On Maryland Politics.......

"Considering the state of crime, education, etc. I do not know how an endorsement for Martin O’Malley can be in the best interest of anyone but Martin O’Malley. It is logical to conclude that this have nothing to do with the best interest of the people and especially Black people and especially Black children. Martin O’Malley has contributed less money to the education of the children in this city than any Mayor in the history of this city. The lead in the water in schools has never been resolved. In a city that is close to 70 percent Black almost all major agencies, Fire, Housing, Health, the School system, etc. are headed by non African –Americans. There have been numerous illegal arrests – so much so that an independent Grand Jury talks about the strained and antagonistic relationship between the Police and the Community. All the development in this city is uptown – there are very few if any low-income housing being built. The East Baltimore Bio-tech Park project displaced Black folk and exposed them to lead. The city is building a 300 million dollar hotel and closing schools – putting elementary students in buildings with high school students. We have had 5 police Commissioners in six years… and on and on and on. Apparently ACORN has lost its way. Or maybe it has simply revealed itself. This endorsement has all the aroma of a dead, rotting fish. Something is up and only the deaf, dumb and blind would be unable to see that the “fix is in.” I believe that our children are being bartered off for something. But I must say that I’m not surprised by ACORN’s self-interest. Sooner or later the truth rises to a place where all can see it."

Tyrone Powers, Ph.D.
Chair: Children 1st Movement

This I know.....

What I know is that I am truly covered by the Blood of Jesus.
What I know is that his angels of protection are all around me even in the face of danger.
What I know is that although I face trials and tribulation daily, my God is always present.

What I know is that although I sometimes feel like throwing in the towel or waving that white flag of surrender, God's love wraps me in His arms of grace and mercy letting me know that I can not only survive another day, but that there will be many days for me to thrive and prosper.

What I know is that although crazy things continue to happen in my life that I am still a child (daughter) of the most High.
What I know is that my life was paid with a cost.
What I know is that I am free!
What I know is that God's spirit is alive and dwells inside of me!

"What I Know" written by Lynn Pinder © 2005

Psalm 119:105 - 112

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.


Source: www.biblegateway.com

Bill Cosby, Michael Eric Dyson, and other ramblings.....

o.k. I started not to write about this, but figured I should blog the experience of seeing Bill Cosby live at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) on May 16, 2006 .

My co-worker, Krsna, and I arrived to the session about half way through the first forum for caregivers, grandparents, parents, and foster parents. The session was running way over time and there was still a second community session scheduled to take place that same evening. We watched Bill Cosby portray (what I guess was supposed to be a DC caregiver, grandparent, parent or foster parent)ask a panel of resource persons about the type of resources available. Then, Bill Cosby opened the session up for questions. Because the session was running so late, this Q & A period was really cut short. A few people in line seemed extremely upset. One man in a wheelchair yelled out that "This was a water-downed session." Now, what happened after that will forever be in my memory.

Bill Cosby started walking to the edge of the stage trying to answer the guy in the wheel chair. He didn't have a mike so it was really hard to hear him. I thought I heard him say that Michael Eric Dyson was right and then all HELL Broke loose. Bill Cosby screamed Dyson doesn't know what he is talking about. The guy in the wheel chair started screaming. Bill Cosby (imagine this cause he is pretty up there in age) jumped off the stage and climbed over the railing to get to the guy in the wheel chair. There was another man standing in the aisle who said to Bill Cosby, "Brother this is not the place" as he touched him on the chest. I couldn't hear what Bill Cosby said to him, but it must have been something like "Who are you?" because the man responded in an agitated tone like "Well, who are you?" Bill Cosby bypasses this man to get to the man in the wheelchair and he is screaming at him. As a matter of fact, he told the man that they could take it outside which means he was willing or at least seemed to be willing to fight or get physical about the topic. By this time, the police and security are coming into the auditorium and Cosby gets back on stage trying to justify his actions.

I was in awe. I just sat there and I tried to walk up and get a picture with my camera phone, but of course it didn't come out. Anyway, my mind was just like "What just happened?" I guess what struck me was the reaction of the young people in the audience. I think they were just as surprised as me by Bill Cosby's reaction. I was so disgusted that I left before the second forum even started. That evening on the way home, I stopped at the bookstore in Union Station searching for something on Micheal Eric Dyson. I needed to know why Bill Cosby reacted that way to the hearing of his name.....and I found it. The book is called "Is Bill Cosby Right Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Their Mind? I was so thankful I had the money to purchase the book.

(Brother Jabaree I will be sure to make a book purchase from your store before the end of the month - we got to support our black businesses - o.k. digressed for a moment where was I?)

Oh yeah, so I purchased a copy of Dyson's book and began reading it. I read that book in three days. Amazing! I understood why Bill Cosby would be angry about Dyson's book, but felt his response was inappropriate. Dyson makes some raw, personal, and straight-forward comments in his book. Overall, I think he did a great job rebutting Cosby's stance. I think Bill Cosby could have done a better job rebutting Dyson's stance. I could not understand how Cosby could justify his actions and at the same time talk about the actions or lack of action by low-income Blacks. That incident in itself gave credit to what Dyson was saying in his book.

I would encourage you all to read Michael Eric Dyson's book and if you get a chance, sit in on one of Cosby's free lectures. He is currently making stops in cities across the nation. He just may be in your town next week challenging somebody in a wheelchair to fight.

Get the book!

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD has a Positive Answer

*One of my co-workers sent this to me. I hope you are blessed by it!*

HANDY LITTLE CHART - God has a positive answer:


You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will ! never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

--Author Unknown

Warrior Call: A Tribute to Damu Smith

Rest on my brother,
God has called you home!
He has fashioned a special place for you to give rest to your tired body and to give flight to your indomitable spirit.

I will miss your smile.
I will miss your activism.
I will miss your love for us and our community,
but I understand that you were loaned to us for only a moment.

I understand that although you are gone,
you are not forgotten.
Your legacy, love, and lifeforce will remain with us...
and as you complete the passage of this life and begin your journery as an Ancestor,
I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to know you, to learn from you,
and to call you a friend.

In Loving Memory of Damu Smith (1952 - 2006)

*Pictures of Damu Smith are from the www.damusmith.org website. Please visit website for more information regarding the life of Damu Smith*

God, the Black Church, and Economic Empowerment

Kinetics invites you to a discussion on God, the Black Church, and Economic Empowerment.

The Black Church deposits an estimated $2 Billion into banks every Monday morning.
African-American buying power will increase from $723 Billion to an estimated $1 trillion by 2010.

African-Americans who reside in the state of Maryland rank #6 in the United States with a total buying power of $41.8 Billion

Nine of every $10 donated by African-Americans goes to churches or religious groups."

What role does the church play in economic empowerment?

Does the Bible layout an economic plan for community wealth?

The Faith

Superintendent Elder Matthew L. Brown
Temple Community Development Corporation
Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C.

The Dialogue

Dr. James Clingman
Professor of African American Studies
Founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce

The Motion

Rev. Dr. Earl Trent
Author of A Challenge to the Black Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Panelist

Rev. Jonathan Weaver
The Collective Banking Group, Inc.


Panelist

Elder Sam Deal
Vice President of Harbor Bank
President of Ideal Consultants


Panelist

Deputy Herbert Jordan
Governor's Office of Minority Affairs


Panelist

Mr. Charles Johnson
Matah Network


Panelist

Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway
Union Baptist Church of Baltimore


Panelist

Mr. Ira Turpin
Turpin, Martin, and Powell Investment Firm

DATE: May 6, 2006
TIME: 9 AM- 12 PM
LOCATION: Sojourner Douglas College
500 NORTH CAROLINE STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21205

Tickets: $15 in advance/ $20 @ the door partial proceeds will benefit: Maarifa Elementary and Middle School

Kinetics is an information ministry designed to disseminate information on spiritual, political, economic, and social issues.

Kinetics mission is to provide the faith community with the tools to advocate and mobilize on local, national, and international issues, to build capacity to solve our own problems, and to use dialogue as a catalyst for social change.


For more information,
email: kinetics@faithinmotion.net
phone: 443.415.7974
visit http://www.faithinmotion.net

2006 Beauty for Ashes Conferences

SET THE CAPTIVES FREE
Annual Women's Conference 2006
Conference Host & Speaker
Isaiah 61:3
Guest Preachers

First Lady
Serita Jakes
The Potter's House
Dallas, TX

Bishop Sandra Hayden
Sandra Hayden Ministries
Charlotte, NC

Rev. Dr.Claudette Anderson Copeland
New Creation Christian Fellowship
San Antonio, TX

Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller
Mt. Calvary African
Methodist Episcopal Church
Towson, MD


Musical Guests

Vickie Winans
W. Bloomfield, MI

Maurette Brown-Clark
Bethel AME Church
Baltimore, MD

Joy Hill
The Potter's House
Dallas, TX

Workshops & Presenters

Mitzi Bass, RN
STCF Outreach Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: Surviving menopause without losing your mind!

Tiffany Bethea
STCF Outreach Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: From Teens to Queens (Girls 12-18)
Workshop: Diamonds In The Rough (Girls 12-18)

Tonyette Bethea
STCF Outreach Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: From Teens to Queens (Girls 12-18)
Workshop: Diamonds In The Rough (Girls 12-18)

Dr. Grace Cornish
Noted author and therapist to the stars
Brooklyn, New York
Workshop & Book signing: Single & Satisfied
Workshop & Book signing: Finding & Keeping A Balanced Life

Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller
Mt. Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church
Towson, Maryland
Workshop: After The Call - Now What?

Debbie Gladden-Haskins, Phd.
Professor, Loyola University
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: Overcoming & Dealing with Depression

Rev. Dr. Julia McMillan
Bible Based Fellowship
Tampa, Florida
Workshop: Ministry Fundamentals: Getting started

Rev. Dr. Maria Seaman
Author & Evangelist
Hamilton, Bermuda
Workshop & Book Signing: Giving Birth to God's Vision In You

Derek Spencer, MD
Specialist in working with aids patients
National & International conference speaker
STCF Outreach Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Help! Someone I love has aids

Min. Jacqueline Streat
Associate Minister STCF Outreach Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: Color Me Beautiful

Pastor Tonya Green Whitfield
Pastor, Restoration Church, Inc.
Baltimore, Maryland
Workshop: The Female Minister's Survival Kit

Conference Itinerary

Wednesday. May 17th
Speaker: Pastor Karen Bethea
Psalmist: Joy Hill

Thursday, May 18th
Speaker: First Lady Serita Jakes
Psalmist: Joy Hill

Friday, May 19th
Women of Distinction Concert with Vickie Winans
Honoring some female top achievers!
Concert Host: Doresa Harvey-Heaven 600
Honorees include:
First Lady Serita Jakes
Senator Delores Kelley
and others!

Saturday, May 20th 9:00am - 10:30am:
Workshop Session 1
11:00am - 12:30pm:

Workshop Session 2
1:00pm - 4:00pm:
Luncheon and Panel Discussion
Psalmist: Introducing Dea. Debbie Scott-Evans
(Luncheon free to the first 400 registrants only.)
Panelists include:
Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller
Dr. Grace Cornish
Dr. Deborah Gladden-Haskins
Pastor Karen Bethea
Pastor Tonya Green Whitfield
Rev. Dr. Seaman
Rev. Dr. Julia McMillan
Bishop Sandra Hayden
and more!

Sunday, May 21st
8:00am Speaker: Bishop Sandra Hayden
Psalmist: Maurette Brown-Clark
11:00am

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland

Psalmist: Maurette Brown-Clark

Nightly Services Open To The Public

Complete Conference Registration: $70.00
Early registration before April 1, 2006: $65.00
Concert Only: $35.00
Workshops Only: $30.00