Welcome! This free speech community journal was created so the Maple Heights African American community could share videos, photos, events, articles, posts, ideas, thoughts, and information.  We're now exclusively on Facebook, so don't forget to also check out our Facebook page.  Have a fantastic day!



Wednesday, December 31, 2014

HABARI GANI: KUUMBA - CREATIVITY

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. 


Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning What’s the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. 


Nguzo Saba – The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa 






Tuesday, December 30, 2014

DR. MAULANA KARENGA - KWANZAA AND THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES: REPAIRING AND RENEWING THE WORLD

HABARI GANI: NIA - PURPOSE

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. 


Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning “What is the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. - - -


Nia Kwanzaa Celebrations - 12/30/2014: 

Nia – Purpose

South Euclid United Church of Christ, 4217 Bluestone, Cleveland, OH
Time: 5 PM

Friendly Inn, 2382 Unwin Rd., Cleveland, OH
Time: 5 PM




"Purpose/Nia [Fifth principle]

To commit ourselves to the glorious duty of restoring our families, our neighborhoods, and our people to their historical greatness


Perspective on Purpose
The Kwanzaa principle purpose imposes a duty on our family and community members a commitment to make our families and neighborhoods function in a manner that affords children and adults the maximum conditions for developing and thriving. The family and community are the principal context for human development. Of all the settings that help make us human, the family provides the most important developmental conditions: the love and care of that a child needs to live.  A healthy child and future adult is one who has such a devoted people actively engage in its life – those who love it, spend time with it, challenge it, and are interested in what it does and wants to do, and what it accomplishes day to day.


Hence, the family becomes the starting point for restoring our people to their traditional greatness. Like a set of Russian doll, the context of human development work in a nested fashion, each one expanding beyond but containing the smaller one. Each one simultaneously influences and is influenced by the others. Thus the context of family fits into that of the neighborhood, and the context of the neighborhood into the larger context society and culture. Whatever factors affect any larger context will filters down to affect the innermost unit, the family.  In short, the greatness of the nation begins in the home."












Related



Habari Gani

   "Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning “What is the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. - - - 


KWANZAA & THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES:Repairing & Renewing The World - Dr. Maulana Karanga


Monday, December 29, 2014

HABARI GANI: UJAMAA - COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. 


Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning “What is the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. - - -


Events: 
Ujamaa
Karamu House, 2355 East 89th, Cleveland 
10am to 3pm

Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland
6pm to 9pm



 


"Call: Habari Gani?! (What's going on?)

Response: Ujamaa! [oo-jah-mah]

On the fourth day of Kwanzaa we focus on cooperative economics. According to the Nguzo Saba (seven principles), cooperative economics means: “to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.”

We must reignite the movement to support black-owned businesses and to support businesses in our community. If black businesses are not able to sustain themselves, the community will not move from expectations of charity from the government or financially wealthy individuals and organizations.

On our kinara, we light the middle, black candle, the red candle that sits next to the black candle on the left, the green candle that sits next to the black candle on the right and the red candle that sits in the middle of all three red candles."
-Blogging Black Miami






Saturday, December 27, 2014

BREAKING THROUGH THE BLUE WALL OF SILENCE

DANIELLE BELTON: WHAT IT WAS LIKE GROWING UP BLACK IN ST LOUIS COUNTY

HABARI GANI: KUJICHAGULIA - SELF DETERMINATION

Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning “What is the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. - -












Friday, December 26, 2014

UMOJA KWANZAA CELEBRATION


The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. 

Habari Gani is a Swahili term meaning “What is the news?” It is used when greeting others during Kwanzaa. The appropriate response is to say the name of the principle for that day. - - -  - 

The first priciple: Umoja (Unity)

Seven Principles: Nguzo Saba









History of Kwanzaa (History channel)

Thursday, December 25, 2014

KWANZAA CELEBRATION: MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014, ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH, CLEVELAND, OH

ANNOUNCEMENT


On Monday, Dec.29th. Mr. Frank R.Ross will lecture and lead the great national traditional African American Unity (Folk) Dance, The Grandmarch at Antioch Baptist Church's (Cleveland) Kwanzaa celebration.


The proud and sophisticated Grandmarch captures the marching spirit of African Americans as we marched from Garvey, Malcolm and Dr.King  via marches to Selma,  Memphis, Washington, and our million man-woman marches.


Our first national African American Unity (Folk) Dance, The Grandmarch, is showcased in two best selling books - The Grandmarch, Spirit of African Americans 2004-Pub.America; and Soul Dancing, The Essential African American Cultural Dance Book-2011, Nat. Dance Association, author Frank R. Ross)


Our first national black unity dance should be performed at all black weddings,       Kwanzaa's, family reunions, social cultural events and taught in the schools.


Our Grandmarch has recently been adopted by the African Canadian Heritage Association and they have made it their official dance.


Mr. Ross, a native Clevelander, is the concept founder of the first National African American Unity Dance, the Grandmarch.


"Facing the rising sun, of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won".



Frank R.Ross 
Tel: 216.253.6934

Website: www.africanamericanculturaldance.com



Tuesday, December 23, 2014

OFF DUTY BLACK OFFICERS IN NEW YORK SAY THEY FEAR FELLOW COPS

KWANZAA 2014 EVENTS: CLEVELAND AREA

























KWANZAA HISTORY



OFFICIAL KWANZAA SITE


MORE EVENTS:
  • Kwanzaa Party - December 26 at Greenmont Party Center, 800 S. Green Road in South Euclid. The celebration starts at 4pm and includes food, music and an African drum circle. Admission is free. For more information call 216-321-1539.
  • Kwanzaa Celebration - December 28 at 662 Wolf Ledges in Akron. The event, sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha, Ujima and other community organizations, is free and open to the public.
  • Kwanzaa Celebration - December 30 at the Lorain Public Library, 351 Sixth St in Lorain at 1pm. Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a covered dish for the meal.


Related:

Monday, December 22, 2014

A GROWING MOVEMENT: POLICE REFORM

R.I.P JOE COCKER

Joe Cocker live in concert from 1992. Cocker is an English rock/blues singer who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his...

BRUNO MARS: THE TOO TOO TOOOO HOT - "UPTOWN FUNK"

FROM OHIO WATCHDOG: GROUP WANTS OHIO MAYOR LABELED "VEXATIOUS LITIGATOR"

Thursday, December 11, 2014

NOAM CHOMSKY: REAGAN WAS AN "EXTREME RACIST"

Monday, December 8, 2014

DOCUMENTARY: WHITE LIKE ME

Monday, December 1, 2014

BLACK HISTORY FACT: RICHARD PRYOR, AFRICAN AMERICAN COMEDIAN, BORN ON THIS DATE IN 1940

Saturday, November 29, 2014

MSNBC THE LAST WORD: SHOCKING MISTAKE IN DARREN WILSON GRAND JURY

Friday, November 28, 2014

NANCY GRACE SAYS (RE: DARREN WILSON) "IT DOESN'T ADD UP"

MORE REVELATIONS ABOUT THE TAMIR RICE KILLING

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE TAMIR RICE KILLING

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

THE ROOT: 12 THINGS WHITE PEOPLE CAN DO NOW BECAUSE OF FERGUSON

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

CLEVELAND PROTESTS AGAINST POLICE KILLINGS

DISTURBING: TEAR GAS, A CHEMICAL WEAPON BANNED IN WAR, USED ON FERGUSON CITIZENS

MORE POLICE SHOOTINGS - WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON THESE SITUATIONS?

NO INDICTMENT IN FERGUSON CASE

- - -

Monday, November 24, 2014

"OPEN CARRY": AN EXCUSE FOR OPEN SEASON ON BLACKS

Saturday, November 22, 2014

MAPLE HEIGHTS LISTED NO. 33 ON N.E. OHIO MEDIA GROUP'S TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT RANKINGS

OHIO SENATE PASSES BILL TO BAN TRAFFIC CAMS THROUGHOUT OHIO

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

FROM BLACK VOICES: FERGUSON PROTESTERS FEAR POLICE CRACKDOWN AFTER GRAND JURY DECISION

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

THE GRANDMARCH: THE TRADITIONAL UNITY DANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICANS



In 1986, the Cleveland branch of the N.A.A.C.P. accepted the awesome and unifying Grandmarch as the traditional national unity dance of African Americans. The aesthetic, proud and sophisticated Grandmarch should be performed at all African American weddings, family reunions and social events.


The Grandmarch should also be listed in Arts and Physical Education Curricula and taught in the schools and universities.


The Grandmarch is described in the best selling book “The Grandmarch Spirit of African Americans” by author Frank R. Ross, which was published in 2004.  Additionally, The Grandmarch is described in the best seller, “Soul Dancing, The Essential African American Cultural Dance Book” - author Frank R. Ross - published in 2011 by the National Dance Association.  

                                 
The traditional attire for the National African American Unity Dance consists of a black suit, white shirt, black bowtie and a length of kente cloth over the left shoulder of the man. The women are encouraged to wear white dresses or ball gowns with a length of piece of kente pinned to the upper right front of the dress.  Historically, this style of dress has been traditional at social affairs in the black community.

                               
The high school and university language arts curriculum should include these acclaimed books on their required reading lists:

Up from Slavery” by Booker T. Washington.


Black Boy” by Richard Wright.   
                
                    
 "If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and it stands in danger of being exterminated" Dr.Carter G.Woodson, Father of Black History Month.


Frank R.Ross 
Concept founder of the National African American Unity dance and attire.
216.253.6934 

RELATED:

BLACK HISTORY FACT: HOWARD THURMAN, AFRICAN AMERICAN THEOLOGIAN AND AUTHOR, BORN ON THIS DATE IN 1899

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

OHIO STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BARNES JR FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST OHIO DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND ITS CHAIRMAN

Friday, November 7, 2014

BLACK HISTORY FACT: ALEXA CANADY, AFRICAN AMERICAN NEUROSURGEON BORN ON THIS DATE IN 1950

Thursday, November 6, 2014

TUESDAY WAS A WAKE UP CALL FOR A LOT OF LOCAL POLITICIANS

-

Rather than blame individuals for losses at the polls, Maple Heights City Hall should have been astute enough to smell the political and economic climate.

A Washington Times editorial:

"Voters are smarter than the politicians sometimes figure. Tuesday wasn’t a good day only for the men and women running for office under the Republican banner; it was a smashing day for lower taxes, responsible spending and government transparency as well. Ballot measures everywhere put economic policy to the ultimate test.

A stick-it-to-the-rich proposal on the ballot in Nevada would have imposed a 2 percent tax on businesses with more than $1 million in annual revenues. The money collected was to have been earmarked for public schools, but voters saw through the “for the children” ruse and realized increasing the cost of doing business by $750 million was a dumb thing to do in a stagnant economy. This big idea was thumped by a 4-to-1 margin on Tuesday.

Tennessee voters had the good judgment to amend the state constitution to forbid state and local governments from implementing an income tax. This will preserve Tennessee’s reputation as a good place to live and do business. Georgia has an income tax, so residents decided to minimize the damage politicians can do by voting 3-to-1 to cap the income-tax rate so that lawmakers will be powerless to raise it in the future.

Even blue states such as Massachusetts are warming to fiscal responsibility. Residents weary of living in a state nicknamed “Taxachusetts” repealed a law enacted last year that automatically raises the state gasoline tax every year by the inflation rate. They jettisoned a scheme to apply bottle-deposit fees to containers of water, juice, sports drinks and most other beverages.

Legislators in Maryland and Wisconsin have made raiding their state transportation funds to finance pet projects an annual rite of passage, so voters have fought back with constitutional amendments preventing a raid on fuel taxes and motor-registration fees to pad the general fund. The limitations garnered more than 80 percent of the vote.

The vote tallies were also big at the local level. In Cleveland and its suburb Maple Heights, Ohio, voters repudiated the city council’s decision to station automated highwaymen on every street corner. Ballot initiatives forbidding local officials from using revenue cameras passed by three-fourths of the vote. When the city council in St. Peters, Mo., refused to listen to constituents on the issue, the St. Charles County Council proposed a charter amendment prohibiting revenue speed cameras within the county limits — including St. Peters. It passed with 73 percent of the vote."

Until many local politicians "wake up and smell the political and economic coffee" their cities will continue to decline not just in population, but a decline in more services and more revenue.  Voters hate non-accountable, judgmental, "try to scare you to death", non transparent, bullying, money grabbing politicians; and some things are more important to voters than salary giveaways to certain government employees,  padding certain pensions, and allowing *more and more non-residents to serve as local government employees (which helps stifle local economies - there needs to be a balance).

It's time to listen to the majority of city residents and not the few!!

"Traffic cameras are automated speed traps that have sped over the public's right to due process.   The money they generate amounts to a traffic tax.    70% of the automated tickets were issued to drivers from outside the city.    Every street that has the cameras essentially becomes a toll road."



The courts have done an injustice to many cities in Ohio

by allowing unyielding non residency requirements and that's a shame.

* For residency requirements
• Local control/home rule
• Spends local tax dollars on residents/taxpayers
• Stems "middle-class" flight and provides economic stability to certain urban neighborhoods
• Provides employment for residents
• Provides racial and ethnic balance in public employment jobs
• Benefit of certain workers living in close proximity to their work station
• Benefit of staff living and working in the communities they protect and educate
• Longer commute times impact employees, congestion, and transportation infrastructure
• Money circulates within the city helping to stabilize the local economy
  • Resentment by local residents is quelled.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

PETITIONERS WIN BIG VICTORY AGAINST THE TRAFFIC CAMS IN CLEVELAND AND MAPLE HEIGHTS






-- - MORE NEWS

Arizona, Ohio, Missouri Jurisdictions Also Reject Photo Enforcement

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

ISSUE 14 REAFFIRMS THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY

FROM MAPLE HEIGHTS NEWS: A LOOK AT WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM RE: ISSUE 99

Saturday, November 1, 2014

MAPLE HEIGHTS RESIDENTS RALLY IN PROTEST OF TRAFFIC CAMS

Thursday, October 30, 2014

BLACK HISTORY FACT: THE DOD COMPLETED DESEGREGATION OF ARMED FORCES BY ABOLISHING THE LAST ALL BLACK UNIT ON THIS DATE IN 1954

Monday, October 27, 2014

A GAME OF POLITICS IN MAPLE HEIGHTS

More glossy postcards and what appears to be early (2015 election) campaign literature.  Aren't you sick of it?


If you want things to change in your city, one of the things you have to change is City Hall because those elected and appointed have enormous power.  Local laws, policies, procedures, leadership which impacts almost every area of your normal day to day life often originates in City Hall.  


The recent literature we saw from City Hall was what looked like a smear campaign against Mrs. Mitchell and Bill Brownlee.


Fact:  Mrs Neomia Mitchell has not been a Maple Heights voter elected city official since 2011, yet that has not stopped City Hall officials from making Mrs. Mitchell a political punching bag.



Fact:  Mrs. Neomia Mitchell has been active in trying to integrate the fire department with minority fire fighters (there has never been a Black fire fighter in Maple Hts) while City Hall appears to have done nothing of real import to integrate the fire department with minority firefighters.  



Fact:  Mrs. Neomia Mitchell has been active in trying to get more minority police officers in the police department, yet City Hall has no forward looking written plan to do it.  



Fact:  Mrs. Neomia Mitchell wants an Independent Citizen's Review Board  with subpoena power. City Hall officials have not even opened it up for public discourse.

  

Fact: Mrs. Neomia Mitchell has fought along side of the seniors who fought all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court (an won) to let the voters decide if they wanted speed cameras or not.  City hall officials did not want the voters to decide.



Fact:  Whatever you think of Bill Brownlee, he is the one who has made it a point to bring desperately needed  transparency to Maple Height's government by videotaping council meetings and other meetings and putting them on Youtube so you could see what goes on in these meetings.  The law director was caught taking down Mr. Brownlee's camera after Mr. Brownlee was removed from a council meeting.  Mr. Brownlee was the person responsible for the first question and answer public panel meeting to discuss the speed cameras after Mrs. Mitchell and her group took up the fight to let the voter decide about the speed cameras.  



Fact:  Mr. Brownlee and Neomia Mitchell are not responsible for Maple Heights being in fiscal watch.  Read the auditor's report.



Fact: Maple Heights government's full-time work force is full of way too many non residents.



Where does the buck stop?   Say it with us ... CITY HALL!!!!!



ISSUE 99: IF YOU HATE UNMANNED RED LIGHT AND SPEED CAMERAS IN MAPLE HTS, VOTE "YES" FOR ISSUE 99

If you're confused by these postcards you've been getting, let's make it simple.  Issue 99 has to do with a charter amendment involving traffic cameras.


Do you absolutely hate these unmanned speed cameras in Maple Hts?  Did you or a friend or loved one get a speed camera ticket and you're mad as hell?  


Do you think that there will be more of these unmanned speed cameras or red light cameras coming to Maple Heights and you hate that idea?


Well, we guess you have only one choice.   Vote "YES" on Issue 99 (which again has to do with a charter amendment). 


Please read 

Related:
MAPLE HEIGHTS IGNORES KEY ISSUES REGARDING ITS RECENT DECISIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS


Maple Heights Issue 99: Supporters, Opponents and Big Money

Friday, October 24, 2014

ATLANTA BLACKSTAR: 10 QUOTES THAT EXPLAIN RACISM TO PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THEY'RE COLORBLIND