Black Love in the White House

In the absence of black love on movie screens, music videos and magazines, there is black love. At a time when it is more likely to find a real representation of a unicorn than black love, black love is in full effect in the most unlikely place: the White House. President Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle bring black love into full view for all to see. Many European Americans seem to think that black love has never existed. Their reference for black love or the absence of black love is framed by slavery and more recently the often misogynistic representations seen in rap music videos.

For those of us who still have memory of when momma and daddy loved each other, when daddy would give mom a kiss on the cheek or a pat on the rear as he went off to work, black love is not a novelty. However, for many African Americans and main stream America, the Cosby Show was the first glimpse of black love within families. Not since Cosby and Phylicia Rashad has there been such a positive representation of black love and relationships. The blessing is that, Mr. President and the first Lady are not characters on a TV screen. They are real people, who know the price one must pay to maintain family, profession and now the highest office in the land.

The first family offers the opportunity to deconstruct the view of black male/ female relationships and to transform the meaning and representation of black love. President Obama seems to have the ability to step outside his position of power and give props to the mother of his children and his life partner. The Obamas appear to have loved themselves beyond their respective Ivy League degrees, and career accomplishments to find a Love Supreme. This is indeed a revolutionary act.

President Obama and Mrs. Obama present a new vision of love, not just black love, but for all America. The first lady acknowledges that theirs is not a perfect marriage, but that they share a commitment to making it work. In photo after photo we see the Obamas with a look of love, respect and mutual admiration that is hard to fake. There is no doubt that there will be plenty of love and love making between the sheets at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue for the next four years.


As the first family navigates its way through the next four or hopefully eight years, we must keep them in our prayers and intentions that their union will continue to grow stronger with each passing day and each new challenge, and that at the end of the Presidency, they will be more in love than ever. I dedicate this song by Oleta Adams to Mr. & Mrs. Obama. "Just Before I Go to Sleep".

There are many examples of black love all around us. We only need shut off the negative images of black relationships that bombard us and look around us to our parents, sisters and brothers and friends who have shared a union of black love for 25-50 years or more. Is black love easy, of course not; nothing worth having ever is. Yet if we are to rescue the souls of our children from consumerism, narcissism, and greed, love with be the healing balm that will re-unite and heal our families, our communities and our nation.

BLACK LOVE IN FULL EFFECT!

50th Virtual Birthday Bash!!!

Dear Friends:

I need your help in creating a world wide day of celebration for folk born June 24, 1959. We turn 50 this year. While sipping a little Chardonnay I thought what fun it would be to create a virtual birthday bash for people celebrating their 50th birthday this year around the world.

Using the power and reach of the Internet, all I ask is that you circulate this message among your many social and personal networks. Have folk email me and give their input as we Cancerians recognize a half century of loving, laughing and living. My goals is to create a network of folk who want to create a vision for our shared celebration.

Emails to: divagodd6@yahoo.com. Let's get this party started!!!

Etta James and Beyonce: No Fool Like and Old Fool

There's "no fool like an old fool" and "imitation is the highest form of flattery" are phrases I have heard throughout my childhood. However, I never thought it would be attached to some of the greatest icons of music. The most recent in this chain of fools appears to be the legendary singer Etta James (At Last). I thought someone was kidding when I first heard the blurb that she was threatening to "whip Beyonce's ass" and exclaiming that "the guy with the big ears was not her president". Etta were your meds not adjusted that day or did they take your common sense along with the pounds of fat from your weight loss surgery?

I'm baffled and a bit embarrassed in that I considered women like Etta James to be part of the generation that is suppose be the keepers of integrity, pride and common sense. James has joined the ranks of Aretha Franklin; you remember how she spewed hateration at Beyonce', who seemingly innocently referred to Tina Turner as the Queen on an awards show. Prior to that outburst, there was Jennifer Holiday hattin’ on Jennifer Hudson for singing " her song", I'm Not Going. Someone should make a video called "Old Divas Gone Wild", featuring Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Holiday and Etta James. Did I leave anyone out?

I challenge these ladies who clearly must be bitter as hell despite the fact that they are respected and revered by people around the world. Nobody can sing R.E.S.P.E.C.T. like the Queen of Soul, but that doesn't mean it isn't room on the throne for other Queens. Etta, Aretha and Jennifer Holiday get over yourselves. I only hope that Beyonce’ and the youngins’ will take a lesson from all this. They live in a time when they don't have the luxury of being the "it girl" for 15 or 20 years. In today's fast pace, short memory society you're the "it girl in the morning and Rhinanna has replaced you by the afternoon. If you notice, there is a new King or Queen of Hip-Hop every year. Luckily these young people understand the nature of the game. They either step aside or keep raising the bar so that who ever steps up to take their reign will have to bring it. They invoke a "ride a die" attitude to their craft that I applaud. Now don't get me wrong, they have their share of beefs between artists, however, it's usually more about creating hype to sell more records than anything else.

As for the "old fools" who let all of their stuff show (sometimes literally... ReeRee). I ask you to take a lesson from the "Timeless" Miss. Patti LaBelle. Though forever and a day, I will always think of LaBelle when I hear Lady Mamalade, Miss.Patti was not only the epitome of class and grace when Christina Aguilera, Little Kim and Mya performed the song in what I think was one of the worst musicals I've ever watched, Moulin Rouge. (Please note that my feelings about the movie are not a reflection on the performance of Aguilera, Little Kim and Mya). Miss. LaBelle applauded the sisters and encouraged them to keep up the good work and carry on the legacy. The love that the hip- hop generation has for Miss. LaBelle was recently displayed at the UNCF Parade of Stars- Salute to Patti LaBelle. In addition to Fantasia, singers like Chrisette Michelle, and Jennifer Hudson performed musical tributes to Patti LaBelle and had nothing but praise for the example that she has set with her music, but more important, with her generosity and willingness to mentor and cook for up and coming entertainers both male and female. LaBelle seems to always try to take the high road. In a recent interview she was asked why she didn't sing at any of President Obama's inauguration events, she graciously replied, she was not invited to perform, but gave mad props to Aretha Franklin for her performance.

I call upon Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Holiday, who all clearly got caught up in the moment, to not allow their historical legacies to be tainted by a moment when they allowed the worst parts of themselves to show, rather than being a reflection of the Divine gifts to the world that they were born to be.

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but truly, there is no fool like an old fool.

Your Son and Daughter Probably Won't Grow Up to Be President

I am little more than positive that I won't make any new friends and may even lose a few old friends by what I'm about to write. However, that's okay. I only asks that you hear me out before you start throwing the stones at me. I too watched in awe, though maybe not as euphoric as some at the swearing in of our nation's 44th president of the United States of America. Some call him our first black president, first African American, first bi-racial. Well you get the picture. As Princeton scholar, Melissa Harris-Lacewell stated, president Obama's selection of Michelle Obama as his wife and the mother of his children is probably one of greatest indicators of his black identity. But I digress. Back to the issue at hand. For the past week I've looked on as black mothers and some fathers wept on the evening news that they now can tell their children that they too can become anything they want, even president.

Now while this sounds really good in a sound byte, little Ray Ray and NeNe probably have a greater chance of winning the lottery than becoming president of the U.S. What we need to remember is that Obama had some very unique opportunities, some of which include having a white mother, a continental African father and white mid-western grandparents. In addition, he grew up in Hawaii and lived in Indonesia. A very different cultural legacy and experience than most Black children in America. Now let's also add the fact that Barack Obama is one smart guy bar none. In addition, his intellectual genius was cultivated in some of the best schools in America. Add that to practical experience in community organizing, Chicago boot camp political training and being in the right place at the right time (The U.S. literally in the toilet) and you have President Obama. The point I'm making is that we can not ignore the role that intellect, cultural legacy and opportunity play in creating greatness. So while we are telling our children that they too can become president, we must be equally diligent in investing in their academic future at the same rate that we invest in the latest designer fashions. If you really want little Ray Ray and NeNe to become president, parents must attend PTA and parent teacher conferences on a regular basis. We must turn off the TV and Xbox and encourage our children to read and critically think. Now when I say read, I don't mean Zane or Carl Webber's latest urban lit offering. Future presidents need a knowledge of world affairs, they need to be able to speak the language of commerce which is not project English, but the King's or at least the Queen's English. Obama can do barbershop brother to brother talk, but it is his oratory eloquence that won the hearts and minds of Americans across race, class and political ideology.

Though President Obam's election is truly historical, we must couple our excitement with a dose of reality. One out of one hundred Americans are currently behind bars. Approximately, 35% of those persons are of African descent. This sobering reality tells us that our work is just beginning. I am in full agreement that we should not place limits on our children because of race or class. However, the "black tax" (twice as good to get half as much) has not been lifted just because we now have a Black president. In fact, the bar may just have been raised a bit higher. The Keepers of the African village must get busy providing little Ray Ray and NeNe with the tools they will need to navigate a global, multi- racial, multi cultural America. Our children must have at least an intermediate grasp of math and science. More importantly, our children must be emotionally intelligent. We talk about how cool president Obama is, well that coolness is really emotional intelligence. He is a genius at managing his emotions, even in the most complex circumstances. Obama probably learned at an early age that he would not be able to control the actions and attitudes of those around him, but he could control how he responded to those attitudes. The audacity of hope is indeed alive and well and the dream lives. However, faith hope and dreams mean nothing without hard work. The next time you tell your child they can become any thing they want to be including president, remind them that president Obama is a graduate of Harvard law school where he graduated in the top of his class. That it was was hard work, perseverance, service and being prepared when opportunity presented itself that brought president Obama to the White House.

Be It Resolved 2009

Since I try my best to live and walk in integrity, I usually avoid making New Years resolutions. However, as I approach the big 50, I figured there are few things that I should at least make a concerted effort to improve upon. So the following is my top 10 be it resolved listed for 2009. The is tongue and cheek. I have no problems laughing at myself, so feel free to laugh too.

1. Smile more. I'm beginning to see more wrinkles.
2. Be more patient. I've been working on this one for a long time. But this just might be the year.
3. Exercise all of my muscles more. You get my drift. LOL.
4. Radically change my eating habits and drastically reduce my alcohol consumption. (Not that I'm a
a candidate for AA).
5. Commit to writing something positive on one of my blogs at least twice per week.
6. Publish my collection of poetry this year. Okay, I've put it out there.
7. Expand my social calendar.
8. Laugh and dance more.
9. Be more benevolent.
10. Practice (not perfect) unconditional love and forgiveness.

Now there is a huge likelihood that I will break at least half of these resolutions within the first few hours of 2009, but hey, at least I have them on my radar. On a more serious note, I wish the rest of the world what I desire for myself: above all good health, love, joy, peace and prosperity.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!'
FELIZ ANOS NUEVE!

YES WE CAN2: National Pull Up Your Pants, Pull Down Your Blouse Campaign

I must admit that in the beginning I doubted that we could elect a little known, mixed raced dude from Illinois president of the United States. However, the American people were desperate and believed that Obama could bring about change. So the mantra, "Yes We Can" became "Yes We Did".

With the belief in the power of the human spirit to transcend the boundaries of race, class and political ideology to change the face of America politics, I call on all who believe in change to launch a new campaign I believe we can also win. For now I'm calling it the Pull up Your Pants, Pull Down Your Blouse Campaign. The campaign is aimed at modifying the behavior of primarily young males and females who probably due to no fault of their own, have no sense of ancestral memory or sense of appropriateness. The young men look as if they are wearing a soiled diaper and the girls look as if they want to be the Pillsbury dough girl.

I believe the male pants sagging trend has single handily contributed to the increase in male incarceration and the rise and prosperity of the prison industrial complex. It's hard as hell to run from the Po Po if you can't run because your pants are around your ankles and you are afraid they will fall off. Young women seem to be screaming for male or female attention by showing off their midriffs, even when the midriff is a pregnant stomach. Sorry ladies, this does not reflect the beauty of motherhood.

This campaign like the Obama presidential campaign will call for inter-generational, multi-racial, multi- class participation. It will require parents, educators and everyday community folk to sport bumper stickers with the slogan BYPU/BYBD and to lovingly admonish those seen sporting the look. You get the picture. Because of my faith in the power of strategic marketing and Obama mania, I think we have the opportunity to end this long over due fashion trend.

For those of you are more economically minded, there is something in it for you as well. Think about the number of belts that will be sold and the number of young men and women who will be able to contribute to the U. S. economy because they now can actually apply for a job and seal a business deal with a firm handshake without the worry of showing all of their goodies or lack there of. Young women can center their focus on the beauty of their minds and what's above their waist instead of below. It will allow those who they desire to attract to view them on a much deeper level than mere physicality.

Even some in the hip-hop community feel enough is enough. Rapper Da' Priest has written rap song on the issue. He calls on young black males in particular to stand up and pull their pants up. Checkout the YouTube video: Pull Your Pants Up!

The origins of this fashion faux pas is said to have began in the prison system due to inmates not being able to have belts for safety reasons. Others have also said that it suggest a male inmate is sexually available or a man on the outs is open to homosexual activity. Given the widespread homo-phobia in the hip-hop community I find this unlikely or indeed a bitter irony. Regardless of the origins, it's past time to put this trend to rest. The most successful icons in the hip-hop community get it. They realized that in order to roll in the world of commerce you must dress the part. Can we all say Jay-Z, Common, P Diddy and Russell Simmons.

Of course I expect a backlash from many who feel telling people how to dress is a violation of their right to freedom of expression. But hey, two years ago and even now, people had a hundred reasons why a black man couldn't or shouldn't be president. THE YES WE CAN (2) campaign will be the icing on the cake for black people in particular and the community at large.

Beginning the week after president elect Obama's inauguration, I will be forming my "virtual" campaign management team. If you are interested in getting on board, please contact me on this blog.

PULL YOUR PANTS UP/PULL YOUR BLOUSE DOWN 2009!

Who Speaks for the Truly Disadvantaged

After returning from the manic state of euphoria over the election of the first African American president, I was struck with a difficult reality. Who speaks for the truly disadvantaged of America? We know about corporate bailouts, tax cuts for the middle class and tax breaks for the wealthy. But where are the breaks for the truly marginalized segments of American society. Where is the poor people's agenda? Early in the presidential race, John Edwards put forth his agenda for the working poor, but of course his voice was silenced due to his $400 haircuts and his possible contribution to single motherhood.

The category of the truly disadvantaged is occupied by poor whites and people of color. These individuals lack access not only to financial resources but to jobs and education. The Workforce Reinvestment Act promised to lift millions of poor people out of poverty, but has been unable to deliver in the face of a nation engaged in two wars and declining job opportunities across class lines.

The Obama/Biden poverty agenda promises to expand job and educational opportunities; increase capital investments to under-served communities; raise the minimum age; help youth connect to jobs; expand earned income credits and make college tuition affordable. However, in the face of a declining global economy, corporate bailouts for Wall Street and increasing decline of the middle class, will the president and his administration really have time for marginalized black, brown and poor people who don't have an address on Wall Street or Main Street.

What can we do to insure that a poor people's agenda remains on the radar president issues radar?