What's happening at Standing Rock a day before 2016 presidential elections?

Susana Sandoval with Harmony Keepers, shares a brief update on what's happening in Standing Rock with the Dakota Access Pipeline and where things stand on the brink of the 2016 U.S. Presidential elections and what Pres. Obama can still enact, to halt the pipeline. Ms. Sandoval will be headed back to Standing Rock with a youth delegation soon. This interview took place on Nov. 7.  Click here to listen. What's new with Standing Rock & DAPL? 

Susana Sandoval

An update on Standing Rock & the Dakota Access Pipeline protests

Susana Sandoval is an activist with Harmony Keepers and just returned from Standing Rock in North Dakota where peaceful protesters are continuing their opposition to continued construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. I interviewed her briefly Oct. 28 for a brief update on what’s happening. Click here to listen. Interview with Susana Sandoval

Susana Sandoval of Harmony Keepers

Black, blue and the U.S. racial divide - the analysis continues

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, Claude 'Paradise' Gray and Damon Jones shared a great deal of insightful, forthright and impacting analysis and insight on the issues between police and the Black community in my article titled, "Black, blue and the U.S. racial divide" in the July 26 issue of The Final Call. As a journalist, not every portion of interviews I conduct can make it in the final version of an article based on limited space. However what Dr. Jones-DeWeever, Mr. Gray and Mr. Jones shared is critical as events around the country continue to unfold related to police misconduct and violence, police possibly being targeted and Black communities in pain, and all on top of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. So stay tuned! First up with be additional analysis from author and commentator, Dr. Jones-DeWeever. Below is a link to the article in this weeks edition ofThe Final Call.
Black, blue and the U.S. racial divide

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever

Claude 'Paradise' Gray

Damon Jones

Save Our Girls - Why Black women, girls should listen to Farrakhan

Information on Save Our Girls, April 18.

     Now before you get all excited, want to argue, debate or criticize the title of my latest blog entry just relax and take a deep breath. FACT: Contrary to popular belief, Black women and girls are not fairing much better than their Black male counterparts in areas of social justice, economics, education and other key areas.
     I am not saying there are no successful, Black women. There are plenty.
     But the unfortunate flip side of the "success" equation is the reality that Black women and girls are leading in categories of HIV/AIDS and other health maladies, have an average median wealth of only $5, are more likely to be suspended / expelled from schools than their White female counterparts, and it doesn't end there. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has said on multiple occasions that no one man (or woman) can rise above the success of his or her people.
     For many of our sisters, their self-esteem, self-value and self-worth is constantly taking a hit, and let's be real, we see examples of this daily. Many of us are quite frankly, just off the chain in our behavior and conduct. Our lack of discipline, decorum and dignity has taken a back seat as we just try to survive day to day. Since when has fighting and cussing folks out at the drop of a hat been the representation of a queen?  How do we begin to regain the qualities and characteristics of righteousness that are lying dormant in us and our sisters, cousins, home girls, aunties and even our mothers? We have allowed this world of vanity, materialism, gluttony and sin to shape our behavior and how we think about ourselves.

Volume 34 Issue 27 of The Final Call

     That is why this Saturday, April 18 Min. Farrakhan, who actively demonstrates his unparalleled love, appreciation and respect of women, particularly Black women is speaking on "Save Our Girls: A Nation Can Rise No Higher Than Its Woman". For those who have never heard the Minister speak before or may be hesitant based on "what you have heard" from someone else or from a 30 second sound-bite, the women of the Nation of Islam (of which I am a proud citizen) invite women, teens and girls to this women's only meeting to hear for yourself guidance and insight that will change your life. Minister Farrakhan is a Black man who has got our back, period.
     In conclusion, check out the two links below for more insight into why women and girls of the Nation of Islam are so excited to fellowship and share with our sisters on this day regardless of religious or political ideology, culture or ethnicity.
So for those who may ask, 'Why should Black women and girls listen to Farrakhan'? I simply say "Why not?"

Liberated Voices 4/5/15 broadcast
re: Save Our Girls hosted by
Charlene Muhammad
http://tinyurl.com/mupkem9

M.G.T. Vanguard Promo video
by Filmmaker Laila Muhammad
https://vimeo.com/124176253

At War With Breast Cancer - New book breaks silence, fear

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Though greater numbers of White women are diagnosed, greater numbers of Black women die from the disease. But Rita Muhammad, author, teacher and activist is living proof, a diagnosis does not automatically mean a death sentence. Diagnosed in 2012, Rita Muhammad is now healthy and still on the road to recovery. But she wanted to share her story of physical, emotional and spiritual trials and triumphs with women and men who are battling Breast Cancer as well as with their friends and loved ones. Her new book, titled, "At War With Breast Cancer. Black Women-It's Time To Speak! No More Fear, Shame, Silence" is a must read.
It is available in print or electronically. To order , visit  www.atwarwithbreastcancer.com 
I recently spoke to Rita about her purpose and objective in writing such a personal book and what she hopes others will get out of it. 
Click below to listen to my interview.
https://soundcloud.com/starla-muhammad/ritamuhammadmp3

Rita Muhammad