We...Our Own Worst Enemy...

I was flipping thru the newspaper (Greensboro News & Record and USA Today) the other day and came across an article on a new but old system of our demise. In this article it stated that the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson (I guess we can call them Reverands) made some interesting comments about Barrack Obama that showed me that we still....are our own worst enemies. Rev. Al mentioned that he didn't really know Obama and the Rev. Jackson, that the jury is still out. Hmmmmmmmmm...so, these two, that I have/had great respect for, throw another wrench in the pot when it comes to the "crab in the basket" syndrome. Because Obama didn't seek or was groomed by them and that people cannot say that he is a student of their tutiledge, they are not supporting or praising Obama. He has the mast majority of people in America impressed with his manner, dignity and grace. Because he didn't come up in the "civil rights movement" so to speak, he seems, as they are saying, a distance "Black Man". Obama is a refreshing breath of air and even American Whites, Hispanics, others, are not threatened by his rhetoric. He has not shyed away from his blackness in fact, he has embraced it as much as going back to Africa and tracing his roots, which many of us have not, could not or will not do. When was the last time Jesse or Al took a trip to trace theirs? Oh..I see Rev. Al on Saturday Night Live, MSNBC, Late Night, etc. Also see Jesse at major sporting events, controversies (Duke Lacrosse) and other situations. But I haven't seen them getting to the stoppage on Homelessness, Health Care for the poor, Inner-city gang violence, etc. They talk a good game but haven't really made any dents. But they have statements to make on the fact that Obama hasn't really be groomed or in "their" circle or teachings. Wow, Rev. Al with his closet full of skeletons (Tawana Brawley) and Rev. Jesse (or should we say, out-of-wedlock-Daddy Jesse)

This is the very same reason why we, as blacks, cannot further our strengths in today's market of politics, economics, etc. Because Obama hasn't gone to them to "kiss their rings" (like in Godfather fashion) they seem to feel slighted or feel as though he isn't "allowed" to be the answer to the black plight in Amercia or have the inner fortitude to run this America. He has the tools that many see as qualified and his qualification is far above any that George W. had when he was in the political arena. George W. as we know, was "silver spooned" into the white house, had corruption support (Florida vote) to make it official and we only got only a slight mudder from the two Revs and then they backed off.

So here we are again, with a divided house and a divided foundation to the future of our "Black Community Leaders" as well as the Democratic Party. I am sure that Rev. Al and Rev. Jackson are trying to make the right decision on who to support in this upcoming election being that Hillary is the counter party runner for the seat of the Democrats. Thanks roughly to "Intern Bill" Clinton (whom I still like) Hillary has support and questions, from the black community for her election chances. But the chances are great now due to George W. idiotic and incompatant manner of running this country. But hey, he is "our" president and thats what we have. Even I am in a 50/50 mood with casting my vote for either Hillary or Obama due to the fact that I wish to listen to more of his factual goals, visions and missions, for this America. I am impressed thus far and I am sure that I will be more impressed. What I am not, is the manner of the two Reverands attitudes and comments, due to Obama not "kissing their rings" so to speak.

African-Amerians can be (and are) so powerful in many arenas, but we still have ways to go into knowing that a house divided, will not stand...which has been the case, over centuries. Don't just vote for the man because he is Black! Vote for him cause he's qualified, dignified and has a plan for ALL people ...in America.

My Son, The Creator...

My Son, Gene, Jr. has a creative skill in designing and making colorful business cards and I must say, I am truly impressed with his talent and quality of work. I am proud of him in excersising this craft and executing it in a profitable manner. This is a talent that he has groomed for some time and I must say...he has gotten raves reviews. If any of you would like to have him create, design and make business, personal or company cards, please make your request to me either on this blog or via email, telephone or postal request. The cost is extremely reasonable and lower than the competitve market The the time of recieving your cards is rapid.

Gene, Jr. whom I am surly proud of in many ways as well, desires to take this skill to the highest level of creativity. He already has many artists, models and companies vying for his services. He has not had one dissatisfied customer. I know that I am more than plesaed with the quality and design of my cards and the cards of his sister India's (both shown above)

So, give a shot, make a drop and get your cards from the seed of my seed. The sooner you respond, the sooner your design, work and recieving of the cards will be.

Black History Month Programming-Must See...

This list is a little overwhelming all in one month, but this happens every year. Watch what you can and recommend those programs that are particularly good. NBC Feb. 20: "Little Richard." NBC original movie stars Leon, Garrett Morris and Carl Lumbly in a biographical account of the rock 'n'roll icon. Robert Townsend directs! PBS Feb. 16: "Great Performances" presents "Aida's Brothers andSisters: Black Voices in Opera." Documentary salutes AfricanAmerican opera stars, including Sissieretta Jones, an ex-slave who performed for four U.S. Presidents. Feb. 16: "Nadro." Documentary about the African artist. Feb. 17: "Ellis Marsalis: Jazz is Spoken Here." This special profiles jazz great Wynton's father, who also happens to be a pianist, teacher and role model. Feb. 18: "I'll Make Me a World: A Century of African-American Arts." Parts 3 and 4 take a look at racial barriers being broken. Feb. 20: Independent Lens (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET)"Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes"This film takes an in-depth look at machismo in rap music and hip-hop culture ­ where creative genius, poetic beauty and mad beats collide with misogyny, violence and homophobia. By Byron Hurt http://www.pbs.org/independentlensFeb'>http://www.pbs.org/independentlens">http://www.pbs.org/independentlens Feb. 21: "A Walk through Harlem with David Hartman andHistorian Barry Lewis." An exploration of New York's mostfamous neighborhood. Feb. 21: Ralph Ellison's "King of the Bingo Game." A dramaticadaptation of Ellison's short story. Feb. 23: "Black Women On: The Light, Dark Thang." Thisdocumentary explores racial prejudice in the Black communityfrom the female perspective. Feb. 24: "Great Performances" presents "Dance in America:A Hymn for Alvin Ailey." Dancer/choreographer Judith Jamisonand performance artist Anna Deavere Smith. Feb. 25: "I'll Make Me a World: A Century of African-AmericanArts." The last two parts profile African-American artists from the1960s to the present. Feb. 27: "All God's Children." A documentary on the alienation of the gay community. Feb. 27: The Kennedy Center Presents: "A Tribute to Muddy Waters, King of the Blues." Billy Dee Williams hosts; Bo Diddley, Phoebe Snow, Peter Wolf and others. Feb. 28: "The America Experience" presents "John Brown's Holy War." Joe Morton narrates this documentary aboutBrown's crusade against slavery.

Why (Some) Athletes Shouldn't Have REAL Jobs...

1. Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson on being a role model: "I wan' all dem kids to do what I do, to look up to me. I wan' all the kids to copulate me." 2. New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first." 3. And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the 'Skins say: "I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl, Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I'd run over Joe's Mom, too." 4. Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings." 5. Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann, 1996: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." 6. Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh : "I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes." (now that is beautiful) 7 Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach: "You guys line up alphabetically by height." And, "You guys pair up in groups of three, and then line up in a circle." 8 Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson going to prison: "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton ." 9. Stu Grimson, Chicago Blackhawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker: "That's so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my clothes." 10. Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of heavyweight Andrew Golota: "He's a guy who gets up at six o'clock in the morning regardless of what time it is." 11. Chuck Nevitt, North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice: "My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt." (I wonder if his IQ ever hit room temperature in January) 12. Frank Layden, Utah Jazz president, on a former player: "I told him, 'Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said, "Coach, I don't know and I don't care." 13. Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D: "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject." 14. Amarillo High School and Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded: "Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye."

There Was More To Miami...Then The Super Bowl.

By now everyone knows the Super Bowl has the first ever, not one, but two black coaches. The half time Show has a Black Star accompanied by the best Black College Band in the World. What's not being mentioned is the Super Bowl is not actually being played in Miami. The stadium is located in the heart of Miami Gardens, South Florida's first newly incorporated city of African American middle to upper class professionals.To top that off, the city not only has an African American Female mayor, but African American Police Chief, City Attorney, City Clerk and the entire City council. So my Brothas and Sisters spread the word . As we watch the big game this day we will truly be ":Representing". City Profile The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of 105,457, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County (after Miami and Hialeah). The City is located in North-Central region of the county, mid-way between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and is easily accessed by I-95, the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and the Florida Turnpike. The city comprises approximately 20 square miles. Miami Gardens is home to Dolphin Stadium (used by the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins) and Calder Race Track. It has vibrant commercial corridors along the Palmetto Expressway (serving as the central shopping district for the furniture trade) and along U.S. 441 (serving the automobile trade). The city has rail access through the Florida East Coast Railway and the South Florida Tri-Rail System. Community Profile Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. Population: 105,414 (2004 estimate)African-American: 79% Hispanic: 16% Anglo: 4%Note: Multiple categories preclude 100% total.Households: 29,262

Being Ever So Proud...

I wish to take this moment to express something that is deep and dear to my heart. With all the negativism about children, youth and young adults today. I must express with the highest level of pride, and that is, how much I am so proud of my children. With most of them away from home and structuring their own families and lives (but still keep intact) The two I am speaking highly of at this point are my little princess, India Lavone and Bianca Cornelia Banks. Why? well, When our lives were turned upside down and every which way, after the death of their mother (Isabelle Johnson-Banks) There was no strength that I could turn to but them (and God) Yes, God was there every step of the way. These two were soldiers and warriors through this difficult time. It was their love, hugs, care and constant "I love you daddy" that gave me the strength to carry on. I have never been a quiter but I was tested beyong all limits and became numb to this life here on earth, during this time. But each time I saw their little faces and their smiles knowing that they were so happy to see me and feeling their strong hugs and kisses, gave me that assurance that I HAD to be strong, resiliant and be a true man and father. Since the death, I have been blessed with seeing the two of them do many outstanding things- Sing in the school chorus, play varsity basketball, play the piano in recitals, learn to drive, have a fan club (Bianca) have a boyfriend (India) travel to Canada, go to Washington, DC, get a job (both) go thru the first stages of womenhood (need I say more) and many many other experiences. They are proud of me as a father, not because of my athletic accomplishments but as a daddy and let me know each and every day, how proud and happy they are, that I am their father. I am the most blessed father on this earth and I thank God each and every day for that love that I recieve from them. They are truly special (like all of my kids) for they are the lagacy of their mother that stays alive within us. The compliments that I recieve of their manner and characterfrom other people, makes me even more prouder that others see their growth and love for all mankind and they don't see color in people. India's desire is to be a entrepenur in business and Bianca desire is to be a foreign langauage translater. She (Bianca) already knows sign language. Both, have the look and voice to be the next "American Idol" but they chose not to participate in that circus of wanting to be scrutinized and judged in that way. I didn't want that either for they can sing for their father any time, day or month. India has been my hero many times over, for a child to lose her mother at such a young age is dramatic and tradgic. Bianca, although even more younger at the time, is my little princess and acts as such (some times in a spoiled manner) but she has her head on straight so to speak. They are not perfect by no means and they are still growing and maturing each minute of the hour and day. But, my life has been truly blessed when they came into this earth and I pulled them out from their mothers womb...which I cherish to this very day. I love them so deeply and dearly and because of them...I am free, happy and feel God's love, each and every day through them. If nothing else, love YOUR children with all your heart and let them know that there is no greater love than to have that love be the highest level that God has placed in our hearts.

Proud of being an African-American...

This is the "month" that African-Americans, get exposure of the many contributions to our society. I have mixed emotions on "Black History Month" due to the fact that there really shouldn't be, a Black History Month. Blacks have contributed to society in every phase and in every action of the building of all societies...especially in America. So, their (our) history so be included equally and highly exposed. Due to the prejudice, discrimminations and brainwashing, we are giving a "pat" or blog in history to show that those that kept it out, are showing that they are caring, heartfelt and understanding. But still not fully acknowledge the contributions. Every time we use an iron or stop at a stop light, that is a contribution that Blacks made. Even the famous Duke University basketball arena (Cameron Indoor Stadium and Duke Chapel) was designed by an African-American. African-Americans are a powerful people, same as those that believe that their race and culture is such like Italians, Polish, German, Dutch, Jewish, etc. Our contributions have been many and powerful for many of the luxuries that we use today. Our backs have build this country up from the dust to the Heavens...and for that, I am truly proud. But I believe still that we ALL are God's children, black, white, yellow and red. But no one will ever say or tell me, that I am inferior or "less than a man" as our forefathers experienced. I am proud, strong and resilent and I will continue to be so, till my death bed. So raise the flag high, if that is the case for this month and shout loud of the contributions of those that struggled and sacrificed for all of us today. I thank you Charles Drew. I thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. I thank you Harriet Tubman. I thank you Geore Washington Carver. I thank you Jackie Robinson. I thank you Joe Louis....and I thank you Jesus of Nazareth, my Lord and savior. And truly...I thank you God Allmighty. Enjoy February everyone no matter what race, creed or color. There is enough to digest, learn and enjoy, of African-American contributions and this month, many of those contributions, will be highligthed.