Farfunknugin said:

lol. Thats the same way i was at the 11th hour was i like man i gotta go to this, and pulled out thee old credit card.

Oh how it sucks to live so far away! Need a private jet at the ready with plenty of cash as well with these late updates. No time to plan. p.s. no money for a private jet - the ticket would hurt.

State of the black union?

State of the mulato union? State of the eskimo union? State of the liberal lesbians union? State of the evangelical union?

Riverpoet31 said:

Don't take it personal Riverpoet, there's no crime being committed there.. It's a symposium that discusses social/political/empowerment issues within the black community as a whole along with other concerns. Members of the Black community are part of the American tapestry. The symposium involves discussions that may cover anything from education, employment, family, youth, health, finance, the American justice system, and other areas of concern. Guests/Attendess may include groups of scholars/politicians/congresspersons/journalists/community activists/college students/graduate student/inspiratonal speakers, etc., who get together every year and share their ideas, opinions, etc., and give advice and information on what can be done to make improvements within that community, and discuss the problems within that need attention. In other words, they basically discuss the status of the Black community in America and where it stands.

It's no different from any other community that gets together and have seminars, meetings and events targeting areas of concern involving their culture or community. Jewish groups do it all the time, as well as other groups, so there is no crime being committed because it is called "State of the Black Union" Black encompassing and meaning all the ethnic groups of African/African-American descent, that share many common bonds, historically, culturally, socially and politically although we all come from various ethnic backgrounds/communities. Of course the event is not closed to those outside of the Black population. If you watched the program today on CSPAN you would have noticed some individuals in the audience who were non-black as attendees.

If African-Americans turned their backs on the social/political/educational, etc., issues that affect our communities, (i.e, our youth/seniors/families) although we come from various ethnic backgrounds, then the first thing we would hear from those outside and within our community is that we show no concern for the development empowerment, improvement of our community. If the Black community expects to be a part of the American community and be respected as a whole, then it is our job and responsibility to come together in many ways, and discuss how changes and improvements can be made and share those ideas with others outside of our community, to make it happen, whether it is done through local groups coming together or done nationally as a large organization. Just like the theme of the SOBU's symposium this year which is based on "Accountability."

I hope that explanation helps. You can always find out more about it by visiting Tavis Smiley's website.
[Edited 2/28/09 13:23pm]

Riverpoet31 said:

The topic of this thread is Prince performing a benefit concert. If you or anyone else would like to comment on the symposium there's a thread in P&R

Thanks.

Quote:
It's no different from any other community that gets together and have seminars, meetings and events targeting areas of concern involving their culture or community. Jewish groups do it all the time, as well as other groups, so there is no crime being committed because it is called "State of the Black Union" Black encompassing and meaning all the ethnic groups of African/African-American descent, that share many common bonds, historically, culturally, socially and politically although we all come from various ethnic backgrounds/communities.

Lol... i aint talking about 'crimes' here.

But my doubts about events like this deal with the situation that there are people creating 'black' or 'afro-american' events, lumping themselves together like they share common values, simply because they are not white.

Jewish groups mostly share a religious and/or geographic background, while the people labeling themselves 'black' are as diverse as someone who is a sibling of nigerian slaves brought to the USA centuries ago, or a a nigerian immigrant who tried his luck in the USA, by moving there 20 years ago.

To put it simple: i simply don't 'get' the tendency among people who label themselves as 'black' to start seperate events. In the end it tells more about how you perceive your 'blackness', then what is actually happening in society.

IMO its both easy and destructive to play the 'victim'-card, and use your colour of skin as something that seperates you from other people.

And if you are looking for expressions of 'white guilt', you can wait centuries for it. Me and my generation arent responsible for what happened in the past, its time that a bunch of clowns like you start to realise.

Quote:
The topic of this thread is Prince performing a benefit concert. If you or anyone else would like to comment on the symposium there's a thread in P&R

Thanks.

Reaction:
The topic of this thread is about Prince performing at the 'state of the black union'.

There is no reason why people here shouldnt discuss that subject.

Riverpoet31 said:

I don't think you truly understand or just don't want to. The Hispanic community which involves various ethnic groups, have symposiums as well discussing issues that affect their community. I see no problem with that, and respect what they do as a whole. There is nothing "victimizing" or "separatism" about the SOBU or members of the Black/African-American community coming together to discuss economic/social/political issues that affect our communitya as a whole. They have guests outside the Black community that take part in it every year as well, and are members of it. Maybe you should "educate" yourself about it, instead of pointing fingers and making accusations that are "unfounded".

Don't take it so personal because a community is taking responsibility and accountability for itself. My generation or race is also not responsible for making anyone have any "white guilt", one can only feel that way if he/she is of course, already harboring those type of feelings within, based on their own insecurities or fear. American historical facts, as ugly and horrific as it was/is, cannot be erased because it "already happened." So what better way to deal with that, but to empower and educate those in our current generations so that, that ugly part of American history never returns. That's just about it.

I can't change the way you feel, as I am not responsible for the way you feel nor am I trying to force you to accept what I explained in my previous post. Lastly, I am not a clown, I am a Human Being who happens to be African-American, and proud of it without needing your permission or any clearance from you to feel comfortable about who I am. Get it? Got it? Good. Now, at this point, I will not discuss this with you any further on this forum. If you want to discuss it further, then you're welcome to take it to the P&R forum, where there is already a topic and discussion going on. In the meantime, I'll be watching the program and enjoying it. Peace.
[Edited 2/28/09 18:36pm]

Riverpoet31 said:

Yes there is a reason. Taking a thread too far off topic often results in getting it moved. Since there is now a thread in the proper forum covering the issue you wish to comment on, common courtesy dictates that you take your comments to the appropriate forum. Simple.

I really wish this was televised, dang Ive been sitting here watching this wondering if he was gonna come out, lol. Im glad I decided to go get the laptop and find out for sure. Maybe we'll get to see this after the fact, maybe....heck maybe they'll put it on the new site....wishful thinking huh? Peace and Love yall

Sheila E.
is at the State of Black Union
she is sitting in the front

If you all don't know
you can catch it on C-Span

kristielove said:

I saw her at the beginning but I wasn't sure. They just showed her again wearing white.

babynoz said:

Yes, the camera focused on the area where she is sitting at least 5 times during the broadcast. You can watch the SOBU symposium online at this link as well.
http://www.c-span.org/Wat...AN_wm.aspx
[Edited 2/28/09 15:54pm]

ToraToraDreams said:

Do you know if it will air live or on what day???

Well..I wish there was a French Canadian Symposium..cause..Hmm..that would Include:
All the members of The Cirque Du Soleil,
Celine Dion and many comedians and artists from there...
I guess that makes us a bunch of Creative folks...
And I'm proud of it...so much for Politics and Races

AtenO said:

Bring it on...I'd gladly partake.

mrspnlw said:

I believe Tora is talking about the SOBU Symposium only that is currently airing on CSPAN online and on the CSPAN cable station, not the benefit concert.
[Edited 2/28/09 15:46pm]

thinking about it. im addicted, and im sooo close to LA

amorbella said:

You should go if you're able to. It seems it will be packed, especially when Tavis mentioned during the broadcast that they found some more seats for the benefit concert tonight, but he said that around 12:00 noon EST. Not sure if VIP tables are still available unless you call the Conga Room to find out.
[Edited 2/28/09 16:04pm]

kristielove said:

Looks like Sheila's going to be there tonight. Love Bizarre yall.

xlr8r said:

You could be right. If that ends up being the case, the attendees will be in for a great concert.

On the link DrFunkenberry listed to purchase tickets, now says "Sorry the event is sold out" Maybe there are still tickets at the door.

2elijah said:

Im on my way now. Crossing fingers she shows up. I have a feeling she is Prince's emissary for the symopsium lol and will end up at the show.

xlr8r said:

Have fun and enjoy yourself!

Tavis Smiley just mentioned that Sheila E was in the house, and believes Sheila will be performing with Prince tonight at the benefit concert.
[Edited 2/28/09 16:41pm]

2elijah said:

I have a feeling that Prince and Sheila are gonna outdo themselves for this occasion. I'm happy for those able to attend because I think they're in for a real treat tonight.

babynoz said:

Oh yeah. they're gonna "take the crowd to "chu'ch" so-to-speak. The roof of the Conga Room will be flying off tonight.

Riverpoet31 said:

-----
'get' the tendency among people who label themselves as 'black' to start seperate events

Are you really this ignorant?


"And if you are looking for expressions of 'white guilt', you can wait centuries for it. Me and my generation arent responsible for what happened in the past, its time that a bunch of clowns like you start to realise.[/"


You can take that "white guilt" comment and shove it. No one gives a rat's ass if you are feel guilty or not.
The State of the Black Union is discussing issues that are affecting the black community. Many of the issues affecting the black community are not occurring at the same levels in other communities therefore we like to gather to discuss what we can do to solve our problems.

We do not ask for your help or look for anyone to feel guilty. It is all about working to solve problems.



"while the people labeling themselves 'black' are as diverse as someone who is a sibling of nigerian slaves brought to the USA centuries ago, or a a nigerian immigrant who tried his luck in the USA, by moving there 20 years ago."
Gee if you had a confrontation with a Nigerian immigrant and you had to describe him to a police officer I bet he would be described as that "African-American or black guy running down the street.

Because in American if you look black, you are black. We are diverse but not to people like you.

I am just curious what does all this talk about race and politics have to do with Prince performing tonight? Why not start another thread?

2elijah said:

tix at the door are 200.00