Although former Secretary of State Colin Powell told Bob Woodward, in a final interview, “don’t feel sorry for me,” as he shared some of his health challenges, I cannot help but feel both sorry and sad about his passing. Colin Powell died at the age of 84 from complications due to COVID-19.  ... read more »

When the Philistines saw and realized that the misfortunes which came about were not by accident; but they saw the problems repeated and brought on to themselves by keeping the Ark of the Covenant (The Ark of God), the most sacred vessel of the Israelites, (they thought it was a trophy) they proceeded to plan what to do in accordance to the best way to get the Ark out of their hands. The Philistines of their five cities: Gaza, Gath, Ekron, and Ashkelon planned what to do. ... read more »

The meaning and mission of manhood, especially Black manhood, is an ancient and ongoing question, for it is not only about a presence, but also about a process and practice, and not only about just being, but also about constantly becoming. In a word, it is about ever striving and struggling to be our best and come into the fullness of ourselves as men, African men and human beings. ... read more »

When the Congress no longer works under the Constitution that created it, then we have “deconstructed democracy” in favor of autocracy. ... read more »

The Philistines captured the Ark of God (Ark of the Covenant was a chest containing the Tablets of the Covenant between the Lord and Israel. It served as a throne for the Lord of Hosts (the Lord’s armies. On its cover were two cherubim, likely creatures with the body of a lion or bull, the head of a human, and the wings of an eagle.) ... read more »

Her faith taught her to believe in the eventual triumph of change for the good ... read more »

There can be no worse feeling for a parent to not know where their child is.  Though it was over thirty years ago the terrifying feeling I felt has never left me.  I was in downtown Los Angeles at the garment district with my daughter and three other children who I was babysitting and for what seemed like a brief moment, I was distracted and momentarily lost sight of my daughter. ... read more »

While a great deal of time and attention is being given to the many sins and acts of evil by Republicans and the Ultra Right who believe that their privileges are greater than our democracy, it is important to remember that “We the People” hold the keys to our own deliverance. There are more of us than them as evidenced by the last election which placed President Joe Biden in the White House instead of a second term for Trump. The Bible says “we have not because we ask not, and when we ask, we ask for the wrong things”. ... read more »

It was 26 years ago, October 16, 1995, that we stood firmly together, 2 million plus strong in Washington, D.C. Called to action by Min. Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam and the critical juncture and demands of our history, we declared our commitment to assume a new and expanded responsibility in life, love and struggle. Below follows an excerpt from the Million Man March/Day of Absence Mission Statement focusing on the shared responsibility of Black men and women in holding themselves responsible, as well as the government and corporate world, and raising issues insightfully and compelling current. ... read more »

Credit reporting, student loan debt and payday loans among chief consumer concerns ... read more »

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Oh, yeh? That’s one of the biggest lies told. Words are very injurious…both long ago and today. False words and accusations can be beyond hurtful. ... read more »

Prop 22 protects the flexibility people need to be able to earn income to pay bills when it works out best for them. ... read more »

In school, math was not my favorite subject but I do understand the importance of numbers.  I want to share with you some numbers associated with the great city of Los Angeles. ... read more »

As California continues to grow it’s crucial to prioritize meaningful change to eliminate health inequities and bridge the divide in access and quality of care. ... read more »

There is an old African proverb that captures one of the challenges that too many financially successful Black-owned business leaders face today in America. That proverb is “Your earned riches may engender envy and jealous criticism but be not dismayed by the foolishness of the envious.” ... read more »