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THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

In Our 29th Year

Issue No. 1979

February 2012

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Shuttlesworth: The Giant We Hardly Knew

by John Raye

Half the world, it seems, paused in remberance amid shock and utter disbelief at the untimely death of Steve Jobs, the technology genius and Apple co-founder, who re-wired and re-invented for us, a brave new world of technological wonders.

Jobs passing even moved Congress as well as the President of the United States to pause and express condolences. No one doubts the authentic genius of a Steve Jobs, who rightly deserves such honors, tributes, and recognition.

He was a great man, an American genius who redefined the path to greatness.

But no blazing headlines, no magazine covers, no television or radio bulletins, no news conferences, no presidential announcements lauded the passing of another great man— the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, the “Black Moses” of Alabama and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Before there was a Megar Evers, a Martin Luther King, a Jesse Jackson, or even a Rosa Parks or Fannie Lou Hammer, there was Shuttlesworth, this daring prince of a preacher who stood in the gap when a Black man’s life [continued on page 18] “Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never get done!”

The same holds true for you.

You are equally special, equally unique. No one else can do what you can do. Nor what I can do.

If we don’t do it, then it will --Is this not absolute brilliance? never get done. What say you I didn’t know I was this special now? and this unique until Dr May’s brilliant insight caught my --John Raye & Miss Rosie, attention. This quote made me National Life-Wellness feel so good.

Coach, stroke/cancer Benjamin E. Mays, President survivor;rayeandrosie@aol.

Emeritus Morehouse It made me feel special. And com College, sunrise 1894-- very unique! I have no excuse sunset 1984 now because I know better.

Inside This Issue Why Black Men Die Sooner

5

Beauty Notes: Lessons From Jennifer Hudson 11 Just The Black Keys

13

Law of Increase

17

Closing Civil Rights Era Cases 19

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Al Sharpton Ordained Minister of Health

By Dr Ed James BDO

(BlackDoctor. org) -- For many years, we’ve seen a “full figured” Rev. Al Sharpton in the news… marching on behalf of the o p p re s s e d.

Currently, at 57 years of age, he is not the man he used to be… by more than a hundred pounds! His extraordinary results speak to the power of healthy lifestyle changes – truly a fountain of youth! Now, he’s committed to helping others learn about and experience similar health benefits.

How did he lose the weight?

A former self-described “fried chicken junkie” and “walking potential for a heart attack”, Rev. Sharpton explained in recent interviews on 60 Minutes and The Wendy Williams Show (May 2011 and October 2011 respectively) that he now generally avoids red meat and fried foods, in favor of fruits, veggies and fish. He also exercises regularly, several times each week. When choosing a hotel, he now looks into the quality of the fitness center before other amenities.

It is noteworthy that Rev. Sharpton did not opt for a fad diet or surgery to lose the weight. Plenty of celebrities have used these approaches with varying degrees of success. Sharpton’s approach to weight loss has been to change his entire lifestyle….for the long run. He has indicated that he’s received more attention from the ladies since his weight loss. Furthermore, he’s finally overcome his addiction to fatty, salty, and sugary foods -- and by eating healthful foods he feels much better and will likely live longer.

Another famous, formerly “Fat Al” named Roker chose surgery (gastric bypass) to lose weight, which worked well for him. Although there are some situations where such surgery is needed, it should generally be a last resort, because there are possible complications, including death.

Furthermore, losing losing the weight alone does not protect from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers.

In the end, you still have to eat more healthful foods and less fatty, salty, sugary foods, in order to prevent disease. It is my understanding that Mr. Roker has fortunately now become much more conscientious about his daily food choices.

Why now?

Rev. Sharpton describes that he recalls

losing weight about ten years ago, while fasting in a Puerto Rico prison (related to a protest) and how he liked looking leaner. Although he gained much of the weight back, he never forgot that experience.

More recently, his daughter asked him why he was “so fat” and why he wore (baggy) jogging suits so often, hinting that his appearance may have been embarrassing to her. That was the last straw. He was determined to get fit.

Why should we care?

As African Americans, we generally die younger than whites, often due to preventable diseases. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity permeate our family trees, resulting in much suffering and early death. Rev. Sharpton’s transformation should serve as an example of the power of lifestyle changes – truly a fountain of youth! Too often we rely upon medication and surgery, but do not address the root cause of disease, which is most often based on the daily dietary and lifestyle choices we make.

Also worthy of note is Rev. Sharpton’s decision to take to the airwaves his message on the importance of dietary choices for disease prevention – in essence, a ministry of healthy lifestyle healing from which we can all benefit, enjoying healthier, longer lives.

By Dr. Ed James, BDO Healthy Lifestyle Expert Dr. Ed James draws inspiration from his personal experiences with healthy lifestyle changes, having overcome prediabetes and obesity several years ago. In 2011, he founded Heal2BFree to focus on helping individuals and organizations to develop and implement action plans that help close the health disparities gap between blacks and whites.

Dr. James has given many presentations, including the 2011 National Medical Association Colloquium and regularly contributes preventive health-related articles to some of the nation’s top health publications. He is also the primary author and co-editor of Getting into Medical School - A Planning Guide for Minority Students.

He received his BS in Biology from Bucknell University and earned his MD and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania as a participant in the Penn Med Scholars combined degree program.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and news, visit Dr. Ed at Heal 2B Free!

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Why Black Men Die Sooner (And How They Can Beat The Odds)

By Charlotte Evans, BDO Staff Writer

(BlackDoctor.org) -- No matter the research study, of coronary disease. There are several treatments available -- including scientific finding, or health care statistic, one of gels, patches, and injections -- that can help restore this vital hormone the most consistent health facts around is that to proper levels. men, in general, do not live as long as women.

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is three times 3. Men need to protect their immune systems. The male immune system higher among men who are clinically depressed. system is not as vigorous as those of females, and men die from seven of the 10 most common infections at a higher rate, Legato says, particularly • Male suicides outnumber female suicides in tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. Sanitary sexual practices every age group. are essential, beginning with use of a condom. Men should check • Homicide and suicide are among the top three for updated vaccinations with their doctor when traveling to foreign causes for death among males between the ages countries. A tetanus shot should be administered every 10 years. of 15 and 34.

“Immunization is not finished after the second year of life,” Legato says.

• By the age of 85, women outnumber men in the U.S. 2.2 to 1; this rises Also, proper nutrition and supplementation can also be beneficial. to 3 to 1 if they reach their 90s.

Despite the gender-focused attention it receives, osteoporosis also These very sobering numbers force us to ask a very important question: strikes men. why?

4. Men need to recognize, acknowledge and treat their depression.

According to Marianne J. Legato, MD, there are various biological, cultural, Male depression may be much more common than has been and personal reasons that men’s life span in the U.S. lasts an average of previously estimated. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, and the current six years less than women’s. medical system sometimes prevents doctors from obtaining a proper “Male mortality is shorter in part, Legato says, because males are more understanding of a patient’s personality and life. fragile and inherently vulnerable than females from birth. And unlike women, who have fought hard to have their specific health needs “While we like to say that women are twice as depressed as men, what validated and addressed, men haven’t demanded equal treatment.” depressed men actually do is turn to behaviors that are semi-socially acceptable: drinking alcohol, TV watching, greater sexual exploits.”

• Conditioning. The challenges in men’s health are in part a byproduct of the rules set shortly after birth, Legato says: Suck up the pain, don’t be a wimp, show no weakness, and “man up.” Many men only seek medical Legato is convinced the vulnerability of depression can compromise counsel when under duress from a spouse or when their condition has men’s health in other ways, leading to increased instance of disease and greater male mortality from such conditions. It’s also a common deteriorated to a severe state. symptom of “andropause,” which is marked by a decrease of testosterone • Women are better at demanding help. “Women are able to logically ask in males that is similar, if less dramatic, than the effect of menopause in for help,” says Legato, who has long promoted the concept of gender- females. Indeed, males are also susceptible to the notorious hot flashes specific medicine. “They’re hardwired in the brain and very motivated.” that have often marked the change of life for women, albeit years later.

What Men Have To Do To Extend Their Lives In general, there’s a lack of awareness among men -- and even the medical community -- regarding the specific health needs of a male that could help prevent male deaths.

Below are the leading factors of death in men. Tackling these areas can help men make a significant difference in their health and improve their life expectancy: 1. Men need to really talk to the doctor. Leave embarrassment in the waiting room. Women are taught at an early age to be candid and open with their doctors. Symptoms that can be uncomfortable to talk about -such as erectile dysfunction -- can be tied to more serious ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. Men, despite cultural tradition, should also request breast checks.

“It’s a part of the body and should be examined,” Legato says.

Left untreated, depression can have catastrophic results.

Regarding suicide, Korman says that while women typically make more attempts, “men are much better at completing it.”

Men need to realize, Legato says, how destructive depression can be to their health and openly discuss their concerns with a doctor.

5. Men need to know their risk for coronary disease. Coronary disease, Legato says, “takes a toll on men in their prime and leaves families bereft.”

It’s imperative to sit down and assess the risks along with any predisposed genetic tendency and discuss these with a doctor. Have any relatives died of heart disease before the age of 60? What are your cholesterol levels? Have you experienced fainting episodes, loss of consciousness, or shortness of breath?

“We downplay this tremendously,” Legato says.

She encourages men to perform testicular self-exams in the way women Again, men aren’t genetically blessed compared to women in this area. are taught to check their breasts for irregularities. Although men may The female hormone estrogen provides women with a layer of protection cringe at getting a prostate check, they are far less uncomfortable than that men don’t naturally possess, asserts Legato. Men can begin experiencing the pain of cancer treatment. developing signs of coronary artery disease at the age of 35, Legato says, while women don’t present a risk of a heart attack similar to men until 2. Men need to monitor their testosterone levels. Beginning at age much later. Men with a family history of heart disease should alert their 30, testosterone begins to dip by 1% each year, says Legato. Lowered doctor and take proper precautions beginning in their 30s. testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in vitality, muscle mass, ability to perform prolonged exercise, memory, concentration, and libido. Not “It doesn’t have to be that way,” Legato says. “We should be turning a very only does this impair quality of life, it can contribute to depression, which critical eye on why coronary disease starts in the mid-30s.” can have a significant effect on male health, potentially increasing the risk

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February 2012

You Don’t Have To Die From Prostate Cancer

by John Raye

Perhaps nothing is more scary or terrifying than a diagnosis of cancer. A cancer diagnosis will test every nerve cell and fiber in your physical and mental body, including your faith, your courage and belief.

I was diagnosed, five years ago, and spent my birthday in the cancer ward of a Greensboro hospital.

At age 58, I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate.

At age 65, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was devastated!

kill everyone it attacks.

But having survived and thrived, really, from both ordeals, is a powerful indication that cancer does not

You don’t have to die from cancer, especially prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer but only 1 in 34 will die from it.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer of any group in the world, and are twice as likely as White men to die from it.

The causes of higher rates among Black men are largely unknown but major risk factors include (1) tobacco smoking (2) physical inactivity and obesity, (3) excessive alcohol intake and (4) diet and lifestyle.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of non-skin cancer in men, and is responsible for more deaths than any other form of cancer, except lung cancer.

At the same time, it is the most treatable and preventable of all cancers. Early detection is the key to survival.

This form of cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of a man’s prostate gland. This gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut that produces a fluid that is one of the components of semen.

Prostate disease is a subject that makes some men terribly uncomfortable; therefore it is one of the least talked about diseases. Also, you can no longer depend upon a PSA test for prostate cancer detection.

Researches now consider PSA tests, once the gold standard for prostate cancer detection, no longer accurate or reliable. But here are some symptoms that may prove helpful for early detection: 1. Difficulty urinating despite experiencing an urge to go 2. Weak or interrupted flow of urine 3. Frequent urination, especially at night 4. Difficulty emptying the bladder completely 5. Pain while urinating or upon ejaculation 6. Blood in the urine or semen 7. Pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away.

I am an advocate of annual screenings and early detection. Because of the high risk factor, Black men are advised to begin annual screenings at age 40 and up.

Instead of the now, non- reliable PSA test, I recommend the old reliable test— the (DRE) Digital Rectal Exam.

The DRE, which takes less than a minute to administer, is incredibly accurate, and highly reliable for prostate cancer detection. Since my successful diagnosis, I have become a consumer and ardent advocate of natural herbs and nutritional supplements, which can be found on this website, www.drjohnraye. myvitonomy.com. For optimum prostate health, I recommend daily use of the Protamate Advance and the Nopal Ultra, among others. Then too, a switch from a heavy meat-based diet to a plant-base diet will help restore and maintain optimum health.

Starting today, pay attention to your health, especially your prostate health.

One day, you’ll be glad you did! Just because you have been diagnosed with cancer, does not mean you have to die! Now, that is some real good news. So go forward, and celebrate life!

--John Raye, a 5-year cancer survivor, is a health-wellness coach. He lives in Kernersville, N.C. (336) 782-8383 or rayeandrosie@aol.com

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February 2012

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February 2012

Help Your Community Start A Charter School

By Hazel Mack

Have you ever been sick and tired of being sick and tired? Hazel Mack mother of 3 found herself frustrated with the traditional public school system. An educational setting that “believes that all children can achieve”… is what she desired for her children and others in her community. When North Carolina passed its first charter school law in 1996, Hazel Mack, Esq. made the call for parents in the Winston-Salem community and surrounding areas to meet her at the East Winston Library if they wanted to do something about the educational options available to their children. On a Saturday morning a standing room only crowd showed up. This was the beginning of the founding of the Carter G. Woodson Charter School. Since then, Hazel and the entire staff at Carter G. Woodson have worked tirelessly to help to ensure the success of their school. Fifteen years later, CGW instructs over 450 children K-12 and employees 53 people including teachers, teaching assistants, librarian, athletic director, administrative staff, maintenance and transportation specialist.

Charter schools are public schools that are managed by non profit organizations that have education of children as their purpose. These non profit organizations are granted licenses from the Department of Public Instructions pursuant to a charter school law that was first past in 1996. When the charter school law was initially past, it only allowed for 100 schools in the entire state of North Carolina. Recently, the North Carolina state legislature passed a new law that removed the 100 school cap and now allows for more charter schools. Hazel sees this as an opportunity to assist others who want to start schools and now, 15 years later, she is making another call. This time the call is for community leaders and organizations across the state who are concerned about the educational well being of our children to open schools and create the institutions we want for our children.

In Hazel’s recent email advertisement She wrote: Friends, There is a vacuum in our communities across our state when it comes to the education of too many children, especially children of color. This is an invitation for community leaders, community minded people and organizations to step forward and help to fill this vacuum. Charter schools offer one option that can help to fill some of the gaps. If you are interested in addressing the challenges that our children face, consider whether you or your organization should take on the challenge of educating our children by starting a school. I am sponsoring a four hour interest/orientation to charter schools. Come and determine whether this is an opportunity and challenge that you want to engage. Hazel

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February 2012

Tyler Perry tackles marriage with new sitcom

By Chris Witherspoon

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Michael Jai White plays Marcus, an ex-football player turned sports commentator. Tasha Smith stars as Marcus’s wife, the edgy and outspoken Angela.

Click here to view a slideshow of Tyler Perry’s big happy Hollywood ‘family’ Every show will leave viewers with life a changing message, which has become a standard of the Tyler Perry brands of television entertainment.

According to TBS, “Viewers will experience a fresh approach to the traditional sitcom format that will provide all the elements of wellcrafted storytelling and the raw intrigue of reality TV.” In a recent interview Smith described what viewers can expect to see from her character Angela in this new sitcom.

“They are going to see more of a balance of Angela. People will see her as a wife, entrepreneur and mother, as well as see her vulnerability and her trying to change and do what’s right,” Smith said.

Fans of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? films are in for a treat.

Tyler Perry has successfully launched two television shows for TBS: Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Meet the Browns. The national TBS’s newest sitcom, For Better Or For Worse, centers around two of premiere of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne on TBS in 2007 brought 5.9 Perry’s favorite characters, Marcus and Angela, from his big screen million viewers, and at the time was the cable channel’s biggest sitcom movies Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too?. audience ever.

For Better Or For Worse follows the ups and downs of a lovesick couple For Better or For Worse premieres tonight on TBS at 10/9C. Fans of trying to make their marriage work.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? films are in for a treat.

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Crime Never Takes A Vacation – What Intruders Don’t Want You To Know

by Alan S. Young

Nashville, TN – Our lagging economy has spurred a dramatic increase in burglaries and home invasions across the country, with agencies reporting an increase in 2010 after falling for a number of years.

What is especially troubling is that these crimes have increased in the suburbs and small towns – places where it rarely happened before.

“The numbers reflect what we have been hearing from listeners all over the country. The bad economy has caused an increase in crime and it is happening everywhere”, says home security expert, Alan Young.

Over the past three months, Young has conducted nearly 100 radio interviews, giving listeners tips on how not to become victims of a growing burglary and home invasion epidemic. Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, The Today Show, and The Discovery Channel, as well as numerous local news segments.

Young’s common sense approach to home security, which focuses on economical ways to keep from becoming a victim, has suddenly made him a very popular guest for radio show hosts. “It was really interesting to hear his common sense approach to security. I know that it made me think, especially the part about alarm systems… “ said Georgianne Kiricoples, host of the “Breaking Through” radio show.

According to Young, there are three keys to making sure that your home is secure. The first is simple, “Use some common sense. Don’t post vacation plans on Facebook and don’t post vacation photos while

still on vacation. Many burglaries are committed by someone you know or by someone connected to someone you know. Letting the world know that you’re not home is an easy way to become a target.”

can be purchased at Lowe’s, many ACE Hardware stores and online at www.armorconcepts.com. He also recommends upgrading your deadbolt to an ANSI certified Grade 1 lock. There are several models, including one from Schlage, that can be purchased The second key is to make your home a less attractive at many hardware stores. target than your neighbor’s home. Sounds crazy, but according to Young, “If you and your neighbor are “Security does not need to cost a lot, it just needs being chased by a dog, you don’t need to be faster to work. Anyone that tells you otherwise is taking than the dog, just your neighbor. Make your home a you for a ride. With a little common sense and a less attractive target and thieves will go somewhere little effort you can effectively secure your home,” else – unless you have something that they really concluded Young. Many other home security tips, want.” Steps to making your home less attractive along with recommendations for what to do after a to burglars include cutting shrubs and properly burglary, can be found at www.armorconcepts.com. lighting the inside and outside of your home.

Young was featured on Nashville news last year The third key is to secure the exterior of your when a couple in Murfreesboro, TN were victims home. “Most people think about home alarm of burglary and then avoided a repeat offense by systems as home security. An alarm simply tells taking Young’s advice. After being robbed, the you that someone is inside your house and police couple installed EZ Armor as kick-in prevention on response times are often greater than 20 minutes. their door. When the same burglar came back weeks A home alarm is the equivalent of having OnStar later and tried to kick in the same door, he made so in your car. Would you not buckle your seat belt much noise that the neighbors called the police and because OnStar will call the police after you have he was apprehended. an accident? Alarms are a good addition to your home’s security but 85% of all break-ins are through Alan S. Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC. Mr. a door. Secure your doors and you greatly increase Young and Armor Concepts have been featured on your likelihood of success against a burglar.”

The CBS Early Show, The Today Show, The Discovery Channel show “It Takes a Thief” and numerous For door security, Young recommends EZ Armor, local news segments. Armor Concepts’ Door Jamb an inexpensive kit that reinforces the jamb, locks Armor, EZ Armor and FIX-A-JAMB products are sold and hinges on an exterior entry door. The kit can be nationally through Lowe’s, ACE Hardware, Do-It-Best installed in about 30 minutes by a do-it-yourselfer and on their web site at www.armorconcepts.com. and is guaranteed to help prevent kick-ins. EZ Armor

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February 2012

Beauty Notes: Lessons From Jennifer Hudson

By BlackDoctor.org

Is it just us or is Jennifer Hudson getting even more gorgeous with each passing red carpet? The powerhouse vocalist and actress has multiple looks worth giving a second glance and we’ve highlighted a few fab tips to take from J-Hud. Do Wear a Cinched Waist J-Hud’s newfound “skinny” isn’t hard to outfit, but she makes it look even more fabulous by wearing fitted dresses that accentuate her smaller waistline.

nudes, rich corals and hot reds!

Don’t Be Afraid to Lavish Your Lips While everyone else is paying to get lips like these, don’t hide behind dull lip glosses with no pizzazz. Play with shimmering

Don’t Forget the Eyeliner The starlet’s MUA, Tia Danztler, knows how to play up her almond eyes by thinly rimming them with black eyeliner. “Eyeliner shapes the eyes and gives it definition. One reason we use it is because Jennifer has really thin lashes. The liner brings you to her eyes.”

Don’t Overdue It Play with silvery frosts and other shimmering eye shadows. Jennifer rarely wears extremely colorful shades. She sticks to colors that complement her face.

Do Freshen Your Face Makeup artist Tia Danztler keeps St. Ives Apricot Scrub in her kit whenever she travels with her clients, including J-Hud. Not only does it slough off dead skin in minutes, it also helps with achieving a smoother foundation. Dantzler uses a foundation brush and Beauty Blender sponges to ensure Jennifer’s foundation and powder goes on just right. Her final tip? “Keep your tools clean!”

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The Weight of Words: Eight Tips for Talking to Your Kids about Their Weight

by Dr. David Katz

Talking to your child about the dangers of living an unhealthy lifestyle and carrying excess weight can be difficult, to stay the least. Not only is this a sensitive topic, but your child may not want to hear what you have to say.

Dr. David Katz provides eight suggestions to keep in mind when broaching this topic.

Put the focus squarely on health and off weight.

Whether by default or by design, each family has a health and wellness “culture.” This includes the types of food that are kept in the house, how heavily physical activity is emphasized, what sleep patterns are encouraged, how much health information is available, and more. As a parent, you should emphasize each aspect of this health culture, not just your child’s weight. Remember, healthy weight follows good lifestyle behaviors, but good lifestyle behaviors typically don’t follow weight-loss diets.

Recognize that you spend too much time focusing on weight. Most people don’t realize how much they use weight as a yardstick to measure their overall quality of life as well as their worth. For example, how many times have you asked about a piece of clothing, “Does this make me look fat?”—with the understanding that if the answer is “yes,” you’ve somehow failed? That’s why, when broaching the subject of weight with your child (and in your own

life), it’s important to stop talking about weight— and even, to some extent, appearance—and emphasize other characteristics. For example, talk about how an unhealthy lifestyle influences your child’s self-esteem and thus demeanor, as well as how he expresses himself and the impression he makes on other people.

effective way to overcome resistance (or even cut the conversation short if things are getting heated) is to get a commitment to make just one change in the next week. That might be anything from drinking fewer sodas and more water to walking three days a week. Dr. Katz adds that focusing on one simple change a week seems manageable (as opposed to dropping 30 pounds, which is overwhelming), and Ask your child what would help. Yes, you’re the is a very constructive way to move the conversation authority figure in this relationship, but it can be forward without getting too bogged down. a mistake to assume that you know the best way to help your child become healthier. One of the Observe how your child (and the whole family) uses problems with giving support from a position of food. Your discussion will be better received and experience is that you tend to think that your child’s more effective if you are well informed, so before situation is the same as yours, and therefore, the instigating “the talk,” observe how your child uses things that worked for you will work for her. That’s food. For example, if you see that she eats in order to not necessarily the case. Instead, it’s always a great manage her emotions, you’ve gained an important idea to ask what your child thinks the best course piece of information about a very damaging habit. of action would be. This, Dr. Katz says, is a main The truth is, we aren’t always the best observers talking point when working with the families of of ourselves. So if you can determine whether MindStream students. or not your child is using food as a drug to avoid discomfort or as a stress manager, you’re one step Focus on change, even if you run into resistance. The closer to attacking the root of the problem. You can purpose of any discussion about losing weight and explain to your child that this underlying eating living a healthier lifestyle is to bring about change. “trigger,” not food itself, is what she’ll need to focus In other words, talking to your teen about his weight on managing. angst for an hour might have some value because it Don’t be judgmental. One thing is for sure: Nobody allows him to vent, but try not to leave the discussion is perfect. And another thing is also for sure: If you there. Try to take one step forward, too, even if your attack someone, he’ll stop listening to you. Taking child is resistant to change. According to Dr. Katz, an those two truths into account, Dr. Katz insists that [continued on page 18]

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February 2012

The AC Phoenix

Just The Black Keys: Religion & Ethics Weekly Wintley Phipps Interview

By KIM LAWTON

Pastor WINTLEY PHIPPS (singing at National Prayer for the project. One of his biggest benefactors is his longtime friend Oprah Service, Washington National Cathedral): “Amazing Winfrey. The lesson of faith, he says, is that things aren’t always as they seem Grace, how sweet the sound . . .” and that hardship can be overcome. In these uncertain economic times, he’s released a new music DVD called “No Need to Fear.” For Phipps, it ties back to KIM LAWTON: Grammy-nominated Gospel singer the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus.

Wintley Phipps is a familiar voice at big national events. At President Barack Obama’s National Prayer Pastor PHIPPS: To know that I can put my faith in someone who walked out Service following his Inauguration, Phipps’s rendition of a grave. The Easter message to me is a message of tremendous hope, and of “Amazing Grace” brought the entire National if we don’t have to fear death, what else is there that should cause us to fear?

Cathedral audience, including the new president and Nothing. first lady, to their feet. But he says it’s just as meaningful to him when he sings in places like prisons. (singing at Easter event): Arise my love. Arise my love. The grave no longer has a hold on you.

Pastor PHIPPS: There is a sense that you’re giving hope to people who really need it.

LAWTON: It’s a theme he finds throughout the old spirituals that he often performs.

LAWTON: For Phipps, who is also a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, music is a ministry and, he says, one of the deepest expressions of his Christian faith.

“A lot of people don’t realize that just about all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano.”

“I would dream that I was flying to faraway places in the world and meeting important people when I was six, seven years old”.

Pastor PHIPPS (singing): Swing low sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home ...

Pastor PHIPPS: Music is almost to me an echo of the sounds of the divine world.

And when you hear these sounds, it stirs something deeply spiritual within you. The Negro spiritual teaches us that you’re going come up rough sides of Music also is the most powerful way of impressing the human mind with hope. mountains, and you’re going to have difficulties. But faith gives you that ability to weather any storm.

LAWTON: Hope has been a hallmark not only of Phipps’s musical career, but in his charitable efforts as well. In 1998, Phipps founded the Dream Academy, a (singing): I looked over Jordan and what did I see? national nonprofit for at-risk kids. Born in Trinidad, he says hope was crucial in overcoming his own at-risk childhood.

LAWTON: It’s the core theme as well for the song that has become his signature, “Amazing Grace.” He finds great spiritual lessons in the history of the song.

Pastor PHIPPS: I was born to a troubled home, and I used to get away from my parents’ troubles — I had a little red tricycle, and I’d go in the back yard of Pastor PHIPPS: A lot of people don’t realize that just about all Negro spirituals are my house and I would turn the tricycle on its side and use one of the backside written on the black notes of the piano, and they just keep recurring. Probably wheels as a steering wheel, and I would sit there for hours, and I would dream the most famous white spiritual that’s built on this slave scale was written by a that I was flying to faraway places in the world and meeting important people man by the name of John Newton who, before he became a Christian, used to when I was six, seven years old. And then I wanted to be like Tom Jones. I’d go be the captain of a slave ship and many believe heard this melody that sounds around the house singing “It’s not unusual to be loved.” I just wanted to be Tom. very much like a West African sorrow chant (hums “Amazing Grace”). And it has But something was missing to me. a haunting, haunting plaintive quality to it that reaches past your arrogance, past your pride, and it speaks to that part of you that’s in bondage, and we feel LAWTON: Despite a difficult family life, Phipps says his mother always prayed for it. We feel it. It’s just one of the most amazing melodies in all of human history. him and told him that God had a special plan for his life. As a teenager, Phipps embraced her faith as his own. (performing “Amazing Grace” on stage): To sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen.

Pastor PHIPPS: At the age of 16, God walked into my life and said “I’ve seen your dreams. Give me your dreams, and I’ll let you see what I’ve been dreaming for LAWTON: Another lesson, he says, on how hope always triumphs. I’m Kim you.”

Lawton in Vero Beach, Florida.

LAWTON: He attended an historically black Seventh-day Adventist college in Alabama, where he met Linda, now his wife of 32 years. Then, Phipps says, God began providing opportunities for him to sing in national venues such as a 1984 appearance on “Saturday Night Live” with Jesse Jackson. He came to the attention of Billy Graham’s team and became a frequent performer at the evangelist’s crusades.

Pastor PHIPPS (singing in Washington): Talk about a child that do love Jesus.

LAWTON: Phipps also became a favorite in Washington. He’s sung for every president since Ronald Reagan.

Pastor PHIPPS: I’ve never had a manager or never had an agent, and yet some of the most wonderful moments that a singer could ever dream of have happened to me, and I believe it’s providential.

LAWTON: The idea for the Dream Academy came after he got involved with a prison ministry.

Pastor PHIPPS: I did not know that so many young men in prison looked like my sons, and when I saw it I was shaken. One of every three young black men in America between the ages of 18 and 30 are in prison today or supervised by the court system either on probation or parole.

LAWTON: Phipps then learned that 60 percent of the young people who end up in prison are the children of prisoners. He wanted to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. The Dream Academy offers after-school mentoring and interactive academic tutoring to children of prisoners and kids falling behind at school.

Pastor PHIPPS: One of the most exciting things that can ever happen in a child’s life is to know that “you mean God thinks about me, or God dreams about me and he’s got a dream for my life?” And when you catch a little glimpse of what that dream is, wow, it changes everything.

LAWTON: Phipps has enlisted the support of some of his famous connections

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February 2012

The AC Phoenix

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February 2012

The AC Phoenix

THE LAW OF INCREASE

Jimmy Graham--A True Baller

by John Raye

by Raynard Jackson “There is an inherent law of mind, that we increase whatever we praise. The whole of creation responds to praise” --Charles Filmore Are you happy with you life, thus far? Do you have what you really want out of life? If your answer is not a firm, “yes”, in this regard, then some changes are necessary. All of us have heard the expression; “when the praises go up, the blessings come down!” Right?

Now you tell me! When was the last time you praised someone, or praised some particular experience, situation or condition, and really meant it? I don’t mean false praise, or just saying something to or about someone because its, “politically correct”, or because it will make the person feel good about themselves.

Or feel good about you!

To be truly effective, all praise must be authentic. Such praise must be given with no hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Never solicit praise. Never give underserved praise. Never engage in false praise. Never praise merely to influence, persuade, or impress someone. Praise only that which deserves to be praised!

Above all, understand the power of praise; take heed to praise people for what they do, not just for what they say! There are times, you know, when lying tongues can be found behind some of those smiling faces.

Then too, it pays to remember grandmother’s sage advice; watch and listen as well as pray!

True praise is prayer made manifest. When is the last time you prayed or bestowed some well deserved praise upon someone or upon some situation? True praise functions much like a double-edged sword; it rewards both sender and receiver. This, however, is not always an easy thing to do.

Sometimes, some people are simply too stiff-necked or rebellious to praise anyone or anything, including themselves!

Jealousy and envy, even outright hatred, are perhaps the greatest barriers to genuine praise. Thus some people, perhaps out of fear, pride, ignorance or ego, are praise-resistant, even when it is much deserved.

Some folk just don’t feel right saying nice things or giving recognition or compliments to others.

We must grow past such foolishness.

Giving praise, especially deserved or earned, only enhances the giver. It takes nothing away. In fact, the more praise you give out, the better you will feel, and the sooner more good will start coming back to you.

For example, it’s hard to give a friendly smile and not watch one cascading right back to you! Watch what happens when you do a good deed without expecting anything in return!

If you are ready to change your life, if you want a better quality of life, start today by applying the Law of Increase as found in Robert Collier’s classic work, “Riches Within Your Reach.” Note a few highlights found in the Law of Increase chapter: *Whatever is praised and blessed, multiplies. Count your blessings and they will increase. If you are in need of supply, start now to praise every small piece of money that comes to you, blessing it as a symbol of God’s abundance and love. *If you are working for someone else and want a better job or more money, start by being thankful for what you have. Bless the work you are doing. Be thankful for every opportunity it gives you to acquire greater skill or ability to serve others. *Bless the money you earn, no matter how little it may be. Give your best, give it cheerfully, gladly, thankfully and you will be amazed how quickly the increase will come, not from your immediate boss, but from the Big Boss overall. *Few people realize the power of praise and blessing. Praise may be called the great liberator. Praise always magnifies. When we praise God and then look about us and praise his invisible presence in all that we see, we find that good is so magnified that much becomes evident that we originally fail to see. *If anyone could tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you. For it is certain that whatever calamity happens to you, if you thank and praise God for it, you turn it into a blessing... God’s thankful spirit turns all that it touches into blessings (William Law) *How can you increase your supply? By expanding what you have. And the way to expand is through love, through praise, and thanksgiving, through saluting the Divinity in it, and naming it Infinite and Abundant Supply.

That’s right, Jimmy Graham! Most of the public is only recently becoming aware of the story of Jimmy Graham. I find this very unfortunate, but true.

Jimmy Graham is a tight end for the New Orleans Saints football team.

As of this writing, he is the leading tight end in the N.F.L. in terms of receptions and touchdowns. But most importantly, he is proving to be a true “baller” in the game of life!

He was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. This 24 year old has scored big both on and off the field. Just imagine, at the age of 11, being put in a parent’s car and then being dropped off at an orphanage.

Well, unfortunately for Graham, he doesn’t have to imagine this—this was his life. Graham recounts the story of him being in the back seat of a van with his housemates from the orphanage and being beaten until his eyes were swollen shut. He called his mother and asked her to pick him up and she simply hung up the phone. Ouch!

After bouncing around from house to house, he was eventually taken into the home of his future adoptive mother, Becky Vinson during his high school years.

According to Graham, he and his biological mother are “slowly rebuilding a relationship, but it’s moving very slowly…I told her that I forgive her, but I won’t forget.”

Graham is a better man than I am. I am very impressed with the way he presents himself on TV. But, his attitude towards his mother goes to the type of character he has. Isn’t it a shame that more people are aware of Beyonce’s pregnancy than Graham’s story?

Graham, who now stands 6’6” and 260 pounds, earned a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Miami (commonly referred to as “The U”). He played football in his last year of school (along with four years of basketball).

He graduated in 2009 with a double major in marketing and management. He then enrolled in graduate school so he could play one year of football. During the 2010 NFL Draft, Graham was picked by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (95th overall pick). He was signed to a four year, $ 2.5 million contract.

There is a lot more to this story, but because of space constraints, there is not enough room to write about everything; but just Google his name and you can read all the details of this fascinating person.

So, the next time you hear or read a negative story about a professional athlete, just think about Michael Vick or Jimmy Graham.

Most professional athletes are good, upstanding citizens. Don’t allow the media to cloud your views because of a few bad apples. Jimmy Graham’s story makes you cry, makes you angry, and makes you joyful. You can’t help but cry when you think of the traumatic experience he suffered at the age of 11. You can’t help but be angry at how an adult and a mother could subject her own child to such a life altering situation. But, you can’t help but be joyful about how an 11 year old, traumatized kid could develop into such a wonderful, marvelous person!

This story is not about sports, it’s about life. We all have faced or will face our own traumatic situation(s) in our life. How we respond will determine the quality of our life. There are not many people who I really want to meet in life, but Jimmy Graham is definitely one. I want to know how he went from failing grades, to a basketball scholarship to a very prominent university (with a double major in marketing and management), finished in four years, then enrolled in graduate school so he could play one year of football, and then to excel on the professional level in football.

All this while overcoming the trauma of his youth.

Yes, I truly believe that when praises go up, blessings do indeed come down. I bear witness to the effectiveness of this law. It has worked for me. I know it will work for you also.

Jimmy Graham, your life is truly a touchdown. Whether you know it or not, you have already won the Super Bowl of life!

Just remember; whatsoever is blessed and praised, multiplies!

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/ government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle. com), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (www.freedomsjournal.net), and U.S. Africa Magazine (www. usafricaonline.com). (along with four years of basketball).

--John Raye, a health and wellness coach is a 5-year cancer survivor. He lives in Kernersville, NC (336) 782-8383 or rayeandrosie@aol.com “There is an inherent law of mind, that we increase whatever we praise. The whole of creation responds to praise” --Charles Filmore

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February 2012

Shuttlesworth: The Giant We Hardly Knew

It`s Our Time To Fight

[continued from page 1]

By Benjamin Todd Jealous

Tens of thousands of people rallied at our Stand for Freedom mobilization in New York City to stand up against the forces trying block the right to vote for millions.

It was a powerful way to kick off our campaign to protect our right to vote.

this video of the event.

The AC Phoenix

At the rally, I spoke before a massive crowd of people ready to stand up and fight for their rights as American citizens. Take a minute now to watch

www.stand4freedom.org/videohighlights There in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza—in the shadow of the United Nations— we heard about the stark realities facing millions of Americans. Dr. Brenda Williams spoke of how she spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars helping her patients combat the barriers to obtaining state-issued ID in South Carolina. Anthony Papa talked about how it felt to learn that he would be ineligible to vote under laws that target the formerly incarcerated. One by one the speakers painted a picture of a shrinking pool of Americans who will be able to vote in the years ahead.

If we don’t take action to stop this, no one will.

In moments like these, the NAACP has always risen to the challenge, winning and preserving the rights we enjoy. Today those rights are in danger again. In 38 states and counting, strict new voter ID laws, restrictions on early voting and Sunday voting, and racially motivated bans on ex-felons have either been passed or proposed.

December 10 was International Human Rights Day. There is no better moment to recommit ourselves to the work of those who came before us. It’s our turn to work to preserve civil rights for our children and for all future generations.

Watch the video from our Stand For Freedom Rally in New York City, and join our fight for voting rights today:

could be swatted out like a fly on your kitchen table, and where nothing would be said or done about it.

He was the hammer that hit the nail on the head, long before the nail had a head! He stood in abject defiance of one of the nations most vicious and feared segregationist groups--the Ku Klux Klan, the White Citizens Council, etc., and fought back with a vengeance bordering on unconditional rage.

By all accounts, Shutlesworth, who, at 89, crossed over into Paradise recently, should have been dead, a long time ago. The lynching of Black people, especially Black men, who dared to fight against rigid Jim Crow laws, was a common occurrence throughout the South.

When Birmingham, better known back in the day as ,”Bombingham”, because white racists in white sheets bombed, maimed and killed so many defendless Black people, Shuttlesworth put his life on the line. The fact that he could have been killed, beaten to death or shot dead at any hour of the day or night, didn’t stop his campaign for freedom and social justice.

He resolutely refused to bend, back down, back up, or even shut up, despite the enormous pressure and daily threats to his physical safety.

“He was fearless”, says John Lewis, another legendary icon of the civil rights movement.

Ben

“Shuttlesworth was beaten with chains, his home and church were bombed, and he lived under constant threats of violence and murder. But he never, ever lost faith in the power of love to overcome hate”, said Lewis, now a U. S. Congressman, representing Georgia’s 5th congressional district.

Benjamin Todd Jealous President & CEO NAACP

Said Lewis, “he was doggedly determined.

He never tried to shine. He just wanted to make a difference. And he did”.

www.stand4freedom.org/videohighlights Our successful rally in New York City was just the beginning. I look forward to standing for freedom with you in 2012 and beyond.

Yours in the struggle,

The Weight of Words [continued from page 12]

you should avoid blaming your child at all costs. The fact is, we live in a fat culture, and the majority of Americans are overweight—so in many ways, your child’s struggle isn’t his fault. However, it is his and your responsibility to do something about it. The focus should always be on how you can help your child move forward from here, expressed as lovingly as possible.

Shuttlesworth faced down fire hoses, police dogs, numerous arrests and death threats. Arrested, beaten and jailed nearly 50 times, he often came close to death, especially on a Christmas night in 1956 when six sticks of dynamited were detonated outside his home while he was asleep in bed.

The blast destroyed a section of his home.

Walk the walk. In the end, your example is the best way to change your child’s health But Shuttlesworth escaped serious injury, behaviors. Dr. Katz points out that teens in particular are sensitive to hypocrisy. So if you and soon resumed his hell-raising ways. aren’t ready to make any and all of the changes that you’re asking of your child, don’t “He marched into the jaws of death nearly instigate the weight discussion in the first place. If you can’t walk the walk, then your every day”, said former UN Ambassador, actions will simply be encouraging your children to continue with deadly habits that will Andrew Young, “an absolutely fearless have a major negative impact on their lives. man”.

And if you really can’t get through… Sometimes, despite their best efforts, parents just can’t get a positive response from their children. If this happens in your family, Dr. Katz is adamant that someone needs to have the weight discussion with your child. Getting professional help is always a good idea, but there may be siblings, other relatives, friends, or even teachers who might get a more receptive response. And if all else fails? Well, Dr. Katz insists, all else can’t be allowed to fail. Your child’s life is too important.

In 1957 when he tried to enroll his children in an all-white school, Klansman attacked him with bicycle chains and brass knuckles, beating him nearly unconscious.

But Shuttlesworth would not be denied.

Neither Alabama’s-arch segregationist governor George Wallace nor his public About Dr. David Katz: As one of the leading international authorities on nutrition, weight management, and safety commissioner Bull Corner would the prevention of chronic disease, Dr. David Katz is in the trenches of the war against stop him. He emerged victorious because, in the end, he outlived all of them including childhood obesity. many Klan members who tried to kill him.

Few people, it is often said, ever doubted his courage. Andrew Manis, the author who wrote the book, “A Fire You Can’t Put Out” based on Shuttlesworth life said, “he had no equal in terms of courage, he put his life on the line every day for what he believed in”.

Along with Dr. King and others, Shuttlesworth became the guiding light behind the King-led, but Shuttlesworthorganized, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, or SCLC. This crusading preacher never backed away from death, not even when the Klan bombed a Birmingham Black church which killed those four little Black girls as they were attending Sunday School. That tragedy which sparked worldwide protest demonstrations lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which , for the first time, gave Black people the legal right to register, vote and hold elective office.

In 1998, he came to Winston-Salem to preach at Emmanuel Baptist Church for the 15th Pastoral Anniversary of Dr John Mendez.

Mendez himself, long active in the movement for social justice and civil rights, said, “he will be remembered as a fearless and devoted leader who refused to give in, give out or give up when racism and injustice was an acceptable tendency across America”.

“We lost a great one, a real soldier”, he said.

Shuttlesworth stayed true to his calling by seeking neither fame nor fortune. In the then- rigidly segregated south, he stared death down daily for years, and like a strong man, “he just kept on a-coming”.

Three years ago, the city that once jailed, tortured and beat him, the same city that turned its police dogs and fire hoses on him, sprayed his house with bombs, bullets , reckless violence and all sorts of inhuman mayhem, named its major airport in his honor, BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport.

When President Abraham Lincoln took his last breath in the early morning hours of Aril 15, 1865, a tearful Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, uttered these immortal words, “Now, he belongs to the ages!”

Many who knew, marched or went to jail with “Black Moses”, would probably agree that Fred Shuttlesworth is righteously qualified to stand in that same rarified space.

For now, the old lion has roared for the last time. But the sounds he made, like the footprints he left behind, remains indelibly etched in the collective consciousness of a nation, his bold, daring and courageous actions helped changed forever.

John Raye, a national health and wellness coach led protests demonstrations in his native Louisiana during the civil rights era.

He lives in Kernersville, NC (336) 782-8383 or rayeandrosie@aol.com

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February 2012

The AC Phoenix

Your Health & Your Wealth: 3 Ways To Regain Control Of Both

Closing civil rights era cold cases could haunt black America

by BlackDoctor.org

By David A. Love

(BlackDoctor.org) -- Did you know that medical debt is the #1 cause of bankruptcy and homelessness in this country?

There are two major problems that we all face in life: health problems and financial problems, and ironically, they often go hand in hand.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they assume that it cost more money to eat healthy. On the surface this may appear to be true, but when you take into account the health impacts of eating ‘dead’ processed foods, the average family spends or wastes almost $13,000 a year to be sick.

The wasted expenses include food, beverages, eating out, doctor bills, missing work, OTC medications, prescription medications, hospital visits, surgeries, post-op care. If you’re diabetic that $13,000 a year can escalate to more than $20,000 a year. Now, that may not seem like a lot of money, but over a period of 20 years, the average diabetic may spend anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000 -- just to be diabetic!

Photo/Patrick Semansky)

In this Oct. 31, 2011 photo, Juanita Evangeline Moore reads a letter from the FBI in her living room Bowie, Md., stating that they closed an investigation into the murder of her father, Harry A. Moore, the NAACP’s first statewide executive secretary in Florida, and mother Harriette, who died after a bomb went off beneath their bedroom floor on Christmas Day 1951.

No one was charged for the crime. (AP

Health insurance may cushion some costs, but in the long run, even people with excellent healthcare will feel the pinch -- due to rising premium payments and reduced coverage for certain medications, surgeries, operations, post-op care, etc.

For the purposes of investigating these unsolved murders, the FBI and the Department of Justice joined forces to address “violations of criminal civil rights statutes...result[ing] in death” that “occurred not later than December 31, 1969.”

The two agencies formed a partnership with the NAACP, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the National Urban League. “We will do everything we can to close those cases and to close this dark chapter in our nation’s history,” said then-FBI Director Robert Mueller.

The Connection

That was then, but this is now. The feds are shutting down the Cold Case Initiative.

The first correlation to consider is that both health and wealth can be damaged by simply doing nothing. What happens when you neglect your health or your wealth? Let s say you spend your money with no regard for a budget or your income-level. One day you may wake up and realize that you’re deep in debt. Now, let’s apply that to health. What happens when you eat with no regard for the effects on your body? One day you may wake up and realize that you’re sick and overweight. The good news is that when you purposely begin to do the right things in either area, you’ll start to see short-term and long-term benefits.

Two years ago, the FBI made a final effort in the investigations, searching for the next of kin in 34 cases. In about two-thirds of the cases, FBI agents have told the next of kin that the government has gone as far as they could go with the investigation, but no dice. Time is the enemy of justice in these old crimes, with many of the suspects aging or deceased. And in a few cases, the government was unable to find any evidence of a racially motivated crime or any wrongdoing.

Here are some principles for improvement that apply to both health and wealth:

The passage of time might be a valid reason for the federal government to end the investigations, but is a legitimate reason to keep the program going. After all, one could reasonably argue that now is the most urgent time in a number of these cases, given that suspects who are still alive may not be around for long. This situation is akin to geriatric Nazi war criminals who were tried and convicted years after their crimes.

First, evaluate your current position. Regarding health, evaluate your current eating and exercise habits. What foods make up your diet? Are you exercising regularly? Are you overweight? Regarding wealth, evaluate your current spending habits. Are you spending more than you earn? Where are you spending your money? Are you in debt?

Second, educate yourself. Learn what it takes to be healthy from someone who is healthy or overcame a health issue. Learn what it takes to be wealthy from someone who has achieved wealth.

Third, develop a plan. In the area of health, set out a plan for stepping out of those bad eating and exercise habits. Some people call this plan a diet, but you could think of it as a health budget. A budget is a plan for purposely limiting some aspects of spending, or in this case eating, so you will have what you need or want for another area. For example, you could “pay yourself first” by eating a large raw-vegetable salad at lunch and dinner before eating any cooked food. This ensures that you re getting the most nutritious aspect of your meal first and limits the space available for less nutritious foods.

In the area of wealth, set out a plan for stepping out of those bad spending habits. Some people call this a budget, but you could think of it as a money diet. Debt is the the wealth equivalent of fat. When you find yourself overweight, it basically means you have been ingesting more calories than your body has been able to expend over a period of time.

Debt, especially credit card debt, is the result of spending more than you earn over time.

To “lose” debt, you must either spend less than you earn, increase your income, or both.

To “pay off” your fat, your caloric intake must be less than your body expends, you must increase your activity through exercise, or both.

Principles To Improve Both Once you’ve evaluated your position and set out your plan, begin to take the steps you’ve outlined. Don’t try to make all the changes overnight, but be consistent and be patient with yourself. For upgrading your health, you might first choose to add more fruits and vegetables and replace those junk-food snacks with fruit. After some success in this area, proceed to your next step, perhaps choosing an exercise activity that you enjoy and determining a timeslot that you can maintain. For your financial situation, you might begin by curbing those impulsive spending sprees and refusing to go into debt over an unnecessary purchase. Then, once you’ve evaluated each category of expenditure for potential money savings, you can proceed to take the steps you’ve found to reduce spending in those areas.

Next, ride the momentum and continue to step to higher levels. As you re consistent with the changes you’ve determined to make, you’ll find new freedom, which will motivate you to continue in your efforts. As your health improves, those tight clothes will loosen up and you’ll feel better. As your financial situation improves, you’ll begin to feel less financial stress and those debts will begin to disappear. You’ll find that you’re able to spend money on those smaller clothes you’ll need, now that, for example, your entertainment and debt budget categories aren’t consuming more than their fair shares of the cash.

Once you begin to gain control of your health and wealth, you should continue to revise your goals to reach higher levels. For your health, you could target new aspects of your eating habits, like sugar consumption, and begin to add weightlifting to your exercise routine. For your finances, you could begin to set up a contingency fund, start college funds for your children, and build your retirement investments.

Take time regularly to manage your health and your wealth. Once you develop good habits and self-control, maintenance will just be a matter of choosing to be a good steward in both areas.

For African-Americans, the stakes are high. Black people still suffer from wounds of the civil rights movement, and remember the reluctance of FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover to go after civil rights murders. Then there are real-life conspiracies such as COINTELPRO, Hoover’s effort to prevent the rise of a black messiah such as Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, and the 40-year Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment.

Despite these very real crimes committed by the government against black America, the federal government has also played a vital role as the line of defense against states’ rights. Federal troops enforced Reconstruction after the Civil War, and desegregation during the Civil Rights era. When states are unable to guarantee the civil rights of black folks, or simply refuse to do right by them, the federal government steps in to make it right, or so the story goes.

But what do black people do when they feel as if their government is abandoning them, or at least not going the extra mile for the grievous wrongs perpetrated against them? As the United States continues to chase down Muslim terror suspects with Arab names halfway around the world, why can’t they locate a white domestic homegrown terrorist who never left the state of Alabama? Why can’t they go after Luther Steverson, the 84-year old undisputed killer of Joseph Robert McNair, a black father of six, gunned down in Mississippi 46 years ago?

Sadly, these are questions that remain unanswered. But one thing is for sure. Time’s a wasting, and still no justice.

Page 20

February 2012

The AC Phoenix

How Stress Makes Us Fat

by Dr. Schwartz A recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology looked at data on 1,355 men and women who had their weight and stress levels measured in 1995 and again in 2004.

The findings showed that those who were overweight and obese packed on the pounds even more as time went by and stressors continued and increased.

Those who were thin, stayed thin, and according to the lead author Jason Block on faculty at Harvard, “The stress effect didn’t appear to impact normal-weight people, just those who were overweight and obese from the beginning of the study.”

The results of this study may be true, but as Americans are getting fatter and sicker, we are faced with more problems than ever before.

We are suffering ever-growing rates of obesity and worsening health caused by weight problems. Stress is a leading cause of this modern-day epidemic — brought about by our frenetic lifestyles or financial worries from the economic recession.

downward spiral.

The best way to deal with problems from my perspective of 30plus years of practicing medicine and experiencing stress first hand is to understand the causes of the problem. So here is a primer on how stress affects our body and soul: 1. Metabolism — Stress stimulates the production of the hormone cortisol, which slows down metabolic function.

Normal, healthy metabolism helps us digest and process foods, and detoxify our system of them, while absorbing the nutrients we need.

2. Blood-sugar levels and insulin — Stress causes insulin levels to fluctuate wildly and blood-sugar levels follow. When insulin levels are high and sugar levels are low, we crave foods — fatty, salty, and sugary ones in particular.

3. Cravings — Our desire to eat junk is directly connected to hormone levels and chronic stress worsens the problem. When stress is the core issue, people do not run for vegetables and fruit; they hit the chips, fast food, and junk.

Stress comes in two varieties: Acute stress is when you are running to catch a plane, your work is past deadline, the kids are calling for help, and you feel like the world is crashing down on your little shoulders.

Chronic stress is what we live with every day without any hope of it loosening its grip on us.

Doctors and scientists analyze the metabolic and hormonal basis for our stress reactions. Nutritionists, exercise experts, and other clinicians help us deal with its undesirable effects.

One thing that doesn’t work is being told that the problem is in our head and that if we watch our diet we will lose weight.

Another thing that doesn’t work is doctors discarding the problem and recommending a blood test at some point in our

4. Fat storage especially around the belly and hips — When you are stressed, you eat junk which accumulates in fatty deposits around the waist and abdomen. As women age the middle section of the body becomes heavier — an aesthetically displeasing sight with dangerous health consequences: higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.

5. Emotional Eating — Stress and increased levels of cortisol plunge us into a cycle of eating badly, drinking too much caffeine and alcohol, not exercising, and being unable to sleep.

But there is always a way to take control of our lives. If you let stress make you fat and sick when things improve, and they always do, you won’t be able to enjoy the upside of life. Here are some ways to beat stress and feel better:

1. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to friends, family, and others who are truly doing well and who have positive recommendations and set a healthy example.

2. Stay away from critical and negative people. Pay attention and you will figure out who is good for your health and who isn’t. Sarcasm is always a negative.

3. Exercise. Unless you find that you feel worse after exercising, which is usually a sign of illness, start a serious, daily, little-atfirst, build-as-you-go program. You will feel better and crave more exercise not junk food.

4. Relax. When I hear someone saying, relax, I immediately tighten up. The best way to relax is to focus on beautiful times and places. Imagine a place and time when things worked well for you. Stay with that thought for a while and see how quickly you really relax.

5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is the key ingredient to feeling better and losing weight. During sleep, hormones are made that help your entire system renew and strengthen. Get eight hours of sleep a night and watch the weight drop.

6. Balance your hormones. If you are over 40, male or female, your hormones need help. Menopause and low thyroid are major contributing factors to our inability to deal with stress.

Find an experienced doctor who knows about hormones and listens to you. Take bioidentical hormones if you need them, get your thyroid treated, take the right supplements to support your immune system and hormones, and watch how quickly you shed stress and lose weight.

7. Do not focus on diet alone. When trying to lose weight, incorporate all of the above into a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management program.

Read more: How Stress Makes Us Fat Important: At Risk For A Heart Attack? Find Out Now.

Roland Martin Is Not GLAAD

by Raynard Jackson I originally had absolutely no intention of writing about the recent flap surrounding TV personality Roland Martin, but because of the unfair treatment he has received; and his seeming inability to defend himself, I feel compelled to speak out.

Martin is a syndicated newspaper columnist, a political analyst for CNN, and host of his own TV show on TV One. During last Sunday’s Super Bowl, he tweeted: “Ain’t no real bruhs going to H&M to buy some damn David Beckham underwear! ..If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the sh@t out of him! ” and “I bet soccer fan Piers Morgan will be in line at H&M in the morning to get his hands on David Beckham’s underwear line! LOL.” This was in reference to a TV ad with soccer star David Beckham shown wearing nothing but his underwear. But, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (better known as GLAAD) had to rear its ugly head and do what they do best—defame others!

According to GLAAD’s website, their mission, in part is:…”promotes understanding, increases acceptance and advance equality.”

Allow me to interpret what they mean. They want to promote understanding as long as they agree with your viewpoint; increase acceptance of their lifestyle; and advance equality that provides them a “special” legal status before the law!

GLAAD’s knee-jerk response to anyone who is a public figure that says anything that they disagree with is to call on that person to be fired; and then request that person meet with them.

Why would anyone that you made lose their job be interested in meeting with you?

But doesn’t that go against their very mission—“to promote understanding?” Isn’t it more logical to call for a meeting with a person before you demand that their employer fire them? Shouldn’t you dialogue with a person before you start questioning their motives and intensions, if your true goal is to “advance understanding?

In the immortal words of semanticist, S.I. Hayakawa, “meanings are in people, not in words.”

In short, words have no intrinsic meaning other than meanings that are internalized by each individual. For example, if I walked up to a female and told her that her dress was “stupid,” she would be either flattered or insulted. If she understood the language of Hip-Hop, she would be flattered; if she didn’t, then she would be insulted. “Meanings are in people, not in words.”

Just as disturbing as GLAAD’s demand for Martin’s firing was CNN’s suspension of Martin

indefinitely. According to CNN, “Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive. Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated.

We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”

But most disturbing is the loud silence from within the Black community, I know first hand that many of the so-called Black “leadership” were quick to call Roland to get on his TV show or to get him to write a supportive newspaper column about one of their causes. But, now that he is in trouble not one voice is to be heard supporting him. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Ben Jealous, Marc Morial, the Congressional Black Caucus—your silence is so loud! They have allowed a few vociferous people to tar and feather one of their own. This is the real tragedy of this whole incident. I am totally embarrassed by the lack of courage from these Black “leaders.”

Roland, you are now learning who your real friends are and they are not as many as you thought.

I am totally disappointed that you even issued an apology (but we all know that CNN forced your hand on that). Do you really need the money from CNN that bad that you are willing to back away from your own innocent words? If you do, I understand. I don’t like it, but I understand.

Just a side note here; why is it that GLAAD called on CNN to fire Martin, but did not make the same request from TV One, the network he has his own show on. Could it be that since TV One is a Black owned network, that somehow it is not viewed as having any value? Just a question!

Roland, remember these are the same Blacks who said absolutely nothing when Jim Clyburn was forced out of the House leadership to make room for Steny Hoyer. Again, the people he and you helped the most, said the least when you needed support.

Gays don’t deserve special protection because of their sexual preference, but they do deserve equal protection because of their humanity. GLAAD talks about promoting understanding and equality and at the same time set out to destroy any public figure who disagrees with them.

Roland has never done this!

I have sometimes criticized Roland for some of his liberal positions on issues, but he is a very decent person and has worked for years to bring equality to those whose voices many times go unnoticed. There are two things for sure; I am not happy and Roland Martin is not GLAAD. Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/ government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle. com), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (www.freedomsjournal.net), and U.S. Africa Magazine (www. usafricaonline.com).

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Passionate About Health: 10 Celebrities Making A Difference

by BlackDoctor.org

(BlackDoctor.org) -- When most people think about celebrities, images of too much money, fancy cars, even fancier homes, and people who are, pretty much, exclusively dedicated to only themselves.

Of course, this is not always the case. Many celebrities, in fact, are well-known champions of various causes, charities and organizations, and use their money and status to try and help make the lives of others, and even the environment, better.

Here are 10 top celebrities, and who are doing what they can to help make us all a little healthier...

Magic Johnson - HIV/AIDS Since its inception in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has worked to positively change the face of urban, minority communities. Programs and services are dedicated to harvesting an affirmative affect on community revitalization by eliminating negative cultural barriers; advancing economic and social equality by engaging minorities in every aspect of their communities; increasing academic and innovative achievement; raising HIV/AIDS awareness, treatment and prevention; the creation of positive emerging leaders; and promoting collaboration and alliance among all sectors of the community (businesses, educational institutions, legislative, community and faith-based organizations, and policymakers).

Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker - Spina Bifida The Sophie’s Voice Foundation was founded in 2008 by actors Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker in honor of their daughter Sophie who was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth. The news hit hard, but through consulting with various specialists and by educating themselves they found a way to address their daughter’s needs and provide her with the best care and treatment available today. Their organization supports family outreach programs, prenatal education and surgical studies for children and adults with spina bifida.

Alicia Keys – Childhood AIDS

Akon – Malaria Founded by R&B artist Aliaune “Akon” Thiam and Ms. Kine Gueye Thiam in 2007, the Konfidence Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth in Senegal, West Africa and the United States by promoting health and education, and supporting impoverished families.

Akon and Ms. Kine’s hopes their concentrated efforts in Senegal and the United States will serve as an international platform to unite these two great nations and help build the Africa of tomorrow.

The Konfidence Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Dakar, Senegal.

Star Jones – Heart Disease Star Jones, attorney, television personality, former prosecutor, political insider, philanthropist, best selling author and lecturer, has added heart health advocate to her impressive list of credentials.

In March 2010, Star underwent successful open heart surgery to correct a genetic abnormality and repair her aortic valve. After undertaking an intense 3-month cardiac rehabilitation program, Star returned to her regular schedule of activities…with a new lease on life and a dedication to making heart health her philanthropic focus.

Holley Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete – Austism Inspired by a father and a son, HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1997 by actress, author and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete and her husband former NFL great Rodney Peete. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with Autism and Parkinson’s disease. Efforts of the HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life for individuals and their families.

Keep a Child Alive Foundation is dedicated to providing life-saving AIDS treatment, care, nutrition, support services and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS.

Tony Rock – Diabetes Anthony Anderson – Alzheimer’s Disease Anthony Anderson, in honor of a friend, recently became an Alzheimer’s Champion for the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The organization works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Rock launched The MyROCK Foundation which is charity organization to build awareness and prevention of diabetes among African Americans, and he understands the significant impact of this disease - his father passed away from the complications from this disease when Rock was younger.

Montel Williams - Multiple Sclerosis Tisha Campbell Martin – Austism Tisha Campbell-Martin explores the overlooked world of autism, in particular in the Black community, in a ground-breaking documentary. The Colored My Mind Global Documentary chronicles five women who are taking on the system to protect their families, and families that cannot protect themselves.

The Montel Williams MS Foundation is dedicated to furthering the scientific study of multiple sclerosis.

Its goals are to provide financial assistance to select organizations and institutions conducting the most current research, to increase allocations for research from the federal government and to raise national awareness about MS. The Foundation contributes 100% of funds from individuals to research.

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February 2012

Unsung Heroes: DuBois. King. Parks. Aaron.

by Benjamin Todd Jealous

We know the names of these African American heroes and many others by heart. Their legacies are synonymous with our centuries-long struggle for civil rights and social justice.

But while America lauds the achievements of these inspiring historical figures, recognition, acclaim and fanfare too often elude those within our communities whose names aren’t quite so familiar, but whose impact is just as vital.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the full range of achievements African-Americans have contributed to our nation -- not just those whose names have been inscribed in our history books. That’s why this year we’re continuing our new tradition of celebrating the unsung heroes of black history.

Who’s your unsung hero? Nominate him/her now for our 2012 Black History Month Unsung Heroes campaign: http://action.naacp.org/Unsung-Heroes Last February, we received hundreds of great nominations. We heard about community leaders like John Brown Erwin, who mentored students from North Carolina A&T State University during the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, professionals like Michael Coard, a pro bono attorney who in 2010 helped secure the creation of the first slavery memorial on federal property, and athletes like Major Taylor, a cyclist who became the first African American athlete to be named world champion and the highest paid athlete - black or white - of his generation.

Each of their stories moved me, as did their unyielding desire to make the world a better place. Their achievements inspire me, and serve as timeless examples of the need to celebrate our unsung heroes.

This is your time to recognize the teachers who ingrain Banneker and Bethune into the hearts and minds of the next generation, the civic activists who evoke Truth and Evers in their fights for civil rights, or the youth leaders who channel Poitier and Fitzgerald to help our children reach for the stars.

We are lucky to have people who go above and beyond what is asked of them in communities all over our great country, and it is an honor to recognize them for the important work they do to make tomorrow a little brighter.

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