It is always important to describe statistical information about the African American community, because stats are indicators of how things are. The truth is the truth. Also, we can use the stats in order to deal with ways to further improve the black community too. Stats don't discriminate. They focus on reality as it is. We have a long way to go, but we came so much far now than in 1968. There are many forms of information revealed by a report from Janelle Jones, John Schmitt, and Valerie Wilson. Their report is entitled, "50 Years After the Kerner Commission." This report was created in 2018. The report said that more than 90 percent of younger African Americans (aged 25 to 29) have graduated form high school compared to just over half in 1968. Black people of the same age have also are twice as likely to have a college degree than in 1968. Yet, black people are still half as likely as young whites to have a college degree. African Americans since 1968 have made massive improvements in wages, incomes, wealth, and health since 1968. Yet, black workers still make only 82.5 cents on every dollar earned by white workers. African Americans are 2.5 times as likely to live in poverty as whites. The median white family has almost 10 times as much wealth as the median black family. Home-ownership is just about 40 percent as it was in 1968 which deals with a constant issue of housing discrimination. High school graduation went from 54.4 percent to 92.3 percent in 2018. Black college graduates increased (among those 25-29 years old) from 9.1 percent in 1968 to 22.8 percent in 2018. Black households income annually increased from 42.8 percent between 1968 and 2016. The poverty rate in the black community is from 34.7 percent in 1968 to 21.4 percent in 2018. Over 50 years later from 1968, dramatic health improvements have existed in the black community.The number of deaths per 1000 live births fallen from 34.9 in 1968 to 11.4 in the most recent data. In 1968, black infants were about 1.9 times as likely to die as white infants. Today, the rate is 2.3 times higher for black Americans. Black life expectancy at birth increase up 11.5 years between 1968 and today, outpacing the increase for whites (up 7.5 years). Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, "Father's Involvement with Their Children" said that the majority of black fathers actually live with their children (2.5 million versus 1.7 million who don't). The CDC found that whether living in the same home or not, black fathers are the most involved of all primary recorded race and ethnic groups in America. Many fatherless stats don't account unmarried couples, and other issues There are always those who exploit or manipulate statistics in order to undermine black relationships among black men and black women. Black men and black women have been made the scapegoats of black oppression not only by white racists (but by women haters and man haters who hide behind a veneer of community activism). Stats have shown massive graduation rates and an increase of owning businesses. Dr. Waldo E. Johnson or the professor of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration had led efforts to re-educate people about black fatherhood. We have seen black men and black women perform super athletic feats, we have seen black men and black women being great leaders of intellectual pursuits, and we have seen black men and black women beings leaders since the dawn of human history. Now, James P. Comer had worked to close the achievement gap among young black people via his School Development Model. There are black farming cooperatives in the South. Dr. Ajani Brown promotes literature.
The late David Williams was a famous musician and guitarist who lived from November 21, 1950 to March 6, 2009. He was a singer, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, and worked with artists like Michael Jackson. He was born in Hampton, Virginia. As a young child, he was influenced by jazz artists like Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery. Later, he worked with The Dells. He served in the military during the Vietnam War. He worked with the Temptations. He was working with the R&B group Canson. David Williams worked with Michael Jackson on his 1979 Off The Wall. As a premier guitarist, David Williams was placed on albums made by the Pointer Sisters (1980), Peter Allen (1980), Aretha Franklin (1980), and the Four Tops (1981). He performed on Jackson's album Bad in 1987. He made guitar session with people from Dionne Warwick, Shalamar, Go West, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, and other legends. He made 2 solo albums of Take The Ball and Run (1983) and Somethin' Special (1991). I found out that David Williams (1950-2009) was my 2nd cousin, because we share the same ancestor of Adam D. (He was my 2nd great grandfather, and he was born in 1862). David Williams' parents were Larry Lamont Williams (1920-1968) and Reatha Mackine Knight (1922-1978). Larry Lamont Williams' parents are Robert Floyd Williams (1898-1976) and Leatte D. (b. 1897). Leatte D.'s parents are Adam D. (born in 1862) and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954). David Williams' siblings are Elbert Larry Williams (b. 1941), Delores Williams Major (b. 1945), Doris Jean Carmichael (1946-2017), Clarence Williams (1947-2020. He was a military veteran of the Vietnam War like David was), and Elaine Williams Patterson (b. 1949). David Williams had many children. Many of his children are Kenya Williams, Michelle Perry, Kimberly Perry, and Skyler David Williams. h\Her children with Debbi Ciaburri are Davida Brittany Williams (b. 1986) and Dana Mary Williams (b. 1989). Davida Brittany Williams is my 3rd cousin. She is an American actress, singer, dancer, photographer, director, and producer. She was on the shows Lizzie McGuire, and Raise Your Voice. She made music too. Davida was born in Los Angeles, California. Dana Williams is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist, including poet who lives in Los Angeles. Her debut album EP called The Lonely One. David Williams' daughter Kenya Williams is a well known actress and producer. She was on Even Stevens in 2000 and in Touched by an Angel in 1994. She had a role on Moesha, the Parkers, and other programming. Kenya Williams has been an educator in Compton Unified School District for years.
The 89th studio album of Nas was the controversial album of Hip Hop is Dead. It was released on December 19, 2006 on Def Jam Recordings. The album was about Nas' opinion of the current state of hip hop. It was important in having a song with Jay Z immediately after ending their hip hop feud. It had features from Nas' former wife Kelis, Kanye West, will.i.am, Snoop, The Game, Chrisette Michele, etc. It debuted on Billboard as number 1 in the country with 355,880 copies in its first week. It became platinum as time went on. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Nas gave the reason for naming his album Hip Hop is Dead. He told He told English DJ Tim Westwood on his Radio show on May 18, 2006 that, "Hip hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power... Could you imagine what 50 Cent could be doing, Nas, Jay , Eminem, if we were the Jimmy Iovines? Could you imagine the power we're have? I think that's where we headed?" Nas said that his album had political records, collaborations, and "street records." Nas said that there is no political voice, so in his mind, America is dead, hip hop is dead, thinking is dead, etc. Some of his great songs on the album was Can't Forget About You featuring Chrisette Michele with sampling from Nat King Cole's song Unforgettable. The music video had an appearance of Natalie Cole or Nat King Cole's daughter. Nas wanted the title of the album to provoke a reaction among hip hop artists. A lot of people claimed that the album was targeting Southern hip hop music, especially crunk and snap music. Lil Wayne and Kanye West reacted to the album. Artists who disagreed with the title of the album were Ludacris, Trick Daddy, Big Boi, etc. as targeting Southern hip hop. Those who supported the title were KRS One, DMX, Raekown, and Ghostface Killah. Southern rapper Young Jeezy back then was offended by the album, because he felt that hip hop is alive and well. Many people back then and today album Southern hip hop for cheapening the quality of hip hop music. Of course, that is not true as great music is found in multiple regions of America not just in one region. The deal is that corporate powerbases used consumerism and materialism to waterdown a certain segment of hip hop. Jeezy once questioned Nas' street credibility in an interview with Monie Love. Nas and Young Jeezy reconciled with being on the song My President in 2008. The album was praised by the critics.
1986 in R&B shown artists with a lot of legendary artists and songs. It was a time when people like Meli'sa Morgan, Janet Jackson, Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge, Michael McDonald, Timex, Social Club, Jean Carne, Shirley Jones, Gwen Guthrie, LeVert, Oran Juice Jones, Bobby Brown, Gregory Abott, and Melba Moore dominated the charts. Janet Jackson, Billy Ocean, and Freddie Jackson had multiple number one singles in that year. In early 1986, Say You, Say Me was the song done by Lionel Richie. That's What Friends are For was done by Dionne and Friends. Meli'sa Morgan was popular. How Wll I Know done by Whiteny Houston was a classic. Vocally, that was one of the most outstanding records. Whitney Houston was already a legend in the 1980's. Your Smile was done by Rene and Angela. Janet Jackson's What Have You Done for Me Lately was creative. Janet Jackson wanted to show more control and independence in her own life. Janet wanted to be more free beyond just the loveable actress. She is entitled to express her own womanhood in diverse ways. Prince and the Revolution made the song Kiss. Patti Labelle, Billy Ocean, and LeVert made people dance. Word Up was done by Cameo. Girlfriend was done by Bobby Brown. By 1987, R&B had more teen acts. Angela Winbush made her solo artist debut. People like Jody Watley, The System, Gregory Hines, Atlantic Starr, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Alexander O'Neal, and other people were high on the charts. Jody Watley reached into new heights. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson made music that touched many lives. Luther Vandross and Stephanie Mills including Freddie Jackson were excellent. Let's Wait Awhile and The Pleasure Principle made Janet Jackson's career reach into new heights. Michael Jackson's Bad album was more than about creativity. That album was about his anger at the industry and the things that came with it. It was like Michael Jackson wanting tha industry world almost to leave him alone. Candy from Cameo was an anthem of club music. Falling was made by Melba Moore. Loose Ends made Slow Down. The O'Jays, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Roger, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, The Whispers, and Atlantic Starr made more music. In 1988, The Way You Make me Feel by Michael Jackson was very powerful in 1988. Older and new artists were hitting their stride like Keith Seat, Pebbles, Morris Day, Teena Marie, Tony Toni Tone, Sade, George Michael, Karyn White, and Anita Baker. Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, and Mac Band grown their musical strength. Man in the Mirror had a social message from Michael Jackson. Love Overboard was made by Gladys Knights and the Pips. Stevie Wonder made You Will Know. Wishing Well was created by Terence Trent D'Arby. E.U. had his song. Joy from Te ddy Pendergrass was about life after his accident still being spritiaully strong. Lossey's Rap was made by Rick James and Roxanne Shante. My Prerogative by Bobby Brown was about his controversies and determination to be his own man. Giving You the Best that I Got from Anita Baker was one of his greatest records. Anita Baker expressed the power and exquisite nature of love and romance with her music. Everything I Miss at Home by Cherrelle was a great song too. In 1989, the 1980's ended with the growth of new jack swing and other modern sounds. Roberta Flack and Jermaine Jackson had songs with their comebacks. Bobby Brown, Surface, Soul II Soul, Stephanie Mills, and Babyface were on the move wither their music. Vanessa Williams, Teddy Riley, Guy, Caron Wheeler, Regina Belle, Miki Howard, and Eric Gable made music that inspired human souls. Superwoman and Love Saw It outlined Karyn White's powerful legacy. Oasis was made by Roberta Flack. Can You Stand the Rain was one of the great songs of New Edition. Dreaming from Vanessa Williams showed her side as an underrated singer. Real Love by Jody Watley was classic. Prince, Natalie Cole, Janet Jackson developed their crafts more. Here and Now from Luther Vandross was classic. Miki Howard's Aint Nuttin in the World continued to show her legendary status. All of My Love was made by the Gap Band, and Tender Love from Babyface was one start of his long career.
Ever since 2001, I knew about this subject. That was when I was before 20 years old. America wasn't just an nation created after many colonial visits. Many people who came into America had links to the esoteric crowd. In fact, many Freemasons were involved in the Constitutional Convention. For thousands of years, human beings have always sought to try to form an Utopian society. Thousands of years ago, Plato wrote about the legend of Atlantis. Atlantis was a legendary place of advanced civilizations where it was destroyed by a massive flood. Today, many esoteric people believe that America is the New Atlantis. The late 33rd degree Freemason Manly P. Hall believed in this ideology. In fact, he wrote a book about it called, "America's Secret Destiny." Many leaders like Dr. John Dee promoted British exploration of America. Over 2 centuries after the death of Dr. John Dee, we saw America born. It is important to note that many evil people brought up America via genocide of its indigenous people and the enslavement of African human beings. Sir Francis Bacon was a philosopher and scientist who wrote about literature in an unfinished novel called New Atlantis in 1627. The story was about human discovery and knowledge. It showed the fictional place of Benslaem. The story showed a fictional organization of Solomon's House utilizing modern research. Sir Francis Bacon was involved in creating the English colonies of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Newfoundland in northwestern Canada. Thomas Jefferson praised Bacon for his research into the physical and moral sciences. Johnnes Kelpius and other mystics came into America. By 1800, Washington , D.C. was created. Many of its major buildings were helped to be created by Masons with cornerstones on them. Many pagan god and goddess images are found in many buildings of D.C. too. The Library of Congress even have esoteric paintings, and other locations in D.C. have statues praising Sir Francis Bacon. From 1776 to the present, America is filled with good people and evil people. It has been filled with heroes and villains. Today, we know that the mysteries of America have the right to be made known to the people. Also, we are clear that bigotry and injustice are antithetical to true morality. We always believe in justice for all and human equality wholeheartedly.
We live in a new decade. The 2020s will be a time of revelation of innovation. There are always those who love to disrespect believers in God. Yet, we have the faith to carry onward. We are never ashamed to believe in God. For thousands of years, spiritual leaders have changed the world in positive ways. Many people unfortunately scapegoat Christianity collectively for everything under the sun. These haters forget that some of the great leaders of ending slavery in many places of the world, scientists, labor rights activists, civil rights activists, etc. were Christians. That is why it is important to always show the reality of spiritual heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. People forget that the original Christians were victims of oppression by the Roman Empire. Back then, many Christians were crucified, fed to the lions at arenas, and discriminated against because of their faith in God. Even today, religious persecution is commonplace in many places of the world. In America, many of us are blessed to not go through that level of anti-religious persecution, but we have to be prepared for anything because we are living in the end times. Our goal in life is to love God, do righteousness, and help our neighbors.
Harriet Tubman was always a spiritual person. When she was a slave, she prayed for freedom. Later, she escaped bondage, and not only did she free other black human beings. She led an Union force to defeat Confederate forces during the American Civil War. She led 13 mission to rescue about 70 people. She was one leader of the Underground railroad that helped to save lives. She was a suffragist who wanted women to vote. She was born in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Her grandmother was Modesty. Her sisters were Linah, Mariah Ritty, Soph, and Rachel. Her brothers were Robert, Ben, and Henry including Moses. People called her Moses. Harriet Tubman even guided many people into Canada. She knew Frederick Douglas and John Brown (she helped him to form the 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry). Her role in the Combahee Ferry raid during the Civil War liberated more than 700 black human beings. That was in South Carolina. Her grandmother Modesty came from Africa. She loved his black husband Nelson Charles Davis form North Carolina. He was a private in the 8th United States Colored Infantry Regiment from September 1863 to November 1865. She always had faith in God, as Harriet Tubman was married at the Central Presbyterian Church. She loved the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Auburn, New York. She lived until 1913. Her final words were, "I go to prepare a place for you." She was buried with semi-military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn.
William Tyndale was a Bible translator and one of the greatest heroes of religious freedom in history. He lived from ca. 1494 to 1536. He helped to translate the Bible into English. Also, he risked his life in order for people to have religious freedom. He was executed, because he translated the Bible into English. He was influenced by Erasmus and Martin Luther's work. He was a leader of the Protestant Reformation. Tyndale worked hard to study Greek and Hebrew. Many Greek speaking intellectuals traveled into Europe after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Tyndale's translation was the first English Bible to use directly form Hebrew and Greek texts. He challenged the hegemony of the Catholic Church and the law of England maintaining the church's position. He wrote literature like The Obedience of a Christian Man in 1528. He lived in Flemish lands after fleeing England. Tyndale's Bible was heavily used for the creation of the later King James bible. William Tyndale studied at Oxford University and had his B.A. in 1512. He was a sub-deacon. He was Master of Arts in July 1515. He was a righteous man. Tyndale was fluent in French, Greek, Hebrew, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. Tyndale opposed the king's annulment of England. Later, he was betrayed, strangled to death, tied to the stake, and burned. Tyndale didn't believe in prayer to saints. He didn't believe that the Scriptures could only be interpreted by approved authorities as he stated, that he deified the Pope and his laws. The Tyndale New Testament was created in 1525. Back in those days, it was illegal in England to translate the Bible in English. Tyndale said that baptism must be preceded by repentance, faith, and confession which is true. He believed that the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper are memorials only. Tyndale wanted the King to wake up before his death. William Tyndale continued in his faith throughout his life.
By Timothy
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