"Native" Black Americans have been here from the first bullet(took it, actually/see below)---and we will be here until the last. Our unique and specific People, Culture, History was born and evolved in this place called "America". ALL of our "known" family/relatives, ancestors, history, legacy is "HERE". Our "roots", such as they are, go dark-deep into this land--and disappear. The first of "us" arrived in the early 1600's--as slaves. A drag. But it is what it is. Our suggestion? OWN IT, DAMMIT. OWN EVERY LAST BIT OF IT. And make it a strength. It's time to work together, like waves of others who've come in subsequent generations and worked together in mutual support to advance their "tribe". Determined, focused, mutual support works. Most effective example? Jews. We’re hoping that more and more Native Black Americans recognize, accept, celebrate and execute their Native Black American common bond; for the betterment of ourselves and America. And the World.
LEGACY
Crispus Attucks - Odd as it may seem(even if ironically fitting), this Black Man was the first combatant to die in the American Revolution against Britain.
The son of a slave and a Native American Indian(Natick tribe), Cripsus Attucks was recognized and martyred as the first person to die in the American Revolution.
Attucks was the first to charge the British when British soldiers opened fire on dozens of colonists confronting the Brits with their grievances.
In the skirmish and leading the charge, Crispus Attucks was the first of five men killed. His murder by the British made him the first casualty of the American Revolution.
The bloody confrontation in Boston became famously known as the Boston Massacre; the signature event that propelled the colonies toward war with the British.
Rightfully, Attucks’ body ceremoniously lay in state along with the others killed in the historic battle. Segregation laws of the time were waived and “escaped slave” Attucks was buried with the martyrs he led.
Attucks' legacy-sacrifice was referenced by19th-century abolitionists in their determination to end slavery. Many Black American leaders over generations have referenced Attucks for his moral courage and his defining role in creating the America all inhabit, today.
Happy 4th of July, America! - Trotter Blackstone July 4, 2018
LEGACY
LEGACY
LEGACY
HISTORY
Much of what Smokey Robinson says speaks more to many of us than Jesse Jackson's misguided declaration for all. A large percentage of dissenting voices were ignored. It matters.
How about a professional football-league where owners in boxes have at least a few who are legacy-reflections of the players who do the hard work on the field.
Certainly, there are enough star-power potential owners who can add their own brand of "glitz, glamour, and celebrity" to give the up-tight, money-legacy-entitled and connected inner-sanctum, self-appointed modern-day sport-plantation ruler-barons a little "All-American" competition for a piece of America's huge sports-loving audience.
What say a few folks hook up like Oprah, MJ, Lebron, Daymond John, Prince Harry& Meghan Duchess of Sussex (yep), Bishop Curry, Colin Kaeprnick, George Lucas & Melody Hobson-Lucas, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Chris Long(after retirement), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, JZ & Beyonce, Dr. Dre, Drake, Denzel, Edward James Olmos, Common, Spike Lee, Robert DeNiro & Grace Hightower, Tiger Woods, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry, Magic Johnson, ShaQ, Master P, Jessica Alba, Will Smith, Lionel Richie, ALL NFL ex-players who quietly kneeled or who support the First Amendment Right of others to respectfully express their concerns... etc.
How about a roomful of fair-minded, celebrity-American and/or business-folk get together and offer a "real American" pro-football alternative?
OR... how about SHARE-HOLDERS--much like ownership of GreenBay Packers?
*The Green Bay Packers apparently have 360,760 owners. The Packers organization has a Board of Directors that serves as the owner of record. The teamhas been a publicly owned, non-profit corporation since August 18, 1923.
Or:
Some kind of "All-American" ownership "Go-Fund-Me" ownership drive?
May 25, 2018
We appreciate what the Greatest Running Back of All Time has to say about race and some of the "White people" in his life.
At 80 years old, folks tend to speak "their" Truth as best they can. Check it out in video below for yourself:
May 29, 2018
Have a minute? Hear the young man below for yourself. One of many, quietly rising to engage the future. Rising, to help Move America Closer to its Potential...
Kanye West(partially) Correct?
Like it or not, like him or not-jump up and down and get on every platform/TV/Radio show you can... shout, cry, stomp, dismiss, bemoan, protest, belittle and vilify all you want---at end, KANYE WEST IS CORRECT.
After 400 years and countless battles, sacrifices, victories, doors opened(that many others have walked past generations-been-here Blacks, and through), exceptional accomplishments by many Native Black Americans in damn near every field--the majority of "Native Black Americans" seem to still be swayed into "choosing" victimhood over vowing(like the Jews) "NEVER AGAIN".
"Never Again" is a choice to do more than protest, seek sympathy, seek fairness, empathy, support. It is a determined "choice" to make sure that you do all you can for those you recognize as having same lot as you. It is a group vow to do all you can, individually and in concert--to dramatically change your group's "lot" for you, family, friends--and all others like you, who will follow.
First, for Native Black America--it is a damn shame of shames "choice" to visit violence upon one another. I ask(again), when is the last time you heard of a Jew killing a Jew? Rare. They made a choice to work together and mutually support one another and raise up their best and brightest(and even their dummies) to be the best that they can be.
More voices need to be heard of those Native Black Americans who speak to mutual support of self-sufficiency. Choice.
It is 'past' time to recognize and make empowering choices afforded by what has been achieved by those who came before us; and by those among us who high-achieve, now.
First? No Black American should ever ever ever take the Life of another. Obligatory choice. Obvious start. Build it into every child. Right behind it? Education. Third; build and support Native Black American businesses.
Additionally, encourage, recognize, and support pursuit of science, technology, law, medicine, politics--any and all enriching/enabling/
empowering "professions".
The Jews have a "rabbi" system--where those who are accomplished, informally look after children of others who pursue careers in their areas of expertise. These "rabbis" mentor, guide, advise, help and when time comes, pass the upward supported young along to others who can and will help them reach their God-given potential.
Most Jews came here after the 1900's with a bump after the Second World War--and in THAT short time have supported each other to the top of damn near every field in America.
Choice at work.
There is something very correct in what Kanye West said--and while the young fella who challenged Kanye and spoke Truth about lasting effects of past history--Kanye's implied point that we need to recognize we can make choices to do MUCH better moving forward--my fellow Negro-American folks... young Kanye West is on the money.
After 400 years? 'Way past time to make choice to stop solo hustlin' and start mutually supporting. Hell, learn from the many immigrants who keep showing up, talkin' bad about Black Folks as they use our ancestors' blood-bought gains to move themselves up.
Finally, big Blessings and Appreciation to the many like Lebron James, Oprah Winfrey, Colin Kaepernick, Bill and Camille Cosby, Michael Jordan & Mother- Deloris Jordan, Daymond John, David Robinson, Tom Joyner--and many many other unsung champions who donate time and resources to fuel positive change for others.
Trotter Blackstone May 1, 2018
...another way to look at this mess...
We had a BEAUTIFUL "NativeBlackAmerican.com" website up around 9 years ago, highlighting and celebrating prominent "native" Black Americans whose history in this land goes back to the founding of America--to even before the American Revolution. We are back on it. Keep a lookout for our movement forward. A unique Black American People and Culture developed over generations in this place called "America". We aim to own, spot-light and celebrate our unique history, culture--and People. Ya'll Negroes whose roots disappear somewhere back in the 1800's in this muh--welcome. You is one o' us.
NBATRIBE.COM (NativeBlackAmericanTribe.com)
..."NBA" Tribe?--ironic as hell, ain't it...
STARBUCKS - KEEP IT SIMPLE - NO SELF-RESPECTING BLACK AMERICAN SET FOOT IN A STARBUCKS FOR THE REST OF 2018. AFTER THE MARCHING AND SIGN-HOLDING IS OVER, JUST QUIETLY BE UNIVERSALLY ABSENT FOR THE NEXT 9 MONTHS. DON'T DRINK IT. TRY OTHER BRANDS FOR A SPELL. EVEN BETTER--SOME OF YA'LL WITH "BANK" OPEN A COMPETING FRANCHISE...Damon Johns, Michael Jordon, Oprah Winfrey?(jus' make sure you don't serve lousy coffee--or have rude personnel) April 12, 2018
I COULD BE WRONG, BUT...
Colin Kaepernick being "chumped" out of work by the "controllers" of the NFL speaks loud and clear to just how marginal, compromised, powerless and chumped "Native" Black Americans have become in the America of "today"...
Players--If you feel Kaepernick was unfairly "Black-Balled", consider avoiding all touchy-feely, friendly, smiley interactions with owners and staff who ranked on Kap. Approach management in "strictly business" fashion. This should especially be the case with Roger Goodell. No huggy-photo crap on draft day with the guy. He is not your friend. A respect for the game and being drafted "handshake" is enough. Save your hugs for real Family and Friends.
FOR THOSE WHO AGREE that Kap is sincerely trying to do good for those with less "voice"--speak up in support(even if his way may not be YOUR choice of expression).
Bottom line; the issue and problem is real. Kap put his butt on the line to address it.
TROTTER BLACKSTONE
Click image for "Daily Dose"
Here's a quick list of a few folks we'd love to see own the Carolina Panthers football team:
RONNIE LOTT - Played the game at Hall of Fame level. Lotta class. Solid. Lott put together a group that was in the running to buy the Oakland Raiders--with the intention of keeping the team in Oakland.
DAYMOND JOHN - Smart, cool, classy brother on SHARK TANK.
OPRAH WINFREY - What's not to like.
Michael Jordon - His accomplishments in sports speak for themselves. He's invested in that part of the country. He tried baseball. Why not go for the trifecta--become an NFL owner.
Courtesy of the U.S. Marines
I COULDBE WRONG, BUT…
No way that even a 40 year old “old-man” Floyd Mayweather loses to a fella who's never "boxed" professionally. Our money's on Floyd if we can get 3 to 1 odds anywhere. Right now it's down to 4-1. All you McGregor fans... please...
place your bets…
I COULD BE WRONG, BUT…
With all due respect, I think Ms. Cush Jumbo is way wrong.
BBC did an interview and reported: “English actress Cush Jumbo says British black actors are being given roles in America over their US counterparts because "we are better”.”
Ms. Jumbo needs to sit with a Black American veteran of “the business” who can help her see the “real”. I suggest she learn something about the quirky nature of many in the American film business who undervalue talents of historically steeped-in-Black American Culture, homegrown Black actors—in favor of “something else”.
Ironic that Ms. Jumbo complains of being “undervalued” in her native Britain for being “Black”, while blindly(and ignorantly/wrongly) undervaluing the talent of Black American actors she is given “quirky” preference over. Some of whom, I KNOW, are better suited for some roles based on—if nothing else, deep understanding of the nuances of being a generations-deep “historical Black” in America. I’ve seen Ms. Jumbo—she's talented, no doubt. But she's got nothin' on Angela Bassett(talk about an under-utilized talent)... and a whole bunch of other "Native" Black American actresses.
I would even go so far as to suggestthere are many—who can portray Black American women with far more “authenticity” than you, Ms Jumbo. Same with Black American men actors. I’ve seen guys come through auditions who are far more dynamic, commanding, charismatic—and just as well-trained—as some of the British fellows who’ve gotten preference via the “quirkies”.
And then there is the “business” side belief that foreign distribution might be better served by having “foreigners” in place of “Americans”; particularly “Black” Americans.
Have some respect. There's work for you because a lot of folks you dissed have worked over generations to "create" opportunities. Opportunities you, apparently, do not have in your native Britain.
"Black Lives Matter"is a terrible
phrase.
There are many that would be better. It is polarizing, non-inclusive,
excluding, limiting, lacking in pride/integrity, pity-begging, subservient, speaks to lower self-esteem, harmful to young psyches. It begs condescension. It is "weak". Basically, it is a bad way to frame the issue--and even, I suspect, many in other organizations(NAACP) have tried to put the damn thing to rest.
The conflict-seeking media--in conjunction with the trio of women who coined the phrase... who've expressed motives BEYOND cops killing folks as their initial hope(immigration)... have conspired(possibly inadvertently) to promote this thing along at the
expense of folks in misery, looking for ANYTHING to help their situation.
Fact is, the phrase has done more harm than good. Think about
this--it's effect is max polarizing/alienating when chaos, murder, conflict is at its highest.
I challenge other organizations to supplant the BLM bad idea with
something better-conceived to address the issue.
There is a HUGE problem, no question. 'Been going on for years.
But BLM is NOT the best solution. It is a badly conceived idea.
There are far better, MORE EFFECTIVE ways to frame the issue.
Art Washington - Editor
NOTHING BETTER THAN A GOOD COP. NOTHING WORSE THAN A BAD ONE. MOST ARE NOT THE CLOWN PORTRAYED, ABOVE. A BETTER JOB MUST BE DONE TO WEED OUT THE INCOMPETENT WHO SNEAK IN, GET BADGES AND GUNS, BUT WHO ARE NOT POLICE MATERIAL.
SOLUTION: PAY COPS A LOT MORE, DEMAND MORE OF THEM. ATTRACT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST--
AND HOLD THEM TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD. 'WON'T NEED AS MANY. SUB-STANDARD WANNA BE'S MAKE
LIFE DANGEROUS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND DANGEROUS FOR "REAL" POLICE OFFICERS.
---------
CSPAN- BY FAR, IS THE BEST REALITY SHOW ON TELEVISION. DO YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR COUNTRY A FAVOR...CHECK IT OUT! SEE FOR YOURSELF THE FOLKS WHO DETERMINE SO MUCH OF YOUR LIFE.
"FENCES" and "ALMOST CHRISTMAS"
Saw 2 excellent Native Black American movies this week that spoke to generations-deep
Black American Legacy in a nuanced, refreshing way. FENCES and ALMOST CHRISTMAS.
"FENCES" captures a time and place, perfectly. Being from a very small Western Pennsylvania
town not too far from Pittsburgh, I can testify that Denzel and excellent cast nailed it
with their portrayals of August Wilson's "folks" from his monumental theatrical achievement.
Possibly should have been BEST PICTURE instead of the one that was; certainly Denzel
was, hands-down, BEST ACTOR.
Not even close.
And on ALMOST CHRISTMAS?! Wow! Had it all. Comedy, drama, deeper meaning, "legacy"
--and a fantastic cast giving first-rate performances all-around.
