I was born and raised in a small, segregated, racist town in East Texas. Growing up in a segregated, racist town in East Texas during the 1950s meant living under the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws, where racial inequality was enforced both legally and socially. Schools, churches, theaters, restaurants, and even water fountains were divided by race. Black residents were forced to use inferior, poorly maintained facilities. Black citizens had to enter stores through back doors and were relegated to balconies in movie theaters.

My hometown was located in an area of the United States called the Bible Belt. Most Black citizens and others regularly attend church. However, Churches were also segregated. I guess some felt that there was a God for Blacks and another God for non-Blacks. In my hometown, Black families lived in neighborhoods literally separated by railroad tracks from white communities. Black neighborhoods had limited services, which included a lack of paved roads, running water, and access to healthcare.

Despite these hardships, Black churches, schools, and social clubs provided support and fostered resilience. Black children attended underfunded schools with outdated textbooks and overcrowded classrooms. Our teachers were our role models; therefore, most Black educators were deeply respected and played a crucial role in nurturing pride and ambition. College and professional opportunities were rare, and just like the colonizers did in Africa, many students were steered toward manual labor or domestic work.

In colonial Africa, Africans were denied political representation and subjected to laws that privileged settlers. In post-slavery America, Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and legal segregation ensured that Black Americans remained politically marginalized for generations. The Facts are: there’s a striking historical continuity between colonial exploitation of Africa and the systemic oppression of African Americans after slavery.

There is so much similarity in the way colonizers monopolized Africans and how the post enslavement period treated African-American/Blacks. These stories reflect not just the economic terrorism and the pain of denial of access to broad-based opportunities, but also the tremendously dehumanizing. However, nothing can stop the strength and dignity of Africans and the Black communities from enduring, thriving, and resisting.

Moreover, in countries formerly colonized by European powers, whiteness is associated with prestige, intelligence, and safety. Blackness, conversely, is stigmatized due to colonial hierarchies. Moving forward, after graduating from high school, I moved to Los Angeles, CA. I attended college at Compton Jr. College. After one year at Compton, I received an athletic scholarship to New Mexico State University. At NMSU, for the first time in my young adult life, I had direct interaction with white students/people along with foreign students/individuals.

Over time, I observed the difference in how foreign students interacted with Black students/people and how they interacted with white students/people. Foreign students distance themselves from black students and embrace white students. As I got to know a few foreign students, I asked why they reacted to black students as they did. Researchers have given accounts that reveal why some international students arrived in the U.S. with negative perceptions of Black Americans. Some foreign students report being explicitly warned by family or peers to avoid Black Americans, based on racist myths or misinformation. Some foreign students explicitly reported that they were warned by family or peers to avoid Black Americans, based on racist myths or misinformation.

This is why I am again introducing a new reality, which from this point forward will be known as “Anti-Melanated Tropes.” Tropes have been known to be used to spread hatred and violence against certain communities for centuries. The humanitarian thing to do regarding Anti-Melanated tropes is to recognize and challenge these harmful and hateful narratives whenever and wherever we encounter them. Many international students change their views after forming genuine friendships with Black peers. The Melanated/Black community can greatly benefit from studying the success of the Jewish community as it relates to antisemitism. Both antisemitism and antimelanism continue to perpetuate harmful biases.

As we are aware, federal agents and National Guard troops are increasingly deployed to cities under the banner of law and order; therefore, peaceful protesters must be prepared, not just emotionally, but legally. Whether you’re facing ICE agents near a courthouse or National Guard troops guarding federal buildings, your power lies in knowing your rights and responding with calm, civil challenges.

Please accept this guide, offering practical, lawful strategies for protesters in cities where federal presence is growing, generally without local consent of Governors and Mayors.

The first thing you/we must do is to know your/our rights and legal boundaries. Federal agents (ICE, DHS, etc.) typically operate on federal property or under federal jurisdiction. They may not detain or question you without reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

When National Guard Troops are deployed domestically, they operate under strict Rules for the Use of Force. They are authorized to protect federal assets and respond to imminent threats, not to police peaceful assemblies.

The president has threatened to deploy troops under the 1807 Insurrection Act. This a con but this is controversial and often challenged by local officials. Your Rights Remain Intact regardless of who is deployed. Your First Amendment rights to speech, assembly, and protest remain protected, especially in public spaces.

To achieve our goals and protect our love-ones, we must always use peaceful tactics during civil, legal resistance. we must stay calm, stay civil. Rudeness from agents, intentionally or otherwise, does not justify escalation. We must respond with dignity and or silence.

We, as citizens, have the rights ask lawful questions such as: “am I being detained?” or “Is this a lawful order?” These are powerful, legal phrases. We must comply with lawful orders if told to disperse. We must comply, document and challenge the legality later if needed. We can offer symbolic gestures such as: flowers, songs, or silent vigils. this can shift the tone and draw attention to your/our messages. Again, avoid provocation and do not block federal buildings or interfere with agents’ duties. These actions will and can be used to justify force.

Our major goal is to maintain a safety environment and live to peacefully protester another day. You can legally record Interactions and you may lawfully film agents in public spaces from a legal distance, just don’t interfere.

You should bring legal support Info such as contact numbers for legal aid or protest support hotlines. You should stay in groups because there’s safety in numbers and strength in solidarity. You should know your surroundings. Federal property boundaries are often marked; therefore, remain outside unless permitted. You must never carry contraband. A small pocket knife or stick can be used to justify arrest or escalation.

Please understand that civility is a form of “Emotional Intelligence,” not surrender, it’s strategy. By knowing your rights and responding with calm, lawful resistance, you protect yourself and elevate your cause. In cities where federal presence feels imposed, your peaceful protest becomes a beacon of democratic strength. PEACE!!!

Today, October 13, 2025, is truly a moment of relief and amazement for both the resolute Israeli hostages and the suffering, resilient Gazan people. The release of the 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza after more than 700 days in captivity marks a powerful turning point in a devastating conflict. What’s especially striking is how many of the Israeli hostages emerged in relatively stable condition despite the near-total destruction of Gaza and the extreme hardship endured by the innocent Palestinian people of Gaza.

Twenty (20) Israeli hostages were freed after more than 700 days in captivity, as part of a landmark ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Germany. The exchange involved 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences, and was coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Gaza has suffered extensive destruction, with tens of thousands of casualties and widespread famine; however, hostages were likely kept in underground compounds or protected locations, shielded from the worst of the conflict.

Israeli families gathered in hospitals and public squares to welcome their loved ones home. Some hostages were able to video-call relatives shortly after their release. Again, the exchange triggered mass celebrations across Israel and the West Bank, and opened the door for Gazans to begin returning to northern areas of the territory that had been nearly obliterated by two years of war.

Reconstruction is expected to cost at least $53 billion, and international partners are planning a future conference to address rebuilding efforts. Despite the return, many Gazans face unlivable conditions, with homes reduced to rubble and infrastructure in ruins.

This moment, while filled with hope, is also a stark reminder of the immense suffering sustained in Israel and Gaza to date. The moment is also a testament to human endurance and a sobering reminder of the cost of conflict to all concerned. The release of the Israeli hostages and the return of Palestinian detainees mark the start of a new phase in diplomacy and healing. After years of devastation, both sides now face the challenge and opportunity of rebuilding lives, trust, and infrastructure.

Is it a coincidence that the words “black” and “dark” often carry negative connotations in the English language? These terms are frequently linked to unfavorable ideas and expressions, a phenomenon deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and linguistic traditions. So, why is this the case?

Historically, light and dark have been used symbolically to represent opposing forces: good versus evil, knowledge versus ignorance, safety versus danger. Religious and philosophical texts often portray light as a source of purity, truth, wisdom, and divine presence, while darkness is associated with chaos, evil, and the unknown. Over time, these symbolic associations have permeated global language and culture.

From a linguistic standpoint, these associations have solidified into everyday expressions. Consider phrases like “blacklist” (to exclude or ostracize), “dark times” (periods of suffering), and “black sheep” (a disgrace within a group). These idioms reflect how language can reinforce negative perceptions.

It’s crucial to understand that these connotations are not inherent to the words themselves; they are products of Western cultural and racial contexts. I’m here to challenge and change these associations, recognizing their impact on perception and bias. Language is dynamic, and its evolution offers an opportunity to reshape how we speak and think.

Today, I introduce a new idiom: Anti-Melanated Tropes. This term refers to the harmful ways in which “black” and “dark” have been weaponized against Black and Brown communities. These tropes contribute to stereotypes, discrimination, systemic inequality, and even violence. They are not just linguistic quirks, they are dangerous.

Language shapes our worldview. When certain words are consistently tied to negativity, they reinforce harmful beliefs and behaviors. That’s why we must be intentional about the language we use and actively dismantle these damaging associations. Awareness and open dialogue are essential steps toward change.

Point of Facts: Media representatives, regardless of race, are among the most prolific perpetrators of Anti-Melanated Tropes. This includes journalists, producers, directors, influencers, and even on-air talent of color. Even media professionals of color perpetuate these narratives when they conform to industry norms or prioritize ratings over authenticity. The issue isn’t just who is telling the story; it’s how the story is told.

True progress demands that media creators critically examine the language, imagery, and framing they use, and commit to portraying Black and Brown communities with nuance, dignity, and truth.

The Most Common Anti-Melanated Tropes

Here are eleven pervasive stereotypes that fall under the umbrella of Anti-Melanated Tropes. These tropes are not only offensive—they are deeply damaging:

1. The Angry Black Woman – Portrays Black women as perpetually hostile and aggressive.
2. The Thug – Depicts Black men as violent and criminal.
3. The Mammy – Casts Black women as self-sacrificing caretakers, often erasing their own needs.
4. The Jezebel – Hypersexualizes Black women, painting them as promiscuous.
5. The Magical Negro – Assigns mystical wisdom to Black characters who exist solely to aid white protagonists.
6. The Absent Black Father – Suggests Black fathers are uninvolved in their children’s lives.
7. The Welfare Queen – Accuses Black women of exploiting social welfare systems.
8. The Savage – Portrays Black people as uncivilized and barbaric.
9. The Sassy Black Woman – Reduces Black women to loud, confrontational caricatures.
10. The Token Black Friend – Includes a Black character for diversity optics without meaningful development.
11. The Athlete – Implies Black people are physically gifted but intellectually inferior.

These tropes appear across media, films, commercials, social platforms, print, advertising, television, and radio. They perpetuate Anti-Melanated narratives and reinforce systemic bias.

Final Thoughts

Our truths and biases stem from our “Perception or Deception of Reality.” If you’ve ever contributed to the spread of these Anti-Melanated tropes, intentionally or not, it’s time to stop. Language is power. Let’s use it to uplift, not to marginalize.

The American people must join Sen. Schiff in calling for answers after President,s Trump’s Commerce Secretary calls Jeffrey Epstein ‘the greatest blackmailer. In a recent interview, Lutnick described a disturbing encounter with Jeffrey Epstein back in 2005 when they were neighbors in Manhattan.

Americans’ thanks to Mr. Howard Lutnick, who claimed that Jeffrey Epstein may have used blackmail to secure a lenient plea deal in 2008, have reignited concerns about the broader implications for U.S. national security. While Lutnick admitted he had no direct evidence, his speculation aligns with long-standing suspicions about Epstein’s tactics and connections. Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggested that Epstein may have recorded compromising encounters in his massage rooms, potentially involving high-profile individuals.

Secretary Lutnick further stated that Epstein’s unusually light sentence in 2008, 18 months with work release privileges, has led some to believe Epstein traded incriminating material for leniency! The FBI and DOJ have “publicly” stated there is no credible evidence that Epstein trafficked women to others or maintained a “client list”. However, some victims’ attorneys believe a small number of powerful men may have been involved. If Epstein did possess compromising material on U.S. officials, adversaries like Russia, China, or North Korea could use it for blackmail or influence operations.

New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer has also called on the FBI to conduct a counterintelligence threat assessment of Epstein’s files to evaluate whether foreign actors could access and weaponize them. The Epstein saga has already fueled conspiracy theories and public distrust.

If foreign powers were to leak or manipulate such material, it could fracture political cohesion and erode institutional credibility. There are calls for releasing Epstein’s files. The American people want to neutralize potential blackmail risks. However, if sensitive content exists, its exposure could damage reputations and national interests.

Multiple sources have described Epstein’s properties as outfitted with hidden cameras, especially in bedrooms and massage rooms. These setups may have been used to record encounters between guests and young women and boys.

The main factors (FACTS) that fuel national security speculation include:

• Epstein’s wealth and access: He went from being a math teacher to owning jets, mansions, and a private island, with no clear business model.

• His surveillance setups: Cameras in bedrooms, massage rooms, and guest areas suggest he may have recorded encounters for leverage.

• His global network: Epstein cultivated relationships with powerful figures in finance, science, and politics across multiple countries.

Consequently, Lawmakers must push for the FBI and DOJ to develop safeguards against cyber threats and foreign exploitation of any unreleased Epstein-related materials.

I am a proud American, a concerned citizen, and an advocate for accountability. If there is something to hide, then the American people deserve to know, before foreign powers use it against us.”

Why is Speaker Mike Johnson blocking the swearing-in of newly elected Arizona’s new congresswoman, Adelita Grijalva, thereby stalling the “Epstein File Vote?’

The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, is under fire for delaying the swearing-in of newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, despite precedent allowing immediate induction during pro forma sessions. Critics say the move is a calculated effort to prevent Grijalva from becoming the 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, which may expose powerful individuals connected to Epstein’s criminal network.

Ms Grijalva’s election was certified and uncontested. Yet Speaker Johnson, a so-called vocal Christian and self-described defender of moral values, has refused to seat her, citing procedural timing. This delay stands in stark contrast to recent Republican swearing-ins, which were expedited under similar conditions.

Representative Johnson’s action is not about procedure; it’s about power. If Speaker Johnson truly believes in Christian values, he should prioritize truth, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable. Blocking a vote that could expose child exploitation, both girls and boys, is a betrayal of those principles.”

The Epstein discharge petition has gained momentum across party lines, with growing public demand for transparency. The files in question include flight logs, visitor records, and surveillance materials from Epstein’s properties, many of which remain sealed despite years of legal battles and victim testimony.

A bipartisan group of Congress members, Faith leaders, MAGA faithful, legal experts, and victims’ advocates is calling on Speaker Johnson to act with integrity and allow Grijalva to be sworn in immediately. Justice delayed is justice denied. Silence in the face of suffering is complicity.”

The fact is, “The First Amendment Doesn’t Kill; however, the Second Kills Daily.”
We the People call on lawmakers to defend the First Amendment and reform the Second. Free speech is under attack in America through book bans, protest restrictions, and digital censorship. Yet despite this assault, the First Amendment has never taken a life.
The Second Amendment, however, enables access to firearms that kill Americans every single day. Mass shootings are routine. Children die in classrooms. Worshippers are gunned down in churches. Shoppers are slaughtered in malls.

The right to bear arms, once framed as a safeguard against tyranny, now fuels a public health crisis.

We The People Demand:
• Protection and expansion of First Amendment rights, including the right to protest, publish, and speak freely.
• Common-sense gun reform: universal background checks, red flag laws, and restrictions on assault-style weapons.
• Investment in community safety, mental health, and violence prevention programs.

The Demands Above Matter Because: The First Amendment empowers our voices. The Second Amendment, unchecked, empowers mayhem and tragedy. It’s time to re-center our values and protect the freedoms that give life, not the ones that take life.

Please Share. We deserve an America that is safer and freer. It’s time to re-center our values. The First Amendment empowers voices. The Second Amendment, unchecked, empowers tragedy.

Can you hear the souls and the spirits crying from under the rubble whose lives have been erased simply because of the “Circumstances of Their Birth”? The wreckage piled high from the debris of buildings where innocent people once shopped and worked, and from homes where people once lived while raising their children and taking care of the elders.

I can hear the crying from souls and spirits under the rubble, saying; What have I done to deserve this fate; but there are no answers to the whys of their cries. Thousands of men, women, children, and yes, entire families, have had their lives taken from bombs, bullets, and bad intentions.

The impact of the shattered stones creates silence, causing tremors of weeping spirits who once called their lands home. The rubble does not merely bury bodies; it deadens the cries of souls still yearning to be heard, spirits still agonizing to be remembered. Each broken beam and fallen wall reverberates with the sorrow of unseen spirits, mourning not just their end, but the world’s duplicity.

“In today’s social media world, atrocities are visible on Billboards, TV screens, computers, and phones. Consequently, We The People, from faraway lands, are compelled to bear witness and attest to the truth of murder, suffering, and destruction, and find ourselves sharing stories but doing nothing. However, bearing witness and not following up with some form of solidarity or action against acts of injustice, we too can be considered to be engaging in a form of complicity.

I support global peace and personal security for all of humanity; consequently, I will honor anyone who supports humanity with their Words and their Deeds. In wars or conflicts, it is an accepted fact that every country and all people in the world have a right to defend themselves. However, there is a central question that must be asked and must be answered. Specifically, when does a nation’s or an individual’s action cross over from proportionate legitimate defense to genocidal disproportionality?

Let us not be passive observers of destruction and suffering, but active participants in the pursuit of justice, so that the souls and spirits of those who mourn beneath the ruins, anywhere in the world, may find peace in our resolve and allow their souls to be set FREE.

“Can You Hear Spirits And Souls”

This is the new America, where there have been troubling reports indicating that federal agencies are leveraging IRS data and other sources to assist in immigration enforcement, specifically targeting delivery drivers.

The U.S. government has acknowledged in federal court that the IRS has shared taxpayer data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This includes personal information such as addresses and employer details, which can be used to locate undocumented immigrants.

Moreover, in Washington, D.C., multiple incidents have been reported where delivery drivers, many of whom are immigrants of color, are being stopped and detained by federal agents. During stops, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers question drivers about their immigration status and consequently, make arrests.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has even requested the deputization of IRS agents to support deportation efforts, as part of a broader strategy under the present administration to intensify immigration enforcement.

DHS actions have raised serious Legal and Ethical Concerns. Experts warn that this kind of data sharing undermines long-standing taxpayer protections and could erode trust in public institutions. Furthermore, DHS actions are having a chilling effect on immigrant taxpayers. Many undocumented immigrants who pay taxes may now fear filing returns, worried that their information could be used against them.

This is particularly true for the so-called Gig Workers. Delivery drivers, who often work for platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash, are particularly vulnerable due to the visibility of their work and their reliance on personal data for app-based employment. The government has emphasized prioritizing the deportation of immigrants, both documented and undocumented, who have been convicted of violent crimes.

Leveraging IRS data and other sources to assist in immigration enforcement also raises serious questions about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties. Moreover, what happens to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prioritization of deportation efforts, with a particular focus on individuals convicted of crimes like murder, sexual assault, and drug trafficking?

In the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, it’s vital to remember that policies are not just political instruments; they shape lives, families, and futures. While national security and public safety are legitimate concerns, blanket approaches that criminalize entire communities often do more harm than good.

A just and humane immigration system must balance enforcement with compassion, facts with fairness, and law with dignity. Only then can we build a society that reflects the values Americans claim to uphold. This includes liberty, opportunity, and justice for all. America must be better than what I have witnessed in the last several months.