Reparations Will Help Black People "Return to Glory"

We have been doing a great deal to build the network/reach of Reparations PAC. And, kudos to Mr. Ready from Maryland, whose volunteer research laid the groundwork for this connection.

Recently, we made contact with Dr. Joel A. Freeman who co-authored the book Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Race. Speaking with him, reading about returning to glory,
and watching the DVD have only served to reinforce the point:

Reparations will help Black people return to glory. I think on what my father would say: you (in the so-called movement) trumpet the great civilizations of the past. Yet, what good is that if you cannot reclaim that greatness?

Reclaiming that greatness is what we as a people must do...and that reclamation process begins with breaking the chains of mental slavery that say Black people have not done greatness. But, I cannot say it better that the DVD so, watch this:


Reparations will help Black people return to glory. And, it is clear that we have the power to provide ourselves with our own reparations. We do not need to wait on the benevolence of incompetent and negligent authorities. We need only to take our place as ordained by God.

Along with Return to Glory, there are two other books I recommend that you will very insightful. You can find them in our bookstore, and in the link to the right of this screen. Be sure to at least check out the synopses.

Don't stand on the sidelines and miss your moment. Stir yourselves into action.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Neutralize the Crabs in the Barrel

Today, I read a blog posting by Washington Post Blogger Darryl Fears. And, it is funny that even among our so-called leaders we see crabs in a barrel being displayed. But, there is hope.

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel. No more will you have to look over your shoulder for the Lamb Chop Sing Along Negroes trying to cut you down. Once we dispose of these misleaders, we will be able to see progress regardless of political persuasion.

Frances Rice is a prime example of why we (so far) must be proud of Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell. Her and I actually had an "e-argument" over the Obama issue (read it here). Despite their stature, they have refused to be used as a pawn against their people. Many believe Colin Powell will officially endorse Barack Obama - eventually.


And, Condoleeza Rice has raved about his candidacy and what it means.


Yet, we continue to be our own worst enemy. Using promises of self-gain, "the man" always searches for one of us to sell out and serve as validation for their attacks. And, some of us oblige...

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we can finally understand how that "rising tide raises all boats." Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we might finally see some progress in the Black Community.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Define our Patriotism

This is an important Independence Day Meditation. Happy Fourth of July...Part One of a two-part revolution for the promise of America.

We all must realize the attack on our freedom...the questioning of our allegiances. People need to understand the asinine nature of the debate. Earlier this week, Barack Obama gave a speech defining his patriotism. Defining his patriotism?!

Reparations will define our patriotism!

How can anyone with sense question the patriotism of Black Americans? At a bare level, why are we still here? After enduring the horrors of slavery, the nightmares of Jim Crow, and enduring racial disparities, why would we still be here - but for love of Country?

Why would anyone fight to be accepted by a Country and a Government - but for love? Who would engage in nonviolent struggle against their enemy? And, even if it had been your enemy...how could one face an enemy with nonviolence - but for love? Would that not truly embrace the command of Christ?

Reparations will define our patriotism! Once you and I seize opportunities to engage in dialogue about the struggles of our people, we will demonstrate our patriotism. The very experience of being Black in America is the definition of our patriotism.

There were African people involved at every stage in the development of this Country. Africans fought in the American Revolution. Africans (mulatto Alexander Hamilton) signed the US Constitution and made great contributions to the organizational structure of this Nation. And while it may be difficult for most of us to remember our ties to these early events, the connection is there.

While we may not have come in to Ellis Island, we were imported from Africa, landing at port after port along the American Seaboard. And, we are the only immigrant class who did not leave in search of a better life. Yet, we are still here...we must love our Country!

Our patriotism was earned in the horror of the slave, through the bludgeoning of the average Black man trying to support his family. Our patriotism is soiled in the blood of those Black Martyrs who gave their lives that the Constitution might belong to us, their heirs. Our patriotism was won, simply by surviving against a government and private sector system trying its best to exploit and/or suppress us. Our patriotism was given to us by those ancestors who had nothing more to give than their struggle to become fully American. Our patriotism embraces Juneteenth as Part Two of America's journey to embrace and embody the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. Our patriotism it unquestionable, and is above reproach.

Reparations will define our patriotism as we embrace our particular American Experience. We will never satisfy White people based on their idea of patriotism. But, we have a different American Experience. And, all of us our entitled to set our own standards.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Defeat Racism in the Justice System

Here is an obscure story that you probably will not hear about.

In late 2007, Joe Horn of Pasadena, Texas shot and killed two Afro-Colombian men in a fit of vigilante justice. There's even a blog devoted to him: check it out. Not surprisingly, but tragically, the Grand Jury today chose not to indict the killer. Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson said:

I understand the concerns of some in the community regarding Mr. Horn's conduct. The use of deadly force is carefully limited in Texas law to certain circumstances ... In this case, however, the grand jury concluded that Mr. Horn use of deadly force did not rise to a criminal offense.

Reparations will defeat racism in the justice system. What is the level of deadly force that rises to a criminal offense? And, if Mr. Horn's act did not rise to a criminal offense, what kind of killing is criminal? How can it be self-defense if he shot them in the back? "F" the racial motivations, we are dealing with simple logic.

Here is a man who ignores the instructions of the 911 operator to stay in the house, and goes outside seeking a confrontation. Listen to the call:


Reparations will defeat racism in the justice system. This was premeditated murder. He was not being robbed, so it cannot be self-defense. He was not protecting his own property. And, he was repeatedly warned to not go outside.

When we get our reparations, no one will be able to use nuances of the law to kill Black people. When we get our reparations, we will be able to live without fear of the Justice System. You keep watching like this is a game...next time it could be you on the wrong end of a White Man's gun (civilian or police).

Come and get your reparations!

Reparations Means Taking This Seriously

Ok, I must admit: this is very frustrating.

On May 7, 2008 and April 25, 2008 we discussed this issue. And now, on June 18, 2008, we need to discuss it again. When will enough become enough?

Reparations means taking this seriously. Police brutality is still a pariah in the Black Community. Watch this video:



Did you hear this child's screams? Do you like what you see? I hope so, because we are the ones who allow this to happen. I allow this to happen. YOU have allowed this to happen. If that is not enough, read this. To add insult to injury (no pun intended...well, maybe intended), they ruled that the injuries were unintentional! How could you say the officer used excessive force, but then rule the injuries unintentional? Must be to protect them from further legal repercussions.

Reparations means taking this seriously. We asked you before: What Can We Do to Protect the Community against Police Brutality? We also asked for your help in Building Effective Police Review Boards.

It is our responsibility to defend our community. And, with all the talent and expertise within the Black Community, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves that these problems persist. We have the power to change this dynamic! We have the ability to create an environment where the police serve their rightful purpose of protecting and serving the Black Community, rather than abusing our people.

Why must we continue to cringe when we see the police? Even us - law abiding Black people - flinch when we see those flashing lights. Think about it: does your heart flutter when you see them flashing behind you?

Reparations means taking this seriously. We cannot wait for the Government to do something about police brutality. Nothing will be done. We have to be the ones to force a change. Our ancestors in the struggle for Civil Rights did not wait for the Government to end segregation. They forced the hand of Government. And, they fought so that we - their children - could have greater opportunities. The eyes of our ancestors look down upon us...what will we do?

And so, we must push so that our children will have greater opportunities. We must act now so that our children can play in communities where they live without fear of the police. We must fight for a social climate where the hearts of our children need not flutter at the sound of sirens.

So, again, join our Google Group. Engage the debate. Post your thoughts and together we can change the way police treat our people.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Recognizing the True Value of A Black President

Tonight, we had an amazing Talk Show! The topic was: "The Value of a Black President."

Many people have asked, "why are you bringing up these issues now? Can't this wait until after Barack is elected?

Well, like Dr. King, let me tell you Why We Can't Wait:

...We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late...Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs.

Or, as Mos Def said: Tomorrow may never come...for you or me this life is not promised.



Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value is only measured by the impact on the Black Community. For, if a Black President has no impact on the Black Community, then that president might as well just be a president.

Achieving our reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value lays in the opportunity that a Black President affords the Black Community...the opportunity for political empowerment - because as Brother Malcolm X said, "the cornerstones of America are politics and economics." The value of a Black President lays with the possibility to inspire Black Youth, to give peace to our Black elders and galvanize the rest of us.

We are not out to derail Obama's candidacy. And, is there anything wrong with trying to use this season for the benefit of the Black Community? Is there something wrong with using this opportunity for the benefit of Black People?

White women have it clear. They understand the value of Hillary's campaign. They understand that her candidacy served to inspire them to believe that the "glass ceiling" can - and will - be broken. And, they are using her candidacy to force both Obama and McCain to address their issues and actively court their votes. What's wrong with us? Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President.



Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Capitalizing on the New American Political Landscape

I have been debating on how I would frame this posting. And, have concluded that the best way would be to simply quote a passage from The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the nomination of Barack Obama, we are seeing the truth of this statement. And, that truth is becoming manifest in a new American political landscape.

For decades the "Battle Map" has been the same, with Republicans and Democrats fighting over the same states every year. As we listen to news reports, we hear of Obama's 50-State strategy. They say his strategy is possible because Senator Obama's base is not the traditional base (Hillary's "Hard-working Americans"). His base is comprised of young (& new) voters and Blacks. Because of the large numbers of Blacks that are turning out, Senator Obama is able to expand his electoral map allowing him to be competitive in the South, on the East Coast, and out West.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, it is time for us to organize so that we can assert our prowess. Brother Malcolm continues:

The polls are one place where every black man could fight the black man's cause with dignity, and with the power and the tools that the white man understands, and respects, and fears, and cooperates with...If a black bloc committee told Washington's worst "nigger-hater," "We represent ten million votes," why, that "nigger-hater" would leap up: "Well, how are you? Come on in here!"...Why else is it that racist politicians fight to keep black men from the polls?

There is no excuse for our Community to be in such a sorry state. No amount of racism can
deter the will of an organized, cohesive black vote bloc. He continues:

Whenever any group can vote in a bloc, and decide the outcome of elections, and it fails to do this, then that group is politically sick. Immigrants once made Tammany Hall the most powerful single force in American politics...America's black man, voting as a bloc, could wield an even more powerful force.

With growing disparities on the basis of race, with shortcomings of and injustices in American Society magnified on the basis of race, we must inject our issues into the debate.

U.S. politics is ruled by special-interest blocs and lobbies. What group has a more urgent special interest, what group needs a bloc, a lobby, more than the black man?...The government has departments to deal with the special-interest groups that make themselves heard and felt. A Department of Agriculture cares for the farmers' needs (neglecting the needs of Black farmers). There is a Department of Health, Education and Welfare (while the health, education and welfare of the Black Community flounders)...There ought to be a Pentagon-sized Washington department dealing with every segment of the black man's problems

With the nomination of Senator Obama, we have the platform by which to bring change to the Black Community. Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the electoral map changing, it will force both Parties to compete on this new landscape of young and Black voters. With both Parties having to compete, we have the opportunity to present our platform and demand that our votes be earned. We must realize what Brother Malcolm said:

The cornerstones of this country's operation are economic and political strength and power. The black man doesn't have the economic strength - and it will take time for him to build it. But right now the American black man has the political strength and power to change his destiny overnight.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, we are seeing the potential power of the Black vote. It is on us now to organize. The opportunity has been placed before us. It is for us to seize the moment. So, join us. Become a member of one of the groups to the right =>

Come and Get Your Reparations!