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Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5789
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 08:01 pm: | 
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KEVIN POWELL PRESENTS THE 'BLACK MALE IN AMERICA' CONFERENCE.
By Kenya M Yarbrough
June 13, 2007
(Summit begins Friday, June 15)
Writer and activist Kevin Powell is sounding the alarm for the plight of the African-American male.
Though he has a lot to say – he’s written more than seven books, several essays and articles, and held numerous speaking engagements on the subject – this activist isn’t just giving lip service.
He's acting as the conference director for the “Black and Male in America: A Three Day National Conference” event from Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17, 2007, in downtown Brooklyn.
The gathering is an extension of and a follow-up to the highly acclaimed "State of Black Men Townhall Meetings and Workshops," a 10-city national tour he presented in 2004.
“Basically we wanted to build on the things that we gleamed from [the “State of Black Men” Tour]. We just wanted to build on that,” he told EUR’s Lee Bailey.
Powell continued that in addition to his ’04 tour, there has been a lot of activity, speeches, and talks about black male challenges within the last couple of years, but he and organizers of the event haven’t been very satisfied.
“One of the things that we feel has been missing is that folks have been calling all these people together to talk, but haven’t come up with proactive solutions, per se,” he said of his frustration. “We know all the logistics at this point. We know all the challenges that the brothers are facing. We know all about the employment issues, all the educational issues, etc., but we feel that what has not happened is that we have not brought together people who are practitioners that have been doing this work in various places.”
The “Black and Male in America” Conference will include internationally respected scholar and author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; actor and “Letters to a Young Brother” author Hill Harper; BET correspondent Jeff Johnson; anti-sexist activist and award-wining filmmaker Byron Hurt. Powell also heralded David Muhammad, who works with a mentoring program in Oakland, CA that pairs incarcerated youth with black male professionals; the program AAMASU (African American Men of Arizona State University), which helps prepare high school males for college admissions and college; and other programs and activist.
“The people who have been talking have really been people who are speaking theoretically; they’ve been speaking abstractly and we want to bring together the folks who are really doing the work on the front lines,” he said “…and not just to talk. We’re very tired of talking. We feel that all the rhetoric is part of the reason that black America in general is in an incredible state of arrested development. So this conference is not just about black males, but what are some of the practical things we can do long haul? How do we replicate [these programs] and get them started around the country?”
Powell explained that the conference, in comparison, will cost a lot less and hopefully do a lot more.
“We’re really wasting hundreds of thousands of millions of dollars on summits, think-tanks, galas, banquets. We decided to have a conference in the heart in the community. The budget for the entire three days only about $75,000, the admission is free, and when you look at the lineup of people – they’re all practitioners.”
In addition to the practical approach at the conference, organizers plan to distribute folders, pens, and a notepad to signify that this is a “working” conference. Also, the conference website, www.blackandmaleinamerica.org, will have a plethora of information, reports, studies, articles, and essays on politics, spirituality, economics, literacy, health, and empowerment.
Powell vehemently spoke about how the conference and its outlets are more about doing than talking and even had a word or two about contemporary African-American mouthpieces.
“I’m sick and tired of people who are our spokespersons – you know who they are. I feel like there are a number of people who have made a huge fortune off the misery of black people. As long as black people are suffering in this country, they have a job as the spokesperson for the race,” he charged. “My thing is that if you call yourself a leader in the 21st Century in black America, you’ve got to be doing three things. You’ve got to be creating a body of ideas that’s redirecting the conversation. We’ve got to come up with some new language; we’ve got to come up with some new phrases because clearly the old stuff is not working anymore. Number 2, you’ve got to be about the business of being on the front lines. You’ve got to be accessible to the people that you claim to be serving. And #3, you’ve got to be about the business of organizing or building an institution that’s going to service our community.”
Powell is clearly leading the charge again and hopes to connect the disenfranchised generations of black men by creating an empowering environment and action plans.
“We have two generations, Generation X and the Millennium Generation, who are very detached from all the things that happened before us, i.e. the Civil Rights Movement, segregation, and all the things we did to negotiate our existence in the face of oppression,” he said. “We’ve literally got to start over again.”
'Black and Male in America' summit begins Friday, June 15.
"Black and Male in America (BAMIA)" is free to the public (only Saturday afternoon workshops are reserved for Black males only). All events take place at Hanson Place Central United Methodist Church and Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Church (both located downtown Brooklyn; details attached).
For general info, send e-mail to contact@blackandmaleinamerica.org, visit www.blackandmaleinamerica.org or call (718)390-3520.
Listen to the actual, unedited inteview:
http://www.eurweb.com/printable.cfm?id=34295 |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4676
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 10:24 am: |
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I've met Kevin many times, heard him speak and lecture, rapped with him in private and read all his books.
He is trapped in thinking there is a "We"--that is a cross the board, universal African American demographic that can sit down and work together--a black nation if you will.
There are many black nations. All the leaders of today CAN do is talk if they want to keep breathing--save for Farrakhan there is not one black person in the country who got an army--
We are in a thousand different locations and we have a million different struggles--his blues ain't like mine and my blues ain't like his
He needs to find him a tribe crying the same blues and go for what he knows and forget the chimera of the black nation--it exists only in the mind. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8839
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 12:12 pm: |
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I agree with what you say because it's so obviously true, chrishayden. If you believe what you claim, however, why do you have such a melt down whenever somebody resists succumbing to a herd mentality??? Oh, - of course. You're frustrated because you also believe that your personal philosophy about blackness is the RIGHT ONE, and if everybody else would just realize this, then they wouldn't have to "take it up the ass". Snort. |
Schakspir
Veteran Poster
Username: Schakspir
Post Number: 1046
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 12:50 pm: |
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A writer friend of mine who was close to Kevin Powell told me that this man is only out for one thing only--Kevin Powell. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8843
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 01:13 pm: |
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'Guess like a lot of people in the public eye, Powell has a self-serving agenda and he implements it by exploiting black grievances, - a sure-fire way of attracting attention. |
Yukio
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 2418
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 02:18 pm: |
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hmmmm....i think there is a black nation, a "WE"....and within that nation is diversity, by class, region, etc... As a nation we have problems not as individuals.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8845
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 03:37 pm: |
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A lot of individuals within the nation have big problems with each other and "diversity" seems to be at the root of this problem. There is a "we" put there is also a "they", the other side of the color coin. Of course the common enemy remains "The Man", but even the attitude toward our white nemesis is not a monolithic one. |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4683
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 10:35 am: |
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A writer friend of mine who was close to Kevin Powell told me that this man is only out for one thing only--Kevin Powell
(I wouldn't say that. If he was he'd be cashing in better on his hip hop connections and not travelling around the country speaking to small groups of young people.
I was at a reading/booksigning a few months ago where he stayed for several hours answering every question a young high school audience had.
I'd say on the whole he is unselfish. Maybe he is a little egotistical and sure that his methods are the right ones--who isn't?
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Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4684
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 10:38 am: |
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hmmmm....i think there is a black nation, a "WE"....and within that nation is diversity, by class, region, etc... As a nation we have problems not as individuals.
(You're the only one son. Get off that wagon before they break your heart.
IT'S TRIBE TIME!
The gangbangers have got it right. They are missing the boat joining up with these criminal organizatons with no future--but then, most of them don't have one--else why would they join them.
How many black doctors and lawyers and businessmen and educator's sons are Crips?
But I digress.
IT'S ABOUT WRONG AND RIGHT, NOT BLACK AND WHITE.
All Black people don't want to be black. So whatcha gonna do? Make them? |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4685
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 10:41 am: |
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hmmmm....i think there is a black nation, a "WE"....and within that nation is diversity, by class, region, etc... As a nation we have problems not as individuals.
(I don't. If you will closely examine the situations I am having a meltdown because they ARE succumbing to a herd mentality but THINK THEY ARE NOT.
I tell you this, as long as somebody knows what he or she is doing, I don't have a problem with it--much. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8848
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 11:11 am: |
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And are you the final judge as to whether or not people know what they are doing? You can't seem to get past anyone who doesn't have a sterling reputation and an altruistic motivation, 2 rare attributes that if not present do not necessarily indicate that a person doesn't "know what he is doing". And if everybody jumped on the bandwagon of your opinions you'd be very amenable to a herd mentality. Of course your attitude is your individual prerogative but it's not your special privilege. |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4690
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 03:26 pm: |
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Of course your attitude is your individual prerogative but it's not your special privilege.
(Am I the only one to whom this appears as meaningless babbling?) |
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 4978
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 03:34 pm: |
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Yes, you're the only one. Everything Ms. Cynique says has profound meaning. You just don't get it. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8855
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 03:42 pm: |
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What I meant , crissyboy, is that it's your prerogative to think whatever you want, but you are not some privileged character who should expect everybody to regard your word as the gospel and to go ballistic if they don't. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9387
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 08:55 am: |
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Chris,
Funny how WHITE foks have been are capable of putting aside enuff of the inherent 'tribalism' you describe to kick our "many black nations" a$$es. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9388
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 09:09 am: |
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What’s Powell MARITAL status? Is he a good, attentive husband and father?
I have become VERY suspicious of would-be male saviors of the race who themselves do NOT have a wife and children (e.g., Tavis Smiley). Because when you get beyond all the rhetoric, politicking, social engineering and programming, we ALL rise and fall based upon what’s going down within our own FAMILIES. And if you can’t make peace and be productive with ONE woman, how the hell are you going to help 'save' a million of’em? |
Toubobie
Regular Poster
Username: Toubobie
Post Number: 295
Registered: 08-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 10:31 am: |
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far as i know, kevin is good folk, with good intentions. he'll say and do what many won't. back in the day, his ego was HUGE, but i hear he's changed. many of us have watched him grow over the years. he's one of the few black men who have done some serious soul-searching with respect to black male misogyny.
abm, let's add to ur list of questions: "is he slangin that d*ck..." is this relevant, do ya think? |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9389
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 10:56 am: |
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Toubobie: "is he slangin that d*ck.."
Are you asking whether Powell is promiscuous? Or whether he's gay?
Forgive me. But it's difficult to keep track of what certain things mean these days.
Five years ago, being on the 'down low' meant a man was secretly having sex with a woman. Now it means a man is secretely having sex with a man.
*shrugs* |
Toubobie
Regular Poster
Username: Toubobie
Post Number: 298
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 10:58 am: |
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wow.. that's a good point, abm. my heterosexual mind just won't relinquish antiquated jargon. when am i gonna learn... |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9390
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 11:03 am: |
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Toubobie,
I'll assume you meant whether he's boning LOTS of women.
I don't know. Though it wouldn't surprise me.
He certainly wouldn't be the first Black man - single and married - to use his celebrity to get in between the (willing and obliging) legs of (many) admiring women. |
Toubobie
Regular Poster
Username: Toubobie
Post Number: 299
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 11:14 am: |
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boning women or men (now) for that matter.
it amazes me that those who preach for salvation of the race do not consider that perhaps their own promiscuity is contributing to the problem. as a whole, we look outside ourselves most times, when some of the MAJOR problems (hiv infection, unwed mothers, etc.) are caused by what's right between our legs... not entirely, however, but we need to start taking some of this blame. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8871
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 01:52 pm: |
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There are, indeed, some things that can't be blamed on "The System". Promiscuous sex that leads to the indiscriminate breeding that results in a harem of babies' mamas is one of them.
As for the idea that black men have to be married with kids in order to be effective, I'm reminded of the old adage about "those who can, do; those who can't, teach." LOL. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2272
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 03:44 pm: |
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"it amazes me that those who preach for salvation of the race do not consider that perhaps their own promiscuity is contributing to the problem."
This is true. But do not expect them to admit or reconcile their own personal failings or lack of accomplishment. Race baiters always see the misdeeds and bad behavior in others while exempting themselves and members of their own group from inexcusable behavior. Nothing will change them.....ever!
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