In the Black - Accentuating the Positive

Dr. Ben Carson criticizes Blacks
from the Right

A lot of Black leaders and talking heads on both the left and right have a lot of criticism of Black people.  However, is being negative the best way to motivate people? Blacks have made tremendous strides as a group despite the obstacles we face. In my opinion we have to look at our glass as half full rather than half empty to continue to build on our success.

Yes, Blacks have way too many murders 7,000 a year out of 42 million people. Way too much. We have to get better. We have 905,000 people incarcerated way too much of course we have to do better.

 
But here are some positive developments in the Black community that we should find encouraging:



~ About 10 million Blacks are homeowners (45%)

~ 1.9 million Blacks own businesses

~ 14,000 Black companies have receipts over 1 million dollars a year 

~ Black businesses generate over 137.5 Billion dollars a year collectively

~ 4.5 million Blacks have college degrees or higher

~ 82.5% of Blacks over 18 have graduated high school

~ Black women are enrolling in grad school programs faster than any demographic

~ The CDC just came out with research stating Black men are more actively engaged with their children than any other ethnic group of men in the US

~ And believe or not there are actually more Blacks with computer science degrees than Asians.

Dr. Claude Anderson looks at Blacks from a Critical
Progressive Angle

So let's accentuate the positive and look for solutions. For instance we have 2.4 million Blacks out of work. Ironically Black business only comprise 1/2 of 1% of US business income.

Nevertheless, Black businesses employ presently 1 million people. If Black business could grow from .5% of business income to more like 3% we could do phenomenal things in our community. That's why we should seriously consider increasing their patronage for Black businesses from 7% presently to more likely 25% we could employ all the unemployed African Americans in the country.

So 1st we need a person to write a calculation app on our cell phones to keep a running tab on where we spend our money to insure more of us patronize Black businesses. I bet when other communities see us handling our business like this we'll get some freaking respect especially from our young people. People won't be so quick to shoot us as easy targets and say oh I thought he or she were a menacing thug.

Do we have the will, vision, and love to do it? Maybe not. But hell with the emotion.

Enlightened self interest should be the order of the day. Ultimately we'll be forced to do more to survive. We won't have any other choice if we truly understand the dynamics of future competitive global labor markets.

About the Publisher of Kamau's Qu!ps

Kamau's Qu!ps is Published by Kamau Austin. Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Phyne Female Fridays 2-20-2015

Beauty Crowned with Organic Loc

Back to the Motherland Beauty

Beauty in Black and White

Braided Beauty

Beautiful Latina Sista in Sexy Outfit

Beauty by the Pool

Gorgeous Caribbean Beauty Makes a Statement

About the Publisher of Kamau's Qu!ps

Kamau's Qu!ps is Published by Kamau Austin. Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

What is a Strong Black Women?

Harriet Tubman lead Slaves to Freedom is
  exemplary of a Strong Black Woman

"Someone told me recently that when men use the term "strong black woman," it's not a compliment. It's more like a code for not feminine, not vulnerable, too independent, too bossy -- someone who'd rather go it alone that be involved in a relationship with a confident black man. Food for thought." Gwen Richardson

Let me set the record straight for some men we respect "strong Black women."  Different people depending on their vantage point or perspective on life have many images that come to mind when visualizing a strong Black woman.  Depending on the persons perspective being a "strong Black woman" can be a good thing or a bad thing...

...When I use the term strong black woman I use it with much respect.  Conversely, I think strength is also shown in humility many times.

On the other hand I do think some sistas think being strong is in being combative or argumentative and maybe insensitive. However, when I use the term I'm thinking of resourceful and resilient black women and there are of course many of them.

Thank God for them!  I don't know where we would be without them.

My Mom C. Bay Austin - a Strong Black Woman

A strong Black woman to me is like my mother who raised 8 children, bought property in both NYC and Florida. She ran a business and was very resourceful for her family until she died.

I also have sisters and aunts who work very hard keeping their families intact and viable.  They are symbolic of so many positive Black women in our families.

I give homage to the countless Black women who raise their children and keep our families together. I have much respect for them. Women like these appear to me to be strong black women to admire and respect.  And If admiring my strong sisters is wrong I don't wanna be right!

About the Publisher of Kamau's Qu!ps

Kamau's Qu!ps is Published by Kamau Austin. Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page 

Phyne Female Fridays February 13 2015

Beautiful Chocolate Colored Sista

Mocha Chocolate Gorgeousness

Braided Cinnamon Goddess

Beautiful Vanilla Chocolate Sista

Natural Haired Dyme

Gorgeous Sista with Ethnic Edgy Look

Bronzed Exotic Extraordinary Beauty

Kamau's Qu!ps February 2015

The Measure of a Man

"The true measure of a Man isn't in dominating women, children, or his brothers. The true measure of a man is in building his lady, family, and community up to actualize their true potential. Strength facilitates POWER for ALL"

The Divine Behind Healing

"Doctors and man can treat you medically but only God can heal. It is obvious that God makes us partners in the healing process. Let's strive to help heal ourselves and others emotionally, physically, socially, and Spiritually."

 Black History a Scan Towards Perfection

"Black History is the celebration of the best of our ancestors commitment which is yet a scant scan of endearing symbolism. It is only a short clip of the great sacrifices of our progenitors.

They were imperfect people who are inspired to give towards a perfect love.  We salute the awesomeness of your foundations and drive.  We pray for your commitment as we rewrite the future. Let us be worthy of the mantle of tomorrow's legacy."

Into the Light

"Out of darkness we move towards the light. We fear not the love of God.  With a sober soul of faith we accept the eternal truth illuminating in our hearts. And care resonates with us for each other"

On The Divine Duet - "Faith is the greatest weapon in the universe.  More conversely it is a perfect instrument.  Faith and love demonstrated in compassion are a beautiful heavenly duet so let your light shine."

On Respect - You have to have self respect before you can expect others to respect you.

(c) Copyright 2015 Kamau's Qu!ps the Remix

About the Publisher of Kamau's Qu!ps

Kamau's Qu!ps is Published by Kamau Austin. Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

At Fox "Empire" Strikes Back!

Empire Reveals Taboos in the Black Community

I feel like a SELL Out! Yes, I indeed feel like a traitor to the race! I admit I hate Fox "Skewed views" ooops I mean Fox News.

I hate how Fox makes billions off of spreading anemic and ugly views of Black people for ad dollars. I hate how they have this show "Empire" perpetuating negative images of Black culture and Families!

However...

....I admit I've watched all episodes. It is gritty and has good performances by Terrence Howard and the mesmerizing Taraji P. Henson. Empire I hate you but I can't stop watching you! LOL! Lawd gimme strength! We ALL got our issues.

For those of you who have seen it and decided not to support it any longer, I pray for your resolve. Pray for me God isn't finished with me yet.  But I'm addicted to the show.  I know sad but true.

They've even managed to draw the Nation of Islam (NOI) into the fray.

It is soooo wrong but sooo compelling. Please forgive me readers - but I haven't been able to stop watching it. LOL!

Sorry peeps just put my face next to the words "sell out" and "Uncle Tom" in the African American dictionary for failing to stop watching Empire.  The show is so riveting I'm hooked.

They done messed with the NOI and Obama too.  These are two sacred cows in the Black community. Nobody is off limits in this series!

This show is like a guilty pleasure.  It is sought of like working out all week and on the weekend having ice cream. Yep, I admit I have ice cream on the weekend.

I mean life is too short. I don't have a girlfriend so I have ice cream and watch the past episodes of Empire. We all have our contradictions and guilty pleasures. Ha, Ha, Ha!

I know watching four episodes of Empire is not my proudest moment. But I can't promise I won't watch it anymore.

Yeah the Obama angles and NOI angles are pretty ideologically themed by Fox I think. Then there are some other uncomfortable angles in the show as well.

Some say they got the idea for Empire, from Power, which Rapper 50 Cent's production company is behind on Show Time.  Nevertheless, I just really hate Fox with a passion. But Empire has captured my attention for now. 

Some feel Empire is being used by Fox to push stereotypes and agendas.  Some of my friends in social media say the gay agenda is being pushed with the show. I must admit...

I understand how they feel on the gay angle. Actually I find myself covering my eyes too often these day during male kissing scenes.

I don't like to look at two guys kissing. I have an aversion to seeing it and cover my eyes when I see it coming.

Actually that's one of the reasons I don't even enjoy TV anymore. That's a whole other conversation.

Taraji P. Henson is great as cookie. She's acting her behind off in that role you have to admit. I feel like such an Uncle Tom right now. But I can't promise y'all I won't watch it again online Sunday on the Fox website.

I hope my Tommism wears off soon but don't hold your breath! LMBO!

Some of my friends in social media make the point Jews and other ethnic groups wouldn't support such a negative portrayal of themselves.   But also remember Italians watch gangster films and shows and usually there are a couple of Jewish guys in the mix.

If you remember the Sopranos ran for many years and Italians and Latinos are also steroetyped quite a bit. Also another of my Facebook friends made a point there are a diverse cross section of roles of Blacks today.  She's implying Empire shouldn't have such an impact to solely stereotype blacks because of today's diversity of roles for Black actors.

Anywho the show Fox is putting on is very troubling from a social significance perspective because it does reinforce a lot of Fox's stereotypes of Black people. I agree but also the cast is doing a good job acting and performing. It has nice music too.

Shesseh! Talk about ambivalent feelings on this one.

Taraji P. Henson is Riveting on
Empire as Cookie

Cookie dang it. It's all yo fault I'm hooked on dat Empire Show and reduced to Tommism! D@mn, D@mn, D@mn Cookie! LOL!  Perhaps so many other Blacks are riveted to the show because of the great acting.

But even more important is maybe we tune in because it is touching upon deep taboos within the Black community.  And in revealing these taboos it is helping us to discuss them more openly and even "heal" according to Daryl Mooney, a Facebook friend, and son of the legendary comedian Paul Mooney.

Despite the obvious political and social agenda of Fox, many Blacks are supporting Empire.  But ultimately Empire may be popular with us because it strikes back at classism, homophobia, and the battle between hip hop and organic mainstream Black working class culture.  This is a tension that is worth exploring in my opinion.

About the Publisher of Kamau's Qu!ps

Kamau's Qu!ps is Published by Kamau Austin. Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page