It’s Time To Wake-Up

It’s been nearly four hundred years since that fateful day in the year of our Lord 1619, when people from Africa were first dragged onto the American shores. People of African descent have been chastised, criticized, punished, beaten, robbed, and murdered from that day to this. Today, even when we have ascended to the White House there are those who castigate much vial abuse upon this uniquely qualified man of African heritage who lives in what they view as their house. To that end, the same people by extension view all of us as the Constitutions categorized us - as three/forth’s human. 

All while the culprits, people of little conscience have enjoyed wealth and prosperity as a result of our never ending patriotism. When I think about America’s enormous wealth and power derived from its tremendous control of the resources and “the least of thee”. I think about the sacrifices our families and forefathers’ made to make all of this possible. It was our labor that built this country and we are responsible in large part for the great wealth and power America possesses. We are a unique people, a forgiving people, a steadfast people, and a brave people unlike any known to man-kind.

Upon our backs, laden with the stripes of punishment for what they believed was for discipline and in spite of our loyalty, diligence and tenacity - we loved America. Even when America refused to allow us to even walk in the shadows, we followed, believing that someday we would come to be accepted and treated like men and women. We have looked out for this country for hundreds of years and still doing today; it’s simply amazing.

Our history is one of unbelievable struggle. We’ve been brave on the battlefield, despite being classified as second class citizens but in every conflict we went beyond the call of duty. Our strength in the face of adversity is vastly understated. Let me add something her: we’ve lived under an Apartheid like system, which is what James Crow offered. We have raised America’s children, attended to its sick, and prepared their meals while those forefathers were occupied with the trappings of the good life. This is to include the times when they found pleasure in our women and enjoyment in seeing our men lynched, maimed and burned. Yet, we continued to watch over America’s soul.

We labored in the hot sun from “Cain’t to Cain’t”, that’s can’t see to can’t see, to assist in realizing the dream of wealth, good fortune, and making America great. Those same people of little conscience have controlled at least 90 percent of all the resources and wealth from the beginning and we were there from the beginning; and we are still here today. Ironically, these folks of ill repute continue to protect the system, or try, from those Black people who have the temerity to speak out against America’s past transgressions and they do this by using us.

It was us who warned about Denmark-Vessey, told them about Gabriel Prosser's plans, called their attention to Nat Turner, Malcolm, and Martin. It was us sounded the alarm when old John Brown came calling on Harper's Ferry and there are still some people of color sounding the same warnings to those people like today’s bigots – the Republicans. Black Nationalism has died and as result our community brings 95 percent of what it earns to businesses owned by others and keeps little for themselves. We purchase things like Hilfigers, Karans, Nikes, and all of the other brands that have nothing to do with our survival through our patronage.

After all, in the past, the brands and scares placed upon us were worn quite painfully, but those of today can be proudly worn because they give a false sense of self-esteem. Our community’s super-rich; athletes, entertainers, intellectuals, and business persons, both legal and illegal, exchange most of their money for cars, jewelry, homes, and clothing.

The less fortunate among us spend all they have at neighborhood stores, enabling them to open even more stores; simply put we will allow anyone to open a business and patronize it in our communities. Some say we, as a people, are successful today but I shake my head and say really! I am going to take a guess that there is at best a thousand wealthy blacks. To which certain people may say great. Let me remind them that there are about 40,000,000 of us here!

Wake up people, you know what happens when you began to build your own communities and do business with one another – you’re destroyed and put out of business. Couple that with the fact that, we do not support each other, which is the results from our not doing business with each other and just keep doing business with the larger community or in fact any other community. So how can we move forward!

Sure, we dance, sing, fight, get high, go to prison, back bite, envy, and hate one another; and even kill each other for virtually nothing! Oh, less not forget we pray a lot too. We resisted the messages of trouble-making Blacks like Washington, Delaney, Garvey, Bethune, Tubman and Truth, for fighting and dying on the battlefield for us. Yet, most have forgotten their names and hardly ever considered their sacrifice due to a lack of reciprocity and equity.

This includes our acquiescence to political agendas, abdicating our own economic self-sufficiency, and working so diligently for the economic well-being of other people. Even though the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments were written and many died for the rights described therein. We did not resist, at all, when they changed Black rights to civil rights and allowed virtually every other group to take advantage of them as well, which was just another way to divide and conquer.

After all these years and the enormous sacrifices this goes beyond the imagination, irrespective of the many promises that have been made and broken. A lass, don’t worry, when you die you will find a place where there is a mansion waiting for you with streets paved with gold. 

Finally, we went beyond the pale and allowed our children to be turned over to the American educational system. With what is being taught to them, it's likely they will continue in a mode similar to the one we have followed to date. I wonder if Mr. Lynch, when he walked the banks of the James River in 1712, realized the truth in his prediction when he said, “What I offer you will make African’s slaves for 300 years, maybe even a thousand”. Guess what, it has been exactly three hundred years. Let’s not let the other half of his prediction come to fruition.

When you continue to do what you’ve always done; you will get what you always got. Don’t you think it’s time that we have cried our last tear! Wake up and free your mind and your ass will follow! And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

Talk About Hypocrisy

John McCain and Lindsey Graham are on a mission and vocally obsessed leading the charge against U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, claiming that she is unfit to be Secretary of State because of her misstatements on Benghazi. It seems to me that me who may have any intelligence would know one thing for certain and that is with the advent of technology – we now have video!

Take a look at what Jon Stewart clipped together reminding these two senators have said and you will see they have any ground to stand on when it comes to judging Rice in the Benghazi matter. In the clip, Stewart not only calls out McCain and Graham for their own misstatements, with arguably greater consequences, but also highlights their hypocrisy on Rice herself, having both previously defended a diplomat in a curiously similar situation. 

I have heard it said that an elephant never forgets and we know that is the GOP image, but damn! How soon they forget, which means these guys are just singing the same song and it is to say and do anything to retard the successful progress of our historic, and dare I say great president. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Throughout our existence in this place the slaves called “merica”. Where have had many dynamic heroines, dare I say, none were more profound that Sojourner Truth. A woman who’s exact date of birth was not recorded. What we do know is in the year 1797, among Dutch immigrants in the region now known as Ulster County, New York, an African child was born on the estate of Colonel Johannes Hardenbergh.

One of 13 children born to Elizabeth and James Baumfree, she was given the name Isabella Baumfree. As the story goes, this name gave her no hint of her mission; years later she renamed herself Sojourner Truth. Her life was a testament to this mission as a truth-teller. In 1851, Sojourner Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech before the Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio. Several ministers were in attendance. Truth rose from her seat and spoke the following words before the audience:

“Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the White men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman?

Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.”

She underwent a number of transfers between slave-owners and suffered what she described as cruelties that one dare not imagine against a young African girl child enslaved in America. It is said that while living in the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagenens, Truth had a life-changing religious experience. She started to speak in public assemblies. She became known as a gifted preacher. She joined the Progressive Friends, an organization established by the Quakers, which pressed forward the cause of abolishing slavery throughout America.

“In 1864, she worked among freed slaves at a government refugee camp on an island in Virginia and was employed by the National Freedman’s Relief Association in Washington, D.C.,” according to Women in History: Living vignettes of notable women from U.S. history. “In 1863, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s article “The Libyan Sibyl” appeared in the Atlantic Monthly; a romanticized description of Sojourner.”

At the end of the Civil War, Truth worked on behalf of the Freedman’s Hospital in Washington through the Freedman’s Relief Association. In 1867, she moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. While unsuccessful in her efforts, for several years she lobbied the U.S. federal government for land in the Western states for former enslaved Africans. Illness began to reduce her speaking tours. In 1879, she spent a year in Kansas City to help settling African migrants she called “Exodusters”. In addition to racial and gender equality issues, Truth campaigned against capital punishment and called for temperance.

On November 26, 1883, Sojourner Truth was surrounded by her family at her death bed. She was 86 years old when she died surrounded by her family in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, next to her grandson’s gravesite. More than 200 years later, her legacy as a truth-keeper continues to ignite the imagination of the new nation for which she found herself in service. Sojourner Truth lived during times of great change.

First Lady Michelle Obama said of her at the April 28, 2009 commemorative ceremony unveiling the Sojourner Truth bronze bust. “I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the first lady of the United States of America. Now many young boys and girls, like my own daughters, will come to Emancipation Hall and see the face of a woman who looks like them.”

This is a shoot-out to the ghost and spirit of one of the greatest women to live. And that is my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

"Legacy - A New Season"

John T. Wills announces that the long awaited sequel to the epic novel “Just a Season” continues with "Legacy - A New Season" is now available. It is the continuation, yet a standalone story, that will take you on an awe inspiring journey through the African American Diaspora. Give this must read gift of empowerment and knowledge this holiday season.

PRELUDE 

If you were to reexamine the time in which you've lived, you will come to know that the reason we live is to die. The question then becomes what happens between the years of one’s birth and death. This is without question a quandary that each of us will face. In the novel “Just a Season”, I referred to this specific period of earthly existence as the dash that will be placed on our final marker between the beginning and end dates of life’s journey. This period of time can only be characterized as a journey because this tiny little dash represents the whole of your life.

It’s been said, there are no words that have not been spoken and there are no stories that have never been told, but there are some you will not forget.  Just a Season is that story. It chronicles what has been called a contemporary “Roots” with a reviewer saying “this is the stuff movies are made of... I have not read anything that so succinctly chronicles an African American story.” Another reviewer said, “Not since The Color Purple have I read a book that evoked such emotions… transports the reader directly into the life and struggles of the main characters...”

I am honored to have been chosen to channel such an epic saga to the world. With that said, I am reminded of a powerful statement once made during a sermon by my childhood pastor - Reverend Cole. He said, “Unless and until you suffer enough pain, then and only then, will you reach deep inside and feel the breath that God has breathed into your soul coming eye to eye with your destiny”.  I’ve pondered that profound statement my entire life and it continues to deeply impact my life.

It could very well be because I’ve lost my son that I have come to embrace this message so profoundly. There have been a number of reflections from those early days at Friendly Church that continue to touch my spirit. Specifically: “Why Jesus wept?” As the story goes, Jesus was so moved as he witnessed the pain of Mary and Martha weeping for the loss of his dear friend, Lazarus, that he also wept. Today, I understand that emotion because I have felt such pain. This might explain why I was chosen as the vehicle to share such a powerful story that will surely live far beyond the season I’ve been given.

Just a Season is a historical narrative that begins with a grief-stricken father visiting the grave-site of his beloved son who was killed in a tragic automobile accident - a dreadful moment no loving parent should ever have to face. The main character, John Wells, asks himself a philosophical question as he views his late son’s final marker. “If the tiny dash placed on my marker were to tell my life’s story, what would it say?”

What emerged from the pages is a legacy of true benevolence and grace that I believe is destined to be become a literary classic. This luminous story is a riveting portrait into the life of an African-American man who, in the midst of pain and loss, journeys back in time to reexamine all the important people, events, circumstances, and intellectual fervor that contributed to the richness of his life. Moreover, the main character relives all of the significant events affecting the African-American Diaspora, over a fifty-year period, providing a perspective of reality to the unfolding history.

As the story ends, like in the blink of an eye, John reflects upon his life’s journey realizing the irony that we come into the world crying while all around us are smiling.  Then, we leave the world smiling while everybody around us weeps. This thought causes him to recall another powerful sermon Reverend Cole gave explaining this phenomenon in the simplest of terms. The Good Reverend said, “This period of existence we call life in the final analysis is Just a Season.”  Then with a deep sigh realizing that the story must end, as stories do, he leaves the cemetery slowly walking past his loved ones resting for eternity; pausing briefly to look back in the direction of his son’s resting place and says, “I will always love you.”

As he nears the crest of the hill walking into the abyss of time, he pauses at his grandfather’s resting place, seemingly unable to take the next step. With tears flowing down his face, he gently touches the headstone of his grandfather and quietly asks him “to look after my son”.  At that moment, he fondly recalls the last thing his grandfather said; “life is not just a race you run. It is a relay. It is now your responsibility to pass the baton.” Somehow, John finds the strength to look toward the heavens saying softly that “I have to be Granddaddy now. I just hope my grandson will love me as much as I loved you. More importantly, I must make sure that he tells his grandchildren about me.”

It’s been several years since this epiphany led me to tell the story of this man’s epic journey.  Many have wondered if it was a true story, miracle, a blessing or, simply a fairy tale. I will only say that “Just a Season” is a must-read story that reflects the audacity of hope, pain, and struggle of a people. It will most assuredly touch every emotion as you travel through time, as you relive a life through the eyes of an African-American man living in America the Diaspora.

In the end, John sorrowfully leaves the cemetery at Friendly Church that day feeling as if God has forsaken him. But his conviction is strong in faith and he knows that faith is the instrument to believe true what is not seen. With all the strength within, he refuses to drown in his tears; rather he is committed to swim in his blessings knowing that God has not forsaken him because the wonders of life spoke loudly.  Blessed are those who believe and have not seen which is tomorrow and tomorrow holds his “Legacy and A New Season”…

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

In The Spotlight Author Toi Moore

It gives me great pleasure to welcome esteemed Author Toi Moore – “Dubbed the Celebrity Author” - to the John T. Wills Book Tree Radio’s “In The Spotlight”; Wednesday, November 28^th at 8:30 PM (est). Author Toi Moore is back with another blockbuster book - “HOW TO GET BILL COLLECTORS OFF YOUR ASSets!” A book that helps readers with ways on DEBT SURVIVAL. She is also a nationally syndicated author of newspapers and magazines such as Billboard and Upscale who has over 350 bylines to her name.

Toi has also written five other books which include "Not Quite Good Enough", an Erotic Comedy; the celebrity endorsed book, "Unbreakable, A Guide to Understanding Marriage and Relationships" which focuses on the 20 plus years of being married to her professional guitarist husband Greg "G. Moe" Moore; "Mind Games", a mystery thriller; "Momma Please Forgive Me", a fictional story reflecting domestic violence; and How to Self Publish on a Shoestring Budget In 10 Easy Steps, which is an instructional booklet that encourages readers to follow their dreams of seeing their names on a published book.

She is called the celebrity author because of her work with several well known celebrities, entertainers, and VIP's such as: OPRAH WINFREY; musical legends EARTH, WIND & FIRE; Presidential Candidate HERMAN CAIN; Boxer LAILA ALI; singer JAMES INGRAM; actress VIVICA A. FOX; Boxer SUGAR SHANE MOSELY; Radio personality SHIRLEY STRAWBERRY; Motown song writer LAMONT (Holland, Dozier, Holland) DOZIER; Nasa Officials, Former Los Angeles Chief of Police BERNARD PARKS; Fubu clothing designer, founder/CEO & television show 'Shark Tank' co-host and cast-member, DAYMOND JOHN; Founder of Operation Hope JOHN "HOPE" BRYANT; Jazz Saxophonist BONEY JAMES; and singer JAHEIM to name a small few.

Call in and welcome this amazing author at 718-506-1699.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/johntwills

Slideshow: http://www.toimoore.com/photos.php

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

Najee Ali “Q&A”

In his newly published memoir, “Raising Hell,” Najee Ali takes readers inside the eventful life of a controversial figure — one whose journey from fearsome gang member to one of Los Angeles’ most recognized civil rights figures has played out largely in public. He recently sat down for a conversation about the book, some of the powerful forces he has confronted and how personal challenges have informed his life as an activist.

Why did you decide to write a memoir?

I wanted to chronicle the important events that have transpired not just in South Central L.A., but also nationally. Over the last 20 years, I have worked with, or for, nationally celebrated figures that include President Barack Obama, Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the late Michael Jackson. “Raising Hell” gives an insider perspective into what those experiences were like. And also, I wanted to reflect upon the tragic murders of Latasha Harlins, Sherrice Iverson, Tyisha Miller and Trayvon Martin and discuss how we as a community responded to these community crises. The book is a story about adversity, hope, change and redemption. It’s a blueprint for young Black America, to help them overcome the personal challenges they may face in their own lives.

You were born Ronald Todd Eskew. Tell us about changing your name, and why you felt that was important when you converted to Islam.

My conversion to Islam 20 years ago was a life-changing moment for me. Islam — as practiced by over one billion Muslims worldwide — is the faith that professes that, I’m not against Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or any religion. I respect everyone’s choice of worship. I just prefer Islam. That’s what spoke to my heart. With a new faith, I chose a new name. I wanted to choose a Muslim name of African origin that I thought best fit my personality and had a meaning to it. My first name means “strong.” It was inspired by my favorite jazz artist, who I was listening to at the time on the radio, as I was making up my mind about my new name. My last name was inspired by the greatest boxer to ever live. From then on, I would be called Najee Ali.

A lot of your activism has centered on cases of police misconduct. Today, what is the state of the relationship between law enforcement and Black communities?

It’s a blessing to see that real, substantial change and police reform has come to the Los Angeles Police Department — based on not just my activism, but all the other activists, as we all fought tooth and nail to ensure change came after the Rodney King beating. We contributed some important work to help ensure our civil rights would be better protected, so things have improved in the last 20 years. But we still have more work to do to ensure the LAPD continues to have transparency and accountability in their dealings with the community.

Over the years, you've taken on some pretty powerful individuals — Rep. Maxine Waters, L.A. City Councilman Bernard Parks come to mind, for example. What has your activism cost you?

My activism hasn’t cost me anything. It’s my and the community’s job to hold them accountable when they’re not serving the community’s best interests. No elected official is above reproach. My activism has gained me the respect of the community of South L.A. I’m a homegrown grassroots community leader, who the community knows would never sell them out and have always fought on their behalf to help save lives — from negotiating gang truces to leading protests for social justice. I have been on the front lines for over 20 years and will continue to be, regardless of the cost.

In your book, you speak very candidly about your mother's battle with addiction. How does that experience shape your view of the War on Drugs?

It’s a failed war. We need to focus on education, prevention, intervention, and treatment; we can’t arrest ourselves out of this war. I’m hopeful that our new district attorney, Jackie Lacey, will ensure that defendants with substance abuse problems can continue to receive treatment and not jail time.

As a Muslim, what are your views on Islamic extremism? What do you think about President Obama's Middle East policy, with the use of drone strikes and other controversial methods related to the War on Terror? 

Islam is a faith practiced by over one billion peace-loving Muslims worldwide. Unfortunately, our religion has been hijacked by religious fanatics and extremists who have tarnished and damaged the image of Islam worldwide. Their terrorist acts don’t represent true Muslims or the teachings we follow in our holy book, the Holy Qur’an, which forbids terrorism. The American Muslim community, while calling for peace, should also call for President Obama to review some of the policies his administration is employing — with many innocent lives lost due to errant drone strikes. Our government is still holding prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and the Patriot Act that was signed into law in the Bush Administration is still a threat to all Americans’ civil liberties.

You write very vividly about your participation in the L.A. Riots, which almost cost your life when a storeowner whose business you were vandalizing pointed a handgun at your chest. Twenty years later, do you think that kind of civil unrest is ever justified?

No, it's not. Dr. King once said that, “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” Twenty years after the civil unrest, relations between the African-American and Korean communities have improved. And we have to continue to communicate with all members of the community — regardless of race, or religion.

You took a lot of criticism, some of it from Black people, for your advocacy on Michael Jackson’s behalf. To a lot of people I spoke to at the time, they felt as if you were condoning what was seen as a very strange lifestyle. Has there ever been a cause you regretted becoming involved in?

I never condoned Michael’s lifestyle. I was publicly critical of the position he put himself in. But I have a lot of love and respect for Michael and the Jackson family. I knew in my heart he was innocent and would not just sit quietly when I knew he needed my help. I’m proud to say I have helped everyone I could help from the famous people, to the gang members in South Central L.A. I have always tried to help people. I can’t have regrets for helping. I would only have regrets if I didn’t help.

Your protests against Tavis Smiley and Cornel West have gotten headlines in recent years, over their outspoken criticism of President Obama. Do you think this president owes anything specifically to Black America?

President Obama is not the president of South Central L.A or Harlem. He the president of the entire nation. Tavis and Cornel were out of line and disrespectful to the president and tried to undermine him, it seemed, every chance they got with their phony “poverty tour.” Poverty didn’t just start with Obama in office; it was there with Bush and Clinton, and they were both silent. We get the first Black president in our lifetime and they start with the name-calling and attacks on him. President Obama does have a responsibility to Black America to support our agenda, in the same manner his administration supports other special interest groups. Unfortunately for Tavis and Cornel, it’s not what they said — it’s how they said it. They created a perception, of their own doing, that they are Obama haters.

 If you were given one do-over that you could use at any point in your life, how would you use it?

I wouldn’t change one thing in my life. If I did, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I love serving the community and my life. “Raising Hell” is a testimony I can now share with others and a legacy to leave behind.

Raising Hell: A life of Activism

http://johntwills.com

Resurrection of Our Souls

African American remains a nation of people living in a notion without a nationality. Some will say, America has a black president – how could that be? Well, this speaks to the institutions within the context of society that dictates the continuation of the system that exists within the country. It is because of this system, which has been in existence from the founding of America that has caused the demise of people of color.

Now, let me speak to the concept of leadership: Dr. Carter G. Woodson who wrote the powerful novel “The Mis-Education of the Negro” in 1933, or there about, challenged his readers to become empowered by doing for themselves.

He said: “Regardless of what we are taught history shows that it does not matter who is in power… those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they did in the beginning.” This speaks volumes.

I believe, if you can control a man is thinking you never have to worry about what he thinks. I will speak for me, no matter how messed up the world is and the minds of man; I am glad God made me! We must take responsibility for ourselves because life demands the survival of the fittest, just like in all other parts of the animal kingdom. As a people, African Americans have waited far too long and become much too dependent on those who are in charge of the system.

Therefore, I say it is time to remove the shackles of bondage that mentally remain in many communities and in the minds of man. Malcolm X once said, “We spend too much time singing and not enough time swinging”. Let me be clear, I did not repeat this statement to advocate violence. Rather to suggest that we have spent centuries believing, following, and listening to the messages communicated to us by those who control our destiny – making us believe that there is a better place for us when we are dead. I say we have a right to live NOW!

I want to propose an idea that could be the answer to our salvation. There is about 38 – 40 million African Americans living in America. If each person contributed one dollar per week; it would add up to forty million dollars. Multiply that time’s fifty-two weeks; that’s over two-trillion dollars annually. We have people who run some of the world’s largest corporations who could manage that money – invest it and make more money and as such many of the problems we face would go away.

Overtime we've won many civil rights battles, which should never have had to be fought as human beings. Yet, we still don’t have the necessities we need to survive. So I say, as tenacious beings, it is time for survival and the time is now – if for no other reason than for our children. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective...

Have you worn your hoodie lately? 

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

And Our Story Continues

We've spent the last three years revisiting what we thought was long past. Witnessing the vitriol of those who want to recreate what I call Brownsville, you know, those segregated places mandated by law as a result of the wretched system of “Separate but Equal”; more commonly known as “Jim Crow”. I have tried to resurrect the ghost of the greats that changed the world, which have caused me to live a life promised to all Americans. Having said that, I readily admit there is still a long way to go.

On Election Day this magnificent journey and life’s promise continues with the reelection of President of Barack H. Obama. Since I started THOUGHT PROVOKING PERSPECTIVES I have shared the African American journey that is without question the greatest story ever told. Maybe I’ll say this more succinctly by quoting Jesse – “From the outhouse to the White House”. The irony of this was that Africans were dragged onto the shores of this place the slaves called “merica” to now having a man of African descent in the White House as President. 

This evolution brought about our acquiescence to political agendas, abdicating our own economic self-sufficiency for the greater good and most working diligently for the economic well-being of other people. Since the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments were written many have died for the rights described therein and we continue to fight for equality.

Since Black History month only comes in February it’s time we appreciate it every day. I want to leave you with this thought from “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” the most profound novel ever written in my opinion, originally published in 1933 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the father of Black History Month. I might add that this book should be mandatory reading for all African Americans – young and old.

The thesis of Dr. Woodson's book is that Negroes of his day were being culturally indoctrinated rather than taught in American schools, or not even given the advantage of education. This conditioning, he claims, causes African Americans to become dependent, seeking out inferior places.

He challenged his readers to become empowered by doing for themselves, regardless of what they were taught: “History shows that it does not matter who is in power... those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they did in the beginning.”in the greater society of which they are a part. This assertion is clearly evident nearly eighty years later.

This goes beyond the imagination, irrespective of the many promises that have been made and broken, that fairness exists. Don’t worry, we have been taught that when we die there is a place where there is a mansion with streets paved with gold. Be that as it may, let's agree with the great Curtis Mayfield who wrote: “people get ready there’s a train a comin. You don’t need no ticket. All you need is faith to get on board… you just thank the lord.”

I have said and believe that Black History Month is “Black History is American History”. We have witnessed the first man of African descent elected president of these United States and nothing more significant has happened since the resurrection of Christ. I am thankful to have lived to see what no one living or dead ever thought would occur. God Bless America President Barrack Obama and the greatest story ever told continues!

And for those who want to succeed from the Union. We have seen this movie and how did that workout for them. And that is my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

Smiley and West on the 2012 Election

I am proud of any person regardless of color, but particularly any person of color, who achieves that which has been denied by the system. Most African Americans understand that the election of president Obama is far better than the alternative, without question. I will go on to say that I respect intelligence and possess black pride. I also know we are granted freedom of speech which means you have the right to your opinion.

I am concerned and wonder exactly what point brothers Smiley and West are trying to make or where they are coming from. Most of us know the history of our struggle and getting to this place in time is a monumental achievement. As black people, we know injustice more profoundly than any other culture.

Dr. King spoke and marched to divest poverty. President Johnson declared a War on Poverty nearly fifty years ago and yet there is more poverty than ever before. As intelligent as both men are - they should know it is the product of the mighty. I cannot recall these two expressing such a strong voice in opposition of the last administration, which by the way contributed more to poverty than any other administration in modern times.

So can someone explain why they blame President Obama? I would like to ask what you think of this diatribe. Please comment and give me a Thought Provoking Perspective!

http://johntwills.com

INTERVIEW: Stephanie Acon

Stephanie, describe yourself for our visitors.
Well, first of all, I’m a breakout author whom made the transition from being an underground hip-hop artist into authorship. I currently live in St. Louis which is where I’m from but will soon be making a move to New York. I have no children, however, I do love to work with young adults. In fact, my goal for writing is to reach my generation without the use of the dark music industry.
I believe that is a big part of my purpose; the reason why my life has been spared many times. Other than that, I would like to summarize myself up by saying this: Without me ever opening my mouth, people notice me whether I want them to or not. They tend to know I’m around. And when I do open up to actually speak, people quickly find out just who I really am…which is everything I could never really express with words.

How do you find time to connect with God?

To be honest, I don’t have to find time to connect with God. I’m always connecting with Him all day, every day. I talk to Him and pray all throughout my day. He is heavily involved in every part of my life. In fact, HE is my life.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I don’t have specifics. My favorites are those who write (fiction or nonfiction) from the heart. I most admire those who bring a purpose to their stories. I’m always on the lookout for authors and books that come with that type of weight – or substance. They truly inspire me.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

Well, it started when I got laid off of my job. That brought the opportunity to write my first book. I completed the draft in a matter of weeks and from there I began the research necessary to send out the (non-edited) manuscript. However, I did not get the chance to do many submissions because the first publisher in which I was referred took an interest…and the meetings began. Still, after months of waiting, the publishing house could not make up its mind whether or not to sign another author (myself) on. So my pastor “agreed” with me according to Matthew 18:19. Upon the agreement/prayer, he told me that the publisher would basically sign me within two weeks. So for two weeks, I refused to worry about it. I just believed. Then, at the very end of those two weeks, the publishing company contacted with a contract. God really came through and that’s how I got published. True story.

Tell us about your current book?

Escape From A Nightmare is my current and breakout novel. It is a most-unique urban story based on premonitions, love loss, destiny, and faith. In the storyline, the star character, Gabriana, is a dreamer. She’s has daydreams of escaping the lonely torment of her everyday life, and then, there are the “other” dreams – the ones that come while sleeping – in the form of omens.

These messages threaten the life that Gabriana has planned for herself. They whisper the conflict of everything and this female is not trying to hear or see any of that, so she ignores the dreams and the premonitions – especially those about her boyfriend – and that is because she has exalted this dude. She puts him before and above everybody, including her family, friends, God, and even her sanity. She has made the ultimate sacrifice for love. And that turns out to be a fatal nightmare.

This book is definitely one which readers have a hard time putting down. It is full of twists and shock, and, each individual reader will find something personal to take out of it. Also, the ending is a mouth-dropper!
Readers will surely return to the, now available, sequel, Secret Sky. Both books are available on Amazon.com.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?
My ideas originated from my heart. A heart that wants to greatly influence my generation. I put the experiences and lessons and seeds that we (as an entire generation) deal with in each character and scene. The ideas poured out from within that cypher.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
That life is journey into a destiny that you cannot run from. And, should you attempt to run, there are consequences for interrupting the balance.

What’s next for you?
New York Times Best Sellers’ List.

Where can readers find you online?
My website (Blackgirlcrossed) is currently under construction. In the meantime, readers are most welcomed to contact me on Facebook as Stephanie Nina Acon…and…Twitter @1queen1nina (Stephanie Acon)

http://johntwills.com

IF WE EVER NEEDED TO VOTE!!!

This is the most important election since the Africans were dragged off that ship that summer’s day in August 1619. I won’t belabor the point BUT my message from the heart is that every son, daughter, and descendant of slaves, honor those who made it possible for us. The future is in your hands.

Vote as if your life dependent on it because it does!!! And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

                                         http://johntwills.com

 

                                         Legacy – A New Season 

AMAZON

Just a Season

 THIS VIDEO SAYS IT ALL