You know I want to talk about the show Black In America that was on CNN last night, hosted by Soledad O'Brien. Remember a 2ND part comes on tonight @ 9 PM. Tonight's show will focus on the black male and the problems they face here in America. I'm glad that they did the show to show we still have a ways to go. It was informative, and I'm sure some people learnt something new. If you watched the show I know you have some comments about the program so leave your thoughts here.
The one thing I want to mention( well there is more but we'll start here) and I always thought of this, why does it seem as if a black family who has a white male ancestor, who most likely forced himself on their black female ancestor during slavery always want to make it seem as if they had a real love affair? Well maybe they did. Who knows. Case in point Sally Hemming. You know that was Thomas Jefferson's mistress/slave. She was also the mother of some of his children.
Alright, let me discuss a little about the show. A few of the topics they discussed they centered around The Rand family from Dallas. That's the family I was talking about above. They followed the family for a year. Showing the successes and struggles of some of the members of the family. Some of the ills that affect our communities were discussed. Some of the biggest challenges amongst black folks is education, high drop out rate, single parent homes, health care issues. HIV/AIDS, unemployment, homelessness, black women not being able to find suitable black men for marriage and violence amongst young black men. On the other hand we saw The Smiths who are members of The Rand family. They were married for more than 20 years, owners of their own business and parents to 6 children who all are doing well. They are attending college, 1 graduated from college and 1 in high school soon to attend college. They are apart of the growing middle class here in America. They spoke a little about how they were able to raise successful children. They gave them "expectations".
This program spoke of ills in our communities that we know exist and I truly believe we will overcome them. Yes, there were some solutions to these problems too. A young lady here in New York has established Marry You Baby Daddy Day. 10 couples marry and begin to share their lives together as a family. Of course that's good for children all the way around. They will receive the support, and security they need and of course, if all is good a better economic status. Which hopefully will led to better neighborhoods and excellent education. Check out her website MarryYourBabyDaddy.com.
There's a program started by a young Harvard Economist, Roland Fryer who started a program that pays children to learn and study hard. Although controversial it is working. The kids receive $250 dollars if they pass 10 assessment test during the school year. The findings have not been reported but it's said the grades of the students have improved. I think he just wants to say that inner-city kids want to work hard and the money is just an incentive. Just like in some middle class homes.
Black women it is recommended that we date outside our race to find a mate. They mentioned that many black women have never been married as opposed to white women. I guess all this ties into black women having children out of wedlock. Successful and educated sistas have it hard. All that success and no one to share it with.
I really enjoyed the story of the doctor in Maryland who helps young men who are victims of violence turn their lives around. These young men need someone who has been where they are and made their lives a success to see that it can be done, if you want it enough. I believe success is everywhere you are. I could go on and on about this program, but the 2ND part is about to start. I have said it before and I will say it again I LOVE BEING BLACK BABY!!!!
'TIL I POST AGAIN...BE GOOD BABIES!!!
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