Be Inspired
Fr
ee
Willie
hutch Jones
Mr. Capital Change Ja mil Cre ws
A Mother’s
The Ladies take over
“The Man Code”
Photo by Xavier’s
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Looking Towards the Future. 4 2 n d A n n ua l
Black Achievers Award Dinner The Black Achiever’s event showcases the quality and variety of achievements of African Americans in Western New York, for over 40 year’s. It has become the Black Tie event of the year for the African American community in WNY. This annual event attracts 700 to 1000 people annually. Images are powerful in our society and we will highlight the inspiring stories of personal, professioanal and community achievements.
Sponsorship DeadLine - August 8, 2014
Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available!! This event provides an opportunity for business, civic and religious organizations to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in various career and community endeavors. The deadline is fast approaching but there’s still time for you to join along with companies and organizations in recognizing 2014 Black Achievers. For more information on the event of the year or to purchase tickets, please contact : Delphine Staley at 716 884-1490 • www.BuffaloBlackAchievers.com
Award Dinner will be held on
October 11, 2014 @ The Adams Mark
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JUNE 2014 - Issue 36
BlackWNY
Ms. Kelly has an in-depth conversation about “A Mother’s Guilt.”
Magazine
Though you may hear and see mothers laughing and smiling, there inside, may lie hidden, a Mother’s Guilt.
Staff
PG 8-9.
Will Jones Owner/Publisher
Naeem Jenkins-Nixon Editor-in-Chief
Paul Hypolite Managing Editor
Shatorah Roberson
Writers
Our fashionista, Siobhan, explores this season’s trends.
Ekua Mens-Aidoo Kristen M. Kelly Siobhan Taylor Kristen M. Kelly
PG 6-7.
Gabe Mitchell
The Thigh Gap
Franchelle Hart
the new diet trend.
Senior Editor
Nena Williams
PG 10.
Director of Operations
Check out our new debate column, Truth and Truthiness.
Circulation
Russ ell O’G e e n
BWNY is owned and published by BlackWNY Magazine llC. and printed by tBN Media. BlackWNY Magazine LLC. can be reached by mail at 100 River Rock Dr. Suite 201 Buffalo, NY 14207 or by phone at 716-210-0492. Advertisements do not equate to endorsement from this publication. BWNY is dedicated to expressing the opinions and concerns of a range of voices in Western New York, it will continue to reflect the diversity and accomplishments of Western New York.
The Ladys take over “Man Code.” PG 12.
Thank you for your interest in my feedback. You’ve built an incredible team and I know the magazine will do well with your eye and talent for wiring. I’m very proud of all of you and look forward to the next issue.
A 1-on-1 With Capital Change’s Jamil Crews.
Catherine Roberts Your May cover was phenomenal definitely an eye catcher. Continue the great work and good luck with re-launching the magazine. My daughter mails me issues every month to Atlanta. Their local papers have no comparison to BlackWNY. I will continue to read it as long as you continue the great articles. Good Luck! Mrs. Shahidah Benoit Is this Antoine Thompson’s paper? I have not been seeing the political post articles in it I liked it. Anonymous Mr. Thompson no longer works with BWNY Magazine. He has moved on to new ventures. Though changes have been made within BWNY Magazine, we will continue to keep our readers informed on current health, fashion and politics in WNY. We thank you for your continued readership and hope you enjoy. Will Jones I thought the natural hair article was wonderful. The natural hair fashion is coming back and I’m enjoying every moment of it. I hope the WNY Natural ladies, Tamara and Tosha continue their social group because it’s great for the community. Stay natural ladies. Tuwanner Cleveland I loved it! Great looking issue (May), especially the Re-Launch section, YASSSSS! Love Ya Christel Peacock
PG 3.
Last months amazing cover Credits: Photo Roberto Ligresti Hair: Award Winner & NAHA winner hairstylist Shirley Gordon Make Up David Maderich for MAC
cosmetics Special Thanks to Shirley Gordon
Editor’s Letter
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”-Gandhi
L
et me be the first to welcome you to the new BWNY Magazine. In the months to come you will notice quite a few changes with our publication. It is my hope that you will bear with us as we go through this transition period in an effort to greatly improve the quality of our magazine. It’s an honor and pleasure for me to serve as the new editor-in-chief of BWNY Magazine. In fact, for me this is more so of a privilege, a chance for me to join the ranks of great leaders in alternative media. As an alum of Hampton University it gives me great pride to help continue the legacy laid before me by great men and women such as Robert Abbott (a graduate of Hampton Institute), John Russwurm, Samuel Cornish and Charlotta Bass. Western New York itself has a strong fraternity of alternative media, the Challenger, Buffalo Criterion, Niagara Falls Reporter, Panorama
(Part 2 ) “Spring Your Home Into Action & Save” L by Willie A. Price, C.S.I., R.A.M.
Hispano, Buffalo Spree, Buffalo Rising, Artvoice and some others. It is our goal to add to the diversity of discussion taking place in Western New York, we are going through a time in our region where history will look back and be able to pull from so many different accounts of the lives and legacies left by those in our community. That is one of our goals, to be able to provide history with an accurate depiction of what happened during these, “rise of the phoenix,” times. I want to thank our readers who have been with us since the beginning for remaining patient and loyal and I want to thank our new readers for giving us the chance to enrich your experience here in Western New York. Today begins a new chapter in the life of BWNY Magazine and we’re glad that you’re all here to be a part of it.
Naeem Jenkins-Nixon Editor-in-Chief
ast month I expressed the importance of checking and stopping water and air leaks in your home. If water and air leaks aren’t stopped first, other weatherization measures like insulation will be a waste of effort and money. Stopping air leaks in a home can save as much as 40 percent on your home’s heating and cooling costs. Stopping water leaks can save you hundreds of dollars in future repairs.
Moving forward, once general repairs to air and water leaks have been made, it’s time to start your exterior visual evaluation of the property. This is where a digital camera comes in handy. Take pictures of the chimney, gutters, drains and other high level areas.
foundation of each side of your home. Be sure to take notes and pictures as soon as you notice a concern. Make sure to do at least one exterior and interior walk of the property during a heavy rain period or right after the heavy rain has slowed down. This will allow you to note any damaged gutters, drains, roofing and overhangs. It will also allow you to see any areas where water might be building up around the foundation.
Walk all sides of the property, examining the the roof to the Willie A. Price is a certified HUD, FEMA and Small Home Energy Auditor with more than 15 years of experience. He has published several publications and performed numerous home and energy workshops and presentations. Send your questions to WillieAPrice@aol.com. or WillieAPrice@Blackwny.com
Somewhere in America The
p l i g h t o f p o u lt r y w o r k e r s i n
A m e r i ca
by Franchelle Hart
The first time I heard someone quote Jay Z line...”somewhere in America, Miley Cyrus is still twerkin” I have to admit, I needed to ask a teenager what that meant. Even after her explanation, I was still confused as to why anyone would care about what Miley Cyrus was doing. We, or who I like to call, the “social media generation” give so much of our time, thoughts and energy to issues that have no impact on our daily lives, or the survival of our communities for future generations. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this corner to issues going on “Somewhere in America” that’s worth a second thought.
O
ur first “Somewhere in America” takes us to the poultry processing plants industry, mostly based in the southern states. On average, Americans consume 50 lbs of chicken a year and it is our primary source of protein. However, very few of us consider how we get the chicken we eat.
I first learned of the plight of poultry workers last year at a Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) conference. Over a dozen workers from various poultry plants across the south gave their testimony of what it is like to work at a chicken plant. An overwhelming majority of poultry workers are poor women of color and immigrants, both populations lack significant political power making it difficult to obtain changes in their lives. Worker after worker gave account of the grueling work day, the on the job injuries, the unsanitary plant conditions, and the verbal and sometimes physical abuse they have suffered. One woman gave an account of workers urinating on themselves because the supervisor wouldn’t allow bathroom breaks. Listening to the testimony of these workers, I sat in amazement that somewhere in America this was still going on in 2014. Based on research compiled by the Southern Poverty Law Center in the 2013 Unsafe at these speeds report, “small teams of workers may hang, gut or slice more than 100 birds in a single minute.” It’s a process they’ll repeat for eight hours or more, leading to serious injuries, carpal tunnel, respiratory disease and other lifelong disabilities. The unsafe processing speeds and poor working conditions has led to higher on-the-job injury rates than police officers and firefighters combined. When workers are injured on the job, many times they are denied medical treatment or forced to only see plant nurses. The medical staff, in an effort to keep the number of work related injuries down, will treat major injuries with a band aid and told to get back to work. According to an interview conducted during the Unsafe Speed report “one worker said that after such an experience, the “chicken water” – water that is on the bird carcasses and found throughout the processing plants – would get into his bandage, keeping his cuts wet and eventually dislodging his bandage as he worked. His cuts became infected and continued to bleed weeks after his initial injury.” In addition to the detrimental impact on the worker, unsanitary conditions make for unsanitary chicken.
What’s in it for me?
Opportunities on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
T
here is a lot of hype and excitement going around about the development of and near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC). Many of you may be wondering “what’s in it for me?” The 120 acres of established anchor institutions such as Kaleida Health’s Buffalo General Medical Center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and the University at Buffalo have existed for quite some time. If you’re not a patient, doctor, nurse, researcher or in the health sector, does the BNMC mean anything to you? The BNMC does bio and life sciences extremely well, but there is so much more than meets the eye. Do you have an idea for a business and need help
getting it off the ground? Maybe for years you’ve contemplated opening your own restaurant, designing your own app or starting your own graphics company. One of the missions of the BNMC is to spur economic growth and opportunities through entrepreneurship on and around the campus. One of the more exciting projects that was recently launched to help with this mission, is “d!g” which stands for “design innovation garage;” a crosssector co-working space located on the first floor of the Thomas Beecher Jr. Innovation Center (640 Ellicott Street). Many of today’s popular and
Roswell Park Cancer Institute‘s (RPCI) new 5,000-squarefoot facility, the Center for Personalized Medicine (CPM) -
successful companies, such as Amazon, Apple, Disney and Google, started out of someone’s garage or home. D!g was established to provide invaluable resources to innovative individuals and startups. In our community, resources and networking for business mentorship exists, but isn’t always readily accessible. At d!g, mentoring, educational training, and networking takes precedent as senior level business owners and consultants serve as “mechanics,” providing years of experience and an endless network that many startups did not have access to until now. Aside from the benefits of great networking and mentorship opportunities, d!g offers special workshops that go over how to be a successful entrepreneur, branding/Public Relations, accounting, grant writing, web and app development and many more workshops that bring the experience of experts to you. Currently, d!g is offering scholarships to minorities and women who qualify. To schedule a tour to see d!g in person and to find out more, please visit www.digbuffalo.org and call Jessica Edwards, dig curator at 716-218-7537 or email jedwards@ by Ekua Mends-Aidoo Project Associate Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.
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Industries such as these prey on those who are weak and voiceless. Workers are slowly emerging from the shadows of exploitation and finding their voice in the community. Hopefully, sooner than later this will emerge as a new economic civil rights fight.
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Blue-Collar Romance By Gabe Mitchell
s I write this I’ve been on the road for a week. I left Dayton, Ohio on a cool, mid-May morning with nothing but my bicycle, backpack and a map. Prior to beginning my adventure, I’ve been working through a recent loss of love, triggering a mid-life crisis. What I hoped to gain from this journey was acceptance of seeing love slip through my hands. But I’m getting something fresh and unexpected, something not so stereotypical as a Hollywood flick in which a man climbs a mountain or traverses a foreign country and miraculously finds love again. This journey has had its share of hassles. Traveling along a back road, a couple of boys in a pickup truck with a confederate flag on the back window pinched me to the edge of the shoulder. They blew an air-horn in my face and twice dusted me with an explosion of diesel gas that made me choke. But I kept riding, even when they yelled obscenities and called me a hobo. Yet after pedaling into Lima, Ohio, the community I discovered began to restore my quickly waning faith in any sense of “us.” As I sat in a McDonald’s recuperating from the first twenty miles of my day’s sixty mile ride, I drank water and ate a Sausage McMuffin. The church crowd poured in and I witnessed all sorts of people in jovial conversation, expressing genuine concern for one another. Young, old, rich, poor, retirees, Black, White, Mexican. An abundance of identities. A community in action.
But one man in particular made my time in this small, midwestern city memorable. He recalled his time traveling across the country when he had a similar mid-life experience. After inquiring about the rest of my travels, he encouraged me to press on, giving me advice and directions on how best to proceed. His story reminded me that none of us are completely alone. Now you don’t know me and I don’t know you. But I’ve got a feeling we might be cut from a bit of the same cloth. I’m a Detroit native, a product of hard-working, midwestern, bluecollar ethics. We pride ourselves in laughter and family in spite of closing factories and flying pink slips. We pride ourselves in the ingenuity and drive necessary to face the shift from steel mills to PC’s and MacBooks. We love our homes and our neighborhoods. But when life is good, when suffering ceases, sometimes the “I” forgets the “us.” So I’m coming to the realization that we need a blue-collar romance. A revival not of steel mills, coal factories or corner bars. Rather, we need a renewal of what a community can mean: that “us” is stronger than “I,” but only when the “I’s” are willing to participate. So I’m watching and learning as I continue on this journey, visiting cities, in search of community.
Affordable Housing
A Mother’s
Guilt by Kristen Kelly
I
ris’s daughter was just four-years-old when the excruciating decision was made to send her to her grandparents out of state. The 23-year-old single mother had been paying $800 a month for daycare expenses. Her sisters did what they could to help her for the past year, However, when all was said and done, they had their own families and responsibilities. Someway, Iris had to continue to earn money to provide for her daughter, even if it meant sending her hundreds of miles away. There is an abundance of literature on single mothers, most of which is limited to low income mothers who are receiving some sort of public assistance. While this is an important topic of study, there is an often ignored population who are far less explored. Lower-middle income (2560k depending family size) single mothers, these women have a profoundly different experience than those predominantly portrayed in various studies and mainstream media. Though not officially poor, these mothers experience little financial security and many go through periods of depression and guilt.
care assistance she continued her education at Hilbert College but left after one-year to pursue a position as a corrections officer, which meant a steady income between 50k and 60k. The position while providing a steady income came with a drawback, as a new corrections officer she could be forced into overtime without much notice. It was a tough trade off, make more money but see less and less of her daughter. As a result of the separation she went through a period of depression where she turned to drinking and unhealthy social interactions to fill the void of not having her daughter with her. “The first few days she was gone I couldn’t stand to be in my house, you get used to the screaming and laughter,” she said. “It was just too quiet.” The guilt consumed her, often she felt as if she had abandoned her daughter. Even though she sent money for private school, clothes, and food, the few minutes spent on the phone each day did little to quell her feeling of inadequacy as a mother. “I knew they were not strangers, they were my parents, but it still felt almost like I had given her up for adoption.” Iris became pregnant with her second daughter while her eldest was away. In response to the news her daughter said to her, “Mommy, I know why you had my sister; it was because you were sad and alone, because I wasn’t here and you needed someone.”
Iris became a single mother at 20 years old, her daughter’s father moved out of state and his child support was sporadic at best. She earned an associate’s degree from Erie Community College just one month after her daughter was born. With the Understandably shocked to hear support of her family and child
something so thoughtful from a seven-year old, Iris realized the worst of it was that her little girl had somehow felt responsible for her mother’s loneliness. Loneliness can diminish control over emotions, impulses, persistence, and defenses, (Capiocco & Patrick 2008). These feelings can lead to behaviors that eventually further isolate the individual. After unsuccessfully attempting to work out arrangements for childcare, she was forced to give up her position and has recently earned a certificate as a Medical billing specialist. She hopes that this will allow her to provide for her family and grant her the precious time she feels is necessary to raise her daughters.
Law Center. Lerondra, after her divorce, became a single mother at 26. Her ex-husband does provide child support and sees his daughter regularly. They have been able to avoid family court by working out their custody and child support arrangement among themselves. While they are no longer a couple they are bound by their child, consult each other about major issues, such as relocation. This greatly limits her employment prospects because not only is her support system local but in order to avoid conflict and family court Lerondra is not free to pursue career opportunities in other states.
I’ve decided to take back everything because I feel guilty,” said Michelle. “I think I could use the money somewhere else.”
All of these mothers do their best to support their children’s interests and activities, regularly putting their own social lives on hold. Leisure time with friends or potential love interests and vacations are distance afterthoughts.
These women represent a segment of single mothers that are often overlooked, mother’s who are in some instances not eligible for public assistance. Mother’s who have to make the decision to be active participants in their children’s lives or work extra Even with a master’s degree hours to ensure their children and profession as a preschool are well cared for in the monetary teacher, she finds the financial sense. burdens of being a single income Though you may hear and see household to be her biggest mothers laughing and smiling, struggle. She has considered there inside, may lie hidden, a getting a part-time job, which mother’s guilt. would most certainly consume any free time that she does have outside of her primary position and her parental responsibilities. “I don’t get a yearly raise,” she said. “Everything costs more and I still make the same.” Similarly, Michelle, another single parent also finds her financial situation to cause a great deal of stress. For instance, her child’s father refuses to obtain a better paying job or works under the table to avoid paying more child support. She is grateful “I don’t get a yearly raise, to have a stable position as an everything costs more and I administrative assistant, but after still make the same.” paying all of her bills, buying groceries, and putting gas in her car there is often very little left A Mother’s Guilt over. by Kristen Kelly
Though they are able to provide for their children’s basic necessities, lowermiddle income single moms often experience moments of personal doubt and like most parents, worry over many facets “I may go shopping for myself of their children’s lives. These and before I even return home mothers work long hours and are making relatively good wages but are still struggling to make ends meet. They are sacrificing Writer Kristen Kelly significantly to provide stable, healthy environments for their Kristen Kelly has a degrees in Criminal Justice young children without any and Political Science, she is currently a legal additional assistance from social assistant at a local law firm. “With every article I welfare programs and sometimes hope to provide a unique and thought provoking unreliable co-parents. Moreover, perspective. I hope to inspire new conversations their overall earning power still and in-depth personal refection in my readers. I am lags significantly compared with truly honored to be a member of the BlackWNY that of their male counterparts, team.” about 78 cents to $1 for the same job. The wage disparities are even greater for women of color, African-American (62 cents), Hispanic (53 cents) and Latinas (53 cents), National Women’s
“Who are you to
Capital Change is an economic empowerment organization dedicated to philanthropic endeavors and educating African-Americans on wealth building and being financially independent. We had a chance to catch up with Jamil Crews, Founder and Chairman of Capital Change, during some down time he had between events in Rochester and Buffalo.
be giving out an award...what are your credentials?”
BlackWNY: How did Capital Change come about? Jamil Crews: In 2011, I saw that there was a void where there were a lot of young people who wanted to be involved in things like philanthropy...and they didn’t have an outlet to do it. There are a lot of different programs out there, but nothing specifically for young people. BWNY: Everyone knows you for Changemakers ‘30 Under 30’ what are some of the other programs under Capital Change? JC: The most recent initiative that we started is the S&J Scholarship. With that my wife and I wanted to be able to give college students the opportunity to earn a scholarship for the work that they’re doing. You have these students that come to a point where they’re either going to continue college or drop out, and it’s pretty much always a financial decision. So we wanted to give the scholarship to a deserving student who really embodied what being a change agent is all about. BWNY: How did Changemakers 30 under 30 come about? JC: 30 under 30 [started] in 2011, I wanted it to be the signature event for Capital Change. I started it because there were a lot of young people doing phenomenal work in Western New York but they weren’t getting the recognition that I thought they deserved. BWNY: What were some of the early struggles you faced when launching 30 under 30? JC: One of the main things that I had to go through was people telling me “Who are you to be giving out an award, what type of credibility do you have, where are your credentials?” And my thinking was well if not me then who, no one else is doing it. So I’m going to give people that platform, whether I have credibility or not.
Jamil Crews Photo by Xavier’s
BWNY: You started at a small coffee shop and this year you held the event at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, how did you feel about that transition? JC: It was exciting and difficult at the same time...Once [people] found out that it was going to be at the Burchfield Penney so many were just drawn to it and this year exceeded my expectations...To be quite honest with you I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to continue it, because the momentum for myself wasn’t there, but I had to take myself out of the equation and realize that it wasn’t about me and about what I wanted. It was bigger than me.
BWNY: At the end of this year’s event you had quite the emotional moment with your father, why was that moment so emotional for you?
JC: My father and I have never been that close...He had his issues dealing with drugs but he got his life together and completely turned it around. However, because of the wounds that were there from over the years, we were never really able to build a real father-son relationship. He had never been to any of my events before, so I decided to invited him to this one and I was really excited that he came. It BWNY: Last year 30 under 30 went from solely being about recognizing the works was almost like validation that he believes in me. So when I had the opportunity to thank him for being there I just got choked up...I just couldn’t help it, I love my of other to a fundraiser as well, how did that come about? father to death. JC: Last year, we had the opportunity to do a fundraiser for Shannon Smith. For those unfamiliar with her story she’s a young lady from Buffalo and while she was living in Las Vegas she developed the blood disease known as sepsis. The disease BWNY: You and your wife just started a joint venture together, Crewsbrand Marketing, spread throughout her body and she had to get all four limbs amputated. Shannon what’s it like to be in business with your wife? and I had been really close, we even went to high school together, when I first JC: My wife and I have a very amazing dynamic with our relationship...I love found out I was really devastated, but at the same time God put something in my working with her, I love to see her growth. She is such an amazing person we learn heart to do something for her. She had over $2 million in medical expenses and so much and feed from each others energy. I just wanted to do something to help put some type of dent in that. So we put together a fundraiser last year we set a goal of 10k, we were a little short of the BWNY: 33-years-old, young, driven, what’s next? goal but we did really well with it. We got a lot of exposure from the fundraiser, we were on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and she was on the television show the JC: My goal is to be somewhat of a Magic Johnson. An entrepreneur being able to Drs., CNN and a host of other shows. With this year we wanted to do something enhance the lives of others and giving back through philanthropic efforts. special so we decided to name an award after her, the Shannon D. Smith award. It is given to someone who went through a life changing situation and they beat the odds or they’re continuing to fight the odds.
T In 2005, Truthiness entered the general lexicon as Stephen Colbert needed a word to fittingly satirize the overuse of emotional appeal as a rhetorical device in American public discourse. BlackWNY Magazine’s Truth and Truthiness column is purposed with sparking debate and conversation on an interesting topic. The goal of this column is to present a range of opinions from community leaders and everyday citizens on a given topic. These will vary from well-reasoned, factbased arguments to assertions made on intuitive gut feelings without regard to evidence or facts, hence the title Truth and Truthiness.
he recent news of kidnappings of over 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria was met with outrage across the globe from world leaders and everyday citizens alike. Many community leaders, celebrities and social media activists flooded twitter and facebook with pictures holding signs reading #BringBackOurGirls.
?
What impact does social media activism have on policymakers and society in general? Is it a useful tool for change?
Response-
Diana Cihak
In the first few days following the kidnapping of the Nigerian school girls I was prolific on social media, in the belief that this type of pressure would force the US and the UN into action. Then I read a very interesting article by a Nigerian activist that basically was calling out our social media activism with regards to #BringBackOurGirls. She gave the perspective that the US and the UN would use that very social pressure to rachet up a military campaign in the country, using the tragedy as political cover to install a government and military that were friendly to the West. In the end, she argued, all of our action to defend these women and girls would lead to a civil war that would lead to the very opposite of our intentions. That perspective by someone on the ground in Nigeria, fighting for the rights of women and girls gave me pause. I have not posted since. Nor have I come to a definitive conclusion, because there is no way to know if I have all of the facts. On the one hand I believe that public pressure can be used to spur good government action, but as the writer from Nigeria pointed out, at what long term cost. I, for one, do not have an answer to that question..
Response-
Gabe Mitchell
Any tool can be useful. Of course context matters, i.e. when and where and how. For example, a sledge hammer is unnecessary for brain surgery but excellent for smashing things. Yet in the case of social media activism (SMA), I find it difficult to find an overall downside to its use as a tool for change. Skeptics and realists might say that social media activism (SMA) numbs the public into passivity and, thus, renders itself and the public’s potential ineffective. An excellent point and a risk of which we should remain aware. Yet a more generous perspective would consider, I think, two main points when measuring the effectiveness of SMA. One: People are emotional and need to express support and solidarity in times of tragedy. That’s a good thing, even if it’s for publicity. If it’s positive, public support of a victim is not an evil. Seriously, of all the purposes that people could find in life that would give them fulfilment, who am I to complain if it’s speaking out over the kidnapping of 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria? Feeling compassion for someone suffering is no cause for shame. Two: While it may not actually impact policymakers or policy itself, it serves to raise awareness. Not everyone watches TV or reads the paper. Some folks, definitely many young people, get news solely from social media. If nothing else, as users of social media we might ask ourselves the question why aren’t we doing anything. They made me aware so why don’t I act. And perhaps that’s the negative to SMA. Slogans and hashtags inspire but don’t produce change. But on the scales of overall good or bad, it falls to the good. Resisting kindness and support is privileged and absurd. Some of us just need to step it up and do something.
By: Xavier’s
The legendary name
W
Willie “Hutch” Jones ith an iconic name on t-shirts and signs across Buffalo, his name has become legendary. Just shy of seven-feet tall, his presence and personality match his stature.
BWNY had the honor of sitting with Mr. Jones and going from Alpha to Omega (Psi Phi) of his life. Born to Willie and Rose Jones, Willie “Hutch” Jones is second oldest of three. Growing up in the Cold Spring neighborhood of Buffalo, he attended Turner High School and was an avid chess player, wrestler and basketball player. Learning height isn’t the only gift you need when playing basketball; Willie began honing his basketball skills. This March WHJSC Inc, held a Roast called the “The Roast Of Willie Hutch Jones” it was held to benefit the Willie “Hutch” Jones Education & Sports Programs. Willie was visibly moved by all the love and support shown. All of the roasters spoke of his love of the color purple and his purple sneakers. Long time friend and high school teammate Marty Laquerre laughed as he told multiple stories, where he and the late Kenny Barry watched Willie getting ‘schooled’. Kenny said, “One thing about Willie, he never gave up, he kept coming back and getting beat again and again. It was sad watching a guy so tall getting dunked on.” As time went on Willie began fine-tuning his game. Marty then gave Willie the nickname “Hutch,” after musician William Hutchinson (an unsung singer, song writer and Motown produce during the 70s and 80s). Once Hutch’s skills sharpened it was like music, a rhythmic motion that you couldn’t help but be mesmerized by. From Buffalo State College to Vanderbilt University, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Hutch in the 1982 NBA draft. Playing two years in the professional league, he also expanded his knowledge of the game playing almost seven years overseas in Europe, with notable stops in Spain and Italy. Surprisingly to him, being a professional basketball player overseas did not shelter him from prejudices of the people there. He was expected to hold himself to a higher standard than others. “Culture ran through the countries but so did prejudice. If they thought you were African, they would treat you in a very degrading way but once I told them I was American, their thoughts and actions changed. They held Americans at a higher standard especially in Spain and Italy. It was an eye opener.” Hutch always reflects back on the lessons he learned as a member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc. “They taught me humility with dignity. I will always be humble that’s a certain thing that’s bred in me,” said Hutch with a wide smile. As we all have seen, Hutch continues to wear his Royal Purple and Old Gold high top boots proudly. In 1984, Hutch opened the Willie Hutch Jones Sports Clinic (WHJSC) with friends, LeRoi Johnson and late Bernard Mitchell. Hutch at the time continued playing basketball, fully funding the first few years of the program while his friends continued their focus on expanding the program within the community. They
were able to provide a service that no one else was able to provide; the fact it was free and open to the public. They knew attracting children first with their love of basketball would get them there. The program not only taught them the fundamentals of basketball it also focused on increasing their knowledge and providing the skills needed to raise their self-esteem. The transferable skills the children are taught definitely contribute to reducing juvenile delinquency in the community.
With all due respect to my team, Hutch acknowledges he could not have done this alone. You only place yourself in a box when thinking this way. Hutch refused to work in that manner and his actions spoke better than his works.
“One thing about Willie, he never gave up, he kept coming back and getting beat again & again.”
“This is not done by just the three men that started the clinic, its done by Team Hutch.”
The late Kenny Barry at THE ROAST OF WILLIE HUTCH JONES.
WHJSC caters to over 500 children yearly and the numbers continue to grow. “If you can get to the program locations then you are a member,” said Hutch as he nods his head. There had been over 10,000 graduate students from the program. Graduates are returning to assist with WHJSC as well as enrolling their children. Currently WHJSC provides activities such as football, baseball, crew rowing, volleyball, tennis, soccer, swimming and much more. During the school year, the primary focus is education. The program gears more towards homework assistance, computer labs, STEM math and science programs. Keeping children focused he continues to have available during the extracurricular
“
Change is good and should never be restricted, or you’ll find yourself in a box.
”
activities such as tap dance lessons, acting, chess club and steel drum instructions. Let us not fool our selves thinking because the program is free it has very little advantages in comparison to many of the costly programs available. With a stern look and serious tone Hutch said, “The foundation of the program is providing activities that are not readily available to children in our community. We are providing golf lessons to children that would regularly cost up to $400 a lesson, a rowing program, which brought about a higher focus on the swimming program. The amazement crossed face as he described the number of children that didn’t know how to swim. Most of these programs would not have been possible for many inner city families to acquire but we offer them.
Willie Hutch
Years ago he spoke with a few youth members that attended his Lackawanna . They told Hutch, “You’re not reaching kids like you could”. Hutch kindly told them to hold that thought. Like any business meeting, Hutch scheduled a dinner to discuss the topic. The children felt so strongly about getting the word out. His students began to speak on advertising and placement of the WHJSC signs. They described places were the youth gather in the city, the stores they frequent and locations that catch children’s eyes. They also discussed the lack of youth on staff and how that will assist with personal relationships. The input broadened Hutch’s outlook and he began making changes. “Change is good and should never be restricted, or you’ll find yourself in a box”. I felt a strong urgency to provide a positive service to my own community. So many youth would never have an opportunity to get out of their communities unless they had strong positive influences and special Continues on pg. 13
Cardiovascular diseases
The number one cause of death training. Now I’m able to help many more kids with the support of my sponsors. Our goal was to serve the underserved – those who would not normally have access to this type of program. And the program is a success!” Mayor Byron Brown proclaimed in 2013, January 22nd as Willie Hutch Jones Day. As he leaned back in his seat proudly, he constantly reminded BWNY that it’s not just Willie Hutch Jones it’s TEAM HUTCH. Willie is most proud of the fact this year marks WHJSC 30 year anniversary of community service, Team Hutch will always continue to keep the
Kenneth L. Gayles MD, FACC, Cardiology located in Buffalo, NY has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in Vascular Testing in the areas of Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
program FREE of charge. Hutch gives thanks to sponsors that have always contributed as well as recent supporters.
C
ardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease - disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Stroke, a disorder of the blood supply to the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the country, with nearly 800,000 new strokes occurring annually. According to the American Heart Association, the total direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the U.S. for 2010 was an estimated $503.2 billion.
Team Hutch has been honored with the Father Baker Award, B l ac k
Achievers in Industry A wa r d , We s t s i d e Rowing Club Community Services Award, Buffalo Masters Outstanding Contributor Award and The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York Award. Lets continue to support WHJSC and watch our children thrive.
Willie Hutch and friends, at Roast.
Self-care is not selfish by Annie Deaver-Dabney, LMSW
Remember the first time you were in a plane and before take-off you were given instructions on how to proceed in the case of an emergency. They inform passengers to put their oxygen mask on first before helping others. That same principle applies when we are discussing our mental and physical well-being. In our 24/7 world where we feel the need to constantly be on the grind, too many of us do not take adequate care of ourselves. We tell our family and friends that we love and care for them, but to care for yourself shows that you care for them. Self-care is not selfish, it is loving and thoughtful. We often find ourselves inserting the needs of others over our own which tends to diminish our own care. Sometimes out of necessity we find ourselves caring for everyone else. This may be a noble and kind undertaking but at what cost? And as a result, some of us are too exhausted at the end of the day to cook a meal, take quiet time for meditation or do those things to adequately feed our mind and body.
Early detection of life threatening heart disorders, stroke and other diseases is possible through the use of Vascular Testing procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Vascular Testing. The skill of the technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing. However, patients should remain vigilant in making sure that their Vascular Testing procedures are performed within accredited facilities, because for many facilities it remains a voluntary process.
Here
are some 4 simple steps in beginning to practice self-care which can have lifelong benefits.
1. Work to rid yourself of self-imposed guilt. Practice positive self-talk. As we internalize negative thoughts about ourselves we become our own worst enemy. So acknowledge those negative thoughts and replace them with positive self-building thoughts. Remember, negative thoughts with negative words can poison our spirits and impede us from moving towards more fulfilled lives. 2. Set boundaries on your time. Practice saying no when you are asked to do something you cannot or do not want to do. Show others that you care enough to set limits for yourself. Their expectations of you are then more realistic. 3. Practice not second guessing yourself. If you have carefully made a decision, stick to it no matter what. Even if that decision ends up not being the best one, at least you are in the practice of being a better decision-maker. This will benefit you in the long run in every area of your life. 4. Forgive yourself. Remember the old saying that you cannot unring a bell. When something is done, it cannot be undone. We sometimes make mistakes and poor decisions in our lives. Learn to overcome self-blame. Also, instead of waiting for someone to ask forgiveness, set it in your mind to forgive. Show your family and friends that you love and care for them by first taking care of yourself. Cheers to your health, Annie
WUFO Mix 1080-AM’s Citywide Showcase of Praise. All Summer long you can catch them at an event near you as they make their city the sanctuary of praise.
My heart’s in the right place. Is yours?
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Dr. Kenneth Gayles, MD Photo by Xavier’s
What do we do when our heroes die? by Naeem Jenkins-Nixon
Nelson Mandela, Whitney Houston, Don Cornelius, Lou Myers, Maya Angelou, within the past two-years we have lost iconic people who have inspired generations. Their words and actions moved us and in many ways guided us. They embodied what it meant to be Black, what it meant to be a woman, what it meant to be an entertainer, what it meant to overcome and triumph against the odds. Are they to be no more than a footnote in the annals of history, people we quote when we feel down, people whose songs we sing while in the shower, people who entertain us on late night television? Is their legacy defined by the amount of ‘likes’ or ‘retweets’ we get for remembering them on the day of their birth or death? When I learned about the most recent death of one of our heroes, Maya Angelou, I was numb, the reality of it all didn’t really hit me. As I write this it still kind of feels like time hasn’t moved forward. In the minutes and hours after learning of her death many took to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to express their profound sense of loss as well as their gratitude for the life and legacy of Maya Angelou. As fate would have it we lost one hero a week after we acknowledged the life of another, brother Malcolm X. I say acknowledge because the jury is still out on whether or not we truly celebrate his life and legacy, save for his family and most loyal of followers (those that are still alive). About seven years ago, I wrote a speech that criticized the Black community for being complacent after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we acknowledge the life of Malcolm X and mourn the loss of Maya Angelou, I am almost certain that we have remained complacent. I mourn the loss of Maya Angelou for a different reason. I am ashamed
You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
whenever the birthdays of brother Malcolm X and Dr. King come around yet another year. I mourn the loss of our sister because we have not done better and in many ways we have failed her, if you don’t believe me, google steenfox. I am ashamed because we have become so sidetracked with the monotonous day-to-day idiosyncrasies of our mundane lives that we have failed to make any steady progress since the deaths of our two most prominent leaders. Even the election of President Obama pales in the light of our failures as a people. What do we do when our heroes die? Does our spirit die with them? Do we speed towards a disastrous stop like a caboose detached from a locomotive? Do we cease to seek advancement becoming content with our current condition? Do we quote their poems, sing their lyrics and mimic their speeches? Do we acknowledge on special days? Do we continue their legacy? Do we honor them by forging our own individual and collective legacy? What do we do when our heroes die?
ideas to incorporate color into your wardrobe as well. When wearing your khaki power suit combine it with an orange hued tie or pocket square and with a navy suit. A pop of color brings a fall ensemble into a fresh spring look, but if these looks are too much for you just tie the look in with some fun patterned socks. For a more casual look you can’t go wrong with a nice fitting v-neck tee and a pair of dark denim made for men orange gingham checkered button down with rolled up khakis and some crisp white Chuck Taylors are always an easy stylish look. The most important thing to remember when incorporating color is balance. One rule of thumb to consider - the number of colored items in your look should never outnumber the neutral or centuries, high heels were colored pieces. Too much of one color worn as a form of riding footcan be distracting and it also gives the wear, appearance that you are trying too hard. according to Elizabeth SemmelThis spring is about clean but carefree hack of the Bata Shoe Museum in fashion. Toronto. The heel helped a rider secure his stance inthe stirrups so he could shoot arrows moreeffectively; this was useful particularly in Persia (modern-day Iran),where the fighting style relied a great deal ongood horsemanship.Men were the first sex todon the shoe. they were adopted bythe European aristocracy of the 1600s as a signal of status. the logic was that only someone who didn’t have to work could possibly go around in such impractical footwear.
FASHION
by Siobhan Taylor
W
hat seemed like the longest winter ever is finally behind us and the opportunity to incorporate some bright, vibrate colors into our wardrobe has arrived. Luckily, the fashion world is channeling oranges and corals this spring and summer and I’ve got the low down on how you can make it work for you. Orange exudes feelings of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm, just what the doctor ordered for us Western New Yorkers. With several hues to mix and match, the possibilities to incorporate orange into your wardrobe are endless. Now before you go running for the hills at the thought of orange, let me assure you that whether you are a
Privileged-Alti-Neon-Orange-Shoes
novice or expert at fashion there are several easy ways to incorporate this season’s trend tastefully into your wardrobe. The simplest and most cost effective way to add subtle pops of color are as easy as trying a new, bright redorange lipstick or treating yourself to a nice coral manicure and pedicure.
Enhance a solid button down or tee with a colorful statement necklace and something as simple as a neon clutch or shoe can make an old outfit fresh and hip. For our more daring fashionistas who are looking to make a bolder statement with their look, there are tons of options that won’t leave you looking like Halloween has come to soon. Go out and Van-Heusen Camel Slim Fit Casual-Trouser buy a vibrant blazer to pair with white denim or bring it down a notch with a dark neutral bottom. Try a flattering peach colored dress and wear it with nude pumps to work or strappy sandals for an evening out. For a fun, sophisticated style pair a cropped, cobalt top with a tangerine colored bottom. If you love your hips and thighs, then bright cropped pants will look flattering on you. If your favorite part of your body is your stomach and chest, then go for a bright blouse; no need to draw extra attention to a part of your body that is not comfortable for you. Finally, the most important trend for spring 2014 is confidence. Pick clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Because when you know you look good not even Buffalo weather can dull your shine. Fellas, I bet you thought we forgot about you, well think again because this trend is something you can take advantage of too. Here’s a couple of
Black Western New York Magazine
Fashionesta
Siobhan Taylor
Co-owner of Ms. Eye Candy Boutique, located on West Utica Street in the Elmwood Village. I have always had a love for fashion. I decided to pursue my passion 15 years ago working in the men’s and women’s fashion field merchandising and managing for Hugo Boss, acting as a buyer for a number of local businesses and of course adding to my own personal collection. I am honored and excited to contribute a monthly fashion segment to BlackWNY that will keep its readers up to date on how to achieve the latest fashion trends.
heels
F
(Interestingly, this was the same logic that encouraged footbinding in China.)
Eventually men quit wearing heels because as styles changed and it became more closely associated with a women’s style, it no longer wasa status symbol for men. (this, by the way, is exactly what happened with cheerleading, originally exclusively for men). Withthe Enlightenment, which emphasized rationality (i.e., practical footwear), everyone quit wearing high heels. Once functioning as sensible footwear for horseback riding, high heels evolved into stilettos and pumps, impractical but irresistible signifiers of femininity and wealth. Fashion is cyclical, though, and perhaps someday they will be seen as symbols of power and status—and maybe men will feel cofortable in high heels again (althoughPrince wears them just fine).
Turn On: A great smelling man. Using a cologne or aftershave entices a woman’s sense of smell. You’re starting on a good track.
Turn off: Putting on too much cologne. Don’t use the whole bottle in one evening. Men if you put on so much cologne that your eyes are burning, guess what so are ours. Let’s not leave your scent lingering for the next three hours after you’ve walked away. We call that the “Pepé LePoo Syndrome.” Whether it’s a great smell or not, too much is too much.
THE
Turn On: Man-scaping. This is based on the woman’s preference;
The Ladies take over
some like the clean-shaven, edge-up type of guy while others prefer the scruffy but tamed guy.
by Nena Williams
Turn off: Having lint balls or dandruff in your hair or beard.
It gives us the strong sense that you have missed a few showers. We love the scent of a man not a caveman.
Turn On: A man’s mouth. This relates your lips, teeth, breath Yeah, we tied him up and took over “The Man Code”. His topics were a bit one sided so it was time for an insurrection. We booted him out of the room after we tied him up, then we poured ourselves a drink and started chatting. In this article, we sat with women from different backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. During this round table discussion, all the women could relate to the issues, even if they didn’t agree.
Maria: 38yr old,
d, single, never marrie e. dating, mother of on
“The Needy Man Attractor”
Carmelit a: 35yr old
, divorcee , dating, mother o f three.
“Th Divor e cee
”
Q: Do all men cheat? Three out of the four women answered, no. Felicia disagreed. “Growing up around men and having a lot of male friends the number of cheaters out ranked the faithful men.” She stated that’s one of the reasons she has no plans on settling down anytime soon. It doesn’t matter what a man’s interests are with her either he’s willing to change his life and submit to her or just wanting to be friends with a benefit agreement. The thought will continue to linger in her mind, all men cheat. She describes being the ‘other woman’ as being a safer place for her than dealing with a heartbreaking relationship in the long run. Men take note, all women do not think you were born cheaters. Once you have proven yourself to be a cheater, however, it’s hard to go back to a trusted position. If you are clear from the beginning of the type of relationship you’re
Felicia: 28
yr old, single, nev er married , dating, no children.
“The Oth er Woman” “
Toni: 35yr old,
se
ou married, with sp , since age of 12 mother of 3.
“The Longtime Lover”
looking for, you may be pleasantly surprised that she wants the same thing as you. Even if not, she will at least know what to expect. A good lesson for everyone is to stop making assumptions. If there was no discussion, then it’s not official. Sit with the person and verify if you’re in a relationship or if you are working yourself into the friends with benefits package. Ladies try to have this figured out BEFORE sex. It will save you from feeling manipulated and used. Hey guys, stop lying and telling women you want more than you do. If you want sex, ask for it. Don’t promise unicorns and rainbows; that’s slimy and underhanded. It won’t take long before she figures out you can’t deliver. Here are a few turn ons & turn offs we all agreed on, men please cut this section out and paste it on your wall for future reference.
and conversation. The best way to go is having a healthy set of teeth and gums. Women mark it as a plus. Don’t forget to keep your lips moist and breath fresh when starting a conversation.We all know men use pickup lines, try to make them conversation oriented.
Turn off: A cheap pick up line is the worst thing that can
come out of your mouth. Words reflect your mindset. If English is your first language, please use it. You don’t need a degree from Harvard to speak clearly and pronounce your words. Speak about something other than yourself or the material things you possess. Everyone was not blessed with the gift to gab, so men if you have nothing enticing to further the conversation along try keeping it short and sweet. Stay tuned because the remaining part of this roundtable will touch on Men versus Women in “The Cheating Game.” We just might remove the pink duct tape from Jeremy’s mouth for some of that conversation. Facebook us to let us know if we should free him. Facebook.com/blackwny Nena Williams
THE Thigh
gap
FANS ANGRY AFTER BEYONCE ACCUSED OF PHOTOSHOPPING THIGHS IN INSTAGRAM PIC
by Shatorah Roberson
D
espite rampant controversy, the thigh gap trend doesn’t seem to be going away. From the Target swimsuit photoshop fiasco, to Beyonce’s Instagram, major media outlets and celebrities have continued to perpetrate this potentially dangerous trend.
Simply put, a thigh gap is a space between your inner thighs when you stand with your feet together. Many women are seeking to achieve this feature, not knowing that in many cases it’s a genetic feature, unique only to some women. Like any other physical feature, this trend may be virtually impossible for some women to achieve, regardless of how thin they are. In order to achieve this look, women have taken to extreme diet and exercise regimens. Some are going so far as starvation diets and injury-inducing levels of exercise. There is a growing movement in support of the trend. A quick online search brings up page after page of thigh gap inspiration photos and promoters. It doesn’t take an expert to know that these images and groups lead to self-destructive behavior, especially since the thigh gap is, for most girls, an unrealistic standard of beauty. This trend has caught the attention of doctors and health professionals nationwide.
Dr. Oz interviewed Camille Hugh, author of The Thigh Gap Hack: The Shortcut to Slimmer, Feminine Thighs Every Woman Secretly Desires. “I think a thigh gap makes all the difference in how feminine and how sexy you can appear,” said Hugh. Hugh believes she found the secret formula to obtaining a thigh gap. Hugh started her interview off with how unhappy she was with her body before she lost around 30 pounds, to achieve her desired body shape. Dr. Oz called it America’s “dangerous new diet trend.” Dr. Oz questioned Hugh’s credentials for giving out weight loss advice. She responded by stating that her 250 page book and her own personal success makes her advice credible. The book encourages skipping meals, intermittent fasting and hunger training. Hugh does not view her advice as extreme, rather, that her plan is practical advice simply encouraging women to only eat when hungry. Dr. Oz believes this dangerous new diet craze has young women going to extremes to lose weight in order to create gaps between their thighs. He explains how this obsession can lead to an eating disorder on his web site doctoroz.com. Target entered this controversy in March with a sloppy photoshopped advertisement for swimwear. The photo spread like wildfire across social media sites due to the model’s conspicuously enhanced thigh gap and mutantlike length arms. This ad eventually gained the attention of the talk show host Ellen Degeneres. Ellen invited the model in the botched photo to appear on her television show. In a tongue-in-cheek segment, Ellen had the Target ad’s model appear with an extra long false arm, pretending she was born that way. In her own way, Ellen highlighted how outrageous the retouching photographs has become. The segment editorializes the perpetuating of impossible standards of so-called beauty, the result of which only encourage women and girls to focus on what is wrong with their bodies. More alarming than the lack of quality control on the design team is that this kind of retouching is the norm in most women’s magazines, catalogs and websites.
To make matters worse is that this photo appeared on the juniors section of Target’s website, reaching young, impressionable girls first. Target apologized for their faux pas by making the following statement, “It was an unfortunate error on our part and we apologize. We removed the image from the site and we’re working to get a new image up there,” Target spokesman Evan Miller told ABCNews.com. Unfortunately, even the woman on the cover of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” issue isn’t immune to this trend. According to the Huffington post, Beyonce boasts a photo of her playing golf on her Instagram page. She Camille A. Hugh’s The Shortcut donned a red bikini top, white and red striped boy shorts to Slimmer, Feminine Thighs and a deformed retouched right thigh. Why was this Every Woman Secretly Desires. photo retouched? No one knows. The question remains because Beyonce is the champion of women’s empowerment, why would she promote a thigh gap? Beauty trends are born from the allure of having something others do not. Thigh gaps and bikini bridges are limited edition handbags of the body. Literally. Many do not have the physical capacity to support unhealthy weight loss or a costly surgery. The fact that women are conditioned to believe they must slim down to feel or appear beautiful is a testament to the negative impact the media has on personal health and appearance. Those who can escape media influence are yet still victimized because beauty crazes trickle down through close ones who are affected by them. Obsession with one’s appearance is a slippery slope. Neglecting personal development, goals and a social life in pursuit of thinner thighs won’t achieve true happiness or accomplishment. Looking nice has its place, however, don’t define what looking nice is based on what others believe. Thighs don’t define you.
Lets us know what you think. Email info@Blackwny.com or comment on our FB www.facebook.com/BlackWNYMag
Dear Black Men: No, You Don’t
Get Props For Doing the Basics by Britni Danielle — A funny thing happened on Twitter this morning. I came across a conversation between one of my tweeps, a very outspoken advocate for Black women and a young man who was apparently patting himself on the back for not having a rap sheet, babies, or falling into any of the stereotypical traps some Black men have found themselves stuck in. His argument? Clap for me because I’m doing the right thing. Uh, WUT?
O
n the surface, he seems to have a point. According to the media—and those who make money based on the false idea that Black men (and by extension the entire Black community) are dysfunctional and uneducated—productive Black folks are rare. Take a look at any study about incarceration rates, educational outcomes, poverty statistics, health, and you’d think that the majority of African Americans are unemployed dropouts who do little more than get locked up and cycle through the welfare system.
Mr. Good Black Guy Photo Credit : Istock
This isn’t the truth. Black women are enrolled in college at higher rates than any other group. Likewise, Black men attend college at higher percentages than their White or Hispanic counterparts. Add to that the fact that the pregnancy rates among Black teens has drastically dropped in the last decade, and it becomes increasingly clear that while Black folks continue to make gains, the media continues to peddle the narrative that our community is in shambles. The saddest thing about the media’s insistence that positive Black folks are “an endangered species” is that many of us have bought into it.
While African Americans continued to excel in every facet of life, far too many of us are quick to tweet, share, and believe the most depraved statistics about our community without questioning the motives behind the way the numbers are manipulated. This willingness to believe the worst about our community not only leads many of us to distance ourselves from other Black folks (because, God forbid we’re mistaken for those ratchet negroes over there), but it also leads far too many of us to think we deserve props for basic duties like working hard, going to school, or taking care of our children. Because—most Black folks don’t do that, right? - Wrong.
Dancing With The Stars The Urban Chamber of Commerce (Buffalo) hosted their 1st Annual “Dancing With The Stars” event. It was a fun filled occasion where the community had a chance to see the “Stars” in the City of Buffalo show off their dance moves! The emcees were Pastor Lewis
and Mayor Byron Brown. Some of the stars included, City Comptroller Mark J F Schroeder, County Legislator Barbara MillerWilliams, Crystal J Rodriguez, Chairman of the UCC Maurice Garner & John Ciminelli. BWNY was there to capture some of these great moments.
Which leads me back to today’s Twitter chat. The man who felt he deserved respect for side stepping jail, going to work, and not impregnating a string of women argued “those qualities [are] rare in black men” because “most Black men are not drug free…are not over 6ft…..Most Black men don’t go to college. Most Black men have a record. Most Black men at least have one baby momma, [and] most Black men are not employed and have f-cked up credit.” Whew lawd, talk about a mountain of self-hate. While my friend tried to pushback against his rant about his fellow brethren, this dude implored her to “look closer, dammit” at the media’s portrayal of Black men because he wanted to cling to the ridiculous notion that he was special because, well, he’s not “most Black men.” This idea of specialness by virtue of being different than them is a dangerous notion. Not only is it false, but it also sets everyone up for failure. These “special” Black men think they are somehow more worthy than Black women doing the exact same things because they feel a Black man working and staying out of trouble is some kind of aberration. Never mind these fellows are typically surrounded by like-minded Black men (as this man admitted) who go to work or school and are responsible people, these dudes like to flex their “specialness” like peacocks showing off their feathers. Got a job? Don’t do drugs? Never been arrested? According to this man—and way too many others—you’re a prize, deserving of some kind of medal for being an adult. - Bruh, seriously? My Twitter pal perfectly summed up my thoughts when she told the man, “Nobody’s clapping for that basic sh-t. I will not form a fan club for shit I do everyday to live.” And yet, so many are. But why? Why have so many Black men (and women) bought into the notion that hardworking Black men are not only rare, but deserve to be celebrated, and loved up on, and competed for (uh, whole other convo) for just doing the basics? I mean if a brotha cures cancer or finds a HIV vaccine it will be cause for celebration, but effectively using birth control and staying in school? Methinks not. author Britni Daielle Story originally published in Clutch Magazine written by Brittni Danielle. She is a resource for writers, editors, bloggers and entrepreneurs. twitter.com/BritniDWrites
Thank you for reading this month’s issue of BWNY Magazine. If you have any questions, comments or complaints feel free to contact us at (716) 201-0492 or you can message us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you looking for an internship? BWNY is currently accepting applications in the areas of writing, editing, social media, marketing, sales, web design and promotions. If you are interested in coming on board please email us at: info@blackwny.com Advertising Mercedes Holloway info@Blackwny.com 716 320-0557 Editor-in-Chief Naeem Jenkins-Nixon info@Blackwny.com Story Ideas : info@Blackwny.com