theblackbottom

Colbert King spells out the perils of Bourgeois Politics plainly. There is an old saying, “Dance with the one that brought you.” I am curious as to Mr. Fenty’s understanding of the history of Black people in D.C. and why they might feel resentful to the emerging politics of race and economic privilege in the [...]

Austin Black’s love of Detroit goes deep.
“Detroit created my love affair with cities and urban planning,” says Black, a Cornell grad who grew up in and around the city. “I see what as I do now as giving back to a place that really influenced who I am today. Detroit is not dead. There are [...]

This is certainly an interesting political campaign for Mayor in the nation’s capital. In January I wrote a Friday Comment titled The Perils of Bourgeois Politics and this campaign certainly looks like I was dead on in my commentary according to this Washington Post article. Lets keep our eyes on this campaign because it will [...]

In 1990, Activist and Legendary actors, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis visited Fort Wayne, IN to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Gingerbread House Preschool center. A portion of their Panel Discussion appeared on a talks show entitled “A New Generation”.
Via www.SoulVisionTV.com

Glen Coffee is a sparkling example of what a spiritual calling really means, instead of what we mostly see in athletes today, which is a barage of meaningless words and empty gestures.
Although his decision was ill-timed, Coffee decided to forgo millions of dollars and the adulation of millions of fans in order [...]

When Charles Pugh was campaigning for city council, he held a workshop at his home with a handful of his team to prepare for what he calls the “gay question.” They spent the night working through 25 different scenarios that might come up during the race about his sexual orientation.
“We over prepared,” he says. “None [...]

Citizens and law enforcement work to combat violent crime in Detroit. DETROIT (WXYZ) – A community effort is underway in Detroit where leaders are trying to take back the streets in the wake of recent violent crimes.
The effort follows Monday night’s wild police chase and two reported attacks on elderly women over the weekend.
During a [...]

July 14, 2010 (Chicago) – The Urban Libraries Council awarded Mr. Asante Cain, Reference and Adult Services Coordinator at the Grand Rapids Public Library in Michigan, with the 2010 Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Joey Rodger Fund for Library Leadership. Cain was honored at ULC’s Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Breakfast on June 26th in [...]

This is a VIDEO POEM about being a YOUNG BLACK MAN in SAGINAW MICHIGAN. Many young men in my hometown are lost and struggle with lack of guidance, lack of resources and bleak alternatives… THIS IS NOT MY LIFE, rather what could have VERY EASILY been it…

(Via www.youtube.com)

Clayton Hardiman | Muskegon Chronicle
For more than 20 years, it sat dormant — an empty storefront whose significance as a community voice was barely a whispered memory.
But 1877 Peck is back, this time with a name.
And the whisper is now a roar.
Friends, neighbors, dignitaries, well wishers and listeners, more than 100 strong, crowded around [...]