The Region's Most Controversial African American Leader

This week's show (10/8/2006) guest will be the region's most controversial African American Leader, Edward Lee. The African American Pride magazine cited him as one of the 16 African American leaders on Maryland's Eastern Shore. I've placed the adjective "most controversial" before that title. We will be talking about Leadership on the "shore". Why are we not more effective in making social and political progress. Is it attributed to "leadership" or lack thereof? Can a controversial black leader accomplish anything in a conservative rural community?

I'll insert one of my top ten all time favorite books in the discussion, Carter G. Woodson's, "The Mis-Education of the Negro".

A System of Unequal Justice

Master JoAnn Asparagus was my guest this past week on Called2Action. Master Asparagus works in the court system in Talbot County. The basis of our discussion centered around Convenant III in the book, "The Covenant with Black America". Master Asparagus cited that personal responsibility is foremost in this regard. In my our words ---- we must distinguish between what is real and what is perceived. Many times we perceive the system to be unfair. When it is unfair we must address it. We must encourage our children to pursue an education in the judicial system, and not walk away from them and increase the chances of them becoming a participant in the system.

Being Gay On Maryland's Eastern Shore

Jimy, shared with us that the gay population is growing in Salisbury community. I had no idea there was a church in Worcester County that primarily consisted of gay persons, or there is a linguistic sub culture. Jimy said so.

There is no breakdown in the family structure, as a result of the gay lifestyle, says Jimy. Him and his mate has raised a child.

Homosexuality In the African American Community

This week's show (9/24) will address homosexuality in the African American Community.

Good Run ... Young Man

Gary "Man of the Future" Tucker, 27 years of age ran for office. His purpose ---- to bring the voice of the young to county government. Though he did not win, I wonder if his visable campaign was not a victory to young people all throughout the region. Gary has courage. Courage that is directed to build his community. Gary was my guest on this past week's Called2Action.

Gary talked about his experience, his joys and regrets. Gary alluded to the thought that he might do it again. Go Gary Go! 4 new years. 4 New Years.
 

Sandra and Tracey

Sandra Martin and Councilwoman Tracy Cottman on the first night time edition of Called2Action.

Get Up! Stand Up! Stand Up For Your Rights!!!

Sandra Martin, former Democratic Central Committee member and Tracy Cottman, First African American female on the Pocomoke City Council were my guest on this week's Called2Action. In earlier times we weren't permitted to vote, then we were considered 3/5 of a human being, then when we were allowed to vote, there were voting impediments like poll taxes, literarcy test, etc. Today we find that our voter turnout is lowest of any minority group. The world will not stop because we do not participate, and when we don't participate, persons who may not have our best interest at heart may end up representing us on matters that effects us daily. Besides the likelihood of politicians listening to you if you have not voted is slim.

The ladies shared the political experience with the listening audience. Thanks ladies.

Walking the Political Line

Let's rally the troops to get out and make educated votes. As you may know, I have been waging a war against political complacency in the African American, (Af-Am) communities. Using the predominantly African American voting precinct in the county as an example, last election the voter turnout was at about 36%, which was relatively high, when compared to past voting patterns, (which is generally around 26%). If you compared that statistic to other non minority voting precincts in the county, it was "criminally" low. Case in point --- in one precinct the voter turnout was at 95%. On this week's radio program (Sept 10, 2006), we lay it on the line, and then we walk that line. I've encouraged the community to set as a goal a 72% voter turnout in the minority communities. I will continue to put forth that challenge. Join me on a new radio station, covering a much large audience, in the Clear Channel network. We will Walk the Political Line. Called2Action will now be covering parts of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. See ya on the radio.

Should African Americans Pursue Receiving REPARATION?

Adhim Deveaux, defined and cited examples of Reparation for us this past week. Reparation is an act of atonement for the injustices African American, (Af-Am) experienced as slaves. Many leaders cites the inappropriateness of the government making payments to Af-Am, and therefore they disagree with the idea. However, Adhim said, (using my own words), it's not about the government making payments, and he opposed atonement in the form of money. This is completely different from what many Black leaders espouse, i.e. Juan Williams in his new
book, Enough.... Adhim suggested legislation should be passed that steers the government away from working with companies, who have not confessed and taken actions to address, their financial benefits as a result of slavery.

Adhim's Call2Action ---- 1) Let's admit slavery was a problem...
2) Have your legislature support John Conyer's Bill on Reparation, 3) Address the issue of companies in Salisbury that have benefitted from Slavery, 4) Read the book, The Debt, 5) Be educated to the plight of our people.

Books to read, Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power; Look at the movie, (you may download off the internet, it's free) ---- www.loosechange911.com --- this movie makes Farrenheit 911 look like a teaser; also read the book, What America Owes Black. Super Job Adhim.

Help Needed At Our Board of Education and Elsewhere

Mark Thompson, the African American representative on the Board of Education, shared with us this week, that under the influence of the "No Child Left Behind Law", the public school system will be sending a letter to parents that gives parents the opportunity to opt out of having their children's name, age, address and other personal information from being sent to the military. If the parents says no, then it wouldn't happen. If parents do not respond, then it will be shared with the military, (see other Board of Education members).

He also shared with us that all positions on the board is now filled, and that he can be contacted if there are questions.

On a different note, Mark shared with us that the Salvation Army has been given a bus and they are looking for a CDL driver for an hour daily. They also need some people to donate some cash to help paint the bus.

The Awesome Power of the Internet

What does a talk show host do when his guest informs him that he will not be able to participate in today's show, due to health reasons, a couple hours before the show? Answer, the host fills in. That's what we did this past week. My guest was hospitalized the night before the show, and communicated to me the morning of the show about his illness --- I was glad he did, and just didn't opt not to show up. We talked about the awesome power of the internet, on the show. Why it's important for us to become familiar with it, and all the things you can do with it. Almost all public information is now on the internet. I can check on how much my friend in Alaska bought his house for. We talked about blogsites and websites and buying goods at a cheap price. All this and more we talked about. I did this show because I sense in many of us, a reluctancy to use the internet, or for that matter to even purchase a computer, to build our community. I refuse to communicate (in writing) in any other way than through e-mail. It's quicker and cheaper, and you have a permanent record of your communications. How can you blame me? Believe me when I tell you the internet will be here for a while.

Called2 Action -- New Station and New Time Slot

Beginning the second week in September 2006, the Called2Action radio program will move from WJDY-AM to Magic 98.9 FM, a station with a much larger listenership. The airing date will also change, we move from Saturday's at 9:30am to Sunday at 8:00pm. Wow, quite a challenge. Please continue to join us.

A Citizen's Impression of a Political Forum

This election will test the political power of the African American community in Wicomico County, Maryland. A recent political forum sponsored by the NAACP showed some startling differences in a few of the candidates. Most of the candidates for the office of Sheriff did not believe racial profiling exist in our local community, despite the fact that the African Community does. My guest this past week was Harold Curry, a long time educator in the region. He attended the forum. He felt that many of the candidates did not address the issues squarely, though there was a candidate that stood out clearly as deserving his vote. That candidate was one of those persons that was not aware that racial profiling was an issue in the African American and Hispanic communities. This candidate's now absence from the law enforcement milieu helped him to understand why he was not aware of racial profiling. He felt the Sheriff's department has some serious problems with lack of minorities being hired, and when they are hired they quickly exit the department.

Who Shot the Sheriff?

Wow! --- I had another opportunity to be the moderator of the second NAACP's Meet the Candidate Forum. I've moderated many forums over the years. This forum was the best attended --- more that 150 persons in attendance. The forum gave the African American community an opportunity to "paint a pix" of the candidates for various political offices, particularly those running for the office of Sheriff. By the way --- why don't we call this office something a bit more contemporary, i.e. County Police Department --- then you would have City Policy, County Police and State Police Offices --- what do you think.? The title of Sheriff reminds me of the days of gunfights and drinking in saloons -- i.e. Gunsmoke, The Wild Wild West. Also shouldn't this position be appointed by the Chief Elected Official in the County. Okay back to the forum. This was probably the most discerning forum I'v conducted. Lots of differences exist with those candidates running for the office of Sheriff. All, but one of these sheriffs candidates will be shot on September 12, 2006. See the article written by the local newspaper, (Article).

The Hispanic-Latino Community with Jackie Sanchez

Jackie Sanchez, a Hispanic-Latino, (Hi-La) Community Activist shared with us the dynamics that causes Hi-La to migrate to America. We discussed the difference between an immigrant with a visa, and an undocumented immigrant. I had no idea that the cost to be an immigrant with a visa, etc, cost as much as it does ($1,000 app.) and it took so long, (5 years + app.). Many times employers, despite having all the proper documentation, unknowingly hire undocumented immigrants. By the way, if you haven't picked up on it yet, the politically correct term is "undocumented immigrants", and not illegal aliens, a term once used. Hi-La have become a politically strong force, and their voices are being heard, throughout this great land of ours.

The African-American (Af-Am) and Hispanic Communities will make a greater effort to work together. I invited Jackie to the Juneteeth festivities next year and the NAACP's Political Forum upcoming this week. September is Hi-La Heritage Month. I've extended the invitation to Jackie to have a Hi-La festival on air. Stay Tune. Thanks Jackie.

Let's Talk Hispanic Latino Issues

We revisit issues that affect the Hispanic Community on Saturday’s (7/22/06) radio show. Mrs. Jackie Sanchez will be my guest. Mrs. Sanchez is a Hispanic community activist. We will focus on ways we can bring our non-majority communities together.

An All Male--- All Minority Education Approach

Brother Adhim Deveaux took a chance this past week and was my radio guest. Adhim continues to be a brave soul, despite leaving Salisbury, Maryland. He talked about the education milieu that he is now a part of, in Mount Vernon, New York. I have heard it said so many times that the quality of our education was worsened for African Americans when integration took place. (I will make an assumption that you know all the reasons why this is purported to be the case, and not cite them in this article). If that’s the case, then the converse would be that a segregated approach would be more effective.

Adhim and I talked about this general topic a bit on the program. He teaches at an all boy school, in which African American and Hispanics are students. The school does not purposely segregate, (of course not). It incorporates the ethnicity of the school’s students. Persons of other races opt not to enroll. (Isn’t that amazing?). The approach increases one’s self image, self worth etc., thus doing better in school. There are teachers who care about and can relate to the students. The outcomes are still being tallied. When completed Adhim will share them with us. I will post an audio portion of my interview with Adhim this weekend, on this blogsite. You will be able to hear the interview.

Are Segregated Schools Better For Us?

Saturday's (7/15) radio show will feature one of our old collegues --- I say old, but he's really young, the dynamic Ahim Deveaux will be joining us out of Mount Vernon, New York. The topic will be Are Segregated Schools Effective? (Professor) Deveaux is currently a teacher in a segregated school in Mount Vernon. The school is all male and African America. Do we need to have our own schools? Are we moving away from the dream of Dr. King? I have a feeling Adhim will be telling us it's the way to go if we are dissatisfied with the current quality of education.

STRIVING TO BUILD OUR COMMUNITY

The NAACP availed me the opportunity to moderate its Meet the Candidates forum last night. The NAACP got some very good publicity and the public had an opportunity to hear from the umptee-nine candidates. I doubt there will be any other debates with that many people. Cudos to the NAACP and the candidates. Here is the weblink to the newspaper article, NEWS PAPER ARTICLE.

The lady with me in the picture at the left is Lucy Graf, running for the office of County Council at Large. Very funny lady. It was an enjoyable evening for all. Thanks to the Political Action Team for making things happen. We are striving to build our community.

Is Black Leadership Under Siege on Maryland's Eastern Shore?

On this weeks' Called2Action radio program former Maryland State Senator Clarence Mitchell III and Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington, former Superintendent of the Somerset County School system, said yes to this article's title question. Displacement of Black leadership may be blatant, but many times its subtle. Dr. Whittington's displacement as Superintendent was blatant. Dr. Charlene Boston's, (first African American female Superintendent of any school system on the shore) displacement was more subtle. Kenneth Ballard in NAACP President in Somerset County another example. Both guest cited other cases to support the conclusion that Black Leadership is under siege. Another point, the enemy is not always outside of our community. Many times the displacement occurs from within.

After the show I had someone call me to say that they wanted me to do another show on the topic and focus on the notion of our own desire to displace ourselves --- sometimes instigated by ourselves, and other times instigated by someone outside of our community.

What can we do? 1) Become involved in an organizations that's doing something, 2) Contact Senator Mitchell (410-901-9795) -- he is involved with an organization that's addressing this issue, amongst other similar issues, 3) start a conscious effort to address this problem, yourself, 4) Youth -- learn as much as you can about these type concerns and then do something to address them, and 5) Be involved in a church.

Thank you men, for paving the road, and continuing to maintain it's upkeep.

Why Black Men Are No Going To Church ...From A Husband and Wife Perspective

Pastors Anthony and Linda Wheatley brought some insightful information to the show on our July 1, 2006 show. They shared with us some of the things they are doing in their walk with God to bring more men into the church. Pastor Anthony leads a men's discussion group. Pastor Linda shared the humbling quality of women washing their husband's feet, and responding to their husbands as being the head of the family. THOUGHT: It would be interesting to hear the initial feedback from women, particularly christian women, when they are told this. Men must feel wanted and genuinely appreciated, especially by those that they view as vessels of the gospel.

Is Black Leadership On the Eastern Shore Under Seige?

Recently Dr. Charlene Boston, Superintendent of Wicomico County School system, --- the first African American female in that position on the Eastern Shore ----- did not have her contract renewed after 1 four year period. Before her contract actually expired (6/30), the Baltimore School system offered her the acting CEO's position of the Baltimore School system. (The title of CEO is similar to the title of Superintendent).

A few years back the areas' first Black Superintendent of schools, Dr. DeWayne Whittington, Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County, did not have his contract renewed after his first term. He took his supervisors to court, (the Somerset County Board of Education) and won the case. It was not surprising to the African American community that he won the case. His case was based on the charges of racial discrimination.. In addition to being compensated a sizeable amount of cash, --- dinero in spanish ----- a school was named in his honor. Shortly after the this honorable gesture took place, students were relocated out of the school. The school is currently unoccupied.

What's going on? Is Black Leadership on Maryland's Eastern Shore Under seige? I discuss this with Dr. Dewayne Whittington and a special unannouced guest on this week's (7/8) show. If you know of similar instances, let me know by commenting in the response section of this e-mail. This stuff is amazing. Don't ya know.

Black Men Not Going To Church. Let's Talk Solutions.

Well, this week concluded our serious on why most African American men don't go to church. This past week Rev. Dr. John Kennedy, Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia Eastern Shore District (right) and Rev. Grant Johnson, (left),an Elder in the United Methodist Church addressed the concerns and solutions to get more African American Men into the church. What are the solutions? The church must address men's daily needs, it must present many avenues for ment to enter the church. Once men are into the church there should be mentoring program to help them understand the functions of the church. Men must assume some responsibility of seeking God and realizing the church is not a perfect institution. I shared/reminded our listeners of Dr. Kunjufu's examples of churches that are addressing men's needs, while also addressing their spiritual concerns. One such church have a number of men attacting activities on Saturday evening -- the time when most bad things happens in our communities. Men sleep in the church on Saturday evenings, they wake up on Sunday mornings, have breakfast in the church and then go into church service upon the conclusion of breadkfast.

We agreed the discussion started on Called2Action, must continue with Church leadership and men that are absent from church. Both pastors agreed they would be a part of these efforts, but would not lead the effort. Let's pray that our local church realize the importance of this serious problem and will strive to solve it in an unselfish manner.

I will keep the urgency of this problem in the forefront of our community. Let's all pray that we will hear God's word on this issue.

The Reasons Men Say They Don't Go To Church.

According to the Book, Adam Where Are You? Why Most Black Men Don’t Go To Church, by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, here are the 21 reasons most Black Men say they don’t go to church.

1. Hypocrisy – contradiction between what’s said in church and what’s done in the community. One young man said as a boy he could not understand why the preacher who was married was always over at his house making out with his mother.
2. Ego/Dictatorial – Brothers get upset when they constantly heard the pastor said this and the pastor said that. People’s definition of a real man was the pastor.
3. Faith-submission-trust forgiveness-angry at God.
4. Passivity – I don’t believe in turning the other cheek.
5. Tithing – concerns about taking money from people and how the money was disbursed.
6. Irrelevance
7. Eurocentric
8. Length Of Service
9. Too Emotional
10. Sports – conflict between sports on Sunday and church
11. Attire/Dress Code
12. Classism – You need money to go to church.
13. Education – Brothers that can’t read, and don’t feel comfortable in church.
14. Sexuality and Drugs
15. Spirituality/Worshipping Alone – Difference between being spiritual and being religious.
16. Heaven – I have to wait until I die to live the good life.
17. Evangelism – Christians are not sincere in their evangelizing.
18. Lack of Christian role model
19. Lack of Spiritual Role Models
20. Streets/Peer Pressure
21. Parental Double Standards Force When a Child.

On Why Black Men Don't Go To Church...

Discussing Why Most Black Men Don't Go To Church...Super Discussion on the radio show this past Saturday (6/10). Our guest were JR
Mitchell, "Gator", Richard Lee Hutt, Dr. Preston Whittington, and joining us from Chicago, Illinois, perhaps the foremost expert on the topic and author of a number of books, one of which is Adam! Where Are You? Why Most Black Men Don't Go to Church?, Dr Jawanza Kunjufu. (You may Learn More About Dr. Kunjufu by visit this website). It was interesting to note that many of the reasons black men don't go to church as cited in Dr. Kunjufu's Book, by the same name are the some of the same reasons our in studio guest mentioned. The notion of hypocracy, relevancy to everyday life, meeting the needs of men, pastors "pimping their parishioneers", pastor living the "high life", while the congregation struggles financially. Dr. Kunjufu, stated briefly 21 researched reasons ...men do not attend church and cited his book on Developing Strong Black Male Ministries model ministries around the country, i.e. in Indianapolis there is Hip Hop Haven and Salem Baptist Church in Chicago. You may order Dr. Kunjufu's Books by calling 800-552-1991 and mention my name for a 30% discount. Thanks fellows. All praises are owed to God.

Black Men Don't Go To Church Because....

This past week (6/2), we kicked off our special program on, Why Black Men Do Not Go To Church, in light of the many problems black men confront. Says guest, Dr. Brian Mitchell, "they see no value to be derived by going to church". Though hippocracy and the lack of social relevancy exist within the church, there is a personal responsiblity that men must assume if they are obedient to their creator. Donnie Waters and Dr. Mitchell got first tabs on addressing the question.
We continue the discussion this week, with several different guests. Our goal is to align brothers with the church.

Do you think if that were to happen, the problems that plague our Black male in society might diminish? I got a hunch that.... --- well join us on Saturday and I'll finish that statement. 

UPCOMING SHOWS

Upcoming Shows On Called2Action:

Why Black Men Don't Go To Church ---- Month of June
Health Along A Racial Divide
Conspiracy That Targets Our Community?
The Medical Values Of Water
Why are our Women Obese?
Repartiation To An Owed People
The Awesome Power Of The Internet
Does The Internet Carry The Symbol Of The Beast (666)?

Let's Talk Immigration and Things

This week (5/27), we talk with the Hispanic Community. We'll discuss some of the issues you've heard in the news and some of the issues you may not have heard about, but effects them and us - I'd like to get away from that description. If we going to pull our community together, we must be involved with all our struggles with equal ferver.

The political analysis for the Venezula Embassy is my guest, along with three of our friends from Salisbury. Join us on WJDY 1470AM at 9:30 am. (For our national and international friends, we broadcast out of Salisbury, Maryland, weekly).

Change In How We Govern Ourselves

The people recently, through their votes said, we do not like the way we govern ourselves, we want a change. Our community has decided to change its form of governance. Under the existing system we have 7 persons who handle our legislative and executive happenings. The change will mandate one person assumes the executive functions, while 7 handle only the legislative functions.

Ed "Sonny" Henry was our guest on Called2Action this week. He talked about our new form of government by comparing it to our soon to be (Dec. '06) form of government. Lots of changes upcoming.

Thanks Sonny for your involvement in our community and being our guest on Called2Action.

My Favorite Human Beings...

...are mothers. They work long and hard hours providing for others what they themselves may not have had. They fulfill a role that no President has assumed. Our first god like experience was with mother. Her love is unconditional, and there's nothing that you can do that diminishes that love.

Mrs. Sherita Conaway (Called2Action's mother extraordinarius) shared her experience about mothering on our 5/13 show. Accompanying her was two of her children, Ivan Conaway, 14 years and Olivia Conaway, 15 years, (see pictures inset). Mrs. Conaway is a biological mother of 1 child and adopted mother of 3. She has been an adopted parent for 12 years in Wicomico County. She has won the "2004 Friend of Children Award".

An audio extract of our interview is below. Just click on the arrow.

What Has Gone Wrong and Continues To Go Wrong?

Black Young Men ---- wasted minds, wasted resources. Would all the well-intended programs in the world have changed this? These guys spend many hours of the day on the corners of life doing "zappo". Look at the advertisements on the store. Why couldn't this have been a food health store? In slavery our bodies were controlled, and our minds were free to focus on the vines of freedom. Today our bodies are free, but their minds are enslaved. We continue to be used to help others increase their profit margins. What has gone wrong? Who will help these young men to escape the bonds of mental slavery? They need your help.

First of all get that store out of our community, and then
spend some time with these "prisoners of puke".

Wandering Thoughts Have Been Heard To Say

We haven't aired the show yet, but I've been receiving comments on the upcoming series of shows that addresses the topic, Why Black Men Do Not Go To Church? The most popular comment has been in the form of a question. People want to know what are the reasons. One lady asked (not the lady in the above pix) and then proceeded to answer it herself. Her response was "laziness", and they (men) think they are god. That may be true, but let's hear what the men say when we get together. To minimize any existing suspense, I will take a shot in broad daylight and say I believe we will hear a number of explanations, but the one explanation will be ---- hypocracy ---- hypocracy of church leadership.

Wills, Living Wills and Trusts

Attorney Sherwood Wescott took to the airwaves this weekend, (4/29), as we discussed Wills, Living Wills and Trusts. Do you have any of these? You can't lose by having each of them. We learned about the differences, the cost, and the contents of each. Did you know that Maryland Law requires certain things be included into each of them. Can you complete the appropriate paperwork on each of these? Sure you can. Should you? No you shouldn't. I should have asked Attorney Westcott if an individual cannot afford to obtain all three at or about the same time, how should they be prioritized? Based on our discussion I would guess, the Living Will, the Will and then the Trust. That's my guess --- but remember I'm not an attorney.

Do You Have A Will, or a Living Will?

Well do you? ---- Do you have a will --- of any kind? Based on the statistics, I will guess that you do not have a will. Am I right?

On Called2Action this Saturday (4/29) we will tell you why it's important to have a will. I know what you want to ask me ----- you want to ask ---- If I must have a will, can I create it from one of those computer software programs? Tune in this week, Wills, Living Wills, Trusts ---- we discuss 'em all. My guest will be Attorney Sherwood Wescott. This weekend WJDY 1470AM at 9:30am ---- Live.

On the following show Dr. Christjon Huddleston will be my guest to talk about health care in the Minority Communities. I'll tell you more in an upcoming blog.

Why Black Men Don't Go To Church

At epidemic proportions Black Men have refused to go to Christian Churches; and churches are not addressing this challenge. (Don't believe me? Is your church addressing this problem?) In a few weeks I will be conducting a four week needs assessment on why Black men do not go to Christian Churches--- or church in general. We will have in the radio studios on three separate Saturdays Black Men who refuse to go to church and they will tell you why. In some cases they once regularly attended church, and then something happened. You will find there responses enlightening. The fourth show will have ministers or church leaders to share what they will do to increase the number of Black men going to church. Why Don't Black Men Attend Church will be aired during the month of June on WJDY 1470AM at 9:30am.

Anecdotes --- From the Book, Adam Where Are You? -- What happens when a son watches his father read the Bible and pray? Have Black men transferred their anger from their earthly father to their Heavenly Father? How can Black men holler more for Jordan, than Jesus? When a man is separated from God he is separated from his power. When you save a man you save a family.