We appreciate all Black Issues Forum viewer opinions. See below for comments viewers have made concerning recent episodes of Black Issues Forum. For comments on more Black Issues Forum episodes, click here. To submit a comment, click on the "Submit Your Comments" link located on the right side menu.

Episode 2314: Blacks Going Green

February 3, 2008

Hello,

I just turned UNCTV on for a minute and realized I was listening to people talking about the environment on the Black Issues Forum. And this is a first in my experience! The question has long been "What about the black community?" when it has come to environmental and conservation issues. As a long time activist involved in these issues since the ‘70’s, I wondered decades ago why it seemed like such a non-issue in black groups and how could we get support from that sector of the country. The answer to why was answered in your show. The answer to how is still there.

And I want to assure you that it’s not just black communities that have been ignoring the issues, of course. When we want to get support for issues and attention to the work being done, there are many different communities who are not rising to the challenge. Living in the hills of WNC now (previously from Ohio, Maryland and the coast of NC) I see these issues being worked on by a very limited number of folk around here. The recycling places are doing steady business. People are beginning to buy more sustainable light bulbs. There is more of a trend away from big vehicles for family use, etc. But overall, the issues need to be taken to the people in a constant and imaginative way to get some actual support. I’ll tell you who is the largest community of supporters, and that is the retirees who have more time to work on these issues.

But I am very, very glad to see the discussion on this show. It’s just great, especially the level of discussion that I heard – that included so many segments of the issues, from the air and health, to employment and careers, to personal responsibility. Great!

There are so many great conservation groups in NC. The coast of NC takes a lot of pride in taking care of itself. The hills have people working on water issues and over-development and other things. And the group I involve myself with most is the North Carolina Conservation Coalition, that works very hard to get legislation passed and the politics in line with our needs, as well as issuing tons of information. They’re website is http://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/action/letters in case you’d like to advertise them. They work, as their name implies, with a whole network of groups across the state.

I also endorse Greenpeace (http://www.greenpeace.org/international/MR-petition-thanks) partly because they are dauntless, and partly because they enliven the whole discussion of environment. This group is great for school kids to get involved with because they have such hands-on ways of interacting with them and getting things done.

But I would love to just hear the answer to the question "What about the black community?". We need everybody involved in these things or it’s not going to work. And the more, the merrier. Or, to be clear, the less, the grimmer our future will be.

So thank you for having this show – it was very encouraging.

Gail Caduff-Nash
Artist/activist/house painter
www.artwanted.com/gnash and www.gailart.biz

Episode 2309: A Celebration of Kwanzaa

December 30, 2007

Concerning the program on Kwanzaa aired at 4:30 on December 30, 2007:The comment made by the guests from Cary and Durham that Kwanzaa is not a religion but a cultural celebration cannot be upheld.

Webster's New World Dictionary defines "Religion" as "1.Belief in and worship of God or gods 2.a specific system of belief, worship, etc., often involving a code of ethics."

Although Kwanzaa may not upfront meet the first definition of religion, it definitely meets the second. Unity, Self-Determination, Collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith compose a system of beliefs. These principals also operate as a "code of ethics," because if one does not do these principals, they are not being ethical, as the guest from Carey commented on the show.

I would urge anyone celebrating Kwanzaa or thinking about celebrating Kwanzaa to not be naïve enough to believe that it is only cultural and not religious. Just because Kwanzaa does not claim the name of a "god" it worships does not make it non-religious. It teaches an ethical system of beliefs and advocates that these beliefs are indeed the correct way of viewing life and how to relate to other human beings. Christians should especially be cautious about celebrating "Kwanzaa" because their authority for living is found in the Bible alone, the Word of the Living Creator God. Although tradition and culture may have good things in them, they do not determine how a Christian is suppose to live and relate to others; only the Lord Jesus Christ can do this.  

Episode 2221: An Apology For Slavery

September 16, 2007

I have to say that the program on the POLITICALLY MOTIVATED "Apology For Slavery" got me to thinking. If someone can persuade a group of "educated" politicians to apologize for something that they nor their imitate family had anything to do with, and which was the best thing that could have happened to the Africans concerned, (being sold into slavery was the alternative to being killed or eaten by the tribe that had defeated and taken them captive), then what about the apology and payment for the property of the Native Americans who were killed and robbed unlike the "rescued" African slaves.

I guess I just don’t understand the reasoning, but if I ever get to be a "politician" and want to propose a bill that will bring in a few more votes, I think then I will understand how I can propose a " stupid feel good type bill" and not feel too stupid doing so.

Our politicians have abandoned Common Sense and it shows.

P Brumley

General Comment

August 7, 2007

I stumbled upon the Black Issues Forum website while whiling away my Sunday afternoon in the office (yes office!) in Harare, Zimbabwe (Africa) where I live. I think it is a sound platform for debate on issues affecting not only the Black Race but other races that unavoidably interact with us. Although there is this vast ocean between us, it is a mere geographical barrier between people whose destinies are irretrievably intertwined. I have watched Katrina ravage the Carolinas and watched aghast the system go through convulsions of indecisions as Blacks got swallowed by the flood waters. I have watched re-enactments of the transatlantic slavery voyages, plantation tortures and the near total debasement of the Black man and woman as they toiled in the fields and I have come to one conclusion. We are the mother race of all races. That is not to say we are any more superior to others than the mother is to her children. We are a resilient race and any attempts to push us to the brink by any means will yield nothing. Drugs, war, alcohol, mindless sex and pseudo religions and cults have been heaped onto our psyches over many centuries...but we are still here, vibrant, tenacious, creative, robust, undaunted and sometimes on our knees but never on our bellies. I am African, Black and even when I am dead, I am not. The world lives through the African whereever his feet carry him. Now there are those of you who are starry-eyed and dreamy about waking up one day and finding themselves painted over by a different hue. They can dream on. It's a free world. It hurts so much to read about a Black (notice the capital 'B') man or woman distancing themselves from their own Blackness as if it is the plague. Although they claim that these are their own 'opinions', they forget how much socialization by the system they have experienced  misshaped their opinions and images of their 'selves'. Exercises in self defacement, self-recrimination and self-humiliation with descriptions such as 'Blacks are dishonest', 'thieves', 'selfish', 'hewers of wood', 'dumb', 'violent' beings, gleaned from the utterances of anti-black personalities in power does nothing to reduce our worth among other members of the human race. No other race can give offspring to any other race except the Black race. All races are lighter (and lighter!) shades of Blackness. That is why we are people of colour. Everything comes out of Blackness. The cosmos if Black. The sun, the stars, humanity out of the darkness of the womb, life itself, are all manifestations of how Nature/God/Destiny/Fate or whatever name you want to call 'IT', reminds the world of where they originated. There is a vast difference between being anti-white and being pro-Black. Your forum is pro-Black and rightly so after centuries in which members of certain races have chased us across landscapes and seascapes to present destinations. Be proud. Be very proud. When you engage a giant in a fight and live to tell a story about it, you have an everlasting victory for your future generations. To survive such confrontation is a form of victory. Build from the shipwreck. Don't dismantle it further. 
 
We shall remain an indelible mark on the face of the commonwealth of nations under banners such as the United Nations! May their work continue to flourish and their right hands strenthened by the Almighty forever and ever.
 
Black-ward ever! Slave-ward never!
 
Comradely regards,
 
Billet Magara

Episode 2213: Why Black Boys Need a Hero

August 2, 2007

I am an American Male of African genetic ancestry.  Take notice that I made the greatest attempt to not identify myself as "Black."  I was born in Georgia in 1957 and raised in a northern state from age six until age seventeen.
 
Here's some statistics on me:
 
Born in a close knit family (necessity ofg the times in  Georgia, 1957 to 1964).
 
Moved to New England State due to hopes of economic prosperity and mistrust/supersticious ignorance within local community in Georgia.
 
Parents separate but never devorce (Close knit family implodes because the courts, and social welfare system accommodates estranged female spouses and their children).
 
Children maintain understanding of family, but everyone is living separate existences.
 
I aspire to become educated, but am never accommodated or supported in order to achieve goals (appearances of success are mirages clothed in emmulations and attitudes).
 
Clinging to a need to be more, I tended to speak correct/proper english (I am identified as odd by my peer group of afro-ethnic males and females).
 
I gravitated toward anyone who would value me for me (Caucasian-ethnics who were more interested in the things that interested me) and even they had their odds ways of treating me.
 
My interests ranged form aspects of science, and technology, history, and music (These did not reflect the "African-American" communal/world view).
 
In short, I have been navigating life just being me as best as I can outside of the African -American frame of mind.  The specific reason for this is because I spent the majority of my life being riddiculed, ostricized, and victimized by my "Black Brothers."
 
I am about to turn fifty years of age I have grown a unique perspective (my perspective) on "Black America" over the years and some might think it quite harsh.  Years which include 20.5 years in the USMC working with all types and experiencing various cultures.
 
Now, my comments:  I had the chance to see your program on the afternoon of July 29, 2007 concerning the plight of young African-American Males.
 
As I listened to the exchange between Mrs. N. Bullock-Brown and her three guests (a Clinical Psychologist, a Youth Counselor, and a Minister), Icould not help but notice that each person involved was having a real problem stating the obvious.  Each person's remarks came taesingly close to the edge of addressing this major sticking point in the "Black-American" psyche but was never said out of fear of offending the sensibilities of the "Black Community at large.
 
The real problem is the "Black-American Community" at large is selfish, self-abasing, addicted to entitlements, and feels it has the right to appear defiant in the face of authority.  The Clinical Psychologist in your group went as fear as to say that young "Blacks" have to enticed into being helped via the things they like.  The Minister failed to establish the fact that all of there families must endeavor to keep negative moral influences out of their households (street level thugs, and gang mentality is pervasive withing the entertainment culture of the these families, not to mention over-sexuality).  The supposed culture is overrun with rantings and gyrations that embeds the spirit and defies anything that is different than itself.  The theme music to your show reflects the same stereotypical attitudes.  Bottom line is, if the majority of "Black-Americans" are interested in becoming more than society lables them, they would be eager to listen to anything simply labled Getting ahead in America or Social Empowerment, or Bettering Your Community, etc.  As these things persist, they curtail constructive dialogue within the home and inhibit the desire and ability for each family to learn what they don't know or understand.
 
I personnally applaud your efforts, but go beyond the rehtoric and tell the people the truth about themselves.  Empower them to look in the mirron and make better/more productive choices.  Continue supports, but teach them to support as well.  Asian-Ethnics thrive because they have endeavored to remain close never truly severing ties with their old world contacts (same with Hispanics), and Anglos have always dominated through unification (notice I said unification, not revolution or defiance).
 
"Blacks" have in fact lost touch with what was empowering them to be an inclusive force within America (duty and responsibility).  I bet you thought I was going to say God and Faith.  God and Faith is our first love which strengthens our resolve toward duty and responsibility.  We might talk and pretend a good faith game, but our actions are a direct reflection of just the opposite. 
 
It has been my experience that as "Blacks" we consistently prove ourselves as overbearing and untrustworthy to people who are not us.  But, EVEN WORSE, we consistently prove to ourselves that we are exactly that!
 
 
Bill Lanier

Episode 2218: BIF Hosts 2007 NC Black Summit

May 27, 2007

The answer to keeping young African Americans out of prison is to turn to our churches and learning the teachings of Christ.  Support our churches and learn the golden rule of being a good neighbor and staying out of prison.


Episode 2218: BIF Hosts 2007 NC Black Summit

May 27, 2007

First I am a black American, a lot of the things I here are similar to the comments made during The Covenant hosted by Travis Smiley. I purchased several of his books and even The covenant in action and gave it out to several of my friends. There is enough blame to go around,but until we as a black people understand that there is such a thing as accountability and address that issue we can not go forward. We have taken God completely out of the equation when it comes to solving some of these issues, and I do not believe you can get a foot hold on resolutions until we put him back in the equation. Imus did bring some things out that I see everyday at the place where I work, but I make it a point to let those people know it is unacceptable. whether they are black or White. We allow so much of this in our own communities, that it's almost invisible to us. Until we address our self desecration, we really can not with the vigor needed deter others. One other thing. They were absolutely right we are in a global rat race, and I can not see it getting any better when we have not just mexicans,but other nationalities as well competing for the jobs that blacks use to get. We are not preparing our selves for this global rat race. I can not for the life of me see us gettingbetter until we address our own iniquities with raising our children.
 
Thanks
Grover H.Armistead II 

One of the (questions) that you all kept going back to was how do we get this information in the hands of young people? Mr. Wright was correct about telling them, but, it goes beyond that. I have been involved in writing history for a number of years. One thing that sticks out with me trying to get youngsters involve comes from what we see them do so often, play. Better yet, competing. Last year a gentleman used my books Blacks in Fayetteville (NC) as a source for his Black History Quiz Bowl. I did not attend because I was at the CIAA Tournament, but, I heard a lot about it. Since April, we have been working to make this competition even larger. I put together more than 2500 questions and answers on Black history. I devised a game to use them that makes it necessary for them to learn Black history. It also forces them to learn to work as a team, and, with adults.

I am sure that kids will compete, and, will work to learn the material in order to compete, especially if we give them a reason to learn.

I hope you continue to do programs like this. While it primarily reaches adults, it will serve as a reminder to them the kinds of things that we should be teaching our children.

Fred Whitted

Illegal Immigration

July 21, 2006

I, too, am disappointed you did not have one panel guest to represent the view(s) of the majority of our American citizenry. More than 10 years ago, I listened as my father (a master carpenter) and several of his construction (carpentry, masonry, plumbing, etc.) friends complained how illegal immigrants were underbidding and eliminating their ability to acquire work. At the same time, young family members seeking degrees to continue the family construction businesses were forced to change their majors once they realized illegal immigrants were gaining control of these markets. These young people realized they would be unable to compete with the low bids. These elders warned that within less than 20 years, illegal immigrants would hold jobs normally held by people without a college education. Their warnings were accurate. Illegal immigrants hold most jobs normally held by American high school or college students 10-35 years ago. Have you visited a McDonald's, Burger King, dry cleaner, or hotel in the past five years? If so, have you noticed you see few, if any, young Americans?

It was insulting to hear illegal immigrant students, at the school of my employ, proclaim the very same words voiced by President Fox of Mexico: "Illegal immigrants come to America to do jobs African Americans refuse to perform." Did you see the “Ole Sambo” depictions President Fox displayed as a mockery of African Americans? Obviously, illegal immigrants and President Fox’s ploys were well orchestrated and intentional. Furthermore, a child does not normally use the exact words of an adult. Again, some older African Americans realized the ploy years ago. It saddens me to see the number of African Americans unaware. During the national illegal immigrant marches a few months ago, many used the exact same words as the former Mexican President when interviewed by news reporters. All of the illegal immigrant students I taught receive free breakfast and lunch. The number of illegal immigrant students in special program classes who, soon after enrolling, request school documentation that allows them to obtain Social Security monthly SSI checks is baffling. Do you notice most illegal immigrant females have several small toddlers and is normally pregnant. They believe they are assured citizenship if their babies are born on American soil.

Few Third World countries have schools that accommodate exceptional children. Receiving payment for an exceptionality is seldom, if ever, an option in Third World countries. Illegal immigrant students, without haste, receive additional supports in American schools. African American students failing in school; yet, who could easily excel if provided additional supports in reading and math seldom have parents who know such free services are available. Few educators readily provide such information - especially, to students of darker hues. Jonathan Kozol, an educator, has written several books on these disparities. Mr. Kozol, a former NBA player, and Bill and Melinda Gates mentioned these disparities and what they are doing to address the educational disparities on the OPRAH show in April 2006. What amazes me? The day illegal immigrants enroll their children in schools I have worked, free and/or helpful supports are requested. I find it interesting new arrivals to America know how to obtain free educational supports for their children, but most African Americans have no idea. Don't you?

The principal at the school I formerly worked is from Guatemala; the student body exceeds 1700, the school has a high illegal immigrant student population, has nightly courses for adult illegal immigrants which means all owners of real estate property in North Carolina pay for adult illegal immigrants to use our school’s utilities at night, and frequently has special events specifically for Latinos. This same principal, this past school year, refused to make her staff implement my son’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is a federal document that helps a child excel in areas of weakness. Federal law mandates the IEP must be implemented and adhered. I worked at the school, received superior evaluations each year while employed, wrote several letters requesting administrators ensure the federal law is adhered. My family name and character were attacked using un-American tactics that are the norm in Latin American countries that accused me of vicious and intentional falsehoods within less than 10 days each time I made a request. Finally, this principal gave me walking papers, and requested the Associate Superintendent terminate me. The Associate Superintendent saw through the maze and refused to comply with her request. As a result, my son failed all core courses, I had to seek psychological counseling for him, and the psychologist demanded I transfer him to another school five weeks before the end of the school year. We do not need people like this working in our schools; school administrators do not want the public to know. Furthermore, my son and I were physically and mentally threatened, and I was told, “They will make sure you are unable to get a job at McDonald’s.”

Unashamedly, the illegal immigrant students I daily conversed with admitted they considered the African American students repulsive and ignorant. I am African American, over 50, have possessed a command of the Spanish language for more than 30 years, and consider it interesting the illegal immigrant student population was aware I possess; yet, rarely employ the command, and that these students would discuss their true feelings with me. Honestly, I have neither seen nor heard any evidence Latino immigrants legal or illegal have any interest in collaborating with African Americans. Illegal Latino immigrants are not the minority race in America, African Americans are. People who work in our educational system are aware illegal immigrants receive educational supports most African American students do not.

Were this not fact, Warren Buffet would not have recently given Bill and Melinda Gates $30 billion to help cure the ills within the American educational system, there would not be so many African American students consigned to special education classes who will receive a certificate (not a diploma) that indicates they attended school -- not learned anything, Rupert Murdoch would not have said our educational system is a disgrace, a few generations have no education, last night on the Charlie Rose show, and we would not desperately still need many more schools. Illegal immigrants broke the state of California. It is obvious these illegal immigrants intentionally overburden our society with multiple births on American soil they cannot afford; we should not reward this behavior by providing them or their babies with automatic citizenship.

I would suggest each person on the illegal immigrant panel visit each Triangle area Social Service office (food stamp and other human service offices), several hospital maternity wards – especially Duke and ask how many illegal immigrants paid for their child’s birth and/or hospitalization in ICU, etc., the longest hospital stay for a child by race/ethnicity, sit close enough to 10 schools so you can observe the population, request a racial/ethnicity/gender breakdown of the number of students consigned to special programs at all the area schools and request the number that have and will graduate with a “real diploma”- ask if they were classified as mentally retarded. If so, by whom: school psychiatrist/psychologist or private doctor, verify how soon after birth was diagnosis made, observe the employees at five fast food restaurants (note the percentage by race/ethnicity/gender, sit in a Wal-Mart parking lot and observe the luxury automobiles and trucks illegal immigrants drive, then compare your findings with the number of friends and family members you have who own vehicles of similar or a higher value, observe where illegal immigrants live in mass and compare w/pictures, if possible, how the environ looked 20 years ago. Then ask yourself: What is it I know that Jonathan Kozol, Bill and Melinda Gates and Rupert Murdoch do not know?

Personally, I resent an illegal immigrant student telling my son all Blacks need to go back to Africa. Real estate tax is the primary source that funds schools. This is the main reason real estate property owners throughout America are complaining about illegal immigrants. My family has owned real estate and paid real estate taxes in North Carolina for more than 100 years. Many pay these taxes each year; yet, live in other states. They, as I, are appalled to know we are paying for an illegal immigrant student's education that has no true loyalty or heritage in our state or country, but believes and loudly proclaims we should return to Africa! Osama called the USA infidels – religious definition: One who neglects his own. You be the judge. Was he wrong?

Pat McCullers

I was very dissappointed to see the episode on immigration. It was very
politically correct to call them unauthorized workers instead of "illegal",
but that's not my main issue. Immigration is a very important and
controversial issue and blacks are impacted more than most. Therefore, I
expected to see some diversity of opinion on your panel, but you had 3
people who essentially shared the same view which is that immigrants,
illegal or not, are great for the economy and you can't understand why half
of the black population and the majority of the American public disagree. I
am a black moderate democrat and try not to buy into stereotypes about a
liberal media, but when you have a topic like this where there clear
differences of opinion within the public, please attempt to have a more
balanced panel.

I believe that one product of "illegal" vs. legal immigration is that you
can't control where people come from and how many. A sensible controlled
program would not allow so many people to come from Mexico without balancing
that with people form the Carribean, Africa, and Asia. Mexicans shouldn't
have a right to dominate the immigrant population just because they are next
door. Our immigrant population should not be dominated by poor and
uneducated people who primarily compete with African Americans for jobs.
This is just one of many contrary opinions that I would have like to have
heard discussed.

Ken Morton

I occasionally watch your program on UNC-TV. There seems to be a trend in the media (and I noticed it on a recent broadcast of yours) of labeling minorities as
African-American or Latino-America or similar moniker while lumping others into the "white" category. Do you see why this could be insulting? I don't know what the solution could be other than abandon such devisive terms altogether.

Thank you, B. Kune

My name is Michael Coxe. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your show about the training offered by Mpact Learning. As an adult looking for a career change, I found this program to be very informative and educational in regards to helping people further themselves without spending years in school. Having gone through the traditional routes in looking for training and changing careers, this program informed me of different ways that are available to people to further their knowledge in a time frame that is more in tune with today's pace and lifestyles. As technology advances, more companies are looking more into specialized skills that some older people might find hard to make ends meet while getting the training for their field of work. I think that this one show helped open up some new ideas that otherwise would not have been found except through maybe word-of-mouth. As a viewer of UNC-TV, I find that these types of programs greatly enhance a person's ability to access the vast amount of information that is not really known to the general population. I feel that this idea of compressed learning would appeal to a wide spectrum of workers who are looking for alternative ways to further educate themselves. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to more of these programs in the future.

Sincerely, David Michael Coxe, Raleigh, N.C.

The program featuring educational issues with Mr. Pankey and Dr. Fogg was quite good.
 
I would like to see Mr. Pankey interviewed by Dr. Friday because Mr. Pankey spoke to so many points that make a difference to our children.  His whole point about focus, discipline, i.e. academic, is applicable for all students.  His point about comparing black students to black students to determine reasons for those who excel and those who don't is new to most people.  I've never heard any educator make that statement.
 
He is brilliant, sensible and instantly perceptive to all nuances.  
 
Dr. Fogg is clearly focused on helping all children achieve as well and supported Mr. Pankey at one point.  She also articulated, quite diplomatically how we must all continue working on behalf of all students even though situations at times continue to be discouraging.  She is a positive role model for all teachers, not just one ethnic group.
 
Both speakers pointed out that the world today must address all of the children in our communities and not just the 'traditional black and white' groups.
 
Please get Mr. Pankey again.  The man is ahead of his time-- in all of our communities.
 
I taught for 36 years and always tried to be especially sensitive to children who particularly needed  support and encouragement.  Mr. Pankey is focused on education and rather than just one group of young people and what education is doing for them.  He, in my opinion, implied that some responsibility for learning rests with the student and the home.  Think of his 'bus story'.  That is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!  And applies to all youth!  He understands that esteem, etc. all come from valid experiences and achievement.
 
Hopefully the 60's, 70's, and 80's in particular helped to 'balance' opportunities for all children, and today young people can focus on learning rather than how 'to right the past' and whose getting what opportunity. This was important at one time but today is different.  We will always need to be sensitive to diversity and the needs that reveal themselves as we live more globally.  Thinking 'humanity' may help us get over that hugh bump in the road.
 
As the Chancellor of NCSU said in NC People with Dr. Friday,  education has always been the way to the future.  Terry Sanford said that we must always bring everyone along with us as we move through this life. Public education has been the ONLY area where at least efforts were in place to educate.  It's time we worked together and focused on what is good and what needs improvement--for all children/youth.
 
It's time we all heeded the call and moved forward.
 
Elaine Sills