Why Muhammad's Economic Blueprint?

No, it's not some scheme or hustle. Nor it is an unrealistic pipe dream. What am I referring to? Muhammad's Economic Blueprint (MEB). 
Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam reintroduced MEB as an answer to help end the cycle of poverty and want that has plagued Black America for decades.
It is a realistic and viable solution to begin to put a dent in joblessness, poor education, hunger, poverty and want. More importantly, it is a collective effort for Blacks in America to begin relying on self and not being so dependent on the government to supply jobs and needs.
At what point do we stop "talking" about what Black folks need to do, should do, could do, and just start doing it? We have to start somewhere, right? If 16 million wage earning Black Americans give a nickel a day....that's right, 5 cent a day, that is a mere 35 cent per week or $18.20 per year. That little bit would amount to $291.2 million dollars in just one year! Five pennies, a nickel, that's painless!
Individually, we spend more than $18.20 per year at Starbuck's, at fast food joints, for cigarettes and liquor and let's not forget those Power Ball tickets. No this isn't reverse racism! Please stop. Many groups in the U.S., Mormons, Italians, Greeks, Jews, Chinese and Mexican communities, unite and pool their resources and are successful. So, why not us?
So check out the video above, make your donation today, then encourage your family, friends and associates to do the same. Let's go! 

Madiba and the cultural revolution

Nelson Mandela

As the nations of the world paused to reflect on the life, works and legacy of Nelson "Madiba" Mandela, it is important to remember the role artists and entertainers played in the anti-apartheid movement. In this current time when actors, singers, musicians and rappers are often maligned for not lending their voices to address social justice issues, wherever they are, there were many that lent their voice to criticize the racism practiced by the South African regime in the 1940s through 1990s. It was principle over profit. Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and Sammie Davis Jr. just to name a few. In the world of hip-hop, Public Enemy, Chubb Rock, Queen Latifah and others were unafraid to drop lyrics that gave insight into the struggle of Black people in the U.S. and South Africa. As a self-proclaimed "old school hip hop head"  I would hear some of my favorite artists giving a "shout out" to Mr. Mandela, freedom fighters Steve Biko and Winnie Mandela in their songs. But the awareness was not just limited to music.  Even the Cosby Show, named the grandchildren of Cliff and Claire, "Winnie and Nelson" after Mr. Mandela and his former wife. I wrote about this cultural revolution during apartheid for an upcoming issue of The Final Call newspaper as part of our comprehensive coverage on the contributions of Mr. Mandela. So make sure you check it out! In your opinion, who are some the artists that made impacting statements or expressions concerning South African apartheid? Until next time - Peace!