Increased Number of Black Teens going to University

I came across this wonderful article on the BBC news pages that proclaim Black teens university attendance has increased. Also they are now more likely to apply than their white counterparts. 

There has been a big increase in applications from ethnic minority youngsters in England, particularly black teenagers, rising from 20% to 34% between 2006 and 2013. Chinese teenagers are the most likely to apply, followed by other Asian youngsters, with white teenagers the least likely to apply, with 29% seeking places.

"Our new analysis of demand by ethnic group shows that white pupils at English schools now have the lowest application rate of any ethnic group. There has been significant growth in demand from black pupils," says Ms Curnock Cook, the UCAS chief executive.(source)

The current Conservative - Liberal Democrat shared government alliance has been making it harder and inaccessible for young people to go university. Fees have gone through the roof. Yet the very people who want you to pay never paid for theirs. I am just happy to know that this has not stopped the ambitions of young people. The survey overall said that 50% of teens apply to go. So all is not lost. I encourage everyone teen young adult and grown folk to go and get your education. There is a reason why privileged folk revere education. Don't ever think it is not for you. 

Issues with the Kony 2012 video

Over the last few days I have watched many Ugandans and non Ugandan people discuss the flaws in the Invisible Childrens charity status, motives and context of their video. The crux of the critique says that Kony is not in Uganda and has not been for years. He may be dead but that is not confirmed. Also there are many grass roots organisations in Uganda that is making changes spearheaded by locals. Also Uganda has newly discovered oil which the west may be after and not peace in the land. This video below was a very interesting critique from a Ugandan blogger.

KONY 2012 - Invisible Children

We are aware of the many wars taking place around the world. Especially if there is oil or natural resources in place Western governments make sure we know about it and the next thing you know there is an international war taking place. But what about the countries who  hold no strategic place in the world or those with no voice. The Kony 2012 campaign by Invisible Children want to give these children a voice and ask the world governments to step in and do something for the good of mankind. Imagine being a child having to run away in the dark of night to prevent yourself from becoming a child soldier. Children are being forced to kill and girls are used as sex slaves. 

Now I was skeptical reading about this because it was the usual American (European) heading to Africa to act as saviour. However I feel if Africa and her people continently and diaspora can use such people in the right way she could benefit. These children are being given a voice they did not have before. Let us not just sit back and complain about what a different race is doing. Maybe we should be pro-active and if many are already pro-active, get them heard. Better a solution then a problem.

I wish the campaign all the best. I also hope that all the other wars that are going on get as much spotlight time for change as well. Let us hope Joseph Kony is captured. Africa deserves peace and progression their own way.

KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice. (source)


Jezebel has a critique of the campaign that is worth reading. You can read the article here. 

11/11 Remembrance Day

I am very much a person against war. However many have given the lives across their world to keep peace and allow everyone to have freedoms whereas in some countries people are denied this. 

Respect to the fallen soldiers from Wars of past and the new ones they face. 

Racism is not just verbal

I was reading a Christian blog post about The Help, book turned film at  Think Christian. This commentary caught my attention. It acknowledges that racism exist but people only talk down those who are blatant racists. Often people refuse to accept that racism is displayed and acted out without actually verbally exchanging racial expletives. Anyway check out the comment below and tell me what you think.

The fact that Hilly is characterized as such as the blatant enemy is a source of frustration for me. Scapegoating her as an evil-racist is such a dangerous, yet common, practice in white racial literature. We (white folk) are allowed to distance ourselves from her clearly-inappropriate 'racist' views. Thus, we are free to identify with the white-savior heroine, congratulating ourselves that we would never be so obviously racist.

These sentiments play into white folks' tendencies to associate the word 'racist' with people that blatantly espouse hatred, rather than examine the nuances of systemic racial advantage and subconscious bias. Similarly, setting the book in the 1960's, invites a congratulatory look on how far we have come, rather examining the modern consequences of that era. As long as we're not that bad, we must be alright (read: "I'm basically a good person, I'm not a sinner"). Macon D of 'Stuff White People Do' notes: "While The Help is about people who risk their lives to challenge the status quo of their day, the book itself does very little to challenge the status quo of its own day." The fact is, the attitudes articulated in the book are still alive and well today, if more hushed. (source)

I just so found this interesting and understand what the commenter is trying to say. The original post looks at how someone reacts to their enemies. It is worth a read too. 

 

Jamaica in Emergency State

Jamaica is where my belated Parents born and grow. My Father emigrated to the UK during the Windrush era whilst my Mum came along shortly after. Jamaica is a place where a huge part of my culture I.D. and tradition comes from. It saddens me to see the current state of affairs in Jamaica.

This is a situation that has been brewing for almost a year. The Americans want a man who is both deemed a notorious gangster but also a Business man and public saviour. Jamaican politics has always been caught up in some form of corruption. Some of this is thanks to the very people who seek their wanted man. Think about it. In JA Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, is not necessarily a wanted man. Jamaica like many other countries has some areas which are deemed very violent and crime ridden. One of these areas is Downtown Kingston which the JA constabulary have failed to bring under control. ‘Dudus’ living in JA after a spate abroad has managed to bring some calm to the area. He is one of many “area Dons” that are looking after the people that the government is not. His notoriety comes from his association with Jamaican Gang the Shower Posse. They were featured on BET American Gangster documentary show.

Much of the violence is contained however if the authorities fail to reach a resolution or bring this under control it could escalate. Other parishes are already starting to be affected somewhat. The Jamaican government, the capitalists the IMF and World Bank each have to share part of the blame. (Look up the relationship between them and what rules they impose). No country should be in a state where an alleged criminal, gangster, area don etc can without trying hold so much respect that people would die for them and go against the law. No one is going to bite the hand that feeds them. Which can clearly be seen by the blockades and protests taking place right now.

I do wonder why Bruce Golding and the rest of JA government made this about turn decision. For months and months Jamaica refused to give America what she wanted. She knew far too well that in doing so the peace of the island would become fragile and definitely hostile. America has been cancelling Visa’s of Jamaican citizens for no reason at all, which has affected prominent entertainers and business people.

So now Kingston, the islands capital is under a State of Emergency order which is in place for at least a month. Almost immediately America put out a travel warning. I do wonder if the extradition was halted and they agreed to have his trial in JA would they have been met with so much hostility? Vivian Blake who also belonged to the same gang as Dudus was imprisoned in America. He was released and deported only to die 1yr later.

So many people have lost their lives, army, police, civilians and criminals. Question is how long before relative peace is restored and what state will downtown Kingston be in once “Dudus”is removed (alive or not)? Will the blatant robberies and muggings commence again? What about the innocent people caught up in this crossfire?

Please check out Radio Jamaica News for more info.

Also check out Jamaica Gleaner 

Jamaica and the world Blog's background information on the political,

Dudus likened to Robin Hood and Escobar

New PM finally

To be honest I have not been all that moved by the events of last week. The polls got it right, Parliament was well and truly hung. The irony now is that the position of UK Prime Minister has been taken up by David Cameron, a man and the party that he belongs too, who did not gain enough votes/seats etc to warrant being at No10 Downing Street. Oh and do not forget the Liberal Democrats. What seats did they get. So we are lumped with this coalition government that will soon fall apart. Already the cuts are being put in place. The toffs have taken office and well you know what that means. Let us see how this plays out.

Are you happy with the result? Do you even care?

Oh and yes I voted this year!!

UK General Elections 2010

The news has made it quite clear that the elections is upon us here in the UK. We already know who the tabloid press would like to win the popular vote. British politics can be very boring and just full of people who have never struggled a day in their lives. People who if they were not working would still be okay. I watched the 1st ever Leaders debate in the UK. It was very British and nothing all too exciting. It gave the most significant other candidate a bigger voice. Most media outlets including Huffington Post spoke about how Nick Clegg did well for the liberal democrats.

Some of the key points that I found interesting:

• 
  
  Labour pretty much wants to protect public services such as healthcare, education and care for the elderly.
• 
  
  Conservatives wishes to decrease the cost to business and make cuts, however would not agree when questioned that Education and the NHS would not suffer as a result
• 
  
  Liberal Democrats stated that the public needed honesty and transparency and they believe they could deliver improvements through improved efficiency

That is just the gist of it all for me. Education is important to me. I wish to continue my education and go after a Masters Degree at some point. I also have a child about to start school. I do not want to see that his school becomes under funded because whoever gets in favours the needs of big business and does not balance it all out. In regards to the Budget Deficit, the conservatives want to make a saving of £66billion. You just know exactly where those cuts will come from. Liberal Democrats want to remove tax credits and child trust funds, thus saving £15billion a year. Cuts would be made in other places too. Labour however does not want cuts to cause a double dip recession effect, that would mean a loss in jobs. They want to safe guard jobs and keep the economy growing and recovering the recession that we are barely out of.

I found it interesting that all 3 parties were interested in improving the care the elderly face. So some things they can agree on.

The elections will take place on 6th May 2010 and you have only until 20th April (tomorrow)to register to vote. Some people may find that if they are able to they can go to their local council house to ensure their name is on the electoral roll.

You can register to vote if you are:

• 16 years old or over and
• a British citizen
• an Irish, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizens. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or do not require such leave

For more information please visit About My Vote for more information.

Black History – Egypt from black to white

I have always heard about the history books being re written to make things more appeasing to certain ethnic groups. During the same time that Jesus was given blonde hair and blue eyes, Egypt was also given a bit of a skin bleach. I do want to look into this further. This video gives me a good starting point. Before anyone says things like this could never happen, remember L’Oreal often lighten Beyonce’s complexion and give her a nose job. Surely she is light enough.

Check out the video. Look at the facts and do your own research as my lecturer would always stress.

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

Digital Britain – more cost to you

I always end my day with the news headlines and maybe if I can stretch to “the Newspaper headlines”, thanks to the Sky news channel. Anyway in media the big hoo ha at the moment is bringing everyone into broadband. Like the BBC there is a tax proposal, whereby everyone in the UK who has a fixed telephone line would be charged about 50-60 pence per month. Thus raising the revenue to enable those out in the sticks to have access to super fast broadband.

I think this is absolutely ridiculous. Phone bills are costly enough without having extra taxes added onto them. The phone companies will simply pass this charge onto the customer. When surely if the telecommunication industry want to reach more rural customers they need to use some of their revenue and invest in laying whatever pipes would be needed. Taxes are too high in Britain already and why take more away from us. Before you know it you will be paying the same amount per year as the BBC receives. At least half of the BBC should get his money elsewhere. Plus they have all those foreign branches of no benefit to us in the UK. Kiss Teet !!!!!!

Is aid killing Africa – Is it dead aid

A friend posted a link on facebook of an interview with Dambisa Moyo. She argues that aid does not help Africa grow. In 1970 she says only 10% of Africans lived in poverty, now the percentage is 70 – 80 %. She further argues Africa should begin a 5yr plan to reduce aid and increase its own capital. Such as set up a sustainable infrastructure in which Africa looks after Africa.

Moyo points out that in some countries capitalism is pushed. Whilst in others the answer is always more aid and that many intellectuals know that this is not helping the situation. She has a book called Dead Aid, which I may have to read one day.

For more info on her check out these links :

Dambisa Moyo website

Dambisa Moyo YouTube channel

He will do it again – Oprah tells Rihanna

I was just catching up on one of fave blogs I love to read. Even when I cannot be bothered to read there are celeb photo’s galore.

Anyway I saw this clip posted on SandraRose about Oprah giving Rihanna a warning. In the clip Oprah stresses the need for counselling and healing. Then stresses further “If a man hits you once, he will hit you again!”

Oprah points out that 1 in 4 American women and girls are victims of domestic abuse. According to Womens aid uk 1 in 4 women will fall victim to such abuse at least once in their lifetime. That is a lot of women. What is worst is that 2 women a week are dying at the hands of abusive partners or by their exe’s.



Just have a look at this article. A man was convicted of hammering to death his ex girlfriend and her two children. Her daughter was a rising star who appeared on Young stars in their eyes.

The saddest thing is love can be over blind. I know many friends who forgive and carry on with their abusive partners. I suppose unless you are in that situation you can never truly know what it is like. I have already told my husband and his ignorant friends if he was to ever try that 999 is my best friend on speed dial.

If you are in the UK need some advice check out the following links:

Home Office Domestic Abuse site

Women's Aid

Refuge

Alexandra Burke's Brother now under attack!!!

Ok so you have them investigating her mother. Now they are investigating her half brother. Apparently he is meant to be working illegally. In the UK you cannot work unless you have a permit to do so. Sometimes you can be here legally but told no work for you.

So that is basically what the articles I am reading say. Alexandra's brother is here legally. Though someone has snitched on him for working. He has a child. If the government does not illegal workers why don't they allow people to work. Most of the illegal workers take up the sweat shop jobs. Picking veg, factory work and cleaning.

People need to leave Alex and her family alone. All she did was win the X factor and got props from Beyonce too. People need to stop hating and leave her alone. Surely it is better he is working and not doing something illegal.

Read more here and here

My Birthday and Obama Day

So It is now official that Barack Hussein Obama is now officially the President of the United States. Well done.

Anyway the same day America swore in change I celebrated my birthday. Well I went out for a meal at a posh Chinese a few days before. It was a lovely affair. I am truly blessed with some wonderful friends. God is good to me.

On Tuesday I spent the day having my eyebrows waxed. I always get bumps, but I was given some after wax treatment. The bumps didn't appear the same day, but some are there. Maybe I need to wax them more often so the skin gets used it. I also spent a couple hours in the hairdressers having my 100% natural hair treated, trimmed and flat ironed. Yes I use heat on my hair. Change is good sometimes.

At work I got some lovely comments as my style changes so often but the most bizarre comment was 'its so soft'. Now I must wonder what was it supposed to feel like. Mmm. Certain comments you just know you are gonna get. One work colleague she was so lovely, she just said my hair looks nice and that she likes all the syles I wear. So I do wonder what they will say when they see my afro in the summer?????

There is something about Obama that has the world buzzing. I loved the way he was dancing and really getting down with people on inauguration day. Michelle looked gorgeous as usual. Apparently her eyebrows was considered too high and so was re-grown and lowered to soften her look.

Well the world is watching America now. Let's see how this president turns out.

I did not really get into too much about Obama only because there are loads of articles around.

Yes we can indeed!

I know I am a bit late adding my twopence to this historic event. But what a momentous time in history we have just experienced. Lewis Hamilton finally crowned the F1 champion,which in my opinion he was robbed of last year. Then there is Mr Barack Obama who believed in himself and is now the 44th elected President in USA.

My twitter friends are mostly American and I have been able to read some thought provoking stuff leading up to the campaign. Oprah was right when she said that her support was not based on the fact that he was black (mixed race for you modernist folk). Though because he was offering a change that America needed.

The whole world held their breath but it was soon apparent as the votes were rolling in that America wanted the same change that the world desired. It is like the child has finally grown up. Of course there are many rampant issues that rage on in yanksville but this is a sign. I have never seen Americans so happy after an election. Have you?

I really thought McCain would win but at the same time did not want him too. He is just a bush clone. His VP choice Sarah Palin did not help his cause as at all. Michelle Obama has carried herself well. She speaks so elegantly and thoughtful. I say thoughtful as you can tell she is aware of the impact that words have.

It is a very inspiring moment too. I have never viewed my race as a barrier to get from A to B. Many will try to use that against you. It just means you have strive for success that lets them know you mean to handle your business and get yours. I understand sometimes it can make you struggle but never give up.

I am going to spend some time reading up a bit more on Mr Obama. He has two books , 'Dreams from my Father: a story of race and inheritance 'and 'The audacity of hope'. These are in my Amazon UK basket. I have 3 books I need to read first.

I was sent a text message by a good friend that said

Rosa Parks sat so Martin could walk

Martin walked so Obama could run

Obama is running so our children CAN FLY!

Our ancestors, our elders fought for this. So now Martin's Dream is a reality (almost). The UK does not have a dream ethos to betterment of oneself. It's the American way to turn your dreams into a reality. I pray that our youth who are out there killing one another put down their weapons and start dreaming a better life into existence for themselves.

Lets inhale and embrace this moment. Inauguration day is my birthday. I might just have to somehow take a trip overseas to full embrace the moment. Otherwise after my birthday meal I will watch it live on TV.

I am truly inspired. What about you?

Further reading

BBC news coverage on obama win

Guardian news coverage

New hope for America

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/barack-obama

Strict Parenting

Just watched a brilliant documentary called 'The worlds strictest parents' on BBC Three. Seems I missed the 1st instalment but hope to catch up via BBC i-player.

Basically it is about unruly British kids sent to live strict families. The episode I watched today saw two kids from different families sent to Jamaica. They were immediately given a culture shock.

Sam didn't seem to be able to handle compliments and words of encouragement. Charlotte was just lazy and didn't try at all. Of course in the end they started seeing things differently and saw their parents in a different light.

The UK government has a lot to answer for. Some parents are left powerless by such liberal laws that remove discipline in favour of rights. Surely a child needs discipline and rights together. Saying NO to a child should not be seen as a abuse or criminal. That's why are youth are turning to crime. They are disordely because there is no order in their life.

I know this is quite a small review but I am tired and trying to get to bed ASAP as the children are fast asleep. I can't wait to see the other episodes. A show on the BBC I can actually enjoy.

I found this interesting article on Jamaica's attitude to parenting and their views of the UK.

Fearing the black voice

It amazes me that in this day and age Black voices are being silenced in the UK, if they do not conform to the status quo. The decision by the BBC to sack Geoff Schumann is testament to this. This is Geoff's second dismissal by radio. His first occurred back in 2004 when unfortunately Choice Fm owners sold their once fully black owned and legal radio station to Capital Radio.

It was alleged that he was given a 5 minute meeting with the new bosses who cancelled his contract immediately thus ending his 7 year reign as a top DJ there. 2004 sacking In regards to the recent sacking, it seems from what I have been able to gather from message boards, that its due to his inclusiveness of black interests.

I cannot say for certain if this is the case as I no longer live in the big city, However the consensus is that since he started to have more black guests and discussions this has happened. Once I find a source to this I will confirm, but just tune into the BBC and see if he is on the roster and that will tell it all.

Remember Henry Bonsu, the black intellect who often makes guest appearances on sky news' what the paper say' and many other media outlets. He was faced with the same predicament. The British Broadcasting Channel' radio end could not handle a black intellectual having debates regarding black people that was not about shaking your booty, but more about politics and issues affecting people on a regular basis. Imagine being sacked for being an intellectual.

The BBC is consistent in non-delivery of services to everyone who partakes in its funding. The question which has been raised before is - should the license fee be paid by those who do not benefit? The BBC 1Xtra is a farce, heralded as the new home, at the time of black music. Surely we are served well by music already. Give us our own African and Caribbean Network, with a mixture of talk radio debates politics. Alternatively let us opt out of the fee!!!

Please check out the colourful radio , you may find something you like, Also have a read in this independent Bonsu interview . If I find a more up to date interview I will post it here.

Fidel Castro, the end of an era

Fidel Castro after years of hanging onto power has stepped down from his leadership of the island known as Cuba. He led Cuba to a revolution and an era of resistance to the Western super powers.

As expected news agencies reporting various western governments talking about democracy and change. Though i do wonder if the exiled and non-exiled cuban americans who have been laying in wait, some with baited breath for his eventual departure. What will be there next move. Remember scenes in miami of americanised cubans celebrating Castro's ill health.

It would be a pity if Cuba turned back on itself and the positive things from the revolution are eroded in favour of the world bank, IMF, free trade etc. Cuba has achieved many great things despite the adversities posed by the west known as sanctions.

Cuba has literacy levels above that of the super-power USA. They have top class alternative medicines and they offere free health care.

America has not delayed in saying how she feels. Bush junior has welcomed the resignation of Castro. A feat that no American president could do.

Fact is an era has officially come to an end. So what is the future to be for Cuba.

A side note: who will gain more from a different style of governement in Cuba? white/light skinned cubans which are the only ones you see on telly jumping for joy anytime Castro has had ill health or Afro-Cubans, the people you dont really see. Maybe the question should be who will lose out and who will gain

So long Fidel Castro