Let's All Have A Called2Action Christmas

Let's not wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks, nor wait for Christmas to bring joy to someone's heart, or Sunday evenings to be Called2Action. Merry Christmas from the Caribbean.

...and now here they are.

A few repeats for you, based on your likes

• December 23, 2007 Guest Arnold Patent , Author of the book, You Can Have It All.
• December 30, 2007 Guest Ernie Ramos, Natural Health Expert.

We return live on January 6th 2008.

Frustrated Over Lack of Af-Am Support

Councilwoman Shanie Shields joined me in the studio the week of December 6, 2007. Shanie has been disappointed by the lack of support she receives as a council woman. The minority district that was carved out to increase the likihood of African Americans being on the council has been successful to date. However, the council woman's ability to aide others in being empowered has been short changed because of public support.

Though council woman Shields did not express the notion that this will be her last term, she has mentioned in the past that she does not intend to be a life time politician and this could be her last term as a council woman. Wouldn't it be surprising if upon her leaving no one vied for the position? Amazing, but it could happen. We just don't seem to be interested in achieving a fuller degree of empowerment.

Everybody Over There Get On Up,..Get Involved, Get Involved....

Tonight's program features a couple of community updates -- one on the attempts to bring a charter school into the community. I guarantee you, you will find the status of things very surprising.

Secondly, I'll present to you through specific examples the need for a dose of social and political viagra in the African American community. We don't have more, because we don't want more.

Continued Discussion on a Weapon of Mass Destruction

David Lee (Seattle, Washington) and Alice White (Princess Anne, Maryland) joined me on the program this past week. In an attempt to keep the one of the many weapons of mass destruction in front of our community, I continued the topic of HIV/AIDs.

David Lee attained the virus through a homosexual relationship about ten years ago. David shared with us that since contracting the virus he has undertaken to things that he previously only though about doing; traveling being one of those things. HIV is not a death sentence.

Alice White contracted the disease from her husband, and has been trying to get the word out. She shared that her church and community has not been supportive, though she's gotten some support from other communities.

What have we been learning? Any relationship can result in HIV. Get tested. There are drugs that will sustain life. Have one partner. Partners should get tested together. If contracted, it is not a death sentence. Continue to enjoy life. Use condoms, when uncertain of partners sexual habits ---- This suggestion I don't like, but it's what came out of interview. We must meet people where they are. Well, I hope the last two programs have increased an awareness on HIV. I will post the entire interview with Mr. Lee and Mrs. White at www.esnipps.com. Thanks to Mr. Lee and Mrs. White for sharing a bit of their personal lives with us.

Continuing the Discussion on HIV/AIDS

This week (12/02/07) I will be talking with two persons who are HIV/AIDS positive. One brother, David Lee, (see picture in set) who contracted it from another brother. He'll be joining me from Seattle, Washington and a young lady that lives in Princess Anne, Maryland, who contracted it by..... well,,, you may be surprise to learn how she contracted it. Tune in to find out. These interviews are attempts to increase the awareness of HIV/AIDS. A special thank you to Mr. Lee and Ms. X who are willing to share with the world a bit of their personal lives.

HIV/AIDS; A Weapon of African American Mass Destruction

Dr. John W. Hogan MD in Gastrointestinal Diseases and Medical Officer at several Washington D.C. Hospitals and an HIV Specialist and Tavania Chester an HIV/AIDS Case Manager in Cambridge, Md., were my guests this past week on the Called2Action radio program. Our Topic HIV/AIDS. An appropriate topic in light of the fact that on December 1, annually it's HIV/AIDS awareness day. This disease continues to destroy our community, particularly African American women. Nationally, African Americans account for 13% of the total population, but we are 49% of the HIV/AID cases in the US --- not to mention what's happening on the continent of Africa. For persons 25 years and younger, 61% of cases are African American. The state of Maryland has the 3rd highest rate in the nation. We talked about causes, and the importance of partners being tested together. If you have a friend that you will be intimate with, this type of testing is particularly important. The severity of the problem is increasing, and as always families, churches, schools and other organizations have a role in addressing the problem from a preventative mode and a supportive mode, if in fact it's been contracted. Young people should encourage each other to be tested. There is medication today that will allow persons with HIV to live a normal life.

A Called2Action Town Meeting with Wicomico County's Highest Elected Official

Wicomico County's First County Executive Richard Pollitt was my guest on 11/18/2007. Contrary to the desires of the African American community to have this new form of government, our entire community must accept it, and make every effort to make certain that it works for the entire community particularly the least of these. I expressed a concern with Rick that was shared with him when he ran for office --- increasing the number of African Americans in paid policy making positions in the county. I particularly tried to get him to commit to a specific number of African Americans by December of 2008. Though he did not, he did express that he would be disappointed if the number was not increased.

Other areas we discussed, the lack of adequately paying jobs for African Americans, housing, education and data gathering, or a lack thereof. The Called to Action, offered by Rick, be actively involved in your government. Rick shared his email address and encouraged persons to write him --- he responses to all. His email: www.rickpollitt@wicomicocounty.org. Thanks Rick.

A Town Meeting with Ricky Pollitt - Wicomico County's First County Executive

Wicomico County's First County Executive, Rick Pollitt, joins me on Sunday 11/18/2007. It's been a year since Mr. Pollitt assumed office. We'll be discussing the African American community's many challenges in rural and conservative Wicomico County Maryland. This is scheduled to be a Town meeting.

A Salute to our Buffalo Soldiers and Others on Veteran's Day

Tom Kimball, former Maryland State Commander of the Veteran's of Foreign War was my guest this weekend. We talked about Tom's role as the State Commander, his high level of patriotism. I also talked with him about the apparent paradox of Af-Am fighting the wars with our White Brothers and when they returned home Af-Am establish their own black VFW's and American Legions and White's establish their own.

Tom's comment to address this matter was that the organizations were one, though their physical locations are different. The local Black VFW's have helped to establish White VFW's, and vise versa. My "take" on Commander Kimball's response was these organizations are as separate as the Black and White Churches; but who am I to formulate that "take". I've not served in the military, only the Boy Scouts. Nevertheless, the Call2Action, thank a soldier on this their day Veteran's Day 2007.

Called2Action Goes Oversees This Weekend

Internationally renowed personality Drew Brown joins me this weekend to address an array of topics -- from Bill Cosby and Alvin Toussaint's continuing comments on Black America, to the Jena 6 --- in my view nonsense --- to, the recent November 2, Black economic boycott and ------- well just tune in on Sunday November 4, 2007 for the rest of the "stuff".

Overcoming the Anxiety of Public Speaking w/ Tamika Johnson-Hall

Our ability to public speak -- present our ideas to others, can be an effective tool in accompishing super things for others our community and ourselves. Too often anxiety overcomes good judgement. Tamika Johnson-Hall, CEO of a communications company she founded. Mrs. Johnson-Hall and her husband, Terrelle gave us a few pointers on how to be effective in this regard. Realize anxiety is common. Its never overcome. Confront it. Be prepared. Write your presentation out and review it thoroughly. Earn the right to speak on your subject matter, through preparation, whether learned or experienced. Focus on not more than 3 points of presentation. Upon giving it, review it. Chances you will not cover everything you had intended to cover. Regardless of how you felt you did or others said you did, keep at it. Volunteer to do it. With an insatiable desire to conquer it, you will. Mrs. Johnson-Hall also teaches others how to publish their own Christian Books. Here is some information on her if you would like to contact her 1-800-597-9428. Website: www.publishyourchristianbook.com.

Conquering One of Our Greatest Fears

Tamika Johnson, CEO of a Worton, Maryland based company will be my guest this weekend. She will discuss how we can overcome one of our greatest fears. What is that fear? Well you'll just have to tune in to find out. Sunday at 8:00pm on Called2Action. See link to left to listen to program live. Visit Mrs. Johnson's website.

Tamika will be joining me in the studio.

What's Our Problem? Jimmy Dumas Tells It Like It Is.

My friend Jimmy Dumas, filled in this past week on the Called2Action radio program. We talked a bit about a few of the reasons Why African Americans Suffer, from his book, the 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer. One of those reasons that we talked about was the Jinxs of Slavery. We talked about the need to give to each other, and the lack of spiritually as the basis for our problems. Let me recommend you buy the book. We also talked about addressing these problems in a local/national forum. Stay Tuned. Something big is about to happen.

Young Millionaire --- To Be Re-scheduled

Andres Laura, my scheduled guest last week was not able to join us. Andres was on a book tour and in the midst of fulfilling several motivational speaking engagements around the country. I'll try to re-schedule him on a future program. I'll keep you apprised.

Homeless at 16, Millionaire at 24

My guest this weekend is the Called2Action's first admitted millionaire. Well, I've had several other millionaires on the program, I suspect, but for good and to be obvious reasons my guest this weekend is happy to admit it. Several things inspired me to have my guest on the program this week; he is young, at age 16 he was homeless, parentless, did not know where his next meal would come from, a refugee ---- you get the picture. Eight years later he was a millionaire, CEO of his own company, has written several books ---- again you get the picture. How did he do it? We discuss how everyone can do the same thing. Join me this weekend with my guest. See his website.

Part 3 of my discussion on Health with Ernie Ramos

The third and final installation of my discussion with Ernie Ramos, (see below) was held this past week. Here are some highlights. I have also posted an audio of this interview, see favorite links on left side of this page.

Asthma --- Lobelia and inflata herbs ---- help to stop asthma attacks.
Prostate Cancer --- stinking nettles, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto. These herbs will help the prostrate gland. Strengthening the urinary tract will also help. This may be done by using the following herbs, uvarusi, peach bark, parsley, water with lemon, cranberry juice. Stay away from greasy foods.

How can we avert the flu --- vitamin C 4000 milligrams a day, use garlic. Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Ernie gave a recipe of a broth. The contents are garlic roots, keny pepper, olive oil, onion, and lemon. You can get the entire recipe by listen to the interview. (See link to the left to listen to part 3 of interview. Link is entitled Listen to Past Called2Action programs).

Great information. Thanks Ernie. Earnie may be contacted at ejr51@verizon.net

Continuing the Discussion on Addressing Our Nutrition, Naturally

Continued our discussion with Nutritionist, Herbologist and Iridologist Ernie Ramos this week, (10/7/2007). We talked about:

• the importance of knowing your body better than anyone else.
  
• selecting a doctor that has some familiarity with nutrition.
• realize our health care system is more concerned about the dollar, than actual care of individuals.
• all prescribed drugs have side effects.
  
• you must be concerned about your own health; you know you better than anyone else.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is excellent for allergies. It serves as a natural antihistamine for our bodies. Serving it to kids in 500 milligrams, adults 2,000 or so. In order to get vitamin B5 you must go to a food health store.

Ernie will join me again next week for the final installment of this discussion.

Do We Become What We Eat? If So, Who Wants To Be a Cucumber.

Ernie Ramos, New York based Nutritionist, Herbologist, and Iridologist joins me on Sunday September 30, 2007 to discuss foods we shouldn't eat, foods we should eat, effects of processed foods, differences in the fats that we eat, effects of fried foods; do diets work? What should we eat? Is there a perfect diet? .... and by the way you will even learn what an Iridologist does. How do we address our many problems with allergies? ...etc.

This will be a very informative program that will affect us all.

Go Ernie, Go Ernie, Go Ernie......

Challenges Confronting HBCU's in Maryland with President Richardson

Who better to address this topic than the President of Morgan State University, one of the 114 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, Dr. Earl Richardson. The good doctor and I spent about 50 minutes addressing the subject matter on this past week's Called2Action.
I was initially inspired to have Dr. Richardson join me after I heard on another radio station that Morgan State University, (MSU) was upset that the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) had gotten an Engineering program. The report stated that MSU's engineering program would suffer because there were now two HBCU's with engineering programs in the state of Maryland. When I heard that report it sounded so idiotic that I thought I should make an effort to have the President to address this. President Richardson shared with me that he was proud to hear that UMES had received this program. In his 23 years at MSU he has worked for all HBCU's to have program and to receive adequate funding to operate. In my own words, HBCU's get the shaft; they are given programs and inadequate funding and then they are evaluated as if funding was adequate. The Higher Education Commission, (MHEC), which is responsible for planning educational endeavors in the state of Maryland has assumed a political role, which has not worked in our interest. Again these are my words and not Dr. Richardson's. By the way MSU, unlike UMES is not a part of the University system. I wonder what role does the Chancellor have in this, by the way who appoints the Chancellor and who appoints MHEC? Do you catch where I'm headed. Thanks Dr. Richardson for sharing this information.

Prostate Cancer In African American Men

This month we've been discussing issues of health in the Af-Am community. This past week we talked about prostate cancer among African American men, and the week before AIDS/HIV among African American women. After hearing both these programs if you don't think something is happening that's severly wrong, then I don't know what more can be said. Black Men are 70% more likely to have prostate cancer than White Men, and we much more likely to die because of it. Men like Colin Powell, Strokely Carmicheal (died of it), Tiger Woods father (died of it), Andrew Young, Louis Farrakkhan, are just a few who have been affected by this "thing". We've learned that diet, heredity, and life styles all contribute. Men 45 and older should be tested annually. My guest (in set), have both suffered from it --- Dr. Al Rayne (former Dentist) -- left --and Dr. Herman Franklin, (former Vice President at University of Maryland Eastern Shore).

UPCOMING CALLED2ACTION PROGRAMS

Highly informative programming upcoming. Here they are:

• September 16, 2007 --- Prostate Cancer in African American Men -- Drs. Herman Franklin and Al Rayne (In Studio)
  
• September 23, 2007--- President of Morgan State University Dr. Earl Richardson talks about Challenges Confronting Historically Black Institutions. (In Studio) Picture in set
  
• September 30, 2007 --- What We Eat and Shouldn't Eat --- Dr. Earnie Ramos -- (Joins Us From New York City)
• October 7, 2007 --- The Going's On in the Haitian Community -- Bro. Habacuc Pepion (In Studio)
  

HIV/AID in the African American Community...and our Women.

HIV/AIDS is ravishing our communities. Statistics show that in Maryland 79% of all cases are African Americans, in Delaware 66% cases are African Americans. African American women suffer from this disease much higher than African American men, and it comes mostly through heterosexual relationships. On the continent of Africa the statistics are much worst. This is not reported in the news. Called2Action discusses this topic this evening. My guest James Miller, an HIV/AIDS advocate at Charles Drew University in South Los Angeles is my guest this week. We will discuss this challenge that faces our community, why it's not in the media like it once was and what we can do to address this. Why African American women are affected my this so much. Is it a form of genocide, perpetuated by hate groups that have become more sophisticated in their manner of doing things? Something bothers me about what's happening here...and I'm going to keep this in the public eye. I need your help. Will you help me and others like James Miller? Time is running out. Doesn't the picture (in set) of this mother and her baby hurt your heart. We need you to help. In our churches, organizations, clubs and schools we need to factor this in as a high priority need in our community. Please Help.

Disparities In Health Care and Health Outcomes...

...along racial lines. LaQuandra Nesbitt, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Resident in Family Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Systems was my guest this week. No doubt there are major disparities in health care and health outcomes. At the expense of of being non-repetitive to much data that exist on the web, and in resources like, the Covenant with Black America, I'll forgo establishing this problem exist. Causes for the problem ---- there is much ---- for e.g. quality of care, environmental factors life styles, access to health care, racism. Addressing this problem must include affecting public policies, personal life styles changes, professionals who will sacrifice money for moving into our communities and provide the needed care. Dr. Nesbitt may be contacted at 410-706-1040. Thanks Dr. Nesbitt for accepting the Called2Action challenge.

To Name A Building

Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington, first Af-Am Board of Education Superintendent in Somerset County, Maryland, (inset on right) did not have his contract renewed by the Somerset County Board of Education, his bosses. He took them to court on a racial discrimination charge and won. The judge ruled that a school in Somerset County should be named after him. A school was named after him and a few years later the school was closed down. The notion of having another school named after him was re-discussed by the board of education one evening. One of the organization that spoke that night, and may have influenced the Board in not having a school renamed after him was the local branch of the NAACP, (President Kenneth Ballard left inset).

I invited both men into the studio to discuss this issue. Happy to add, our discussion has lead to the realization of the importance of communicating with each other and gather as much of the facts as you can before rendering a point of view is paramount. Won't get into details here, but you may listen to the program by clicking on the appropriate link off to the left of this page.

I have posted some historical background information on this issue; just click on this link.

Black Enough? What Do You Mean?

Lots of conversation in and around our ears about being Black enough. We've heard it most about Senator Barack Omaba. What does it mean. Well, Warren White joined me to discuss this notion. What does it mean? Having the interest of African Americans at heart by talking and living it. Lively discussion, much covered; too much to cover in this article. If you're interested in what was said, send me a comment, (see below), and I will send you a copy of the program. Oh, by the way, I asked the thought provoking question, is Former President Bill Clinton (touted by some as the first Black President), black enough? The response was amazing.

Not Black Enough. What In the World Does That Mean?

This week on Called2Action (8/19/07) will be an open mic night. The primary topic will be the subject line cited above. We've been hearing comments on whether Barack Obama is black enough to represent all Americans. On the other end of the spectrum we've felt, (I think) that Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton is too black. In either cases because of these attitudes (judgements), in either case none will assume their political aspiration of becoming President of the United States.

The Ghetto Is Not My Final Destination

My discussion with Dr. Angelia Nelson left us all on a motivational high. Dr. Nelson's motivational interactions with young African American girls 11 - 17 years of age in the inner city of Philadelphia has aided many young ladies to realize their current state of affairs does not have to be their final. Using her own upbringing and the accompanying circumstances as a catalyst for inspiration to others has been her spiritual life's calling. This was very evident. I've associated her website to her highlighted name above. By double clicking on her name above you will be taken to her website and learn more about her.

Here Doesn't Have To Be Your Final Stop

Another author joins us this evening, a motivational speaker and educator, Dr. Angelia Nelson joins me tonight. Her book, "The Ghetto Is Not My Final Destination". She motivates young ladies 11 - 17 years of age, in the inner city of Philadelphia. Join us.

A Called2Action Evening with Arnold Patent

The motivating goal of the Called2Action radio program is to take those of us who experience a preponderance of social maladies to a higher level of universal consciousness. This past week the ball was placed into the hands of Arnold Patent, my guest, and his book, You Can Have It All, was the play book. After reading this book over 20 years ago it was a delight to talk directly with the man behind the book --- a highlight of the Called2Action program. I highly recommend this book. It’s one of my all time favorites, as it has aided me in moving into a higher level of consciousness. Thanks Arnold.

Author Arnold Patent --- Tonight

Author of the Book "YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL"' Arnold Patent... TONIGHT!!!

Closing the Racial Digital Divide

Dr. Robert Johnson, shared with us a few of the statistics that supports the fact that there is a racial digital divide, and cited what must be done to narrow the divide. This must be a threefold action plan. We must out selves have access to a computer, learn to use it for efficient production. Computer knowledge is required in all professions. We must lobby our political figures to have them realize that there is a racial divide and get them to fund programs that will address this phenomena, and thirdly, partitioning our social institutions to include steps to address this, i.e. schools, computer training must be required in schools, churches, social organizations.

The longer we delay to take action, the greater the divide will become.

Reducing the Digital Divide ---- Is it Possible?

This week (7/30/07), Reducing the Digital Divide ---- Dr. Robert Johnson, Instructor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, stops by the newsroom --- locale of the Called2Action radio program. Is it possible to reduce the great digital divide? If so, how?

Next Week, author of the book, You Can Have It All, Arnold Patent.

You can listen to Called2Action via the internet each week. See the link on the left.

Does The Christian Religion Empower or Imprison African Americans?

Guns loaded and ready to fire, my guests came out shooting right from the hips tonight. Some disagreement among them on the subject matter. One viewpoint was that the religion has always been a tool to imprison us. Another viewpoint Churches have accomplished much. Though we are not where we can be, "the glass is half filled from a spiritual point of view. My guests, the loquacious and colorful Adhim Deveaux, (bottom left) Julius Thompson, (bottom right) and soon to be best selling author Jimmy Dumas, author of the book 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer, were dynamic and knowledgeable in their presentation.

A Taste of Good Etiquette

Good Etiquette is the acceptable practices within a culture/group etc. ---- my own definition. Betty Collins, retired Home Extension public servant share with us a few examples of good etiquette. Here are a few examples, you always introduce the person of a lower "rank" to a person of a higher rank, i.e. Mr. President, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Sallie Mae. When having a mulitple course dinner, always start with the folks on the outside and work your way in towards the plate. Do not begin to eat until everyone at the table is ready to eat, and eat at the same pace as everyone else. Be on time. Though my guest says this changes in different cultures, I say be on time all the time.

The Coming Haitian Revolution

Mr. Habacuc Pepion, of our Haitian Community, talked about the many complications Haitian immigrants face in coming to this county. Haitians come to America for a financially better way of life. Challenges with communications and interacting with the larger African American community is a major problem. Unlike the Hispanic community, who have been rallying together under the guidance of Salisbury University, the Haitian community remains unsupported by any primary group. A plea was made to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, (an HBCU), to provide similar support to the Haitian community. I have offered my assistance to Mr. Pepion. We briefly layed out several strategies to help them to get going. Mr Pepion and other members of the community will join me the first weekend in October 2007, to discuss their progress. We're going to make this thing happen ---- Are you on-board?

Coming Called2Action

Tonight 7/8/07 The Coming Haitian Revolution
Week of 7/15/07 The Power of Knowing Good Etiquette.
Week of 7/22/07 Religion Does It Empower or Imprison? (Business Unfinished)

A Look At Unequal Justice

Is it still just-us? Well.....well.....well. Former 25 year State Police Officer ---- former because of his retirement status ---- Bill Harden stopped by to discuss the facts, visions for addressing, and a few thoughts we should be aware of. Bill shared with us the statistic of disparities in sentencing along racial lines for drug usage. In particular, cocaine and the derivatives thereof. The statistics are indicting of our whole society, in particular African Americans. A number of factors, poor legal representation, non-familiarity with the working of our judicial system. We talked about the numbers in prison, for eg. in a prison site in Delaware, census about 3,000, 90% of the confined inhabitants are Black men.

There's been information circulating that says the CIA was instrumental in having cocaine traverse our communities --- reason not discussed ---- don't know if that's important. Regardless, we do not have to give our minds to anything that will control it, whether it be drugs or diabolical ideas clothed in nuances of sophistication. Thanks Bill.

Editorial Update

Our July 1, 2007 discussion with Arnold Patent has been postponed. No fault of Mr. Patent or myself. I was informed late last night (6/30) that some of the equipment in the Clear Channel's holdings were hit by lightning, resulting in our phone lines being scrambled. Mr Patent was joining us via telephone. Though the lines may be unscrambled by air time, I could not take a chance that it would be and had to move to an alternate plan. A rescheduling date of the interview has not been set, ----- as of yet. Stay tuned. ----- I'll get it in within a few weeks.

You Can Have It All... Says Who? Says Arnold Patent

Arnold Patent, author of the book “You Can Have It All”, will be my guest this week (7/1/07) on the Called2Action radio program. We will be discussing the basic laws (principles) of the universe. These principles have been recognized for many years, but relatively few people know them and even fewer use them in their daily lives, per Mr. Patent. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey TV program, and several of the major morning TV programs. He’s conducted these type trainings for 18 years throughout the US and the world.

He will be joining me my telephone. This gentleman is dynamic in his thought process, and will have much to share that can be applied to everyone’s life.

A Bird's Eye View On Maryland's New Laws

The Honorable Delegate Rudy Cane, Maryland's 37A district discussed several major new laws that will be going into effect October 1, 2007. Upon briefly discussing the structure of our government the following new laws were discussed: 1) Expungements - Someone that is arrested but not charged, record will be automatically expunged. 2) Maryland has passed an expression of regrets for Maryland's role in Slavery, 3) Living Wage law is being considered, 4) others new law areas discussed were identity theft, Smoking Ban - Clean Indoor Air Act, Higher Education Tuition Freeze, Health Care Access, Electricity - Solar Energy. To read each of these laws and many others passed this year visit this link to the Maryland Legislature.

Fathering or the Lack Thereof In the African American Community

Soon to be best selling author, Jimmy Dumas, author of the book 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer, joined me from Alabama this past week, (Fathers Day) to discuss this important topic. We both congratulated the men in our communities who have regarded their children more important than themselves. They have supported them emotionally and financially, and they have likewise supported the mother of their children. These fathers have been pillars in the African American community. Their influence on their children have been long benefiting of our community.

On the other swing of the pendulum are those fathers who do just the opposite. They are absent in the lives of their children. Brother Dumas shared the following bits of information from the book "America Has Lost A Generation of Black Boys" by Phillip Jackson. Black men in Jail have become as common place as Apple pie. Other countries are looking at America and adopting America's social policies that encourage the incarceration and destruction of young men. More worst is the passivity that exist in the African American Community. On the program we discussed the Black Star Project, and how they are addressing the problem. We also discussed the church's role in this "mess". The statistics (see link) of our failures are astonishing. I should take time and cite the statistic here, but use the link above for more details. Great job Brother Dumas.

Does Religion Empower or Imprison?

Isaac White, (in studio) and Adhim Deveaux (in Mt. Vernon, N.Y.) discussed this interesting topic this past week. The subject matter remains unfinished, but was definitely headed in the direction that religion as is practice has done more to hurt us than it has to help us. Churches are the wealthiest institution in the black community, but we must still go across town to borrow money at high interest rates; Most women in the church are obese. Obesity leads to many illnesses. The church does not address these things. Who do Christians follow in the Bible? Can you look at them and tell? An interesting discussion that will continue during the third week of July 2007. Stay tuned, if you haven't been tuned then get tuned.