What In The Hell Is Going On In Our Schools?
by Yolanda M. Johnson
Once again, I'd like to quote my good friend Sylvia
W. Lett, who asked "Have we as a people lost touched
with reality?" My answer is simply yes. Actually
it's a hell yes. Our children can't even go to
school without getting shot, their teachers getting
shot, or being hauled away in handcuffs. I know you
all know where I'm going with this one.
Recently in St. Petersburg, Florida, a five-year-old
child is bent over a table and handcuffed by police.
What the hell is this? A five-year-old? And to
make matters worse, she was an African-American
child. My opinion, and that of most of the people I
have talked to regarding this issue, is that had
this child been a white child, this would not have
happened. The unreasonable part of me would have
been in jail from going off because my five-year-old
child who barely knows how to spell her name, let
alone read or write is put in handcuffs by three
white idiotic officers. Yes I said idiotic.
Because that's what they displayed. This
five-year-old had to have had some magical powers
for it to take three officers to put her in
handcuffs. I saw the video and it did NOT take all
of that. As I'm watching the video shaking my head,
thinking perhaps if someone had even swatted her on
her behind, my memory takes me back to the hit
network show, "Super Nanny". You know the show that
has the bad children that are cursing mommy and
daddy out and hitting mommy in the face and mommy is
yelling "don't do that you, you're hurting my
feelings." Did I lose you yet? None of those
children got put in hand cuffs. They got put in
time out or something taken away.
Throughout days of discussion of this, people wanted
to downplay this issue and say that the child had
something going on at home that caused her to do
this. You know what? I'm not even trying to hear
that. Regardless of what's going on in that child's
home, no one had the right to put that five-year-old
in handcuffs and traumatize her like that. She is
five and now knows what it is to be black and pegged
as a criminal. This will follow her on her record as
long as she lives, no matter how much of a good
citizen she becomes. If I was her parent, I'd sue
the school, I'd sue the police department; I'd sue
the three stupid cops that arrested her and anyone
else that had anything to do with this act.
A parent in Canton, Texas shoots his son's football
coach. Afterwards he drove his truck a secluded
area and tried to commit suicide; by slitting his
wrists. What a punk. He shoots this man in an
effort to take the man's life, but only slits his
own wrists. Why didn't he just shoot himself? All
this because his son was banned from playing school
athletics. The parent had previously been banned
from the school.
Ten innocent people die in the Red Lake School
Shootings in Red Lake, Minnesota. The shooter, shot
his grandparents, and went to his school and opened
fire on students, before killing himself. Has life
gotten this bad? It was said that the 17-year old
suspect had posted Neo-Nazi entries onto a website
expressing his admiration for Adolph Hitler. But
yet no one saw this coming.
The CDC has reported that 1% of all homicides among
school age children happen in schools. This may not
seem like a lot. But if one incident takes away
several lives, it is too much. So how do our
children deal with the fear of going to school? We
need to get involved in what our children are doing
and allow them to express their feelings.
The Columbine incident in Littleton, Colorado, still
baffles me because one of the shooters had an
arsenal in his bedroom. In his PARENT's house. As
a parent, how do you not know that your child has an
arsenal in his or her room? I'm telling you, parents
need to stop trying to be their children's friends
and be their parents. A lot of parents argue that
children need a certain amount of privacy. Privacy
for what? Privacy my foot. They are children. And
unless they want to pay for their own room and
board, they will have no privacy in my home. I
check my daughter's room on a regular basis, but I
also talk to her about her feelings and what is
going on in her school. And frankly, I'm afraid for
her.
Back in the day when I attended school, we didn't go
around shooting each other. If we had a beef we'd
meet each other across the street after school and
duke it out. Or the teacher would set up time in
the gym and have us go at it. After we were done,
we hugged and made up and squashed whatever problems
there were.
But now I have to worry about my child going to
school and being harmed by another fellow student
AND her teachers.
My suggestion would be not to wait for your child to
come to you and express something that is going on
with them at school, especially in the case of a
bully. By the time they approach you, it may be too
late. In most cases, children show signs that there
are problems at school. It's sad, but needed, that
a lot of schools in the Dallas area are now equipped
with security guards and metal detectors.
Another suggestion would be to sit down with your
children during the news and talk about the
incidents that are being reported. Your children
will gain a better understanding and be better
equipped in how to deal with an issue should one
arise at their school.
The National School Safety and Security Services
have reported 33 deaths in school related shootings
for the 2004-2005 school year. Some of the
specifics are below:
August 19, 2004: Greenwood, MS
A 15-year-old male high school student received a
shotgun wound to the neck and later died from the
incident which occurred in a park around 7pm. The
incident occurred after the victim left a school
function honoring school athletes at a nearby school
stadium. A 17-year-old male was subsequently taken
into custody. Family members stated that the
incident stemmed from a conflict with another male
student at the high school and that this ongoing
conflict, which reportedly involved groups of young
males, had also been reported to school officials
this year and last year. Three high school students
and four middle school were arrested for fighting
the next morning on their respective campuses,
although initial reports could not confirm whether
or not the fights were related to the killing on the
prior night.
August 30, 2004: Maywood, IL
A 22-year-old male brother of a high school student
was killed in a possible gang-related shooting in a
high school student parking lot while waiting to
pick up his brother around 2:30pm. The victim was
reportedly standing outside his vehicle when he
began quarreling with another male non-student in
another car, at which time the second man reportedly
pulled out a gun after exiting his car. The two
reportedly struggled and the victim was shot once in
the chest.
September 5, 2004: Benton City, WA
A 44-year-old male middle school coach and teacher
was found stabbed to death in the middle of the
school hallway. Police indicated that the victim
had been stabbed once in the abdomen and bled to
death. The victim was found by the school's
principal and another teacher after the victim's
family had reported him missing. Reports indicate
that the victim had returned to the school to
collect video footage of its first football game of
the season. Police reported no indications of a
break-in at the school and no indications that the
victim had struggled with his attacker. A
14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male were
subsequently arrested. Police believe the
16-year-old may have encouraged the 14-year-old, who
was found with a fresh gang tattoo at the time of
his arrest, to kill the teacher to raise his status
in the gang. The 16-year-old was also accused of
stealing items from the victim's truck, while the
14-year-old was charged with first-degree theft for
confronting another teen near the school earlier
that day and demanding money.
September 14, 2004: Memphis, TN
A 15-year-old male, eighth-grade high school student
died after a fight in a high school restroom. Six
teenagers were subsequently charged with homicide.
Prosecutors reported that the incident allegedly
involved a gang initiation in which the victim had
agreed to fight, but the fight got "out of hand"
according to reports. Three suspects charged are 13
years old, one is 14, and two are 15.
October 7, 2004: Newburyport, MA
A 15-year-old male high school student shot and
killed himself outside of his high school around
10:00pm. The male was reportedly despondent after a
falling out with a female student. He had attempted
unsuccessfully to visit the female, who lived across
the street, prior to the suicide. A total of five
shots had been fired prior to his body being found
on the steps of his high school. The school's
superintendent held an assembly about the incident
and made counselors available to students.
October 16, 2004: Houston, TX
A 19-year-old male was reportedly shot and killed by
a school police officer around 1:45am on an
elementary school campus. The officer indicated
that he shot the male, who he encountered attempting
to pry open an outdoor vending machine on campus,
after the male threatened to shoot him and then
reached in his pocket. The male was later found to
have had a screwdriver in his pocket.
October 20, 2004: Hayward, CA
A 32-year-old male was shot and killed in the
parking lot of an elementary school around 9:55pm.
November 1, 2004: Horseheads, NY
A 16-year-old male high school student reportedly
committed suicide by driving his car into the side
of his high school. Sources indicate that the
incident was reportedly connected to the suicide of
a friend from another high school earlier in 2004.
November 17, 2004: Hempstead, NY
A 17-year-old high school student was stabbed to
death two blocks from the school during a lunch hour
altercation with six to eight youths. Police were
investigating whether the incident was gang-related.
November 22, 2004: Philadelphia, PA
An 18-year-old former student was shot and killed,
and two current female students were injured, in a
shooting outside of a North Philadelphia high school.
December 10, 2004: Nine Mile Falls, WA
A 16-year-old male high school junior shot himself
in the head and later died in an act of suicide
committed at the high school's entryway around
1:20pm during a school day. The school was placed
in lockdown and students were later released. A
canister holding fireworks, shotgun shells, and
rifle cartridges was found in a backpack belonging
to the student around 3:30pm.
December 13, 2004: Union City, NJ
An 18-year-old male high school student was fatally
stabbed about four blocks from Emerson High School,
allegedly by two adult males using a martial arts
type sword with a 15-inch blade. The victim, an
alternative education program student from the high
school, was stabbed in the chest and pronounced dead
at the hospital. A 15-year-old male high school
student also was injured in the altercation,
suffering a broken bridge of his nose and a cut
across his face. The 15-year-old had reportedly
just been dismissed from school and met the
18-year-old victim, who was under a home instruction
program at the time, about three blocks away from
the school. A SUV pulled up and the altercation
ensued, with other students running back to notify
school officials, who were the first on scene. Two
adult suspects, ages 19 and 20, were subsequently
apprehended. Police stated that it was not
stranger-upon-stranger violence and were
investigating the incident as possible gang-related.
Police and school officials discussed gang activity
and related issues at a press conference after the
incident.
January 4, 2005: Denver, CO
A 17-year-old male high school student was stabbed
to death in a high school cafeteria fight around
1:30pm. A 16-year-old male student suspect was
arrested, according to reports.
January 5, 2005: Philadelphia, PA
An 18-year-old, non-student male was shot in the
head outside of a Philadelphia vocational high
school as students were dismissed from school. The
victim died the next day. Many of the school's 1,600
students were taken to the school's auditorium right
after the shooting as the school's safety plan was
engaged. Once police secured the outside area,
students were reportedly released.
January 27, 2005: Highland Falls, NY
A 7-year-old Catholic elementary school student was
found stabbed to death in the school's restroom.
Her father was subsequently arrested. No motive or
weapon was found at the time of the report.
February 22, 2005: Hartford, CT
A 15-year-old male honor student was shot and later
died while walking home from a high school
basketball game. The victim was reportedly walking
home about about 10 other people, primarily girls.
The victim's sister said that a car pulled up to the
group and shots rang out as the victim neared the
driveway of his sitter's home.
February 24, 2005: Long Beach, CA
One student was killed and another student was shot
while walking from their high school around 1:15pm
toward an area with a collection of restaurants.
Police reported that a group of about a half-dozen
students were walking down the street when they
encountered a group of gang members near a motel.
Words were reportedly exchanged and shots were
fired, with the two students being struck. School
officials were planning to have counselors available
at the school.
February 26, 2005: Delray Beach, FL
A police officer reportedly shot and killed a
16-year-old male outside of a school dance at a
secondary school for students with behavior
problems. Reports indicate that the male was
driving erratically and drove onto campus.
According to newspaper reports, an eyewitness
claimed that police stopped him at the gate, but the
driver did not respond to an officer's request for
his license, and then the officer told him to get
out of the car. The officer reportedly stepped back
and looked like he was going to grab his gun, at
which time the teen drove forward into a courtyard
toward the gym where several girls were standing.
Police pursued the car, which rounded a corner with
two officers in pursuit, and three shots rang out
according to the witnesses' story in the newspaper.
February 28, 2005: Prentiss, MS
A 16-year-old male alternative school student was
found shot to death on a street about 3 miles from
his school. The superintendent indicated that he
had taken the bus to school but never showed up
inside the school building. According to reports,
he suffered four gunshot wounds to the chest and
abdomen. The school is located in a mobile home on
the property of Prentiss High School.
March 2, 2005: Cumberland City, TN
A 47-year-old female school bus driver was shot and
killed around 6:15am while driving a school bus
carrying approximately 20 students ranging from
kindergarten to 12th grade. The bus reportedly drove
into a utility police and crashed afterwards, but
nobody was injured. The district's superintendent
reported that an older student on the bus was not
able to get his foot on the break, but was able to
steer the moving bus into the utility pole to bring
it to a safe stop. A 14-year-old male high school
freshman student suspect was taken into custody. The
gun used was said to be a .45-caliber handgun. The
suspect reportedly had been one of several students
reported to administrators by the driver for chewing
tobacco on the bus.
March 16, 2005: Pittsburgh, PA
A 16-year-old male 9th grade high school student was
shot in the head and torso, and killed in a drive-by
shooting while sitting in a Geo Tracker vehicle
outside of his school around 2:00pm. Two other
students in the car were injured and ran into the
school after the attack. The school went into a
lockdown for two hours, according to reports. A
17-year-old was subsequently arrested while police
continued to look for the AK-47 used in the
shooting. The attack reportedly stemmed from an
ongoing conflict between youth from two rival
neighborhoods.
March 18, 2005: Los Angeles, CA
A 15-year-old female high school student was shot in
the head while awaiting a ride home from her aunt
near the gates at her high school. The girl later
died. Police believe that she was the unintended
target in a gang-related shooting. An 18-year-old
male was subsequently arrested in connection with
the shooting.
March 21, 2005: Red Lake, MN
A 16-year-old male high school student allegedly
shot and killed five students, a teacher, a security
guard, and himself at his high school. Seven others
were reportedly wounded. The student is believed to
have also killed his grandfather and grandfather's
female companion.
March 23, 2005: Indiana, PA
A 51-year-old male was shot and killed by police
outside of a senior high school building after
2:00pm. Police had reportedly been called due to a
man walking in the area of the school with a gun.
School officials indicate the man had been buzzed
into the school after indicating he was seeking an
employment application. He went to the office and
then was directed to the district's administration
center. Upon leaving the building, he was
confronted by police, at which time he reportedly
pulled out what appeared to be a 9mm handgun and
pointed it at a police officer, who shot him. The
male was shot a second time as he allegedly went to
get the gun again. The male later died. The gun
was subsequently found to be a pellet gun. School
officials said the school went into lockdown.
Counselors were made available the next day for
students.
April 9, 2005: St. Charles, IL
A 53-year-old police sergeant collapsed and died of
a heart attack while chasing a student suspect who
was one of five high school seniors arrested and
charged for attempted burglary at the school.
According to reports, the students were planning a
senior prank of stealing a golf cart and plunging it
into the school's retention pond. Upon "forcibly"
entering the school's sports center around 1:20am in
the morning, a custodian saw the suspects and
notified police. They fled, but two returned to get
bolt cutters left behind. The suspect ran and
reportedly ignored the sergeant's command to stop,
and the officer collapsed and died during the chase.
April 12, 2005: New York, NY
An 18-year-old male high school student was stabbed
to death while awaiting a train to school at a Bronx
subway. Two fellow students were also stabbed while
trying to escape the attack by a group of men.
Police said the incident may be gang-related.
While the non death total for shootings in the same
school year were 45. Total school incidents were 208.
Quick Links...
New Release!
The House of D, Starring Erykah Badu
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Greetings!
Welcome to the sixth issue of AMAG Online! Just a
reminder to attend the Queen's Book Fair on Aril 30,
2005. For more information, email Phil Andrews @
cbbookdist@aol.com. Upcoming Book Signings: Connie
in D.C. on the 27th; Denise Campbell in NJ on the
29th; Sydney Molare in Dallas on the 30th; Zane at
Karibu, in MD on May 6th; Harold Turley in Dallas on
May 7th.
I had an eventful weekend and the pleasure of
meeting and hanging out with author Tina
Brooks-McKinney author "All That Drama", Kim
Robinson, author of "The Roux In The Gumbo" Rowena
Winfrey, a new/soon to be released author and Lee
Hayes, author of "Passion Marks". It was certainly
a great experience to meet and migle with these
great authors.
AMAG is currently looking for someone to manage
website traffice. For more information contact:
Jamila Barber at jamila@awarenessmagazine.net for
DETAILED INFO. Also provide a phone number. No
experience needed but always helpful.
AMAG is also in search for writers in the San Diego,
CA area. Contact James Lisbon @
james@awarenessmagazine.net.
Please don't forget to check out the AMAG Calander
of Events for things of interest going on in your
neck of the woods.
Until next time, much love and respect. And as
always may God continue to bless!
Yolanda M. Johnson - editor.
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In Loving Memory Of Our Black Superstars!
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by Yolanda M. Johnson
The African-American community has lost so many of
its black superstars; I thought that I'd pay tribute
to some of them.
Johnnie L. Cochran was the criminal defense attorney
famous for the O.J. Simpson trial. Cochran died on
March 29, 2005 at age 67 of a brain tumor.
Before the infamous Simpson trial, Cochran was
known for police brutality cases and representing
celebrities experiencing legal troubles. Mr. Cochran
is famous for his saying, "If it does not fit, you
must acquit".
Shirley Chisholm was the first black congresswoman
and also ran for president in 1972, died January 1,
2005. In 1968 she defeated civil rights leader
James Farmer and was elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives. Chisholm was the founder of the
National Women's Political Caucus.
Ossie Davis died February 4, 2005. Mr. Davis was
married to actress Ruby Dee for over fifty years and
was active in civil rights. Ossie was an actor,
writer and producer born in Cogdell, Georgia. He
wrote and directed the 1970's film, "Cotton Comes to
Harlem".
The infamous Ray Charles died June 10, 2004. Ray
was a famous singer and pianist, known for the hit
"Georgia on My Mind". Mr. Charles died of liver
failure. Pegged as a music genius, had completely
lost his sight at age seven due to a severe case of
glaucoma. He studied music at the State School for
Death and Blind Children.
Rick James died August 6, 2005. He was born James
Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, NY on February 1, 1948.
Rick James is credited as the "King of P-Funk" with
such hits as Super Freak and Mary Jane. Rick James
is also famous for his soulful ballads and duets
with songstress Teena Marie. Rick James became AWOL
from the U.S. Navy and fled to Canada in the 1980s.
Rick James is also famous for the slogan, "I'm Rick
James ****" best portrayed by Dave Chappell.
Football player Reggie White died December 25, 2004
of a sleep apnea induced heart attack. White was
one of the all-time sackers in the NFL. Reggie
White, #92 Defensive End for the Green bay Packers
retired in 1998. Reggie was the first Packers
defensive end chosen for the pro bowl since Ezra
Johnson in 1978.
Nell Carter, star of "Gimmie A Break" died of
diabetes January 23, 2003. She also starred in
Broadway's "Ain't Misbehavin'". Carter who was
diagnoses with diabetes, was later a spokesperson
for diabetic supplies.
Michael Anderson died February 1, 2003 over the
Southern United States when space shuttle Columbia
perished during entry into the earth's atmosphere.
Anderson was selected by NASA in December 1994.
Singer Nina Simone died April 21, 2003. She was
born Eunice Waymon in Tyron, North Carolina. She
played the piano at the age of four and continued
her studies at the Julliard School of Music in New
York. Her song "I Loves You, Porgy" from the opera
"Porgy and Bess" became a hit and Nina became a
star. She was called the "High Priest of Soul".
Barry White died July 4, 2003. Best known for his
sultry voice, the singer/songwriter died of high
blood pressure and kidney failure. Barry White's
hits such as "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Baby"
pegged him the "The Maestro". Mr. White also had
guest shots on the television sitcom "The Simpsons".
Gregory Hines, who won a Tony for "Jelly's Last Jam"
died August 9, 2003 of cancer. Mr. Hines starred in
movies like "White Knights" and Terri McMillan's
"Waiting To Exhale".
Fred "Rerun" Berry died October 21, 2003. He was
famous as Rerun on the hit show "What's Happening".
Berry struggled with his weight, food, drugs and
women, marrying 6 times to 4 women. Berry was later
diagnosed with diabetes and lost 100 pounds as he
turned to religion.
Gene Anthony Ray, better known as "Leroy" on the
hit "Fame" died of AIDS related complications on
November 14, 2003. He attended the New York High
School of Performing Arts and was later kicked out.
He was then cast as Leroy on "Fame" which won an
Academy Award for best song and original score.
To these and all the other countless stars that
we've lost, you've touched our lives in one way or
the other and you will never be forgotten. Rest in
peace.
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The Soul of A Man
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* Do you find it difficult to express how you feel
and what you need in your personal relationships?
* Do you have trouble communicating and developing
relationships with other men?
* Does the weight of responsibility drag you down?
* Do you wonder why it seems difficult to get the
support and encouragement you need from your wife?
* Do you often feel that there is a stronger, more
effective leader inside you waiting to be developed?
* Do you wonder what God's plan is for you?
Read "He-Motions" from Bishop T.D. Jakes
Men - If you're longing for your life to matter, if
you long to know who you really are inside with a
confidence that transcends the titel on your door,
the pysical condition of your body, the number on
your bank statement, and the size of the house you
live in, then prepare to change. Prepare to have
your hope rekindled that you are so much more than
who you feel like at present. Prepare to have your
hope restored that you have a unique destiny waiting
to be fulfilled.
Sisters - this book is for you if you long to see
your man change in ways that can come only from God
working inside him. If you sense a silence in him
that you long to decode and you fear that something
is absent from your relationship with him, then I
urge you to read on and travel the He-Motions
journey with him.
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Technology
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Internet Explorer Tip
Tired of typing the full URL to access pages on the
internet?
Try this Tip,
Instead of typing http://www.google.com
Type google and Internet Explorer will
add the www and .com automaticly.
This will work with any web site that has a
www.domainname.com address.
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The Latino Connection
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Fast Rising Boricua Reggaeton Star Luna Fina joins
El Extremes Electric Cabaret on Wednesday April 27
for the third and final installment of El Big
Wednesday: S.panish P.eople I.n C.ontrol at
Riverdales Multicultural Hot Spot IBIZAS 220 W 242nd
Street - opposite Manhattan College.
New Edge co-director Maria Hernandez and
pianist/vocalist Carla Virola welcome the
megatalented Luna whose new LP "Solo El Comienzo" is
beng shipped to stores.
"Luna has got what it takes to make it really big in
the business. Style, presence and a quick wit. In a
field that's largely dominated by male performers
she brings a fresh voice to the ever widening
popularity of reggaeton. Palante!"
ABOUT LUNA FINA
Actress/Model/Singer, Melissa Luna also know as
"Luna Fina", was born in Queens, New York and raised
in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. Her passion for the
stage and music began developing since the age of
four. During her childhood years she participated in
talent contests, shows and did several public
performances. In 1991, at the age of 11, she
competed in an annual event, where many talented
individuals participate with the hopes of winning
and representing their hometown and community, and
was crowned Reina (Queen) de la Cooperativa in
Las Piedras. She also won 1st place in dance
performance and most photogenic. Luna Fina, began
writing poetry at the age of 11 . It was at this
time that she received public recognition for her
first poem called "Madre Mia". At the age of 13,
Luna Fina moved back to New York in search of bigger
and better opportunities. She made her first debut
as an actress at the age of 21, while playing a
small role in the film School of Rock and thereafter
playing minor roles in series like Law & Order,
Third Watch, Promotional commercial for the World
Wrestling Federation (WWF), Coca Cola, amongst
others. In 2003, she landed a role in the hit series
The Sopranos as Crystal. Luna began to get
professionally involved in music after working with
a number of aspiring artists who would seek her
collaboration for lyrics, ideas and vocals. After
singing R&B and experimenting with different genres,
she has found a niche for Reggaeton (Spanish blend
of Reggae, Hip Hop and
Dance Hall) music. She is now recording her first
Reggaeton album "Solo el Comienzo" in 2005.
MIERCOLES GIGANTE
EL BIG WEDNESDAY
S.panish P.eople I.n C.ontrol
LIVE MUSIC-COMEDY-WORD-FILM-DANCE
la reconquista continua
Ibiza's Lounge
220 W 242nd Street in Riverdale/BX
Club is opposite Manhattan College
El Wednesday
April 27
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
OPEN bar
Show at 8:00 PM
www.elextreme.info
EL EXTREMES ELECTRIC CABARET 917-918-0470 BRONX USA
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Social Awareness
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HIV Is Killing Black Motherhood.
by Yolanda M. Johnson
According to the CDC by the end of 2003, an
estimated 195,891 African-Americans died of the
HIV/AIDS Virus. Of that number 44% of
Afircan-American men were diagnosed with the virus,
while 67% were African-American women. Diagnosis of
the virus in African American women was 26 times
higher than white women. This is scary to me as a
mother, a sister, a niece and a lover. What scares
me the most is that our women are catching this
deadly disease at an alarming rate, and contracting
it from the men in our lives. Why the the sudden
increase? The CDC defines one of the leading reason
as being bi-sexuality. But in our community, we
don't recognize bi-sexuality; either you're gay or
you're not. In our community we have tagged this
issue as the "down-low" epedimic. Now this is not
going to be another one of those editorials about
the down low brothers and how to spot one and the
such. But rather this is going to be an editorial
that I hope will open the eyes of our women, and
prayerfully, the ultimate result is that our women
will actually heed to this advise and save some
lives. If I wanted to play the race card, and as a
matter of fact, I will just to use in this one
example. It was said some time ago that gangs and
black on black crime was killing our men, therefor
killing our bloodline. Wake up people, these men
don't have themselves. Our women are dying at an
alarminig rate, THEY are our bloodlines. If there
are no women to reproduce, our race is certain to
dissipate. Sure a black man can produce a child
with another race, but if I"m not mistake, the more
you add cream to coffee, the lighter it gets. I
think you get my point.
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Films
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New York, New York. National Best Selling author of
"REcipe for Success", Dr. Emma S. Etuk, Ph.D set to
present book signing at Hue Man Bookstore on June
17, 2005.
(PRLEAP.COM) Contact: Debert Cook, CMP
Publicist
Phone: 212.571.6559, ext. 11
Email: debertcook@aol.com
The Book Signing will begin at 6:00 PM and
end at 8:00 PM. Hue-Man Bookstore and Café is
located at 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Harlem, New
York.
In this book, we define success as the accumulation
of good deeds, doing one good thing, one at a time.
For a very long time, success had been defined as
the accumulation of material things - houses, cars,
aeroplanes, ships, clothing, money, stocks - all
kinds of goods, you name it.
As a result of that sort of definition, many people
have chased after material success, but when they
have failed to attain it, they have become
frustrated and bewildered. Their disappointment has
often led to the brokenness and shattering of their
lives.
The mentality associated with a materialistic
definition of success has been responsible, I
believe, for the craze to get-rich-quick by our
young people.
Many chasers of materialistic success have pursued
materialism and greed and risked their lives,
committing incredible crimes and violence in the
vain belief that materialistic success must be
obtained at all cost. Our modern culture and
civilization is paying dearly for this kind of
success. I believe that it is high time to reverse
this trend.
Therefore, I challenge the reader of this book to
re-think and to re-consider. I point to many, many
people like Malcolm Forbes, Oprah Winfrey, and John
H. Johnson who, though rich and famous, have warned
us that money is not everything. I urge my reader to
re-think the words of the great rabbi who said:
"what shall it profit a person if he gains the whole
world but looses his own soul"?
Success, therefore, is attainable; but its
requisites must first be met. The "Recipe for
Success" is about the 21 indispensable things that
can help you find true and good success, peace, joy,
satisfaction, and sufficient wealth. It is about a
life of planning, purpose, vision, time management,
good health, understanding of the power of money,
networking, cultivation of a proper work habit,
single-mindedness, and getting your act together.
This recipe for success includes persistence,
perseverance, building a strong family base,
learning from your own mistakes, belief in prayer
and meditation. It also involves belief in God and
in yourself, loving others instead of hating people.
Without these, there can be no true and lasting
success. No one has ever truly succeeded without
these 21 things.
You can be sure of success if you read this book and
pay heed to what this book recommends. Success is
found in doing. You will never be the same. I
guarantee it. I urge you to make the best use of my
recipe for success. Since this recipe has worked for
me, it can work for you, too!
To order copies of Dr. Emma Etuk's national best
selling book "Recipe for Success" you may log on to
web site at http://www.emida1.com/
For directions to Hue-Man Bookstore and Café
located at 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (Between
124th St. and 125th St.)
you may call Hue-Man Bookstore and Café at
212.665.7400.
2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd
Between 124th and 125th Streets
New York, NY 10027 Tel: 212-665-7400319 Frederick
Douglass Blvd Between 124th and 125th Streets New
York, NY 10027
Tel: 212-665-7400.
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Poetry
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A Interview with Poet - Gregory Bryant
Gregory Bryant is the owner of "Feel the Flow
Publishing" and a poet nonetheless. Find my
interview with Mr. Bryant below. Please be aware,
for the sake of time and space, the interview has
been condensed.
Without further ado, I give you, Gregory Bryant.
YJ: How are you today Gregory?
GB: I am doing great!!
YJ: Great, thanks for agreeing to interview with me.
YJ: Now Gregory, where are you out of?
GB: I was originally born in Atlantic City, NJ but
now reside in Greensboro, NC.
YJ: I've gone to your website and browsed Feel The
Flow Publishing. Is that your invention?
GB: Yes Feel the Flow Publishing is my baby.
YJ: When did you start it and why? What was your
vision at the time?
GB: The company came to birth in 2002 as a way to
get my work published. I started sending my work to
some of the vanity publishing companies and found
they wanted too much money to start my book. So I
read an article about self-publishing and said yes I
can do this myself.
YJ: I see that's great. Now does FTFP publish other
poets or is it just of your works?
GB: It initially started out as an avenue just for
me but I realized some of the talent in Greensboro,
NC and started looking for others to help get started.
YJ: I see, according to your site that you've
printed 3 works. Do you look to publish
anymore in this current year 2005?
GB: Yes, I have published 2 collections by myself
and a compilation of 4 women poetess. Yes, I will be
releasing my third book at the end of the year
called "Dairy of an Open Mind"
YJ: Is Diary of an Open Mind yours or another?
GB: That will be my first book since Visions in 2003.
YJ: What made you get into poetry?
GB: That's a good one. I actually used poetry as a
way to express myself. I am actually a little shy
and would keep a lot inside. So, I started writing
thoughts down in journals when I was in high school.
But it actually came to light when I was in the
service. I use to write love poems to my fiancée at
the time.
YJ: That was going to be my next question. A lot of
poets I talk to started by writing down collective
thoughts into a journal. Do you still keep a
journal to this day?
GB: Yes I do. As a matter of fact I keep a tablet
with me at all times. You never know when and where
you will get inspiration.
YJ: That's totally understandable. Are there
several classifications of poets? Such as novelists
have romance, thriller, crime, and so on?
GB: Yes there is actually. You have the prose poet
which is the ones that use a lot
of imagery. You have the Spoken word poet which more
theatrical. Then you have more of a free style of
poet which is what I am. free style usual just goes
from style to style with a free flow.
YJ: So free flow means you can be a chameleon when
it comes to poetry?
GB: Yes. I can do a little of the traditional prose
or a little spoken word type
of pieces but I am not a spoken word artist.
YJ: Is there a poet, past or present that inspires you?
GB: The one poet that I really enjoy is Langston
Hughes. He has a smooth flow to
his writing.
YJ: Do you have a favorite piece? I mean one that
you've written that no matter what you're going
through, you go back and read it and it enlightens you?
GB: That is a very interesting question. I have
pieces I go to depending on how I
feel. But if I had to choose one it would be
"Silently I Wonder from my first book called "Poems
of the Heart".
YJ: April is National Poetry month. Did you attend
any book signings or literary events?
GB: Yes. They do poetry month big time here in
Greensboro, NC. I attended a great
reading by Rita Dove. I will also be doing a reading
at an open mic to introduce pieces from my new book.
YJ: When and where will this be?
GB: It will be at the Starbucks coffee house here in
Greensboro on Saturday April 23
@ 7pm.
GB: Here is a poem entitled:
GENTLY I WONDER
Silently I wonder what loving you would be like.
Would it be a magical journey through a purple haze
of dreams?
Would it be calm crystal blue waters of the
Caribbean sea? I wonder.
Would it be a walk in the park gazing at the flowers
and the birds?
Would it be snuggling on a cold winter night?
Would it be shining stars on a bright moonlit night?
I silently wonder.
Would it be the taste of honey from your sweet
tender lips?
Would it be the presence of love on our wedding day?
Would it be the happiness and joy of our first born?
I wonder silently.
So why don't I speak what my heart silently wonder?
Silently I wonder.
GB: The new book is a little more political then my
other 2 books. My first book "Poems of the Heart"
was more about different aspects of love. My 2nd
book "Visions" was more about dreams or visionary
thoughts. My new book "Diary of an Open Mind" will
have pieces like "Truly Free" and "Oppressed
Thoughts" and if you are tired of your job there is
"The Creation of a Disgruntled
Employee".............(smile) there is also short
stories and song lyrics included.
YJ: Cool. Are you available for bookings?
GB: I have not traveled much but I am very open for
it. I have to get myself out a
little more. Remember I am still a little shy.(smile)
YJ: LOL. A shy poet? Who would have "thunk" it?
GB: LOL Yeah. Funny isn't it?
YJ: Very funny, but truly understandable
GB: Thank you for taking the time to interview me.
YJ: No Thank you.
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In The Community
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QUEENS BOOK FAIR 2005
Special Event - Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. to
10:00 a.m. Power Networking Breakfast, Hosted by:
Our Very Own Public Relations Director, Mr. Phil
Andrews.
This is expected to be one of the largest Book Fairs
of its kind; it is expected to draw a large number
of New Yorkers and Vistiors to Jamaica Queens,
community. Spaces are available to Entrepreneurs -
Authors - Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations.
If you are interested, please email us @
cbbookdist@aol.com or mail your correspondence to:
C&B Books Distribution, INC., PO Box 671155,
Flushing, NY 11367.
Once we have your completed application we will add
your company to our exhibitors mailing list and all
advertisement and promotions for this event.
Admission to the Power Networking Breakfast is
$10.00 in advance, $15.00 at the door.
GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE QUEENS BOOK FAIR IS FREE!
Space is limited! Reserve yours today.
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What's On Your Mind?
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Do you think that a five-year-old child should be
handcuffed? What say you on how a child should be
disciplined? How far is too far?
Email us your comments to woym@awarenessmagazin.net.
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Calendar of Events
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Check here often for literary, networking and
community events happening all around the country.
This page is updated on a regular basis, so check
back often.
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Chocolat!
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What do you Crave?
Leon Ellis & Chocolat has the answer.
We all know the impulsive craving that attacks our
brain and screams chocolate! Chocolate NOW!
Anything. A snickers' bar, a Hershey's Kiss,
Godiva.the list is endless. Mr. Leon Ellis sets out
to tame that craving by providing chocolate lovers a
place where they can meet, socialize, build and
equally important; feast on chocolate. CHOCOLAT, a
new hot spot for urban socialites has opened it
doors in good ole Harlem USA. Mr. Ellis is known
for setting trends, galvanizing the nightlife and
impacting the community. With a warm and comfortable
decor-African American Artwork, comfy chairs, low
light, brown velvet walls, one is sure to relax
after work while the bartenders walk around with
newly created household favorites as Chocolate
passion, Candy Cane, the Chocolate Kiss and of
course the famous chocolate martini. The restaurant
Lounge menu features Creole Crab Cakes, Cajun
Catfish, jerk Chicken and Mardi Gras Salad. Like
many new spots, all entrepreneurs attempt to make
their place THE place. Fortunately, Mr. Ellis has a
long tenure in the business. In addition to
CHOCOLAT, Mr. Ellis successfully owns and run The
Harlem Underground, Mocha Bar & Grill and has been
the owner of Emily's. When I asked what happened to
Emily's' Mr. Ellis replay was direct and meaningful;
I ran the restaurant for years, and wanted to move
on to new endeavors." New endeavors indeed. Most
recently Chocolat welcomed author Tayari Jones for a
reading and discussion of her new novel Leaving
Atlanta. Chocolat Literary Month series is yet
another way Mr. Ellis continues to not only satisfy
your chocolate carvings but also your mental. Stop
by and have your cravings satisfied! Chocolat is
located at 1235 Fifth Avenue, New York New York.
212-996-1212. -James Lisbon
Leon Ellis is a graduate of Tuskegee University
where he majored in Food Science and Nutrition.
While at Tuskegee, he financed his own education in
part by working in food services during and after
school. After graduation he relocated to New York
City to pursue his dream of opening and operating a
first class dinning establishment. His dream came to
fruition with the opening of Chocolate Premier
Restaurant and Lounge formally known as Emily's
Restaurant, which he ran for over ten years.
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