I’m An American; I Just Happen To Be Black

September 1st, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Check out the Smokey Robinson Spoken Word On My Side Bar: Then Come Back.

I listen to this Every Day. Just to Know that I’m Not Alone. Now being the 5’9 120lbs. Light Skinned Girl, I’m never Black Enough. See I think For Myself. I’m Not Voting For Obama; So I get hate mail telling me to bleach my skin. I got a Stomach Disorder. I’m skinny; So they tell me I need to Eat So I Can Get An Ass. I’m self-aware. I Preach Personal Responsiblity; So I obviously ignore that there is Real Racism in This Country.

See I decided a long time ago to stop trying to be black. I used to think that there was really something wrong with me because I didn’t think like the people around me. Where they looked for excuses; I looked for Opportunity. When they looked For Someone To Blame; I looked for the Lessons to be learned. When they question my devotion to Education; I stood my ground.

But As Life Inevitably does, you get hit with a dose of Reality. Yes I was looking for Opportunities but I was looking for Black Opportunities. Finding me a Drug Dealer with Money to Spend. Having my choice of Which Car I wanted to Drive by talking to the right Dude in a Crew. Always being in right place at the right time to Pull off A Little Hustle.

Yes I was looking For Lessons To Be Learned. But I was Looking For Black Lessons. How to get in and out of someones’ else’s hood unnoticed. How to talk the Police Out Of Arresting You. How to get away with Bad Shit without anyone knowing. How to make a Dollar out of 15 cents with no real effort.

I was looking for that Black Education. You know, just make it out of High School and You’re Good. As long as You Get Your High School Diploma, You’re doing better than alot of them out here. You Finished School, why would you go to College?

It wasn’t until I had my daughter that I realized; I needed to stop chasing those Black Dreams and Start Making Some American Dreams. But that brings Internal Conflict. Were they right all along? Am I Just Not Black Enough?

My Answer to That! Fuck You. I’m An American; I Just Happen To Be Black!

See my blackness doesn’t lie in your opinion or perception of me. Nor do I care if I Live up to What You Think A Real Black Person Should Be. I’m going to do the Real Black Thing, I’m Going To Do Me. I’m going back to school; but my IPOd will still play Tupac and Jay-Z. I’m growing my own business; but I’ll still Catch “The Family That Preys” by Tyler Perry the very first day. I’m not voting for Obama; but I hope Condi can stay,for whom ever makes their way into the white house.

Starting to Rhyme a Little. But to get serious. Was Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for our Rights to be An American? Of Course. He wasn’t fighting to have Us All Sent Back To Africa. When will we claim our Place as Americans? Not the Victims of America.

I’m proud to be Black. I Love the Swagger of Our People. I Love the Resilliance of Our People. I Love the Flo, the Groove, the Passion of Our People. The Question is Do You? If you say you do, Then The Time Is Now. Make the Black Dream and the American Dream One in the Same.

It’s not Okay to be just getting by; unless you’re on a path to a goal. It’s not O.K. to accept anything less than your whole slice of the American Pie. Not just the piece The Government Decides To Give You. But all the yummy Crust you have to Work To Get.

We don’t have to change who we are to Acheive this Goal. But we do Have To Do Our Part. We Have To Start Taking Ourselves Seriously. We love to see Grafitti but will you buy a Painting to make the ArtForm Legitimate. We love Breaking and Popping but will you go see a play that features the Dancers. We Run the Music Charts but there are few songs that will go down in History. When will we make our Culture Legitimate; Not Commercial?

Let Me Go Before I Say To Much!

B.M.W + K.K.K + M.S.B. = A COMMON THREAD

August 25th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

If you read this and nit pick and the little points; then you’re missing the big picture.

I love the History Channel and during a break from watch the Democratic Convention I caught an Episode of The Ku Klux Klan; A Secret History. It got me to thinking and this is what I came up with.

The Factions

B.M.W.- Bitching, Moaning and Whining

If you read my articles before, you know who I’m referring to. If not, then let me enlighten you. These are the black people that complain about everything. The Government stops me from doing this, my circumstances stop me from doing that, and the street raised me to be who I am.

K.K.K. Klu Klux Klan

Everyone knows who they are. The white supremacist that think every problem they incur comes from someone of another color. The White People that think the United States would be better if it were only inhabited by White People.

M.S.B.  Muslim Suicide Bombers

Scratching your head, Huh. How in the Hell does she plan on pulling this off? Well here I go.

The upbringing

B.M.W.– They were brought up in nothing but negativity. They have been told since birth; the world is out to get you. It doesn’t stop at a Race. Yes, the white man is out to get you, but so are your black elected officials. America is not a place for A Black Man to Become Successful.

K.K.K– They were brought up in nothing but negativity. They have been told since birth; you are the rightful Heir to this Country. It doesn’t stop at Race. Yes, the Black Man is taking all your opportunities, but it’s white people that are helping them. America is no longer a place where a white man can feel safe.

M.S.B.– They were brought up in nothing by negativity. They have been told since birth; if you spend your life killing people who don’t believe the same as you, then you’ll get 99 Virgins in Heaven. It doesn’t stop at Race. Yes, we want to hurt Jews, but there are Muslims standing in our way. America is despicable because everyone doesn’t believe in Allah.

The Leaders

B.M.W.– The Ones At The Top Don’t Practice What They Preach. Their leaders work and strive towards success then turn around and tell the People it’s impossible for you to do it. They build careers and financial stability, while advocating Public Assistance. They advance in Power and Prestige and leave their People behind.

K.K.K.– The Ones At The Top Don’t Practice What They Preach. Their leaders will encourage violence against those they deem unworthy, but let a Black Man walk into his Company with the ability to push up the Sales and he’s hired. They tell their people to fight for White Rights, but campaign with speeches meant to uplift everyone. They advance in Power and Prestige and leave their People behind.

M.S.B.– The Ones At The Top Don’t Practice What They Preach. Their leaders tell them to denounce the West, while they reside in Palaces that could rival any Western Architecture. They tell their People the United States is Expansionist, while they profit from Free Trade. They tell their people to live with just the basics, then take Vacations to the U.A.E and indulge in all the Sins unacceptable in their own Countries. They advance in Power and Prestige and leave their People behind.

The Beliefs

B.M.W.– The rules everyone else has to follow, don’t apply to me. Let a News story come on about a White Man killing a Black Man in a White Community and Black People lose their minds. Racism. Let a News Story come on about a Black Man killing a White Man in a Black Neighborhood and Black People say they had no business being there in the first place.

K.K.K– The rules everyone else has to follow, don’t apply to me. During the 60’s and 70’s, a White Man in Mississippi still thought there was no way a jury would convict them for killing a NIGGER. Because a NIGGER is not a Real Man. When they began losing their property in Civil Cases, they couldn’t understand why.

M.S.B.– The rules everyone else has to follow, don’t apply to me. Every major Religion has ‘Thou shalt not Kill.’ In most Muslim countries, you can be killed for changing Religion but not for murdering for your beliefs. They complain when attacked by none Muslims, then answer by attacking their own people.

The Markings

B.M.W.– When the Kitchen gets to hot, they throw on a Bandanna. Red, Blue, Black; it doesn’t matter. They are quick to show people they belong to something. They fit in. But no, they don’t stop there. They have to go and get it permanently etched into their bodies. Tattoos that make it impossible to separate or individualize Themselves From Gangs.

K.K.K.-When the kitchen gets to hot, they throw on a Hood. White or Red; it doesn’t matter. They aren’t as quick to show people they belong to something. But they are quick to point out they fit in. They just use words instead of Ink. NIGGER THIS, NIGGER THAT, HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A NIGGERS DEAD? Yes there are K.K.K.’s that have Tattoos, but the majority keep their beliefs inside.

M.S.B.-When the kitchen get hot, they throw on a Scarf. White; but that doesn’t matter. They are desperate to show they belong to something. They fit in. They just don’t use Words or Ink, they use belts made to explode and inflict as much damage as possible.

Side Note: My niece told me there was a difference between putting a K.K.K. hood on a little baby and buying a little baby Fake Gold Teeth. She said one is not meant to set the Agenda to Kill. So I asked her. “What happens to that little boy when he grows up and wants everything that goes with those Gold Teeth? He becomes the one that robs, sells drugs, and eventually will make the decision to kill or be killed.

The Similarities

B.M.W.-I’m not wrong because I believe. These People know that slavery was once a part of the United States and they believe racism will always be a part of the United States. They believe a Black Man will never get a fair shake, no matter how many exceptions they are presented with. They believe they were put on this earth to fail. And no one is going to touch that Belief.

K.K.K.-I’m not wrong because I believe. These People want a return to the Glory days of Segregation. They believe they are far more adept than any Black Person could be. They believe White People settled this Country and Should Control it Forever. They believe the Purity of the White Race is the biggest Issue facing them. And no one is going to touch that Belief.

M.S.B.-I’m not wrong because I believe. These People only have to look towards the Koran to find Belief. When it can’t be found, they look toward the Sheiks. They believe Israel shouldn’t exist. They Believe Capitalism will ruin their Religion. They believe killing themselves is acceptable as long as they do it for a Good Cause. And no one is going to touch that Belief.

The Opportunities

B.M.W.-The Most Radical Need Not Apply. There are opportunities available to this faction, but they won’t accept them. Not because they don’t want them. It’s because accepting them down grades your creditability. To reject the Lifestyle would mean your a traitor, a backstabber, and embarrassment to your Faction. Why can’t I be Black and Smart?

K.K.K.-The Most Radical Need Not Apply. There are opportunities available to this faction, and they will accept them. They will take a position as long as another White Person is in Charge. Let a Black Man take over and it’s time to go. Not because he’s a Bad Guy, It’s because working under him down grades your creditability, To reject the Lifestyle would mean your a traitor, a backstabber, and embarrassment to your Faction. Can I pay my bill, even if a Black Man signs my check?

M.S.B. -The Most Radical Need Not Apply. There are opportunities available to this Faction, but they are given no chance to see them. Instead of learning to read, write and think independently, they are taught to shoot in Elementary School. I’m sure Muslim parents cringe at that thought, but they send them to school none the less. It’s not because they don’t want their children to have long lives. It’s because if the don’t fight for Islam your creditability is down graded. To reject the Lifestyle would mean you’re a traitor, a back stabber, and an embarrassment to your Faction. Can I pray to Allah, without wanting to Kill Someone?

The Point

Every group of People have Conservative thinkers, Liberal thinkers, and those who Follow One of the Two. No one in this World is meant to Go It Alone. We are born into families and our families are connected by Culture, Religion, and Common Ideals. When we lack those Families and Networks, we feel lost and want to belong to something.

That’s where the Factions come in. They scoop up those that are alone, hurt, and angry; with no where to place their frustration. They take them in and give them acceptance, but along with that comes the Negative. Nothing in this world comes without a price. The admission to these groups; Your Ability to think for yourself, Your Ability to break Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions, Your Ability to learn from other People, Cultures, or Religions, basically Your Soul. Just to Belong.

None of these Groups Are Respectable. None of these Groups bring any Good into the World. But the Sad reality is, they will always exist. Someone will always find a way to rally the troops and improve their personal position. There will always be someone that didn’t put in the Work but expects results. And when those results don’t come, they will look elsewhere to place the blame. There will always be those that believe in nothing, so they will fall for anything.

I Love Teachable Moments

August 19th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Now I don’t like to Post other People’s Work, but I have to tell this story, in short. Read Whole Story.

This is Tony Petite, a 12 year old boy from New Orleans. When Katrina hit, his family was forced to move to Denver. When Tony arrived, he felt out of place because the other students were more advanced. But Tony got something he wasn’t used to. Help. The teachers spent extra time with Tony getting him caught up.

Tony’s family moved back to New Orleans. They came back to their neighborhood where houses still had spray painted markings from when Katrina Hit 3 Years Earlier. He came back to his school, to see his A’s and B’s turn to D’s and F’s; he came back to fighting instead of learning.

Now the two People standing next to him are not his parents. They are the Principals of A New Charter School for Boys in the New Orleans Area, Miller-McCoy Academy. Tiffany Hardrick and Keith Sanders both come from Memphis and were Principals. They were also members of an Organization called New Leaders for New Schools, a non profit that targets leaders to become Principals in Urban Schools.

They left Memphis just as their schools were beginning to flourish to help in New Orleans. “I remember sitting in my living room and just crying, just really feeling for the people who were involved,” Sanders said. “Now we’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of the rebirth of New Orleans. How often do you get a chance to contribute to something like this?”

I could go into the fact they re-elected Nagin when He was inefficient at handling the build up and the aftermath of Katrina. I could point out that a lot of Misplaced Targets of the Storm have found a new life in other parts of the Country. I could tell you it is a disgrace that we complained so much when we saw the Storm unfolding, Now we have moved on with our lives like it never happened, while people are still suffering.

But I won’t. Instead I will give Praise to Tiffany Hardrick and Keith Sanders. I bet if I tried, they would say for what. Because they see the big picture and know they play a part. I will Praise Tony’s mother for seeking out a better school for her Son. I will Praise Tony for accepting the help when he moved to Denver. And I will Praise the Reporter that still believes we want to hear stories of inspiration.

Nigga Vs Nigger: Yeah I Said It

August 13th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I Know I’m Gonna Catch It For This One!

I had an interesting conversation today, and it left me quite unsettled. So I had to stop and think. I spent the majority of the day thinking about this one topic. Should we stop using the word Nigger? Now those that label me “Conservative” might be surprised to find out, I love the word. To me, it no longer holds any power, racially. If used to describe me, I accept because that person must not know me very well. And more over, they can’t stop me. They don’t deserve my energy, I keep it moving.

But I got deeper in thought, That’s What I Do? There are two different definitions, Let’s go through the difference.

Drug Dealers

There are different kinds of drug dealers. Don’t disregard and say all dealers are bad. Some are reserved in the fate that is awaiting them. Is it right? No. But it is reality and that’s the realm in which I work.

The Nigger drug dealer will sell to a mother, while her children watch, knowing they are hungry. He will take the money and walk away. Even though, he was once that little kid and he knows how it feels. NIGGER.

The Nigga drug dealer will sell to mother, after giving her children a dollar or two, then catch them on the fly and take them to the store. He will buy them some thing to eat. That might be all he does, but it’s more than the Nigger.

C.R.E.A.M. As long as we believe it, there will drug dealers. Until we give the Community real hope, there will be addicts. Reality. I’ve been there, I know that all dealers aren’t bad people. I know that some just don’t care, About Anything. So when I see that Cops killed a BLACK DRUG DEALER, I think of my NIGGAS that told me that that’s how they would go out. And I believed them.

And when I say they are smart. They will break down economics to you. They can give you an opinion on the Middle East. They do more reading than some of the “Liberals” that provide them with excuses they don’t use. But the minute you tell them they would be good in the “Real World” they pull away. Why? I have no idea. If they believed in themselves just a little bit, I wouldn’t have anything to write about.

Baby Daddy’s

Sex. What can I say? Again, the REALITY in which we exist doesn’t make the abstinence fight very affective. They even target the young girls with BRAT dolls. My daughter will never get one. But in our society, sexuality is more main stream.

The Nigger Baby Daddy has the means to take of his child, be they legally or illegally and doesn’t. Even worse are those that degrade the Baby Mothers’ by demanding services for assistance. Sex for Diapers. NIGGER.

The Nigga Baby Daddy got a girl pregnant before he was ready. He got a job, but it’s just not enough. He knows he has to finish school but the Baby Mama degrades him from not hustling. Keep going, because one day you will be standing on your own two feet and will have made it because you worked for it. MY NIGGA.

Children don’t ask to be born. Nor does their birth mean the end of your life. I didn’t start this thinking process until after I had my daughter. I want so much for her, but I don’t want to begrudge her the things I loved in my childhood. I want her to get a Fantastic Education in a Black School. I want her to Love Hip-hop because the music has a message.

Black Men it’s O.K. that you are not perfect. As long as you are trying, We got you’re back. So think about that when you try to hollar at that girl and she turns you down because your broke. That’s a blessing. Just do you a little while longer and God will send that WOMAN that will love you, fight you, and struggle with you. You will find your rib.

Baby Mamas

Sex! Yadda, Yadda, to much sex in videos, Yadda, Yadda, Girls Kissing on T.V. Yadda, Yadda. You get the point. Teach more Self Responsibility. Another Blog Another Day!

The Nigger Baby Mama will welcome public assistance. She will invite her drug dealing boyfriend to live with her. When he gets locked up, she’ll move to the next man, and get pregnant by him, too. Then as it gets harder to attract men, 2 Kids and All, she goes for child support. She gets new shoes, her hair done, and new outfit for the club Friday Night. I thought it was CHILD SUPPORT! NIGGER!

The Nigga Baby Mama will welcome public assistance. She will continue her studies and try to be the best Mom she can. When she gets a job, the government will cut her off, IMMEDIATELY. No more food stamps, No more access to public housing, all without giving a chance to allow for saving. But she carries on. And it might not be perfect, but her kids are healthy, clean, and being properly educated. My NIGGA.

And it’s the truth. There are Mother’s that don’t ask for hand outs and it’s not because they don’t need the help. It’s because the real help they need is not offered to them. Ask most Mothers’, Do you want a Rebate Check or AFFORDABLE Child Care rates? Ask most Sistas’ in the hood, if you could keep your benefits for 6 months to a year, would you actively seek a job? Yes. But you can’t ask them to work at Wendys’ knowing they are going to lose everything they receive now instantly.

Now I know every state is different, but in V.A. you can’t get public assistance if you have a car of real value. Meaning you bought a Car 3 for 4 years ago and since then have fallen on hard times. They tell you to sell your car, then come back and apply. That’s not effective assistance. Lose your means of getting to and from a job, and we’ll give you food stamps. Question Motives People!

I could go on all night at this, who knows, I might do a part 2 in the future, but right now, I think I need to cover my Ass.

In each example, I used a description of a person I know, Personally. So I’m not applying this to everyone. Unless you know I was talking about you. I can’t help you there. You need to do some soul searching about YOUR CHOICES.

But to all of those that fall somewhere between the lines of the two, take something out of it. Maybe I didn’t describe your situation, but I beat you know both types. Sit back and think of the last decisions you’ve made and see which line are you closer to. It’s not some thing you have to take offense at. “She wants me to look inside, Look Inside for What. I Know Who I Am!”

Good. Since you are so self assured, do the test. Think about the people around you and the decisions they’ve made and see where they fall. Does it mean they are Bad People? No. Does it mean you should no longer associate with them? No. It will make you more conscience of YOU? Maybe You’ll decide you were getting a little to close to the wrong line, and since then things have started going down hill.

I do it all the time. I question if the advice I give my daughter is appropriate at such a young age. I told myself I was going to be the first to talk to her about all the important stuff. But it’s hard to look at her and bring up Sex, at 3. So I don’t. Then she goes on a playdate and comes back talking about “Being Sexy For The Boys”.

I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to yell but that’s not the kind of mother I want to be. So I told her to play, like nothing wrong. I took my time, straightened my thoughts and went to my 3 years old and talked about what is SEXY. Did she understand? I don’t think so. But the next playdate was at my house. When the little girl said “Let’s play Sexy”, My Daughter said “I’d rather be smart.” I entered, set up Dora’s Chutes and Ladders and we played in Spanish.

I get to personal on this thing, but I want you to understand. I understand. We are all different. With different circumstance, different support systems, different thinking patterns. In those differences we have to find strength, not excuses. If each one of us draws those lines, and make decisions accordingly.

Now to those who find the “N” Word Offensive. I apologize but nothing is worse than someone trying to fake who they are. I am a work in progress and one day I may look back and realize the word causes detrimental harm. If that happens, you can take comfort in the fact you were right. You can even write me and give me a personal I Told You So. Until then I think the word is nothing compared to our current thought process. If you didn’t know, my favorite quote, “The most potent weapon in the hand of the Oppressor is the mind of the Oppressed.” Think About It.

Help Wanted: Equal Opportunity Positions Available

August 12th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Wanted: Young men to participate in Caged Experiment (2,000,000 Applications)

Salary: Negotiable; depending on time served

Requirement: Very low self esteem, innate ability to make wrong choice at every turn, strong desire to pass blame Elsewhere and the inability to function properly in society.

Benefits: Free Access to Health Care, Three Meals Everyday, Access to a Gym and Cable Television, and a chance to join the Felon Brotherhood.

This Nice Man will show you where to Apply

Wanted: Young women to participate in Breeding Experiment(750,00 Applicants)

Salary: To be paid in 18 years

Requirements: A Vagina

Benefits: Access to Free Health Care, Access to Public Assistance, and aren’t babies so cute

Do Not Apply If You Use These

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Wanted: Person of Color to Run For Office (Applicants vary by District)

Salary: Limitless; Depending on Character

Requirements: Easy on the Eyes, Clean Cut Appearance, Articulate Inspirational Speaker, and Very Energetic.

Please make sure your Drug Using Days Are Over prior to Applying

Benefits: Access to a Platinum Race Card, Celebrity, Inside Access to Hide Your Shady Dealings

Wanted: Street Pharmaceutical Reps (Number of True Applicants Can’t Be Verified)

Salary: Limitless; Depending on Lack Of Character

Requirements: Math Skills, Ability to Negotiate, Acceptance of Incarceration, Indifference to Death, Ability to Work Long Shifts and Be Discrete

We no longer give race cards, due to their ineffectiveness in Court.

Benefits: You get it All NOW! The Car, The Girls, The Dough, and You Never Have To Grow Old. You could even win some new Bling and a Promotion

Wanted: Students to Participate in Educational Experiment (300,000 applicants every year)

Salary: N/A

Requirements: No effort put into learning, Total Disrespect For Teachers, Disregard for School Property, and eventually Dropping Out

Benefits: This is An Entry Level Position. Applicants could be promoted to any of the above positions.

1-800-Rac-Card

When You Need Proof You’re Black

Apply For Reparations Here Blast the War Here

Click Here To See Newest Race Card Applicant

Wanted: Young People to Apply For Scholarships (Applicants decline yearly)

Salary: Limitless; Depending on Desire

Requirement: A Set Goal, Strong Work Ethic, A Lack of Excuses, Ability to Prioritize, Ability to Make Sacrifice, and a Desire to Seek Out Help

Benefits: There are NO GUARANTEES, but it is a Great Place to start

These Opportunities Are Sponsored By the Democratic Party

You Know You Can’t Do It Without Us, So Why Try?

My Declaration to Fight: Forging a Black Civil War

August 11th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

After America won it’s freedom from the British, we were a Country. A country ready to forge a path into history. But before we could reach the future, we had to fight amongst ourselves.

In Iraq, most of the violence is sectarian, meaning they are fighting over what they want their country to become. They are not over there saying let’s blame Saddam, the U.S., the world; I’m sure some are, but as a whole I doubt it. They are meeting with family and friends previously prohibited by their own government.

I saw a bumper sticker that said “War isn’t the answer.” I thought to myself; it’s the solution.

As Conservative Black Folks, we don’t fight like we should. We look at those on top complain just as much as the one’s on the bottom, and we’re stuck in the middle trying to navigate through hate, bias, intolerance, and a constant need to explain we are not all alike.

So I Make My Declaration of War

On our “So Called Black Leaders”, your services are no longer needed.

We have a duty to wipe out mass ignorance and not help support it, by supporting you. I will say it one more time; How in the hell did you make it? And why in the hell do you then turn around and tell me I can’t? And I’ll even answer it for you. You need me to broke and ignorant so you can succeed. Ain’t gonna happen. Your final check is in the mail.

On the FTW”S of our race, Fuck You too.

You get no more sympathy from me. If you think you have the right to sell drugs, rob, steal, beat, rape, or harass, and still be safe in our neighborhoods, you are wrong. You are a product of your environment, no you are a product of choice. You could choose to suffer a little now; go to school, maybe get picked on a little for not having the best clothes, or not get any play from the girls. But you choose to want it now, and Fuck The World. Not working anymore.

The choices you make forge that environment you blame so much. You sell more drugs-> there are more addicts-> the more addicts->the more kids grow up without the ability to have the bare necessities. You know all those things you use as a crutch. My father wasn’t there, my mother was an addict, I didn’t have food, and nobody gave a damn about me. You selling that crack to that mother causes the environment that holds you down. Seriously. Blame placed at your door step.

(Don’t send me any excuses. I got a million. But you will never hear me use one.)

On the ignorant for the sake of being ignorant of our race; What’s up?

Once black people risked their lives trying to learn to read and now you risk yours trying to stay away from a book. O.K. I had to pause right there. This should have been my first declaration. Why do we set a goal to be stupid?

When I was in high school, (gotta get personal for a moment), I was a nerd. I didn’t need a Training Bra until I was 16. I almost got into a fist fight with one of my Math Teachers’ for correcting her. I had a hard time maintaining friendships with females, so I was alone a lot. In that time, I taught myself to type, learn the math for next year, and write all kinds of poetry. I grew, even though I had to do it alone.

While you are so eager for that guy or girl to look at you, colleges are eager to give you money for an education. While you beat down those that study, you turn away assistance in helping you succeed. (Be their friend and let them help you learn) While you tell a teacher what your not going to do, you miss a chance for a flame to be sparked inside yourself. It wasn’t until I was handed an essay in middle school did I learn to appreciate Hip hop.

On black women having babies to keep a man; you know he ain’t no good.

My sistas, I know we don’t always get along, but you deserve so much more. And on top of that, You make our Men weak. I don’t want to hear you complain about Niggas’ being dogs, when you let them dog you. If you can play a dude to get yourself some bling, use that same influence to make him better himself. If he refuses, the answer is not to have a baby, it’s to move on. Do you and do it better because you don’t have some one bringing you down.

On black men having babies and not taking care of them; you know you wrong.

If your dad wasn’t there and you choose not to be there; that doesn’t make any sense at all to me. What excuse could your father tell you that would release all the pain inside you? Would you accept; my boys all got dayton’s so I had to rob that fool so I could have so too? How about; your mother wanted me to spend time with her, I had other chics to focus my attention on? I don’t think that would work with you, and I’m sure it won’t work with your child in the future.

In the coming weeks, I will be breaking down each Declaration and starting a movement on it. I purposely left out hip-hop because it will change when we do, and not a second before.

Interested in joining my War?

I would like to tell you it’s easy, but I can’t. It won’t be easy, because you will be judged by those who like excuses. They will pull up slavery, Rodney King, and anything else they can to keep you were you are. They will say you ain’t fly because you don’t rock Gucci. They will say your not black enough because you speak with proper vocabulary. They will say you don’t care about the plight of black people because you don’t want hand outs.

To me it’s easy to laugh at these things, but it’s not that easy for everyone. The power comes in the little successes. When you receive your report card and see A’s instead of F’s, it gets a little easier to fight. When you get that job and that white man shakes your hand and tells you he looks forward to having you as an employee, it gets a little easier to fight. When a real man or woman approaches you and you can tell and appreciate that person, the fight gets alot easier. But these are not things that happen overnight. These are things that take Sacrifice.

Start small. Find a little way to see if I’m right. Call up your cousin that’s always in trouble, and spend the next couple weekends with him or her. Take them to a museum, a play, or some other event they wouldn’t normally got to. Find their passion and entice them with it. Watch them change because they get a chance to see some new. It will be the first time they think in terms of choices, and you will have won a battle in my cause.

Encourage your child to play with the kid that sits alone in the corner. Not just for the benefit of the kid in the corner, but for the benefit of your child. Teach them to see Character in Man, not the outside showing.
Teach them we all belong, and sometimes all it takes is an introduction to spark a long lasting friendship. They will then see that there are choices. Then we could have students competing for Valedictorian, not just prom queen and king. Then you will have struck a blow to those who say change is impossible.

Allow your children to listen to Hip-hop, then make them hate it by breaking it down for them. (This is one of my Favorites) Sit down and try to have your child (say 8 and up) explain Soulja Boy to you. Seriously, ask them what that song means. And watch as they can’t answer. Then play Tupac (any song will do, even a violent one; but for the kids stick with Brenda had a Baby or Keep Your Head Up) and ask them what the song means. Just do the experiment. If you don’t have kids, use a niece or nephew. If you’re a teenager, ask your friends. You do that and watch the conversation spark. You are helping to build my arsenal with each debate.

Come up with your own experiments based on what’s going on in your community. Like I said start small. If you have a good job and fly car, go to the ghetto during the day when most of the playgrounds are filled with kids and talk to them. When they tell you nice car, say yeah it cost me four years in college, but boy is it worth it. I got a job, a house, and a nice car. It was worth it. Set up a time for them to meet you in the library or rec center and show up. Be on time, dressed properly, and show interest in them. Show them how a man operates, and maybe something you’re missing in your life will open up. I’m just saying, we all have room for improvement. But improvement brings rewards. You keep this up and you’ll be a General in my army.

If you choose to stand in my way

Go ahead a try. See that’s the difference between me and you. You see an obstacle and look for an excuse. I see an obstacle and I look for a way to tear it down. I have confidence you don’t have the stamina to fight toe to toe with me for 12 rounds. I’ll be moving forward, while your looking backwards. I’ll be gaining success, even if in small measures, and you will continue to be at the mercy of someone else. To paraphrase Specta; Don’t give me fish, give me a fishing pole, I can do the rest myself.

But I will question what do you have to gain by staying in your current position. Are the Ghettos’ getting better without my knowledge. Are politicians keeping promises made during campaigns, it’s just were to stupid to see all the changes? Why are you satisfied with the script handed to you by those that benefit from your misfortune? Are you truly satisfied with our people right now?

If in answering these questions, you still find yourself opposing my position, I’m ready. The War Is On.

Could you imagine if we win? If each one of us takes a little step and we actually push our people past drugs, aids, poverty, defeatist thinking, misogyny, materialism, violence, and negativity that keeps us poor and oppressed. Imagine schools that pay for books not metal detectors. Imagine communities that pay for playgrounds instead of jails. Imagine stores opening in black neighborhoods, where white people aren’t scared to go.

Black Men: There is Power in the Military

August 2nd, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

In WWI there were >350,000 black troops. None were allowed to fight.

In WWII, the numbers increased. Though there were some exceptions, most troops still weren’t allowed to fight. They did play a major role as drivers on the Red Ball Express, the backbone for delivering supplies across Europe.

It wasn’t until Vietnam that black men got to actually fight for the United States of America. Of course, not counting the Civil War.

www.blackmilitaryworld.com Check for all kind of stats and stories.

Today, I get sick when I hear people say, the military isn’t a place for a black man. There are a couple factors that contribute to my disgust.

Using it as a Race Card

If you’ve read any of my articles, you know how I feel about excuses. But this is even worse, because they are setting up excuses for the future. Now what happens if no black men enter the Military for the next ten years. Ten years from now, you can would hear Democrats running of the platform there are no black faces in the Military. Of course, there isn’t. We have a volunteer military, if they don’t apply there won’t be any black faces.

They just send them places to die

More black men die on the streets of America in one year, then we’ve lost the entire time in Iraq. A Black American has more of a chance of being killed here, than any other place in the world. What makes it worse? Here, it’s usually another Black American committing the crime.

Experience can be your way out

How many dudes in the hood get the chance to work on an Airplane? How many dudes get the opportunity to learn how diplomacy works. Well I take that back, it’s a lot of diplomacy in the streets. But how many of them know, that’s what they’re doing? How many dudes wouldn’t make it in college, but would excel in security or be a great commander? Most people never know what their real passion is, because they never get a chance to experience it.

Other people get the Power

Most elected officials have had some sort of military back round. Those that don’t are usually very liberal and/or come from money. Military service gives you creditability. Just the simple fact you decided to serve, makes people listen to you just a little more. Whether it’s to complain or compliment, they listen. That’s power, especially to someone who’s never felt it before.

The Just

Normally, I would write out these long blogs. Telling of this and that, but this time I wanted to keep it short. We are a country at War. Two Wars, with more brewing around the corner, but that not an excuse. I wanted to join the Military, but I had Crohn’s and wasn’t excepted. I scored a 91 on my test and was told I could do any job I wanted.

They didn’t say, ‘well usually we sign black girls up for this.’ They didn’t say, ‘I think you’d be more comfortable doing this.’ They said I could do anything I wanted. By the time they laxed the rules, I had a baby.

Where would I be right now? I can’t answer. Maybe I would have hit a land mine and blew off my leg. Maybe a sniper would have taken me out. Maybe I could’ve been captured and held for months. Or maybe, just maybe, I could have pointed to something others missed and caught Bin Laden. Maybe I could’ve been the one to convince Saddam to allow the inspectors in. Maybe I could’ve been the one to get close enough to Ahmadinejad to assassinate him.

Maybe it could be you that stops the next war. Or you that wages the next war, with a winning strategy from the beginning. If we never try, how will we ever know our true potential. Just Ask Colin Powell.

$100 Million Man: Black Poverty

July 31st, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

A man wins $100 Million Dollars.  He decides to build a big house, and let’s all his unemployed friends move in with him.  He offers them food, help with their education, and a nice place to live. His friends are pleased, so what ever he says, they agree.

The $100 Million Dollar Man is a good friend.  He doesn’t push them to work, because they’ve had tough lives and deserve a break.  They just chill out all day, enjoying the free stuff.  Some of the $100 Million Dollar Man’s employed friends realize if they quit their mediocre jobs, they could live in the big house for free.  So, they quit.

One of the unemployed stumbles upon a good job, with benefits.  He’s excited, only to find out he has to move out of the Big House.  The man doesn’t understand why his friend won’t help him, when he’s trying to help himself.  He decides the bumps and bruises are worth it and moves out.

Conditions inside the house deteriorate.  The free stuff starts to run out, the tenants start wanting more, and the $100 Million Dollar Man is running out of cash.  The tenants decide it’s time to move on.  They begin packing. Right when they are about to leave, another $100 Million Dollar Man shows up.

He says stay.  I’ll take care of you. I’ve got more free stuff, and you have gone through so much, you deserve a break.  The people agree and return to the big house.  No changes are made and conditions in the house continue to get worse.

The friend that found a job, came back to visit.  He noticed the outside of the house didn’t look as tempting as it once did.   He goes inside to check on his friends.  And there they were; all in the same place where he had left them.  He found his best friend and asked him how he was?  His friend said, We’ve been done so wrong, this is the only safe place for us.

The man thought about his travels around the world, the property he owned, and the life he had built for himself.  He looked at his friend and said ‘If you leave the Big House, a world of opportunity would open up to you.’  His friend looked back and said, “Is there free stuff?”

The man looked back at his friend and said NO.  “You have to work for it, but boy is it worth it.   Not  depending on another man for your lively hood is an amazing feeling.”

“Your a sellout.  You could be here with us chilling, instead you want to go out with all those white people.  You sure done changed.”

The man realized it was pointless and left.  He returned to his life, and never looked back.

The End

<em><strong>The Characters</strong></em>

$100 Million Dollar Man was played by every politician that says “You’re black, you can’t do it yourself, let’s let someone else pay for it.”

The Big House is Public Housing

Free Stuff is very low rent, food stamps, and checks

2nd Million Dollar Man came at re-election.

Career Man was played by those black people that make it out, then think it pointless trying to help those left behind.

<em><strong>Question Motives</strong></em>

Did you ever ask yourself why Democrats are always pushing for more Public Services, not better Public Services?  They flush money into food stamps, public housing, and minor checks, instead of health care, community programs, and faith based groups that actually work in the communities.

If someone was constantly giving me more incentive to stay poor, I’d question it.  Why would you immediately cut off my food stamps when I get a job?  At least let me save a little first.  Why would you kick me out of my apartment, before I have money for a down payment at a new one?  Why would you give me more money for more children, but won’t offer any money to help me with childcare for the kids I already have?

It’s a real easy answer.  To get your vote, next time.  Politicians promise you change with more more programs, but when they take affect, most people who need them find out it doesn’t apply to them.  So the politician says next time we’ll fit you in.  They do, but squeeze another group out of the equation.  There is no progress, and our people suffer because of it.

Black Poverty exists because we allow it.  No one is going to invest in us, if don’t find ourselves worthy of it.  And constantly electing people to office that preach “We’ll do it for you” proves we don’t find ourselves worthy.  We got the money.  Some of us are making bank, but even those people won’t give money with no hopes of a return.  And I’m not talking revenue, I’m talking appreciation.

U.S. Govenment Apologizes For Slavery; Now It’s Our Turn

July 30th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

When I was about 11 or 12, my mother rented all the episodes of ROOTS. I tried to watch it, but I couldn’t. I got real emotional and left the room. My siblings stayed and watched, but my mother joined me in another room. She told me it was O.K. because it was the past. It’s important to know the past. I didn’t watch the complete Roots, until I was 20.

When I was 14, we went to the slavery museum in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s a wax museum with a duplicate of a slave ship. I almost vomited when they started explaining what it might smell like, how long they had to endure these conditions, and how many of them killed themselves. I hated it.

I’m not big on apologies though. I never had to ride on a slave ship. I never wore chains around my feet, waist, and arms. I never had to endure 1/10th of the things slaves had to endure.

If the United States government wants to apologize, do it to all the people that love excuses. I love progression. If it weren’t for slavery, I wouldn’t be an American. If it weren’t for slavery, black people wouldn’t be apart of this great melting pot. That’s the truth.

The real apology should come from us Black Folk. I know I’m going to catch some flack for this, but fuck it.

I want to apologize to my Ancestors that were once slaves.

Once you were shackled and chained, separated from your children, and sold and traded like chattel. You were told were to live, how to live, and sometimes when to die. But you continued to sing songs of praise, and upliftment. You had a million and one things to complain about, but instead you put your faith in God to get you through.

I’m sorry we refuse to follow your example.

I want to apologize to Martin Luther King Jr

You knew this fight would probably cost you your life, but you fought anyways. I know you didn’t think you would see the changes in your life time, so that meant you were fighting for the changes in my life time. Your work wasn’t easy, but boy did you throw your heart and soul into it. I thank you.

I apologize for letting your death mean the opposite of your life. Your fight wasn’t about making excuses, it was about changing perception. You didn’t want black men in the streets creating violence, you wanted them at home with their families. You wanted them to teach their children the lesson you taught them. How we let you down.

I want to apologize to Malcolm X

Your life showed the struggle of a black man. When all that surrounds you are things to bring you down, you found light. You looked inside yourself to find what was missing. You allowed to see that growing is inevitable, not something to be ashamed of.

I apologize for not realizing that it takes all of us to make a positive change. If we want white people to start giving us respect, we first have to learn to respect ourselves. We wear pictures of your face and hold you in reverence, at the same time we’re spitting on the lesson you taught us.

I want to apologize to Rosa Parks

How much nerve did it take for you to sit at the front of that bus? I smile to myself thinking about it. That is a moment in American History were black women had some power. As black women, we always want to help out a black man, but sometimes that means showing them how to do some things. I get that from you.

I want to apologize for the place black women have allowed themselves to dwell. You proved our actions could have major repercussions. You showed us that our voice could be mighty. We pay you back by dancing on stripper poles, chasing niggers with temporary money, and refusing to realize we can make our own money with our brains and actions, not just our bodies. We owe you so much more.

I want to apologize to every single white person that participated in the Civil Rights Movement

You had no real reason to stand beside us. You did it because you felt it was the right thing to do. You marched with us, you got arrested with us, and you were subject to the same mistreatment as us, all by choice. Thank you.

I want to apologize for the attitudes we still carry; all white people are racist and won’t give a black man a chance. I know that there are white men that create black charities. I know there are white men that give black men opportunities. I know that there are white men that can look at a brother and not see color, but see a man.

Think about these things next time you want the government to apologize for the past. Alot of people fought to get us were we are today, and instead of looking for hand outs, follow the lessons left to us by some pretty remarkable people at a time way worse than it is today.

Black Family Breakdown+ Excuses Excuses Excuses+ Refusal to Integrate= The Black Plight

July 25th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

On CNN’s, Being Black in America, I was surprised by the lack of excuses put forth by many of the contributing Black Folk. It’s even better because they are all rich, accomplished, and made it to the spotlight.

Russell Simmons caught my attention. He said you can’t blame the rappers for the music. You can’t blame an artist for painting a picture of what he sees. Instead, we have to take the problems showcased in Hip Hop, and solve them. So let’s start there.

1. The breakdown of the Black Family.

When you were growing up, did you have that woman in your neighborhood that would beat other people’s kids? Yeah, that was my Mother. I was hated because she would whip your ass. My mother believed, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

How do you develop a suitable village to raise your child? See most of you are thinking it comes with a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, with nice schools. That’s not it. It comes when Uncles spend time with Nephews because their father isn’t around. It’s a grandmother telling her history, because you make your child sit down and listen. It’s not about economics, its about time spent.

A Home should be a sanctuary. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the middle of a ghetto or in the Hollywood hills. It should be a place where morals are established, goals are set, and a plan is hatched to succeed in those goals.

I’m a strong woman, so you won’t hear me say “Women need a man,” but I will say life is better when you have a real one. It’s important because your daughters are watching. If you bring an unacceptable man home, your daughter looks up to that, especially if she doesn’t have contact with her father. She’ll look for the things that make you happy, and if you only care how much money a man makes, that’s all she’ll care about.

Men. My black men. I just don’t understand some of you. Now, for my brother’s that didn’t plan to have that kid, but are taking care of your responsibilities, you got the message. You hated the fact your father wasn’t there, so you decide to break the cycle. Thank You. But all you brother’s with so much hate in your heart because your father wasn’t around, why are you the ones that walk away Someone close to me doesn’t know his father and cries about it constantly, but doesn’t put any effort into his son, because his new girlfriend doesn’t like it. He’s a big boy, literally. I could imagine if his real father came and told him he wasn’t there because of a girlfriend, he be ready to fight.

2. We love excuses

This is the worst. The breakdown of the family comes first because that’s where a lot of these excuses come from. It’s hard not to believe there is racism around every corner when it comes from your family. My family asked me what my perfect job would be. I said, I would love to write for a living. They told me you can’t make any money being a writer. My first response was J.K. Rawling, the author of Harry Potter. I choose her as an example because she is the richest author ever. I shot high with my aspirations. They told me I wasn’t white like her, so I couldn’t succeed. I’ve written a couple novels, a few screen plays, even came up with some ideas for reality shows. I know better than to listen to haters.

But what about the kids that don’t know any better? What about the kids that have dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer, but are surrounded by people with no dreams or aspirations because they listened to the hater speech? Where is the accountability of our elected officials that should be saying “I made it and you can to”, instead we only see them when bad stuff happens? The message is simple. I made it. You can’t. Continue to vote for me. And it works.

Are there racist people in America, Sure. You’re probably one of them. Whether you hate Muslims for 9/11, Mexicans for immigration, or white people for slavery. Everyone carries some sort of Racism, but does that make America a Racist country. No. White and black people marry and raise families. Mexicans add their flavor to hip hop and the music sounds good. This is a melting pot. If you chose to make excuses instead of applying yourself, one day you will have to look back and realize racism didn’t steal your dreams, your undeniable belief in Racism did.

3. We don’t want to integrate

I was out with my daughter and see saw this really fancy store, so she wanted to go in. I was apprehensive taking a three year old into a store with crystal every where. So when the sales associate approached me upon entering the store, I wasn’t surprised. She asked me to keep a good eye on my daughter. I said O.K. My sister lost it. She went off. “I bet she don’t tell white people to watch their kids.” Everyone in the store started looking at her. Then she had to add “Racist Bitch.”

I was about to start my tirade, when the white sales associate came over. This white lady let the ghetto out. ” Nobody is Racist, your ass is just loud as fuck.” Then like some message from God, the lady’s husband walks in, Black as Tar. I couldn’t help but laugh. I didn’t think the lady was being racist. My daughter like to touch everything and I’m sure other kids do too. I’ve seen bad ass white kids is a store. I knew she was concerned about the merchandise, not because I was black, she was concerned about my daughter destroying it, and so was I.

We can take the previous two problems and add them in here. Black Family breakdown+ Excuses Excuses Excuses+ not wanting to integrate= the black situation of today. It’s no getting around it.

Why should we have to integrate into white society? You don’t, but you have to be respectful of it. You can’t demand respect, if you don’t command respect. Meaning, if you don’t want to be treated like a Nigger, don’t act like one. If you walk in a store with your pants falling down, talking loud on a cell phone about how much you liked jail, with a mouthful of Gold, as a black woman, I think nigger. No different than you seeing a man on a horse, wearing a cowboy hat, and spurs on his boots, I’d say cowboy.

We want to be treated as equals without acting equal. We want the ability to tell the cops when and where they can arrest us. We want to tell the government they have to pay for us, because we can’t work for ourselves. We want the entire world to think America is a racist country, without taking one step to improve our own situation.

Integration doesn’t only mean white people accept us and our culture. It also means we have to all other people and their cultures.

When we put all these things together, we have the solutions to the problems that plague us. The only question is if we want it solved