African American News&Issues

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Vol. 9 No. 46
Dec. 15 - Dec. 22, 2004

The Christmas Myth
Black Santa negates White Jesus

SANTA is Santa to kids, who respond to the color of the red suit, rather than the Black man dressed in it.

Inasmuch as the tradition of memorializing Black children’s encounter with Santa Claus with a photo is in it’s tenth year at Shirley Ann Black Arts & Kollectibles Showroom, one should no longer be surprised when they visit the unique shop that’s located at 6130 Wheatley Street, in Houston’ Texas’ Acres Home community. Nevertheless one may have a (conscious, or subconscious) cause to pause and ponder what’s wrong with this picture? “What up” with a Black nativity scene and, God forbid, a Black Santa Claus?

PUBLISHER’S ANALYSIS
by Roy Douglas Malonson

Xmas Blackout is a bad idea

BLACK CONSUMER dollars spent in the nation’s malls during Christman, translate to much needed jobs for grassroots African Americans.

In Christmases past a “Buy Black” campaign was an effective way to remind America how important African American consumer dollars are. But, unfortunately, times have changed so drastically in 21st Century America, until any attempt to use Black’s buying power as political leverage would hurt grassroots African Americans a whole lot more than it would help misguided Black political leaders demonstrate “Black Power” in the nation’s marketplaces. No, I’m not straying from our usual Black perspective. I’m just telling you like it is. And it is that yesterday’s tactics (used to address today’s civil rights issues) no longer works, as it did over a decade ago when the NAACP launched their “Fair Share” economy boycott.

BLACK HISTORY 24/7/365

Mattie Gertrude Llorems

Feature News

NBUF Fights to Save It’s Building During KWANZAA

The community is invited out on Monday, December 27 to support the National Black United Front- Houston Chapter (NBUF) Building Fund Drive (Goal $25,000) at the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center 3815 Live Oak at 7:00pm. The evening, which is free, is the second night of the African-American Holiday of Kwanzaa with the focus of Kujichagulia, which means Self-Determination. The National Chairman of NBUF Dr. Conrad Worrill from Chicago, Illinois will be the special guest speaker. Participants can expect an exciting festive atmosphere for the celebration. Children ‘s activities will take place earlier in the day. Supporters are asked to bring contributions to the Building Fund Drive.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M LAUNCHES NEW ATHLETIC WEBSITE

The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics in partnership with New Vision Sports Properties is scheduled to release a new athletic website at www.pvamusports.com. The website can be accessed by
PVAMU fans and media for the purpose of obtaining information about Panther and Lady Panther athletic events, merchandise, teams, coaches and schedules.

Senator Reed only Betrays his Ignorance

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid disparaged Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, calling him "an embarrassment to the Supreme Court" during a recent appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." The remarks came amid speculation that Justice Thomas might be promoted to the nation’s highest judicial position.

"A man’s bread and butter is only insured when he works for it"

- Marcus Garvey