Tag Archives: African American Manhood

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Brother, Come on This Porch, Grab a Seat, Take a Load Off, and Let Me Know What’s On Your Mind: An Open Invitation for Black Men to Join Us For A Robust Discussion of What It Means To Be A Black Man In America

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Although I have never revealed these feelings to anyone. Do you know what I have always wanted to be? I have always wanted to be like my Uncle’s who sat on my grandmother’s front porches and engaged in hours upon hours of talk that covered black relationships, black family matters, black economics, the proliferation of drugs within our community.

From a very young age, I thought that the wisdom of my Uncles (Leon, A.C., Mulazim Abdul Rashid, Rikki, Jerry, Steve, James, Fats, Danny, Kenneth, Jeff, Gary, Clarence, David, and Arthur) was only superseded by my grandfathers (A.G. Young and James Thomas Jones Sr.) who knew everything because they had lived longer. At least that is how my childhood mind understood the world. Nevertheless, I yearned for the day that I would have lived enough life to have something substantial to contribute to what amounted to as A Gathering of Old Men, a designation that is also the title of one of my favorite Ernest J. Gaines books.

Although I am hundreds of miles away from my family, that does not lessen the fact that my time to sit on some unknown porch and talk about everything and nothing at all with a group of black men who assemble in the spirit of brotherhood. It is a privileged position to be in and one that I am excited to share with others who would like to experience a virtual community of brothers who are seeking to make sense out of this world that we live in. Let’s be honest about the fact that black men far too frequently seek to traverse the rugged terrain of America by themselves, it is a Herculean effort. An unnecessary Herculean effort that could be lightened with the support of willing brothers.

So, it is in the spirit of brotherhood that I heartily invite my brothers to join us in the Zoom broadcast of the show Who Did It To You.

Every Tuesday at 6:00 EST & 5:00 CST

I would really like to encourage the brothers to join us and interact with us as we try to decipher and survive what it means to be black man in America.

Please use the link below to join us.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

EVERY TUESDAY

6:00 Eastern — 5:00 Central

Click to take a seat on the porch

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The Sad Saga of DeSean Jackson: Why It Is Important That Black Men Understand Who The Real Powerbrokers Are in Professional Sports and Society In General

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Anyone possessing decent observation skills can attest to the volatile nature of Race and politics. It is a minefield that only a fool would rush into. In fact, one of the most reliable signs of an absence of wisdom is reckless entry into discussions of Race and politics.  

In his poem An Essay on Criticism (1711), Alexander Pope wrote the following.  “Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.” The above quote is a cautionary warning for people to avoid some arenas at all costs. Only the unwise among us will foolishly rush into such environs.

From all indications, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is that type of fool.

Just in case you missed it, DeSean Jackson decided to delve into matters far above his intellectual capacity via a Instagram post. The referenced post was a Adolph Hitler quote that Jackson alleged stated that white Jews “will blackmail America. [They] will extort America, their plan for world domination won’t work if the Negroes know who they were.” In a move that signals his desperation to make matters even worse for himself, Jackson doubled-down on his anti-Semitism by expressing admiration for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. It would be a gross understatement to state that powerful groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified Farrakhan as a controversial figure. Most groups consider him to be America’s foremost anti-Semite.

Now, I do not want you to think that I am seeking to curtail Jackson’s 1st Amendment rights, that is not my intention, however, I still wonder what the NFL wide receiver was thinking. A better question is why didn’t he consider the inevitable fallout from his controversial post. To truly understand why Jackson’s post was so unwise, one must understand that the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that employs Jackson, are owned by Jeffrey Lurie, a person of Jewish descent, and headed by general manager Howie Roseman, another person of Jewish descent. Were it not for the obvious opportunity that DeSean Jackson provided to Jewish America to usher anti-Semitism into the robust discussion that groups such as Black Lives Matter have ignited, he would have already been released from his contract and rendered a pariah to other teams. He would be similar to Colin Kaepernick.

I pity DeSean Jackson for his inability to understand that there is a gap between what black folk talk about privately and what they express publicly before “mixed company.” Anyone who has spent time in the private spaces that Blacks are able to speak candidly, will tell you that many of the things vocalized in barbershops, civic organizations, and even street corners are expressions of unbridled hatred; an essential ingredient in our desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of sanity while being victimized by racial bigotry and institutional racism. It is not a stretch to consider such venting sessions one of Black America’s grandest traditions. Trust me when I say that there is no topic nor population above being discussed during such sessions; truthfully, not even black males are immune to harsh criticism. Yes, it is common for Black men to harshly criticize and denounce the foolishness of other Black men behind closed doors. However, there is an unspoken rule all who are allowed to enter this safe space are expected to adhere to, that rule is what is discussed in these sacred spaces remains private. Apparently, no one told DeSean Jackson about this mandate.

To DeSean Jackson’s chagrin, a series of African-American sports commentators have publicly denounced his Instagram post as if they are appalled by its message. Rest assured that these same figures have either expressed or failed to contradict much of the anti-social phrase-mongering that organically occurs in these “safe spaces” for black men. The reason for their hypocrisy is their understanding that the espousal of anti-Semitism promises dire consequences for the fool who dares to articulate it in front of “mixed company.”

DeSean Jackson’s rapid backpedaling is an obvious sign that he has swiftly learned that there is not a single member of Black America, regardless of their fortune, renown, or so-called influence that can help him escape his current predicament. Yes, even the most powerful and mighty black people — Oprah Winfrey, Maxine Waters, Nick Cannon, Bob Johnson, Jay-Z, etc. — realizes that DeSean Jackson has foolishly rushed into turbulent waters that will consume all that enter them. I am sure that if the embattled wide receiver were to receive much-needed counsel from any of the above figures that their advice would amount to little more than a private statement of “Brother, you are on your own.”

As a black man, I consider it disgraceful to see DeSean Jackson issuing statements promising to “do better” as if he is a five-year-old being scolded by his parents. Apparently, Jackson now understands the cavernous gap between black folk venting about Jews and a host of other groups in private and how little power Black America possesses. Consider Jackson’s apology for a moment.

I want to apologize to the Jewish community, Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson, the Eagles organization and our fans for the insensitive and ill-informed posts that I shared on my social media. My intention was to uplift, unite and encourage our culture with positivity and light. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I unintentionally hurt the Jewish community in the process and for that I am sorry! Now more than ever we must work together to end discrimination of all types and against all people and communities.

This apology is more than just words — it is a promise to do better. I will fully educate myself and work with local and national organizations to be more informed and make a difference in our community. I will consider my words and actions going forward. I will seek out voices from other communities and listen to their words, thoughts and beliefs. In a time of division, I am committed to doing my part in making this world a better place for our children.

DeSean Jackson is only at the beginning of an important lesson regarding where the actual seats of power rest in this nation. It is a lesson that notable blacks learn on the road to success.

If reduced to its simplest form, the lesson is as follows. There are some issues and populations that Blacks are never to address negatively in the public arena. This inflexible rule is a consequence of Black America’s uncanny penchant for political disorganization, in-fighting, and self-hatred. Unfortunately, DeSean Jackson is only the most recent example of what occurs to those hailing from socioeconomically disassembled communities devoid of capable political leaders.

In light of DeSean Jackson’s predicament I am offering him a suitable definition of power.

Power: The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

I am sure that if team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman choose to allow Jackson to continue his NFL career, DeSean Jackson will have learned two important lessons: (a) that there is not a single African-American possessing enough power and clout to save you from such a grievous issue and (b) the trouble that he now finds himself in is the reason that what is articulated in the safe spaces where black men assemble should never be shared with the outside world. These are hard lessons, yet one that may very well save his, your, and my professional career.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.

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Why White America is Responsible for the Lynching of George Floyd and What They Can Do About It

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Brrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinng!

The above word is the first line of Richard Wright’s novel, Native Son. The famed Chicago Renaissance writer intended for the ringing alarm clock to serve the purpose that all alarm clocks serve, to wake this nation up. From Wright’s perspective, America needed to be awaken to its Race problem.

Although significant by itself, Wright’s Native Son is only one of a series of bridges that highlight America’s great tradition of racial bigotry. The resistance of David Walker’s Appeal, Frederick Douglass’ admonishments during a Fourth of July presentation, Anna Julia Cooper’s lamentations from the South, W.E.B. DuBois’ prophetic warning that “the problem of the 20th Century will be the color line” and a series of deaths all serve as reminders of America’s horrific history of racial animosity. The alluded to bridges have led us to the murder of George Floyd by so-called law enforcement officers who were deemed fit for employment by the Minneapolis Police Department.

Americans are no different from other groups in their desire to embrace traditions that portray them in a favorable light and distance themselves from grander traditions that depict them in a negative, yet accurate light. An unbiased review of the American historical record reveals White America as a collective of greedy, avaricious, ends-justify-the-means, racial bigots who have little problem turning a blind-eye toward genocide if it serves a larger purpose.

This consistent inconsistency is nothing new.

There is no greater depiction of America’s character than the following litany offered by Frederick Douglass nearly two-hundred years ago. Douglass characterized this nation in the following manner.

There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour. Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the old world, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the every day practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers in front of an attentive public is yet another reminder that Douglass’ words still ring true.

The optimistic side of me hopes that Douglass’ words will activate White America to take a serious look at its soul. A soul that has been formed in the midst of centuries of unconscionable acts of hatred, racial bigotry, and tyrannical rule.

Let me be clear on this matter, the genesis of America’s Race problem began with White America and the solution to it will come from that community as well. There are only two reasonable paths that Whites can take to achieve the above goal. They can either aid in the total destruction of Black America or turn inward with the full intention of executing a intra-racial Civil War designed to exterminate unsavory portions of their community. A process that would call for them to address the bigotry of close family members, political leaders, and associates. It is obvious that there is no way that White bigots and Blacks are going to ever peacefully coexist within the same country.

I resist with every fiber of my being the white rage that leads so many of my Black countrymen to view Whites’ as a monolithic population whose foremost priority is the extermination of Blacks. My personal experience prevents me from embracing this daunting perspective. Yet, I am firmly entrenched in the belief that the only population capable of stomping out America’s grand tradition of racial bigotry and hatred is White America. Put simply; it is time that White America regulated its own citizens as there are segments of White America that are impenetrable to outsiders.

I am certain that it is within these socialization centers where the most virulent racial bigots are created by a daunting narrative that masquerades the evil-doings of White heroes and heroines for the extension of White privilege. This can only be eradicated by our White countrymen. The failure of White America to get its house in order makes the public lynching of Black men such as George Floyd an inevitability.

The ability to end racial bigotry and the cascade of ills that flow from it is found within a White America whose power and privilege rests on its existence. Trust me when I say that the alluded to conundrum is not new. It is the same issue that faced abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and John Brown. I hope that White America will realize it and get busy cleaning their own house; however, I have little hope that they will.

After all, racial tyranny is one of their grandest traditions and its destruction will come at a steep cost that I am unsure that they are willing to pay for the sake of freedom, liberty, and justice.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.

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Now That’s What I’m Talking About: The Pro-active Decision of Abdul and Fabien Lovett to Escape Mississippi State University for the Sake of Decency and Respect

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There are moments where I am flabbergasted by the absence of civility or common sense among White authority figures. I have always considered these moments unbridled testimony to how a person really about you. Unlike many of my kinsmen, I long ago decided that I would follow the directive of ancestor Maya Angelou. Angelou was credited with saying “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

Apparently, Abdul Lovett raised his son Fabien to adhere to this axiom.

I am sure that you are wondering who Abdul and Fabien Lovett are and why I am writing about them. Well, I will tell who they are and their importance to Black America if provided the opportunity.

Fabien Lovett is a much-celebrated Division I football player whose moral compass led him to withdraw from Mississippi State University in the wake of Head Coach Mike Leach’s tweet of a woman knitting a noose for her beloved husband during this moment of quarantine. Fabien Lovett responded with a quick “WTF” response prior to entering the NCAA’s Transfer Portal; a prerequisite to transferring from Mississippi State and irrevocably severing all ties with Mike Leach. I recently learned that Fabien Lovett has decided to enroll at Florida State University.

When interviewed by the Clarion Ledger, Abdul Lovett shared the following.

I didn’t feel comfortable with my son being down there with a guy like that from a leadership standpoint – that you can just throw anything out there…I feel if he can do it, the kids are going to feel like they can do it.

As expected, Mike Leach offered the standard apology and University Administrators doled out a punishment of forcing him to participate in “listening sessions” and visiting a local Civil Rights museum after the global pandemic subsides. However, I am sure that you understand that this post has less to do with Mike Leach’s horrendous soul and everything to do with the Lovett’s decisiveness regarding this inexcusable offense.

When one considers the level of trust imbued in educators and coaches to pour into the lives of their children, it is frightening to consider that a figure possessing the thoughts, ideals, and worldview of Mike Leach would have access to the lives of any collegian, let along African-Americans. Yet, naïve entrusting parents routinely make the dubious decision to send their children to learn at the foot of someone whose dedication to their development as a person is in a word, non-existent.

Although difficult to admit publicly, moments such as this one serve as evidence of the lack of pride and solidarity among Blacks; a malady that guarantees their failure to activate dormant political power. Consider for a moment if Mike Leach had provided similar negative social commentary regarding the Jewish community and their Holocaust experience, if he had, there is little doubt that he would be rendered to the scrapheap of “hard core employables”. Put simply; Leach would be hopelessly unemployed forever. This well-deserved employment status would be less about the act and more about the inherent power found among those who were offended. Yet, in a world where Black solidarity is an oxymoron, Leach retains his employment and leads a team that is predominantly composed of African-American males. The absence of power mandates that pitiful appeals to Whites unreliable sense of decency Black America’s most frequent and reliable strategy.

Rest assured that in time, Leach will learn from his superiors who have learned how to handle Blacks that it is ungentlemanly to express such sentiments in the public arena; keep in mind that this lesson is a far-cry from the condemnation of the harboring of racial bigotry. The wicked dance of harboring bigotry, yet never displaying it in public or among Whites that one does not know is a clunky two-step that White bigots can attribute their mastery of to decades of repetition.

Unfortunately for Black America, the failure to mobilize political power or economic solidarity has left them without a reliable counter to the alluded to wicked dance beyond appealing to the White conscious. Instead of scientifically mobilizing politico-economic resources, Blacks have learned to “make the best out of a bad situation” and pray for a better day. It is time that Black America follows the lead of Abdul and Fabien Lovett and realize that “times will never get better until you make them better.”

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.

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Why I Don’t Want to Ever See Stockton, California, Again: Commentary on a Common Problem Afflicting Black America

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The following statement is a peculiar one. I’ve never been to Stockton, California; however, I have been to Stockton, California. You’ve probably never been to Stockton, California; however, I bet that you have been to many Stockton, California’s. In fact, I can state with absolute certainty that I have been to a series of Stockton’s during my life. Let me explain.

The saga that inspires this posting into the sublime began with a shooting at the Sherwood Mall, a shopping venue on Stockton, Califonia’s, Pacific Avenue. News reports tell us that the shooting occurred after a fight in the food court. This unfortunate incident prodded dozens of teenagers to appear at the scene of the tragic shooting to “pay their respects” to the most recent victims of a prolonged history of senseless gun violence involving Black males. Apparently, things took a turn for the worse when a conflict occurred between a swelling crowd of mourners and mall security guards. Ultimately, the mall would be closed as a result of the conflict.

This posting is has less to do with what occurred on that eventful day and more to do with the reactions that followed on internet message boards; a source of unfiltered commentary that reveals commenters true feelings.

I will let you in on a little secret of mine. I routinely subject myself to the banter that occurs in message boards dedicated to random racial incidents. Although there is no comment regarding the racial identity of those involved in the Sherwood Mall shooting, most, myself included, believe that African-American teens were involved. This expectation were enough to prod American citizens to post the following message board comments.

  • 13/90 (a characterization that Blacks are only 13% of the American population, yet commit 90% of the crime) at it again.
  • Yeah, just judge them by “the content of their character.”
  • I bet that none of those involved in either incident has an active father in their life.
  • One guess at what their racial identity is.
  • They ruin every shopping venue that they are given access to.

There were thousands of such comments that characterized Blacks as a scourge on this earth.

Although there is much that can be said about the murderous tendencies and proclivity towards tyrannical behavior among a certain segment of White America, I will not spend my time expounding on such things. I choose to bypass such unproductive discussions in the hope that my focus on Black America may yield some positive results.

One does not need to delve deep into the hearts and minds of Blacks to find a seething anger and pervasive disappointment with their countrymen. Unbeknownst to non-Blacks, there has been a long-running intra-racial feud occurring within Black America. Comedian Chris Rock touched on this matter during one of his stand-ups when he quipped,

“There is a Civil War going on within Black America between Black folk and N!@@as and N!@@as have got to go.”

The alluded to battles are contentious contests for ownership over a lengthy list of concepts and ideas such as,

  • What is blackness?
  • How does blackness behave (in public/private)?
  • What does “authentically Black” actually mean?
  • Who has the right to define blackness?

The only certainty one finds within Black America’s raging culture wars is a seething hatred. A comprehensive hatred that can be found on all sides of multiple on-going battles over matters ranging from “snitching” to sexual orientation.

My familiarity with Black America’s culture wars is the catalyst behind my statement that although I have never been to Stockton, California’s, Sherwood Mall, I am familiar with the issues that led to the senseless death of a young Black male after a mere fist fight. Unfortunately, this is a familiar story for Blacks.

Although most Blacks shudder at the thought of airing our “dirty laundry” due to a reasonable fear that it will be seized by bigoted Whites as evidence of our inferiority, such fears do not lessen the reality that the onus for correcting such matters rests squarely on our brawny shoulders. Failure to do such provides White bigots yet another opportunity to use the anti-social behavior of a few to malign the masses. Let’s be honest about this matter, no amount of Black respectability will change the negative view of the Race by White bigots; it is an unconquerable obstacle that matters mightily in the struggle to end racial discord.

As is so often the case, external factors have positioned progressive-minded Blacks in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” position. If they publicly address their brethren whose behavior and values are flawed, they feed the conclusions of White bigots. If they remain silent, their communities will remain in a compromised state.

When viewed this way, the choice is a relatively simple one. Blacks must not consider the small-minded conclusions that flow from the minds of White bigots and take definitive steps to address what can be termed the usual issues and maladies facing Blacks. The issues and maladies that allow each of us to state that I’ve never been to Stockton, California; however, I have been to many Stockton, California’s. Although difficult for many Blacks to comprehend, there is no one coming to aid you in your battle to increase your political-economic position; the onus to achieve such is on you. Never have the words of Marcus Mosiah Garvey — “Up you mighty Race, achieve what you will” been more appropriate and actionable than the present.

I pray that we address our issues because I don’t want to go to Stockton, California, again.

   Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.

I thank you and appreciate you visiting Manhood, Race, and Culture.

If you enjoy the content that you find here at Manhood, Race, and Culture.

It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider purchasing my book, “Foolish” Floyd: The Life & Times of an African-American Contrarian.