I have thought about this for a long time. Over the years, I spoke w/ Moors, Israelites, Indigenous, & Pan Afrikans about 'Blackness' & what it means to them. I also looked at Separate but Equal (Jim Crow) Laws, The Black Codes, The Fugitive Slave Act, Dred Scott, & related documents dating back to the Colonial Era. Writing on this Subject was always in the back of My Mind, but now I feel compelled to give an opinion. Dane Calloway & Yvette Carnell don't agree on much, but they're both in agreement about 'Blackness in America'; their perspectives intrigued Me. Cam'ron's Declaration of Blackness, followed by responses from Marc Lamont Hill & Umar Johnson inspired Me to chime in on the Subject.

Recently, Dane Calloway & Yvette Carnell both went into detail about 'Blackness' on their individual Channels. Both have expressed their view in the past, but the timing of their latest opinions caught My attention. They essentially agree that this 'designation' refers to a Bottom Caste status that sets Us up for Social Inequality as a Collective. They also agree that identifying as 'Black American' only clouds Our identity as a Lineage Group. The denial of (promised) resources to 'Black' Farmers, & the repeal of Affirmative Action on College Campuses were both done in the name of 'Race Neutrality'. Apparently, Whitefolk & Brownfolk thought that these (long overdue) measures offered too much(?)

I was still digesting Dane & Yvette's perspective, when Cam'ron declared that he prefers being called 'Black' over Afrikan American, citing a schism between Black Americans & Continental Afrikans. This prompted Dr. Marc Lamont Hill & Dr. Umar Johnson to respond- in the name of Pan Afrikanism. Over the last 5Yrs, Pan Afrikans have been very vocal about Reparations & who should be entitled. Groups like N'COBRA, NAARC, The NAACP, & The Urban League have pushed for Trans Atlantic based Reparations; but they favor Social Programs over cash payments. Grassroots Organizations like the ADOS Advocacy Foundation, stress the need for cash payments to American Descendants Of Chattel Slavery.

It's curious how the same U.S. Constitution that used Our skin color to classify Us as 3/5ths of Humanity, still uses Our skin color as a 'Racial identity' to restrict Our access to resources. Somehow, this skin color classification doesn't stop 'Minority Groups' (i.e. White Women, White LGBTQ..., Azkenazis, People Of Color [POC/ BIPOC]) from getting the resources that They want & need. Maybe it's just Me, but I see a double standard playing out. Edward Blum & his 'Minority Coalition' are hell bent on weaponizing Race as a means of maintaining Black Oppression. He recently resorted to applying the Civil Rights Law of 1866 against Black Women; meanwhile, ADOS was unsuccessful in their attempt to apply the Same Law to (naively?) support Byron Allen's Case against Comcast Communications.

I understand where Family is coming from, when they refer to dictionary definitions of 'Black'. In a 'White' Society, Blackness is depicted as antithetical. It's not unusual, when we consider the way Afrikan Tribes associate 'Whiteness' w/ Death & Disease (i.e. Leprosy). Historically, this attitude towards Blackness goes back to Our 1st Contact w/ Northern/ Step Europeans (Vikings, Scandanavians, ect...) who traditionally burned their dead. Our mummification process spooked them! Those bodies took on a dark hue, & hardened into a crystal like structure; the Europeans called it a 'Crust'. From this, came the word 'Curse'. The Europeans migrated south into Western Asia & transported their ideology w/ them. This fear of Black Mummies was shared w/ Mongolians & other Indo- European Tribes, like the Turks & Huns. In the same way that Afrikans came to associate Whiteness negatively, the Asiatics came to associate Blackness similarly. Today, We STILL hear Koreans, Japanese, & Chinese refer to a 'Black Devil'.

The modern regard for Blackness is a Social Construct created by 15th Century Castilians & Portugese. These beliefs were sanctioned by the Catholic Church, by way of Papal Bulls & adopted by Dutch, English, & French Colonizers. That's not to say Anti Black sentiment didn't exist; Maimonides (Musa Ibn Maimon) wrote 'The Curse of Ham' centuries earlier... Spain, Portugal, & Italy appeared tired of Moorish Rule, & took advantage of the waning years of their influence. Current Reparations discussions have included the prominence of Afrikan Slave Trading, & how Afrikan Kingdoms, like Mali & Kongo actually traded Slaves w/ Europeans; until they were also Colonized. Afrikan Kingdoms became dependent on the profits, decadent lifestyle, & overall efficacy of trading away their 'enemies'. They didn't concern themselves w/ Europe's intentions for these people.

European Colonizers told themselves that they were 'On a Mission' to Christianize the heathens. I don't know what THAT had to do w/ raping & pillaging Societies in 'The Americas' (Amaru Ca/ Turtle Island/ Atlantis). In 'Capitalism & Slavery' Eric Williams explains how Europeans rationalized their barbarism to offset the guilt of violating fellow Human Beings. The Fruits of Exploration clouded the moral judgement of Many. Thinking Men, like Samuel George Morton began to concoct a number of Theories (Religious & Scientific) to condone their actions. It wasn't limited to Afrika or The Americas; ANY non- Christian was a potential target. Truth be told, Latin America had more Slaves coming from The Pacific, than The Atlantic. Many of the Illegal Immigrants that (so called) Native Americans in The Dakotas are calling 'Indigenous People', are descendants of 'Negritos' transported from The Philippines & the South Pacific Islands. Spanish & Portugese Conquistadors adopted Colorism from the Arabs, & used it as a tool for Divide & Conquer (Blanqueamiento/ Branqueamiento).

The Portugese & Spanish brought Colorism to the (so called) New World, but it was The English who refined it into the System of Racism. Benjamin Franklin was credited w/ using the term 'White' in 1751, but Black Codes were already in play for decades. Bacon's Rebellion of 1675- 1676 resulted in 'Racial' (Chattel) Slavery in Virginia. White Indentured Servants that were treated no differently than their Black counterparts, were elevated to Overseers & Slave Hunters; later to become Militiamen & Police Officers. Legally, 'White' represented the Wealthy Class of Land Owners & Bankers (Gentlemen of Property & Standing). 'Black' represented Indigenous Americans- Free & Enslaved; Poor Whites were stuck in the middle. The Lessons of Bacon's Rebellion brought Laws that ensured that the average White Person had a better lifestyle than the average Black Person. This is the crux of 'White Privilege'.

Dictionaries define 'Whiteness' as: Fair & Pure. 'Blackness' is defined as: Ugly & Evil. All of this helped perpetuate Indigenous/ Aboriginal People as inferior to the European. The 1790 Census brought the first reclassification of American Indians to 'Negro' & 'Colored'. This reclassification continued w/ each subsequent Census. Census Enumerators were not just instructed, but encouraged to use their personal judgement when making Racial Assignments; particularly when making classifications of Negro & Colored. In 1924, Dr. Walter A. Plecker pushed 'The (Preservation of) Racial Integrity Act' in Virginia. This Act sought to reclassify ALL Indigenous People in Virginia as Colored or Negro, & penalized them (w/ violence or death). The 'One Drop Rule' was added in 1930. The Census completed it's reclassification w/ designations of 'Black' in 1970, & 'Afrikan American'(?) in 1990... Chris Rock once joked: "Have you ever seen an American Indian Family in an IHOP?" He probably didn't know that depending on which IHOP, he may have been SURROUNDED by them!

The U.S. Government has been persistent in their efforts to erase America's 'Copper- toned Aborigines'. In addition to Local, State, & Federal Laws designed to keep Us out of contention, they also used Anthropology to prove the inferiority of Indigenous People, compared to Europeans. W.E.B. Du Bois countered, w/ the help of Franz Boas & a new generation of Anthropologists. Melville Herskovits, like Boas contributed to the Anti Black counter narrative; playing a role in setting up the Harlem History Club at the 135th Street YMCA. This is the same Club that inspired Kwame N'Krumah & Ho Chi Minh... Since 1990, (Indigenous) Black Americans have been on a Pan Afrikan Crusade that sought to embrace EVERY melanated individual as 'Black'. Haitians, Dominicans, Columbians, Somalis & Nigerians have been very vocal about NOT being Black; they're right! Family thinks that they either want to be White, or at least avoid the negativity associated w/ Blackness. Regardless of their reason, they have a Right Of Expression.

History has been purposely skewed, to prop up self righteous White Men & their Female cohorts (WASPs) over Everyone Else. Their advanced weaponry & barbarism has motivated many to fall in line w/ the Western Agenda over the last 500 Years, but Indigenous/ Black Americans have been fighting them every step of the way. Despite the effort to "Kill the Indian & keep The Man", We continued to search for Our Truth. 100Yrs ago, that led Us into an extensive search on the Afrikan Continent. DuBois, Boas, & Herskovits ALL espoused Out of Afrika Theory; & in some shape or form, molded the Minds of many of Our Master Teachers & Scholars. Their search for Roots in Afrika (Alkebu- Lan) was a noble & fruitful endeavor. As Students, We learned of glorious Civilizations that predated Europe, Rome, & Greece by several millennia. We learned that The Kamau, Nubian, & Kushite referred to themselves as 'Black People'. They were the 'Children of The Sun'- Blessed by The Most High w/ Blackness (Melanin/ Ka Nu). The 'Afu Ra Ka Nu' & 'Afu Rat Kat Nut' are the First Born of The Most High; molded out of Primordial Blackness (CERN calls it: The 'God Particle') & assigned as Caretakers of Planet Earth (Geb). In a Nation that marginalizes the very Concept of Blackness, We were inspired to shout: "I'm Black & I'm Proud!".

Today We live in The Information Age, & as such, Our Generation(s) have access to sources that few of Our Elders had. As We put the pieces together, We discover that:

North America had a population of roughly 100 Million Indigenous People when the Colonizers arrived 500Yrs ago.

These People had highly functional Matrilineal Societies that existed for millennia.

They traded w/ The Moors & other Afrikan Kingdoms for Centuries, & They spoke the Lingua Franca.

They have a Legacy of Brick Making & Mound Building. Billy Carson & Walter Williams both say that Our Indigenous Ancestors have a direct connection to the Kamau. Archeological digs in Southern Illinois & Ohio uncovered Kamitic Ritual material & Pre Phoenician 'Proto- Hebraic Script' among the artifacts. Quiet as it's kept, North America has a plethora of Mounds & Pyramids; St. Louis is nicknamed 'Mound City'.

ALL of the European visitors admitted the 'Copper- toned Aborigines' or Indios practiced a higher Culture than ANY Culture in Europe.

Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, et al were students of Indigenous American Culture. They adopted the Articles Of Confederacy & The U.S. Constitution from the existing Confederacy Of The 5 Nations (The Iroquois Constitution), written around 1200 A.C.E... The Iroquois are the True Founders of the 'American Democratic Experiment'. Remember, ALL of the European Colonizers hailed from Monarchies, so it stands to reason...

The possibility of transporting 12 Million Afrikans to North America from 1619- 1865 is highly improbable. Dane Calloway already broke down the logistics of Trans Atlantic Shipping, & personally compelled The State of Virginia to reduce their 'Afrikan Slave' count by more than 90%. Depending on who you talk to, the number of 'Afrikans' transported to North America ranges from 90,000- 300,000 individuals. At best, this accounts for less than 10% of the 4 Million Individuals that were emancipated. The 20 Young Women that arrived at Point Comfort in 1619, were originally called 'Negresses', not Afrikans. American Indians were called Negroes almost interchangeably.

Dane Calloway, Kurimeo Ahau, & The Research Guy have all pointed out how Europeans transported North American Indians to 'Slave Seasoning' (Buck Breaking) Camps in The Caribbean. Afterwards, they were either shipped back to America, or transported to Europe, & later West Afrika; from Sierra Leone, to Angola. The English & French used Caribbean Maroons in their assault on Afrikan Kingdoms.

All of this new information about Our Ancestors has led many to revisit their Family Genealogy. Many of Us recall a Story or two about the Family connection to a particular Tribe. I personally can't remember hearing an Afrikan Origin Story, before the airing of Alex Haley's 'Roots'. My family taught Us about Our Indian Roots; We don't have a Slave Ship Story in Our History. Most of the Blackfolk claiming Afrikan Tribes, have taken so called Genetic Swab Tests that are advertised as 'Entertainment'. Black Historians & Genealogists, like Dr. Henry Louis Gates have refuted the accuracy of these 'Tests' for years. NO ONE can determine their ancestry from a mouth swab; you need the actual DNA of an Ancestor to make an accurate analysis. Most people don't know that their genetic material is being held (& utilized) by proponents of the [Mormon] Church Of Latter Day Saints. The largest Genealogy Library on Earth, is in Salt Lake City, Ut.

As We put the pieces together, We can clearly see the ongoing process of Colonization. AmeriKKKa cannot be as bold as Israel in their removal of Indigenous Black Americans, so The U.S. Government uses a trickbag of classifications & legislative measures to keep Blackfolk in a state of 'Arrested Development'. They hope that We 'migrate' to Afrika, but most of Us can't afford to visit; let alone relocate. Meanwhile, The Government continues to Flood the Zone w/ immigrants (for 175Yrs & counting). The Mainstream Media speaks about Venezuelan 'migrants' daily, but We hear nothing about the 100,000 Afghani & 100,000 Ukrainian immigrants they prepared for. These people are literally White on arrival. If illegal Venezuelans are getting 5 Star treatment, what are these folk getting?

I felt obligated to go in-depth on this topic, because so many cling to a definition created by Colonizers & Oppressors. How does someone define themselves using the language of their Oppressor? It's the same as someone saying: "A N-- like me", or "A B-- like me". We have been programmed into accepting a wretched (ratchet) image of Ourselves. Some of the people refusing to use the term 'Black', have No Problem referring to themselves as 'N--s' & 'B--s'. I question their logic. Richard Pryor said 40Yrs ago, in 'Here & Now' that he was wrong about using The N- Word. He went on to say that it was a Word that describes Our Wretchedness. He vowed never to use that Word again, but since his declaration, there has been an explosion of 'N-- Comics' over the last 40Yrs. Use of The N- Word is more prevalent than wearing that dress, but few talk about this particular assault on Our Culture. Is it just a coincidence that many of these N- Comics have 'funny looking Wives', as Katt Williams described them?

The lion's share of Our Master Teachers & Scholars were literally spoon-fed Out Of Afrika Theory, so We were primed for Pan Afrikanism. Marcus Garvey was actually 'fishing in a barrel' on those Harlem Streets. This isn't a bad thing in itself. Our Problem has been giving Our 'Cousins' too much access to Our Cultural Mores. Many of the Celebrities, Athletes, & Entertainers being spotlighted & engaging in miscegenation, are descendants of Black Immigrants. They're the Same Ones misrepresenting Our Culture, while telling Us that We're 'Culturally Lost'. Like Hindi/ Bangladeshi/ & Pakistani/ Americans, these folk are situational about their Blackness. They relish being 'Afrikan American' when it's profitable, but are quick to remind you of their Nationality (in a thick accent) when it isn't... It's time to delineate. EVERY melanated group has an identifiable lineage, except Black America. We had a clear identity, until We allowed Jesse Jackson to reclassify Us as 'Afrikan American'. To quote Dane Calloway: "We're named after 2 Continents". Now We're being amalgamated into an 'Afrikan/ Black Diaspora' that is looking to fleece Us like Everyone Else. Most of these folks are 'Black' Capitalists looking for a quick buck. The commercialization of Kwanzaa is a prime example. Our argument for Lineage Based Reparations has revealed this well kept secret.

The (current) Reparations discussion has brought important issues to the conversation. ADOS, FBA, Freedmen, & Indigenous Family all agree that We're a specific Lineage Group w/ a specific Experience. No other group has endured what We have endured in America. Some Black Immigrants make a valid point that They have endured over 100Yrs of White Supremacy in America; few admit that They also had more autonomy & opportunity than We had. Many of the 'First Faces' that We tout, aren't Us, but Our Cousins. Colin Powell, Eric Holder, & Susan Rice aren't just descendants of Immigrants, they're also Cousins! Barack Obama was Harvard's 1st Black Law Review Editor & Claudine Gay was their 1st Black President, but NEITHER have Indigenous Black Roots. BOTH have more in common w/ the descendants of Slave Holders, than those Enslaved on Harvard's properties. We have far too many of their Faces in Our Spaces. 'Afrikan American' is not working for Us. It skews perspectives regarding Wealth & Inequality, while rewarding newcomers for their 'proximity to Blackness'.

I have to go back to The Black Power Movement, to get a clear understanding of what Blackness truly means. During that Era, 'Blackness' was an American Phenomenon that was Globally acknowledged. No One else said: 'I'm Black & I'm Proud' w/ as much authority. John Carlos & Tommie Smith proudly threw up their Black fists, knowing they would pay a price. Muhammad Ali lost his Prime Boxing Years to make a point. The Culture of Blackness permeated Music & Cinema; We were doing Our Thing, Our Way. The Culture was distinctly Ours. It WAS a Black Thang, & No One understood it; but EVERYONE respected it. As We travelled The World, We were called Soul Brothers & Soul Sisters, but most called Us Black American. We have a distinct Pedigree. The World knows WHO We are. If we're being honest, Black Culture & Music was generally more respectable before 1990, when We became 'Afrikan American'. Hollywood has been denigrating Us since 'Birth Of A Nation', but their images contradicted who We are. We're a Righteous & Noble People. Our Love of Our Collective progeny is unrivaled. The Slave Experience stripped Us of Our individual lineage, but it also eliminated any Tribalism. Indigenous Black Americans- from New York to Oakland, & from Detroit to Houston refer to each other as: 'Family from...' We compete against each other, & toss The Dozens; but when it's time to Put in The Work- We're ALL On Code.

I laugh at this notion of 'Race Neutrality'. What exactly is meant by Race? Chief Justice John Roberts & Justice Clarence Thomas both lean on this term pretty heavily, but how? Black, White, Asian, & Latinx aren't Racial Groups, they're Socio- Demographic Classifications. Every Middle School Student has learned by 8th Grade of 3 Races: Negroid, Mongoloid, & Caucasoid. This 'Racial Re- tread' only seems to affect Indigenous Black Americans/ Copper-toned Aborigines on the basis of Our skin color. Everyone Else, including Black Immigrants have a Right of Expression under the current demographic structure. This is the Same System that holds Black America stagnant at 13% of the population since Emancipation, while bringing Ethnic Europeans (Caucasians, Catholics) & Asians under the umbrella of Whiteness; to offset the declining birth rate in their demographic. The Biden Administration has implied the same thing is being done w/ Latinx. I STILL ask: What is a 'Latino/ Hispanic'- are they a specific Nationality? No, they're a Socially Engineered Group (Buffer Class) created to marginalize the Indigenous Black American Population. Our Collective, is not a grouping of different Ethnicities & Nationalities under a particular demographic- We're One Nationality. As We search for a uniform description of Our specific Lineage Group, 'Black American' is a No Brainer... Cam'ron is correct.

'Black American' actually describes a specific Ethnic Group w/ a specific Culture & Experience that NO OTHER GROUP can tout. It describes a Group of People in a specific Region, not a (Global) Racial Group. We are as distinct, as Australian Aborigines. Other than Our Cousins- the 'Black Brits', melanated People tend to describe themselves Tribally or Nationally. They only identify as 'Black', when they Come to America. Meanwhile, Native (Siberian) Americans have used the Dawes Rolls to appropriate Our Ancestral [Tribal] Identity, forcing Us to Collectively reestablish Ourselves from scratch. Indigenous, Aboriginal, or American Indian describes Our connection to The Land. The Blood & Bones of Our Ancestors are buried Here, not in Afrika. Black American, describes who We are today. It defines Us as a unique Nationality. This description makes it easier for Us to point out Centuries of legislative policy crafted & used against Us as a specific Lineage Group. 'Afrikan American', is a monolithic classification that ignores the diverse Cultural experiences & Tribalism of the Collective. Ultimately, Our Name may change, but The Culture stays the Same.

In a nutshell, Black American IS Our Tribal Identity. We're World renowned for Standing Out & Standing Our Ground, & NO ONE does it better. As Professor Black Truth puts it: 'We create Icons'.

The Essence Festival 'Flop' is proof positive that Blackfolk are setting boundaries & Gatekeeping Our Culture. Some of the comments regarding this 'Gatekeeping' are woefully uninformed. If The Essence Festival was a Pan Afrikan Event, these people would have a point. What We're really talking about, is 'Original Coke'. Imagine if someone bought Coca-Cola & tried to change the formula? THAT is Black America's perspective. We see this as Cultural Colonialism. The fact that the Organizers actually thought they could push their Agenda & monetize the expectation that Blackfolk would simply follow along, is the highest Insult.

The Essence CEO, Caroline Wanga is a walking contradiction. Among many things, she says that Essence isn't looking to diminish Black American Culture, but the write up on the Event speaks of a spotlight on Nigerian Culture. Stephanie Mills' 'Open Letter' gracefully expressed the sentiments of the Blackfolk that attended. The Theme Song of the Event should've been Public Enemy's 'Who Stole The Soul'?... The whole 'Joloff vs Jambalaya' thing wreaks of Tribalism. Message to the Organizers:: Blackfolk DON'T go to New Orleans for Joloff Rice.

The main theme of the Comments responding to Black American indignation over the Essence Festival is: 'Well, Afrikans purchased it & have the right to do with it as they please. If We're so attached to the Essence Brand, We should've done more to hold on to it'. NONE take into account that Essence was White Owned for over 10Yrs, but Time Inc. didn't make wholesale changes to the 'Essence Formula'. What struck Me the most, was the common tone of condescension & arrogance in the responses.

These people are literally bragging about 'appropriating' a Lane (Resource) to push an Afrikan Agenda, at the expense of Black American Culture. Meanwhile, they expect Black Americans- Black Women in particular, to invest in something that openly circumvents their presence. We are now hearing from Local Vendors in New Orleans, folks that participated in the Essence Festival for Years; They feel ostracized. Festival Organizers focused on untested Pan Afrikan Vendors more than the Local Vendors that contributed to the success of the Essence Festival over the Years. It goes against the most elementary rule of Capitalism: ALWAYS keep your Customer Base happy.

These people tried to squeeze a Square Peg in a Round Hole. While many scratch their heads, I look to History. Before the Rise of Ibrahim Traore & the AES, Afrikan Leadership across The Continent & around The Diaspora behaved like the Organizers of the Essence Festival. In The 'Age of Liberation', these folks were more concerned w/ fighting their neighbors, than the People who Colonized them. They were more concerned about the number of 'Benzes' they owned, than the development of their Nations. This is a facet of their Cultural Behavior. Delineation has allowed Me a chance to take off the Pan Afrikan glasses & REALLY look at The Diaspora. Black America, as a Collective doesn't move like the Afrikan Diaspora. We're like the Russians, who desire to be European, but are seen as 'Tatars'. Just as the Russians learned (the Hard Way) to Stand on their Square, Black America has learned the same Lesson.

We are fully aware of the opportunities that We created for ALL Immigrants. We experienced betrayal from Irish, German, Italian, & Eastern European Immigrants; Our commitment to Pan Afrikanism blinded Us to the Agenda of (so called) Black & Brown Immigrants. We literally took in a homeless Family Member & gave them Run of the House. 50 Years later, this person is now claiming the Right to be on the Property Deed. Black & Brown Immigrants, as a Collective, are very disrespectful to Black Americans. They try to exhibit an air of Intellectual & Cultural Superiority; in truth, they aspire to 'Whiteness' to the degree that they repeat Anti- Black talking points Word for Word... They're quick to point out their rapid success in AmeriKKKa, but always leave out the part where they get opportunities that Blackfolk never get.

They're quick to sign up for Grants & Programs meant for Black Americans, but are just as quick to say: "I'm not Black!" From 1865- 1900, Black America raised Our Collective Literacy Rate faster than ANY Ethnic Group in History. We CREATED dozens of Independent Towns & Hundreds of Businesses. White America's 'Fear of Black Rule' led to their destruction, & the current Benign Neglect Policies that keep Us stagnated. Black Immigrants like to tout their success, but after 35Yrs- 50Yrs of Government Backed progress in AmeriKKKa- where is their 'Little Lagos', 'Little Accra' or 'Little Nairobi'? Caribbean Americans have had more success, but they build on existing foundations (e.g. Flatbush, Crown Heights, Wakefield, Richmond Hill, Laurelton) & have yet to match Black Towns from the Turn of the 20th Century. Neither the Afrikan nor Caribbean Immigrant had to contend with 'Whitelash' in response to their success.

The notion that Black America is being xenophobic in Our decision to delineate is ludicrous. NO OTHER LINEAGE GROUP championed Pan Afrikanism more than Black Americans. The RBG Flag was originally called 'The Black Liberation Flag', but in the spirit of Pan Afrikanism, We expanded it to include The Diaspora. That said, how many Immigrants wave that flag? How many Afrikan Nations actually adopted the colors into their National Flag? We were the vanguard of Pan Afrikanism for over 100Yrs, all while being told that We weren't Afrikan. We're no longer arguing w/ them. In fact, Our Scholars have gone Full Circle & are now examining Our History HERE.

For The Record: Less than 10% of Transatlantic Afrikans made it to North America. Most Black Americans are descendants of American Indians (Woodland Indians, 'Coppertoned Aboriginies') who are indigenous to This Continent. Our Ancestors were POWs from 'The Indian Wars' with Spanish, Dutch, English & French Colonialists. They were placed in Prison Camps that later became Plantations; THAT is the consistency of the 13th Amendment with the Colonist Mindset. There was also a large contingent of 'Free Blacks' that owned Property & Businesses. We were spoon fed 'Out of Afrika Theory' for nearly 200Yrs, but Our Ancestors have been in North America for Tens of Thousands of Years. Our Pyramids are older than the Afrikan Pyramids.

When The Diaspora says We don't have a Culture, We only have to point to American Culture. The Food, Style, Language, Music, & overall Swagger of America is based on Blackfolk. When you take away Our influence, America looks like just another European Nation. Our Labor & Inventions elevated American Capitalism over Europe. Our Patriotism & Valor elevated 13 Colonies to a World Power. EVERYONE knows that We're the 'Special Sauce' that makes America 'Great'... The Organizers of the Essence Festival let their ethnocentrism (Tribalism) get in the way of Business. They appear to be so quick to wash the taste of Black America out their mouths, they forget that they [STILL] Stand on Our Shoulders & Eat off Our Plate.

We're a Lineage Group of Originators, Builders, Innovators & Fighters- We're naturally competitive. Essence wasn't the first publication of its kind, & it won't be the last. If the Essence Management Team wants to take the brand Pan Afrikan, I say Good Luck! We'll just create a New Lane to express & tout the [Multifaceted] Excellence of Indigenous Black American Women. If We use 'Afro Beats' as a gauge for the future success of Essence, We won't have much competition globally.

No one can point 2 anything Claudine Gay has done 4 Blackfolk in Harvard, Cambridge, or the local Boston Area; she did plagiarize another Black Woman's work, & didn't stand up 4 the 2 Black Harvard Deans that were released 4 being on Harvey Weinstein's Defense Team a few years back. I dunno what Howard Univ. wants w/ a 'confirmed plagiarist' & failed Administrator; maybe they should look 4 a Black American Woman w/ Real Qualifications & a commitment to Integrity.

Remember Fam: All Skinfolk ain't Kinfolk

As I said in previous Essays- while (Indigenous) Black Americans continue to get lip service & empty tributes, i'm looking at WHO is getting WHAT. There has been a lot of activity under The Biden Administration, & I found myself looking at these events from an abstract perspective. 'Jim Crow' Joe said that he appreciated Black America 'having His back' throughout the years, & he would have Ours. Since that statement, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx (Citizens & Illegals), LGBTQ..., have All received legislation & funding. On top of the $113 Billion spent in Ukraine over the last Year, Israel continues to receive Billions annually from The U.S. Now provisions have been made for 100,000 Afghani & 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to relocate to America.

We Black Americans/ ADOS/ FBA/ Freemen/ Indigenous Americans can be a well intentioned, but socially naive group. The efforts of White Supremacists w/i Local, State, & Federal Government Agencies to systemically oppress Our Community has created a 'Collective Consciousness' that empathizes (abstractly) w/ the oppression of other Ethnicities. We can identify w/ the hardship of Others, & when possible, We do what We can to combat that hardship. We fought against the oppression of American Slave Codes, Black Codes, & Jim Crow Laws; simultaneously, We fought for The Rights of Irish, Chinese, Mexican, Jewish, Italian, Haitian, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, Filipino, & Japanese immigrants that faced a measure of the oppression We experienced here.

Looking at this 'Collective Consciousness' historically, a Pattern can be seen over the centuries. Every Immigrant Group in America has gone through a 'Hazing Period', where they are the target of Social Bias & Prejudice. During this 'Social Phase', newcomers tend to identify w/ the Black Americans that they are in contact w/. We encircle these people w/i Our Community, & take the lead in protesting injustices against them. In the past, 'Brownfolk' tended to identify w/ Us. We shared Culture & Traditions; in some instances, we intermarried. In this Era, things have changed. If Black Immigrants & 'Brownfolk' start off in Black Communities, they don't always stay.

By the 2nd Generation, their children either identify w/ The Black Experience in America, or they make every effort to move away from it. Ethnic Enclaves have literally 'popped up' outside of Black Communities over the last 30Yrs, creating true Buffer Zones between Black & White Communities. Black America was oblivious to any possible agenda amongst Minority Groups- We also identified as Minorities, & assumed We were all in the same boat. Black Power isn't a selfish endeavor- Our Right of Autonomy grants other Minorities the same Right. American History substantiates this truth. To be honest, We were naively ignorant about the 'Culture' of these Minority Groups in their Native Land. We assumed they shared a similar experience of White Supremacy.

We knew about the Racism in Europe, but were unaware of the Tribalism that existed in Afrika & The Caribbean; or the Colorism that exists in Arabia, Asia, & Latin America. Many of the minorities that We had 'First Contact' w/, were friendly. As a Marginalized People, they had something in common w/ Us. We collaborated in business & in Social Action. We shared Our Community, & worked together to improve Our collective Quality of Life. We thought that We were united in the fight against White Supremacy. Then a funny thing happened- one by one, these 'Marginalized Groups' were accepted into Society, & given Rights & Privileges that We were (still) denied.

Over the Centuries, We watched- as Irish, Jewish & Italian neighbors elevated their status. The more they achieved, the more distance they placed between Us. Collectively, each group became increasingly intolerant of Blackfolk. They began to speak the Anti- Black rhetoric of Mainstream America. Our old neighbors appeared to 'pledge allegiance' to the same people that discriminated against them. Black Americans were now victims of Mob Violence, stemming from (perceived) competition that Irish & Italians had w/ Black Men for Jobs. The Irish in particular, were brutal in their efforts to push Black Men out of specific Trades & Sports. The only reminder of Black involvement in Horse Racing, are 'Lawn Jockeys', that many Black People see as racist. 150Yrs- 200Yrs ago, Black Jockeys dominated Horse Racing.

As disappointed as We were w/ the actions of the Irish, Italians, & Eastern Europeans, the current Anti- Black American sentiment held by today's 'Minority Groups' (POC), truly stings! We can't say that We didn't see it coming though. Many (Indigenous) Black Americans have an experience of being 'in the company' of a given Minority Group. When they are in mixed company, the conversation is civil; but when they outnumber Us, We begin to hear the stereotypes about Us. The larger the advantage, the more prejudiced the language becomes. While they may repeat White Supremacist talking points, they lack the power to truly be 'Racist'. That being said, quite a few individuals have ridden this rhetoric into Mainstream notoriety; the names represent a literal Who's Who in Pop Culture & Politics.

Collectively, these Minority Groups seem comfortable w/ their place in AmeriKKKa's Caste System, as long as they are 'positioned' above Black America... Hispanic & Asian women are currently testing the racial waters, by way of recent attempts to gauge their degree of White Privilege. Their actions legitimize the notion that White Privilege is defined by Anti- Black Racism & Oppression. The actions of these 'Karens of Color', are no different from the garden variety Karen. All of these women are trying to exercise their 'Right', but Women Of Color are also establishing their position in the Social Caste. I personally don't understand the need to gauge one's 'Power' on the ability to harass or harm what is believed to be a Soft Target. I thought that White Supremacy is a philosophy premised on strength & 'Might makes Right'- Where is the challenge?

Joe Biden's Policy actions have made clear his intention to extend White Privilege to Asians & Hispanics. Like (White) LGBTQ... individuals, & European Jews, Asians enjoy meaningful Hate Crime Legislation. Meanwhile, Black America still fights for this legislation, as the #1 Victim of Hate Crimes in America- according to the latest FBI Crime Stats. For Latinx, Biden is fast tracking Citizenship for illegal immigrants in Sanctuary Cities. Many Cities are suggesting Drivers Licenses for illegal immigrants, while California is talking about hiring non- Citizens for the LAPD & State Police. In short, 'America' has become a Multicultural & Multilingual Nation. All of this is very curious. Just a generation ago, Local, State, & Federal Officials were adamant that America is a 'Judeo- Christian' Nation that speaks 'English'. Efforts to make Spanish an Official 2nd Language were quickly shot down. 100Yrs ago, America was a 'White Man's Country!'.

Black Americans were looking for a Seat at The Table, but didn't have a problem sharing w/ Our fellow 'Minorities'. Affirmative Action was designed to level the playing field between Blackfolk & Whitefolk. It was supposed to make up for The New Deal & G.I. Bills that excluded Black Families. Despite this, We didn't complain when these resources were diverted (via Diversity Initiatives) away from Us, & given to people who NEVER had to experience what We went through. We were as compliant as Cows being bled by Vampire Bats, until We renewed the Reparations Conversation. Suddenly, We were xenophobes. The loudest voices have come from 2nd & 3rd generation Americans, who (collectively) tout a better Quality Of Life than the average Black American. The fact that the children of immigrants from the 1980s are now attacking Black America w/ White Supremacist talking points, is simply mindboggling!

An Ethnic Group that appears to do A LOT of 'Racial double dipping', are Hindi/ Pakistani/ Bangladeshi Americans. They are conveniently 'Black' when there is opportunity, but otherwise, they not only identify as 'White'; they subscribe to a visceral Anti- Black sentiment that needs to be addressed. This is important, because Joe Biden is putting Kamala Harris at the forefront of his Re-election Campaign. America is still calling Kamala the 1st 'Afrikan American VP', but both of her parents are Brahmin. Kamala's 'Black Experience' ends at Howard University & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She is otherwise an Elitist, who has a decades long resume of undermining Black Californians (Black Women in particular), & looking out for her own best interests.

Former Governor of South Carolina & U.N. Ambassador, Nikki Haley (Nimarata Nikki Randhwara- Haley), is the flip side of Kamala Harris. Both Women are Brahmin, but while Kamala is 'Asian' w/ a cultural leaning towards Black America; Nikki is 'Brown', but has consistently shown a cultural leaning towards White Privilege. Both Women highlight a simple truth- that 'Black' Issues aren't 'Brown' Issues. People Of Color (POC/ BIPOC) tend to be victims of Discrimination, more than Racism. This is evidenced by their Collective Autonomy throughout America. They have a Right of Expression that Indigenous Black Americans never truly had; not even during Reconstruction. It may be due to their sovereign status, but it's clear that they DON'T share Our plight.

Vivek Ramaswamy is yet another type. He is a 2nd Generation child of [Elitist] Asian Immigrants, but he tries to weave an Ellis Island narrative out of his experience. Like Kamala Harris & Nikki Halely, both of Ramaswamy's parents were Post Graduates w/ more education than the average [White] American Family. He gives the impression that they were Blue Collar Workers living the American Dream for their children. Ramaswamy casually speaks about his 'rough' Public School experience in Cincinnati, before going to a Private (Jesuit) School- that 'didn't conflict w/ his Hindu values'. This experience supposedly positioned him for College, Post Grad work, & starting his 1st Biotech Company... He implies that EVERYONE gets this opportunity in America.

Kamala Harris' Mother had the support of the Black Community in Oakland & Berkeley. Nikki Haley's Father had the support of (HBCU) Voorhees College, where he worked for nearly 30Yrs. Despite that support for their Parents, Nikki Haley & Kamala Harris have done NOTHING meaningful or specifically for Black Americans. In fact, both have supported measures that were detrimental to their Black Constituents; i'm reminded of The Tale of 'The Tortoise & The Scorpion'... Vivek Ramaswamy takes it up another notch. His 'Anti- Woke' Campaign, is a not too subtle Anti- Black dog whistle. Ramaswamy has the audacity to use his Experience (as a 2nd Generation Brahmin- American) to minimize, if he can't outright disclaim The Black American Experience altogether.

Vivek Ramaswamy's family has been in America for roughly 40Yrs. That means that they arrived sometime in the 1980s, nearly 20Yrs after the End of the Jim Crow Era; but Vivek feels that he can speak about the History of Anti- Black Racism in America. Ramaswamy, along w/ Harris & Haley represent the 'People Of Color' Prospects for POTUS. The similarity of their Agendas speaks volumes. All of them benefited from opportunities meant for Blackfolk, but they lecture Us about 'bootstrapping'. Add in Joe Biden's thoughts about Latinx being 'the largest Minority Group in America'(???), along w/weird Culture Appropriation rhetoric coming from Eva Longoria, then John Leguizamo, & it looks like a conspiracy.

It's crystal clear that collectively speaking, Indigenous Black America has NO FRIENDS. We should act accordingly... These Minority Groups forget that Our 'Culture' is fighting White Supremacy, not bowing to it. We're not Here for a Come Up, or a Hand Out- We're indigenous to This Land. We were Here before the first Colonizer, & We'll be Here long after the Last.

I wanted to monitor any fallout resulting from the SCOTUS Decision on Affirmative Action before speaking on it. Watching Mainstream Media frame the narrative has been interesting. An assortment of News Anchors, across the Major News Networks have featured a variety of individuals to give 'their' perspective; but NONE of them appear to be Indigenous Black Americans. The Black Immigrants speaking on 'Our Behalf' do not share Our Experience of Racism in AmeriKKKa, so they offer a weak argument that can be easily picked apart.

None of the Black Immigrants interviewed mentioned White Supremacy by name. They speak of a 'Black' Experience in AmeriKKKa of discrimination & bias, but not the Systemic Racism that Indigenous Black Americans face. They also seem beholden to the forces of White Supremacy. The fact that Mainstream Media spotlights This Group to discuss Affirmative Action in College Admissions, is indicative of WHO has been chosen by these College Admission Boards over the decades.

Affirmative Action is being presented by Mainstream Media as a 'hand out' for Minority Groups, but this is completely false. Affirmative Action was designed specifically for American Descendants Of Chattel Slavery, as a compensation for being shut out of The New Deal & The G.I. Bill. Using Benign Neglect tactics, Liberal- Progressives [intentionally] transformed Affirmative Action into 'Diversity Initiatives for Minorities'; which benefited White Women, White LGBTQ..., & Disabled Whitefolk more than the Blackfolk that it was designed to help.

If 'The History of Race Relations in America' wasn't weaponized & repackaged as Critical Race Theory, The Public would have a clear understanding of what Affirmative Action is & why it is necessary. The Argument Against Affirmative Action in College Admissions largely comes from Asian Students that were denied Admissions to Harvard & The University Of North Carolina. The Students argued that they were discriminated against because of their Race, & the preponderance of this bias leads to Asians gaining Admission at a lower percentage than Any Other Group.

On ABC's 'This Week', Sherrilyn Ifill, of Howard University Law School explained how both UNC & Harvard held separate trials on the issue of Asian Admissions. In both Cases, Asians were NOT found to be underrepresented. 'The Real Dana', w/ Judge Joe Brown pointed out that Asian Attendance at Harvard is 27.7%, while 'Afrikan- Americans' are 9.9%, & Hispanics are 12%. The only group w/ a higher Admission Rate than Asians, are 'Harvard Legacies' [Whitefolk] at 38%... Judge Joe Brown gives background on the SCOTUS Decision, by explaining that it was inevitable.

He says that Affirmative Action was created w/ the intent of bringing Future Leaders of every Community into each other's orbit. Getting these individuals familiar w/ each other on the Collegiate Level, would benefit Society moving forward. Unfortunately, a group of Black (boule) students at U.C. Berkeley (19 Dental students, 19 Medical students- back in 1971) wanted Racial Quotas established for Berkeley Medical School. According to Judge Joe Brown, the measure was passed, despite going against California State Law (& 219 Black Law Students). This action changed Affirmative Action into a Racial Quota Program that was destined to end. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor famously quipped that Affirmative Action would end after 25Yrs, but the Original Construct barely lasted 10Yrs.

Throughout the 1970s & 1980s, Affirmative Action was stripped from the hands of Indigenous Black Americans that it was created to help, & given to an ever expanding number of Minority Groups. Today, Minorities have collected so many resources from Us, that They feel comfortable enough to speak for Black America. They [arrogantly] equate Our Experience w/ their Own. Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, & Dinesh D'Souza are at the top; but there is a long list of Black Immigrants that also feel that They can speak for Us. Hint- If you can't say [Publicly] that White Supremacy is the underlying cause of Black Oppression in America, then you CANNOT speak for Us.

The SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action in College Admissions has triggered expected reactions. Chief Justice John Roberts ruled on the grounds of the Color Blind intent(?) of The U.S. Constitution, so he needs to clarify. How does he explain Indigenous Blackfolk being relegated to 3/5ths of Humanity, in a (so- called) Color Blind Society? Justices Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, & Coney- Barrett were expected to tow the Conservative Line. Justice Kagan was expected to tow the Liberal Line, but attention remained focused on Justices Thomas, Sotomayor, & Brown- Jackson. All three were beneficiaries of Affirmative Action; at least more clearly than Justice Kagan.

Justices Sotomayor, & Brown- Jackson both dissented w/ this Ruling. Justice Sonia Sotomayor offered what she called 'the most obvious data point available to this Institution today'. The Example of 3 Supreme Court Justices of Color. All graduates of elite universities & law schools that offered race conscious Admissions Programs, who went on to have successful legal careers. Justice Ketanji Brown- Jackson offered the additional commentary of the 'let them eat cake obliviousness' of the Majority, & 'ostrich like hope' that ignoring Race will somehow make racial inequities disappear.

Justice Thomas concurred w/ Chief Justice Roberts' Ruling, emphasizing the Race Neutral Argument. He went further, singling out Justice Brown- Jackson when he said: "As she sees things, we're all inexorably trapped in a fundamentally racist society". He goes on to accuse her of labelling All Black People as victims. Clarence Thomas has been under a microscope, ever since his ominous gay marriage comments following SCOTUS' repeal of Roe vs Wade. Reports of unethical behavior by Justice Thomas & his Wife, has kept him in the spotlight.

The dumpster dive into Clarence Thomas' Life has revealed that he has extremely low regard for Affirmative Action. He blames his trouble finding work, fresh out of Yale Law School w/ being typecasted as an Affirmative Action beneficiary. It's interesting how a former 'Black Panther sympathizer' never considered Race as a factor. It's said that Thomas affixed a 10 Cent Stamp to his Yale Law Degree- claiming that thanks to Affirmative Action, that's all it's worth. Ironically, despite Clarence Thomas' (nearly obsessive) desire to prove himself on his own merits, EVERY JOB that he landed in the Law Profession, was predicated on his Race.

I'm not a fan of Ketanji Brown- Jackson, but I agree w/ her more than I agree w/ Clarence Thomas. His condescending tone towards her reminds me of Anita Hill- another Black Woman w/ a Legal Mind superior to his. Both women make Thomas look like a 'mental midget', & he KNOWS it. All of the attention that Justice Thomas is getting is jeopardizing his usefulness. White Supremacy moves in the shadows; the spotlight on the 'excess' of Justices Thomas & Alito will likely affect the future of SCOTUS. This may explain the effort to show that the Justices found consensus in most of the Cases they preside over.

From an Indigenous Black American perspective, the issue of ending Affirmative Action in College Admissions is moot. It hasn't benefited Us specifically in over 30Yrs. The fact that Asian students are the protagonists of this move is gut busting! The Asian presence on College Campuses is literally 4X their percentage of the American population. I guess they don't understand that this action will reduce their presence on College Campuses. I wasn't aware of the number of Asian students that lie & cheat to get into College; the extra scrutiny expected from the SCOTUS Ruling will certainly affect those individuals.

Some are saying that Black American students should look to HBCUs, but Indigenous Black Americans, as a group, have been unable to afford HBCU tuitions for over 30Yrs. The majority of the students on these Campuses, like the majority of Black students on Ivy League Campuses, are Black Immigrants. They are being prepped to become the Joy Reid, Roland Martin, Barack Obama, & Kamala Harris of the future. Their experience/ perspective once again, is of discrimination & bias, not Systemic Racism & White Supremacy. These are the folks that allow People Of Color/ Brownfolk to pass racist remarks w/o 'putting them in perspective'.

Affirmative Action Programs & the Diversity Initiatives that they were repackaged as, offered Minorities an enormous 'hand up' over the last 45+Yrs. Post Vietnam, Immigrants were offered what Professor Black Truth calls: 'goodies giveaways & guarantees' that Indigenous Black Americans were promised, but never received. Immigrant Enclaves began popping up, as thriving Black Communities began to decay. Is it a coincidence that many of the new store owners in Our Community were inhabitants of these Enclaves; in areas that were former Sundown Towns?

Mainstream Media is almost tripping over themselves to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The March On Washington... Seriously?! Black America is WORSE OFF now, than We were 60Yrs ago! We're still being oppressed by the Same Institutions that Dr. King & 'The Big 6' were marching to protest. I respect my Elder, but Andrew Young is speaking for himself when he says he's 'No ways tired'- more than a few of Us are Sick & Tired of being sick & tired!

U KNOW Mainstream Media had to play Dr. King's 'I have a Dream' speech; I think it's the only MLK Speech allowed. Maybe its just me, but the crowd participating in this 'Event' looked as disingenuous as the Event itself. Why were they there? What are they celebrating? They remind me of the Yuppies that make their pilgrimage to Newburg, N Y. to celebrate the glory & wonder of Woodstock; but the Event itself was a literal Mud Bowl that tested the resolve of the Attendees.

The Kumbaya Coalition looked happy to be part of 'History', but do they understand The History? The individuals that were interviewed ran the usual talking points of 'I have a dream'; are they aware that Dr. King famously said that he 'feared integrating Us into a burning building'? He also said that 'America owes Us a debt & We're coming to Washington to collect Our Check'. Once again, I feel like Black American Culture is being looted to suit another's purpose. MLK is being lauded, but he's just a prop. At the time of his assassination, Dr. King was disliked by 2/3rds of America. Over 160 Newspapers denounced him.

The 'Cloth' of Black American Culture is literally being removed from Us & placed on other groups. First Barack Obama calls his Immigration Policy: 'The Dream Act', & labels the children of Illegal Immigrants 'Dreamers'. Next, (White) LGBTQ... Individuals appropriate Civil Rights to normalize a Counter Culture. NOTHING is politically 'Black Specific', Everything is 'Black & Brown'; meanwhile, Latinx, & Asian Americans get specificity for their respective communities. It's the same thing w/ The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Their Mission Statement offers more to Immigrants, than the Black Americans that put them in Office.

As an Indigenous Black American, I feel an all out effort to remove & replace my lineage group. Efforts to rewrite American History, as it relates to Anti- Black Racism is gaining traction. Democrats & Republicans appear to be in agreement w/ placing Illegal Immigrants in Black Communities & instigating competition between Us for the same resources. Los Angeles was just The Beginning. The blatant culture appropriation by folks that We thought were 'Family', is forcing Us to revisit John Henrik Clarke's assessment (30Yrs ago) that: 'We don't have any friends'.

For The Record, Black America is not monolithic. We don't just come in different Shapes, Sizes, Skin Tones, & Hair Textures; We have different Spiritual (Religious), Political, Sexual, & Philosophical beliefs. What we All share in common, is the Cultural Experience of being American Descendants of Chattel Slavery. Despite Our differences, THIS is what binds Us. We can All look back to an Elder Matriarch & Patriarch that dared to dream of a better Life for their Family, & future generations.

Our Family in Afrika, South America, & The Caribbean also share an experience of Slavery, & the atrocities associated w/ it. That said, The Black American/ ADOS/ FBA Experience is unique. While Our Family throughout the Diaspora experienced Revolution, Freedom, & (some degree of) Sovereignty [i.e. A Flag], Black America did not. While European Immigrants were 'given' Millions of Acres of Land, We received 10Yrs of Reconstruction, followed by 90Yrs of 'Black Codes' & Jim Crow. Then came 10Yrs of Affirmative Action, followed by 45Yrs of Social Engineering & Criminalization. Our Legacy, is one of perpetually fighting the forces of White Supremacy.

Over the last 35- 40Yrs, Society has amalgamated Black Immigrants into Black America; Jesse Jackson's classification of 'Afrikan American' in 1988, only helped the effort to place Us under one umbrella. While the designation is debatable genealogically, it was a cultural misstep. Black America didn't push back at this designation, because We were in the midst of a Black Consciousness Movement that celebrated Pan- Afrikanism. Plus, Black Immigrants lived in Black American Communities, & made significant contributions to the Collective over the Years.

Arturo Schomburg, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Yosef Ben- Jochannan, Kwame Ture (Stokley Carmichael), Shirley Chisholm, & Minister Louis Farrakhan are just a few of the Black Immigrants that aligned w/ Black American Culture. They are celebrated & revered by Black America as Icons of Our Culture. The American Government had a problem w/ that. In the mid- 1970s Henry Kissenger used The U.S. Information & Educational Exchange Act, (currently known as The Smith- Mundt Modernization Act of 2012) to put Afrikan, South American, & Caribbean Nations 'On Notice' regarding their relationship w/ Black America.

Using this 'Act', the U.S. Gov't depicted Black Americans globally as uncultured criminals & deadbeats, while simultaneously indoctrinating the immigrants that were issued Visas. By 1980, We began to see a Cultural shift. People that were 'Black & Proud' began to wave flags, & tout where They came from. On College Campuses, Black Student Unions fractured into Black, Caribbean, Latino/ Hispanic, & Afrikan Student Organizations. We celebrated the Cultural Diversity of the Black Diaspora, but over time, competition w/ & critique of Black American Culture grew.

While Black American Communities struggled w/ Unemployment, lack of Resources, & fewer Opportunities under 'Reaganomics'; Immigrant families that already had the financial means to relocate to another Country, were given access to Affirmative Action Programs meant specifically for Black America/ ADOS/ FBA. These programs meant to 'level the Playing Field' for Black America, now went to newcomers seeking their own 'American Dream'.

By the 1990s, a New Wave of Black Immigrants appeared in America w/ preconceived ideas about Black Americans. They were rude, disrespectful, & wanted nothing to do w/ Us. They began to cluster in enclaves, like European & Asian Immigrants. While this is by No Means the actions of Every Immigrant, it was a Group Collective effort. As Black American/ ADOS/ FBA Communities suffered from Neo- Liberal 'Benign Neglect' & 'Tough on Crime' measures that:

Incarcerated hundreds of thousands of Black Men

Broke down Family structures, forcing Black Women to 'Carry the Load'

Caused an 'Exodus' of Black Middle Class families that drained Communities of Mentors, Role Models, & Tax Dollars- creating an environmental & moral cesspool Nationally

Manufactured Poverty, which opened Communities up to lawlessness by Cops & Criminals- opening the door to gentrification

Elevated Drug & Gang Activity

Created Nutritional (Food) Deserts

Created a Homelessness Epidemic

Immigrant enclaves prospered, as Home & Business Ownership rose. Black Immigrants reinvested in their Communities, & the increase in Tax Dollars ensured proper Services (Roads, Water/ Sewage, Sanitation, ect...) & Political Representation were consistent.

This is NOT a knock on Black Immigrants- They R living 'The American Dream'. What I want to point out, is how skewed the numbers get, when Statisticians include Black Immigrants into an overall Black American narrative. Our experiences are different. It makes Black America/ ADOS/ FBA look better off than We really are. It may be due to their sovereignty, but Black Immigrants have more autonomy than We do. If We believe the narrative being pushed- Black Immigrants appear to outperform ADOS/ FBA on nearly Every Level. In a 40Yr span, roughly 8 Million Black Immigrants have amassed more assets than 20- 30 Million (out of roughly 50 Million) American Descendants of Chattal Slavery have in 144Yrs. THIS didn't happen by accident, or because they 'work harder' than the people that literally built America.

The disrespect comes from those Black Immigrants that believe that They are somehow superior to ADOS/ FBA, when in fact, They stand on Our shoulders. They call Us Lazy, Stupid, 'Cotton picking N-s' [Akata], & say that We lack Discipline & Culture. All of this, while taking advantage of 'Diversity Initiatives' that were never meant for Them. Black Immigrants were less than 1% of the [Black] population during the Jim Crow Era; most came after 1980, so what exactly are They being rewarded for? They are conveniently 'Black' when it's time to take advantage of what is meant for ADOS/ FBA; but are flag waving, hyphenated Americans the rest of the Time. Truth IS Truth.

As ADOS/ FBA demands Reparations from the American Gov't, (some) Black Immigrants feel that They are also entitled to whatever We receive. Black Immigrants dominate the Congressional Black Caucaus, so politicians like Sheila Jackson Lee are trying to shift Reparations talk to a Trans Atlantic discussion. ADOS/ FBA has No Standing in CARICOM, so why should others get a position in what We are due? They are living 'The American Dream', while We continue to experience the AmeriKKKan Nightmare. Where is the solidarity?

Barack Obama & Kamala Harris are touted as 'The 1st Black President' & 'The 1st Black Vice President', but neither have a Black American Experience. Both are more aligned w/ the aspirations of many Black Immigrants- Suburban Life, Private Schooling, & little to no contact w/ Everyday Blackfolk. Again, this type of amalgamation skews the data of Black American Life. Black America/ ADOS/ FBA has a Culture of 'Fighting The Power', while the majority of Black Immigrants gravitate to the Mainstream Culture. They 'get in where They fit in'. As a result, 2nd & 3rd Generation Black Immigrants are the 'Black' faces that We see the most in Mainstream Media.

As a result, too many 2nd & 3rd Generation Immigrants try to speak for Black America/ ADOS/ FBA; but they lack the Cultural Experience to do so. People like Roland Martin, Candice Owens, Stephen A Smith, & Joy Reid are accomodationists; they care more for their personal well being, than the Black American Collective. They are condescending when speaking to Blackfolk, taking their cues from White Racists that they try to impress. This is not to say that every Black Immigrant behaves this way, or that there aren't ADOS/ FBA out there that behave the same way. It just seems that over the last 30Yrs, America has only allowed this personality type entry into the country.

The concept of 'Flat Blackness' is simply false, because ADOS/ FBA & Immigrants from Afrika, South America, & the Caribbean are All Culturally different. By virtue of Our 'Region', We have different perspectives. White Supremacy understands that 'diamond cuts diamond', so Flat Blackness is a tool used to dilute the ADOS/ FBA Experience, & Our ultimate demand for Reparations. It appears that The Goal, is to replace Us w/ immigrants, who are simply happy to live the American Dream that we have been denied. They seem to be unaware that once we're nullified, They will become The Target.