Volume 5 Issue 6…Dedicated to the Dialogue on Race…February 15, 2002

by John Burl Smith

Experiencing personal loss of loved ones is life changing. The time between sunrise and sunset is filled with new and unusual images, sensations, responses and inexplicable pain that hangs at the edge of every thought. Struggling to focus only on the center of visions from the past that flood the present, we blink the periphery away. Like carnivorous beasts, stealthily lurking in the shadows, just beyond the glow of the campfire, their eyes reflecting the light, we huddle sheepishly. During the time between dust to dawn, our demons hover. Guilt and fear stalk like "Crouching Tigers and Hidden Dragons," so we dare not step beyond the glow. Afraid to examine what we have been told about the beasts that imprison us during the dark, but disappear with the light, we can only nurse our pain.

Families of victims of the World Trade Center 9-11 tragedy are trapped in just such a nightmare of loss. Their unending horror now is knowing efforts to determine what actually happened and who was truly responsible for the deaths of their loved ones have been abandoned and that the physical evidence is being destroyed daily. They, along with the rest of the world, question whether what really happened will ever be known. Coping with loss is never easy, but it is far less gruesome, if one knows why a loved one is among the slain. As a result of government action or inaction, these families join thousands of families around the world that suffer and yearn for the peace of closure.

Families in many counties have organized Stolen Lives Projects. Banding together, they hope to build an international consciousness that keeps alive the memory of those whose lives were taken and no one will or can explain why. Their goal is to expose the true circumstances surrounding such deaths and disappearances. Stolen lives try to put human faces on some horrific injustices. Humanity must demand governments make full accountings to families of victims of state-sponsored terrorism.

Unfortunately, rarely do their lives or names get publicized, nor are the real circumstances surrounding their deaths and disappearances investigated and results made public. Stolen Lives Projects give dignity to lives that ended so ignobly. They personify disincarnate spirits that, through no fault of their own, no longer grace this earth and no one will say why. "Though their lives have been stolen from us, we will not allow them to be forgotten." (Http://www.refuseandresist.org/ndp/)

Until 9-11, the most likely victims to become stolen lives were blacks, Latinos, Palestinians and Native Americans or other indigenous people in the Diaspora. Newspapers and other media discount race or ethnicity of people killed by police or other government agents. Emblematic of Oklahoma City, 9-11 reintroduced white families into the circle of stolen lives.

Experiencing loss is usually a demand to reexamine premises, attitudes, stereotypes and allegiances. Tragedy usually creates a sense of commonality, forcing people to identify personally with one another. At this level, Stolen Lives Projects represent the connectivity that is bringing many separate campfires together into an ever-widening circle, chasing the beasts from our midst. John 2002

The Dark Knight-Batman/White Ninja/Zorro has a school holiday on Monday. A quick study, he exploits situations to his advantage. Knowing his grandmother is a tennis nut, the Dark One/Ninja/Zorro sought to increase the days he spends at her house when he craftily inquired, "Can we play tennis on Sunday?"

Called a racist scheme, Aborigine children were taken from their families and placed in orphanages or white families' homes from 1910 to 1970. Known as the ''stolen generation,'' 10 to 30% of Aborigine children were affected. Governmental insensitivity to their plight prompted protests during the 2000 Olympics in Sidney.

Recently, PBS and the BBC reported thousands of children were deported to Australian orphanages after WW II. Many were the children of unwed mothers. Mainly organized by the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Nazareth, the child immigration scheme was intended to increase the "pure white stock." From about 1850-1967, children in these church-run orphanages were abused, neglected or used as cheap labor by the Roman Catholic nuns. (Source: Http://news6.thdo.bbc.co.uk )

Canada used similar measures to 'civilize' its indigenous people. In 1999, its largest protestant church issued an apology for the physical, sexual and mental abuse suffered by Indians in its schools. Indigenous people were not the only Canadians among its "lost or stolen generations." Known as Duplessis' Orphans, "around 3,000 children were brought up by the Roman Catholic Church from the 1930s to the 1960s." Many were born to unwed mothers. For more government aid, the church declared them mentally ill, and kept them in institutions, where physical and sexual abuse was common. (Source: http://www.news.bbc.co.uk)

Disgruntled wants to know: George Bush promised to appoint judges that strictly interpret the Constitution, a white supremacy litmus test. Mainstream media ignored his overt racism. Why is the press pretending to be 'surprised' he nominated racist Charles Pickering?

Disgruntled says: Unlike men, who see the feminine form as appealing, religious zealots, like John Ashcroft, find the female body disgusting. Embarrassed, Ashcroft wants to drape Stars and Bars over Lady Justice’s breast, just like Bush wants him to lay Enron to rest.

Disgruntled feels: Robbed! The Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, home of the Mormon Church, is reminiscent of Election 2000. The gold medal was stolen from Canadian pair - David Pelletier and Jamie Sale, just like the Supreme Court justices robbed voters!

On Saturday, people packed US Rep. Cynthia McKinney's town hall meeting on funk factories in South DeKalb. Panelists included community activists, elected officials and bureaucrats. All agreed that South DeKalb is a case study in environmental racism. None offered solutions, but urged citizens to pressure elected officials.

The Hickory Ridge Landfill re-zoning application is on the County Commission February 26, 2002 agenda. Its owner, BFI Waste Systems, has threatened to sue, if its request is rejected. Commissioners Elaine Boyer and Hank Johnson received $1,000 each in campaign contributions from G. Douglas Dillard, BFI's attorney. This obvious conflict of interest was raised at Saturday's meeting; no one mentioned the inadequate environmental impact statement filed with BFI's re-zoning application.

Zoning is at the heart of this issue. Clearly, the county is negligent; it allowed homes to be built close to funk factories like Hickory Ridge, which accepts waste from areas outside the county. Enlarging it will reduce South DeKalb's quality of life. The Commission meeting is Feb. 26, 2002 at 10:00 AM at 1300 Commerce, Decatur, GA. Be there! Oppose environmental racism!

News You Use

State Senator Charles Walker was recently fined $8,500 by the Ethics Commission for failing to disclose fiduciary interests in firms doing business with entities the committees he serves on regulate. For the black multi-millionaire, the fine was a slap on the wrist. A Democrat and Gov. Roy Barnes' 'good friend,' when MCI-WorldCom won the contract to provide telephone service for the state's prison system, Mr. Charlie's start-up firm, CresTech, got a piece of the action. Mr. Charlie is getting richer at the expense of taxpayers and families of prison inmates (Source: AJC, 9-24-01 and 10-19-01).

Per capita, Georgia has one of the largest prison populations in the US. Neo-slaves, prisoners work daily, but receive no pay, so their families pay for whatever they receive during their incarceration. When inmates use the phone, MCI charges $3.50 or more to make the connection and fifty cents or more per minute. While it is painful, inmate families are asked to boycott MCI-WorldCom and send Mr. Charlie a disconnect notice!

The Atlanta Vibe Y2K2

by John Burl Smith

The Atlanta Vibe reflects the new millennium mind-set of young black poets. Their message, style and dedication to the art is individualistic, that is to say, their poetic expressions reveal life's personal impact. Connecting the dots, they decipher our story in today's idioms. They continually seek imaginative, innovative and dramatic ways to teach truth. As Poets for Peace, they give an international voice to the voiceless. The strength of the ATL Vibe resides in individual poets networking to share knowledge, collaborate on projects and teach each other, while developing an economic base to promote their work and the Vibe's survival.

Presently enjoying phenomenal exposure, poet/performers face the prospect of commercial success. International attention is focused on Atlanta's poets. Producers are designing programs around the Vibe's cutting edge work. Fast out of the gate, Russell Simmons is reaping benefits from the hard work of a few groundbreakers, who developed ATL's flame throwing up-front-in-your-face consciousness style back in 1997. Blazing mics, they laid the foundation and now poets from around the world come to Atlanta, hoping to tap into the Vibe. Top innovators from that time still on the scene are encouraged that their efforts are bearing fruit.

Talking with some of these dynamic groundbreakers regarding the current phenomenon, they all agreed the Vibe is in transition. Ahmon of N'JIA, which has an open mic at their second store, 753 Edgewood Ave, said, "As long as ATL's mad bombers keep dropping truth, I see only positive growth for the Vibe." Poet/Playwright, We One, an original 1997 "breakout" artist, feels "This is a time of tremendous growth and no time to hold back on creativity. We must do more to express our individuality as artists." Moving to Atlanta from New York in 1999, Jessica "Care" Moore, owner of MoorEpics said, "I felt our business and family could grow with Atlanta's Vibe. If we get some local investors, the money spoken word generates could remain in Atlanta, rather than going other places."

After wishing Yohannes a happy birthday (2-9-02), I asked for his thoughts on the exposure some poets are receiving. "I think it is great for them and the Vibe that they are being rewarded. They worked to become the poets they are; that is also good for Atlanta. Vibe poets have worked hard to gain international recognition for our style. Poets here have far too much talent to stop and marvel at what others do to be successful. The ATL Vibe became the hottest venue in the country by producing shows that blew the doors off with consciousness and audiences responded. We elevated everybody's game by making plays, not by waiting on someone from somewhere else to let us play!" John 2002

Intuit's Vibe

by Yohannes Sharriff Smith

Half naked and tight as hemp,

we huddled together desperately hoping to survive

the cold wind of this season.

A draconian awakening yearns

to touch the soul of any sleeping body.

How strange, in such a corrupted republic conscious,

populated by immoral behavior and unethical practices,

true intimacy would find a place

where even words seem to mean so much.

Here, in our misty sanctuaries,

a single touch of sincerity carries a magical weight,

ringing sober and clear in the open mind.

Urban guerillas transcend the secular nothingness,

with prophetic ebonics, attempting to make sense

of the wrong in the world we inherit.

On the stage of imagination,

we employ coded language

and a warehouse of hallucinogens

to counteract Conditioned Subordinate Psychology.

These nameless faces weather the change

of love's violence and better pain

sculpting heroes from what remains.

Guardians place no blame or fear shame.

Our ascension is inevitable.

Beautiful is the dance we do in the flames of this fire.

The phoenix rising higher in the learning

of this burning empire.

Now, we cipher,

showcasing lyrical talent in rhythmic poetry.

Harmonic edification: 360 degrees of education

from generation hexed with an X.

Manifest Neo-Poets waxing sublime rhetoric with a hidden message in every line.

Casting the metaphoric instinct to shine

links each point.

The sphere form keeps us warm

as we learn how to THINC.

by Min. Paul Scott

It is the call every family member dreads, a collect call from a correctional facility. "What's up, cuz," said the voice on the other end. It was my young cousin who is serving time for something or another. After exchanging greetings, he went into a monologue about how he was staying strong and holding it down. His voice carried a slight hint of a tremble. I guessed he could not cry in front of his homies; I cried for him. As I overheard the guard in the background yelling that his time was up, I tried to find a deep spiritual word of wisdom that, if it could not free him from his physical prison, could at least release him from his mental. But all I could muster was a weak "keep ya head up."

As I hung up the phone, my mind raced in a thousand directions trying to figure out what went wrong. It is a worn out cliché' used by every mother or father who has a child in prison; in this case it is true, he wasn't a bad kid. Unfortunately, the follow-up question, "What is he doing in jail, then?" goes unanswered.

The black community has long had a love/hate relationship with "the system" as justice or injustice was determined by which police officer you encountered. You rolled the dice and took your chances between a squad of "Office Friendly's" or a lynch mob that acted as judge, jury and executioner. From the 50's Bull Connors, who set fire hoses and attack dogs on innocent children, to present day cops, who shoot innocent black men 41 times, the police are the public servants we love to hate. For Black folks in the early 20th century, getting in trouble with the law could have been for something as major as cutting somebody Saturday night at the juke joint or as minor as staring too long at a white woman. The major offense, however, was challenging the white supremacist system. All Civil Rights workers could expect to be in jail one time or another as this was the right of passage for being in "the movement."

The problem facing us in the 21st century is that the young brother that goes to jail for selling crack or killing a little girl in a drive-by shooting feels he is just as much a political prisoner as Geronimo Pratt. We live in an era when the shouts of "Free Mumia" have been drowned out by the screams of "Free Puffy." So while spending one day in jail is one too many for most blacks, young brothers today brag that they can do a five year bid standing on one foot. But the world goes on while they are locked up; everything changes except in the gangsta rappin fantasy world, which has accommodated brothers on lock down by making time stand still. I guess they do not want brothers who spend 20 years in prison to come out like "Fly Guy" from "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka" sporting that big brimmed hat and platform shoes with fish tanks, pimping to the theme from Shaft.

In 2002, gangsta rappin is locked in a dimension that defies time and space where 35 year-old rappers remain forever young and FUBU shirts never wear out. The gangsta rap fairy tale usually ends with a brother leaving prison to become rich rapping about how he "held it down" upstate. But, for every one that leaves prison to record a platinum CD, there are a thousand brothers, like my cousin, who come out broken, forever haunted by the ghost of what they might have been.

About Me: Minister Paul Scott is founder of the New Righteous Movement based in Durham, NC which teaches Afrikan Liberation Theology. For the complete essay, contact Min. Scott at operationmedia@yahoo.com

Aired on PBS 1-10-02, Frontline's An Ordinary Crime detailed a robbery gone wrong and a broken justice system. Crime scene evidence identified a suspect who named his accomplices: a friend and his cousin, a man called "Terrance." Police apprehended 16 year-old Terence Garner, who insisted he was innocent. The co-defendants said they never met him. Another man named "Terrance" surfaced, confessed, recanted and was let go.

Frontline revealed the judge had been up for re-election, and Terrance recanted his confession after threats and several hours in police custody. Though he fit the description and knew details of the crime, he was released. Unlike Terence, Terrance has a criminal history. Garner's story is a case of criminal cover-up by officials hiding the conviction of an innocent person. An appeal for a second trial was denied, so an innocent teen remains in prison facing a more than 30-year sentence- a lifetime! (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/)

Numerous studies show Garner's story is not unusual. Columbia University's death penalty study, A Broken System, Part II (http://www.columbia.edu), is more empirical evidence of a corrupt system that most often wrongfully punishes poor and black Americans.

THINC  || 2002 Issues || The DISH