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The issues that are faced regarding black people and unemployment rates?
It is very hard to get a job out in the working world. Although, our newly elected leader is black, black people should not be fooled. This is still very much a white man's world. In addition, white people are trying to make sure that reversed racism does not occur. Yes, survey's can be manipulated. However, there is a scarcity of jobs out there. And, the more the requirements that are imposed for qualifying for the job, the more isolated able body working people become and the higher the unemployment rate. A friend of mine was telling me that she applied for a "Secretary" job, and they wanted a FOUR YEAR DEGREE. Who wants to go to school for FOUR YEARS and peddle papers? You will be spending your life's income paying on the loans!
On the other hand, hundreds of years of experience and facts can't be misleading, that blacks always lag in employment, specifically black males. If you add in a recession, then you get higher unemployment rates. I would think once something is a proven FACT, then you can apply all the other outside circumstances.
With the stigmatisms of the past, which are not going to change, what is really going on in the world? I would say it's a combination of factors and we can discuss this all day long but to discuss the “whys” are irrelevant. I really feel discussing the way to resolve the issue is more important. Although, identifying the problem is GREAT to know but once we figure out how and why this is going on where do we go from here? I think the most important part is we as black people don't share enough, we don't share our knowledge, our thoughts, our ideas, our connections, and so on... each one teach one! If we stuck together like other races and social groups, we would not always be last.
Hell, every time I go to a fast food restaurant, who is behind the mic and at the counter? The Hispanics... can barely speak English but they are there working. Why because they are willing to sacrifice their American pride in order to make a way for their families. Now, years ago... Black people were too busy trying to keep it real and strip and sell drugs then to work a minimum wage job! Now, these companies are looking past the blacks that want to work because they figure hey, why try to hire them when they are going to be ungrateful.
Another aspect is when black people are in the position of power... sometimes they forget that they were on the boat just like everyone else. And, I don't mean that to be negative but in this game, it should NEVER be one man above the crew. It's the WHATS IN IT FOR ME, mentality of certain segments of people. I run a Property Management company and when I meet people they are always impressed that I am young first, black second, and on my job! When I meet other black professionals, they are like I was wondering, “where were my people at...” “what are they doing,” and I say, “I am here!”
This issue is definitely not new and being from the same socio-economic background and neighborhood is not the origin. What is the contribution of those included in this statistic to this high number...? I ask because there are many different reactions to an action. Why have they found themselves in this situation when others who were once their peers are not..?
In addition, there are people in high class positions that are without jobs... and they've been doing the same job for years, they don't know what the NEW market is like... example, searching for a job on the internet, their resume, etc, etc...
As a matter of resolution, people can instead of waiting for someone to give them something. They can create their own destiny. I was in that predicament a few years ago, and I didn't want to be so beat down that I had to wait for the man to lift me up and give me a chance to work. I started my own business, and yes it is hard but I love making my own money. Being self-made is a beautiful thing.
People have to look in the mirror...and that means everyone, even those doing the hiring. We have to stick together, if we ever plan on evolving as a people.
Attached, are a few links...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112304092.html?hpid=topnews
Paula Dean gets hit with ham
Mrs. Make it Happen
Does race really play a factor in how missing children are being viewed in the media?
Now, when I first saw the mother of Shaniya she looked as if she had some issues whether they were financial disadvantage or drug related, which is not an uncommon truth or stereotype among black people. However, this story had a twist that wasn’t the norm. Usually, when stories such as kidnapping are displayed in the news, it is either a white family (Elizabeth Smart) that is affected or it is high profile black family (Jennifer Hudson’s family tragedy). However, you rarely see the family dynamics of Shaniya Davis in cases such as hers.
In one frame the news is showing pictures of Antoinette Nicole Davis, and her sister’s boyfriend, Mario Andrette McNeill (alleged kidnapper). And seconds later the screen flashed to Bradley Lockheart, the father of Shaniya Davis. Scratching my head for a moment, here you have this black woman who has the appearance of a drug addict and this white guy with the appearance of a clean cut guy. Many would say an odd couple but that is beyond the point. Whatever, their relationship was they produced a beautiful angelic child.
Now getting back to my original point of this post, does race really play a factor in how missing children are being viewed in the media? Don’t get me wrong this was a heinous, cruel, demented and sick crime. However, situations like this happen to people of color all the time. Especially, in impoverished areas and you hardly ever hear about the incidents that occur unless it is a three minute blip across the screen. Why is that?
Currently, I live in the suburbs of Baltimore. However, I am not too far from the inner city. Every year there are hundreds of stories of heinous crimes, involving missing children that occur and lead to tragedies such as this one or worse. For example, I can remember a few years ago that a little girl went missing and her mother’s boyfriend had raped her and left her dead in the woods. The little girl was missing for weeks. There was no national coverage, hell there was barely local coverage. If you drove south past Columbia, Maryland or north past Joppa, Maryland you might not have even heard that a little black girl was missing. After her body was recovered, it was business as usual in the media.
Two years ago, a man who suffered from mental illness and was awarded visitation by a negligent Judge, decided because he was not getting his way regarding the child he was going to drop his child, (Turner Jordan) ALIVE over of one of the largest bridges in the state of Maryland. The little boy’s body wasn’t recovered until almost 6 months later. I remember briefly hearing about it on the news and it was even harder to find news articles to be updated as to what happened. As a matter of a fact, it hasn’t been discussed in the news as to the outcome of the case. There was no commentary as to reform of child custody/visitation issues or how things like this could be prevented. Imagine a child in your neighborhood being alive and dropped 150 feet to their death, in the dead of winter. On the other hand, a situation similar happened with a Chinese man throwing his kids off a bridge. What was the different besides it was multiple kids or that he was Chinese and in their culture things like this don’t happen?
There have been hundreds of thousands of cases like this all over the country. Each day there are approximately 2,000 missing children. Can you tell me what they look like? What are their family dynamics? And, what is the motive for new coverage for one missing person over another? Shamefully, we would have never heard about Julius King being missing if it wasn’t for the fact that his Aunt was an Oscar winning superstar, Jennifer Hudson.
In my eyes tragedy is tragedy, murder is murder, and kidnapping is kidnapping. I sincerely hope that the media will not continue to only shine the light on one group of people over another. We all bleed the same, we all hurt the same and we all are human beings that have the right to fair media coverage to aid with the recovery and or search for our loved ones.
Prayerfully, the family of Shaniya Davis will be able to heal and receive an overwhelming outpour of support for their local community and being in the national spotlight. I also pray harder for the families of missing child that never received the five minutes that was necessary to make a difference. I hope that there is a call for action on this issue that has been prevalent in our society for so long. Slavery is over, Colored only fountains are gone… abolish the separate but equal clause and media outlets need to recognized people of all colors are in need of coverage. After all, this is the future potential leaders of America. So many potential, doctors, lawyers, teachers have been lost already. Now, is the time for America to wake up and understand that when tragedy occurs it doesn’t have a color, it has a feeling of irreplaceable emotions of pain, loss and devastation. There is no price you can put on a human life so isn’t it time the media starts to value all.
• This article is dedicated to Nicholas David Tonic. In December of 2005, he disappeared and wasn’t found until 6 weeks later. There were no leads as to the persons responsible behind his murder and disappearance. To date, the case is still open as an unsolved murder with the Anne Arundel County police.
About Mrs. Make It Happen's Blog
In my blog, I intend to cover anything from real world events to things that are near, dear and personal to me, to celebrity news and gossip. Hell it’s my world, and I intend to talk about it! I am going to give a direct or an objective point of view to things that may not be the normal way of thinking. These are my views and my views only, take them or leave them. I say what I feel because it is therapy for me; it should be light hearted, fun, and entertaining. If you happen to read something that you may deem offensive, please don’t leave a negative comment… excuse yourself from my blog.
I welcome any and everyone to share in my thoughts, ideas, views and suggestion. If you would like to drop me a line, please feel free to contact me @ info@mrsmakeithappen.com Also, catch me on facebook @ www.facebook.com/mrsmakeithappen
Thank you and I love the love…
Smooches! XOXOXO:-D
Oprah of the Future...
My little girl who is seven years old is the most darling thing in the world. J Of course, as her mother I would say that about my own child. However, I am proud to say that! I became a mother at 21 years old, and I was young and rambunctious. Although, I had the greatest intentions of being a good mother, I was hardly prepared for the long complicated journey ahead of me. I embraced the road ahead graciously! From day one it has been just her and I for the ride of life, every step of the way good or bad she has been right along with me. On days when I want to throw my hands up and give up, she is the REASON why I keep going! That smile and just the fact that I know she needs me, is my MOTIVATION.
When she was just an itty bitty baby, I tried to make sure I did everything right. I kept a routine for bath time, bed time, and her overall schedule. I gave her love and nurtured her with the tools that a mother should in order to make her prepared and ready for the world. My only prayer for her was that I was raising a humble and respectful child. I put strong emphasis on teaching her manners and making sure she was gracious and poised.
Fast forward seven years, through everything that we have been through I am so proud of my little angel from GOD. When my world is not as happy as I would want it to be, it seems that God always sends a message through others that I am doing the right thing. I receive compliments, daily, and great praise about how I am a GREAT mother. I am not one to take credit for things that are done with ease but on this one [being a great mother] I sure will!
This year, she began to go to another school, which was different from the previous school that she had been to for her elementary schooling. I was afraid that the children would treat her different because she came from a different environment. She went from going to a predominately white school, to a school where the majority of children are black. She came from an environment where it is and was accepted and expected to have great communication skills; therefore, she is a talker. I prayed that her new school would accept her for who she is, an outgoing and well spoken kid.
A few weeks into school, as I was dropping her off at school she said, “Mommy the kids at school call me Oprah”! I strangely looked at her and repeated her statement. Not knowing how she was taking her new nickname, I took a breath because after all it was funny, and proceeded to ask her how did she feel about it? She gave the demeanor that she wasn’t bother by it in one way or another. So I informed her that is a good thing to be referenced to Oprah. Jokingly, I told her that “when she grows up as long as she gets Oprah money she would be okay”!
Although, many have their views on Oprah and how they feel about her, she has longevity! Oprah has overcome so many barriers in her life and has a great from nothing to something story to inspire all of us. After all she is the wealthiest black woman in the world, a BILLIONARE. With a talk show that has been in syndication for over twenty years, that is something amazing within itself. I can’t think of any other show that has been on as long as hers has been on television.
Two months into school, once again I am at my daughter’s school doing my motherly duties of picking her up after school. As she was coming down the hall, another student leaving to get on her bus said to her, “See you later, Oprah”. Again, I stood in shock. Defensively, I asked the little girl, “Why do you call my baby Oprah”? She casually said because she talks, with the tone as if lady you know that already. I laughed it off and we went home. My daughter excitedly said, “See mommy I told you they call me Oprah”.
Now into November, I am back to picking up my daughter from school and it seems like the Oprah hysteria is ongoing at her school. As soon as I arrived to picked her up, I hear the announcement on the loud speaker, “Oprah, please report to the car riders your ride is here”! Unable to control my laughter, I asked the office personnel, “Why do you call my baby Oprah”? And, the response was one that ALWAYS warms my heart. “Be proud of her, she is a star… she is the future and she will be the NEXT Oprah! “
Be Blessed, signing off…
Mrs. Make It Happen
Rick Ross vs. 50 Cent Beef is the baby mother wrong for playing him close?
In Memory of Shaniya Davis
Today was a sad day for ALL of those with a heart and soul and a love for their children. First thing this morning, I woke up, kissed my daughter, got her ready for school, fixed breakfast, and walked her to the school bus. I kissed her again, wished her a GREAT day at school, and waved good bye. Unfortunately, that is not something little five year old Shaniya Davis will not experience.
Sadly to say but, today, Shaniya’s body was recovered along a North Carolina Highway in a shallow grave. Just to write this brings tears to me, and I was praying for a positive outcome. After reading about how her own mother, Antoinette Nicole Davis, was being charged with human trafficking and other charges, I knew in my heart that this was not going to be a positive situation.
Sunday evening, I watched the news and the story about how little Shaniya’s disappearance was unfolding and I was heartbroken. It was heart wrenching to watch her father cry uncontrollably, and plead with the public for her safe return. His pain was so great and unbearable; I could never imagine what he might be going through. I prayed that this father was reunited with his daughter.
Through published reports, it was cited that Shaniya’s father had primary custody of her for the last four years. However, over the course of the last six months her mother had showed that she had stable housing, and held a job. He was a father (with) wishful thinking and obviously had the best intentions for his daughter. He wanted to reunite his daughter with her mother. A dream that was very short lived! Shaniya had only been in the care of her mother for a period of three weeks before the terrible chain of events.
As a mother of a little girl, to even hear this story was devastating… and when it was announced that her body was found, I shed tears myself. My little girl sat next to me and said, “Mommy why are you crying”? I had to take a moment to get my thoughts together in order to best explain it to her. The first thought that went through my head was how could a mother be so cruel? I truly believe our jobs as parents are suppose to love, protect and defend our children from the evils of the world. There is nothing more evil for a five year old girl, than your own mother prostituting you.
And, what makes this story even sicker is not the fact that a mother would prostitute her own child, but to see video footage of a grown man carrying this innocent five year old child down a hotel hallway.
I just shook my head at this GROWN ASS MAN, carrying a child into a hotel room for sex like a groom would his bride on their honeymoon. It is just enough to make one sick.
There are so many issues that are puzzling. The first issue is beyond Shaniya’s father wanting to have his daughter bond with her mother, he had been raising her for four years. There had to be some signs subconsciously that her mother was not capable of raising her. The second issue is what was the motive for any reason beyond sheer stupidity and greed to feel that your child’s body can be expendable and put up for sale to the highest low-life bidder. And, my final issue is how and why does a grown man or anyone for that matter think that having sex with a child is remotely kosher.
Because, I am a mother that is over protective and communicates openly with her child; I have instructed my daughter to recognize when an adult is doing something shady, or that they should not be doing. I feel in many cases adults that engage in this type of behavior are going to try to prey upon the child when there is no one else around. I have taught my daughter that if she is ever in a compromising situation, to SCREAM one of all of the three following phrases: “Get the hell off me”, “What the hell are you doing”, and “What the hell would your momma say”? My daughter is seven and I had to make sure that she was in tuned with the fact that there are people in this world that are not friendly, and will try to hurt kids.
I pray for little Shaniya Davis. I feel sorry that your mommy failed you but God will take care of you! I pray that her father is able to heal from this situation. He made an honest assumption; regretful, it turned out not to be a good judgment decision. Hug your child(ren) today, as for I have hugged mine. It takes a whole village to raise a child, what are you doing to strengthen your village? God Bless.
*Please turn into April Sims and the Peace Man discussing Shaniya Davis on blogtalkradio
Rappers and Incarceration
From its conception, Rap music was about telling a story and creating vivid images of things that one wished to acquire. I have been a fan since the late eighties. When I became a fan, it was during the time of the Self-destruction era. The rappers of that day spoke of empowerment, and tasteful fantasies.
Fast forward, twenty years and it seems as if a great percentage of rapper artist have, or will be facing Incarceration. In the beginning of this week, Rapper Gucci Mane was praised as the break through artist of 2009. Much anticipation and emphasis has been placed on his album due out December 8th, 2009. However, that has now been placed in jeopardy due to his recent incarceration.
Thursday of this past week it was announced that Gucci Mane was place into custody and lead away from the Court room after a probation violation. Now, to the average person who is not a rap fan this is run of the mill news. It is labeled as black man goes to jail for not following the rules. I must say that it was kind of disappointing news to hear myself. Although, I am not a direct fan of Gucci Mane’s music; there is no way to avoid hearing him on the tracks of my favorite artist! This summer along side, Mario and Sean Garrett, he took over the 106 & Park Countdown with the hit smash “Break-up” as well as Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” Remix. Not to mention, his most recent single, “Wasted”. Now the sad part is that he was sentenced to (12) months in jail for failing to pass urinalysis. Some would say, how could you fail a drug test with so much on the line? At this point we will never know… However, his career is on hold for at least the next (6) months.
Gucci Mane’s case maybe an isolated issue; however, it is not an uncommon situation. T.I. currently is incarcerated for pleading guilty to possessing illegal machine guns and silencers as a convicted felon. Last month Shyne (known as Moses Michael Leviy now) was released from doing 9 years of a 10 year sentence. Shyne’s release was bitter sweet. Many of his supporters were glad to hear he was finally released from prison, only to learn he was deported to his native country of Belize.* Earlier this year, C-Murder was sentenced to life in prison during his appeal trial in the shooting death of a (16) year old in a night club shooting. ** Recently, Lil’ Boosie was just violated for failing to adhere to the terms of his probation for drug and gun charges. He was sentenced to (4) years. This Month, B.G. was arrested again on gun charges. And, Lil’ Wayne just copped to a plea deal on a gun charge, and is facing (12) months in jail.
There has even been a rash of female rappers who have been on the list of incarcerated artists. In 2005, Lil’ Kim was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison for perjury charges. Foxy Brown was sentenced to a year in jail for a probation violation as well as other incidents, in 2007. The following year Remy Ma was sentenced to an eight year sentence for shooting her a friend over a money matter and Da Brat was sentenced to three years for aggravated assault.
As they say, “Sex sells”, I guess incarceration does as well, too! Many of the Artist named in this article have or had successful careers and notoriety that so many young Artist crave. But, what’s the cost? Is losing your freedom worth having the notch on your belt as “you did a bid”? Even though all of the circumstances surrounding each artist’s incarceration were different, it still makes it hard on the millions of fans who love their music and the children who look up to them. Hopefully, the future generations of rap artist don’t feel that jail is the way to go in order to sell albums. There is nothing exciting about being told when you can do things simple as eat, go to the bathroom and shower, not to mention your celebrity status is on hold. In jail everyone has a number, not a name. Being hard and gangsta on wax is entertaining, but like my man B.I.G. said, [there is someone always] ”Ready to Die”; especially, when in a crab in the bucket atmosphere like being incarcerated. Jail is not the place to be and as more and more rappers go to jail, my final thought is who wants to go to jail just to see their favorite artist!
Signing Off…
Mrs. Make It Happen
*Shyne is currently fighting his extradition from Belize. He is trying to return to the States.
**C-Murder has recently asked the Court to declare him indigent, in order her him to gain a new trial.
