TheBrownBrother Blog

This week and the last couple of weeks have been met with numerous ideas and decisions made. However, one of the group of ideas that have been extremely highlighted this week is the campaigns done by major corporations involving social injustice. For the complete article and more information about the companies doing "campaigns" go to the official LA Times website (keyword: Race, social justice, and new ideas). This highlighted what would happen if other companies made campaigns surrounding certain social issues. The article made me think about that carefully. Although, it would be great for others to get involved; what would the campaign represent and would there be backlash (because of the wording of the campaign). Like it or nah, let me be the first to say after looking up the background of Starbuck's CEO; I gained a lot more respect and insight into the #Racetogether campaign. I understood the reason and why he did it. However, again I am a big advocate for action (I...

Its spring break for many of my brothers in high school. The number one complaint I always get is I'm bored. Therefore, here are a couple of ideas and tips that you can do for spring break. (1). Volunteer: This is a absolute great way to spend your time. Volunteering your time is a awesome way to give back and be a vessel for GOD'S Love. You can volunteer your time, by doing many things. Participating in alternative "Spring Breaks", cutting neighbors grass for free, or volunteering with a organization that you are already affiliated with like (Red Cross, Habitat for Humanities, and your local Church). (2). Work: I learned one thing: you don't have time to say or feel bored when your actively working. Rather painting the deck or washing the family car; time flies by when you are taking care of business. Also, if you have a regular job (on weekends for example); spring break is a excellent time to pick up extra hours. (3). Spend time with family: this may so...

Today in Brown and American history, the ratification of the 15th Amendment was established. This Amendment provided the voting rights for all men: No Matter Color.

There is without a doubt something that we can all agree upon. That is the reach, range, and elite power that the African-American professional athlete has in our communities. Our little brothers, sisters, and even ourselves at some point are or have been mesmerized by the majestic "talent" of the African-American professional athlete. Furthermore, (and as equally important) we have been at some point mesmerized by the perks and luxuries that the African-American professional athlete can afford. Combine that with the power that they control through: money, characteristics, tennis shoe brands, relatable background lifestyles, and overall swag. The African-American athlete is looked upon in our communities as more than a man; He or She is a superhero and a example of what can be achieved with hard-work and dedication. There are many great things that can be said about the Brown Athlete. However, I do make it clear that the idolizing and response of our athlet...

Today in history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Civil Rights leaders, and thousands of other unnamed foot soldiers finished marching from Selma to Montgomery, AL for Civil Rights.

As the beginning of a new Major League Baseball season starts, I can not help but reflect on the lack of African-American players I see. According, to ESPN.com since 1986, the percentage of African-American players have decreased significantly; it is almost at half (from 19 percent to a little over 8 percent). Therefore, although I am ready for another season of "America's pastime"; I can't help but ask how is it American's pastime when a huge percentage and culture of the U.S is not represented. Also, now you see why I am so protective of African-American kids in little league (like the Jackie Robison team and Mo'ne Davis). We need more emphasis on adding different races in baseball.

NCAA March Madness would be a incredible success if every Brother from each team represented would get all get their degrees. It just a dream of mine. We can always use more education in any community.

Did not think I would still have to say this but. Please don't text and drive. Hope everyone stays safe this week and always.

Today in Black and American history, Marcus Garvey arrived in America from Jamaica.

Prays and supports to our brother Martese Johnson. May he find strength and courage during his battle. Also, let he never feel alone for he has support.

Today in Black and American history, Texas Western College became the first team in NCAA history to win a National Championship with an all African-American starting five.

Just heard of a sad case that involved young black males. It involved a hazing incident that resulted in the death of two young bright African-American male college students. It is shame that in 2015 hazing is still relevant. My heart and prays go out to the families of (hope I'm spelling their names right) Juwan Holmes and Marvell Edmonds. Hazing needs to stop and the death surrounding these two young brothers is inexcusable.  Also, "Black-on-Black hazing is a form of "Black-on-Black violence." All hazing needs to stop and I'm angered at any one who behaves in such an shameful manner. I'm Deeply saddened and disturbed. But, out of every action must be a reaction; therefore we must stop the destruction of hazing. As I end this post, I will leave you with some websites that help prevent, give tips, and discuss cases of hazing. Please go check these websites out. HazingPrevention.Org (they are on Facebook & Twitter) StopHaz...

In this week's news, Starbuck's (a national coffee chain) started a campaign called let's #RaceTogether. Although I thought Starbuck's heart was in the right place, it did not sit well with the internet and it received a lot of heat. People of all races chimed in on the decision and the results were mixed (mostly negative). Again, I thought there hearts were in the right place. However, it without a doubt could have been more well received if the campaign (to encourage barista's to talk about race) came with same other forms of action for equality. Therefore, I am writing an open letter to Starbuck's Brass to give them my opinion and blogging as well as to give my Top Five ways that they could truly help fight for equality. 1.  For the whole month, donate ten cents for every cup of coffee or product sold to a local mentorship/education program for at-risk and unprivileged (hate using that word) youths. 2. Create a Starbuck's scholarship for students of c...

Happy Birthday to a good man and a path creator for African-American. Mr. Ozzie Newsome is the first African-American to serve as a GM in the NFL.

Today in black history, Mr. Thomas S. Jennings was the first African-American to have patented a invention. In 1821, Mr. Jennings was issued a patent for a dry-cleaning process known as "dry scouring." An activist for the rights of African Americans, he served as Assistant Secretary of the first annual Convention of the People of Color in June 1831 in Philadelphia.

Just heard about this company which is dedicated to helping students with the college process pertaining to HBCU's. Don't know anything about it, but it is stated on their website that they help you apply to 37 Member institutions for $35 dollars. Please do your research about the company,check out the credentials, and sit down with your parents or counselor before doing anything dealing with college before preceding. But it may be of interest to you. Just thought, I would tell you about it. To check it out go to eduinconline.com or check them out on twitter.com @CommonBlkCollAp

March's book of the month is Dover's Thrift Edition of "Great Speeches By African-Americans" (edited by James Daley).

Today in American and Black History, the U.S Army established its first "colored" training camp.

I guess the best way to start this posting is to say that without a doubt, Racism is still alive and well in 2015. In yet another unsurprising but untasteful "incident" has happen again, members of a fraternity at the University of Oklahoma were seen in a video spewing unforgettable and undoubtedly hateful racial chants. The video can be seen on any major media and video outlet. In the video you can hear members of S.A.E singing and chanting a sing that basically states that they rather a African-American (or as they stated a n-word) hang from a tree before they let them join there fraternity. This video was leaked to the internet and since it has sparked outrage. The President of Oklahoma University acted quickly by expelling two of the student-fraternity members and kicking the remaining members out of there frat house. This is all while and good, but you know me and my position of this issue. This is just a small insight on what many think of others. This video was bey...

Today was an amazing day. From President Obama and the esteemed Congressman John Lewis. Today was a great and moving day. It shows that slowly is world is changing, don't get me wrong there is still a whole lot of room for improvement but we are getting there.

Today, one of the biggest names in Black & American Literature was born Ralph Ellison.

Happy Birthday to the amazing entertainer and activist Mr. Harry Belafonte.