See ASKIA MUHAMMAD

A 911 To DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr.

THE TRUTH CLINIC

By James W. Breedlove

Dr. King, we need you now more than ever. We need a Drum Major for peace, for justice, and for righteousness. I know you can sense my desperate plea because you are sitting on either the right or left side of the Creator at the confluence of all things past, present and future. You sit there because you committed your life to serving humanity and spreading HIS message of unconditional love.

I am sure your heart grieves to see that almost five decades after you paid the ultimate price for humanity that we are still perverting the Basic Drum Major principles you taught. We as individuals and as a nation have not listened to your admonishments but instead are preoccupied with self-aggrandizement. And as you predicted the perversion of these principles has adversely distorted both our individual and national personalities.

We witness unjust actions being rationalized as necessary, anti-social behavior accepted as the norm, and immoral acts defined as corporate or political expedients.

Dr. King, will you petition the Lord of Lords to consider giving you a short leave of absence so you can reincarnate among those of us in dire need of a true Drum Major? Since you departed many have tried to wear the Drum Major mantle but the difficult test of, "He who would be the greatest among you shall be your servant" has been too great a challenge.

Most of the new Drum Major pretenders have so coveted holding grandiose titles, donning royal regalia, exercising the mantles of power, and associating with the rich and powerful that they neglect to serve anyone’s interests but their own.

These perverted Drum Majors get great satisfaction from flaunting their snobbishness, elitism, and perceived superiority while ensconced behind psychological walls that divide us into conflicting racial, sexual, religious, political, and economic classes.

Dr. King we need you to come back because your dream extended far beyond civil rights and racial equality. You had a vision of a world where all people are seen as human beings with equal access to education, employment, health care and justice, regardless of race, religion or class. We need a refresher lesson in how to combine divine love with brotherhood for all.

You dared to challenge the dictatorial military-industrial complex, the exploitive economics of world banking, the self-serving privileged class, and the unjust war (Vietnam) of your time. You championed the universal use of Drum Major Principles and died because of it.

Today we are confronting many of the same issues you challenged. Our nation is waging unjust war against its own citizens. Yet those that would be Drum Majors have tepid tongues that vacillate with the truth to conform to the mood of prevailing polls.

Dr. King, we are mired in the slime of the misguided world you warned us about 50 years ago. You said that God has a way of breaking the backbone of decadent powerful nations. And the nations of the world seem to be carrying the 20th century values of greed, selfishness, hypocrisy, and materialism into the 21st century. We talk peace but deliver conflict because selling fear and arms delivers huge profits.

Our political, corporate and religious leaders pontificate endlessly about the need for addressing homelessness, affordable medical care, senseless killings, living wages, the justice system, election reform, the education system, and economic equity.

They skillfully use high moral values as central themes in their lofty pronouncements but rarely do we see those values validated in the selfish decisions they make that continuously exploit those they should be serving.

Dr. King, we need you to show these Drum Major pretenders how to be true Drum Major contenders who will make your dream a reality.

Comments or opinions may be sent to the writer at: thebreed@ swbell.net

Askia Muhammad cont. from page 1

Officials at the station, where Muhammad, a Final Call editor, said he had given much and was always gracious and smiling.

“Words are inadequate at this moment. So, we just hold onto the vibration of love, truth, perseverance, hope, and joy that Askia always exuded,” the station continued.

“Let us reflect on the beautiful legacy that Askia left us and how we can collectively carry forth the impeccable vibration of his spirit.”

For more than 40 years, Muhammad had been a fixture on WPFW, the Final Call, and his column appeared regularly in Black-owned newspapers like the Washington Informer.

An author, Muhammad’s most recent book, “The Autobiography of Charles 67X,” featured a collection of photos, poetry, and personal essays covering his life as a politically and socially engaged journalist.

When interviewed by The Final Call about the book and his start in radio, Muhammad said he didn’t have very much jazz music.

“I discovered in my limited collection that there was a recording by Charlie Parker. My name given by my mother was Charles, so I had some identification with that,” Muhammad stated.

“Then I discovered that he recorded a song, his signature song, ‘Yardbird Suite.’ The ‘Yardbird Suite’ was recorded on my first birthday.”

“So, I said it’s a natural. I’ll have a yard bird show, and that was it, and since I have this one double album with Charlie Parker songs, I have plenty of Bird, 27 songs on that album,” the longtime journalist reflected. “Bird” and “Yardbird” also were the nicknames of the iconic jazz composer and saxophonist.

“I was able to launch a show, and that was the first song, the ‘Yardbird Suite.’ I call my show ‘Sweets’ as in candy because I didn’t want to be confused with Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Suite. So there we went, and that’s why,” he said.

More than 40 years later, Muhammad’s show remained vital, and Washington, D.C. City Council enacted a resolution commemorating that achievement.

Despite his connections to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, who appeared on the show on Tuesdays, D.C. City Council recognized Mr. Muhammad even though one council member said the Minister was not welcome in D.C.

“The spirit of our beloved new ancestor, Askia Muhammad, rises,” tweeted Howard University Professor Greg Carr. “He is #MaaKheru [The Voice is True]. We cherish the time he spent here in this form and in this place, finding and speaking the truth,” Carr continued.

“We will keep him in our memory and lift his example to light our way.”

Renowned journalist Roland Martin also paid tribute to Muhammad.

“I crossed paths with Askia Muhammad many times, including having him as a guest on TV One and News One Now,” Martin wrote on Twitter. “Sorry to hear of his transition to ancestor.”

For the record: It’s your vote even if you “don’t like politics.”

Newsflash: Everything about your life is ultimately controlled or influenced by those who are elected. Maybe it’s not “politics” but petty, amateurish tactics or antics that you dislike.

Which brings me to my truth.

For weeks I have been writing about the importance of voting. I’ve received calls saying, “thanks!” There have also been the folks who tell me that I am wasting time, newsprint and energy.

Still others have told me they are disgusted at some of the antics of folks.

Now, I’ve participated in a few elections in my lifetime. I have been victorious and then other times I felt my constituents lost. I say “lost” because I know today as I knew then that I was an excellent choice although the final count did not go in my favor.

Did that vote keep me from working with any of the other candidates? Not at all.

I know the importance of being gracious in victory and defeat and those who have not realized this have a serious character flaw.

You win some. You lose some.

How you react after a victory or loss can determine your future.

Some people fade into oblivion, never to be heard of again. Others resurface in other election cycles.

There’s always going to be another election and you can leave a taste in folks mouths that will ensure that you never get to taste victory.

There are some very worthy candidates who have offered themselves up for service.

Think about it and then go and vote.

Because…

For the record: There is going to be inclement weather somewhere this election day.

Newsflash: One day you are going to need a politician to be present and accounted for on an important vote that impacts you significantly; or one day you are going to need an elected official to show up for you, and you are not going to want to hear anything about inclement weather!

GO VOTE!

My Truth

cont. from page 1

Carrollton - Cedar Hill - Coppell - Desoto - Irving - Grand Prairie

FAIR. COMMITTED. ENDORSED.

Senator Royce West

Representative Rafael Anchia Representative Julie Johnson

Commissioner John Wiley Price Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia www.judgesashamoreno.com

Pol. Adv. Paid for by Judge Sasha Moreno Campaign.

Pepsico cont. from page 1

do business with the $70 billion company while Black farmers are now being told that the company intends to “move in another direction.”

He said that when PepsiCo decided to change the Aunt Jemima figure in their brand image in 2020, they reached out to the NBFA, but nothing has happened since.

As the producer of the potato chip brand Ruffles, Frito’s corn chips, Doritos and Quaker Oats, PepsiCo contracts to get the raw materials: potatoes, corn and grains.

“PepsiCo indicated they wanted to do business with NBFA members,” Boyd said. “The company insisted that our growers share personal information through our national database. A year and a half later, when NBFA growers met all the required elements for a potato delivery contract, the company’s executives apparently had lost interest in keeping its part of the bargain.”

“Our livelihood and financial stability are at stake,” Boyd said. “Some Black farmers have actually lost their farms amid this treatment.”

Boyd, who says he is a shareholder in PepsiCo, announced he will seek a solution for the NBFA from PepsiCo’s CEO and chairman.

Metro Community Calendar powered by

February 2022

Celebrating the rich heritage and ancestry of Black People 24

Black Excellence: Bold Brilliant Beautiful You

Please register at https://bit.ly/blkexell to obtain event link. Event begins at 7p.m.

25

Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Community Outreach Center presents virtual In Conversation with Marc Morial, president of National Urban League at 11:30 a.m. https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2022-in-conversation-with-marc-morial-national-urban-league-tickets-231719046907

26

Erykah Badu at The Factory In Deep Ellum by Music Concerts Online. Attendees must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry for live events at The Factory in Deep Ellum and/or The Studio at the Factory. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Concert from 8 to 11 pm.

All Star “Legends of Hip-Hop” at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, TX. Featuring, Juvenile – Mystikal – Too Short – Trick Daddy – Twista! The show starts at 8pm

27

Dallas Stars vs. Buffalo Sabres, American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas 1 to 5pm.

Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade, the 2022 Mardi Gras Oak Cliff parade route runs along Davis St. from Nova (near Kessler Theater) into the heart of Bishop Arts. 4 to 6 pm. Interested in participating in the parade? Sign-up here: https://bit.ly/3KhMJOI.

MARCH 1 ELECTION DAY VOTE!!!

WOMEN OF COLOR CONFERENCE

EMPOWERING & STRENGTHENING

WOMEN OF COLOR ENTREPRENEURS SMU Cox Collins Exec. Ed. Ctr, 3105 Binkley Ave, Register www.womenshapingthefuture.com

Frisco Fresh Market 2022 Opening 9215 John W. Elliott Drive, Frisco Frisco Fresh Market-where Texans can find vendors with a large selection of food, drinks, art, and more!

2

Remembering Joseph Smith 3/2/27 - 12/7/04

First Black man to secure ICC rights for 48 states

Maxwell live, w/ special guest Anthony Hamilton @ The Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie!

3

NAAIA DFW FOUNDATION PRESENTS 2022 SCHOLARSHIP DIVERSITY LUNCHEON

Advocating for Change: Stir Up Good Trouble

Doubletree By Hilton - Dallas - Campbell Centre THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 11AM TO 1PM 8250 N. Central Expwy, Dallas at 11am-1pm DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL DALLAS – CAMPBELL CENTRE Keynote Speaker - Dale Hansen Emcee - Tashara Parker 8250 N. CENTRAL EXPY DALLAS, TEXAS 75206 Tickets on sale at www.naaiadfw.org HONORING 2022 NAAIA DFW FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & 2022 INSURANCE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP RECIPIENT HANSFORD JOHNSON ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT - ENTERPRISE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, TRAVELERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER DALE HANSEN WFAA 8 NEWS ANCHOR, RETIRED

MODERATOR TASHARA PARKER WFAA8 NEWS ANCHOR

1

THE HAT CHAT LADIES BRUNCH Celebrating Women’s History Month at Michael’s of Las Colinas THE HAT CHAT LADIES BRUNCH -- The TRUE Definition of EMPOWERMENT! Ladies, join Teresa with NTheknow.com EVERY 2nd Sunday 12-3pm https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-hat-chat-ladies...

19

6th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Masked Ball, 6 - 10p at Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Mayor Eric Johnson, host

The book review and signing by Dr. Terry Anne Jones, author of Lynching and Leisure: Race and the Transformation of Mob Violence in Texas at 3 p.m. in the Museum’s AT&T Auditorium.

24

The Culture Tour featuring New Edition performing live at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

APRIL 2

Faith Evans, SWV, & Mya Live in Dallas @ Music Hall At Fair Park

6

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SPEAKER SERIES-“The Secret Life of Bears” at 7 p.m. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is dedicated to wildlife ecology research, but it wasn’t until life brought her to Kenya at age 20 that she had ever taken a hike, pitched a tent to camp or seen a wild animal.

Biennial Texas African American History Conference - The Underground Railroad from Texas to Mexico at the African American, April 8-9 — Register at www.aamdallas.org

17

face and special guest host Sherri Shepherd at the Texas Trust CU Theater

30

The Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra concert at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and up at 1319 Canton Street, Dallas Texas.

MAY 1

Snoh Aalegra Live May 01 in Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

4

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SPEAKER SERIES - “Wild Seas, Secret Shores,” presented locally by Charles Schwab at 7 p.m.

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining! Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

JUNE 18

African American Museum’s 33rd Texas I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@ TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.