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Page 19 November 2007 The AC Phoenix Vai's wiawfS ^ by Val Jones ^ To get an idea of what this column and future columns will be like, let me give you a glimpse of me. I am a poet, a writer, a storyteller, a broadcaster, a paci fist, an activist...and so much more, or less, depending on how you iook at it. I am a historian, a futurist, an old soul with an “oie school' attitude and a “new school" style. I am a conscious “tweaker,” a mental “challenger.” I aim to make you think...whether it is comfortable for you to do so or not. I am a firm believer that it is MY generation (those bom in the ’50s and 60s) that has forgotten — either purposeiy or by distraction — what our elders and ancestors passed down to us. And, because of that, WE have not passed the necessary tools and proper knowledge of history to our youth. Yet, we wonder why they are confused, uneducated, rude and failing in basic social and intellectual skills...skills that we, as a once powerful and productive Black race, had no problem with until...until... Why is it we always fall for “shiny” things with no lasting value?! For the sake of this column, let’s just say I am one person with my own mind and my own opinion of where we are in this world...and where we need to be. Here’s hoping that my views reach, teach or challenge. Or maybe they will just be good fodder for water cooler and dinner table talk. Discussing or disputing, as long as you’re talking about it, there’s hope. Now, on with the column: I was pleasantly surprised. Wonderfully surprised. I have to admit that, in seeing some continually degrading trends when it came to Black folks, I was beginning to wonder if we as a people were “gonna make it.“ I particularly worried about our young folk. They seem to have no real direction, no savvy...and few seem concerned enough to actual turn them around. Oh yes...there’s TALK! However, when it comes to actual “action,” whether it be at home, in the schools or out in society, you see fault, blame, and a lot of talk about the problem. But, rarely is there any talk about practical solutions or the actual implementation of said solutions. Since we have “progressed,” our old ways are not even considered. But, here’s the deal: The old ways worked!! The “new” ways? Well, just look around. Are YOU happy with what you see?! That is why I was pleasantly surprised that, in such a short time, syndi cated radio host Michael Baisden not only talked the talk, but walked the walked and was able to spearhead a march and a movement so powerful that is was reminiscent of the marches of the ‘60s. After a long vacation and presumed death. Black power and pride ap pears to be back!! So, this appears to be a very historic period occurring in our lives right now. Some call it the return of the Civil Rights movement. What I am so proud to see during the recent protest in Jena, LA was so many young folks coming together for a positive cause and a needed change in our social and legal system. Xaend&io/. 'orne Gratefully Serving The Triad Area Since 1939 Growing and Still Dedicated To Serving You Better... Modern, Efficient and Sympathetic Service. A family business dedicated to serving other families in their time of sorrow. Whose real and deep concern goes beyond professional excellence. Whose satisfaction comes from knowing, and doing all that can be done at this difficult time...and doing it better than most. 822 Carl Russell Avenue Winston-Salem^ NC Email address: rusJhome@bellsouth.net WWW. russellfuneralservice. com Phone: (336) 722-3459 Fax: (336) 631-8268
The AC Phoenix News (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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Nov. 1, 2007, edition 1
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