|
1. Equal education 2.Equal justice 3. Good paying jobs. Black people must stop being fool by things that's not going to get them ahead. there is a big world that we live in and we must stop being distracted.
10:06 PM | northsideChris
|
|
I'm tired of us (African Americans) not keeping our business IN HOUSE. Instead, we ridicule and air our own dirty laundry which makes other minorities and the majority view African Americans in an unappealing manner. Our IN HOUSE business is in the media, these blogs, and other technological outlets in which this is one. Instead of talking positvely about our community and our people, we are doing what the "majority" is doing. This blog completely degrades our own people and we are proving the "majority" and other minorities that we have issues. As one person put it on this blog, we are not black, we are American people whose ancestors are of African descent which make us African American. Black in my opinion is a racial stereotype and I am tired of this word. There are many people in this country who are Afro-Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a, Afro-Asian, Afro-Indian, and they "some" don't identify or learn about their African heritage. So again we need to keep our business IN HOUSE a
3:51 AM | Cassie Gibson
|
|
Whatever happened to the "Covenant with Black America" that I thought Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner and others promised to bring and keep before ALL the candidates--way before we got down to the last two? Now that we are down to two, when will that promise bekept--for the benefit of ALL Americans, not just us?
3:43 PM | Judith G.
|
|
We have to stop devaluing ourselves and attacking each other!!!!
1:10 PM | LD
|
|
That sister is right on. At every turn, in every office, on every phone call, there is someone Latin. They do lie, they will harass, they will all of a sudden become your supervisor and then have you fired. What the hell is going on ? Barely, clearlyspeaking english. This is across this country, but it is egregiously rampant in California. Some unwritten treaty has gone into effect. I hate it !
12:34 AM | Fahay
|
|
The greatest challenge is that we are still looking for hand-outs. We ignore that family structure (that means father and mother). If the Vietnamese can come here penniless and make a living above poverty, why can't we? Too much me, myself, and I. Too much bling in our kids faces on tv. Too much TV.
10:17 PM | Nate Brown
|
|
As an African American woman we need to get all the education we can, befau
1:38 PM | Anonymous
|
|
Stop living in the past. This the year 2008 we have blacks in every part of the government, sports, business,entertainment that are very successful because they are no looking to blame white people for all their trouble. All races have the same stugglesits your attitude how you are going to overcome them is what counts. It seems to me the family in the black community is no there, men not taking responsibility for children that are being raised by a mother that is a child herself.
7:17 PM | roy
|
|
I am not white and I am not black. I see racism all around - for and against all races. But the real question is how much racism exists that actually significantly impedes the economic and social progress of African Americans as a group? I see plenty of favoritism towards African Americans - there are plenty of scholarships and corporate set-asides specifically for "minorities" which actually means African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans - other racial minorities cannot apply. How much favoritism towards African Americans on an educational and economic basis is fair? There are plenty of people looking to raise themselves and provide for a better life for their offspring - and have none of the advantages that an African American enjoys today. Examine the histories of other immigrant groups - those that arrived with nothing, that did not have an education, that did not have connections in the U.S. As a group, African Americans should compare themselves to these other immigra
1:22 PM | Bill
|
|
West: "poverty = missing quality health care, education, child care and employment = privilege, privilege, privilege and legitimate income" Brazile: "lack of education = low per pupil spending, decrepit facilities, no high-technology and limited curriculum = irrelevant, helpful, often harmful, irrelevant = government's fault" Malveaux: "economic injustice = predatory lending and no access to higher education = gullibility and most grad students in the US are poor internationals = government's fault" Canada: "lack of education = no government spending makes people live in violent neighborhoods = ???? = government's fault" So the themes are that it's poverty which is CAUSED BY a lack of education which is more or less the government's fault. The solutionto these problems seems naturally to be the government forcing the Black community to become educated, which would then take care of the poverty issue apparently. Being artificially propped up by the government is no long-t
2:05 PM | JS
|
|
You know one of the biggest loads of wasted text is, ???Racist come in every color black, white, red, blah blah bah???.This is the biggest piece of adolescent articulation I???ve ever heard. Act like you have some knowledge. African Americans (akeople as some prefer) represent about 13% of the population in America. This number, is quite far from the majority nor can it be said that blacks had one of the largest most hateful TERRORIST organizations in America, the KOO KOO KLUTZES! It is one thing to be a racist and ???not do anything??? about it i.e. refuse you (those non-black) for a job or entry into a club, or charge you higher interest rates etc. THIS is what blacks go through and there are statistics to back this up so please don??some made up BS that is so often the case with those of you that are so put off by blacks complaining about racism. You sicken me! Look at the numbers, hell you use them all the time! We (Yes I???m black) make up about 24% poverty rate
2:06 PM | EEEsdom
|
|
Jesus said you will have the poor with you always! Why are we trading salvation for money$. I want to live in a nation that is under God and Jesus' word, if we don't turn back we will be just like Sodom!
4:50 PM | Sabrina
|
|
Statistics have shown that many of our black young men and women have two or more felonies on their criminal record. Many of these young adults were charged with these crimes as teenangers, and now that they are 25-30, 35-40 they can not get a job. It's a real burden on their families, if they have one. There are few programs available to assist these individuals in their adjustment back into society but no where near enough and they are too hard to find. Perhaps some of our own barber shops and hair salons could hire some of these felons who are serious about turning their lives around. We need rehabilitation programs that teach them a trade like being a plumber, electrician and even landscaping brings in a good paycheck. Some can even be their own boss. But we need alternatives to the revolving door in and out of jail. We've got to get serious or much of our next generation will be lost.
4:28 PM | Jobs for Black Felons
|
|
It is time for black people to get out of this negative mentality of blaming the white man or white people for all our problems and failures. What we need to do as a race is become more positive and focus more on positive things. If we focus on the positive, our lives and our race would be much better off. I am tired of hearing about half of our young black males dropping out of high school and teen girls getting pregnant. I'm tired of the violence that continues to plague our neighborhoods. I'm tired of hearing that statistics show we make up the majority of the United States Prison Population. I'm tired of hearing and seeing how dysfunctional many of our black families are. I'm tired of going many places in my travels and I see very few blacks or no blacks at all. We need to take in more positive things and expose our children to more positive outlets here in the society and show them that there is more to life out here than just the streets, video games, television, and wrap
6:19 PM | Phillip Jefferson
|
|
Racism is alive and well in 2008 on economic fronts all over the US. However what underlines race struggles are the senseless obstacles that we (African Americans) place in our way. Such as the unwillingness to get a good education by any means necessary. We are not boycotting or marching in protest of educational inequities in public education. We are instead allowing our own to "dumb down" education. It's no longer "cool" to get educated!?! This has a tidal wave ripple effect on our abilities to escape the grasp of poverty and dispair. Just a thought.
9:03 AM | David Greenwood
|
|
I have a master's in information systems and a bachelor's in mathematics. Despite my educational background, I have been unable to obtain a job that will offer me enough money to support my family. I am too busy being passed over because I am not a good "fit" for the position (I filled out the biographical information) or they are hiring their best friend's daughter. So education is not my issue as a black american. Unfortunately, despite the work done in the Civil Rights movement, America has just found keener ways of disquising prejudice.
1:33 PM | anonymous
|
|
They look for us to be on television with barely no clothes on and shaking on behinds to ignorant music but they don't look for us to be a CEO of a major company.
1:35 PM | anonymous
|
|
I've read many of the comments, the scars are deep concerning oppression and racism towards people of african descent. However, do matter how deep we must remain focused on the family and the vision for success for our children no matter what it is. Practical skills are sufficient...... electricians, plumbers, carpenters, community services. There seems to be too much emphasis for hitting the big time through educational attainment. We need people to service the communties we live in and partner and learn for each other. There are also issues around mistrust among our people we need to solve if we are to truely move forward. It will always come down to the little things and what we collective do in our lives from the time we get up in the morning till the time we go to bed that has a positive impact not only in your own life but in the lives of others particuliar our families. Maybe we've gotten too caught up, never give up!
10:48 AM | Darren, NY
|
|
The biggest problem in the black community is anger. Black men are angry and black women are angry and nothing is as explosive as a household with 2 angry adults. That why it appears that interracial relationships work better because one half of the equation is not always angry. we have to forgive each other and strive to become quality human beings. Dick Cheney is educated and he's the worst animal in the world. I don't hink that black men run from raising their children I think that they run from theirabysmal relationship with the black woman.
1:04 PM | Magic Marc Miami, FL
|
|
As wicked America sinks into the cesspool which she so richly deserve-- here we go again with another network speaking to "Our" children who truly don't have a clue or the hand-picked leaders who speak eloquently about what "massa" has taught them. As a people we have many issues that need to be address-- and one thing is for sure-- Barack Obama nor the American government is going to solve them. Here are those words again: God Damn America-- expeditiously please.
1:09 PM | Bobby Beverly
|
|
I'm quite amused by some of the comments I've seen here. We're our own worse enemy but we still look to other places and races as the blame. We idolize the ignorant and heap praise on those that have done nothing more than play a sport, or acted in a film. We're too simple-minded for our own good. As for blaming black men for the degradation of the family,....I'm sure black women had nothing to do with it,....right? I guess we (black men) just naturally, genetically shy away from family as if we're animalistic. Sorry ladies,.....I think the blame for the breakup of the family is no small measure belongs to black women too. After-all,.....who opened theirs legs to make all these kids?
1:13 PM | Mark
|
|
Oh, by the way for those vacuous bias intelligent fools both black and white-- we've grown-up and matured. If you don't believe me-- look in your court systems-- the reparations lawsuits are there. America has two choices of payment-- all that we ask or the wrath of the real God. Look out your windows and see the fires in California, the flood in the mid-west, the failing dollar...want more evidence of your demise. Refuse what we ask and watch it get worse. In conclusion, we won't suffer because we're strong. See you at the bridges jumping off. Have a nice flight into hell.
1:20 PM | Bobby
|
|
Wow. We've got a woman complaining she can't get a job even though she was a newspaper editor when she can't even post a grammatically correct "scribble board" entry, much less make a persuasive written argument. We've got a man who is blaming the women for "opening their legs" to create all of these children. We've got someone who doesn't want to listen to Cornel West's point about economic disparities because of the person he chose as a life partner. And we've got a twenty-four year old who posts an entry that looks and reads like it was written by a fifteen year old on a cell phone but the author says she doesn't understand the point of an education. Wow.
1:53 PM | A
|
|
In todays world when the black man/woman can be anything or anyone he/she chose to be its people like anonymous that keep them under the watchful eye of the white man
2:02 PM | sad for you
|
|
We have to stop blamimg racism for everything wrong with it and look at our own lack of initiative, poor work ethnic and low sense of personal responsibility. Racism is a fact of life that will never leave this planet, just like poverty is here to stay according to Jesus. We whine and complain too much about emotional issues when we should be focused on reason, education and hard work. Who cares that someone doesn't like the color of your skin? Tough. That doesn't stop the East Indians many of whom are dark brown-to black, because they no what really matters in the world. EDUCATION and a strong family unit and sense of self. That's why when they immigrate to this country they keep their noses to the grindstone, go to university, study hard and pursue careers in highly technical fields like medicine, engineering and math. While we take the easy way out and ghettoized ourselves in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and so on. The new era of leaders need to be from the fields of Sc
10:31 AM | Rita
|
|
THE PAST IS THE PAST AND WE STILL HAVE TO LEARN FROM IT THE PROBLEM IS WHAT ARE WE PUTTING INTO ACTION FROM WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED. BY ACHIEVING HIS GOAL AS THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE BARACK OBAMA IS RAISING THE BAR FOR ALL BLACK PEOPLE IN AMERICA TO BE RESPONSIBLE . HE DID THIS WITH HIS UNIQUE GIFT OF ORGANIZATION. ALTHOUGH WE ARE A BATTLE TESTED PEOPLE WE KEEP LOSING THE WAR WHERE IT COUNTS TO THE GANGS IN OUR COMMUNITIES WHO PROMOTE THE NEGATIVE AND REJECT THE POSITIVE TO A GENERATION OF YOUNGPEOPLE HUNGRY FOR LEADERSHIP BUT BEING MISLEAD INTO BELIEVING A LIFE OF CRIME IS BETTER THAN FORMAL EDUCATION.WE NEED LOTS OF POSITIVE WORKSHOPS IN AMERICA THAT I FEEL SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR THE PROGRESSION OF ALL RACES TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY BECAUSE THE NEXT GREATEST THREAT TO THE LEGACY OF THIS COUNTRY WILL COME FROM OVERSEES . NATIONS LOOKING TO BECOME THE NEXT SUPERPOWER ARE WAITING FOR THE CRACK IN AMERICAS FOUNDATION WE WILL HELP THAT CRACK TO WIDEN IF WE DONT BECOME MORE O
10:34 AM | DOUGLAS GOLSON
|
|
I think the biggest obstacle that African-americans have is themselves. Quit behaving like the poor victims and take responsibility for your actions. O.k so maybe the schools spend more per student in wealthier districts. That doesn't keep you from getting an education! Go to the library. Parents need to instill values and direction into their children. And be PARENTS for crying out loud! Make sure your child is in school every day. Make sure that they do their homework. Make sure that they are in their beds at night instead of running the streets! I get so tired of the white man being blamed for everything. Life is hard, for everyone! Get an education and work hard.
5:58 PM | TpaDragonfly
|
|
Where are you when your child comes home from school with homework? How often do you even check their schoolwork? Do you make sure they are keeping up on ther studies? Do you see that they aren't out running the streets all hours of the day or night? Nothing good can be done after dark. My folks taught me that much. Nothing but bad things and trouble. When I was growing up, I better be in my house before it got dark and doing any homework. Ask yourself these questions and you'll know where our young are headed.
1:49 PM | LEE
|
|
The root to any race is the family structure and obviously our family structure is messed up. In "What Black Men Think," it talks about how our 90% of our families were together during slavery and nearly 90% during civil rights, so why are we clashing so much now. We are feeding into negative stereotypes about what our women should be, what our men should be, and we are lost. When you come from a two parent household where love is prominent and you have a strong structure, no one can penetrate that. But we are too busy bobbing our heads to lil Wayne and catching up on the latest phones, clothes, and cars to even notice that we are only so interested in that because we have a diminished self esteem. "When you are moving 100 mph, you don't know if youare moving backward or forward!" We medicate ourselves with drugs, tobacco, and alcohol either because it is the accepted norm or to be a vice to our nagging feelings of insecurity and incompetence. Last, but not least we have allowe
4:05 PM | Devon
|
|
It seems that the power of the white structure, is still very much interested in slavery as they were 100 yrs ago. Know they just use modern methods to apply that theory.
4:39 PM | Laylow Jones
|
|
The greatest threat to Black America is the system of free-market capitalism that is utterly incapable of providing enough jobs, not to say decent-paying jobs, for all Americans. In my community of Mount Vernon, NY, for example, the true unemployment rate is about 18%. How can you have a livable society, I ask, when nearly 1 out of every 5 working age adults is unemployed? Proponents of free-market capitalism dub our economic system as the "great jobs machine," but it never has produced enough jobs for the "hood." As the historian Manning Marable rightly points out, the last time Blacks were fully employed was during slavery.
10:56 PM | Rob
|
|
The real challenge of 2008 and the 21st century is for black America to stop being a separate group. Why do we insist on being grouped by race as though we all live some common experience in America BECAUSE of our race. Sure, there are incidences of racism against black Americans...and white Americans and Hispanic Americans....there are other "isms" against American women, southern Americans, northern Americans, etc. No one group has a monopoly on "isms" against them. I feel until we start looking at ourselves as individuals in America, America will look at us as a group to be treated as a group. The only group I want to be a part of is Americans. My successes and failures should not be seen as black American successes or failures...it is my success or failure...period.
9:42 AM | william thomas
|
|
You all should visit www.dropthedash.com. This website is promoting dropping the hyphen from our nationality...not African-Americans but Americans. Why do we use our ethnicity as our nationality, race, and ethnicity? After all the struggles and accomplishments, why are we so slow to claim the American nationality? Why do we feel the need to qualify our birth nationality? Is it really about heritage? Do you practice any African traditions or speak any African languages? What about American traditions? Ethnically speaking, American blacks are not a disctinct group with our own distinct culture. The urban/hip hop culture is too often made analagous to black American culture but it is not. hiphop/urban is a culture of its own with people of all persuasions living in it...black, white, brown, asian, etc. I and most of my friends of color do not share the same life experiences because of our dominant genes anymore. If we have similar hobbies or interest, we bond bec
9:57 AM | dolarbil
|
|
I think that everyone need to start looking at the big picture of this system instead of each individual racist issues and experience.
5:00 PM | The Dreamer
|
|
I am excited about the attention given to this ever-present and crucially important issue, but am dubious about the impact it will have. I have been watching the experts in New Orleans talking about causes and effects and what needs to be done regardingBlack single parents. However, I am most bothered by three things: 1) the absence of actual young single parents' input (whom are not being asked for direct input, nor are they being held to task while being talked about). 2) the backwards logic of trying to fix a problem with more government input AFTER the fact. This is bothersome because it actualy serves to REINFORCE the actions that led to its necessity in the first place! Not unlike welfare which has imprisoned welfare recipients FOR GENERATIONS! Why get married when Uncle Sam will foot the bill? 3) How about challenging the cultural aspects that glorify the causes of the problems more fervently? The brutal irony is that only African-Americans can fix the problems of Africa
8:51 PM | Dr. William Bennett
|
|
As I watch the special presented by essence; I observe that most of the emphasis was place on college as if graduating from college is our only mode of success. Perhaps some of our young people would like to learn a trade. Maybe; on future programs we can address the importance technoligies in schools and the communities. There are men that is doing great things in their communities; using technical skills as their living
9:45 PM | Charlie Wilson
|
|
I am a father of 3 boys. I live in the city. I am a soldier been deployed 2 times one in war and the other Katrina. My 3 sons can't go out and play on thier street. I live in the USA in the middle of a combat zone. Strange enough I left one in 2004-2005 only to come home to one in my neighborhood. The only problem Americans will protest bring our soldiers home but I don't see that same type of protest to stop the killings in our streets. The body count in our streets are five times that of the soldiers who has died in combat. I serve to keep America free but Americans can't protect thier own children. My kids are more in danger just living in America than I am fighting in Iraq. Is this freedom where my 3 sons can't go out and play on the street. My 3 sons are more in danger than the kids in Iraq are. Is this land of the free or land of the free if you serve childhood. Which America am I defending? Land of the free and home of the brave or Land of the free only if you serve childhood.
2:19 AM | Soldier home from combat.
|
|
I am filled with Black Pide. It's a different kind of Pride, you see, because I am white. I was fortunate to catch the "Black In Ameria Show" tonight. My whole life (54 years), I always had this strange experience watching T.V. with so few Black people on it. The rise of Black People in American society is so exciting and invigorating and fills my heart as I sit and still ask why did it take so long.? The visions, strength, intelligence, creativity, and worthiness of Black Culture and influence has always been a necessity in America. Watching it blosom into fruition is a glorious and momentus occasion. So, tonight I am filled with Black Pride for my brothers & sisters of color. I welcome your deep rivers of well thought out solutions to problems thatare common to all and your ability to present it in your own very special way....thank you...
5:01 AM | Anonymous
|
|
I was sitting here watching CNN on Sunday evening as I always do and listened to a story about AIDS in the Black Community and listen to the lies about black and others can not access testing, treatment and medicatiion unless you are Magic Johnson and that is so untrue. I am white male with no insurance and there are many white and black male and females without healhcare insurance that can get the best treatment and medications though the Ryan White Act. Please do leave people thinking they can not get help because they don;t have money or insurance, THEY CAN. This reporting will cause people to die. PLEASE do your research and report the truth. People are listening and you have a moral obligations to report to truth. Thanks
9:29 PM | Neal in Alabama
|
|
I am so excited that a formal form for open dialogue is being taken seriously. Our community is suffering and prospering at the same time. We need to get to the root of our problems. When did our community start to break down and stop being a source of support for it people. We need to discuss and execute solutions, real solutions, on how to lift up our men, support our women and prepare our children for success. We need to effectively come together as a people, community, nation and world to a place where so many are not lagging behind. And people this is ALL of our responsibility whether we've made it, trying to make ir or don't know how to make it. Let's be RESPONSIVE, ACCOUNTABLE AND PRODUCTIVE in this cause. WE NEED TO GET BACK TO LOVING AND CARING ABOUT ONE ANOTHER.
9:48 PM | What the People Say
|
|
This is a response to the person that wrote about Cornel West. I feel that any one should be able to marry, date, or be in any relationship with any race they chose to be with. Now I know that some black women are tired of seeing successful black men with white women, well thats life deal with it and stop complaining about something you can't control. I'm a 26 year old black man that's in love with a black woman but just because we are black does not mean we are suppose to be with our own race. Yes thereis a difference in women of color and white women but if someone completes you as a person and makes you whole weather or not they are black or white then so be it. Black women stop complaining about black men dating or marrying white women. if you feel comfortable dating someone outside your race then do so but no one wants to be ridicued for doing so, meaning men and women of all races.
12:46 PM | responding to a angry black women
|
|
Black America has Challenges when they are with the wrong people.at the right time or wrong time doing things that slow them down,and are not listening,not making any adjustments at all. Black America Does not have any challenges when then are with theright people at the right time doing the right thngs ,they really LISTEN,and do
3:27 PM | Anonymous
|
|
There is no such thing as a 'Dropout' 'Dropouts' go to Places they are comfortable They Man who came to 'His' home to 'GET HIM BACK IN SCHOOL. was at the wrong place at the wrong time. It appeared rude He could have arranged an appoitment to meet with him or called him first If he was unsuccessful,he couldhave had someone 'He' uis familiar with to arrange appointment. Therefore,he goes back in hiis COMFORT ZONE',Back in his Home. A Turn off. If he is comfortable in his home,he could have online classesd,independent studdy,home school,no matter his age ,khe can learn anywhere. Why worry about other sxchools what they have? EDUCATION HASD NO ? IINFORMATION COMES IN SECONDS!!!! ALL KIDS CAN BE SUCCESSFUKL NOW!!! All kids will be succcessful whatever their interests,whatever they are comfortable with,they can learn about it,make it purposeful in their lives. Justified in their lives. So hee drops out!!! so what!!!? The schools need toexpand their curriculms
3:41 PM | Loretta Sue Phillips
|
|
Actually, I am little bother by the show making HIV/AIDS seem like it's the number one killer amongst African Americans. The leading cause of death for people in our race is Heart Disease and then seconded by Cancer, Stroke and Diabetes, according to theCDC, but yet nothing is being discussed about these illnesses, which I think is a crime. We are the worst educacted, have the poorest diets and bad habits that lead to these problems. What should be done is a show or documentry on how poorly we take our health in our community and how horrible our diets and lack of exercise is killing us.
7:34 PM | Harry
|
|
As a 49 year old woman from the carribean, having lived in the US for nearly 40 years, my skin is black but my hair is straight because, I have a lot of mixture in my family.I consider myself black,yet having read comments by your other readers , I can honestly say the most racist people in America are african americans. Since day one in school, I have been harrassed, beaten, discriminated against, allways by my black people. Tell me how should I not take it personally. we complain about other races descriminating against us yet we discriminate against our own. I watch the hispanics coming from their countries with nothing, but they work hard, most times for low wages, but the key is they help one another, they share information that benefits hispanics as a whole, that's why they succeed. so my advice is share information, help one another, thats how we will survive and succeed as a race.
10:08 PM | carribeandelight
|
|
IT is very strange and odd that ESSENCE and CNN have love and concern for blacks in America, but are 1000% against the talented poor in the United States. Individuals such as I born with very rare proven skills in mathematics is kept from systematic opportunity.THIS create talented poor. THIS is an issue that face denial in black America and white America. MY dream is deeply rooted in the Ameican nightmare.
3:44 AM | jerry a. Myers
|
|
Being a product of urban inner city poverty on the south side of Chicago in the 70's and 80's, I notice differences now that are indicative of just how bad things are for black youth today. I agree that economic unequality is the #1 antagonist impeding the future of our black youth. However, it is very difficult for black folk to improve their lives and grasp opportunities when they are "NOT PREPARED". Black youth today cannot get jobs because they fail drug tests, they have criminal records, uneducatedand lack work ethic. In spite the internet and technology available to poor and weatlthy people alike, many choose to remain ingnorant and cannot vision themselves existing in environments past their present one. Parents are leaving children to raise themselves due their own apathy and lack of caring for them. The streets and adverse visions of get rich quick peronalities on television are all the youth have to motivate them. Let's face it, kids are poor and they want money now, the
12:23 PM | omegaman
|
|
If you work hard, you will get where you need to get. If you don't learn like other people, you can be creative and get to the same level. If someone is telling you one thing, you shouldn't blindly accept it. You should research your own way to find the TRUTH. I am black and have been working for years to get where I am as a college professor. I understand that things are hard for our people, but the nature of our culture isn't to wallow in self pity. It is to rise ABOVE our situations and reach the zenith of our potential. We have a better opportunity today than we ever have, yet there aren't nearly enough of us who are willing to seize it. I believe that we sometimes rely too much on what we as a culture believe we are owed. My mother always taught us that all humans are kept by God. If God is on our side, then what is there that we can not achieve? Be master of your own destiny. In this country, race and social status can be overcome. I have always believed that.
10:56 AM | Antwinette
|
|
When are blacks going to realize that they are not the only minority in this country? Hello, there are Asians, Hispanics, Indians, Arabs, Pacific Islanders and the rest of us. Here's a news bulletin for you the Black Community, we are sick of hearing about how bad it is to be black in this country. Then go back to Africa. America doesnt seem to be the right place for you. Why is it that these other minorities don't seem to have a fraction of the perceived problems that blacks complain about? No matter, Hispanics and Asians are fast becoming the dominant minorities in this country anyway. Blacks will just continue to whine all the way to irrelevance.
11:59 AM | Anonymous
|
|
The post about Hispanics and Asians being the dominate minority groups of the future is absolutely correct. These populations a growing by leaps and bounds. One or the other could even become the majority race in this country at some point in the future. These populations also have an inherent dislike for black people. Get ready Black America, you will know what racism really is when that day comes.
2:44 PM | Anonymous
|
|
Is it just me or do I sence a common tone running through all these posts concerning not just this blog but all the blog concerning CNN's piece on "Black In America"? On the one side of this issue Blacks continue to refuse to take responsiblity for there dispecable behaivor and blame everyone but themselves for their plight. On the other side Whites, Hispanics, well every other race, are trying to tell Blacks that they are the biggest problem concerning their plight. Is that about right?
4:39 PM | Anonymous
|
|
Watching CNN TV: Black in America: Essence and CNN My friends and I have an email discussion group in which we email on the latest news in the world and in our lives. In this email chain was one young lady that dropped out of school and later received her GED and now she attends Kaplan University and works full time, she is a wife and a mother. I asked her if she thought that $250.00 would have caused her to stay in school. Her reply was yes. She stated that at the time all she could think about was working and her new born child. I feel that paying children to stay in school is crazy simply because all they need is to know that someone cares and they need someone to know that there is a difference that can be made if they complete the school. What I think is that we as a society are LAZY and we feel that "paying" children to go to school is the answer ... IT IS NOT. Someone also brought up the fact that if we pay the children now, it will help them to learn how you get pa
5:45 PM | mb -Georgia
|
|
The hurdle that the Black race is facing, is one this is neither economic or educational, yet psycological. Our race is plagued with dysfunctions that transcend socio-econonic demarcations and affect us all. The ability to live in "liberty" or freedom in society is something that Black people do not experience, we go through life hyper-sensitive to the surrounding world, and by us not seeing ourselves as decision-makers (because we usually are not) we are seemingly endlessly consumed with the opposition of being black, which means that you are at a disadvantage in america...hence, the byproduct of this is the reality of poverty, debilitating stress, inept parental modeling, lack of mentorship, and spiritual power. We have to move away from the victim to victor, and begin to live the liberation that Christ's blood purchased for us also....at this season in the US...to be free in spirit, free in mind is to be free in opportunity.
1:15 AM | Anonymous
|
|
Personally, I would recommend going to college to get an education because it would benefit you in many ways. Your rant on white America and its control of education and how it does not cater to blacks is just another irritating complaint about how you don't want to get an education. If an American education is so euro-centered, then why do certain schools offer the ridiculous course of ebonics, which has no intellectual value whatsoever? Why is there a month dedicated to blacks? Is there a month dedicated to whites? Why do colleges and universities offer courses on African culture and black history in America, etc. Check the course listings of any public four year university and I can guarantee that courses such as these would be offered. You're just part of the problem if you refuse to accept an education because of its 'whiteness.' Give me a break! Do yourself a favor and educate yourself!
1:52 AM | not important
|
|
I realize that hurricane katrina was a horrible disaster. I see two sides to this story. One side shows that there is a horrible disparity of color and socioeconomic status in this country. The media revealed horrible divisions between the races (blacks looting/whites finding story). The other side is that the blacks involved with accusing the government of not doing enough need to reconsider what is actually happening in this country. The people involved in hurricane katrina had heard repeated warnings and had plenty of time to react rather than be stubborn and stay in their own homes only to later blame this country's 'racist' government. There were floods throughout the midwest at the beginning of this summer (in iowa, illinois, etc.) and wildfires in california, which are still occuring. There are no white people on t.v. talking about how the government owes them and that it was the government's responsibility to save them. Yes, I agree - the government should assist, bu
2:17 AM | Anonymous
|
|
1. Aids - (black men on the down-low spreading aids to black women) 2. The black church not accepting black men who are gay 3. Inequalities for homosexuals across the board 4. Black men in jail 5. racism 6. Lack of proper education and healthcare These are a few of the problems why being black in america is difficult
8:27 AM | This is it
|
|
I came from a family of molestation and it was a genarational problem however we were living in poverty. I was determine to break the cycle in which I did. God restored me and he will restore our communities when we decide to get involved. In which I did. My husband and I took care of his best friend who had AIDS & burried him. We also opened our home up to children. Kia came out of poverty into our home when she was 8yrs old. I home schooled her in the summer. She went to private school 4th to 8th grade. She attended public school from 9th -12th grade and completed with a GPA of 3.9 She now attened JMU in Va. I all ways told her to pray for her biological mom and we kept her in contact with her mom and her sibblings. In 2007 we took in her 2 siblings age 5 & 12. Remember when the Lord ask you to do something he provides. We didn't recieve any assistiance (Money) from the social service department in Va. I challenge you to take back whats yours "your community".
11:27 AM | shenell Lewis
|
|
This is one being Black in America, --one bringing the whole down! Soledad O'Brien and Roland Martin are buffoons. This series, Black in America, is the most racist and stereotypical piece of so-called journalism of all time. And because people want toplay into this type of "propaganda" and rhetoric this CRAP will go down in history as one the the best pieces of journalism of all time...just like A Birth of a Nation...is in the history books as one of the best movies of all time. And to have this so-called journalistic piece come out at a time when America is on the verge of having a Great American as president...thanks for possibly costing him the election. WHO cares about "what it's like to be Black in America." Let's talk about what it's like to be American and the social ills that plague a great many of us--not just Blacks. Better yet--let's talk about something positive--like thank GOD I'm an American. I don't have enough time or energy to write about what all is WRONG
11:45 AM | Calandra Ferguson
|
|
I don't have enough time or energy to write about what all is WRONG with this entire series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't separate me from the rest of America. I'm not a side show. You've no ideal what it's like to be so-called Black in America. This ENTIRE series is so INCREDIBLY harmful to Blacks----I am at a lost for words. YOU IDIOTS. This is why so many perceive Blacks as being mindless idiots. This is not journalism. Go to hell CNN, Soledad, Martin and every other idiot that participated in this journalistic quackery.
11:48 AM | Anonymous
|
|
I agree with Dr. Julianne Malveaux that the greatest threat to the African American community is economic injustice. I see a lack of productivity, outsourcing of jobs to overseas markets and the youth left with ridiculous ways of earning a living (i.e. calling established people to solicit monies for any number of reasons). I also see banks(i.e. JP Morgan Chase) arbitrarily snatching fees out of individual checking and savings accounts, then justifying their actions by transferring people to "Customer Service Representatives " in overseas offices.
12:40 PM | Lisa D. Clark
|
|
I'll be glad when we have a black president. Then the black community will no longer have an excuse. "Well a black man can't do this and a black man can't do that" will be rediculous. When a black man can become president it's time for the rest of us to quit blamin the white man and get off our lazy welfare lovin behinds....women too.
6:12 PM | Ladarius
|
|
While Black in America is enamored by the weight of Dr. Frier's statistical analysis we fail to realize and give credence to the psychological pain experienced by the black body in America. While all Americans suffer from the malaise of modernity and the isolation created by eroding social structures- changing job markets, and the violence exacted by terror domestic and internationally- black bodies in America suffer from psychological trauma that few have taken time to analyze, report, and offer solutions. As an individual who is driven to understand his being in relation to others I have a most difficult time making sense of the black body in the West. The black body is marred not by the personal responsibility of personal humanity but is marred andsunk by the demand to answer for a race that he/she is incapable of answering for; and when he/she is able to attest to the barriers and obstacles the strength of personal responsible and accountability out ways the fragility of racial
9:39 PM | Frank NewHart
|
|
I may not be the most well off person who submits a comment today, and I may not be the most down on my luck, however I know that the solutions that are so steathily pursued cannot and will not be fixed with a solitary answer. There are many variables that contribute to the success and downfall of a people. Many people have pointed out that we need to have 2 parent households of married couples and the African American youth need to be geared in the proper direction, abandon that rap-crap as some wouldsay, and work hard toward increasing earning potential, thereby raising household income and making it easier to overcome the obstacles that sorround us. Wonderful advice and I'm sure that for a great deal of persons in the African-American community it's applicable. I can also say that sometimes the ideal solution
9:52 PM | Antoinette
|
|
Wow! I am truly shocked at some of the comments posted on this scribble board. Kendra, I'm so sorry you don't or won't trust the American public school system. Clearly with all of your run-on sentences and horrible grammar usage you need to trust someone. The issues facing Black America are complex to say the least and one documentary won't provide any solutions. The truth of the matter is that the solution starts right in the living room. Africa-Americans have to stop allowing BET and the streets raise their children. Regardless of what any of you may think, education alone can't fix all the issues facing Black America. An education is worthless without being combined with opportunity. It won't matter that Tiffany Johnson has a degree if no one is making an attempt to hire her. African-Americans make horrible life choices and are often stuck holding the bag. If Sarah has a baby, her mother and father are able to help her raise her child. Now if Tasha Jenkins becomes pregn
2:57 AM | Carlos
|
|
I have experience with inner city schools. Money isn't the issue. It is parents. A huge portion of the inner city "parents" treat their children like stray dogs. These kids are utterly rejected by their parents with no concern for education whatsoever. These kids *act* in perfect accord with how their parents have raised them... and they run rampant over these schools. The schools are like deer in the headlights with the riot-like behavior from these tragic children. No amount of money can fix this. When the parent comes to the school (a rarity), they are there to assault the school for attempting to discipline their child.... and the entire tantrum takes place in the presence of that child. The behaviors in the inner city schools make the Jerry Springer Show look classy. No white racist group could EVER dream of doing as much damage to black folks as the inner city blacks are doing to themselves. Whitey isn't your problem, racism isn't your problem, ... not by a l
8:00 AM | KS
|
|
I agree with the last post what is a true education? Is it memorizing what they want us to, is it thinking they way they do, or is it gaining knowledge through experience to be a better person and how to do a job in excelence? I am 30 years old and i have completed half of the credits to earn my degree in criminal justice. I have also worked in our local jdc and have 11 years working on a adolesent psych unit.Prior to that i am a teen parent and a former gang member with a passion in my heart to not let anyone go through anything i have been through. Give our younger generation hope and sight into a future. Now as i see it i can do the job of a community corrections officer for juviniles right now. I am not in it for the pay check at all. But i have to now spend more money to finish the education i need to do the job i need to do in this life. So what is truly education and why don't we get credits for living through life's lessons.
10:59 PM | e.marie
|
|
"Racism" is more or less a buzz word. It is not against the law to be a racist. So what is racism? It is against the law to descriminate against an individual base on certain criteria. What Black America is not understanding is "The Art of War." We are adefeated people still today because the leaders of the past did not understand the concept or War. Instead we resorted to begging Anglo America for the opportunity to go to their schools to learn their history. Our past leaders resorted to picketing andsitting in begging Anglo America to give us jobs. We begged to become assimilated to Anglo America instead of developing a sense of self. What is "Black Culture" in America? Hip Hop and grits?? Please? Someone mentioned the Chinese and others who have aclear sense of culture and identity and have built towns Little Tokyo and Little China and they thrive. Of course they have their own issues, however they are dealt with. Black America does not have a clear sense of self. Anglo Ameri
11:15 AM | L
|
|
Up front... I am a white male and I am not a ???racist???. After watching all segments of "Black in America"... I must say I am generally disappointed. Although I sincerely appreciated and gained some specific knowledge about specific black peoplethe most part this series "plowed old ground". I'm not sure anything new came out of it. One thing in particular that stands out for me is the accusation some "Blacks" make toward other ???Blacks??? of "acting White"! This accusation seemed to han a common experience of many, most (All?) successful ???Blacks???. Perhaps instead of being accusatory, the accusers should ???pay attention???! Being an "observant kid" I saw that people who had "succeeded", or were in the process of succecertain characteristics in common. Two characteristics, of a general nature, were 1) "working hard and long to 'prove yourself'" and to get the money necessary to finance opportunities; and 2) studying and learning... whether in schoo
3:18 PM | Ed
|
|
I am doing my part to help our youth and community. I foster children , mentoring, tutoring, printing out and passing out job openings. You can help me help our children aging out of the foster care system by signing up at www.igive.com and select Aunt Mary's. You can earn money for this newly establish venture to help former foster children.
12:39 PM | Dot
|
|
First I want to say I loved the show black in america, but not because black folks are being heard. I believe now this is only opinion but i believe its shows america really don't know black folk as a whole. see that makes what about to say a little easier. Diving into the issue head first and starting inthe middle takes away from the truth. its left up to history to reveal the truth, talking about it only makes things worse. It comes down to understanding. that type of understanding takes two. ittakes someone talking and someone listening. now the person talking has to want be studied and the one listening have to wait until "ALL THE FACTS" be gathered to form a thoery worthy of talk. until then it does not work. but i loved the show. here is something that might work talk to rich white folks and ask them why do look at black folks the why they do? once ya'll do that then talk to the black folks. facts first then opinion.
1:07 PM | telvin
|
|
Personally, I feel that there are alot people with OPINIONS who choose not to believe the struggle that so many African Americans speak of. Poverty is REAL, BAD educations DOES exisist. My Husband and I live in the same city and went to school in two differnt districts. When I asked him did he take a certain course in High School, he didnt not even know what I was speaking of. Becasue the school does not prepare them for college because they feel some of them will never make it. And its not blame, becasue how are you going to learn anything if no one tells you or you dont have the resources to find out? Our society does not think enough of our race to even put the things to better our community. How many banks do you see in the ghetto? But there is a liqour store everywhere you turn around. A lady on the documentary said she had to travel almost an hour to purchase a vegatable!!! People in our own race to think enough of us or themselves by some of the ridiculous programs that come on
1:41 PM | Danielle Tillman
|
|
Enough about color. Let everyone be judged by their ability and their willingness to succeed.
3:01 PM | Anonymous
|
|
Many white people have comments such as stop playin' the blame game...When you come back in another life as a black man & have a chance to feel what it is like to be mentally & physically raped by constant white images aimed at destroying your self-love and frequent illegal stop and searches by police and go thru everything that our people go thru-then you will be silent and much,much more sympathetic to the struggle a black man faces...all because of your self-hatred, greed and lust...look at what you guys do to this world. P.S. We learned gangsta life from Robert Dineros, All your violent movies, the pilgrims & Christopher Columbuses...if you dont know,the police still target black males because they make big money in jail biz...let that marinate in your mind at about 350' degrees...you want us to change? You first Mr. George Bush...I pray one day you learn the TRUTH-LOVE is the only ansa'...
4:32 PM | The moment of truth!!!
|
|
series like this create more of a seperation between blacks and whites.the t.v. channel black entertainment television,black history month,essence magazine,are all driving a bigger wedge between different races.we are americans,just leave it at that.
7:34 PM | danny
|
|
You spoke alot about not getting an education or speaking proper english as you were ranting. Did you notice that you had some grammatical errors in your post? Make sure that you are not pointing out what you think is someone else's faults and you are doing the same thing.
1:50 PM | response to just me's comments.
|
|
Just Me, You spoke alot about not getting an education or speaking proper english as you were ranting. Did you notice that you had some grammatical errors in your post? Make sure that you are not pointing out what you think is someone else's faults and you are doing the same thing.
1:53 PM | Merido
|
|
please tell cnn that we want to see a white in america series. Everything is so perfect in their world? I'll like to what we can learn to better our communities. However, then you run the risk of exposing all the problems in their communities and theyjust might learn that some whites still have a problem with racism and everything isn't as perfect as the media portray or fail to report.
4:16 PM | averhart, r - bhm,al
|
|
It's too bad some of us cannot look back and learn from our past mistakes. Those same mistakes that haunt us in the present day; bigotry, discrimination, reverse discrimination, old-fashioned racism, modern-day racism, the glass ceiling, racial profiling, prejudice, hatred, ignorance, and fear! These issues have been ignored far too long and it's time to right all wrongs! The hope of a better tomorrow, is the voice of the people and that voice is beautifully unified chanting "CHANGE"!!!!!!!!!
9:58 PM | Lawren
|
|
If all the problems in the black community are the government's fault and if the government refuses to do anything about it "What does that do to the black community? Could not having control over your own destiny create a feeling of hopelessness and despair? However, lets say that we as blacks assume control of and responsibilty for those things that we do have control over. Would not that empower us to change things within our own community?
1:23 PM | Ron
|
|
Anonymous, I have two degrees, one in economics and the other in information technology. I am the only black male out of 143 employees, many of them don't have degrees at all. I know for a fact that in my department I am paid the least. Yet I am 1 of 3 whose education and experience directly relates to the job. This is the 3rd bank I've worked for and each time it is the same (I was laid off from the other jobs and never been fired). I will be starting my MBA next year, however I question my reasoning. Perhaps education only works for white people.
2:09 PM | EEEsdom
|
|
The topic is Black In America therefore that is why we are speaking from the "black" perspective for those of you who keep saying why are we talking about blacks and not everybody else. Go to another website if you want another topic...duh! I say ignorethe comments made by the non-blacks who don't get it b/c they never will. Until you have walked in our shoes and experienced what we see on a daily basis (this is not a one time situation). People need to become more understanding of the issues and not be so quick to judge. For every black family that has a specific problem the white familes have it too but it's just not broadcast to the world by every media outlet. Hell where do u thing the trailer park came from...........just another GHETTO!
5:07 PM | An-G
|
|
I'm almost 60, white, Republican, and grew up in Massachusetts. I remember when southern negroes fled the jim crow dixie-democrats and settled anywhere they wanted. It's only since WW2 that every urban Jewish ghetto north of the Mason-Dixon line became the demoralizing bloodbaths they are today. The Jews made sure they would use the negro to "take the pressure off the Jews", and make a buck off them as well. Almost every black child is murdered today in the shadow of some abandoned temple. In 1975 I was in South Africa, and to my surprize the Jews in that country hired more black help and paid them less than any of the whites. Also, no matter what you hear, the SA whites played the Inkatha Zulus against Mandala's tribe. It was a different ballgame. You must remember that you are "Kidnapped Americans", not "African Americans". The reason your ancestors were enslaved by the Jewish Lending Houses of Spain in the 1500's was that you didn't die from the white man's illnesses like the
12:48 PM | DJHouston
|
