Black In America…..

July 20th, 2008

On July 23^rd and 24^th, CNN will be airing an epic 2 part series, Black in America. The first component, “Black in America”: The Black Woman & Family will focus on the vast trials and tribulations African american woman endure in America. CNN Correspondent, Soledad O’Brien survey’s the troubling statistics of HIV/Aids and it’s affects on the black community, single parenthood and the disproportioned numbers between black and white children in today’s classrooms. The program will also take an interesting look inside King’s theory for progress and where it’s positioned in today’s everyday dealings with African Americans. Black in America: The Black Woman & Family will sport appearances from Essence editor-in-chief, Angela Burt-Murray, Russell Simmons, Bishop TD Jakes, Michael Baisden and many more.

“Black in America”: The Black Man, which airs July 24^th at 9pm, will take a thorough glance at the experiences, positive and negative, of the African American man. Soledad O’ Brien will also take a look at the disparities between black and whites in career, educational and economic achievement and aspects leading to the shocking statistics of black male incarceration .Are all African American men judged as criminals? Are African American men only viewed as entertainers and athletes? Why are so many African American homes fatherless? All of these questions will be answered and then some Thursday night. “Black in American: The Black Man will sport appearances from the graduating class of the 1968 class of Little Rock Central High School, their offsprings, Georgetown Univeristy professor, Dr. Micahel Eric Dyson, Journalist/social commentator Ellis Cose and many more!

At first I was apprehensive on commentating on this program, but after watching interview clips and reading mini blurbs about the program’s content, I became more intrigued by the stories being told. Will this program change the outlook other cultures label us with? Probably not, but it’ll sure enlighten them to our trials and tribulations. Though racism will always veer its ugly face in any direction we’re traveling, I must commend CNN for taking the initiative to addressing, in what seems like a never ending issue. Though I can’t and will not speak for every African American male in society, I, at times do find it somewhat difficult maneuvering through the day to day dealings in America. However, if I had to choose between now and 40 years prior, I would definitely select this time period.

Now it’s time for your words. I know this is going to spark an interesting and heated debate, but at times, we have to take it there around these parts. Can we ever be relieved up the stereotypical images other cultures label us with? Will we always have a devastating amount of our black men incarcerated for the next 20 years? How come our successful African men and women are only highlighted through the entertainment lane and other outlets are surprisingly ignored? Give me your thoughts and concepts……..

Sincerely

Low “The discussion starts now” Key