#473 Is Black History Month Perpetuating Discrimination?

12 Sunday Feb 2023

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1. Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #473: For the past few years, I’ve been troubled by the following question. ”Is designating a month, February, as special for studying a particular race, in this case blacks, helping reduce discrimination or inadvertently perpetuating discrimination?“ Today is President Lincoln’s birthday, which seems an appropriate day to raise the question and provide some boundaries for the discussion.

The dilemma, at least from my perspective, seems to arise from what I think is a long-standing goal within the black community – assimilation. Assimilation in the sense of recognition as equals, not assimilation by eliminating blacks as a race.

The original intent of Black History Month seems noble – make US citizens more aware of accomplishments by blacks in the arts, science, humanities, and other areas. And the month seems to address some of those accomplishments.

The month also, intentionally or not, seems filled with articles and claims of “woe is me.” Articles and commentary that delve into past discrimination, what’s wrong with society today, why blacks are being denied this or denied that.

Granted, I have not spent an immense amount of time digging deep into all the conversations. However, what seems to be missing from these conversations now – and over at least the last 10 years – is an honest, discussion by blacks of how they intend to help solve the problem. What are blacks going to do to improve their own lot?

And the answer is not more busing to different schools. More busing per se will not improve the education level for most blacks. Education requires a commitment to learn, not just getting on a bus and riding to a different school.

And the answer is not more black coaches in the National Football League. What more black coaches or black quarterbacks in the NFL have to do with improving the economic well-being of blacks in general is beyond me. And even more of a waste of time is whining when a black coach gets fired. Outside of a handful of coaches in NFL history, all coaches are fired at some point.

I’ve made this observation in the past blog entries, but it seems worth repeating. And the observation seems so basic. If every other ethnic group entering the US has managed to become assimilated in two generations – three at the most – why haven’t blacks?

All other ethnic groups were discriminated against and, some still are. If you don’t think so, read some history of the early 20^th Century and then some stories of discrimination of these groups as recently as last week. Do you hear any of these ethnic groups whining about discrimination? Not that I know of.

What has been the formula for these groups? A commitment to education. Not a commitment to football or basketball or the music. No, a widespread to commitment to general education. Where did that start? At the very local level, ideally with the family.

So why aren’t blacks leaders learning from these other ethnic groups and pushing for education starting at the family level? Ignore Ron DeSantis and his efforts in Florida to remove an advanced placement course in black history. Expending any effort on DeSantis is a waste of time because what he says might be annoying, but it cannot stop a legitimate effort to improve.

Instead, think about how to get children and young adults focused on education. The education doesn’t have to be in college – skilled trades are needed and offer good paying jobs. And while you’re focusing on education, ask Congress to rename Black History Month to Black Education Month. Focusing the conversation and efforts on education will pay dividends for members of the black community and gain much more support from the rest of society. END ENTRY #473

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#472. Is There a Black Elephant in the Room?

31 Tuesday Jan 2023

Posted by Jordan Abel in Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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BEGIN ENTRY #472: The beating and eventual death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police was a tragedy. Nothing about the police behavior seems rational.

Since Mr. Nichols death numerous people have expressed outrage, and rightfully so. My question is where should the outrage be directed? Change is obviously needed, but where should we start?

In previous deaths by police of seemingly innocent black men, George Floyd, for example, the rage, especially in the black community, was directed at white police officers. The solution, many suggested, was more diversity throughout the police force, from senior officers to cops on the beat.

Such suggestions seemed perfectly rational. More black officers would better understand issues affecting the black community. More black officers also would help white officers better understand the issues.

The City of Memphis adopted many of these recommendations. Memphis installed a black, female chief of police and hired a substantial number of black police officers.

So, who was directly involved with the beating of Mr. Nichols? Black police officers. Not one or two officers, but five black officers.

When the inevitable blame game started, who did the “talking heads” in the black community cite as the cause of Mr. Nichols death? The cause was not the five black officers, who were later terminated, but the cause was always something else. Causes cited ranged from systematic racism by the police force, even though those directly involved were black, to the “boys in blue” are always unfair to the black community, even if the boys in blue are black, to as one high-profile columnist wrote, “America has failed the black community again.”

Huh? Explain this to me, please. Five black officers were part of a special unit established by the black chief of police to address excessive crime in a predominantly black area of Memphis. Part of that area is where Mr. McNichols lived. One the problems the special unit was to address included excessive speed on neighborhood streets. The police officers were directed to get tough on violators.

Well, based on the police videos taken when Mr. Nichols was pulled over, the police were way out of line given the possible infraction. So, rather than automatically blaming someone, some system or some systemic attitude for Mr. Nichols death, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and ask, “what’s the real problem here? Is there a black elephant in the room we don’t want to talk about? How much of that problem is being caused or being aggravated by members of the black community?”

The City of Memphis seems to have done virtually all of what black leaders previously asked of the police departments. More black managers, and more black officers. From all the evidence, Mr. Nichols did nothing outlandishly wrong, and did not resist. Yet five, yes five black officers savagely beat him. Does a blue uniform make one automatically racist? I think not, although to be fair I talked to a long-time black friend today who claimed the white police trained the black officers to be racist. I let that comment slide and went on with the conversation.

Maybe it’s time to quit blaming others for many of the problems in the black community and for blacks to start taking more responsibility for making changes. One thing is for certain. Continuing to blame others for seemingly every ill in the black community is a surefire way to end up losing support of many outside the community trying to help. END ENTRY #472

#385. Is a Rational Conversation about Racial Injustice Possible? (#8 re US Post COVID-19)

12 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by Jordan Abel in Gov't Policy, Personal Stories, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution, a list of earlier revolutions and the author, Entry #1.

Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether in the next few years, a revolution in the US is still possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Most recent sense check, Entry #365.

Some of the entries are part of a series. Several series are available as easy-to-read booklets for download:

Working with Lee Iacocca after he left Chrysler, 2019Q3 Iacocca Personal Observations.
GM EV1 — behind-the-scenes events affecting development and introduction of the GM EV1, the first modern electric vehicle. 2020Q1 GM EV-1 Story Behind the Story Booklet
Coming technology tsunami and the implications for the US, Tech Tsunami Booklet with Supplement
Trump Supporters Brainwashed? A series discussing why Republics have abandoned basic principals, Are Trump Republicans Brainwashed 2020Q1
Who took out the Donald? Who/what groups are most likely to “take out” Trump? Who Took Out the Donald Entries with Update
Revenge Revolution — description of what form the revolution might take, 20 01 07 Start of Revolution

Prelude: I’ve concluded Trump is a lunatic and the administration filled with lapdogs save a couple of people at CDC. Instead of wasting time commenting on actions by Trump, I thought it more productive to begin discussing what happens in the US once the coronavirus is more under control. #378 began the series. At this point not sure how many entries. Comments and suggestions welcome.

ENTRY #385: An unexpected addition to the post-COVID-19 conversation is whether widespread racism exists in the United States. While such a discussion comes to the fore periodically, the current discussion seems to be more intense and have garnered a broader audience.

As usual in this administration, comments from Trump have created frustration and anger among most blacks and many whites. The event that precipitated the current conversation was not Trump but the gross misconduct of the Minneapolis Police in the death of George Floyd.

Although Mr. Floyd had a minor rap sheet, by all accounts from bystanders, Floyd’s behavior did not justify actions taken by the police – a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes, with the cop apparently unconcerned about a possible video from a bystander.

The protest against the police following Floyd’s death started with the release of the video. The protests started in Minneapolis-St. Paul then spread quickly throughout the country. Protests have continued for more than two weeks, and as of today, still continue.

Actions taken by the Trump administration have created more anger and frustration. The most egregious action seemed to be when Trump, using a loophole in the law that allowed military troops deployed in Washington DC to bring protests “under control.” Some of the protests included looting.

Last weekend (06/06-07/2020) Trump ordered Attorney General William Barr to have the military troops disperse peaceful protesters away from Lafayette Park. Protesters were met with “chemical” smoke (likely pepper spray or teargas), rubber bullets and low-hovering helicopters.

Why such drastic action? Was the White House in danger of being overrun? Was there extensive looting? No and no. The protesters were cleared by military troops so Trump could walk across the street for a photo op at Saint John’s Episcopal church, often referred to as the “President’s Church.” Trump, the paragon of Christianity, stood in front of the church holding a Bible. What more could his hard-core base want than a picture of Trump in front of a church holding a Bible?

As the second week of protests progressed, conversations started to include demands for reducing funding for police departments, and in some cases, eliminating police departments. Other demands focused on improved healthcare, better education, improved housing and some discussions about reparations for blacks.

I’ve tried to listen and understand. Over the last week or so, I’ve also spent 4-5 hours on Skype with a long-time friend whom we met in our early days in Charlotte. While we have great respect for one another, our ethnicity and backgrounds are vastly different. He grew up in eastern North Carolina. His parents were sharecroppers with limited education, probably 8th grade. Interestingly, all six children of the sharecropper parents went to college.

My friend’s wife, whom he met in Charlotte. as did we, is a high-energy go-getter who’s had a very successful career in the insurance industry. One assignment was managing an insurance company’s operation in a very large developing country. The couple has two children – one in college in California and the other finishing high school.

Our recent Skype conversations have included him describing the experiences of an educated, affluent black family with different police departments. Over the years I’ve heard bits and pieces of some of the stories. However, until this series of calls and then when I read his detailed accounts, which I encouraged him to write, I never realized the entire story. Not pretty.

The Skype discussions also included what he viewed as ideas to address inequities between the races. Before we started that conversation, he said “Some of what I’m going to tell you will make you uncomfortable.” He was right.

Every now and then I asked a question. One question was, “How can some members of the black community seemingly justify looting? How can one justify stealing, especially stealing from a neighborhood store?” (His response paraphrased), “Whites have stolen from blacks forever. Some blacks feel the only way to get the white man’s attention is to steal from him.” I found that rationale incredibly disturbing and still have not processed the idea.

Another suggestion was blacks should receive reparations from whites. The rationale, he explained, was if Republicans in the Senate were willing to spend $4,000,000,000,000 for a coronavirus stimulus package, they obviously didn’t care about deficits. Therefore, why not spend another $4,000,000,000,000 as reparations for blacks? Besides, he continued, the $100,000 per person (black population 45+ million so a bit high) reparation would flow back into the economy as recipients bought new cars, bought new houses, took vacations, etc.

At the end of that Skype call, the most recent, I indicated, yes some demands during the call made me feel uncomfortable. I also reminded him that I had listened carefully and didn’t challenge any of his statements. But the next call would be my turn. During that call, I might make some comments that made him uncomfortable.

What are we going to talk about the next call? First, I don’t believe the conversation about racism across the US should be viewed as a zero-sum game. If the parties involved will listen, and be willing to accept reasonable solutions, then everyone can come out ahead. If one of the sides insists on their “solution” or none at all, then likely no progress will be made.

To me, the only issue that does not need a lot of debate is whether most organizations have some employees who are not performing appropriately and need to leave. Such organizations include police departments. That conversation needs to include the police unions. I understand the purpose and value of police unions. But the unions need to quit overprotecting the bad cops. Overprotecting is not good for the entire police force, not good for the union and not good for the community.

As far as the rest of the demands, I have attempted to frame the questions to allow more than one view to be discussed and evaluated. The questions are:

If every other ethnic group, many of which experienced extreme and overt discrimination, has been able to get off the bottom rung of the economic ladder and migrate toward the middle class, even though the journey often has taken several generations, then should blacks study these ethnic groups and consider a similar path? What’s preventing blacks from doing the same things as these other ethnic groups did? While the situation for each ethnic group was somewhat different, the path followed seems somewhat similar.
If there are reparations, is it fair to deduct certain amounts to compensate or repay taxpayers for the extra cost of education, the extra cost of welfare, the extra cost of incarceration, etc.?
Wouldn’t money allocated for reparations be better spent on education, healthcare and housing? What happened to teaching someone to fish?
If the percentage of blacks incarcerated is disproportionately high compared to the population, what percentage of crimes are committed by blacks? One can argue about the fairness of sentences for certain crimes, but that is a different issue than the percentage of crimes committed by blacks. (And eliminate most traffic violations from the calculation.) Is there a reason beyond just “police harassment”?
What percentage of businesses in predominantly black communities are owned by blacks? If the percentage is low, then why aren’t there programs by wealthy blacks to encourage and support such businesses? Rebuilding black-owned businesses may be even more important post COVID-19. A report by CBS News (06/12/2020) indicated that when restrictions are lifted, up to 40% of the black-owned businesses may not reopen compared to less than 20% of white-owned businesses. The higher closure rate was attributed in part to lack of available financing.
Is it fair to demand quotas for white players in the NFL and the NBA? (Yes, that’s a joke.)

More to come.

#224 Rioters in Charlotte vs Role Models (con’t) (Part 6 of 6)

30 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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First-time readers, the dialogue in this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1. List and general description of entries to date. Annual assessment whether Revolution plausible.

Note: most characters appear in a number of entries, with many entries building on previous conversations. Profile of characters. You’ll catch on quickly. Thanks for your time and interest…and comments.

Editor’s note: at the end of Entry #223, I indicated the series of articles about Charlotte and the black community was complete. This past week (beginning 10/23/2016) a quote in the Charlotte Observer seemed so relevant to the series and especially Entry #223 (Role models for the black community) that I thought another entry was appropriate.

The quote is from Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers football team. Mr. Newton is a graduate of Auburn University. He played in Super Bowl 50 and was voted the most valuable player in the NFL for 2015. As one might expect, Mr. Newton is admired by many children…and adults. Because of the topics in this series of entries, I’m noting that Mr. Newton is also black.

At the time of the interview the Panthers record in 2016 had fallen to 1 win and 5 losses (in 2015 the Panthers were 6-0). The article focused on how the Panthers might turnaround the freefall from last year’s stellar season. The reporter asked Mr. Newton for his thoughts. Mr. Newton’s response, “We don’t need no messages. We out of things that need to be said. We out of big rah-rah speeches and everybody saying believe.”

Some might attribute Mr. Newton’s response to “locker-room talk,” where language is less formal. Nice try…but no dice. Anyone who has ever been interviewed by the media or spent any time around the media, as I have and certainly Mr. Newton has, knows that other than on rare occasions, all remarks are subject to being “on-the-record.” (Mr. Trumps knows that as well.)

So here we have a high-profile sports figure who makes at least three grammatical mistakes in three sentences. For many younger admirers of Mr. Newton, and given Mr. Newton’s success on the athletic field, the interpretation of his remarks could be that “knowing good English don’t matter.”

If Mr. Newton were not a stellar athlete, it seems likely he would not have a very good job. What company or organization would consider hiring someone for any meaningful position when the candidate has such poor command of English?

Did the interview happen to occur on an “off day” for Mr. Newton? Unfortunately, no. In remarks cited in other articles and when speaking extemporaneously, Mr. Newton makes numerous grammatical mistakes. (Panthers fans, relax. I’m not picking on or being unfair to Mr. Newton. He’s a high-profile athlete and promoted by the Panthers. Besides he was convenient. We live in Charlotte and I often read the sports section on the exercycle.)

I realize Mr. Newton is not the only athlete whose command of the English language is limited. Even the most educated people make a grammatical mistake occasionally…but not three mistakes in three short sentences.

Entry #223 described three “non-athlete” role models the black community should consider. Since publishing Entry #223, I’ve talked to the real “Rock Man” twice, with each conversation lasting at least 20 minutes. In neither conversation do I remember Rock Man making a serious grammatical mistake.

Let me reiterate some thought starters put forth in Entries #219-#223 and a few earlier entries. If the black community wants to begin getting off the bottom rung of the economic ladder, then it should consider: (i) promoting such role models as Rock Man, Lonnie Johnson and Dr. Benjamin Payton (#223): (ii) strongly encourage black college athletes to select a study major that provides the foundation for a meaningful career outside athletics; (iii) discourage black athletes from entering the NBA or NFL and instead, seek jobs in other professions. At a minimum, exert family and social pressure on black athletes not to enter the NFL or NBA until graduating.

Okay, I’ve made my case about a different approach for the black community to consider. Hope some of these thoughts are of value. Comments welcome.

#223 Rioters in Charlotte vs. Role Models (Part 5 of 6)

23 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Possible Solutions, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

First-time readers, this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1. List and general description of entries to date. Annual assessment whether Revolution plausible.

Scene: Jordan’s office in Washington, DC. Conversation for this series starts Entry #219.

Jordan: “So you want to know the 3^rd person on the list of role models for the black community?”

Matt: “Do I know the person?”

Jordan: “Probably not. But the person has an impressive set of accomplishments.”

Matt: “Well, how’d you find out about him…or her?”

Jordan: “Obituary in the NY Times.”

Matt: “I must admit, the obits in The Times make for fascinating reading. Remarkable people, and many you’ve never heard of before. OK, tell me more.”

Jordan: “Like Rock Man, the guy’s family is from the south and poor. Also, like Rock Man he gets into college and graduates. In fact, all nine children in the family graduate from college.”

Matt: “Impressive. About what year did he graduate?”

Jordan: “Entered college in the early 1950’s, probably 1952. Graduates in about 1956 from South Carolina State, which is a historically black college.”

Matt: “Then what?”

Jordan: “Next gets a divinity degree from Harvard, then off to Columbia for masters in I think psychology. The icing on the cake is a PhD from Yale.”

Matt: “Oh, is that all? I mean, whadda say other than, wow? Did he go into politics after that?”

Jordan: “Got very involved in the Civil Rights Movement working with church-affiliated organizations in New York City. He was also appointed president of Benedict College, which is a Baptist college. After Benedict he worked for the Ford Foundation until appointed president of Tuskegee University in 1980 or 1981.”

Matt: “Tuskegee has come a long way in the last few decades. The school really transformed itself to a credible research university.”

Jordan: “The 3rd role model, Dr. Benjamin Payton, initiated most of those changes. He was president for about 30 years. Think he retired in 2010.” (Link to Dr. Payton’s obituary, 16-10-23-223-obit-dr-benjamin-payton)

Matt: “Dr. Payton is clearly a great role model for the black community. But all three people could role models for everyone.”

Jordan: “I agree and that’s one of the reasons they are on the list.”

Matt: “The selections are great…but one thing that I’ve got to ask about. The storyline for all three seems to be a college education. You and I both know that not everyone is cut out for college.”

Jordan: “I agree that education is a common component. I think the overriding, and more important component, is determination. Each one was determined not to let the system or stereotypes get in the way. Rock Man agreed to become Mr. Mom so his wife could become a corporate executive. Would you do that? Lonnie Johnson was an engineer at NASA, a bit unusual itself, and then became an entrepreneur – first inventing the super squirt gun, then working on an advanced battery. Dr. Payton gets as many degrees as you and I combined and then turned a frankly so-so historically black college into a credible research university. Each one of these people broke the mold.”

Matt: “Each one belongs on the list. One more question about the list. And you probably don’t want to hear the question. Why exclude athletes as role models?”

Jordan: “First, sports for the black community are ok if…and this is the big if that seems to get overlooked in the conversation…”

Matt: “…let me guess the ‘if.’ Sports are OK if the athlete also gets an education, right?”

Jordan: “Spot on. To be OK, the athlete’s degree can’t be in some half-baked major where no real jobs exist.”

Matt: “Your OK if the athlete has a degree in a credible subject.”

Jordan: “And then the athlete uses the degree after the NFL or NBA career…and ideally during their career.”

Matt: “These days most athletes don’t work in the off-season…at least not at regular jobs”

Jordan: “I know. Think about this. What if athletes used their education in the off season to say, tutor kids? Tutoring kids not just in schools considered disadvantaged but all schools.”

Matt: “You mean like helping kids with reading, algebra, maybe even physics? What a pleasant change that would be.”

Jordan: “Imagine an NBA star coaching kids in English class and encouraging them to spend time studying rather than shooting hoops.”

Matt: “Interesting idea.”

Jordan: “And here’s my guess. Having a black NBA star spending just a few days tutoring kids in higher-achieving schools would do wonders to help begin to change the image of the black community among many whites.”

Matt: “If I heard you right, the NBA star should spend most of the time in disadvantaged schools but some time in other schools, right?”

Jordan: “Simple idea, huh?”

Matt: “Very simple…and could be very effective. Now, we need to end this conversation. I need to get to start writing articles for Greenie about how the riots in Charlotte…and elsewhere…contributed to the Revenge Revolution. I also think that even more important is having some articles that present practical ideas on how groups and communities can move ahead.”

Jordan: “Matt, these should be great stories for Charlotte…and a lot of communities. In the articles, please remind readers that progress can be made much faster by driving looking through the windshield and not trying to drive looking through the rearview mirror.”

Matt: “Jordan, as always, time together has been a pleasure. OK if I call back with questions?”

Jordan: “Of course. Matt, enjoyed it. Take care.” (End of this series)

#188 Is Pushing Diversity Like Pushing on a String? (Part #12)

09 Wednesday Mar 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Gov't Policy, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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Scene: Jordan and Rock Man, a long-time friend, are having coffee. Rock Man is visiting relatives near Charlotte. Earlier Jordan and POTUS began conversation about rebuilding US manufacturing and the middle class. Series starts #177; conversation with POTUS, #179.

Rock Man: “Jordan, really nice to see you. Glad you are on the mend.”

Jordan: “Nice to see you, Rock Man. Yeah, I’m pleased with progress on recovering. Enough about me. What’s new with you?”

Rock Man: “All is OK on the home front. Aside from the family, I’ve been working with a group to promote diversity.”

Jordan: “Diversity in what?”

Rock Man: “You know, get companies and organizations to be more diverse — more inclusive and more balanced.”

Jordan: “You mean like the effort to make the Academy Awards include more ethnic groups?”

Rock Man: “Yes, good example.”

Jordan: “And what do you hope to accomplish with all this diversity?”

Rock Man: “Have people understand issues facing minorities. And give minorities a better chance.”

Jordan: “Better chance at what?”

Rock Man: “Being successful.”

Jordan: “Pardon me for sounding like some curmudgeon, but what’s holding people back now?”

Rock Man: “Racism.”

Jordan: “Surely you jest.”

Rock Man: “You sound like some old white guy. You vote for Trump?”

Jordan: “Rock Man, racism has been around for thousands of years. And you know what?”

Rock Man: “Racism is going to continue for a few thousand more years?”

Jordan: “Well, well, now he gets it. Besides blacks aren’t the only group that’s been subject to racism. When you were in central Africa…”

Rock Man: “…I know, the roles were reversed. Blacks were the majority and whites were discriminated against.”

Jordan: “I sound like a broken record, but every ethnic group in this country has been discriminated against. And all but one of those groups has moved on.”

Rock Man: “You’re being awfully harsh. Blacks face special problems.”

Jordan: “Like what?”

Rock Man: “Blacks were slaves.”

Jordan: “So were some other groups. Besides, blacks haven’t been slaves for 150+ years. Now, tell me the next issue.”

Rock Man: “Why do you not understand?”

Jordan: “I do understand. To me the issue seems rather straightforward.”

Rock Man: “Well, then, how are we going to stop racism?”

Jordan: “That’s the issue. You are going to stop it. So rather than spend time on a issue that’s not going away, focus efforts on solutions to get blacks out of poverty.”

Rock Man: “We’ve had this discussion before. Bottom line is blacks need jobs.”

Jordan: “OK, then take the long view and start educating blacks to become more valuable to prospective employers.”

Rock Man: “We need jobs now.”

Jordan: “So do a lot of people need jobs now. You want some advice?”

Rock Man: “Not sure. What’s the advice?”

Jordan: “Quit whining about being black and start working toward getting citizens out of poverty.”

Rock Man: “It would be a lot easier if…”

Jordan: “…easy it won’t be. I can guarantee that the continued whining and demanding more inclusion – really quotas in disguise – won’t result in any progress. In fact, all the emphasis on quotas…”

Rock Man: “…diversity, not quotas.”

Jordan: “C’mon. You might want me to be politically correct. Diversity implies quotas. If you’re not careful, the whole diversity effort will backfire. What would really be ironic is if the public started demanding more white guys in the NBA and NFL.”

Rock Man: “OK, then smart guy, if emphasizing diversity is like pushing on a string, then how do we make this work?”

Jordan: “POTUS has a project to bring more manufacturing jobs back to the US. If I were you, I’d spend my time trying to get jobs back in Detroit, Flint, Chicago, Cleveland and other cities with high percentage of blacks.”

Rock Man: “How do I start? What’s the first step?”

Jordan: “To me, the first step is getting black leaders – and even unions in those cities — to recruit skilled black workers. Then contact companies that need skilled workers and demonstrate how you can help the companies.”

Rock Man: “The program seems so simple. Will it work?”

Jordan: “I don’t know. But the program is a start. A good model is what’s going on at some universities to admit students who might not qualify otherwise. Here’s an article from the NY Times. You might recognize a couple of schools noted — Davidson and UNC-Chapel Hill.”

Rock Man: OK. I’ll take a look. Davidson, huh? They’ve come a long way.”

Jordan: “Any effort to recruit minority skilled trades and other qualified workers should gain support from both sides of the political aisle. POTUS is looking for practical ideas that can be implemented without a bunch of government involvement.”

Rock Man: “If I can get the project going, can you get to POTUS?”

Jordan: “No guarantees…but very likely.”

Rock Man: “OK, I need a refill.”

#168 Black Women as Change Agents

07 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Possible Solutions, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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Scene: coffee shop near Jordan’s office. Matt, a reporter for a major newspaper, had interviewed Jordan for an earlier series of articles. Jordan and Matt having a conversation about Matt’s upcoming book, the causes of the Revenge Revolution. This general conversation starts Entry #165.

Matt: “I understand your argument about taking personal responsibility, but…”

Jordan: “…but what?”

Matt: “Blacks came to this country as slaves. Other ethnic groups volunteered. There’s a big difference.”

Jordan: “Matt, I’ve heard that argument before. Now, let’s analyze it.”

Matt: “Doesn’t involuntary servitude make blacks different?”

Jordan: “Why do you think other ethnic groups came to this country?”

Matt: “Opportunity for a better life.”

Jordan: “And what was wrong with their life that they needed to seek a better opportunity?”

Matt: “Probably because life was bad in the old country.”

Jordan: “Bad like famine, war, genocide, and overt discrimination – de facto slavery. Lots of reasons for leaving – and none positive.”

Matt: “But those people left voluntarily. Blacks didn’t leave voluntarily. No other ethnic group has been enslaved.”

Jordan: “Excuse me? What about the railroad workers from China in the mid-19^th century. You think they came voluntarily? What about people facing death threats in their own country? Do they qualify as coming here voluntarily?”

Matt: “Well, no. Guess, I never considered why other people came to the US.”

Jordan: “Alright, so we agree that blacks are not the only ethnic group that came to the US under extremely adverse circumstances and faced discrimination for many years. Have all those other groups remained at the bottom of the economic ladder?”

Matt: “No. Your examples sort of take away the argument that blacks faced special circumstances.”

Jordan: “Look, I’m not trying to beat up on blacks. I look at data. When say 9 out of 10 groups arrive under crappy circumstances and manage to improve their lot, you have to ask, why can’t #10?”

Matt: “One more issue that makes blacks different. The tribal culture of Africa.”

Jordan: “Huh?”

Matt: “In some tribes the chief had multiple wives.”

Jordan: “Were these tribal chiefs Mormons? I couldn’t resist. But so what if the chief had multiple wives. What am I missing?”

Matt: “Having multiple wives helps explain why there are so many black families where one mother has children from multiple fathers.”

Jordan: “You’ve lost me. Blacks have fewer single-father households because of some tribal custom?”

Matt: “That’s what I’ve been told.”

Jordan: “Then why in say 1960 was the percentage of black families with two parents two times what it is today?”

Matt: “Can’t answer that but refutes the argument about the tribal influence.”

Jordan: “I’ll tell you a simple fact that refutes all the reasons…really excuses…why blacks remain at the bottom of the economic ladder.”

Matt: “The fact is?”

Jordan: “The fact is the Emancipation Proclamation was more than 150 years and 7+ generations ago. Seven generations. Give me one valid reason why a group can’t change in 150 years?”

Matt: “What about profiling? It’s biased against blacks?”

Jordan: “Really? How?”

Matt: “Because statistics show blacks are arrested more than whites.”

Jordan: “Do you hear black leaders or politicians ever asking why blacks might be arrested more frequently?”

Matt: “They claim the statistics and profiling are proof of discrimination.”

Jordan: “Using those kind of logic, does it mean the NBA is discriminating against white guys? What about the NFL? Blacks are disproportionately represented in both leagues.”

Matt: “You know what I mean.”

Jordan: “I know what you mean. First, let’s agree on what profiling is.”

Matt: “Behavior that is predicted based statistical patterns.”

Jordan: “Very good. Profiling targets groups of people based on previous patterns of behavior.”

Matt: “You mean like those ads that appear on my browser after I do a search on Google.”

Jordan: “Exactly. The politically correct explanation is ‘Based on algorithms, we believe you would be interested in…whatever.’ In reality, the ads are based on profiling.”

Matt: “In your former life, did you ever profile prospective buyers?”

Jordan: “In my marketing job, I was an early adopter of profiling. We used a combination of geography and demographics to predict interest in certain models of cars. We even introduced a specialty car based on ‘profiling.'”

Matt: “Was the launch successful?”

Jordan: “Sales exceeded our expectations…and was very profitable for the company.”

Matt: “So companies use profiling all the time. Why does profiling have such a bad name?”

Jordan: “Claims of profiling are an easy excuse to blame someone else. Blame profiling rather than taking personal responsibility.”

Matt: “Don’t blacks still have an argument about being the subject of profiling…really negative profiling?”

Jordan: “If data indicated the black population committed less crime, do you think police would spend as much time profiling blacks?”

Matt: “Probably a lot less. I understand profiling is used to increase productivity. Why would police spend time with a certain group if the likelihood is low that someone is breaking the law.”

Jordan: “Why do you think police don’t profile older drivers as drug runners?”

Matt: “Because not many grannies are drug runners.”

Jordan: “Success. He understands.”

Matt: “Is that why you keep harping on personal responsibility if blacks want to succeed?”

Jordan: “Personal responsibility for individuals and personal responsibility for the black community. Both need to look in the mirror.”

Matt: “How long will the change take?”

Jordan: “Most every other ethnic group has realized major change in 2 generations — 3 generations at the most.”

Matt: “Who needs to lead the charge?”

Jordan: “My recommendation might seem counter-intuitive. I used to think a black man. I’ve changed my mind. I think a middle-aged black woman…but no media star.”

Matt: “Interesting idea. Why?”

Jordan: “Chances are the black woman has experienced some real challenges and hardships in her life. She can relate to other black women. And I think the change needs to be led by black women, not black men.”

Matt: “What about black churches?”

Jordan: “Black women can encourage the ministers.”

Matt: “Won’t black men resent that a woman, really women, are taking the lead?”

Jordan: “Might. I also know with younger black men, the mother rules the roost.”

Matt: “So no one like Oprah or some black woman who’s been a star in government?”

Jordan: “From my perspective, the most effective change agent will be a middle-aged black woman. Exactly who I do not know but I know she’s out there.”

Matt: “I need to leave. Thanks for taking the time to help me with the book on the Revenge Revolution. Remember, one of these days you’re going to teach me how you approach solving problems.”

Jordan: “You have a deal. I enjoyed the conversation Matt. Good luck with the book.”

#144 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” (Conclusion)

18 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Rebranding Black Community

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Scene: continuation of previous entry. Jordan and long-time friend Rock Man return from coffee break. The conversation has been about the societal impact of removing the Confederate Battle Flag from most public property. Suggest you first read entry #142.

More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1.

Rock Man: “Now that I’ve had a break, I still don’t like this conversation.”

Jordan: “What don’t you like?”

Rock Man: “You must think I’m stupid, Jordan. You want me…and the black community…to change rather than the bigots, or racists, or whatever we call them, to change. Did I state your proposal correctly?”

Jordan: “Yes, you and the black community need to seriously consider changing. Otherwise we are not going to make much progress.”

Rock Man: “What am I missing? I…we…are not the problem, why should we change?”

Jordan: “You might think you are not the problem but…”

Rock Man: “So you think I’m the problem and not some a-hole bigot…racist?”

Jordan: “Relax.”

Rock Man: “How can I relax? I’m still supposed to change even though I’m not really the problem?”

Jordan: “Let me finish my argument, OK?”

Rock Man: “Alright. But I’m having a hard time understanding your logic.”

Jordan: “You are not the problem. But that does not matter. You still need to change.”

Rock Man: “I’m…we…are not the problem but still need to change. What kind of back asswards logic is that?”

Jordan: “Rock Man, you know the reason why. You used to teach other people to use the same approach.”

Rock Man: “But the problems were easier.”

Jordan: “You and I both know that once you’ve learned how to solve a set of problems, the next set is always more difficult. Just like going to school. The problems get harder and harder.”

Rock Man: “Yeah, I know. I used to teach this stuff. So, I guess the old saying is true – the cobbler’s kids have no shoes.”

Jordan: “The idea of changing one’s self, when the other person seems to be at fault, is a tough lesson and one that is difficult to buy into. Nonetheless, my contention is if the black community begins to change its behavior, then the rationale of the bigot begins to make even less sense. Over time the bigot’s rationale will become irrelevant.”

Rock Man: “You really believe that can happen. I’ve seen it happen with individuals…but an entire society? That’s hard to swallow.”

Jordan: “No, it’s not going to be easy and no, it will not happen in a single generation. But a change in the behavior of just a few people can have a powerful impact on society.”

Rock Man: “Give me an example.”

Jordan: “I think the reason the momentum against the Confederate Battle Flag built so quickly was not because of the shootings in Charleston…”

Rock Man: “…You don’t think killing nine people was a tragedy?”

Jordan: “A terrible tragedy. Ask yourself this, ‘How many hate crimes and multiple killings have there been in say the last 10-20 years…and how much has really changed?'”

Jordan: “Then what’s so different this time?”

Jordan: “The reaction of the families who lost loved ones.”

Rock Man: “Because the families forgave the shooter…that Roof guy…within a couple of days?”

Jordan: “Those families…those black families…showed the rest of us real courage. Those families ‘walk the talk’ of their religion.”

Rock Man: “I’m not sure I could do what they did.”

Jordan: “Not sure I could either. Their courage set an example for all of us, especially the weak-kneed politicians.”

Rock Man: “Looking back, the families were the true heroes in getting the Battle Flag down, not the politicians.”

Jordan: “The black community could take a lesson from those families. And use that lesson as a foundation for change.”

Rock Man: “The lesson being no whining about circumstances, no bitching about being targeted, no feel-sorry-for-me attitude. Just take the bull by the horns, as it were, and get going.”

Jordan: “You know what needs to get started in the black community. And those families gave you a great reason to get going.”

Rock Man: “I know. We’ve got to get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

Jordan: “Folks, he does remember our conversations. Well, well.”

Rock Man: “How could I forget? You pounded those ideas into my head the last time I was in the States. But I don’t…”

Jordan: “Excuse me, Rock Man. To make the change happen, someone needs to lead the charge. The families in Charleston had every reason to look for an excuse…”

Rock Man: “But they didn’t.”

Jordan: “Exactly. There are a million reasons ‘why not to get involved.’ None of the reasons really matter. If you want…sincerely want the black community to start getting off that bottom rung…”

Rock Man: “Then one of us needs to lead the charge. I agree the time is right. And I’ve got a spouse with a great job.”

Jordan: “Gelly, could you come in here, please?”

Gelly: “Yes, Jordan. More coffee?”

Jordan: “No. Some place in the office is a bottle of cabernet from one of my favorite wineries in Sonoma County. Could you open the bottle and bring three glasses, please?”

Gelly: “What’s the occasion?”

Rock Man: “Your buddy, Jordan, conned me into leading…at least trying to lead the effort to get the black community off the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

Gelly: “Something truly worth celebrating. Congratulations, Rock Man. I’ll be right back.”

(Earlier segments about ideas to help get the black community off the bottom rung of the economic ladder begin Entry #67.)

#119 Discrimination Is Not the Issue? (Part 2)

19 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Personal Stories, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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(Readers: The blog centers around the author’s prediction that the US will experience a 5^th revolution by 2020-2025. Some early vignettes precede the revolution; later vignettes follow the revolution. Many characters appear regularly. More about the blog and the author.)

(Scene” Jordan having coffee with administrative assistant, Gelly. The conversation continues after a break for a coffee refill. Link to Part 1.)

Gelly: “So, how do you think blacks should change?”

Jordan: “The very first step…and I think the first step taken by every other ethnic group…is a change in attitude.”

Gelly: “Not sure I understand but how should they change?”

Jordan: “Change the focus from the past to how they can improve. Once they make such a change, there will be many people who be willing to help. But blacks have to make the change first.”

Gelly: “You said before the break that demanding others change attitudes toward blacks won’t really help. Why?”

Jordan: “Because you cannot force me to change my attitude. I’ll change my attitude when I am ready.”

Gelly: “Your approach sounds so abstract. Have you got an example where the approach worked?”

Jordan: “Remember the Great Carnac?”

Gelly: “Of course. But what does the Great Carnac have to do with this issue?”

Jordan: “One of the most influential people in my life was the Great Carnac. Not the real Johnny Carson Carnac but someone who helped me change my attitude and behavior.”

Gelly: “You’ve mentioned the Great Carnac before but I’ve forgotten the context.”

Jordan: “Years ago when I was in the corporate world, our department was spun off and set up as a separate unit.”

Gelly: “OK, so what?”

Jordan: “The guy who took my former office and part of my former responsibilities turned out to be what I thought was a real pain in the you-know-what.”

Gelly: “Yes, I know what. What happened?”

Jordan: “Our new group was having a training session and the Great Carnac was leading the session. She had not earned the title the Great Carnac at that time. After the session I talked to her about the problems with my colleague.”

Gelly: “This guy have a name?”

Jordan: “Yes, Mr. E. S. Cue.”

Gelly: “And so what was the problem with Mr. E.S. Cue?”

Jordan: “I thought he was making lots of poor decisions…at least by my standards. I also thought that if the staffs involved reported to me again everything could be fixed. I was, in effect, demanding things change.”

Gelly: “And what did Carnac suggest?”

Jordan: “She said I was the problem, not Mr. Cue.”

Gelly: “Very perceptive. And what did she suggest you do?”

Jordan: “Before she offered a solution, she had me complete an exercise.”

Gelly: “I like this. The exercise was?”

Jordan: “I had to picture myself as Mr. Cue sitting in my old office.”

Gelly: “OK, then what?”

Jordan: “I was to visualize myself walking into Mr. Cue’s office.”

Gelly: “And?”

Jordan: “I was to blurt out the first word that came to Mr. Cue’s mind as I walked through the door. She insisted I say the first word, no matter what the word was.”

Gelly: “So what was the word?”

Jordan: “Really want to know?”

Gelly: “Yes.”

Jordan: “The polite version is a-hole.”

Gelly: (laughing) “I can buy that. Some people we work with now probably have the same thought as Mr. Cue.”

Jordan: “Really?”

Gelly: “Really…but only on occasion. So what did she suggest you do?”

Jordan: “Respect him.”

Gelly: “That’s it? Respect him? Like Aretha wanted r-e-s-p-e-c-t?”

Jordan: “Like Aretha. Respect something about him. Anything I could find.”

Gelly: “Then what was supposed to happen?”

Jordan: “My problems with Mr. Cue would go away.”

Gelly: “That seems so simple. Did it work?”

Jordan: “Yes, it did work and getting there was surprisingly easy.”

Gelly: “How’d you do it?”

Jordan: “Remember the book, ‘The Little Engine that Could’?”

Gelly: “Great book with a great theme, ‘I think I can; I think I can.’”

Jordan: “I changed the words slightly to ‘I know I respect him; I know I respect him.’”

Gelly: “When did you start changing your attitude? And how?”

Jordan: “I started that afternoon. The men’s room was about halfway between Cue’s office and my office. About 2:00pm…and don’t ask me why I remember the time but I do… we both headed to the men’s room.”

Gelly: “Them what happened?”

Jordan: “I kept trying to find something about him to respect. I found something but I cannot remember what it was.”

Gelly: “And your problem went away?”

Jordan: “Not that afternoon. But every time I was around him, I kept saying to myself, ‘I know I respect him; I know I respect him.'”

Gelly: “Then the problem went away?”

Jordan: “In about four months, Mr. Cue retired unexpectedly.”

Gelly: “Really? What a break.”

Jordan: “And when I went to his retirement party you would have thought I was his long-lost friend.”

Gelly: “So you went from arch-enemy — Darth Vader – to long-lost friend in four months?”

Jordan: “Yep.”

Gelly: “And you really believe your showing respect is what changed the relationship?”

Jordan: “Yep. I’ve had the same experience several times, although now I try not to let relationships deteriorate.”

Gelly: “That experience is really interesting. You think the same approach could work for the black population?”

Jordan: “Yes. But I have to think…and this might be unpopular and certainly not politically correct…that if blacks took the first step and started to show more respect for others, then the attitude of many people would begin to change also. Much like what happened with Mr. Cue. Remember I took the initiative.”

Gelly: “The approach does seem counter-intuitive and certainly controversial. By showing respect, does that make blacks feel subservient to whites? Has the feeling of the Jim Crow era.”

Jordan: “Hold that thought. I need to take a break.”

#103 Understanding Each Other. More Post Ferguson Blah, Blah, Blah

13 Saturday Dec 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Economics, Personal Stories, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5^th revolution in the US. For more background about the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and author, please view entry #01.)

Scene: Jordan and RockMan continuing conversation over coffee.

Jordan: “You know what bothers me?”

RockMan: “Only one thing bothers you? When did things get so good for you?”

Jordan: “You know what I mean. Even with all the progress you seem to be making, you know what bothers me about the effort to get blacks off the bottom rung economically?”

RockMan: “I’m game, what?”

Jordan: “Why do we…you know the collective we…make such a big deal about understanding each other?”

RockMan: “You talking about whites understanding blacks, and vice versa?”

Jordan: “Yes. And what’s the benefit of understanding each other?”

RockMan: “Shouldn’t whites understand blacks?”

Jordan: “Oh, give me a break. Tell me how that’s going to happen? I am not black, never been black and in all likelihood never will be black…at least in this lifetime. And you’re not white and aren’t ever going to be white. Let’s quit pretending.”

RockMan: “You know, I’ve lived most of my adult life in white communities. I admit there are things about whites I do not understand.”

Jordan: “Think about this. Whites who grew up north of the Mason-Dixon Line cannot understand the South’s obsession with the Civil War. It’s been more than 150 years. You lost. So get over it.”

RockMan: “Spoken like a true Yankee. Now, what about understanding someone’s religion? I do not understand a lot about Judaism.”

Jordan: “Trust me, Jews don’t understand a lot about Christianity.”

RockMan: “Like what?”

Jordan: “I think it’s called the holy trinity.”

RockMan: “What’s not to understand about that?”

Jordan: “Of the three, who’s in charge? Seems like a bureaucracy.”

RockMan: “That’s funny. But I see your point. By the way, what prompted this sudden revelation about not understanding another culture?”

Jordan: “It’s not been sudden. Several years ago — late 2014 or so — there was a series of articles in the NY Times with the title ‘What Whites Don’t Get about Blacks’.”

RockMan: “Sounds interesting and very true.”

Jordan: “OK but so what if whites don’t understand blacks? The author, Nicholas Kristoff as I recall, outlined a lot of what whites don’t understand but few, if any reasons, why whites really need to understand. So what if I don’t understand blacks? So what if you don’t understand whites?”

RockMan: “You keep saying ‘so what? You sound like me talking to some black groups.’”

Jordan: “You know why you and I keep saying ‘so what?’ Because that’s exactly what we mean. Here’s a real simple question, ‘If the Black Community wants to improve its economic and social status, whose responsibility is it?’”

RockMan: “The Black Community? And that’s what I’ve been trying to tell them. No more Al Sharpton or some other high-profile dude.”

Jordan: “Now we see the same the picture. You need to keep hammering home the idea that the Black Community needs to take charge and start making changes.”

RockMan: “You’re saying, ‘Not my job.’”

Jordan: “You got it. and you know it. Not my job. Your job.”

RockMan: “You want to keep the burden on those responsible.”

Jordan: “Remember the sign President Truman had on his desk?”

RockMan: “I’m not old enough to remember but I’ve read about it. The sign was very simple and easy to understand. ‘The Buck Stops Here.’”

Jordan: “Well, my friend, please keep reminding the Black Community the buck stops with the Black Community. Not with the White Community. Not with the Federal government. It stops with the Black Community.”

RockMan: “Seems as if we keep having the same conversation.”

Jordan: “A version of it. Think of this as ‘Ground Hog Day’ with Bill Murray. With each session I am probably less diplomatic. But let’s not lose sight of who can make change. Every ethnic group has faced barriers.”

RockMan: “None as difficult as blacks.”

Jordan: “Let me shed a tear. Now time to move on. OK, OK, blacks had some bad breaks.”

RockMan: “Some?”

Jordan: “But the Black Community has received more government help than any other group.”

RockMan: “True. But…”

Jordan: “…but so what? From what you’re telling me, your line to the Black Community is to start putting on their big-boy pants and quit acting like whiny little children.”

RockMan: “Any other ideas?”

Jordan: “Next time you have a session ask them to first start looking in the mirror. Who do they see? Who do they want to see?”

RockMan: “Even with some progress, still not very pretty right now.”

Jordan: “Not it’s not. But they have an example of who they should be.”

RockMan: “In New Orleans terms, ‘who dat?’’

Jordan: “RockMan, you know I think you are the perfect example for blacks. Parents who were dirt poor. Yet they managed to send 6 kids…”

RockMan: “Try 8 kids.”

Jordan: “Even better. …send eight kids to college. White families can’t claim that, even those with a lot of money.”

RockMan: “It is amazing when you think about it.”

Jordan: “Then you change schools because it is not tough enough academically. I mean, how many 19-year olds do that? What a role model.”

RockMan: “You like to lay it on thick, don’t you?”

Jordan: “But your story is a great one and needs to be told. Are you telling your story to these people?”

RockMan: “Not really.”

Jordan: “You should. Your story might help get some in the Black Community off dead center about whose problem it really is. Theirs, not mine. Am I going to suffer if the Black Community stays at the bottom? No. But many of your colleagues will.”

RockMan: “OK, so you’re telling me to crank it up even more. Is that what you’re saying?

Jordan: “You listen well. And I would be a lot more blunt that you might have been. This is no time for subtlety.”

RockMan: “And you going to be around to help or do you just give advice?

Jordan: “You know I’ll be around to help. And I will offer advice, whether asked or not. Keep up the good work.”

RockMan: “Alright. I’m out of here.”

usrevolution5

~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

Category Archives: Rebranding Black Community

#473 Is Black History Month Perpetuating Discrimination?

#472. Is There a Black Elephant in the Room?

#385. Is a Rational Conversation about Racial Injustice Possible? (#8 re US Post COVID-19)

#224 Rioters in Charlotte vs Role Models (con’t) (Part 6 of 6)

#223 Rioters in Charlotte vs. Role Models (Part 5 of 6)

#188 Is Pushing Diversity Like Pushing on a String? (Part #12)

#168 Black Women as Change Agents

#144 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” (Conclusion)

#119 Discrimination Is Not the Issue? (Part 2)

#103 Understanding Each Other. More Post Ferguson Blah, Blah, Blah