TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN
THINGS TO STREAM
THIS
FALL SEASON
+
FALL FASHIONS
THAT
WORK WHY
ABBY PHILLIP HAS BECOME A POLITICAL SUPERSTAR
KAMALA
HARRIS MEET YOUR NEW
VICE-PRESIDENT NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE
2 OCTOBER ISSUE / CODE M
INSIDE
10 THINGS TO STREAM THIS FALL SEASON Sit in your favorite chair with some popcorn. We have your fall TV line-up ready to explore.
ON THE COVER
18
KAMALA HARRIS: MEET YOUR NEW VICEPRESIDENT We celebrate the first female African-American to hold the office.
6 MOVERS AND SHAKERS
14 SEXUAL POSITIONS THAT DRIVE HER CRAZY
Get to know people who are making a difference in their communities, in their careers, and across the nation.
Women choose the sex positions that drive up passion and pleasure. CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 3
[ INSIDE ]
34
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT BELIZE African-Americans are exploring different places to retire. Belize offers one of the best spots in the world to relax and get away.
21 WHY ABBY PHILLIP HAS BECOME A POLITICAL SUPERSTAR The 2020 election season has birthed the rising star of political commentator Abby Phillip making her one of the mostrespected analysts on CNN.
27 LESSONS FROM BEING IN THE ROOM While working at the elections board, Cynthia Curry found systemic, deep-rooted racism in the most unlikeliest of places.
31 WOULD BLACKS BE BETTER OFF ELSEWHERE? After experiencing Donald Trump, the pandemic and a divided country, Blacks are wondering if they would be better off leaving the country for an equitable environment.
22 FALL FASHIONS THAT WORK You can be warm and cute after you check out our fall fashion recommendations.
CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 5
MOVERS &
SHAKERS
K A R E N A 6 NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE / CODE M
These fine people are shaking things up in their respective fields by blazing a trail with their drive for success!
E V A N S
[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]
Karena Evans The actor, director and filmmaker is the first woman to win the Prism Prize’s Lipsett Award. Evans directed Drake’s music video “Nice For What.” She won Video of The Year for BET in 2019 and won Video Director of The Year as well. She recently worked with Coldplay on the optics for their song “Everyday Life” and directed an episode of Starz P-Valley.
Arica Himmel The 14-year-old native of New York is exploding on the scene. Himmel plays “Bow” on Mixed-ish on ABC and has also appeared on God Friended Me on CBS. There is no telling what Himmel has in store for 2021 but we bet it’s big and we all will be watching.
Curtis Samuel The wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers is eating up yards and changing the way H-Backs are being used in the NFL. Known for his exceptional running ability the, 24-year-old is quickly becoming one of the top receivers/running backs in the NFL. Samuel attended and played college football at Ohio State, where he contributed in the 2014–2016 seasons under head coach Urban Meyer. In the 2014 season, he had 58 carries for 383 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go along with 11 receptions for 95 receiving yards.
Jaime Harrison The South Carolinian rose up from poverty thanks to teachers and mentors who helped guide him to, and through, college. Starting out as a teacher at his high school, he is running for a Senate seat against Lynsey Graham and put on one of the best debates of the 2020 election. Jamie has dedicated his life to creating opportunity for others. Jaime knows there is no quick fix to the challenges that face South Carolinians, and he knows what it’s like to be caught in the middle of political games. CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 7
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LIFE THINGS TO STREAM THIS FALL SEASON The Pandemic has made TV relevant again and streaming has never been better.
W
ith the rise in COVID-19, the fall television season has never been more important. Since our homes have become a place to hide and wait out the virus, our appetite for compelling entertainment is huge. Luckily, several successful series are returning just in time to satisfy. The Mandalorian just began its second season on Disney+ and continues the journey of baby Yoda and “The Mandalorian” as they work to find his home. The series follows one of the Star Wars storylines about a bounty hunter charged with the responsibility of protecting baby Yoda. The cast includes Temuera Morrison (who played Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones) as Boba Fett, as well as ex-Jedi Ahsoka Tano, portrayed by Rosario Dawson. Giancarlo Esposito, who portrayed sinister Imperial agent Moff Gideon in the show’s first season, is also expected to square off against the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) as the titular protagonist works to reconnect the child with his species. The first season of the Disney+ show was well-received by most critics and fared well with awards season voters;
10 NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE / CODE M
By John Cummings
[ LIFE ] The Mandalorian won 7 Emmys earlier in the year, including an Emmy for Outstanding Visual Special Effects. For die-hard Star Wars fans, Ahsoka Tano is expected to enter the series for season 2. The rumors have Rosario Dawson playing the first liveaction version of Tano and is expected become a major role on the series. “This show is so exciting to watch. I can remember loving the character Bounty Hunter in the original Star Wars series and just cannot get enough of seeing the character come alive in his own show,” said Dan Jones, an avid watcher. Another show is returning for its second season, Lovecraft Country. The HBO Max series based on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, Lovecraft Country follows “Atticus Freeman” (Jonathan Majors) as he journeys with his childhood friend “Letitia” (Jurnee Smollett) and his uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) on a road trip from Chicago across 1950s’ Jim Crow America in search of his missing father, “Montrose” (Michael Kenneth Williams). Their search-and-rescue turns into a struggle to survive and overcome both the racist terrors of white America and monstrous creatures that could be ripped from an H.P. Lovecraft paperback. The first season became the most-watched series for HBO Max and is already receiving rave reviews for its second season. Get Out’s Jordan Peele is attached to the project and it offers vibrant episodes of action-packed drama every week. Lovecraft Country is streaming now. If you are looking for additional reasons to cry, A Million Little Things is entering its 3rd season continuing where it left off with the season 2 finale of: “Gary, there’s been an accident.” Pictured from top to bottom: The Mandalorian, Lovecraft Country and the cast of A Million Little Things.
The series opens with the entire cast wondering if their friend, Gary, is going to make it after being struck by a car. The ABC drama stars a host of familiar faces including, David Giuntoli, Romany Malco, Allison Miller, Christina Moses, Christina Ochoa, Grace Park, James Roday, Stéphanie Szostak, Tristan Byon, and Lizzy Greene.
begins on November 19th. There are certainly many more offerings to keep us all busy now that the election is over, and the second wave of the Coronavirus continues its spread. So, stay safe, keep the cabinets loaded with popcorn, and enjoy some quality time with your remote … oh, and your family.
The series promises to deliver more tears and warm feelings when it CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 13
[ LIFE ]
SEXUAL POSITIONS THAT DRIVE HER CRAZY WOMEN CHOOSE THE SEX POSITIONS THAT DIAL UP PASSION AND PLEASURE. By Bonnie Cruz
M
ost adults have peaked at some level of porn in their lives. And what you find is that there are a crazy number of sexual positions out there that are being used. For real-world experiences, not all positions are preferred by women. So, we decided to ask women which positions
14 NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE / CODE M
they like and ranked them based on their answers. Great sex between two people can be a lot of fun if you know exactly what your partners likes. Here are the top five positions women said they enjoy the most:
[LIFE]
CODE M / AUGUST ISSUE15
16 AUGUST ISSUE / CODE M
[ LIFE ] 1 Missionary There is no surprise that women found this position to be the most desirable position. It offers close intimacy between two partners and gives couples a chance to kiss while having sex. Women also said that they really enjoy the closeness this position provides. 2. Doggy Style Women find this position offers the best satisfaction for them because of the physical positioning. Women have said that they love Doggy Style because it allows them to be able to move back and forth if they choose and that feeling empowers them to engage in better sex. They also found Doggy Style fun because they know that their men like that position as well and they both find comfort in that.
also mentioned that, without fail, men love to pleasure women in this position. Whatever the position, couples are finding new and exciting ways to have sex and stay connected. Sex is extremely exciting when couples understand what their partner likes. The primary reasons women chose certain positions included penetration, sensations, and feeling closeness and connection. So, try some of these positions and enjoy your time with your significant other. Women picked positions that offered the most options for intimacy.
3. Reverse Cowgirl This position came in third because women have all the control with the reverse cowgirl. This position puts the woman on top facing away from her partner. They control the pace and speed in this position and mention that the different position of penis offers a great deal more pleasure for women. Women also mentioned that they love knowing their man is looking at their body in this position and that visually, their men are getting a show, as well as pleasure at the same time. 4. The Spoon Women say that this position is a favorite because it offers great positioning for both men and women. With the man positioned behind the woman and on their side, the couple has the opportunity for simultaneous touching and connection. Women love to be held and feel safe in the arms of their men. Women have mentioned that they love to be held and feel safe in the arms of their men. 5. Ankles Up The next top-rated position is Ankles Up because of how the woman’s body is positioned. “It is definitely a stretch to have my legs over my head, but the penetration level is the best feeling in the world for me,� one woman said. Women
Honorable Mentions
Oral Sex Oral Sex is not quite sex, but it was mentioned by most women as a great way to get going before actual sex. Women felt like oral sex was a great way to create the mood and serves as an appetizer to sex.
69 This position gives couples a chance to pleasure each other orally at the same time. While not actual sex, this position was mentioned quite often and deserves mentioning. Standing Up While it did not make the top five in our list, standing up deserves mentioning because it can happen anywhere. Women have commented that they love being in front of a mirror or in the shower while having sex in this position. The Lap Dance This position has the woman sitting on her partner, Indian style, facing her man while being able to kiss and touch at a high level.
CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 17
COVER WE CELEBRATE THE INCREDIBLE CHOOSING OF KAMALA HARRIS AS THE FIRST FEMALE, AFRICAN-AMERICAN VICE-PRESIDENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE CHAMPION JOE BIDEN’S ADMINISTRATION AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO A MORE PERFECT UNION. by Brad J. Bowling
T
he year of 2020 has been hard on most of the people across the United States. We have been met with incredible challenges that have tested the faith of our entire country. From time to time, we often wondered if we could take anymore. With lost jobs, wages, family and friends, it seemed like it could not get any worse. We thought we had seen the worst when Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States. We dealt with increased bigotry, racism, and sexism. Trump changed the tax code and removed critical improvements that took our country years to achieve. The future for many of us looked bad enough to consider leaving the country we love. But there was the
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2020 election coming that could change everything if Joe Biden and Kamala Harris could win. Trump’s supporters made this task seem impossible. Many wondered if it possible to outlast Trump’s supporters and return our country to normalcy. Well, the country has spoken and on Saturday, November 7, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were announced as the winners of the 2020 presidential election. All seems right with the world again. We might be able to go back to sleeping all night. We might be able to salvage some of the things that were destroyed over the last four years. But it actually gets even better than what we expected. Choosing to elect our country’s first female, African-American vice-president does more than
[ COVER ]
KAMALA
HARRIS MEET YOUR NEW
VICE-PRESIDENT
CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 19
[ COVER ] restore hope. We are getting to live and experience a moment in time that could change our lives forever.
state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission.
tend to have better economies, better healthcare for their citizens, and higher approval ratings.
The story of Kamala Harris is a wonderful one. Born to a mother who immigrated to the United States from India at the age of 19, Kamala Harris knows what it means to work hard.
In 2015, as California’s Attorney General, Harris secured two settlements with Comcast. One totaling $33 million, over allegations that it posted online the names, phone numbers and addresses of tens of thousands of customers who had paid for unlisted voice over internet protocol (VOIP) Another settlement for $26 million resolved allegations that Comcast discarded paper records without first omitting or redacting private customer information.
Harris and Joe Biden will bring a renewed faith to a fragile country that things might get better. Historically, Blacks have suffered under both Democrats and Republicans, but something feels different this election.
Harris attended Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, D.C. While at Howard, she interned as a mail room clerk for California senator Alan Cranston, chaired the economics society, led the debate team, and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Harris graduated from Howard in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. In 1990, Harris was hired as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she was noted as being "an able prosecutor on the way up." In 1994, California Assembly speaker Willie Brown, who was dating Harris at the time, appointed her to the
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Harris also settled with Houzz over allegations that the company recorded phone calls without notifying customers or employees. Houzz was forced to pay $175,000, destroy the recorded calls, and hire a chief privacy officer, the first time such a provision has been included in a settlement with the California Department of Justice.
Blacks and the Black Lives Matter movement deserve all the praise for putting Biden and Harris in the White House. In 2021 we are looking for more than promises.
We will be watching very closely what these two do with our votes. We have proven that our votes count. What the new administration does with our vote will determine if we did the right thing or not. Only time will tell.
As Vice-President, what can we expect from Harris? Female leaders around the world
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris seem like the perfect fit for a bruised country.
[ COVER ]
WHY
ABBY PHILLIP HAS BECOME A POLITICAL SUPERSTAR
THE CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT REPRESENTED BLACKS WELL AND HAS EMERGED AS A WINNER HERSELF. by Herm Whymer
W
e learned a lot watching the 2020 political season unfold. AfricanAmericans and people of color watched closely as both political parties fought for our vote. If you wanted to get a fair and balanced understanding of the issues to vote on, you mostly watched CNN. If you watched CNN enough, you probably watched Political Correspondent Abby Phillip discuss the needs of Blacks and democrats on a nightly basis. What we didn’t know is that Phillip would represent her positions from such a level of professionalism and detail. Night after night Phillip would literally describe the mindset of the Black voter.
experience was going to Mississippi for a service trip where I had to write a blog throughout the entire thing, and I just really loved that experience. And I came back, and I knew that was what I had to do.” She began her career as a White House reporter and blogger for Politico covering campaign finance issues and lobbying. She also appeared occasionally on Washington Week with Robert Costa on PBS. On a recent CNN political panel she made the following observation: “Not only would Black women put Joe Biden in the White House, but they would also put a Black woman in the White House as well
and that is the sort of historical poetry that I think we will live with for a long time.” Phillip, who has been covering the Trump White House has featured prominently in much of the coverage of the US election campaign. She co-moderated the seventh Democratic debate of the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries at Drake University in January alongside CNN colleague Wolf Blitzer and Des Moines Register political correspondent Brianne Pfannenstiel. We applaud Phillip’s position and opinion during this year’s election and we congratulate her for a job well done.
Phillip, 31, who grew up in Bowie, Maryland, has a degree in government but had initially intended on becoming a heart surgeon until her realization that she loved talking to people led her into journalism. In an interview with a US media outlet, she revealed: “My first journalism
CNN’s Abby Phillip was the voice of Black America during the 2020 election.
CODE M / AUGUST ISSUE 21
FASHION
FALL I FASHIONS THAT WORK
t’s happening; setting our clocks back, then experiencing the change to the early brisk mornings and much cooler evenings. The crispness in the air, the changing colors of the leaves, yes, this is undeniably fall. Depending on what region of the country you live in, you should’ve already rotated your spring/summer clothing to fall/winter. This is always a tortuous undertaking for me. It requires exchanging my fall clothing in my storage unit with the summer clothing. One day, I’ll have the ultimate walk -in wardrobe closet. But for now, I acquiesce to replacing one with the other.
Men’s wardrobe essentials are critical for fall fashions. Warm and deep colors are thriving this season. by Anthony Kirby
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This is the time of year always filled with warm hues, patterns, and fabrications that represent the season. Whatever your styleclassic, edgy, preppy, or unstylish-here are some ideas to consider when pulling together your fall personal style. Let’s get started with a CODE-M fashion guide.
[ FASHION ]
SHIRTS ON TOP Here is an idea of the ultimate Zoom shirt from DeSoto. It’s made of 100% cotton, super-soft jersey and comes in an array of patterns from solids to florals and checks. A shirt “designed for comfort” and “made for movement.” Further information/stocklist on DeSoto contact The Gary Williams Showroom at @garywilliamsshowroom.com or 917.841.1980
THE BOMB
Classic and timeless, we recommend a suede bomber jacket. A fall favorite from Polo Ralph Lauren, this simple and refined jacket in lightweight olive suede is the right balance for the season for those brisk evenings on the town. Available at Ralph Lauren @ https:// www.ralphlauren.com/men-clothingouterwear/suede-bomber-jacket/544468.html
THE BEANIE The ultimate in cool while keeping the head warm, the Beanie is a favorite from FINICKEY. This chunk style, cable-knit cap is 100% soft lambswool. Its rich, luxe and contemporary style will prepare you for those cold days ahead. Available at FINICKEY by made-to-order mto at @finickey.us or https://finickey.us
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[OPINION]
[COVER]
[ FASHION ]
CAN WE KICK IT The fall season is seeing a pivot from hard bottoms to fashionable rubber soles footwear. The “Bari” artisan leather sneakers from designer Timothy Roquemore capture a new look for conversation on the feet. Handcrafted in Italy, this pair in navy leather upper defines style, quality and definitely comfort. Available at Timothy Roquemore at https:// www.timothyroquemore.com/collections/bari
PANTS ON THE BOTTOM It’s time to transition from the comfy sweats and jeans to a tailored trouser. Here is an opportunity to step up your trouser attire with the “Tom Thumb” trouser collection from DeCarlos Bespoke. This check, flat-front, trouser comes with hand-stitched details, contemporary fit, and side-tabs. A great addition to your fall wardrobe. Available at DeCarlos at https://www.decarlosbespoke.com/
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[OPINION]
26 OCTOBER ISSUE / CODE M
[OPINION]
POLITICS
and racial turmoil. Many would like to blame it on President Trump, but no other President in my existence has created a forum to discuss racial injustices like him. Whether intentional or not, his behavior has created a space that highlights racism.
LESSONS
This one man has ignited groups to wake up, go into the streets, during a pandemic, and cry out “Black Lives Matter.” President Trump is almost right when he says, “I have done more for Blacks than any other President.” He has created uncertain futures for many Americans. Those who once had secure homes, careers, and healthcare are now unemployed and facing a national health crisis, without the benefit of health insurance. He has ignored scientific data, experts, and protocols that could have saved or sustained lives in this pandemic. He has certainly made the world aware of how deadly living while Black is in America .
FROM
BEING IN THE ROOM
Our country has not been this divided in a long time. Now that the vote is over, how do we heal as a nation and move forward as one country?
Inadvertently, he has caused youth from every background to stand together and unite for democracy and human dignity. People across the globe are taking a stand against hatred. So, in that regard, Donald Trump has done a lot for “blacks” by exposing the heart of a nation. How can a system that was never designed by us, or for us, be anything but against us? Systemic mindsets won’t change without compassion, education, truth, awareness, and much effort. The proverbial playbook created by the system, is still controlled by the system. Unlike others, once we get into a room, we cannot relax because the system is agitated by our presence.
A
Our political process is supposed to level the playing field, but politicians who live luxuriously, are making decisions in rooms with others like themselves. They seem clueless to the despair of our nation that they vowed to serve. Many Americans, who were already in their own pandemic before COVID-19, are now hopeless. Huge barriers remain in education that are wider with the “pandemic divide.” Parents are forced to choose basic living expenses over things like laptops for virtual education. Even with computers, the additional expense of Internet service competes with essentials. Even though it made The New York Times bestseller list, The Covenant with Black America remains unfulfilled.
The extreme divisiveness, especially during Pandemic 2020, has impacted everyone in some way. Call it passion or emotion, but most will agree it has not been good. We are entrenched in economic, health,
My parents were regular, hardworking folk who believed in community and service. Their hard work afforded us a nice life, and we were taught not to take it for granted. In our family and from a very young age, being involved in the political process was not an option — it is what you did. As
by Cynthia Curry
s we approach the end of the 2020 Presidential Election, I believe everyone, regardless of their party can say, “This has been some season.” When we woke up on November 4, 2020, we finally had answers. Depending on your choice, it may not be the one you like. Still, I believe everyone can agree, we will at least know.
CODE M / NOVEMBER 2020 27
[ P0LITICS ] soon as we turned 18, we got our driver’s license and our voter’s registration card. To this day, my elderly mom serves on one of the most prominent Coalition Boards in the city. I tell my generation, “We should be more like them.” They are modern day “movers and shakers.” During most elections, especially national ones, I am intentional about serving. This year, I decided to work the polls on election day. Poll workers can be hard to find, but with so many furloughed and unemployed workers, it created an opportunity for folk to give back and earn some extra money. Somewhere around August, I received an email from our County Clerk’s office to work the polls. I responded and didn’t really think about it again. After some back and forth, I was asked to submit a resume, which is definitely an unusual request for poll work. At some point, I was given an official invite to be a part of something called “Dispatch Center.” Little did I know, I was about to become a part of a group of approximately 30 individuals. People naturally love to be chosen for something special. In other words, everyone wants a shot at being in the room, but being there generally comes at a price. On the first day, the manager, informed us of the approximately 49,000 people who applied.
Of those, 8,000 were selected, and we were the 30 in the room. It was their way of informing everyone of their “elite status” as Dispatch workers? Let’s just say, some in the room took that statement to heart.
norm, not the exception. Assignments were constantly modified. Those who voiced opinions were publicly embarrassed or shifted off to other locations. They were “removed from the room.”
To my knowledge, it was the first center of its kind in our area, developed by the brilliance of the newly appointed County Clerk to ensure the integrity of the 2020 Election. The room was developed to troubleshoot, inform, and resolve issues. During the previous election, there was a city-wide outcry, especially in Black and Brown communities. The election was such a debacle that the former County Clerk resigned.
A particular incident with a Black female was so disrespectful that she decided to just leave. I was grieved but not surprised. I don’t believe the County Clerk, or his direct staff, were aware of the happenings in the room. They were always out at various poll sites.
The newly commissioned County Clerk was apparently the solution to ensure it would not happen again. A Phi Beta Kappa, Morehouse graduate, and fifth generation native Houstonian who completed a joint program with Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, he earned both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees. This 34-year old family man has done a superior job and to say he works hard for the community is an understatement. Our city is getting rave election reviews as a result. So that is how I got into the room. It was immediately apparent that there were no Black managers or supervisors. Preferential treatment with non-minority workers was the
Everything in life is an opportunity to learn. So, what are the lessons from the room? First, don’t get excited by the invitation. Find out what or why you were chosen. Do some research and have a plan before you enter the room. Don’t get distracted by other people. Stay focused on “your” goal. Secondly, know who you are and what you believe. Stay the course, because if you have been invited, there is a reason. You bring something unique that is not only needed, but necessary to enhance the overall process. For example, the timing of working at the polls aligned perfectly with writing this article for CODE-M’s election issue. So, if that was the only reason for being there, the room served its purpose. I am tremendously grateful for a broad and diverse group of amazing friends. They are my references when I encounter bad scenarios like those “in the room.” The essence of racism is an indescribable hatefulness that pierces the soul. Those who have endured it, would never wish it upon anyone. It is rooted in presumptions that perpetuate stereotypes. I learned a lot from being “in the room” and am thankful for the privilege to be a part of another first. Likes attract, whether good or bad, and hurting people will always hurt others.
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[ P0LITICS ] How you choose to deal with either determines the barriers you dismantle for others. Be the one who makes a difference, one step at a time. “Once you know the truth, you are accountable.� Excuses can no longer remain on the table when you stand for dignity .
Blacks turned out in record numbers to deliver President Joe Biden the White House.
CODE M / AUGUST ISSUE 23
[ P0LITICS ]
WOULD BLACKS BE BETTER OFF
Elsewhere? Not since the great migration of the 1920s have African-Americans thought about where they live. In 2020 the question on whether to leave the US has become the conversation of the year. By David Christel
N
o matter whether you voted for Biden or Trump, our country is in a deeply troubled state. It feels like Blacks are caught in a no-man’s land — strangers in a strange land they were forcibly brought to, strangers in a land that after over 400 years is still at odds with Blacks’ very existence. Never mind that Black buying power is on the road to hit about $1.5 trillion by 2021. (1) Since America’s inception, the #1 heralded myth is the so-called “American Dream.” The media firm, Black Enterprise, reported in 2017 that “Some 84% [of Blacks] believe the American Dream means financial security; 78% in not living paycheck-to-paycheck; and 77% in owning a home.” They also offer the following data: Outside of retirement accounts, * only 37% of African Americans own wealthbuilding products such as stocks and mutual funds.
* Only 35% believe they are doing a good job of preparing for retirement. * 33% have less than one month of funds saved for a crisis. * Less than 25% have amassed more than six months of emergency savings. (2) Despite this, from the perspective of immigrants, the American Dream is still a huge draw. The Pew Research Center reported that in 1980, the Black immigrant population was 816,000. By 2016, that number rose to 4.2 million with 39 percent of Black immigrants from Africa. That same Pew report states that by 2017, 81 percent of Blacks said racism is a big problem in the US. One has to wonder why, with America’s antagonistic history concerning Blacks, a Black person would still have hope in this mythic dream. America has long been considered the leader, innovation frontrunner, and manager of the world. That’s no longer the case as we watch
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[ P0LITICS ] this country imploding from the accumulated baggage of its hubris, greed, insecurities, shortsightedness, corruption, intolerance, and arrogance. There is no doubt that for many Blacks, America has become terrifyingly toxic. Even Canadians living in the US, long considered our BFF neighbors, have had a surge of ex-pats moving back to the Great White North. For African Americans, it’s been a different story. In the nineteenth century, the Back-to-Africa movement was launched but never gained traction. During the Vietnam conflict, the phrase “America: love it or leave it” became the mantra of patriotic nationalists and was then applied to Blacks, the subtext being “Go back to Africa.” With over 48 million Blacks in the US, 14.7 percent of the population, many Blacks find that they have few options for finding better, safer, and embracing places to live here in the States. And as Blacks continue to be threatened with systemic racism at all levels of society, many are feeling that a major resurgence of protests and confrontations are needed to help America live up to its Constitution and Bill of Rights. But many Blacks are realizing that they’re fed up, that change doesn’t seem possible, and that they’re
emotionally exhausted. It’s time to make a different, and possibly drastic, decision. Perhaps it’s time to pick up and move to another country. A relatively new trend has some Blacks moving out of the country, some to African nations, others around the globe. What many are experiencing is freedom from fear, the opposite of what they’d lived through here on a daily basis in the US. They no longer have to look over their shoulder, wonder if simply going for a walk may be the last thing they do, and they are no longer categorized as being Black, but just another person. With the constant weight of white supremacy, racism, racial profiling, and vast distrust rounding the shoulders and backs of Blacks, opting to move to another country is an option. As with anything, though, there are pros and cons to consider. Aside from the idea of uprooting one’s entire life and family to relocate, the idea of living in a foreign country and experiencing life free of American hypocrisy and suspicion is liberating on a level hard to fully grasp. And living in a different culture is fascinating from studying their history to their customs, language, the foods they eat, perceptions about life, their view of America and Americans, how they conduct their lives. It’s a chance to truly expand their understanding
Charlamagne tha God
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about this planet and its diversity, learn about the world from a different perspective, explore centuries of art and architecture, see in person what they’ve only seen in print and on television and in movies. An added bonus would be that the country a person is thinking of moving to may have much better health care and educational systems. The downside is leaving family behind, travel can be expensive, finding a job could be quite challenging, the schools operate differently than in the US, a former US citizen may still have to pay US taxes, and the country they decide to move to may not allow dual citizenship. That country may have higher taxes or may even be struggling economically, and their infrastructure may not be on a par with US standards. If a person does renounce their US citizenship and then they decide one day to move back to the States, that can be a grueling process and take years to accomplish.
Blacks are coming together like never before to address the things that plague the community.
[ P0LITICS ] Something else to consider is that, by leaving the US, is that person giving up? After centuries of struggle, of resistance to unrelenting suppression and discrimination, are they leaving the resistance and taking their voice, their vote, their creativity and energy and heart elsewhere? Are they leaving behind their fellow resisters and allies to continue the fight alone? Those kinds of questions require a lot of deep thought. For some Blacks, that’s going to be a no brainer and they’re outta here. For others, there are families, connections, jobs, and responsibilities to take into account. Children need to be considered. Depending on their age, uprooting them could be disastrous or wonderfully life changing. Becoming at least bi-lingual is extremely helpful in today’s world. Growing up in an atmosphere of unfettered possibility allows for a very different approach to realizing one’s dreams.
of life. If this is something you’re grappling with, you need to determine if staying in the US is providing the quality of life you want for yourself and your family. Very importantly, it’s not about running away. Instead, it’s about letting go of something that’s not working, that doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Staying in a toxic and abusive relationship is not healthy for anyone. Also important to remember is that nowhere does it say that you can’t support the fight for equality and justice from abroad. In this day and age of immediate connectivity, there’s nothing stopping you from being heard, from sharing your story, from being a catalyst, from being cause and not effect. Make the decision that helps you and your family express their ultimate being, your shining Soul. (1) John Tucker writing for Black Enterprise, the premiere business, investing, and wealth-building resource for Blacks.
What a person doesn’t want to feel is guilt or regret about their decision to (2) https://www.blackenterprise.com/ move to another country. Essentially african-american-economics/ what all of this comes down to is quality
travel The country of Belize is the perfect place to rest and recover from this election. Whether you become a dual citizen will depend on how much fun you have. By Carlton Butler
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT BELIZE A
long the western edge of the Caribbean, far away from all the turmoil, there is an incredibly tranquil place. Surrounded by a sea of Latin nations, Belize’s strategic location renders it the gateway between Central America and the Caribbean. It is the only English speaking country in Central America, has one of the most diverse populations, the most stable government, and the least volatile currency, pegged at 2:1 against the US dollar for over half a century. One of the smallest countries in the world, Belize’s barrier reef is the largest in the western hemisphere and second largest in the world – behind only the great barrier reef of Australia. Its 280 coastal islands are part of an amazingly pristine, inner lagoon and coral reef system that stretch 190 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula in the North all the way to Honduras in the south and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to three of the only four offshore atolls in the Western hemisphere, it boasts one of the highest ratios of protected terrestrial and marine sanctuaries, including the unique and
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world renowned Great Blue Hole. And with less than 400,000 people, its 8,866 square miles remain among the least densely populated in the world. To say that it is an enigma is a vast understatement. Some of the most interesting and significant Mayan archaeological sites have been discovered in its rainforests, and untold numbers remain hidden. Numerous caves and cave systems are just waiting to be explored, including those with underground rivers where guided tours are conducted via inflatables. Despite all that, Belize is still one of the best kept secrets. But that is slowly changing. For decades, it had been known only as a scuba diving paradise. Then the cruise ships began to arrive. More recently, it has become a retirement destination. Easily accessible by land, air and sea, it is just a two-hour flight from Miami. And the investor friendly banking, tax, and legal structures have done nothing to hurt its cause. The Belize Tourism Board has created a National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for Belize through 2030, and their vision statement for Belize 2030 declares: “Belize is an exclusive multicultural destination in the Central American
[ TRAVEL ] Caribbean. It is a destination where the authenticity and friendliness of its people, coupled with the uniqueness of an exotic natural environment, can be actively experienced within a conserved world.” It is the intent of the Tourism Board that, “Belize, by 2030, will be an internationally recognized destination due to its unique, safe and high value-added vacation experience, which leaves those who visit with a longing to return and rediscover. The international market will come to know Belize´s unique value proposition and will recognize its strategic location offering the best of Central American adventure and Caribbean flair.” Belize has excellent natural resources and a strong cultural heritage that make it possible for eco-tourism, adventure and cultural tourism to flourish as its main tourism motivations, thereby enriching its allure to an increasing number of tourists. The country hosts four unique, internationally recognized tourism assets, which beckon to a significant number of tourists. They are the Barrier Reef Reserve System, the Blue Hole Marine Reserve, the Caracol Mayan site (the most important of all Belizean Mayan sites), and the Chiquibul Caves System (a great network of caves in the Chiquibul National Park located in Western Belize).
In addition to the Belize Barrier Reef, the country plays host to numerous other heritage sites, mostly of Mayan origin, with great tourism appeal. Beyond that, the living cultures of Belize, a diverse mixture of ethnic backgrounds (i.e. Kriol, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and Mennonite) provide the opportunity for a very rich cultural experience. The southern portion of the country is vastly underdeveloped, has long been neglected, and has the least populated urban areas. It is also home to the cultural capital of the country, Dangriga. This portion of the country is where the future of Belizean tourism lies. The Tourism Board believes the southeast will become the leading performer in the country by virtue of an increase from 14% of total overnight bookings in 2008 to 30% by 2030. They cite this excerpt from the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan: “This distinctive destination will be hosting a chain of mid to low density sun & beach resorts amidst a chain of charming villages such as Placencia, Hopkins and Dangriga boasting pristine and attractive beaches. Mid to high-end establishments will be attracted by sun, beach, marine life and rainforest motivations. As well, it will become the main hub for nautical tourism development and be the first to attract the pocket cruise market.”
Ads about Belize are increasingly visible across a broad spectrum of demographics in the US and elsewhere. This buzz is expected to increase exponentially once the pandemic is behind us. Belize remains one of the safest places to live, visit, work, and invest thanks to the tremendous job done by its COVID-19 Task Force, the frontline workers, and everyone else involved in some aspect of the effort to defeat the pandemic, including the public who have largely cooperated in this effort.