The NAACP Fort Worth Tarrant County will host it’s 44th Annual George D. Flemmings Freedom Fund Celebration virtually on Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. CST. The virtual celebration is a ticketed event and tickets range from $15-$75. Individual tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at naapcfwtc.org.
The theme for this year’s event is “The Pursuit of Freedom and Equality” and will honor the life achievements of Fort Worth natives and successful movie and television actors as well as gospel recording artists, David and Tamela Mann. The celebration will also highlight accomplishments NAACP Fort Worth Tarrant County has made to promote equality and the steps needed to eliminate racial and social injustice in the community.
Due to COVID-19, the celebration will be held virtually for the second year in a row. “The prolonged COVID-19 health crisis has caused great stress to all; however, our branch continues to make an impact with our important work. We’re excited to bring the celebration to the homes of our community through an engaging, virtual format, and look forward to honoring the achievements of our members and special guests,” NAACP Fort Worth Tarrant County President Estella Williams said.
Individuals and organizations looking to attend or sponsor the event can purchase tickets at naacpfwtc.org or through Eventbrite.
About the Fort Worth/Tarrant County NAACP
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Dr. George D. Flemmings was a pivotal in leading the NAACP in its formative years and helped to solidify the organization’s imprint on the city and in the state of Texas. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans. The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. To learn more about the NAACP Fort Worth Tarrant County visit naacpfwtc.org.
Black Attorney Launches Karaoke Game For the Culture
ATLANTA ATTORNEY SPREADS JOY DURING THE PANDEMIC WITH NEW KARAOKE GAME, BUT FOR THE “KULTURE”
Some games and activities are staples at large gatherings and family functions. Whether you are a professional singer or a professional shower singer, karaoke brings out the best (or worst) vocals around. Whether you are an outspoken extravert or a more reserved wallflower, once you get behind that mic, everyone is equal. Although many karaoke songs are some of the most popular songs of the late 80s and early 90s, one new game merges karaoke, hip hop and R&B and some unforgettable past time memories. Kulture Karaoke lets you set the song theme while reliving throwback memories to some of the most popular songs from “the culture!”
As we experience another new year, the pandemic shows no signs of clearing up. Many outdoor activities are still canceled, and several states have mandated curfews. With most people still stuck at home, Kulture Karaoke lets them keep the party safe, indoors and COVID-free. As an attorney, Dae does not often get to explore her creativity while representing clients. Kulture Karaoke provided a unique opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone, into the gaming world.
“Kulture Karaoke is just that, a game ‘for the culture,’” says Dae Fenwick, owner and creator. “Born during the pandemic, I created this game to be more inclusive and fun for black and brown would-be karaoke stars like myself It’s a feel-good game that can be fun for all ages. I have a love for karaoke and wanted to share that love with others.” It all started during her birthday celebration in September. Dae and a few friends decided to play karaoke for her birthday. To make things more interesting, she decided to have everyone pull a card and select a song to sing based on the categories like “a song that reminds you of middle school.” Her friends and family loved it, and the idea for Kulture Karaoke was born.
When Dae launched the product in late October 2020, she sold out of her first set of games in less than a week. Since then, she has sold hundreds of copies of the game in just two months. “The response has been incredible” according to Dae. “We are all stuck at home right now, or at least we should be, so it has been great to see so many people playing Kulture Karaoke on Zoom or with their friends and family at home.”
Based in Atlanta, Kulture Karaoke is Black woman owned. With categories like, “A Song You Had No Business Singing As A Child” and “Biggie vs 2Pac,” Kulture Karaoke is a unique take on the traditional karaoke that has brought people together for decades to belt out their favorite songs. Dae hopes you will enjoy Kulture Karaoke at your next game night, karaoke night, birthday party, road trip, pre-game or small gathering. Remember, grab a mic, grab your friends, and do it for the “Kulture!” To learn more or purchase the game, visit KultureKaraoke.com.
Kulture Karaoke is an adult music card game, combining R&B and Hip Hop music into a game format. The company was created in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and designed to bring joy in the midst of uncertainty. To keep up with everything Kulture Karaoke, follow the brand on all social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube @KultureKaraoke, or visit KultureKaraoke.com.
The last moments of George Floyd’s life were spent on a Minneapolis street with an officer’s knee in his neck. I’m conflicted by the large outpouring of support for George Floyd who was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyd’s death was wrong, uncalled for, and unjust, but, wasn’t Amaud Arbery‘s death was the same? With coverage of the Coronavirus crisis eclipsing most other national news stories, many Americans remain unaware of the wrongful death of Louisville EMT, Breyonna Taylor.
It’s unsettling to think that even in a global pandemic, black Americans still face the threat of police brutality and murder. It’s chic for non-blacks to be outraged and so easy to jump on this bandwagon because everyone saw the injustice! The police serve to hold citizens accountable when they break the law, even unintentionally. But, who will hold law enforcement accountable when they do wrong, even unintentionally?
This problem doesn’t end with George Floyd’s death. It didn’t end with Philando Castile who was also murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. Philando Castile was a law-abiding, card-carrying member of the NRA who was shot, seconds after lawfully mentioning that he carried a weapon. Atatiana Jefferson was killed in her home, but her death was only the first of many in her family. Following her death, her father Marquis, and her mother (whom she cared for at the time she was killed) Yolanda Carr also passed away shortly thereafter. The toll on families is perhaps even a greater tragedy than the actual injustice.
Americans all over the country are outraged, and rightfully so. For many, this is the first time police brutality has grabbed their attention. They’re faced with the reality they have denied for so long but now, they get it. Cynical non-black Americans may finally be ready to harmoniously join what they have reviled as cacophony, the cries of black Americans who just want a chance to be seen. Black Americans want to be seen not as a threat or perpetrator, but as citizens deserving of the inalienable rights provided in the Constitution. For those whose anger will subside with the onset of a new news cycle, this is a great time for you to have a long look at the person staring back at you in the mirror.
That feeling in the pit of your gut? That’s the inconvenience of going forward with this same outrage. Black Americans live with it, every day! The trauma of chattel slavery, segregation, redlining, Black Wall Street, Jim Crow era violence perpetrated against our forefathers, and the murders of agents of change like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Medgar Evers is in the DNA of black Americans and is passed down to each generation. We don’t get to stop making noise nor can we afford to take days off from being vigilant about where we go, how we maneuver through stores, restaurants, and other places of business. We just want to live, but we’re tired.
It seems to always happen with our non-black friends who start to weigh and second-guess their posts on social media and never even stop to think how safe their non-black sons and adult men are during traffic stops and other police interaction. Because non-blackness is seen as an asset and not a liability, soon, you too may feel it irrational to keep this conversation alive in your circle of influence. You’ll feel silly for thinking about it, and you may even feel threatened for speaking up. Either way and if but for only a moment, you have felt the weight of blackness this week.
Thank you for carrying it this week, but do you intend to carry it once this news cycle ends? The weight of blackness is not ultimately carried by black Americans, alone. It’s carried by those that see the problem and are willing to say, “he ain’t heavy…” you know the rest. This challenge is to all our brother’s keepers currently and conveniently riding today’s wave of outrage.
The fact that we carry the weight of blackness well doesn’t negate the fact that it’s heavy. Say the names of these martyrs to people that refuse to hear them. Speak their names and tell their stories with empathy and not disdain. As we again find ourselves at this impasse, we must choose to cross over together. This means that non-black Americans must help lift black-American perception and possibility across the bridge to a better tomorrow in hopes of finally making this country as great as it purports itself to be.
FATHERS INCORPORATED PARTNERS WITH THE U.S. CENSUS FOR ‘BLACK DADS COUNT’
Black Dads Count is an effort galvanizing Black fathers to ensure they are counted and valued in the 2020 U.S. Census
Fathers Incorporated has officially launched Black Dads Count, an awareness campaign to advance a conversation and civic engagement among Black Dads and the 2020 U.S. Census on MLK Day, January 20, 2020. The campaign launch includes events and informational sessions taking place between MLK Day and the official launch of the Census in April. Black Dads Count (BDC) has partnered locally with Fair Count and will participate in their Black Men Speak series in January as well as other BDC-specific forums. For information about events, partners, partnerships and Census facts, please visit www.BlackDadsCount.com.
Because of its emphasis on inclusion, particularly for Black dads, the campaign has attracted the support of national partners; Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, The Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), K.I.N.G., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., National Cares Mentoring Movement (CARES), The National Healthy Start Association (NHSA), The Black Man Can (TBMC), United Way of Metro Atlanta and the Census Bureau.
2020 marks the 55th Anniversary of the 1965 Moynihan Report. The controversial report argued that combating poverty required strengthening families in the United States – particularly through positively impacting Black men. Five decades after the release of the Moynihan Report, national databases indicated that little progress has been made on the key issues Moynihan identified. Moreover, many of the issues for Black families highlighted by the report are now worse and are prevalent among other families.
“The 2020 U.S. Census affords us the opportunity to engage Black Dads in an extremely meaningful way,” states Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated. “As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census is a once every-decade count of everyone living in the country. When we know how many people live in your community, organizations and businesses are better equipped to evaluate the services and programs needed, such as clinics, schools, and roads. It also determines how seats in Congress are distributed among the 50 states.”
Fathers Incorporated has invested 15 years of service in building the capacity of fathers (particularly Black fathers) to be available, equipped and positively present in the lives of their children and family. At the most fundamental level of being a father is the need to be present and civic-minded. These responsibilities are crucial to the overall success and well-being of themselves and families.
Fathers Incorporated has been invited by the U.S. Census to be a national partner to specifically focus attention primarily on Black Dads and their families in Hard To Count (HTC) communities. While the campaign will have a national focus, there is a more intentional focus around efforts on the ground in Metro Atlanta. These efforts can be duplicated and scaled to be implemented in other hard to count communities around the country. To learn more, visit www.BlackDadsCount.com.
You know Kevon Carter from his funny videos on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, but his new album “Finally” is available now! We had such a great time talking about his journey thus far, discover some little known facts about his life, family and some of the funniest and impactful videos and their hilarious and deep impact.
Kevon Carter was a guest on SoulProsper Radio “On the Record” and shared some of what many don’t know about his journey to finally finishing this album comprised of 16 tracks- some comedy, but mostly contemporary gospel music. If you haven’t yet, you should check out this album. It’s a really impressive body of work and is comparable to many of the artists on the airwaves, now.
Carter was gracious to converse with us and share how he has handled life as a widower, now remarried and leading a blended family. The project has taken years to complete but the songs are a breath of fresh air. Take a listen and share with us what your favorite song (s) is. Musicians are some of the funniest people anywhere and humor can be both a hidden talent and defense mechanism, but Carter explains how comedy ‘came out of nowhere’ for him. Whether you know him for jokes, music or his reaction videos, we believe you’ll know him even a little better after listening to the interview!
By Dick DeMarsico, World Telegram staff photographer – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cph.3c26559. Public Domain,
With
each new year comes another chance to celebrate the civil rights icon, the Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King is known for his leadership during the
civil rights movement that moved this nation beyond the quagmire of
segregation, whose progress would have been otherwise stymied by the unabated
undercurrent of unapologetic racism.
The Lorraine Motel, in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King was shot by James Earl Ray on a balcony at the hotel in 1968.
The most humanizing elements of the civil rights movement proved that blacks deserved equality because quite simply, they were people equal to their white counterparts. This was a point of contention for whites and even some black people who could not see humanity under their brown skin. Dr. King was a young scholar who entered college at the age of 15 and earned his doctorate degree at the age of 26, but not even that made a difference to white people who couldn’t hear the drum major’s appeal over the deafening drumbeats of dissention.
We
remember Dr. King not only for what he accomplished individually, but as a force
that spurred this nation to consider how to become its best self. Blacks in
America experienced new levels of freedom and the many manifestations of racism
were finally being called into account. He was a man of inspiration and a man
of determination, this he passed on to the generations born before him
(comprised of former slaves and their direct descendants) and even to
generations after him, the world over.
During a 1967 speech at a junior high school in Philadelphia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr asked the young people in attendance “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” admonishing them, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” Before researching it, I erroneously attributed the quote to the Memphis sanitation worker strike. The quote fit perfectly because during the strike the workers held up signs saying: “I Am A Man” and decried debasing wages and deplorable work conditions.
It
has been said that at that time, one of the easiest ways to insult a child was
to refer to his father as a sanitation worker. The job of a sanitation worker
in Memphis was one that robbed black men of their inherent dignity and though
fitting, was not part of Dr. King’s encouragement to the men whose cause he
took up in his last days. However, this quote was issued to junior high
schoolers who had yet to face the cruel reality of the world as adults at that
time. Still, the quote holds true today and as we pause to honor Dr. King this
year, here is a truth to consider.
Whatever you are called to do with your life, do it with all the grace and strength you have. This speech forever altered the trajectory of the lives of those children at the Barratt Junior High School. But what about us today, what is your life’s blueprint? That’s what Dr. King asked those young Philadelphians a mere six months before his life ended in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. King told the young people to “set out to do well” the jobs they would assume later in life. Can the same be said of us? Are we pursuing greatness with all our might? So many are aware of their life’s blueprint (purpose) but sell it short by not doing all they can to achieve it. This year, honor the legacy of Dr. King by making the decision to pursue your life’s work with all your might.
Dr. King was beaten, spat upon and challenged
by even those he gave his life trying to help, still he pressed on. This level
of determination is what he is remembered for. To quote one of the songs of the
movement, don’t you let anyone turn you around, keep on walking, keep on
talking, keep on pursuing until your life’s purpose is well within your grasp!
“Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin!” -Mahalia Jackson
It’s a good thing Dr. King had already been to the mountaintop, there are moments in the United States even today that make his dream seem more of an implausible hallucination. With every instance of police brutality and murder, voter suppression, low wages in impoverished neighborhoods, the uncovering of the depth of red lining that still affects black homeowners, privatized prisons and imbalanced criminal sentences, the uphill climb grows steeper.
In 2020, we are still climbing and striving in many areas to overcome what Dr. King along with other generals in the civil rights movement sought to lead this nation through and away from. Though “the marathon continues”, perhaps the key to finally overcoming is discovered in the collective lift contributed by each of us living our lives according to its blueprint.
About Fred Willis, The Dreamer…
Preaching
for Fred Willis doesn’t
always emanate from behind a podium, he also speaks from his platform as a
journalist and broadcaster. He got busy building the SoulProsper Music & Media Group in 2012 and
has since created a digital media enterprise consisting of an internet radio station, independent music label, and news
outlet. In 2019, he released “The Journey to
Genesis: A Discovery of Your Created Purpose” to share his journey of discovering
his life’s purpose. In addition to reporting for his company, Fred has written
for numerous digital and print outlets sharing his gift of thought-provoking
writings.
