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Susan
Mangatal - susan@ariousentertainment.us
Greetings
On-Line Family:
My…my…my, this “Black in America” investigative report
produced/aired by CNN and hosted by CNN’s reporter Soledad
O'Brien last Wednesday and Thursday has blown up the
airwaves and Internet. It
got people all across America talking and “venting” about
this issue. Some of the comments I heard and read were insightful,
thought provoking and many were horrendous as well.
For me, during
the program I was more depressed than uplifted, because we all
know the plight of “a people” who are successfully trying to
overcome and progress from “a black holocaust” (slavery,
lynchings, burnings, race wars, injustice including racial,
fighting for civil rights, being unable to vote, killed,
incarcerated, etc.). Oh yes, we absolutely know about the bad, the disparities and we see the negatives before our eyes on a daily
basis; if
not directly around us then it’s through the media.
We simply didn’t need a reminder of it…a reminder
that made us emotional, angry and tore us apart.
I must admit
there were a few positive issues/stories Ms. O’Brien touched
on, but honestly the negative ones simply outshined the good
that was shown; and you know still today those negative issues
are plaguing my mind (and always will).
The entire show actually made me feel as though Blacks in
America were on some sort of a display, such as animals at a
zoo, or an exhibit at an art studio.
Why are the life of black folks scrutinized so much, and
the negative portions of it shown in the media?
Why don’t the media ever focus on WHY there are
so many negatives in the black man, black woman and black family
lives?
Focus for a minute on the “root of the
problem”, stop brushing it aside and acting like it never
existed (which still exists), and most importantly show more
about their unique challenges, how they have been “pulling
themselves up by their boot straps”, and how they have
overcome, invented, built, organized, discovered, loved and
succeeded on UNEVEN GROUNDS and through an awfully unfair
system. Oh yes,
show their successes, the positive strides they have taken, and
how much they have contributed to America and the American
Society that statistic show is majority white.
Certainly, I
know blacks must hold themselves accountable for the problems
they have created in their lives, all the blame surely cannot be
laid on society, or on the system.
Many know what were revealed on the program are real, and
know that they must get back to the basics, stop making excuses
and rise above their struggles.
Many know as “a people” they must begin to lift each
other up and stop tearing each other down; they know they must
get back to the family and teach family values to the younger
ones; they know they must educate, set goals and work hard to
achieve them; and most importantly they know they must work hard
towards destroying the misconceptions of what is being shown
about their lives through the media.
THEY KNOW ALL OF IT PEOPLE…THEY KNOW, and I am certain
many are working towards it.
In the past,
during the course of my husband Todd’s writings and even mine
- through our commentaries, you may recall we stated we strongly
feel educating the young ones about their history, teaching them
about “from where they have come,” and the struggles
throughout history on the “long hard road” would help
tremendously with some of the problems that is plaguing the
younger black generation today.
Many of them seriously are unaware of their parents,
grandparents, and ancestors struggles, or even the inventions and
successes people of their past have achieved.
They simply know nothing with substance about their
history, which as we can see today has become fatal and is
critical to the survival of the future generations.
They must stop each other from the disrespecting of the
black man/black woman, the baby mama, and baby daddy syndrome,
the promiscuous unprotected sexual activities, the diseases, the
drugs, the black on black crimes, etc…etc…etc.
There is much that must be taught to the younger generation
for substantial change to come, and we (Todd and I) tenaciously feel
beginning with the teaching of their history will be a great start.
Once they see and learn about the struggles and how
difficult it has been, they will indubitable work towards a more
positive outcome for their lives with conviction and certainly
with passion.
For me personally, I have been doing some extensive reading and
researching of my history and the history of blacks in America,
and my eyes have been opened widely to the plight of the black
race and how they have been trying to overcome despite what they
have endured, and certainly still endures today.
It is clear the word we all hate to mutter from our lips “Racism” is
alive in many folks daily lives, and it's sad...really sad that
it's 2008, a black man is running for President of the United
States, and still this exists. Still blacks had to be
scrutinized as if they are non-human and the issues that are
plaguing their communities broadcast on mainstream media, most
importantly their successes and accomplishments were not
shown. Hummm...as if none of these same issues take place
with different ethnic groups in America.
As I bring my comments on this issue to a close,
I must admit that this CNN investigative documentary was one
that left a negative light on blacks in America, because as I
stated earlier there were more pessimistic issues regarding
blacks and their lives shown than positives. As I watched
it an awful feeling came over me, and my heart just sunk, tears
even came to my eyes because this documentary was not helping,
it simply was not beneficial. It was bias, and most
importantly it never really talked about the successes and
accomplishments of blacks in America. I honestly don't
know why I got so emotional, because the issues CNN showed and
discussed that is plaguing the black community (the fatherless
homes, drugs, crimes, joblessness, aids, baby mammas, folks
relying on welfare, etc.) has
always been the backdrop and content in which black people are
represented in the media. It's really shameful that
blacks are on display and displayed so negatively!!! There
is undoubtedly a lot of work to be done in America, and with the
mainstream media regarding the negatives they so love to present
about blacks.
However, I say again - I strongly feel the
positives, successes, accomplishments and the good should have
been displayed and discussed as well!!!
On August 6, 2008, Jamaica celebrates its 46th
Anniversary of Independence.
However, celebrations locally and around the country will begin
this weekend and will proceed throughout the entire month of
August. Many Jamaican Organizations across the
United States and even Jamaica have
planned services, galas, balls, in-door/out door activities, concerts,
etc. to celebrate this 46th Anniversary of independence, so whatever you have
planned to do - we at Arious hope you, your family and friends
have a lovely time celebrating.
For some of the activities that was supplied to us, scroll down
to our "Featured Events" Section to view. Also,
directly below you will find the "History of Jamaica's Independence". Enjoy the read and all the festivities
you attend.
 HISTORY
OF Jamaica's
INDEPENDENCE
In
February 1962, a new constitution was approved by the
Legislation and the Premier Norman Manley called
General Elections.
Alexander
Bustamente was elected in April and became the first
Prime Minister of Jamaica. “On August 6, 1962,
Jamaica became an independent nation and a member of
the British Commonwealth”.
Jamaica
becoming an independent nation now meant that Britain,
no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It
was now the responsibility of the newly elected Prime
Minister and the locally elected Cabinet.
Independence
also meant that a constitution, symbols, emblems, an
army, Jamaican currency and passports had to be
developed for the country.
As an Independent nation, Jamaica assigns Ambassadors
overseas who represent the country. They sign treaties
on behalf of Jamaica and become members of various
international organizations. This is important as it
gives Jamaica equal rights on various issues relating
to international trade, policies and treaties.
Every
year on August 6, (previously first Monday in August),
Jamaicans celebrate the removal of our dependence on
Britain to control specific functions of the country.
At this time we also honor all those persons who were
responsible for the transfer of power.
In
October, during National Heritage week (third Monday
in October), we also honor our six national heroes
and one heroine, in recognition of their contribution
to the birth of our nation.
Courtesy of jis.gov.org
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This
week in History - August 1st-August 6th. Below you will find I have
listed several interesting historic issues that took place during
this week in history. Please take the time to read and
become educated. Click on to the titles listed below to learn
everything about these important issues. Thank you for sending me some of your
thought provoking comments on these historical events.
A. Phillip Randolph and Chandler Owen founded the magazine The
Messenger in New York - August 1917. "The
Messenger" magazine was a mixture of political comment,
trade union news, literary criticism and biographies of
leading radicals of the time. Log on to the following
site which is entitled "The Harlem Renaissance and
Leftism African American Publication in the 1920s and
1930s. Once on the site read several paragraphs until
you see details on "The Messenger" http://delrio.dcccd.edu/mhenry/HRandRadicalLit.htm.
For details on A. Phillip Randolph log on to his museum: http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com
or log on to the following site: http://www.answers.com/topic/a-philip-randolph
Marcus
Garvey - Universal Negro Improvement Association held its
National Convention in Harlem - August 1, 1920. (Courtesy of
The National Humanities Center ) Mr. Garvey's
Association (UNIA) held its first
nationalist movement in Harlem NY- the first black American mass
movement which recruited and claimed hundreds of thousands of
supporters. CLICK
HERE for the "Declaration of the Rights of the Negro
People of the World": The principles of the Universal
Negro Improvement Association.
The
National Bar Association made up of mostly African-Americans
was established on August 1, 1925 in Des Moines, IA 12 African-American pioneers with a mutual interest in and
dedicated to justice and the civil rights of all, helped
structure the struggle of the African-American race in
America. They conceived the National Bar Association and
formally organized it in Des Moines, IA. (Courtesy of The
National Bar Association)
The
Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids Organized
- August 2, 1925. A. Philip Randolph founded this Union
and was its first President. To browse through A. Philip Randolph
museum on-line click the following link: http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com,
and log on to the following site for more details: http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/174.html
Track Star Mr. Jesse Owens wins 4 gold medals - August 3-9,
1936 Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the Berlin
Olympics. Owens surpassed all expectations at the
Berlin games. (Courtesy of ESPN) For learn more
about Jesse Owens log on to his site at http://www.jesseowens.com
Reginald
S. Lewis - First African-American to negotiate a leverage
buy-out, where he purchased Beatrice Foods-August 6,
1987. Reginald S. Lewis orchestrated the leveraged buyout
of Beatrice Foods to become the first African-American CEO of
a billion dollar Corporation. www.africanamericanculture.org/museum_reglewis.html.
To learn about TLC
Beatrice International Holdings, Inc. CLICK HERE!
*
 Senator Barack
Obama is back in the United States from his highly successful trip to the Middle
East and Europe. His
meetings with the leaders from the various countries went very
well. He was very impressive and his talks with the
leaders and people were successful. He certainly articulated a future of success with America's foreign
policy.
Now that he is
back on the campaign trail, the "beat down" from
Senator McCain has begun with some vicious attack - a series of
misleading ads. The
new statements about Senator Obama from the McCain camp is
"Obama is an out of Touch Celebrity"; and he is
being compared to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, and McCain is
making false claims about Obama's energy plan. Senator
McCain's campaign Manager Steve Schmidt stated "I would
say that it is beyond dispute that he (Obama) has become the
biggest celebrity in the world. The question we are posing
to the American people is this: Is he ready to lead yet?
And the answer to the question that we will offer to the
American people is "No he is not.".
Some comments
about these attack ads courtesy of barackobama.com is as
follows:
This Karl Rove-style ploy misleads people
about Barack's energy plan and even mocks his ability to inspire
voters and bring Americans back into the political process.
Watchdogs in the media are calling McCain's accusations
"bogus," "desperate," "wrong,"
"misleading," "ugly," "offensive,"
"reckless," and "a nasty turn into the
gutter."
Some of McCain's own supporters agree. One senior Republican
strategist quoted by the Washington Post called the latest ad a
"wild swing at Obama" that reflects his campaign's
"increasing bitterness" and the lack of "any
coherent strategy to elect McCain."
Even John Weaver, a strategist who worked for McCain's
presidential campaign in 2000 and on his current campaign last
year, called the ad "childish," adding that this
negative strategy "diminishes John McCain" and
"needs to stop."
See the Ad
below that Senator Barack Obama released in response to destroy
the smear tactics Senator McCain has launched. Courtesy of barackobama.com. Click
the picture to enter the Senator's site and view the video of
the ad.
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Click the Picture below to launch
Barack Obama's Ad created and released to destroy the
smear tactics launched by Senator McCain. Once on
the page (Obama's donation page) click this picture
again!
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*
Keep in mind
that the National Democratic Convention begins on August 25th
and ends on August 28th, 2008. This is when the Democratic
Party officially nominates its candidates for President and Vice
President of the United States. Senator Obama (who is the
winner of the primary elections and of the delegates and super delegates) will officially accept the Democratic Nomination
for President of the United States. This year though, the
traditional acceptance will be broken, and what normally takes
place at the convention, will be done differently. Senator
Obama will accept and address the American people at Denver's
INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado (a field that can
accommodate more than 75,000 people.)
* The
General Elections are just a few months away - approximately 96 days
from today, so to make sure
your voice is heard and to be a part of the nations most
exciting elections, you must register to vote NOW. Log
on HERE to see the voter registration date deadline for each
state, and proceed
with registering to
vote by logging on HERE, and filling out the registration
form at "Rock The Vote.com". (To
access the form, click the "Register To Vote" Button
from the menu at the top of the page)
The "Trinidad
and Tobago Working Women's Committee" of Washington DC held
their fundraiser dance to bring awareness to HIV/AID which is
plaguing the Caribbean Islands in astonishing numbers. It
was held last Saturday, and we had the opportunity to attend
this special event. Truly, it was fabulous, and had a very
nice turn out. Below is a message from Mrs. Deanne Samuels
- Chairperson of
the Working Woman's Committee.
Dear Friends &
Supporters: On behalf of Pat, Nicole, Annette, Patsy,
Karen and Jennifer, we extend our gratitude and deepest
appreciation for your support on Saturday, July 16th at
the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy. Your attendance was
crucial to our success and you did not disappoint us. From
the bottom of our hearts....THANK YOU Always.....Deanne
 Thanks
to the many who have sent me e-mails in
response to my past E-Newsletters and lots of important
information to use for our future E-Newsletters. Most importantly, I thank you for your
encouraging words! So until next week... please enjoy this
Weekend and the upcoming week!!
 
   
To all of you
our on-line family, thanks for reading, sharing your thoughts
and comments with us, and for always supporting
us. As you know without you there would be no us.
So thanks very much for your support and One Love!
For All Events
Go To
Our "Events"
Page
Check out our
"Featured Events" listed below.
Also, there are
several events taking place this weekend, next weekend and beyond, so to view all the Events please log on
to our "Events" Page above!
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August
1 - 3, 2008
Toronto
Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
41st
TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL (CARIBANA)
FESTIVAL
It
began as the Toronto Caribbean
community's salute to Canada's
Centennial year. Now in its second
millennium, its fifth decade and
its 41st year, the Toronto
Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
Festival is one of North America's
greatest celebrations, attracting
an estimated million participants
annually. Rooted in Trinidad and
Tobago Carnival, it has become an
international festival where you
might experience Jamaican reggae,
Brazilian samba or African djembe
rhythms alongside Latin salsa,
Haitian zouk or urban sounds, all
blended with calypso and soca
vibes. Log on to for all the
details orenter our
"Events" Page
Saturday, August 2, 2008 -
Caribana Parade at Exhibition
Place (Lake Shore Blvd.) from
10:00 am to 6:00 pm:
Exhibition Place and Lakeshore
Boulevard. 15 Saskatchewan Road,
Toronto, ON M6K, Canada (Map
It): This showcase event
features an incredible display of
color and pageantry, commencing at
Exhibition Place and proceeding
west along Lake Shore Boulevard.
Exhibition Place and Lake Shore
Boulevard will come alive with the
sights and sounds of Carnival!
For all ages. For more
details call: 416-391-5608. Note:
You must purchase tickets to enter
the Exhibition place, however the
majority of the parade is on Lake
Shore Boulevard which is free
Sunday, August 3, 2008 -
Caribana Lime - Island Festival at
Olympic Island from 10:00 am to
6:00 pm: This event
features a full day of
performances from a variety of
artistes, highlighting the diverse
cultures of all the Caribbean
people. Activities include a food
competition, song, dance,
theatrical drama and storytelling.
For All Ages. Note:
Free, however, there is a $5 fee
for ferry transportation from
mainland to island.
For more details call:
416-391-5608.
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August
3, 2008
11:00
am: Independence
Service of Celebration
taking place at The
Dunbarton Chapel @ Howard
University School of Law,
2900 Van Ness Street, NW,
Washington DC.
Celebrant: Rev. Dr.
Neville Callam, General
Secretary - World
Baptist Union
1:00
pm - 8:00 pm: Sunday
Market Taking place at
Gardens of the
Organization of American
States, 17th Street
and Constitution Avenue,
NW, Washington DC.
Free Admission!
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August
3, 2008
Atlanta,
Georgia
Jamaicans
in Atlanta, Georgia, in
the United States, have
planned events to
celebrate the country's
46th anniversary of
independence.
The
activities will commence
on Sunday, August 3 with a
Thanksgiving Service at
the Hillside
Presbyterian Church,
beginning at 4:00 p.m-7:30
pm. Guest Preacher will be
Deacon Ronald Thwaites and
the Moderator will be
Reverend Dr. Winton
Lawson, Pastor of Hillside
Presbyterian Church.
&
On
Independence Day,
Wednesday, August 6, a
cultural extravaganza and
book launch will take
place at the Timothy
Methodist Church hall.
Radio personality,
Beverley Anderson-Manley
will launch her book -
'Manley Memoirs.' This
will be followed by a
cultural concert.
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August
4, 2008
Los
Angeles
Dear
Young Black Scholars
Supporter,
Your
legacy will not usually
be measured during your
lifetime, but defined by
the impact you make in
the community and the
people who are impacted
by you.
The
100 Black Men of Los
Angeles is asking you to
expand your legacy by
supporting the Young
Black Scholars program.
Your participation in
our 5th
Annual Golf Tournament
supports the dreams,
visions, hope and
aspirations of our
students. Join us in our
dedication to ensuring
students receive college
preparation, leadership
development, community
responsibility and
successful life planning
skills.
Don’t
miss our 5th Annual Golf
Tournament. We will have
fun, network, and enjoy
the game of golf.
Click
here for Registration
& Sponsorship
Information
For
more information, call 323-295-2700.
www.100bmla.org
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or Click
Here
Happy
Anniversary to Kandi and Jerry!!! 
