in suspended animation as all this was going on. Wow...what a day I was having.

Just for that moment, in my llife...I felt extemely happy. In the past two weeks, I felt down in spirit, low, just completely in a void of emptiness. Then, my daughter India, sent me a letter through the mail. it said, " Daddy, I just wanted to say I love you and that I thank you for being my Dad. You have been the greatest Dad to me in my life and I hope that you never leave me. I am looking for us to have enjoy grandmom's birthday together and let's all be happy". I couldn't move and was spelled bound. I mean, I see her every day and we talk all the time but to get a letter in the mail like that...wow! nothing...I mean, nothing, could have given me the strength that I needed and desired. The my other daughter (Bianca) came to me after her job and got out of her VW van and gave me the biggest hug and kiss for no reason and then said, "I'm off to school to check on something and I will see you later...I love you Daddy". and then she left...just like that! As I walked into the house, I got a phone call and it was my son (Gene, III) and he said " Hey Dad, what's you doing? I just wanted to hola and check on you. You good? ok...love you man!".

What man could have asked for anything more than to have his children just show him some love and express it the way they did that day. It was strange, for all three things happened right after the other, in a span of 35 minutes. No matter what happens in my life from this day forth; I will always remember that day and the way...God...gave me the biggest hug and let love be shown from my children, in the way it was. I am refreshed, recharged and standing tall...all because, love had it's way with me...from those that came from Him through me (and my beloved late wife-Isabelle)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Kingdom Has Come...To An End...



The greatest player in the history of the NBA and the most celebrated union is about to close. Michael "His Airness" Jordan, (from here on be known as the King) will desolve his marriage with Juanita Jordan (from here on known as the Queen) due to "irreconcilable differences". Papers were file with the Lake County Circuit Court this year. The Queen, filed for divorce back in January of 2002 but withdrew her petition a month later, with the hope of restructuring their union. The two said that attempts to reconcile their marriage had failed and future reconciliation "would be empractical and not in the best interest of the family."

Juanita Jordan, formerly known as Juanita Vanoy (birthname) and Michael met at a Chicago restaurant back in his second season of the NBA in 1982 and were married on September 2, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This 17-year marriage had done well in keeping their private lives secured and out of tabloid memoirs, until a women in the state of Illinois (Karla Knafel) claimed that "His Airness" was the father of her soon to be baby. Michael in turn made payments and restitution to the female in the amount of $25,000.00 thousand dollars in hoping that this would keep, this sort of publicity hush and out of the news. The female later (after spending the sum given) requested additional funding in the amount of $5.million dollars (upon an agreement that Jordan and she had when he retired) and soon, it was released to the world of the Kings indiscrestion. With further investigation into the matter, it was found that the female's baby was not the Kings! But still, it was known that there was a sexual affair involved ( 3 years) and had been continuous for some time.

Juanita Vanoy Jordan, was quite a lady during the early years of their marriage, dealing with the barrage of publicity, traveling and mass media coverage of one of the worlds greatest icons. It takes a remarkable woman to be able to maintain a house hold, raise children and be a superwoman, to such an icon of the sports and entertainment industry. We know not of their private interactions, nor dissagreements or everyday dealings. But being estimated at a worth of 408 million dollars, it is such a tradgic ending, to a story-book affair. The Queen is estimated in receiving a least 200 million of the kingdom, as well as, have the custody of the children. They will share joint custody of the three children that are at the ages of 18, 16 and 14. Two of the children (Jeffery and Marcus) are student-athletes on the same high school basketball team that was premired on ESPN2 this past year. The other child is a lovely female named Jasmine.


I knew the Jordan's in their early stages (before marriage) and found Juanta to be just the right person for Micheal, due to her sincerity, concern and love for him, as a person first. I am deeply saddened about this news because, with the divorce rate rising ever so high in this new millenium, and the need for Black families to uphold their bond and structure, the only people that are truly most affected, are the children. It shows that even the "greatest of them all" are fallible and human.


I will, as I wish all of you to do, is keep them in your prayers and hope that all will be well in this transition...but I am sure, that for Juanita Vanoy Jordan...200 million reasons, will soothe some of the damage and departure.


Imus..Was Not Alone...



Now that the storm of the sexist and racist comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team has opened a major dialogue for all everyone to take notice. The culprit has been sentenced and dealt a punishment that has ruptured his image (hmmm) his pocketbook (just a mill or two) and his career. Don Imus, even though made comments that have been heard "around the world" by now, was not acting alone. The center piece is Imus, but two others, played a significant roles as well.

Sidney Rosenberg, known more as "Sid", also made comments that were
damaging and degrading. He too made spoke words that struck on sexism and racism such as "They look like the Toronto Raptors!"(the Toronto Raptors are an NBA pro team predominately made up of African-Americans) Sid Rosenberg appears on Imus' WFAN radio show once a week and has a history of making many derogatory comments about people, groups and races. Being that Sid is Jewish, he should well know, that this should be a manner that he, should not be engaging and should be sensitive in commenting on. In further looking at the academia side of the equation, Sid attended and dropped out of the University of Miami in 1984, enrolled into Brooklyn College and then immediately dropped out of there in 1985. The Rutgers women are on coarse studying and besides participating in high level athletics, are on direction of obtaining their degrees, without dropping out. Ahh...but let me make note, he did get his associates degree from Kingsborough Community College in 1990 and then his bachelor's degree in business from Baruch College in 1992.

Bernard McGuirk, who is the executive producer of the show, played a role as the antagonist of this topic that was aired and heard. He even went as far to make a reference in his comments to Spike Lee's movie "School Daze" of saying "jigaboo's and wannabees". But it was he, that started out with the words and sayings of "Hardcore Ho's". Mr. McGuirk is married with 2 children...hmmmm...interesting?

Neither of these men have felt the wrath that came upon Imus, but they too, should be held accountable, the same as Don Imus. So. they'll escape from this, except for being associated and go back to their daily comings and goings. Sid will be on another talk radio station, spewing out the same negativism and did I say he was Jewish? Ok... and Bernard McGuirk is still executive producer of the WFAN radio sports segment, continuing on with his right-wing rhetoric and siting at home later in the evening, having a glass of milk with his two children being a good American.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Crossing the line...against (young black women of Rutgers University)


Now that the jury is out and a man spoke words the revited through the globe. We now must understand what is tolerated and what needs to be terminated. Don Imus, radio talk-show host of MSNBC and CBS radio, has finally bullied the wrong person or group. The Rutgers Lady Knights of Rutgers University. While finishing a wonderful season with a lost to newly crowned NCAA champion Tennesse Lady Vols, the Rutgers ladies had not unpacked their bags quick enough when Don Imus, made the infamous comment of "nappy heade ho's" refering to the lady Knights out of New Jersey. What made it so damaging is the fact that it was done on public radio listened by many and each adn every word was recorded and played throughout the nation. Why? Well, Don Imus has made his mark in maiking brash and ugly comments about people and guest and has been accepted by many viewers as a significant radio personality. The ladies of the Rutgers basketball team (predominately black) worked extremely hard in their preparation for the season that was without expectation of making it as far as they did-to the NCAA championship game. Don Imus, continue on with his triade of comments that were clearly on the spectrum of sexist and racist, toward the student-athletes. I still am appauld and shocked at the nature adn timing of such comments. And I am truly amazed at the different responses that have been given from blacks ...and whites. They were clearly out of line, arrogant and ignorant in manner. This goes to show you that our society has accepted this type of behavior and allowed it to fester and grow. But, wait an minute! Don Imus, who is white, shouldn't be the only one that should be reprimanded. Our own black brothers (Rappers), have been calling our women nappy headed ho's, scanks, bitches and what have you and gotten away wit hit ten-times over. The matter is due to this being heard over the airwaves, but wait?...are Rappers heard over the airwaves as well? Ok..Ok...let's stay on the topic of Imus cause he is well compensated for his career and been in this business to know, there are some lines that you don't cross and touch. He touches them all...but women! Now, that is one that can cause a major uproar...which it has so much that American Express and General Motors has pulled out their ads and others are to be followed. Joking or in jest, was not an appropriate manner in this case adn being that he was a well-known commodity in radio, he should have had sense enough to know that this was one issue that wasn't going to be not dealt with.


Rev. Al Sharpton, whom I have issues on the Tawana Brawley case, has allied pressure and stood up to counter back at Imus. I am not a big fan of Sharpton, but I do applaud him for standing up.


Even "Baby-Daddy" Rev. Jesse Jackson has made all out efforts, in protesting this fowl manner of expression by Imus...and that too , I applaud.


let's get to the point! These young ladies are student-athletes, but STILL women! They were representing their university, community and family in front of millions of viewers and did so, with galent effort, grit and character. They didn't warrant this manner of comments nor should those comments been made especially if you heard the recordings of the braodcast by Imus and friend. Just totally ignornat, stupid and arrogant. But that seems to be the tolerant level of our society today. But it is clearly exposed, in it's text, to be racist due to the "nappy head ho's" comment.


Should Don Imus be fired? Without a doubt...Yes!

Should he aplolgize? He has but, if I were Imus (which I am not) I would have seeked out the Rutgers team the very next day and met with them pesonally and given the apology face-to-face and THEN, come up with an idea of working together in aiding other young ladies, either at Rutgers or in a community environment monetarily in support of further casues...if he was sincere in his apology. But he dropped the ball and allowed this things to reach a height that I don't think he, would have thought would have reached.


Now, we have black men having different perspectives and different comments about this matter. But I am sure that what Don Imus did, will surly be rectified and he will be released or fired...I bet my life on it. The matter is not all black and white...it's green! With this sudden storm, it is likely that many of the sponsors will pull thieir ads and not want to be involved with MCNBC and CBS with Imus at the helm of this particular show. His face is going to have to take a hiatus from the airwaves and company of MSNBC and CBS because they believe in morality (yeah right!)


Let me say this...Women, are a true gift to us men and we are to protect them from these type of abuses nor perpetuate them. Those young ladies didn't deserve that kind of assesment of their anatomy or person. And clearly, not from a man's perspective and also not from a white-males perspective with a M.O. such as Don Imus. But we too, must not let up on the fight cause our own brothers (in the hood) and Rappers are calling our women derogatory names day in and day out...so let us not forget that! It should not be tolerated, fester or allowed, by NO ONE!

Those "nappy headed ho's" are college students striving for excellence, with enough discrimmination, abuse and sexism upon them to fight...let alone adding this from Mr. Don Imus!


Is Cleopatra, Esther, Tubman and Parks a Ho? For they have given to this society (and world) a great deal of illustration of courage, strength and fortitude...that many men couldn't muster in one finger on their hands.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

No More Cameras...Aftermat of The Duke Lacrosse Saga


I was in Durham, NC and visited my alma mater (Duke) and took in a lacrosse game. I gazed across the field and suddenly faded in thought, to the specticle of the Duke Lacrosse situation that some months ago, engulfed this region of the Tar Heel state. But my thoughts didn't venture into the developments of the case, in which has moved further into getting acquitals for the "privilege three boys of blue" or the victim getting her college tution fully paid (Rev. JEsse Jackson's plea) and stop stripping. But it turned to the aftermat of the durham community and what this case has exposed, woke up and made all people take notice-privileged and unprivileged. I remembered watching CNN, MSNBC, Larry King Live and Court T.V; show scores of community leaders (black) standing on the front lawn of the house, in which the alleged incident took place, shouting support for the victim and wanting justice. I was amzed by the hundreds of supporters standing up and out in full media view of not just the state or nation, but the globe. I was dismayed that this action had taken place at the school in which I spent 1, 460 days of my life, while obtaining more life training skills. Then I ventured into finding out more. Like, the crime rate in Durham (which is very high), the educational scores and ratings of the schools (which is very suspect and poor). Unemployment and race relations and then ...gangs. Yes, gangs are have taken some control of the "Bull City" at a rate that has instilled not just fear in neighboring communities, but high priority and concern. So I thought, "why aren't those same people and groups (Affairs of Black People) that stood in the front of that house of the accused, raise the same voices and anger, at the matters that I stated earlier? Ministers, district leaders, activist, etc; all jumped with their support before gaining all the facts and getting all the details of the situation. Most of the information that was giving out (or leaked) seem to have come from Durham prosecutor Mike Nifong. Being that an election was right around the corner (May 2, 2006), I am sure that Nifong had an agenda to make this his strong statement of "getting justice" and making the non-privileged see that he was for them against the privileged (Duke) Nifong was going to take on Rome with his septure and cap, wthout having the truth and facts stand along with him. What is the truth of this scenerio? Who truly knows what really went on at 610 North Buchanan Boulevard except for the girls, players and those in attendance? While the case was being built by Nifong with duck tape, mirrors and a staple gun, the rest of Durham was STILL in chaos with gangs, declining educational system and unemployment. There were (and still aren't) any ministers or groups, holding press conferences or marches for those matters that seemed dire strait. The Rev. Jesse Jackson strongly committed to supporting the alleged victim in her educational financial responsibilities, but didn't open to commit to other young ladies that need educational support and resources in Durham, that are not stripping or going door to door "dropping it like it's hot" at $400 dollars a piece. I am upset, puzzled and deeply saddened because, now the circus has "left the building" and more of the truth of the scenerio is coming out. The one's that were in the presences of the news cameras are no where to be found all of a sudden! And even more, have become completely silent, since it has been told of Nifong's mismanagement in handling this case. Nifong is now on trial for his behavior, conduct and manner of ethics of the handling of this case. . Let me make this perfrectly clear, if those young lads did what was said they did, they should be burned at the stakes, ridiculed and for a length of time, be labeled. But it is clearly being exposed that there was less likely a chance of a rape, than what Nifong tried to prosecute them on.


Raping some one is a major offense to anyone's being, especially a young lady in her early adulthood. This is not a race issue, that is a moral issue. Several indicments have been dropped recently and more facts are coming out of the supposivebly victims character and actions of that night. Even Duke's admiinistration and President dropped the ball in quickly expeling the three young men before the trial took full affect. But I am not on that topic...I am only expressing, that Durham has many major issues that need tending to immediately and since CNN, MCNBC and Larry King Live don't feel that those issues aren't news worthy, it sure is community worthy of getting resolutions and complete attention and action.


Captain Seligman and his three commadants, should be given the benefit to have all the facts presented and accounted for before sentencing and given the overzealous guilty charge. The trial is still in the pre-stages and there is likely not going to be a trial.


Duke Lacosse is back (after a one-year hiatus), Nifong is awaiting his own trial for his mismanagement and the alleged victim...has left the building