Therapist: America, you’ve made appointments before, and left after a session or two. Are you ready now to dig in and do the work that is necessary to heal?

America: The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis was literally an eight minutes and forty-six seconds movie that all of America saw. There no longer is a dispute about the existence, and consequences of racism.

Therapist: Are you willing – as you were not previously – to take an honest look at your troubled childhood? The early years are formative, as you know, but history books have whitewashed cruel and violent racist acts in the guise of frontier grit and cowboy heroism. Then gone further by justifying the brutality and suffering built-in to the denial of full humanness to tens of thousands shackled unfortunates.

America: I’ve resisted for four centuries, denying the truth, and literally burying the massacres of millions of indigenous peoples. If I don’t make amends now, and take responsibility for the sins of the past, we’ll be replaying the past few weeks for years to come, only more deadly and divisive each time a new slogan gets scrawled on a sign.

Therapist: You say you are ready for change. Are you being coerced, or do you want to change? The task is formidable. From border to border you’ll have to reshape the current systems in place for policing the country, educating the populace, providing affordable housing and medical care? It will mean less of the pie for those who most often sing your praises.

America: To be frank, there is no other option, other than devastating violence. Stereotypes must be confronted. A level playing field must become more than a catch phrase.

Therapist: Sounds good. But how do you intend to implement the current rhetoric? For the long run, I’m assuming you recognize that it is more complicated than simply moving money around from swat team funding to community services.

America: Again, it’s back to the origin of racism and understanding how the very concept of ‘policing’ was put in place. When the connection is made between slave masters controlling property to police controlling people, then the shift to Serve and Protect becomes a eureka moment. So called “systemic racism” is a description of people wielding power in their own interests. The people behind the controls must have their attitudes reconfigured; stereotypes must be exposed.

Therapist: All well and good, but let me ask again, what is the plan for measurable progress going forward?

America: That is a good question, because marching around with a BLM sign and shaking your fist in the air means little when the dust settles. You can’t go home afterward and be smug about a couple of hours in the street. There is sludge decades old to be dredged.

Therapist: Yes, well said… and?

America: And… here are some specific actions that companies can put in place forthwith. Commit to recruiting more diverse representation on staff, the board, and advisory councils to increase representation by at least 25% by 2022. Amend by-laws to recommit as an organization to practice anti-racism. Implement mandatory courses on implicit biases for all staff. Evaluate programs with a diversity and inclusion lens and make improvements.

Therapist: Sounds very much like ‘corporate-speak.’ If this is your message to the African-American populace I doubt very much it will be sufficient, or even heard.

America: The intention is to single out the people who comprise the institutions. A ‘system’ consists of people who populate and run it. By opening dialogues, the goal is to dismantle stereotypes about race, change attitudes and ultimately, behavior. There would not have been a knee on the neck of George Floyd if the cop pressing down saw him as a fellow human being rather than a black guy whose life did not matter.

Therapist: All good so far. Same time next week… and every week for years to come? Let’s see if you show up and do the work.

Alaska
Washington
Montana
North Dakota
Wyoming
Oregon
Nevada
California
Utah
Hawaii
Arizona
Oklahoma
Texas
Louisiana
Kansas
Arkansas
Missouri
South Dakota
Tennessee
North Carolina
South Carolina
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Vermont

Twenty-Five states from all parts of the nation. Half of the United States of America. They have one thing in common. They’ve all seen recent upticks in new cases of the coronavirus.

Vice-president Mike Pence is the supposed leader of the nation’s coronavirus task force. In a visit to Iowa, he claimed “We did it”, meaning the country has flattened the curve and has slowed the growth of the virus.

Mike Pence is a liar!

The sad thing is we were on our way to doing that. We were getting close to maybe slowing the growth and being safe, but the current administration couldn’t wait to re-open the country. They went against all of their own medical experts recommendations. They put pressure on governors to get moving and do it quickly.

The economy was more important than saving lives. Getting re-elected was more important than saving lives.

The newest lie is that the numbers are rising because of the increase in testing. Pence has doubled down on his lies by trying to get the nation’s governors to tell echo the federal administration’s stance lies. In his call with them, Pence said:

“I would just encourage you all, as we talk about these things, to make sure and continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of increase in testing. And that in most of the cases where we are seeing some marginal rise in number, that’s more a result of the extraordinary work you’re doing. Encourage people with the news that we are safely reopening the country.”

The numbers refute this. The numbers show Pence is lying. But naturally, in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, he had to double down by denying the possibility of a second wave of the virus, while at the same time doing his sucking up bit to Donald Trump:

“Such panic is overblown. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and the courage and compassion of the American people, our public health system is far stronger than it was four months ago, and we are winning the fight against the invisible enemy.”

The lies shouldn’t surprise anyone. It’s nothing new. We’ve been hearing them from Trump and his flunkies for almost four years. The difference with the lies about the pandemic is it puts his supporters at risk because they’ll believe him. They’ll believe everything is back to normal. They’ll believe they can go back to the way they lived their lives before the pandemic hit the United States. They’ll believe Pence until it sends them to the hospital and their graves….and sadly, it will.

Related Post: Where in the world is Mike Pence?

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GodS MORNING!

MONDAY was Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Born Day. I didn’t post a blog because I spent the ENTIRE day in deep reflection and contemplation. Since I didn’t post a blog, I know you know that the last posted homework rolled over to yesterday and subsequent days. You have had more than enough work days and a weekend to ideate and complete the same homework assignment. Your homework should be ready to be turned in. This is your last warning. Stand by to await instruction.

Intermittently over the past few days, I’ve crawled into a WonderLandHole, CurledUp, and SnuggledComfortedMyself. I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER. I TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST THEN I TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF MY QUEENDOM.

Rev. Dr. King was born January 15, 1929. He would have been 91 years old if he had not been assassinated on April 4, 1968. Significant controversy remains surrounding his death. In 2004, Reverend Jesse Jackson SR. stated:

The fact is there were saboteurs to disrupt the march. And within our own organization, we found a very key person who was on the government payroll. So infiltration within, saboteurs from without and the press attacks. … I will never believe that James Earl Ray had the motive, the money and the mobility to have done it himself. Our government was very involved in setting the stage for and I think the escape route for James Earl Ray.

A persons’ BORNday says a lot about them. I was born on Feb 23rd which is W.E.B. DuBois’ birthday and annual finale day for the Nation of Islam’s Saviours Day conference. Saviours’ Day is a holiday of the Nation of Islam commemorating the birth of its founder, Master Wallace Fard Muhammad (W. D. Fard), officially stated to be February 26, 1877. February 23rd is a big deal because it’s the final day and Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan always delivers a dynamic and powerful finale.

Growing up learning about Black History Month ICONS and attending NAACP event with my social butterfly, maternal grandmother, I identified that I had the same Bday as WEB. In learning more about his life and philosophies, I knew that I was the Talented Tenth he spoke of and I happily settled into my responsibility of educating and enlightening myself, building leadership skills, and fortifying my backbone.

It wasn’t until Northwestern freshman year that I learned my birthday falls on the Nation Of Islam’s Saviours’ Day Conference finale. A theology grad student and undergrad from Gary, IN who were roommates off campus had adopted me as their little sister. They invited me to go with them as my birthday present to Saviours’ Day to see Farrakhan speak but I refused. I wanted to do something fun on my Bday with my two college girlfriends or maybe I was dating some guy. I assumed someone would plan something fun for me. I don’t remember the particulars, but I remember laying on my pink extra-long twin bed sheets alone and bored. I remember thinking…I should have gone to Saviours’ Day to hear Farrakhan speak who I didn’t know much about. For the next three years, they invited me to Saviours’ Day and I always refused and then regretted it. Having a dead of winter birthday is challenging.  I don’t remember having any fun birthday celebrations at Northwestern where its extra cold being right on Lake Michigan. Every thing and one is frozen, miserable, and cranky. Planning and then going outside to do something for my birthday is very low on totem pole and so easy to forget and dismiss. Having a winter birthday often feels like having no birthday at all. You just add a year to your age, bundle up, and keep it moving. #WinterBabyBlues #MyFirstWorldProblems

You can tell a lot about a person from their birthday. In my illustrious dating career, I have snagged some choice and interesting fish to match my personality as a premium and interesting girl. Remember, I happily settled into my role as DuBois’ Talented Tenth at an early age. I went on my first date in 8th grade. We took the bus to the movies to see Boomerage. He laughed hard at everything. I had no idea what was going on in the movie but it was obvious that he was way more knowledgeable about the sex stuff than I was. He really liked me, but I thought the whole thing was weird and I was confused on why Eddies’ toes stuck up in the bed and why that was soooo funny. After the movie, we went to the toy store in the Ford City Mall so I could buy packs of Beauty and the Beast trading cards. I was so close to completing my collection. We both knew we were a mismatch so we easily, quickly, and quietly returned to just being friends.

Having to traverse from 80th and Constance on the SouthSide to Whitney Young Magnet High School on the WestSideStrongSide #SafetyFirst, helped me mature considerably. I’ve always marched to my own beat, but I love to laugh and make others laugh. Other girls usually think I’m weird so my circle of associates was mainly the fellas. Yes, I’m one of those girls who has mostly male friends. Guys can handle my biting sarcasm and I enjoy hearing their uniquely male perspectives on life. In high school, I ended up dating not one…but two guys with January 15 birthdays.

My first January 15 BORNbaby was in my sophomore year. He was a tall, light-skinned, goofy freshman crushing on my hard. I said I mostly have a cadre of male friends, but for time-to-time, I will align with one or two females who have a similar sense of humor. We’ll kick it hard; being close for years and then something will happen (sometimes I know exactly what happened and sometimes I don’t) and that relationship will end. My “best female girlfriend” at the time would roast this freshman royally and shamelessly subtly preying and laughing at his growing affection for me. He was the first person to stick in my mind that January 15 was King’s birthday so I should never forget his birthday. He was goofy, but super sweet and you gotta admit…the kid had good taste. The most interesting things about this Hyde Park baby was that his father was a Civil Rights Attorney with the NAACP and he was the first person I knew who attended Mosque Maryam highly recommending I go. He had a car and would occasionally drive me to lunch. On Valentine’s Day, he delivered 11 pink roses to my door. Flattered by his persistent courted, I started to see him in a new light. Unbeknownst to me, he was courting me while another was chasing him. She gave him access to her jewel and he told me my kisses were too wet. We soured and he enfolded himself in her bosom. I momentarily mourned what I now had wanted yet lost. But as a student under the tutorship of the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon, I ultimately concluded the universe had decided and I would continue on my solo scholarly sojourn. They were both light and tall. I saw from the bus stop as he drove her home every day as he should. I fix my posture, busied my eyes with distraction, and let the feelings wane. No harm. No foul. I get a call one day…Your boy is in JAIL! WHAT? He’s so goofy. For what bogus police racism? NO…it’s serious. He and his HP crew jacked a car and got caught. WHAT? I thanked the universe that he was not my problem and went back to studying. Different versions swirled around. He returned to school eventually but the rest did not. I was curious…yes nosey…ultimately my compassion directed me. I reached out to him to let him know I was still his friend and praying for him. Surprisingly he unburdened himself to me. Yes they had done it. Yes they were caught. But he was freed on a technicality. When arrested, he told the police his father was a lawyer but they continued to question him. Hound him and the others. When his father got to the station, his lawyer hat flipped on. The police violated his rights so they had to release him. The others not so lucky. The guilt was heavy. My compassion turned to rage. I couldn’t nor wouldn’t hold my tongue. You have a car. Why did you try to steal someone’s car? No good answer. Are you just bored? Stupid? Fucking goofy? The conversation ended that he needed to grow the fuck up and even though I’m pissed I’m still your friend you fucking idiot. He ended up marrying a different classmate and seems happily familied. Alls Well.

My second January 15 BORNbaby was junior year. We met at a party. He was tall, light skinned, broad shoulders, smooth, and funny. But he lived in the far blackfight suburbs of Olympia Fields. His family ran a precious hair care business and their Luster shined bright behind the gated community of MayneGate. Dont remember ever going to his house. His Southern crew loved hanging in the city so they would drop him at my house. I fell hard seduced by the softest lips surprised that distance only increased our attraction. He challenged me with word play, confusing stories, and sophisticated tales. We talked all night and I struggled to fill the air with worth words. His kisses made me tingle. We whispered on the landline with the refrigerator as our soundtrak. He asked for more. I initially was grossed out with his mouthy suggestion but upon further consideration realized I could be open to something more. Our undoing was Baby bell phone math. My parents raged when they saw the phone bill. Long distance love would have to flourish without lengthy conversations. It did not. We did not. But we would run into each other occasionally. Him smile and easy laugh always warmed my heart. I heard you got married and had a family. Then he died. I discovered this in passing and didn’t do the research to fully verify. I don’t want to know. (I wrote this blog on Monday and couldn’t post it. I now know why. I had to confirm if Precious was passed on. I found a post from his sister who I don’t know and have never met. Apologies for posting your FB post without your permission. I pray this is okay. Let me know I you want the post deleted.)

So every January 15th, I think of King’s Birthday and his LEGACY of SERVICE.

I’m moving slow this week and hope Black Chicago is also. This is time for reflection and healing. Call the names of the ancestors.  Tell the funniest signature tales. Black Chicago is on RonaLockdown. Enjoy the down time. You should be well rested. Lets start waking up. The weekend will be litAF…Juneteenth will FINALLY GET A PROPER CELEBRATION AND WE MUST HONOR OUR DADDYKINGS. STEAK AND EGGS…FRANKS RED HOT FOR ALL…I’MA DADDYS GIRL…LOVEMYDADDYCAKES!

FIREWORKS, JUNETEENTH, DADDYSDAY…ENJOY THE WEEKEND CAUSE NEXT WEEK WE GRIND ON THIS NATION BUILDING.

Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/18/20):

1. What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
2. What three things are you planning for today?
3. What three things are you preparing today?

WAIT…Did I hear you say…HEY…Today’s assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It’s the same. Why…you ask? Well, did you do yesterday’s assignments? No…and there’s your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.

I will add this bonus assignment:

GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK

Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I’m raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I’ve included information about PushBlack below.

PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:

We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.

We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.

And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.

With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout

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Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.

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The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!

In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!

Now back to the program:

If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book…the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.

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Warning: offensive language ahead. 
[embedded content] Oh, sure, just like some racist white guy, I’m going to present to you an angry, fed-up black American who has had enough of the false narrative of a nation of racist, brutal police officers. 

Candace Owens speaks truth to power in a courageous assault against the group think that has condemned all cops–yes, all cops– to an inner circle of hell. 

Yet, she’s called an “African American provocateur,” ignoring, of course, that there’s no greater provocateur than Al Sharpton who, himself, rode a wave of racial hatred by shilling the false rape allegations of Tawana Brawley. Owens is accused of “demeaning her own race the way most white people never would have the guts to do.”

Owens–to use the terminology of Black Lives Matter–is sick and tired of watching thugs, criminals and looters create an image that does no credit to law-abiding black people. Videos of blacks fighting with the police, resisting arrest and crowding into looted stores feeds the racist notion that, well, they’re black people and that’s how black people are. She’s had enough of  blacks who are providing ammunition to white racists to help them paint an entire race as ugly, stupid and violent.

By pointing this out, black activists call her a “coon.” She says, “You got Candolezza Rice, she’s a coon, right? Larry Elder, he’s a coon. You’ve got Dr. Ben Carson brain surgeon…he’s a coon right. What a loser he is.”

That’s the price for standing up for what’s right and true, in the face of a very powerful movement that is intimating large corporations and requiring subservience. Would that others be so brave.

[email protected]

www.dennisbyrne.net 

My historical novel: Madness: The War of 1812

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Watch highlights of former Illinois defensive end Simeon Rice from the time he was in the NFL.

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