A message From a Pioneer

When I was young I did a lot of things i am not proud of. I'm sure if you're any thing life me you did some things you regret as well. However, even though I'm not proud does not mean those experiences weren't beneficial to my life as a whole. I've grown a lot and still growing. Sometimes in order to prevent doing something its good to listen to someone who already walked in that a path. I feel this message from rapper Bushwick Bill (from the group Ghetto Boys). Listen and lets continue to try to motivate generations to be concerned about their well being.



Peace and Love

Sharing Knowledge...Uplifting Community

This song is indeed on my favorites. The whole album was crazy. I feel Lauryn was able to relay important truths over nice beats to help uplift and educate a community. Because of this I have decided to add a new section to the blog that will highlight things and people I feel do just as our motto states "Sharing knowledge...Uplifting community". With that our first honoree is Lauryn Hill.

Peace and Love

We still must fight

The issues in Jena, LA are far from over we must continue to fight for justice and equality. These young men are who Jesus might have considered "the least of these". Jesus allows us to see how this effects him by telling his disciples " as you have done to the least of these so have you done to me" lets make sure justice prevails for Jesus sake.

Peace and Love

Thank You

This summarizes everything.

We must say thank you to the lord for all he has done for us. We can say thank you in a number of ways but the best way is to live a life that is grateful.

Jiggaboos and Wannabees

Is this depiction still our reality. Are there still levels of self hatred like these? Is there still a divide amongst African Americans based on shade of their skins or texture of the hair? When we watch shows like top model and other shows that try to define beauty they often time miss the attributes in which define true beauty. These sisters all are beautiful. Instead of fighting about the differences between them they should celebrate the uniqueness that makes them beautiful in the first place.


Peace and Love

Its Bigger than Hip Hop

While growing up my choice of music preference was hip hop. Hip hop seemed to have a solution to whatever problem I had. If i wanted to just chill and think or get up and dance hip hop was there. Like me there were millions others experiencing the same thing. I remember hearing my first rap record as a child and reciting the chorus for my mother over and over again "don't push me cause I'm close to the edge, I'm trying not loose my head". Those words were powerful. I used to always relate rap to the storytellers at school. From Run-d-mc, the get fresh crew, leaders of the new school, tribe called quest and the list goes on. Each emcee with their own style displaying the lyrical genius that resided in our community. Hip hop grew from rural urban settings to a global phenomenon. To me the person who took hip hop to this mega commercial level was Mc Hammer. Mc hammer was the first rap artist to sell over 10 million records. However, because of Hammers success some called him a fake rapper other referred to him as a pop singer. Isn't it amazing to see how times have changed. Now a rapper isn't important unless they are selling millions. Because of this notion people are willing to do and say anything that will sell.

While watching BET's special "hip hop vs America" I began to listen to what people had to say. I kept hearing arguments back and forth on music and the images. In viewing the debate I kept saying its good Nelly and TI are there but I couldn't help but think that the conversation was pointless due to the fact the people who can make the changes were not there. In fact subconsciously rapper TI said " if i shot a video with girls in long skirts and took it to BET they will tell me I can't play that". Isn't it ironic that the network he calls is the very network he is on that is called Black Entertainment Television.

Personally I feel the debate was a ploy to distract us from the real problem. By having us target the rappers it diverts our attention away from the real criminals. The images we see are determined not by the rapper but those who distribute or controls the company. Distributors decide what communities receive what. That is a lot of power. The person who controls what comes in and out of your community is neither from nor care about your community. The same way drugs found themselves in certain urban city markets is the same way music and images are found in our communities. Their sole responsibility is to keep a certain group ignorant and blind while providing a beat they can shake to. You can bring a intellectual clean record to the table and it never sees the light of day.

Think about the last time you heard a Talib Kweli record on the radio how about dead prez. I'll wait. Exactly and your not going to because the distributors have decided that nobody wants to hear any conscious stuff. Black radio used to be how people stayed abreast on the issues that plagued the community. Black radio was the voice of a movement. The first step to controlling a mind is controlling the voice. For that reason media can be nothing else but bias because there is no voice to speak on behalf of a people. Arseneo being canceled was a prime example of extinguishing a voice and creating a different one.

These record companies have been able to shift the mindsets of an entire generation. While devaluing education the value was raised on spinning rims, jewelery, and clothes. Since there is no value in education the graduation rate drops and the incarceration rate soars. The reason for this fact is simple, people will do anything to get what they value most. They apply Malcolm's words at the wrong time for a wrong situation "by any means necessary". I think of it as modern slavery. In oder to keep those enslaved in line master would use another slave. The master would give this slave a few trinkets to make the slave think they were friends. But even with trinkets they were still slaves. This same slave would stop at nothing to make his master happy even if it meant turning on his own.

These rappers who promote violence, sexual degradation, ignorance, and trust in trinkets are simply slaves used to keep others like them in line and to be an example of success that others would aspire to be while using the methods they used. Jimmy Lovine chairman of Interscope records can't call a black woman a bitch and refer to the black community as nothing more ignorant niggas thats why he gets 50 cent to say it for him. Owners of Bet (Viacom) would love to swipe a credit card down the behind of black woman demonstrating his control and ownership of her but instead he uses Nelly to do it. Therefore, the pressure is never placed on the masters who have control but rather on slaves who are controlled.

Wake up brothers and sisters its bigger than hip hop. In order to stop the spread of this genocide we must stop vaccinating and cure the disease once and for all.

Peace and Love

Overcoming Stereotypes

I love watching movies! Sometimes I am so busy that I don't get to go to the movies as often as I would like. Last week, I saw this movie , "I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry". It has to be one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. Although its very funny, there are some things that stood out that I felt strong enough about that I should write about them.

Stereotyping is a major issue and one that all at some time or another have been victim of. Wether we say it or not, some of us still have certain stereotypes about certain people. We were in Mississppi on a mission trip and there were five black guys there. One girl who was white asked if the guys could rap? At first I was really upset that out of all the things to ask we kept landing on, "do you rap?". However, I realized that its not all her fault.

Sterotypes are not just a white against black thing... Lets examine some common stereotpes a bit closer:

* All white people are card carrying klansman.
* All white people can't dance.
* All black men can rap.
* All black men have been to prision once in their lives.
* All asians own a nail salon.
* All middle easterns are terrorist.
* All gay men are very feminate and they want every guy they see.
* All gay women are very mean and angry.
* All hispanics work on lawns and are illegal.
* All jews are lawyers and ruthless buisness men.
* All presbyterian churches are dead.
* All christians are hypocrites.
* All pastors steal money.
* All cops are crooked.
* All politicians are corrupt.

Look at these stereotypes and think about the people who are mistreated daily because of stereotypes. Think about all the great people who will never be recogonized as great because of stereotypes. Stereotpyes are looking at the actions of a few and making a judgement on all. This is simply wrong, but real.

When people are not exposed to other cultures or only view things through certain filters it can create a person who develops stereotypes. I mentioned earlier about the girl who asked if we could rap. She like many other people see a few people from a certain group and judge the rest based on what she was exposed to. When these stereotypes occur, it presents a opportunity to learn and to teach.

Jesus is at this well and a woman who was Samaritan came to where he was sitting to get water. Jesus asked her to get him some as well. Immediatley she was shocked because he spoke to her, and in that time Jews and Samaritans had negative views of one another. She says to him " how do you (a jew) ask me (a samartian) for a drink". Jesus sees this moment as a moment to educate. He showed her a different side ...one in which she was never been exposed to before. When we take the time to listen and to talk with one another we can really begin the process of eliminating stereotypes and all the baggage stereotypes bring.

If the woman would have left at that moment when he spoke to her she would have missed the greatest moment of her life. If she would have let her stereotypes control her we who read the story later would miss out on a message for us. Jesus begins to tell her about herself and tells her about the love he has for her and how he is the space to fill the void in her life. Jesus reveals then, his salvation is for all.

The people who follow Jesus are supposed to share that message of slavation for all, but our stereotypes of some classes of people, or some races of people, hinders that message from being clear.Great people come in different packages they might not look like us, or vote like us, or even believe like us. However, Christ died for them and again when we start talking and learning we will discover things about one another that might change our lives.

How do they compare?

For a long time people have been trying to entertain like Michael Jackson. I don't care what any body says nobody quite compare to MJ. However, while watching the VMA's I couldn't help but see a little similarity between Chris Brown and MJ. I think Chris is very talented and his performance was a push in the right direction for a industry that has lost that ability to really dazzle a crowd. What do you think? Does young Chris Brown has what it takes to become the next MJ?





peace and love

Why should you buy this Album?

For the past few weeks we have been inundated with news about Kanye and 50 cent albums. We heard every argument humanly possible about why one should or should not buy these brothers album. However, instead of focusing on those things often time great albums go unnoticed. Because my goal is to educate I felt compelled to lift up next to Kanye West's album the hottest album in the country respectfully. It features some of the music industry elite such as Talib kweli, Dead Prez, Krs-one, Jill Scott, Prince, and an array of others. This album also features a debate between Dr.Michael E. Dyson and Dr. West while moderated by Tavis smiley (Wow). This album above entertaining is insightful and motivating. This album addresses issues that most don't talk about let alone rap about. I feel this album is a must have for your collection.

In case you need more convincing:


Peace and Love

Are we called to be Firefighters?

Is America a burning house? Should we place our trust in something that is not honest or compassionate to concerns of its people? In the smoking gun era how can one feel comfortable in this "house". Some might say we need to let this house burn. I can agree in a sense but I think about the rest Harry Belafonte said after Farrakhan left " our children are in that house we must care about saving it". As parents we often want better for our children. We download, buy, and set parental guidelines or controls to block and to protect our children from material and/or other things that might be harmful to their development. In that same regard should we be concerned about the country in which our children will inherit. We should continue to fight and raise our voice for freedom and equality and challenge those in authority to be true representatives of the people who placed them in authority. I want a country as good as its promise, some might call me naive but I call myself optimistic. The bible tells us "Some trust in horses, Some trust in chariots, but as for me and my house we will trust in the lord". Therefore, I place my hope not in this country or this world for my better lively hood but rather I choose to trust the one who "began a good work in us and who shall continue that good work". The work in this country started over 400 years ago and now its our turn. Rev. Sharpton said it best Thursday in his address to protesters in Jena " we need to speak out to all the Jena situations in America". The instruments of change are us. Lets continue to strive and lets see if we can put this FIRE out.

Peace and Love

It Begins with Me

I am an advocate for change and progression. While being an advocate sometimes I feel like there is something missing. I feel that I need more then I have. Sometimes I get discouraged when I think about the potential of individuals who never realize that potential until it was to late. When this happens I get depressed again thinking " somebody should have done something, somebody should have encouraged the brother or sister." However, I can't help but think that somebody did say something and that might have been the problem. Somebody is singular meaning one. Supposed we embrace the old philosophy that "it takes a village to raise a child".

I'm convinced that if change is going to come it is going to come through a community. The major part of this word community is unity. People have to come together and share thoughts, ideas, strategies to advance and uplift one another. I want to encourage you with this clip from Louis Farrakhan, to engage in conversation about how do we get back to or form a community. My Grandma used to sing a song that said "Lord send a revival and let it begin with me" I feel we need a revival of intellectualism, social activism, a revival of people loving one another and living among each other in peace and tranquility, a revival of respect for heritage not just our own. That revival is coming why not let it begin with you.

It can begin with you not forgetting your brothers and sisters. It can start by personal commitment to live a life that is reflective to what our community strives to be. Lets raise our kids, lets love our spouses, lets give a damn about somebody other than ourselves. Then the revival will come that no tent or church or civic center will be able to hold.





Peace and Love

Nigga

I'm Torn. I am a black man who is definitely into racial reconciliation. However, I see some issues just won't change. I pitched this question to my young people I asked "Why do we say nigga? and "why is it okay for some and not okay for others"? The response I got was this " nigga is a term that we (blacks) can use towards one another because we understand, however, a white person can't say it because they don't understand".

I have been guilty of using the word. When using it with friends I didn't see a problem. However, I started thinking "was this the idea". Was this the plan the whole time. To finally get this group of people to conform to what name was given to them. Was this a ploy to continue to oppress. Because if a person hates themselves or see themselve as ignorant they will never thrive to become any thing more. They would hate themsleves so much that they will kill people who look like them. They will sell drugs to people who look just like them. They would disrespect women who look just like them. They will cause affliction to those who look like them while giving honor to those who gave him the hatred of himself in the first place.

A few years ago Michael Jackson used the word "Kike" which is a word to Jews equal to nigger. The Jewish community rose up and would not tolerate it. They don't refer to themselves like that so therefore nobody else could. That is a major stand for group of people. However, back to the word nigga it is used so much in music, movies, and society period do we embrace it in our culture or do we continue to try to erase it from our vocabulary. But even if we change our vocabulary if the mind is still a nigger then it doesn't matter. What steps should be taken if any? How do we change minds?

Here are two different views that are enlightening:





Share your thoughts

Power of Voices

Sometimes it is hard to speak up for things that we know are wrong or unjust. We would much rather sit on the side line and wait for someone else to speak. However, often times nobody speaks up because of the fear of being persecuted, talked about, or simply afraid your voice doesn't matter. God has used the voice of regular people for centuries. He used Moses against Pharaoh, Esther against the Persian king, Jesus to the Pharisees, Paul to the Gentals, Martin Luther to the church, Martin Luther King Jr to segregation, and the list goes on and on. Now it is your turn.

Take a moment and read this article:

Jena 6: Jenna Six, An American Tragedy - Jena is a small highly segregated rural Louisiana town that we published a story about a few weeks ago that many other outlets had ignored. It is now in the news front and center so we thought we would revisit the topic and perhaps introduce it to those who are reading about it for the very first time. In September of 2006, a black student asked permission from school administrators to seek the cool offering of solice under the shade of a tree that is commonly reserved for the enjoyment of the white students of the school.

School officials allegedly told the Black students that it was ok to sit wherever they wanted and they went ahead and did so. The next day, three nooses, in the school colors, were found hanging from the same tree.

After an investigation, the Jena high school principal determined that three white students were responsible and it was recommended that they be expelled. The expulsions would subsequently be overturned by the white superintendent of schools and issued the students a three day suspension, saying that the nooses were simply "a youthful stunt."

As a result, black students organized a sit-in under the tree to protest the soft treatment given to the white students. African American parents tried to voice their opinions and were repeatedly shot down.

The town's district attorney quickly arrived, flanked by police officers, and told the Black students to stop making such a big deal over the nooses. The school assembly, like the schoolyard where all of this had begun, was divided by race, with the Black students on one side and the white students on the other. Directing his remarks to the Black students, District Attorney Reed Walters said, "I can make your lives disappear with a stroke of a pen."

In November, tension was still high and the academic wing of the school burned in a fire. An attack ensued outside of school where the assailant, a white student, was charged with simple battery after an Black student was punched and beaten with beer bottles. Hostilities grew.

On Monday, December 4 2006, a white student named Justin Barker got into a fight with Black students. Allegedly, the white student had been allegedly racially taunting the black students in support of the students who hung the nooses and was reportedly taken to the hospital treated and released.

Six Black Jena students (Mychal Bell, Robert Bailey Jr., Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis, Theo Shaw and Jesse Beard) were subsequently arrested and charged with attempted second degree murder. All six were expelled from school. On the morning of the trial, the District Attorney reduced the charges from attempted second degree murder to second degree aggravated battery and conspiracy.

The all-white jury deliberated for less than three hours and found Mychal Bell, the only one charged as an adult, guilty on the maximum possible charges of aggravated second degree battery and conspiracy. He awaits a Sept. 20 sentencing hearing. Mychal Bell faces up to a maximum of 22 years in prison. The cases against the other five Black students are pending." - Article provided by www.postchronicle.com

You are probably saying what does this have to do with a voice? Everything, you can make a change. You can be the difference by lending your voice as a voice of liberation for those who have been oppressed by injustice. Let me encourage you by sharing with you the words God uttered to Joshua "Moses is dead". This is major because moses symbolizes a former thing or system Joshua and others relied on. God is now saying everything you used to look to is gone. However, God gives him and us hope by saying "Just as I was with moses so will I be with you". It is time for us to take our place and raise our voice knowing that God will be with us. Lets not forget the power of prayer. Lets commit to praying for these young men and their families, the town and state, their peers, the legal system, and the relationships that were probably wounded due to the actions of few. Again their names are: Bryant Purvis, Jesse Beard, Carwin Jones, Mychal Bell, Theodoore Shaw and Rovert Bailey

There are several ways you can use your voice:

You can contact: LaSalle Parish- District Attorney J. Reed Walters at (318) 992-8282 and demand justice for the Jena Six.

Write the Office of the Governor Attn: Constituent Services
P.O. Box 94004 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004 Facsimile: 225-342-7099

You can also sign a petition at the website below:

www.colorofchange.org

Response to BET read a book video

Share your Thoughts

BET: rasing issues by any means neccessary

!Warning Video contains graphic language



In an effort to address issues that plauge a generation or a culture of people, BET decided to create a animation which uses satire. Do you feel this is satire? Do you think this helped or hurt the purpose? What are some of your thoughts on this video?

The Purpose of This Blog

There are many blogs that are dedicated to an array of things. For this reason I felt the importance of stating the purpose of this one. The purpose is to share and engage information. As well as, Motivate, encourage and uplift one another. We choose not to Gossip but rather to Inform. My prayer is that we look at information shared with an open mind and share our thoughts in healthy exchange. This is an equal opportunity discussion.

ALL ARE WELCOMED

About Me

Terrel A.J. McBride was born in the City of Brooklyn located in the state of New York. He was Educated through the public school systems of New York, Florida, and Georgia. He was saved at the age of 15 at Saint Mark A.M.E Church under Pastor T.N. Hercules. It was at that time he began to get active in the ministries of the church. He sung in the choir, got involved in the men’s ministry, and began teaching Sunday school. Teaching Sunday school was just supposed to be a means to obtaining community service hours. However, it wasn’t long until he began the preaching ministry.

Terrel even though, being called to preach and licensed never forgot the importance of staying involved and humble. He began working diligently with the Young Peoples Division (the youth division of the women missionary society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church). He held offices on every level for the state YPD. Terrel preaching ministry has took him too many corners of the nation. Terrel also maintained his passion for the development of young black men. He became a member of Black Teens for Advancement at B.E. Mays High school, and soon became the president. Under his leadership a shoe rally known as “Walk in my shoes” was established to help the children of Mozambique, Africa. Terrel also has affiliations with: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), 100 Black Men of America, Urban League, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Currently Terrel serves as the Youth Pastor of Crossroads Presbyterian Church. Terrel discovered a love for church planting and emerging church concepts. He is currently planting a church in Sandy Springs, GA called Influence Community Church. His passion is for the un-churched and he feels that it’s important to promote relationship over religion. If the church is going to be relevant in the 21st century he feels the church has to become a community.

Terrel is married to the former Carolyn Ashley Collier together they share a daughter named Jazlyn.

Though he has many accomplishments he wants it to be noted that he dropped out of school in ninth grade. However, he still graduated on time with his class, and is currently a senior on the Deans Lists at Beulah Heights Bible College. Understanding the fact that “Knowledge is power” he learned that it is what you do with that knowledge that makes it powerful.