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Black Military World Forum
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New York and Boston - Martin Luther King had a dream that some day his children would "live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
He wanted his children to become strong, beautiful people. But what we see today in poor African American neighborhoods is a nightmare.
We know there are forces that make the ability to escape poverty seem bleak: overburdened single-parent homes, a high dropout rate, joblessness, gangs, drugs, crime, incarceration, deaths at an early age from guns fired by angry black men. We know that systemic racism and governmental neglect still exist. (For the remainder of the article click here)
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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By Phillip Jackson, Executive Director
The Black Star Project
The lack of response to globalization by Black America is frightening and troubling. While much of the world has adapted to the new-world economy and new-world standards of existence, most of Black America is still operating much the same way it did in the 1950s and 1960s. But now, throughout Black communities in America, there is a whisper campaign by Black people who don't know each other and Black people who live in different parts of the country, saying to each other, "We are in trouble!" We know it and the rest of the world knows it! Black America, as we know it, is in danger of not surviving globalization. (Read the rest of this commentary on our website, http://www.blackmilitaryworld.com |
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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Since the start of the Iraq War the recruitment of Blacks in the military has dropped by nearly a third. Is this coincidence or are Blacks choosing to bow out of this one and why? PLEASE SPEAK OUT!
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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Yesterday, we received an e-mail from a non-black member of the Air Force who requested to remain anonymous. He actually makes an interesting point. He writes:
"I'd like to complain about something that I think is very unfair. I work in an aircraft maintenance shop with a very diverse group. There are three African American males in our group who are always calling each other the "N" word. It mostly happens when they are kidding around and I know they mean no harm but I assumed that the use of the word, by anyone, was considered a serious violation of the codes. If a white person used the word, even kidding, they would be severely punished.
I've once even asked them to stop using the word because it bothers me. They looked at me, laughed, and told me that they'd better not ever hear me saying it. Not that I would ever want to, I don't think it's right for anyone to use derogatory names anytime.
I'm afraid that if I took to matter up the chain they would just laugh too and say, "Oh it's just a fad and they don't mean anything by it". - Air Force Enlisted
Can and should a black military member be punished equal to a non-black for using the "N" word? Has this ever been tested before? What do you think?
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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Yesterday a young soldier asked via e-mail, "Is it "unpatriotic" and "un-American" to oppose the war in Iraq.
He indicated that no matter how hard he tried, he could not find a logical explanation for spending hundreds of billions of dollars and sacrificing thousands of lives in spreading democracy to a country that is obviously not ready for it, and may never be ready." (This young lad had read a thing or two.)
He also indicated that he loved the military as it has transformed him from a street hood to young man of virtue and spirituality. He shared an equal love for America. There are many black vets, especially Viet Nam vets, who may remember such a quandary.
His question is of extreme importance because he will soon be transferred to Iraq for duty.
I have an answer for him that would no doubt make for a decent doctoral dissertation, but I'd rather hear from you this time. How would you answer his concerns? Please make your answers short, concise and to the point.
Thanks for your support. CDR (Ret.) Gregory Black, Black Military World Editor |
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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February is always a special time. It’s Black History Month! This is the one time of the year when we are allowed to openly celebrate our history and learn about Black Americans who’ve achieved great things in the past. Oh, those wonderful guest speakers, re-enactments, displays and the choirs. It is the one time that I always felt especially proud of my heritage. I never missed a single event!
Black History Month is a good thing, no doubt, but I’ve often wondered, “Who allows us to do this? If we could bask in the glow of Black History Month year round, wouldn’t we be a more gleeful people? Why don’t they allow us to do this year round? More importantly, why don’t we do it ourselves?
Please understand, I’m not knocking Black History Month, I think that without it, some of us would be clueless about our history altogether. I just think that we can do a much better job at this history thing since it is directly connected to the nerve center within each of us called PRIDE!
Let’s hear your thoughts on this issue. Reply by clicking the "Add Comment" button below.
Gregory Black, CDR (Ret.) BMW Founder |
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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Last week I was the guest on a radio talk show out of Atlanta. A caller asked "Why would a black man or woman want to fight for a country that has abused and mistreated his people for hundreds of years." From his tone, I could tell that he was heated up for a live on-air confrontation. To lessen the wind in his sails, I first assured him that his question has no doubt entered the minds of most African Americans at some time or another. As a disenchanted teenager growing up during the brutal civil rights years, I certainly harbored the question.
Then, I answered his question with total honesty, "Personally", I said, "I joined the military because 26 years ago, I was sick of my job and needed a change." That's the truth. Sorry, no patriotism, no blind dedication to the cry of democracy....It was just opportunity. I was offered free education, discipline, (which I desperately needed), travel and an exciting career. I took advantage of it, and, guess what, it worked! This is true of scores of other African Americans just like me. In fact, during WWII, Korea and Viet Nam eras, the military is was about the only place that a black man or woman could find decent employment with benefits, and a future. And, millions of African Americans living today have prospered because of it. To borrow the words of Malcolm X, "It's not a staggering thing, just common sense."
I paused, awaiting for a response from the caller. There was none, so I kept rolling.
Secondly, I said, "Yes, I will rise up and defend this country because my mother, sisters, grandkids and everybody else that I love, live in this country! Anyone trying to invade these shores intending do harm to any of them will find me there waiting! And I'm a handful. Again, I'm sorry caller, but there was no sacrificial devotion to the flag, no blind dedication to any politician or even a government for that matter.
I was also quick to point out that as black career military members, we don't individually don't pick our leaders any more that you pick the leaders where you work. Our top leaders are elected by the American people. Over my 21 year military career I've served under good military leaders, but I've also had bad ones.
Each one of the 3.1 million living black veterans today, has his or her, own reason for serving. Some share my reasoning and some had radically different reasons.
Perhaps you'd like to respond or offer your own answer to the question still haunting most African Americans today,
"Why would a black man of woman serve in this Country's military?"
Thanks for your fantastic support, this is only the begining!!! We're looking forward to hearing from you, here your thoughts and opinions matter! CDR (Ret.) Gregory Black, Founder, Black Military World.com
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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I respect your site. I think it's fantastic. I was just turned on to it by a family member.
I am a black male. My father, brother, and uncles all served proudly in our U.S. military. I was, and still am, a very proud former Air Force dependent.
However, I do take issue with the fact that you have chosen to identify your site and organization by using race as your primary nom de plume. I think you are doing more damage than good, unless you only want blacks to support your site.
Seems like you might have learned from other black organizations that have made the same "mistake" in the past. Though I'd like to further support your organization, I would not. Not until we stop shooting ourselves in the foot by creating self-defeating, racist labels to identify organizations and ourselves.
Though you may not agree with me, I am entitled to express my opinion. I'm not the only black who feels this way. I'd also like to support the NAACP, but it doesn't support injustice no matter the color, it only supports black people. See the pattern here? White people catch hell at the slightest hint of racism. Can you imagine a proud organization called "White Military World.com"? Would you be OK with that? I wouldn't.
Not to worry though, there are organizations that support all people, including black people, that do not feel the need to choose exclusionary names for their organizations. They may be more difficult to find, but they are indeed worth finding and supporting.
Racism can be very subtle. To suggest that something is "black" or "white" you're only perpetuating what I for one live to eradicate. Being proud is good. Remaining ignorant is bad.
I wish you well with your site. I hope that over time it will evolve into something that ALL people can feel comfortable supporting.
"No Name Given"
(Reply to these comments by clicking Add Comment below)
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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I'd like to say thanks to blackmilitaryworld.com from us blacks now serving in Iraq!
The other day my unit had a long, tiring day here. That evening I received an e-mail from my sister back in Cleveland. She sent a link to blackmilitaryworld.com in her message. I spent the rest of the evening going through the pages and I loved it! I laughed, cried and felt so inspired. I look forward to logging on as often as possible.
I shared the website with the other guys in my unit and we all agree that all blacks serving in Iraq should be made aware of this website. Although I get a little scared sometimes, reading about what our fathers and forefathers experienced in past wars makes what we experience seem less dangerous. Imagine what being with the 54th Mass. charging into Confederate Ft. Wagner during the Civil War facing almost certain death, must have felt like.
I ask that everyone that has a friend or relative in Iraq send news of blackmilitaryworld.com to them. It will certainly make them feel a little closer to home. Also, most of us here have access to the Internet. Lance Cpl. D.W.
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Posted by Guest Blogger at
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Imagine how powerful a national alliance of millions of African American military veterans would be. Mind boggling to say the least!
I'd like to first commend the website for a job well done! I'd encourage everyone to make people of color aware of its existence. Now, I'll take this opportunity to speak my mind.
In scrolling the home page of this website, one can't help but be struck by the vastness of the African American military population. I had no idea! I also had no idea of the numbers of organizations that exist to serve this diverse population of men and women.
The mere thought of uniting millions of African American military veterans into a nationwide alliance is enough to send shivers down the spines of many Americans. Its purpose and goals would hardly matter. Its the sheer level of respect that such a powerful, educated and disciplined group of African Americans would demand, in all segments of American society. Within this group are some of the most respected members of the race including average citizens, business and community leaders, celebrities, and politicians.
Don't jump to conclusions. Let's imagine this organization focusing its mission on commendable goals such as providing leadership and role models for the black community. What about this group addressing the issues impacting African American males and helping to shape future generations of American citizens. It's even easy to envision such a organization rising to the forefront of African American leadership altogether.
There are segments of the African American population who, for various reasons, are skeptical about the military. Perhaps this organization can even work to change their views. Maybe do some good for the military and the community, so that everybody wins. Then we become a stronger nation. It's not an unrealistic thing to consider.
Perhaps now the idea is not so frightening, is it?
At the same time, such an organization could become a very powerful lobbying force for people of color. Especially, in gaining governmental support for efforts and programs that are needed to enable many more African Americans to become productive citizens of this great nation.
These are my thoughts, I'm sure you have thoughts too. Do you think that such a line of thinking has merit?
P.S. Please don't be afraid to speak out about this question. It's too important for silence. |
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Posted by Black Military World Founder at
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