Two Forward, One Back

 

In less than four years, President Trump has successfully unmasked every racist and white supremacist hidden in plain sight. 

"His bigotry on full display at the 2020 presidential debate was appalling and repulsive, to say the least, for any U.S. president. It’s an utterly disgraceful chapter in American history." 

For all the advances this country has made through the civil rights movement, and the countless lives lost fighting racism and discrimination, to have Trump lead us all down a dark and divisive path is shameful. As Americans who love this country and the multitude of diversity that we all bring, enriching our lives for the better, we must learn to starve our fears about what divides us as a people, while taking great aim at distinguishing racism, no matter the president’s repugnant comments or tweets.

By William J. Booker, as printed by New York Daily News, Oct 06, 2020

Protecting the Homeless from Covid-19 Pandemic

As published by Crain Chicago Business, by William J. Booker, July 17, 2020. 

In the wake of the coronavirus, the homeless are caught in the crosshairs of a pandemic with nowhere to turn. Although the covid-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, killing hundreds of thousands of people, homelessness in America has been a public health crisis for centuries. 

People living on the streets are more susceptible to covid-19 because of their weakened immune systems. This may be one reason why America is unable to bring the number of infected cases down. 

"All over the country staff in homeless shelters are testing positive for covid-19, and as more people become homeless due to job closures the number of infected cases will go up. Universal testing in shelters is crucial, as well as the right to housing during the covid-19 pandemic."

  

The government must simply do more to protect the homeless. Lucky, some states are starting to allocate millions to help mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the homeless and preventing people from losing their homes. Although Republican lawmakers want to spend trillions of taxpayer dollars on fighting covid-19, nothing in their package will be included for helping the homeless population who are on the frontline and have nowhere to go. 

President Trump's denial of science, and the expert advice from his own health officials is literally killing Americans. If protecting hospital's from lawsuits is more important than protecting the homeless from the coronavirus, where does any of us stand a chance in surviving this crisis, or any of the back-deals being made in Washington? 

It's obvious to me the swamp still needs to be drained. In short, "We the People" stands for all the people no matter who they are--or where they live.

Moving Forward Together Against Racism

As published by the Chicago Tribune, July 24, 2020 by William J. Booker

Racism has hurt America in many ways, from policing our citizens, to housing and voting, to someone simply taking a jog. And although we appear to be moving backwards as a nation, in many ways, we are also moving forward towards racial tolerance. 

"If Trump was not president, the conversations we have about race and racism, infecting this country like a virus of its own, might be a mute talking-point."

It is because the majority of Americans agree that racism is a horrible thing, and that something needs to be done to root it out of institutions and expose people who perpetuate racism, and promote hate; that better days are ahead of us. 

"In the wake of the death of Civil Rights leader, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, America is moving forward together, and against symbols of hate." 

Gone are the days of honoring Confederate generals, or taking pride in the flag of the Confederacy for no good reasons. We no longer value racist opinions, or views no matter who it's coming from, whether the name of a football team, the views of a well-known celebrity, or the name brand of maple syrup; times are changing and history will judge us on how we respond to this moment. 

We are a nation of people who will no longer stand for the killing of unarmed people of color by the police under any circumstances. And it would appear that the whole world is in agreement with us. As crazy as it may sound, America is going through a metamorphosis and a purge at the same time, and will become a much better place despite the president's divisive, and shameful attempts to stoke the flames of hatred and cultural divide.

Single Parents Struggle Financially Amid Pandemic

As Published by the Chicago Sun-Times July 9, 2020

As the staggering number of unemployed Americans continues to rise due to business closures, the financial struggles for single parents have been hit the hardest, though most Americans are experiencing some form of financial hardship because of the covid-19 pandemic. 

"Single mothers and fathers are having a particularly difficult time providing even the basic necessities for their children beyond just daily meals due to many non-custodial parents being out of work." 

From diapers to pull-ups, and washing detergent, to over-the-counter medications and hygiene products, the financial challenges single parents are facing today are tremendous, and without some kind of support from friends, love ones, or neighbors, many single parents are in despair and having to cope with a great deal of emotional stress as a result. 

Parking tickets, an expired driver's license or even a badly needed car repair can devastate a very low income single-parent household these days. And while the troubling effects of this new norm will undoubtedly take some navigating to overcome, it has put an extra burden on mothers who are typically the caregivers for their children, and see a second round of stimulus to be the only hope for surviving the fallout from COVID-19.

Black Lives Matter Powerful Reckoning

As Published by the Chicago Sun-Times, July 7, 2020

I was watching a discussion about Black Lives Matter on the TV program “The View” and it dawned on me that some people really believe the BLM movement will someday end. Allow me to clear up a few false assumptions. Black Lives Matter won’t ever end. Public support for the movement has increased steadily over the years, since the fatal shootings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown to the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

"As long as racism and racists exist, threatening the lives and livelihood of Black people, the BLM movement, which has transcended globally, will continue to thrive."

BLM is not a fad political statement. It is not some bill waiting to be passed by Congress. BLM is a proclamation, made by the emergence of liberated, socially conscious and economically empowered group of people who refuse to allow this country to further systematically kill, imprison, terrorize, marginalize or oppress Black people. BLM is unequivocally the beginning of a modern-day Renaissance. 

It will define the future of this country for generations to come — for all people.

As crazy as it may sound, America is going through a metamorphosis and purge at the same time. History will be rewritten, and America will become a much better place despite the president’s divisive and shameful attempts to stoke the flames of hatred and cultural divide.

William J. Booker

Founder of Black Men Matter

Chicago

Calling on Black Fathers

By William J. Booker, as published by the Chicago Sun-Times, June 17, 2020

The guidance and support from black fathers is needed more than ever. Our sons and daughters are on the frontlines in the fight for racial equality and justice in a world where black lives seldom matter. As we enter the 5th week of protests for criminal justice reform, our children need their father's crucial involvement to help set the course for future generations to come.

"They will not get there alone, though their tireless efforts are heroic, if the lives that they fight for don't include the voices of black men and fathers, the struggle may very well be lost."

Many people have lost their lives due to police brutality and excessive force, but it is a call to action, for black men who believe and want to see real change. The whole world may very well be watching, but as fathers it is our solemn duty to love, support, and protect our kids by any means necessary. This Father's day we honor all fathers who want to see a brighter future for their kids, and those who have died trying to make a world of difference.

The Legacy of Slavery Continues

By William J. Booker, as printed by the Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2020.

They did it without any moral conscience for the human lives they were taking, destroying, raping, killing, torturing. There was no game plan when white America enslaved African Americans, and sought to deprive us of our rights. There was no game plan when our culture was taken from us, our dignity stomped out of us, our women and children raped, our civil rights leaders murdered. There was no game plan for what would happen if the people from s---hole countries were suddenly free. There was no game plan because all the cards were on the table. Any and everything America wanted to do to black people, they did. They lynched us and smiled about it.

"Slavery was started more than 400 years ago, and still today we suffer from the abuse from many white Americans who believe that black lives don’t matter, and black votes don’t count. They wave their American flags, and wear their MAGA hats with pride."

When will the violence end? When will the destruction and looting stop? I don’t know, you tell me. When will America own up to over 400 years of injustice? When will we be finally free of the tyranny from racist police officers we face every day in our communities? You want peaceful protest? The day America decides to take its knee off the necks of black and brown Americans, and give us equal justice, is the day we won’t need to loot or burn down buildings to express anger and outrage. You say we’re in this together — then tell me, why the hell are we the only ones dying? 

We must do our part to protect ourselves

As published in the Chicago Sun-Times by William J. Booker 3/19/20 

We can't allow differing political views to keep us from following guidelines for defeating coronavirus

For all the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, it has given

Americans pause to reflect on life, and how they plan to survive during this difficult and
potentially life-threatening time.

The irony is that many of the social ills that separate us as individuals — and as communities — suddenly now confine us all as human beings, as more of us become infected.

"As social distancing becomes the new normal, it doesn’t matter how wealthy or famous you are.

We must do our part to protect ourselves. The risk of catching the virus could be three times higher than the flu. There is no amount of money anyone can throw at this global pandemic to stop it. We must do our part to protect ourselves and ensure that no one else dies or get sick. At a time of social distancing, it is vital that we find new and creative ways to focus our energy.

President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency, but he has also
made it clear that true leadership, in his eyes, means not taking responsibility for any
decisions he may or may not make in the weeks ahead.

In any event, we can’t allow our political views or differences to keep us from following the strict guidelines and instructions given to us by the Centers for Disease Control and state health departments. For updated information on the coronavirus visit www.cdc.gov.  

A Better Place

As published in Crain Chicago's Business by William J. Booker 3/6/20  

There are too many guns on the streets, too many cases of senseless violence and too many innocent young people dying. The violence and crime in Chicago has gotten out of hand. Our communities aren't safe anymore, and young people have lost their way. It would seem that most young men in the inner city have given up on trying to do anything positive with their lives.

Quite frankly, they want what they see on television: quick cash, promiscuous women, cars and drugs. It's the American Dream for a generation of kids living in poverty with no future to think of, nothing seems to matter anymore.

Mayor Lightfoot's recent anti-poverty summit was a great first step in opening discussions about helping impoverished neighborhoods and Chicago's youth by putting badly needed resources in neighbors on the South and West side.

"Her new Invest South/West program will hopefully breathe new life in many of the neglected & distressed neighborhoods like Englewood where I grew up."

If communities fail to meet the needs of the people who live in them--we all fail. Chicagoans can not afford to close their eyes to what's not happening in their neighborhood because the reality is crime is getting worse and is taking place all over the city. Our neighbors aren't safe anymore, and there are too many innocent people dying to senseless violence.

To deter crime people need employment opportunities that support a living wage, and programs that help them improve their daily lives. We also need better schools. People don't won't handouts. What they need is simply a hand up. It’s time to stop blaming the poor for being poor. Thankfully, the mayor is committed to delivering on her plan of economic equity for impoverished neighborhoods, and support for families trapped in a generation of poverty. It’s time we work together to make Chicago a better place to live for everyone.

Making History Defeating Trump

As published in the Daily Southtown by William J. Booker 2/14/20

The difference between the 45th president and the 46th is that the next president won't have a free pass to lie to America. He or she won't be motivated by financial gain, or have the innate ability to mobilize, or embolden racists every time he opens his mouth or sends out a tweet. The next president will have the temperament of a true leader and will lead by example. He will understand that words matter, especially during times of uncertainty and unrest. 

He will not abuse his power, or stand in the way of justice because he knows that no one is above the law, not even the president. He or she won't use our adversaries as political pawns in our elections, take sides with Russia, or signify, belittle or take revenge out on his opposers.

"The next president will have my vote, because he believes that this country is great because of our diversity, not in spite of it."

He won't view the free press as an enemy of the people, but rather a voice for the people. He will inspire us through his humanity and moral conscience which will guide every decision that he or she makes. 

I pray that the next president can unite this country, and change things for the betterment for all Americans despite our differences. 

Finally, the next president should be someone all Americans can be proud of because he has integrity, and will defend anyone's right to protest in silence against social injustice. The next president won't have to worry about being on the right side of history, because the next president--will make it. 

The Blacker I Get

The blacker I get
the more violent
I become,
because Justice
for me,
means Justice
for none.

You have stolen my dignity,
my respect, and my soul,
now payback...is a MF,
for all the brothers
who are gone.

I thought all lives matter,
but you keep proving
me wrong.

Blue lives
means Justice,
when the black ones
can't breathe.

Yet you want me to stand,
for all the injustice that I see.

You think you're the man,
but you're really a fool,
because the blacker I get,
the more violent
I do too.

Vengeance,
maybe the Lord's,
when you're
dead,
buried,
and gone,
but today it's my wraith,
that you will feel
on your neck,
when I'm crushing
your bones,
and breaking your back.

For all the years
you have killed us,
without batting an eye.

I refuse to let go, until my
blackness...can rise!

Military Parade Forgot Vets

"As we celebrate America's independence this 4th of July, with a great military parade, not so much as a dime was spent on homeless veterans." 

Although Sen. Maxine Waters recently introduced Bill HR 1856, Ending Homeless Act 2019, president Trump saw fit to spend millions in tax payers dollars on a military parade that didn't do anything to help the hundreds of thousands of veterans who are homeless across the country.

If the parade wasn't being used as a political pawn, the Trump administration might have been able to use the celebration in a more meanful way by offering made-in-America sponsorship opportunities as a means to help homeless vets, or a donation hotline such as 1(800) USA-VETS.

It could have been a win-win across party lines. Showcasing not only America's strength--but truly the spirit of our nation.

Kardashian: Sex Trends & Black Men

The Kardashian's brand of promiscuity has contributed to their sensationalism, and prominence in mainstream America. However, the Kardashians are not only exploiting their own sexuality, but black men and black culture too.

"Kardashians have amassed great fame and fortune. Despite having no real talent, their ability to appropriate black culture into their family-brand has undoubtedly been a great factor in helping them overcome any and all prerequisites for stardom, and success with an estimated wealth at a Billion."

The hall-mark to their success is due in part to the infamous Kim Kardashian and Ray J sex tape that was leaked and sold to Vivid Entertainment for an estimated $1 million.

By William J. Booker

Their attraction and sexual appetite for wealthy and influential black men has fueled their seductive persona world-wide, and has subsequently created an uncanny trend of sorts among women who aren't black, but who now claim to date black men exclusively. Non African-American women are following the Kardashian blueprint for success, but whether it has any merit beyond the sexual objectification of women is left to be seen.

The irony is that the popularity of black men in reality TV franchises like the Kardashians, Love and Hip Hop and Basketball Wives, has had some impact in galvanizing Millennials who side with black men and minorities against President Trump's racists policies and Tweets condemning immigrants, and black athletes who silently protest at NFL games. Black men are truly at the pinnacle of a new world order. The question is, at what cost? NIKE, now in the spot-light for upholding the merits of social justice, has proven that you can be profit-wise and have a corporate moral, ethical and social responsibility at the same time.

Many people applaud Kim Kardashian-West for using her celebrity to get President Trump to commute Alice Marie Johnson's life sentence. Though her talent is not that of a great negotiator, she used her fame and the power of her brand to accomplish something that many people had been trying unsuccessfully to do for years. It was a win-win for her multimillion dollar brand, President Trump, Alice Marie Johnson, and everyone who supported her release from prison. The simple truth is, Kardashians have always loved sex, black culture and black men. It's what made Kim Kardashian-West and her family rich and famous.

10 Reasons Why Chicago is the Greatest City in America…Seriously

we don't claim to be the greatest city in country, we just are. Tourists love us for our deep dish pizza, Chance the Rapper, 5 Star Hotels, and state-of-the-arts hospitals and trauma centers. Let's face it, our mayor is not the only thing that sinks in our beautiful city, just ask any one of our 50 rats...I mean aldermen. 

Chicago is the only city where our star quarterback makes losing look easy. No sense in wasting millions of dollars on a seasoned QB when we got Khalil Mack leading our defense; that $141 million will be well spent way after we win the Super Bowl. Go Bears! 

Our freeways are open to anyone who don't mind getting shot while driving, anytime of the day, because that's just how we roll. Unfortunately, carjacking will cost you extra. 

"We love our sugary drinks tax free, and any president who can shoot basketball, save the economy and look damn good doing it." 

In Chicago, you'll find a camera on every street corner, bus and train because in our fair city crime is like an in-law visiting you for the first time--while you're away at work. You knew the chances of them visiting you one day were high, you just didn't know when. And once you're no longer a virgin to being a victim of our notorious crime, in the city best-known for its crooked politicians, you can sit back and enjoy listening to some good blues music. Chicago and blues, just seems to go hand-to-hand for some auspicious reason.

Yep, I guess you can say we're the city that works, with or without a state budget. Of course we wouldn't be Chicago if we didn't have at least one snowstorm to remind us why we truly love this city. Our kids get to stay home from school, because being a knucklehead is kind of patriotic these days. 

"We're the only metropolis that when we say Netflix and chill we really mean Netflix and freaking chill, because it's cold as hell outside." 

All I'm saying is no matter where you're from, Chicago will always be home to the people who know and love this city for the good parts as well as the bad. And if you're ever planning on visiting the windy-city, make damn sure you're wearing a clean pair of underoos because God knows anything can happen here.

Get On the Right Side of History

As Published by the Chicago Sun-Times, by William J. Booker, June 21, 2019

Mitch McConnell and Republican lawmakers don't think African-Americans deserve reparations for slavery. Although it's true no living white person is responsible for slavery, all living white people have benefited from slavery the same way all living black people wear the scars of slavery.

What we do know is that America was built on slavery, the separation of African families, and the genocide of decedents of African-Americans. We also know that numerous US companies: NY Life, Tiffany and Co., Aetna, Brooks Brothers, Bank of America, Wachovia, and JPMorgan Chase and others got rich from the slave trade.

Slavery helped to create the white middle class, although African-Americans were excluded from benefiting from same government programs that their taxes helped create, denying them the opportunity to create wealth.

It's clear that the Republican leadership is totally against reconciliation or atonement of any kind for centuries of atrocities perpetrated on generations of descendants of African-Americans--including their own constituents.

"The irony is, after all the racist comments and tweets President Trump has made, stoking flames of hate and embolden racists, Republicans could go down in history as actually living up to their montage "Make America Great Again" with one unanimous vote, putting them on the right side of history for once."

Though Republicans lawmakers have no intentions in the slightest gesture. It's apparent that not even a $20 Harriet Tubman bill (Scheduled to be released in 2020) can change the true face of this nation.

As Rev. Martin L. King, Jr. said, “Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check—a check that has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’ But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity in this nation.”

:: Stepping Into Fatherhood ::

As printed by the Orlando Sentinel, by William J. Booker, June 16, 2019

There are many men helping to raise children that aren't their biological kids. These men have changed diapers, helped with science projects, dropped off and picked up kids from school, attended recitals, baseball games, and have been the voice of reason in an otherwise chaotic world. Some of these men have even helped put kids through college, and taught them a thing or two about remodeling a bathroom, fixing a leaky faucet and changing a car tire. It's the small things that theses men, better known as stepfathers, do that sometimes go unnoticed but are appreciated by their children. Stepfathers are men who have accepted the responsibility of being a parent to children who are not theirs, but love them just the same.

"We shouldn't forget about all the things stepfathers do everyday to help make their children's lives more enjoyable..." 

They may not have asked to be fathers, but they have embraced fatherhood and all the joy, inconvenience and laughter that comes with it. They love and support their spouse's kids as their own. And while any man can essentially conceive a child, let's be especially thankful for all the stepfathers, who have stepped up and shown us what it truly takes to be a great dad!

 “Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.” -Barack Obama

Give Chicago Wounded Neighborhoods What They Need

As As Published in the Chicago Tribune By William J. Booker

When neighborhoods of color are disenfranchised, properties are devalued, improvements and services to our communities are never made, and many middle-class people inevitably move to the suburbs. Thus, people who can't afford to move out become trap in an environment lacking opportunity, and struggle to survive by any means necessary. Many of these neighborhoods on the south and west side of the city, fueled by poverty, are now left in ruins and overrun by violence.

"You can't expect a goldfish to survive in a dirty fish tank if you never change the water. Nor can you expect people to survive in communities that lack opportunities & investment." 

It breeds crime in the entire city. However, if you treat people with respect and give them the tools and opportunities necessary to support themselves and their families they can be capable of doing amazing things. But what you can't continue to do is piss on a person's leg and tell them that it's raining. Those days are over.

Thankfully, we now have a Mayor who fully understands the value of strong communities and is willing to do whatever it takes to put an end to a lot of the senseless violence that has taken over the city. In light of it all...the city that works, must work for everyone--no matter what side of town you live on.

:: Mom’s Got Your Back on Field & Off ::

As As Published in the NY Daily News, by William J. Booker, May 12, 2019.

In the wake of the largest NFL draft in history, and after all the analysis and hoopla, no draft would be complete without the proverbial bond captured on television and in newspapers across the country between mothers and their sons. All Americans can feel that tears of joy in celebration of lifelong dreams coming true.

America’s greatest pastime would not be complete without mothers who share a special bond with their sons. Who could ever forget the great Campbell Soup “Mama’s Boys” commercials that feature superstar NFL players alongside their mothers. It’s a fact that mothers are the MVPs in any boy’s life — just ask anyone on the receiving end of a your-mama joke. It’s understood that mothers definitely are no laughing matter.

"When it comes to mothers, they are the best wide receivers whenever you have a problem. They’re as dependable as a linebacker, and like a quarterback they call all the plays." 

They are an essential part of any team on which their son is playing. They can usually be found closest to the field in the stands yelling the loudest in support of their sons. Yes, mother’s baby, father’s maybe. Happy Mother’s Day!

Criminalization of Black Men: Social Impact & Bias

I hate it when I hear Black people say, I wish Black lives mattered to Black people. White people kill White people, but I never hear White people say, I wish White lives mattered to White people. As Black people, we're constantly reminded and programed to think by the media and others that because of Black-on-Black crime, we as a people don't value our own lives. 

The media is guilty of reporting far more stories about Black-on-Black crime; satisfying and confirming many White viewers fears and prejudices about Black men in efforts to garner high ratings. These distorted portrayals of Black males perpetuates a narrative that Black neighborhoods and Black people are more dangerous than White people and White neighborhoods. This often fosters a notion that Black communities don't deserve the same kind of investments, or improvements as White ones. As a result, our properties are devalued, improvements and services to our communities are very seldom made, and many blue collared Blacks inevitably move to the suburbs--taking with them the only sustainable community investments.     

Contrary to what most people think, Black people don't have a monopoly on crime. Although if you listen to the media you might think otherwise. 

"As sick as it sounds, the criminalization of Black men in America seems to be one of America's favorite pastimes. Today, racists have taken extreme measures to exclude Blacks from even socializing in public places by simply calling 911 to have them arrested." 

White Americans have benefited tremendously from keeping valuable resources and investments out of Black neighborhoods. The common practice of redlining by banks and mortgage institutions led to the creation of the National Housing Act in 1937. The Fair Housing Act followed in 1968, but the damage to many Black communities had already occurred. The outcomes were systemic and are still being felt today, and highlighted by the media in their daily bias, and salacious commentary of Black crime. 

What they don't tell you is that the lack of community investment in disenfranchised neighborhoods trap the people who live in them, and has fueled poverty and left many Black neighborhoods in ruins. And while the media tries to remain liberal, their unbalanced perspective of Black men in many cases contributes to racial profiling by the police, stereotypes and creates a more racist sociality.  

It is a sad truth, the American Dream was never meant for Black people. The thought that anyone could come to this country with nothing, work hard and be successful never materialized for many Black folks who were born here; yet faced discrimination around every corner. The ideal of hope and prosperity seemingly overshadowed by a country so filled with hate, that it elected a racist president to lead the nation and its promise of a better America for all people regardless of race, color or national origin. 

Racial equality will always be a challenge in America, but the media must do a better job with its portrayals of African-American males, and provide greater social context, and understanding for how their (the media's) impact on public opinion influences the lives of Black and Brown families.

Black History Month Call for Action

As published in the Chicago Tribune by William J. Booker, February 17, 2019. 

Black History Month is a time to remember, and honor all those who gave their lives and made grave sacrifices to change things for the betterment for all Americans. 

As African-Americans, we represent all those who died before us because of the color of their skin, and because of the hatred that many white Americans felt towards blacks. America has given African-Americans great cause to reflect on a tumultuous past, and while you can't read about all of the horrible things that occurred to our ancestors in American history books, many of us still suffer from these atrocities.

This is why it is important that we not only remember black history, and all that we fought for as a people, but continue to stand together, united and undeterred as all those who came before us did. 

"Though the accomplishments of our civil rights' leaders are great, the fight for equality and against injustice remains a fight that we must continue to overcome. We must not let the deaths of our ancestors go in vain." 

Our communities are suffering and are in great despair, and the future for many of black youth are questionable. Therefore, lets us (make) a pledge, to go back in our communities and work together to create real change. Lets us give our youth new hope, a reason to live and the tools and resources they so desperately need to be awesomely successful.