Black History Events: African Superheroes Day

London Black History Walks are continuing their pro- gramme of events. See below.






African Superheroes Day Sunday 27th Feb 2011

The original three-and-a-half-hour event repeated by popular demand with African Superhero DVDs for sale on the day and interviews with animators and directors.

African Superheroes: Many artists are making up for the severe lack of positive images of Black people in animated films and comics. This animation festival for 6-60-year-olds will feature a variety of African-themed cartoons which tell tales of; Magical Nigerian women warriors, Anansi the West African Folk Hero, The story of Ogun and Oshun, Teenage Black superheroes and more.

Click here for more info and to book. See below for more events.

Click here for Celebrating Black Heroes and Sheroes.

Walks in Trafalgar Square Sunday 13th and Monday 14th March

In 100 minutes, your guide will take you through hundreds of years of the African presence, and contribution, to London’s way of life. Discover secret alleyways and enormous buildings all connected to Africa and the Caribbean in ways which the owners do not want you to know. Find out about Black loyalists and African revolutionaries. Uncover the submerged links between racism, trade, religion, slavery and politics which are still evident in the very streets and buildings of the oldest part of London.

£7.00 adults £3.00 children. Group bookings possible. Walks last approx 2 hours, mail to info@blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Click here fore more info and to book. For background information, see: London Black History Walks. See below for more events.

Events with Black History Studies - Celebrating International Women's Day through Film

* Sunday 6th March 2011- Ida B.Wells: A Passion for Justice

* Wednesday 9th March 2011- Strange Fruit

* Wednesday 16th March 2011- Zora Nearle Hurston: Jump At The Sun

* Wednesday 23rd March 2011- Sisters In Law

* Sunday 27th March 2011- Assata Shakur: A Biography

Click here for more info and to book.

Dealing with the Stuff We Don't Want to Talk About

Dealing with debt collectors - click here to watch the video.

We have loads of free resources over the next few days. What's causing your debt? You are blocking your abundance. Let go of the past. Click here for the Tapping World Summit now.

See also: Connecting with Success.

Using EFT for Money, Abundance and Success.

You deserve success.

Positive Images of Black Families (2)

In yesterday's post, "Where Are the Positive Images of Black Families?", I talked about the film "Happily Ever After", which features couples talking about their experience of marriage.

The couples in the film make the point that many young Black people today have not experienced positive Black marriage and family life, and thus do not even believe it is possible for them to have happy marriages.

They see the Obamas as a positive role model, and state that if you can see that something is possible, you can aspire to it.

The film was screened by Black History Studies, whom we interviewed on Saturday on What U Need to Know. Click here to listen.

One sista in the audience pointed out that the benefits system in the UK works against married couples. If you need to claim benefits, you will receive more as a single person than as a married couple on benefits.

We have a similar legacy in the United States. In the '60s, I recall that if there was a man in the home, the family could not claim welfare benefits. So the man of the house would hide under the bed or in the closet when the welfare lady came round to check and see if there was a man present.

Many Black men were not in a position to be able earn enough to support their families. Yet they still remained in the household as a positive presence, providing moral and emotional support to their partners and being role models for their children.

One of the men in "Happily Ever After" decribes how he and his ex-partner continued to support and provide for each other and for their children after their marriage had ended. He said he had never lived more than a mile away from his chidren.

Even during slavery, parents travelled long distances under cover of night, just to have a few moments to spend with their children.

Nowadays, many times the woman does not even know where her ex-partner is living. The children don't know where their father is.

The State has systematically broken down Black families. In the UK, this problem is by no means limited to the Black community.

But to see the lengths to which white racist oppressors will go to split up Black families, see The End of the Dialogue.

Yesterday, I emphasised the need to have positive images in Black literature, film, and every art form.

The couples in "Happily Ever After" talked about the Huxtables, the family in the Cosby Show. The film states that before the Obamas, the only positive image of Black families widely available was fictional.

It was not the only positive image, but it was certainly one of the most widely available.

If children do not see positive images of Black marriages and families, they may grow up believing that it's not possible to have one.

Images are very powerful. For more about the power of visualization, see You Are Magnificent. See also Success Strategies for Black People.

I stated yesterday that this is one reason why it is vital for us to learn about Black history. It is vital for us to know about Black achievers, past and present, and about those who have challenged injustice and oppression.

If you have not seen "Happily Ever After", I urge you to see it.

Egyptian Activists Inspired by Martin Luther King Comic

While the world's political pundits debate the role the United States has played in the historical events presently occurring in Egypt, one activist is crediting a specific American with playing a part in inspiring a generation of Egyptians to take to the streets in a nonviolent protest that has changed the course of their nation.

In a recent newsletter to supporters of the American Islamic Congress, Ziada indicated that the translated Martin Luther King comic book had been identified as contributing to the air of peaceful revolution in Egypt. The Fellowship for Reconciliation agreed. Ziada shared this anecdote in her communique:


Click here to read more.

Click here for the What U Need to Know radio show. This month, we were joined by Black History Studies.

Click here for more African cultural events, plus Black history quizzes and more.

Where Are the Positive Images of Black Families?

When I was a child growing up in the '60s, I recall Valentine's Day being about more than romantic love. It was not just for couples. Valentine's Day celebrated love in all its forms, including the love of parents for their children, the love of family, and the love which is found in friendships.

As Joan E. Gosier, author of Cotton Pickin' Paycheck, writes in More Black Success Volume 5, where are the positive images of Black families?

Where are the images of normal, healthy Black families with two parents?

This is one of the questions addressed in the film Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, which was screened by Black History Studies last night in London.

The film contains a series of interviews with couples talking about their experiences of marriage, in which they share the joys as well as the challenges of marriage.

See also: What Is Black Love?

The couples talk about the importance of having the Obamas as role models of a happy, loving and stable couple and family.

One person refers to a 12-year-old boy who has been quoted as saying "Marriage is for white people".

The film makes the point that, if we have never seen something, we are unlikely to aspire to it.

Visualization is so important for our development. If you can see it, you can be it. I talk about this in my book Success Strategies for Black People.

This is why we need to have positive images in Black literature, film, and every art form.

This is also one reason why it is vital for us to learn about Black history. It is vital for us to know about Black achievers, past and present, and about those who have challenged injustice and oppression.

If you have not seen Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, I urge you to see it.

William G. Allen, Black Abolitionist

I don't know much about William G. Allen. He fled Boston during slavery and settled in Liverpool, where he founded a school. Click here to listen to an interesting audio about him.

We will be talking about William G. Allen tonight on What U Need to Know. Click here to listen. The show starts at 7 p.m. UK time, 2 p.m. EST. If you miss it, you can still listen to the recording here.

We have done several Black history shows over the past few months, including Juneteenth, Watch Night, Haiti/African Remembrance Day, and more. Click here to listen to previous recordings of What U Need to Know.

In addition, our guest will be Mark Simpson of London-based Black History Studies, who will talk about their work.

I hope you can join us.

Booker T. Washington Quote

The Vocal Expressions blog is posting quotations for Black History Month. Click here for a great quote from Booker T. Washington.

Booker T. Washington was a firm believer in economic empowerment for the Black community. He was a major inspiration for the African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. Click here to read more.

Click here for the What U Need to Know radio show. Saturday 12th Feb, 7 p.m. UK time. If you miss it, you can still hear the recording.

This month, we shall be joined by Black History Studies, a London-based group. You WILL want to hear what they have to say.

Heroic Black Women

Check out this great video from Brother T. of London Black History Walks: Heroic Black Women.

Click here for more about London Black History Walks. They put on some awesome events every month.

Click here for the What U Need to Know radio show. This month, we will be looking at Black History Month (which, for us, is every month). Saturday 12th Feb, 2 p.m. EST, 7 p.m. UK time.

Click here for my two Black history quizzes. I will be adding more.

Enjoy Black History Month - every month!

What Is Black Love?

This month's Ebony focuses on Black love. And it's great to see President and Mrs. Obama on the cover as an example of Black love.

What is Black love?

Ebony says: "There is enormous energy in every apology delivered, every truth uttered, every embrace held, every abuse checked, every vow honored ...".

To read more, see What Is Black Love?

I think what Des O'Connor is doing is brilliant. To read more, see: Why Can't Successful Black Women Find Good Black Men?

He is helping single Black men and women to meet each other.

But what happens after they meet?

We need to ask some hard questions.

Why do we have such a high incidence of divorce and relationship breakdown in our communities?

Why are so many Black children growing up in single-parent families?

And what are the consequences of this for us as individuals? For our communities? For our children?

We have so much healing to do.

For more info, see "How to Get What You Want in Your Relationships".

See also: Why We Need to Heal.

Young Black Entrepreneurs: La Diosa

Natasha Faith and Semhal Zemikael are the co-founders of La Diosa, a London-based company manufacturing beautiful, empowering jewellery. They count Naomi Campbell among their clients.

La Diosa means ‘the goddess’ in Spanish.

As a start-up, they received advice from the Prince's Trust

Click here to watch a video about their company. In this video, they talk about how they conducted their market research.

Click here for free advice for Black-owned businesses.

Click here for more about how to do research for your business.

Black History Quizzes

Click here for two new Black history quizzes. Online fun for you and your family.

For more free online fun, see Ancient Egypt Jigsaw Puzzles.

He Raised Over $500,000

Do you want to raise finance for your education or your business?

Derrick Hayes, author of Raising Money in a Recession, has raised over half a million dollars to help people with their university fees. I interviewed him in More Black Success Volume 8.

Derrick is just one of the people I interviewed in my new ebook Shaking the Money Tree, about raising sponsorship funding.

For a limited time, Shaking the Money Tree is available for just $8, which is a 75% discount off the regular price of $32.

If you want to raise sponsorship funds for your

- education
- business
- arts or community project, or
- sporting event,

you want this ebook.

Click here for more information and to download your copy of Shaking the Money Tree.

Here's to your success!

Need Finance for Your Business?

Many people are seeking finance for their businesses, and finding that the banks aren't lending.

Many people and organisations are also seeking sponsorship to attend conferences and other events.

If you are seeking alternative sources of funding, my new ebook Shaking the Money Tree may help.

I consulted many financial advisors about sponsorship, but they didn't have the information I needed. So I researched it and published this book. Click here to download Shaking the Money Tree now.

For a limited time, you can get a 75% discount off the regular price.

Here's to your success!

Black Shopping and Buying Habits

I have been looking into ways to research the shopping and buying habits of Black consumers, and I have a few suggestions.

To find out more, see: How to Research Black Shopping and Buying Habits.

Click here for more free advice for Black business owners.

Here's to your success!

Repeal of Healthcare Reform

Got this email today from President Obama's office. The text is below.

Many of us saw this coming, but of course, the Senate would have to vote for repeal as well for this to take effect. And that's unlikely to happen.

The people who would suffer most from repeal of healthcare reform are the most vulnerable members of society - Black people, homeless people, people on low incomes, the elderly, and children.

This is the text of the email

At 5:53 p.m. Eastern Time today, the House moved to repeal health insurance reform.

Every single Republican -- all 242 -- voted for repeal.

This is a vote for insurance companies. There is no other way to put it.

Because if the question is what is best for Americans, repeal would never come up: Health reform is already at work improving the lives of millions of people. Repeal will result in 32 million fewer Americans with health coverage -- and add $230 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

Republicans in Congress need to know there's a political price to pay for siding with special interests over the constituents in their districts.

We're putting together a dedicated team of organizers and volunteers across the country to protect our progress on health reform -- and we need 2 donations from Pope Valley to make sure they have the resources they need.

Chip in $3 or more to support Organizing for America and help stop repeal before it's too late.

Our True Power

Our true power lies within. Check out my article: Positive Change and Transformation.

We talked about this recently on the What U Need to Know radio show. Click here to listen.

Have a great day!

Black Author Interviews

More Black Success Volume 9 is the second volume dedicated specifically to interviews with Black authors. The first was MBS7. Click here to get your free copies now.

Bobby Richardson’s novel The Neighborhood describes how a completely illiterate street thug transforms himself to become a respected and mega-successful businessman.

H.V. Lyons, author of Supernature, is inspired by classic science
fiction writers such as H. G. Wells.

Author of Poison Reality: a Symphony of Bittersweet, Nedyne Shorts Nettles creates true-to-life characters in realistic
situations.

In Transformations: Give up the Struggle, Renee Wiggins asks, what’s keeping you from reaching your full potential and becoming all that you can be?

Lots of the other volumes also contain interviews with Black authors. Click here for your free copies of More Black Success.

See also: New Black Author Interviews

The Future for Black Boys

One of our guests on What U Need to Know on Saturday, Theron J. Jackson, author of Never Be Nothin, talked about his experience of having been told in 5th grade "You'll never be nothing". He was told this by a Black woman teacher. Click here to listen to the show.

I use the term "teacher" advisedly.

One of the many challenges faced by our Black boys and young men is that many are being raised in an environment where they have no positive male role models. One result of this is that many of them are lost in the education system and end up in the criminal justice system.

Although our guest was speaking about African American boys, we see the exact same things happening in the UK.

Although being raised without positive male role models is not the only reason for this problem, the lack of role models does have an effect.

I think girls as well as boys need positive male role models.

This is why I published Black Success Stories Volume 1.

Many of those interviewed in the book speak about educating our young people, and the duties and responsibilities of Black parents.

Click here to order your copies of Black Success Stories now.

See also: Do You Think Like a Success?

Click here for more about our panel of experts.

Here's to your success!

Lil Wayne Hates Dark-Skinned Women: Why We Still Need to Heal

I just saw this: Lil Wayne Boycotted for Hating Dark-Skinned Women.

We have public figures speaking this nonsense, but yet so many of our people are still in denial about why we need to heal.

This is all about self-hatred.

Check out my article series: Why We Need to Heal.

See also: Positive Change and Transformation

What is your vision for 2011? Order a copy of my book Success Strategies for Black People to help you achieve your unlimited possibilities.

Plus, click here to consult our panel of experts.

Here's to your success!

Our Panel of Experts

We had a great show on Saturday's What You Need to Know. If you missed it, Click here to listen to the recording.

We had a very impressive panel of experts, and we will continue to work together to offer you help, advice and support.

There was so much wisdom coming from our guests.

We were joined by:

T. Murray, author of the Stuck on Stupid books. Click here for her website.

Karen Shablin - Have you been laid off from your job? Check out Loving Your Layoff by Karen Shablin. Click here for her website.

Nadia Mathews, author of How I Let Her Steal My Husband

Terry Carter, founder of the Travertine Spa Collection and author of the forthcoming book How I Changed Careers. Click here for his website.

Dr. Veronica Glass, author of Use Your Buckets - 12 Life Lessons for Success

Theron J. Jackson, author of Never Be Nothing. Click here for his website. He was once told by a Black woman teacher he would "never be nothing".

Dr. Joyce Morley-Ball, author of Seeds for the Harvest of a Lifetime. Click here for her website.

Lisa Sims, author of Stretching a Dollar to Make Thousands, a guide for entrepreneurs.

And of course, my co-presenter, Joan Gosier, author of Cotton Pickin' Paycheck. She will be interviewing our guests on her blog at Overground Railroad.

We have so many strategies and resources available to us to make the most of our potential and achieve our unlimnited possibilities.

Here's to your success!