I thought that Mr. Mfume, head of the NAACP did nothing to stop the Ohio riot, but contributed to it inferring by his silence that the rioters were justified in what they were doing. This led to more than 50 black people being charged with felonies, of which they will no doubt be convicted because they were caught in the act. They will be handicaped for the rest of thier lives by having a felony conviction on thier records. What do you think?

Blessings

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2001

Answers

The Fox Cable channel is doing a report of the riots in Cincinnati tonight, April 22nd. Check your local TV guide for times. Should be interesting to hear from local people.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2001

NAACP URGES ASHCROFT TO INVESTIGATE FATAL CINCINNATI SHOOTING MFUME APPEALS FOR CALM, ENROUTE TO TROUBLED CITY

Kweisi Mfume, President & CEO, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), today called on Attorney General John Ashcroft to order a full investigation into the fatal shooting by Cincinnati Police of an unarmed African American man.

Mfume said: “In addition to the FBI who are now investigating whether there were any civil rights violations in this death, we call on Mr. Ashcroft to order an investigation of the Cincinnati Police Department by the U.S. Justice Department’s Pattern and Practices Division. If news reports are correct that this is the 15th black man killed by Cincinnati police since 1995 and the fourth since November, there are obviously problems with the way this department does business.”

He agreed with Cincinnati leaders who have called for an end to rioting in the wake of the shooting which occurred Saturday. But he said, “While street violence will not solve the problem which led to this shooting, the NAACP and African American community will never tolerate excessive police force.”

http://www.naacp.org/communications/press_releases/cincinnatishooting0 41101.asp

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Alton what did you do? You are always looking at others to do but what did you do but sit and be a looky-loo? Just because he is the head of an organization that has benefitted your ancestors and today is benefitting you and tomorrow it will benefit your children, does not mean that you have to be so critical. You are the head of a church, I hope you do what is supposed to be done when folk find them in precarious situations.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Hotep (Peace)

Pastor Paris, the 50 people convicted of felonies deserve punishment for committing crimes. There is nothing the NAACP could have done to stop these people. The violence started with policeman using excessive force. I don’t support foolishness, even perpetrated by own people.

I think that it is time to place the blame where it should be...a skewered value system. We must teach our children that they are NOT "same" as white children. Policemen react differently to black males. That is a FACT. We must pull of the blinders of ignorance. They must learn to walk softly, not bringing attention to themselves. Many of us wear rose colored glasses, thinking that this nation is righteous and just place. It is a place whose very core was founded on thievery.

Why aren’t you commenting on Ashcroft and his inability to take a stand? Isn’t he the attorney general? The man appointed to insure the rights of ALL people. Why is he silent? What placed a muzzled on his lips?

In Love and Light,

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are all distraught by this situation in Cincinnati. However, let us not attack one another over this issue. Let us unite by praying to God and He will make it possible for us to overcome yet another trick of the devil. I understand everybody's frustration. I understand that America is determined that it is going to treat African-American people any way it so desires. America has an attitude of exclusivity towards us black people and if anyone out there believes otherwise, then they are in denial. I am predicting that the U.S. Attorney General will not get involved. I am also predicting that no wrong doing on the part of the police will be found. This is America for black people. Therefore, we as African-Americans have to look to our heavenly Father to protect us and safeguard our rights as human beings. We as African-Americans also have to look to God for the solution to America's racist policies towards us. For America has shown you time and time again that it does not intend to treat us African-Americans with the same level of dignity and respect as afforded to all other Americans.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

The definition below comes from the Bouvier Law Dictionary of 1859 http://www.constitution.org/bouv/bouvier.htm. This dictionary defined the "intent" of the law of the constitution of the United States. This document was NEVER intended to defend the rights of Native Americans, aborginals, or Afrikans. Does "giving" us rights, change the intent of the law? ****************************************************************** CITIZEN, persons. One who, under the constitution and laws of the United States, has a right to vote for representatives in congress, and other public officers, and who is qualified to fill offices in the gift of the people. In a more extended sense, under the word citizen, are included all white persons born in the United States, and naturalized persons born out of the same, who have not lost their right as such. This includes men, women, and children. > 2. Citizens are either native born or naturalized. Native citizens may fill any office; naturalized citizens may be elected or appointed to any office under the constitution of the United States, except the office of president and vice-president. The constitution provides, that "the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states." > Art. 4, s. 2. > 3. All natives are not citizens of the United States; the descendants of the aborigines, and those of African origin, are not entitled to the rights of citizens. Anterior to the adoption of the constitution of the United States, each state had the right to make citizens of such persons as it pleased. That constitution does not authorize any but white persons to become citizens of the United States; and it must therefore be presumed that no one is a citizen who is not white. 1 Litt. R. 334; 10 Conn. R. 340; 1 Meigs, R. 331.

4. A citizen of the United States, residing in any state of the Union, is a citizen of that state. 6 Pet. 761 Paine, 594;1 Brock. 391; 1 Paige, 183 Metc. & Perk. Dig. h.t.; vide 3 Story's Const. Sec. > 1687 Bouv. Inst. Index, b. t.; 2 Kent, Com. 258; 4 Johns. Ch. R. 430; Vatt. B. 1, c. Id, Sec. 212; Poth. Des Personnes, tit. 2, s. 1. Vide Body Politic; Inhabitant.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

We ought to be able disagree without being disagreeable. For too long the "black community" has been and still is considered to be of one mind on every issue. That is simply not true and it should not be so. Thinking people will always disagree on some things and agree on others. This BB is evidence of that. For example I thought it necessary to answer Jazzman point by point:

1. We are all distraught by this situation in Cincinnati.

AGREE, all of us are concerned

2. However, let us not attack one another over this issue. Let us unite by praying to God and He will make it possible for us to overcome yet another trick of the devil.

DISAGREE - Sometimes we are praying when we ought to be acting. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

3. I understand that America is determined that it is going to treat African-American people any way it so desires.

STRONGLY DISAGREE - America is not a monolith. There is no conspiracy to treat black folk any particular way. That's rhetoric.

4. America has an attitude of exclusivity towards us black people and if anyone out there believes otherwise, then they are in denial.

STRONGLY DISAGREE - The "in denial" phrase is used when a person has no reasonable arguements to presents. America is not amonolith.

5. I am predicting that the U.S. Attorney General will not get involved. I am also predicting that no wrong doing on the part of the police will be found.

I don't think the U.S. Attorney General should get involved unless the local authorities fail to do their job.

6. This is America for black people. Therefore, we as African- Americans have to look to our heavenly Father to protect us and safeguard our rights as human beings. We as African-Americans also have to look to God for the solution to America's racist policies towards us. For America has shown you time and time again that it does not intend to treat us African-Americans with the same level of dignity and respect as afforded to all other Americans.

DISAGREE - I lumped all this together. God has already made a way for us (Black Folk). As a people, we may not be satisfied his solution. Just as he gave the land of Caanan to the Israelites (Numbers Chapter 13), He also has given us this land. BUT we have to go in and POSSESS this land, just as they did. Just as they did, many of us are grasshoppers in our own sight.

This is what the 10 spies with grasshopper mentality said: "And there we say the giants, the sons of Anak, of the giants; and we were in OUR OWN SIGHT as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." [Numbers 13:33]

This is waht Joshua and Caleb said: "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." [Numbers 13:30]

I preach this text at least 3 times a year: "Grasshoppers or Giants". My brother, we are not grasshoppers. God has already empowered us. Our ancestors came out of slavery building schools, colleges, trade schools, churches, businesses, houses and buying land without asking the government or nayone but God to assist them. Today, we are standing around asking the federal government, some politician, some rich person, or whatever to do for us that which we ought to be doing for ourselves. God laughs at our prayers when He has allready given us the answers. It is time for action and that does not mean riot. Instead of complaining about the glass ceiling in someone else's business, we ought to be creating businesses and jobs for ourselves. Many are doing just that but we don't hear from them. They are too busy working.

I dare all preachers to preach this text on next Sunday and every other month thereafter for the next five years.

Blessings,

Pstor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Pastor Paris,

I understand your last paragraph and agree that Black folks need to stop begging for governmental crumbs. However, I further understand that ALL people need a level playing field. That is the problem. Sure, some people have arrived. But the vast majority have not and by not any faults of their own. Many conservative black folks fail to acknowledge the mistreatment of Afrikan Americans, placing the blame on "their" trifling ways. These people don't want a hand out, they want an opportunity. Further, it is not necessary to bash Afrikan Americans to prove that black conservatives embrace the Amercian dream. Especially when that dream is laced with self hatred and injustice. There is inequality in this country...accept it. And move on.

Peace, Brenda

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

JazzMan and Sister Brenda I do agree with all you have said. Both of your assessments are accurate and to the point. I also think that some black folk are in denial because they have missed a key point in their spiritual growth. This point is one, which is read each Sunday in the A.M.E. Church, yet some of us have never really heard it. I am of course referring to the Great Commandment, which states that we ought to love God with all our being and love our neighbor as ourselves. Too many of us miss the fact that we cannot truly love God or our neighbor until we learn to love ourselves.

Unfortunately there are some persons who think that love of their neighbor means praising their neighbor while at the same time abasing themselves and everyone who look like them. But Jesus said you should love your neighbor "as" yourself. It is only when I realize how badly if hurts when you step on my toe, that I can truly appreciate what it must feel like when I step on yours.

It is by truly loving ME that I will learn to eliminate, stealing, killing, lying, coveting, divorce, and all other things, which offend both God and man. Thus on this New Commandment, which is, LOVE, of both my neighbor and myself, "hang all the Law and the Prophets."

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Dear Rev. Paris,

I was delighted that you said that we should start our own businesses. I was also very much impressed with Brenda's anecdote from the BOUVIER LAW DICTIONARY OF 1859. Brenda, you are so resourceful! Mr. Matthews, thank you very much for explaining the difference between loving your neighbor and liking your neighbor. I got a copy of a powerful sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King on loving your enemies. Rev. Paris, I respectfully disagree with your response to my statement " let us not attack one another over this issue. Let us unite by praying to God and He will make it possible for us to overcome yet another trick of the devil." I won't attempt to counter your remaining disagreements to my previous comments because they are moot. However, on the subject of praying, I must respond. Christian people and non-christian people are involved in a spiritual war between God and the devil. God desires to give us life and the devil schemes to destroy us. The devil is far more intelligent and powerful than any human being that has ever lived. Only God can defeat him. This situation in Cinncinati and in America is a delight to the devil. He relishes this as an opportunity to destroy us all. Even though the individual christian believes he or she has the will power to overcome or out think the devil in his next move, I am here to tell you that you need to humble yourself to the Holy Spirit in prayer and wait for God to fight your every battle. Racism in America against black people is real. It is also orchestrated by the devil. We as christians should pray about everything even when we think that we know enough to address a problem. Finally, as you stated "God laughs at our prayers". No where in the Bible does it states that "God laughs at our prayers. It does state in Romans 8:26 that " In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings to deep for words." Then the next verse states that " And he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God". Therefore, we christians must acknowledge that racism against black people is real but address it from a spiritual point of view as opposed to our natural flesh point of view. You can't talk to God too much!!

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Reading Brother Matthews' erudite discussion about love has put me in a Shakesperean mood.

Doubt thou the stars are fire Doubt that the sun doth move Doubt truth to be a liar But never doubt I love

"Hamlet" Act 2, Scene 2

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Hotep...

This tread has truly been a blessing! Thanks for showing and sharing LOVE.

Peace, Brenda

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

I forget to make this comment...Preachers, pastors, ministers in the AME church don't have to deal with workplace discrimination. The congregation takes care of them and their family. The organizational chart is filled with powerful Afrikan Amercians. The people in key decision making positions are Afrikan Amercians. Now look at corporate Amercia with it affirmative action in place. Upper management is mostly white males (Bill you are the exception), middle management may have a few more. However, most Afrikan Amercians have low level management or administrative positions. Also though they (Afrikan Amercians) perform the same job, they STILL recieve less pay. I know from experience!

I believe that our problem as a people is spiritual. We don't know who we are, allowing someone else to define our values, morals and our spirituality.

In Love and Light,

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Sister Brenda,

Many congregations are not able to pay a full time salary for its minister. I have been a pastor for the last twenty years, in the military for twenty years, and an engineer with Texas Instruments for twenty-five years. So I know something about discrimination and how to handle it. I went to the Separate but Equal schools (pre-1954) but I made it with hard work and God's help.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Pastor Paris,

I realize that you worked hard and by American standards are a success. Does that mean that all Afrikan Americans can succeed? Not necessarily so. That means that God kissed “you”.

Pastor Paris, often we forget about the little people. For example, my grandmother social security check is based on my grandfather's income. His income was lower because he was a black. Her check, which she still receives, is lower than a white woman whose husband did the same job. The government supports it but providing her with a substandard check. If the field was level, her check would be adjusted.

You and I both attended separate but equal schools...and mine was NOT equal. The teachers created a facsimile of equality by caring about the students, forcing us to excellence. I had second books with white children's names in them. The old, outdated, books. When we got new books, there was NEVER enough for each student. Oh, but it gets better. The white lunch room lady served us black peas and corn bread almost everyday. I guess she thought that was all we ate at home. I lived on an integrated street and played with white children. However, the old white lady who lived next door to me never let me forget that I was a “nigger”. White teenage boys used drive down the street, throwing water balloons or rotten tomatoes on us.

It was my parents and the AME church (Rev. Dr. William Penn Carter, Rev. Carlos Mathis May, Bishop Hildebrand, Morris Brown College) that instilled pride in me. The church was the place I saw powerful Afrikan Americans in positions, not bowing down to the white man. My father, a barber shop owner, NEVER work for anyone. I knew that the founder of my church was an Afrikan man who excelled. Richard Allen, a man who never forgot his roots, fought for rights of his people. I don't have issues with white people. I see situations as they are, not as I want them to be. Many of my co-workers thought that I am racist because I don't buy into their ideas. However, after I explained myself, they understood my position. I don’t have to think like the white conservative to accepted. They respect me for standing up for what I believe.

The only way to handle discrimination is to look at it TRUTHFULLY! Understanding history helps develop character and integrity. Truth helps an individual learn creative ways of handling difficult situations. Avoiding or not acknowledging racism, does not make it go away. Racism is a condition of ignorance that festers, creating pus that infects the lives of all Americans. There is a tremendous amount of forgiveness that must take place before we all can move on. White people must stop trying to control and define everyone according to their standards. They must understand the tragic results of their past actions, and forgive themselves. Afrikan Americans must forgive the white man and themselves for the pain the sufferings that were beyond their control. Then we can love each other.

Peace,

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

This discussion has been good. It's wonderful to see God's people reason together and a mature manner.

Brenda your last response blessed my heart. I feel love and compassion and a hope for all mankind. The failure is not in God, it's in us. But hope makes us not ashame, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Amen, Brenda.

In Christ, Carmen

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001