Happy Kwanzaa!

December 26 - January 1 The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are especially important as we remember our world's hardships and disappointments of 2012, but we remain hopeful because we have another chance. Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, "I believe in the essential unity of all people and for that matter of all lives. Therefore, I believe that if one person gains spiritually, the whole world gains, and if one person falls, the whole world falls to that extent." Let communities join together for the good of humanity to improve the lives and conditions for the entire human race. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (oo-MOH-ja) Meaning: unity Action: building a community that holds together Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Meaning: self-determination Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Meaning: collective work and responsibility Action: helping others within the community Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) Meaning: cooperative economics Action: supporting businesses that care about the community Nia (nee-AH) Meaning: a sense of purpose Action: setting goals that benefit the community Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Meaning: creativity Action: making the community better and more beautiful Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Meaning: faith Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future

Happy Holiday's

I want to wish each & everyone a safe, prosperous & Happy Holiday.

Honoring a Man of Honor, Rev. Dr. Lewis Flowers

Rev. Dr. Lewis Flowers, Ph.D. Vietnam War Veteran, U.S. Army 1968-70 Chairman -Westside Ministers Coalition March 9, 1952 - December 9, 2012 REV. DR. LEWIS FLOWERS, CHAIRMAN OF THE WESTSIDE MINISTERS COALITION, DEAD AT 62 By Chinta Strausberg Rev. Dr. Lewis Flowers, 62, former President of the Westside Ministers Coalition and chairman of the Board, passed last night at his home at 2:50 a.m. having recently been released from a hospital, Rev. Phalese Binion, president of the Westside Ministers Coalition, confirmed Sunday morning. A Vietnam veteran, Dr. Flowers was pronounced dead at 2:50 a.m. at the West Suburban Hospital, according to his daughter, Blaire Flowers. Dr. Flowers had been in several hospitals prior to his death last night, Dr. Binion said. The powerful Dr. Flowers, who served for more than three decades as the president of that Coalition, was known for his battles on social justice on the West Side of Chicago particularly in the Austin community where, as a spokesman for the Community Reinvestment Organizing Project (COP), demanded that Mayor Rahm Emanuel include Austin, which reportedly led in the number of foreclosures, be included in the mayor’s $15 million Foreclosure Recovery Program. “The State of Illinois has lost a true icon,” said rev. Binion. “I just thank God he will now be able to rest but those of us who must go on and fill his shoes and pick up and carry on the work he has so tirelessly and restlessly fought for must go on. We have our work cut out for us, but we know we won’t let him down. We won’t let the people down and most of all we will not let God down. We will do it in a state of excellence and in Dr. Lewis’ memory,” Rev. Binion told this reporter. Dr. Flowers leaves to mourn his wife, Cynthia, three sons, Durand, Duwane and Elijah, two daughters, Lanita Joyner and Blaire Flowers, three brothers, Victor, Cornelius and Dennis, three sisters, Lorinda, Jocelyn and Aretha, nine grandchildren and one grand-child. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Wake Saturday Dec. 15th 10AM Pleasant Ridge 116 S. Central Ave. (between Madison and Monroe) Chicago, Il. Repast arrangements pending. DO NOT SEND FLOWERS to the church, instead send DONATIONS to the West Side Minister's Coaltion www.westcoalition.org/or call Call Linda Barker 773) 858-4453 Office 773) 261-0207

Desmond Tutu needs your help!

www.change.org/petitions/chinese-leader-xi-jinping-release-imprisoned-nobel-peace-prize-winner-liu-xiaobo-and-wife-liu-xia?alert_id=TtrYhZVLIi_LHiUvvvtSO&utm_campaign=14672&utm_medium=email&utm_source=action_alert

how will social security affect you?

Wonder what President Obama is really thinking?

http://higherlearningnetworknfp.blogspot.com/2012/11/social-security-now-called-federal.html

A time for thanks

I wish everyone a happy & healthy Thanksgiving. May we all give thanks for the blessings we have gotten this year, as well as the lessons we have learned. May we all have a happy Thanksgiving.

dreams...

Thank you from President Barack Obama!

war on your soul!

Vote! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your life depends on it! Don't be confused by the numbers or the madness! Vote!

Marva Pitchford -Jolly Memorial, Chicago History Maker

Marva Pitchford Jolly Edition Author: Her cousin, Zelda Robinson N'Spirational Conversations (c) This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Master Ceramics Artist/Professor Marva Pitchford-Jolly N'Spiration and N'Formation HLN APP is now available! Download FREE! https://market.android.com/details?id=org.HLN&feature=search_result ___________________________________________________________________________ N'Spirational Conversations

My dearest First cousin Marva Pitchford Jolly has made her transition to the Masters Ceramic Garden of Eden on last Monday! She left in her sleep! How sweet is that? I want to be just like her when I grow up! No pain, no worries, no nothing. Just sleep and restful sleep as her spirit descends unto the ethers/heavens of the Ceramic Highway of Love! Marva loved what she did so much, she shared her gift with others. After a career in health, she decided it was time to do something different, something she loved to do as a child. Play in the dirt! Really? Yes really! I love it! Against all odds (concerned family members included) she began her new career playing in the mud, which became her passion. She got so good at it, she began a career and taught all over the globe, including but not limited to Liberia, her second home, where her brother Charles Pitchford is an Ambassador! The art community is her extended family. She was in the midst of preparing for the 25th Annual Showcase of Saphires and Crystals, an organization which she co-founded with Felica Grant-Preston. I remember the days of old when she shared her art work at the Hyde Park Art Fair and she would give us pieces, telling us that one day we wouldn't be able to afford them, so get them inexpensive while we could. True to her word as well as her work, Michigan Avenue Galleries in Chicago and all over the world (including the continent of Africa) swooped up her art work and pieces have become collector's items, in the homes of the affluent and serious collectors. (Glad I still have my private pieces from her private collection! Thanks cuz!) Collecting loved ones at family gatherings was her specialty as well. Since most of the matriarchs of the Pitchford family have passed on, Marva was like the Big Mama (without the Big Body!) of the family. I always looked forward to having traditional holiday dinners at her place with our beloved Ernestine! (Who could also throw down!) Traditional in the word, but never in the sense of food. Black beans, black eyed peas, cous-cous and baked sweet potatoes were just a few of my favorites! Marva could cook! Truly a Southern Girl with a Northern Flair! (Now you know that's where I got that intro for my bio!) Marva and I both knew people who knew us individually, but didn't know we were cousins. I met a young lady at the Catalyst Ranch here in Chicago some years ago where I was the Keynote Speaker for a women's business networking event where my Champaign, CheeseCake and Conversations Seminar was featured. One of the attendees, Shuli Eshelle, is a Chicago Film Maker. During the course of our conversation, I discovered that she knew Marva and had filmed a documentary (MudPeoples) on our family farm down in Crenshaw Mississipp. Small world! Shuli and I became friends and when Marva showed up at Shuli's birthday party, we just laughed and had a good time. The last time I saw Marva was up on Devon Ave. Shopping. I would run into her from time to time, and even made it by the house for family occasions. My only regret is that I forgot to call her on her birthday this year September 11th! I forgave myself, knowing that she knows where my heart is! (You know we can sometimes be a little hard on ourselves!) It gave me much comfort when my sister Vivian told me that Marva would always, always ask about me when there was an impromtu family gathering that I had missed. Marva is a Master @ what she does, and I love her spirit! She taught me so much, just by being who she is. I remember a family dinner when we were just sitting around shooting the breeze with all the family, and the conversation was around The Course in Miracles (A MUST READ!) and it got a little heated between my sister and I. Marva in her Master Matriarchial way simply used one of the MasterMinding principles on us, calming us down, keeping us focused! It's just the little things is life that are so very important and dear to your spirit! It's never about what you have or don't have, how much money or things you've acquired, but how you've made a difference with the life you've been given. I remember a friend cracked a ceramic piece Marva had given me and I snapped! Their reply was “it's just a piece of pottery!” NO! It's not! It's part of my Marva Jolly Collection! You can't buy that in a store! Only at private events or in galleries! Even more important, it was a gift from her heart to mine! It was made from the mud, to a family mud member. Hence, mudpeoples! I am still working on getting over the attachment to things. You know we can't take it with us right? It's a process! It's a journey! Transition is a journey we all must travel. Thank you cousin Marva for sharing your journey with me! I'll always cherish our times together! Marva Pitchford Jolly, family Matriarch, Chicago History Maker, retired Chicago State University, world traveler, sisterfriend, Aunt to many, Master Ceramics Instructor, and loved by all who knew her and her art! R.I.P. Memorial Sat. Nov. 3rd 11am - Visitation 12 Noon Memorial Service Kenny Brothers Funeral Home 3600 W. 95th Street

P.S. If you want to make your life better, make someone else's life better! Share this newsletter and maybe save a life! (info@HigherLearningNetwork.org for FREE Subscripton to WEEKLY N'Spiration & NFormation!) Stay on purpose! Stay empowered! Stay tuned to higher learning! Shelomith Yisrael aka Zelda Robinson www.HigherLearningNetwork.org www.ZeldaSpeaks.com www.InspirationalConversations.com http://inspirationalconversations.blogspot.com/ sponsored by www.ITEX.net Stop paying CASH! BARTER instead! Karen.Kelly@itex.net ON THE AIR! Sunday's Midnight Channel 19! If you miss it, you can always catch it online! www.YouTube.com/HigherLearningTVShow Community Calendar website of the week! marva jolly www.chocolatecity.cc/2011/06/18/djini-a-collection-of-african-pottery-antique-and-contemporary/ http://inspirationalconversations.blogspot.com/ Please sign our new Facebook page! www.facebook.com/HlnTvShow This newsletter is provided to you by: Higher Learning Network,NFP P.O. Box 11513 Chicago, Il. 60611 (312) 409-6619 Higher Learning Network is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. You may make a donation using our secure site Please choose a project you'd like to make a difference in: Publishing Project (Teaching youth how to publish poetry, journals, etc) Who knows, you may be donating to the next Langston Hughes, Michael Eric Dyson, Tupac, etc. Youth Media Training Supplies (Blank SONY DVD Mini Cam Tapes, Blank DVDs USB Ports, Misc. Training Supplies, lunch for kids, etc.) Radio Tours (Gas for Van to pick up youth, CTA Bus Passes for kids to attend classes, tours of Radio/TV Stations, etc. E-mail us at: HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com or info@higherlearningnetwork.org Website: www.HigherLearningNetwork.org Visit us: www.facebook.com/people/TvshowHln www.facebook.com/ZeldaSpeaks www.linkedin.com/in/zeldaspeaks

Higher Learning Network,NFP 2013 Honoree

HLN is a nominee finalist for the 2013 SBND Community Enterprise Achievement Award. Thank you for accepting our invitation to be recognized for your achievements toward development of new legal enterprises and jobs in communities impacted most by the recession. As you know, our media promotion Community Enterprise Achievement Gala will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012. The networking and presentations will begin at 5:00 pm at Chicago South Loop Hotel. Details to follow: Hooray! Send your congrats to Zelda and staff info@HigherLearningNetwork.org

Should this mother be be jailed?

RAW PHOTOS! BE AWARE! RAW PHOTOS!

Case in point: A woman found a man raping her son and decided to stab him. Do you think that she should be charged with what she did to this man or should it be understood that she was preventing an assault on her child? BlackMediaNewsReport – We finally have obtained hospital photos of the Atlanta baseball coach who was charged in the 2009 rape of a 9 year old boy. The coach visited the home of the child to encourage him to join the local team. The child refused to join. When the coach left, the child repeatedly told his mother how he did not feel comfortable with the man. Two weeks later, the coach returned to the house with food, balloons, and a PlayStation. The child was very excited. Minutes later he joined the team. Four days afterward, the coach came back to the home. He asked the mother if he could give the child private lessons on catching the ball. She agreed. On June 18th, 2009 Atlanta Court documents indicate that the mother heard her son sobbing. She ran into his bedroom and saw the baseball coach having anal sex with the 9 year old. The mother then ran to the kitchen and grabbed a large “turkey carving” knife, and assaulted the coach. The question we ask our readers is: ” She should have called the police instead of attempting to murder the suspect? ” The police have charged the mother with attempted murder. If convicted she will serve no less than 15 years in state prison under Georgia state laws. What do you think should be done?

Vote Today!

vote today!!!!!!

http://www.chicagoelections.com/voterinfo.php? Location for Grace Period Registration & Voting Oct. 10 through Nov. 3, 2012 Chicago Election Board 69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor http://www.chicagoelections.com/voterinfo.php? Hours: Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm Sundays: 9 am - 3 pm To check your voter registration status, click here and enter your address and last name

KOB

Luther Van Dross and Arsenio Hall

Men on Higher Learning Favs!

THE Man with a plan....

Men on Higher Learning focus on men with a plan, from the bottom to the top!

man with a plan... get your hustle on!

what mitt romney really thinks about you!

this is why you should vote DEMOCRATIC!

African Festival of the Arts 2012

This newsletter is sponsored Farmers Insurance

Juanetta Robinson Insurance Agency 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Lower Level, Suite 2 Forest Park, IL 60130 708-697-6209 Jrobinson2@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/jrobinson2 As your personal agent, I believe in keeping you informed and aware of Farmers insurance products. It is my mission to help you develop the right plans to meet your insurance needs. Through dedication, knowledge and a tireless work ethic, I will be the agent who my customers want to send their friends and families to. What kind of quote do you need? Auto, home, family, life, business, etc. I made the switch! You can too! HLN APP is now available! Download FREE! https://market.android.com/details?id=org.HLN&feature=search_result

Pioneer of Men on Higher Learning..

You may not know him, but you know of his works. Everytime you pick up a cell phone...

Please Pray for Chef Tony's Mom..

As an intern here at Men on Higher Learning, I am sad to make this post, but it has to be done. The mother who inspired Chef Tony to cook, as well as write his first book,

is in need of your prayers! Thank you for your years of support! We really appreciate your time effort and energy! I ask that you keep Mr. Tony Hogues family in your prayers, as his 75 year old mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer and they want to remove them both! Send Tony Hogues some love! Thanks again! Stay on purpose, stay empowered, stay prayed up! Men On Higher Learning Communications Team

your power within, and without!

Remind yourself of your power within each and every time someone affirms your greatness when they read your shirt! Power of the spoken word! N'Spirational Conversations Television now has t'shirts for your greatness! N'Spirational Conversation Affirmation T-Shirts look GOOD ON YOU! Begin planting seeds for your children today! Have them repeat the affirmations every single time you/they look in the mirror! Eventually we will all begin to act like the geniuses we were destined to be! Reminders for you to continue your road to success. Every time someone sees you and reads your t-shirt, they are planting seeds for your future! Control your future by having them read, say, and think (Plant seeds) in your garden of growth!

more designs at http://higherlearningnetworknfp.blogspot.com/

President Obama after Supreme Court Ruling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRr9cX9wvY&feature=player_embedded

CLICK LINK BELOW TO RSVP

Mosque Maryam presents The Celebration of the Family, July 15 Sunday July 15, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT Toure Muhammad personally invites you to attend The Celebration of the Family Mosque Maryam (named after Mary, the mother of Jesus) Doors open at 9am Program begins at 10a After hearing inspiring message, be part of the Spoken Word Event hosted by Blaq Ice and Jordan FREE PIZZA 7351 S. Stony Island Mosque Maryam

CLICK LINK BELOW TO RSVP Mosque Maryam presents The Celebration of the Family, July 15 Sunday July 15, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT Toure Muhammad personally invites you to attend The Celebration of the Family Mosque Maryam (named after Mary, the mother of Jesus) Doors open at 9am Program begins at 10a After hearing inspiring message, be part of the Spoken Word Event hosted by Blaq Ice and Jordan FREE PIZZA 7351 S. Stony Island Mosque Maryam

Safe Summer

To all the real men out there, take a stand to mentor your kids as well as the youth in your community. Do this & show them some positive things in life and maybe the things you share with them can keep them out of trouble as well as save some lives. Have a Blessed & SAFE summer. Be sure and visit http://99dollarspecial.com/

Being a real Man

Being married is a constant job of being understanding to your wife needs.

 Also her mood swings as well as disagreements.

 We as men have to be strong in order to keep our family in total growth.

 We also have to put aside our manly pride when simple arguments get heated.

 So to all you young men who are thinking of making that step of commitment make sure you are in a state of mind of being a true leader.

Real Men Marry!

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Think like a man!

We had a great time at the Chicago premiere of Think Like A Man.

Steve and his writers have outdone themselves!
The Steve Harvey film opens in theatres on the 20th.
I loved this movie, very funny and the cast is great!
The movie is based on Harvey's bestselling book.

Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Regina Hall,
Terrence J, Romany Malco, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Gary Owens
and my fav cougar Jennifer Lewis (Sassy Dorm Leader in A Different World)
lead an all-star cast. The cameos are going to blow you away.

Think Like A Man is sexy, romantic and very funny.
Make plans to see this movie because people are going to be talking about it for a while. Make it a family event!

Yes! Believe the hype.


Think Like A Man is a great movie!
When you see it, you will want to see it again and again!
Simply Hilarious!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RywDEKvRSxY

groceries

Enjoy. Take time to watch the very last sentence!!



A minute read........

Read this story, and
Follow the recommendation at
The end...

As I was walking
Down life's highway
Many years ago

I came upon a
Sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store..

When I got a
Little closer

The doors swung
Open wide

And when I came
To myself

I was standing
Inside..

I saw a host of
Angels.

They were
Standing everywhere

One handed me a
Basket

And said 'My
Child shop with care..'

Everything a
Human needed
Was in that
Grocery store

And what you
Could not carry
You could come
Back for more

First I got some
Patience.

Love was in that
Same row.

Further down was
Understanding,
You need that
Everywhere you go..

I got a box or
Two of Wisdom
And Faith a bag
Or two.

And Charity of
Course
I would need some
Of that too..

I couldn't miss
The Holy Ghost
It was all over
The place.

And then some
Strength
And Courage to
Help me run this race.

My basket was
Getting full
But I remembered
I needed Grace,

And then I chose
Salvation for
Salvation was for
Free

I tried to get
Enough of that to do
For you and me..

Then I started to
The counter
To pay my grocery
Bill,

For I thought I
Had everything
To do the Masters
Will

As I went up the
Aisle
I saw Prayer and
Put that in,

For I knew when I
Stepped outside
I would run into
Sin.

Peace and Joy
Were plentiful,
The last things
On the shelf.

Song and Praise
Were hanging near
So I just helped
Myself.

Then I said to
The angel

'Now how much do
I owe?'

He smiled and
Said

'Just take them
Everywhere you go.'

Again I asked
'Really now,

How much do I
Owe?'

'My child' he
Said, 'God paid your bill
A long long time
Ago.'

This poem has
Been sent to you
With love and for
Blessings.

It originated in
The Netherlands
And has been
Around the world 9 times.

The blessing has now
Come to you

Tyler Perry on Travon Martin...

Tyler Perry on Travon Martin and others!

Tyler Perry

Hey guys,

A few days before President Obama was supposed to speak at my studio, I was leaving the studio, headed to the airport. Most times when I leave the studio I have an unmarked escort. Other times I constantly check in my rearview mirror to be sure that I'm not being followed. It’s a safety precaution that my security team taught me. As I got to an intersection, I made a left turn from the right lane and was pulled over by two police officers. I pulled the car over and put it in park. Then, I let the window down and sat in the car waiting for the officer. The officer came up to the driver’s door and said that I made an illegal turn. I said, "I signaled to get into the turning lane, then made the turn because I have to be sure I’m not being followed." He said, “why do you think someone would be following you?”

Before I could answer him, I heard a hard banging coming from the passenger window. I had never been in this position before so I asked the officer who was at my window what was going on and why is someone banging on the window like that. He said, “let your window down, let your window down. Your windows are tinted.” As I let down the passenger window, there was another officer standing on the passenger side of the car. He said, “what is wrong with you?” The other officer said to him, “he thinks he’s being followed.” Then, the second officer said, “why do you think someone is following you? What is wrong with you?”

Before I could answer the officer on the passenger side, the one on the driver's side had reached into the car and started pulling on the switch that turns the car on and off, saying, “put your foot on the brake, put your foot on the brake!” I was so confused as to what he was doing, or what he thought he was doing. It looked like he was trying to pull the switch out of the dashboard. I finally realized that he thought that switch was the key, so I told him that it wasn’t the key he was grabbing. I reached down into the cup holder to get the key, not realizing that the key had a black leather strap on it. As I grabbed it they both tensed up and I dropped it as I heard my mother’s voice from when I was a little boy.

My mother would always say to me, “if you get stopped by the police, especially if they are white policemen, you say ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir’, and if they want to take you in, you go with them. Don’t resist, you hear me? Don’t make any quick moves, don’t run, you just go.” My mother was born in 1945 into a segregated hotbed town in rural Louisiana. She had known of many colored men at the time who were lynched and never heard from again. Since I was her only son for ten years, growing up she was so worried about me. It wasn’t until after I heard her voice that I realized that both of these officers were white.

The officer on the driver's side continued to badger me, “why do you think someone is following you?” I then said, “I think you guys need to just write the ticket and do whatever you need to do.” It was so hostile. I was so confused. It was happening so fast that I could easily see how this situation could get out of hand very quickly. I didn’t feel safe at all. But one officer stopped his questioning and said, “we may not let you go. You think you’re being followed, what’s wrong with you?” At this point, I told him that I wanted to get out of the car. I wanted the passersby to see what was happening.

As I stepped out of the car another officer pulled up in front of my car. This officer was a black guy. He took one look at me and had that “Oh No” look on his face. He immediately took both officers to the back of my car and spoke to them in a hushed tone. After that, one of the officers stayed near his car while one came back, very apologetic.

I said all of that to say this: do you see how quickly this could have turned for the worse?

Now I know that there are many great officers, patrolmen and security guys out there. I am aware of that. But although we have made significant strides with racial profiling in this country, the world needs to know that we are still being racially profiled, and until this situation has improved greatly, I’m not sure how a murder in Florida can be protected by a “stand your ground law.”

And in another case that I have been screaming at the top of my lungs about, also in Florida, is the case of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos, a young black man and a young Mexican man. Eight years ago, in Naples, FL, they were both put in the back of Deputy Steve Calkins' police car and never heard from again.

They were never arrested, never brought to jail. They were put into the back of Deputy Calkins' car and never heard from again. And to this day Deputy Steve Calkins is a free man.

I guess it's time to march in Naples now.

RACIAL PROFILING SHOULD BE A HATE CRIME INVESTIGATED BY THE FBI!!!

That way local government can’t make the decision on whether or not these people get punished.
Tyler

solutions to some of our problems...

Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012

I signed a petition to Rep. John Kline (MN-2),The United States House of Representatives,
and 2 others which says:


"Total outstanding student loan debt in America is expected to exceed $1 TRILLION this year.
Millions of hardworking, taxpaying, educated Americans are being crushed under the weight
of their educational debts, while the economy continues to sputter. Support a REAL
economic stimulus and jobs plan. Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 (H.R. 4170)."
http://signon.org/sign/support-the-student-loan?source=s.em.cp&r_by=4006483

Oprah on Travon Martin

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

This is a never ending battle for BLACK MEN IN AMERICA!

We MUST stop complaining about it and get involved!
Will you do your part? Whose next?




America has given up on young Black men

Black Star Editorial
America has given up on young Black men, like Trayvon Martin

America loves Black men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and even Trayvon Martin - after they are dead.
Black Star Logo
Photo of Trayvon Martin provided by The Black Star Project

By Phillip Jackson

March 28, 2012



Guyana, South America - TRAYVON MARTIN is more valuable to America as a dead young black man then he ever was alive!



As a dead symbol, the president can claim him as a son he never had, but as a living black man, the American criminal justice system claims one out of three young Black men born after 2001.



As a dead symbol, Republican presidential candidates can claim that Trayvon deserves his right to live as an American; but many living young black men, like Trayvon, are stripped of their rights every day because of harsh, racially-targeted and overly-punitive laws created by and pushed by Republicans.



Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, reminds us that more Black men are in prison today than there were Blacks enslaved in America in 1850.



She suggests that we have not really ended Jim Crow, but have just given it another name - the criminal justice system.



We can also call it the education system or the economic system, but they all equate to a new system of racial control of Black Americans just like Jim Crow.



America knows how to use the symbol of a dead young black man to achieve its objectives.



When symbols are used correctly sweatshirt companies profit, candy companies and iced-tea companies profit, for-profit prisons flourish and America cleanses its conscience while the deplorable plight of young Black men in America remains the same. America has given up on young Black men, like Trayvon Martin.



As a dead symbol, Trayvon might spark a national conversation on race, but as a living young Black man, Trayvon probably couldn't get a job at a fast-food restaurant.



No place in America is this stark contradiction of symbol versus reality for young Black men more evident than in Chicago, Illinois. While hundreds of people in Chicago protested the death of Trayvon Martin, few people protested the violent murders of more than 100 mostly young black males in Chicago in the past year, mostly at the hands of other young Black males.



Chicago media, foundations and elected officials have ignored the blood of black children running in Chicago streets while they congratulate those who speak in symbolic terms about race in America.



Chicago is ground-zero for the destruction of young black men in America!



In Chicago, only three out of 100 Black male high-school freshmen will graduate from college by age 25 (Consortium for School Research at U of Chicago).



Only 44 percent of Black males in Chicago graduate from high school (Schott Foundation for Public Education).



Last summer, approximately 90 percent of Chicago's young Black males 16 to 19 years old were

unemployed (Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University).



Black boys are arrested in Chicago at two to six times the rates of other populations (Project Nia).

Young Black men who submit resumes with Black-sounding or Africanized names, like Trayvon or Barack, even with college degrees and the exact same academic credentials as persons "perceived to be White males," are one-half as likely to be called back for a job interview (University of Chicago Study).



Chicago has no plan or good intentions to address this silent, devastating catastrophe!

As dire as this crisis is, there are solutions, but they are not in symbols or soul-searching.

They are comprehensive and substantial efforts and actions to ameliorate this stain on America's reputation for fairness and equality.

Government, foundations, civic, faith and community organisations must:

Help rebuild Black families with fathers as an essential, prominent and functional component of the family structure.
Provide mentors, positive role models and viable paths for young Black men.
Ensure that all young Black men are supported to value education and to experience a globally-competitive education.
Teach young Black men about how to succeed in entrepreneurship, small business, cooperative economics and in the work world.
Encourage young Black men to be spiritually sound and to be of good character.
Establish rigorous efforts in the largest 300 cities in America that address the issues of education, family, imprisonment and employment for young Black men.
Establish a national commission to manage a comprehensive, coordinated campaign for Black male achievement, similar to the one created by Open Society Foundations.

The death of Trayvon Martin is a symbol of the plight of young black men in America.



As a symbol, his senseless death is something to which most Americans can relate. But the realities of black men's lives in Chicago and across America are the realities to which most Americans do not want to relate.



The truth is that America is comfortable with young black men as symbols, being where they are in society, being like they are, hoodie and all, violence and all!

Addressing symbols is quite useful and practical when a society lacks the courage and integrity to deal with its disturbing realities.

America loves Black men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and even Trayvon Martin after they are dead.

It is the strong, vocal, positive Black men that they have trouble with while they are alive. If America continues on its present course, the symbols for Black men in America might change, but the realities will remain the same or become worse! And America will be lesser for it!


Photo of Miami Heat in Hoodies provided by The Black Star Project

.................................................................................................................................

This editorial has been published in Guyana, Sri Lanka, Great Britain and the United States.



Phillip Jackson is the founder and executive director of The Black Star Project in Chicago.

The Black Star Project is committed to improving the quality of life in Black and Latino communities of Chicago and nationwide by eliminating the racial academic achievement gap. Their mission is to provide educational services that help pre-school through college students succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive citizens with the support of their parents, families, schools and communities.


You may contact Phillip Jackson at 773.285.9600 or by email at blackstar1000@ameritech.net. Visit the Black Star Project's website at www.blackstarproject.org.

Coming Soon!
Behind the Scenes and studio production of our Chicago Soul Train Tribute to the Man,
Don Cornelius!
Here's a brief promo!
Enjoy!
Stay tuned to Men On Higher Learning!

Tribute to SOUL TRAIN Creator
Don Cornelius
TV TAPING Sat. 2/11 at 7pm
RSVP ONLY
www.HigherLearningNetwork.org or www.ZeldaSpeaks.com
go to website to get email address!
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
LIMITED SEATING!
come and share your story!

10 things NOT to eat!

Become an INSTANT Author

Dear Author,

I say Author (even if your book isn't completed) because if you think you are an Author, you are. It's as simple as that. Now what can make that happen rather quickly, (or as slow as you like) is that you make the decision to make the process happen.

You do that by doing the following:

1. Make the decision NOW to begin this process and have it done as quickly or as slow as you like!

2. Committ to at least a page a day. (Write a sentence every hour)

3. Set aside $20.12 for your deposit to make it happen. (IRS Refunds, earn extra $$ doing odd jobs, borrow it, savings, etc.)

Total Payment for
-Self Publishing Project $99 for 1/2 Day Seminar
In Half Day seminar you learn the basics, manual included

-Whole Day Self Publishing Project $199.00
In Whole Day seminar you
-learn the basics
-1 on 1 consultation
-manual
-ISBN FREE!
-15 Second Promo (Commercial) for your book!
( www.zeldaspeaks.com/14.html) Scroll down to see author promo's!

Once you MAKE THE DECISION, UNIVERSAL LAW sets it into motion!
There is no turning back!

To help you along the way, I have included the FIRST Chapter of the book
FREE OF CHARGE! I will show you how to get your ISBN FOR FREE! ($300 Value)

Now you have NO EXCUSE! Email or call me and we can discuss making this happen for you! 2012 is yours for the asking!

email me now:

HigherLearningNw@gmail.com
to get your first chapter FREE!

Please share this with your fellow Writers, Spoken Word friends, Poets, Lyracists, Artists, etc.

If you alread have a book and ready to market it via TV, web, blogs, etc.
you too can have same results by amaking the decision to get started publicizing your book! (on Facebook, Linked Inn, Twitter and other social websites!)

Let me help you and other writers to promote book sales and/or create buzz around your work! It's just that simple. Never as hard as you think!

email me now:

HigherLearningNw@gmail.com

Be the first to have your own BOOK COMMERICIAL running BEFORE Black History Month!

First 20 people who sign up get a 50% Discount on future Book Trailer! (Book Commercial)
____________________________________________________________________
Taking requests now for TV Taping
Saturday Feb. 11th 8pm in Chicago!

Location will be revealed once we hear from you.
A reservation in your name will be held for you!

HigherLearningNw@gmail.com

First Come! First Serve! LIMITED SEATING!


I will teach you how to get your
-ISBN FREE!, produce an ebook, and more! Just in time for
Feb. 2012 (Black History Month)
March (Women's History Month)


Here's a SAMPLE from the Inner Author Self Publishing Manual!



INDEX Chapters
1. How to get started/Writer’s Block
2. Manuscript Development
3. The Editing Process
4. Copyright/Bar Code/ISBN
5. Choosing a Graphic Designer/Your Cover
6. Choosing a Publisher/Printer
7. Turnaround Time
8. What Will It Cost?
9. Marketing/Promotions/ Creative Visualization
10. Sample Press Kit



SECTION 1
1. How To Get Started/Writer’s Block
Now it’s time to get started. I’ve laid the foundation; you have to build the house. Answer these questions and you’ll be on your way.
• Why am I writing this book?_______________________________
______________________________________________________
• What is my book going to be about?_________________________
_______________________________________________________
• Who are my readers?_____________________________________
• Why would anyone want to read this book?___________________
________________________________________________________
• Am I willing to share a part of my personal self?_______________
________________________________________________________
(Readers love your personal business and it sells books!)
• Am I okay with the fact that this book may not become a bestseller?_______________________________________________
• What determines the success of my book?_____________________
• Who determines the success of my book?_____________________

email me now:
HigherLearningNw@gmail.com
________________________________________________________________________

Not only can you write your own book, but you can begin to make jobs in your community!

You will eventually need a marketing team! THINK BIG!

Watch this video!

www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Rus_AwwOeWQ&feature=player_embedded

Healthy way's to live longer

Happy New You!

I lost my Aunt Juanita Hogue this new year day. Please keep the Hogue family in prayer!

Please watch Men On Higher Learning TV shows on healthy ways to live longer.
CH. 19 Comcast
Fri. 01-13-12 at 6pm

Sun. 01-15-12 at 1pm

Thu.01-19-12 at6pm

Fri.01-20-12at1pm

Mon. 01-23-12 at 9pm

Tue. 01-24-12 at 4pm.

Hope you get something from the show.

"Happy New Year"

Don't Read about HiStory, MAKE History!
empower yourself on Dr. King's Birthday, Jan. 16th, 2012
MEET! GREET! EAT!
Free Veggie Taste Fest!
2-7pm

Stream of Life
754 E. 82nd (Cottage Grove in Chicago)
(773) 7994-6323
Tell Berlina Baker that Zelda sent you!

You don't have to live in pain, be bloated, indigestion or stay fat!
We have the power of CHOICE! Choose wisely!

Encourage those you care about to get healthy!
THE BODY HEALS ITSELF!
Berlina can help you, heal you!
(773) 994-6323