"Life Is A Challenge - A Message...Imani...and Friends!"

"Boulware - The Collective"
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"Wow...All I can say is this peice is out of this world!"
"I swear the only thing I ever read that was this good and real was written by the great Langston Hughes!"

'Corey Powell'

"Life Is A Challenge"..."A Message...Imani...and Friends!"
by
Gregory V. Boulware
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Greg.:

I would like to take the time to say...I really appreciate all your support (giving a listening ear, having an inspiring spirit of which has shined on my life, for being one of the blessed 'keepers of the holy grail of knowledge.'

My brother, in the persuit of the highest life......Keep ON Keeping On Being the Wonderful, Careful Listener and Speaker You Are. For we all need people and tasks which challenges our minds to not just look down the road and give a blanket statement because it is easier to do, rather 'We' so badly need people like you who look within ourselves for springboards of hope and higher living.

I really love the way you organized the article, blogger.com/profile... I look forward to really taking my time and surfing through your gallery of hope and knowledge. This organized and user friendly (low-skilled/+) really feels calm and easy.

Be well and be blessed.

Crystal Waters /Imani
(Willie Towns)
Monday, January 18, 2010 2:52 PM
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I certainly appreciate all that you have said, My Sister! I am HUMBLED, HONORED, and Truly BLESSED!

"Into Each Life, Some Rain Must Fall!"

"Life Is A Challenge...Each and Every Day...difficult or no!"

Greg.

"Boulware - The Collective"
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"AFRIKA WEST"
Posted Saturday, December 26th 2009 at 8:46PM
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Saturday, December 26th 2009 at 8:58PM
I did so enjoy reading this. And, while reading this "I' could not get the picture out of my mine, will so many of us in our community just dismiss this out of hand or let it slide until the book comes out...and if the book gets the author an interview even on a local Tv news, will the right-wing not be far behind tis with their black experts to shoot this down?!?

Brother never forget we live in a country called America(smile)

Please do follow up on this and links also...

Greg, as Dr. Larry Ross is our BIA community's resident Anthropologist and an ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY member... is he on your friendship list and if nothing else this will be a good time to let him become aware of this blog of yours right here on this site.(smile)

I want to know that some one besides me is going to have to go spend lots of time and energy doing doing a follow up on your informatin here...one of my hobbys is reading ...and as I have never heard of the SUMERS, I will begin herewith on my computer...

Thanks alot Greg as I know I will enjoy every moment of my research on this subject.(smile)

Saturday, December 26th 2009 at 8:58PM
Irma Robinson - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, December 27th 2009 at 11:24AM
Thanks Greg, and I am looking forward to the book.

Steve Williams - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, December 27th 2009 at 11:49AM
great scholarship,

Robert Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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“A Students Prelude to Management and Computer Science”
Posted Monday, December 21st 2009 at 9:56PM
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Monday, December 21st 2009 at 11:04PM
Some thoughts:

You do not need to have a degree in IT or BI to be successful in IT, but you do need to have an interest and an aptitude for math and logic. In fact, many if not most of the people that I have worked with as application programmers, software engineers, database administrators and systems analyst do not have computer science degrees. Many either minored in CS (like me), have degrees in engineering or life sciences. In most cases, opportunities are given based on skill level and not educational background.

Of all the programming languages that you listed that were to be given by this school, none are object oriented, e.g. that allow you to create objects and inherit their properties to create child objects. Java is object oriented, and is a totally different language than Java script. Object orientation allows you to create reusable code, which has too many advantages to list here. This is a concept anyone seeking a career in application and/or systems programming would need to know.

A lot of these schools that offer courses to create a career in IT barely give the fundamentals one would need to break into the industry. I’ve seen a lot of people waste thousands of dollars on “certificates” that mean nothing to interviewers, who care more about whether you understand entity relationships, how to put a table in third normal form, write a shell script in Unix/Linux and more importantly, how to analyze a business problem and devise a solution.

For that reason what I would suggest is a focus on business analysis. There is a huge need in IT for business analysts to gather, analyze and document business requirements. Such a person needs to have a thorough knowledge of the SDLC (software development life cycle), the ability to grasp business processes and an understanding of various SDLC methodologies. You don’t necessarily need to have an expert level knowledge of programming, but a working knowledge helps. You should be very familiar with tools such as Excel, MS Project, MS Visio for starters. You would need to be able to put together flow charts illustrating
business processes, have good written communication skills, and the ability to organize and lead design meetings with technical and business people. Other key skills are knowledge of the rational unified process (RUP) and universal modeling language (UML).

Sounds like a lot but a lot of these concepts complement each other.

Here are some links:
http://ocw.uci.edu/courses/OC0705011/

http://www.modernanalyst.com/Resources/News/tabid/177/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/566/Training-Program-for-the-IIBA - CBAP-Certification-examination-BABOKVer-16.aspx
http://www.ambysoft.com/unifiedprocess/rupIntroduction.html

Clark Maxwell - BIA (Black In America)
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Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 at 9:17AM
I'm thankful that I got big smart older brothers to help me.
Thanks for the info

Robert Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 at 1:42PM
I agree with Clark but would also add that you should look into becoming a Systems Analyst as well as a Business Analyst. The System Analyst will get more into the technical "how" of things as opposed to the BA focusing on the "what" needs to be done.

System Analyst normally have to write test plans, implement system testing and integration testing which are very important aspect of the Development Life Cycle. In regards to Object Oriented programming this is simply a chose SDLC methodology. It lends itself to JAVA programming but is not always useful for certain other types of scientific development. Most old school developer wrestle with the nuance of OO since it is not intuitive. But there are also other aspect or areas to investigate for jobs such as Help Desk providers, network architects, DBAs, Quality Assurance Managers, and Project Managers. This last one is something that all projects need if they are going to get to product delivered on time and within budget. Most Software Development Managers are dealing with this dillemma everyday. Anyone can write code but can they do it in the time frame that's required. This is why a method called Extreme Programming is gaining ground because it focuses on getting the product developed quickly before even completing the requirements. Prototypes are thrown together to obtain the users buy-in and then the actual system is completed. If you can't show a manager how you will help him save cost and increase revenue then they have little patience for your skills
assessment. Most of them want results and they want if fast.

Craig Garner - BIA (Black In America)
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"The Data and Tech Phenom"
a.k.a.
“Da Dit Dot Data and Tech Phenom”
12.2.9
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Monday, December 14th 2009 at 10:27PM
Speaking as a software engineer for over 15 years, I can tell you that over the next 25 years, "you ain' t seen nothing yet".

You said "But I ask, do they (creators, architects, engineers, the powers that be) know not what they have done? Have they made us all slaves to technology? Do they have a care about the poor fool that will not buy food in order to pay his/her cell phone bill? I think not."

I don't think the IT industry create technical slaves no more than the soda pop industry create addicts. The individual makes a choice to increase expose to privacy or caffeine , before the internet there was still a credit report, government databases and satellites in space. The modern IT industry just figured out how to make money with "information". Access to information, at the level of your laptop is not necessarily evil, just different.

You said "Why is it that I have to continually struggle and compete for unreachable jobs and career opportunities when I see hundreds of people going about their routines and spending money on electronic devices by the thousands"

I am not exactly sure what you mean by this, but I can tell you this, if I don't study and continually update my skills EVERY year, I would be outdated within the year and unemployed.

Mr. Weston - BIA (Black In America)
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Tuesday, December 15th 2009 at 9:09AM
I've been an Information Technology specialist for over twenty five years in various fortune five hundred companies and own my own company called Technology Persuasions. I believe that technology has the power to do good as well as evil. It depends what people decided to use it for. I have seen technology make peoples jobs easier and eliminate their job all together. I have worked in products that have literally amazed our clients because they showed that something good be done that they never envisioned. While at AT&T we worked on one of the first video phones where you can see the person you're talking to. However the cost of it must have been prohibitive because I don't see everyone with one of them yet. Although the marketing machine for technology spend billions of the next new thing, it is still ultimately the customers that will decide it they want it. From computers to I-phones the technology will continue to evolve whether we are ready for it or not. Is the technology out of control? Of course it is since we are making things that no one even asked for or needs. Just like having the ability to watch TV on your phone or take pictures with your phone. No one asked for this functionality. But does it come in handy at times...yes it does. The only problem with technology is that it is introduced by a business or someone that wants to start a business. And, most businesses have no moral compass when it comes to selling their product. They will do anything it takes to bring in the revenue and pay for their investment. So the issue is no so much technology but capitalism and how we allow businesses to do whatever they want in the name of making money.

The next big technological advancement is going to be robots that can do the job of human beings faster, cheaper, and without complaining. Japan already has a robot secretary that can answer all your questions and give you directions. But the scary part is when you have a ICM missile fully dependent on a technology code to hit the right target. If the code has been tampered with or there was an error then that misslie could end up going to destroy the wrong target. Computers are simply a tool to help us do what we've been doing all the time except easier and faster. But even technology has limitations and man must balance his need to
explore the unknown with the need to keep a humanistic connection with the people.

Craig Garner - BIA (Black In America)
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Tuesday, December 15th 2009 at 2:19PM
Nicely done my brother an intresting and informative read. Thank you.

Mozell Fleming - BIA (Black In America)
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"Will Racism, Fear, and Hatred Ever End?" Article from "ColorOfChange.org"
Posted Saturday, November 14th 2009 at 10:04PM
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Saturday, November 14th 2009 at 10:20PM
Rupert is a racist, ok Thats his choice. But we too have choices like whether to write and email the FCC to get his funding cut.

Sure they all get funded even millionares like this racist. Lets get busy black folk and you latinas asians you are next, Racist don't discriminate on who they hate they hate us all. Plus sign this petition. Great post my brother.

Mozell Fleming - BIA (Black In America)
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Saturday, November 14th 2009 at 10:32PM
Actually Gregory thanks...this has gone a long way in helping me to bettter understand why, I saw an ad on the Rachael Maddow program on msnbc last night about watch the FOX network.

Maybe this is another form of them trying to get Olberman and maddow to have a little less of the every day showing the screw ups on FOX(the last truce between Olbermann and O'reilly did not last long-LOL)...but then it could be to get them to stop talking about the blacks have a social network called COLOR OF CHANGE and at cost of Rupert Murdoxby a united front of B-L-A-C-K social networking...or maybe it has to do with them giving their viewers the $millions and $millions counts he is loosing in all of his raciest comments law suits both in and out of this country as he has business' all over loosing law suits/ money...who
knows.(smile)

And again thanks so very, very much ...YES WE CAN...CAUSE CHANGES LIKE THIS IF WE UNITE...

Irma Robinson - BIA (Black In America)
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Saturday, November 14th 2009 at 11:13PM
Rupert Murdoch is a genius - by forcing a knee jerk race bait reaction - Attention is OFF important policies issues and back on the age old formula of dividing the Democratic Party - Glen Beck's ratings as the “martyr” will sky-rocket! Oh and by the way, if this movement hits the press - you also alienate the independents (many of whom voted for the president) and mission accomplished – divide and conquer. I am personally sick of playing “Simon says” - as soon as Simon ( in this case Murdock) says the magic race
phrases - we go into frantic robotic mode and ignore the very things we should be fighting. NEWS FLASH - Murdock and Glen Beck have more money than all the people signing the petition combined AND even if you do make them say “I’m sorry folks”" - what do we gain? We gain nothing but the status quo – for those who still don’t see it – we push white paper and they pull green paper. We go home with an apology - they go to the bank. Why can’t we provide media completion – Why CAN’T some black folks stand up - raise funds from this community and build a national MEDIA company and provide competition to Mr. Murdoch –
THAT IS THE PROPER AND ONLY RESPONSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Mr. Boulware - I appreciate your collected response.
Mr. Weston - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, November 15th 2009 at 8:28AM
Greg:
As I think education is at the root of all good, and each person can only play their part, small or large, I am thinking about applying at http://www.philadelphiateachingfellows.org/overview.html  Do you know of them?

Racism will only end if we each live non-racism and show by example for others we personally touch.

Steve Williams - BIA (Black In America)
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"Our Family Veterans”
Posted Wednesday, November 11th 2009 at 9:32PM
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Thursday, November 12th 2009 at 2:56AM
Brother Boulware thanks for much for this very touching blog in memory of your grandfather.

Jen Fad - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, November 12th 2009 at 3:52AM
Beautiful and timeless, Gregory. Thanks for sharing.(smile)

Irma Robinson - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, November 12th 2009 at 12:42PM
Beautiful story and history Greg. Thanks for sharing.

Clark Maxwell - BIA (Black In America)
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“We The Matrix”
Posted Sunday, November 8th 2009 at 1:50AM
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Wednesday, November 11th 2009 at 10:03AM
What if indeed there is no time? What if birth, 60 and death exist simultaneously? What if the change we see is a change in our perception of the slowing and bending light show that creates the illusion of physicality?

The Oracle is not an it; she is a person and her name could well be Sophia. Perhaps she is loving arms and patient ears come simply to remind you that the answers are something you already have - they reside eternally inside you.

Be still a moment and just make a connection with self. Is not that self fundamentally the same as the first time you discovered self?

As for technology and whose zooming who, that would depend entirely on which "matrix" one is plugged into. If one is connected with and walks in integrity with the unchanging self and accepts the Oracle's simple truth, then the temporal including technology has no power over them. If one identifies self with jobs, cars, positions and power etc, if they are lost if those are lost, then the temporal including technology has power and control over them.

A bit more about the Oracle:
http://blip.tv/file/1834183/

Michelle Roberts - BIA (Black In America)
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“DESCENDANT”
Posted Friday, October 23rd 2009 at 9:44PM
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Friday, October 23rd 2009 at 10:30PM
Sounds like it fits right in with 2009 or 1940s,50s,60s,70s,80s,90s...000BC(that is if our recorded history of mankind goes back that far) (smile).

Irma Robinson - BIA (Black In America)
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Saturday, October 24th 2009 at 4:15PM
The Home of Adaam was in Paradise.
Adaam with his first companion Howah-eve; at some time showed UnDisciplined, UnTaught, Ignorant Decadent behavior with a 'tree' of Knowledge.

Adaam then was given a created World---

The Creator told Adaam and his Descendants that the Soul of Adaam was more precious than anything of the created.

Descendants of Adaam, Cain and Abel, then did an UnDisciplined, UnTaught, Ignorant Decadent behavior with that precious soul;

Decadent murder for a created prize of:------ENVY.

The Creator since, has sent Descendants of Adaam with Messages, Laws and Knowledge, to Mankind, so that these Descendants will Follow Laws, Seek Knowledge, and show Discipline in their behavior.

The place for the Descendants of Adaam is also Paradise and I pray that I use Discipline, Follow Law so that The Creator reward me with Paradise.

Robert Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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Saturday, October 24th 2009 at 9:54PM
The tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi were forced out of the Land of Israel around 70 AD. This was due to the Hebrew-Roman wars that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Black Hebrew Israelites. Primarily women, men, and children were slaughtered by an over powering Army of Roman soldiers and conscripts in their Empire domain. The remanant of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi fled primarily to West Africa to escape death and prosecution around 70 AD. Then the Black Hamite tribal leaders conspired with the EDOMITES (Caucasians) and Arabs (Ishmaelites) to enslave Black Hebrew tribes towards the passages of America, Arabia, and Northern Africa. The American EDOMITES did the same as their elder cousins Romans did, conquered, murdered, rape, and divided the Black Hebrew nation. You notice very few Black Africans will reveal this truth, and most have little association with so-called Black Americans, because they know we are different nations. The so-called Whiteman gives the Hamite Black Africans a seat in the UN, as well as all other nations, however the so-called Black Americans and North American Indian tribes have no
representation. I suggest that you purchase and read the following book developed by a so-called Black American author named Rudolph Windsor. This book is entitled 'Babylon'. Mr. Windsor traveled extensively throughout the so-called Middle East and West Africa to trace the lineage of so-called Black Americans. Several noted Black Hamite African scholars validated that most of the West African slaves were of Black Hebrew descent. The other nine Black Hebrew tribes migrated from the Land of Israel (Jacob) to the America's over 2700 years ago. The so-called Whiteman tells you in his history (His story) books that Native Indian tribes came to the America's through the Barent Straits. Then tell me why don't the Native Indian tribes have Mongoloid features of Down Syndrome similiar to Orientals. My great grandfather on my paternal side was 100% Cheerokee INDIAN. We all know that the original Native Indians did not look like the Mongoloid races of the Orient.

Do the research and you will see that I am right!

Greg: Also read my profile blog entitled "Beware Black Christians", it will tell you about the origins of the so-called Caucasian jews in Israel today. Most of them are from Brooklyn, NY and the rest of the Metropolitan New York area.
jeremylostinthewildernesshasanziglar

Jeremy Ziglar - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, October 25th 2009 at 10:53AM
Greg, I like your site and your Scholarship. great reading

Greg is ok, I believe he is an includer, an evolver.

Greg quoted;
"The third wise man fired, “A True Black; has to be defined in the mindset of A European Slaver Racialist of the 13th Century----.
"They made up this Divisive classification of the descendants of Adam.”

“Black/White is a term first used 800 years ago; to Divide Adaams' Descendants.

I prefer to use European Madness Racialism to describe it.

Our Leader President Barack Hussein Obama is asking the "children" to Grow Up and Change. ---I choose to follow President Barack Hussein Obama, the Greatest European American Leader since the 12th Century, said the second wise man.” come on jeremy; Evolve--you can do it;--- you think in a language English that was Defined in The Dark Ages-

"Black" Plague Years--

Robert Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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“Digitized Downsizing or Electronic Outsourcing”
Posted Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 10:27AM
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Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 11:52AM
I'm working now with a home based business that encourages face to face contact in combination with use of technology. the income comes from using one site and as you learn more then you turn back and help others who want it. look at our information on twitter at 'ltdhq' and 'amway50'. product details are at http://www.sfutado.qhealthbeauty.com/

Stephen Futado - BIA (Black In America)
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"What Makes Black Folk Think That Other Black Folk Like to Party?"
Posted Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 at 3:18PM
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Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 at 4:04PM
Danm dog, is it like that? I feel sorry for you man. I have some advice move south young man!

Mozell Fleming - BIA (Black In America)
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Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 at 8:40PM
Indeed, either motivate your neighbors and the parents, or move...

R.E Jones - BIA (Black In America)
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Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 at 9:27PM

"Wow! All I can say is that this peice is out of this world. I swear the only thing I ever read that was this good and real was written by the great Langston Hughes." Truestory.

Corey Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 8:49AM
I have lived in a duplex where my neighbors would play loud music all night long! So some of this I have experienced. I went to them and asked if they'd turn it down. They did for a little while only to crank it up again. So, I left well enough alone and just managed to not bother them. Eventually, they played out and they had to move out for reasons of a breakup. I found other things I could do than to let them get under my skin. I believe sooner or later everything runs a course and the road takes a turn to an end or to it's destination. Grin and bare it! It's not forever and you don't have to be part of their party!

MIISRAEL Shields - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 11:31AM
Great story. It reminds of something Baldwin might have written.

My first thought when I read it was to move as a solution, but then it’s not so easy these days. If you own your home moving is not easy as buyers just aren’t there.

The other thing was it sounded like once that individual was taken out things calmed down somewhat, but I know all that fuss could not be the work of one kid; there’re others.

One solution I’ve seen on blocks like this is the forming of a block club. The residents get together, form citizen patrols, and lay out rules. They put up a sign at the end of each block announcing the club, welcoming folk to the block, and laying out the rules which would address all of the stuff you’re haunted by. They have meetings and patrols, and offenders are visited by the members. If done right it works.

In the end it comes down to decency, respect and a love of self. That comes from knowing who you are. A lot of the violence that occurs in these neighborhoods is because people have lost the capacity to be decent and respectful towards one another. And we do this to our own. Yet I can go downtown and the shuffling and bowing I see from some of the same people that treat their own like dirt, towards white folk, are even more offensive.

Clark Maxwell - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 8:12PM
This is funny to me because all of my neighbors are white. And my immediate next door neighbor's son parties ALL THE TIME!!!!! It is SO ANNOYING. They blast music at all hours of the night, stand outside of their house talking loud and burn rubber up and down the driveway in the middle of the night. And they've blocked my driveway so that I can't get in or out so many times, I stopped counting.

I did eventually have a talk with the father and owner of the house. Things have quieted down some. I'm just glad the Russian family of partiers moved out of the house 2 houses down last year. They were even worse because they were completely antisocial...

Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 10:27PM
BTW, the ultimate point I'm making is that I don't think it has anything to do with race. There are some serious partiers across the board.

-Blessings...

Dee Gray - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 9:14PM
"Sonny,s Blues " By James Baldwin! Thats it.

Corey Powell - BIA (Black In America)
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Friday, April 24th 2009 at 10:50AM
Greg, I agree, part of the problem is a lot of the people of which we refer don’t have a clue from whence they’ve come, and thus have no basis for self respect.

If a black man/woman is out here in this society, given the stereotypes, “nigger” and all it implies, and doesn’t have a clue about their own heritage, and then they unknowingly internalize all this stuff it’s not a surprise that they’ll hate themselves and not even know it. They are disrespectful to their own simply because they are projecting onto the mirror image of themselves that which they are bombarded with. And don’t know that is what they are doing. I see it all the time, in small yet significant ways. We’re so quick to rise up at each other. We cut in front, push aside, and act as if ‘eff you.” God forbid a shoe gets stepped on, and it’s on.

This is one reason why there is so much violence, because eventually the wrong person is disrespected. I’m not saying there is a justification for it, just explaining what happens. Again, if we respect one another, as we ourselves would be respected, a lot of this stuff would not occur.

The ONLY defense against that is knowledge of self, and by that I don’t mean “who I is boss?” but picking up a book and reading about how we came to be in this country, the tremendous contributions and strides we’ve made as a people, in spite of all the odds.

Just knowing that is enough to make you at least have a foundation of pride. Once that is there, you want to know more.

I was listening to a black talk show on Sirius the other day, and this white cat called in. And he said black folk have “not only taken care of their own children, but raised ours as well. They’ve cooked, cleaned, and built this country, fought and died in the wars, and achieved to the point where they are now, leaders in society, IN SPITE OF all the racism and bigotry thrown at ‘em.” And then he said, “Whenever I see a black man out here just making it, I want to go up and applaud him.” This man recognizes what blacks have gone through to the extent that he understands that our accomplishments are many. And that there is a lot to be proud of.

As for the block clubs, no, its not about being Marshall Dillon, its more effective as a means of bringing peer pressure to bear to effect change. The neighbors organize black parties and other social events, help each other out, and in most cases people who are doing wrong feel more encouraged to change.

And Dee, you’re so right, the partying is not a black thing, it’s really a class thing. White folk do it too. But as Greg says, when you’re coming in from work and trying to wind down and get ready for the next day, you don’t want to hear that mess, regardless of who it is.

Clark Maxwell - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, April 26th 2009 at 4:01AM
Mr. Maxwell, you're preaching to the choir. It bugs the hell out of me to hear a bunch of raucous in the middle of the night. It feels like they're standing in my driveway because they're so loud and obnoxious. Sometimes I want to throw a rock in the darkness and pop one of them in the head or something! LOL. (I was just acting out for a second...pray for me!)

Blessings...

Dee Gray - BIA (Black In America)
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Sunday, April 26th 2009 at 12:29PM
I hear you Dee. I haven't had that problem for some time, but last time I did I wanted to do exactly that because you get so frustrated. They make you want to throw something.

Clark Maxwell - BIA (Black In America)
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Monday, April 27th 2009 at 12:39AM
This is exactly the sort of thing that drove me to a nervous breakdown about ten or eleven years ago, when i was 23 years old. The non-stop partying, people standing around outside when I leave the house, trash everywhere, it just made me feel so downtrodden and oppressed. I didn't have a typical breakdown, mine was a silent cry for help. I stopped talking, became very withdrawn, I wanted to kill myself, I hated the world. I was on auto-pilot. That is how much I detested not having any peace of mind. And then, people weren't content with just making noise, but reaching out to bother me personally.

The lady who lived under my apartment was a crackhead and hated my guts because she saw me going to school every day and doing positive things. I knew it was only a matter of time before we came to blows. I dropped my house keys one day and one of my neighbors picked them up and slipped him into his pocket. WHen I proclaimed very loudly "Damn, now i have to have my locks changed today!" He dropped them into my grocery bag then pretended to reach in and find it. Everything felt so dangerous. Then the drug dealer who wanted a piece of me, and wasn't taking no for an answer -- which is what prompted me to move to a new state where my life turned around and I had so much quiet I was able to flourish and become the well rounded person I am today.

It all comes down to respect. Respect for our neighbors, our neighborhoods, and most of all, ourselves.

Thanks for the blog Greg,

E Private - BIA (Black In America)
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Monday, April 27th 2009 at 2:18AM
Wow, E. Thanks for sharing that. I guess we all have a story. And by "story," I mean those milestone moments in our lives that shape who we are and are becoming. This was a deeply personal story and it's a great example of how we can break free from the factors in life that aim to keep us down. Go head, Girl. You did what you had to do to be okay. And look at you now. As I tell the few homegirls I have, "Work it, Girl!"

Blessings...

Dee Gray - BIA (Black In America)
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Thursday, April 23rd 2009 at 10:39AM
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Hello Gentlemen and Ladies:

I sincerely thank you for your comments, advice, concerns, and related experience(s)!

Mozell...Yeah man, it's like that. Albeit, a damn site worse. What I have related is on the mild side. Going South? I don't know about that. The North is home. And at my age, I don't think a large move like that would suffice. My entire family is here. Think for a moment...what would my Grandchildren think if suddenly there Grandpop is moved to a place where they can't get to visit every week?

R.E. Jones...moving has always been a consideration. However, who can afford it. Most people build their lives around their homes and given today's economy...it's not a given. Motivation, negotiation, and regulation has not been a supportive lane of travel. Been there done that. And suppose the move is worse than not?

Corey... The Great Mr. Hughes? Thanks fro the Great Compliment! I don't think that I quite measure up to him. Albeit, I would aspire to reach that level. It's real and true...the inner city life has somehow failed to meet the needs of our youth and meet the needs of those truly in need of guidance.

Misreal...The waiting game is the only viable answer to the dilemma that faces many homeowners, especially on our block. Many of the residents are elderly and will not take the chance of stepping up to the plate due to fear of the young. There are tools available to fight this type of blight...but it's so damned slow in coming. I do believe that time will heal this situation...WHEN THE DAMN POLITICIANS STOP PUSSYFOOTING AROUND WITH TAXPAYERS LIVES AND MEET THE DEMANDS TAXPAYERS ARE IN NEED OF! Meanwhile, I will continue to fight for the rights of those that cannot.

Thanks Guys. It is hopeful that this discussion will aid someone...anyone who finds themselves in this situation. In many cases the law does work but WISDOM PREVAILS OVER ALL!
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Hear, Hear, Clark!

The idealism is great! Albeit, "Town Watch" works when yu have the numbers! Self respect is the attribute! But, if you do not desire to become the respectability that comes with the responsibility of decency and pride in who you are, from whence you came/come, its not possible to walk with your head held high and carry the pride it takes to say "this is may block and you and your cohorts will respect it!" I don't mean to say that you have to be a "Marshall Earp" or the sheriff at "High Noon", but it BEGINS AT THE HOME!" Do we all not agree, i.e., the "Village Syndrome."

I whole-hardedly agee with you brother Clark! WE HAVE LOST A GREAT DEAL AND ITS NOT THE FAULT OF OTHERS, ITS OURS'. But again, I/we cannot go and kick in the door to those folk(s) who will not see the ere of their ways and will not listen to you and me! What do we do? We form aliances. We group the weakest and the most fearful. The ones who have the most to lose. And we fight and defend to the end what is our rightful place...what we have suffered for...what we have sweated and edured...the "right to the pursuit of Life, Liberty and Justice, For All!"

Our children, disruptive or no, need to understand what our people have endured and survivied! They need to realize that it is we who have suffered for you in the constant pursuit of whole-lystict posterity!

"Nigger is not the name of Love!!!"

They, the offspring of our people, need to re-visit the past and realize the past is what shapes the future for us and everyone else.

Good Lookin Out Brother(s)!
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Thursday, April 30th 2009 at 12:50AM
Yes Dee:
You are to be commended for the supportive statement regarding "E. Private's personal pandemic. This virus will contiinue to thrive unless "WE AS A PEOPLE...WE AS PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS...WE AS BLACK PEOPLE (NOT TO REJECT OR DISREGARD PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CONSIDERED BLACK, remember "The Eye of Cain")...WE IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT...SAY NO MORE! WE WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND OURSELVES...ENOUGH, NO MORE, NADA!!! THE EVIL WILL STOP RIGHT NOW!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE...I HOPE NOT LONG! - "How Long...Not Long!", M.L. King

It is apparent that men and women as well as I, support the efforts of folks like "E. Private" and all who find themselves in the same and/or similar situations. And we condemn the evil practices that has been perpetrated, produced, and inseminated with the sickness of disrespect for anything and all.

Thanks to you all for sharing!

Once again, Peace and Love!

SANKOFA!

"Peace and Love My Brothers and Sisters of This Planet We Know As EARTH...and Beyond!"

Greg.
gvb1210me@yahoo.com
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gregory_V._Boulware
http://www.BoulwareEnterprises.com
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View the Articles, Blogs, Essays, Opinions of some Very Fine and Gifted People of:

"Black In America" - "Black History Connect" - "Black Authors Connect" - "HBCU" (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) and many more at various Socialization Sites of Inspiration By People of Color!

Gregory V. Boulware - BIA (Black In America)