an idea whose time has arrived

New Restaurant Idea for the Disenfranchised and Homeless of Philadelphia, and the REST of us.....

It is an idea whose time has come.  It was done, I believe, in other cities like Baltimore, and it has been successful. I'm talking about a full-service restaurant with all the bells and whistles and all the greatest food--disregarding pork and beef because they are dangerous to human health--a full-service restaurant that will provide food for disenfranchised people at a cost of whatever they can afford--including one cent if that is all they have, or even nothing.  If they want to volunteer some time in the kitchen they can be trained to do so, if they have such abilities or potential abilities.  They should NOT be excluded from having a meal if they have no such stability and talents. 

My vision, and I have written about this several times before, is to have good, wholesome, inexpensive food that feeds into our tendency to be healthy.  Food that can give the human body strength, stamina, an ability to do for themselves--as the Black Muslims say, and feed into the human brain and the human mind in a Way that will help all those attending move into a New Day and look at their New Day with a Positive Spirit and a positive attitude that we as Black People and the left out can achieve anything we want to if we set our minds to it and are willing to work.

I'm talking about fresh organic fruits and fresh organic vegetables, fresh farm-raised chicken and fresh fish that is cooked to perfection--tasty, well-spiced, and scrumptious. We are bringing together the different aspects of the Progressive forces and progressive restaurants in Philadelphia to make this a reality for the entire city.  We will be under-written by people who have a little more money and an ability to pay, paying a little more for their meal than the rest of us, who might not be able to pay at all.  We will also be getting grants and money from other generous private sources such as The Ford Foundation; The Paul Newman Foundation; The Robert F. Kennedy Foundation; The Enough Project; The Russell Simmons Foundation; Colin Powell's & His Wife's Foundation; The Danny Glover Foundation; The Michael Jordan Foundation; The Tyler Perry Foundation; The Will Smith and Jada Pinket-Smith Foundation; Charles Barkley's Foundation;  Oprah Winfre's Foundation & The Oprah Angel's Network; Several Black Banks; and The Black Millionaire's Network.  These organizations will be contacted to enlist their on-going support. We will also contact people in public office to ask if they can refer us to people with funds and money to make this a reality and not just a dream in a few People's minds.

Why are we doing this? First of all, we have to admit that it is NOT a new concept.  Most of us Ole Heads remember the gracious Father Devine & His wife and His places to eat--and Hotels--that provided a delicious dinner for 25 cents back in the early 1960's.  He was a Black religious leader who cared about people who didn't have much, which isn't very popular right now.  We now, on March 8th, 2014, Saturday, live in a world and a city that is full of citizens who are focused on their own issues and their own finances even as the world economy continues to recover.  We should always have room in our hearts for others, because one day, we may need someone else to have room in their heart for us. 

Another reason we are doing this is because disenfranchised people and even Black people of means are treated like the last post on the totem pole--not given respect, honor, or the slightest of kindnesses when the Bible tells us we as Christians should be treating all People with much kindness.  We read all the deep religious books, but don't really take their messages to heart.  If we read what Jesus said, there would be no Way we could treat each other with such disgrace, and disrespect.  But we do it all the time.  I am constantly amazed at How I as a Black man can walk down the street and openly speak and say hello to White men and White women and they won't have a word to say.  Now, if you look at it politically, they have their economic foot on our necks as Black people--because they own a large percentage of the stores, the hotels, the factories, the chemical facilities, and other means of production and then they can't even speak and say hello while we as Black People are left out of the advancement process and not given the jobs and ownership of businesses and access to Capital we need and must have to stabilize our community and raise our children properly? Something is very wrong with this picture. I don't have to go back 230 years and talk about slavery, I don't have to talk about the racism and hatred of Jim Crow in the ole South or How many Black people were killed during the Civil Rights era, I can look at what is happening right now.  The continued discrimination. The continuing inability to achieve in schools that have curriculum's that are irrelevant to us as Black People. The continuing inability of our Black community to fess up to our addictions and begin a willing healing process.  The continuing inability of so many Black leaders to lead in the correct and positive directions that truly lead to achievement, accomplishment, honor, dignity, Grace, our youth's Grace and Honor, and our ability to make the money we need to sustain ourselves.  Yes, I'm talking about Cold Hard Cash people.  But I'm also talking taking proper responsibility for ourselves and our actions.

Just today I went to the grocery store and was totally embarrassed at the check out line when instead of a full cart of groceries I had to buy instead, laundry detergent and some magnesium pills that help build strong bones and teeth.  I had planned to make a Big Pot of chili for myself--full of string beans, red beans, black beans, onions, squash, scullions, tomato sauce, low sodium vegetable broth, garlic, spices like curry powder, cumin, and tamarack--that would have lasted the whole week. But now I guess I'll be forced to go back to the Church Missions for meals again after next week because there just isn't any money to buy the proper food I need.  After having to pay my bank--PNC Bank-- $700.00 in bank fees, how could there be enough money to live off of? If you think I'm not sick of it--with having such fine-tuned, great writing skills and a host of other skills and yet I can't--at 57--find a job--even though I apply for them each and every week and have years of experience in the writing profession--yes I'm tired of the whole situation. Still I go on, and I don't want to digress. This is part of the whole reason for the restaurant--to treat people who have had it up to here concerning systemic and on-going unemployment , foreclosure and other hardships with some LOVe, respect, Honor and decency--not cast them aside like yesterday's ole worn out shoes.

So now you see why I do my work and advocate for the disenfranchised and Homeless of ALL races--especially Black People, and will continue to do so.  This letter will have to sit here for a few days and I will have to take some of the heat out of it, but not the steam.  I ask you for help in directly communicating to Black Sisters and Brothers who can help this restaurant become a reality.  

This restaurant will also borrow from a few other restaurants in Philadelphia to take food that is not moldy or going bad, but food that is fresh, but left over.  I want to make it a city-wide project that brings about a whole new Way of treating disenfranchised people and realizing: ``there but for the Grace of GOD go I.''  

an important book for job seekers....

There is a book available at the Free Library called Top 100 Carers Without a Four-Year Degree: Major Jobs in Many Fields Eighth Edition by Michael Farr.

I think this book will be and is very helpful for Brothers and Sisters looking for work, but who may not have the sophisticated qualifications some employers are seeking.  Not ALL employers are seeking such so-called ``high level'' qualifications.  Some employers are seeking honest People who want to work for an Honest day's pay. Some Employers have Ways to determine if you are an honest person or not.  Those Ways might be seen an unconventional, or conventional.  When they get hold of an Honest, hard working, decent Person, the last thing they want is to lose that person as an employee.  Word tends to get around among People who are members of Professional Clubs and Associations; Up-Scale Health and Fitness Clubs; and other social gathering places where employers congregate such as up-scale restaurants and bars; and Country Clubs.  The key here, is to stop the game-playing and look in the mirror and fess up to the things that are wrong in your background and find Ways to heal, or get the help required to heal and move forward. [See the section on getting help for more referrals.]. If you are serious about wanting a good-paying job, I hope you will take out the book I have mentioned above at the Free Library and give it a good look-over. [Better yet buy the book at the Gallery.]. I am mentioning here only 15 jobs that are possible careers for People who don't have four-year degrees. There are many, many other such jobs listed in the book.  Some jobs you might want to consider getting needed training for are: Communications Equipment Operators; Human Service Assistants; Stock Clerks; Order Fillers; Writers & Editors; Photographers; Office Clerks; Actors, Producers & Directors; Secretaries; Administrative Assistants; Real Estate Brokers; Sales Agents; and Reservation Assistants; Transportation Ticket Agents & Travel Clerks. Often it is NOT the fancy degree with African Math and Ethiopian science that is the really good job.  It is the job that is able to bring out your good nature, your good qualities and your good character that is of most value to People doing the hiring and doing the looking for good, stable employees.  I hope you will take the book mentioned out and stop being an iPhone listener so much and try really working for a change. I know school is not easy and I also know some of our young people and not so young people are addicted to many different chemicals sometimes--but these things can also be overcome.  You will find it quite rewarding to make a check that is honestly earned.  Put some money away.  Just a few dollars.  In the next few days, I'll write about how to get some more qualifications through a process that is free and actually exciting and interesting--if you let your mind relax and enjoy the process instead of getting caught up into thinking you or I are supposed to have the diamond rings--bling-bling--and golden watches of our fellow workers who are rap stars, high-paid actors or high-paid singers.  That life is not for everyone and can include grueling, hectic work schedules that are very difficult to keep up with, raving out-of-control fans, contracts that are difficult to read and understand and designed to rip people off instead of help them become wealthy; and high-priced lawyers who are taking money from you before you even get a chance earn it.  I want you to call my business number and find out how to send me a resume for a legitimate, well-paying job in the Black community, or help in going back to school. 215-471-6494

time.

I have a strong suggestion.  It is important if you are Black, but ALL people, especially working people, the unemployed and the rest of us need to think about this.  Have you ever been in the Post Office and had to get back in line because you had to fill out some forms, applications or what-have-you?  You get back in front of the line and people's heads start to roll along with their eyes and they look at their watches.  You are saying to yourself, ``Well, I am ``allowed'' to get back up in line because I already waited once.''  Take the time to get in the back of the line and wait again.  You will be helping someone in that line lower their blood pressure, release stress and have a better day.  You will also be taking precious time for yourself to relax and bit.  People who don't have children never get to understand the importance of seeing a child grow up from a little baby to an adult.  Well, that's unless you are close to your nephews, nieces or other child relatives.  Sometimes we forget what a Blessed thing it is to have and raise children.  We HAVE to take the time to understand this because there is an ensuing battle over the future Black Mind and what goes into it and What doesn't go into it.  It is time for us to turn off our children's computer games and read a story to our children.  Even if that story is something very old like ``The Learning Tree,'' Which I loved as a child; or ``Man Child in the Promised Land,'' if the child is a bit older say 15 or 16.   Better yet, let the child read an old book themselves.  Turn off the TV and even the radio and ``discover'' your child for the first time.  Taking this time is important in your child's proper development and growth and it allows you to let your hair down and relax as well.  Instead of going to the fast food place for dinner and rushing back home [we should not be Russians because we are really North Americans--little joke], russing back home to watch TV and finding ourselves captivated by the mayhem on the small box--take time to talk to your husband or wife or significant other and your children about the events of their day and your day.  You will discover that they are worth the time and your level of understanding of your child and your appreciation of your mate will increase innumerably.  If you disagree with me please write me at BrotherTracy11@GMail.Com and let me know your views and opinions.

fo us africans.

The Gibson Principles, for AFRICA!!!

These principles are offered to ALL people of African descent and ALL people of the world who are concerned about us to begin a process, that has already started in some quarters, that will bring about greater decency, equality, respect, cooperation, and financial prosperity WITHOUT exploitation from any corporate, government, quazi-government or private or other force from within or outside the African Continent.  They are offered to bring about help for the African continent and its’ People, and help to build on an already existing program of support for the People of Africa and the entire African Diaspora. They are also offered in the same spirit of healing, LOVe and fairness that the Sullivan Principles [from the now late Reverend Leon Sullivan of Philadelphia’s great Zion Baptist Church] were offered to the South Africans during Apartheid.

•              No African, regardless of your station in life, is to treat another African with anything but RESPECT and DIGNITY.

•              All the people of the world who are concerned about the People of Africa, The African Continent and the African Diaspora are to show that concern in a real and lasting way through some process or consideration at least once a week.  That concern can be something as small as a letter to your Congressperson asking for more financial support for any given program that has been proven effective  in helping the People of Africa such as: rightful land ownership; land and property management; the use of private and public funds in helping African people; finding Ways to provide clean, fresh water and effective irrigation for the people and crops of Africa; finding Ways to lessen, end and or to avoid violence, civil strife, conflicts and war; finding effective and useful Ways to treat women, men and children in a respectful and dignified Way for the duration; and to help Africans who may be infected or affected in ANY way what so ever with  such maladies as  HIV and AIDS. This list is BY NO MEANS ALL- INCLUSIVE… Other Africans, Caribbeans, African Americans or others from the African Diaspora  working on such decency and Peace initiatives for the Continent of Africa MUST BE EQUALLY CONSIDERED…

•              Wars of aggression on the African continent should be covered by ALL media just like any war in any other part of the world.

•              People MUST be allowed to see the progress, highlighted in a positive Way, that is going on in Africa and that is spearheaded by African people just as much if not more than they see the negative things that African People are doing on the African Continent.

•              Cultural differences MUST BE RESPECTED even though they are not supported or understood by people and governments and government leaders from the West. This RESPECT must be a forthright goal even if those cultural differences are considered heinous, strange, stupid, evil, ignorant or indifferent.

·         The massive influence and economic control that the international corporate structure has on Africa and the lives of Africans must be controlled, tailored, shaped and molded with the full consent, agreement, and control of the majority of the People of African descent living on the African continent and their leaders and those leaders MUST not be deemed controlled or unduly influenced by said international corporate structure or those leaders can be replaced through an open, non-violent and democratic process in a timely manner.

•              We must all take time to understand the so-called tribal wars and tribal differences that exist among the Africans and find solutions and Ways of resolving those differences while bringing about a peaceful co-existence among African People.

•              Different and divergent aspects of the Black community in the United States and Black communities and Black people around the world are asked to come together to bring forth a peaceful, meaningful, safe, mutually beneficial, and economically rewarding existence for ALL AFRICAN PEOPLE throughout the World.

•              The harsh treatment of the environment is to be avoided at ALL cost and ALL AFRICANS are to get and prioritize clean water, a clean and safe environment, clean and pollution-free air and the building and retooling of buildings must follow ``green building’’ guidelines to be drawn up by groups of independent Africans who cannot and will not be impacted on by corrupt influences or Western influences except for technical and financial assistance. Such technical and financial assistance MUST be without money strings attached or corrupted in ANY WAY.  

•              Population control must be part of the equation for proper and progressive development in Africa, but we must remember that Africa is a network of developing Nations. As such, the African People are not super consumers as we are in the West (Europe and the United States).  Africans use far less food, electricity, goods and services and other energy sources than the West does and an African Person is far less of a consumer because of this.  He or She leaves far less waste and far less harsh treatment to the environment than His or Her Western Cousin.  

•              Businesses that do business and develop in Africa must do so with high principles, morals and ethics and have as their core value the benefit of the People of Africa NOT PROFITS AND THE KIND OF BRUTAL EXPLOITATION THAT TRADITIONALLY IS ASSOCIATED WITH WHITE-RUN BIG BUSINESSES ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT.  Black Africans MUST be part of the business process all along the Way, and not just any Africans, but people who have a long history of positive community involvement / progressive political views and actions / and who share not only the profit-making motive but an authentic concern for the People and the Land of This Great Continent. They MUST also have the interests of ALL the African People at heart including the children of Africa, women, men and the disabled.

•              Homosexual People or Gay and Lesbian People, Transgendered People and Bisexual People among the African People MUST be treated with fairness, respect and dignity even as cultural differences and historical conflicts are worked out, considered, pondered, examined, studied, written about  and explored. The model of South Africa having Gay and Lesbian Rights as part of their Constitution MUST be a goal for each and every African country. There needs to be a consideration of partnership rights, fair treatment, access to education, access to housing rights, access to employment rights and access to jobs and other such rights considered, even as the cultural, tribal and ethnic  differences that might see homosexuals as a threat, are explored, studied and considered. The goal MUST be to consider the rights of homosexuals and transgendered People just as fairly and equally as the rights of other people in Africa.

By Brother Tracy Gibson.

February 18, 2013 Wednesday

Re-Edited and Up-Dated on September 8^th, 2013…

Check the spelling and meaning of ``Principles’’

At the Library and send as an e-mail to Oxfam America, The United Nations and the Ghanaian Embassy.

housing issues -- neighborhood issues.....

April 29th, 2014, Tuesdday...

Open Letter to The First Lady of the United States:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue North West
Wash D.C. 20011

Dear Mrs. Michelle Obama:

From: Fellow Organizer and Humanitarian, Brother Tracy Gibson of Philadelphia…………….

Reason for This Letter:

To Talk About My Frustrations as an Activist concerning the issue of Gentrification…… & Reclaiming Black Neighborhoods for Black People who have lived there for generations.

First I want to say I was a landlord for over 25 years and have a propensity towards land ownership, owning property and making reasonable financial advances from property ownership. My Father, The Late Mr. Charles Saint Clair Gibson, was also a landlord and was such for over 55 years.  He owned about seven different properties during His lifetime, but never made it big like He had envisioned and planned. He basically collected rents and did quite a bit of His own fix up work on His own buildings.

When I went into the business, after a Jewish Friend of my Dad's--A Mr. Golden--lent me about $800. to buy my first property at 5323 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia. His name was Mr. Golden and I am, forever thankful and I was very happy to re-pay the loan in a timely manner. I made about $300,000. from the ownership of about 5.5 properties over the 25 years.  There was usually some long-term contention between my Father and I, but it was generally typical Father - Son issues that I had to resolve through therapy.  I forgave & forgive my Dad and He forgave me. I was never very good at what Dad called ``beating and banging'' the hard work of fixing property where, if you can put in the so-called sweat equity, you can cut corners financially and save enough money to put some money away for the future. Luckily for me, I had some good tenants and was able to get some good people to work for me.  [It was NOT all roses and poeaches, I had some evictions and some difficulties and loses also.] I also had a job at TV Guide Magazine. This helped me finance some of the investment.  It was a lot of work and I  vowed to not allow myself to re-enter the Real Estate market again unless I do so at a higher level where I can afford to own better properties, have more professional people to do the work & have sufficent money to keep the properties up.  Ultimately I would LOVe to have my own construction company to do the work for me and also manage other People's properties for them for a fee.

At the same time, I am basically a writer, so I don't want to spread myself too thin AND HAVE TOO MUCH ON MY AGENDA.  Then again, everyone concerned with their own future should consider Real Estate as a buffer for a more stable financial life. Dad used to say: Location, Location, Location, in mentioning what was the most important concept to keep in mind when working in the Real Estate Industry. I think He was right, in one Way, but I think it is important to locate up-and-coming neighborhoods to invest in as neighborhoods change. I am, at the same time, a political and social activist, so I am very, very concerned about keeping neighborhoods stable and making sure people who have lived there for years, the Black grass-roots, for example, are able to stay in their homes and make good and stable neighborhoods, while being able to pay taxes, up-keep on their properties and so forth.  More stable investments helps create more professional jobs and keep up the education system and other established neighborhood institutions.

As an investor and a serious Community Person, I am very concerned with forcing out or pushing out indigenous People such as Latin, Black, African and Caribbean People who may be renting and not owning properties.  Unfortunately it comes down to race sometimes. As an activist for many People in the Community and many issues in the community, I once testified about gentrification in CIty Council in Philadelphia and how it has ravaged our inner city neighborhoods.  I DON'T WANT TO BE A PART OF SUCH DISPLACEMENT OF POOR, BLACK AND TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD PEOPLE WITH THEIR EUROPEAN NEIGHBORS!!  I have attended many of these Real Estate seminars
where they go after the dollar like MAD MEN and forget about the people who are sometimes displaced due to losing their property as mostly White people move into Black neighborhoods. I covered the issue of gentrification along with several other issues when I was a reporter -- photographer for the Philadelphia Tribune { October 1979 - Circa 1981}. It was a new concept back then, but it has continued to impact greatly on Black neighborhoods because more people have moved into urban, inner-city areas due to raising costs of property, utilities, housing repairs and transportation.

I find myself wanting to see neighborhoods fixed up and jobs created but NOT at the expense of people who have lived in traditional Black neighborhoods losing their homes and being forced to live in the suburbs and chasing dollar bills that never seem to evolve into the American dream. I know this is a Big Problem in the Wash D.C.  area also. I know about this because I have LIVED IT!!!  I lost a home in New Castle, Delaware to foreclosure and left about $16,000. worth of valued personal items there. [50% of which was owned by my roommate Mr. Larry Davis. I had to move back into my Dad's home so I am very, very empathetic to people who have to contend with the gentrification issue, even though I want to re-enter the housing market as a landlord again in the near future.

I was wondering if there are any Federal Programs dealing with this housing loss issue and how we as activists who care about and advocate for poor and disenfranchised people can not allow such people to be displaced while still making a small profit and helping neighborhoods stabilize, create stable jobs and balance our schools to be more community-based and useful to traditional communities and inner city people.  please feel free to contact me if you can help me with this important issue...

Brother Tracy Gibson;

African Name: Kokayi;
Full Legal Name: Mr. Tracy Charles Gibson.....

Against the Death Penalty.....

I recently came upon information about a death penalty case in Oklahoma that I am very concerned about.  It was an allegedly heinous crime the 26-year-ole Joshua Steven Durcho.  The gentleman stands accused of killing his girlfriend and Her three children.  The fact that this is a case against a White person, and I am Black has no baring on my stand against the Death Penalty.  I don't think any state in the Union, including Oklahoma, Texas and Florida--some of the worse pro-death penalty states, should have the right to kill people willy-nilly for the crimes they may or may not have committed.  The death penalty is administered disproportionately against Black people, Native People and Latin People, but poor Whites as well.  The death Penalty is a state-run assassination system--a system of abuse, torture, unfair treatment, and a blatant disregard for our Nation's constitution.  [By the Way, I no longer consider myself a citizen of the United States of North America--but a Citizen of the United States of Native America, due to the illegal taking of the land from Native People and the continued abuse, marginalization and economic strangulation of Native People.]. But getting back to the subject at hand--the death penalty MUST be taken off the table in all states that consider themselves humane, decent, LOVing, and concerned about human rights, true justice and true freedom. I want ALL freedom-thinking people and ALL those concerned about decency to contact me and or the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty to discover Ways to get involved in working against this heinous law that kills people who have made mistakes and killed others.  If Mr. Steven is guilty of the crimes he stands accused of, I DO NOT think or feel he should be killed, but serve time for a number of years, while receiving training so He can become a decent, LOVing, kind and righteous person again.  Such people should be given another chance and our prison system MUST be turned into a system to retrain people, not warehouse them in degradation, squalor and administer inhumane treatment.  They MUST be given access to decent education, better food--gaged on their treatment of self and others--and availability to get a good eduction.  This MUST be administered to ALL people in ALL state penalties, state and local prisons, and whatever other prison facilities that exist.  I also feel that Mumia Abu Jamal should have been released a long time ago or retried--preferably--so the corruption and deeply rooted-greed and indecency that dominates our judicial system could have been exposed.  At this late date, I want Him retried, but The Brother is getting older and should really be released--even though this may well cause a great commotion on the part of the so-called rabid right wing of this Great Nation. People like Pam Africa and Ramona Africa are to be commended for their great courageous work, under the auspicious of The Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal, to have this Brother freed.  They have been successful in getting Him off death row--a phenomenal victory that took years of effort, demonstrations, letter writing, phone calls, protesting, making speeches, working with other groups, and a varied assortment of other duties I know very little about because I was taking care of other aspects of the Revolution. Sister Pam and Sister Ramona and other friends at Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal are some of the absolute most courageous people on the planet and they really will not give up on their quest to Free Brother Mumia.  I thank you for your consideration about Mr. Steven and I will say a prayer for his soul and for the souls of the persons He is alleged to have killed.  It takes years and years for the families to recover from the loss of a loved one through such a criminal event, and the impact on families is absolutely phenomenal and long-lasting.  We must NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THIS FACT EITHER, AS WE GO ABOUT OUR FIGHT FOR DECENCY, AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY!!

With Peace and Justice,

Brother Tracy Gibson, Activist -- Organizer -- Philanthropist -- Proud Uncle and Proud Great Uncle.

African Name: Kokayi  

Full Legal Name: Mr. Tracy Charles Gibson.

reach me at 1 215 921 20 65.

BlockBoi75@yahoo.com

a quote from Malcolm x, from ``Malcolm X on Afro-American History''

Page 23, 2nd paragraph:

``And again you've got another trap that he maneuvers you into. If you begin to talk about what he did to you, he'll say that's hate, you're teaching hate. Pick up on that. He won't say he didn't do it, because he can't. But he'll accuse you of teaching hate just because you begin to spell out what he did to you. Which is an intellectual trap--because he knows we don't want to be accused of hate.''  Malcolm X..

You & I are not the devil.......................

My enemies wait for me like emotionally wounded, muddy soldiers in damp cold trench holes. This IS war, but it doesn't have to be this way..... It doesn't have to be a negative war... We CAN extend olive Branches and dance to the tune of cooperation, LOVe, peace and an ability to understand and Work together, within Our Black Race..... By keeping you ``worthy'' God has lifted you higher Than Any Other God...

You, my Black Brothers & Sisters,  Are NOT the Devil....

chicken bone

Friday, January 18th 2013

Chicken Bone Necklace Man...

By Brother Tracy Gibson

He would spend literally hours making chicken bone necklaces. They were colorful, rustic, funny-shaped and they were made by hand by a Master. He also made colorful African Walking Sticks by hand. He sold a few each month to try to make a dollar stretch. The meager Social Security check he made was barley enough to pay the rent and the light bill. How He managed to pay for food on His budget, I'll still never understand. The necklace-making was no small task. It was no small task because He did this by taking time away from His family to do it, and He did this by taking time away from His 55-plus years of activism to do this. He added weeks, months and days onto His work as an activist like a master painter added works to His gallery. He would spend over 55 years on the stump as a radical, left-leaning social protest activist. You know, those generals of the anti-War and the pro-choice and the Black-rights era who breath life into this often otherwise boring existence of a world of police fantasy and Gospel music and over eating and racing cars and Blow-Up movies and such we find on TV and can live without. You don't find many of these social activist on TV unless you look really hard because they represent such a thorn in the side of the status quo that they largely get ignored by the White-owned, Goliath mass media. If there was a Progressive cause and someone needed support, if no one else in the entire World would join you in your protest--even if it was a stormy, NASTY, rainy or snowy Day--Mr. Bill Hill, Chicken Bone Necklace Man, would be there for you. He would carry His home-made placard, an almost literal barrel of good humor, a smile, a cold baloney and American cheese sandwich and His signature hand-made African walking stick or cane with Him. He always added life and vigor, honesty and mirth to the things He did. He was funny, good natured, larger-than-life and He was a lover of Black History and the old stories of progressive and left-leaning radical political warriors such as Himself. {I didn't know who the heck Leonard Peltier was until Mr. Bill Hill and several others at the All People's Congress told me}... And He really just loved people of every stripe, demeanor and tempo as if they were liner notes and He was the Maestro who just had to play them on his piano.

Do you know anyone who had a Big Party and a dinner thrown for them, and them alone, to honor their years of dedicated service to the Progressive and Radical cause and community? The only such person I knew personally was Mr. Bill Hill, formerly of Marion Avenue in West Philadelphia. And people came. People of all sorts came. There were White people and Black people, and Latin Folks and women and men, and Gay People, like myself, and there were transgendered people and even children at that dinner. I was so thankful that His friends at the International Action Center, gave this dinner in His honor. We showed great honor for Him while He still walked the earth, and none too soon, for Mr. Bill Hill would be given back to the cold, cold earth a few short years after that.

He suffered from a heart ailment and High Blood Pressure. He left us from Hahnamman University Hospital before I really got to say good bye. He was a bit overweight and stout for such a short gentleman. He was getting up in age. He was my personal friend and like a Father to me. We would go to I-Hop for breakfast and He would get the Pigs in a blanket. I never ate pork since I was 14, but Mr. Bill Hill proudly ate His pork and you had better not say a damned thing about it. It was one of a few things we disagreed on. He never had so much respect for the Black Muslims as I did. He didn't trust them, like I seemed to.Mr. Bill Hill was like a Dad to many people. You see, My Father and I never really got along much. Clashing egos and some mental abuse that really didn't add up to a Hill of beans, was my excuse for allowing myself to stay on the wrong side of my real Dad for many, many years. Dad didn't make it easy, but Mr. Bill Hill made up for the rest of the Fatherhood I never had through my real Father, Mr. Charles S. Gibson of 49th Street in West Philadelphia.....

Mr. Bill Hill was a Father, grand Father and a Great Grand Father as well. He would extend to me, an invitation to a Christmas Dinner at His family's HOUSE {The home of one of His daughter's in South {Philadelphia} that I will never forget. There were plenty of children there and Mr. Bill Hill knew I loved children and would take care to act correctly around them because I was and am basically a good person. Many other people never took the time to find this out about me, but Mr. Bill Hill knew this and cherished me more as a person because of this fact....

Once a junkie friend in His neighborhood left a child out in the cold one Winter's day. Mr.Bill Hill scooped the baby up and found a place for the child to stay--If I remember correctly it was a little Black child--a baby girl. I drove around with Mr. Bill Hill and this little girl, she couldn't have been more than three years old, until we found a safe harbor for the child. He was NOT turning Her over to the department of Public Welfare or , GOD forbid, the police. Now that Mr. Bill Hill is gone I think about that cold day and that baby girl... That female child could grow up to be another Rosa Parks, another Mehalya Jackson, another Maya Angelou, or another Barbara Jordan, or another Nona Hendrix, or another Mississippi God Damn or another Angela Davis, or another Winnie Mandela or even another Betty Gains--now THAT would be something.... She would not have had that chance if the incomparable and heroic Mr. Bill Hill hadn't scooped this child up and saved yet another life. She was the cutest little baby girl with a pink hat on and a yellow snowsuit. A lost neighborhood soul in distress who had turned to drugs and just given up... she just couldn't take it any more, but had left this sweet darling baby child behind to fend for Herself. Thank GOD there was someone there so save Her.

Someone there so save Her or Save Him--save us ALL. That is what people like Mr. Bill Hill did in life. But there are no statues of Mr. Bill Hill foolishly placed outside the Municipal Services Building that some Philadelphia's defy the police guard and pee on every chance they get, like there is of one Frank Rizzo, a Mr. Bill Hill nemesis. Mr. Bill Hill served as a role model for me to do similar things, but maybe I'll never measure up to Mr.Bill Hill and guess what, that is OK as Well.... I loved me some Mr. Bill Hill, but NOT in a sexual Way. I loved Him for his spunk, His tenacity, His True Grit, His positive demeanor, His love of mankind and woman kind and transgendered kind as Well. That's right--Mr. Bill Hill even loved the people who many so-called great people in our society would rather spit upon than hold close and love--He even loved the poor people like Himself--who weren't even mentioned during the whole Presidential election season of 2012; and even the transgendered people and the Gay people and the Lesbian people and the bisexual people who it has now become a bit more in Vogue to accept... Look back 20 years and you find more Anita Bryant attitudes getting their oranges off about gays and lesbians than you find acceptance. Find the old Phil Donahue TV tapes and it will be proven true. Mr. Bill Hill was in love with us all way back when Anita Bryant was throwing nasty spit ice sickles at us and throwing lighter fluid on the names that people would call us. Faggot. Dike. Queer. Hateful names spewing from the lips of hateful people--not ALL of them White...

Mr. Bill Hill would attend Gay and Lesbian and Transgendered and Bisexual Rights demonstrations Way, Way before it became cool to support Gay Marriage and Gay Rights in the eyes of the general public. He helped defeat Robert Bork from getting his sorry ass on the Supreme Court; he fought against South Africa's Apartheid system for about 20 to 25 years; he helped fight for a Free Haiti. He enlisted as a communist and found even they could be racist. Something He and my tapes on Richard Right helped inform me of years ago. Mr. Bill Hill told me how the Communist Party used Him as a patsy--taking credit for what he did while Mr. Bill Hill would end up in jail--and never took His causes on totally until he met up with the Workers World Party and their people's political front at the time, the All People's Congress.

I met Mr. Bill Hill on a summer's day when I attended a demonstration against Racism--a People March Against Racism--that was held over the summer of Circa 1983 in Philadelphia. A Lesbian woman named Betty Gains {or Smith} also joined us along with about 10,000 other people. Our All Peoples Congress march would wind around city streets chanting ``The People United Will Never Be defeated'' and several other chants and slogans as we turned the city literally upside down for a short time. We stopped traffic, but were peaceful. The racism across North America and in other parts of the world and in Philadelphia was stinking to High Heaven and we were there to let our voices be heard. Where are the protesters now? Where is occupy Philadelphia? They have been suppressed and usurped and driven underground with the proposed building of a $50 Million Dollar ice skating rink around City Hall. A buy-out to take away God Given Constitutional rights if ever I saw one. {But then most people don't know that because of the Patriot Act and the Patriot Act II the right to assemble and for Free Speech have long been taken away in this so-called bastion of democracy we call North America.}

But Mr. Bill Hill's life was one to be celebrated, not one to get bitter and resentful about concerning political issues. I have to say, I remember the sad occasion of His funeral was made more sad for me because the family--His Family--saw fit to allow the government--the military--to put a U.S. flag over his casket. {Bill was a veteran, but He spent His life fighting against militarism, war, bombings, military intervention and the like perpetrated by the U.S. against other countries}. To me, this was a slap in the face--that flag over his casket. I doubt that Mr. Bill Hill would have wanted that because His life was spent fighting against the military and using high teak and low teak arms and armaments to fight for ``democracy'' when we don't even have it here, and for the peace we never reached while Mr. Hill was alive. There was always some damned war to fight against. Viet Nam; Cambodia; Laos... and ALL the bombings. Iraq; Afghanistan; Haiti; Panama; Nicaragua and Cuba... They ALL experienced the fight against so-called terrorists, communism, foreign aggression and what ever else the racist and the war profiteers of doom decided to build a package of hate around. All the war mongers wanted was to make a political, social, media and economic justification for U.S. aggression. Mr. Bill Hill stood against all that and He stood for steadfastly for peace, justice and real freedom.

He was against the death penalty and Pam and Ramona Africa were close and beloved friends of His. He stood with them for Mumia Abu Jamal's fight for freedom of a new trial. {Even I would only go as far as another trial for Mumia, like Amnesty International wants, because I think this is still one of the best Ways to expose what our government, the police and the district attorney's office, the prosecutors and so forth were up to when they imprisoned Mumia--almost killing the Brother}... But Mr. Bill Hill said, what the heck, let's totally fight for freeing our Brother Mumia.

He wanted greater adherence for all the social justice agenda by our government at every level--the Supreme court, The Presidency, Congress, the Senate, the other courts and the entire war machine and the military/ industrial complex, and Mr. Bill Hill never lived to see a Black man, Barack Obama, elected President... But it is and was Black men and Black women on the grass-roots level like Mr. Bill Hill, who died when he was some 80 years old, it was people like Mr. Bill Hill who made that Black Presidency possible. Mr. Bill Hill would put on a good pair of sneakers or some of those old beat-up sandals of His and he would actually lay the ground work for ALL the progress that has been made over the years. He did this like a gifted craftsman carving out His wooden African walking sticks or the colorful chicken necklaces He was famous for.

He fought with Tom Cronin for labor rights and with Rita Addessa for Gay and Lesbian Rights, but he also knew a little lady from Egypt named Fisa who He loved dearly. The struggle became international in scope in more people's minds because Fisa was also with us at the All People's Congress for several years. I could have never, ever made my 1991 journey with the Ventreamous Brigade to Cuba without the ground work that Mr. Bill Hill Had done. He gave me the courage to want to see what that island country was like along with a Mr. William Mena, a Puerto Rican Gay activist who helped me interpret Spanish in Cuba during that personal historic journey there. Bill probably wanted to go, but I guess He couldn't afford the plane ticket. You see, Mr. Bill Hill was one of the poor ones like I am myself am right now. Saying you are poor doesn't mean you will be poor forever. We can work ourselves free from this mess. But it takes time, work, endurance and patience and tenacity. ALL the things Mr. Bill Hill was made of. All the things He dedicated His life to. All the things He instilled in His friends, His family and His comrades through the example He set for us.

When I turn on network TV and see all the police shows I realize how invisible the established order, the oligarchy and / or the ruling class would like to make people like Mr. Bill Hill and our labor leaders; and our Gay Rights leaders--represented in people like Act-Up members; and our Civil Rights leaders like Alphonso Deal, Georgie Woods, Nina Simon and Roxanne Jones and Cecil B. Moore; and our other women activists like Harriet Tubman and Winnie Mandela {I actually met Ms. Winnie Mandela in South Africa}seem. The former Ruling Class want to hold on to their sinking dollars and make us invisible. In place of their stories we get police show after police show after police show and the price is right and more monkey shire and stupidly like dancing with the stars. We are lulled to sleep with the likes of David Letterman and we think we are free. We are made to think that this JUNK TV is OK and that the world is just fine without people like Attorney Michael Coard who works with His group Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, or Pam and Ramona Africa who work with MOVE and The Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal, or Brother Rob Gray and Sister Silvia Gray who gave years and years of their lives dedicated to building the community and respecting Black living ancestors through an agency called The African American Freedom and Reconstruction League.... And internationally Brother Minister Louis Farrakhan and His work with the Nation of Islam to build a backbone for Black men and Black women by arming them with the truth....These are our Freedom Warriors, our Heroes and Sheroes. There are literally hundreds or thousands of others as Well in different parts of the city, the country and the world who go temporarily unrecognized, but times are changing and the sheets and covers and masks are being pulled off every day to reveal the true beauty and vivid work of these people like Mr. Bill Hill. But the TV keeps telling our people about old White Boy Jim Bob on that TV news--a White man who gives the news and weather and looks just like the other White man on the other TV stations. Or we are able to dream of joining the military {and letting our children join the military} and come back from war in Afghanistan with an arm or a leg blown off--if we are lucky. But don't ask for your right and proper benefits, because they won't be coming unless we fight for them... That is what Mr. Bill Hill did, he fought for the benefits and the rights. More young people MUST take up this banner and real soon, or I don't want to think where we will be very, very soon. Start editing PRocess here...

Where are the stories about people Mr. Bill Hill and I? They are not even on the cutting room floor. They are like Ralph Ellison's book ``Invisible Man'' just not there, in the eyes of the established order. We can't find funds for Paul Robeson's House being reconstructed, modified and open for regular hours with rich and fulfilling programs, seminars and workshops and classes about Paul Robeson--an All American football hero, a noted actor, thespian and movie star, a political activist and a writer and singer and an expert public speaker, but we can build a multi-million dollar ice rink around City Hall; and we can build a New {and ominous-looking} multi-million dollar Youth Study Center at 48th and Haverford Avenue in West Philadelphia which could be used to lock up and examine and pick and prod at our young men, and young women and young transgendered people--if we let them, but let's NOT let them. And, at the same time, we can't find jobs for our youth. And when I talk about Jannie Blackwell as the female dog that she is and I talk about Darrell Clark as the Dog that he is I get this blank unforgiving and questioning stair that people just don't understand. Clark and Blackwell have made this mess along with the so-called Mayor, and they want us to live in Hell and act like it is some sort of dignified privilege to be a poor Black person about to be jacked up and moved out of Philadelphia through a process called gentrification. Another issue that Mr. Bill Hill fought against and exposed through part of His life's work.

His life was a life worth living. He loved Black people and Gay people and Poor people and people who fought against injustice like the mother of Amado Dialo and Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X and Fanny Lou Hamer. But such people are rarely ever made into movie history like so many police shows that find their way onto the airways. So many, many useless police show that aggrandize the police and help keep the people in check through intellectual fear and intimidation and an underhanded, undercurrent of ``law abiding citizenship and adherence to laws'' that have just about been totally corroded by our government at all levels--including By the President of the United States who signed the Patriot Act II himself.

As I was sitting here writing this, I decided to take on yet another task to go along with the seemingly hundreds of things I'm doing {even though I have tried to boil the things I'm working on down to three things, I always want to do more because there is so much to do and so few of us doing this work, or so it seems to me at times}. I am going to demand and work towards a special day being commemorated and set aside by the Mayor and City Council of Philadelphia for Mr. Bill Hill in honor of Him and His work. Let's see if we can do something besides honor the Philadelphia Symphony, the hoagie and those nasty hard, cold, nutritionally worthless mustard pretzels in this damned city.

Copyright warnings and infringements from ``It's Your Biz,'' By Susan Wilson Solovic, with Ellen R. Kadin and a forward by Edie Weiner. Page 150...

``Because I write many columns and blog posts for a variety of companies and media organizations, I use search-engine tools to alert me if anyone is picking up and using my material. Some people have literally copied my writing and presented it as their own, even though this is an obvious copyright infringement. There are both civil and criminal penalties for copyright violations, and the severity of the penalties depends on the situation.''

Some of us

Some of us as Black People and other People want to appreciate the Plum from the Black Golden Tree and ignore the ``mold and rot'' at the base of the tree and on the roots.  ``Mold & Rot'' makes a great mulch and often are instrumental increating ripe, jucy, delicious plums. And ``Mold & rot'' can be turned into Black Golden-Tree Plums, with a great deal of work and cooperation from our own Black people.

Kokayi

Some of Us are Thinkers.....

Some of US as Revolutionaries think the ole mode still works. Start a Progressive non-Profit; fund it through rich ole-ruling-class-led funding sources and sources of money like the Mellon's, the Rothschild's, and the Rockefeller's and Dow Chemical and everything will be OK if we all sit around and sing Kym-By Ya. That mode is not and has not really worked to bring forth our true and actual liberation in the U.S. or much of anywhere else....  Such wealthy funding sources are drying up and they often have their political views attached to their giving patters.  Such views, at the root of such money, is generally speaking, Far Right Wing.

My feeling is WURD 900 AM Black Talk Radio has the right idea on this one.  They had a Crowd Funders conference of workshop a few weeks ago that I'm sure talked about many of these same issues.  I was unable to attend this particular event, but I'm told it gave hope to those seeking funds for their ideas and offered alternative Ways to generate money for potential and established businesses, ``venture Capitalists'';  and others seeking to get their ideas off the ground.

What makes good sense is to create a People-based or African based mode that gathers its' funding from the community by replacing the deliverer of the services and goods in the community [I think this needs to be done in a gradual, but steady pace so as not to cause too much physical violence, but still keep good progress, job creation and fair play and decency on the horizon.... The community MUST have a say in setting the pace for Progress and be steadily and repeatedly informed about the progress we are making. ..] The ole guard, the rich-greedy corporations [and I believe all corporations are NOT ALL rich and greedy]; they need to be replaced with an African centered or People-centered commerce mode that supports good and fair wages; good and fair working conditions; decent vacation time; & good health care benefits.

I'm not saying to become oppressors ourselves as Black, people, middle-income people and oppressed people of color.  I'm saying to become a fresh, new class of Revolutionary entrepreneurs who have the needs of the People--especially African People in my case--as the center of our world--not profits, not world economic plunder, not war profiteering & not racism and the destruction of the world environment. We can create a fresh New World, but the ole methods of the non-profit & the use of Ruling Class sources as funders is not working, and I'm not sure it ever did. I have worked for 15 years to build a world commerce mode--and I have certainly had help and am only part of the solution--that is funded by the community & gives money back to the community--especially for vital needs such as food; medicine; vital transportation; and decent housing. the ole way of thinking is regressive & serves the purpose of the so-called rulers.  It leaves them with all the money; vast sums of money and often vast tax write offs to continue policies of hatred, plunder, racism and destruction of the decency and fairness we are searching for and want to establish. We need to also finance the solutions to our problems--not create them like the ole ruling class and Big Corporations and Big Government have done in the past. We are a fresh New Progressive & Revolutionary People demanding our rights, but also building a brand new economic mode that is open to new Fresh ideas; Positive thinking; diversity; a LOVing heart; and fresh new Revolutionary patter for more stable and forward-moving ideological thought. The fact that I am a Gay Black man only makes me more determined, hungry for Revolutionary change, & open  to those who want to help in this important & exciting work we are doing.   THIS NEEDS SPELL CHECKING AND EDITING. IT IS THE STATEMENT I PLAN TO READ AT A DEMONSTRATION N May 1, 2014 AT 4 P.M... AT 15TH & MARKET STREET.  IN Philadelphia.

good food choices at area West Philadelphia Restaurants.

Family Variety & Deli

at 310 South 52nd street

The sandwiches are really great. They have salmon and fish on Fridays. You can get wheat bread or rye if you are like me and don't want to eat white bread.   They also have bean pies. I have to try the store again, but I always liked what they have when I went before. I will up-date this very soon.


Baltimore Crab & Seafood
4800Spruce Street

There fish is quite fresh and tasty. I need to go again to update this blog. 




The Green Line Cafe at 45th and Locust Street; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139.

They have great coffee and yogurt; Items I haven't tried as yet:  Croissants; ice ea; espresso; muffins like chocolate or cheese; crumb cakes; various blends of coffee like French Roast; a Limited Edition Ugandan Roast coffee; Peruvian coffee; Bananas; Spring Water; orange juice; flavored seltzer water; mocha hot chocolate drinks; Burritos; Pastrami sandwiches; egg and cheese sandwiches.

They also have pretty good bagels and they don't complain too much--if at all--about poor people like me who use the ``free'' wyfi for hours and actually only buy a few 25 cent pieces of delicious chocolate and then pimp off the free water. [If you think I don't feel guilty for NOT being able to pay my own Way right now, well, you would be mistaken.


***

Pizza Lebel at 5601 Girard Avenue; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131.


I rarely go to Pizza Label because I rarely eat Pizza due to the high fat content of cheese; but this spot does have a few low-fat or less meat items on their menu along with more traditional items.  Those low-fat or less meat items include: Jumbo Shrimp; Grilled Chicken Salad -- available with 1000 Island Dressing; Chicken Stromboli; Onion Rings; Fish Sandwiches [One can ask for Wheat Bread & extra Tarter Sauce, to avoid regular mayo--if one likes]. They also have carrot cake; and Turkey Burgers.




***


Penn Cafe and Pizzeria at 4909 Catherine Street

I don't think I have tried Penn's Cafe & Pizzeria, but they have several selections on their menu aside from more traditional foods, that might be better for lower fat diets with less animal fat.

Chicken Steak Stromboli; Vegetable Stromboli; Chicken fingers with honey mustard; Onion Rings; Chicken Wings; Turkey Club Sandwiches; pasta and sauce with no meat; Baked Stuffed Shells; Seafood Combinations; Shrimp in a basket; Whiting [Fish]; Jumbo Shrimp. For Breakfast:  Blueberry pan Cakes; various omelette's; Turkey Sausage; Broccoli; Green Peppers; Onion & mushrooms as stuffing for omelette's. Also: Tuna Salad; Garden Salad; Greek Salad (one does not have to get the anchovies if one is on a salt free or low salt diet); Chicken Caesar Salad; and Grilled Chicken Salad.The Penn Cafe & Pizza Place also serves juice and Carrot Cake.



***


ACCU Pizza has been in the hood for years!!  When I was a child, we used to go to Accu Pizza often during the week, especially during the summer -- and have delicious food.  They have always been open to hiring People of Color and always greet customers with grace and a smile.  There are several food choices at Accu Pizza that are heart healthy and sensible such as: Vegetarian Stromboli [with no cheese]; Chicken Broccoli; and Chicken Salad Wraps; Southern Turkey Wrap [you can get it without the beacon]; Classic Caesar; Mixed Greens; Cranberry Spinach Salad; Asian Won ton Salad; Veggie Hoagies and Grinders; Chicken or Turkey Hoagies and Grinders; and Vegetables such as Candy Yams; Collard Greens; corn on the Cob.  All these foods and selections can be ordered with lower calorie Dressings such as French, Russian and Honey Mustard.  Since I have become a more responsible eater, I have lost weight and my blood pressure has gone down. I look better and feel better and healthier. A healthy-minded person can go to a store such as Accu Pizza and find many selections to take part of and skip many of the traditionally heavy calorie food. One should check with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen, and changing your diet [I am not a registered nutritionist or a medical doctor]. I plan to stop by Accu Pizza soon to order something healthy very, very soon.  Their Phone number is 215 474 71 50 Accu is located at 4802 Spruce Street in the heart of West Philadelphia. enjoy!!

******

Stacy's Pizza & Wings
42nd and Market Street

I have seldom tried the food at Stacy's, but an ole friend of mine, who has now passes, used to LOVe Stacy's food.  Because I like to eat healthy, I have here suggested several items I would eat as opposed to some of the other foods on the menu. Before I start, I want to mention the importance of eating healthier menu choices. It is OK to splurge once in a while and have a piece of fried chicken on a piece of chocolate cake (some nutritionists say if you don't do this you end up getting side tracked and going off the positive-eating experience all together and go back to ole eating habits). many Black People in the United States especially have problems with high blood pressure; obesity; diabetes; and other heart ailments or ailments brought on by eating too much fatty foods, chemically laden foods, and too much salty foods.  It is also a good idea not to eat too much White flour, white rice or white bread as these foods are not as mineral rich and fiber filled as some of the other starches like wheat bread, wild rice, brown rice or wheat pasta. Some of the foods I would eat from Stacy's include: Turkey Decker Sandwich with lettus, onion & tomato with brown mustard on wheat or rye; appetizers: onion rings, cole slaw, Broccoli bites, corn on the cob, steamed broccoli, grilled chicken tenders with honey Dijon, crab cakes, scallops (grilled); Turkey burger, Veggie wrap with 1000 Island dressing, Grilled chicken Parmesan with no cheese, chicken Caesar wrap with no cheese, veggie quesadilla, chicken & Broccoli Quesadilla, Chicken Gyro or baked Ziti.  Most People will find something really great and well-prepared from this list to eat from and still stay away from fried foods and such an abundance of fatty foods.


 This food reference is being edited for spelling and grammar.

IMPORTANT LETTER TO THE NORTH STAR FUND.

April 19th, 2014 Saturday

The Following is an Open Letter to: The North Star Fund
520 Eight Avenue
New York, New York  10018-6656

From: Brother Tracy Gibson
Full Legal Name: Tracy Charles Gibson
African Name: Kokayi
Post Office Box 42878
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101-2878

Reason for Writing: New Ideas for Activism.

1} Ole methods are not working & are ineffective.

2} Let us try something else; a new success mode.

3} Let us Lift ALL Boats.

4} Instead of Challenging the Ole Established order we Will find much more success when we take on a ``Let's Lift All Boats'' Philosophy and bring on change in a gradual fashion or manner while thinking of sharing with our neighbors. Sometimes this is not easy because sometimes issues are designed by the media and higher ups financially to pit different racial groups against others.  We must work at working with other people, and also within our racial and other groups we feel most comfortable with. RELAX!!!

5} Think of Policies that make dollars and sense {cents} -- And Positive, reasonable change for ALL People, All Concerned.  Being GOD-Centered and Loving ourselves in very important for me personally. It may NOT be a model that works for you.

6} We have been wasting time banging and beating on Doors that will never open. Some minds are closed and will stay that way until GOD finds the proper tools to theoretically open them in a non-violent, LOVing, and timely Way.

7} Find Ways to create our own opportunities; create jobs; make our sources of money and income to expand on opportunity, especially in so-called depressed or ``oppressed'' communities.

8} Cool Down criticism and find good in a few things our perceived enemies have where we can work together -- even only if we are in negotiations or short-term communications-- instead of arguing endlessly over philosophy, ideology & issues like abortion that will most likely never be solved to everyone's moral, ethical & Human Rights satisfaction.

9} Cool Tempers and Listen instead of talk endlessly.

10} Find Point Men and Point Women who can work with different groups, ethnic groups & different organizations TO MEND FENCES, BUILD BRIDGES AND KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN [THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE DISLOYAL TO YOUR PARTICULAR ETHNIC GROUP, RACE, SKIN-COLOR OR THE ORGANIZATION YOU ARE MOST LOYAL TO… IT IS VITAL IN DIFFICULT AND TRYING TIMES --EVEN THOUGH WE ARE MAKING ECONOMIC PROGRESS --  WHERE egos and tempers may be hot-wired easily, to keep communications open, keep in a positive Spirit and remember we are ALL really doing this work to create something decent, LOVing, and kind for the children of the world .

11} Talk, Talk, Talk; but keep a positive thinking philosophy and a positive mind at the forefront or All work in the movement.

12} If you are willing -- allow children to interact along, within and among different lines of race and ethnicity-- especially Asian, African and Latin children.

13} Find cultural and artistic experiences that help expand mental, physical and social awareness & positive, wholesome, & Justice-Oriented interactions among those involved.

14} Begin to Realize LOVing & Respecting Self is at the Root of Stability for Our People.

15} Do away with words like ``Struggle'' & ``Overcome'' & we find we have truly overcome the struggle and are on our Way to Real, lasting sustainable & ethical sharing of the world's bountiful resources.

16} These ideas and processes are offered as voluntary guidelines and are in NO WAY a requirement for any financial reward from my companies.

With LOVe, Peace & Respect,

Brother Tracy Gibson; Tracy Charles Gibson--KOKAYI

TO BE PUT ON MY BLOGG AS SOON AS I GET ACCESS TO IT…

Remember no is spelled KNOW-YES……………

I want to suggest the following cartoons and short films to be shown at major motion picture showings in North America, Africa and Throughout the World:

MRINE GIRL & Marine Boy. {Japanese}

Astro Girl & Astro Boy {Japanese}

Eight Man {Japanese}

Ultra Man {Japanese}

Space Ghost {North American}

Speed Racer and Racer X {Japanese}

THE HERCULOIDS {North American}

The Jetsons {North American}

The Flintstones {North American}

Gigantor {Japanese}

The Fantastic Four {North American}

Batman {North American}

Johnny Quest {North American}  Betty Boop {North American}

The Submariner {North American}

Herculies {North American}

Davey and Goliath

The Avengers {Cartoon} {North American}

Editor's Note: I have heard there is a LARGE resurgence in film in the Nation of Nigeria. It would be great if many of these films could be shown at major venues in the United States of Native America and at specific Black film festivals such as the one coming up in New York's Harlem; and the Black Magic Film Festival In Philadelphia. {Do the Research}.

New Resume for Brother Tracy Gibson...

Resume

Resume Philosophy: I feel that with the job market flooded the way it is, I might as well tell my full story and try to get a JOB that way, as opposed to only giving a brief sketch in my resume, the way the job professionals want one to do. This way, if there is something a possible employer doesn't like he or she can just pass me by instead of wasting his or her time and mine with an interview. Also: the professional JOB finders say to Never, EVER let a potential employer know about your ethnic background. I find this silly and ridiculous. Any potential employer who will NOT respect me as a Black man doesn't deserve to even consider gett


I AM--Brother Tracy Gibson - Consultant - Businessman - Educator – Editor- Writer - Visionary - Organizer-Child and Youth Advocate-International Progressive Activist - Fund Raiser; 213 South 49th Street, Philadelphia, Penn 19139-4205; Phone: 1.215.921.2065; E-Mail Address: BLockBoi75@Yahoo.Com

OBJECTIVE:

Make my businesses profitable and expand; and / or find suitable work as a staff diversity consultant; or a staff consultant for community outreach, youth issues and services; work on Peace, Education and Prosperity issues for the poor and left out; fund raising; writing; and / or Public Relations and / or Promotional Work...

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Brother Tracy Gibson And Associates, Inc.; April of 2002 to the Present. {And Subsidiaries} Planning, researching, reconstructing, building my businesses and developing and implementing policy for our parent company {Brother Tracy Gibson And Associates, Inc. }--a growing Public Relations, Marketing, Research, Advertising, Community Relations and Education firm dedicated to and specializing in developing survival tactics for people of color {especially Black People} and other economically disenfranchised groups so such groups can flourish into the future; filing the proper papers with local, state and federal agencies and NGO's to continue to carry on in a legal and legitimate manner; place advertising to expand and stabilize profitability and to generate and expand on our client base; bring our Wed Page back on line {www.btganda.com}; advocating for progressive causes in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Delaware and Washington, D.C. and other locations within the U.S. and points around the World; Planning to Obtain and maintain Our office space and staff; expand on staff and train youth, young Adults as well as other job seekers in the community; generating management and leadership skills etc.

PROGRESSIVE WRITING HISTORY:

I presently have a Blog: ``The Politics of Real'' which can be accessed by clicking onto: http://thepoliticsofreal.blogspot.com I have also written for several other publications including: ``The Black Star,'' ``The Leon Williams Journal'' ``The Walnut Hill Community Association's Newsletter,'' {I served as the editor for One year}; ``SBC Magazine''; ``Au Courant Newspaper''; and ``Male Box Magazine.'' From March of 2001 to Present.

OTHER JOB HISTORY:

Careers USA: 18th and JFK Boulevard Philadelphia, Penn--Edited law briefs and other legal documents such as Wills. Also: Provided registration materials for Doctors attending a National Cancer Conference; and did clerical work in a psychiatrist's office. I also served as a male receptionist for the Jewish Federation of Organizations. 1995 to 2001.

TV Guide Magazine: Manhattan, New York; and Radnor, Penn. Wrote and Edited TV listings and program evaluations as I became literate on a new and innovative computer system. January 1981 through November 1995.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:

As part of My life-Long Business Experiences I served as a cashier for various Department Stores including: Staples, Macy's, Gimbals and Sears.. I also started my work career by working at McDonald's in West Philadelphia {40th and Walnut Street} when I was 16; and also worked at McDonald's temporarily, part time {for about a year} to help pay for college expenses during my years at The Ohio State University { September 1974 to August 1978} in Columbus, Ohio...

LIFE'S JOURNEY:

I had the significant and dignified honor of helping care for my elderly Mother, Mrs. Jessie M. Gibson, before she left this place of existence on June 5th, 2006. It took a great deal of coordination, work, dedication, Love, endurance, and most of all courage in dealing with a sometimes hostile Health Care System and also dealing positively with limited finances. I learned a great deal through this process. My Mother was a fantastic lady who believed strongly in education and helping the less fortunate. She taught me many life lessons, including NOT to hold grudges against people, and to Love people even when they are wrong or have different ideas than I do. I also learned that to be human is to honor human life. Recently I helped tend to my Father's Health Care needs { Mr. Charles S. Gibson } who was 85 when he passed away on Hospice Care at home on July 10th, 2012. Dad helped me to care about people's basic needs while still being frugal and responsible. He was a dedicated and concerned Landlord for most of his life.

EDUCATION:

* On May 31, 2012, I completed the Business Plan Development Program--a ten-Week course--at Temple University's Small Business Development Center at 1510 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Penn 19121. My instructor was Ms. Cynthia Moultrie. We still have a process to go through that puts the finishing touches on our Business Plans. ``The Knowledge Hut Business Plan’’ can be found on my Blog.

* I also attended the Delaware Money School to learn more about personal finance, thrift and budgeting from January 2008 to August 2010.

* I also took continuing Studies Classes at the Pan African Studies Community Education Program at Temple University where I studied: personal finance and budgeting; civil liberties law; housing rehabilitation { I was a landlord for 25 years}; alternative music industry analysis and progressive rap music indium's; the advantages of the vegetarian lifestyle and vegetarian cooking. At Temple University's Center City office I took: Business Management. I also took classes in basic English and Research at Community College to brush up on my skills. January 2002 through March 2010.

*Graduate School -- Temple University--13th and Berks--Philadelphia Penn. September 1980 through January 1982. Studied communications, script writing and journalism after being awarded a scholarship from the Scripps-Howard Foundation in 1981. I have NOT received my Master's Degree at this point.

*The Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio September 1974 through August 1978. Received a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations with a Minor in Black Studies.

PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS:

• I have served as a Leading Member and an officer of a Same Gender Loving Black male organization / support group for several years. I helped chair meetings; facilitate meetings; develop meeting topics; and host meetings in my home for over seven years. I also helped found Adodi Philadelphia Inc., and was a leading core member for this support group and support system for Same Gender Loving Black Men. Adodi has since evolved into a National Organization that holds a National Retreat each year at different locations. They also hold different constructive meetings and workshops during the year.

• Served as an official Philadelphia Block Captain for the 4600 Block of Sansom Street for seven years when I lived on that block. In elementary school {Lea Elementary School at 47th and Walnut Street, in West Philadelphia} I served as a Crossing Guard and a Hall Monitor. {I have always been concerned about people’s safety.}

• I am presently slowly implementing a youth employment and empowerment program for my corporation in the neighborhood in which I live and am seeking grant money and investors to help with the financing and implementation.

*I received a Community Service Award from Men of All Colors Together of Philadelphia in April of 2005.

* I ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania in 2005.

*I served on the Board of Directors of the African American Freedom and Reconstruction League for one year {The League was constructed as a result of the positive energy that matriculated from the Million Man March in October of 1996. They develop strategies to advocate for the Black community's inclusion in getting Our fair share of the Economic Pie in America through creating community initiatives that generate support for the community itself. The League also holds an annual luncheon to respectfully recognize the work our elders are doing to uphold the community and the community’s positive values.}

• I also served on the Board of Friends of Somafco for seven years {Friends of Somafco delivers support services such as educational assistance; and food for the temporarily disenfranchised {especially youth} in South Africa through Rosie's Kitchen a soup kitchen in that African Nation.} They once ran a school in South Africa while I was on the Board.

TRAVEL: I traveled to Cuba, South Africa, Canada, Porto Rico and various points within the United States such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Denver, Colorado, and Aspen, Colorado; Columbus, Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio; Miami, Florida; and New York City {mostly Manhattan and Brooklyn} in my continuing journey to learn and grow.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:

* I am available to speak on a number of topics. Please call about availability and topics.

* I gave a full report to the public at Philadelphia's Paul Robeson House after my trip to South Africa to attend the World Conference Against Racism in August of 2001.

* I presented a Major Academic Speaker to the Public concerning the latest upheaval in Haiti after the fall of that Nation's dictator, Baby Doc Duvale.

Possible Speaking Topics: 1) Why Black America Will soon come around to Supporting Gay and Lesbian Marriage; 2) A Healthy Environment; 3) Working--Or NOT--in North America; 4) Homophobia in the Black Community and How and When to Stand Up To It...

EXPECTED PUBLICATIONS:

We are expecting to publish two books in Early February of 2013. The first book is a book of poetry that is derived from the anger and frustration many Black men righteously feel about being left out of the economic development and financial advancement taking place for a ``select few'' in our country instead of ALL the people. The book of poetry is entitled: ``Let the Children Gather: A Fantasy World of Real Life Poems,'' and features over 100 original poems written by Brother Tracy Gibson. We are hoping they will also spark interests among Black youth, both male and female, to go forward and read more books that are of great value and significance for us as Black and often oppressed people. The second book is entitled: ``A Grass-Roots Criteria for Liberation: Writing in Wet Cement.'' This book is dedicated to the forward motion of Black youth especially, but includes many stories and anecdotes {intertwined with my own life's story} that much of the Progressive Community of social activists, environmentalists, Peace Activists and humanitarians should find interesting and inspiring. We are hoping that many Black and Latin youth especially will find it enjoyable to read and that its pages will help instill positive, progressive social values; positive political and social education and knowledge; law-abiding behavior and good solid ethical behavior among the youth who read it. We are hoping this book will also instill the value of good literature among Black and Latin youth--especially males, but females as well, and help keep them out of trouble with the law--as it helps to transform them into good, hard-working, positive-value oriented, responsible, reliable and community-centered men and women with the help of positive intervention by responsible parents and / or guardians. We hope our books will help our youth be of greater value and an asset to our community instead of a detriment.

OTHER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

I have a deep concern for the community in which I live and I want to see people of ALL races who have been left out of the process become included in the process towards positive development, a clean environment, sustainability and economic and social equality. I have written literally hundreds of letters to Civic Leaders, Community Leaders, Political Leaders, entertainers, business People, clergy, government officials, and so forth, in an effort to promote the issues of oppressed youth and oppressed people throughout the world; the left out and the economically disenfranchised; the underdog; and those who might not be able to advocate for themselves. Groups I have advocated for include [But are NOT limited to} : The poor or economically disenfranchised; Same Gender Loving people of Color; Black, Latin and other disenfranchised people and youth; the Elderly; Women and Muslim women of color; Black youth; and people of ALL races who have been left out of the process toward political and economic freedom, hope and equality….

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY:

I was diagnosed as a person with bipolar illness in 1982 / 1983 and managed to work and / or go to school for about 15 years after that before I went on disability. I had many up and down points and was hospitalized. I haven't been hospitalized for the last 15 years, and although I'm on disability, I have worked hard on writing my own books; reading and researching numerous issues; starting a corporation dedicated to the advancement and reconstruction of Black Youth; and caring for elderly parents. I have also, as you can see above, dedicated myself to a great deal of social activism. I want to get back in the workforce and I would like to do so, most of all, as a consultant, or as the leader of my own corporation. I am a hard worker, a dedicated worker and an honest person. I have recently had a bout with the authorities due to my impoverished state and had some minor charges dismissed {they were for defiant trespass during an incident at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station with Amtrack Police officials…} I do not let such obvious harassment stop my plans or sway my path. I hope you will take me on as a consultant. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

ReAl Masculinity.....

At the outset, I want to say I don't fully know what I'm talking about on this one subject because I haven't read any really good books by Black authors about Black male masculinity.  Even though I consider myself a great thinker, a leader of Black Gay men in particular and a man who is a Master of His own fate [only because I have a great humbleness and a great belief in GOD Himself] -- I don't know what makes one man more masculine than the other.

I know for sure that I consider Black men more Masculine than White.  I am not trying to put the White guys down, but they just don't have much juice when it comes to being really good men.  I think masculinity comes from not how many women you have bedded down with or slapped around or how many babies you have out of wedlock or how many basketball games you have gone to or how many times you have seen wrestling shows on TV or other sporting events. I also don't think it come directly from how clean your shoes or sneakers are or how you dress be it really clean or really shabby like I do.

I think it comes from how you treat women, children and elders--for example.  It is also about how comfortable you are around other Black men and how comfortable you are in your own skin....  I mean are we REALLY comfortable. You can tell if you can stay home and read for about three hours at a time without radio, TV or phone--I fail here. You can tell if you like spending time alone. I do, but not for days on end.  If you are always eyeballing men and scoping out your next conquest--like I have a tendency to do--that is not good on the Masculine chart. If you are with a Black lady and your head is like it is on a spinning wheel because you are so interested in other women or men, well, that's not good either.  Sometimes libido get the best of a man.  On the other hand, at least you [or I in this case] am being honest with and about my sexual attractions and NOT playing games with our Black women.  I think this Down Low stuff is dishonest and I look down on it.  Not because I think a man who is on the Down Low needs to be judged or condemned by the ALL MIGHTY, BUT BECAUSE OF THE DISHONESTY INVOLVED. It is that simple.  If any Black women want to come around me looking for an intimate relationship or physical intimacy, they will know right away I'm not available for that with them.  I think for a Black male homosexual, this is the Way to be.  Playing games with the emotions of our Beautiful Black women makes them resentful and not trusting of our men and causes more problems than we might imagine.

[More to come later. Don't turn that dial.]