I Love Your Blog Award

There are many villagers that quietly join us to enjoy the posts and comments without sharing their village voice. Our blog never seems to get much in the way of COMMENTS in comparison to our daily hits. I appreciate the stealth villagers as much as those that are move 'vocal'.

One of my stealth villagers is Tey, a busy working Filipina mom living in Toronto. Tey publishes 'My Daily Thoughts'. Tey presented us with the 'I Love Your Blog Award':

"... for his informative posts about Black people (just love it)."

I appreciated the love when she gave our blog the award.  In fact, I've shared the award with others in 2007 and 2008.  I figure it was time to share some love again with other blogs that deserve it. The Electronic Village presents the 'I Love Your Blog Award' to five others that we read and enjoy often. They are more than welcome to pass along the award to other blogs which they love to read as well and so on.

1. African American Pundit - Rock is one of the first bloggers that I regularly followed in the afrosphere. His blog comes strong and correct with information about both race and politics.  He was also one of the first to join me in speaking out against the high level of taser-related deaths in America.
2. What About Our Daughters? - Gina is a blogger willing to take her online efforts to a new level.  She is a book author and a movie-maker.  She organizes the annual Blogging While Brown Conference.  At the end of the day this is a blog that I think should be followed by every person of African descent in our nation ... especially Black women!
3. Eccentric Lover - Nailah is a young 'un.  She is a college freshman who shows remarkable clarity on her blog on the trials and tribulations of being a teenager.  She also finds some of the most provocative and unique photos that I've ever seen.
4. The Field Negro - Field won this award from me in 2007.  He is the most consistent Black blogger that I've ever seen.  No guest bloggers.  It's all Field, all the time.  He seems to be able to have a new and powerful blog post each and every evening.  He provides outstanding social and political commentary on all issues that impact on the Black community.  This is my favorite blog of all-times!
5. Booker Rising - I disagree with the perspective shared by Shay on this blog more often than not.  However, I admire this blogger for bringing out the diverse voices of Black opinion makers in both America, African and Europe.  Can anyone tell me if Shay is a man or woman?

Congratulations to all of you and thanks for writing such great blogs. Villagers, who are the blogs and bloggers that YOU love?

NAACP Support of Scott Sisters: Damned If They Do, Damned If They Don't

The NAACP continues to struggle to regain its relevance in the Black community. Somewhere along the line the organization lost its voice. NAACP president Ben Jealous works hard to find ways to get the NAACP back in the discussion. The organization is large and has ability to get visibility from the mainstream media on occasion. Of course, because the organization is large ... it is difficult for it to be quick or nimble. As a result, the NAACP often seems to chime in towards the end of the life cycle of a problem.

The NAACP was late to the story of the Jena 6. They were late to the story of Troy Davis. And last month, the NAACP was late to the story of the Scott Sisters.

Some online activists have damned the NAACP for being glory-hounds who simply cherry-pick on issues that are already close to resolution. For example, the Scott Sisters have been imprisoned for over 16 years, yet the NAACP didn't get engaged until September 2010 in spite of a call for their support much earlier.  Evelyn Rasco, the mother of the two sisters, indicates in this radio interview with Nordette Adams that she has not heard from Ben Jealous or anyone else from the NAACP until this past week.

On the other hand, African American Pundit reports that the true hero in the Scott Sisters case is a Black freedom fighter named Nancy Lockhart. Ms. Lockhart has been suing the Internet, and her Free the Scott Sisters Blog, along with radio shows began a grassroots effort to free the Scott sisters.

I suspect that Jamie Scott and Gladys Scott are grateful to the NAACP and anyone else ... late tot he party or not ... who advocated for their release.   At the end of the day ... isn't that the point?   The publicity-hound nature of the NAACP on a national basis is self-evident.  However, would we rather have a publicity-hound NAACP advocating for good causes *or* would we rather that they be silent on those same good causes?

Is the NAACP in a case of being damned if they do and damned if they don't?

Blog Safari #44

Join our rhino guide, Nyabingi, as she takes you through the afrosphere to find some truly creative Black bloggers. We use this semi-regular blog safari to expose you to some Black bloggers that you might otherwise overlook. Visit the links below to enjoy these suggested blog posts!

• African American Pundit - Who Funds the Tea Party?
• daddyBstrong - New Day
• The Intersection of Madness and Reality - Suicide: An Individual AND a Family Crisis
• The Jose Vilson - Dear President Obama: It's Not You, It's Your Education Policy
• What About Our Daughters - Startup Weekend for Black Women: I AM an Expert!

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Blog Safari #41

Our creative rhino-guide is ready to take you on a blog safari expedition to enjoy the flow from talented bloggers out in the afrosphere. I encourage all interested villagers to click on the links below to enjoy these suggested blog posts!

• African American Political Pundit - NAACP President Ben Jealous is Wrong, Shirley Sherrod is Right
• Anna Renee is Still Talking - Why Didn't You Black Folks Build Some Towns or Something?
• Black Web 2.0 - 5 Webcomics Created by African Americans
• What About Our Daughters - Ben Jealous SHOULD Resign: How NAACP, Roland S. Martin and the White House Shanked a Black Grandmother in the Back
• Will Capers' Blaque Ink - Black Adversity: The Opposite of White Privilege

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Blog Safari #36

It has been awhile since we have invited our villagers on a blog safari. Our rhino-guide (she still needs a name!) wants to take you through the cyber-jungle to see some talented bloggers and creative blog posts. Enjoy the flow!!

• African American Political Pundit - African Americans and Climate Change


• Black and Missing, But Not Forgotten - Letter to the Black Press


• Black 'n Bougie - Dear Microsoft, I Wish I Knew How to Quit You!


• Black Women, Blow the Trumpet - The Foibles of Black Female Scapegoat: Notes From the Bench


• Nat Turner's Revenge - Great Depression for African Americans

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Day of Blogging for Justice: 'Stop Taser Torture' on 12/4/2009

The call is going out to all bloggers to support Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture on December 4, 2009. We ask bloggers to take a single day out of their schedule and focus it on an important related to the tasing issue. Our hope is that the focused effort of the blogosphere will have a positive impact on the issue on the issue of taser abuse in America, Canada, Australia and elsewhere.

Perhaps the idea of an electric rifle made sense when it was first conceived. The idea is now warped. Villagers, we have a problem when police tasers cause death on a weekly basis. The problem is being discussed by bloggers like African American Political Pundit, Pam Spaulding, Yobachi and others.

Some say that using the term 'torture' is counter-productive. I don't agree. In fact, even Taser International ... the manufacturer of the taser gun issued an alert to the fact that their invention tortures people and may cause unintended heart attacks. Continued use is torture in my view.

Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture should create a worldwide discussion with ideas, advice, plans, and action. We want to expand the discussion on the issue of tasering and how the issue threatens us all.

I hope that all villagers will join us in this online activism on December 4. What say u?

Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying It Forward

One of my favorite blogs is Sojourner's Place. The vibe and flow from that blog is uplifting in every sense of the word. As such, it filled me with joy to learn that Sojourner honored this blog with her 'Helping Hand' award. Later I was honored by A Slant Truth and Regina's Family Seasons with this same award.

Sojourner commits her life to "leaving the pile higher than (she) found it". She seeks to "pay that help and support forward" to those new to the blogsphere. As such, she created the "Emblem of the Helping Hand" as a token of her appreciation for blog mentors and a source of encouragement for those who are up and coming.

The rules for this award are simple:

• Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers in support and encouragement for their efforts.


• In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog or blog author with a link for others to visit.


• Each recipient must show the Emblem and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him.


• Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus.


• If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard.


• Add your name to The Helping Hand meme at my new blog entitled The Emblem of the Helping Hand and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.


• Display the rules

To my Blogging Mentors, please accept this "Emblem of the Helping Hand" as a symbol of just how much your help, support, and encouragement has meant to me during the past 6 months.

1. African American Political Pundit - I came close to resigning my membership in The AfroSpear a few months ago. AAPP stepped up with a phone call and other support to work things out in such a manner that I could remain with this progressive group of bloggers. I appreciate his helping hand very much!
2. Blacks Gone Geek - I have worked with Milt Haynes for a number of years in BDPA. In fact, I served as national president-elect of that crew during the two years (2002-2003) in which Milt was national president. Milt urged me to get engaged in Web 2.0 world for many months before I finally did so. I am glad to publically acknowledge the helping hand that Milt has provided to me over the years.
   
3. Dallas South Blog - Shawn Williams is a brother who quietly and effectively takes care of business through his blog. He attended the Jena 6 protest march last year. He served as a credentialed blogger at the Democratic National Convention earlier this year. He worked behind the scenes on Urban Policy issues for the Obama campaign. Over the past few weeks he has promoted his blog with a weekly Constant Contact message. I plan to follow in his footsteps over the coming weeks. It is for these reasons that I acknowledge the helping hand of this powerful blogger.
4. plezWorld - Plez is an AfroSpear colleague. Many people talk the talk ... but Plez is a brother that walks the walk. He stepped up as a volunteer for a thankless task. This award is my way of saying, 'Thanks'!
5. Ultraviolet Underground - PurpleZoe opened up my eyes and heart to the impact of human rights abuse in Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere. More to the point, she created a forum, Roots of Humanity, and a monthly blogging campaign, Am I Not Human?, to bring awareness of human rights issues to our blog readers. She is a sister with a powerful aura and I appreciate her cyber-glow.

I'm "Paying it Forward" to the following blogs. These are blogs that are doing it and doing it well. Each has a very special place reserved just for them in the Electronic Village. I encourage you to visit, leave a comment, and if are so inclined give subscribe to them as well. Cause we bloggers are fragile and need your support and encouragement.

1. Black Threads - My sister, Kyra, is the person who got me into blogging in the first place. I want to 'pay it forward' to her because she deserves it. She is an eCommerce marketing manager, author, and quilter. She just co-wrote her third book, "Liberia: A Visit Through Books". It follows on the heels of her previous books for children and quilters. She is currently collecting info on President Obama Quilts!
2. Blogging While Brown Conference - One of my favorite blogging moments this year was being a presenter and attendee at the 1st annual Blogging While Brown conference hosted by Gina McCauley in Atlanta GA. I look forward to attending the 2nd annual BWB Conference in Chicago and I hope that many of you will be there as well.
3. Clark Thought Leadership - Julius Clark is an up-and-coming leader in the IT industry. I've known Julius for a number of years. I always knew that the young brother could throw down in the hospitality suite ... I now know that he can throw down in the boardroom as well. Julius is president-elect for BDPA Charlotte chapter and I want to 'pay it forward' on the success of his brand-new blog.
4. Keep It Trill - One of the most dynamic bloggers that I've met in recent weeks is Kit. Her writing skills and her willingness to be an activist in the afrospere inspire me. As such, I want to 'pay it forward' by supporting her in any manner possible as we move into the new year!
5. SES: Science, Education & Society - This is a blog created by The Urban Scientist. Science is not a subject discussed very much in the Black community. This blogger is consistent in bringing good information and open dialogue about science for any person of African descent interested enough to visit. I 'pay it forward' in the hopes that more of us will find and support this great blog(ger)!

Well, I hope that you take a moment to visit with the 10 blogs shown on my two lists. Each of them inspired or supported me during these past 6 months. I will close using the words of Sojourner ... MUCH OBLIGED! VERY MUCH OBLIGED!

Blog Safari #21

There are some powerful cultural, personal and political posts in our 'Blog Safari' this week. Follow our guide-rhino as you leave our village to check out the work of these talented bloggers!

• African American Political Pundit - 'How Many Blacks and Other Minorities in Barack's Cabinet?'
  
• Black Political Thought - 'Eileen Bernstein, Haverstraw Middle School Teacher, Binds Two Black Students During History Lesson on Slavery'
  
• DigitalFanGirl - 'BlissDom ‘09 Shows Lack of Diversity'
  
• Keep It Trill - 'Know Thy Enemy'
  
• Tariq Nelson - 'Stand Up and Man Up for Strong Families'

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Thoughtful Blogger Award

AJ, over at Over Analyze It shared this award with the Electronic Village last year. She said that we "...have made it a point to respond to comments posted on their blogs and are tolerant of those with dissenting positions (most of the time... lol). I think they all rock!"

It’s called the Thoughtful Blogger Award, and it was originally created by Christy (Writer’s Reviews). The award is for those

"who answer blog comments, emails, and make their visitors feel at home on their blogs. For the people who take others feelings into consideration before speaking out and who are kind and courteous. Also for all of those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve, and fix their sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others."

It is in that spirit that I share The Thoughtful Blogger Award with:

1. African American Political Pundit - First, this ol' school brother has been a powerful voice for Black people during this long election cycle. However, this award is given to him for his leadership within The AfroSpear. Many of us appreciate his willingness to step up in our time of need.
2. Mrs. Grapevine - This sister did a very thoughtful thing when she co-founded a weekly meme called Ol' School Friday. That meme has brought together an inter-generational crew of bloggers to share some wonderful memories of music with each other and our blog readers.
3. Springer's Journal - Christina is a colleague from The AfroSpear. However, this award is being given to her for her simple mantra, ' Click. Give. Feel Good.' She saw an idea and used her imagination to take it to the next level. My hope is that many villagers will join her cause and participate with Black Bloggers for Education initiative.
4. Urban Scientist - This blogger is dedicated to getting more people of color engaged in issues of science and technology. Urban created a meme to identify Hispanic scientists and pointed out a project that allows us to donate funds to poverty-stricken classrooms around the country ... eventually, this led to creation of Black Bloggers for Education initiative.

I hope that these brothers and sisters accept this award in the spirit of Umoja with which they are given.

Blog Safari #14

I'm looking for any villager that would like to venture out into the surrounding jungle. We call it our 'Blog Safari'. It is our opportunity to see what drumbeats are coming from other blogs in the afrosphere. I hope you enjoy these blog post referrals:

• African American Political Pundit - NYPD Taser Cop Kills Himself


• BlackNews.com - Did Palin Really Say She Wouldn't Hire Blacks


• Geoffrey Philp's Blog Spot - 'Oshun' by Geoffrey Philp


• Keep It Trill - Chasing HIV for Benefits


• SES: Science, Education & Society - Presidential Candidates Stand on Science

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

5 More Blogs That Make Me Think

It hasn't been a full three months yet since my first blog post. It is wonderful to have an outlet such as this to share insights and thoughts on the issues of the day. My hope is that the Electronic Village becomes a daily destination for others in cyberspace interested in talking about Black culture, family, information technology, science fiction, small business development or any number of other topics. I ask that you imagine yourself sitting in the shade under our baobob tree ... enjoying libations and good company of other villagers ... sharing your comments, insights and thoughts.

We are pleased that our imagery appeals to a growing number of visiting villagers. One of the first people to visit with us was Jim Walton (Black in Business). Jim named the Electronic Village as one of the five blogs that make him think. Not Fearing Change did the same thing last month. It is humbling that both of these experienced bloggers feel we deserve The Thinking Blogger Award. My responsibility is to return the favor. I must abide by the rules of this award and name five blogs that make me think.

The first 5 blogs that make me think are still going strong.

Here are 5 more:

1. African American ~Black~ Opinion - This is actually a repeat from last time. However, I am even more intriqued by the direction that Bro. Rock is taking his blog. He is providing a portal for other bloggers in the Afrosphere to make their voices heard. This blog is one that I read daily. You may want to check 'em out regularly as well.
2. the field negro - I absolutely love the House Negro of the Day and Movie of the Day features that field announces every day. He recently shared his thoughts on 'patio negros' that caused some introspection on my part. I'm probably a 'patio negro' at this stage of my life. Come correct to the field negro ... or don't come at all. However, if your self-esteem is high, then I recommend the field negro blog to anyone interested in candor about race relations issues in our country.
3. Fort Wayne African American Independent Woman - credo is the creative genius behind this blog focused on local, regional, and national politics, race relations, community affairs, economic development for small businesses. She is generous in her comments here on the Electronic Village. She was the first to introduce me to the concept of the Afro-Spear. Her blog consistently gives me reasons to sit back and ponder the state of things.
4. The 'D' Spot - Keith is one of the best writers that I've seen in the blogosphere. He uses words to paint a picture. He takes the time to look at issues from a variety of perspectives in a humorous manner. The 'D' Spot focuses on issues related to Detroit, however, anyone that lives in any big city in America will find posts on this blog that resonate with them.
5. Paula Mooney - Paula has a self-titled blog that moves from topic to topic. Quite a few of her posts are about entertainment issues. However, I come back to her blog most of the time to pick up tips on how to monetize my blog. She has been very candid about the money she's earned from blogging. I find her tips easier to understand than many of the other power bloggers out there. Anyhow, I do recommend Paula's blog for any of us newbie bloggers that think we want to get some nickels and dimes back from our online efforts.

These are five more blogs that make me think. Obviously, there are dozens of other blogs and bloggers out there that we enjoy here in da Village. Many of the ones that we enjoy are included in our Afrosphere, Cool and Nubian blogrolls over in the left-hand navigation bar. However, the rules of this meme limit me to handing out the award to only five blogs. It is now the responsibility of these five villagers to write a post with links to 5 blogs that make them think.

Have you visited any of the five blogs listed above? Do you have any comments on them that you would like to share?

5 Blogs That Make Me Think

The evolution of the Electronic Village over the past couple of months has been a joy to experience. I started this blog with an idea that it would become an online oasis where elders from other parts of cyberspace would be willing to sit by our baobob tree in the center of the Village and share their wisdom with us. The stories we would tell around the fire would vary -- Alkebulan, Black culture, economic inclusion, family, information technology industry, science fiction, sports, youth education and other ecletic commentary would be shared in the Village.

It appears that our efforts are appreciated. A 30-something sister with an aptly-named blog, Not Fearing Change, nominated us for a Thinking Blogger Award. She wrote, "The Villager writes about social controversial topics. Items such as race; environment; social conditions. I have only been recently introduced to the blog. But I am slowly but surely becoming a common visitor. As well the Villager was oh so kind to sign me up for a new blog movement – I will let the Villager explain…"

My responsibility is to share the Thinking Blogger Award with five (5) blogs that make me think. There are many blogs and bloggers that I have come to read and respect. However, the five that I tag with this award are:

1. Cincinnati Black Blog - I came across this blog over two years ago. It was the first and only blog that I read for most of those two years. It is run by Nathaniel Livingston. I respect Bro. Livingston for his persistence and consistency in sharing his controversial view of life for Black folks in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2. Black Threads - My sister, Kyra Hicks, is a world-reknowned expert in the field of African American quilters. She published two books, a website and a blog on the topic. She is the one that explained to me that I could create a blog at no cost. I'm not a quilter, but, I admire the concentrated focus that Kyra puts into her blog.
3. African American Opinion - I seek out bloggers of color. I seek out blogs that have information uplifting for people of African descent. Bro. Rock is the blogger that brings together more information for African Americans than I have seen in any four other blogs combined. It truly is a remarkable effort and I highly recommend this blog to anyone with an interest in nubian thought.
4. The Federation - I don't publicize it much ... but, I'm a science fiction fan. I've read most books written by Isaac Asimov, Octavia Butler, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert and Larry Niven. I saw most episodes of ST:DS9 and ST:Voyager. So, it may not be surprising that the next blog that makes me think is based on a diary of a harassed Starfleet Officer in the 24th Century on the Star Trek of Life. I enjoy the photos, posts and the overall theme of this blog. The blog author goes by the moniker, 'Jean Luc Picard'. His blog makes you think and smile at the same time.
5. Modern Musings - My favorite blogger is Danielle. Her random thoughts (musings) on a wide variety of issues always makes me think. She demonstrates a willingness to share her thoughts on some of the tough social issues of the day. Many of the design elements of the Electronic Village came as a result of my wandering in her blog. Hey, let me know if you figure out her profile photo ... is she laying down or what?

Anyhow, these are the five blogs that make me think. I encourage you to visit each of them and share your comments as you feel the spirit to do so.