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Editorial/Columns
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No Time For Sleeping
hen the hip-hop
group, Public Enemy, first arrived on the scene years ago, one of the things about them that capti- vated me, besides the aggres- sive nature of their music, was their logo. It was the silhouette of a Black man standing with his arms folded within the
crosshairs of a gun.
To me, the image perfectly
encapsulated the view that most of America had of Black men in this country... expend- able game that could be used for target practice.
That was over three decades ago. And, sadly, since then it doesn't seem as though much has changed.
On the surface, with soci- ety experiencing a surge in technological advancements and interracial couplings be- coming more accepted in the mainstream (mostly those that involve white men and women from almost every other race), you would think that this na- tion had moved well beyond the racial animus that plagued it for much of its history. But, like they say, looks can be de- ceiving.
And, the reality is, the only difference between what was occurring before and now is the date on the calendar.
All you have to do is peep underneath the glossy picture that America has attempted to paint of itself and you'll dis- cover that this country is just as hostile toward people of color as it has always been. While we may have progressed financially, educationally and socially an argument can be made that our upward mobil- ity has also had the unin- tended consequence of making those death marks on our backs even more pro- nounced.
Of course, it's easy to blame a lot of what we're see- ing today, with the rise of po- lice brutality against Black people, white people calling the cops on Blacks who are simply being Black in untradi- tional settings and overzealous white citizens feeling comfort- able pulling guns on Black people (like the recent inci- dent at a Mississippi camping ground), on the Donald Trump effect. But, the fact of the matter is that, this con- tempt and anger was already present. Trump only encour- aged it to exist without apolo- gies.
The interesting thing is that even as we witness all of these blatant acts of racism being perpetrated against
Black people, you still have some Blacks who actually be- lieve everything is cool simply because they're able to bring a boyfriend named Chet to a family picnic or go golfing with their fair-skinned buddies from work.
And it's usually not until one of these clueless individu- als is refused service at his or her favorite coffee shop, called the N-word at a sporting event or arrested for trespassing on his or her own front lawn, does it suddenly dawn on them that things aren't as sweet as they thought.
What these victims-in-wait (as I like to call them) suffer from are the side effects of, what is commonly referred to in the streets as, being rocked to sleep. The creature com- forts they enjoy have given them an unwarranted feeling of acceptance and safety when, in actuality, they're merely one wrong encounter away from being another statistic.
In a perfect world, where people respect one another for what they bring to the table and are not judged by their complexion, maybe a Black person could get away with daydreaming without a single care. But, unfortunately, that's not our reality. And not being woke isn't an option because, in the wild, prey that doesn't know it's being hunted only succeeds at becoming some- one else's dinner.
Reality On Ice is © by the Florida Sentinel Bul- letin Publishing Company. You can contact Mr. Barr at: cbarronice@gmail.com.
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Fortress America
s of today, Cuba has returned to the list of “per-
sona-non-grata” public enemy according to the White House. Reversing President Barack Obama’s Cuba outreach, the Trump Administration has recently announced trips to our nearest southern neighbor – if not already scheduled – will be cut out as relations be- tween Cuba and America inexplicably take a turn to- ward a global freeze.
The non-detente with Cuba comes alongside the in- creased icy relations between another Latin Hispanic nation, Mexico, that stands under the glare of the White House, currently runs the risk of walking an in- creased tariff plank if Mexico doesn’t stop its disgrun- tled citizens from crossing the border and seeking freedom in the United States. No doubt, the Statue of Liberty is confused.
But the Statue of Liberty isn’t the only one in conun- drum. Venezuela is also confused as it waits to see if America will assist or invade. Guatemala is just as nervous as is Japan, both countries have been told not to mind a North Korean missile build-up. And, Aus- tralia has also been threatened with an increased American tariff.
Indeed, America’s allies are confronted with a new face on the Statue of Liberty . . . a stern, jut-jaw that watches dispassionately as she rolls up the “Welcome to America” freedom mat.
So, during these often misleading times, what are we Americans to think? Is the world of immigrants being kept out, or are the citizens of our nation being slowly locked in.... squeezed like a deer in the coils of an anaconda?
The coming year 2020 may well be the beginning or the end of our Democracy as we know it. The whole world is watching. When we go to the polls, the destiny of the world is in our hands.
From Almost To Fully
“Almost cannot avail; almost is but to fail! Sad, sad that bitter wail-al- most...”
Unknown
mpowered Greet- ings. I once heard Bishop Darrell Hines preach on the topic of “Living on the Right Side of Almost.” He stated any percent of almost is a 100% of nothing. He illustrated that a fish that was almost caught is a fish that 100% got away.
How many people are liv- ing almost committed lives? Almost is defined as, “within a small degree of, very nearly, not exactly or entirely.”
When it comes to living a life on purpose you must be 100% committed, not almost. There is nothing worst then
living life committed to al- most.
“I almost stopped selling drugs, stealing, etc.,” means you are still 100% criminal. “I almost gave my life to Christ,” means that you’re 100% with- out salvation. “I almost launched out and started my business,” means you are still 100% working for somebody else or unemployed.
As you approach the next season of your life, put an end to almost. Move from “almost” living, to being fully commit- ted to living your best life, now!
Get fully committed to achieving your goals. Get fully committed to your marriage and family. Get fully commit- ted to developing your busi- ness.
Get fully committed to Christ. Get fully committed to living a full and satisfied life.
I implore you to choose today not to live an “almost” life. Almost is not enough! You need to go all the way. Give it all or nothing, because any percent of almost equals 100% of nothing.
About Selphenia Selphenia Nichols Sim- mons is hailed as “The Queen of Success.” As a Life and Busi- ness Success Coach, she in- spires Christian women and entrepreneurs to go from being a mess to making mas-
sive profits.
Selphenia’s no-nonsense
business strategies take indi- viduals and organizations from scratch, or anywhere in between, to Success. Selphe- nia is available to speak at churches, schools, universi- ties, business organizations, retreats and conferences.
To request Selphenia to speak or train at your upcom- ing event, call (813) 603- 0088.
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