1987 - Nike - Air Jordan

The Greatness Of Muhammad Ali

“I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong…No Viet Cong ever call me Nigger.”

On this date April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his WBA Heavyweight Title after refusing to be inducted into the U.S. Army. Muhammad Ali took this stance based on his religious beliefs and personal beliefs. He took this stand against a war that he did not believe was right, refusing to fight against people that have done nothing to him, refusing to fight for a country that treated him as a second class citizen simply because of the color of his skin. Muhammad Ali was supported in his protest by fellow athletes, actors, civil rights leaders and other opponents of the Vietnam War.  April 26, 2014 an audio recording is released from the girlfriend of Los Clippers owner, Don Sterling, filled with racist comments about minorities and his disdain for black people being associated with his girlfriend or coming to his basketball games that were allegedly made by him. The irony of this release is that it afforded the current roster of Los Angeles Clippers basketball players and coaching staff to at the very least make a vocal statement voicing their own concerns with the remarks made by Sterling; yet the players and coaching staff refused to make any significant statements. From head coach Doc Rivers to superstar players Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the emphasis has been placed more on the basketball end of the spectrum, rather than on the issue of the racial disdain that their boss has for them as black people. Superstars have power, power that is greater than money that can be used to make a change for the better.  Matt Barnes was quoted as saying "That's all that matters right now: basketball,” when asked about the comments made by Sterling. Silence is not always the solution, especially when you are in a position to make a difference. Reversing a practice jersey is not enough of a statement to facilitate any type of progress. Words make an impact, actions make an impact. Had Ali not taken a stance, would be talking about him today? No we wouldn’t. Right will always be right, wrong will always be wrong. Today’s superstars have to realize to whom much is given, much is expected; not just on the court or playing field, but in life.

Kobe.

Kobe Bryant talks with Los Angeles Lakers trainer Gary Vitti after injuring his knee in the 3rd quarter of Tuesday nights game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Bryant finished the game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal & 1 block. Bryant will miss the next 6 weeks with a fracture to his left knee. It's amazing that he was able to finish the game playing with a fracture in his knee. GREATNESS.

1963

1963. A year in in history that forever changed the direction of the United States of America. 1963 is a year that saw monumental events take place that spearheaded a change in social thought and also uncovered an ugly blanket that had so long been covering unacknowledged hatred and ignorance in this country. August 28^th 2013 marked the 50^th anniversary of the March On Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. The events that led to the moment that took place on that late August day in 1963 were fueled by segregation, hate crimes and blatant disdain and disrespect for a group of people due simply to one factor; the color of their skin. The Civil Rights movment was well underway in the United States of America, in particular the deep south. Spearheaded by the murder of Emmett Till in 1955, the Civil Rights Movement was a cry from black citizens of this country for equality in all sectors of American life which had been denied to them because of the color of their skin. August 28^th 1963 was a day that all races came together with the hopes of making positive progress to see that these transgressions against the black citizens of this country would cease. The irony of the March On Washington is that significant, monumental step backs in this country would take place following the unifying of races in the upcoming months. On September 15, 1963 four little girls were killed at their church, 16^th Street Baptist Church after it was bombed by the Klu Klux Klan. November 22^nd 1963 saw the 35^th President of The United States Of America, John F. Kennedy assassinated by a sniper’s bullet. These acts taking place after the March On Washington was a definite message from those that were against the possible acts of integration and unification on all levels. The “Dream” that MLK had was for all people to be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. Blacks and whites were both killed post March On Washington; Malcolm X, Medgar Evers,  Dr. King and President Kennedy’s brother Bobby Kennedy were all victims of assassin’s bullets due to their beliefs for equality of not just one group of people in this country, but ALL people in this country. Fast forward to 2013. Has the United States of America reached any type of even field in regard to race relations and ideals; the facts and numbers indicate that there has not been a great deal of progress. Of course segregation is not supported by laws in this country, but the beliefs and robust ideas of inferiority in this country continue to exist, not because they are true, but because they are taught. A dream starts within and what is developed within will come out to the surface. People have to understand that it takes more energy to reverse something than to move forward. Progress is dependent upon a realization that things can be better when you seek to make things better and this was Dr. King’s goal on August 28^th 1963. Two people become one people for the betterment of all people. Have a dream, see the dream, be the dream and live the dream.

Trayvon Martin: America Reawakened By A Verdict. Will America Continue To Sleep?

Not guilty. Race is not a factor. These two things correlate together when it comes to the murder of Florida Teen Trayvon Martin and the trial of George Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin, regardless of how much the media and citizens of this country try to rule out race. The foundation for this death and trial stems from not "profiling" but "racial profiling" by George Zimmerman. The trial of George Zimmerman deviated from the charge of murder of an innocent person to why George Zimmerman had to defend himself against an unarmed individual that he pursued to justify his intent. Black skin, a hoodie and a gated community proved to be a lethal mix in the eyes of George Zimmerman. A neighborhood watch captain is supposed to be cognizant of suspicious activity; not people. How do you as a person determine if a person is suspicious? By looks or by actions? When a person begins to make assumptions and generalizations based on looks it is profiling. The facts presented in this case show that the profiling by Zimmerman was deeper than simple profiling; it was in fact racial profiling. This was based on previous robberies in the neighborhood and he figured that sense this was not a black community, any black within this neighborhood, dressed a certain way does not and did not belong, forcing him to take the law into his own hands to rectify this "wrong" in his eyes. As the 911 tape indicates, the dispatcher told Zimmerman to stop following Trayvon, but this was disregarded, leading to the tragic death of an unarmed teenager. This trial became deeper than the actual murder charge Zimmerman was in court for when the Trayvon's life prior to the second he was murdered was introduced to the trial. These two individuals had never met before in life; yet the defense formulated the idea that Trayvon's previous actions justified Zimmerman's action's on this fatal night. Everything that pertained to Trayvon was magnified in an attempt to justify Zimmerman's action of murder. The fact of this case is that had Trayvon Martin not been racially profiled as a black kid in a neighborhood that he "didn't belong in" he would still be alive today. The lawyers and the media did an outstanding job of voiding race from this trial, but the fact remains that race is and will always be a factor in the United States of America, especially when it comes to perceptions and ideologies about criminals. Black men in this country are perceived to be angry, difficult and thugs by many people in this country; whether in a suit or tie or in a hooded sweat shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. This is a truth that I can attest to everyday in my life. From the moment I leave my house till I return home I encounter a plethora of stereotypes, whether I'm in a suit with a bow tie or in a t-shirt and some shorts, simply because of the color of my skin. It's never fair, never will be fair, but I understand that to be the harsh reality of this society that I live in. It's something that cannot be explained with words that can make another person understand; it's like oxygen, everybody knows it's there but it can't necessarily be seen. Everybody plays a role in the perceptions and the racist ideologies running rampant in this country. People seem to negate the fact that racism is taught. Racism is not inherited, sold or bought. Some black individuals in this country also need to realize that many times you are setting yourself up for unwarranted stereotypes by actions and ideals. Glorifying the very ills of our community that fuel the stereotypes developed by others is why these stereotypes will linger above our heads as citizens in this country. We can't necessarily change people, but people can change laws by educating their selves and putting their selves in positions to enact change. Trayvon Martin is not the first and definitely will not be the last black youth to be killed without a cause, but we all can do our part to ensure that the avenue for stereotyping, racial profiling and MURDER is not an open avenue for anybody to drive down.

Pancakes by @thekitchenista

Take a moment out of your day and treat yourself to some of the best pancakes in the world. Check them out here:  http://instagram.com/p/a7gbdKxlee/  Also be sure to follow @thekitchenista on Instagram for more fascinating gourmet creations.

~How do like you like your pancakes? Follow @thekitchenista on Instagram For More Fascinating Dishes~

Take a moment out of your day and treat yourself to some of the best pancakes in the world. Check them out here:  http://instagram.com/p/a7gbdKxlee/  Also be sure to follow @thekitchenista on Instagram for more fascinating gourmet creations.

Miles Davis; PURE

John Coltrane: Always A Philadelphian

John Coltrane: Always A Philadelphian

"Alabama" John Coltrane and Martin Luther King

[華府第一線] 歐巴馬宣誓就職大典現場直擊 (U.S. Presidential Inauguration 2013)

The 2013 Inauguration: From My View

The 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama was not only a personal triumph for him as a leader, but it was also a culmination of the change and forward progress that has not only taken place in our country; it is also a positive reinforcement of the continued progress needed to help The United States of America reach its utmost potential. Four years ago when President Barack Obama was Inaugurated for the first time, many people were quick to say that America has come so far in all of its visual inequities; racial inequality, equal opportunities for every citizen of the country and the unseen division of people that are perceived to be different. The past four years of his first term not only reiterated that we had not overcome those inequities, but that we all as citizens of the United States of America play a major part in these inequities. President Barack Obama is ONE MAN with an incredible responsibility to lead this country. He has to address every issue in our country that stifles us from reaching the potential that we possess. Being one of the hundreds of thousands of people in attendance at the Inauguration, I was able to be a personal witness to a common trait that was prevalent among those in attendance; we are all alike in the fact that we are human. Everybody that came to the Inauguration was there because they felt a personal desire to be there. I met people that made the journey not only from various states across the United States of America, but I also met people that came from the Middle East (Jordan), Japan, London and the Sudan. These people all were filled with the hope for change and progress that President Barack Obama has inspired in all of us. The one thing that many people fail to realize is that although we all look different, come from different backgrounds and have different outlooks on life, we all live lives that encounter problems, trials, triumphs and obstacles. The common man/woman is more common than we want to believe. As I had conversations with people from all over the world, I began to see how much we all share the same wants and desires for a better life, a fair chance and love. No matter the background, nationality or religion, the good of life is what we all desire. January 21st 2013 was not only the Inauguration, but it was also the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr represented the Inauguration day, before this Inauguration became a reality to be seen by those of us in attendance. Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr led the “March On Washington” and gave his “I Have A Dream” speech on the other end of the National Mall from which President Barack Obama was inaugurated for a second term as president. The dream which Martin spoke of is realistic in the possibility of it happening; but the possibility of it happening is a reality that has only partially been seen and continuously neglected and pushed aside by many citizens of this country. People from other countries around the world die for the opportunities and privileges that we are born with in the United States of America. That is why the concept of racism and ideal inequality that controls this country is so confusing and disheartening to those that do not reside in the United States of America. January 21st 2013 was one day that proved how people can come together, realize that we are all more alike than we are different and make not only the United States of America a better place, but the world a better place. Change starts within, as does forward thinking and for change to take place individuals must start with themselves. Step outside of self and look at others so that you know how to improve self; it is during this process that growth occurs and change becomes a possibility. The air of possibility and belief in anything encompassed the Nation’s Capital not only on Inauguration, but also on the days prior to Inauguration and afterwards. It is imperative that this energy not filter away, but instead be used as a spearhead to make the good of life a realistic expectation not only for us individually, but also for anybody that we may encounter in this life.

A Fallen Officer: We Salute You & We Thank You Officer Martoiya Lang

On Friday December 14th 2012, Memphis Police Officer Martoiya Lang was killed in the line of duty. May God keep, bless & protect the 4 daughters that she leaves behind.

~2 Of The Greatest Ever~

Magic Johnson congratulates Michael Jordan on winning his first NBA Championship in 1991 at The Great Western Forum.

The Black Panther Party: POWER TO THE PEOPLE

October 15, 1966: The Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton & Bobby Seale.

John Hanson: The 1st President Of The United States

The 1st President of The United States was NOT George Washington, but John Hanson, a black man. He served the country from 1781-1782 A.D. under The Articles of Confederation. George Washington became the first president of the United States under the new Constitution, which happened to be 7 presidents later; therefore Washington was the 8th President of the United States Of America. I challenge you to research more into this, because history books will not show you these things.

Another Victory For Coach Eddie Robinson

Coach Eddie Robinson. Once again the winningest coach in the history of collegiate football. In October of 2011, Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed Eddie Robinson for the most career coaching wins in college football. At that point in time,

Paterno was as good as gold and his coaching legacy well intact for mythical status; and then out of nowhere came the allegations of sexual misconduct and molestation against members of his coaching staff. When the smoke cleared the allegations against one of the members of Joe Paterno’s coaching staff proved to be true and Coach Paterno was not guilty of anything; except of the fact that he did not proceed to tell authorities of the sexual misconduct of a member of his staff with children. Paterno knew of this truth but basically turned a blind eye to the events that he had been made aware of and proceeded to go about his life as Penn State’s head football coach. Fast forward to today; the accused assistant coach was found guilty on all accounts, Joe Paterno was forced to resign from his position as head football coach (dying a short time after his resignation) and the Penn State football program was placed on probation, forced to vacate wins and incurred a multitude of different fines and penalties. There is only one thing that a person can truly see from this story that developed before our eyes; everything that is done in the dark will come to the light. The value of honor and integrity and truth has been lost in the world, especially in the world of sports. The fact that many people tried to discredit Eddie Robinson’s record by saying he faced inferior competition was a slap in his face. Coach Robinson led the Grambling State University football program with integrity, high merit and honor and those are the attributes that defined Eddie Robinson. On the other hand, all of the success and accolades that Joe Paterno earned as a coach were vanished by the simple fact that he did not demonstrate truth/honor when he should have and that fact not only cost Paterno his job, but his legacy.

~Happy Birthday Emmett Tilll~

Happy Birthday Emmett Till.

The Dream Team...UNDERSTOOD

With the recent formation of the 2012 United States Men's Olympic basketball team, there has been a slightly heated debate about how this current Olympic team would fare against the Dream Team of 1992. The opinions and statements of many of the people discussing this topic seem to believe that this year's Olympic team consisting of Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Durant Blake Griffin James Harden Andre Iguodala LeBron James Kevin Love Chris Paul Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams. There are many different factual statistics that could be used to dissect the presumption that this year's team could beat the Dream Team and prove without a doubt that that would never take place. The 1992 Dream Team consisted of Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton. The difference in these two teams is night and day and it's not something that can be debated. The productivity that each player on the Dream Team had had up until that point of their career is unmatched by the current achievements and statuses of many of the players on the 2012 Olympic team. The consistency of the players on the original Dream Team is what elevated those players to the superstar status which enabled them to become the Dream Team. Magic, Michael, Bird, Barkley Malone and the rest of the members of the '92 team competed against each other on a nightly basis, which refined not only their basketball games, but further fueled their competitive nature, which in turn led to the highest level of basketball being played in the NBA on a nightly basis. There were no friendships or laughing once the players of the '92 team stepped in between those 4 lines; off the court they were cordial, but on the court it was war. The players of this generation are not completed enamored with the fact and significance of beating each other. Many players (not all) in the league will compete, but in the end will find a cop out as to why the job didn't get done and seek the easy way out to maintain a certain status quo. Kobe Bryant is the only player on the current US Olympic team to have competed against Michael Jordan at the peak of Michael Jordan's greatness. The mold that he is cut from is that of which the entire 1992 team was cut of; WIN AT ALL COST, MAKE NO EXCUSES. That is why it wasn't surprising to many that Kobe made the statement that his 2012 team would beat the Dream Team. He came up in the era of understanding what greatness is, what it took to be great, and that is why people make comparisons between he and the greatest player ever Michael Jordan; same mold. Each player on the '92 team was a bonafied All Star/ALL NBA Team selection player (with the exception of Christian Laettner) throughout their career. There are members of the 2012 Olympic team that have never made an ALL NBA Team, never played in an All Star game; and these are players "supposedly" the best in the league, a league that is watered down in many positions, which would essentially mean, the best players would easily be seen as THE BEST players. But this is clearly not the case. Many so called experts like to say that age and athleticism would ultimately be the deciding factor in the 2012 team triumphing on the Dream Team, but any person that has played the game of basketball and has any type of knowledge of the game understands that athleticism and age do not play a major factor in a team winning. The ultimate factor in a team winning is one talent level, 2 skill set, 3 heart and 4 desire to win. Every player on the Dream Team was the product of the "earn what you receive era type of basketball;" contracts were earned based on productivity, not given off of potential. Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are the ONLY players on the 2012 team that would be selected for the 1992 team based solely off of their talent and achievements. I would like to pose one question; excluding Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, could you swap any of the other players on the 2012 Olympic team with any members of the 1992 Dream Team and expect the same result? The 2008 "Redeem Team" was overall better than the 2012 Olympic team, yet the only main difference in that roster and the roster of the 2004 team which won the Bronze medal at the Athens Olympics was the addition of Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant was the driving force in the United States rally to win Gold over Spain in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The other players on the 2012 team are not even consistent players on their respective NBA teams on a nightly basis as were ALL of the players on the 1992 USA Dream Team, and those players competed in a much more physical, talent laden league of players. Let's look at the actual areas where the Dream Team would have the advantage on the court. '92 would have the advantage with court savvy, in the post and defensivelyy. There are no real shooters on this year’s Olympic team; by shooter's I Mean knock down on the kick out from the post shooters. Mullin, Bird (With a Bad Back), Stockton, Karl Malone, MJ & even Magic with his set shot would knock down open shots continuously. The fact that the '92 team had players that could play WITHOUT the ball would lead to easier scoring opportunities because no one player would have to have the ball in his hand to make something happen. Chris Paul HAS to have the ball to be effective, Deron Williams HAS to have the ball to be effective, Carmelo Anthony HAS to have the ball to be effective. This slows the game down at times and has a tendency to take other players out of the game. One of the reasons that the Dream Team was able to blow its opponents was due to not only their outstanding talent, but their ability to mesh well and their unselfishness. A basketball will ALWAYS move faster down the court being passed, than being dribbled; the fact that this team had three of the best passers ever in Stockton, Bird and Magic is only part of the reason this team was so great. People are quick to say John Stockton would get killed by Westbrook, Paul and Williams, but let's not forget he competed during a time when many of the best players in the NBA were point guards; Tim Hardaway, Magic Johnson, Gary Payton, Kevin Johnson and Isiah Thomas were great point guards that he competed against and held his own against for over15 years and those are just the All Star Point Guards. Let's not forget the mental toughness of the players of that era. Those players played hard, regardless and they weren't buddy-buddyy in their approach to the basketball game. The friendly interaction of many of today's player's has resulted in some of the digression of the NBA over the last few years, hence why the competitors worldwide have been able to somewhat equal the playing field in international competition. As somebody that has witness both teams play there is no comparison of the two teams. OF course realistically we will never know who would win these games, because they will never play each other, but just taking a brief glimpse of the two teams, it's UNDERSTOOD that the DNA of the players that compromised the Dream Team is unmatched by those of the 2012 Olympic team.

Bulls vs. Lakers - 1991 NBA Finals Game 5 (Bulls win first championship)