The case for Reparations. What about Black folks?

Controversy and heated arguments often arise when the topic of Reparations for Blacks in the United States who are the descendents of slaves is brought up. The subject elicits a variety of responses depending on who you talk to.  Native Americans, Japanese Americans and the Jewish community have received some form of reparations for the brutality and inhumane treatment they endured, and rightfully so.  But what about Black folks in America?
Did you know long-time Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) the "Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus" first introduced HR-40, the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act back in 1989? He has reintroduced it every year since, yet it fails to garner enough votes to make it out of committee. If passed, the Bill would just provide an avenue for a committee to STUDY the issue of reparations. Is not the perpetual, generational suffering of Blacks in the U.S. and its effects for over 400 years worth the time to at least be STUDIED? If you're not sure, then you're in luck.
Tune in to view an important forum on Revitalizing the Reparations Movement, April 19 at Chicago State University. The program will be available via webcast. Scheduled participants include Congressman Conyers, the Honorable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. For more information, check out the flyer below. To find out more about HR-40 go to http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/reparations

Welcome to 2014! What will be the top stories, topics this year?

Now that we are a few short days into a brand new year, as a journalist but more importantly a citizen of the world, I am already curious about and anticipating what will be the impacting, news stories. As a proud and honored member of the Black press, I delve into a myriad of wide-ranging topics with specific focus on how it impacts the Black community. Whether it relates to economics, politics, health, education, entertainment or social-justice issues, the Black experience in the U.S. has historically been unique within all of these realms. What are some of the issues, stories and topics that flew under the radar last year that you think the Black press should take a look at in 2014? Please share your thoughts and who knows....maybe I can cover it? Until next time, Peace!

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!

Deen Intensive Academy -- Preparing Islamic Scholars!

Muslims from around the country participated in the first Deen Intensive Academy just outside Washington, D.C. in late August for a weekend of spiritual renewal but also to delve into important aspects of the Islamic faith and to embark upon a journey of developing into scholars. Deen means faith and this first gathering was coordinated and organized by Imam Abdul Jalil, a Chicago native and Sister Nisa Islam Muhammad, writer for The Final Call newspaper. It was a high-energy, full, and "intense" weekend. Check out the other video interviews below from presenters and participants as they shared their thoughts about Deen Intensive Academy. Check out Issue 32, No. 50 of The Final Call for more coverage. The next conference is in Houston, Texas, Dec. 19-22. To find out more visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com.



Muslim men and women in prayer at Deen Intensive Academy



 

Imam Siraj Wahhaj presents at Deen Intensive Academy

Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Masjid At-Taqwa in New York is no stranger to the Muslims and non-Muslims. The well-respected, highly regarded Islamic scholar presented a power-packed session entitled: "A Quranic Mandate: The Relevance of Hadith in the 21st Century" at Deen Intensive Academy.  For additional coverage on Deen Intensive Academy, check out Vol. 32 No. 50 of The Final Call. For information on Deen Intensive Academy visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com/

Sister Fatimah Muhammad shares her Deen experience!

Sister Fatimah Muhammad traveled from Detroit, Michigan to attend Deen Intensive Academy and shares her thoughts on her what she learned. For additional coverage on Deen Intensive Academy, check out Vol. 32 No. 50 of The Final Call. For information on Deen Intensive Academy visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com/