My phone WOKE me up at 3:04 AM to inform me that @BarackObama picked Sen. Joe Biden as his Vice President? Though I had my news earlier thanks to the Queen of Spain on Twitter I guess the text wanted to make it CLEAR that Sen. Joe Biden was chosen since a few of us elected to have the Vice President's name texted to our cell phone.

ABC News on

After I wrote up my complaints on the CNN's Black in America , I have realized that to be a part of the solution is the way to get my voice heard. Though I may not appreciate the content that CNN had on their Black in America series, for me to be a part of their ireport community is a way for me to share stories which may never be told if someone does not share them. 

Though I was not going to watch the second part of CNN's Black in America, I had hope. Same old same old perpetuation of racial stereotypes.

Universal dislike.

See here --  Reactions on Twitter to CNN's Black in America

Reading my friend's comments from Israel reminded me NOT to put value in CNN and I am not.

Read comments from TGT here CNN's Black in America

I will be tuning in to PBS more as I usually do for The Tavis Smiley Show

CNN - you owe me 4 hours of reading time!!! But it was my decision to tune in to your network.

Everyone who is disappointed should at least write a blog or ireport about it. So many of us GAVE CNN free publicity in support of the show.

If you enjoyed the show, say it and if not do so too. I am not trying to bias everyone on the series for some people who have NO clue of Black American life may benefit. I don't know if they will but know the black American stories are very diverse. That is with any story. Shoot white Americans would be upset if the show highlighted all the stereotypes of white America and not share the stories of the diverse range of them (I have white blood too so could I identify with white American story - to a certain extent, YES).

I think I am trying to move on from always saying *black black* but then I am in a minority for that is what makes me different. I know you have those angry white people who come on blogs and always say it is racist for me to say black America but then the reason why is that I was raised to identify as being black. I think black is wonderful. Such as with any culture. White people are beautiful too to me even though I may have issues with some insensitive people but that is not indicative of the entire race. In the end we are all human. I am honestly trying to think beyond color but it can be so hard at times. I have learned so much from the white American perspective but I want to continue sharing diverse stories too. We all have stories. I would never try to silence anyone only those who are disrespectful to me then that is when I cannot listen anymore.

Look at the range of black bloggers, writers, scientists, Black Americans in a variety of industries outside of entertainment. To be brutally honest there are black people in every industry but most are overlooked because people do not know they exist or they do not want the attention brought to them only because they shy away from the media. This goes for all cultures and not just black people in but people not knowing if someone like them exists in the world.

In reclaiming the 4 hours of my time I am now going to make it a point to figure out what books I can read or get halfway through in a 4 hour period.

My mother wants me to read, The Alchemist, which I will! Let me find it and get started!

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-49728

Some dude decided to give it to me on CNN.

I took it up until he was talking about the father of my kids? Dummy, I don't have kids!

The person below is what you call an internet TROLL! Idiot..
I am just laughing at him. I kinda said something flippant to him and he went off. Well, READ what I said YOU big
ole POOT butt!

http://www.ireport.com/people/CreepingDth

I'm not to sure if I will use that service again only because I prefer how I can control the craziness over here! 8) Don't even sniff on me you mean internet trolls. Dang, your Mommy should have given you a bigger hug for you to be so angry.

Thank you to My Black America  for sharing this news story with me:

Jamaica Gleaner News - Jamaica files slavery lawsuit against bank

It reminds me of what Deadira Farmer Paelleman's life mission which she has said on her myspace blurb here:

   "When I learned that trillion dollar corporations built their wealth off slavery, I had to do something about it. I initiated the Corporate Restitution Movement in 2000 demanding that the companies give back some of what they stole from enslaved people. Some companies have given back a total of $20 million. But they owe much more, and far more is needed. My goal is to create a trust fund to finance affordable housing, educational opportunities, economic development opportunities, and improved health care for slave descendants. Since 2000, I have been working full time without any pay doing this advocacy -- God has blessed me making this possible, so I'm just passing on the blessings." - from Deadria Farmer Paelleman's myspace page

Tonight please tune in to view the CNN Series, Black in America which examines what is life like for some people of African descent to live in America. I attempt to share what I can through this blog (and my others too)  but I am curious to see how CNN will examine this complex issue.

Washingtonpost.com article today from July 23, 2008 by Tom Shales

CNN's 'Black In America' Is An Expressive Portrait

Ordinary Stories Make An Extraordinary Series