If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything; we’ve heard that a million times before. And when you decide to take a stand – true warriors realize that you have to lay it all out on the line—the guts, the glory, the fame and yes, the FORTUNE! The way to maintain Black power is to sometimes turn your back on the “almighty “dollar-dollar- bill y’all,” and it is long overdue that Black athletes today start to get on the bandwagon for justice started by Black athletes decades ago.

You all remember the PHOTO, but do you remember their NAMES?

During a medal ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City on October 16, 1968, two African American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, each raised a black-gloved fist during the playing of the US national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” While on the podium, Smith and Carlos, who had won gold and bronze medals respectively in the 200-meter running event of the 1968 Summer Olympics, turned to face the United States flag and then kept their hands raised until the anthem had finished. In addition, Smith, Carlos and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman all wore human rights badges on their jackets.

The demonstration is regarded as one of the most overtly political statements in the history of the modern Olympics.

Fast forward several decades later, and another Black athlete took a stand in front of the nation in the name of civil rights for the culture. Former San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick refused to salute the America he feels has brutalized African Americans for far too long, and it cost him his NFL career and many endorsements, but NOT his dignity or self-respect.

As noted on Wikipedia, In the 49ers third preseason game of the 2016 season, Kaepernick was noticed sitting down during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as opposed to the tradition of standing. During a post-game interview, he explained his position stating, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” referencing a series of African American deaths caused by law enforcement that led to the Black Lives Matter movement and adding that he would continue to protest until he feels like “[the American flag] represents what it’s supposed to represent.”

In the 49ers’ fourth and final preseason game, Kaepernick knelt in protest during the National Anthem to show respect to former and current U.S. military members after having a conversation with former NFL player and U.S. military veteran Nate Boyer.

After the September 2016 police shootings of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott, Kaepernick commented publicly on the shootings saying, “this is a perfect example of what this is about.” Photos then surfaced of him wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs. In a statement he acknowledged wearing them as a statement against “rogue cops.” He maintained that he has friends/family in law enforcement and that there are cops with “good intentions” who protect and serve, and he was not targeting all police. Kaepernick went on to kneel during the anthem prior to every 49ers game that season.

His protests all but ended his career as he was “black balled” from playing.

Still, he stood firm on his beliefs that Blacks were not being treated fairly in America, and sadly, it has been proven over and over again. This time, though, more athletes decided to step up and fight for right, and the NFL started to realize what Kaepernick was fighting for.

It should be noted that three-quarters of NFL players are African American, yet nearly every NFL team owner is white (and several are prominent Trump supporters).

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement apologizing for not listening to the concerns of African American players. The Times wrote that Goodell’s “words were panned as hypocritical because of the league owners’ rejection of Kaepernick.”

Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated wrote, “Mainstream white America is going to reconsider Kaepernick at some point — the way it reconsidered Muhammad Ali years after he refused to go to Vietnam, the way it reconsidered Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson. Progress comes in fits and starts, and this country tends to punish those who urge it to move faster. The reconsideration of Kaepernick has begun.”

In August, after the police shooting of Jacob Blake Jr., another unarmed black man, Goodell said that he wished the NFL had listened earlier to Kaepernick’s reasons for kneeling.

So, is everyone else listening?

NBA athletes including Lebron James began protesting in the name of social justice, and even the Houston Rockets canceled a game. Former Rockets player Kenny Smith unmic’ed and walked off the set of an ESPN sports show he co-broadcasts, tired of police brutality against Blacks.

If we want change, we must demand it. It’s either put your money where your mouth is – or better yet — SNATCH the bread out of the mouths of these Fortune 500 business owners, athletic organizations and franchise owners, and any entity of power by removal of the Black Dollar.

Take a STAND now…or take a KNEE… with your BLACK FIST RAISED proudly in the air. Your LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. — AANI

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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