Here we are, 2016 and in too many ways not enough has changed when we look at society and the state of our communities. When I turn on the news, I see headline after headline about death- someone got shot, whether it be by the police or civilian, assaulted, robbed, stabbed, civil rights being violated every …
It’s time for “Real Talk”
Institutional racism, racial profiling, classism, gender and sexual orientation discrimination, colorism- these are all constructed, yet irrefutable and substantive social issues that continue to follow us, from one generation to the next, with no apparent resolution or end in sight. And the thing is, not many people are willing to really talk about them. And when …
How the media reinforces mental slavery
In this day and age, mental slavery is much more than just a term. It's a psychological warfare tool that the media utilizes (in the programming that we are exposed to on a 24/7 basis), to manipulate the minds of targeted populations. Think about the significant role the media plays in entertaining, informing, and even instilling …
Our country needs a True Revolutionary Leader
I believe one of the most important traits of an effective revolutionary leader is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is simply the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. It’s amazing, in this hyper-social and "connected" world, how few people actually exhibit emotional intelligence. And if one lacks emotional intelligence, how …
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The state of America today as I see it
So it's no secret that as a country, we Americans tend to comfortably reside in a perpetual state of denial as to the true state of the world we live in. As a country, we don't learn from the past, we choose to not heed the wisdom of those who have fought against oppression, enslavement, …
The Real Truth of the Black Panther Party
What has been made painfully clear to me recently is that few people truly know and understand precisely what the Black Panthers were all about. There are so many misconceptions and outlandish propaganda being thrown around when one hears the name Black Panther Party that I must admit at times it makes me cringe. Why …
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Real Talk about Gentrification in Oakland
Gentrification: The process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of upper middle class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents. Let me first say that I'm not against redevelopment. Oakland is one the most racially and culturally diverse cities in the Bay Area, so I am all for the city of Oakland …
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The joys of being racially profiled…
So for anyone who has not had the misfortune of being racially profiled, I thought I might describe to you an experience I recently had with it. Last Friday, my coworkers and I decided to have a business lunch at a restaurant called Max's Diner and Bar in Oakland's Citi Center. Very nice atmosphere, somewhat upscale. At …
Should the gov’t be allowed to regulate what food you can buy with food stamps?
So the subject of welfare is a very touchy and controversial one particularly because everyone has an opinion on the usefulness of governmental aid. There are some people who are fortunate enough to earn a living which has put them in a position where they have not had the need for governmental aid. But there's a …
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This is how America treats our Black Revolutionary Leaders; We cannot forget about Mumia Abu-Jamal!!
At one time, the "Free Mumia" campaign had momentum and there were many folks who believed in his innocence and worked tirelessly to get the message out to the masses about the injustice that had been done to him. But here we are, in 2015 and I wonder how many people have forgotten about Mumia …
Dawn M. Edwards 