For the most part, Blacks can live wherever they can afford to in the United States of America but how much has really changed? Michael Richards' recent racial tirade at an LA nightclub has received extensive media coverage. Those in south Florida are aware of the racial slur used by former state representative Rafeal "Ralph" Arza and now the Golden Beach town manager, Bonilyn Wilbanks-Free, referred to her Black assistant as "mammy." What is going on?

Racism is real. In spite of the accomplishments of a few Blacks, it is a reality that few understand unless they are Black. "I like Aunt Jemima" is an apology? Afro-American? Give me a break!

Florida governor Jeb Bush needs to intercede in the Golden Beach incident since the town council does not appear willing to address it with the appropriate level of importance. The town manager should be relieved of her duties immediately, if not sooner. Hopefully, Ms. Tarasenko has a lawyer to sue the city any way.

Links:

Golden Beach official accused of racially insensitive remark

Town of Golden Beach, Florida

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Florida, Miami, Miami-Dade County, News, Racism

Miami Herald freelance cartoonist Jose Varela surrendered to police but gun that looked like an Uzi was fake. No one was injured in incident. Varela is the father of two boys.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Crime, Florida, Miami, News

After six years as head coach, the University of Miami fired head football coach Larry Coker. It came as a surprise to no one.

The UM football team has deteriorated over the years. The team is not as disciplined as it should be and unfortunately Coker had to go. It has been stated that Coker may be too much of a nice guy, go figure.

Either way, after six years and a respectable record, Coker can leave with his head held high. Unfortunately, UM football standards are high and difficult for anyone to maintain. Best wishes, Coach Coker.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Florida, Miami, News, Sports

Cuban freelance cartoonist, Jose Varela, was occupying the sixth floor of The Miami Herald building where el Nuevo herald, the Spanish -language sister newspaper is housed. He is now in police custody.

It has been reported that Varela has knives and a machine gun with a laser scope. Allegedly, he appeared agitated and told the women to leave. Most employees have evacuated the building.

The Miami Herald building was the scene of the suicide of powerful local politician Art Teele in July 2005.

The Herald management must beef up building security to protect its employees and visitors. The Herald building is on the fringes of downtown Miami, not in the heart of downtown as has been reported.

www.herald.com

www.elnuevoherald.com

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Crime, Miami, Miami-Dade County, News

It's been a minute since I've blogged about my favorite rapper, Common. Y'all know he's the reason I still listen to hip-hop. Obviously, matured since his first first album, "Can I Borrow a Dollar?" and in spite of his much publicized romance and break-up with Erykah Badu, he's still going strong. I'm looking forward to his seeing him in his actor role in "Smokin' Aces" and enjoying his next album. Please let the album be more raw Common than commercialized Kanye West.

Anyhoo, I'm delighted that GAP chose Common for their holiday ad and it's even nicer that daughter, Omoye is in the commercial. Peace.

www.gap.com

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Common, Entertainment, Fashion, Music, News

I find myself more and more frustrated by people who complain so much. You know, complaining to the point of whining. The passage below was right on time and on point. Please read.

from: www.InnerSelf.com - Daily Inspiration:

When you hear yourself complaining, the question to ask is: What can I do about this situation? What can I change about myself to alleviate the problem? So complain yes, but once only, not on and on and on. Complain so that you identify the thing that needs changing, and then do something about it. Complaining only adds more fuel to the fire... If you want to extinguish the fire, you need to take action. Not just sit there and complain... Move on to the next step: What can I do about it so that I can be at peace with this situation? What do I need to do in order to: 1) learn to accept 2) make a difference.

We're all familiar with the Serenity prayer: Lord grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference.

EXCERPTED FROM the InnerSelf.com article:Complaining!!!by Marie T. Russell.

TO READ MORE of this excerpt, go tohttp://www.innerself.com/Reflections/complaining.htm

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Motivation

I APOLOGIZE ~ Author Unknown

I apologize black woman for all the seen and unseen lies,
For the heartache and pain that brought tears in your eyes.

I apologize black woman for not being true from the start,
for running away from you, leaving a hole in your heart.

For ignoring your feelings and pushing them aside,
because I was too damn arrogant and pumped up with pride.

I apologize for making promises that I couldn't keep,
for building a foundation based on treachery and deceit.

Being selfish and inconsiderate, I did what I wanted to do,
making costly decisions without thinking of you.

I apologize for not holding you through restless nights and stormy days,
for my immature thoughts and my foolish ways.

Instead of carrying your love with me, I just threw it on the
shelf, after we made love I turned away, only thinking of myself.

You cried your heart for me, while I was out running wild and loose,
I destroyed the essence of your love with physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

I gave you hell black woman by giving up when times got rough,
I didn't slap you, I pushed you, I neglected you - even that's bad enough!

Now I see why you build a wall around you,
because it is me you despise,
but that's the price that I have to pay for all the times I wore a disguise.

I pray to GOD that one day you will realize,
That I LOVE YOU BLACK WOMAN, AND I APOLOGIZE.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Black Culture, Poetry, Relationships

Listen to and/or read this speech by Senator Barack Obama on Iraq. This man is awesome. He'd make a great president but does he really stand a chance? Could America elect a qualified Black as president? I'd like to think so, but on the real, probably not. I disagree with his position on how to end the war in Iraq but I'd still support Obama anyway. He can't win it if he's not in it.

A Way Forward in Iraq November 20, 2006

Link to video: http://www.barackobama.com/media/a_way_forward_in_iraq/

"...A few Tuesdays ago, the American people embraced this seriousness with regards to America’s policy in Iraq. Americans were originally persuaded by the President to go to war in part because of the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and in part because they were told that it would help reduce the threat of international terrorism.

"Neither turned out to be true. And now, after three long years of watching the same back and forth in Washington, the American people have sent a clear message that the days of using the war on terror as a political football are over. That policy-by-slogan will no longer pass as an acceptable form of debate in this country. “Mission Accomplished,” “cut and run,” “stay the course” – the American people have determined that all these phrases have become meaningless in the face of a conflict that grows more deadly and chaotic with each passing day – a conflict that has only increased the terrorist threat it was supposed to help contain. "

Read the full transcript A Way Forward in Iraq

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Commentary, Politics, War

OK, I ask you, just how cute is Will and Jada’s son, Jaden? Man, when he walked out on Oprah’s set today, I was just so smitten, I could have planted kisses on him just like his dad did. He is such a doll and papa Will was beaming with pride. The cuteness continued when little Miss Willow (Jaden's sister) made her, oh so, adult appearance on Oprah also.

The Smith kids were so cute that the coverage of the movie was almost overshadowed. I absolutely must see this movie on December 15. The story of Chris Gardner is so remarkable that I get chills just thinking about it. Gardner is such a symbol having overcome abuse --- physical, mental, verbal, and emotional; prejudice; and rejection. I hope to meet him in person but if I don’t, he is still my mentor.

The challenges I’ve overcome and am still overcoming, pale in comparison to what Gardner has endured. The Chris Gardner Story is an American story and one worth remembering each and every day of our lives.

See this movie!

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Commentary, Entertainment, Television

Here's an interview with one of the audience members who witnessed the meltdown.

Reaction from Tyrese and Jamie Foxx

P.S. Micheal Richards needs a beat down for using the term "Afro-American." Who using that term anymore?

Note to Richards: Afro is a hairstyle.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Entertainment, News, Racism