Reparations Means "Getting It."

Why is it that a White Priest understands, but we have Black Pastors like Rev. Eugene Rivers who are lost in the woods? This is an amazing video. You must see it.



Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Defending our Right To an Independent Faith Tradition

Everyone is questioning Reverend Jeremiah Wright and wondering why he should be speaking. As Reverend Anthony said last night, and as Reverend Wright said today - this is about the Black Church. How? Well, in attacking Reverend Jeremiah Wright's comments the mainstream society has attacked the Black Church's theology and independence.

Princeton Professor of Religion, Dr. Albert J. Raboteau wrote a book entitled, Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South. (emphasis mine) In this book, Dr. Raboteau discusses the growth of the Black Christian Church in America and its distinct separation from the White Church. In his book he stated: "Incidents of Christian slaveholders, including clergymen, brutalizing their slaves abound in the narratives of former slaves...The blatant hypocrisy of White Christians was a fact of life to slaves, a fact undoubtedly discussed and deplored in the quarters." And, it was in the quarters through these discussion of deplorable - blatant - hypocrisy that the Christianity of the American Slave was developed. And, it was this Christianity that was passed down to the descendants of the slaves.

Reparations means defending our right to an independent Faith Tradition. To do away with our perspective would be doing away with the realities of our existence. Would they ask the Jew to forget the realities of the Holocaust? Does society criticize the true Jew because the experience of the Holocaust shapes their faith? So why must we separate the Slave Experience from our faith perspective?

Reparations means defending our right to an independent Faith Tradition. And, this is indeed bigger than Senator Obama. It is far greater than Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Truly, this is about the Black Church and the right of a free Black people to be free in the expression of their faith. This is about the very right of Black people to be shaped by their faith perspective. This is about the right of free people to worship and preach their faith, without needing the approval of the White Community.

This is a clear description that there is much work to be done. And, the mainstream society wishes to make spiritual and cultural issues into political ones. So I ask: where are our political leaders? I can understand the Mess Media missing the point. I can understand White folks missing the point. But, how can Black people - especially those who lived through segregation, and those entrusted with the wellbeing of the Black Community - miss the point? And, if they do "get it," how can they remain silent while our right to be free and independent people is stripped before their very eyes?

Reparations means defending our right to an independent Faith Tradition. And, because this issue has been made to be political, we should be hearing more from Black elected officials. Regardless of who they support in the election, they should be able to understand this point. And, if they are willing to allow our heritage and First Amendment Rights to be usurped how can we trust them to do what is best for us?

Does it bother you that the Black Church still has no right - in the eyes of the media and White Society - to stand as an independent voice? How do you feel about Black Leadership and their fear of standing on the right side of this issue? Let us hear from you!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Standing for Our RIGHT to Speak Truth to Power

Tonight, we were blessed to hear from the Reverend Wendell Anthony of the Detroit NAACP. And, in his introduction of Reverend Jeremiah Wright he stated that this is not about Barack Obama, or Hillary Clinton, or John McCain. He said, "this is about the African American Church...this is about our right to speak truth to power."

Everyone has been looking at the snippets of Reverend Wright's sermons and injecting Senator Obama into the discussion. They have been questioning Senator Obama about the words of his pastor. But, why must a free man's sermons be explained?

Reparations means standing for our right to speak truth to power. And, this is what Reverend Jeremiah Wright was saying when he said "different does not mean deficient." Is Reverend Wright entitled to have a different view of world events and their relation to Scriptural realities? Is the Black Church entitled to have a different view of world events and their relation to Scriptural realities?

Different does not mean deficient. And, reparations means standing for our right to speak truth to power. No longer should we bow to the pressure to conform. As a free people, we have the right to speak as we feel. We must stand for that right, before that right is stripped away.

We must never forget - and Western Society must come to understand - that the Black Church has grown in a separate incubator from the White Church. The Black Church grew from the from a paradigm of challenging the prevailing social construct. The Black Church in America was rooted in confronting the hypocrisies of a racist Nation that espoused certain "self-evident truths" - that all men are created equal, yet holding some as slave and some as free. The Black Church spoke out against the injustice of an American Society that promoted such "inalienable rights" as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," while there remained members of that society who were alienated from the inalienable.

You see, reparations means standing for our right to speak truth to power. And, we must be free enough to stand "naked and unashamed" before what is called mainstream society. We must be able to stand "under the bludgeoning of chance" with heads bloodied but yet unbowed. (Black Greeks, remember the pledge process and Invictus - this is the application of that poem...do not bow.)

And as I watch CNN's extended coverage of the speech, I see the analysts and pundits still miss the point. Again, as Reverend Wendell Anthony said, "this is not about Barack Obama..." But, the Mess Media is trying to turn this into a campaign affair. Again, as Reverend Wendell Anthony said, "this is about the African American Church...and our right to speak truth to power."

Reparations means standing for our right to speak truth to power. And, it means standing for the right to be free. Freedom - for our context - means embracing the US Constitution. Part of that is freedom of religion and freedom of speech. So, why must the Black faith perspective fit into the constructs of the box designed by White America? Why must Black free speech be regulated, parsed and analyzed?

Our "Black Leadership" must speak truth to power. They must see this as an assault on the inalienable rights of Black People. "Black Leadership" must realize that this is an attempt to infringe upon our First Amendment Rights. If they do not view it as such, they should no longer be deemed worthy to lead our people.

Reparations means standing for our right to speak truth to power, and we must demand that our "Black Leadership" do its job. They wanted to be "Drum Majors" for the Black Community. Tell them it is time to lead us on a different course. Tell them we did not fight for our rights, only to hand them over again. Tell them we do not fight for equality to have it measured by the standards of White America. Tell them we do not "have a Dream" of so-called unity that whitewashes us and forces free men and women to conform to modalities that are self-conflicting. You have the power to hold your leadership accountable. You have the power to challenge the "Drum Majors" and take their place.

Join one of our groups to the right of this frame. Engage the dialogue. Make your voice heard. Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) Accountable if the Nomination is Stolen from Senator Obama

Tonight on Anderson 360, there was a dialogue between Rep. Holmes-Norton (Obama Supporter) and Rep. Tubbs-Jones (Black Clinton Supporter). They were discussing comments by Representative Clyburn calling Bill Clinton's remarks "bizarre." I applaud Rep. Clyburn because he is speaking truth to power. For pundits to state that Obama cannot win the election without the white vote, while suggesting that Clinton could win without the Black vote is a gamble I am confident the Democrats do not want to take.

In the debate between Rep. Holmes-Norton and Rep. Tubbs-Jones, it was suggested that Black
people would not hold the Clintons accountable for their blatant racism and race bating.

But, reparations means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. The Black Elite are banking on the fickle nature of the Black Electorate. It was even said during the course of debate that Black people will "forget" this and remain committed to the Democratic Party. But, how could you remain committed to a Party that is not committed to you? How can you forget the actions of a Party that clearly state your lack of value?

If we do not hold the Clintons accountable, then we deserve to be mistreated. If we do not hold accountable those Black leaders who support Clinton despite the overwhelming support of their constituency for Obama, we deserve to be abused.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And as the last Democratic President, the Clintons are the Standard Bearers of the Democratic Party. So, ultimately reparations also means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama.

We must come to realize that neither Party has our interests at heart. Just at the Republican Party is deemed to be racist, the Democratic Power can now be seen in its "racist glory." The Clintons are so self-serving that they will bloody up Senator Obama so that he cannot win the general election...so that she can run again in 2012. But, to attain reparations we must ensure that the irreparable breach Rep. Clyburn described actually comes to pass.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And, the Clintons are the Democratic Party - so, reparations means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. This breach is the opportunity we need to empower the Community and attain our reparations...because, by this breach we may begin to take a closer analysis of policy and platforms - rather than simple Party Affiliation.

What do you think? How should Party Affiliation impact the Black Community? Can the Black Community afford to be governed by strict Party Allegiance? Chime in on our Reparative Forum. Or, join our Facebook, LinkedIn, BlackPlanet or Plaxo groups. Together we can make advances for political and economic empowerment.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Acknowledging that There ARE Winners and Losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial

Today, a NY City "Judge" issued his verdict acquitting three New York Police Officers of murdering Sean Bell. You know...frankly, I am not surprised. Are you surprised? Are you shocked that the police are free to kill Black people? Is it hard to understand how in the 21st Century, with pundits telling us how far we have come with race relations in this Country, that the benchmark for "fairness" is trained police having the right to unload 50 shots and stand justified?

Reparations Means Acknowledging that There ARE Winners and Losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial.

Who are the winners? Well, the NYPD - who, after Amadu Diallo and Sean Bell, are more confident that they are free to shoot (and kill) unarmed Black males with Government approval. The winners are these officers, who will not (as of now) serve time for their crime. The winner is the City of New York, who will not - as yet - be held liable and responsible for this malfeasance.

Who are the losers? Well, how about Sean Bell who is dead? What about his fiancée? What about his children and his parents? What about his friends who also were shot...all of whom see no justice? The losers are the Black Community, who is reminded that their lives are of no value to the larger society and that their lives can be taken at any moment - with no consequences.

My father - Krim Ballentine - is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshall, former Asst. Police Commissioner, had designed and organized a police force, and has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. My mother - Rosalie Ballentine - is a former Attorney General. And, we spoke about this.

Yes, there are legal loopholes that could allow for these men to be acquitted. But, legal loopholes do not equate to justice. The Judge indicated that the police officers story was more believable than the victims' story, and said prosecutors did not prove - beyond a reasonable doubt - that the shootings were unjustified.

You see, this is why Reparations means acknowledging that there ARE winners and losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial. There is no way you can tell me that 50 shots at unarmed men can be justified. Maybe you can justify 1-10 shots. With 5 officers shooting, 10 shots are easy. But, you cannot tell me that "New York's Finest" - with the rigors of their training - do not know how to discern a scene. Ok, maybe they believe that Bell and his friends are armed...maybe. But, how do they not realize - in the midst of this "gun fight" - that no one is returning fire? Again, police officers are trained to remain calm. These men were detectives, who "earned" that status because of their so-called "abilities." Again, how do you justify 50 shots at unarmed men. How do you justify one officer emptying two clips?

Reparations means acknowledging that there ARE winners and losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial. The Status Quo has won and the people have lost. But, from defeat comes the opportunity for recommitted vigilance. From the ashes comes rebirth. Every loss provides lessons for us to achieve victory. These times cause us to band together, and we can harness the potential power of this unity and channel it for good.

This is reparations: finding rallying points, banding together and promoting the Cause of our people. So, question: what do you think we can do to defend the Community from police brutality? Log onto our Reparative Forum and voice your thoughts.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Revisiting the "Talented Tenth" Theory

The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The Talented Tenth

For many years, I have had a bit of a problem with this so-called "Talented Tenth" theory. The premise is decent, yet the adage holds true: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts - absolutely! That is the state of Black Leadership. By and large, they are our race's "exceptional men," and they have been made "leaders" among us (their people). What has proven extremely problematic and downright disturbing is the chaos into which they have led us.

Reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory because it is not all it is cracked-up to be. Our "exceptional men" have led us on a course to greater disparities in educational level, income level, access to health care, access to housing, political disfranchisement, and etc. They have turned their backs on the community, instead using their exceptional ability to stash $90K in their freezers and land positions at big energy lobbying firms. They have chosen to slam others of the community for the sake of book sales. They leave one academic plantation to teach at another.

So, where did this theory go awry? With integration came our demise. Now, I do not wish for forced segregation. But, there must be something for the people living together. First, the Bible says how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together. Second, look around: you will find a Jewish Community, a Hispanic Community (and within that a Salvadoran, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Bolivian, et al), a Chinese Community, an Italian Community, an Irish Community, a Russian Community and on and on and on...

Why is it that these other ethnic groups live together? Have they caught on to something that we have missed? Yes, we still have a Black Community. But, how many of the "Talented Tenth" live amongst their brethren? How many of our "exceptional men" still live amongst those this theory claims to uplift?

In the aforementioned communities, rich and poor Jews live together...rich and poor Hispanics live together...rich and poor Italians live together. And, together they help each other...together, their communities thrive. But, what about us?

This is why reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We have all the tools we need to uplift the Black Community. And if we revisit this "talented tenth" theory, we might be able to draw benefit from it. This is the mission of Simmonds Ballentine, LLC...to bring together the best and brightest of our race and provide exceptional (and culturally/historically conscious) service. What if we were to take the young bright minds of our people and engage them in economic and political empowerment? What if you bright and energetic Blacks join us in building the Community? Can you imagine what the Black Community would look like if your skills and talents were employed in nonprofit and business development in the Black Community? I think it would be beautiful.

But, the access to power that our education has afforded us has corrupted us. And, integration has aided that corruption. With the individualism of society, the "Best of this race" grew to become self-serving. Brother DuBois says, "If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men." Hmmmm....Maybe that's why the "best of our race" stashes money in the freezer?

Again, reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We must begin to use our abilities for the benefit of the Community. We have to build our nonprofit organizations and strengthen our Black Businesses. We should provide them with service that helps them to be on par with their mainstream counterparts and become sources of economic and social empowerment for the Global Black Community. DuBois was correct: we do need education...we do need to empower those of our race who are successful in completing their educational pursuits. as he says, "The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...and Negro colleges must train men for it." The mainstream (White) educational system cannot do this work. Why? Because, we must empower them with a consciousness that deepens their commitment to the Cause of the Black Community.

If we redress the "talented tenth" theory, we can re-engage those of our race who have the knowledge to build the institutions needed for reparations. So, I hope you will look to the right and join a group. I hope you will download a flyer from our Google Group and promote the Cause. I hope you will engage in the discussion and recruit your friends. The Community is waiting on YOU!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Mastering New Technologies for Grassroots Organizing

Tonight, I took part in the first Reparative Talk show. It was quite an experience. In "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," Joe Trippi talks about how modern (internet) technology is empowering people to activism. For instance, Reparations: The Blog allows us to engage in debate on reparations. The mainstream media will not address this issue. And, if they do - they tend to gloss over the idea and misconstrue the meaning. But, because of the internet - and the blog - we are able to shape the debate any way we see fit.

Reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing. Just think at what you are a part of here at Reparations: The Blog...you are a member of a global community of people - united around the cause of political and economic empowerment of the Global Black Community. Many of you are members of our Facebook group, our Google group, or our LinkedIn Group. Through these groups, members of our community can interact with each other. You Are Not Alone! It's funny: many of us are isolated and think we are the only ones who feel as we do. However, because of the connectivity of the internet you can link with others who share your commitment and ideals. Amazing!

And, because reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing, we then add talkcasting. When you create a talkcast, you are actually recording a live podcast. Through Reparative Talk we do not need to worry about radio sponsors or sensors. We do not have to worry about Hot 97 or 92Q or Sirius Radio or any other radio venue not accepting us or cutting our programming. We have been empowered to "get the message to the people." And, we are empowering you to share the message with others. You can visit our TalkShoe Page and download this show. You can email it to others. You can share it on your Facebook page.

So, you see: Reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing. And, I have not mastered them yet...but we are making the effort. I must apologize to those who tried to listen to the show tonight. I experienced a few technical difficulties. But, we carried on with the show and I present it - humbly - for your critique. Join our Google Group and provide your feedback for how to improve the show. What needs to be added? What should be the format?

I enjoyed the opportunity to use this medium. And, I believe you will enjoy the possibilities. So, check it out...

Come and Get Your Reparations!