FEEL THE FORCE

Sorry folks it has taken a while for me to put up this post I been busy and work and trying to restructure my life to make it more Christ like - its hard getting rid of the secret sins in your life but through Christ I know I will be VICTORIOUS.

OK enough about my life lets talks concerts.( you can click on pictures for full image)
INCEPTION
Last week Friday (6:20) I found my self in the heartland of East London not quite sure what to anticipate from relative newcomers to UK Gospel Hip-Hop scene but I was definitely looking forward to performances from 4 kornerz (GRADUATES) andCommision (2nd Year undergrads).

DELAY


The was a lengthy wait at the KICC reception during which time Igot familiar with what G-FORCE were about with the aid of Gospel Link MagazineGL which featured the group on last months cover. To be honest with you I did not know much about this group, it was a free concert and you know how our folks love FREENESS. The article was aight;I found out that G- Force was short for God's Force and that a member of the group was the son of Pastor Ashimolowo. This obviously tainted my perception of the group (were they rally good) or were they just jumping on the band wagon of a famous Pastor and Church, soon all this was revealed when the doors were open (7:20) leading to a scramblefor seats by teenagers (mostly female). One impressive thing about the function was the large input of youth in ushering and in the helping of setting up the stage etc - obviouslythe church's ministry was doing a good job in engaging this age group.

>


The MC
At 8:00 pm on the dot the MC or if you will compeer took the stage which was aptly designed to reflect a construction site, hence keeping with the G-FORCE album title DESTROY (flesh) and REBUILD (through CHRIST).

Unknown to me the MC was Simply Andy a fellow Ghana man who definitely brought the house down with his quick with and commentary about AFRICANS. He also made me more comfortable (joke) in an environment that resembled little NIJAFEST.


Church on Fire
Fist to storm the stage were the ever talented4 Kornerz, and boy did these Nija Boys keep it real with a three piece set which was full of sick instrumentation, genuine praise hyped up energy and true showmanship coupled with on point voices, that definitely left the punters crying out for more(definitely cop the album). I will just let the PICS speak for themselves.


(Who can spot SIMPLY ANDY)




Up next were a group of young folks by the name of AMBASSODORS with an excellent ministry of spreading the gospel through dance and they definitely brought it. (Keep it up)



Intermission
During the intermission I gathered some courage and approached two (Vidal - drums) and (Daniel - Vocals) of the 4 brothers from 4kornerz(Deji - Lead Singerand TJ - Key, Vocals and Production) for a quick word about their music and ministry and what a pleasant surprise they were.
These guys were pleasant and told me that the focal point of their music was to spread their music and most importantly the Gospel to all Four Corners of the World.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continue making and performing music full time. I wish them the best. If you get a chance to see them live please do, becausethey are serious.

the Main Event
G-Force took the stage after the intermission to the delight of their numerous fans
.
Dressed in full construction gear they invaded the staged with a full band who tore it up) and three vocalist who at times outshone the group. They definitely delivered what their fans wanted - gritty track with continuousflows full of metaphors and numerous punch lines galores.These guys definitely had energy and some 'street' decent track but I wasnt sure their music was top notch until after a wardrobe change into suits (quite professional) during which time Mark Asari and the band entertained the masses with his smooth voice.
Mark Asari performing 


A suited G-force came back on stage to deliver a Mark Asari produced track by the name of LOVE.

These tracks was definitely top notch well produced and biblically sound in putting forward the message of relationships and love in Gods eyes without sounding cheesy and the ladies definitely loved it.

After the slow down an up-tempo end to the night was definitelyrequired and G-Force did not disappoint, with the help of one part of Commission Tope Icie, Faith Child, Victizzle (affiliate and producer) dropped a serious track called COALITION CHECK IT OUT . The place was definitely HYPED

With more Bangers from their album they goy everyoneon their feet and dancing

Andy Bussin some MOVES

The night was finished of in Prayer and I got a quick word with Mark Asari, Simply Andy and Commissions Tope Icie, unfortunately I could not speak to G-FORCE. After going through their security (friends) and asking a church usher I was told to join the line for people buying CD's. Here Iwas told that since I was told that I could not have quick word because they were busy, I persisted and got to the table where I asked Once of the group if I could have a quick word, he was not impressed and asked me where I had come from I told him Manor House and he replied they could not speak to me.
So all I got was some picks of G- FORCE selling CDS


Mark Asari
I felt this young man was humble and has a bright future his performance on the night was 'live' and judgingfrom speaking with him if he puts his eyes on God he should go far.

Tope Icie One part of Commission Tope also seemed like a cool dude with his focus on spreading the word of God. He told me his brother was at Uni and he was holding the fort for the day. He stated that thegroup was created in 2004 and currently had their EP out and are slowing down to put character before their music and to grow spiritually. Watch out for a DVD soon.

Last but not least Simply ANDY This brother id down to earth and a jack of all trades building a t-shirt empire of the back of his sick track BIBLES BIBLES DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREEEEEEEEE.
He brought down the house withhis jokes and is on a mission to bring light hearted side to Gospel Hip-Hop. Keep your eyes peeled for Andrew Kwabena Apraku and his fiancé (manager) for better things in the future.


THIS POST IS LOOOOOOOOONNNNG I AM OFF TO SLEEP PLEASE POST YOUR THOUGHTS AND SHOW SOME SUPPORT LET ME KNOW WHAT U THINK.
PEACE GOD BLESS AND PRAY FOR ME.

Sickle Cell Petition

Please sign this petition urgently as adults
(aged over 18) affected by sickle cell disease are not entitled to
free prescription whilst people with diabetes, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis etc which are also long term medical conditions are entitled to free prescription.
It has only 200 odd signatures and we need the rule changed.

Thanks it only takes a minute

Shortcut to:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RIGHTTOLIFE/?ref=righttolife
Updates on the concert and picnic will be up soon

Ghana Picnic 2007

Ghana HYPE will be at this function taking pictures, mini interviews and talking about JESUS - C U THERE

Whats up folks.
Today was a long and interesting day.

I finished work at Five and jetted of to Hackney Wick to the KICC Church where a night of Celebration and praise had been promised by G-FORCESITE (gospel hiphop) with guest appearances from

Four Kornerz Web Site



Simply Andy Da Bibles Bibles Site



Commission SITE commissioned by Christ



Mark Asari Check his site out (he can sing paaaaa)



Ambassadors and more.

I caught up with some of the artists and asked them about their ministries and futures.
I will be bringing you the low down on the performances and what I thought of the personalities of the artists.

I hope you enjoy the mini interviews and pictures.
Stay tuned - Will be covering the 'Meet me there - Ghana Picnic 2007'

Thought for the day

As a christian I have my flaws and struggles with the flesh, sometimes I fall but I have come to the conclusion that Christ has paid the price and if i believe that his blood truly washed away my sins then I should be able to ask for forgiveness, repent and most importantly forgive myself.When you fall get up and brush the dirt of your shoulder - move on and forget about the past.Learn from your mistakes (easier said done done).

So many of us find it hard to forgive ourselves for or shortcomings in Gods eyes.
But God does not hold a grudge.

Why would God give as another day to live just after we have sinned?
Because he believes in another chance for us.

He knows our future with him is greater than our past without him.

He wants us to be renewed.

Everyday we wake up and take a breath it is God saying Kwabena (put your name here) its a new day today,yesterday you fornicated, stole, killed, cheated, coveted and sinned against me, BUT today is new day and my Grace and Blood has washed you, so pick up your weapons (BIBLE) and run a GOOD race. You cant give up as long as you breath you must always come back to me when you fail.I will Always love you.

GIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBILITIES TO JESUS

Soon Come

Just got my intenet reconnected - so we be bloggin soon again.
peace
God Bless

No Show

Sorry i have not posted in a long time. I moved houses and I am still trying to sort out my internet connection.

So here's a little joke to whet your appetite
At a U2 concert in Ireland , Bono, the lead singer, asks the audience for some quiet, then he slowly starts to clap his hands. Holding the audience in total silence, he says into the microphone, " I want you to think about something; every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies." A Jamaican in the front yells out, "Den stop clap yu rass hand nuh man."

Quick JOKE

Since I have been moving and travelling I just thought I would make u smile a little before things got back on track again.

Nigeria Airways

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your captain (Boniface) welcoming you on board of Nigeria Airways. We apologize for the four-day delay in taking off, it was due to bad weather and some overtime I had to put in at the bakery. This is flight 126 to Lagos. Landing in Lagos is not guaranteed, but we will end up somewhere in the south. If luck is in our favor, we may even be landing on your village!

Nigeria Airways has an excellent safety-record. In fact our safety standards are so high that even terrorists are afraid to fly with us!

It is with great pleasure; I announce that since starting this year over 50% of our passengers have reached their destination. If our engines are too noisy for you, on passenger request, we can arrange to turn them off!

To make your free fall to earth pleasant and memorable, we serve complimentary Bongo tea and Okin biscuits! For our not-so-religious passengers, we are the only airline who can help you find out if there really is a God!

We regret to inform you, that today’s in-flight movie will not be shown as we forgot to record it from the television. But for our movie buffs, we will be flying right next to Al Barka, where their movie will be visible from the right side of the cabin window.

There is no smoking allowed in this plane. Any smoke you see in the cabin is only the early warning system on the engines telling us to slow down! In order to catch important landmarks, we try to fly as close as possible for the best view. If, however, we go a little too close, do let us know. Our enthusiastic co-pilot sometimes flies right through the landmark!

Kindly be seated, keep your seat in an upright position for take-off and fasten your seatbelt. For those of you who can’t find a seatbelt, kindly fasten your own belt to the arm of your seat …and for those of you who can’t find a seat, do not hesitate to get in touch with a stewardess who will explain how to fasten yourself to your suitcase."

Enjoy Nigeria Airways

Mad Hectic

Its been a crazy two weeks I found a room to rent, went off to paris for a couple of days came back and found out the landlord messed me up and now i am roomless again. so the hunt to rent a room starts all over agin and this time i only have until thursday. I trust that God will come through. Any way I am back so expect some freshness.
Peace

WOW

Nigerian Idol - lol

Prison vs Work

In case you ever got the two mixed up, this should make things a bit more clear...


IN PRISON...you spend the majority of your time in an 8x10 cell.
AT WORK...you spend the majority of your time in a 6x8 cubicle.

IN PRISON...you get three meals a day.
AT WORK...you only get a break for one meal and you pay for it.

IN PRISON...you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK...you get more work for good behavior.

IN PRISON...the guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK...you must carry around a security card and open all the doors for yourself.

IN PRISON...you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK...you get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN PRISON... you get your own toilet.
AT WORK... you have to share the toilet with some people who pee on the seat.

IN PRISON...they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK...you can't even speak to your family.

IN PRISON...all expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required.
AT WORK...you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN PRISON...you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out.
AT WORK...you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.

IN PRISON...you must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK... they are called managers.

Enjoy.................

419 comes to Work

It seems no workplace or vocation is exempt from the powers of 419. lol
This was posted on my workplace website today:

Fraudulent e-mails concerning British Pharmacopoeia
The Agency has received several e-mails from overseas requesting assistance in purchasing the latest British Pharmacopoeia (BP) from countries including Benin and Nigeria. These are fraudulent attempts to obtain copies of the BP without payment. Please forward any you receive to Richard Turner in the BP Unit.

PIC OF THE DAY

New Camera New Style

I just upgrade my camera big time. From a samsung D600 camera phone to a Nikon D40 DSLR.
Thanks be to God and Lazenya

Where I am coming from

This is in connection to the Video post on Khat
Please read 1 CORITHIANS 6 VRS to 20 if possible to understand what i beleive and strive to base my life on with the help form Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God.

As you may be aware of I am a christian and I have a personal relationship with jesus and try as much as possible to be christ-like. This stand to follow the Lord of Lords obvously plays a major part in my post and comments. I would like to invite you to ask any questions or critiques about this relationship with God and I will try my best to anwer them.

Roll Call

Hi I would like to thank all that have taken their time to view this blog. May God and Jesus (lol) richly bless your lives in all your endevours and may you enjoy your relationship with them.Special thanks to all those who have left their comments. This is greatly appreciated.

THIS IS A ROLL CALL - PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF IN THE COMMENTS BOX
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Thames Ditton
Brentford
Aberystwyth
Egham – Royal Holloway Massive –Good Blessings with your exams
Reading
London
Bedford
Addelstone
Milton Keynes
Guilford
Poplar - Zina
Manchester
Derby
Basildon
Iver
Croydon
Bournemouth
Kensington

United States
West Virginia
Texas
New Jersey
California
New York
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Virginia
Wisconsin
District of Colombia
Canada Ontario
Toronto
U.S. Virgin Islands
Europe
Netherland
Germany
Switzerland
Spain
Portugal
Croatia
Africa
Ghana – My cousin Kobby who will soon be reporting for Ghana Hype
South Africa - Pretoria
Asia
China
Japan
Singapore
Malaysia

To Chew or not to Chew

From Starred Photos

The local Laundromat has over the years become the centre where drug addicts come to get their fix (abuse).
This is a conversation with a Somalian man who is hooked on Khat a leaf that is chewed around here by a large Somalian population in the UK. The drug is legal in the UK but illegal in America.

I have seen loads of people under the influence of this drug with some people acting normal whilst chewing it(except for the spitting of the nasty green residue) but what I fear is the effect the drug has on people who are totally addicted and display psychotic and junkie tendencies. The man in the video has been seen on occasions by me pacing up and down the streets in a dazed manner and sometimes sleeping rough around the den where the drug is sold.




What do you think about Khat? Its effect and how it ties in with drug abuse from weed to alcohol.
Did God produce create these plants for medicinal purposes or abuse and would he approve of how man has utilized plants and their extracts?

On reflection I thought this video was not as funny as it seems but a sad reflection of the fall of man into sin as a result of the events in the Garden of Eden.
Please remember to pray fro people under all sorts of abuse in their lives.
Take Care.

Here are more Khat videos:





Please post your comments

LONDON CALLING

WHERE
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Way, London N22 7AY
TIMES
Sunday 27th May: 10.30am - 7.00pm
Monday 28th May: 10.00am - 7.00pm

ADMISSION
£10 per ticket: Exclsive offer for the early birds: visit www.afrohairshow.com for 2 tickets for the price of 1

The Afro Hair & Beauty Show is the biggest hair, beauty and lifestyle exhibition for young black women in Europe. Now celebrating 25 years of being at the front of the scene, the show will now be reborn as Afro Hair & Beauty Live with more demonstrations, more makeovers and more ways to get involved than ever before.


WHERE
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
TIMES
10.00 until 19.00 FRI - MON

ADMISSION
free

Want to find the next big name in art?
Follow the example of the most savvy art collectors and browse Free Range during June and July 2007...

Free Range is the Europe’s largest graduate showcase of over 2,500 art and design students from 60 of the UK’s top Universities nationwide. Situated at the Old Truman Brewery in East London’s Brick Lane, there is something for everyone – all the artistic disciplines are covered, including art, design, photography, interiors, textiles and product design. Best of all, its free admission!


Banksy
It’s the last chance to catch some signed canvasses from the hand of the waggish Banksy. Winding down after an all too brief period, the exhibition showcases some of the artist’s wittiest work. Includes daubs that take a swipe at everything from royalty to Tesco.
The Andipa Gallery, 162 Walton Street, SW3. Until Sat 24 Mar.
Infor: 020 7589 2371.

The release of one of the most comprehensive literatures on street wear is just around the corner. The first copies of Steven Vogel’s book, simply titled “Street Wear” will be exchanged Wednesday May 9th between 7pm and 10pm at The Three Threads store in London. Live entertainment as well as Jamaica’s own Red Stripe beer will be around to quench your thirst.

Address
The Three Threads
47-49 Charlotte Road
London EC2A 3QT
Phone: 020 7749 0503

35 Cents
Blue Elephant
Box Office: 020 7701 0100
Genre: Play Subgenre: Satire
Age suitability: General

It's election time on the romantic Caribbean island of Jamaica. The campaign has, however, been completely overwhelmed by extreme apathy and disillusionment. Fatigued by the ever increasing levels of poverty, debt and corruption, a new student organization called the 'No Confidence Movement' emerges in an attempt to lead the electorate on a national boycott of the general elections.

Opening night: 8 May 2007
Closing: 26 May 2007
Times: 19:45
Detailed schedule: Select Month -
Prices: £10 (£8 concs)



FRED HAMMOND & TYE TRIBBETT
LINE UP: FRED HAMMOND AND RADICAL FOR CHIRST TYE TRIBBETT & GA

FRED HAMMOND AND RADICAL FOR CHIRST TYE TRIBBETT & GA. UK SUPPORT: PRISCILLA JONES JAHAZIEL & ROGER SAMUELS HOSTED BY: MUYIWA PREMIER RADIO & DAVE P
Date :Jun 9, 2007 (Sat)
Location :CARLING APOLLO HAMMERSMITH (London)

Iraq or Nigeria

My mate William asked me this question at work today.

Lets say u were wrongly accused of a crime and had 2 spend 5 years in prison. You had a choice of serving ur time in the worst prison in Nigeria or the most notorious prison in Iraq. Which one u choose?
I choose Iraq for some funny reason it felt safer with the Americans and Brits there and all.

This was his response:
Really? Even tho u don’t speak the language and they would probably take u for a westerner because u are black?

Which would your choose.

By the way after all that this is what he choose:
Well one is just a rough country and the other is a fully fledged war zone so for obvious reasons

Iraq.

Speaking of prisons the battle over the flesh and sin is fought in the mind, break away from your mental slavery.
Peace and thanks for passing by.

Since I changed my profile picture I thought I would prove once and for all that AFRI CANS can SWIM.
Even if its with the aid of a compressed gas tank and a professional holding your hands sometimes.
Any who check it out. A childhood dream come true in the deep waters of Turkey. Yeah and don't want the middle finger I seem to have lost my will power under water, whatever gesture the guide told me to do I followed like a fool. Ah well. ohh almost forgot, the special lady in the pic lookin all scared is Lazenya my other half.


can anyone guess why they were coming so close?

P.S Gods love can go deeper than any ocean and if you feel your a too deep in sin and away from him, rejoice for he will find you. I would rather get deep into God's love than the love of the World.

Ghana must GO

From background 2007

MY JOUERNEY
The destination is far but the way things are looking with my gran uncle selling the house and with two weeks to find a room to rent I think I would be touching base in Accra sooner than later.
Peace
Stay saved Stay Blessed

PIC OF THE DAY

This was a pic i took today on the central line underground train.
Anyone who can tell me what is actually going on in the picture gets £10.
True Story
God Bless

Under the weather

Ohh Poor me the lovely British weather has finally arrived and I am stuck indoors cause I have developed a serious bout of seasonal allergic rhinitis - Hay Fever to you and me. This darn thing is really stressing me out at the wrong time. My gran uncle sold the house and i got two weeks to get out. So I am room hunting around the Big LDN, if anyone got any hook ups on rooms holla. I will be posting some new fresh stuff for the coming month so stay tuned.
P.S the time spent with God will reflect on the level of happiness in your life.

late for work

wow i have been enjoyin posting so much i am almost late for work.
p.s show some love and drop some lines in the comment box.
pics and jokes BELOW

Only in Africa (this is jokes seriously)

Here are some signs that you won't find anywhere else
in the world except in AFRICA ....

In a restaurant in Zambia:
"Open seven days a week and weekends."

On the grounds of a private school in South Africa:
"No trespassing without permission."

On a window of a Nigerian shop:
"Why go elsewhere to be cheated when you can come
here?."

On a poster in Ghana:
"Are you an adult who cannot read? If so, we can
help."

In a hotel in Mozambique:
"Visitors are expected to complain at the office
between the hours of 9.00 am and 11.00am daily."

On a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
"Take note: When this sign is submerged, the river is
impassable."

In a Zimbabwean restaurant:
"Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see
the manager."

A sign seen on a hand dryer in a Lesotho public
toilet:
"Risk of electric shock-Do not activate with wet
hands."

In a Botswana jewellery shop:
"Ears pierced while you wait."

On one of the buildings of a Sierra Leone hospital:
"Mental Health Prevention Center."

In a maternity ward of a clinic in Tanzania:
"No children allowed!"

In a cemetery in Uganda:
"Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any
but their own graves.

In a Malawi hotel:
"It is forbidden to steal towels please. If you are
not a person to do such a thing, please don't read
this notice."

A sign posted in an Algerian tourist camping park:
"It is strictly forbidden on our camping site that
people of different sex, for instance a man and woman,
live together in one tent unless they are married to
each other for that purpose."

In a Namibian nightclub:
"Ladies are not allowed to have children in the bar."


And the prize goes to...

On the walls of a 'butchery' (a shack with a
bloodshot, sweaty, short Kikuyu with an axe) in
Kawangware, SW of Nairobi, Kenya.
"We sell all meats.......goat meat, sheep meat, fish
meat, chicken meat, beef meat...."

P.S God made this continent Great

Picture Portfolio

As you may have figured I love pictures so here are some of my favourites.
All taken on my trusty Samsung D600 Camera Phone
They are divided into groups of 6.

Sleep is the cousin of death
Train Station Experiment
Nature - Proclaiming that God is great
Deconstruction
The Laundrette
Exhibitions

This is just a snipet of the collection and I would be dividing them up with explanations of the groups and why I have taken them.
I would leave you to make your own inferences.
I hope you enjoy them and please post a message to let me know what you think.
P.S Jesus got your back if you got his.

Mark Jenkins Exhibition

Its been scorching hot this past week and I have taken some time out to check out some exhibitions. I thought this guys stuff was amazing. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Outcasts

Featuring Mark Jenkins

Exhibition Dates: Fri 13th of April - Sat 12th of May

Washington DC-based installation artist Mark Jenkins has over the past four years experimented with clear packing tape (sellotape) to create cast-based sculpture that he installs in cities as a form of non-permission based street art, a sort of “off-wall” graffiti. The works’ humour and surreal nature has helped generate huge interest amongst the public and re-engaged them with their built environment. Jenkins is now bringing his art to the UK, and for his first solo show at the Lazarides gallery he will present an assemblage of sculptures and documentary street installation photographs.





I will be posting my own Photographs soon, so hold on.
Peace and thanks for passing by.

PIC OF THE DAY

Taking shots with my Camera

Hi hope all is well. I just want you to know that from Today (Monday) until Wednesday there is a fast and prayer for the Youth in London. There are two prayer points.

1) For God to get rid of Gun and Knife Crime in London.

2) To keep our Family, Friends and Loved ones safe.

Please spread the word to as many as possible.

God Bless You.

PIC OF THE DAY

This is a picture of one of Mark Jenkins Street Art Installations that are being exhibited in Soho. He has some amazing sellotape sculptures of which I would been uploading pictures of soon.
If there are any exhibitions, shows or concerts you want me to review for you in London just Holla.
Thanks for Passing by. And Remember Jesus wants us just as we are and just like in the pic he uses the small to correct the BIG.
Peace

PIC OF THE DAY

I saw this on the wall at Piccadilly Circus station on Tuesday.

EDDIE I WANT HALF
This is what happens to you when you don't give an African Woman Half


Will be updating some video and Pics from the British Museum
A video interview with a Drug addict and My Sleep is the Cousin of Death Picture series
Thanks for Passing by - God Bless You

Reply to Are You a Slave? Post

Original Post

forced multiculturalism is an afront to the human condition. "white privledge" seems to be thrown around a lot without any true evidence to suggest that it exists. anecdotes are not evidence. support for reparations is almost completley an emotional argument and we all know how that is a logical fallacy. slavery is consistantly used as an excuse, even long after its effects were tangible. if you want to keep playing the race card and continue down a path that does nothing to repair the past then keep pushing a devisive issue like reparations. if you want to actually do something for the "black community" attempt to change the culture that places no value on education, hard work, or personal responsibility.

before you get your panties in a bunch about the last statment realize that its not geared towards the entire black community, just most of it. as long as race baiters like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can continue to have greater influence over the community then Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Condolezza Rice and a whole host of others who don't portray themselves as victims, the black community will continue to slip downward and demand false entitlement when they should be far more critical of their own culture and put some emphasis on the things that will actually change their lot in life.

11:26 PM

Anonymous said...

I would be interested in hearing your response to this...thank you

11:47 PM

My Response.

Firstly I would like to thank you for coming by and letting me know what you think about the post, I appreciate it. Though it would have been nice to know who this is or where you are (lol).

Secondly no one ever said multiculturalism (UK) worked fully as it is evident with the 7/7 bombings, but I think we can agree that it is definitely better than assimilation i.e. France. With regards to 'white privilege' I would say the state of affairs of the economic and political climate in the world over the past 300 years has largely been dictated by the military might and subjugation of non western countries by mainly European (white) nations. I do believe there is no reason for me to give examples considering that today we still have this western superiority complex evident in Iraq, as was evident in colonial Africa, South-East Asia, the Caribbean and even Pre-Independence America. The only evidence that needs to be provided regarding your stated 'white privilege' is the economic might (quotas, CAP, IMF etc) the west wields as a result of their conquests both legitimate and mainly illegitimate over the years. Some might say it is the survival of the fittest others might say it is blatant opportunism; I would leave you to make your own inferences. Regarding reparations which I personally have not asked for but understand the notion behind it, let me ask you whether it would be an excellent idea to pay the current Iranian government reparations or compensation for 'hosting' the 15 British naval officers for over two weeks or would you say the army is right in allowing them to make monetary gains by selling the stories of their plight to the tabloids. I guess your answer would be an equivocal no because the troops were ‘captured’ and ‘maltreated’.

Following from this question it sound disgraceful and insulting that slave owners were paid 20 million pounds at the time of the abolition of the slave trade. Money helps but in my books the conditions that maintain the neo-colonial economic and societal frameworks that prompted slavery and colonialism need to be removed to enable true self determination of African people on the continent and in the Diaspora. Were not reparations to Holocaust victims partially based on emotional considerations and have the British naval officers not been given the unusual privilege of selling their stories as a form of emotional compensation through vast monetary gains? I have not used slavery as an excuse for anything but an explanation from many things. The effect of slavery are truly with us and will be for a long time, are the effects of the holocaust, the World Wars, and the Cold War not with us today? Also I have not played the so called race card with regards to this blog or to attain or justify any thing I have ever done or achieved in my life. To me that is a creation of people who to not want to be confronted with difficult truths or lies. Man should be judged on their actions and not reactions to their skin colour.

The past should be resolved through dialogue, forgiveness and acceptance of forgiveness which should lead to tangible change for all parties. I am very happy that you have talked about the culture of the ‘Black Community’ is there really a Black Community (UK) that has a distinctive uniform culture? I think the answer is no. Is there an African Culture? I think the answer is Yes! The African culture of which I am a proud product of definitely places absolute importance on the value of education, hard work, or personal and group (extended family and tribal responsibility). It is ironic that you speak of responsibility for actions when Tony Blair and the Queen cannot even accept responsibility for (GB) on behalf of nations in the form of an apology for the role of this nation in Slavery when African nations have done so an initiated programmes such as the Joseph project (Ghana) to correct these wrongs.

Since you have so much insight on the character of the Black Community in which most of them have been stereotyped by your characterisation, I would like to point out that it takes a village to raise a child and therefore ‘Black Leaders’ appointed by black people as true representatives or self made Black people who have ‘made it’ cannot have total influence on Black people as a result of the slave trade which has scattered us on so many cultures effectively destroying our culture and enforcing an alien culture and environment on us. Therefore is the current Black culture you mentioned truly representative of Black people in the Diaspora or is it just the remnants of what could be salvaged from slavery and what is being mimicked form their new ‘homes’?

The Black community has flaws and problems just like any other community and yes we are working on them, not through begging or reparations but through confronting the realities of this world.

May God Bless You.

P.S your post did not have much to do with my video blog but rather inferences on issues such as reparations which require a more intensive forum to discuss through face to face dialogue.