Photo Bio Series: Black Power Revisited (cont.) The following is the continuation from part XI of the Black Power series published Friday, August 11, 2006. This excerpt is taken from literature written over 40 years ago. I hope the reader finds the articles as interesting as I have found them. Fear of Isolationism In the past there were never coalition- for coalition implies equal-or the recognition of the strength of each party. In the endeavors of the past, paternalism, or maternalism characterized the situation. In former times, Blacks would approach the presence of whites with importunities and whites from the pinnacles of paternalism would toss Negroes what they wanted them to have. Negroes would comfortably protest; or gladly receive whatever was offered; or accepted with the silent mutual understanding that they would be back again soon. And so it went! I have observed three phases in the struggle. There was a time when whites would come together to discuss the “Negro problem.” After that, they decided to have a Negro leader, or leaders chosen by whites, at all the conferences- which were called by whites-to discuss an agenda- prepared by whites. The whole thing was really white controlled! Now we have moved into another phase. It is the Black Power phase. Now Blacks choose their own leaders; call their own conferences; prepare their own agenda; discuss their own problems, and dictate their own terms. It is not hatred. It is not Black supremacy. It is not Black Nationalism- not in the sense in which the term is generally used. It is not Black segregationalism. It is not black isolationism. It is simply Blacks shaping their own destiny, united to assert their strength; flex their muscles, if you will. Stokely Carmichael (later known as Kwame Ture) put it this way, “That Black people have to politically get together to organize themselves so that they can speak from a position of strength rather than a position of weakness.” The point is grasped well by Silberman. He wrote, “The crux of the matter summed up, is the difference between the words, conversation and negotiations. Whites are accustomed to holding conversations with Negroes, in which they sound out the latter’s views or acquaints them with decisions they have already taken. The Negroes insist more and more on negotiation-on discussion as equals, designed to reach an agreement, designed to come to terms especially in state matters.” As Webster’s Third International dictionary defines the word, “to negotiate means to recognize the other party’s power.” When whites negotiate with Negroes, therefore, it not only helps solve the Negro’s “Negro Problem,” it helps solve the white man’s “Negro Problem,” as well; for whites begin to see Negroes in a different light-as equals or men. The assertion of independence means that Blacks now have a healthy distrust of whites, a healthy desire for independence and a healthy desire to negotiate. Fear of Violence The people, who see violence in the Black Power philosophy, are not being realistic. They demonstrate an unwillingness to face the fact that conditions produce violence. The unwillingness of white Americans to see the seeds of violence in their racist attitude, and to look for scapegoats, when the explosion occurs, to hunt up “bugaboos” to blame, instead of looking at themselves and asking, “Is it I?” has paralyzed sincere efforts to recognize things for what they are, all of which makes progress impossible. A wrong cannot be corrected until its existence is acknowledged. It is for this reason that many feel pessimistic about racial harmony ever becoming a reality in America. They say whites are too proud and stubborn to admit past and present sins. Even God cannot help a man until he acknowledges that he is a sinner. Whites exhibit too brazenly the universal artistry of blaming others. Even Vice President Hubert Humphrey could say that if he had to live as some Negroes, he would lead a revolt. But still whites look for a villain, when frustrated masses vent their frustrations in riotous acts. They blame the Communists, certain hoodlums, civil rights leaders, professional rabble-rousers; now Black Power has been singled out as the next instigator. When revolts happen-and they will happen unless changes are made- Black Power will be the blamed. The fact that people have always rebelled against injustice, which even a worm will turn if you step on him, does not register at all. The wonder is that given the cruel conditions forced upon Blacks, they did not rebel often enough and with greater devastation. Another significant point that whites miss is the subliminal opportunities for Black hostilities presented by protest movements and philosophies. Dr. King pointed this out when he told the good-hearted clergymen who felt that nonviolent demonstrations were unwise and untimely. “The Negro,” wrote Dr. King, “has many pent-up frustrations; he has to get them out. So let him march sometime; let him have his prayer pilgrimage to City Hall; understand why he must have sit-ins and freedom rides. If his repressed emotions do not come out in these nonviolent ways, they will come out in ominous expressions of violence.” Now we have come to a new day. The hostilities and frustrations have reached such boiling intensity and quantity, that they can no longer, for the masses of blacks, be siphoned, or sublimated in large enough portions by prayer pilgrimages to City Hall, marches, sit-ins and freedom rides. A more provocative philosophy, more militant movement, more fiery protagonists are demanded. Black Power is the idea whose time has come. Hence, by that reasoning, Black Power is really serving a useful, constructive purpose. It gives a voice-a-forum-an expression to Black discontent, which as Dr. King observed, must come out in acceptable ways- relatively acceptable, anyway- or explodes with catastrophic results. Black Powe has really purchased time. Whites' ought to recognize it and move to correct the wrongs-and do it quickly! Unless some progress is made immediately-progress that reaches the masses-I do not believe that Black Power too much longer can serve as channels for this torrid passion which everyday waxes hotter and hotter, nor will it stay the destruction of the revolts. That would be another era and will demand new strategies. Note: In 1968 – after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - more than 100 American cities experienced devastating revolts/riots. Dr. King was the spark that set ablaze the fire about which I was warning the American people in 1966. The conditions were a tender box waiting to explode. It could have been any match of ill treatment. Usually, police brutality is the catalyst.

Photo Bio Series: Black Power Revisited (cont.) The following is the continuation from part X of the Black Power series published Friday, August 9, 2006. This excerpt is taken from literature written over 40 years ago. I hope the reader finds the articles as interesting as I have found them. Stanley M. Elkins shows a fascinating comparison of the effect of plantation life on blacks and concentration camps on Jews. The most remarkable aspect of the concentration camp prisoners’ behavior was its childlike quality. Many inmates- many of them mature, independent, highly educated adults-were transformed into fawning, servile, dependent children. This child-like behavior, moreover, was in part a reflection of an even more fundamental change in which some prisoners identified with their SS guards and accepted the Gestapo value system. They imitated the guards in many ways-sewing their uniforms to look more and more like the SS, imitating their mannerisms, absorbing their German nationalism, and anti-Semitism (Even some Jewish prisoners became anti-Semitic), and outdoing the SS guards in brutality when placed in supervisory positions over their fellow prisoners. Many of us have seen the actions of the same viciousness by Negroes placed in high positions, especially Negro police officers. One of the reasons for the recidivism of convicts is due to the fact that they were completely dependent upon the institution. During their incarceration, all decisions were made for them. Consequently, when they are released, they cannot cope with decision making. We need look no further than the apathy, aimlessness, submissiveness and dependence all around us to see the awful skill of the slave masters. In many prominent Negroes, this dependence in white benevolence is clearly evident. The striving to be like whites is an example of it. For sustained dependence elicits emulation. It is seen in Mr. Rowan’s article. His slavish fear is that whites might withdraw, leaving us helpless. Oftentimes it seeps out subliminally in unguarded moments. In the cause for our own freedom, we rarely occupied the command position. We were not allowed to call the plays. We sometimes barked the signal, but the plays were always sent in form the white bench. In much the same way that football coaches send in plays for the inexperienced quarterbacks, people in the stands think the quarterbacks had contrived the strategy, but those in the game know better. Professor James O. Wilson wrote in Negro Politics, “Negroes tend to be the objects rather than the subjects of civil actions. Things are often done for, about, or to or because of Negroes; but they are less frequently done by Negroes.” When Black Power insists upon independence-or control of its affairs-it evinces a gratifying maturity. It says in effect, “We have come of age, we are men, we can order our own lives, we can take care of our own business.” It says, “We don’t need you, white man.” This is the bold declaration of men, of real men, independent men! Silberman sees the need for independence. He said, “If Negroes are to gain a sense of potency and dignity, it is essential therefore, that they take the initiative in action on their own behalf.” He went on to say, “For the moment, at least, it is far more important that things be done by Negroes, than that they be done for them, even if they are not done as well. Whites will have to learn that most difficult lesson of parenthood; let the children become their own adults-whites, that is to say, will have to abandon their position of command and the habit of speaking for Negroes and acting for Negroes.” There is nothing new about the desire to become independent. When A. Philip Randolph threatened to march on Washington in 1941 to protest discrimination, in employment, he said that there were some things Negroes had to do for themselves. But going back even further, all the way back to March 16, 1827, in the first editorial of the first black newspaper in America, Freedom Journal, one finds these words, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” Black Power is saying, “We wish to plead our own cause.” If some pusillanimous soul evokes the fear of failure, we can only answer with Jomo Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Kenya, “If there’s going to be a mess, let it be a black mess.” Third, closely related to independence, is a healthy desire to negotiate; not beg, not ask, but negotiate. Black Power says, “We will sit at the conference table as equals and negotiate. The days of begging and bowing are past and gone, never to return.” The fear of many that Black Power completely eliminates whites is false. In a new era, there are three ways which whites of good will can contribute: They can go back to their own kind and tell what great things are being done, which is similar to Jesus sending healed demoniac back to his own people to show what God had wrought in him. They can serve in subordinate positions- as Loren Miller puts it. They can enlist in Negro officiated armies. Lastly, they can coalesce-as equals with blacks in endeavors of mutual interests.

The House of the Lord Church where Black Political Power was Born and Nurtured Photo Bio Series: Black Power Revisited (cont.) The following is the continuation from part VIII of the black Power series published Wednesday, August 2, 2006. This excerpt is taken from literature written over 40 years ago. I hope the reader finds the articles as interesting as I have found them. Now let us turn our attention to the fears and accusations. It is said that Black Power divides our leadership. True, but the disagreement is in strategy, philosophy, tactics, etc. The end or goal of all approaches is equality, of opportunity and human dignity. Malcolm X once said that what everybody wants is freedom. And that separation, integration, nationalism are only means toward that end. I believe it serves our interests to have radicals, revolutionaries, moderates, yes, and even conservatives in our struggle. Any uniformed leadership facilities manipulation by adversaries. Leaders with nothing to lose supply a recklessness to the struggle vital to freedom. They keep honest leaders without backbone-honest. They make it hard for sycophants to seize power. They pose a consistent threat to the power structure. They enhance the bargaining position of more acceptable leaders. Moderate leaders supply a stabilizing force. They prevent radicalism from becoming radicalism for the sake of radicalism. They keep the door of peace open. They point out the reasonableness of reasoning together. They offer their arm to join with others to build. They may be singled out as an indication of maturity that there are divergent views among leadership. I think that this variety is to the marked disadvantage of whites. There was a time when one group with little difference within it spoke for the whole race. Whenever whites desired, they could buy off that whole group and the movement would come to a halt, or was slowed down to a crawl. When the white people wanted to influence Negro behavior or attitude in one direction or the other, “Gunnar Myrdal observed, “... to get the Negro farmer to plant a garden around their shacks, to screen their windows, to keep their children in school to cure and prevent syphilis, to keep Negroes more respectable to the whites, to prevent them from joining trade unions and to frighten them against outside “meddlers” or ‘real seducers’ - the natural desire is to appeal to the community leaders. The leaders are expected to get it over to the Negro masses who are supposed to be rather passive.” One of the contributions Malcolm X made to the cause was the alternative he supplies. Before he came, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was considered a radical. The whites had only to deal with King or his kind. To the philosophy, Malcolm X revealed that whites did not come to terms with King than they would have to face the likes of Malcolm X. I believe they understood this. I like to believe the present leadership also comprehends this fact. It sees the purpose each must serve. It recognizes basic differences. It also knows that there are times when criticism of each other is necessary. Criticism, let it be noted, can be the greatest boon. It can cast light on flaws and failures that were not seen by oneself or by the close to one. If another doesn’t criticize, one ought to criticize oneself. Sometimes, there is such intensive concentration without, that one forgets to take an occasional glance within. Democrats and Republicans seldom agree, but both want the best for this country. The new leadership may not always agree, but I believe that both want the best for their people. The following is the continuation from part VIII of the black Power series published Friday, August 4, 2006. Fear of Isolation Then there is the fear of isolation of our movement. The perceived go-it-alone attitude of Black Power advocates frightens many black people. This attitude is expressed by Loren Miller “To liberals a fond farewell with a thanks for services rendered. Until you are ready to enlist as foot soldiers and subordinates in Negro lead, Negro officiated armies under the badge of freedom.” What does this mean? First, it expresses a healthy distrust of whites. Black Power is cognizant of the fact that whites have seldom acted on their behalf from purely altruistic motives. Most of the time their actions have sprung from paternalism, duplicity, love of the game, nothing-else-to–doism and self-interest. “Indeed,” wrote Charles E. Silberman, “whites have decided everything-sometimes in malice, sometimes with the best intent, frequently because Negroes were unable or unwilling to decide for themselves.” He went on to say, “Even those actions which advanced the Negro cause. The Emancipation Proclamation for example were usually taken for reasons having little to do with Negro interests and needs. Hence, they tend to heighten, rather than lessen the Negro’s sense of anger and dependency.” “The tragedy,” wrote Saul Alinsky, “is that Negroes lacking the opportunity and trapped by insurmountable circumstances, could not themselves come to grips with issues of equality; that none of the issues were resolved on their merits or by the power of the oppressed. They were always a by-product of something more important. This series of situations left many Negroes more or less as by-products of themselves and inevitably-diluted their dignity and strength,” Wendell Phillips observed that the Emancipation freed the slave but ignored the Negro. Even the most venerated of our white helpers were and are not free from the contamination of the prevailing prejudices. The radical abolitionist, Lloyd Garrison, expressed his conviction that the freedman was not ready for political rights and realities. Abraham Lincoln, the first of our Great White Fathers, expressed-his view this way: “I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the racial and political equality of the white and black races-that I am not, nor have ever been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition, to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races, which I believe forbids the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And, in so much as they cannot so live while they remain together, there must be the position of superiority and inferiority, and in as much as any other man I am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.”

I attended the International African Arts Festival (IAAF) over the weekend, from Saturday, July 1st through Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. It was, as always, a professionally organized gathering of masses of people. The IAAF has come a long way. I remember when it was the African Street Festival which encompassed one short street years ago. The created genius of Jitu Weusi and a host of others expanded it to what it is today and eternal credit to those who carried on after Jitu made his transition. It is an exciting, joyful, self-affirming African greatness all around. What appears to be acres which constitute the Commodore Barry Park there was the presence of African creative genius, color, rhythm, fragrance and sound. Just a feeling of being where you belong. There was a variety of food from Africa to the Caribbean, African American Soul food, vegetarian and vegan. There was artwork including paintings, and children's face painting etc. There were tables of informational material. I had a table of my books next to Sekou Odinga and Sundiata Acoli, two freed political prisoners. I had just received, from the Publisher, my two books in time for the IAAF and I want to thank my publishers for this effort. The books include: The Legacy of Arthur Miller-The Movement 45 Years Later; and 52 Weekly Biblical Reflections on the Mastery of Life. This book is part of a trilogy, the trilogy includes 365 Daily Prayers (via Facebook); 52 Practices for the Mastery of Life (via YouTube); and now 52 Weekly Biblical Reflections on the Mastery of Life. My next book will be my Reflections during the Pandemic 2020-2021. The Legacy of Arthur Miller and the 52 Weekly Reflections books are presently on Amazon. The rain came in torrential downpours however it did not completely stop the activities of the IAAF. When the rain stopped, we started again. It reminded me of our struggle for freedom. Sometimes the storms of racism and injustice may cause us to stop or slow down our advances, but never quitting or giving up, not even the thought of surrender. If you have never been to the IAAF you should make it an undying promise to yourself to be present next year. That is if you want to be around people of African Ancestry. It is, as I have stated, a special feeling being with your people, demonstrating their beauty, genius and camaraderie. I have never heard of a violent incident at the IAAF. We could spend the day reflecting on what that means when people of African Ancestry are truly being and doing who we are - there is no violence. Why then does this violence come when we are in diverse communities? What makes this gathering of people of African Ancestry super special is that we are now living in the time of pervasive gentrification. We are so mixed up in our togetherness and neighborhoods, that it seemed to reinforce our mixed up values and identities. But in the viewing, just us, is something special, something beyond description. People greeting each other, smiling, embracing, laughing, conversing, (chopping it up, I just learned that expression’s meaning for conversing), dancing, having fun, expressing appreciation for our dress down -lots of color and creativity. Now, don't misunderstand me, I like all cultures. I have been blessed to travel widely across the world. I admire and appreciate and have participated in some of the cultures I've seen. I'm reminded of a saying, “If two people agree on everything, one of the persons becomes unnecessary”. If we were the same all over the world there would be only a need for one culture. Thank God there is variety, and all cultures have value. It is when one group of people attempts to make their culture superior to all other cultures, that becomes a problem. That has been the characteristic of Euro Ethnic people. Perhaps because they were/are among the world’s minority population. They have felt an imperative to subject other people to subservience or enslavement. Hence instead of enjoying and appreciating other cultures they have destroyed, distorted, stolen or marginalized other people and their culture. In dominating and conquering the peoples of the world they have forced their culture upon the rest of the world. After I traveled the world, I found it amazing how the peoples of the world have accepted Euro Ethnic superiority and culture. There are six books and one booklet that I feel should be in everybody's library, especially people of African Ancestry: 1. The Destruction of Black Civilization - Chancellor Williams, Author 2. Stolen Legacy – George G.M. James, Author 3. How Europe Underdeveloped Africa – Dr. Walter Rodney, Author 4. The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality - Cheikh Anta Diop 5. The Bible - if you're a Christian if not whatever Holy book of your faith assuming that there are the highest values governing the human family. 6. My Beloved Community – Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Author The booklet is entitled From Magnificence to Wretchedness - Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Author I wish to God that the gathering of the people at the International African Arts Festival could be duplicated wherever people of African Ancestry gather by themselves or with others. O Lord, hasten the day when we will live together and celebrate all cultures. Let us remember the words: of Dr. king Jr. If only we could live, respect and admire each other as a human family we should all live together as brothers (and sisters) or die together as fools. What a wonderful world this would be.

Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry Sr. On this the 40th anniversary of the largest gathering of peace loving people, over 1,000,000 people came from every part of the globe and in words, songs music, dance, street theater, marches, demonstrations, civil disobedience expressed their demand for a world of peace, nuclear disarmament, human rights and human needs. I greet you in peace and hope that one day soon we can achieve that glad and glorious day when the weapons of war will be turned into instruments of peace and production for food, shelter, raiment, medicine etc. It is easy for those of us religiously inclined to believe that this moment is providential. We have been called to act courageously and to lift our voices and spare not. This 40th anniversary comes at a time when life on earth, as we know it, is headed for extinction, unless we hastily make some radical changes in our lifestyle. Pestilence, climate change, and violence of every form including war, the apex of violence and all three. We can turn this destructive potential into constructive pursuits. There are those who say we are closest to nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. And why do they say that? Well, war rages in Ukraine with the talk of new clear introduction. President Zelensky said that Putin (Putin is always used with reference to Russia and Ukraine. It is as though Putin is the only one on the battlefield. It is part of the American Press, for the most part it is 100 percent supportive of Ukraine. But we know that the first casualty of war is truth). Putin fires nuclear devices close to its border. Now Zelensky has openly stated that he wants to join NATO. Russia has strong feelings about that. Also, Sweden and Norway want to join NATO. All of which strengthens Russian enemies sitting on Russia's border. And NATO has been conducting military maneuvers. China has been conducting military maneuvers in the Red Sea making Austria nervous. Nuclear testing in North Korea is making the US and South Korea threatened and stepped up its Nuclear testing. Oh yes, don't forget the boycotts. There are boycotts all over the globe, that is, among the so-called highly industrialized or advanced nations. These boycotts have created serious food shortage in different parts of the world and interfered with the food supply and the quality and price thereof. There was a time that Russia and Ukrainian negotiators had worked out a cease-fire agreement. Russia and Ukraine were okay with it. Ukraine would have independence to go its own way but there would be no army. Security would be left to the United nations. No joining NATO. Somebody rejected the plan. In an article entitled, For peace in Ukraine Europe Must Finally Find its own Voice, written by Michael Von der Schulenberg, a former UN assistant general secretary, he writes, “the key elements for a peaceful solution have already been worked out by courageous Russians and Ukrainians, in negotiations during the first two months of the war. according to this Ukraine would renounce NATO membership and not allow any foreign military bases on its Ukrainian soil; while Russia would commit to recognizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdraw all Russian troops from Ukraine and accept International Security guarantees for Ukraine. It also was already tentatively agreed upon to give a special status to Donbas within Ukrainian territory, (as already foreseen in Minsk) and to resolve the future status of Crimea at a later stage through purely diplomatic means. Certainly this is not a complete peace treaty-not yet; many difficult details remain unresolved. But the outcome of these peace negotiations, even if provisional, represent an astonishing achievement at a time of war. There is and will be no other peaceful solution than to agree to some form of Ukrainian neutrality in return for preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It would be completely incredible to assume that some western governments like to claim that such a peace treaty is purely Ukraine’s responsibility and that they should stay out, to use this to justify the West's silence on Russia - Ukrainian peace efforts is highly disingenuous. There are those who believe Ukraine, with the help of the US and NATO can defeat Russia, if not militarily, then through attrition, wear them down and eventually Russia will either surrender or be so badly beaten it will be a non-factor on the world stage. They seem to have forgotten Russia has a lot of nuclear weapons. All of this means astronomical amounts of money and resources of every description, is and will be poured into the military of nations. In the USA the debate the defense budget for 2022 with $933 trillion for the Department of Defense. This does not include the cost of war. the Department of Defense allocation is $755 billion. But that, as I have stated, does not include what is called overseas contingency operation. That is $2 trillion. Here is the budget breakdown: nuclear modernization $27.7 billion, Missile defense 24.4 billion dollars, long range fires $6.6 billion, science and technology $4.7 billion, advance capability enablers $1.12 billion, research and development test evaluation 346 billion dollars, and as I have stated this budget does not include overseas contingencies of $2 trillion. Now when we look at some of the needs in the United States 42 million people are living below the poverty level, 38 million people uh suffering from food insecurity (the description of the food situation is what is known as a euphemism, a nice way to talk about a bad situation) 12 million children are in this bracket, 552,830 people are homeless. When we consider the military spending in the USA and add to all other nations in war preparations, if there were no war and nations would cooperate in addressing human needs, we could in fact have heaven on earth. Another way to look at military budget and political hypocrisy, it seems that everybody wants freedom for Ukraine. Even the right wing racist elected official who wants freedom for Ukraine but not political freedom for people of African Ancestry and other minorities in the US. 19 states have passed 34 laws forcing voter restrictions. 49 states have introduced 449 laws to access voting rights. While the Nations heat up, and it has previously stated in an article written by Michael Von Der Schulenberg, “for peace in Ukraine, Europe must finally find its own voice. The greatest danger for Europe would come from a strategy aimed at achieving a military victory against Russia in the Ukraine. Such as strategy would result in unpredictable reactions from Russia. For Russia, the Ukraine war has become a question of national survival and we must not assume that Russia will use everything it has to avoid leaving the battlefield a loser. But how far would the nuclear power that Russia has will go? Do we really want to test this? And, in the event of a looming Russian defeat wouldn't we have to be prepared for China's involvement as a force reaction to prevent what it may see as and USA encroachment. Suddenly, the Russian - Ukraine war could turn into a dangerous confrontation among three nuclear powers. A victorious peace seems unlikely. Despite all of its military superiority, the USA(with one exception, the UN-sanctioned liberation of Kuwait in 1999) has never won a war. It has ultimately left behind only destruction, chaos and much devastation. They never brought democracy. Will this now also be the fate of Ukraine? Would not fantasies of achieving a military victory result in in measurable suffering to the Ukrainian people? How can we, Europeans, share responsibility for that. It is more likely that Russia will dig in and maintain control over large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. This would threaten to divide Ukraine. The result of this war will not be a proud victory but a farmed out, divided, internally torn and economically devastating Ukraine that could become increasingly ungovernable. And all this would have been achieved through western military help”. Wouldn't it be in Europe’s interest to support, even demand a negotiated peace? In doing so, Europe would follow the call of the world community to resolve the Ukraine conflict peacefully. In the UN General Assembly member states not only condemn rushes illegal military aggression, but also called on all parties to end this war through dialogue and negotiations. Recently the UN Security Council repeated the call for a peaceful solution in a statement. There is no mention of arm deliveries or even a victorious piece in any you win resolution. Obviously, we joined with the UN and the world community in demanding that the conflict in Ukraine be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiations. Even a return to the negotiation table where they once were and that a starting point be what was already achieved in the prior settlement. We put forth our eight issues to be addressed and that the military budgets address human needs: 1. Peace in and among nations. Peace must be observed and then into hatred, violence and killings including war in and among nations. 2. Nuclear Disarmament-the nations of the world Must cease nuclear testing and disarm nuclear weapons. 3. Environmental Justice-the disadvantaged communities will no longer be neglected or exploited or poisoned as is the case with Flint Michigan. And fracking must be stopped or only in rare situations would it be allowed with communities and scientist sanctions. 4. Sustainable Energy -all nations, individuals will cease using destructive fuel and other elements that create climate change. 5. Economic Justice -fair manufacturing and distribution of goods and services be implemented. The elimination of poverty and the development and fair implementation of medicine become the global goal. Resources of the world will be more equally divided. I have already pointed out earlier in my speech that the nation's military budget could more than add adequately take care of all the earths population's needs and beyond. We could literally make a heaven on earth with the military budgets. The world's eligible population desiring to be employed will be gainfully employed and, in some instances, share in the production of their labor. 6. Human rights -all people will enjoy freedom justice and equality and observe Thomas Jefferson quote “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” 7. Human needs - end to poverty and the immeasurable resources. 8. Human mobility - the nations of the world will implement a humane policy that permits travel for pleasure and residents

Thursday, June 1st, 2023 We spoke to Myrlene Laurince about the Arthur Miller event on June 17th and she informed us of the press conference for Monday June 5, 2023 in remembrance of her son Bernard Placide – read more about her story: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/englewood/2023/06/05/bernard-placide-jr-wrongful-death-lawsuit-filed-against-englewood-pd/70290359007/ Friday, June 2nd, 2023 We planned for the Arthur Miller and Kwame Ture event and had an important call from Don Rojas. Ron Daniels, the President of the Institute of the Black world who recently you remember, organized one of the most impressive conferences I'd ever attended. I told Rojas to follow up on the conversation that Ron and I had had regarding the Arthur Miller, Kwame Ture programs. Rojas has a very interesting and educational relationship over the years. He was a columnist for the Amsterdam News in the 70s. When we organized the Black United Front and the National Black United Front, he was our communications director. When the New Jewels Movement took power in Grenada, 1979 Rojas went to Grenada and served as Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and the Bishop Administration director of Communications. He now serves as the communication director for the IBW and many other businesses and organizations. I counted a significant addition to assist in organizing our two programs. Saturday, June 3rd 2023 I visited NAN and made the announcement of the Arthur Miller program, Rev. Sharpton in his presentation elaborated on the importance of Arthur Miller’s chokehold death. He pointed out that with the death of Randy Evans in 1976 and the juries slap on the wrist for the killer cop in 1977. A movement had started in Brooklyn. Arthur Miller’s death fueled the anger and commitment to change. At the time, the Black Power Afrocentrism, Pan-Africanist movement had been marginalized primarily by the FBI. The civil rights movement which had achieved much but had not reached the height of expectation had become the object of ridicule, disappointment and even anger. Dr. MLK Jr., the sainted leader was booed in various cities and Rev. Sharpton emphasized that the BUF and he cited me in particular was able to bring together the civil rights movement and the Black Power, Black Nationalist Pan-Africanist movement in BUF. Sunday, June 4th 2023 The usual Sunday – Basketball, Men’s Prayer. We had our in-person Sunday Service at 322 Duncan Avenue Jersey City, NJ. All are welcome to join! My message was God can do much with little or nothing Zechariah 4:10 My intention was to prepare our members and supporters for the two programs: Arthur Miller; Ture programs. I wanted to do this by showing through history great were accomplished by people who were not very thought of very highly by society. And even Jesus’ disciples would not have made the newspaper as the most likely to succeed and our own history and the church that we started with 5 elderly members, small storefront church with a potbelly stove in the center, the ceiling had crumbled, the walls had been damaged and I would travel from Jersey City to Brooklyn. The church was located at 2024 Fulton St between Howard and Saratoga. In the winter I had to start the fire in the stove and pick up the members when I succeeded in purchasing a car. And I would tell those few members that one day this church, the House of the Lord would be known around the world and people would come from all over, bringing their knowledge and experience with them. They would be glad to lecture or perform for gratis at the church. Now looking back, we see how that has been fulfilled and all of you and members in other cities have brought it to pass. We should praise God and get ready for a greater work. Monday, June 5th, 2023 I attended a Press Conference in front of the Police Plaza in Englewood, NJ. Bernard Placide – 10am – Jersey City. The press conference was called by the family of Bernard Placide and their attorney. They are demanding $50 million for the death of Bernard Placide, the 23-year-old son of Myrlene Laurnice. Attending the press conference were community leaders including Scott Jenkins, Jerry Chambers of the NJ Black Caucus, Larry Ham People for Progress, among others. We later had our Timbuktu learning center meeting Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 Lifeline Prayer & Fellowship at 7am Worked with Sarah 3-5pm reviewing past events and catching up and upcoming Spoke with publisher: Seaburn that my book Reflections on the Pandemic 2020-2021 Had extensive conversation with one of our editors Herb Boyd and the publisher Africa World Press on my other book- Passing of the Giants which is almost finished. I was sent the galley (complete copy for final review of the manuscript) and the cover. Our next task is to select the photos for the persons of whom I’m writing and more discussion on the cover. Timbuktu- History night- Tuesday's we do history, citing historical events or personal moments of great importance.

Arthur Miller 45th Anniversary June 14th, 1978 - 2023 Today, June 14 Arthur Miller was choked to death by New York Police. Arthur Miller was a modeled citizen. He was a family man, businessman, community involvement, contributing to worthy causes and well-liked by the community including respected by the police. Yet, this day he ended up dead at the hands of the people we pay to protect us. But we’ve turned pain into power and created a movement that had an impact locally, nationally and internationally. The late 60s and 70s was a tough time for people of African Ancestry especially in Brooklyn especially. Starting in July 1964 with the police murder of Jimmy Powell, 15-year-old in Harlem, NY and September 1967 Richard Ross in Brooklyn, NY. It was as if the police had decided to annually kill a Black child and then: In 1972, Rickey Bodden was killed in Staten Island, he was 11 years old. In 1973, Clifford Glover was killed in Jamaica, Queens, when he was 10 years old. Claude Reese, 14, killed on September 20, 1974 in Brooklyn, NY. In 1979, it was Luis Baez. As I have stated, Arthur Miller in 1978. In addition to police brutality and murder, the consistent facts of these killings, they were done by white police officers and they were exonerated. There might have been a Black police officer in the crowd in several of these cases. But by and large they were Caucasian officers and Black and Latino victims. In addition to police attacks the Hasidic community engaged in harassment, insults and violence against Black people. One of the worst attacks was on Victor Rhodes, a fifteen-year-old black kid. According to the press, he was attacked by 30-50 members of the Hasidic community. In 1978, we called it Bloody Summer 78’. There were multiple racist attacks on people of African Ancestry which can be found in my book No Monopoly on Suffering Blacks and Jews in Crown Heights: The History of the Bloody Summer of 1978 Wednesday, June 14, 1978 Arthur Miller murdered by the police - 77th pct. Thursday, June 15, 1978 Victor Rhodes beaten into a coma by Hasidic Jews. Thursday, June 22, 1978 Charles King beaten and hospitalized by traffic police. Sunday July 23, 1978 Packed bus returning from Rils Beach attacked by a gang of Whites at Utica and Avenue A. Monday, July 31, 1978 Girard Mark was attacked and hospitalized by a gang of Whites in Prospect Park. Monday, August 14, 1978 4 Black youth and 1 Hispanic youth beaten by a White gang in a planned attack in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Tuesday, August 15, 1978 Thurman Robinson beaten and hospitalized by police – 73rd Precinct. Perhaps, equal to the violence was the molestation of black youth by then Congressman Fred Richmond. The courts had ruled that Black political representation was gerrymandered out of the political process. The courts created Congressional District-14 with a black majority. Fred Richmond, a white millionaire, so-called friend of Black people ran for the seat and won. It was reported widely that he was guilty of molesting black youths in Washington, D.C. I led a delegation to his office. We demanded his resignation. Sitting between two beefy black bodyguards, he angrily stated, “I am going to run again and I'm going to win.” He ran and he won! He won with the overwhelming support of most black bourgeoisie black elected officials and some of the most prominent black preachers. It was the depths of self-hatred and self-rejection. It was painful, infuriating, and pathetic to know that he garnered the overwhelming support of Black people who were the leading citizens and the people we had had the highest regard for, especially the clergy. That was the climate in which Arthur Miller was choked to death. As a result of the Randy Evans killing, we called for Black Christmas 77’, we were on the street boycotting the downtown Brooklyn stores when we learned that Arthur Miller had been choked to death. From the boycott lines we organized a rally that night. I promised that we were going to organize our people. Which we did and we ran our own political candidates and they won including Assemblymen Al Vann and Roger Green, Congressman Owens who took Fred Richmond's seat. I said, “we’re going to organize our community patrol and when men meet men, we will see what the people in the long black coats will do.” (Men in the Hasidic community wear long black coats.) I also said that “the next time the Hasidic touches one of our children, we’re going to tear this community apart.” We fulfilled our promise, we organized the Arthur Miller Community Patrol and there was no more violence. We organized our community into the Black United Front and the rest is history and the rest is history. Attend this Saturday, June 17th, House of the Lord Church, 415 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, we will be having a time of reflection on the tenor of the times and what we’ve accomplished. We expect many of the Movers and Shakers to be present with their children and Mothers and Families who have experienced death at the hands of police and gun violence. In addition we expect that many of the top elected officials who came out of the movement to be present, Mayor Adams, AG Leticia James (who has indicated she will send a video), etc. Read my book No Monopoly on Suffering Blacks & Jews in Crown Heights for a study of the history of the times in which I just posted…

The Road to Armageddon (Military War) For a week now I have been having sleepless nights. The thought that the human family is being forced further down the road of destruction is deeply disturbing. Ever since Russia increased its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, attacks on Moscow, the capital of Russia, done by Ukranian or internal insurgents; and talk of nuclear weapons, employment, charges and countercharges in an attempt to blow up a nuclear plant; then the tension between China and America has intensified. Chinese drones have entered the U.S.A., America accused China of spying. There have been close encounters with ships and planes in the sea and in the air. China has been furious ever since American delegations visited Taiwan which China considers a part of the mainland. America has asked for a meeting which China has rejected and finally China is accused of supporting Russia. So militarily as the war continues and intensifies, it seems that we are further down the road of Armageddon... The Road to Annihilation (The Weather War) Recently we have witnessed terrible catastrophic destruction by the weather. The more recent, in fact at this writing we’re still feeling the effects of wildfires in Canada. Really, there have been wildfires in the USA and other countries that all contribute to the change in the climate. In the USA it has been called the worst weather conditions or atmosphere in centuries or ever. We’ve had to go back and dig up the masks we used to wear when Covid was rampaging through the world. The smog, smoke from the fires have been particularly devastating for people who are already physically challenged, especially with breathing/lung conditions. But it is not only the climate change brought on by the fires, but also the military war. I say the military war because what we call military war, is only one kind of violence. There are other manifestations of war on an individual manner ie. vehicular violence, people are using their cars to hurt people, violent attacks by individuals on the subway and streets of course there is mass violence, etc. But military violence, what we call war also contributes to suffusing the atmosphere with toxic fumes. The war of the weather takes on similar military war and takes different expressions. We are now witnessing wildfires and toxic air that we breathe. But at the same time volcanoes in Hawaii are erupting, spewing hot lava down the mountainside. In addition, the floods have made cities and countries, particularly island countries almost unlivable. I was informed that the city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia which is an archipelago, is being buried beneath the sea. The President has indicated that the population of Jakarta would be forced to seek other islands. It has been said that Florida in the years to come will be beneath the water. Even New York will also experience a similar fate. As I drive down the FDR drive and the West Side Highway and witness these gigantic structures, kissing the sky and also from my home in Brooklyn, I looked out of the window and see these high rises and I marvel at the genius that God has given to the human family. If only we could use this genius for the betterment of all of the members of the human race and to create a better planet. We could make a heaven on earth. One day as I was lost in observing these towering structures and what it must have required to build them, I remembered the Scripture. When the disciples stood outside of Jerusalem and marveled at the Temple and the surrounding structures of that time, and Jesus said to them, “Do not become engrossed in what you see, for there will not be left one building upon another.” The disciples, stunned by Jesus’ statement, asked the question, “When will these things be and what will be the end?” and Jesus proceeded to lay out a description of the end time. (This can be found in Matthew 24) I wondered how close we are to the end and the war of the weather is sending us a signal that we’re nearer than we think. I’ve been told that Manhattan is sinking, this too is another example of the war of the weather. Regarding Jakarta, Indonesia, I had a personal experience being in Jakarta years ago. The World Council of Churches 1974, asked me to participate in a 3-year study of Salvation Today. They indicated that they had convened the renowned scholars, revolutionaries, artists, statesmen across the world to address the question, what is Salvation Today? Well after I had recuperated from my being startled by the subject matter, Salvation Today, because after all I could tell the world what salvation is for us in 3 seconds. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.”I replied to the question, “do I want to participate in this study affirmatively?” Moreover, I was excited and glad and couldn’t wait to get started traveling the world talking to leaders in every field of endeavor learning from their thinking. On one of these trips abroad, I had breakfast in Saigon, Vietnam as the war was winding down. I had lunch in Singapore with business leaders, diplomats, etc. And in the evening, I landed in Jakarta. Their hospitality that greeted us was most satisfying, the food including beverages was prepared on colorful platters. I became so impressed with the beauty and hospitality that we were not supposed to drink any liquids and to be careful of any food. As I began to swallow the liquid, I began to feel my stomach getting upset. I knew I had violated the rules of travel at that time. I became very very ill. I went out to speak later that evening and could barely get back to the hotel. Somehow, I made it home after I had fulfilled obligations in India, Calcutta and Bombay and remained ill for months. I would always believe that I was reliving the Malcolm X experience. You remember the attempts were made on his life as he was traveling abroad. Well, I had been meeting with the insurgents in Jakarta, those who were attempting to overthrow the government. We had had a number of very secretive meetings. I believe members of that government and other countries that supported them, made an attempt to put an end to my life, thinking that somehow, I was a part of the insurgents. After I returned home, I was back on the road again, visiting Bangalore, India. We concluded our conference in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the most exciting parts of the trips were 1. A couple of weeks at the Theological Institute in Bossey, Switzerland where theologians, philosophers, academicians, scientists of every description met for two weeks in intense study, research, conversations – it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience. Strangely, it seems to me that the military war and the weather war are in competition. They are trying to see who can destroy the human family first and the fastest. But whether it is the road to Armageddon by military violence or the road to Annihilation by the weather violence, it all comes to mean the same thing. An end of it all on this side of human history. But thank God, for those of us who believe. For those of us who are believers, the end will only be the beginning. For Jesus told us what to expect at the close of the day, eternal life in the presence of God the Father, the Son, and all the Heavenly Hosts and in that number will be our loved ones who’ve gone on before. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 16:17, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." So began eternal bliss. Our forebears used to sing: “In that great a-gettin' up morning, Fair thee well, fair thee well. In that great a-gettin' up morning, Fair thee well, fair thee well.”

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Part Two: Tupac Shakur Conversations from a Jail cell Name it, Frame it, Claim it! That conversation stayed on my mind a long time. I told him that this was another teaching moment that I would spread near and far. Hence, I want to write about it. Consistent with the title of the article Name it, Frame it, Claim it, I want to go over these points. Name it-when you desire something, as I have stated and written about previously, if you want to achieve it, be clear to name it. Call it what you want and desire. Think and pray about it. Do not discuss it with everybody. Some people, even your closest relatives can be discouraging, deliberately or undeliverable and other times unaware of their discouragement. I remember when I was discussing my vision of saving the world and saving the planet with some of my friends. I was emotionally involved and how I was planning to do this. The people I was talking to started talking about other things like grapes. They deliberately squashed my enthusiasm. Another time when I first started out in a storefront church, I had several elderly members. At that time, I still had the vision of saving the planet. I discussed my vision with some of the mothers of the church and one of the mothers immediately turned to the other and said,” I want a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.” I was shocked and crushed that they couldn't visualize with me. I remember Jesus saying, “do not cast your pearls before swine as they might turn on you and tear you to pieces.” What I believe Jesus was teaching was that putting your heartfelt ideas, visions, before people may take a wrong turn as your ideas, they may use for themselves or against you or use to discourage you. So, in summation: Name what it is you want to achieve. Frame It. Exactly what Tupac did. Some people call it map making -same principle-objectifying what you are visualizing to help you achieve clarity. The more you think about it the clearer it becomes. If you have someone close enough that you can trust with the pearls of your vision, express it with them. However, it holds true for what I mentioned above, don't talk to everybody. But if that rare person can appreciate your vision, that might help you clarify and expand it. Claim it-How do you claim it. You claim it by feeling and acting like you already have it. Jesus said, “whatsoever things you desire when you pray believe that you have it, and you shall receive it.” The words of Jesus sums up the teaching on this subject. You will notice that Jesus said whatsoever things you desire, name it, you are consumed with the idea, when you pray, think, meditate, reflect, believe that you have it. Start acting like you have it. Tupac acted like he already had it he started writing, and rapping rhymes immediately. When you claim it, you feel it. It influences your entire being thus you are sending, pulling, attracting vibrations into the universe, and drawing your vision unto yourself, simultaneously you are being drawn to the vision. That is the rendezvous, the meeting of the internal vision with the external realization of the vision. You are going to get what you already have. That is my explanation of what apparently was the contradiction of Jesus' statement. Whatsoever you desire when you pray believe and you shall have it. You have it at the moment you desire it. So, Name it, Frame it, Claim it! Please see my book -Weekly Biblical Reflections on the Mastery of life and - the Life and Times of Tupac Shakur

Friday, May 26, 2023 My event coordinator Sarah and I went over program and revisited additions and discussed the participants and the roles that they should play in the program. Response to Stella One of the conversations we had with an NYU student who had expressed concerns that the Methodist church in the MetroTech park was not being used properly. She had read the plaque that I had put on the church in a ceremony recounting the history of this particular church. We had discussed how we could persuade the president of NYU and the owners of the park to make this area Freedom Square, the park would be called Freedom Square and the church would be identified as a great place of history and it would then be turned into a place for community, lecture series, similar to Timbuktu. And so we will be continuing to have this discussion. The Downtown area of Brooklyn is replete with historical sites. We used to do an annual tour through the area starting at our church to Brooklyn Heights reformed church where Dr. Henry Ward Beecher, the brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe. The author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He was the pastor of that church for 40 years and very much involved in the abolitionist movement. Saturday, May 27, 2023 Organizing & Membership Drive Meeting I had a very interesting experience. I had left the passenger side of the front of my car open. It had been open for a long time. They came to my door, this Jewish person to inform me that my car door was open, he said he would close it, but he can’t do it on his Sabbath. It was Saturday. I thought long about it and remembered years ago when I was a boy scout chaplain and annually would go to the 10-mile river Upstate, NY and spend the summer as the Protestant chaplain. This particular evening a Jewish woman waited for me to come out of my house and said to me she was terribly concerned that she had not seen or heard from her husband in a long time, which is unusual for him. Would I go looking for her husband? She knew how to drive, but her religion forbade her being near a car, touching a car, etc. She couldn’t drive. I drove around the camp looking for her husband and returned to inform his wife that he was okay. In fact, she followed me a little later, to make sure she was relieved. Here she was in distress and her religion forbids her from going to far and driving a car to search for a husband. Well, I reckon in our religious faiths, we all have some things that are rather peculiar. The lesson I reckon is being respectful of all religions that teach love and kindness. Sunday, May 28, 2023-Monday, May 29, 2023 Memorial Day Weekend The gym was closed. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 Tupac : The 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Part Four As I have stated Tupac Shakur was a member of our church, the House of the Lord Pentecostal Churches. His mother, Afeni, brought him, her daughter, Sekyiwa, and Afeni’s sister Gloria to the church for membership. Tupac was about 11 or 12 at the time. I watched him grow up for a while and then he moved to Baltimore. Occasionally we would reconnect and maintain our relationship. When he became a famous performing artist, or whenever he came to New York, his mother would always ask me to go to see him. When I did visit him he was always cordial and respectful. When Tupac was shot five times in New York he was in and out of consciousness. There was a question if he would remain alive.... The 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Pt. 4 with the focus on Tupac Shakur Conversations from a Jail cell is now available to read. Visit the link below. The next article will be Name it, Frame it, Claim it! Stay tuned.. Read more at https://www.hdgministries.org/post/the-50th-anniversary-of-hip-hop-part-four?fbclid=IwAR0MQwsQxsmZ4wlLbaHUyhNgoCN2lo0pc7VYuV-S7kCnu19ID5PdCUMz6_8 Had a hospital visit for a family member. Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Follow-up Hospital Visit The Chinese rejected America’s offer for a meeting. This is very significant because China has been accused of supporting Russia and sending drones to spy the USA. They have come as close within US borders, in fact their military came. So one would think that it would be China seeking a meeting. China is still angry because of the US delegations that have been visiting Taiwan. China believes that Taiwan is still a part of mainland China. Secondly, Russia is still raining bombs and missiles on Ukraine, in particular Keyve the capital. There was a secret attack in Moscow, the Ukrainians say that they did not do it.It was an internal job. And so, down the road we go to Armageddon. The Road to Armageddon United States to train Ukrainian pilots to operate F16 fighter jets Well, another step on the road to Armageddon. It has been announced that American President Biden has agreed to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the most advanced fighter jets. There was resistance for a long while to President Zelensky’s request. He convinced president Biden and the NATO allies that it was imperative that the country supply the planes and pilots if his country was to succeed in winning the war through military conquest or attrition, and of course, as always he needed more money. It seems to be a continuing theme: just one more this or that and a few more advanced weapons of war will achieve victory for the Ukrainians and its allies. Followed by our Timbuktu Learning Center Health Night with Sister Leslie.

Friday, May 19, 2023 I attended the funeral of Jordan Neely. He was the young man who was choked to death on the subway. The funeral was held at Mt. Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem,NY. The Pastor is Reverend Donnie Green. I did the opening prayer, Rev. Sharpton was the eulogist. He laid heavy emphasis on justice for Neely. With reference to Neely’s death, he pointed out that, “the choker, Penny, was allowed to go home after being in the precinct. Another important point - what about the two persons that held Neely down, why weren’t they arrested?” asked Rev. Al Sharpton. The audience gave him repeated ovations and occasionally broke out with a slogan, “No Justice, No Peace! No Justice, No Peace!”. I recall that the subway of Neely reminded me of Bernard Getts many years ago. He shot four young men on the subway instead of doing time, he became a hero to millions of people. Likewise, Penny has become a hero to millions. At the point of the funeral 2.8 million dollars had been raised for his support. Sarah and I worked on the article for the photo bio. It was the Black Panther organization as well as the major organization across the Afro-centric and Pan-Africanist movement. After searching we located a photo that had been taken with four of the Black Panthers at Sekiwya’s wedding. I posted: In the Black Power/ Afrocentric/ Pan-Africanist movement one of the key organizations was the Black Panther Party. Significantly the Black Panther Party was used in Lowndes County, Alabama. After the Selma march, Kwame stepped up his organizing in Lowndes County where there was an overwhelming black population but no political power. After successfully organizing there he was invited to the west coast to relate the experience they had in Lowndes County. It was there that the seeds of a Black Panther Party were planted. At Sekyiwa, the daughter of Afeni Shakur’s, wedding in 1996 there was a Black Panther reunion with some of the members who had attended the wedding. It was a grand and glorious occasion, because of the wedding and because of the reunion. It was like old times. The wedding was held at the home of Afeni which Tupac had purchased for her. It was a beautiful spacious home with lush green grass and shrubbery and trees, all added to the joy of the moment. I don’t think anyone at the wedding didn’t have Tupac on his/her mind. He would have loved to have been present and maybe he was in spirit. We hope to see members of the party when we Remember Kwame Ture and the movement and organizations and persons who had such a significant impact on America and abroad. I hope you, dear reader, will be present on July 29-30, 2023. Please register now at hdgministries.org/events and help us to spread the word. It’s going to be at our church, the House of the Lord Church, where Afeni, Tupac, and Sekyiwa were members. In the photo left to right: Jomal Joseph, Watoni Tyhemba, myself, Geronimo Jisaqq, Ali Bey Malcolm X’s Birthday In the evening, I went up to the Audubon Ballroom for the annual celebration of Malcolm X’s birthday. As I drove up, I remembered where I received news that Malcolm had been shot and was dead. I was in the church on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. Bishop Wilbur McKinley was the pastor. I was debating with myself whether to go to the program in the Audubon or to stay with the church program. I decided to stay with the church program. I actually didn’t make it to the Audubon, the traffic was atrocious. Just as I didn’t make it to the Audubon where Malcolm was killed. Maybe, it's a good thing for me not being there. Who knows where I would have been sitting or how I would react to this. Saturday, May 20, 2023 Saturday Morning, I made my usual visit to the National Action Network. Reverend Sharpton mentioned the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and how he is organizing the widest gathering of leaders of the various organizations dealing with bias violence. Asians, LGBTQ, Jews, Women and of course people of African Ancestry. He seemed to be modeling his organizing of the 50th anniversary after the Poor People’s Campaign. He is pulling together the leaders of America concerned about poverty and the three-headed troika: militarism, policeism, poverty. There will be buses going from different sites. In addition to the anniversary he hammered away at Neely’s case. He said that he intends to stay with the case until justice prevails. Afterwards, my wife and I had our usual Saturday morning breakfast. Our conversation focused on the Rev. Al Sharpton and my association with him across the years. It seems that any issue of importance we’ve been involved in. So now we were just together in Buffalo where the massacre killing 10 people occurred a year ago. Then we were at the funeral of Jordan Neely. I mentioned that he along with Jesse Jackson timing was almost perfect regarding enjoining issues. They both were quick thinkers. As we used to say, “they could think on their feet.” Back to Brooklyn My wife and I after returning home in Jersey headed to Brooklyn, NY. We had a meeting with the Mayor at 5pm. When the meeting was completed, we stayed in Brooklyn in preparation for our moving. Sunday, May 21, 2023 We had our usual basketball and prayer. Later on I preached on "The individual and collective Spirit of the Good Samaritan" at Pastor Dawn’s church in Englewood NJ. I think most people know about the story of the Good Samaritan, I’m not sure everyone knows the details and the interpretation. Briefly, Jesus responds to a young man who questioned Him as to who is my neighbor. Jesus had told this young man that the great law “love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man persisted with his questioning, “who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. A man was beaten and robbed and was laying in the ditch on the Jericho road. A priest came by and saw the man and kept walking, another Holy person came from the temple, saw the man and he too kept walking. Then came a Samaritan, the Samaritans were hated by the Jews and he cared for the man’s wounds and took the man to a hotel and told the hotel keeper take care of this man, room and board and here is some money and if it costs more I will pay you when I come through this way again. Then Jesus turned to the young man and said ,who do you think was a neighbor to the wounded, robbed man? Significantly the young questioner wouldn’t even say the Samaritan. He said, “I suppose the one who treated him were neighbors.” Well that’s one expression of being a Good Samaritan- helping an individual in need. There is another way in which the spirit of Samaritans is exercised in tending to collective needs. The spirit of the Samaritan was exercised by Jesus in the Temple when he overturned the money changers and started pushing people around. These were the respectable licensed business people here, the spirit of the Samaritan came to play in that Jesus was angry because of the exploitation even though it was done with the blessings of the religious organizations. The money changers were those who demanded money be changed to worship God. So $100 in regular societal money when it was changed the person only received like $75. Then if the person wanted to buy a gift to offer in worshiping. Let me point out a lesson here, when we come to worship we should always come to give something. If it’s only a penny, only God knows how much we’re giving. Jesus commended the widow woman who only gave a penny, and Jesus said she had given more than all the rest. This teaches us that what we want we should give. Mother Nature teaches us that if you want fruit or vegetables you plant the seeds before you revive the item you seek. So to purchase something for worship, say the poor people can only purchase a pigeon. Well, you could buy a pigeon for $2 in the marketplace but a Holy pigeon in the Temple might cost you $10 or $25. The point is it was a cruel exploitation of poor people who had saved all year long to come to worship God in Jerusalem. And then when they get there with the family they are subject to this exploitation all in the Temple or around the Temple. The action of Jesus manifested the Spirit of Samaritan. So what we see of the Samaritan, When we express sympathy and action for one person, but the Spirit of the Samaritan is also manifested in our concern and action on behalf of the group of people or a race or even a nation. I know that to most people that is a strange interpretation of the Samaritan spirit. Religious people, churches by and large think individually. True prophets and Jesus Christ were concerned with the individual and individuals who suffered because of a violent act by a person or by a system instituted by a nation which brings hardship to its citizens or a segment of its citizens. Monday, May 22, 2023 DAILY PRAYER FOR MEDITATION 142 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, Hosea 14:4 I thank Thee, O Lord, for the promise to heal the backslider and then love them freely. For honesty compels me to confess, I hold membership in the backsliders club. More time than I like to remember, I have backslided, I have failed. I have come up short. And if Thou didn't heal my backsliding, I would have been left to die from the disease of sin. But thank you 10,000 times, O Lord, for healing, forgiving, loving me. Help me, O Lord, to be ever grateful for Thy forgiveness and love. Let me never hesitate or cease to declare Thy love to the world. Amen. Come join Rev. Herbert Daughtry and others on our morning Lifeline Prayer and Inspiration Circle 7am - 8am Mon. - Fri. and our nightly Timbuktu Learning Center. Where the social and spiritual are merged & the teachings on how to achieve an abundant life. 7pm - 8:30 pm Mon. - Wed. The phone number for both is 716-427-1168 Access Code 604309#. Feeling deeply about Mayor Adams and this towering challenge brought on by the Asylum seekers. Some years ago I offered my solution to the problem of course it was not implemented. It came across in the newspaper, The Jersey Journal, that Mayor Fulop declared Jersey City a sanctuary city in bold headlines. I sent the paper to Mayor Adams. And so far as cities and counties were rejecting his attempt to send the asylum seekers to other locations. We did our usual office work and updates for the week followed by the Timbuktu Learning Center in the evening. Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Morning Lifeline Affirmation and Prayer I spent most of the day planning for Arthur Miller and Kwame Ture’s programs, which entails developing the nature of the programs, mailing list, who are the speakers, etc. and what will be posted, etc. followed by the Timbuktu Learning Center Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Dictated the Road to Armageddon with Sharman Blake. With the gun violence raging and the controversy intensifying. I remember an experience from my early childhood, maybe around 8-10 years old. My brother, Bob, was 4 years older when I got into a heated argument. I don’t even remember what it was all about, but I do remember I was furious and I ran in the house and found a bottle and I came back out and threw it at him and hit him in the back. Thinking back, I wonder what would’ve happened if we had guns in the house. I was so furious, indeed mad that I wanted to hurt him or remove him with hurt. One of the saddest chapters in my life happened in Brooklyn when I was in my early teens. We were doing the usual playing with each other when two brothers got into an argument and one brother ran somewhere and got a shotgun and blew his brother away, killing him instantly. They were only teenagers and I pondered if we would’ve had guns in our house would I have done the same thing. I said it was one of the saddest days. We mourned and cried for a long time. The brother who did this horrible thing was in prison. When he was released he came by my church and we reconnected, then some days later he came back to the church and he brought a female with him and my attempt to be cordial as we do inquire about the family. And I asked him how John was doing and I could feel the pain coming out of my mouth, but I couldn’t stop and I said it. And a heavy pall came over where we were standing in the church and he paused for what seemed a lifetime and said finally, “John is dead man.” I tried to apologize and somehow say I’m sorry, but I knew it didn’t penetrate. He turned with his I assumed his fiance, and never returned again. I hope that story in some small way contributes to the possession of gun debate. Timbuktu Health Night with Sister Leslie. Thursday, May 25, 2023 Passing of A Giant of the Human Spirit Senator William Perkins Sunrise April 18, 1949 - Sunset May 16, 2023 I attended the funeral of the Honorable Senator William” Bill” Perkins on Thursday May 25, 2023, held at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem where the Rev. Michael A. Waldron Jr. is the Senior Pastor. The Eulogist was Rev Henry A. Bedin III, Pastor of the First AME Bethel Church in Harlem, NY. It was a lengthy funeral with an array of who's who in New York in attendance, including Mayor, Eric Adams, elected officials, clergy, community activists, Former Ambassador Gaspard, former Borough President of Manhattan, Virginia Fields, Senator Cordell Cleare of Harlem, Hazel Dukes, President of NAACP NYS Conference, Sen. Robert Jackson, and Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and of course family members and friends. Former Congressman Charles Rangel was also present. It's hard to remember when I first met Senator Perkins. It seemed that we had known each other for years. He was always on the scene whenever there was an issue concerning our people,particularly his people in Harlem. He served as a legislator of Harlem where he served 24 years, he was ubiquitous, tireless, courageous, committed - a fearless fighter for the people. He exemplified the quote- “he spoke truth to power”. Read more at: https://www.hdgministries.org/post/passing-of-a-giant-of-the-human-spirit-senator-william-perkins?fbclid=IwAR1wheIgb4nTgwZlsm1agaPmLFir11Tfg6M8FgZiVgV0jkp1X_F_MXJ2jw8

Sunday, May 14, 2023 After breakfast, we met in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel. First stop was True Bethel Baptist Church, it was more like Pentecostal Church but although nowadays you can’t tell the difference. A long time ago when Baptists were manifesting the worship style of Pentecostals. They call themselves Bapticostal. The Pastor was Pastor Craig Pridgen . Rev Al was the featured speaker. Again he was powerful, eloquent. It reminded me of Bishop Washington, a famous Bishop in COGIC. Rev. Sharpton always gives credit to the mentors that helped shape his life. He was called to preach at four. One of his mentors is Bishop F.D. Washington and today as he spoke with such fire and fiber and rhythm and cadence, it reminded me of Bishop Washington. The audience gave him standing ovations on several occasions and at the end prolonged standing ovation and hand clapping and foot stomping. The next stop was Baptist Church – the former pastor was Rev. BW Smith, I met him when I campaigned for Arthur Eve in 1977-78. Arthur was running to become the first Black Mayor in Buffalo. Rev. Smith and I walked the streets together and after Arthur won the primary we thanked the people - particularly going into the white neighborhoods. But the white populations changed from Democrats as they had always been to elect the former Mayor who had run in the general election as an independent. Then I was asked to my surprise to introduce Rev. Sharpton, I must say I was pleased to do so. I stated that I had been knowing the Reverend probably longer than anyone alive, except maybe some of his relatives. I talked about my first meeting with him as a 9/10 year old scurrying around Bedford Ave in Brooklyn with registration and other political literature. At around 12, he became our Youth Leader in Operation BreadBasket which was the economic arm of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference headed by Dr. MLK Jr. Rev. Dr. William Jones was the chairman, I was the executive vice chair. Among the other ministers that Rev. Sharpton gives credit to being his mentor are Rev. Jones and myself and one other the Rev. Jesse Jackson. I stated that across the years, I’ve watched him grow, I’ve watched him develop in every way humanly possible. Just about every issue across the years we have been involved, sometimes he as leader, sometimes I as leader. I pointed out that I have known many leaders across the years locally, nationally and abroad. Rev. Sharpton is ranked and I ranked Rev. Sharpton among the top leaders considering what he has been through from where he started. There are those who succeed wonderfully. But they had a lot of things working in their favor. When I think of the greatness of leaders we have to think of the starting point and we have to think of the challenges that they faced on the road to success. In the not far distant future when the truth of history gets a hearing, Rev. Sharpton’s name will be placed among the top. After my introduction Reverend stepped forward with his usual confident connection with the audience. This was an older, more subdued audience. Rev. Sharpton was equally more subdued, but still there was fire in his delivery, but more folksy with illustrations but equally effective. As he spoke this time, he reminded me of Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Reverend Dr. William Jones. The next stop was a radio program by the Mayor of the City Byron Brown and then they had a 30-45 minute interview with Reverend Sharpton. After the program we walked across the parking lot to where a memorial was set up with flowers on the corner. The parking lot was crowded with people, everywhere we moved, people wanted to take photos. Senator Schumer was also being interviewed by the tv cameras around the memorial site. We took a few minutes break and turned back to the parking lot for a ceremony. The ceremony was moderated by the Mayor, when we arrived Senator Schumer was speaking. After which there was a moment of silence and the ringing of bells for the dead and then it was over. We marched back across the parking lot to the front of the store from where we had departed and laid wreaths in the doorway. When we returned to the hotel it was about 4 o'clock. It was enough time for us to grab something to eat, but Rev. Sharpton had to do his Sunday night program with NBC at 5pm. When the program was over our bags were already packed in the SUVs and we headed to the airport to catch the 7:15 to JFK. We arrived safely around 10:30. It had been a long exciting day - sad, but yet joyful.The people of Buffalo gave us the warmest of expressions everywhere we went, churches, parking lot, store, walking the street. The families could not stop thanking us. They had tears in their eyes, yet gratitude was clearly evident, sometimes with a smile. I emailed Ashley, Rev. Sharpton’s daughter, social media person, asked her for information on persons or events and I said to her it was a great day- sad and joyful but agony and ecstasy is the stuff of life. Those who have found the balance or who have succeeded in a synthesizing of sorrow and joy, highs and lows were fine, stability and serenity and discover it is all grounded in spirituality. And I was thinking and feeling as I wrote to Ashley, the people in Buffalo, particularly those whose loved ones were killed. The pain that they must be enduring and through it all there were still able to smile and offer their gratitude for our presence and support. Rev. Sharpton had made in his remarks at the Church of B. Smith that we, according to myself, himself across the years have sustained relationships with the people who have had their loved ones taken from them by violence. The fact that others would come and go with the cameras and the crowds but we always stayed with the families. On the plane coming back home Rev. Sharpton remarked that we, he and I were the only so-called activists present. I thought about that and remembered when this first happened it seemed like everybody who was anybody were present and this Sunday celebrities, activists were now here to be seen, but elected officials were there AG Tish James was there on the front row, Garner, the cousin of Eric Garner president of 100 Black men was present but beyond those two I saw no others. I was glad when I laid me down to sleep, I was grateful I had an opportunity to be there with the families. Sometimes people ask me how I feel being a legend in my own right when I’m with Reverend Sharpton and Jackson and they garner most of the attention and my response has always been, I know when to lead and I know when to follow. There were some people that were born to lead, and born to follow, and some few people are born to lead and then follow and when to do one or the other. I like to feel that I'M IN THE last category. Rev. Sharpton has often said publicly, “Rev. Daughtry leads from anywhere, front, back or the middle.” That’s what I feel, I don’t have to be out front but whatever role God has me to play, I’d gladly play it. So I’m comfortable being in the background. I try to get up front, I don’t try to get in the photos. I leave that to whoever is the leader, whether Rev. Sharpton, Jackson, whoever. So it was another great, memorable day with Rev. Sharpton and his staff. Monday, May 15, 2023 Dentist appointment Ron Daniels interview Remembering Tupac I began to toy with the idea of Remembering Tupac in September 96’ which would be the 27th year of his death. Every day I remember the day he was killed. As the case with Kwame, trying to establish an annual time of remembering, studying and celebrating hip-hop culture. Timbuktu Learning Center Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Early I joined the Lifeline prayer at 7am (716)-427-1168 passcode: 604309# Morning Affirmation seven lines. Capturing the first thoughts in the morning: The Lord is blessing me right now I am abundantly blessed I am eternally grateful I am totally undeserving And I believe God I promise to share in words and/or deeds my blessing with others To Save the Planet and to Save the People Afterwards, we had our morning prayer. We actually do 3 prayers: post prayer via social media, petition prayer -asking God for something. I dictated the introduction to my new book Remembering Arthur Miller. This was done in preparation for the 45th Anniversary of Arthur Miller’s chokehold death. Wednesday, May 17, 2023 I met with Sharman and dictated as we worked on a Tupac series. I wanted to do something on the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. I continued to explore the possibility of doing something in September in remembrance of Tupac. Timbuktu Health Night with Sister Leslie Thursday, May 18, 2023 Brief check-in with Sarah and ordered Amazon books Chokehold: Policing Black Men and America on Fire: The Untold History of Police Violence, Black Rebellion since the 1960s in preparation for the Arthur Miller program. They seem to speak to the very subject under discussion. Let me emphasize a point that we will return to over and over again: it is what some called the Law of Attraction. It means what you set your heart on and continuously do the things that are consistent with your consuming desire, it will come to you, things or people will help you fulfill the idea or you will be drawn to the things that you desire. So these two books came across my path and I immediately ordered them. And I added my bio to the Arthur Miller book. I had dinner at the home of Lumumba Bandele and some of the brothers, most of whom were released recently. It was an unforgettable evening as we discussed the various movements and organizations and personalities that have been in our struggle from historically and contemporaneously. The food was delicious and the ambiance was delightful, stimulating, and inspiring.