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Susan
Mangatal -
susan@ariousentertainment.us
Greetings
On-Line Family
This Friday-November 2nd, 2007,
is National
Blackout Day Throughout America
Attorney Warren Ballentine "The People's Attorney" and
Radio host of his show "Truth Fighters" is calling for
all African-Americans to participate in a National Blackout
throughout America this Friday, November 2nd.
Mr. Ballentine believes this
blackout is necessary for African Americans, and is long
overdue, especially with all the present injustices that are
being allowed and accepted in America currently. From the
situation with Mychal Bell and the Jena 6, Genarlow Wilson
(WAS sentenced to 10 years in jail for consensual oral sex with
a 15 year old, he was 17 at the time), Megan Williams (tortured,
raped), and all of the nooses being hung all over America
lately. He also believes federal legislation regarding
hate crimes must be enacted, and as long as they are not;
African Americans need to band together to show their
"Economic Power" by refusing to spend any money from
fast food restaurants to gas or on anything - this Friday.
According to Mr. Ballentine,
African Americans spend an estimated 715 billion dollars a year,
and if African Americans were to stop spending for one day, it
will be 2 billion dollars that will not be in the system (2
billion dollars a day, lining the pockets of companies that have
shown no interest in African American interests.) Therefore, he
asks every African American to participate in this blackout, he
stated "We ARE living in the new civil rights movement. We
cannot allow the march in Jena to be only an event. It MUST be a
movement." Mr. Ballentine however ask that you
don't make a mad dash to the stores days prior or the days
following, because if the stores have a major increase in sales
right before or right after the Blackout, then the impact that
is needed will NOT be created.
| There are many situations all over the
nation that scream of injustice and unfair treatment of
African American people in this country, and which is
why this blackout was called. Some of the
incidents which occurred within these past two years are
listed below:
Many people marched in Jena, La on Sept. 20 in support
of the Jena 6 - Mychal Bell and 5 other young men
unjustly charged with attempted murder for a school yard
fight.
A woman in West Virginia (Megan Williams) who was
raped and tortured for days with barely any national
coverage. They called her the N word, however, it is
still had not confirmed, nor is it be treating as a hate
crime.
Remember the young groom in NYC who was murdered by
the NYPD on the eve of his wedding.
There is the teenage girl in Texas who was sentenced
to jail time for an altercation with a school
official.
How about the teenage girl who was sprayed with
mace for missing curfew. You can see her in the video
restrained by a police officer twice her size. She was
in handcuffs when she was sprayed.
There is a California girl who had her arm broken by
a school security official when she refused to pick up a
piece of cake from the floor. It was filmed by a school
mate and is all over You Tube.
A young man in Georgia who was sentenced to 10 years
in prison for having consensual sex with a young girl.
He was 17, she was 15. (Update
Thankfully, this young man Genarlow Wilson was released
this past Friday, October 26th after serving 3 years of
this unjust sentence).
You must have heard about the young brother in
Florida who died in the custody of the state when he was
admitted to their boot camp. They said he had diabetes
but they couldn't explain his battered body. All of
these stories happened within the last year or two.
|
Mr. Ballentine ask that you show a
sign of solidarity, and he further states "This
is not about color. This is about class. The middle class and
poor people in this country are not treated as the Declaration
of Independence says we should be treated. It states that
"all men are created equal". Clearly the
governing class of the United States disagrees with their
document."
On a personal note, I must say we are hearing a lot of talk about this blackout,
and in many instances very negative talk. However, in my opinion what harm would
this blackout do, it could only do some good, and WILL WORK if
everyone participates. I say to those who are talking and
are questioning, and even being negative about this blackout,
just be quiet for a minute and do it...just do it. If we
all join together as one, as a strong community and
participate, it will certainly work. The goal for crippling the
economy for one 24 hour period will be accomplished, and most
importantly it will make a difference and will bring awareness
to all of these situations!!! JOIN TOGETHER COLLECTIVELY
(as you did in Jena on September 20th), AND PARTICIPATE on
November 2nd!!!
SURLY THERE WILL BE POSITIVE RESULTS!!!
"In the abundance of water, the
fool is thirsty". "Many tears that are in the
heart never reach the eye". Which would you prefer,
money, power and respect or knowledge, wisdom and
understanding?"
You know, lately there are so many important issues
surfacing that constantly plagues
our hearts and minds. Some of which are manifesting
themselves, and we find that we are unable to
resolve them because they are so deeply rooted.
However, we must
look deep within for the solution, and work together as one to achieve
it. Look at our history and from whence we came, study it,
and most importantly share it with our children, so they can
learn and become conscious of the struggles their forefathers
and foremothers have
endured throughout time. I believe this will begin to give
us some answers and some solutions to many of these issues and
problems we are facing today.
Let me briefly update you on one important issue
that arose earlier this year, and that has been brewing for some time now.
The issue of negative and degrading lyrics in hip hop music, and most
importantly the degrading of women in hip hop music. Many of you
may know that Congress has had hearings on this issue, where rap
artists and entertainment executives were faced with fending off
criticisms that they exploit violence and sexism for
profit. These hearings were spearheaded by Subcommittee
Chairman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) to primarily examine and target
stereotypes and degradation of women (black women in particular)
in the media, and to look at not only the problem caused by
misogynistic content in some hip hop music but also some of the
pain that emanates from this degradation. Some of the
people who were testifying were music label executives such as
E. Bronfman, Jr.-Chairman of Warner Music Group and D. Morris,
Chairman of Universal Music Group, along with rappers Lavelle
Crump "David Banner" and Percy Miller "Master
P", as well as author Michael Eric Dyson.
As I learned more about the details of these
hearings, it all seemed very interesting. Many important
questions were asked by the lawmakers such as "where did
society fail you that you would choose to write such
filth?"; one Senator targeted Viacom-owned BET and stated
"the cable net appealed to "the lowest common
denominator" via "cheap, tawdry" videos and other
"questionable programming"; music executives were
asked about their companies' role in the production of explicit
rap and whether marketers were doing enough to shield young
listeners from graphic content. A question on a ban of
certain derogatory words were also brought up, of which a music
executive stated "we don't think that banning expression is
an appropriate approach". David Banner did tell the
lawmakers that he feels "rap music had been unfairly
singled out as a scapegoat for deeper social
problems." He further stated "Gang violence was
here before rap music", "I can admit that there are
some problems in hip-hop but it is only a reflection of what is
taking place in our society. Hip-Hop is sick because
America is Sick" He concluded by describing his
poverty-stricken childhood filled with hopelessness, racism and
violence, and closed out by stating "this is horror
music...there's nothing in my music that you don't see in my
community". Master P on the other hand urged rap
artists to put "positive" images and words into music
and apologized to all women, he stated he was honestly
wrong. (Master P has recently devoted himself to producing
cleaner music with positive messages. See article by Black
Talent News below on Master P taking a stand).
I'm honestly not sure if these congressional
hearings will do anything to help resolve this issue.
While I believe in Freedom of Speech, I strongly feel that the
music has become very derogatory, and indeed the negative images
have created a very disrespectful and violent generation.
Of course I don't believe the music should be banned, but I do
believe (as Todd stated in an earlier commentary) that if the
radio stations and record companies decided not to promote these
types of negative images, then the artists would be forced to
find more positive things to sing about. Actually, I
implore the artists to stop and just look around for a minute,
focus on the young ones, and look at how your music affects
them. It should be clear for you to see how they pattern
themselves as you, how they dress, walk, talk like you, and how
they try to live by your lyrics. Be positive role models,
and most importantly teach them how to respect; to respect
themselves, each
other, their families as well as their mothers, sisters, and all
the women in their life through your music.
|
Master P Takes A Stand For Hip-Hop;
Father-Son Album Hip Hop History
Rapper-mogul
Master P and son Romeo have pledged to clean up the notorious
image and explicit lyrics often associated with hip-hop music
through the formation of their new label. Take A Stand Records.
The label will feature responsible artists, clean lyrics and a
positive portrayal of the urban community. Hip Hop History, the
first release under the new label, is a collaborative father and
son album from Master P and Romeo. The album contains clean
lyrics. Hip Hop History was released on Sept. 4.
During a family car trip this past spring, Miller found himself
turning down the explicit-lyric laden music that was playing on
the stereo as not to expose his youngest children to the harsh
words. He thought to himself, 'there's something wrong if I
have to turn my music down while I'm riding in the car with my
kids.' He recalled the lives of family and friends lost to
violence, how he had glorified illicit activity on his rise to the
top, and his own recent troubles with the law. That night,
Miller took a long hard look at himself, his dodgy past, and where
he was going, and decided to make some major changes for the
better. The idea for Take a Stand Records was born.
Take A Stand Records will represent artists that have pledged to
be role models to both the music industry and music lovers of all
walks of life through 100% clean lyrics and positive moral values.
Master P made the announcement public and gave further
justification for the label via an open letter available on the
web site, http://www.takeastandrecords.com/letter.html.
In the letter, Master P states, "personally, I have profited
millions of dollars through explicit rap lyrics. I can honestly
say that I was once part of the problem and now it's time to be
part of the solution. I am ready to take a stand by cleaning up my
music and follow my son's footsteps and make a clean rap album.
[... I am not expecting the entire industry to change overnight
but this is one positive step towards the growth of hip-hop."
Rather than perpetuate the conventional hip-hop stereotypes of
violence, sex and wealth, music from Take A Stand Records artists
will address social issues and positivity. Master P says,
"there's too much negativity out there -- enough with the
stereotypes. Hip-hop is a movement, and it is time for it to move
forward."
Take A Stand Records seeks to be a hip-hop label with a
conscience. Proceeds from record sales will be made available to
underprivileged youth in the form of scholarships. In addition,
Take A Stand Records will seek partnerships with organizations
such as the NAACP and retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart that
are in direct contact with communities.
A nationwide talent search for artists that share in the values of
the new label is currently underway. Interested hip-hop artists
are encouraged to become contestants on the new unscripted
television show "America's Next Hip-Hop Stars" (http://www.americasnexthiphopstars.com).
|
Don't forget about the "Enough is Enough Campaign"
rallies/protests taking place in Washington DC and New York this
weekend. If you indeed have had enough with the negative
images that are being shown on BET, then let you voice be heard
by joining this campaign. The “Enough is Enough” Campaign
is against
corporate sponsorship of visual images and lyrical
messages that degrade women glorify violence and
negatively portray blacks and Latino men as pimps,
gangsters and thugs are now taking place in both
Washington DC and New York.
The
weekly New York Protest is against Viacom who is one of the leading media
outlets for production and distribution of offensive
lyrical and visual content that sexually objectifies
women and stereotypes men of color. This Saturday, October
27th, at 12:00 noon EDT the protest continues outside the Manhattan residence of Philippe P.
Dauman, President and CEO of Viacom, Inc. located
on East 65th Street between Lexington and Park
Avenues. A
press conference will be held at the site of the rally @
1:00 p.m. EDT. Supporters can take the F
Train to the 63rd Street Station or the 4 Train to the
68th Street Hunter College Station.
In
Washington DC the
organization will continue its Saturday rally
outside the Washington DC residence of Debra L. Lee,
President and CEO of Black Entertainment Television
Networks from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a Press Conference
onsite at 2:00 pm. Metro
riders take the Red Line to Woodley Park Station
Supporters will depart from Mt. Ennon Baptist Church,
9832 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735 at 12NOON, the
rally will start at 1PM. Be
sure to review the rally DO'S AND DON'TS
The campaign is inviting the hip-hop community,
women’s groups, Latino organizations, the faith
community, and all those concerned to join the
weekly rally. For more information or to schedule an interview with
Rev. Delman L. Coates regarding this campaign, visit the
www.EnoughIsEnoughCampaign.com
website or send an email to: EnoughIsEnoughCampaign@hotmail.com.
March for Justice
in Washington DC on Friday, November 16, 2007
If you believe in obtaining fair and
equal justice for all and is deeply disturbed by the injustice
against many, which has been surfacing lately; then you must
clear your calendar so that you can attend The March for Justice
in Washington DC on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the U.S. Justice
Department - 12:00 Noon. The protest
is being held due to the Justice Department's failure to
prosecute a series of recent hate crimes across the country and
have failed to intervene in these cases. "We must be
united, and with unity there is strength. Therefore we
must be "united, strong and awesome". Come out
and support this important march!!!!
Are you
Tired
of missing your favorite music, news and TV shows from home? Now you can get the
country's best channels online: Please
click the banner above to enter the Jump TV site. Look for
the Trinbago
TV and Radio Online Special
*
Gayelle * ieTV * Radio Trinbago
94.7FM * 103FM * * Radio
90.5FM * Sangeet 106FM * Vibe CT
105FM * Ebony 104FM
and check out:  
To all of you our on-line
family, thanks for reading and for always supporting us. As you may know
without you there would be no us. So thanks very much for your support.
Enjoy this weekend and the upcoming week !
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