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.

Trump Could Do Anything & Congress Won't Impeach

As Published in the Chicago Tribune By William J. Booker

What troubles me the most about everything that President Donald Trump has done since being elected is not the multitude of racist statements he has made; the countless number of lies he has told; the allegations of him colluding with Russians, obstruction of justice or calling people nasty and shameful names unbefitting the presidency; starting a trade war; or his abuse of power (taking away the security clearance of people whom he politically opposes).

No, what troubles me the most in all that has transpired is that the 115th Congress of the United States would stand idly by and allow Trump to burn down the White House and degrade everything this country stands for in order to protect their own self-interest.

"This is, without a doubt, one of the saddest times in American history. Other countries gasp in amazement and utter disbelief every time Donald Trump opens his mouth."

The Republican Party has aided and abetted Trump in dividing this country. They have defended and supported his racist policies and tweets and watched Trump condone and incite hate and violence. Prior to the election, Trump admitted to intentionally engaging in sexual misconduct; despite this, Americans still elected Trump president. I am convinced there is nothing the president can do that would cause him to be impeached.

Millions of Americans have no problem with anything the president has said or done. The sad truth is, although Trump's approval rating is at the lowest for any modern American president, there are people all over the country who still fully support him. His supporters will soon learn that when you get behind crazy, you're subject to go crazy.

Reprint: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-letters-donald-trump-russia-congress-crazy-20180824-story.html

#Trump #Congress #45 #TrumpLiesMatter #United States #Impeachment 

"Good Fathers Make Great Dads"

As published in the Chicago Defender by William J. Booker

We often leave it up to the courts to decide on what to do with men who have children they don’t or can’t financially support, but fathers who intentionally dodge their financial obligations to their children may have other problems they suffer from related to inadequacies from their own life experience of growing up in a fatherless household. The lessons young men learn about fatherhood begins at home. However, fatherless young men who never learn what is expected of them when they eventually have a family of their own. These men often detach themselves from the experience of raising children out of fear of reliving past feelings of abandonment and neglect that they themselves may have experienced as a child. It’s challenging in many ways for some men to accept their responsibility of being a father, especially when you’re told growing up that you will never amount to anything, or that you’re just like your dad–which can have a negative connotation. 

All young boys need their fathers to teach them how to be responsible dads, and how to take care of their family. When a father leaves his home and tells his son, “I’m going to need you to be the man of the house when I’m not here.” It means a lot to a young boy to know that his father has entrusted him to take good care of his family. He grows up knowing he can handle the responsibility of fatherhood. But when a young boy grows up in a fatherless household, he is often denied the experience and reassurance that he can handle the job. 

"Moreover, if the solution is to lock up every father who falls behind, or fails to pay their child support, many young men will never learn how to be a good dad. It’s children that hurt the most when fathers are absent from their lives. Courts and policymakers must understand and consider all of the challenges children of incarcerated parents face when making decisions that affects the lives of millions of children." 

Clearly, there is a disconnect that must be addressed, but incarcerating men because they have failed at being good providers to their children is not the solution. Despite the challenges, let’s hope that all men can find the experience of becoming a father a blessing, and learn how to become a good father and provider by spending less time in jail, and more time with their kids. 

Reprint from the Chicago Defender June 14, 2018.

:: FED UP ::

In the wake of the United States budget crisis, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and President Trump's ongoing efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States, and to build a wall that Mexico still refuses to pay for; Congress needs to pass the 2018 Farm Bill which will have a huge impact on farmers and over 45 million low-income Americans who currently depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. 

The Farm Bill, passed every five years, provides millions of dollars in subsidies to farmers for things like home loans, access to improved broadband service, improved drinking water systems in rural areas, and provides grants for research at universities in fields of animal health, organic crop production and biotechnology. 

The Bill also funds conservation programs that help farmers improve air and water quality on farms which affects us all. The farm bill is detrimentally important for all Americans, and can have far reaching effects on the price of food across the country if it's not reauthorized by Congress and the President this year.  On the table for SNAP recipients, will be everything from imposing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents; making it tougher for people to qualify for LINK, to limits on what people can buy with SNAP benefits like soda or other foods that are considered unhealthy. 

"The Farm Bill doesn't guarantee that the price of  fruits and vegetables won't go up because of Trump's immigration policy, but what it does guarantee is that feeding the poor and hungry will never be an issue for those who can afford to eat unhealthy foods like cheeses burgers on their multi-million dollar private jets, then have their doctor lie for them about their weight."   

:: The Price of Patriotism ::

America's eyes are open wide shut to the relentless persecution of blacks by racist white people in this country, and their misuse of emergency 911 calls to the police to aid them in their discrimination and racial profiling of blacks. As Americans, we watch these horrific episodes being played over and over again through the lens of social media; as racists are given a pass to abuse emergency 911 calls and trespassing laws to have blacks arrested for doing absolutely nothing wrong.

It's uncanny, in many ways in its resemblance to Civil Rights era Jim Crow laws, and no one seems to be doing anything about it. This reckless behavior puts innocent black people in handcuffs and in jail, while onlookers watch in utter disbelief. This America is our truth.

"Make America Great Again is nothing more than code for Make America White Again. Giving privileged white Americans the right to discriminate against blacks."

We all heard the sentiments in an announcement made by President Trump at one of his rallies in North Carolina, just before he was elected President. When Trump stated that he would pay the legal fees of a white man that sucker-punched a black protester. This was his national call-to-action in my opinion to "Make America Great Again" and his unwavering support for white nationalists.

We heard it again in Charlottesville Virginia, during a white supremacist rally, when Trump seemed to side with white nationalists initially, condemning the violence on "many sides". I could go on, but it's clear to me that we live in a country where two Americas exists. One that puts police officers against black and brown Americans, and threatens their safety, and one that seems to make it ok for white Americans to call the police on black Americans, and have them arrested for just being black.

This is the America we celebrate on the 4th of July. It's the America our troops, of all nationalities, die and fight for, and the America we all stand for during the national anthem--and in many cases are willing to take a knee for regardless of the consequences, or the price we have to pay to the NFL. As we celebrate this 4th of July, and in times of racial uncertainty let us all remember, a very wise man once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

In Solidarity,

William J. Booker

"In the case of the American Negro, from the moment you are born every stick and stone, every face, is white. Since you have not yet seen a mirror, you suppose you are, too. It comes as a great shock around the age of 5, 6, or 7 to discover that the flag to which you have pledged allegiance, along with everybody else, has not pledged allegiance to you. It comes as a great shock to see Gary Cooper killing off the Indians, and although you are rooting for Gary Cooper, the Indians are you."

— James Baldwin "The American Dream and the American Negro" (March 7, 1965)

:: Give Your Child Everything & Nothing ::

I hate when I hear people say, "my child don't want for nothing." Like that's really some kind of parental badge of honor.

"Truth is, when you give your child everything...they appreciate nothing. You want to give your child something, give them something money can't buy."

Give them plenty of responsibility. Shower them with your time. Give them a listen-party at the end of a grueling work day without criticizing them. Give them spiritual guidance. Give them honesty and respect. Give them praise and encouragement...tell them how wonderful they are in the mist of their own quite little storm.

Give them rules to obey. Give them hugs and kisses. Give them wisdom. Give them time out. And after you're done giving them everything they didn't know they needed without spending a dime, tell them that you love them, but you can't afford to buy them that new pair of Jordans or designer handbag because you're broke.

Tax Bill Won't Benefit Middle Class

As Published in the Washington Times, 12/19/17 By: William J. Booker

The Republican Tax plan lowers the corporate tax rate; citing that America has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. They want to bring jobs to the United States by lowering the tax rate, BUT none of this makes sense. Companies don't make their decision on where to locate solely on tax rates. They make their decision based on cheap labor. Lowering the tax rate does little--if anything at all to drive the economy.

America has a very strong, robust and innovative economy with millions of consumers. The most fundamental concepts of economics is supply and demand.

I doubt that companies like Apple are sitting around thinking, hey lets lower our prices so more people can afford to buy the new iPhone X. Thus, lowing the corporate tax rate doesn't translate to foreign companies wanting to run to set up shop in America because the price just went down.

"It's wrong to run a corporate fire sale at the expense of American consumers who can barely afford to feed their families." 

The plain truth is, the average corporate tax rate is about 28% which is passed down to consumers anyway. If Republicans really want to help the economy grow; they would pass a tax bill that puts more money in the hands of people who need it the most--the middle class.

#MeetThePress #FireSale #America #Business #Democrats #Republicans #Politics #NewYorkTimes #NewYorkPost #ChicagoSuntimes #ChicagoTribune #TaxBill #MiddleClass

Pulling the plug on the NFL

As published in by the Washington Times by William J. Booker, October 10, 2017. 

One thing black folks have in common with the #NFL is the billions of dollars we represent in sports marketing. We must learn to use our collective influences to affect change where there is racial injustice and disparity in our communities.

The NFL is the most successful sports league in history, garnering over $13 billion annually. Yet the handful of white owners who control the 70 percent of African-American football players representing the majority of the league have a lot to lose when they forget who really controls their bottom line. It's TV revenue, not ticket sales that makes the NFL a lucrative business model. However, it's advertisers who would really have something to say if Black players failed to show up for work on Monday.

The “psychographics” behind TV commercials is how advertisers target us for our dollars. When you see a commercial with only white people but you hear black music (i.e. the Temptations or Stevie Wonder) in the background, who do you think the target market is? If you guessed both black and white folks, you’re right. It’s how advertisers get away with taking millions from people of color without hiring one. Needless to say, one commercial in a thousand markets is far cheaper than two commercials (one with a black family and one with a white family) in a thousand markets.

So how do we use this information to our advantage? Licensing deals advertisers make with R&B artists must be STOPPED! When advertisers have to pay more money to target us for their products, our fight becomes their fight, too. The sound of money being made or lost is the only sound some people — black or white — will be willing to listen to and take a knee for under any circumstances.

Repost: Washington Times: 10/10/17

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/oct/10/letter-to-the-editor-pull-the-plug-on-the-nfl/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN:

Secrets, Lies & Deception

It's clear to most Americans that the Trump Administration fully supports the agenda of white nationalists, however it's more important to understand how every advancement ​that ​this country has made ​towards denouncing racial ​inequality, bigotry and discrimination has endured.

​The Emancipation Proclamation in 1​863, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Affirmative action in 1961​, ​the Civil Rights Act of 1968​, and the first Black President​; all mark the successful path and struggles African Americans have made and continue to make in the fight for racial equality.

T​his country is undoubtedly moving in the right direction, and trying to heal from the horrible past of slavery, ​despite the best efforts of white supremacist. Public monuments to the Confederacy are symbolism's that ​perpetuates bigotry, racial intolerance and hate;​​ ​which have become painful reminders to Black people of what their ancestors had to endure, and why many African Americans are still ​today ​trying to overcome over 400 years of oppression.

It also ​explains​ why President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions are pursuing a case of reverse discrimination ​for white students at Universities across the country. The fight for white privilege in this country is strong---but ​the battle ​is ​soon to be lost even with the President's support.  

"What ​the media has failed to report, is what ​the KKK, White Supremacist and other hate groups are really afraid of​ ​next; which is ​reparations​ to African-Americans​ for human rights violations including public lynching, rape and other atrocities towards enslaved victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade."   

Donald Trump and the Neo-Nazi 'alt-right' knows the case for reparations is the only thing of significance left on the table in the ongoing conversation about reconciliation for slavery; and there's nothing he or his racists cohorts can do to stop this country from acknowledging its horrible past and moving forward to atone for over a century of enslavement, persecution, domestic terrorism and racial inequality for people of African descent.          

In fact, Trump actually ​alluded to it when ran to be President, when he stated that if he won the election "African​ ​Americans would love him more than President Obama". A wise man once said, be careful of your foot...it may find your mouth. 

For information about reparations visit: https://www.facebook.com/ReparationsReportCenter