Political Skinny
The Obama Administration, including President Obama himself, was surprised to find out he won the Nobel Peace Prize. According to NBC sources, President Obama received a telephone call at 6:00 the morning of Friday, October 9, 2009 giving him the news that he had won the Prize. He couldn't quite believe it at first, but as the news sunk in, he made a speech and he made plans to fly to Sweden in December to receive his prize. President Obama has planned to give the $1.4 million, which accompanies the prize, to charity.
The Nobel Committee said the prize was "awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." (See the full article.)
President Obama has done more for democracy than any president in the last forty years. The surprise expressed by the American public swings between the extremes of joyful and disappointed. Some people feel he hasn't been in office long enough or achieved enough to win such an honorable notice. Yet, there are others who see what he has achieved in such a short time to reach leaders worldwide, who haven't been reached by past presidents as nothing less than remarkable.
Cuddle With Me Doll
Have you seen the little Black Cuddle With Me doll? Her name is "Lil Monkey," and in August 2009, she was available for sail in Costco in North Carolina. When the manufacturers were made aware of the connection between the name of the doll and the racial bias it would create, they said they were totally unaware of and had no intention to show any racial insensitivity.
In this day and age, how could you not know that calling a little black child a monkey is a racial slur? That doll passed through too many hands from the concept of it to the placing on the shelf for SOMEONE not to have recognized it was inflammatory and degrading. According to Snopes.com, the dolls are no longer on the shelves; however, if they missed some, you can call 800-774-2678 and report "Cuddle Baby," product number 404860.
Tree of Life
The Swine Flu - Real? Or Bioterrorism?
What is Bioterrorism?
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 or the Bioterrorism Act (BTA) (What is this Act?)HERBS
CHAPARRAL - Larrea divaricata
CHAPARRAL aids in dissolving tumors and fighting cancer. It is a potent healer that works courageously fast in difficult situations. Chaparral is the best herbal antibiotic, and is a strong and powerful antioxidant (prevents cancer) and anti-tumor agent. Chaparral is a health builder that restores vitality by helping the body assimilate natures more effectively, cleaning the blood, eliminating waste and restoring proper function to all organs. It is a stinky, very bitter and unpleasant tasting Native American herb remedy which they used for all ailments. We are richly blessed that this versatile herb is a native to the American Southwest.
NUTRITION: Chaparral is high in protein, potassium, sodium and Vitamin A. It contains moderate amounts of magnesium, manganese, iron and silicon, and small amounts of phosphorus, zinc, B complex vitamins, tin, sulphur, chloride, and varium. The oil resin in chaparral increases the Vitamin C level in the adrenal glands (stress center) to reduce any inflammations. It is also a vasodepressant having a circulatory depressant effect. Chaparral supports the system by inhibiting any unwanted rapid growth by vital respiratory processes throughout the whole system. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is the powerful antioxidant in chaparral. Antioxidants inhibit the formation of dangerous and destructive substances in the body called free radicals. Free radicals are caused by poisonous chemicals, such as cigarette smoke and X-rays, in our environment or body.
Free radicals combine at random with components of healthy cells and interfere with normal cell growth. Certain free radicals cause cancerous tumors or premature aging. Antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E, selenium and pycnogenol) prevent free radicals from doing this damage, and therefore, slows tumor growth and retards it. NGDA helps slow the aging process and may even extend the human life span. NGDA has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a preservative in lard and animal shortenings. Although it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, chaparral mouthwash reduces cavities by 75%.HISTORY: Chaparral has a recorded history of over 2,000 years. The chaparral leaf is fed to livestock after the oil resin has been extracted for commercial use as a preservative. Even after this treatment has been performed, the leaf still contains as much protein as alfalfa. A French study shows that it significantly extends the life span of laboratory animals. Other scientists claim it almost doubles the life span of laboratory insects. The Kawaiisu, Paiute and Shosone Indians used chaparral for sepsis (a severe bacterial infection). Also, the Papoga, Pima and Maricopas of the Southwestern states boiled the stems and branches with a little salt and spread it over the chest and body for arthritis and bruises. Chaparral and sarsaparilla are old treatments for venereal disease. Chaparral can also be combined with red clover to increase its effectiveness to dissolve cancer and shrink tumors. Licorice, lemon and honey have been used to improve its taste.
ACTIONS: Powerful antibiotic (infection fighter), antioxidant (prevents cancer) and anti-tumor growth agent, dissolves tumors, cancer, pain relief, a potent healer, rejuvenator, cleanser and protector of the urethral tract, blood, lungs, lymph, liver, expectorant, diuretic, reduces swelling, aids and heals the entire body, tones and rebuilds new tissue, takes drugs out of the system, especially LSD, is a free radical scavenger, an astringent which tightens and toughens tissue and, therefore, aids in decreasing any hemorrhage, protects from harmful effects of radiation and sun exposure, slows down the aging process by preventing the formation of free radicals, expels worms, prevents chronic degenerative disease, blood purifier, cleans deep into the muscle and tissue walls to remove toxic impurities, anti-inflammatory and improves eyesight.
AILMENTS: Aches, acne, allergy, arthritis, chronic backache, baldness, blood poisoning and toxicity, boils, bruises, bursitis, cancer, cataracts, colds, cuts, cramps, dandruff, diarrhea, eczema, fibrositis, glaucoma, hay fever, impotency, leukemia, prolapsed uterus, parasites, psoriasis, rheumatism, osteo arthritis, sores, sinus, skin blotches and eruptions, tumors, viral illnesses, wounds, weight loss, venereal disease, kidney infections, and problems with the lower bowel, bladder, liver, prostate, respiratory system and stomach.
CAUTION: Chaparral should not be given to children under the age of two, or to pregnant or lactating women. If it causes minor discomfort or stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop its use. If urinary difficulties or swollen glands develop, stop its use.
Ourstory
Music Icon, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson has made his transition.
Shemhotep (Go in peace), Michael.
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, five of his solo studio albums have become some of the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African-American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and Thriller—credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists.
Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his changing appearance and behavior, generated significant controversy, damaging his public image. Though he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. The singer has experienced health concerns since the early 1990s and conflicting reports regarding the state of his finances since the late 1990s. Jackson married twice and fathered three children, all of which caused further controversy. In 2005, Jackson was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sales of over 750 million albums worldwide. Cited as one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, has made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.
After being taken to the hospital in a coma, Jackson was reportedly pronounced dead on June 25, 2009.
Dr. Van Sertima passed away peacefully and quickly at home on Memorial Day, May 25th.
May 2009
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
I first met Ivan Van Sertima in either late 1980 or 1981. I went to a lecture that he gave in a classroom at UCLA. An evening or so later I attended a reception in his honor at the residence of Legrand H. Clegg II. The lecture was about the African presence in America before Columbus and the reception gave us a chance to have an up close interaction with him.
He was a light skinned Black man of medium build. He wore a jacket and tie. He was clean shaved except for a mustache and wore a short Afro. And he spoke with a distinct British accent. I was honored to be in his presence. He seemed rather detached and aloof but you could tell that he was a great scholar. And he really seemed to appreciate the ladies!
It was around this same time that I quit my job with a mortgage company and started working in the EOPS department at Compton Community College. My job was to organize cultural awareness programs designed to expose the students and the community in Compton to things African. I believe that Ivan was our first speaker. Among the other early speakers that I brought to Compton at that time were political activist Kwame Ture (formerly Stokely Carmichael) and the great cultural historian John G. Jackson.
Another person that I got to know during those early days at Compton College was Charles S. Finch, MD. Jan Carew who, like Ivan, was from Guyana, South America and who was Ivan's major mentor also I invited in as a speaker. Jan even stayed at my apartment. But Ivan became our regular. He was a great orator and had a grand and commanding on stage presence. You know, I think a lot of it had to do with his British manners. Whatever the case, his speaking style and presence were clearly captivating.
Sometime in 1982 I started writing for Ivan. In 1977 his great book They Came Before Columbus was published and in 1979 he began publication of the Journal of African Civilizations. How I began to write for the Journal makes for a good story.
Legrand Clegg and I had driven down to San Diego, California to attend a program highlighted by Ivan and John Henrik Clarke (another wonderful scholar that I was to get to know and develop am excellent personal relationship with).
I remember that Van Sertima, Legrand, myself and a San Diego brother named Chuck Ambers, were parked in front of a liquor store talking about what spirits we were going to buy when Ivan asked no one in particular if anybody knew anybody who might know somebody if they knew anybody who had photographs of the people of ancient Iraq. He wanted to use the photos to illustrate a new issue of the Journal. I had recently begun to study the subject but did not say a word. Legrand Clegg, busy trying to promote me, pointed out immediately that Runoko Rashidi was just the man! Ivan looked at me as if to say, "who, that guy?" He appeared to have no confidence at all at the suggestion and seemed extremely dubious. But Legrand was persistent and Ivan relented. His parting words to me were, "Well just write a few words and send in the photos."
He later told me that the photos were actually terrible but that the article that I wrote was very good and he was impressed with my style. (I wonder what he would say about my photos now?) From that day on I held him in awe and wrote for all the Journals from 1982 to the last one in 1995.
Just about at that time the Journal of African Civilizations ceased to be a Journal per se and became a book that was published two or three times a year. The first was Egyptian History Revised and the second one was Black Women in Antiquity. He published my first article in the former and my second (an even bigger essay) was published in the latter. By this time I could see that the respect that he had for me and the confidence that he had in me was beginning to grow immeasurably, for in the Black Women in Antiquity anthology he not only published an article of mine on African goddesses, but I also helped him do some of the editing for the book. He was extremely grateful and at this point we actually began to be something approaching confidants and friends.
You know, with Ivan's transition (I could not write the "d" word) it seems almost like I have lost my bridge to those early years and those scholars that mentored and influenced me at that pivotal stage in my life. Little by little and one by one they are all gone now, or just about gone. First Chancellor Williams and then John G. Jackson passed. Then Charles B. Copher and Edward Vivian Scobie and, especially John Henrik Clarke, joined the Ancestors. Then Ivan got sick and Jacob H. Carruthers died. Shortly after that Nana Ekow Butweiku I got sick and died. William Mackey and Baba Donaldson died. And it seems like just yesterday that my friend Asa Hilliard made his transition. Jan Carew is sick and Dr. Ben is in a nursing home in the Bronx. And now Ivan is gone. Kind of takes my breath away and puts a tear in my eye. I am oh so grateful for the fellowship that they provided and the mentoring that they gave. But, still, I miss them
very much. It seems like the end of an era.
In love of Africa,
Runoko Rashidi Okello
See a Tribute to Ivan Van Sertima by Runoko Rashidi at http://www.nathanielturner.com/tributetoivanvansertima.htm
GENERAL BIOGRAPHY OF DR. IVAN VAN SERTIMA (from www.answers.com with fro ROTD)
Born on January 26, 1935, in Kitty Village, British Guiana; Education: London School of Oriental and African Studies, London, England, B.A. with honors, 1969; Rutgers University, M.A., 1977.
Ivan Gladstone Van Sertima was born in Kitty Village in Guyana, a small country on South America's Caribbean coast, on January 26, 1935. When he was born, Guyana was a colony of Great Britain, and Van Sertima retained British citizenship even after embarking on his scholarly career in the United States. Van Sertima's father, Frank Obermuller, was a trade union leader. Van Sertima completed primary and secondary schooling in Guyana. He married Maria Nagy, October 24, 1964 and had one child: Lawrence Josef.
Career
Scholar, critic, educator, and poet. In 1956, he landed a job as a broadcaster and writer with the government information service in Guyana's capital city of Georgetown. Press and broadcasting officer, Government Information Office, Georgetown, Guyana, 1956-59; freelance broadcaster and writer, London, England, 1959-69; broadcaster, Central Office of Information, London, 1969-70; instructor, Rutgers University, 1970-72; assistant professor, Rutgers, 1972-79; wrote best-selling book, They Came Before Columbus, 1977; associate professor of African studies, 1979-; numerous other writings; has edited many books on African civilizations and their influence.
Life's Work
A mild-mannered scholar of British-Caribbean background, Ivan Van Sertima unleashed a revolution in the popular historical imagination with his 1977 book They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America. In that book, Van Sertima argued that explorers from the great cultures of ancient Egypt had traveled to the Western Hemisphere and deeply influenced pre-Columbian cultures there, in contrast with other possible early visitors such as the Vikings, who left few cultural traces of their presence. Along with Van Sertima's later work exploring other facets of African influence in ancient cultures, the book stands at the center of efforts to develop African-centered models of primary and secondary education. However, the validity of Van Sertima's research has often been questioned by scholars from the mainstream of academic anthropology.
Published Book of Poetry
In 1957, he published a book of poetry entitled River and the Wall, but the book attracted attention in England as well, and Van Sertima moved there in November of 1959. He began work on a degree in African languages and literature at the London School of Oriental and African Studies. Along the way, he learned to speak Swahili and Hungarian fluently.
During the 1960s, however, Van Sertima's creative efforts were widely diffused through many different endeavors. He did broadcasts about literature for the BBC, wrote poetry, worked on a novel called Blackhouse that was filmed under the title of The Black Prince, compiled a dictionary of legal terms in Swahili, and embarked upon his career as a scholar with a series of essays on Caribbean literature. He received his B.A. degree, with honors, in 1969 from the London School of Oriental and African Studies.
Following graduation from college, Van Sertima briefly resumed his broadcasting career. However, in 1970, he took time off to visit the United States for the first time. While there, he made two crucial intellectual discoveries. The first was a monumental historical work of the 1920s, Leo Wiener's Africa and the Discovery of America. The book was an example of the "diffusionist" school of thinking which held that cultural traits in general, and in this case African traits in particular, tended to migrate around the globe rather than springing up separately and spontaneously in different cultures. The second was the widely reported discovery of a group of large heads of African appearance, created by the Olmec culture of Central America in, it was then thought, the eighth or seventh century B.C.
Theorized African Voyages to Americas
Enrolling in a master's program at Rutgers University in New Jersey, Van Sertima was hired there as an instructor in 1970 in the school's new African Studies department. He has continued to teach there ever since, winning promotions to assistant professor in 1972 and associate professor in 1979, the latter coming after he received his M.A. degree. The bulk of Van Sertima's time in the 1970s, however, was occupied with the writing of They Came Before Columbus, a massive work whose evidence for the pre-Columbian African discovery of the New World encompassed many historical subjects and fields of knowledge.
Van Sertima's central argument was that the Nubian rulers of ancient Egypt organized expeditions for the gathering of natural resources. One of these expeditions crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed on the Caribbean coast. The Olmecs, predecessors to the Maya and the other great cultures of Central America, created their large ceremonial heads in depiction and in honor of these African invaders. Van Sertima supported his thesis with other claims of African influence on New World cultures, involving the presence of certain cultivated crops, including cotton, and of Egyptian practices such as pyramid-building and mummification of the dead.
They Came Before Columbus, which was published in 1977 on the heels of Alex Haley's massive best-seller Roots, was hugely successful, not only among African American readers, but with the American public in general. The Book-of-the-Month Club made it a featured selection, and Van Sertima became a widely sought-after lecturer. Van Sertima, quoted in the volume Caribbean Writers, pointed to some of the reasons for the book's resonance: "Many people feel a certain kind of happiness when they read my book. A certain kind of shadow lifts. The psyche of Blacks is raised. No man who believes his history began with slavery can be a healthy man. If you lift that shadow, you help repair that damage." Van Sertima's work began to be featured in university African Studies courses, as well as African-centered curricula that were beginning to emerge in urban elementary and high schools.
Cultural Resources
University of Florida Center for African StudiesSpiritually Speaking
View it in full on YouTube
View the speech of Johnathan E. McCoy, the ten-year-old who expressed very eloquently his understanding of the N-word. Interestingly, he was honored in his church because he won an oratory contest with this very speech. This is what the Black church has always been about. We honor and encourage our youth to be the best they can possibly be, inside the church walls and out, while studying the Bible or studying in school, as they sing in the choir or skateboard with friends. That's what the church is for.
It is only fitting that this particular speech be given in the church because it speaks to a name. A name Black people have taken and embraced among ourselves. Yet, it was derived from words that mean "Black" in ancient cultures and misconstrued in recent history present times to mean something.
President Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
Display at Costco
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
We Celebrate the life, achievements
and service of
El Hajj Malik El Shabbazz.
May 19, 1925 - February 21, 1965
Read a biography.
