Gianna had the 6-year-old smile of Ms. America and Ms. Black America. She was held close to the bosom of her ridiculously beautiful mom. I do not care if her statement was rehearsed or not. From the mouth of a babe, the statement became a clarion call for resistance to evil, especially when evil is cloaked under a blue suit and a vow to serve and protect. At 6 years old, she is beginning to understand the toxic fuel of hate and ignorance. George Floyd’s daughter wants us to change the world for her and future generations.
George Floyd was an unwilling martyr for the cause of a new world order. It is the new world order that Curtis Mayfield, America’s songwriter, spoke about three decades ago.
George is a reincarnation of Crispus Attucks who let his blood be spilled in a protest that gave birth to an opportunity to build a new nation. President George Washington and Thomas Jefferson could not do it because they were hypocrites and slaveowners.
From “I CAN’T BREATHE” to “WE CAN’T BREATHE,” millions are on the move and “Boss” can’t turn the heat down on a simmering kettle that is on the brink of explosion. Boss thinks that broken windows and stolen flat screens are where we should turn our focus.
George Floyd was Eric Garner reincarnated. Garner’s death at the hands of sworn civil servants is unreal. Unreal because he was tackled and strangled through a chokehold for selling cigarettes on the street. Garner was a capitalist, although an illegal capitalist, but it is unfathomable that he would be the victim of deadly force by sworn officers of NYPD. Never did this loving father think that he was going to be the poster child for police reform. The momentum and motion underneath the Floyd protests can be the force that abolished the chokehold and the slave catchers that exercised this need to die tactic.
Jose Campos Torres, 1977, was savagely beaten, handcuffed and thrown into Buffalo Bayou by the Houston Police Department. Have you forgotten Jose? Marches commenced in Houston and there was a disturbance at Moody Park. These tactical blunders should have been corrected over the past 50 years. I am reminded of an African proverb that says when the fool learns the game, the game is over. Blue ribbon commissions were formed, and clichés streamed from various quarters about the rights of man, but after the clamor for change died down, the reactionary forces resurfaced in Houston and nationwide.
Let’s calm down and carry on by doing as Floyd’s brother stated, “Let’s stop the non-selective senseless and random violence and target our protests.”
Progress is incremental. There was progress under Mayor Kathy Whitmire, Mayor Lee Brown and Mayor Annise Parker. There was progress under Brown when he was police chief, and Chief C.O. Bradford, but it was drip, drip, drip. But this is the way that change happens. Change happens from the WEIGHT of NOTHING.
Let me explain, a snow dove observes snowflakes falling on a might limb on a might tree. Change is imperceptible. Eventually, one single snowflake falls on the limb and it comes crashing down. Torres, Garner and Floyd are the weight of nothing that can collapse a nation.
Prophet and scholar WEB Dubois was crystal clear when he said that the problem of the 20th century was the color line. It is unbelievable that the 21st century carries the burden of the color line.
While we struggle for significant reform, continue to have the talk with your children, especially black boys. When they tell you that Mr. Floyd did everything right and the cops still killed him, tell them to keep practicing the 10 Rules for Successful encounters with the police and you will help become the change that you desire. Become a BLACK FUTURES THINK TANK and a shining light on a hill.
Get Home Safely: 10 rules of survival if stopped by the police
Be respectful when stopped by the police.
If you feel your rights have been violated, you and your parents have the right to file a formal complaint.
Do not get in an argument with the police.
Always remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court.
Keep your hands in plain sight.
Avoid physical contact with police officers. Do not make any sudden movements.
Do not run—even if you are afraid.
Even if you believe you are innocent, do not resist arrest.
Do not make any statements about the incident until you are able to meet with a lawyer or public defender.
Stay calm and remain in control. Watch your words. Watch your body language. Watch your emotions.
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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.
