When I first heard of the Occupy Wall Street movement I thought to myself that it’s about time that people hold the greedy and selfish of Wall Street accountable. After all they are the ones who put this country into an economic freefall in the first place with its balloon mortgages and crazy gas prices… Go Occupy Wall Street!!!

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who felt in favor because across the country the movement grew. Now we have Occupy Columbia, Occupy Oakland, Occupy L.A., Occupy Chicago —even Occupy London. Name most states in the U.S. and a few major cities overseas and there is likely an Occupy movement going on as a cacophony of voices scream out “WE ARE THE 99 PERCENT”

I watched and reported on the Occupy Wall Street movement as I saw Zuccotti Park flooded with tents, people holding signs that brought awareness to the inequalities between the top 1% and the 99 percent. The park became a little community with volunteer medical assistance being provided as well as food. It was interesting to see but, after a month had gone by I also wanted to know what many people were asking: What are you actually demanding? What has to be done for the movement to stop? What’s the plan of action?

I never got a definitive answer when I interviewed  the people at the park, but I was told that the park was a cradle for liberty and that people from all over the world with various socio- and economic backgrounds would come to the park and discuss their grievances. The protesters made the park a microcosm of how they would like the United States to be, all people from all ethnicities working together for the greater good of humanity.

I understood once I saw this peaceful village in harmony without confusion. I imagined what the world could be like if it adopts the ideology of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Sadly, that Utopian ideal for Zuccotti Park is over, because under the cover of darkness earlier this week, the police raided the park supposedly to “clean” it. The park was evacuated and the tents that have been the focus of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ire have been confiscated and no sleeping in the park ban has been enacted. This raid came two days before the movement two month Anniversary.

Now, on the two-month anniversary of the movement, protesters faced off against police as they blocked traffic into New York City’s financial district. As the world watched, demonstrators were arrested and some were bloodied after encounters with police, but their resolve was strengthened as they chanted “ALL DAY, ALL WEEK, SHUT DOWN WALL STREET.

Let’s see what happens next!

There’s a saying that goes: You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. And lately when it comes down to the status of Black cinema in Hollywood, some people are beyond not being pleased.

 There have been several recent articles about this subject since the glaring absence of African American nominees at this year’s  Oscars. No directors, actors or actresses. But, can you name a good enough performance from us black folk in 2010 that should warrant an Oscar?

 Last month actor Anthony Mackie said, “Blacks are being kinda lazy in Hollywood …”  and Idris Elba spoke with U.K. youth last month and made a comment about a man whose movie received two Academy Awards in 2010. “I don’t like all Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ because it portrayed a positive image of a Black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success… we need Tyler Perry… by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with the buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”

 I like Anthony Mackie and Idris Elba’s work on the screen and until I saw Mackie being interviewed by Tavis Smiley about his statement I didn’t agree with him however; I agreed with Idris from the door even though, Madea cracks me up!

 During the Civil Rights movement when Black folks were fighting for equal rights, voting rights and the end of segregation Hollywood was hurting financially and many film companies faced bankruptcy. A situation some Black filmmakers and actors saw  as an opportunity to tell Black stories from a Black perspective; it was the birth of the so-called “Blaxploitation” genre.

 Melvin Van Peebles set it off as a writer, director, producer, soundtrack composer, and lead actor in his independent film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” a film about a black man fighting the system, and winning. It was a movie of the times about the time. And the film resonated with African American audiences so much it turned a low-budget independent into a film that grossed 10 million dollars nationwide.  

 Shortly after Van Peebles’ independent release… MGM studios jumped on the success wave and released “Shaft,”which was about the Black super hero cop fighting the criminals and social ills that plague Black communities. This was a success for Hollywood … the film grossed 12 million dollars.

 After the success of those features “Blaxploitation” films started popping up everywhere, flowing like Niagara and by the mid-1970s the game got over-saturated with the same formula driven content. Almost every film magnified the dark world that existed within our communities, even the comedies were reflections of the subculture that existed, the pimp, the prostitute, the dope fiend and the pusher. But Hollywood and the film industry had been revived by our interest and dollars — even though the writers of many of these films were white and the characters promoted various offensive stereotypes.

 Some Black folks got tired of seeing us being portrayed with such negative imagery … groups  like the NAACP put pressure on the studios to stop showing Black people in a light that reinforced white prejudices about Black culture.  Within a year production on these films practically died and the “Blaxploitation” boom was over. What was the result??? A lot of Black actors, directors and producers were out of work.

 It was like cutting off your nose to spite your face. They won the battle and froze up the film industry but how many Black families couldn’t eat after the victory? What were the black artists alternatives? What really was accomplished?

 Anthony Mackie’s statement insinuated that Black people in America have a lot of financial success and should be able to fund our own films like Melvin Van Peebles … and spark a movement. Who knows? Maybe a mindset like that could inspire Black millionaires and billionaires to pool their resources and create some Black-owned distribution companies.  And to Idris Elba, If you think that we are responsible for elevating film;  then make your own films … raise the game and lead by example.

 Tyler Perry has been criticized by many, mainly Black folk for his so called buffoonish characters and the stereotypes that he promotes but one thing is for sure … he has a lot of black people working!

My perspective on bullying comes mainly from a street smart experience and less from a text book perspective, so when I address the issue that has been gaining nation attention lately, I’m speaking from my own encounters with bullies and how I resolved the beefs I’ve been involved with personally.

 According to a 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey,  1 in 5 teens were bullied at school in the last year.  If you’re wondering what behavior is considered to be “bullying”; the report refers to incidents when kids are having rumors or gossip spread about them,  enduring physical harm (which pretty much describes itself), being excluded from activities they want to participate in, being coerced into something they didn’t want to do or having their personal belongings destroyed or stolen. And of course the newest and one of the most unbearable forms of bullying being done is by way of the internet, which is called cyber bullying.

 I remember being 6 years old and living in Brooklyn NY. I was scared to come outside with my toys because the most aggressive little “rockhead” on the block would always take them from me.  He had a lot of older brothers and he was a good fighter. At the time,  I was an only child and didn’t have much experience with confrontation. I was scared of him to say the least.  My mother and father found out that I was allowing him to take my toys. So my mother let my father take the lead in the situation. I remember hearing them whisper and my mother saying, “it’s time that he learned how to fight.”

 The next day my father along with my uncle gave me a one day crash course in street fighting … my mother instructed me to use my newfound skills on the “rockhead” the next time he attempted to take my toys.

 The following day when the “rockhead”  tried to take my toys, it was on …  I had my first fight. My mother and father stood there and watched me as I fought for my property. I didn’t win the fight but I won the bully’s respect and he never tried to take my toys again.

 Many TV shows are now addressing the issue of bullying including BET’s 106 & Park;  and when the question comes up about what should one should do when he or she is being bullied, I’ve never heard one of the so-called professionals  mention a self- defense class as an alternative.

 Now I know that it’s the politically correct thing to do to  give students solutions that do not encourage physical altercations. But in the real world or the world that I come from violence is a way of life and hand-to-hand combat is way more preferable than a gun-fight or an attempt at suicide … an option that many bullied kids think is their only way out.

 My parents put me in Karate class at the age of eight and it taught me many things besides fighting. I learned discipline, humility and self- control. You are taught not to use the power you now possess over others unless it’s absolutely necessary. The training prevented me from becoming a bully myself, which as a victim of bullying, I could have easily become.

 I’ve had many fights in my past and have been bullied on several occasions throughout my school years but I was able to resolve every matter by standing up and confronting the bully head on.

 For the parents that have children that are being bullied and tried every method for resolution except a self -defense class, you might want to re-consider.

Note: The views depicted in this article are the views of Samson Styles and not those of BET Networks or BET.com.

South Jamaica Queens is a ‘hood in Queens, NY that has a notorious past. When the crack epidemic gave America a stroke in the 1980’s South Jamaica played a part in clogging the main arteries. The murderous actions and the lack of regard for police help earned the borough with the title “cop killer Queens.”

 Most of the gangsters that played a part in the destruction of South Jamaica in the ‘80s have met the inevitable feat that most gangsters face when they are involved in that lifestyle … prison or death. But the absence of those individuals didn’t discourage the violent mindset that the OG’s left from the past; murders and violent crimes continued well into the new millennium.

 Black-on-Black violent crime is an issue that many politicians and activists speak on and one that many community groups are working to reduce;  but often, they are doing it from a distance – organizing marches and teaming up with police departments, etc. I see very few individuals or groups dealing directly with the young cats that are the perpetrators of the crimes, but Erica Ford is different.

 Erica Ford,  founder of Life Camp (Love Ignites Freedom Through Education), meets young people where they’re at. Not afraid to go to the schools, to the back blocks, the prisons, Life Camp reaches out to the young people that everyone else wants to write off … providing them with the tools that they need to turn their life around.

Too often we give props to celebs that give a little time to a community center or various charities … so I have to give a special salute to the people that are on the battle grounds every day trying to make a difference in the ‘hood. That’s what’s up, as I extend my right hand from my forehead and giving the soldier’s salute to Erica Ford!

To keep up with Erica check out www.peaceweek.com and www.lifecampinc.com

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Statistics say that one out of every nine black men will go to prison or jail within their lifetime and 1/3 of the men released will return within 3 years.

 In America Black people are approximately 13 percent of the population but when we look at the prison industrial complex, our numbers are disproportionate; with African Americans accounting for close to 50% of the approximately 2.2 million people that are incarcerated.

 I must admit, one coming from a deprived ‘hood and lacking economic, educational and recreational resources can play a major part in upping the odds for incarceration. And from my own experience – I know that the programs that are supposed to be geared towards helping cats re-enter society and become a productive citizens is a joke. They don’t provide you with any useful tools that will help you sustain and maintain employment when you hit the bricks. But knowing that the playing field isn’t leveled and that we as black people are at a disadvantage shouldn’t be used as an excuse or an explanation for failing.

 Chef Jeff Henderson was the first African American to be named Chef de Cuisine at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and executive chef at Café Bellagio. He hosted The Chef Jeff Project, a docu-reality TV series; and is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Cooked and Chef Jeff Cooks but before he found success in the kitchen … Jeff did 10 years in the Feds. He ran a cocaine business that was bringing him $35,000.00 a week before he got caught. While in prison Jeff discovered a passion for cooking and committed to turning his life around.

 “One of the things I did throughout my incarceration, I tapped into some of the brightest minds on the prison yard. And I began to value myself you know… I kind of found purpose, I found potential and for the first time in my life I realized I could do other things than hustle and sell dope. And when I got out of prison in 1996 I embarked on a culinary career, but also a writing career,” said Jeff.

 Jeff grew up in the tough streets of South Central LA and San Diego; both places are as ‘hood as ‘hood can get but despite the bad environment that surrounded him, Mr. Henderson was able to reject all the negativity that he once embraced.

 “When I came out of prison I knew it was many things I had to change about myself in order to get the jobs where I could get paid and get the information I needed to build my own brand. You know… I clean shaved my face, I learned to smile, I got my teeth fixed, I took the swag out of my walk, you know, I had to become a chameleon.” Click here

 But the ‘hood isn’t all bad because neighborhoods like South Central can teach you some important survival skills and common sense that no text book or university will ever be able to teach. Jeff was able to take in all the positivity that the’ hood provided and use it to his advantage.

 “We all got potential… come on, when we were on the street we were all hustling, multi-millionaire drug dealers. All we had to do was change the product, get integrity, build character. We could sell anything, so that was my whole model when I came out of prison. So food was that vehicle for me. That was my new hustle.”

 Chef Jeff’s latest project came just in time for Black History Month. He teamed up with Tavis Smiley, the creative force behind the award-winning America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibit to edit The America I AM Pass It Down Cookbook along with award-winning journalist and chef Ramin Ganeshram. This community cookbook includes over 130 recipes and personal reflections from everyday people around the country who passed down their recipes and memories. These recipes underscore why soul-filled dishes endure from generation to generation in African American households.

 “When we talk about the pass it down cook book we are talking about preserving cooking techniques and ingredients and recipes that have been passed down for over 400 years.” Click here

 Jeff’s life and my life have many parallels.  We both did time in prison, we were both street hustlers and we are both legally successful now. In order to make these accomplishments we had to let go of the things from our past; our appearance, our walk and our mindset to achieve the “ unachievable.”

 To my brothers and sisters that are on lock down and the previously incarcerated … let this story inspire you and make no excuses!!!

Click on the words in red to see full video interviews with Chef Jeff

I once read that only a very skillful and witty person has the ability to serve two kings simultaneously.  And in Egypt there are now two rulers. Can president Obama oblige them both?

In one corner you have the President of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak who has been instrumental to the U.S. for decades.  Although the president of Egypt is considered to be an authoritarian who ruled Egypt for the past 30 years, Egypt is the predominant Arab ally of the U.S. Egypt was also the first Arab country to make peace with the Jewish state (Israel) in 1979. 

In the next Corner you have “The People of Egypt” who want Hosni Mubarak ousted. They have taken to the streets by the tens of thousands… protesting, rioting and in pursuit of democracy. 

If the U.S. sides with the president of Egypt … all that America stands for concerning democracy and free and fair elections would seem hypocritical.

If the U.S. sides with the people, America risks melting away the adhesive that makes peace in the Middle East possible; and will be viewed as a country that turned his back on a friend.

This is a tough call, lets watch how this play out!

If you reach for the stars and fall short … you can at least land on the moon. And that’s what happened when 13 year old Autum Ashante’ took her SAT test. She needed to score a 1350 to receive a full scholarship to the University of Connecticut, a school that is only blocks away from her house but, fell short by 90 points.

Autum was a little disappointed by the score but, she took the test a few weeks before turning 13 years old and scored a 1260. How many young people do you know that can pass a SAT test at 12 years old??? I know professional adults who scored less.

Autum’s next battle lies with her decision to either take the test over in hopes of getting the score that’s needed for a full scholarship or going to a less prestigious school, work to get a high GPA and then transfer to UCONN.

I think that any decision she makes will be the right one. How many people can say that they walked on the moon?

Are we as Black people guilty of indirect shade favoring? Is the Darker Blacks less favored over the lighter ones? Is there a self hate that is so deeply rooted with us that we all partake in some way, be it directly or indirectly?

Fellas… if you saw a beautiful Dark sister and you pointed it out to your Homies by saying “That’s a beautiful DARK SKINNED woman” or “ She’s gorgeous for a dark skinned girl” your self hate is in effect. We don’t say “that’s a beautiful light skinned woman” to describe the opposite. That is insinuating that the darker woman is usually not viewed as attractive.

Reggae artist Vybz Kartel is shaking the grown beneath some of his fans and has the web buzzing hard since the use to be Dark Jamaican brother appeared in his showcasing rocking a much lighter skin tone.

“This is my new image,” he admits. “You can expect the unexpected. I feel comfortable with black people lightening their skin. They want a different look. It’s tantamount to white people getting a sun tan.”

Well Vybz… If you choose to look like a purple lip zombie that is your choice but, dig deep and understand the true reason for you bleaching your skin brother!

A picture is worth a thousand words as it captures a moment in time and freezes it for eternity. I will never forget the day when I interviewed Rev. Jesse Jackson and he told me what Martin Luther King did on his last birthday before he died. Jesse Jackson was with Dr. King on that day.

MLK spent his last birthday planning a demonstration. He worked through the day until around 10pm, focused on stepping to the movers and shakers in Washington, DC in hopes of creating economic equality for all minorities. A woman interrupted the meeting with a birthday cake and Dr. King looked surprised.  “He worked so hard that he forgot it was his birthday,” said Rev. Jackson. They ate the cake and drank some punch and went right back to work. Click here and see

That was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you are a New Yorker and take the subway, I’m sure that you have seen plenty of rats scurrying on the train tracks in search of food. These fury rodents are huge… almost cat size to say the least. I never felt threatened by them because they normally stay on the tracks, which is a safe distance from human contact. I’ve NEVER in my life seen one of these rabies-carrying, sewer water-drinking little beasts on a train with passengers before, UNTIL watching this video. This rat was not only chilling on a crowded train but he also crawled up on a sleeping man’s face. Can you imagine waking up out of your sleep with a rat chilling on your face??? This scene was captured on video and has everyone buzzing. click here