"Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" - Channeling James Brown in Black History Month

I'd been planning to do a Black History Month post for nearly a week now.  

I was kind of stuck in a writing rut about what to say.  

We all know the history of Black History Month (which began as Negro History Week), we know most of the well-known stories of the inventors, and civil rights activists, heroes and sheroes of our race.

But, what about the regular ordinary every day folks who make Black History Month so special.

As I was driving today, I stopped at the light and looked to my right at the caring crossing guard who not only held up her sign so the young black man could safely get to his middle school, but she put here arm around him, smiling and chatting as he safely navigated the busy intersection.  

And I thought, "Well, she's a real every day hero!"  

And last night I was watching a sports channel and they were telling the story of NFL players who take time out of their schedules to visit inner city schools and offer inspiration to the students.  Of course, they're role models.  However, my attention focused on the middle-aged woman who works in the after school program they visited in Georgia taking care of the elementary school kids after normal school hours.  She's a hero.  Yep.

And then I thought about the people who are running for President of the United States in 2020.  Two of whom look like me.

Despite a few bumps and some bad news the first week in February, I'd say we're showing our pride as best we can - considering the circumstances.

Happy Black History Month.

And in the words of the "Godfather of Soul,"  "Say it Loud!  I'm Black and I'm Proud!"

Music Legend Gladys Knight to Perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl

This just in:  It has been confirmed that Gladys Knight will perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl on February 3rd in Atlanta.

Can You Support Kaepernick and Still Perform at the Super Bowl?

I might get assaulted for this, but this whole NFL season has caused me to experience conflicting emotions.

First of all, I prefer baseball and basketball as a spectator sport.  However, there may or may not be people in my household who enjoy football.  Maybe they like the 49ers.  Just saying.

Is there a way to reconcile watching NFL this season with the blatant disrespect owners have shown for Black athletes who wish to show their disdain for what's happening in our country today by kneeling for the anthem?  

I certainly support and applaud Colin Kaepernick's humanitarian efforts, as well as his selfless acts (which, by the way, have clearly cost him a football career).  And that is a travesty and a black eye on the NFL forever.  But, should we not watch football until Kap gets signed?  

I mean Eric Reid has signed with the Carolina Panthers, although, he's still been subjected to a disproportionate amount of "random" drug testing.

Having said that, is it wrong for Travis Scott and Big Boi to perform at the Super Bowl?

I understand solidarity and supporting each other, but on the other hand, it's a large venue with high visibility, which can be both good and bad for performers.

I'm not saying that if I were an entertainer that I would perform at the Super Bowl.  However, I do believe that we need to look at everyone's perspective and the reasons behind what they do.

"The World is my Home" - The Life of Paul Robeson, Friday, February 8, 2019 in San Jose, California

Ray Taliaferro Public Memorial Hosted by SF Commonwealth Club on Saturday, January 12

As many of you know, African American broadcast pioneer Raphael ("Ray") Taliaferro was found deceased on December 2, 2018 in Kentucky.

Ray was a San Francisco legend and is said to be the first African American talk show host on a major market radio station in the country when he was hired in 1967 at KNEW AM Radio.  His radio career spanned decades and he was the well-known overnight host on KGO Radio.

A Public Memorial is being hosted this coming Saturday, January 12, 2019 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club where Mr. Taliaferro served on its Board of Governors.

All are welcome.  Please visit this LINK for further details and free tickets to this Celebration of a Legend.

Time's Up for R. Kelly

I struggled with watching the recent Lifetime documentary on R. Kelly.  

Initially, I said 'no way am I going to even give this life.'  But, I felt that as a parent, and as a Black woman I was obligated to see for myself what these poor young women and their families have gone through.  I thought, "if they can live it, I must not turn away."

It was as if I was a "voyeur."  It made me feel dirty.  It made me sick.  It made me angry.  I felt ashamed that I'd ever listened to his music.  Disgusted that we had allowed this monster to be a part of our family celebrations and milestones for so many years.

And it made me realize that maybe I didn't see myself in the victims.  That is, until I struggled through the six part series.

There is no room for forgiveness.  I don't believe that R. Kelly can be redeemed.  He is, without question, a reprobate.  

The worst part of it all is that I believe there are more men in the entertainment industry preying on young Black women in this same way.

We can no longer separate art from reality.  No more excuses.  No more blaming it on "the white man."

The responsibility is ours.  

Collectively, we must stop the rape and sexual exploitation of our Black girls and women.  

And R. Kelly is the perfect person to begin with.

Time's up.

#muteRKelly

15th Annual Holiday Dinner and Scholarship Awards Program, Friday, December 7, 2018

California Ballroom

1736 Franklin St

Oakland, CA 94612 

For tickets, click HERE

Event Coordinator:  CDA Consulting Group

510-653-4085

cathy@cdaconsultinggroup.com