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by Yvette Carnell
There are certain black people you can count on to step up whenever there is any slight, perceived or real, to the black community. Al
Sharpton will march no matter what. Whether anything changes after the march is another thing altogether, but you can certainly count on him to lock arms and dust off the old spiritual hymn “We Shall Overcome.” It’s the activist’s version of comedian Chris Rock’s cure all, Robitussin. No matter what ails the black community, a march will fix it.
Just as you can always depend on Sharpton to go out front with a march, you can always depend on Russell Simmons to chime in with some pseudo-black yogi wisdom. During the Occupy Wall Street protests, Simmons showed up at Zuccotti Park a few times, at least once with a dazed and befuddled looking Kanye West.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with Simmons financially supporting a movement, but only while remaining in the backdrop. But Simmons, like so many other so-called leaders, never met a camera he didn’t like, and never had a thought he didn’t want to share with the world. And since Simmons is not self-aware, which is odd for a meditation enthusiast, he has no clue that he, his Rush Card, and his blood diamonds, make him far too compromised a person to stand at the center of any principled movement.
Nevertheless, I fully expected to hear from Simmons after Trayvon Martin’s murder, and of course, I wasn’t disappointed. Simmons took to Twitter to add this tidbit to the conversation black people are having about Trayvon Martin’s slaying:
“Trayvon Martin didn’t die so we can create a race war he died so we can promote better understanding. We must start honest dialogue.”
Actually, no. Trayvon Martin didn’t die so we could start a dialogue. Trayvon Martin died because he was shot in the chest. He died because a vigilante night watch captain, who’d called police 46 times previously to report a ‘suspicious person’, stalked him and murdered him in cold blood.
And who said anything about a race war? Does Simmons believe that black people are poised to take to the streets and start chucking spears at white people over Trayvon Martin’s murder? I’ve heard a lot of discussion in black circles about getting the Justice Department involved, filing civil suits and the like, but remarkably, nothing of a pending race war.
I imagine that not everyone can successfully navigate two worlds. Not everyone can muster the effort of being a bonafide star in white society and a principled activist within their own community. Russell Simmons is no Harry Belefonte.
But what bothers me most about Simmons’ comment is that it vilifies the victims instead of the perpetrators. Yes, black people are angry, and rightfully so. But black people aren’t the ones in need of a lesson on how to behave. Black men aren’t going around targeting white youth. It’s the other way around, and if Simmons is honest with himself, he knows it. So why is Simmons equating justifiable black anger with the violence of a race war?
Right now, as black men all over America are discussing how to modulate their blackness so as not to be viewed as a threat in white society, Russell Simmons is reinforcing the myth of the angry black man by intervening to calm the savage black beast.
But I don’t want to leave this on a bad note. In addition to the reporting at Yourblackworld, there have been a number of black reporters and writers who’ve rallied to the cause. Goldie Taylor did an excellent job of laying out the essentials yesterday on CNN, and Charles Blow offered an eloquent and thoughtful piece from the perspective of a black father in Friday’s New York Times. As for Simmons, the sooner you disengage and tune him out, the better. There are other black thinkers and writers who are much more deserving of your time and attention.
Yvette Carnell is a former Capitol Hill and campaign staffer turned writer. She is currently an editor and contributor to Yourblackworld.
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Jeremy
May 24, 2013 at 10:06 am
Race war…joke. We accepted the black people…they never accepted us….anytime you wanna war..bring it on, atleast we could then move on….like watching days of our lives rerun over and over and over. If we have learned anything with time it is expect the unexpected….you can’t say who would win….sometimes two people fight and then they become best friends. Anytime you look at others to make you , you will never be made. Here in Canada we are becoming small pockets of different ethnics instead of assimilation there is disconnect. Any other race comes here they don’t ask how do we act? How do parents treat there kids here? How do people act towards eachother? they just wanna bring there home here. I see youth chinese on the bus show no respect to elder white people….where it is known social respect to stand and let an elder sit….they aren’t interested and couldn’t care about our culture. Soon will be a big mess of an experiment went wrong. Canadians will be made extinct.
Melva L. Florance
March 26, 2012 at 11:38 am
Reinforcing the stereotype of the violent negro. Thanks Rus.
LaughingAtStupidPeople
March 26, 2012 at 10:10 am
Ahh, a moron with a blog. Never seen that before.
A black kid gets shot = murdered, regardless of evidence.
GG.
JC
March 23, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Very well written article. As many have said, who needs Russel Simmons. There are too many other well educated and qualified men and women willing to stand up for black and their children. I am a mother of three sons and five grandsons and am very active in writing letters and supporting and informing the black community anyway I can. This could have been any of my family. We should stop traveling to Florida on vacation also until we get the result we want. We also must find a way to encourage black enterpreneurship because it is desperately needed. Keep our business in our neighborhoods, build them up and teach these young mothers and fathers morals, integrity and responsibility, and to get educated or a trade. Wy are there so many white policemen policing mostly black neighborhoods? This must be changed too. We gotta stop feeding the hand that is killing us and getting away with it. Too many children are raising themselves because mom and dad, boyfriend/girlfriend could not get along. Children walking the streets all times of the night, liquor stores taking over black communities instead of grocery stores and other basic needs. Shacking together is ruining families and until these moral issues are addressed we will continue to have big problems. I hope that they will not stop marching, Chicago is a large city that should be partaking in a march because it is in terrible shape. Too many black leaders are not leading and asking blacks to support whites or latinos who only use us to get ahead then start only being concerned about advancing their race. There are many rich blacks deceased who cared nothing about those who are downtrodden, poor or just wanting to live a quiet simple life, but I am sure if they could speak they would love to be living now. I said that to say riches do not mean you have it made, if you are not rich in God’s love and not concerned about doing what is right in God’s eyes, all the education and riches you have is in vain. We have too many blacks that have made it especially musicians, and actors and they can’t even come back to open a couple of grocery stores in the neighborhood or assist blacks in ownership since the banks won’t. Well I will stop for now but this is a serious issue and We must seek God, pray, and help those who cannot help themselves. No one has a sure ticket to heaven yet! We need George Zimmerman to be arrested, the handwriting is clearly on the wall, no more trying to buy time to see what they can come up with to not arrest him.
kendra b
March 23, 2012 at 12:46 pm
I AM GOING TO SAY IT. I AM GOING TO SAY WHAT THIS MOTHER WOULD DO IF THIS WAS MY BEAUTIFUL SON THAT WAS MURDER BY THIS CRAZY SICK a*****e. I WOULD BUY THE SAME TYPE GUN, FOLLOW HIM, CALL POLICE SAY THAT HE IS LOOKING SUSPICIOUS, GET OUT OF MY CAR, AND SHOOT THAT m**********r DEAD. YES I SAID IT/I MEAN IT/IF I HAD TO I WOULD f****n DO IT. BLACK PEOPLE STOP KILLING EACH OTHER AND KILL PEOPLE THAT NEED TO BE KILLED. DO YOU GET WHAT I MEAN HINT HINT PEOPLE HINT HINT MAKE YOUR OWN JUSTICE IF THEY DON’T
Dan
March 23, 2012 at 12:45 am
We must encourage a FULL BOYCOTT of all things Florida until there is justice for Trayvon. We need Facebook and Twitter postings warning American “Do Not travel to Florida until there is justice for Trayvon”.
We must BOYCOTT ALL THINGS FLORIDA! Please won’t somebody start a BOYCOTT?
Alilibra
March 22, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Well written article, we don’t need ineffective so called ‘Black’leaders talking shop.We need REAL constructive action.We have no REAL power base, that’s why these things keep on happening to us. I also wish we’d stop referring to ourselves as Black….because the last time I looked I have Brown skin with black hair. Black has too many negative conotations attached to it, notwithstanding the term is a totally incorrect statement. We are from some place, we’re not solely a color. African-American at least..A people who allows themselves to be defined by others always get treated like S…!
iesha
March 21, 2012 at 9:50 pm
lol funny,when black people want to rally and get together to fight the injustice that the black community faces,there’s ALWAYS that random person(and every now and then.their black)who pips up and says,
1-we’re overreacting
2-my favorite,it’s not that big of deal
3- a lot of minorities face the SAME problems,so what makes you so different?
4- we’re just causing drama and 5-what do you think your going to accomplish??
lol WHY is that?? are we suppose to sit down and say “yes massa” to the abuse? are we suppose to look the other way and keep on moving?? INJUSTICE has happen!! so why can’t we do ANYTHING bout it?!?! lol some blacks are just full of it.they think just because they had a taste of success or are successful that the troubles that black people face are either dwelling or nonexistent.they are either foolish or they have blinders on the side of their faces.this is why once strong black unions such as the naacp,black panthers,etc are dying out.because everyone wants to throw up their hands and say-it’s 2012 and our president is black,that’s why racism no longer exist.lol people like that along with simmons need a good hard slap of reality.this kid’s death,along with MANY others should be a wake up call.but of course you can’t tell that to an uncle tom.
Roland Thomas
March 22, 2012 at 7:50 am
IESHA I cosign that!
LATIF WADI KADIM
March 21, 2012 at 9:35 am
MY PREDICTION: This white guy will be indicted by the grand jury out of guilt or because the Justice Department is involved and then the lilly white trial jury/judge will probably give him 5 years in jail on a manslaughter charge instead of a murder charge, and he will be back on the streets in two or three years. BLACK FOLK DON’T NEED TO START A RACE WAR OVER THIS INCIDENT, THEY NEED TO START ONE BECAUSE OF “ALL” OF THE INJUSTICE WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH EVERYWHERE.
Roland Thomas
March 21, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Latif, you have just laid out a very possible outcome on the state level but, it will be a very different outcome if the Fed’s prosecute the case!
Rose
March 21, 2012 at 8:50 am
I want to know what ground was this man standing when he got out of his safe car to pursue and kill this child. The 911 operator asked this idiot not to pursue this child. Of course the child ran, it was raining and he was being chased by a mad man.
If I thought marching would help, I would be right out there. Justice is definitely blind. The black man in Florida holding his gun in plain sight, accidentally shot a white man who charged him, the gun went off. This black man was arrested and is on trial. The difference????????
Roland Thomas
March 21, 2012 at 10:44 am
ROSE, you say:” If I thought marching would help, I would be right out there. Well how do you think Black people got this far since Jim Crow? It was Marching and protesting in many forms and with many Black leaders from MLK to Panthers, to MalcolmX. The only reason the Grand Jury has now been impanelled is because of the Marches by the family and there knowledge of more to come with NAACP, Rev. Al, and Cong. Black Caucus. Marches do matter and do help!
claudia
March 21, 2012 at 5:55 am
Russell Simmons has ADHD anyway. Who really cares what he says Ha! Ha! His brain rushes a hundred miles an hour before he actually gets to think.
claudia
March 21, 2012 at 5:53 am
Why and who can listen to anything Russell Simmons says anyway. Hes been chasing white women for years. He dont have any idea any more about being black in this racist world we living in. Nobody is starting any street war. The blacks are taking this to the FBI and going through Obamas investigation. They are sending out emails for signed petitions. Now do that sound like a street war. What is Russell talking about. JUST STOP BELITTLING BLACK PEOPLE WITH YOUR WHITE ACCUSATIONS RUSSELL PLEASE!!
gioperation
March 21, 2012 at 4:58 am
Maybe Russell wasn’t talking to us blacks… heck IDK!!!
E. Joyce
March 21, 2012 at 4:27 am
The law that Zimmerman is hiding behind “Stand Your Ground”was pushed through by the 2nd Amendment NRA and is law in the states listed below. Five DAs stated that this law is dangerous. And here we are. A boy with skittles is stalked by a white man who decided in advance he should die. This is the key reason why we should not only demand justice for this child, we need to pay more attention to the laws we allow to pass in the states we live in. Because this is simply going to become a new age version of lynching. We won’t get to use this law; it’s not meant for us. The language is too arbitrary. Folks best start paying less attention to NeNe and the reality shows and more attention to what they’re doing to you in your communities before it’s too late. They count on you not showing up for midterm elections you know. They’re hoping you won’t show up this year. Even though your life depends on it.
Arizona
Alaska – Passed, but not yet signed.
Colorado
North Dakota
South Dakota
Minnesota
Kansas
Oklahoma
Mossouri
Louisiana
Michigan
Idaho
Indiana
Ohio
Kentucky
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
Florida
South Carolina
Pennsylvania
Virgina
« Last Edit: June 29, 2007, 08:50 pm by Probie »
DANETTE CHAVIS
March 20, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Whether you agree or disagree with rusell simmons statement all depends on how you look at what he “said”. I don’t know him, so I can only go by what he “said”. A race war is not wise, nor is it anything that we’ve ever sought! For contrary to what he’s stated, it is “them” who appear to provoke us into a “race war”. A “black man” is the president of the United States and is “himself” the “victim” of racial attacks – so how could anybody in their “right mind” accuse “us” of attempting to start a “race riot”? Why don’t they say “whites” in America want a race riot? Why are the assaults against us “ignored” until we determine to “get up” and do something about it? And what made him think Trayvon Martin “died” to promote a better understanding? Did Trayvon tell you he was going to die for our “better understanding? Did his attacker say, he would kill him for “our better understanding”? So where do you get off “divining” why he did or didn’t die? But since you know so much why don’t you just “give” us that “better understanding”! Don’t talk about it, be a about it! Tell us what we need to know, help us “understand”. For apparently, you know something that keeps you “unfazed” and “unmoved” at the destruction of your people. War has been declared “against us” but you say, “don’t start a race war”. Turn yourself about and direct your comments to those who insist in it, for it is not “US”!
Ajuba Grinage
March 20, 2012 at 6:21 pm
If this sad incident happened to Russell’s daughter’s he would feel different. I think that Russell sees thing through a different lens. He’s somewhat socially involved and I can appreciate that. He has no interest Black Women which speaks volumes. russell, don’t let massa send you to us telling us how to fight for our children. suppose tthis was your girls. You are a marginal Uncle Tom.
Edward A. Smikle
March 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm
I just saw on the news where four people were murdered at a school in Paris. The entire world is speaking about it and condeming the killer or killers. The State dept spokeperson spoke about it, the president of France showed up at the school to tell the jewish community in France that the criminal will be cought and justice will be rendered. Well where is the outrage from the White House, and the State dept fot Mr. Martin?. Is this double standard or what?.Mr. Martin, is dead Mr. Zimmerman, walk free, is he anti black in his perspective. Until we speak out against the anti black behaviour in the Justice System we will always be treated this way by everbody and every other race in America.Because we must always be the passive peace makers while our children murdered.
Warren Johnson
March 20, 2012 at 10:33 am
This is personal! Had that been my son, I would not need any of you to come march with me and sing “We Shall Overcome”. I would have to deal with it by any means necessary. A White Cracker, Red Neck a*****e killed a Black Child for being Black, and we all stand by and talk c**p. No one is promoting a race war, or riot, but there needs to be outraged and condemnation of this man for his actions. He is a savage beast not deserving of any human considerations. He is a cowardly, mangy dog!!!! Yes, I am angry! Aren’t you?
makheru bradley
March 20, 2012 at 10:14 am
Add walking while Black in a gated community to the racial-profiling list.
What Simmons is really saying is that an explosive racial issue could hurt Obama’s chances for reelection. That’s why Sharpton is joining the protest-to keep things from getting out of control. During this election year Afrikan Americans will be expected to “sacrifice truth and justice (be it Trayvon Martin or Tawergha) on the altar of preceived self-interest (the reelection of Barack Obama).”
jocko
March 20, 2012 at 9:59 am
My mother said if u can’t say something nice about a person don’t say anything. about Russell Simoms ________________________________thats all folks.
k. gentry
March 20, 2012 at 9:13 am
Sorry, I meant closet.
k. gentry
March 20, 2012 at 9:12 am
Russell Simmons and Kanye West are Negros who are only concerned with image and the almighty dollar. West needs to come out of the closer and Russell should go hack to chasing racially ambiguous women half his age. Stick to entertainment, you are not activists.
sharon
March 20, 2012 at 8:44 am
The race war started a long time ago. It is world wide. This innocent CHILDS murder is just more proof of it. This was not the first murder committed by Zimmerman. He admitted to the community where he is/was self appointed watch captain, a murder in Miami area. So, why is he still free? I have no comment on Russell Simmons or Al Sharpton.
Tewdrowos
March 20, 2012 at 7:19 am
well ,Mr.Simmons is a little late shouldn’t he had been telling white people this years ago.if Mr.Simmons has nothing of substance to say then maybe he should shut the h**l up!
Eric Magee
March 20, 2012 at 6:26 am
There’s always a Negro who will try to cop points at the expense of Black people.
How about stepping up for Black people on the other end Russle!! Instead of feeding the Black Rage belief!
Tracy Small-Johnson
March 20, 2012 at 5:20 am
Fighting for the right to walk down any street or any neighborhood while black without fear of being killed does not constitute a race war Mr. Simmons. Fighting for justice in this oh so obvious case of hatred and racism again does not mean a race war is imminent Mr. Simmons. Racist and ignorant people in this contry declared war on it’s darker skinned citizens many, many years ago and as the saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”; this was a modern day lynching. Trayvon Martin was tried, convicted and sentenced to death because he was simply walking in the wrong neighborhood wearing the wrong color skin. All we’ve been having are conversations Mr. Simmons. What more is there to say? It could have easily been your child or the child of someone you knew. We of the darker skinned hue have and will always be hated and despised by some simply because of how we look. There needs to outrage, there needs to be anger and justice needs to be meted out appropriately. The nut case vigilante night watchman needs to be tried in a court of law and if justice is to be served, he will be found guilty of murder. Trayvon’s friends and family deserve nothing less and the poor young man who lost his life will not have died in vain because this crazy predator will be off the streets, unable to unjustifiably kill another black man or woman!
Angie
March 20, 2012 at 5:17 am
Russell sold out long ago. I believe Ms. Carnell hit the nail on the head. How dare he attempt to scold black people, and marginalize this cold blooded killing of an innocent child. Russell is a house-ni_ _er; and “he jez don won no trubbles” To h**l with him, he should continue to do what he does best; hide behind his money, pretend he’s not a black, and keep worshiping his idle god. Run Russell run you chump.
Jeanette
March 20, 2012 at 4:55 am
Thank you Yvette. This is not a race war. The white residents of the Sanford community are also outraged by this injustice. I have viewed many videos on YouTube of outrage citizens from the white community as well as the Black community. This is a war for justice. A war against Zimmerman and the racist police that support him. Trayvon was targeted and killed because he was Black. And decent persons of all races can see that clearly. No, this is not a time to dialogue, this is a time for the major arrests by the Justice Department. The chief of police, Zimmerman and all that are attempting deny justice for Trayvon should be jailed. This is also a time for civil suits and the making of new clear laws that will prevent this from ever happening again.
stopthstupidity
March 20, 2012 at 4:29 am
So many of these so called brilliant young wealthy blacks in intertainment are warped.
DaddyAr
March 20, 2012 at 3:58 am
I hope this doesn’t start a race war, but I do think this is a time for black people to see the need for unity, and as a parent the time to teach our kids and use this as an example.
Peace!
Meanchick
March 20, 2012 at 3:39 am
Uncle Rush. STFU!
H. Curry
March 20, 2012 at 3:38 am
Russell Simmons is nothing but an UGLY CORPORATE THUG.That THUG have the nerve to speak out for so call gay rights but don’t want the REAL BLACK PEOPLE to protest for our BLACK CHILDREN. This so sad and i pray TRAYVON MARTIN family get justice.Because that RED NECK knew what he was doing.If Simmons daughters got killed in COLD BLOOD his SORRY AZZ would want justice. GOD BLESS BLACK AMERICANS,because racism is here to stay no matter what they say.If you have faith in the CREATOR of this world than you know it will be alright, later. LOVE TO ALL MY BLACK PEOPLE !!!!
ShawShakeRedemp
March 20, 2012 at 3:25 am
You guys never ceased to make me proud! Proud of the fact that we do have great black thinkers out here! great black journalist with amazing perspective! Someone has to tell fiftycents, Kanye, David Banner…that you guys actually worked hard to gain such perspective, studied hard to gain such knowledge and insight! MONEY does not appoint you scholar, great thinker, nor leader! I don’t knock your their effort only the often hypocritical tendencies that accompany them!
Cake
March 20, 2012 at 3:06 am
It appears to me that some, “white people” have already declared, RACE WAR!!. Has anyone heard Mr. Simmons asking “them” to put their guns away?
Monique
March 20, 2012 at 8:05 am
Words have power. Haven’t people learned that violence doesn’t do anything but hurt women, children,and the elderly? Broken down homes and burned out store fronts? Broken spirits and lives? Who cares about white people? We need to focus on ourselves and create an intelligent revolution. Where are the Black lawyers, politicians, and community leaders? Who is contacting judges and law enforcement officers? I think Russell Simmons was telling Black folks not to become self-destructive. Too many Black people are experts at destroying their families and their communities. Let’s be rational this time.
tek_knowledge
March 20, 2012 at 2:51 am
The race war has already started. We’re losing.
I mean really, black people aren’t discussing going down to Florida and lynching this man. We want this dude prosecuted, that is all.
This is a call for economic counter-terrorism. Sanford is in the Orlando Metro area…hmm, lets think…whats in the Orlando metro area? Sea World, Disney, Universal. How about calling that resort in Orlando and cancelling your reservation for your 6 night stay, and being vocal about exactly why you are cancelling your reservation.
daisy123
March 20, 2012 at 11:57 pm
You hit a homerun tek! We should all be spreadin the word to do just that, STOP SPENDING MONEY IN FLORIDA UNTIL JUSTICE IS SERVED!!! PRO Ball Players who have the courage to stand for Justice for BLACKS need to BOYCOTT playin ANY games in Florida, NO TOURIST should come to Florida BOYCOTT FLORIDA UNTIL JUSTICE IS SERVED and make it known why…
Kenneth Morrow
March 20, 2012 at 2:46 am
Strange some one would bring up a race war. Stranger is that White people only believe in violance to get their poit across. They believe they can kill or beat Blacks and Hispanics without justification. If violance is the only thing they understand, than they should be treated on the violent level.
watchman
March 20, 2012 at 2:42 am
QUESTION: What are we learning? Im serious. How to come together? I sure hope so. If not, everybody need to shut up. So let me ask again, what are we learning? How far have we fallen from cultural COMMUNITY? huh? ANSWERE ME !!!! What are we learning? ….. Black people, my African brothers and sisters.!!!! I ve got one word to drop on you. I know its simple but it houses the profound, Dont get mad becuase you have heard it before but to no avail. Dont laugh at me because Im being sincere, here it is … ORGANIZE. 2012 Come together people. If not? shut up. But do it now. ………………………..
gmk
March 20, 2012 at 2:26 am
One question for Mr. Simmons is “what exactly constitutes a race war in his opinion?”. It aappears to be very evident that the marching and fighting for equal rights and justice by the untold thousands during the Civil Rights Movemnet only shows that today there is so much more work to be done. We’re no where close to the vision of Dr. King. In this sad and tragic case of Trayvon Martin, we can take some comfort with the example Pastor Jamal Bryant set yesterday by preaching from the pulpit wearing a Morehouse College hoodie and playing the 911 call for his congregation. All people of conscience need to be righteously indignant of what happened to Trayvon Martin. This is yet to be the world where we all are holding hands and singing “Kumbaya”; the reality is in America, its people kissed by nature’s sun are fragmented, marginalized and deeply divided. We have, we must, do better. And if you surmise I am troubled over the current state of affairs, you are right. I am deeply troubled over what happened to Trayvon Martin.
Milagros
March 20, 2012 at 2:16 am
i agree and hope that all that must be done is done correctly because if not there will be death in Fla
Louise
March 20, 2012 at 2:15 am
I am glad you did this. I personally have serious problems with Russell, but he is like so many entertainers who are clueless about social and political current events. I just wonder is this by design or by default because these black entertainers make all this money, but they are voiceless regarding progressive or positive thought/action when it comes to black people. I sometimes wonder do these clueless Negroes under go a test to prove they have no psychological ties to black people or their black empowerment for all black Americans test results are zero. I once heard a black man who at the time I thought was a black nationalist say: there are two types of black people the white establishment controls: the Negro who is dumb, will get the money because he will not know how to use his money for the advancement of his race or the Negro who is intelligent/wise but will never have access to large amounts of money because he would have the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to make his money grow for himself, his family, and his race. Hymn sounds like some of these rappers, movie entertainers, and athletes, I just saying!!!!!
Renee
March 20, 2012 at 2:11 am
Interesting. Black people need to calm down and not start a race war? Really Russell? The only people I have ever heard talking about a race war are white people, not blacks. As Yvette pointed out in this article, black men are not gunning down unarm white youth. h**l, black law enforcement officials are not killing unarm white civilians. If there is any group who need an honest discussion on race, racism, and stereotyping, and the cost being death of innocent people are white people. How dare this brainwash, irrelevant a*****e suggest it is black people who need to calm down on our anger and not start a race war. Unbelievable. Trayvon’s family is simply asking for the FBI to step in and for Zimmerman to be arrested. They have said over and over they will let the judge and jury decide Zimmerman’s fate in court. Blacks want justice and for an end to this senseless deaths of black people, especially with the targets now being our children! Sighs. What can I expect from a man who calls Donald Trump a VERY good friend.
daisy123
March 20, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Love it that ur keepin it real and speakin truths!
P. O.
March 20, 2012 at 1:50 am
Russell Simmons became irrelevant and a predator to the black community many $$’s ago.
k. gentry
March 20, 2012 at 9:03 am
Well put!
George Boston Rhynes
March 20, 2012 at 1:36 am
March 20, 2011
TO: United States Department of Justice/Federal Communications Division, Local, State and National News Media Outlets along with Governmental Bodies across America.
Moreover, why have this Taser incident apparently been ignored in the State of Georgia or is it so routine that it is no longer news in the State of Georgia?
So where are today’s real patriots and Christians that we hear so much about in recent years? The State of Georgia is becoming extremely ugly in the eyes of our beloved nation and this includes the most disgraceful “At Will to Work Law.” Wherein Georgia workers can be fired for good cause, bad cause or for no cause at all without their employers having to inform them why they were fired. How sad and disgraceful on the part of Georgia Legislators in 2012.
Were you informed about the news worthy Taser incident in Thomas County (Boston) Georgia? Or that Congressman Sanford Bishop Staffer and Aid Worker “Michael F. Bryant” case were completed in Brooks County Court House last week wherein the offender pleaded guilty to criminal charges concerning a firearm?
a.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXGfWiWsVEg&feature=plcp&context=C43264abVDvjVQa1PpcFNTBiftdI94l5DYkCL_gZn1fJMhGGcee28%3D
b.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U0f3t4nrc8
c.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOFnFSxS3-M
d.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJpA6ue9SA
e.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PKQOOeggWg
f.Georgia State NAACP President Edward DuBose in Quitman, Georgia when many others ignores small town America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiY1vK0_SNI&feature=plcp&context=C4869dfbVDvjVQa1PpcFNTBiftdI94l6XRlZn3v24JVg-ffBX6m_Y%3D
g.Valdosta State University Professors perhaps got it right! See the Chorus of Fear Video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3930808120854021155#
•So, we are not who we claim to be but who we prove ourselves to be over a given period of time. Thanks for being in tune to the realities of what has been excluded from our mind for whatever reasons.
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Military Veteran of the Black Experience
A concerned citizen and brother of all humanity, Valdosta, Georgia
Rose
March 21, 2012 at 8:55 am
Mr. Rhynes, this law exists in Florida also. It protects the employer when they want to fire or lay-off a minority. We really need a law to prevent companies from sending jobs overseas causing this big unemployment problem. No one seems to want to champion ths fight. Yes it is easier to blame the President for no jobs. There is more to this “Free Trade” agreement than we expected because it allows jobs to go overseas and no one wants to admit it because the rich keep getting richer.
sandstorm
March 20, 2012 at 1:10 am
Beautifully written. I hope he reads it.
George Boston Rhynes
March 20, 2012 at 1:02 am
It seem that there are many more incidents that does not get any media attention but the ones that certain people register. Why are their so much happening in South Georgia that the Honorable Al Sharpton and others seems unaware of in todays troubled State of Georgia. But then again who really cares any more. Every where I go I find only good praise for Mr. Al Sharpton and I am also a fan knowing that he cannot do everyting. But we must not forget those stuck at the bottom without hope of any kind. You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXGfWiWsVEg&feature=plcp&context=C43264abVDvjVQa1PpcFNTBiftdI94l5DYkCL_gZn1fJMhGGcee28%3D
Also: http://jaildeaths.blogspot.com, http://kvci.blogspot.com,
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired Military Veteran from Active Duty
Valdosta, Georgia
BROTHER HASSAN
March 20, 2012 at 12:45 am
EXCELLENT article, Yvette….Russel Simmons, no shade intended, needs to just sit down somewhere and count his coins.
TurboHugh
March 19, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Great Article Miss Carnell. Russell Simmons lost all credibility long ago, and his attempt to victimize the poor with his Russ Card is so sad. Russell Simmons should just go back to Martha’s Vineyard or where-ever else he likes to go with his young white girls and stay out of Black people business.
DJ
March 23, 2012 at 9:55 am
Russle Simmons tries not to be in or of the community,yet he wants to direct Black folks, like we do not have minds of our own. He behaves worse that the White paternal father. Yes, he has money and access, and I am sure, a great deal of knowledge, but guess what, so do other Black folk. I actually wish, that unless he intends to really do something substantive for our community, that he would just go away. Peace.
Maxamilliion
March 23, 2012 at 11:42 am
AMEN!
Lee
March 19, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Thank you Yvette. I am exhausted trying to figure out what people like Mr. Simmons is implying. I am certainly tired of the habitual ‘marching’ to the beat of a hopeless drum.
White America purchases guns for everyone in their families (from the babies to the grand mothers) while African americans shy away from guns — for the most part — who was it that ran out and bought all the guns and ammunition they could muster when Mr. Obama was winning in 08? Certainly not the Negro.
Elahi Aaron
March 19, 2012 at 11:05 pm
How about rioting for justice?
Roland Thomas
March 20, 2012 at 4:16 am
RUSSELL WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT RIOTS, YOUNG FOLKS DON’T HAVE IT IN THEM. NOW IF IT WERE NIKKI SNEAKERS WELL……………………………….
WARREN
March 20, 2012 at 6:51 am
Good commentary On the young folks self absorption
DJ
March 23, 2012 at 9:47 am
I think that you underestimate many of our young people. If you look at the organizers they are young African America people. They are smart, organized, and clear. All of our youth do not have wasted minds.
Tiffany Early
March 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm
HOW About look at the BIG picture YOU CAN’T hold against a WHOLE RACE OF PEOPLE for what 1 man and a bunch of CROOKED a*s cops are doing…. since when are the POLICE SO FULL OF HONESTY AND JUSTICE REALLY CMON!!! You got a PSYCHO man that GRANTED I FEEL SOMEONE SHOULD FIND HIM AND BEAT THE DOG S#!% out of him Until he never walks again and has to be fed on a feeding TUBE (let him suffer not end him) but to hold it against other INNOCENT PEOPLE?!?! THEN YOU ARE NO BETTER THEN THE SCUM BAG ZIMMERMAN
Will Davis
March 19, 2012 at 11:32 am
Dont hate him for looking out for his real interest, maintaining stat quo so all races can support his products. He didn’t get rich solely off of blacks so u have to look from his perspective
Hugh Briggs
March 19, 2012 at 11:21 am
Russell needs to stick to chasing trim at Martha’s vineyard and stay outta it.
Cantrece Lovingme Butler-briscoe
March 19, 2012 at 11:12 am
Outraged…..and 2 say the least how would we feel if it had been our own child??? He really is when I think about it!! Praying for justice in this case!!
Lynda Edwards
March 19, 2012 at 11:08 am
Nothing new from russell. Water Is Still Wet!
The issues with skin color have been around for Years! What Most are doing is Not accepting what is given and demanding Justice!
I”m glad that the FBI is looking into this mess. The police need to be investigated.
Daremy Butler
March 19, 2012 at 10:44 am
Jesse and Al ain’t nothing like Russell. Please know your history!!
Dawn Rhy
March 19, 2012 at 10:43 am
The race war never ended. My only issue with this is where is all this outrage when it is Blacks killing Blacks ? We can’t just keep our mouth and eyes closed when our young black men are killing one another. We have to be just as p****d off and outraged when a black youth is killed for his sneaker his earphone his iPod or just cause they don’t like him.
Prenita Garner
March 19, 2012 at 10:40 am
It is already a race war,u r serious …
Jerrell Flynn
March 19, 2012 at 10:31 am
obviously they’re trying to start a race war with us….
C Devaun Rashard C
March 19, 2012 at 10:27 am
if the Martin’s dont get justice, I cant see how that wont happen. those cops need to be terminated
Johnny Edwards
March 19, 2012 at 10:26 am
Ye looks like he’s about to slap someone.