Opinions/Editorials
President #45: Pardon Me!
By Beverly Gadson-Birch Boy have I got a story for you today. Have y’all been keeping up with the news? I am sure some of y’all old schoolers are familiar with the phrase, “you have to laugh to keep from crying”. That’s what I find myself doing with President #45, Donald Trump. Every night I…
Read MoreThe Artistic Brilliance of Tom Feelings
By Hakim Abdul-Ali It’s a polite and humble honor to recognize the greats of anyone’s culture, especially those souls who make and have made significant impact upon “hue-manity,” no matter whatever ethnic culture they claim as their own. So, it is with absolute joy that I bring to your attention my heartfelt respect and remembrance…
Read MoreCops Are Scared As Hell
By Barney Blakeney ”They’re scared as hell!” That’s what a local civil rights leader said to me recently during a conversation about police/community relations. We were talking about how cops conduct business in Black communities and the comment was made as a remark on the side. I agree with the civil rights leader. When Minneapolis…
Read MoreKeeping Our Art Alive
By Barney Blakeney I don’t get out much these days. There was a time I used to run like the finest race horse. As a bachelor (not quite so confirmed) I’ve done some time in the street – up/down, wrong side/right side, under the lights/in the shadows – I’ve spent a lot of time in…
Read MoreIncompetent Health Care
By Beverly Gadson-Birch While Republicans on the Hill toy around with repealing the Affordable Health Care Act, more often referred to as Obamacare, I am really concerned about the direction health care is headed. I have always been fond of the elderly; so, it’s no wonder that I begin to think of my own…
Read MoreLosers and Winners
By Hakim Abdul-Ali Life is a wonderful voyage and the living arena is not a trivial adventure. It’s the journey of a lifetime in more ways than one. Some alert and varied “colored” folk among us know that, and there’s also a rather large populace of disingenuous folk among “The American People,” who say that…
Read MoreFor Just One More Second
By Hakim Abdul-Ali It’s a quiet time now as I gather my wits about me to write what is happening in my heart and mind for another article. With each passing day I truly recognize how precious each distinct phase of this living process is. I humbly have to give thanks to God Alone for…
Read MoreSummey Said “We Can’t Raise Your Children”
By Beverly Gadson-Birch Did Mayor Summey really say “We can’t raise your children”? Last week, Elder James Johnson, State Coordinator, National Action Network (N.A.N.) held a press conference calling for more accountability from Mayor Summey and Police Chief Driggers in reducing the high murder rate in North Charleston. As of last week, North Charleston had…
Read MoreBlacks Folks Talking About Life, Others Talking About Lifestyles
By Barney Blakeney I cut hookey from church Sunday. Not a good thing for someone who’s just getting back into church after years on the outside, but I take a Sunday off every now and then. Carolyn said it’s a good thing God doesn’t take days off from serving us. But anywho!!! I spent the…
Read MoreMom’s 50-50 Plan
By Hakim Abdul-Ali I had an opportunity to talk to an engaging young brother the other day about some of the trials that he was experiencing in his young life. He reached out to me because I’ve always been a friendly listener and serious communicator with this young soul. This young man has always…
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