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Monday, December 30, 2019

Defending Truth.




Just Mercy is a 2019 film that deals with the criminal justice system. It stars many people like Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Lawson, Rob Morgan, Rafe Spall, and other people.  The story is about the true story of Walter McMillian, who was once falsely convicted for murder of a white woman. The defense attorney Bryan Stevenson appeals his murder conviction and helps to free Walter McMillian. The film is based on the memoir of the same name, which was written by Bryan Stevenson. Destin Daniel Cretton directed the movie. Michael B. Jordan, Gil Netter, and Asher Goldstein produced the movie. The screenplay was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Lanham. The film had its first world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2019. It was released theatrically on December 25, 2019 by Warner Brothers Pictures. Many critics positively reviewed the film, and Jamie Foxx has a nomination at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.  The film has already won two African American Film Critics Association awards and an Award from the National Board of Review. The movie shows Bryan Stevenson and his allies sacrificing their time and in many cases their lives to fight for an innocent man to be finally released from prison. Bryan immediately finds tons of evidence that proves that Walter is innocent of any murder. The movie is very emotional, because there are many innocent black men and black women in prison now. The film has the lawyer talking to Walter's family. Also, Bryan Stevenson continues to be an activist to fight for justice involving criminal justice issues. He is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. The EJI said that one out of every 10 men on death row is innocent. That is why the death penalty is so controversial, and many nations already ban it. America has never banned the death penalty nationwide in decades. The black community, for years and decades, has told the world about many of the unfairness found in the legal system. Not too many people have heard us. It is only recently when more and more people from across the political spectrum do acknowledge how unfair the criminal justice is and want something done about it. Brie Lawson plays Stevenson’s ally Eva Ansley. The movie talks place in the rural South of 1980. Karan Kendrick plays Walter’s wife named Minnie McMillian. Bryan Stevenson wanted the movie to be used as a call to action. This action is what most Americans want and what most people in the world desire. We don’t want innocent people to be murdered. We don’t want the War on Drugs ruining the lives of so many black and brown people in the States. We certainly don’t want the status quo. The system doesn’t just need some changes. It needs a complete overhaul in order for justice for all to ring true for real. This is a serious deal, and the movie Just Mercy makes that point very clear.


Terry Gilliam’s criticism of the Black Panther movie is not a product of legitimate criticism. Gilliam has shown hatred, racial stereotyping, and outright falsehoods. I will give examples of what this view is correct. This comes underneath the backdrop of the backlash against animated movies. Many directors and critics don’t like these types of films, because they view them as not filled with real acting or real storylines. The truth is that you have to judge any animated film based on its character, and not every animated movie is monolithic. Many comic book style films have great acting, coherent plots, and interesting character dynamics. The attacks on MCU or the Marvel Cinematic Universe have grown by directors. Terry Gilliam ironically was the former Monty Python animator. Gilliam made the racist remark that Black Panther makes young black kids the idea that this is something to believe in. He also said that the people who made it never been to Africa and made up African fabrics. Gilliam is wrong. The director Ryan Coogler did go into Africa to research information for his film. He came into Lesotho. He came into Kenya (where Lupita N’yongo’s relatives are from) and in South Africa. In South Africa, Coogler learned the Xhosa language which was used in the film. Ruth E. Carter was the stylist in the film. She worked with Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg. Ruth actually researched many African tribes and created distinctive and authentic looks for the various tribes of Wakanda. That is why she won her Oscar. Gilliam forgets that Wakanda is a fantasy. It isn’t real. Many black kids see Wakanda as inspiring them to love their own Blackness, to love Africa, and to aspire to do great things in life. Gilliam’s lie that Black Panther is only popular because of “identity politics” is silly. Black Panther is popular because of its storyline, actions, complex messages, talented actors plus actresses, and the breadth of its content. Many people use identity politics as code for trying to make people ignore their Blackness or their identity instead of embracing their diverse identities. Gilliam is wrong to make up the lie about MeToo movement turning people in to victims when MeToo is about ending sexual abuse (and sexual harassment). There are valid critiques of certain aspects of Black Panther, but Gilliam’s words are not some legitimate critiques. They are part of the agenda to downplay the importance to address racism, imperialism, and injustice.


The tensions among the FBA and the ADOS movements are not shocking, but it's a sad representation of how things are. Some time ago, I mentioned the truth that a kingdom divided among itself can't stand. This is true. Antonio Moore and Yvette Carnell are wrong for their xenophobia. Many ADOS followers are xenophobic by accusing their critcs of being an immigrant. Some ADOS poeple are xenophobic for scapegaoting black immigrants for the problems of black Americans instead of the system of oppression. Many ADOS people are xenophobic for disrespecting the ingueity and courage of African people. Many ADOS folks are xenophobic for dismissing the right of those of the African Diaspora to be in American films by virtue of their nationality alone. Antonio and Yvette talk about lineage, but they omit that their lineage didn't originate in America. Their lineage originated from the Motherland of Africa. Also, the majority of the people of African descent in the Americas during the Maafa were kidnapped and forced to live in South America and the Caribbean (not the British colonies). Therefore, black people in the Western Hemisphere are deserving just as much for reparations as people like me (who are black Americans). Yvette Carnell said that it is not xenophobic to say citizenship should matter in terms of American priorities. She is slick, because she omits that she wants to exploit citizenship as a means to believe that black non-African Americans are not equivalent to African American citizens (when citizenship exists among many different ethnic groups and backgrounds). The Constitution is clear that anyone born in America is a citizen. African Americans deserving of reparations doesn't mean that Africans should be dehumanized by virtue of their ancestry. Yes, Yvette and Moore are xenophobic by demanding that black immigrants show their lineage instead of demanding the people who control systematic racism to give us our compensation in the form of reparations, etc. All people are created equal regardless of citizenship. Yvette is silly to be more cordial to a person named "Frost Wizard" (who disrespects black women. He called black people "scum monkey" which is racist, and he's a Trump supporter) than actual black people who disagrees with her. Frost said that he is biracial while others say that he is white. Yvette is part of PFIR, which was funded by the white racist and eugenicist John Tanton. Now, Tariq Nasheed has been petty against Antonio Moore and Yvette Carnell. The problem with Tariq is that he isn't using legitimate arguments to refute Moore and Carnell. Moore and Carnell are wrong for their anti-African xenophobia, for their promotion of the ADOS, etc. Yet, Tariq has used Twitter to disrespect both of them of their physical appearances, their personal lives (which has nothing to do with the political arguments), etc. The reason is that Moore and Carnell critiqued Dr. Claude Anderson's actions. You can disagree with them on their Anderson critique without ad hominem attacks. Tariq Nasheed is a total hypocrite.

He or Nasheed criticized certain types of interracial relationships, but his wife is a product of an interracial relationship. A lot of people don't know that he has a white mother in law. Many people don't know that he was in Brazil lusting after white Brazilian women years ago. Many people don't know that he hanged out with pimps and he is pro-pimp. Many people don't know that he promoting misogynistic books and was once a rapper (named K Flex where he promoted an album cover of the degregdation of a black woman. Tariq Nasheed has a known history of calling black women the B word. He hasn't apologized for his nonsense) glamorizing violence. Nasheed doesn't talk about the wage gap among ethnic groups, health care issues, environmental issues, and other real issues (even when he was once on FOX News). Tariq talks about white racism, which must be exposed, but he uses that as an excuse to push his reactionary agenda. Tariq disrespected single black mothers for years, and he said that black single mothers aren't entitled to reparations. He lusted after Brooke Hogan and said that he wanted to bring the flag of Europe in the bedroom. Tariq has gone out of his way to promote disinformation like his Hidden Colors series while scapegoating Afro-Caribbeans and other Africans. Jason Black (who made Facebook posts demonizing single motherhood in false, offensive ways. Jason Black promotes Reagan-like arguments) is an ally of Tariq. Jason Black's avatar of Eldridge Cleaver is interesting as Cleaver bragged about raping women, supported Reagan, and compromised his principles. He or Cleaver wrote about hating black women, which is evil. As for me, I love black women of every nationality. Cleaver is well known for his hatred of progressive views by the time of his passing. Tariq is arrogant, profane, and a liar. I don't agree with Tariq, Jason Black, Yvette, or Moore for different reasons. Jason Black has the nerve to disrespect Dr. King, when Dr. King risked his life for freedom. Without Dr. King and others, he wouldn't have a Youtube channel. Dr. King showed his face while Jason Black doesn't. When Dr. King was fighting against the Vietnam War, Jason Black refuses to oppose imperialism in our generation. I don't follow the ADOS or FBA. I follow the agenda of black liberation and Pan African Unity. We must deal with economics, politics, and infrastructure in order for us to be free.

The big lie is that voting means nothing. If that is the case why are far right Republicans supporting voter purges nationwide in places from Georgia to Wisconsin. Why are Republican legislatures passing voter ID laws that restrict who can vote, when you can vote, what they of ID that you can use to vote, etc. Therefore, voting matters from the federal level to the local level. Registering people to vote makes sense, and it’s the right thing to do. Recently, one federal judge said that the reverse of Georgia’s decision to purge 100,000 voters will not happen. This is bad news. These purges disproportionately harm low income voters, Democratic leaning voters, young people, and people of color. Stacey Abrams has worked to undo the purge. She ran for the Governor of Georgia. One judge supported cutting as high as 234,000 voters in Wisconsin. Abrams’ group is called Fair Fight. Fair Fight restored voting rights to 22,000 people. Once, former Republican Governor Scott Walker passed the harsh voter iD law that restricted early voting, and promoted partisan redistricting. Since the infamous 2013 Supreme Court decision that gutted part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that reviewed states with a history of discrimination, voter purges have increased. These purges are a new slick tactic in trying to maintain Republican power. People, who have done nothing at all, should never have their names purged. What we are fighting for is the maintenance of democracy.

By Timothy

Friday, December 27, 2019

Changing Times.






There is an epidemic of homelessness in America. When I went into Los Angeles back during May of 2019, I saw a lot of homeless people. There are about 568,000 homeless people in America right now. More people are living outdoors. That is why protests, vigils, and programs are in existence to fight for better conditions among people. The rise in the stock market is not telling the whole story of the American economy. Wall Street benefits heavily by the exploitation of workers for the sake of the accumulation of profit. Today, we have the opiod overdose crisis, gun violence, and the rising suicide rate. There has been a lower American life expectancy than a few years ago. After the 2008 recession, many jobs that some people got are low wage jobs of the gig economy. Tons of people have to relay on Uber or Grubhub to get extra crash for survival. The 400 richest people in America combined have more wealth than the bot tom 64 person. With corporate and estate taxes cut, the 91 of the largest corporations pay zero or negative federal income taxes. Trump cutting SNAP will led into starvation. That is why moderation doesn't work. Only progressive, structural change can solve these problems.

Yesterday was the Birthday of Sister Koryn Hawthorne, and she is 22 years old. She is a well known gospel singer. She also was a finalist in season 8 of NBC's singing competition show called The Voice. She was born in Abbeville, Louisiana. When she was 9 years years old, she sang in a group called Louisiana Kids. She has sang in churches, nursing homes, and other locations. By 2016, she graduated from the Lighthouse Christian Preparatory High School in Abbeville. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza declared May 6, 2015 Koryn Hawthorne Day and gave her the key to the city. She was on the show Mary Mary. She made an EP. Later, she released her full length debut album called Unstoppable on July 13, 2018. She has been nominated for many awards and her inspirations include people like Etta James, Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, etc. She won Billboard Music Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and the NAACP Image Award. including the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. She is a young woman on a mission to show her musical talent and praise the Most High at the same time. I wish Sister Koryn Hawthorne more blessings.


He is an iconic track and field legend right now, and he is 30 years old. He is Brother Yohan Black, and it's his Birthday yesterday. He was born in St. James, Jamaica. He won gold in the 100m at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever. He also won silver in the 2012 Olympic Games in the London and in the 100m plus the 200m races for the Jamaican team. He won gold in the 4 X 100 m relay race in the 2012 Olympics and in the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro. He is the 2nd fastest man in the world living with the 100m with the personal best of 9.69 seconds. He loves the sport of cricket too. His friend is Usain Bolt. He continues to be a great fan of cricket. I wish Brother Yohan Blake more blessings.


Some super sensitive white people have always have a hatred of black people and black culture. The truth is that black music has existed for a long time. Even many scholars have acknowledged the black pioneers of gospel, hip hop, jazz, rock, R&;B, etc. The song by the artist Mesus is a desperate attempt to try to promote guilt against black people, but it won't work. Eminem never apologized to Lauryn Hill or to black people in general. The basketball argument is silly by Mesus, because black folks already know about the origins of basketball. Yet, many of these haters refuse to acknowledge the black roots of hip hop music. Mesus' response is filled with deception, deflection, and total insecurities. Mesus is also racist by calling Nick the whitest black person that he knows. He even questioned the existence of black music. Anyone who is black cosigning Mesus is a traitor. It should shock no one that the same people who stole resources, lands, and other things in the world will try to lecture the oppressed on issues. Mesus and other racists wouldn't dare call for the banning of Irish, Jewish, or Greek cultural institutions, because of the obvious reason. Black music and Black culture belong to black people. Folks needs to respect this fact.

One great author of the Harlem Renaissance was Anita Scott Coleman. She lived in a time in America where overt lynching was commonplace, but her fight for justice was always powerful in her soul. She was born in Mexico and was raised in New Mexico when she was 3 years old. She was a school teacher had an intense passion for creative writing. She worked with the French film production company named Pathe and desired equality for black Americans. Her stories were diverse in their content and unified with the intention of stirring the readers' thinking. Her eloquence was monumental, and she loved her husband plus her five children unconditionally.
Rest in Power Sister Anita Scott Coleman.





By Timothy

The Holiday Season.




On this day, we remember a person who changed history forever. Over two thousand years ago, he was born to a family. His ancestors came from the David and the tribe of Judah. He was raised by Joseph and Mary. He came out to heal people, to inspire change, and to give good news to the poor including the oppressed. Many were jealous of him, but they couldn't stop his impactful legacy that exists in our time. While others slandered him, his apostles and followers became leaders in the abolitionist, labor rights, civil rights, and other social movements. His apostles were very courageous, and many of them would die by murder. Likewise, he made a long, joyful legacy in our lives. He was Yeshua the Messiah. I do believe that he is Son of the living God. Even the OT mentioned the existence of God's Son. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. Also, he fled into Egypt for a time during the persecution of Jewish people. Later, Roman authorities allowed him to be crucified after the betrayal of one traitor named Judas Iscariot. Days later, he rose from the dead via the resurrection. He was seen by many and ascended into Heaven. Jesus Christ was more than a rabbi, a teacher, or a leader of apostles. He certainly gave great, eloquent words about life,.

Jesus Christ was right that the Kingdom of God is within you. He was right to prevent the murder of a suffering woman. He was right to say that man will not live by bread alone but the word of God. Therefore, the Messiah is at the right hand of God the Father. He also has been mentioned in the NT, Josephus, Thallus, Tacitus, and other scholars of that time period. The early Christians were brutalized by the Roman Empire. Some of them were burned alive or eaten by animals in the Roman Colosseum. Some had to regularly escape for their lives. Many Christians have been persecuted down the ages for just translating religious books in their own languages or opposing certain doctrines (like William Tyndale and the Waldensians). Yet, today, the same spirit of joy and tranquility resides in the world today. After all of these decades of living on this Earth, I never lost the faith. Like always, we acknowledge the heroes who have used charities to help many people worldwide during this time of the year. To give is just the right thing to do. We use this day to establish succinct bonds with our families and friends, to show thanksgiving for the blessings that we do have, and to advance justice plus liberty for all. That is our calling.



Ever since Nikole Hannah-Jones' 1619 article was released to public, the critics of her aren't just far right conservatives who don't care for racial justice (or freedom for black people). The critics include others like WSWS, some historians, and others who believe in class reductionism. Class reductionism believes in the myth that all injustices from racism to sexism exist from a class situation. The truth is that class issues must be discussed in history, but history is not just about class. History is a complex array of events, personalities, and atmospheres that should be analyzed with great detail. There was sexism before classism. Racism existed long before the 1500's. Some people have legitimately critiqued Hannah-Jones' work on many issues from imperialism to omission of historical facts. Yet, some have gone too far and questioned Hannah-Jones' character (which is wrong) and even saying that she believes that the DNA of America is irremediable (which is a lie). The truth is that Hannah-Jones' 1619 work is very historic. It has many great points and it made mistakes on some issues. WSWS has been the leading class reductionists abhorring Hannah-Jones' views, but the WSWS supports the sick predator Roman Polanski,. and the WSWS think that they are the most authentic socialist group which is fantasy.. America's history does greatly deal with racism and slavery.

I am a black man, and I'm the living witness of American history. Many of my ancestors were slaves that I can trace. Also, it is important to note that many historian critics of her omit that many Founding "Fathers" condoned slavery. WSWS glamorization of Thomas Jefferson is sick by them. Not only did Thomas Jefferson owned slaves, but he believed in the lie of black inferiority throughout his life just like George Washington. Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Jefferson in refuting his racist lies. The deification of the Founders by some is the height of absurdity. The American Revolution wasn't all about slavery, but many Southerners refused to end slavery (even after the Dunmore Proclamation was issued in Virginia). The American Revolution's result was a break with Great Britain but no immediate end of slavery.

The slave trade was banned by the 1800's, but slavery was a central part of the American economy decades after the American Revolutionary War. American slavery and its legacy are central to our history as Americans. Many people back then talked about equality, but they didn't live up to their words. We already know that the abolitionist movement was multiracial, but many abolitionists didn't want equality involving race or sex. Abraham Lincoln signed the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln did many good things. Yet, even Lincoln wasn't perfect. Lincoln in 1860 said that he doesn't believe in equality among black and white people.

After the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln (who wasn't a Radical Republican) said that he wanted some black people to have suffrage or voting rights not universal suffrage for all black people. Lincoln did oppose slavery in his life. Do I agree with Hannah-Jones speaking at a Shell funded event as WSWS cited? No. Do I think that Hannah-Jones is complicit in Shell Company's corruption in Nigeria? No. Therefore, life is nuisance at times. Hannah Jones never wrote that there is a biological basis to racism. The lie embraced by many historians is that the Maafa and the Triangular slave trade was just like any other slavery system (and it deal with just labor primarily). The truth is that slavery against black people was about economic exploitation, stripping religion, stripping culture, stripping familial connections, and advancing imperialism. The people who organized this evil were mostly rich European oligarchs.

These same oligarchs are complicit in the genocide of Native Americans and other forms of colonialism worldwide. Those, who did these deeds, go up to the ruling class of the capitalist nations of Europe who originated it. We have sociological evidence and tons of other documented research to prove racial discrimination, racial disparities in the judicial system, and other forms of racial oppression worldwide. The roots of these evils come from imperialism/capitalist exploitation. That is why black Americans like me have to unite with our African Brothers and Sisters including our African Diaspora Brothers and Sisters worldwide to end oppression. Nikole never denied that many whites and black people worked together on civil rights issues and on labor rights issues (i.e. the Populist movement). What is the point is that even some in the white working class had racist views that can't be omitted. New York Times editor Jake Silverstein has defended the 1619 Project.

Back during the 1950's and early 1960's , the majority of white Americans didn't agree with certain civil rights protests like the Freedom Riders. The 1619 Project has errors, but it is not some anti-white screed (this lie has been said by Eric Levitz). The 1619 Project is a fruitful beginning in organizing the true representation of black American history. Nikole did great work in gathering sources, allowing scholars to write eloquent stories, and expressing what we black folks feel about our experiences basically. Our stories have been sugarcoated by the mainstream so long, and it is a new day now. We will talk about class issues, and that's important. Yet, we will also talk about our Blackness as well.

I perfectly think that black Americans are perfectly qualified to evaluate and show our own history on our own terms. That is the point.


I send Blessings to Sister Nikole Hannah-Jones.


By Timothy

Monday Updates in late December of 2019.





By the year of 1800, things started to change in Pittsburgh. Commerce was a big part of its economy. Manufacturing developed. It had great coalfields by then. The region became rich in petroleum, natural gas, lumber, and farm goods. There were blacksmiths who made iron, horse shoes, and nails. Pittsburgh by 1800 had a population of 1,565 persons, over 60 shops, general stores, bakeries, and hat plus shoe shops. By the 1810’s, Pittsburgh grew even more. The first steamboat was built in the city by 1811. Commerce would flow upriver. The War of 1812 further catalyzed the growth of the Iron City. The war with Britain, the manufacturing center of the world during that time period, cut off the supply of British goods, stimulating American manufacture. Also, the British blockade of the American coast increased inland trade, so that goods flowed all over Pittsburgh from all four directions. In 1815, Pittsburgh was producing $764,000 in iron, $249K in brass and tin, and $235K in glass products. On March 18, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city; it had already taken on some of its defining characteristics, commerce, manufacture, and a constant cloud of coal dust. Other towns economically challenged Pittsburgh too. There was the National Road’s first segment completed in 1818 that linked Baltimore to Wheeling. It bypassed Pittsburgh. Later, there were many improvements in transportation infrastructure. The Smithfield Street Bridge opened the first step in developing the city of bridges in 1818. By October 1, 1840, the original Pennsylvania Turnpike was finished. It linked Pittsburgh and the eastern port city of Philadelphia. In 1834, Pennsylvania Main Line Canal was completed. It made Pittsburgh part of a transportation system that included rivers, roads, and canals. The first locomotive west of the Alleghenies was created by McClurg, Wade, and Co. back in 1835. Machines flourished, and Pittsburgh was one of the largest cities west of the mountains by the 1840’s. In 1841, the Second Court House on Grant’s Hill was finished. It was made up of polished gray sandstone; the court house had a rotunda of 60 ft. in diameter and 80 ft. high.

Pittsburgh’s growth back then outstripped some of its resources like the water supply with dependable pressure. That is why on April 10, 1845, a great fire burned out of control. It destroyed over a thousand buildings and caused $9M in damages. As the city rebuilt, the age of rails arrived. In 1851, the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad began service between Cleveland and Allegheny City (present-day North Side). In 1854, the Pennsylvania Railroad began service between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Despite many challenges, Pittsburgh had grown into an industrial powerhouse. An 1857 article provided a snapshot of the Iron City. By 1857, there were 939 factories in Pittsburgh and Allegheny City, more than 10,000 workers were employed, it produced almost 12 million dollars of goods, etc. It was the third busiest port in the nation surpassed only by New York City and New Orleans. The iron industry was big in the city. Later, many of the Scotch Irish people had a stronghold of the industry in Pittsburgh. New immigrants after 1800’s made this a reality. For example, Thomas Mellon (b. Ulster 1813–1908) left Northern Ireland in 1823 for the United States. He founded the powerful Mellon family, which played a central role in banking and industries such as aluminum and oil. As Barnhisel (2005) finds, industrialists such as James H. Laughlin (b. Ulster 1806–1882) of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company comprised the "Scots-Irish Presbyterian ruling stratum of Pittsburgh society." Iron furnaces used coke fire smelting in the region. The American Civil War allowed Pittsburgh’s economic power to grow. Arms were created. A milestone in steel production was achieved in 1875, when the Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock began to make steel rail using the new Bessemer process. Industrialists such as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Andrew W. Mellon, and Charles M. Schwab built their fortunes in Pittsburgh. Also based in Pittsburgh was George Westinghouse, credited with such advancements as the air brake and founder of over 60 companies, including Westinghouse Air and Brake Company (1869), Union Switch and Signal (1881), and Westinghouse Electric Company (1886). Banks played a key role in Pittsburgh's development as these industrialists sought massive loans to upgrade plants, integrate industries and fund technological advances. For example, T. Mellon and Sons Bank, founded in 1869, helped to finance an aluminum reduction company that became Alcoa. Ingham (1991) shows how small, independent iron and steel manufacturers survived and prospered from the 1870s through the 1950s, despite competition from much larger, standardized production firms. These smaller firms were built on a culture that valued local markets and the beneficial role of business in the local community. Small firms concentrated on specialized products, particularly structural steel, where the economies of scale of larger firms were no advantage. They embraced technological change more cautiously than larger firms. They also had less antagonistic relations with workers and employed a higher percentage of highly skilled workers than their mass-production counterparts. By the 1870’s,  entrepreneurs transformed the economy from small, craft-organized factories located inside the city limits to a large integrated industrial region stretching 50 miles across Allegheny County. The new industrial Pittsburgh was based on integrated mills, mass production, and modern management organization in steel and other industries. Labor unions fought for economic rights.

There was a rapid growth of capital, plants, railroad equipment, and glass resources. This led to more mill towns, satellite cities, and hundreds of mining towns. Strikes came about too. Many people wanted more environmentalism. Residents of Vandergrift caused loyalty among McMurtry’s skilled workers. German immigrants came into Pittsburgh too. During the mid-19th century, Pittsburgh witnessed a dramatic influx of German immigrants, including a brick mason whose son, Henry J. Heinz, founded the H.J. Heinz Company in 1872. Heinz was at the forefront of reform efforts to improve food purity, working conditions, hours, and wages, but the company bitterly opposed the formation of an independent labor union. There was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 involving labor unions. There were demonstrations. There was violence via the Pittsburgh Railway Riots. Militia and federal troops came to the city to stop the strike. There were more strikes too. The Pinkertons were sent to break the Homestead Strike. Labor strife continued into the years of the Great Depression, as workers sought to protect their jobs and improve working conditions. Unions organized H.J. Heinz workers, with the assistance of the Catholic Radical Alliance. Andrew Carnegie was an immigrant from Scotland. He made the Carnegie Steel Company and he was a former PA Railroad executive turned steel magnate. He was a philanthropist too. Carnegie made the Carnegie Library in 1890. He also funded libraries in various cities. He was involved in making the Carnegie Institute in 1895.

In 1901, as the U.S. Steel Corporation formed, he sold his mills to J.P. Morgan for $250 million, making him one of the world's richest men. Carnegie once wrote that a man who dies rich, dies disgraced. He devoted the rest of his life to public service, establishing libraries, trusts, and foundations. In Pittsburgh, he founded the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

The third (and present) Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail was completed in 1886. In 1890, trolleys began operations. In 1907, Pittsburgh annexed Allegheny City, which is now known as the North Shore. In the early 1900’s, Pittsburgh became an industrial powerhouse. It produced thousands of freight yards. It produced pig iron, steel, and other shoes. Bootlegging was found in the Prohibition era. During that time, Prohibition Administrator John Pennington and his federal agents engaged in 15,000 raids, arrested over 18,000 people and closed down over 3,000 distilleries, 16 regular breweries, and 400 'wildcat' breweries.  Even the term "Speakeasy," meaning an illegal drinking establishment, is said to have been coined at the Blind Pig in nearby McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Flooding has existed in 1936 in Pittsburgh. Also, Pittsburgh developed its culture in Oakland. There was the University of Pittsburgh, the 42 story Cathedral of Learning, and Forbes Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates played from 1909 to 1970. By the late 19th century to the early 20th century, new immigrants arrived from Italy, Eastern Europe, Russia, Hungary, etc. They were Polish, Jewish people, and other ethnic groups. Many restaurants today show the multicultural aspect of Pittsburgh. The years 1916–1940 marked the largest migration of African Americans to Pittsburgh during the Great Migration from the rural South to industrial cities of the Northeast and Midwest. These migrants came for industrial jobs, education, political and social freedom, and to escape racial oppression and violence in the South. Known as the cultural nucleus of Black Pittsburgh, Wylie Avenue in the Hill District was an important jazz mecca. Jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Pittsburgh natives Billy Strayhorn and Earl Hines played there. Two of the Negro League's greatest rivals, the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays, often competed in the Hill District. The teams dominated the Negro National League in the 1930s and 1940s. Pittsburgh had strong Republican support back then. The Great Depression came and overnight, Pittsburgh became a strong Democratic stronghold. There was the New deal Coalition where many ethnic groups voted in favor of the WPA, and other Democratic programs for jobs and relief. Joseph Guffey, statewide leader of the Democrats, and his local lieutenant David Lawrence gained control of all federal patronage in Pittsburgh after Roosevelt's landslide victory in 1932 (and the election of a Democratic mayor in 1933). Guffey and Lawrence used the New Deal programs to increase their political power and build up a Democratic machine that superseded the decaying Republican machine. Guffey acknowledged that a high rate of people on relief was not only "a challenge" but also "an opportunity." He regarded each relief job as Democratic patronage. By World War II, Pittsburgh supplied the Allies steel, aluminum, munitions, and machinery for America during that era. Pittsburgh's mills contributed 95 million tons of steel to the war effort. The increased production output created a workforce shortage, which resulted in African Americans moving en masse during the Second Great Migration from the South to the city in order to find work.



Dreams will blossom alive daily. Every time a child is born in the Universe, miracles and dreams flourish. Therefore, regardless of what anyone says, continue to follow your own path. Just a few years ago, I never envisioned knowing so much of my genealogy. Now, I can trace my genealogy back all the way back to the 1700’s. Today, we live in polarizing times politically, socially, and racially. We witness a President who is unapologetic in his cruelty by demonizing women, people of color including black people, veterans who passed away, and peaceful protesters. Yet, we still believe in the Dream. The Dream is a world ideal that anyone born on this Earth should have not only equality but justice. Anyone should have the right to live and to pursue their own sense of happiness without oppression or unjust discrimination. That is what we believe in. Many people back then and today fought earnestly for that dream to be fulfilled. As we approach the year of 2030 very soon, we understand that justice is not based on a clock. It must be earnestly fought for. We have to continuously work together in each generation to seek out the social liberation that is ours by birthright. We have witnessed actors, actresses, athletes, scholars, activist, judges, etc. making contributions in the world. Also, it is important to recognize our own value. Heroism can be unsung. You don't have to be famous to be great. Being yourself is a truism that lives onward forever and ever. Our dignity is not up to sale. We don’t need to relinquish our integrity to be free. We can always maintain our core beliefs systems. Another lesson in life is to recognize our own responsibility to contribute our gifts in making the community better. From the past, we honor Harriet Tubman’s courage, we respect Malcolm X’s criticisms of injustice, and we believe in Ella Baker’s grassroots organizing. Also, we certainly understand that the younger generation has heroes too. Some may not report on this, but there are tons of young people working in charities, standing against racism, and focusing on humanitarian works that outline the glory of human compassion. That is why we are in this to win this. The older I get, the more progressive I get. I came a long way, and we have a very long way to go in seeing the world transformed prodigiously. In life, there is a time and place for things. There is a time for humor and there is a time to be serious on things. There is a time to advance relaxation, and there is a time to focus on working. Therefore, we will move forward in harmony with truth and righteousness.



The future of the car is developing now. During the 21st century, researchers and engineers are constantly experiencing to develop the best future cars available for human beings. Back in 1901, many people used horses and buggies. Now, in the time of the 21st century, we have new innovations flourishing all over the place. In the future, more cars will have Alexa-like personal assistant systems. In other words, a person is driving, and you can say commands to allow the vehicle to navigate into certain locations. There will be more map options or navigational maps in vehicles. There will be displays of safe routes and other scenic imagery. Custom designed vehicles with 3D printing technology are a reality now, and it will continue in the future. The Arizona based Local Motors is 3D printing cars. They use engines and 3D print cars on top of the engines. Some cars will use brain wave technology to control vehicles. Many future cars will help diagnose their own mechanical problems. The existence of autonomous vehicles will grow too. Ford is trying to use technology to monitor health from the driver’s seat. Ford already has an electrocardiography reads that can monitor heart function via sensors in the seat that don’t need to touch the skin in order to function. In the future, technology can monitor glucose levels of people with diabetes. This technology can help people in the car. Some vehicles have augmented reality dashboards. Later, new cars will have them. These devices can project speed and improve the vision of people. Smart dashboards are the wave of the future.


By Timothy



The PBS Democratic Debate (and other news)






The PBS democratic debate is over. This comes after Trump has been impeached by the House of Representatives. The candidates all agree with Trump being impeached. The debate was one of the most emotional debates. Elizabeth Warren almost shed tears multiple times in the debates. It wasn't just about moderates vs. progressives. Many moderates passionately debated each other throughout the whole debate. The 2 conflicts people are talking about involved Klobuchar debating Buttegieg over experience and policy along with Sanders and Biden (over health care. Biden wants a health care public option while Sanders wants Medicare for all for all Americans). One of Elizabeth Warren's greatest parts of the debate was when she talked about helping special needs students as a teacher. This is personal to me, because in real life, I have educated special needs students in many locations.

Her emotional appeal to invest in special needs students and other students in America certainly has a resonance in my soul. Warren and Buttegieg discussed about financing in their respective campaigns. Andrew Yang talked about stats, and how we should deal with the economic changes in America. Yang acknowledged that he is the only person of color on the stage, and he wants Booker back in the debate stage. Steyer said that Trump is a racist and is against democracy, and he is right on that issue. Buttegieg was targeted, because he emerged as one of the leading candidates. He was criticized on experience and funding issues. Buttegieg said that he is outside the Washington establishment mindset. Klobuchar said that she wants bold visions. Sanders and Warren agree with confronting billionaire corporate influence in our government. The PBS debate dealt with Israel, Uighurs in China, Guantanamo Bay, and other issues that rarely get discussed. Biden said that he is electable.

Like usual, many in the corporate media want a moderate to win the Democratic primary. It is what it is. Some are more concerned with centrism than freedom and justice. Centrism is not bold. It's just the status quo with a sprinkle of token change. Personally, I think that the race is far from over. Every bold change that happened in American history that enriched the lives of Americans collectively involve progressive policies. As we watch America, we haven't been this divided as a nation since the 1960's. Soon, it will be the 160th year anniversary of the U.S. Civil War. The House voted to impeach Donald Trump. This day has't come in a vacuum. For years now, Trump has exhibit a hostility to the rule of law, threats to the media, shown threats to witnesses, and displayed overt profane, racist comments against those who disagrees with him. He is not worthy to be called honorable. Many moderates and far right conservatives don't want this, but Trump brought this upon himself.

Donald Trump implying that John Dingell is looking up from hell is disgraceful and one of the most sickest things that he has done. He is known to smearing many people. This is not surprising. Dingell was a progressive man, who helped to defeat the evil Nazis during World War II as a WWII veteran. Dingell fought for civil rights legislation, he fought for clean air plus clean water laws, and he promoted Medicare. Donald Trump is a person with lax character and his views have no place anywhere in the Universe. Trump said these words in the battleground state of Michigan. Donald Trump is a notorious coward to disrespect a woman's late husband in that manner. Trump is not being criticized for no reason. He is being criticized because of his policies and his abhorrent actions. There is no excuse of Donald Trump's words at all. This is not normal, and this is not right. A real President should never treat people like this at all. The Evangelical magazine wants Trump removed from office because of his moral and political corruption.

She is one of the greatest actresses of all time. Elegance and excellence are always synonymous with her life. For decades, she is an inspiration to people, especially to black women as a great role model. For our existence, she gives outstanding advice on kindness, strength, and determination. She loves black people with an open heart. She is Sister Cicely Tyson, and it was her birthday. She is now 95 years old, and she was born in New York City at Harlem. As an icon, she earned 3 Primetime Emmy Awards, 4 Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actor Guild Award, one Tony Award, and on honorary Academy Award. Her parents came form Nevis, so she has Afro-Caribbean heritage. Cicely Tyson has flourished with love of people, the dedication to the artistry of acting, and her focused attention in seeing future generations being blessed in their creativity. Her father was processed at Ellis Island. She was in Frontiers of Faith in 1951. Later, her first film role in Carib Gold in 1956. She made history in many ways. She was the first African American to star in the TV drama East Side/West Side in the early 1960's. She was the first black woman to show cornrows on that show. She was in many movies like A Man Called Adam in 1966, etc. She was in Sounder as well. She played Harriet Tubman in a movie called Moses. In 2018, she was inducted into American Theater Hall of Fame. She will be inducted in the Television Academy's Hall of Fame in 2020. Cicely Tyson gives black women and black men inspiration along with other people who desire their dreams fulfilled. We honor her talent and her compassionate spirit.


I wish Cicely Tyson more Blessings.


By Timothy



The Truth is Always Eternal.



It is always important to have our own independent thinking. My black ancestors were treated very harshly by people who didn't care for the humanity of others. My ancestors built heavily the foundation of American society. The reason why you see a lot of people in privilege today is because of the ancestors. Many of the same people in privilege have the nerve to lecture others about how black people shouldn't have reparations when other ethnic groups in America received reparations. It is also important to note that black men and black women back then and today stood up to fight for justice and real change. Black people have fought in every American war, worked in many occupations, and continue to make great contributions in the world stage.

That is why we, as black people, should never let anyone else tell us how to think, act, or feel. You have some racists even saying that black men back then were equivalent in power to white slave owners. That slanderous lie is not part of history. Black men and Black women toiled to death in the fields not too long ago without pay. If someone disrespects black men or if someone disrespects black women, that person is a total agent (and a fraud). Far too often, many politicians try to ignore the interests of black people while they wouldn't dare to do this to other communities (because they know full well that they will be boycotted and heavily criticized). It is wrong for some to reap the benefits of the black struggle for freedom while showing hatred for black people. Also, it is not only important to criticize racists like Trump, Howard Stern, Don Imus, Boris Johnson, and others. It is also important to disagree with people who love to tap dance like Sotomayor, Candace Owens, Tariq (who spews misogyny and xenophobia against people of the African Diaspora), Corey Holcomb (who is known for his sexist words and disrespect of our black ancestors), Jesse Lee Peterson, etc. Therefore, I want Trump out of office (and I will vote Trump out of office in 2020), but I also believe that as a black person I will maintain my independent political thinking.

Trump's letter to Nancy Pelosi is filled with lies and exaggerations. Trump claims that this impeachment situation is a witchhunt and against democratic values. The reality is the opposite. The Trump administration's policies represent a war on American democracy and a hatred of the rule of law. He wrote the lie that Democrats are the enemy of democracy. Trump is a desperate person with a guilt complex. Trump has used actions to disrespect the dignity of immigrant children. He is the one who has disregarded legal subpoenas. He is the one who has said racist and sexist comments for years and decades. That is why multiple women have accused him of sexual misconduct. He is the same person who has promoted a Muslim ban and tried to bribe Ukraine to get dirt on the Bidens. Trump has obstructed justice. Trump ordered White House Counsel Don McGahn to create a false record indicating that no attempts took place. McGahn refused to so so. Trump invokes religion when he doesn't believe in asking God for forgiveness for anything. He has gone out of his way to praise neo-Confederates, slave owners,  and white nationalists. Therefore, Trump is the true enemy of democratic rights.


In India, there are mass protests about the the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s Hindu supremacist “Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019." Many university students angered both by the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the police’s violent assault on students at Jamia Millia Islamic University (JMI), who have been in the forefront of anti-CAA protests in India’s capital, Delhi. The police illegally came on the JMI campus and assaulted students with tear gas, etc. Five female students valiantly came to the defense of a male colleague who was being beaten by a half-dozen police, shielding him from lathi-blows with their bodies.The university condemned the police brutality and vowed to fight onward. The Modi government allows anyone from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before 2015 (except Muslims) who migrated to India to have total citizenship.

In life, never ever say that you can't. There are paralyzed people who know complex mathematical equations. There are people with multiple disabilities with happy homes, children, and a very blessed life. There are people who suffered horrendous turmoil, but rose up to be great scholars and great leaders in real life. Therefore, folks should always recognize their intrinsic value and recognize the great light that they possess in their souls. Greatness is not found in fame, but in inward power that can cause humanity to achieve great things. The Trump administration is having a war against the democratic rights of the American people. Trump should be charged with more than 2 articles in my view. Trump should be impeached on more than just 2 counts. Trump promoted the separation of immigrant children and parents. He promotes the unconstitutional building of a border ban. He advances an illegal ban on Muslim visitors from certain nations, and he has whipped up racist, xenophobic, and fascist forces in the world. Also, it is important to stand up against the censorship of the Internet agenda. The problems with the National Defense Authorization Act is that it removes the provision that bars U.S. military assistance to the Saudi war in Yemen, it doesn't ban the deployment of submarine launched medium range missiles that violate the INF treaty, and it eliminates requiring Trump to get congressional approval for military strikes on Iran.


By Timothy







Monday, December 16, 2019

Developments in late December of 2019.






On January 13, 2018, there was the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud in an encounter staged by the police officer Rao Anwar in Karachi, Pakistan. This sparked nationwide protests against extrajudicial killings.  The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (or the Pashtun Protection Movement), led by Manzoor Pashteen, launched a campaign to seek justice for Mehsud. On January 20, 2018, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of a military offensive to capture a portion of northern Syria from Kurdish forces. This continued the Kurdish and Turkish conflict. From January 20-22, 2018, there is a federal government shutdown over a dispute over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (in dealing with immigration). Scientists in China by January 24, as reported in the journal Cell, created the first monkey clones using somatic cell nuclear transfer. These scientists are Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua. On January 31, a total lunar eclipse takes place. The Moon appears as super moon, with perigee being on January 30. It is also the first blue moon eclipse since 1983. It was also referred to as the super blue blood moon. Space X conducted its maiden flight of its most powerful rocket to date. It was the Falcon Heavy from LC39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 6. The Winter Olympics took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea on February 9-25, 2018. On February 10, Kay Goldsworthy becomes the first woman archbishop in the Anglican Communion on her installation in the Anglican Diocese of Perth, Western Australia. Jacob Zuma resigned as President of South Africa after 9 years in power on February 14. On that day, a school shooting occured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, United States, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. This caused a regrowth of the gun control movement nationwide in the United States of America. Protests and walk outs occur in schools nationwide. Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, are poisoned by the Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, England. UK counter-terrorism police investigate amid speculation the Kremlin was behind the incident. It happened on March 4. The 2018 Winter Paralympics are held in Pyeongchang, South Korea from March 9 to March 18, 2018. On March 9, President Donald Trump accepted an invitation from the North Korean leader Jim Jong-un for a meeting in May to discuss the denuclearization of North Korea. Putin is reelected. On March 24, over 900 cities have the March for Our Lives in protests against gun violence and mass shootings. More than 100 Russian diplomats are expelled by more than 20 countries in the wake of the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal by March 26. North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un meets Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping, leaving the country for the first time since assuming office in 2011 (on March 28). The 2018 Commonwealth Games were held in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (from April 4-15).

On April 5, 2018, Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was given an arrest warrant after a vote by the Supreme Court voted 6–5 in favor of denying his habeas corpus, due to corruption and other scandals. Lula da Silva is a progressive person, and the far right wanted Lula to be gone unjustly in order to prop up a right wing Brazilian government. The sarin chemical attack happened in Douma, Syria kiled at least 70 people. Cinemas open in Saudi Arabia for the first time to show the film Black Panther. Miguel Diaz Cnael was President of Cuba in April 19. Kim Jong-un crossed into South Korea to meet with President Moon Jae-in, becoming the first North Korean leader to cross the Demilitarized Zone since its creation in 1953 (on April 27). Trump ended the Iranian nuclear agreement in May 8. On May 19, 2018, there was the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is held at St George's Chapel, England, with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion. The 2018 Venezuelan presidential election was held with incumbent President Nicolás Maduro reelected with 67.8% of the vote and the lowest turnout in Venezuela's modern democratic history since the 1958 coup d'état. This was on May 20. America and the European Union plus others want Venezuela to be a pro-Western puppet state. On May 31, 2018, the U.S. announced that it will extend its tariffs on imported steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) to include the EU, Mexico and Canada, starting at midnight. The G7 meeting happened in Canada. Eritrea and Ethiopia end their conflict in July 9, 2018. Apple Inc. becomes the world's first public company to achieve a market capitalization of $1 trillion on August 2, 2018. On October 2, 2019,  the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, triggering a diplomatic crisis for Saudi Arabia. The United States Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the United States Supreme Court by a margin of 50-48, making it the closest successful confirmation vote of a Supreme Court nominee since 1881 (on October 6, 2018). The IPCC releases its Special Report on Global Warming (on October 8, 2019) of 1.5ºC, warning that "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society" are needed to ensure that global warming is kept below 1.5 °C. The far-right Jair Bolsonaro is elected as the next President of Brazil, with 55% of the vote on October 28. The Camp Fire ignites in Butte County, California. It became California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire, with 88 deaths and 18,804 buildings destroyed (on November 8, 2018). November 11, 2018 was when many nations commemorated the end of World War I in a centenary. There was Armistice Day, Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day ceremonies in Europe plus in America via speeches, parades, and memorials. NASA’s Insight probe landed on the surface of Mars on November 26. Chinese scientist He Jiankui, at a public conference in Hong Kong, announced that he has altered the DNA of twin human girls born earlier in the month to try to make them resistant to infection with the HIV virus; he also reveals the possible second pregnancy of another gene-modified baby in November 28. By December 1-8, the yellow vest movement existed in France. The United States government entered a second government shutdown (starting on December 22, 2018), arising over a dispute over funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall. The shutdown, which lasted until January 25, 2019, is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.



2019 is the last year of the 2010 decade. Jair Bolsonaro or the right wing extremist started his four year term as President of Brazil. The unmanned space probe called New Horizon went to the Kulper belt. Qatar leaves OPEC, and Austria legalized same sex marriage on January 1, 2019. China landed the probe of Chang’e 4 to land on the far side of the Moon. A faction of the Armed Forces of Gabon announces a coup d'état. Gabon's government later declared that it has reasserted control. On January 10, 2019, Venezuela entered a constitutional crisis as Juan Guaidó and the National Assembly declare incumbent President Nicolás Maduro "illegitimate" and start the process of attempting to remove him. A suicide bombing happened in Bogota, Colombia killing 22 people and injuring 68 others. The U.S. Justice Department charges Chinese tech firm Huawei with multiple counts of fraud, raising U.S.–China tensions (on January 28, 2019). On February 7, 2019, many anti-government protests happen in Haiti. They want Haitian President Jovenel Moise to resign. India and Pakistan had a standoff over lands. The February 27-28, 2019 North Korea–United States summit is held in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the second summit between United States President Donald Trump and the North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un. There is the March blizzard in Colorado and other places of America. On March 15, 2019, 51 people are killed and 50 others injured in terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand: Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre, both of which were the target of shootings by Australia-born Brenton Harrison Tarrant. It is the deadliest mass shooting and terrorist attack in New Zealand's history and described by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as "one of New Zealand's darkest days.” Subsequently, Facebook announced they had disabled 1.5 million videos of the gunman's rampage. In March 2019, the final area of the ISIL is liberated. April 11, 2019 was when Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange was forcibly arrested after 7 years in Ecuador’s embassy in London. Questions about due process relate to Assange. Sudan is deposed of Omar al-Bashir. The Notre Dame cathedral almost burns up on April 15, 2019. The Mueller report is released to the public on April 18, 2019 that exposes the Russian interference in the 2016 United States Presidential Election. Avengers: Endgame is released in theaters, breaking many box-office records, including becoming the highest grossing movie of all time by April. On May 3-6, 2019, the Gaza–Israel conflict escalates after the Israeli military launched airstrikes into Gaza killing more than 20 Palestinians including a pregnant woman and a toddler following the injury of two soldiers from Gazan sniper fire. In its first report (on May 6) since 2005, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warned that biodiversity loss is "accelerating", with over a million species now threatened with extinction; the decline of the natural living world is "unprecedented" and largely a result of human actions, according to the report. June 3, 2019 was the Khartoum massacre. It was when more than 100 people are killed when Sudanese troops and Janjaweed militiamen storm and opened fire on a protest camp outside of a military headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan. The African Union suspends Sudan's membership "with immediate effect" after the Khartoum massacre. The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup is held in France and is won by the United States by July 7. The July National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported on August 15, that July 2019 was the hottest month on record globally, at 0.95 °C (1.71 °F) above the 20th-century average. On July 17, 2019, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, former head of the Sinaloa Cartel, which became the biggest supplier of drugs to the U.S., is sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. July 21 was when a mob of over 100 suspected triad members dressed in white and armed with batons attack commuters indiscriminately at MTR Yuen Long station in Hong Kong, injuring 45, including a pro-democracy legislator and a pregnant woman. Hong Kong police have been accused of allowing the violence to happen due to their delayed response and decision to limit emergency services in the area. In August of 2019, there were mass shootings in a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas and at Dayton, Ohio.

Hurricane Dorian damaged the Bahamas on September 1 with winds of 185 mph. 43 deaths are reported. September saw Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announcds the official withdrawal of the controversial Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019, and setting up of an independent study to probe social and economic inequality within the territory. Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar probe, was successful to put the orbit in lunar orbit, but the lander Vikram crashed into the surface of the moon. On September 27, 2019, 500,000 people march in a climate change protest led by activist Greta Thunberg and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal, Canada. 70 years after the Chinese Revolution, Hong Kong protests continue. On October 27, U.S. President Donald Trump announces that the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a U.S. special forces operation. It was reported that al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest after being chased into a tunnel. Twitter bans all political advertising worldwide. November 13 was when public impeachment hearings against Donald Trump started in the House of Representatives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust on November 21. December 5 was when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asks the House Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump. The World Anti-Doping Agency (on December 5, 2019) votes unanimously to ban Russia from international sport for four years for doping offences, meaning it will be excluded from the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. December 20 was when the House announced charges of impeachment against Trump. He is the forth U.S. President to face impeachment.


The 2019 Joker film has many meanings. It didn’t portray the Joker as a villain, but a more sympathetic anti-hero character. The Joker is played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film gives the origin of the Joker and outlines why he acted the way he acted. The film is set in 1981. It was directed and produced by Todd Phillips. The screenplay was written by Todd Phillips and Scott Silver. This is part of the DC Comics entity. The movie is about the life of Arthur Fleck. He fails as a standup comedian. Later, he develops severe mental illness and inspires a violent countercultural revolution against the wealthy. The whole scene is based on Gotham City. The actors and actresses in the film include Robert DeNiro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Controy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, and Marc Maron. It has been controversial as some believe the film glamorizes terrorism. The movie mixes truth with error. It shows the truth about the immorality of capitalist exploitation, human dehumanization, and the status quo harming the lives of so many people including those who are deemed the outcasts of society. I disagree with parts of the movie outlining the view that nihilistic violence (instead of nonviolence and self-defense) is a legitimate way to solve problems. Nihilistic violence doesn’t work, because the state will use that as a justification to ironically pass more draconian, anti-liberty laws. Also, it is morally wrong to destroy innocent human life. Phillips was inspired by the characters found in the King of Comedy film and Taxi Driver. The graphic novel: Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) was the basis for the film too. The film was shot in NYC, Jersey City, and Newark. Joker premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2019, where it won the Golden Lion, and was released in the United States on October 4, 2019. The movie is emotional. The movie describes Arthur Fleck as living with his mother and struggling in Gotham’s City. The community is poor and crime is abundant. Class oppression is real. Arthur is harmed by people. He gets a gun for protection. The single mother Sophie (played by Zazie Beetz) dates him. He is fired for having a gun. He defends a woman being harassed by three businessmen from Wayne Enterprises. People support Arthur. Arthur passionately said that society abandons the disenfranchised.

He shot Murray (who is a talk show host), and riots take place in Gotham. Rioters in an ambulance crash into the police car and free Arthur. He smears blood on his face in the form of a smile and dances to the cheers of the crowd. At Arkham, Arthur laughs to himself about a joke and tells his psychiatrist she would not understand it. He runs from orderlies, leaving a trail of bloodied footprints. As of December 13, 2019, Joker has grossed $332.7 million in the United States and Canada, and $724.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $1.057 billion. It is the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2019 and the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, as well as the first R-rated film to pass the billion-dollar mark. In terms of budget-to-gross ratio, Joker is also the most profitable film based on a comic book, due to its small budget and little decline in week-to-week grosses during its theatrical run. The Joker film is popular in part, because it is a reflection of the complex issues in America plus the world that we have to deal with. There are mental health issues, abuse, crime, economic exploitation, bullying, and other realities. I don’t think that the film glamorizes mass shootings. We can take the Joker as a means to deal with society’s ills, so people won’t act like The Joke character to begin with.  The movie does make an accurate point that American austerity and lack of respect for those with mental health issues is completely wrong. I don’t agree with nearly sympathizing with a nihilistic person though. I don’t believe that the movie will promote copycat murderers either. Some in the mass media don’t like the film, but you have to analyze information critically. We should oppose oligarchy, injustice, and corporate media propaganda. The Joker is a mirror to how modern society is. We can take the Joke for what it is. It’s a cautionary tale and a lesson about how the Golden Rule can save lives literally.



One of the easiest ways to prove that symbolism is part of the mainstream music industry is to witness it in award shows. The 2019 American Music Awards had tons of symbolism. Many of the performers showed the themes of literal hellfire. Selena Gomez had a panic attack before her AMA performance. Kesha performed in a church scene that melted into rainbow colors. She performed the song “Raising Hell.” She started by saying “Welcome to our Sunday service” which seen to be a shot at Kanye West’s church services. Obviously, the song isn’t about promoting church themes. It mocks Christians in its lyrics. If she mocked Islam or other religions like that, she wouldn’t get away with that. Her lyrics mentioned the following words, “Hands up, witness, Solo cup full of holy spirits, Something wicked (ooh), Speaking in tongues in my blood red lipstick.” Billie Eilish’s “All good girls go to hell” song is something else. In the performance, Kesha’s backup dancers do devil horns when she sings, “I Don’t wanna go to Heaven without raising hell.” How self-explanatory can you get that many in that industry hate Christianity and want new age doctrines to dominate world society. Other performances from Ozzy Osbourne, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Camila Caebello show many artists being under corporate control. Corporations tell these artists where to go, what to see, and how to perform. Therefore, the truth is not mocked. People reap what they have sown. What is strange yet not surprising is the admission of Christopher Lee. Back in 1975, the actor admitted that black magic and satanic rituals exists and more people have an increased interest in occultism. He has a long career in the film industry. He played Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. He has been on over 200 TV shows. He has been in movies with occult and satanic themes since the 1970’s. Also, Will Ferrell’s comedy skit about child trafficking is disgusting too. The modern entertainment industry promotes agendas, oligarchical control, and other things beyond just music.



Disney Plus is a recent American subscription video on demand streaming service. It is owned by the Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) division of The Walt Disney Company. The service primarily distributes films and television series produced by The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Television, with the service advertising content from Disney's Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar, and Star Wars brands in particular. Original films and television series are also distributed on Disney+, with ten films and seven series having been produced for the platform as of November 2019. Serving adjacent to Disney's other streaming platforms – the general programming-oriented Hulu and the sports-oriented ESPN+ – Disney+ focuses on "family-oriented entertainment", and does not feature R-rated films or TV-MA-rated programming. It serves America, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. It will come into European nations by March of 2020. It will expand into Latin America by late 2020 and early 2021. Alterations made to The Simpsons and Gravity Falls also attracted media attention. Within its first day of operation, Disney+ earned 10 million subscribers. Such a plan has been proposed since 2016. Disney acquired much of 21st Century FOX. Disney Plus is mainly about family friendly programming. There will be original scripted content too based on Marvel properties and Star Wars.  Disney+ is available for streaming via web browsers on PCs, as well as apps on Apple iOS devices and Apple TV, Android mobile devices and Android TV, Amazon devices such as Fire TV and Fire HD, Chromecast, Chromebook, Samsung smart TVs, LG smart TVs, Roku devices, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows 10. Content available on Disney+ is also listed in the Apple TV app.


 
The Report is movie that exposes the CIA torture program during the war on terror. The movie was directed by Scott Z. Burns. The U.S. Senate Intelligence Community investigated corruption and wrote a report on widespread CIA torture under the Bush administration. The report involved dealing with millions of pages of reports. It involved cables and other evidence. It was completed in three years. July 2012 was the time when it was finished. The CIA used actions to obstruct the release of the report. It was on April 2014 when the Intelligence Committee voted to publish a version of the executive summary and findings. It was made to the public on December 2014 after eight more months of efforts to suppress or sugarcoats the findings of the report. The original 5,700 page report remains unpublished to this day. Much of the report is blocked by the CIA and the U.S. political establishment for so-called, “national security” reasons. Even the public got to see the evil, sadistic methods of the CIA via American imperialism to harm human lives. Both parties are complicit in many policies of the war on terror not just the Republicans. The movie showed Dan Jones (played by Adam Driver) as the principal author of the report. He worked for the Intelligence Community, and he just left the FBI. Dianne Feinstein (played by Annette Being) task him with leading an investigation into the CIA’s use of torture after the 9/11 attacks. The research will last six years into the initial report come by 2009. Jones and his team find that at least 119 people would be abused by enhanced interrogation techniques via the CIA. This is contrary to the CIA’s claims that a number of individuals involved in EIT were less than 100. The CIA uses 2 outside contractors. These victims of torture deal with sleep deprivation, shackled above the head, cold showers, mock executions, vulgar feedings, etc. One of the operatives is known as Bernadette played by Maura Tierney. Some believe this is based on now CIA Director Gina Haspel. The Report movies showed intensive torture. John Yoo is played by Pun Bandhu. John Yoo wrote the torture memos that justify ETIs. Jones said that the CIA tortured them. Ted Levine played the notorious John Brennan. Brennan oversaw and defended the CIA’s actions. Barack Obama made Brennan his chief counterterrorism advisor during his first term. He was the CIA Director during Obama’s second term of office. The film is very powerful in many items. The depiction of Feinstein as an anti-torture crusader is not completely accurate. She was a Senator. She defended the National Security Agency spying programs. She criticized whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and Chelsea Manning as criminals and traitors. The movie shows her denounce Snowden. Feinstein praised Brennan even after the release of the Intelligence Committee report on December of 2014. No one was prosecuted for the CIA torture program. The illegal Iraq War cost lives too. The military industrial complex and the political establishment are complicit in policies that violate the rights of the American people and the rights of people abroad. The war on terror continued under Obama with drone strikes, kill lists, and new wars in Libya plus Syria. The crimes and oppression of the American capitalist social order is a bipartisan affair. Today, we witness the racism and extremism from Donald Trump. The Report film tells the truth about the CIA torture program being unjust and evil.


 By Timothy

Mid to Late 2010's Updates.


2015 is a year of mighty developments. On January 1, 2015, the Eurasian Economic Union came into effect. It created a political and economic union between Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.  Lithuania adopted the euro as its currency replacing the litas. It is the 19th Eurozone country to have done so on that date. There was a large massacre in Baga, Nigeria by Boko Haram when that group destroyed villages. More than 2,000 people were killed in villages from January 3-7, 2015. In Paris, France, 2 gunmen (belonging to Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch) killed 12 people and injured 11 more at the Paris headquarters of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Demonstrations occurred against terrorism. Charlie Hebdo made xenophobic, racist images for years, but people should not be murdered because of their reprehensible views. People should agree to disagree on issues peacefully and without violence. Government raids kill 143 Boko Haram fighters in Kolofata, Cameroon. Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned in January 22, 2015 after unrest plus the Houthi rebels seized the Presidential palace. On February 12, 2015, both Ukraine and Russia had a ceasefire and fighting still continues. Egypt attacked ISIL forces in Libya after ISIL members beheaded over a dozen Egyptian Christians. From March 5-8, ISIL forces destroyed the ancient cities of Nimrod, Hatra, and Dur Sharrukin. NASA’s Dawn probe went to the orbit of Ceres, which is a dwarf planet. A total social eclipse occurred on March 20, 2015 on the North Atlantic, and Faroe Islands, Svalbard. This was the 61st eclipse of the 120th saros cycle that started on May 27, 983 and will end on July 7, 2195. Saudi Arabia led an offensive against Yemen on March 25, 2015. Al-Shahaab used terrorism and killed 148 people, mostly students in Kenya. An April 25 earthquake in 2015 has killed many people in Nepal, China, and Bangladesh. ISIS captured the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria by May 21, 2015. On May 23, 2015 Ireland votes to legalize same sex marriage being the first country to legalize same sex marriage by popular vote. On June 17, 2015, nine African Americans were murdered by the coward Dylan Roof at the Charleston Church shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston community came together in unity to fight racism and eliminate that Confederate flag from Capitol grounds. That elimination of that Confederate flag was very historic. Bree Newsome took the flag down previous to the state government doing it. On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court decided on Obergefell v. Hodges that same sex marriage is recognized in all 50 states. The decision was a 5-4 decision.

On June 30, 2015, Cuba was the first nation on Earth to eradicate mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Greece struggles to pay off its debt. Sandra Bland died mysteriously in jail on July 13, 2015 after she was pulled over for a traffic stop in Texas. On July 14, 2015, the Iranian nuclear deal exists and NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft fly over Pluto. Turkey attacks ISIL too. By September 1, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning British monarch in history. Russia supports the Syrian government and uses air strikes on ISIL on September 30, 2015. Gunmen fire at a workplace in San Bernardino, California. 14 people were killed. ISIL claimed responsibility. On December 15, 2015, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition was formed in order to fight terrorism.

In 2016, more occurrences transpired. On January 3, 2016, the execution of Mir al-Nimr has caused Saudi Arabia and other countries to end their diplomatic relations with Iran. Joaquin Guzman was recaptured on January 8, 2016 after his escape from a maximum security prison in Mexico. On January 16, 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran has adequately dismantled its nuclear weapons programs, allowing the United Nations to lift sanctions immediately. Terrorism happened in Burkina Faso in a hotel and restaurants. 176 hostages were released. 30 people were killed, and 56 people were injured. Zika virus is worldwide by January 28. Pope Francis and Patriarch Krill of the Orthodox Church signed an Ecumenical Declaration. This is the first such meeting since their schism in 1054. Convicted war criminal Congolese former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba is guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity (like sexual violence). Bombings in Brussels have happened. 49 people were killed and 53 people were injured at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. The murderer was the 29 year old security guard Omar Mateen. The gunman claimed allegiance to the Islamic state. The Brexit movement starts in June 23 when the UK votes on a referendum to leave the European Union. ISIL is suspected in the 2016 Ataturk Airport attack on June 28. The historic 2016 Summer Olympics are held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. This is the first time it was held in a South American nation. The Summer Olympic games happened from August 5-21, 2016. On September 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NHAAHC) was opened to the public. That was a very historic event. It had 1.9 million visitors in 2018. It was a historic museum. It has about 40,000 collections of items. It records the culture and history of African Americans for centuries. It was started decades ago. The authorization to make the museum came about in 2003. The NMAAHC is a magnificent display of what black culture is all about. By September 28, 2016, Global CO2 levels exceeded 400 ppm at the time of the year that usually exists with minimum levels. This level is higher than anything experienced in human history according to many. On November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time in American sports history.  November 8, 2016 was the date that will live in infamy. It was the end of the 2016 Presidential election in America where Trump wins by the Electoral College. Also, we find that U.S. intelligence agencies found out that Russian government officials used computer hacking to try to interfere with the U.S. election process. Trump bragged about sexual improprieties. WikiLeaks released thousands of private emails from inside the political campaign of candidate Hillary Clinton. On December 23, 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2334, condemning Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. On December 31, 2016, the United States troops withdraw from Afghanistan after 15 years. 

On 2017, we see new developments. On January 1, 2017, there was the Istanbul nightclub shooting with a gunman dressing up as Santa Claus. January 20, 2017 was when Donald Trump was sworn in as President. By January 21, 2017, millions of people worldwide join the Women’s March in response to the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. 420 marches were reported in America. On January 30, 2017, Morocco rejoined the African Union. North Korea tested a ballistic missile over the Sea of Japan on February 11, 2017. Kim Jon-nam was assassinated by 2 women with VX nerve agent at Kaula Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. He was the eldest son of the deceased Kim Jong-Il. March 20, 2017 was when the UN warned of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and Nigeria as the biggest humanitarian crisis since the days of World War II. A terror attack was outside the Palace of Westminster in London, killed 5 people and injuring 50 others on March 22, 2017. The U.S. drops the MOAB bomb at the ISIL base in eastern Afghanistan on April 13, 2017. MOAB is the world’s largest non-nuclear weapon.  By May 9, 2017, Trump fired FBI Director James Comey This has lead to the calls for the appointment of a special counsel. On May 17, 2017, former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election. A terrorist bombing attack was at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. 22 people were killed and more than 500 people were injured.  The U.S. left the Paris Climate Agreement by June of 2017. Another Islamist terror attack happened on London Bridge that killed 8 people and injured 48 others on June 3, 2017. By June, Theresa May is a leader in the UK with Jeremy Corbyn gaining power of the Labour party. Cyberattacks happened in Ukraine. Mosul was liberated from ISIL by July 10, 2017. The violence in Charlottesville, Virginia happened at the racist, anti-Semitic Unite the Right Rally on the date of August 11-12, 2017. Heather Heyer, who was a counter protester, was killed after being hit by a car by a white supremacist. Violence against innocent protesters happened that the location. A total solar eclipse is seen in America on August 21, 2017. Harvey was a hurricane in a Category 4 that damaged the Houston metropolitan area (especially with record breaking floods). 108 deaths were recorded and damage was $125 billion making Harvey the costliest natural disaster in United States history (it landed on soil by August 26, 2017) tied with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Putin expelled 755 diplomats in response to U.S. sanctions. Hurricane Irma harmed the Caribbean and America killed 146 people plus causing $64.2 billion in damage. On September 13, 2017, the International Olympic Committee awarded Paris and Los Angeles to host the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics respectively. On October 1, 2017, 58 people were killed and 851 people injured when Stephen Paddock fired his gun on a crowd in Las Vegas. It was the deadliest mass shooting done by one single gunman in modern U.S. history. The Iraqis said that they are liberated of the ISIL group on October 17, 2017. President Xi won the election in China. Catalonia declared independence from Spain on October 27, but Spain doesn’t recognize it. A rental truck killed 8 people and injured 11 others in Lower Manhattan, NYC on October 31, 2017. There is a Sutherland Springs Baptist church shooting when 26 people died and 20 more are injured. President Robert Mugabe was placed under house arrested on November 15, 2017. A mosque attack in Sinai, Egypt killed 305 worshipers. Hundreds more were wounded. Russia is banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang by the International Olympic Committee over doping allegations. America officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 6, 2017. The Iraqi military said that it has liberated its lands from ISIL by December 9, 2017. Disney acquired most of 21st century FOX. Many nations like Guatemala moved their Israeli embassy to Jerusalem by December 24, 2017. The end of 2017 represents the start of the end of the 2010’s decade.




By Timothy


Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Our Cultures.



Today, House Democrats have unveiled articles of impeachment. They cite abuse of power and obstruction of justice. This is the third impeachment situation in U.S. history. This comes after the Mueller report and the impeachment inquiry hearing. The 6 Democratic chairs who have led the investigators against the President this year. Nancy Pelosi and House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler want Trump to be impeached. The Democrats have said that Trump abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals during the 2020 election season while withholding a White House meeting aid from Kiev. They say that Trump obstructed the investigation into his misconduct with a blockade of subpoena and a refusal to allow many key senior officials to testify to Congress. Next week, there should be an impeachment vote. House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff have said that the case against Trump is overwhelming. Witnesses have collaborated with each other about Trump's corruption. We know the truth. The point is that we must act in accordance with integrity and advance justice.

A lot of news are coming out. The DOJ IG report found that the Russia probe was justified, and it was not biased against Donald Trump. The Attorney General disagreeing with the findings shows that the Attorney General is being partisan, biased, and a believer in the myth of the superiority of the executive branch of government. Horowitz reviewed tons of documents, and did mention that the FBI made errors in the FISA application on ex-Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. We still have to maintain our civil liberties even though Trump has shown overt corruption along with many of his allies. That is why many in the Trump cabinet have been convicted of crimes and are in prison now. The IG report mentioned the reality of how life is not a game. The Durham report will come later. Right now, the Democrats are working to finalize the articles of impeachment.The Judiciary Impeachment hearing was continuous, but the truth has b en shown in them. Democratic Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler debated with Republicans like Doug Collins, Matt Gaetz, and others about why the hearing was held or other issues. Nadler said that Trump is an active threat to democracy. Nadler characterized Trump's efforts in Ukraine as bas as Trump plus his allies wanted to influence the 2020 election. Republicans turned on Gordon Sondland.

Recently, ADOS people from the Internet like Antonio Moore have been whining about how one person on Joy Reid's show used the coded term tangible to criticize ADOS as Russian bots. I don't believe that every ADOS person is a Russian bot, but the ADOS and the FBA movements are xenophobic, backward, false, and anti-African Diaspora period. I never supported those movements from the beginning, because they are by definition hypocrites like Tariq Nasheed (who is a chauvinist who said that single mothers aren't entitled to reparations), Yvette Carnell (who lied and said that Pan-Africanism is dead when it isn't), and the rest of them. I call out names. These ADOS and FBA hypocrites omit that if they were really about that life, they should give up hip hop, Malcolm X, Denmark Vesey, Kwame Ture, raggae, etc. since these people or musical art-forms are influenced by Afro-Caribbeans. The founder of hip hop was an Afro-Caribbean named Kool Herc. Rapping is similar and is influenced to toasting as found in Jamaica. Malcolm X's maternal ancestors came from the Caribbean. Kwame Ture was born in Trinidad. You can tell by his accent. Even African American music like jazz and blues have influences from Africa all day every day. Even the Gullah culture came from the Caribbean and Africa directly. My ancestors came from Nigeria and the Congo via DNA testing.

There is more Afro-Caribbean and African influences on music today. The DJ'ing aspect of hip hop, with Breakbeats & other things started in Jamaica with Dub Selectors, & Toasters "MC'ing" over "riddims." Black music in America originally came from Africa, the Caribbean, and and other places. West Africa is the mother of black American music. West African music influenced the development of jazz in the Deep South. West African music is polyrhymthic. This is also called the cross rhythm. The call and response action of West African music influences music in America. Also, many hip hop artists have Caribbean ancestry or Caribbean heritage like Biggie, Heavy D, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Grandmaster Flash, etc. Therefore, we may stopped at different places from the ships, but we are one people of black African descent. I send great Kudos to my African and Afro-Caribbean Brothers and Sisters. Those in the African Diaspora aren't monolithic. We will express our own cultures, and we blend at the same time under many circumstances. I know many Afro-Caribbeans that I work with who have shown me the utmost respect as I am African American. We are one family. Malcolm X always talked about uniting black Americans and the rest of the black population worldwide. That point can't be refuted. The banjo is heavily used in jazz, and it was used in West Africa originally (and spread into America and the Caribbean).

We live in very historic times. Recently, Miss Universe of 2019 is a black woman from South Africa. She has spoken about climate change and other issues. She is very outspoken to inspire girls and women to make their stands in the world. Her name is Zozibini Tunzi, and her victory is by her own merit. We live in a new time. This is a time when more people are rejecting colorism, and tons of people are shining their image of glorious Blackness. We have a long way to go. We are not naive, but many people are making contributions in building society up. She is the first black pageant winner in 8 years since Leila Lopes from Angola took home the crown in 2011. In 2019, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and now Miss Universe are all black people this year. This has never occurred in human history. We congratulate Zozibini Tunzi as a great heroic role model of our generation. The truth is that Black Beauty is human beauty, and the more people realize that, the better off the world will be. Being Black is Beautiful as Black is Always Beautiful.


By Timothy