:: Objectification of Black Women ::

As Published in the Atlanta Voice, 1/13/18 by: William J. Booker 

The objectification of black women must end. As African-Americans, we must stop contributing to and allowing others to shamelessly profit from the demoralization of black women. The negative and salacious images of black women portrayed in rap videos and magazines today have a profound effect on all women of color, and has no doubt contributed to the emotional, physical and verbal abuse many black women are subjected to in abusive and destructive relationships.

"When we buy into television shows, music and publications that dishonor black women--we devalue ourselves, our mothers, our daughters and our community, and help to substantiate the reasons why black women are often portrayed negatively in mainstream media."

We must stop buying into negative propaganda that destroys our identity and untimely our future, and the future of our children and the women we care about.

In solidarity,

‪#‎BlackWomenMatter!                                                                                            www.facebook.com/BlkWomenMatter

"Celebrities Helping Make Black Lives Matter"

Say what you want about the 'Black Lives Matter' movement but in the wake of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre's newly released movie "Straight Outta Compton", 'Black Live Matter' has fueled a new awakening among black entertainers and athletes who have been advocating for equal justice, and lending their financial support and advice to black youths striving to make a difference in their communities.

"Hands up don't shoot" was the call to action that gave black entertainers and athletes who were outraged by the killings of unarmed black men and women, an opportunity to get involved and demonstrate their support for Michael Brown and the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Though entertainers have always been a part of the civil rights movement, the trend is no different today than it was when civil rights leader MLK led the march on Washington to help end segregation in the 60's.

"Many entertainers who identify with having grown up in impoverished and economically distressed communities are becoming more socially conscience about the growing number of unarmed black youths being killed by police officers and are starting to do something about it."

Celebrities like Nelly, Common, Janelle Monae, Lebron James, Nas, John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are using their platforms to speak out against these atrocities by condemning the actions of racist law enforcement officers, but also helping to make a difference in other ways by encouraging youths to stay in school and offering scholarships to help combat racial disparities and injustice.

"Good Parents Don't Need No Stinking Xbox"

Parenting can be one of the most difficult yet rewarding jobs in the world. It requires great Patience, Appreciation, Sacrifice and Time (PAST). Children represent our future; but they are also indelible reflections of our past. 

The life skills your parents gave you, you will pass on to your kids and with any luck they will do the same to theirs. It is one of those jobs that are an absolute; you either get it right the first time or you fail miserably.

Let me be clear, it is not necessarily your fault or anyone else’s for that matter if your child closely resembles Satan. If every child came with a Triple A Road Map and explicit instructions on how to use correctly, most people I know would be in jail already for failing to follow directions, affluenza defense not included. 

"Children rise to the expectations they are given. If your biggest expectation for your child is to do well in school--you may already have failed. Children look for guidance as well as love, though many parents with little parenting experience; or a good foundation to extract from, can unintentionally lead a child to hell in a wind basket." 

Dysfunctional parents often rear dysfunctional children. A parent who thinks that they are doing the best job they can do because little Johnny has a place to stay, three square meals and an Xbox is a dysfunctional parent; minus the Xbox your child can get the same thing in prison. You have given your child nothing to help him or her reach their full potential outside of their academics. 

If you think talking down to your child, swearing or beating your child down the road to righteousness will free them or you from their bad behavior at school or anywhere else think again. Children need 'emotional equity' more than anything you can give them. And parents who can afford to treat their kids to a listening-party at the end of a grueling work day, will have no problem endorsing the checks that will eventually get their kids through college, and make them proud to be called a mother or a father. With that said, I’d like to thank my parents for doing the best job that they could possibly do--minus the Xbox.

 ‪#‎Parenting‬ ‪#‎Xbox‬ ‪#‎PAST‬ ‪#‎Children‬ ‪#‎Affluenza‬ ‪#‎Dysfubctional‬ ‪#‎Love‬

"Increase the Peace for Mothers"

As Published in the Chicago Tribune, 5/10/15 by William J. Booker

Every day, mothers sacrifice their dreams to provide a better living for their children. They don't eat, when their children need to, they don't rest, when their children can't sleep, and they get up every day and go to work because sometimes they don't have a choice in the matter, and when things get really bad, they get up in the middle of the night to protect us from the monsters hidden away in our closets and under our beds.

"The everyday sacrifices that mothers make, no matter how big or small, are like small investments that earn big dividends once their children grow up to be successful and have loving families of their own." 

 The last thing any mother expects is to have her number one investment stolen from her by senseless gun violence or at the hands of police officers whose jobs are to serve and protect all of its citizens."

Mothers make great sacrifices for their children--which is why being a mother is so special. This Mother's Day, around the country, increase the peace for mothers, who have dedicated their lives to their number one investment--their children.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

As Published by the Chicago Tribune, 05/10/15: www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-letters-st-0510-20150508-story.html 

#‎MothersDay