Good Person: Richard Willey’s a great listener for grieving kids at Caring House
Richard Willey has been a listener – facilitator is the official term – at The Caring House since it began in 1995. The children can talk to him about their pain without worrying that they might upset him. That fear can keep grieving children from confiding in family members who are going through their own grief process. Jeet Kune Do Training Machine
Color:Cotton, Seat:Elongated The Standard SoftClose Seat features a closed front seat and cover with the SoftClose hinge system. Mounting hardware included. Offered with an elongated or round front….
Mayfair Child Soft Seat One Piece Set Easy To Clean Soft Seat Clamshell Discovery Acc, Sup, Hwu Blue Day At The Farm Theme All items sold new in original packaging…
Elbow Support Neoprene Blend Adjustable support provides even compression and maintains full range of movement for weak or injured elbows. Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit with minimal bunching and slippage. The soft neoprene blend retains body heat for soothing warmth to help relieve pain and keep your elbow flexible. One Size Fits Most – Fits elbow circumference up to 18″ (45 cm) 45…
Gerber Training Pants – 6 Pairs – These are a wonderfully basic training pant that can be an effective potty training tool. The center panel consists of front and back layers of 100% combed cotton and the absorbent interior is a 50/50 cotton/poly blend. These training pants have enough absorbency for little leaks on the way to the toilet and are inexpensive enough to keep plenty on hand. They are …
Features a stereo six-station jack box with volume control for each station and six stereo/mono headphones with volume control for each ear. Soft leatherette ear cushions and padded headband covers. Top loading CD player with AM/FM stereo tuner and LED di…
where can i downlaod an olay logo? because i already downloaded it but its a small size, can you give me a link where can i download an olay logo (large size)?..tnx!
Anything taken straight off any website is going to be low res (small) because stuff on the Internet is low res. Try looking for it on brandsoftheworld.com. That site doesn’t have everything but sometimes it can help.
SOLD On EBAY / FERRAGAMO Black `Logo` Ladies Shoes size 8.5 AA
The Griddler Panini & Sandwich Maker is a smaller version of the classic Cuisinart Griddler. The GR 1 Griddler is more compact and features a smaller grilling surface than the larger Griddler, making it great for storage on or under the counter. Preset Features: Panini press and sandwich maker in brushed stainless-steel housing Upper and lower 11-by-7-inch nonstick, non-removable grill plates Flo…
Bakes a Large Round Waffle – Separates into 4 triangular sections : Dual Indicator Lights : 5 Browning settings for custom browning control : Weighted Lid will not rise during baking, both sides cook evenly : Exclusive Regulating Thermostat retains constant temperature for optimal results : Stick Free Plates – Waffles remove easily : Easy to clean : AV Power Cord wraps under unit for…
It’s easy to see why You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is so popular. With its simple set and small cast, it has become a staple of high-school drama and small-scale productions all over America. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily translate into a grandiose Broadway show, but this Michael Mayer-directed production is enjoyable. Anthony Rapp (Rent) plays an effective Charlie and Ilana Levine’s Lucy…
This limited edition Fan Pack includes a t-shirt (size: large) plus a 18-track CD featuring Kottonmouth Kings, (Hed)P.E., La Coka Nostra, Authority Zero, Swollen Members and more!
Track listing:
1. Kottonmouth Kings – Stomp
2. La Coka Nostra – That’s Coke
3. The Dirtball – Mushrooms
4. (Hed)P.E. – Here and Now
5. Big B – Sunday
6. Authority Zero – Brick In The Wave
7. Swollen Members – Warrior
8. …
There are many fitness regimes that incorporate breathing techniques, yoga being one of them. However, while other exercise programs, especially those which involve high impact and strenuous workouts depend on the fitness level of the individual Tai Chi is generally suitable for persons of all fitness levels. Of course the speed and intensity of its routines can be adjusted for fitness levels so as to maximize the benefit to each individual.
Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Chi for short is best known these days for its health benefits but its origin is as a form of martial art. This may be hard to reconcile with the gentle routines and dance like movements followed by its practitioners. It is an “Internal Martial art” – one that concentrates on building inner strength as opposed to demonstration of external brute force.
It operates on 4 levels – Physical, intellectual, spiritual and as a form of combat.
As a physical exercise the movements or forms involve a surprisingly large range of joint rotations and therefore promote flexibility and help improve metabolism, circulation and cardiovascular health.
On an intellectual level it involves relaxation and focus – awareness of your body, its posture, balance and co-ordination. It works on principles of qi (pronounced as chee). Qi assumes the existence of channels of bio energy – it is a life force that governs our being. This is by no means a concept unique to Tai Chi and is equivalent to the Yoga concept of “Prana”.
Proponents of it believe that this life energy is transported throughout the body through 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians. As long as qi continues to flow uninterrupted through these invisible channels (meridians) the body remains strong and healthy. However, when passage of the qi is blocked by bad posture, inactivity, injury or other factors that’s when problems set in.
You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about tai chi. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?
Breathing techniques are an integral part of this process of distributing qi. Every movement involves collecting storing and distributing energy. Inhaling stores energy while exhaling delivers energy. Breathing is matched with appropriate movements. For instance when hands move apart in an opening movement or you step forward this is accompanied by inhalation and storing of energy while punching or when hands come together this coincides with exhalation and distribution of energy.
It teaches its students to breathe abdominally – to let the breath or qi sink to the “Tan Tien” i.e. the area below the navel. This gives the body a sense of strength and stability.
The spiritual aspect of it is also closely tied in with breathing techniques. A proficient practitioner of Tai Chi will no longer have to consciously control his breathing and match it with the movements of his body. Appropriate breathing will after some practice become second nature -a spiritual experience of communing with nature.
Hard as it may be to imagine, Tai Chi movements were intended as a means of combat and the movements or forms as they are called are geared to dislocate joints and cause internal bleeding in opponents. If Tai Chi were used as a dance routine then the benefits derived from it would be limited. To derive the maximum benefit from Tai Chi it should be approached as a martial art. Thereby deriving the attendant benefits of internal toughness and strength.
Although it is believed it was first practiced in China in the 1820’s recent studies have shown that significant health benefits can still be derived from it. These include better balance and co-ordination (Of special importance to elderly people as this reduces falls and associated injuries), lowering of blood pressure and stress levels, strengthening of muscles and joints and improved cardiovascular health.
Given these benefits and its adaptability to suit many individual circumstances it obviously has much to offer the health conscious individual in the 21st century.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about these old techniques.
About the Author
Michael Hehn writes articles about various topics.
Find out what he has to say about yoga at Yoga
Chicago Cutlery Magnetic Knife Storage Strip includes 1-Each magnetic knife storage strip.Chicago Cutlery MagnaStrip Magnetic Storage Strip let’s you choose where you want to store your cutlery. Simply affix this product to any wall, cabinet, etc and you have a safe, convenient storage for your cutlery and other steel gadgets. The powerful magnetic strip can help you organize your tools and find t…
The Chicago Cutlery Woodworks collection of high-quality cutting boards is constructed of kiln-dried Brazilian Cherry wood so they won’t dull your knives. The perimeter groove reduces messes by collecting juices from fruits while cutting, virtually eliminating spillage from the board surface. This is a great tool to protect countertops, serve cheeses and cold-cuts, and transport food f…
0201-TXST-BLAC Color: Black Pictured in Black. Items Sold Separately Features: -Made from vinyl. Options: -Available in several colors. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 14” W x 19” D….
Would you rather an Aries husband or a Scorpio husband?
Both are super passionate in love but they are very different at lots of points…If you read horoscopes well, in your opinion, who would you choose as a partner for life?
(I am an aries and always attracted to scorpio males but now just engaged to an aries man.)
ARIES ALL THE WAY!!!! I’m in love with an Aries, he makes my life shine in a way nobody else can. But my BGF is a Scopio and he’s always there for me. Romantically, ARIES!!! Congrats on getting engaged, btw!
E for All Expo – Smash Bros Brawl Demo – Bowser (Aries)
More than just sports entertainment RING OF HONOR provides their dedicated fan-base with an exciting and electric show full of athleticism intensity and passion. Appealing to wrestling fans who appreciate the physical skill and entertainment of the sport RING OF HONOR continues to amaze audiences and fill arenas across the country. This special compilation DVD includes some of the bloodiest matche…
PWG’s (Please Don’t Call It) The O.C. features a huge 8-man tag team main event plus loads of more great bouts!
1. Rocky Romero vs. TJ Perkins
2. Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin
3. Kazarian & B-Boy vs. Joey Ryan & Scorpio Sky
4. American Dragon vs. Kevin Steen
5. Super Dragon, Ronin & Alex Koslov vs. Disco Machine, Nemesis & Bino Gambino
6. Human Tornado vs. Colt Cabana
7. Claudio Castagnol…
The final night of PWG’s European Vacation II, ending in Germany and held 10-28-07.
1. T-Bones (Bad Bones & Thumbtack Jack) vs. Ken-ichiro Arai & Lupin Matsutani
2. Gauntlet Match: Chris Hero, Wesley Croton, Marc Slater, Steve Douglas
3. Human Tornado vs. Marc Roudin
4. PWG Title: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. El Generico
5. Austin Aries vs. Emil Sitoci
6. WXW Title: Ares (c) vs. Joey Ryan
7. P…
Kettlenetics, The New Revolutionary Way To Exercise
Okay, let’s face it, almost every single week there is a new program or a new exercise machine coming out. But how do you know which ones work, and which ones are just a bunch of fluff? Well one thing you can do is go online and read a few reviews from people, before you decide to buy that new ab blaster or that new elliptical. One of the newest programs I have heard about recently is called Kettlenetics. So what is Kettlenetics and how can it benefit you? Simply put Kettlenetics integrates a little dumb bell sort of weight called a kBell. When you swing the kBell you are using almost every single muscle in your body which allows for resistance training and high speed cardio.
Sounds too easy right? Well yes and no. Most of us that have done resistance training, know that when you resist against something, you are using muscles in doing so. And with the kBell this is exactly what you are doing. Not only are you using your muscles but you also get an aerobic work out which helps to burn fat and calories, which is what we want! The main program of this work out is called Slim&Tone and it includes everything you need to lose weight and get fit. Here are a few of the products included:
4lb kBell – This is the item that uses resistance or as they call it “FlowMotion.” This bell allows you to make movements quickly, without having to lift a heavy weight.
KB Elements – This is the 20 minute DVD that comes with the program. It includes seven signature moves for total body conditioning as well as ways to protect your body against injury. This DVD also includes a three-dimensional FlowMotion work out, which will transform your entire body.
Flow Motion Basics – This 20 minute workout gives you a 360 degree body sculpting with unique standing in floor exercises
Cardio Balance – This 40 minute fat burner takes your kBell to the next level and teaches you how to burn fat with it
KB Target Toning – This is a five-part work out for a total body work out including, upper body, lower body, core and stability
Strength & Serenity – This DVD allows you to develop core strength, flexibility, grace and posture.
It also includes other things as well such as wrist bands, guide book, wall chart, VIP access, Web Club, Guide To Healthy Eating
I like this program mainly because it’s not just one of those “exercise and you will lose weight” deals. They actually touch base on the eating healthy and eating right topics as well. As a person that is into healthy eating I know that both exercise and eating right goes hand in hand. You can’t expect to lose weight with just eating right and you can’t expect to lose weight just with exercise. There has to be a healthy balance between the two! If you would like to check this program out please look online. Personally I consider the Kettlenetics program a good idea for women. However, for men, not so much. Men are usually bulkier in size than women and they also have different muscles, sizes of muscles, etc. So, listed below I will include a few reviews of programs that are good for men to take a look at (some of these can also be used for women as well):
Tony Horton P90X – $119
P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You will also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more.
Billy Blanks Tae Bo – $45
Tae Bo T3-Total Transformation Training is Billy Blanks’ newest, most life-changing TAE BO workout, designed for a total transformation of your body, your mind and your life. The Power Within workouts give you a one-on-one connection with Billy the mentor and motivator as he teaches you how to regain control of your body, your mind and your life.
Tom Venuto’s Burn The Fat – $60
This fat burning system was designed by a bodybuilder, but it’s not just for bodybuilders. In fact, 90% of the 600+ coaching protege’s and thousands of customers are “regular people”: teachers, students, parents, business owners, musicians, accountants, financial planners and lawyers. They’re busy people with social lives, careers and families. You don’t have to live in the gym all day to get fantastic results with this system.
Whatever program you choose, I hope it works out for you, and you lose the weight you want and become much healthier in the process. Remember there is no miracle pill, or miracle program. This all takes time, determination and most of all patience! Good luck!
I Wonder…Is Running Late Considered Cardio?
Running Late?
This mug says it all.
High quality, practical & convenient, this travel mug is a MUST HAVE.
A favorite traveling companion for years to come.
16 oz capacity mug, with a snug plastic lid and two openings for sipping
Made of ceramic
Lid swivels open and closed to prevent spilling
No-slip rubber bottom.
Dishwasher and Microwave saf…
Start your weight loss journey with a walk at home program!ExerciseTV and Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home, in cooperation with the American Heart Association have produced an in-home walking workout that will put you on the path to achieving good heart health!If you’re new to exercising, begin with the gentle-paced, 20 minute – 1 Mile – beginner program. Leslie will teach you how to increase your he…
Stay fit and get heart healthy with a walk at home program!ExerciseTV and Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home, in cooperation with the American Heart Association have produced an advanced in-home walking workout that promises to challenge even the most advanced walkers! In this 45-minute – 3 Mile workout, Leslie ramps up the pace to increase your heart rate, tone up the entire body and burn calories. Th…
Billed as the “future of fitness” and hawked by numerous celebrities, Billy Blanks’s Tae-Bo actually deserves much of the hype it’s receiving. A mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks, Tae-Bo is fun and easy. One of the best elements of this four-tape set is that the first tape (which is 40 minutes long), Tae-Bo: Instructional, lays out the movements you need to successfully complete a w…
you will get cancer by licking the butter off of a popcorn bag?
my Where the mom said thats from the metal and your bag is like licking the metal or something … idk it has Actually Been Proven?
I'm Fairly sure the butter will Sooner Than you much kill the metal would. If the popcorn cooked on the metal Was, Then There will be just as many Carcinogens (cancer-causing Substances) in the popcorn as There Is in the metal. Try making popcorn in a popcorn machine, using kernels, and using your own butter and salt (or butter substitute Preferably, Such as Smart Balance or I Can not Believe It's Not Butter) if you're worried about the healthiness of the food.
Forming Bags (aka soft dollies) for metal work – Small
Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blenders feature durable stainless steel blades that blend your favorite drinks in seconds. Use the travel cup to blend drinks to go anytime, or fill the whole jar with fresh ingredients for family and friends. Cleanup couldn’t be simpler place the cup or blending jar right in the dishwasher.Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach Brands, IncManufacturer Part Number: …
STAINLESS KING FOOD JAW WITH SPOON THERMAX(R) DOUBLE WALL VACUUM INSULATION FOR MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE RETENTION HOT OR COLDUNBREAKABLE STAINLESS STEEL INTERIOR & EXTERIOREXTRA WIDE MOUTH IS EASY TO FILL SERVE FROM & CLEANCOOL TO THE TOUCH WITH HOT LIQUIDS SWEAT-PROOF WITH COLDCOMPACT & INSULATED STAINLESS STEEL SERVING BOWLFULL-SIZE TELESCOPING STAINLESS STEEL SPOONKEEPS CONTENTS COLD FOR 9 HOURS & …
A collaboration between country legend David Allan Coe, plus Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Rex Brown, Rebel Meets Rebel serve as a throwback to the ragged glory of second-string Southern rock acts such as Molly Hatchet and the Outlaws. Fusing the nastiest, most uncompromising elements of the hard rock that made Dime and Co. famous with Coe’s rebellious spirit, RMR succeed on tracks s…
Okay, my moms boyfriend bought me this TRX Suspension Trainer. Some guy came up with this thing in the Army or Navy something like that. and my moms boyfriend said it will help me with bars at gymnastics. i need my kip on bars to be a level 8. does anyone know if this will help me get my kip on bars? and how long do you think it would take??
here is what that TRX is….
http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/
it could probably help. u need arm strength, but u also need stomach strength too. even tho it helps to be strong, to get a kip u just really have to keep on practicing. just one question tho, if ur trying to get to level 8, then u must in level 7, so how are u in level 7 without a kip? u need a kip to move up to level 5! or at least compete in level 5.
Tired of your canoes and kayaks taking up all your free space in the garage? Turn to the Rad Sportz kayak/canoe lift hoist, which stores your boat overhead and out of the way. The hoist is equipped with a smooth pulley, latch, and hook system, which let you easily lift products as heavy as 100 pounds. Just attach the pulleys to a ceiling joist, secure the boat with the straps and hooks, and lift. …
This fitness instruction DVD for TRX suspension training enthusiasts focuses on building core strength in the crucial inner abdominal muscles and lower back. Whether for elite-level athletic performance or simple everyday health, a strong, balanced core is critical. Fitness Anywhere Director of Education Fraser Quelch created this two-workout regimen, and also guides the exercises on the DVD. Fra…
TRX® Suspension Training Techniques for Functional Strength, Core Conditioning, and Flexibility reviews why some of the most accomplished athletes in the world are using this new and effective training modality to help improve their performance. The DVD explains the basics behind suspension training and offers solutions for anchoring the unit, as well as new exercises for every skill level. The…
The Omron HBF-306C measures body fat weight and percentage with clinically proven accuracy! This fitness assessment tool features two modes for accurate results for athletes and non-athletes and measurement results in 7 seconds. Save time with memory settings for 9 personal profiles and use the body mass index reading for added tracking ability. Device includes two AAA batteries….
This package includes a combination overhead and overdoor anchor strap, 2 handle straps, 2 MarV 3-position handles with cushioned grips, 2 Foot Cradles, 40 minute exercise DVD, and Instructional Manual.
The most natural form of resistance is your body’s weight and gravity. The most functional form of exercise is using these two naturally occurring forces to improve your strength, cardio enduranc…
Red Bullet Balance Training BikeThe Chicco Red Bullet helps children quickly learn how to get the balance they need to ride a two-wheeled bike. Using the Chicco Red Bullet makes it so easy for kids to start riding a real bicycle without any fear or difficulty. It helps the child gain balance and has an ergonomic and adjustable lightweight frame, as well as an adjustable handle bar and seat and sof…
Be Part of it – Create 100,000 New Black Businesses Throughout America by 2010
Small business is responsible for 85 percent of all new jobs in America. With the collaborative efforts of Black Haves and Black Have Nots, small businesses can stand for jobs in our communities that will benefit the interests of both groups.
Several years ago a good friend told me of an incident in which he asked a wealthy white person, “Who will take care take care of the poor whites?” The man answered,” Wealthy white people will take care of poor white people.” My friend then asked, “Who will take care of poor Blacks?” The man said, “God will take care of poor Blacks.” The wealthy white man did not even consider that wealthy Black people would take care of poor Black people. Why is that?
Donations to Black colleges, as noted in numerous recent reports, are almost non-existent among Blacks and Black alumni. For decades corporate and foundation donations have kept our nation’s historically Black colleges off life support. In addition, huge pools of wealthy Blacks have graduated from traditionally white colleges. Without any connections to the historically Black colleges, they have little incentive to donate. [I’d like to think they might have at least some tiny incentive]
I will rephrase the wealthy white man’s statement differently. White “Haves” take care of the white “Have Nots.” Black “Haves” take care of Black “Have Nots.” Black Haves do take care of the Black Have Nots, don’t they?
Prior to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, most Blacks, regardless of their background and other factors such as education, hair texture, or skin tone, were required to sit in the back of the bus, denied seating in many white restaurants, and prohibited from drinking from any fountain marked “White Only.”
The small groups of Black Haves were forced to live in the same neighborhoods with the large group of Have Nots (“Redlining” was the term commonly used to refer to mortgage discrimination) before the Community Reinvesting Act and Equal Housing Laws. One of the most degrading social practices that Black men, regardless of size, age, or financial means, were subjected to being commonly referred to as “boy” by many within the white population.
Job opportunities at companies as General Mills, 3M, Cargill, Sears, investment firms on Wall Street, or any other large corporation did not exist prior to the civil rights disturbances during the 1960s. Arthur Fletcher, a Black Republican who worked in Richard Nixon’s administration, had not yet coined “Set Aside Programs or Affirmative Action.” (Google Arthur Fletcher for more info.)
Corporations and local and federal governments had not yet introduced Black advocacy jobs such as EEO directors, diversity managers, or minority recruiters and purchasing agents. Whitney Young, the great leader of the Urban League, had not yet brokered the deals to open the doors of corporate jobs for Black Americans, or other races.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated in his “I have a dream” speech in Washington, 28 August 1963: “America has issued the Negro a check marked insufficient funds.” Many of us have not actually grasped this essential point.
“In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.”
Today, in American cities, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday by paying white caterers to provide meals in the best white-owned banquet centers and hotels, wearing our best attire and paying $40 per plate. Few of these dollars go to Black business owners. Dr. King told White America to ante up economic opportunities for Blacks. That was his mission when he was gunned down in Memphis. He was fighting for economic opportunities for garbage workers.
Meanwhile, don’t forget Malcolm X, the street lobbyist. Malcolm X raised hell in the streets, excited the Have Nots of his era to stand up to be heard, seen, and recognized, by any means necessary. Malcolm X, a grassroots lobbyist, stated in his speech, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” that for Blacks, being republican or democrat is unimportant; we have been equally oppressed by both parties.
Fast forward 40 years, 2008. The 60’s disturbance fires are out. Black communities are still controlled by the same people who controlled those 40 years ago. The Black Haves’ leadership role never took root; the Black Have Nots remain abandoned. The Black Haves more often awake to a life in predominately white neighborhoods, drive to their corporate jobs in luxury vehicles and stand around the water coolers with white co-workers as if the Black Have Nots didn’t exist.
The Black Haves are not without relatives– mothers, fathers, cousins, aunts, etc., in the old neighborhood. These folks are among the 8 out of 10 Blacks who are unemployed, or underemployed, and living paycheck to paycheck. While the Black Have Nots are trapped in the blazing fire of poverty with no door marked “Exit,” the Black Haves spend their corporate paychecks and maximize their credit cards in their newly found communities, along with, for many, a desire and/or attempt to blend.
Many self-employed Blacks and professionals providing services, such as realtors, see very few of the Black Haves’ dollars – the Black Haves buy from white professionals under the illusion they have “arrived.” Arrived? To feel you have arrived by spending your dollars exclusively within white businesses? Black Haves often see the smiling white professional as a trusted friend but do not extend the same trust to Black professionals.
A reporter asked a white voter in a Southern state to explain why he would not vote for Obama. The voter answered, “We take care of our own.” Will Black voters take care of their own?
Pictures of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, that adorn the walls of many of the homes of the Black Haves, are the only vestiges of a connection to the community in which the Black Haves once lived.
In the “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech, Malcolm X stated, “The community in which you spend your money becomes richer and richer; the community out of which you take your money becomes poorer and poorer.”
Is this not still happening in 2008?
The Black Haves rush to patronize businesses outside of the very communities in which they were born, rose, and their relatives still reside. Those left behind struggle to find a corner store.
Business leader, A. G. Gaston of Birmingham, Alabama, was reported to have said that it is far better to say, “I is rich,” than to say, “I am poor.” A. G. Gaston was rich. When Dr. Martin Luther King arrived in Birmingham, he was not greeted by the bellhop at the Hilton. He was greeted by the bellhop of the A. G. Gaston Hotel. Yes, the A. G. Gaston Hotel. A. G. Gaston was a Black millionaire. His wealth was created during the Jim Crow era by providing goods and services to Black Haves and Have Nots who were forced to live in Black-only neighborhoods. Upon his death, he was worth millions. He had created hundreds of jobs and provided training and employment to thousands of unskilled Black Have Nots. Today, the A.G. Gaston Expo is held annually in Birmingham to foster the economic growth of the Black community with emphasis on wealth creation and capacity building that creates businesses that provide jobs in the black community.
Many Black Haves today are more self-centered. Black Haves are, for the most part, leery of risk. They play it safe. Malcolm and Martin took the risks. We must find the talent pool, those who will take risks to create businesses in Black communities. Where does this talent pool reside? Is this talent predominately found in corporate America? Do the Blacks who arrive at work by 8:00 A.M., the accountants, marketing professionals, lawyers, IT professionals and others, have the skill-set necessary to create businesses?
The “inclusiveness” goals of Corporate America are met by hiring Black Haves. But they rarely hire or create opportunities for the Black Have Nots. Black leaders of the past would be greatly disappointed to see the complete stratification that exists today. Black Haves, in many instances seem to think that: “I got to where I am, here inside the door of Corporate America on my own accord.” In many instances these folks slam the door shut on creating opportunities for Black Have Nots to gain access in the future.
The trenches during the Civil Rights era were filled with both the Black Haves and Black Have Nots. Laws against denying opportunities purely based on the color of one’s skin had not yet been passed. Even more trenches were filled with the “Ready to Die” brothers and sisters standing arm-locked when legendary Bull Connor (Google if haven’t a clue who Bull Connor is) unleashed the dogs, opened the water hoses and denied the Black Have’s the right to sit at the lunch counter (while reciting “in the name of God and Good Christians” in Birmingham, Alabama). Malcolm X championed the concept of not sitting at the lunch counter, but rather owning the lunch counter. The late President Kennedy stated, “There is little value in Negro’s obtaining the right to be admitted to hotels and restaurants if he has no cash in his pocket and no job.”
Black Haves in 2008 are doing a far better job keeping the doors of opportunity closed than any of the doctrines of the past. The Ku Klux Klan, the bastion of white supremacy that was so strong, especially in the past, cannot compete with the new oppressiveness of gatekeepers who are in positions as EEO directors, directors of affirmative action, minority purchasing agents, etc, who are either unable or unwilling to provide opportunities for the Black Have Nots. Black Haves of today, many of which occupy jobs in advocacy roles for Black Have Nots, are not and may never be advocates of entry for Black Have Nots. Black directors of cities’ EEO departments more often advocate for the mayor who appointed them, rather than the citizens of the cities, in particular the Black Have Nots.
Black Haves climbed the steps of opportunity not just by their own accord. They walked on steps built with stacks of bodies of lynched and slain black men such as Medgar Evers and Emmett Till. These opportunities were created by the late the efforts of the great lobbyist, W.E. Dubois, Booker T. Washington, James Brown, and countless whites and Blacks who advocated for better treatment and opportunities for Blacks in America.
Were these jobs not created by the “Ready to Die” brothers and sisters who filled the streets of Minneapolis, Detroit, Los Angles, Cleveland, Birmingham, Washington D.C. and other cities all across America during the disturbances of the ‘60s? Their legacy was they showed up, fought for justice, cared, and took a risk to make a better way.
Malcolm X stated on the afternoon of April 3, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio: “The economic philosophy of Black Nationalism shows our people the importance of setting up these little stores and developing them and expanding them into larger operations. Woolworth didn’t start out big like they are today. They started out with a dime store and expanded and expanded and then expanded until today, they’re are all over the country and all over the world, and they get to some of everybody’s money… — General Motors [is] the same way. They didn’t start out like it is. It started out just a little rat race type operation. And it expanded and it expanded until today it’s where it is right now. And you and I have to make a start and the best place to start is right in the community where we live.
“So our people not only have to be reeducated to the importance of supporting black business, but the black man himself has to be made aware of the importance of going into business. And once you and I go into business, we own and operate at least the businesses in our community. What we will be doing is developing a situation wherein we will actually be able to create employment for the people in the community. “
Again, I will rephrase the wealthy white man’s original statement. The White Haves take care of the White Have Nots. The Black Haves take care of the Black Have Nots. The Black Haves do take care of the Black Have Nots, don’t they? I submit to you: the Black Haves of today must step up to be the leaders of the small business revolution for the sake of the Black Have Nots. They can create the economic stimulus package for the communities, in which they grew up, in which their relatives reside, the same communities that they have abandoned, in many instances. The Black Have Nots will follow the Black Haves – because they want good jobs and safe communities, too.
I submit to you: entrepreneurs such as Bob Johnson, Magic Johnson, Madame C.J. Walker, Russell Simmons, Reginald Lewis, A.G. Gaston, Earl Graves, and John Johnson are but a few of the many talented creators in our communities. They created jobs, opportunities, and community revitalization. Their religious affiliation is not the important factor, nor is their fraternity, sorority, church, social networking organization, educational achievements, or political affiliation. Both Black Haves and Have Nots are supporters of presidential candidates Obama and McCain. The order of the day is to build economically strong communities in order to achieve parity in America.
Small business is responsible for 85 percent of all new jobs in America. With the collaborative efforts of Black Haves and Black Have Nots, small businesses can stand for jobs in our communities that will benefit the interests of both groups.
The Goal. Our goal. Create 100,000 new Black businesses throughout America by 2010. Be part of it – the economic revolution for parity. Be part of it!
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