Illegal Immigrants

 
            The most hurtful thing about being black in America is to see how openly and blatantly different every other nationality has been treated by our government versus, how African Americans are treated.

            What I find most troubling about the illegal immigrant situation, is to think that there are American proponents in the United States, who are ready to simply relinquish the sanctity of American citizenship to grant full citizenship to folks who don’t even belong to the United States; and who have no rights that any of us are bound to respect. Though I have no racial or ethnic prejudices against any nationality, the disparity in the way the United States regards different nationalities of people is painfully obvious.  Although Mexican people are here illegally, there are Americans who are willing to fight to legalize their presence here.  And the Mexicans have the audacity to believe they have the same right to fight to stay here as any American citizen has.   What rights to they have–really?

            In sharp contrast to their foolishness, is the thought that generations of African-Americans were stolen from their native land, and brought to this country by force, and brutalized and beaten into subserviance; made to work free for centuries…FREE!   Hopelessly enslaved, with no hope for liberation from enslavement.  Our government quietly and reservedly condoned this horrendous practice, and despite the many moral infringements on the human rights of blacks, we were never acknowledged as complete human beings—let along citizens; even regarded as 3/5ths of a person by our own government, in spite of all the black race has undergone in America, we have had to fight for every single privilege, and even for equal protection the Cosntitution affords every other citizen.  And even those of the black race who were born in America, were deprived of the full rights of citizenship.

            This leaves no question in my mind as to how America feels about it’s black citizens or where we as a race fall on America’s priority list.

            And in the words of Forest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that!” 

Ms. Linda Nunn

 
            On behalf of The People’s Voice, I want to apologize to our readers, because we were unable to publish a complete and comprehensive report on the burning of Ms. Linda Nunn’s home on Borders Street.  We feel hard pressed to explain to our readers how any tragedy of this magnitude of could happen in the African American neighborhood and we not have adequate resources to report on the event.   Our readers need to be aware that multiple efforts were made to contact authorities so as to obtain accurate and official information to publish.  However, at times, it appeared that we were deliberately and meticulously being avoided by the authorities, who felt no responsibility to communicate with us.   Nevertheless, the rumor mill has been flying ever since the burning occurred, and we know that the only way to stop it is with the truth. 

            On behalf of The Voice, we would very much like to express our sympathy to Ms. Nunn and her children, and are truly sorry for the losses of life that were suffered and any other unfortunate losses resulting from this catastrophe.

            Scores of individuals have offered us “unofficial” reports that the fire was caused by candles, which were being used to provide light in the home, in the absence of electrical service.  Now, all of sudden, everybody is up in the air, with concern about the conditions that brought on this tragedy.  In light of our most distressed economy, I believe this to be an indictment of every “so-called” leader in our community, who ought to be concerned ANYWAY, BEFORE THE FACT, about the conditions under which every citizen is forced to live.   I personally know Ms. Nunn.  I know her to be a hard-working single parent who from all outward appearances, loves her children very much.  The last time I was around her for any length of time, I was a visitor at her church during Sunday morning worship services.   During this time, I observed as she conducted the primary Sunday school class, in which her own children participated and did a superb job conducting her Sunday School lesson review.  Every time I ever saw her, she was either at her job, or in her church.   In my heart, there is no way that I believe  anything that happened to her family, was deserved.   But, please be reminded that oftentimes, destitute conditions are thrust upon us particularly African American families, because of the arrogance, and insensitivity of those who are in a position to make a real difference, including city administrators, and others who hold positions of responsibility within the public utilities and other entities who are charged with the general welfare of our citizenry.  From my perspective, Ms. Nunn’s tragedy was a travesty that never had to have happened in ANY community.  It speaks loudly and boldly about the hearts, minds and attitudes in our midst.

We Still Get No Respect

 
Black people will always be forced to prove themselves—again and again.  And in the same breath, will never be able to prove themselves particularly in the deep south, so densely populated with a society dominated by the traditional white mind-set. We always have to work harder, do more, reap less.  That’s the consequence of blackness.

On mother’s day Sunday, I was traveleing with my son to Anniston, Alabama.  It was one of those rare occasions when he was taking me out for a well-deserved mother’s day outing.

Shortly after we traveled through Wedowee, we observed what looked like a clean-up process from an automobile accident.  There were several by-standers, spectators, and an Alabama Highway Patrolman. 

Being connected with a newspaper, I thought I might take a few photographs, thinking this might make an interesting story for the People’s Voice.  I approached the officer to merely capture his attention, and simply asked, what happened out there?   In the midst of all those spectators, and by-standers, my presence was never acknowledged.  It was as if I was not even there, had not spoken a word to him.  He never looked in my direction, or toward me, to acknowledge my question.  Nothing.

In my mind, I could read his thoughts.  Who does this “nigger” think she is, asking me what happened out here….who is she to even dare to address me?”  With a look of disdain on his face, again never looking in my direction, he finally said, “I can’t tell you anything.  You call call Jacksonville, they might can tell you something.”

While I was not bothered in the least bit, by his attitude.  I was very quietly reminded who I am, and who he was.

In the grand scheme of things, I am reminded that in this society, African-Americans are still often regarded as “invisible” men and women, having no significance in American society whatsoever.

 
Copyright 2006 by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
This article was composed and written by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, and appeared in the May 26, edition of The People’s Voice African American Weekly News (www.peoplesvoiceonline.com).   This article may be reprinted with permission from the author:
Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
email:  caclarkfrieson@msn.com
322 Wilkie Clark Drive
Roanoke, Alabama 36274
334-863-4885
334-338-1149

I have a true confession to make: 
 
I’ve been involved in a life long love affair. At times, I’ve been embarrassed to admit it.  But, now, the time has come for me to shed all of my inhibitions and I am no longer ashamed of it. Certainly by now, it’s no longer a big secret.
 
But, it is all about to end. I’ve agonized over it, because relationships are supposed to be mutually beneficial, but this one has become one-sided.   I have tossed and turned and spent many sleepless nights trying to decide how to end the relationship.  For a while, I thought we could work things out.  Over recent months, the relationship has cost me thousands. Talk about high maintenance!  And I’m a single parent, with a grandbaby!   This relationship is taking food out of my children’s mouths.  So, I have no choice but to try to break the news as gently as I can.
 
As a result of this decision, I’ve been overrun with every emotion in the book. Sadness, disgust, despondency, ambivalence, and down right depression.  The thought of ending such a long love affair just breaks my heart.  But, I must break it off with my Ford LTD Crown Victoria.
 
I’ve been in love with the Ford LTD Crown Victoria since I was 18 years old.  How can I describe it? The Ford Crown Victoria is a fullsize sedan manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. The Crown Victoria, or “Crown Vic” as it is often referred, represents the top-of-the-line sedan in the Ford lineup.   Many older car enthusiasts may even remember it by its popular predecessor, which was named the Ford LTD.   Ford Crown Victoria is also commonly used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle and police car, a segment in which Crown Victorias make up the vast majority of vehicles used.  I don’t care who used it.  I was in love with it.
 
My first “Crown” was a gift from my mama.  When I was eighteen years old, she found a retired “Police Cruiser.” It was the beginning of a love affair made in heaven, that would last my whole life.   It was just a plain two-tone car with a white top and blue body.  It had nothing in it: no air conditioning, no radio, no comfortable seats. But, boy, did she have an engine under the hood!   She literally hummed!   I believe it was the 2^nd car my mother found me, during my years at Southern Union.  Just a way to make the short commute from home to Southern Union every day.  She saw me all the way through my Southern Union years up until I transferred to the University of Alabama. Once, my interest waned; but she remained steadfast, even withstanding a short separation period when she  was semi-junked out in the elements for a time. Then, when I decided to revive her, she fired right up.   One of the best cars ever built.  We finally said goodbye one day, out on I-20 between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, when she would just couldn’t go ant further.  I believe she had outlived her usefulness.  But, she was the best.
 
I took a reprieve from the Crown Victoria.  I tried Dodge, Chrysler, Cadillac, Chevy, and a few others.   But, like a beloved pet, she continued to pull on my heart-strings, from time to time.  Then, several years down the road, my beloved son a classic car enthusiast, re-kindled my affection for her.  We were blissfully reunited when I bought him his first Crown.  It was a 1990.  Then, every time I would drive his Crown, once again, a flood of beautiful memories would return. Memories of the comfort, the smooth ride, the reliable performance, the luxurious upholstery, the plush spacious interior. Alas, we were together again!   But, it wasn’t enough just to be able to drive his Crown.  I had to have my own!  Thus began a long loving relationship.  It was a marriage made in heaven.
Our Love affair survived three subsequent up-grades:  to the 1996, which boasted the 4.6 L modular engine; the 2000 which sported the sleek rounded face-lift dating back to 1998.  With it’s high safety rating, she performed well (as I would expect) in the Spring of 2004, when she literally saved my life when I was involved in what could have been a fatal collision).  This is when I had to bid farewell to the 2000.  Putting the past behind, the most exhilarating and exciting was the experience of finally making that upgrade that everyone longs for, the show-room new, ultimate, 2004, LX Sports Coupe, which came with a price tag of 30,000.00 and a big long-term monthly commitment.  Umm! The things we’ll do for love!
 
Yet, I said to myself, “Heck, I work hard.  I’ve worked hard all my life.  I deserve this.” 
 
And I did deserve it, until the trend in gasoline prices turned my joy into constant pain and the cost of my love-affair began to forcing me to make the choice between paying essential bills, and getting to work every day.  Then, reality struck me in the face, and said “Nobody deserves this….It’s getting to the point where the love affair has me backed into a corner. It has me “pinching off” of the bill-money to fill-up for my 60-mile-per-day commute, as well as the miscellaneous traveling I must do in connection with other activities and commitments.   I’m bitter about it, because, I hate for it to end this way. 
 
Perhaps another season; another time; another Presidency.

Copyright 2005 by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
This article was composed and written by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, and appeared
 in the May 19, 2006 edition of The People’s Voice African American Weekly News (http://www.peoplesvoiceonline.com/).  
This article may be reprinted with permission from the author:
Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
email:  caclarkfrieson@msn.com
322 Wilkie Clark Drive
Roanoke, Alabama 36274
334-863-4885
334-338-1149 

Early Wednesday morning, (May 10, 2006), I was driving along the highway listening attentively as Tom Joyner interviewed his special guest for that morning, Reverend Al Sharpton.  Reverend Sharpton’s comments during the show really resonated with me.  He spoke on the issue of “Politics vs Politricks.”   Let me merely share my take on his comments.
 
There is no other group of citizens more vulnerable to “Politricks” than African American citizens.   For this reason we must be ever so careful how we vote in this most important election. 
 
Many of us tend to forget what we, (the African-American people as a whole) have endured to get to the point where we can now be considered a viable political force to be reckoned with.  And, if we are not careful, we will allow “Politricks” to shatter those political gains.
 
What is “Politricks?”  Rev. Sharpton described it as the antithesis of what most “thinking” black people would regard as politically sound and in the very best interest of the greatest number of African American people across the board.  
 
“Politricks” is what our President pulled on us, when he led the country to believe that Iraq was really producing weapons of mass destruction and that engaging them in this war was the necessary and proper thing to do.  
 
“Politricks” is what many candidates perpetrate when they use our love of The Lord, and reverence for God’s Word, to capture our attention and trick us by deflecting and diverting our attention from the real hard core issues, often grandstanding or hiding behind foolishness such as the politically trivial issues of Gay marriage, pro-choice, and other moral issues.  
 
“Politricks” is tricky.  And those of us who really have the best interest of the African American People at heart must be very careful in our evaluation of those who seek our support for public office.
 
I might even go a step further to define “Politricks” as the rhetoric, and the charismatic “mumbo-jumbo” about which we often hear politicians rattle on and on, but which hold no real meaning for us as a people. Empty words. Bull-Sh–.  Something I don’t want to hear.
 
At election time, I get real selfish.  My main question to any candidate running for office is simply this:  What can you (or will you) do to make my life and the life of my people better?   What can you (or will you) do to ease my burden?  The burden of outrageous gasoline prices? The burden of  oppressive utility prices?  What can you (or will you) do to improve the outlook for social security?    What will you do to make improvements in the community where I live?  What will you do for the children in my neighborhood?     And every voter needs to be.  What can you do to improve the unfair judicial system that victimizes so many black men and boys?   What plan do you have to make  our government fairer?   I’m from Missouri, Show me.   Will you work to make it fairer?  Just how hard are you willing to work?   Real hard?
 
Does the candidate I’m considering share the same (or similar) views as I have about the causes that are important to me?  For example, I will not be voting for any candidate who believes in the death penalty.   I am bitterly against it, because I know that Alabama’s judicial system is horrible, and many a black man has been erroneously indicted and legally murdered at the behest of Alabama’s brand of “blind justice.”  Many are rotting away in Alabama’s prisons because the “system” does not work the way it was designed to work.   That’s it plain and simple.   So, what I will be doing, is testing every candidate’s views on the death penalty, and at the end of the day, this will carry a lot of weight in terms of who I vote for.
 
Now is the time to get very well acquainted with each candidate running for office.  After election will be too late.  There are several individuals who are well worth investigating.  I also encourage all African-American voters to take advantage of ballots that will be available through your black political Caucuses such as The ADC and New South Coalition.  
 
At the end of the day, we have to remember that the decisions these people that we elect will be making will affect each and every one of our lives in terms of the conditions we’ll have to live with.   How much money we can expect to receive from our Social Security.  How difficult will it be to get my disability benefits in the event I become disabled?  Will I have to have one foot in the grave before I can get it?  
 
We also must remember that if WE CHOOES NOT TO VOTE, an undesirable candidate may just win by default. And it would be a dirty shame to have any undesirable candidate win an election because of our failure to vote.
 
I am quite adamant in my belief that my vote belongs to me.   It is distinctively and exclusively mine.   It is my power.  It is my voice.   It cannot be bought, baited or switched.   It is my one opportunity to make a conscious choice about my own destiny.  I am praying that everybody else who reads this takes the same stand.
 

Copyright 2006 by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
This article was composed and written by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, and appeared in the May 12, edition of The People’s Voice African American Weekly News (http://www.peoplesvoiceonline.com/).   This article may be reprinted with permission from the author:
Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
email:  caclarkfrieson@msn.com
322 Wilkie Clark Drive
Roanoke, Alabama 36274
334-863-4885
334-338-1149

Because I am a writer, and I love to write, I also love to read the work of other African American writers. 

This week, I’d like to recommend one of the best, most entertaining books I’ve ever read.  It is The Best Kept Secret, by Kimberla Lawson Roby.   THE BEST-KEPT SECRET (William Morrow/An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; Released February of last year;  ISBN: 0060734434).

Kim is a New York Times best selling author of 9 fantastic novels.   I had an opportunity to meet Kim last April while attending the Indianapolis Book Fest.  She was there as the keynote speaker for the Indiana Public Library, where she shared insights on how she developed her characters and her writing process. 

Well I must say I really enjoyed this book.   Actually “enjoyed” is an understatement.  The book is awesome!    
Out of her brilliant imagination, Kimberla Lawson Roby has fashioned a black preacher, by the name of Reverend Curtis Black.  He’s a handsome, charismatic, philandering minister whom she introduced  in an earlier novel entitled Casting the First Stone and revived in the bestselling book, Too Much of a Good Thing.  So, in The Best Kept Secret, Reverend Curtis Black is back again—but this time things are different.  Curtis has learned the true meaning of faith, love and responsibility and has met his match in his third wife Charlotte. He has mended his ways, is devoted to the ministry and is happier than ever. His past indiscretions, however, will not go unpunished. A bit of divine justice is handed down when a terrible secret is revealed and Curtis’s life undergoes more chaos than ever before. 

When Curtis Black was introduced in Casting the First Stone he resonated with readers because he is readily recognizable to them. Many have seen their own ministers, or simply the men in their lives, abuse their status in the same way that he did. Because of the many thousands of letters she received asking if his comeuppance was at hand, Roby brought him back in Too Much Of a Good Thing. Upon its release Publishers Weekly raved, “This novel should be her biggest hit yet,” and a hit it was. Too Much of A Good Thing placed Roby on the New York Times extended best-seller list and held a place on the Essence best-seller list for six consecutive months, enjoying the #1 spot for three.  

When reading The Best Kept Secret, my emotions went from one extreme to another, I laughed out loud and I had some tearful moments.  And a few times I felt a little sorry for “the good Reverend.”  When Charlotte was in the hospital and she was telling her parents about the situation with Matthew, and her being pregnant again. I rolled on the floor when her father got in her case and started talking about the things that her mother used to do. And like Anise said, “The apple really don’t fall far from the tree.”

When she told her parents that she was pregnant again and wasn’t sure who the father was, I could have died laughing when the father said, “You’re just full of surprises aren’t you?” I could just picture that scene.

After The Best Kept Secret, many readers demanded that Kim might as well take Curtis Black all the way on and on, until it’s time for him to meet his maker.  Having said that, many readers believe that Charlotte needs to pay her dues (seed time and harvest).  They insist that Charlotte can’t come out this good. We have so see Matthew grown and he must find out just how scandalous his mother really is. So he has to find out the truth about his father.  And the good Reverend still has to find out that his last child really isn’t his. Maybe she’ll need a blood transfusion or inherit some mental issues from her father in order for Curtis to find out the truth. But whatever it maybe I can’t wait to read all about it.

How many secrets were there? Some say they identified three main secrets. The interesting element was seeing how the secrets unfolded as we read the book. As they evolved, the secrets became more scandalous. As soon as we thought things were slowing down for the characters, another bombshell was dropped – very clever! Definitely not a predictable text.

It’s sad that this plot is stereotypical for many African American congregations. Let us just state that this is not true for every African American congregation; many of us have integrity and work to build God’s kingdom here on the earth. However, the bible states that Satan goes around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour; therefore, no one is exempt from being tempted into sin. In fact, James tells us that we are drawn away by our own lusts. So, we shouldn’t blame the devil or others for the choices we make. The devil is doing exactly what he does, so we really need to look within ourselves. It is ultimately our choices that yield us into being slaves to deception or overcomers by the true knowledge of His Word. People are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

This book was awesome. It taught powerful uplifting messages about love, forgiveness and the evils of loving money. It was a well-written plot-driven story. I finished in about 3 days.  I already own two of Kimberla’s books, and looking forward to collecting all of her novels.

After reading The Best Kept Secret, I was prompted to go back and buy Too Much of a Good Thing, so I could play catch-up on the good Reverend’s escapades.  If you haven’t already bought and read it by the time I finish, we’ll chat about it in another issue of The People’s Voice.

Copyright 2005 by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
This article was composed and written by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, and appeared in the May 5, 2006 edition of The People’s Voice African American Weekly News (http://www.peoplesvoiceonline.com/).   This article may be reprinted with permission from the author:
Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
email:  caclarkfrieson@msn.com
322 Wilkie Clark Drive
Roanoke, Alabama 36274
334-863-4885
334-338-1149