Been busy as of late with husbanding, daddying, and pastoring. I need to do better with building in my blogging time. That will be made much easier now that I’m wireless at home and church. No excuses. I have MUCH to write about.

In the meantime, I’m hosting the Larry Young Morning Show on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 6AM – 10AM. With the recent, cancellation of the Big Phat Morning Show (WERQ 92.3FM), the Larry Young Show on WOLB 1010AM is one of the few Black Radio Morning Talkshows…if not the only!

We’re going to have a great show in the morning. If you’re in the Bmore area tune in. If not, send up a few prayers for a brotha. The last time I hosted the show the callers tried to rake me over the coals for being against the Death Penalty. It seems that I have a knack for controversy.

Baltimore City Public School System
By Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, Sr.

Recent violent occurrences in our Baltimore City Public School system should finally be the wake-up call for all of us to get actively involved in the education of OUR children.

The Family and Community Engagement Policy of the Baltimore City Public School System, approved May 25, 2004, needs to be scraped. Some of the language can be retained, but this document is merely words and not a plan to really engage parents, residents, community organizations, faith based institutions and businesses.

The Baltimore City Public School System’s Office of Parent Involvement and School, Family, Community Connections is failing in its objective to promote ongoing community engagement activities in our schools. Outside agencies and individuals are not participating at truly beneficial and successful levels, in helping our schools achieve greater success. We must be careful in engaging some of these non-profits that are only involved to receive funding for their experimental project that show no real benefit for our children. Communities, contrary to the schools allegations, are not being encouraged at the level we must have them to become increasingly more involved and committed to the shred responsibility of improving our schools.

I totally concur with the schools’ statement that we can make the difference in the lives of students by spending quality time helping them to grow into successful adults. But we need thousands of citizens helping us help our children.

Yes, we can serve as tutors and mentors and yes there are other community engagement opportunities that we must pursue, e.g., businesses and community organizations can offer services and support to the school to benefit student achievement programs, participation in school assemblies, school beautification projects, voter registration and education, and other student enrichment activities.

Schools have welcomed community agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals to provide valued input as the BCPSS collectively strives to foster greater achievement for children, but much more and better has to be done. The BCPSS has failed in this regard.

The BCPSS must also welcome the assistance of the various educational advocate organizations that they seemingly have closed the doors to.

It is noteworthy and exciting that Dr. Larry Young and Radio One, Inc., through WOLB 1010 am, 92Q FM, Spirit 1400 AM and 95.9 FM, that a stakeholders town hall meeting will be held to address the plethora of issues and problems facing our school system. The entire community must be encourage to attend this meeting and the BCPSS, the Mayor and City Council must help to advertise this meeting.

The Mayor is correct that the BCPSS must place more funding into security, just as the Mayor and the Baltimore City Council must also place more money in this upcoming year’s 2009 Budget for Education. We cannot and must not criminalize our students due to our failures to properly address the problems and shortcomings related to their education.

It is an untruth to consistently tell us that the Mayor and the City Council really care about Education yet the Budget for Baltimore City has not reflected a true commitment to Education for over 20 years. At least 20 percent of the city’s budget should go to Education and we should be aiming for class sizes of 20, no more. After school recreation must be directly tied to education. We are not addressing the needs of our students due to so few after school recreational activities and locations.

The School Board needs to be replaced at the earliest opportunity, Our schools are failing, our children are dropping-out of school, money is being lost and misspent, we have the oldest schools in the entire state that still have lead in them, our graduation rates are deplorable, we are closing schools yet over 400 children are purported not able to get in kindergarten because there are no classes for them, but this Board of School Commissioners are closing schools. There’s something seriously wrong with this picture and it starts with a failed Board of School Commissioners.

Parents, yes parents, are at the very center of the significant amount of our children’s failures. We must actively involve those parents that we can and we must have replacement strategies in place to address the absence of parents for whatever the reason(s) for the absence.

A few things that we can and must do:

1. Identify the schools and their locations through a map.

2. Create an overlay map that shows the community organizations related to the areas of each school and recruit these community groups and leaders to adopt as many schools as possible.

3. Create another overlay map that reflects the faith based institutions related to the areas of each school and recruit these faith based leaders to adopt as many schools as possible.

4. Create another overlay map that reflects the business in the community related to the areas of each school and recruit these proprietors to adopt as many schools as possible.

We need long term sustainable action and involvement.

The schools are already broken down into districts. District school meetings need to be held to enable the principals to meet their community support staff. Yes, we agree, in most part, with CEO Alonso’s concept of giving the principals the funding, training and resources to effectively run each school. The BCPSS, through each school, can then effectively put to use that which each parent, citizen, community organization, faith based institution and business has to offer.

A massive media campaign must take place on inundate the city of Baltimore with this information.

We must reach out to retired educators and our local fraternities and sororities to become tutors. Tutor centers should be create in designated areas so that all children can have access to tutors that assist them. There is presently a significant group of male organizations and individuals that must be engaged to help us help ourselves.

We must activate the entire community, including youth and young adults, in developing and implementing the plan and have the funding made available through Thornton, an increase in services by the BCPSS, and an increase in funding to the schools by the Mayor and the City Council. More money madam Mayor! 20% of the budget at least.

Finally, we must do all that we can to significantly engage the entire community starting with the parents.

Be Concerned, Get Involved & Stay Committed.

If this bill passes, the DNA of those arrested and charged would be stored in a database and if the courts find them innocent then they would have to go through a long and complicated process to get their DNA expunged from the database. Given the disproportionate rates at which African Americans and Latinos are arrested in this state and country, what the bill will likely do is create a racially-biased, genetic dragnet program. A supposed “public safety” program with a more than $1.3 million dollar price tag. Though Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Glenn Ivey would disagree, I am of the opinion that this bill would threaten to violate individual’s rights in the name of public safety – a practice that the Federal Government has mastered…using fear to get the public to surrender their constitutional rights. Other states have seen the great danger in this type of program. In 2007, 25 states introduced bills to expand DNA sampling to arrestees and only 4 passed this legislation. (SOURCE)

As it is with many other state legislatures, when a bill is introduced it is assigned to a committee that will consider it. That committee then will either give it a favorable or unfavorable report. If the bill receives an unfavorable report then it doesn’t make it out of committee (it dies). If the bill receives a favorable report (possibly with some amendments) it is sent back to the floor for a full house vote.

I just received notification that the Governor’s DNA bill has just received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee.

There are 4 African Americans that serve on that committee and I was counting on these 4 to hold the line and slow this bill down. I was hoping that they would possess a greater sensitivity to potential abuse that could strike their community if this bill is passed. After talking to the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Verna Jones, this afternoon, I hung up hoping that members of the Black Caucus would hold the position of the Caucus and oppose the bill as written and refuse a vote on the bill until further consideration can be taken. I was wrong.

Three out of the four African American members of the Judiciary Committee voted “yes” to this detestable bill. They are:

Delegate Gerron S. Levi (D-23A) representing Prince George’s County

I’m told that when the the Judiciary Committee almost agreed to take the Black Caucus’ position and hold off on the bill, it was Del. Gerron S. Levi who played the role of the divisive, dastardly delegate and shot this option down. In her eagerness to prove her loyalty to the Power Structure during her first term in office, she may have just opened the door for the rights of many of her own constituents to be violated.

Delegate Frank M. Conaway, Jr. (D-40) representing Baltimore City

I called Delegate Conaway’s office myself and told the woman who answered the phone that we had just brought Conaway’s name up on the Larry Young Morning show (WOLB 1010AM) as one of legislators who rightly voted against one of the tax increases. It’s unfortunate that now I have to go back on the radio on Monday and let everyone know that Conaway sold out his own community in voting for this bill. Another first term delegate looking to ingratiate himself to the status quo Power Structure.

Delegate Curt Anderson (D-43) representing Baltimore City

As Chairman of the Baltimore City Delegation, one would assume that Anderson has enough clout to take a strong stand and refuse to budge on such an important bill. I guess what they say about “assuming” is right. As one who consistently portrays himself as being concerned about the most vulnerable segments of our society, I am appalled that Delegate Anderson would vote in favor of this bill. I vehemently disagree with him on this.

Three out of the four African American delegates were major disappoints on this. They refused to take a stand. They chose to be silent when righteousness begged their cooperation. And now they must be held accountable. Understand Family that if there are no consequences when elected officials vote against the will of the people then they will continue to ingratiate themselves to their political overlords and will check back in with their constituents when the next election rolls around.

I’m not having it! No more. I’m tired of being ignored. I will not be apathetic. I will ring their phones, flood their inboxes, and show up in person if need be to let them know that this betrayal will be remembered for a long time.

Just in case you get the itch to pick up the phone and voice your displeasure:

Del. Gerron S. Levi
(410) 841-3101

Del. Frank Conaway
(410) 841-3189

Del Curt Anderson
(410) 841-3291

P.S. – Who’s the one African American delegate who rightly voted “No” against the Governor’s DNA bill you ask?

Why Delegate Jill P. Carter (D-41) of Baltimore City of course. THANK YOU DELEGATE JILL CARTER FOR YOUR CONSISTENT AND PRINCIPLED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY!

Larry (or “LY”) decided late last year to invite two “Under 30” community servants to be on the air and give commentary from a youthful perspective regarding the issues that he and Coach Butch McAdams’ raise. I think it was also enticing to them that Bro. Farajii is a Muslim minister and I am a Christian minister.

Well we had quite an interesting show on Friday, January 4th – the first show of the year. As always Farajii and I got to the studio without knowledge of what we would be discussing for the day. We were informed upon arrival that that day we would be having an in-studio interview with David Talbert to discuss his latest movie – First Sunday starring Ice Cube, Katt Williams, and Tracy Morgan. The film is about two friends who come up with the plan to rob a Black Church for its building fund money. When I heard this, my stomach immediately began to turn. I had seen the previews to this film and honestly did not like what I saw and did not plan on wasting my money to see the full picture. How was I going to conduct this interview in a way that wouldn’t offend Talbert or Larry Young – the man who opened the door for me to get on the show?

I wrestled with this question up until 9:30AM when during a commercial break, Talbert walked in and greeted everyone in the room.

The brother seemed cool enough, but I’m sure he had no idea that this wouldn’t be the easy-going promotional interview that he had planned.

The interview started easy enough with Larry introducing Talbert to the listening family and reminding them of the many plays that had written. The brother has been putting in his work – no doubt. They exchanged niceties and Farajii began asking him about the industry – “What is it like to be a Black man in the industry?” – “How did you get Ice Cube, Katt Williams, and Tracy Morgan on the same play?”…those types of questions.

Once Talbert answered them, I knew that I had to engage the brother. Now mind you – I’m sitting right next to this man…he’s sandwiched between me and Farajii.

So I get started with my piece:

Brother David – thanks for being here. I’m a third-generation preacher and to be honest, when I saw the preview for your film – First Sunday – it left the same taste in my mouth that movies like Soul Plane, Friday, and Friday After Next did. I know that sometimes previews are edited in such a way that would best get butts in the seats – even if the preview doesn’t accurately portray the story of the movie. Can you tell me if the preview is an accurate portrayal of your film and if so, what impact do you hope your film has on the Black community?

THAT’S ALL I SAID!…but it must have been a tender spot because Talbert goes off!

(I’m paraphrasing)

“Excuse me “Mr. Third Generation Preacher” are you judging my movie before you’ve even seen it?”

(Ok – so I didn’t care for the tone the brotha was using so I came back a little snappy)

“No, I’m not judging your movie, I’m asking you a question about the previews that are already out.”

Talbert responds:

“Well maybe you need to go see the movie and then make an analysis of it.”

“Well brotha I’m not sure if I want to go see your movie given the previews.”

“Well maybe you need to check your taste. You may have the wrong taste.”

(OH NO HE DIDN’T!)

“Well brotha my taste was developed by Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Brother Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, and many other Ancestors and Elders so if that’s the wrong taste then I don’t want to be right.”

Larry is scrambling by now and the rest of the folks in the studio are trying to make sense of what is happening on live radio between their celebrity guest and the mild-mannered preacher on the show. LY grabs the reigns of the conversation and questions me further about my objections to this film. I explain to him very calmly that I don’t think that Black people in this country have the luxury to make a mockery of ourselves and an institution that has been the bedrock of our collective progress to this point. When will we stop participating in and being entertained by the minstrel show that debases our human dignity and self-worth?

Then Coach Butch McAdams screams out, “It’s just a movie, Rev. Brown!” He then offers to buy me a ticket so that we can go together. I politely decline and then recline back in my chair my point having been made already. (I don’t believe in being disagreeable just for the sake of disagreement. I looked the man in his eyeballs and told him what I thought. Nothing more to say.)

They continued with the interview and near the end of it, Talbert to his credit acknowledged that I had a valuable perspective and assured the listening family that he would never sell his soul to make a quick buck.

30 MILLION DOLLARS LATER…

David Talbert’s film has been out for nearly two weeks now and I’m sure he’s happy about how much loot his work has pulled in. I’m not sure if he’s read the reviews though. They are what I’d thought they’d be.

The Chicago Tribune said:

“Baltimore, also the setting for HBO’s superlative drama “The Wire,” is making something of a name for itself as the media’s poster child for urban decay.”

Salon.Com said:

“The movie is designed to be uplifting and inspirational, but everything about it is tired and listless. It doesn’t so much make you feel the spirit as drain it out of you.”

Marcus Williams from The Afro American Newspaper said:

“In the midst of the often repulsive sensationalized stereotypes; your stomach is guaranteed to cramp from laughter.”

And Box Office Mojo.Com Readers give the movie a “D.”

Though Talbert made his millions, I’m afraid that he compromised his own integrity in sending a film like this out into the world. The brother has great talent and skill, but what does it say that the only film that the corporate movie industry would put on the big screen was this one? Out of all of his scripts – they wanted the one that did the best job of making a mockery of Black Humanity – as if we don’t get enough of that already.

I learned long ago that there are more important things in this world than money and fame. I’d rather be broke with my dignity and integrity than make millions by acting in the minstrel show starring my own people! I believe that what you send out to the Universe sometimes comes back to you and I refuse to send out anything that would shame my God or desecrate the honorable legacy of my Ancestors.

David Talbert, you’ve definitely kept the laughs coming, but unfortunately once again – Black folks are the butt of this joke.

The brotha in the brown button-up next to Larry is the infamous Coach Butch McAdams.

I preached at the Baltimore County Ministerial Alliance Advent Service at my church.  It was a platform service with 5 associate ministers from various churches preaching on some aspect of John 3:16.  (The scripture was cut up into 5 pieces)  I’m always a bit leary of platform services because they can turn into competitions between preachers and that type of stuff nauseates me.  But the spirit of last week’s worship experience was pure and God blessed us.

The article I wrote for the Baltimore Examiner was about Darfur and the recent divestment legislation passed in Baltimore City and DC.  “The Black Eagle” Joe Madison from The Power (WOL 1450AM in DC & channel 169 on XM Radio) forwarded an email that I sent him to about 60-some odd people.  One of the people who received it was an editor of The Examiner in DC.  They forwarded it to the editor of the Op/Ed pages of the Baltimore Examiner and she emailed me requesting an article.  The article should run sometime soon in the Baltimore Examiner.  I’ll let you know when they publish it. 

I’ll be needing more of that creative energy tomorrow morning because I have a BIG opportunity.  Tomorrow morning I’ll be hosting the Larry Young Morning Show on 1010AM from 6AM – 10AM.  I’m doing the full morning show – 4 hours on 1010AM.  For those of you not in the Baltimore Metro Area or not familiar with the show; it’s one of the most popular morning talk shows targeting Black folk in this area.  I remember when I first started listening to the show and now I’m hosting it!  God is doing some amazing things in my life.  Please pray for me. It’ll be me and Coach Butch McAdams.  (Coach is like the “bad guy” on the show.  I’m time enough for him though:)

Also a historic REPARATIONS HEARINGis taking place in Congress tomorrow before the House Judiciary Committee.  Ms. Kibibi Tyehimba, Co-Chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’Cobra), Professor Charles Olgetree from Harvard Law School and many others will be there speaking to the “legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade”.  Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Congressman John Conyers, has been putting in legislation (H.R. 40) since 1989 to study the issue of reparations for Afrikans in America.  Click here for more information about the hearing.  For more information about reparations for Blacks I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Ray Winbush’s book – Should America Pay?

Okay folks.  That’s all I can quickly share at the moment.  More thoughtful indepth posts later.  I have MUCH to share and there are some pretty significant changes coming to this site just in time for the new year. 

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