PERSPECTIVES-ANOTHER WAY TO VIEW

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MR.WILLIAM H. WITHERS

2020-04-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

THE INIMITABLE BILL WITHERS HAS LEFT THE STAGE

JULY 4, 1938 ~ MARCH 30, 2020

Links:
'Still Bill' Trailer
'A Conversation With Bill Withers'

Barbara Elaine Smith: August 24, 1949 – February 22, 2020

2020-02-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

B. Smith was a celebrated author, model, businesswoman, restaurateur and in the forefront of black women who helped break barriers for women of color in all areas of society. I posted an article when she and her husband wrote a book about their struggle with her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease; 'Before I Forget'. It is public knowledge on how her husband chose to handle this daunting disease and their life together...years after writing the book and much of it was controversial, however, let us celebrate her life well-lived before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Bountiful blessings B. Smith and rest in eternal peace.

** IN MEMORIAM **

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2019 ~ 2020

2019-12-22T19:30:00.000-06:00

Let me begin by stating that when I began collecting my thoughts on the celebration of the holidays; the task seemed to take on more of an air of redundancy. As far back as 2011 and subsequent annual essays on the subject, there was always this foreboding and pessimistic view of the events of any given period. The concept of hope and the collective will of the majority of the American people and our global community who continue to be the champions for justice, compassion and mutual support --were always the redeeming factors. The events that have preceded 2020 prove to have set the bar at one of its lowest and the consequences are unparalleled. We have a president, recently impeached and a rogue administration and party threatening the very fabric of our democracy in ways that mirror old guard threats and challenges. There is no bottom to the inhumanity of this regime. The most touted concept of love must become a verb with active solution planning and accountability. We must get back to perfecting our union instead of totally eradicating it and one must not only wish for a Happy New Year but a just and humane one.

Archival Posts:

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

The "Merry Christmas" Debate Obscures Peace & Goodwill Message

Senior Citizens And The Other Side Of Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings

The Arrival of 2017 & Severe Challenges to a Happy New Year

Thoughts as We Embark on 2013!

THANKFULNESS DURING TURBULENT TIMES

2019-11-26T17:38:00.000-06:00

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.

* Maya Angelou *

Archival Article:

Thankfulness/Gratitude/Thanksgiving Update

COLUMBUS DAY IS NO LONGER VALID AMONG THE 'WOKE' CITIZENRY AS WE CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

2019-10-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

"DEMOCRACY NOW PRESENTS"

“We’re Still Here”: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration Reflects Ongoing Resistance to Colonization

Related Articles:

1. Intrigued By More Exposure of Black Folks Who Celebrate Indian Heritage

2. Columbus Day Is Dying. Indigenous Peoples Day Is the Future.

Jessye Norman ❤️ September 15, 1945 ~ September 30, 2019

2019-09-30T20:12:00.001-05:00

"A multiple Grammy Award winner, she was a towering figure on the operatic, concert and recital stages."

"There is a Balm in Gilead"

Ms. Norman' s majestic voice will be missed and the above rendition of "There is a Balm in Gilead" still brings tears to my eyes and a feeling of awe in my soul. The great ones are leaving us, however, her legacy of song and taped performances will be lasting gifts to the world.

TONI MORRISON: REST DEAR QUEEN IN POWER & PEACE

2019-08-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

"SOMETHING THAT IS LOVED IS NEVER LOST"

February 18, 1931, ~ August 5, 2019
❤️
A Life Well-Lived

This will be brief for I am fresh in my grief for this outstanding scholar, novelist, intellectual, Nobel Prize Winner, Pulitzer Prize and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. I remember several years ago, a family friend lamented when a well-known celebrity had transitioned and I'm paraphrasing...send the ushers and bring the smelling salts! My sentiments since I heard the news that she has left us and they all eventually leave us. The saving grace is her legacy of superb novels, *academic and *philosophical writings and her love for a people horrifically displaced, who struggled and attained heights that dared to challenge oppressive tactics and moved on for the greater good. I've read that she is and was a National Treasure, for now, I'm not ready to fully let her go, so my feelings are with the former.

*Statement From the Family of Toni Morrison:

A preview of the latest documentary "The Pieces I Am" and a few of the many interviews that will stay with me until my final transition:

FIRST YOUTH POET LAUREATE AMANDA GORMAN JOINS BOSTON POPS CELEBRATION

2019-07-04T01:49:00.000-05:00

I've written previous articles on the Fourth of July and what that means to people of color and cited speeches by our forefathers and contemporaries on this subject with considerable focus on Frederick Douglas' Speech. There are many opinions citing the pros and cons of supporting this holiday and are valid, I suppose. It's particularly troubling this year with the Trump Regime, citizens and Republicans of his ilk and their serious efforts and successes in taking us back to the celebration of white supremacy in this country. 'Make America Great Again' has and continues to be a rallying call to the chagrin of many Americans. I viewed CBS Morning News and was introduced to this young woman poet, Amanda Gorman and her take on the 4th and her view of what it should and can be in the most eloquent manner. I did some research on her and was impressed and I'm glad to have been introduced to her and her activism with an emphasis on 'oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization'. She will recite her poem with the Boston Pops Orchestra as Americans celebrate the 4th. I viewed a rehearsal of the orchestra with the beautiful interpretive reading of her poem "Believer's Hymn for the Republic".

CBS News: 'Amanda Gorman believer's Hymn for the Republic'

Trump will celebrate the 4th in D.C. in his honor rather than the country's celebration of this republic based on the highest ideals for freedom, liberty, and justice. It has failed numerous times but the citizens and concerned representatives have fought relentlessly for it to live up to its principles. I will focus on the Boston Pops celebration for the rolling of tanks, military jets overhead and feigned patriotic platitudes repurposed in a rally speech for a second term by 45; is more than I can tolerate. There is a link to the CBS video of Amanda Gorman and the orchestra in rehearsal. I've added the poem.

Believer's Hymn for the Republic

12 score and 3 years ago, to be exact,

Our founders dared to declare

The world's most revolutionary act:

A pact sworn for liberty and equality.

Out of many, was born one people;

A teeming nation made of nations,

At its very foundation a dream

For life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Today, we gather so that our Founders' words do not go diminished.

But also so that the work does not go unfinished.

For it's not just in a declaration of independence

But the everyday declaration of its descendants

That make a people equal.

It is our right and our role

To remember these words scratched on a scroll,

So we may live them and heal our nation whole.

We roll up our sleeves, we believe in the dream,

And these American stories, in the glory of the struggle,

For it is from our struggle that comes our nation's strength,

For the lengths that we fight for what is right

Is the fullest measure of our country's might.

And while we cannot shake or cast aside our past,

Every day we write the future. Together we sign it,

Together we declare it, we share it,

For this truth marches on inside each of us:

Americans know one another by our love of liberty.

When in fact, we are liberated by our love for one another.

We understand that a house divided cannot stand.

So let us make a pact to be the country that acts

As compassionate as we are courageous.

In the declaration's pages, we write a new order for the ages,

Where out of many, we are one,

Bright as a sun, and bold as an eagle,

A nation of all people, by all people,

For all people.

Let this fourth of July

Move forth our cry to redeem the dream.

As we remember those words forever ignited

That we the people have so long heard and recited.

That we are right to stand

But are revolutionary when we stand united

LGBTQ: GUARANTEED RIGHTS FOR ALL/JUNE IS LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH 2019

2019-06-05T18:53:00.000-05:00

Pride Month – June 2019

'FORGET STONEWALL'

YASMIN NAIR

“FIFTY YEARS after Stonewall.” “Stonewall: Fifty Years Later.” “Stonewall Turns Fifty.” “After Stonewall: Where Are We Today?”

Article(s) of Interest:

'New GLADD Study Shows Decline in LGBTQ Acceptance In 18-34 Year Olds'

'Juneteenth and Pride: 7 Black LGBTQ Leaders'

The Musings Of A Septuagenarian Novice Signing Off & Welcoming 2018 With Trepidation And Conviction

2017-12-29T21:39:00.000-06:00

What I've noticed during the beginning of each decade of my existence is that there was always a set of circumstances that marked its uniqueness beginning at the age of ten (Denarian). My mother remarried and my step-father became my beloved "Pop" for life. I, also, started my menses and my life of care-free days at the playground with the softball team was restricted and I began my years of dependency on Midol once a month not to mention other prohibitions. During my 20th year (Vicenarian) my politics were more to the left and Pan-Africanism and research on the history of my ancestors on this continent and globally with their detractors/oppressors became a preoccupation. I took nothing for granted and as Malcolm X had stated; think for yourself and always research what you hear and come to your own conclusions. During my mid-twenties, I married and began a family which was no easy task due to medical concerns. As I began my thirties (Tricenarian) my husband and I were surprised with another pregnancy and I completed my graduate studies. Upon my 40th year (Quadragenarian); I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and fought resolutely through 2 separate diagnoses...five years apart.

After years of psychiatric and medical/surgical social work, I started a private practice in my 50's (Quinquagenarian) focused on Employee Assistance Program clientele. For many, it was a time of extreme anxiety and depression over the loss of manufacturing jobs, corporate downsizing and the outsourcing of positions overseas. To kick off my 60's (Sexagenarian), my daughters arranged a wonderful expense free weekend and reunion with one of my dearest high school friends. I also realized that my prayers were answered as I sat through my daughters' undergraduate and graduate degree ceremonies and viewed our youngest daughter who is on the Autism spectrum graduate from an employee readiness program.

As I begin my 70th year, there have been many changes and surprises with the unsettling feelings of déjà vu. "The more things change the more they stay the same" which is an old saying and no one really knows the origin of this adage. I like Santhip Kanholy's take which is "Everything in this world has its own nature. There is a fundamental pattern that can be associated with most of the things, even to the nature of how things change. The more when things begin to change, the fundamental patterns become more apparent over time. The emergence of fundamental patterns amidst all the changes makes it remain the same in spite of the nature of change associated with the object."

Events and the circumstances from previous decades have re-surface, although, contextually there are some variations. It's, also, a recycling of politics with some hopeful nuances (two-term President of color) followed by a vicious and reactionary response that is taking us backward to the days of unrelenting struggle; The Third Reconstruction... if you will! I can remember engaging in side-eye conversations with the freedom fighters of the 40's and 50's attempting to do some reality testing with us "militants" and I'm grateful that I didn't completely shutdown. The wisdom of the elders should never be negated nor should the fresh ideas of the 'youngins' be disregarded. I've been so impressed with some of the Gen Xers/Millennials. I will continue to be supportive in thought and finances for I truly believe that the effective passing of the torch is so vital to our future.

The chemo battles endured during my early 40's made it possible for me to actually accomplish and witness some of the events described above for which I'm truly thankful. However, aging maladies and residual physical changes from that period have prompted my decision to limit my blogging activities. After 185 posts, it has become an effort to not rehash the same topics and to be more optimistic because these are troubling times and it seems the goodness of humanity is becoming anecdotal. I plan to continue as curator and vetter for my online newspaper Viewpoints with an occasional brief commentary on selected and shared domestic and international stories as well as the opinions of others. And of course, the afrosphere and blogosphere will be a constant in my life for I've been introduced to so many brilliant, humorous and interesting people for the past 9 years.

As I reflect on these things and prepare for the New Year ahead, I want to thank you not only for your readership but for your comments. As I said in my mission statement; a forum for varying perspectives with shared epiphanies and the expanding, changing or maintaining of my own viewpoints.

Let us make 2018 a year of resistance to the harrowing aspects of humanity and encourage those qualities that make us hopeful, inspired and productive.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2017-12-16T00:11:00.001-06:00

The message this Christmas is brief and I've also featured the various archival holiday messages on my sidebar. Many of the issues raised then haven't changed and I imagine will be with us for years to come. The Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays controversy and the validity of the differing points of view are re-visited. I've been quite clear about my views on the subject, however, I recently read an article by John Pavlovitz, a self-described "20-year ministry veteran trying to figure out how to love people well and to live-out the red letters of Jesus." and it broadened a few concepts I had about this subject. In my opinion, this article has been one of the better perspectives on Why I'm a Christain who says "Happy Holidays".

*Enjoy this season of love, communion, goodwill, and charity.

A Few Thoughts On "God A Human History"

2017-12-11T16:45:00.000-06:00

Author Bio

I was first introduced to this book and author while viewing a Super Soul Sunday segment on OWN. Oprah was interviewing Reza Aslan about this somewhat controversial book on his concept of God. Mr. Aslan has an impressive bio and I've provided a link for your convenience. As a practice, I usually present books that I find interesting on my sidebar with links to reviews and occasionally will do a Goodreads review on my sidebar sites of interest. This one particularly held my fascination and I wanted my subscribers or those who've not heard of his work or his background to read and share their impressions. I must say, that this book also provided a more succinct language acumen for my own questions and perplexities about "The Almighty" and other names associated with this omnipotent force 'from which all knowledge flows.'

Briefly, Dr. Aslan cites:

That we ascribe our various virtues and vices, feelings and flows to God. We humanized God and that we are 'hardwired' in our brains to do so. He further states that the very process of conceptualizing God compels us to knowingly or fashion "him" in our own images. The humanization of God by making him (gender bias) us. This force begs our predilection to say we are fashioned in his image, however, humans have fashioned him in our image.

I've wrestled for many years on this subject and believed how can one satisfactorily explain an omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient force in such limited terms with emotions that have not only enhanced the human experience but also exposed the evil and inhumane attributes of mortals.

This book is a scholarly approach with extensive research on all the major and less known religious groups which led to his most recent beliefs about GOD. I'm sure it will be viewed as 'New Age' stuff by the more conservative and established religious believers, that is if they decide to read it.

I believe that until the day of my final transition; my lifelong question will continue to be; what was all this about? There are many religious scholars and philosophers who have given their thoughts on the how(?), but the why(?) will remain a mystery and as Deepak Chopra cites that the latter keeps him humbled and in awe. Me too!

THANKFULNESS/GRATITUDE/THANKSGIVING UPDATE 2017

2017-11-11T17:47:00.000-06:00

This is a re-posting of a compilation of former Thanksgiving messages . Once again, we are at the crossroads of human suffering with a lot of recent trauma related to President Donald Trump, killings of unarmed black youth, pathological hatred, Russia-gate, justice denied, overall escalation of human misery, global wars, persecution, genocide and the unremitting and daunting effects of poverty. The latter is just to name a few. In the midst of all this...we continue to publicly celebrate the rite of Thanksgiving. Acts of kindness still abound, many people are doing well despite the hardships expressed which is usually the case. "Many things are true at once" , however, we must not forget or fail to continue to advocate and diligently work for changes that enhance humanity and lend to making subsequent Thanksgivings more meaningful.

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." ~ Henry Van Dyke ~

Photo Credit: Public Domain

It's that time of the year again and I find myself still trying to reconcile the concepts of being thankful or grateful for what we have and frankly what we hope that we'll keep and certainly relieved that things aren't as bad as they are for much of humanity. "Fearing to lose what you have is not the same as appreciation" ~ Terry Guillemets ~

I've written several posts on this holiday from different perspectives including that of some Native Americans.{ See link 'National Day of Mourning.'} There are the exasperated sighs from folks who find some form of gratitude or thankfulness in the most dire circumstances when they encounter people like me. Their perceptions are that we are the ones hardwired to focus more on the maladies of humankind instead of being thankful for those blessings that others share or for those who are doing relatively well despite their problems. The consideration of societal and individual limitations coupled with solution building can enhance one's ability to be truly grateful in the face of dreaded happenstances. As a collective we should give thanks. I do believe that.

There is, however, a passage from one of Dr. King's sermons that reinforces my perception that we should always shine a light on and work towards the resolution of the suffering and injustice that much of humanity endures on a daily basis. The celebrated day of Thanksgiving is no exception. The passage reads: "The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

With that said; I enjoy reading articles and collecting quotes on thankfulness and gratitude. Many of them made a distinction between being thankful and having gratitude.

"Being thankful is to acknowledge the contributions of others. While, thankfulness represents an understanding of such contributions, it does not necessarily represent a deep, heartfelt embrace of the contributions."
"Having gratitude is to really feel and embrace the contributions of others and the power of the universe in your life. Gratitude moves the intellectual acknowledgement of being thankful to a deep feeling representing the intersection of intellect and soul." ~ Wecare ~

This policy for the uninsured under constant fire!

Gratitude is a real, palpable feeling, like pleasure or pain, and thankfulness is the most natural response to it. Two distinctly different things, joined at the hip." ~ Alan Roettinger ~

It makes it difficult for many of us to find a reason to be thankful. Of course we have heard time and time again that there is always some one experiencing greater hardship than we are, and although true, it does not always make our personal hardships any less painful."

Life indeed is a roller coaster ride, enjoy the highs and find reasons to be thankful for during the lows and you will make out just fine." ~Michael Szczepanik ~

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." ~ Maya Angelou ~

11/23/11 statement on Thanksgiving rings true today as it did then and merits reprinting:

These are troubling times and many are left with feelings of hopelessness, despair and frankly an attitude of skepticism on what this day means to millions of folks not only in this country but around the world. The haves vs the have-nots which is a common refrain on the nightly news and on many sites in cyberspace.

We have each other and there are caring folks who not only stock the food pantries on holidays but during the year as well. They raise funds to help those who've been treated unfairly by happenstance and continue to advocate utilizing various venues for those of us who are unemployed, homeless and marginalized by the larger societies. Although for many there is very little to be thankful for; they go deep within and find some gratitude for just being...gratitude for those who fight tirelessly for humanity...gratitude that yes things could be worse for many of us but we are still here and eking out a living for a better day. For those who are doing well or okay...let us not look in disdain and contempt toward those who have fallen on harder times. The prayer of sharing should be in our hearts and thankfulness that you can make donations and assist those who have various needs in such a way that they can eventually do for themselves. In remembrance of this spirit; may your efforts become a part of who you are--not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. This is my Thanksgiving appeal!

Peace, Love & Bountiful Blessings. ~Carolyn Moon ~

Links:
Thanksgiving Musings
National Day of Mourning

OCTOBER, 2017 IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

2017-10-01T14:22:00.001-05:00

Sister's Network, Inc.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness & Solution Focused Month 2017; my October 1, 2013, article on breast cancer is made available for your perusal. Dawn Jones was one of the survivors featured in that post who transitioned December 26, 2016, after a ten year battle with Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. There was a CBS Philly tribute on this amazing woman and it provided the reader/viewer a glimpse of her courage and her mantra to live fully with cancer. She is representative of millions of women who've fought valiantly against this disease. Some have lived for extended periods and others have succumbed. Their bravery and refusal to give up remain a source of strength and perseverance for those of us who are still in the trenches. Maya Angelou captures this spirit so well in the following quote.

Bernard (Bernie) Terry Casey: June 8, 1939 ~ September 19, 2017

2017-09-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

*REST IN PEACE & LOVE

In Remembrance of Dick Gregory 1932 ~ 2017

2017-09-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

HUMORIST, HUMAN RIGHTS WARRIOR/TRUTH-TELLER/PHILOSOPHER

SURVIVED BY QUEEN LILLIAN AND PROGENY

HOMEGOING SERVICES & TRIBUTES

IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 AND THE AFTERMATH

2017-09-11T17:54:00.000-05:00

They say there is a reason,

They say that time will heal

But neither time nor reason,

Will change the way I feel,

For no-one knows the heartache,

That lies behind our smiles,

No-one knows how many times,

We have broken down and cried,

We want to tell you something

So there won't be any doubt

You're so wonderful to think of,

But so hard to be without.

~ Author Unknown~

SIDEBAR SELECTED UPDATES: WEEK OF JULY 28 - August 7, 2017

2017-07-21T17:30:00.001-05:00

Melodic Backdrops: 'Sweet Love' ~ Anita Baker

Archival & Recent Reads: 'White Rage" ~ Carol Anderson

Site Pages/Topic of Interests: Guaranteed Rights for All/Response To Comedian's Trans Murder Comments - Janet Mock

Selected Interviews/Lectures: Faith Jegede: What I've Learned From My Autistic Brothers

Round Table Issues/Opinions

Featured Website: 'Feminista Jones'

SIDEBAR SELECTED UPDATES: WEEK OF JULY 1-5, 2017

2017-06-30T15:13:00.001-05:00

Featured Archival Post: Black People & the Haunting Duplicity of July 4th

Featured Website: "The Hill" ~ Rep. Barbara Lee ' Lone Opponent of Afghanistan War Feels Vindicated'

Independents/Cinema/Shorts: "The House on Coco Road"

Interviews/Panels/Lectures: Democracy Now! "No Is Not Enough" ~ Naomi Klein

SELECTED SIDEBAR UPDATES: WEEK OF JUNE 23-30, 2017

2017-06-23T14:51:00.001-05:00

Melodic Backdrops: Best Smooth Jazz ~ Sunset Lounge

Archival & Current Reads: 'No is Not Enough' ~ Naomi Klein

Selected Interviews/Lectures: 'Emancipation from Mental Slavery ~ Dr. Grills

Round Table Issues/Discussions: 'Anti-racist author Tim Wise: White America desperately wants to be numb, and Donald Trump “is a walking, talking opioid” '

Featured Website: 'The Mighty' ~ "It's time We Talk About Chronic Illness and Suicide" ~ Jordan Davidson

Independents/Cinema Shorts: Shadow & Act Review: 'Welcome to Refugeestan'

SIDEBAR UPDATED SELECTIONS: WEEK OF JUNE 12-17, 2017

2017-06-13T15:13:00.001-05:00

Melodic Backdrops: Smooth Jazz Session Mix 102

Archival & Current Reads: 'Hunger' Review by Roxane Gaye

Selected lectures/Panels: TEDWomen: Roxane Gaye ~"Confessions of a Bad Feminist".

Ta-Nehisi Coates:"We Accept Violence Against African-Americans as Normal"

Round Table Opinions: 'Coping With a Breakup Caused by Mental Health Stigma' ~ Laura Barton

Featured Website: MsAfropolitan

Shadow & Act Review: "DETROIT'

SIDEBAR UPDATED SELECTIONS: WEEK OF JUNE 01-06, 2017

2017-06-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Selected Interviews Feature: "The Power of Privilege: Tiffany Jana @TED

Melodic Backdrops: Smooth Jazz..The Lost Tape

Site Pages: Goodreads Review: "Race and Reunion"

Round Table Discussions/Opinions: "Melissa Harris-Perry: How to Save the N.A.A.C.P. From Irrelevance"

Featured Website: John Pavlovitz

Shadow & Act Review: "Black Women in Medicine"

Addendum :

"Remembering The Great Poet Gwendolyn Brooks At 100"* ~ Karen Grigsby Bates

SELECTED SIDEBAR UPDATES: WEEK OF MAY 22-29, 2017

2017-05-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Selected Interviews Feature: 'Trevor Noah and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Interviewed'. An example of how we can debate without rancor and disrespect. Humor and points of view worth considering.

Goodreads Review: Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory.

Current Reads: 'White Rage" by Carol Anderson is a well-researched assessment of the dynamics of race in this country & the cyclic flashpoints that threaten white supremacy.

Round Table Opinions/Discussions: Maxine Walters on Jeff Sessions and his history of and current oppressive practices towards people of color.

Featured Website: 'Whispers of a Womanist '. This is a young sister with a sophisticated and progressive take on the dynamics of race, womanism and LGBTQ issues. Topic ~ "Devaluing Race: A Contemporary Obsession".

Blog Roll: 'Indomitable': Chauncey interviews a former FBI Counterintelligence Agent and his assertion that Russian could have infiltrated the White House.

Independents/Cinema Feature: Shadow & Act Recap and Trailer on Whitney"Can I Be Me"

* The Blog Roll and Sites of Interest authors continue to update at varying times, however, the above are those that I've selected for the week. Please let me know what you think of this new approach to highlighting the sidebar. My e-mail address is also on there. Thanks

Is Blogging Passé? Just A Passing Thought.

2017-05-07T23:22:00.003-05:00

A former New York Times article posed the question, "Aren't blogs passé"? The same thing has occurred to me intermittently. I wonder how effective my personal blog has been and if indeed after 170 posts, it has run its course. The reader comments have been sporadic with a few articles garnering a sizeable number that were thoughtful and offered another way to view. At one point I lived for those and learned that the lack of comments didn't necessarily mean that the articles weren't read or thought provoking. The visits have diminished as well which is not a good sign.

Of late, some of my favorite bloggers have 'deserted' their blogs with the latest entries usually published in 2015 or the beginning of 2016. Ta-Nehisi Coates,whom I followed on a fairly consistent basis stated that he missed blogging but inferred that it was waning and it's my belief that other social media was complicit in this phenomena. There was also his other interests that took a considerable amount of his time. This was disheartening for me because I looked forward to personal assessments of current events from people from all of walks of life. I made some wonderful acquaintances and exchanged stimulating points of view which broadened my perspective globally and on the domestic front. The hubris that comes with age and experience living through different eras enhanced my sense of sophistication and knowledge on world and domestic events. As a student of history; especially African, Afro-American and European history, I always felt that the more you know the more there is to learn. The dynamics of the times and analyses from younger intellectuals have given me hope for the future — this includes my daughters. Oh the lively debates and conversations...I live for them!

I'm still on the fence regarding the usefulness of continuing with my blog. While I have been sporadic in publishing posts my sidebar is updated on a weekly basis. I really appreciate the forum and it's really hard to let go. Joshua Becker poses an argument in favor of personal blogging citing this quote: “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” —William Wordsworth. Becker's article rings true in many ways.

It's noteworthy that I have embarked on another interest. Since November 2016 I've been curating a daily paper (Monday-Friday), Viewpoints, with articles from many sources of my choosing on: current events, African and Afro-American culture, science, technology, politics, the arts and women's issues. I can vet the sources and select topics shared by professionals, pundits and those I've come to know through the blogosphere with my own brief commentaries. Brief being the operative word. The paper is also shared on social media, e.g., Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Blogging is my first love and if nothing else this post serves as a catharsis and one of several means to decide whether or not I will definitely shut down this venue and spend more time on the daily paper. At any rate, I will continue to visit and support those blogs that I find interesting and thought provoking. The blogosphere is massive and the competition to advance ideologies and relate the goings-on in many fields is fierce and can be overwhelming at times.

A Tragic End for Celebrated Justice Abdus-Salaam

2017-04-13T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam: March 14, 1952 – April 12, 2017

Photo Credit: Screengrab via New York1

It was shocking to read about this well respected woman of color and an inspiring force for justice was found dead on the shores of the Hudson River. She was featured in my May 1, 2013 post when Governor Cuomo selected her for the New York Court of Appeals. Details are sketchy at this point and there was some speculation that she may have committed suicide. As a society, we've lost a woman who fought for fair sentencing and handling of the many criminal cases she's had to decide over the years. Judge Abdus-Salaam was 65.

I truly hope she is resting in peace and power for whatever the circumstances were that culminated in her death by homicide or suicide; it's a devastating blow to all that is good about humanity.

Link Update:

Mystery and Melancholy Surround Death of Judge Found in the Hudson