By Thembisa Mshaka

An offensive, incendiary ad went up in Manhattan this week targeting the wombs of Black women. I was not alone in my anger at the ad; media personality and recording artist Free shared my upset. She invited me to provide some analysis on the ad to take the discussion on twitter beyond the emotional reactions the ad sparked. Below is what she posted at Freesworld.com. I’d love to get your thoughts here as well.

Here’s the ad:

No, your eyes do not deceive you.

****

Free,

I have been in advertising and marketing communications for over 12 years. As a writer of numerous campaigns across categories from pro-social to entertainment, I understand the impact words and images are designed to make in the form of advertising. I want to examine all that is wrong with this ad:

Copy: “The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb.” The headline is designed to grab your attention. It certainly does that—but it also maligns African American expectant mothers and infers that the Black female body is toxic and to be feared, when in fact the womb is the seminal, most natural place in the world for any child of any mother. Now Black women’s wombs are more dangerous than urban streets, than corrupt police, than semi-automatic weapons, than drugs?! The headline seems to work counter to the overall message, which is that they want to prevent abortions. If that’s so, then what’s so scary about a pregnant Black woman? Ohhh, the fact that she might be in control of her own reproductive system; that she would make an informed choice of her own volition. Now I get it.

Imagery: Instead of seeing a mature pregnant woman, or even an infant, we are presented with an adorable young African-American girl who looks to be under the age of 8. What is this ad’s image saying? That the child is also dangerous as the outcome of a Black woman giving birth? That she is the owner of the dangerous womb and sexually active, (which objectifies and sexualizes her in a way that is totally inappropriate)? Or is it intended to make a woman considering terminating a pregnancy rethink it if she sees a cute little girl that her embryo could become? In my view, this cute girl is meant to make me look and say “awww, how cute!” and then read the whole ad. Any answer occurs for me as a ploy. More abuse of the black female image.

But what if this woman was raped? What if her pregnancy is the result of incest? What if the condom just broke, or she’s simply not prepared emotionally or financially to bring a child into the world? What if the embryo has genetic abnormalities the mother is not able or willing to manage? Much more goes into this decision than interest groups and politicians tend to admit or accept.

A woman’s right to choose is under a full-blown assault in America right now. From talk of overturning Roe v. Wade, to Republicans trying to redefine “rape” in legislation to the Senate voting to de-fund Planned Parenthood, the pendulum is dangerously close to swinging back to hangers in dark alleys or interstate drives in the dead of night for illegal procedures. Instead of offensive and insensitive ads for shock value, why wouldn’t ThatsAbortion.com share options for pregnant women that involve going full term? Present the option of surrogacy, or offering the child for adoption instead of vilifying the same womb that creates life. Or, sing the praises of abstinence or safe sex. All that is too complicated; it’s easier to slap a nasty headline on a sweet image and generate some buzz. If women of color are terminating at disproportionate rates, a closer look at all the factors that contribute to this should be examined. All women deserve to know what those factors are.

ThatsAbortion.com gets an Ad FAIL from me for race-baiting with their advertising.

Thembisa S. Mshaka, Promax Gold and Telly award-winning advertising and media executive and author, Put Your Dreams First, Handle Your [entertainment] Business (Business Plus/GCP, 2009)

The theme for Black History Month 2011, as suggested by the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, is “African Americans and the Civil War.” Noted artist Charles Bibbs has created a series of posters on this theme including one of Harriet Tubman.

Black Women for Wellness is delighted with the inclusion of Harriet Tubman as she is a leading icon of the Civil War and with African American history but also because it offers an opportunity to add dimension her life and work.

Tubman richly deserves recognition for all her exploits during this era. As a Conductor on the Underground Railroad, she is remembered as leading enslaved Blacks to freedom, including forcing the more timid ones to carry on with the journey or face death for turning back; a spy for the Union Army, gathering intelligence from plantations and escaped slaves on the positions and movements of Confederate troops; or leading a group of scouts as part of a raid on the Combahee River to remove torpedoes, destroy railroads and bridges and cut off supplies to Confederate troops in South Carolina.

The role of warrior is but one dimension of “General” Harriet Tubman.

The “General” had another side: health care provider and advocate.
As part of her duties for the Union Army, Tubman was sent to care for members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers after their assault of Fort Wagner in South Carolina in 1863 (the film “Glory” starring Denzel Washington was based on these troops).

Tubman told Sarah Hopkins Bradford, her first biographer, “ … every morning, I’d get a big chunk of ice, put it in a basin, fill it with water, then I’d take a sponge and begin. First man I’d come to, I’d thrash away the flies, and they’d rise … like bees round a hive. Then I’d begin to bathe the wounds and by the time I’d bathed off three or four … [the water] would be as red as clear blood. Then I’d go and get more ice … and by the time I got to the next ones, the flies would be round the first ones black and thick as ever.”

Tubman was known during this time as a most effective herbalist, having cured dysentery in an area of Florida where several members of a Union Army regiment were “dying off like sheep.” Her herbal remedy cured the surgeon in charge and the remaining soldiers who had been stricken.

Later, toward the end of the war, Tubman would travel to Virginia to labor in hospitals operated by the government for Black soldiers, and on to Washington, DC to give testimony to the War Department on the conditions the patients were being treated under.

In the remaining years of her life, Harriet Tubman used her home as a shelter for “aged and indigent colored people.”

The event called Live at the Pagoda, started by two very cool cats Thomas Aguilar and Michael Grammar who make up Ungrammar have featured artists as vibrant as Bilal(if you have never caught one of his live shows put that on your to do list IMMEDIATELY), as eclectic as Little Dragon and Electric Wire Hustle and a whole slew of artist in between. On Friday it featured two beautiful artists that I wasn’t up on. Hailing from Oakland was Mara Hruby, whose rendition of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful”, was pretty NASTY( in a good way) she also had one of my FAVORITE musicians in the Bay backing her Nate Mercereau of the PARK!! Pairing up with Mara was Andy Allo from LA by way of Bamenda,Cameroon. Her ease with the crowd made her set pretty enjoyable not to mention her whole set was FEEL GOOD MUSIC the whole way through. Keeping the energy moving forward was my main man Cory aka DJ the C.M.E. Not only is he one of my closest friends but he has been honing his skills under the tutelage of the Bay Area’s own Sake1derful. If you missed it you missed it but do yourself a favor and add these folks on Facebook so you can keep yourself in the loop. Live at the Pagoda

By Jan Robinson Flint- ED of Black Women for Wellness

Black Women for Wellness joined with others nationally and locally this week to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a holiday that marks an important milestones in our African American’s experience.  While we are encouraged by the strides that have been made to unify and heal our communities, we must point out a racist and divisive campaign that objectifies Black children, charges Black women with genocide and utilizes Black men as pawns in a political play for power that has been brought to our city by The Radiance Foundation and Issue4life.

Along King Boulevard where this year’s parade took route, and where our community – politicians, elected officials, grassroots leadership and everyday regular folk – gathered to celebrate the life of Rev. King, were billboards with the message “Black Children An Endangered Species’, and the face of a beautiful African American child accompanying this dangerous message.

This message is dangerous because it belies its true purpose:  to gather anti-abortion support in the African American community. Los Angeles is the latest stop in this campaign; billboards have been posted in Atlanta, GA, Milwaukee, WI, Florida and Illinois.

African American/Black children are not comparable to bald eagles, blue whales, California condors and other animals on the endangered species list. A society that does not value the lives of Black children, women and men is the greatest threat to our community.  Substandard housing, unchecked police power that murders with impunity and jails with gusto, disparities in health care, pay, life expectancy, and more.  These are the true threats to the survival of healthy, stable Black families and communities.

Martin Luther King Jr. believed that health care was a basic human right. The Radiance Foundation, by insinuating that Black women bear the blame for genocide through abortion, makes it plain that their focus is not human rights but the subjugation of Black women’s autonomy over their bodies.

It is reprehensible that someone would use Black children as a tool to attack Black women for political purposes.

Black women stand at the intersection of racism and sexism in this country and we face the pain of living at this crossroads everyday.  It is demonstrated by our health status, we suffer from some of the highest health disparities in Los Angeles County.

Rather than allow outside agitators to barge in and try to divide us by scape-goating Black women for political gain, Black women’s organizations and our allies must come together to find solutions to ending the health disparities and crises we face.

Trust Black women: if anyone feels the sharp pain of infant and maternal mortality in our community – it is our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters.

Trust Black women: if anyone feels the sharp pain of husbands, sons, brothers lost to gang violence, police brutality and murder in our community – it is our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters.

Trust Black women: if anyone feels the sharp pain of dreams and hopes deferred, dried up and festered because of poverty, miseducation, hopelessness and despair, it is us.

While we bask in the glow of our country celebrating Dr. King and while you still have your favorite Dr King quote on your Facebook page, please recognize there are organizations and people that would attempt to control women and who would destroy our families in a heartbeat; organizations that have the audacity to attempt to link their agenda with the philosophy of Dr. King by placing billboards along the parade route celebrating him and the movement from which he sprang.  These billboards dehumanize Black children and charge Black women with genocide – something Dr. King would never, ever stand for.

I look forward to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Los Angeles, the children, high school bands, local personalities and line dancing seniors ….it is a heart-warming and powerful way to convey to our children and to ourselves who the Black community is in LA and what we stand for.  It is a reminder of how far we have come and that we have not yet arrived.  It is a chance for those we share this road with to come together and celebrate the milestones on this journey, and that we are a powerful, visionary people.

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … It comes only through the tireless efforts and passionate concern of dedicated individuals … This is no time for apathy nor complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

What does this moment ask of you, and what does it ask of me?

1.      Gather more information at Trust Black Women see our website atwww.trustblackwomencalifornia.org

2.      Write something, say something. Yes blog, twitter, facebook and put our technology prowess to use.

3.      Talk to your friends and neighbors. People might not have noticed, may be understandably confused and a few words from you can help explain how these got here, and the ulterior motives of the sponsoring foundations.

“It is a well known fact that in our culture the shops; hair salons/braid spots and barbershops, are more than just places we go every two weeks or so to revive our ‘sexy.’ The shops are places where the sexes convene to gossip, discuss and debate. Where, in a panel like discussion, each generation represents their point of view on current events. Where many of us put a human face to the negative statistics that are plaguing our community. Statistics such as; rising numbers in single-parent households, increasing unemployment rates, leading the nation in new HIV cases and etcetera. We also get advice on almost every aspect of our lives, be it sound or unsound. The Shop, it is a fixture in every African-American community.”

I was introduced into the salon life at the early age of five.  It has remained a routine part of my existence ever since.  As any seasoned “salon-diva” knows, with a new stylist comes a new shop and new chatter.  Most of the things I have seen, learned, heard and discussed with in the salon walls have helped mold me into becoming the woman I am today.  Which, upon my last visit, has given me a very important question to ponder: “Are bitter women largely at fault for the increasing disembodiment of our men and women relations, by knowingly passing on their negativity towards our men to other women?”  I can hear the grunts of disgust from the women readers now. Before you blow off this blog, do me a favor, read on.

As I am engaging in the normal shop chat I share with the ladies, who are both relatively close to my age, unwed and single-parents; most of my close friends are men.  For the most part when girlfriends come to the shop they’re no problems, however recently that has not been the case.  For some reason one girlfriend just could not find it in her heart to like me; and before I could even finish my statement these, seemingly happy women, transformed before my eyes, verbally sparring with each other to be first to “educate” me.

“Men are animals, every man you meet wants to have sex with you!  They all cheat, no matter what you believe.  To them nothing is better than a new woman.  His girlfriend should not like you, and I would not like you either, it’s only a matter of time before he cheats on her and you will be the first option.”

The insults and stories kept coming, amid my vain attempts of being a positive voice of reason for “the brothers” I found myself being surrounded with the classic chat “n*ggas’ ain’t [expletive]!”  I left the shop shaken, shocked and just plain confused.  I understand that these women have come across some bad apples, but so does everyone, it is just the nature of relationships.  But what has made the majority of Black women so bitter? Even more important why are black women not realizing how this affects them in the long run?

“An even more alarming statistic is the increase in the number of both Black men and women who have never been married. Nearly 45 percent of Black men have never married and 42 percent of Black women have never married. More to the point, an increasing number of Black women will never get married. The percentage of Black women who are married declined from 62 percent to 31 percent between 1950 and 2002,” says Joy Bennett Kinnon in her article entitled “The shocking state of Black marriages: experts say many will never get married.”

This article goes on to list very important factors as to why this number is where it is, unemployment, drugs, the systemic incarceration of our community and the AIDS crisis.   While all of these are very heavy and damaging, I believe that more time should be put into exploring just how much the bitterness of our women aides these numbers, as well.  The bitter Black women are emasculating our men.  Accusing them of being nothing more than animals that can not control their sexual drive, the very thing that was depicted in the 1915 silent film “Birth of a Nation,” this film that horrifies and disgusts our race whenever it is viewed.

Now there are plenty of bad “brothers” out there; I am in no way denying this fact.  I have had my heart broken a few times myself.  I am merely wondering how does it help being bitter and chopping down every Black Man’s worth within relationship standards, besides leaving you alone.  Well maybe not alone, but dealing with a man that is not deserving of you just to be in a “relationship,” just to feel like you are still a contender for that “brass ring.” Or even worse settling for a man that thinks he is a “player,” checking his cell phones, cursing out “hoochies” and spying on a man at 34 years of age.

This is what our daughters sees, this is what they listen too, silently watching, putting every black man’s face to the one that is making our mommies cry.  This is what is spawning another generation of bitter, Black Women. This is what continues the cycle of the destruction of the Black family.

Eve can be reached by email : e.adams@theblackintel.com

By Joel Bridgeman

In the rap world, many people who were deprived of basic necessities are blessed with financial success. I am proud of them for their accomplishments and for the pathway to success that they embody.

However, I feel that much of what they do is not only unnecessary, but embarrassing.  Record labels prey on young, financially illiterate talent to make profit.  These young men must see through the facade of the cash advance, which many of them use to purchase the large, gaudy and embarrassing jewelry they wear with a buck-wheat style pride. I take issue with this for a number of reasons.

Firstly, a cash advance contractually obligates an artist to produce income for the record label. This money is recouped with a 50-85% share of profit from album sales and charging the artist for studio time, video shoots, and other production costs in addition to the amount initially advanced. By turning down this bait, an artist gains the bargaining capital for a majority share of profit.

Secondly, big shiny shit is tacky and decreases the value of that to which it is attached.  This is true for rims on a car because they depreciate the value.  This is true for a person wearing a big ass chain because of the thoughts other members of society have when they see someone decorated like a Christmas tree:

Girl at a club: “If I get pregnant by him, he can pay my bills….”

Guy at a club: “If I rob him, I can pay my bills….”

Members of society who have never lived in and do not understand the psychology of the ghetto:

“You must be from the ghetto AND you must be stupid”.

Since most of the people who buy excessively flashy jewelry used to be poor, I’m sure they can find better ways to spend money.  Maybe they should try going back to their elementary schools to save the kids from nasty-free-lunch-hamburger day.

Baggy Jeans, girls wearing boxers, junior mafia…yeah I just brought it back to the 90′s ya’ll. This weeks classic pick is from none other than the Notorious BIG. Life after death came with the ether, this 2 cd album is definitely a classic to say the least.

You already know the tragedy that happen with Biggie, so I won’t rehash it here. But I will bring it back to the days of X-men, smurfs, teenage mutant ninja turtle and ghost busters. Sit back hit play cause only the sky is the limit.

By Angela Hughes

November 4, 2008 was one of the most monumental days within black political history along with the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. President Barack Obama is the epitome of hope and an outstanding example of African American intellectual prowess. However, President Obama’s journey to becoming the 44th President of the United States was not only a difficult one, but there were more obstacles thrown in his path to deter him from continuing his run than things to assist him in winning. What’s mind-boggling is that his experience during the 2008 election season was not surprising. In a country where racism is a common element within the history of Asian, Latino and African American citizens alike, it was not surprising. In a country where financial success and wealth stands firmly on the exploitation, inhumane labor and mistreatment of our people, it was not surprising. In a country where African Americans are at the bottom of the cultural totem pole, his treatment couldn’t help but be expected. Time and time again, people of color have had to overcome adversity and toil to reach a point of success in politics or academia.

As of late, various news sources have conducted polls and surveys regarding President Obama’s approval rating of his first 200 days in office. The results have indicated that his supporters are unsatisfied and his efforts are reminiscent of his predecessor, George Bush. To that, I can’t help but ask, “Who are they polling and surveying?” These constant attempts to discredit President Obama’s judgment boils down to one thing and one thing only: he’s an intelligent, black man. The biggest threat to this European influenced society is a person of color altering the image of leadership. President Obama’s cultural identity has caused critics, self-proclaimed pundits and political commentators alike to question his judgment. The ghastly combination of racism and the capitalism used to uphold it are the sole reasons his judgment is questioned. As the president has resurrected and brought forth the issue of race relations in this country, many racially charged incidents have received national news coverage. With the recent Professor Gates and Officer James Crowley incident, President Obama used common sense (something our former president failed to exercise), and had the men simply talk it out. Objectively looking at the situation, there was a problem between two individuals who both represented two larger groups of people, law enforcement and the black community. The leader of both individuals brought the two together, talked about it and they reached common ground. While that was the most rational and effective means of resolving the problem, the same critics, pundits and political analysts focused on the beer drinking aspect of the meeting more than anything. Another important example of this extreme distrust of black leadership is happening right now with President Obama’s plan for healthcare reform. Yesterday, in a town hall style forum, conservative, right-wing suburbia expressed tremendous opposition to his plan. While it is easy to say that these activists do not trust President Obama because he is black, we need to delve deeper -to the root of this grave distrust.

America’s wealth was built on the backs of African slaves, indigenous exploitation and immigrant labor. These very people could not receive an education simply because their acquisition of knowledge would disrupt the power structure. So there was (and still is) a conscious effort to keep them ignorant and uneducated. As the U.S. Constitution was designed to benefit the “explorers” that settled here completely excluding the aforementioned. Decades later, immigration continues to increase and cultural diversity has flourished. While educational and political opportunities have been extended to people of color, the fear of loosing control of the power structure has grown in white America*. Conservative, right-wing suburbia has used their political affiliations to cover-up their “deep-seeded hatred” (courtesy of Glen Beck) for African Americans, with President Obama as a menace to the society they tried so cunningly to maintain. On one hand, the number of African American politicians, doctors, entertainers, lawyers, and business owners are steadily increasing, and on the other hand “Republicans” continue to boil with anger (read: fear) of our country becoming socialized (read: people of color in power).

Ultimately, President Obama is getting graded every 100 days not because he’s black, but because conservative, right-wing, suburban America is afraid of loosing the sovereignty they once had. A good friend of mine mentioned that former president George Bush received praise for starting a war that has resulted in the murder of millions of people, but President Obama gets called a Nazi and socialist for wanting to save millions of people. As an African American community, it is imperative not only to our future, but to the future of all people of color, that we continue to support our president and shun the opinions of those who oppose his well-intended decisions. People of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and political affiliations have created an organized effort to gracefully change America into the very thing that President Obama’s critics loathe. Election night was his successful crossing into the treacherous political territory of presidency. But no grade, report card, poll or survey can taint the reputation he continues to build for himself in his quest to better America for all its people.

One of the first Black Super Models has passed away. Naomi Sims died of cancer August 1, 2009.

Sim’s broke color lines in the modeling world and coped the honor spot on the cover of lifetime magazine in 1969. In addition to she was the first black women to make it on to the cover of Ladies Home Journal.

After encountering racism in Hollywood, Sims decided to start her own business. In 1973 she started her own wig company which became wildly successful.  Sim’s expanded her business to include cosmetics, books and hair care products. Sim’s was 61.

To learn more about the life and story of the first Black Super Model check out the New York Times article here

To Check Out her site and products here

[show_avatar email=n.flint@theblackintel.com]