Congrats, Bruno Mars - huge Grammy winner!

Picture taken at MGM National Harbor, July 1, 2017

A beautiful brother, but what is he selling???

Unemployment one indicator, but does not prove economic progress in African American communities

Just because you say you're not a racist means nothing.

Help people economically, spiritually, and psychologically to prove your point!

U.S. President Donald Trump is fast to answer critics who call him "racist" with indications that unemployment is down for African Americans during his Administration, but what is the real economic outlook for people of color in our country?

Let's first take a look at poverty and economic development in Mississipi, a state Trump recently called "The Great State of Mississippi."

Mississippi is the poorest state in the United States. According to the Clarion Ledger newspaper, "More than a third of Mississippi children are stranded in poverty — higher than during the Great Recession." (https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/07/21/mississippi-children-living-poverty/30494287/)

"Mississippi’s Black population was 1,143,789 in 2014 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The actual percentage of African Americans in Mississippi was 38% which makes it the largest percent of African Americans of any state in the country," according to search engine BING.

Mississippi's flag still resembles the confederate flag.

I've traveled through this state, known for its brutality against black people, and realize it's a dangerous place for people of color.  My family inherited land there but quickly sold it because of its bloody history. It's a beautiful place, I kid you not, but I'm sure some communities could resemble "Shitholes" after suffering through many natural disasters.

If Trump wants to show that he's not racist or elitist, maybe he should start trying to help folks in Mississippi instead of spending weekends in Mar-a-Lago. I called the Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier and talked to the manager and head pro. "Trump has never been here, not in the 12 years I've been here," said Ian Kahn. "I don't think we will be inviting him down here anytime soon," Kahn said. 

I contacted Kelly in Mississippi Republican Governor Phil Bryant's office and asked whether President Trump had ever visited the state. "Yes, he was just here at the opening of the Civil Rights Museum," she told me.

When I asked whether Pres. Trump talked with the governor or African Americans about economic development issues, she asked me to email Clay Chandler, communications director, to answer those questions. I am awaiting his reply and will update this post as soon as the information is received. She told me it may take a while for a reply since the legislature is in session.

MLK's daughter calls for revolution

Scene inside Ebenezer Baptist Church during MLK celebration

In a celebration commemorating the 89th birthday and 50th anniversary of MLK's death come April 4, his daughter, Bernice, stood at the podium in Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. Her mission: to spawn a moral revolution based on her father's philosophy which was developed from his study of  Western and Eastern religions.

The Rev. Dr. Bernice King, a graduate of Spelman and Emory Universities and CEO of the King Center, pulled no punches and preached off script. "Our president does not represent the spirit of America," she said. King inaugurated a MLK 50 Forward Initiative, starting today until April 4, and asked her father's followers to perform 50 acts of kindness towards someone of another race.

"God's purpose has been revealed...you will reap if you fear not." King vowed that she and God's people must put an end to xenophobia, militarism, materialism, and racism.

She urged listeners to choose non-violence and condoned unity. "We have the same speeches each year...now we need a revolution of values." She said we must listen to those we don't agree with and come together to save humanity.

King said those who believe in her father's teachings must not hate others because hatred leads to bitterness. She shared that she used to hate all white people, especially all white men, but said she changed her mind when she was given a sincere hug one day by a white male interviewer.

Earlier, Rev. Wright Lee spoke about the failure of the "white" church. "We need another Letter From the Birmingham Jail." He said of the present political and religious climate, "Enough is enough. It's time to be different."

All speakers pretty much followed the same script that has been spoken since King's death. His daughter is convinced that collective voices will win in the end. Manifestation of God's love will save us, she said.  

Suspicious Nabisco cracker packaging raises safety alarm

Piece of tape found on wrapper in Nabisco's Ritz Cracker box.

Yesterday, I took advantage of  Publix Supermarket's "Buy One, Get One Free" promotion at their Barrett Parkway store in Marietta. I purchased a box of Ritz Crackers.

When I opened what appeared to be a factory sealed box, one row of crackers had a piece of tape on it which looked odd.

"You can return it to the store for a full refund," said Allison who said she was in charge of community relations at the Publix headquarters on Delk Road where I went in person. After asking about the policy for food merchandising as far as this being a health/ safety concern, she said someone would call me back. I have also contacted Mondelez International, Nabisco's parent company, through their website and am awaiting an answer.

I requested that Allison take a picture of the box so they could possibly trace who had packaged the crackers. I am awaiting a call back as to what will be done on this matter.

Of course, I will not be eating Ritz Crackers for a while...

Cyberjagzz robotic students get GoFundMe account

A GoFundMe.com link has been set up for robotics students in Huntsville, Alabama to offset costs to compete in upcoming events. (https://www.gofundme.com/cyberjagzz-robot-competition)
Dr. Cydale Smith, an expert in ion-matter interactions and nanoscale materials/device fabrication, has set up the account. "Through my interactions with the public schools here in Huntsville, I have developed a passion for providing students access to quality science education." His organization,
4SIGHT, INC., is dedicated to advocating for historically, under-represented minority students. 

Huntsville, Alabama is known as Rocket City and the adopted home of Wernher von Braun, aerospace engineer and space architect. Half of the German Rocket program was stationed in Huntsville to help the U.S. win the Space Race in the 1960's. Currently, $30-50 billion goes through the city via government contracts. 

"At 4 SIGHT INC, we have a community-based FIRST Robotics team with students from these low-income families known as the Cyberjaggz," says Dr. Smith. "Our robotics team is invited to the 2018 Rocket City Regional here. In order to participate, there is a huge financial bill that we cannot pay for on our own."

Smith says the GoFundMe page will help pay for parts, transportation, food, equipment, software, supplies, materials, and team spirit items. Donors will be continually updated on how the Cyberjaggz are doing throughout this process.