Women and Children Struggling

Women and Children Trying to Survive

When you live in a state that can pride itself on helping other nations and other countries, it is really sad when you hear stories of women and children struggling just to keep their lights on and pay their rent. The stories that are being shared about how people are not meeting their basic needs is truly a sad one. If we cannot provide the mere basics for our people what are we really doing?

Some of our churches also claim not to even have the resources to help their people and that is sad state of affairs as well. One lady shared that her Pastor has the best of everything, but when she a faithful member for over ten years lost her job and went to the church for assistance they said that the resources were drained and that she could speak with church members individually, and try to recruit assistance. We cannot measure our struggle with that of a Pastor, for we all have our own households to tend to, but it is heartwrenching for a parishoner to need assistance and have to go outside the church, when the church use to be the very place you could turn to.

We all go through struggles and have our ups and downs, but when you are accustomed to giving and the one place that you give to cannot give to you in your time of need can be depressing for some.

When you have a government that wants to end programs that consist of education, food and any type of assistance it truly makes you wonder what is really going on; jobs are going overseas, schools are closing, plants are closing, corporations are funneling money to other countries and still benefiting from the United States. Whatever happened to taking care of your own and employment loyalty that our parents grew up with and knew they could retire from these jobs. Whatever happened to Unions and Employers lending a helping hand to their employees./

 Growing up with West Indian parents you constantly hear the stories of each one reach one and it takes a village. Whatever happened to looking out for your neighbor? We are a people that need to be reminded that people all over the world are important and we need each other to move forward. We cannot leave people behind because we do not care, we need to care, we need to help those that have tapped out every resource and are seeking out assistance to meet their basic needs. Not everyone is looking for a handout, people have pride and they want to be in a position to take care of their own families; but when doors are constantly shut in your face and you do not see a way out, it's nice to know that people in your life and community care enough to step in.

There are also people that take advantage of the kindness and goodness of others, we are not speaking about those people, we are talking about the masses that are in need. When you see a woman at the grocery having to put back milk, cheese and bread because she doesn't have enough money that is also awake up call to let you know that there are people in need. She wasn't begging for any assistance she just accepted the fact that she could not get all that she needed.

Shelters are filling up, people are losing their jobs, evictions are increasing and the struggle continues. Not everyone receiving social benefits is lazy, the benefits were put in place to be a temporary fix, but yet some folks are strongly dependent on these resources and do not see a way out or off.

Some women are afraid to leave abusive relationships because they do not want to be destitute in a shelter with their children, they do not want their worlds to be turned upside down and lose everything. There is one lady refusing to move into a shelter, and yet she lives in fear daily that her soon to be ex husband will kill her, but she doesn't want her children to be aware of the chaos in their lives by moving into the unexpected livelihood of being in a shelter. People rationalize in various ways and justify staying in abusive relationships for financial fears and being even more uncomfortable and losing more than they could imagine; by seeking outside assistance and resources.

There are too many horror stories of our own people struggling and the children going through the hardships of just surviving. When does this abusive lifestyle end and when will we put our Women and Children First?

We havc to take stock in what is happening in our government and realize that it is not right to have women and children just getting by, we want our children to strive to be successful participants in society and the world. We need to take the necessary actions to continuing providing resources and support to build a solid structure for our families rather that omit the very resources to take them to the next level and chapter in their lives.

Together we can truly make a difference without harming our own stability. We can give and still live production and prosperous lives, we will be blessed even more ourselves, and it will even be a better life because we have contributed to the welfare of a child rising above their circumstances.

Take the time to Make a Positive Difference in someone's life.

Sharock P.

NY Attorney General sues Donald Trump, says Trump University a fraud

NY Attorney General sues Donald Trump, says Trump University a fraud

Davon Smallwood Ariana O’Neal: NY Double Suicide On Train Platforn | Breaking News for Black America

Davon Smallwood Ariana O’Neal: NY Double Suicide On Train Platforn | Breaking News for Black America

THE STRENGTH OF THE BLACK MAN

                                               The Strength of the Black Man

The Black Man and Strength definitely go hand in hand, and so many of them never hear the words of how great they are, not just as men, but as our black men. The black man wears a target on his back daily, as he is abused, accused and refused. We take the plight of the black man for granted not realizing that from the day he is birthed into this world there are many assumptions placed on his back.

There are some black men that never complain they just endure and exist, while others crumble and run away under the pressure placed upon their shoulders and back. Do we ever truly comprehend the journey a black man takes just to survive in Our World? Black men are feared, ridiculed, avoided and plagued as the criminal element in our society. These men have to endure and always be the pillars of strength or they are cut down into a million pieces.

I remember the first time that I witnessed my father cry; it was because his oldest brother passed away, and I was literally astonished to see tears come out of my father’s eyes. I had never ever seen my father cry before and I couldn’t believe it, I really believed that after a certain age men no longer cried. Men were just always meant to be strong and to see my father’s tears it meant that he had a weak point. It broke my heart to watch my father cry and all I remember saying to my little brother was, daddy is crying. I felt so much closer to my dad at that very moment because it sort of humanized him for me that he could feel pain and weep.

You know growing up many of us was taught that the best thing was to find a good, strong and loving man; like Boaz in the bible. Boaz was strong, he fed Ruth, and he protected her and made her his wife. So when you think of strength you do not think of a man crying; it is just unthinkable, especially due to their upbringing and pride. Men are taught to withhold their emotional feelings and to avoid being in touch with their inner most feelings, because it revealed weakness. The funniest thing ever is that as women we complain that men do not display enough emotion, and that they tend to hold back on their sensitive side and are not vulnerable to us as women. Men are taught one thing growing up, and are expected to display the very thing that were taught not to feel, how confusing.

If I were a man I would be completely confused as to my role in this world, especially as a black man. Black men are feared automatically because of the color of their skin, and they are always the first to be investigated and accused. Could you imagine always being the prime suspect of any crime? They are pulled over by the police daily; they are shunned by many folks that fear them due to the color of their skin and appearance. The saddest thing of all is that when some of them achieve a certain status and believe that they have more than proven themselves to be productive and progressive elements in society, somebody always tries to step in and inform them that they are still just Black Men.

We can agree that some black men do not live up to our expectations of them, but again some of them tend to suppress their true feelings, which include:

v I have been trying so hard, but I cannot find a job, they will not hire me

v I don’t like who I am because self hatred is embedded in me.

v I have so much anger built up inside because of how I am treated by society.

v I want to scream and cry, but I refuse to wear my heart on my sleeve and appear to be a punk, I am a man

v Nobody will ever truly understand what I go through, I hurt just like anybody else

v I do not want my children to see me as a failure that is why I stay away

v I cannot take care of myself, how can I take care of my family

v You are all better off without me

 

And the list continues. We are very judgmental when it comes to our Black men and they have so much to work through and deal with in society. We are not making excuses for the black man, we are just trying to tip toe in his shoes and comprehend his journey through his eyes.

 

Being Black in America can be a tough pill to swallow, but being a black man in society can be the whole medicine cabinet. I applaud all black man that are still standing strong and not just surviving but making it in this world.  We know that your burdens are heavy and we want to be there for you to help transport some of the weight until we are all in a better place. We want you to know that giving up is not an option and that we are in this battle together. We will not walk away and give up on you, as we are all learning about your journey and plight.

 

 We have to take the time to love our young black boys and help them to become Productive, Progressive and Proud Black Men. We have to be there for them with our ears, love and comprehension

 

Yes it’s true, WE LOVE OUR BLACK MEN AND WE LOVE THE STRENGTH THEY POSSESS.

Sharlene R. Prince

 

TALLAHASSEE: Gov. Scott meets with protestors, promises day of prayer but rejects request for special session to review Stand Your Ground law - Florida - MiamiHerald.com

TALLAHASSEE: Gov. Scott meets with protestors, promises day of prayer but rejects request for special session to review Stand Your Ground law - Florida - MiamiHerald.com

Holder is Obama’s inner iwhat?/i Salon’s pan of president’s race speech infuriates

Holder is Obama’s inner iwhat?/i Salon’s pan of president’s race speech infuriates

HISTORY IN THE MAKING REACTIONS REGARDING TRAYVON MARTIN VERDICT

TRAYVON MARTIN COULD BE MY SON OR NEPHEW

     I  am so proud to be a Black Woman in America! We are making history again by taking a stand against stand your ground laws and about the senseless random killings of our black males. Black people are extremely strong and I don't think people give them enough credit for surviving all that they endure. The Death of Trayvon has been a like a Tsumani waking up the world. We know that the story is not a new one as the same story is repeated daily, but this story in particular was no longer a story, but a major drama series that all channels were tuned into for watching and listening.

The outpouring of love and support for the Martin and Fulton family was humbling. I asked myself if I could have been as calm, cool and collective as Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin were regarding the death of their son, the trial and the verdict. It truly takes special people walking in their Faith to have stayed as strong as they did, for as long as they have. To have people make assumptions and character assassin your child can be like pouring salt in the already irritated wound.

For this past year I personally felt like I knew Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin and Trayvon Martin as I was taking the journey for justice with them. When you have the responsibility for the life of a child it can definitely pull and tug at one's heart strings. Our children depend upon us to guide their way, protect them and love them; and when we as parents lose control of the safety that is so expected from us, by our children, it can truly shatter the worlds of both.

The Protests and Marches exemplify that we are a people of Pride and we do not have intentions of laying down anymore and playing dead. Our lives have value just like anyone else, we are educated, we are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, sons and brothers. We deserve the right for fair treatment and justice under the laws of the land that we helped build.  This country is our country and we have the right to experience freedom on the highest levels offered by God. No indivdual has the right to dictate the life expectancy of another solely based on assumptions or racial bias. We as a people have sat down quietly for way too long now, and it's time for change. We can be the change agents if we continue on the peaceful path while still penetrating the system with our voices.

The case of Trayvon Martin has reopened the necessary dialogue regarding race and the judicial system. We can be hypocritical and make the claims that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, or we can actually change the laws to reflect the laws and claims already on the books. How can we have laws that state all men are created equal and then we treat various races differently? How can the laws be changed to reflect equality for all men, if the very people in charge of enforcing these laws manipulate them to satisfy their own biases?

The justification and camoflauge of injustice is becoming old and tiresome, enough is enough already.

Trayvon Martin will forever be in our hearts and we cannot allow our voices to be silent or become weary, for the battle is not over, it has just begun. This battle wears the faces of our children and our grandchildren; and we are truly stronger than we give ourselves credit for, so therefore we need to step up to the plate and bat peacefully. We have been through a great deal of innings, but in the game of baseball you keep coming back even after three strikes, there are more innings to play.

The reaction to this verdict has become a wake up call for America, as well as a mirror on what has been transpiring from generation to generation. The world is viewing how we handle our own households before we try to dictate theirs. If we as a country cannot treat our own fairly, how can we step foot into another country and dictate Democracy? Again, that would be considered hypocracy.

Trayvon Martin's death has sparked questions needing answers, as well as confirmations about unequal treatment in our world and in our judicial system. We may all have our various versions of what transpired between the late Trayvon Martin and the freed George Zimmerman, but the bottom line is the life of a Black young male was taken too soon, especially for a teenager that was just walking home and minding his own darn business.

Tears have been shed around the world for the loss of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was just being a teenager; who lost his life soley due to the assumption of one man. This man started a fight and then killed a young man who was defending himself from being attacked(everyone has their own version, this is mine). This was the only person left standing and his word took precedence in a society who didn't believe the decease to be worthy of a guilty verdict. We welcome the discussion just as warmly as we want to bring true awareness inside the hearts and minds of the people.

We do not want to lose anymore of our children, so let's join forces and allow our voices to be heard. We must embrace our Black Men, young and old and let them know we are there for you, WE GET IT!

Written by Sharock P.

Beyoncé urges followers to demand civil rights case against George Zimmerman

Beyoncé urges followers to demand civil rights case against George Zimmerman

Fear and Consequences: George Zimmerman and the Protection of White Womanhood | The Nation

Fear and Consequences: George Zimmerman and the Protection of White Womanhood | The Nation

Opinion: George Zimmerman trial expands deep divide - Joe Scarborough - POLITICO.com

Opinion: George Zimmerman trial expands deep divide - Joe Scarborough - POLITICO.com

Opinion: George Zimmerman trial expands deep divide - Joe Scarborough - POLITICO.com

Opinion: George Zimmerman trial expands deep divide - Joe Scarborough - POLITICO.com

Mayor Bloomberg: End ‘shoot-first’ laws - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Mayor Bloomberg: End ‘shoot-first’ laws - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Trayvon Martin’s parents want ’justice’ for son in Zimmerman trial

Trayvon Martin’s parents want ’justice’ for son in Zimmerman trial

WHEN IT'S OVER

It's Over!!       

One of the most difficult things to do in this world,  is to end a relationship. When you have finally had it and you just cannot do it anymore, or listen anymore or even just continue anymore on the same path.

It's true and very difficult to end a relationship especially when so many memories begin filling your head; and you want to just forgive and move forward. The issues become relevant in the sense of, how long will this chapter of my life continue, when will I get off of this roller coaster, and stop riding clearly on the same and wrong path??

Sometimes when we continue with a relationship that appears to be stagnant with no growth insight, we still want to hold on for memories sake; and to not be alone. What is really wrong with taking some time for yourself and being alone? What are people really afraid of?

Somewhere deep down inside; some of us truly believe that being miserable with someone else is much better than being happy by themselves, or they believe that they cannot be happy by themselves.

First, we must admit that nothing lasts forever, now that doesn't mean there aren't great relationships out there, it just means that sometimes other chapters in our lives will be surrounded by different people that we may not have had the opportunity to meet as of yet.

We owe to ourselves to explore and not stay in depression and just accept that sometimes our relationships will end. People grow in different directions and they may not still want the same things, or the question may be have we ever wanted the same things.

Growing apart from someone and realizing that there is more to life than what you can obtain with this individual may be the only wake up call you will need or get. You can forgive the person if they did you wrong, this is solely so that you can heal and grow, but that doesn't mean the door should be opened to return to that same individual.

You will never be completely relaxed when you have trust issues with someone; and then decide to return back to the relationship; both sides would have to be patient and one hundred percent committed. If either side is falling short of commitment it will not work so save yourself the hassle. People tend to get back together and end up putting each other through hell, just remember whatever decision you make, think it through and weigh the consequences on both sides and choose the decision that you can see yourself living with for the next chapters in your life,  five or ten years to start.

When it's over it is over and as difficult as it may be to accept, it is worse to continue in a dead relationship, because unhappiness is giving up happiness. Ask yourself if you can spend the next five or ten years living under these circumstances or condition. If yes, then work it out, if no then get the raisin bran out; cleanse your system and move on.

Make sure when you do decide to end a relationship, talk with the person with an inside voice and do not send a text to break up with someone, talk it out. Sometimes a public place might be better than at someone's home. (Just in case).  No restaurants or places where weapons can be used (a joke), a place that both of you can feel comfortable and be able to speak freely. Do not break up when you are mad because sometimes things acted out with anger can cause a bigger issue; and we cannot take back what is said or done.

Accept the fact, when it is over sometimes, it is just plain over, it is done, no more, finished, over, just move on and live your life. Stop wondering why, what did I do wrong, my life is over, I am going to kill them, nobody does this to me, I hate him or her. You are bigger and better than this, and if someone didn't appreciate all that you brought to the table, it is their loss not yours. There is someone who is going to love and appreciate you, you just have to be patient, pray and not allow your past to cloud your dreams and vision for the future. 

Everything that happens to us in life is a learning experience and we just have to step back, and reflect to figure out what the lesson is about. Trying to get someone to love you shouldn't be hard work or full of sweat, pain or anguish, it should happen gradually, with an easy flow with growth and love  not with pressure and convincing.

                                                     

                  Love yourself and the love will come.

Powerful Women Networking

A Poem

By Sharlene R. Prince aka  Sharock P.

    

                           POWERFUL WOMEN NETWORKING

                I STAND BEFORE YOU ALL, WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE

TAKING A LOOK AROUND AND FEELING ALL THE LOVE IN THIS PLACE

       WE ARE HERE TO BREAK GLASS CEILINGS AND TO OVERCOME

                                                   STEREOTYPES   

             SOME MAY SAY THIS IS NOT OUR TIME, BUT I SAY TO THEM ALL,

                            MY WATCH IS WORKING JUST FINE

                SO ELIMINATE DOUBT AND DON’T SECOND GUESS

                           ALL YOU CAN DO IS YOUR VERY BEST

                  TAKE THE HAND OF A WOMAN WHERE YOU STAND

                               AND SAY SISTER, I AM WHO I AM

TOGETHER WE WILL RISE AS WE CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN TOP, BUT

                MOST IMPORTANT REMEMBER WE CANNOT BE STOPPED

                       SO WOMAN TO WOMAN, FRIEND TO FRIEND,

THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF POWERFUL WOMEN NETWORKING

                                                NOT THE END.

                                   BY: SHARLENE R.PRINCE 

                                          AKA SHAROCK P.

 

TRUE LOVE EXISTS

One question many people have is about the existence of Love, and one of the saddest things in this world is to know that some people have never ever experienced true love.

I can honestly share the feeling of true love.

True Love is when you just mesh completely with someone, it is where their faults do not really matter because their heart outweighs any imperfections they may have. It's when that person walks into the room and your heart just skips a beat, it's when you smile they smile, it's when you laugh and they laugh, it's when you act silly around them and you just feel joy. Even when you are truly upset with them, you are not really mad, but rather just pretending.

Some people do go overboard with their love commitment; but love truly does make you do strange things. Love can make write a poem, sing a song, dance like you are on the moon and even bake a cake from scratch when Duncan Hines has been your best friend for years. Love makes you want to think about running that red light to get home, or buying the sexiest lingerie to show off how sexy you can be. Love can make you act as a patient and your man as a doctor, love can make you dance on a pole to display your flexibility and to tantalize the man you oh so desire.

Do not block your heart from experiencing love for it is truly a blessing to find someone that you can share your heart with. So many young people today mistake sex for love and they jump according to their passions rather than letting love take its time to find them.

I strongly believe that love is out there for everyone, but there is only one true love and everything else is practicing until you find the one that truly makes your heart skip a beat;  and someone that loves you for you and respects you for what you bring to the table.

So many times we settle for the immediate gratificatiion that we do not look at the big picture. Look at how high the divorce rates are, people either just married the wrong person or they never took the time to know the person they were marrying. Sometimes your goals change and you want more out of life, and your growth potential can harm the relationship. The majority of relationships fail because of finances, either one partner (usually the female) begins making more than the spouse and he in turn feels inferior and like less of a man, and some women do emphasize how they are bringing more to the table. On the other hand some women look upon the man differently when he is making less or not enough. SOMETIMES ENOUGH MONEY DOESNT EXIST AND FRUSTRATION SATURATES THE RELATIONSHIP.

You remember hearing that love cannot pay the rent, well that is oh so true; nor can it put food on the table. You know to be honest when someone is not doing their part in a relationship it begins to get old and the other person can begin despising the other, and the door to wrong doings can unlock. Just make sure to take the time to know the person's last name, likes, desires and long term goals before you make them your spouse, lover or child's father, it can save you a great deal of heartache. Do not allow yourself to confuse passion for love, you can have both if you take the time to know the difference. True love does exist, it may not come when you call, but it can show up uninvited.

TRUE LOVE EXISTS FOR US ALL.

2 bodies found in burned Detroit medical facility

2 bodies found in burned Detroit medical facility

Office rents in Boston rising as recovery takes hold

Office rents in Boston rising as recovery takes hold

Just Thinking About it!

THE CONVERSATION

Have you ever listened to a debate or conversation and not know which side represented you? I mean it's not like you lack the skills to differentiate, it's just that it really gave you Food for Thought.

There were four men debating about what Law Enforcement represents in Our Culture; and the debate got really intense. One gentleman said that Law Enforcement is always there when you need them, and yet people do not respect them as they should. He said these men and women place their lives on the line daily; and they have to deal with the scum of the earth without any real recognition for the very people they are protecting. He said people are always quick to judge the law and blame them for all of the ills of the world; and not realize that these men and women fear for their lives daily. He asked how many of you would put your life on the line daily to defend others?

The second gentlemen said that Law Enforcement Officials are corrupt individuals who do not care about anyone but themselves; as they continue to protect their own whether right or wrong. He said Community Policing is a thing of the past where neighborhoods knew their officers and looked out for them. He said law enforcement use to realize that the citizens are the ones paying their income and they are the ones that hired them to protect us all. He said that officers have become cruel and non caring and look at everyone the same and have immuned themselves from feeling; and recognizing that we are all people. He said officers will come to your home and shoot it up and ask questions later and that he did not know the difference between the Police and Assassins. He said it has become Law Enforcement against the People, rather than protectors of the People. He went all over the place, he said that we have become dog friendly rather than people friendly, I think he may have exaggerated when he said that a man could do more time for killing a dog, than he could for killing a man. He said all of the killings of young minority men happening daily and they haven't prosecuted anyone or found the culprit; but let a dog be abandoned or ill treated, the courts, law enforcement, the ASPCA, PITA, etc will tear you to shreds. He was really riled up and everyone was just listening to him rant.

The other gentlemen said that Law Enforcement goes through so much adversity daily that they do not know who to trust and they stick together to keep themselves protected from harm. He said you forget that these officers are not just a badge, they are people as well and they need protection just like the next person. He gave an analogy of an officer being on the street after squealing on another officer; he said gangs, murderers and the criminal elements of the world all coming after this officer, if he doesn't stand up for his brother, he is on the streets alone. He said who wants to be alone on the streets, nobody, so you back up on your own regardless of the consequences. He said you cannot expect officers to be on the side of the public, when these are the very people which will crucify them at the drop of a hat.

The fourth gentleman shared that this world we live in has regressed and become the Wild West West and each man, woman and child is for himself. He said parents cannot protect their children, men cannot protect their families and law enforcement views everyone as criminals until proven innocent. He said we all need to bear arms and realize in the end we are all people wanting to live and be safe and you gotta look out for yourself. He said men are killing their wives, children are killing their parents and law enforcement is killing anyone who looks suspicious. He said this world is trifiling, you have a young man visiting his father in a gated community and people debating as to if he should have been killed or not. If you have our children being shot down in the streets like animals merely because they look like they are going to be up to no good; as people are making excuses as to why a man may have been led to the realization, that it was okay to kill this young man, then what can we expect in life as a society?

I was listening to this intense and heavy debate and all of the viewpoints and all I could say was uhhmmm, they really made me think about so much. I remember one of my friends called the police because her husband was threatening her and the kids, and she didn't know what he would do; the police arrived and spoke to both of them and asked her what she had done; she said that she couldn't believe how one sided the conversation went as the officers took her husband outside, and asked him to calm down as they laughed like friends. She said she was dumbfounded about how she was portrayed as the little woman that was paranoid or overreacting. She was later discouraged about contacting the police no matter what threats were made, because she felt Law Enforcement would just brush it off or make things worst. I mean should she label all law enforcement in this manner, just because of the negative actions of two?

The perception of the Police/Law Enforcement varies in communities and amongst different groups of people. I asked myself the other day as to why I always slow down when police officers drive near, I mean If I am going the speed limit and all of my papers are in order, why am I pulling the brakes? It was the fear factor of maybe being pulled over whether you were doing something wrong or not, but why? I do not know if it has been embedded in my mind or just from growing up in an environment where the police were not your friends all the time, but were viewed as the enemy. I personally respect Police Officers and Law Enforcement for the jobs that they do, it is not easy and they place their lives on the line daily. I also know that there are some not so great elements that plague the police force, as incidents tend to weed them out. We do not want people labeling us in one heap and the Police cannot be labeled in one heap either, there have been some Great Officers that look out for their assigned communities and people in general.

The debate continued as various topics were brought to the forefront and they are probably still debating right now as everyone believed their opinion to be the best. All I can personally say is that I hope that People that wear the badge, where it with Honor and Pride as they should, because they are doing a Great job by stepping up to the plate, being on the forefront and protecting their communities, cities and states; but for those who forget that they were hired by the people for the people, you need to find another line of work.

One of the gentleman said when you bust into the wrong house and kill the wrong person and not feel sadness or remorse that is a sad day; especially when you are entrusted with the lives of others. One cannot take the responsibility lightly of having the authority over life.

One question I personally had was if someone is trying to commit suicide on themselves mind you, why do police pull out a gun on them? If someone is trying to kill themselves, why pull a gun on them or shoot them? I mean no one else is in danger and they are killed sometimes, why not allow them to kill themselves rather than someone else pull the trigger for them. I mean I digress a little, but that was a question I truly had, I never understood that methodology. What is the difference with someone killing themselves and law enforcement killing them?

These men had quite a few people in the room thinking and pondering on their various viewpoints and it was intense. We all view Our Rights and the Law differently, and it was just interesting hearing how a diversified group of men looked in the window on this topic.

The bottom line is we all need Law Enforcement to protect us from the bad elements and the ills of the world, we just pray that we encounter the right ones at the right time as we give them thanks for being their for us as the PEOPLE!

OUR CHILDREN

SPEAKING STRENGTH TO EACH OTHER
Part One:  Our Children Series and What We Face

Challenges, Challenges and more Challenges, We live in a World where we face challenges daily and how we respond to those challenges will determine the path we take in Life..

My children joke with me and call me old, and they say that I grew up in a time where things were different. I cannot understand how we have allowed our society to become plagued with so much violence. I am not just speaking of minority on minority crimes, police against minorities crimes, domestic violence and random gun violence; but society as a whole thinking the worst of each other and not lending a helping hand. I remember growing up and hearing how a community/village raises a child; but yet so many of us do not look out for each others children.

The hatred, the lack of patience and the lack of love for one another is overwhelming; when did we become these people. We have to be there for one another, we have to look out for each others kids and put action behind our words of family and love. We have to seek out the real answers to so many of our questions:

• Why my kid, why that kid?
• What can I do to help?
• What is the problem?
• Why are our kids killing each other?
• Why aren't the police on our side, is it . us against them?

The questions can go on and on and over and over again. We all could be doing so much more to protect and empower our communities as we provide security and stability for our children.

Racism plays a major role in our society and yes we are getting closer and closer to overcoming Racism, but it does still exist. When a Police Officer views your child as an animal and not a person because of the color of his or her skin, what can you do? Our children have to continue to be careful and watch what they say, watch what they do and who they talk to; as usual as we try to keep them safe. I remember going into a store with my daughter and being followed all around the store, you can see people coming in and out and up and down your aisle and piercing through the clothing racks hoping to catch you stealing. My daughter asked me why they were following us; and as you ponder the question you can feel your eyes swelling with water as you explain that they just want to make sure we are not stealing. To be honest it is not a nice feeling at all to be followed around in the store, especially when the others in the store are comfortable to shop as they choose. I spoke to the floor attendant in front of my daughter and stated boldy that "we have money' so do not worry, we will not steal. The person was so embarrassed that they turned red and went to the other side of the store. Someone who has never had to worry about things like that cannot comprehend this concern nor experience. We have learned to brush it off and to teach our children to do the same, but it is a reality whether we choose to acknowledge it or not; we as minorities are judged not just by the opposite race, but by our own as well. We have to go to battle daily just to survive.

Our children face these challenges daily and they just try to merely survive. There are minority children being killed daily and yet outrage only surfaces when children of other races are killed as well, because it is expected that minority children be killed because they are savages and not human so their death is expected in the world they live in.

None of us have all of the answers and we have to learn to love our fellow man and treat our families and neighbors with respect (Basically as we would want to be treated). When you hear about young kids being killed daily and shot down in the street like animals; we all vent for a minute and then what; the whispers are let them vent for a minute and they will refrain and get weary. We are weary, we are so very tired of burying our young people daily; when with this turmoil end? One kid said that he feels like this is the Wild Wild West and you never know if you will make it home, whether you know how to use your gun or not. This young man is sixteen years old and he is living in a war zone in his own community.

We listen to people venting daily, when a mother has to get on the school bus to fight for the safety of her child, yes we are appaulled that an adult, a mother would react in this manner and no matter what you should know better; but there are two sides to every coin. Not taking any sides and just hearing a scenario, (we are not condoning by any means this type of behavior) imagine every day your child complaining about mistreatment on their bus ride home, you speak with the school, you complain and you vent and to your dismay the status quo for this treatment of your child continues. what do you do next? We all think that we know, but do we?

Personal Experience Time: This is my Blog I can share;

I remember being beat up every day on the school bus when I was in Elementary School by a Girl named Gail, I mean she would smack me on the back of my head, she would kick me and I would just sit there and cry as everybody looked on and laughed. I didn't want to tell my mother because I was embarrassed, so I just feared riding home on the bus every evening. One day one of my oldest brothers came to pick me up at the bus stop before I had time enough to dry my face from the tears, he asked me why I was crying; another kid told him that this girl beats up your sister every day. Needless to say this was my tough brother and he got upset with me for allowing someone to beat up on me daily, so he decided he would beat me up all the way home; and he agreed that this would be continuous daily since I seemed to like and endure the abuse. I decided to share with my mother what had been going on (my brother threatened to tell),  and she was livid. My mother was upset with me for not saying anything and she was upset with the school for not stepping in ( I never told anyone at the school).

Well, my mother went up to the school and they said they would handle it; I was so happy to ride the bus the next day and unfortunately Gail was ready and waiting for me, and my harassment was worst than before. I told my mother what had happened and she told me that I would have to stand up for myself and fight back, because nothing else was being done. Let me tell you back in those days you could have a fight and live to tell about it, nowadays it is a fight to the death, literally. I remember holding a pen in my hand and walking through the auditorium with my class and some other classes, Gail decided that she wanted to pick on my in front of everyone. I vowed to myself that if this girl messed with me one more time, I was going to take her down. My good friend said here she comes and Gail came up behind me and pushed me; I had a pen in my hand and I just started attacking her, all I remember was the Principal grabbing and saying "LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE", I saw blood and ink all over her face and I was more scared than ever before, I thought I was going to jail!

Well, the school contacted her parents and they contacted mine and the response was not at all as I initially anticipated. My mother threatened to sue the school if they suspended me, she told them that she had voiced her concerns and complained about the harassment and nothing was done. The Principal spoke with his office and they confirmed what my mother had said and I was not suspended, but Gail was and my life was forever changed at that very moment. I became the Girl that kicked Gails buttocks and respect was then granted.

Gail and I later became friends (she apologized to me) and I was able to hold my head up high and feel a sense of freedom. Kids face these types of crisis everyday, but with guns and massive emails and social media abuse at times. We have to protect our children at all costs or else they will truly become a statistic.

We will discuss many topics in one article and focus on Real Life incidents.

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