TheBrownBrother Blog

                                                             "Baltimore" Baltimore is one of the most vibrate and best cities in America. However, as of today Baltimore is hurting and looking for answers. Heck, this country (myself included) are looking for answers into the Freddie Gray case. Before, I say anything else I must say my heart, prays, and thoughts go to all my Brothers and Sisters in Baltimore. Now, I have to applaud and appreciate the people of Baltimore for standing up and voicing their opinion. Further, I am extremely proud of my Young Brothers and Sisters for protesting and not being stagnant in this situation. We are the future and we are showing that the future is in g...

                                                            "Part III" (4) Vote: Please Vote. I can not tell you how important this is. We as Americas are in a Democratic Society, basically we believe in and practice Democracy. Basically, Democracy means we the people of the United States are usually involved in making the decisions of the affairs of this country (mostly through elected officials, but sometimes through special voting elections by American Citizens). Anyway, if we live in a Democratic society; we have to practice that. Which means we must vote in any as well as every affair (even those that we feel may not affect us) and also we must actually elect officials who...

       "How we can bring about change that is quick and much needed in today society Part II" (3) Buy Black: I have been pushing this action since I don't know when. Again, I have nothing against the mainstream of things. However, for too long we have let The MAINSTREAM control and wreck us. This has equaled to them oppressing us. However, if we buy from each other and we continue the success of each other we can ACHIEVE anything. We can buy back our own communities, build our own stores (with our own brand), we can make the important decisions that affect us (and not someone who does not know anything about us), and just as important; we can create jobs for our community. Just look at the statistics (yes I know I said Statistics) and you will see that jobs in are few in communities were the majority of the residents are African-American. If we buy from each other, we will have the resources to do anything we want. I read in a arti...

Hi guys, sorry I did not post anything yesterday. However, some days when we are dealing with such traumatic situations; it is best to get your mind together before speaking. Today, instead of talking about what's already been done, I want to talk about what we can do. In a lot of my posting on Twitter and here, I have seen a pattern in where I talk about we need change. However, I never really give enough tips on what we can do to bring change: therefore, for that I am sorry. So, here are my ideas of ways that we can bring change. It will not create a perfect society, (the only way to do that is to totally change the "system") however, it will bring much needed, much awaited, and lasting change in the still corrupted world. Anyway, here are some tips on how we as not just Brothers; but as a people can bring about pure and long awaited change. 1. Get our education. I can not stress this enough, get your education. We are poorly and shockingly unrepresented in majo...

This week's Brown Brothers Word of the Week is  Equity The quality of being fair and impartial. In a sentence: All we want is equity, unfortunately we are not getting any. The word equity is a noun.

                                                       "Today In Black History" Today In Black History in 1927, Mrs. Coretta Scott was born in Marion, Ala. She will marry Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1953 and be an integral part of his civil rights activities. After his assassination in 1968, she will continue her civil rights activities, founding the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in Atlanta, Ga. Mrs. King was a great Women and a great but unfortunately under-highlighted activist in the Civil Rights Movement. This Courageous and Outstanding Person can never be forgotten.

                                                       "Were Are Our Athletes?" As a kid and up until this point sports have ruled my life. All I wanted to be was a athlete and everything that came with it. The money, fame, and supernatural abilities to be more than the average man. However, I need to make this one thing clear. "With great power comes, great responsibility."- Superman It was around the start of the NBA Season (Dec. 2014) when my Heart was filled with so much joy I did not know what to do with myself. I took a priceless and undescribable  proud in seeing my Brothers being in unity fighting injustice; in solidarity my Brothers from several NBA Teams (some of which included at that ti...

                                                         "The Struggle Continues" As I post right now, my Brothers and Sisters are fighting for justice in Baltimore. They are fighting for a man that (absolutely no one can disagree) should have not dead. My Brother Freddie Gray life was snatched away senselessly. Even though we do not fully know the details (that is part of what we are fighting for) as stated before, there was no reason his arrest should have resulted in his death. Therefore, we are doing the all to familiar but never vain action of protesting. If y'all don't believe me, just watch the news and you will see the Struggle Still Continues. There is still cause and reason to fight for justice. No...

After many, many days of I guess you can call it gridlock or say I call it "Plain Stubbornness" Mrs. Loretta Lynch was finally confirmed as Attorney General of the United States by elected officals. Mrs. Lynch is the first African-American Female A.G ever. On behave of the Brown Brother I would like to say congratulations and may Justice always be served.

Today in African-American and American history, The United Negro College Fund was founded in 1950. The UNCF is a amazing organization that is credited for helping and aiding countless African-American college students attending school (particularly HBCU's but not exclusively HBCU's). They also make contributions to all 39 private HBCU general scholarship funds. The UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson (then president of what is now Tuskegee University ), Mary McLeod Bethune , and others. The UNCF is headquartered at 1805 7th Street, NW in Washington, DC. [ 1 ] In 2005, the UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers over 450 named scholarships.

While today on this beautiful Earth Day, this posting is my 100th of the 2015 year. I am blessed to say the Brown Brother has seen some "Big Gains" in 2015. Therefore, for that I say thank you. Now, what should this 100th posting be about? The NFL Draft is a couple of days away. This may sound crazy but other than the Super Bowl; this may be my favorite NFL Event. The NFL Draft is so cool to me because for at least two hours the Draft takes my mind away from all of the challenges that the world may face. The NFL Draft is a stress reliever for me. What makes the Draft so special is that I get to see many of my Young Brother's dreams come true. I can only image how it feels to have your name called. How it feels to in one night you go from borrower to lender. Also, I can only image how it feels to finally know you can buy your mom a house or make sure she never has to work a day in her life. I can't image that feeling of finally knowing that all thos...

Today in African-American and American History 1974- Lee Elder becomes the first African American professional golfer to qualify for the Masters Tournament.

Heard about this Brother who life was taken away too soon. My little Brother Armoni Sexton was a star basketball player and overall good kid according to everyone who knew him. Tired of hearing about my Brothers lives being snuffed away. Anyway I just thought I would talk about someone who probably would not be on the news or is not a hashtag. However, his death was too soon and my heart as well as prayers go to his family. I did not knew the Brother, but he is just that MY BROTHER.

                                                         " Buy Black Part II" You may ask, while where are the African-American businesses? While it is true that there are not as many African-American Businesses as there should be. Also, you can also count out Gas and Food (two of the biggest and most used industries in the world) because their are few (if any) African-American Owned Gas Stations or Grocery Stores. However, the blessed part is you can find almost anything and everything else that is African-American owned. Here is a list of companies and places that you can find merchandise as well as goods that are sold by African-American Owned Companies. 1. BlackEtsy.com- If you know ab...

                                                 "URGENT READ NOW" As you probably know by now, I am a Young Brother of faith. I ask GOD to give me direction daily. As I read the BIBLE this morning, I came across a scripture that GIVE ME CHILLS. This pertains to unarmed Black Males who have been turned into hashtags. This scripture is in the BIBLE; written hundreds of years ago. It speaks to injustice and people who instead of trying to ask what happen? Throw dirt on the decreased name. RIP Walter Scott and Trayvon Martin The Scripture is Psalm 64: 1- 6; 10 Psalm 64 New International Version (NIV) Psalm 64 [ a ] For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1  Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;      protect...

Today in African-American and American History, for April 20th 1853- Harriet Tubman started the Underground Rail Road for helping free slaves. Mrs. Tubman is credited for aiding countless slaves. Also, she was a spy for the Union Army and that is only one of her numerous as well as successful  life's work. Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross ; c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an African-American abolitionist , humanitarian , and overall incredible woman. She hands down will be written as one of the greatest people in history and a someone who was never afraid.

We been fighting, screaming, pushing, crying for change to come. However, it seems like everytime I cut-on my phone, laptop, or TV; I hear about another unarmed Black male (usually at a very early age) being killed. Young and vibrate lives of color being taken away. The part that makes me even sadder and angry is the fact that this brothers don't have to be killed. I may make y'all look at me funny, but I'm pass the outraged (how could they do this?) Stage; I am at a point where I'm like what is it going to take to get CHANGE. Talk is cheap and as more of my Young Brothers are being killed I see just how useless doing nothing can be (If that makes sense). Again, I ask myself what can be done to change things. Unfortunately, I have no sure-fire action that will stop everything once-and-for-all (for their will always be someone who crosses the line); however, I do have a idea of what WE CAN DO in our own communities. Therefore, here are my five ideas that I will introduce...

As always I am trying to make the Brown Brother the best possible. In addition to (almost) daily postings and books of the month; I am going to start boarding our brains. I am about to start introducing The Brown Brother's W.O.T.W. The Brown Brother will feature a Word of the Week. We will introduce a different word and the definition. Just trying to make us smarter that's it. Some of the words will be simple and other complex; however each word will reflect how I feel. Or a word that will coexist with our current state of feeling as well as emotions (as African-American males). Therefore, here is the first ever Brown Brother's word of the week. The WORD is Discontent. Discontent- Lack of peace and/or happiness; dissatisfaction with one's circumstances. I am very discontent with the frequency of the hashtags that announce the unnecessary deaths of unarmed African-American males. The word discontent is a Noun.

Today in African-American and American History, for April the 19th. 1910- The National Urban League was formed in New York City. The league was born out of a merger of the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes and the Niagara Movement. 1960- Major General Frederic E. Davidson assumed command of the Eighth Infantry Division in Germany and became the first Black to lead an army division. 1978- Max Robinson is the first African American to anchor network news. The network is ABC.

                                                  "How to overcome Fear and Doubt" On yesterday's posting I talked about fear, doubt, and other negative emotions. Therefore, in today posting (part II) I want to show you how to fight and eventually overcome Fear and Doubt. So, here are my top tips for how to defeat negative emotions once and for all. 1. Find God- This is my number one tip. If you don't know who GOD is then in my opinion you will have no eternal peace. You may have SOME courage or SOME happiness, but nothing will last. Something will happen and you will break-down or be broken-down. Therefore, find GOD. In the BIBLE, (Matthew 6:47-49) it says something like 47 "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My word...

                                                        "300 Men March" As always I response when we face tragedy, but I also celebrate when we are actively changing the community. Not dissing the media, but I love to find things (Good Things) that spreads the news about Us in a great way. The program and group that I want to highlight is a community organized group called the 300 Men March. I discovered this I guess organized Grass-root group because I follow Mr. Bobby Marvin Holmes on Twitter. The group is a movement of Men and Women in Baltimore, Maryland united to fight against gun violence in Our Communities. On their website they say, that " We are citizens, fed up with current accepted patterns of violence i...

As I continue to move forward in making the Brown Brother (the brand, but most importantly the definition of) bigger and better than ever; I have came across two old-but still active adversaries: Doubt And Fear. Also, if you have every dealt with the terrible twosome than you also know that they bring their friends: Anxiety, questioning oneself, and the occasional sleepless night. However, I have came to the conclusion that these feeling, emotions, or as I call them obstacles have no power over me. I don't know who, but a very smart person once said that "Tough times don't last forever, only tough people do." Therefore, I have learned that as I go about being the best person I can be and the best helper of others that I can be. I have learned to not listen to the doubts, but take courage in knowing that by being a leader and not a fellow I  would not be in the position I am in today. The Great Malcolm X said "If you have no critics, you'll likely have no suc...

Today, in African-American and American history, the very first African-American Woman to became mayor of a U.S city. According to Wikipedia.com, Mrs. Lelia Foley (mother of five) ran for a spot on her local school's board of education in Taft, Oklahoma , an all-black town of 600 people  . She lost the election, but shortly thereafter she became inspired by a book on the successful election of A. J. Cooper as mayor of Pritchard, Alabama. Raising $200 from interested parties, she ran for Mayor of the entire city. On April 3, 1973, the city elected Foley as mayor. After losing her mayoral seat in the 1980s, she continued to serve her community. In 2000, now known as Lelia Foley-Davis, [ 2 ] she regained her position as mayor. Mrs. Lelia Foley-Davis is a true trail-blazer and innovator.

Today in Black and American History, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill to end slavery in D.C.

Just heard about some Young Brothers that really impress me. Its a program with Young Brothers called RISE. The group consists of Young Brothers from a High School in North Carolina. These outstanding Young Men are without a doubt on a mission to help other Young African-American males. They are actively taking action. Their purpose is to increase Young Brothers involvement in school. Also, they are helping Young Brothers build character and academic excellence through school. I tip my hat off to these Brothers. They are trying to help lead us into having filling and successful lives. Its one thing to wish for change, but when you are actively striving toward it: You then are carrying the torch that our ancestors and leaders before us carried. I take proud and extreme comfort in knowing that my Brothers are out here working as well as building for a better tomorrow. For more information, checkout the website at rise2impact.org

Well y'all, its Graduation season or at least getting close to it. As you look around you will probably remember the majority of how you spent your last four years. You probably have had some ups and downs. But the bulk of the ride as been sweet. As you get ready to get your cap and your diploma or degree; think about the amazing accomplishments you have just completed. Like I state in the various tips of my book; education is something that NO MAN can take away from you. Education is far greater than just a piece of paper. It is a foundation on which you can build your life upon. Further, you are showing the world something that you yourself already knew: That you are a smart and intelligent man of character. Also, I have stated many times that education is the key to unlocking numerous doors that you would not have been able to open. We need more educated and courageous "Young Brothers." Therefore, when you walk across that stage; remember that you are not j...

Today in Black History in, 1775 the f irst abolitionist society in United States organized in Philadelphia. Many abolitionist and their organizations are credited with having provided a vital part in ending Slavery.

Was surfing the web for information to share and I came across this article from Blacknews.com. It talks about a former Law Enforcement Officer who now teaches basically "How To Interact With The Police Classes" to Young African-American Teens. The man who runs the program is Former Alabama State Trooper Mr.Orrin Hudson.  His program is free and it truly can save lives. Its called "How to Prevent, Deal With, and Survive Police Brutality." The program is numerous cities and is in most everyday places for Young Sister and Brothers; such place include: Schools and churches. To read the complete articles: go to blacknews.com. Also, anyone interested in Mr. Hudson's program can contact him at info@besomeone.org or (770) 465-6445.   Last, here is a powerful insight from his interview in blacknews.com – “In a situation with the police, it’s not immediately about who is right or wrong, it’s about staying alive. If the police are making a wrongful arrest, thi...

                                                           " To Police Officers" Something, that I probably don't mention enough is my Thanks to all the Good Police Officers out there. When I see hashtags like #WalterScott and #EricHarris I think about numerous things. One of the things I think of is all the people that get hurt by the carelessness and wrong actions of others. Not only does the relationship of African-Americans and law enforcement get strained, so does the reputation of the majority of the good Police out there. Just like when someone African-American on TV commits a crime and we get stereotyped, so does the Police when one of there own does something that goes against the core valu...

History, has dictated that April 11th; has always been a good day in Black History. Here are three good things that has happened on April 11th. 1. In 1997, The largest African-American museum opened. The new Museum of African American History opened in Detroit. It is the largest of its kind in the world. 2.  On April 11th, 1948: Jackie Robinson signs a professional baseball contract. He would eventually becomes the first African-American player in the major leagues. 3. On April 11th, 1881: Spelman College, an institution for African-American women opened in Atlanta, Georgia. 

As a child, I never could have perceived that life would be like this. Maybe, it was the innocence of being a child or the under education of my mind on the dark side of mankind. Whatever, it was I wish partly that I could have stayed that way. However, as I get older I see that I needed to see the world with a new "kind" of vision to be the man that I am today. I have to say Mr. Walter Scott has forever made a impression on my young life. From just one (can I even call it a encounter?) minute a decreased person who I never knew; made me feel crushed. I felt like Trayvon and Mike had just happened all over again. I mean I can't even describe the feeling I had. It at this point wasn't even anger, but a bundle of supernova type feeling of being upset. A gut churning sickness that I really can't describe. I have to truly say that this "incident" has really shocked me. I was at a (I don't want to be wrong) but possibly a Trayvon Martin really and a r...

#WalterScott My prayers and heart goes to the family. I'm just lost for words. #MyGOD To upset to speak and to sad to think.

                                                            " Big Ups to the V.A " Last Friday, the state of Virginia became the fourteenth U.S State to ban the question about a criminal past on job applications for most state jobs. This is beneficial for many people, because it stops that automatic "brick wall" that almost guarantees them being pushed down or knocked-off the candidate list.  Don't get me wrong back-ground checks are needed in my opinion and some crimes can not be forgotten. However, this is a blessed opportunity for many people to be looked at by the "Content of their current Character" and not be limited to being knocked-out without further examination. The ...

Y'all, we bout to get personal; here we go. In my life as a Young African-American male, I have ran into a lot of diverse and unique situations. One of the unique situations that each of us has or will go through in life is "identity.'' When I say identity I don't mean being lost or not knowing who we are. What I mean is a trend that has been going on in society since probably the (I don't know) the sixties or when ever our ancestors really start making the front-page (I guess you can say). That is people, groups, and many others have been trying to give a title to what it means to be a African-American Male. Rather through bias media, stigmas/labels, or even our own friends: all have tried to make a standard or label what it actually means to be "You" or what it means to be "Me." The more I think of it, this is not just a African-American male thing: everyone has been "titled." However, I do feel it is even worse on us, because ...

Hope everyone had a blessed and good Easter. Its amazing just how GOD's been working, not only with you and me; but since the beginning of time.  You may just say this is me being in the spirit of Easter, but I feel GOD has been sending me messages. One of the messages I received is that I need to get more personal with my blog postings. Don't get me wrong, I am one of the most-if not the most realist and upfront Brothers on the planet. However, if I can be honest with y'all at time I see myself not always sharing my personal experiences. Therefore, for that I am sorry. Don't get me wrong , there will still be the same amount of facts, reactionary articles, and calls for justice in unjust times; however, starting soon I will tell you what I have gone through in life as a Brown Brother. Also, I will being giving pointers and other tips. In other words like everything thing in life, the blog will being growing and transforming until it reaches it ultimate pinnacle...

Today in 1968, marked one of the most- if not the most darkest days in World History. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by a sniper in Memphis, Tennessee. Assassination precipitated a national crisis and rioting in more than one hundred cities. Forty-six persons were killed in major rebellions in Washington, Chicago and other cities. Twenty thousand federal troops and thirty-four thousand National Guardsmen were mobilized to quell disturbances. Memorial marches and rallies were held throughout the country. Many public school systems closed and the opening of the baseball season was postponed. President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Sunday, April 6, a national day of mourning and ordered all U.S. flags on government buildings in all U.S. territories and possession to fly at half-mast. Martin Luther King Jr. was truly one of the greatest men to walk the face of the earth. He has also been a major influence and inspiration in my life as well as the lives of millions of ...

Wow, been busy today. I want to thank everyone that been supporting The Brown Brother. Many big things are coming soon! I hope everyone has a blessed and happy Good Friday. May GOD continue to bless and guide us all.

R.I.P to Mr. Carter G. Woodson, known best as being the "Father of Black History." Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950) [ 1 ] was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History . Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African-American history . A founder of The Journal of Negro History in 1915, Woodson has been cited as the father of black history . [ 2 ] In February 1926 he announced the celebration of "Negro History Week", considered the precursor of Black History Month . [ 3 ]

April 3, 1944. Today in Brown History, the US Supreme Court, in an 8-1 ruling declared that Blacks could not be barred form voting in the Texas Democratic primaries. The high court repudiated the contention that political parties are private associations and held that discrimination against Blacks violated  the 15th Amendment.

Today, in Brown History; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his address in Memphis, Tennessee. He did the powerful and amazing "I Have Seen The Mountain Top" speech.

As always, we have a book of the month. This month's book is "Taking A Stand Against Racism and Racial Discrimination" written by: Patricia and Frederick McKissack