ST. LOUIS – Solar technology dealers are picking up more business across the country today as the Obama administration’s push for renewable energy takes hold and the desire of those wishing to become independent of utility companies spreads among ordinary people. “The electrical energy grid system is over 100 years old and is outdated and outmoded,” said Dawud Muhammad, owner of JMS Solar Network and Associates, a Black owned solar energy company that provides technical sales, installation, and consulting services on a nationwide basis. “When solar is introduced to the market it helps create competition and decentralizes the existing electrical grid system,” Mr. Muhammad said. “Churches, mosques and homeowners should take a serious look at this (because) we cannot have a 19th and 20th century vision to address a 21st century problem.”

When the United States announced its boycott of the World Conference Against Racism in South Africa this month, it was not a great surprise. Primarily because of two controversial resolutions, one calling for reparations for the institution of slavery, and the other a formal condemnation of apartheid-like conditions suffered by Palestinians, white and other Eurocentric oriented nations pulled out of the conference while trying to convince others to do likewise. Among the world’s great challenges, however, the chronic suffering of dark skinned people has perplexed and befuddled academicians, political leaders and policy-makers for centuries. From the suffering of those laboring under the unjust yoke of racism, the legacy of slavery cannot be omitted, and for those suffering under oppression, the concept of justice and fair dealing cannot be dismissed.

Saturday, March 14, 2009 Pursuing equity requires a systematic approach By William P. Muhammad When the United States announced its boycott of the World Conference Against Racism in South Africa this month, it was not a great surprise. Primarily because of two controversial resolutions, one calling for reparations for the institution of slavery, and the other a formal condemnation of apartheid-like conditions suffered by Palestinians, white and other Eurocentric oriented nations pulled out of the conference while trying to convince others to do likewise. Among the world’s great challenges, however, the chronic suffering of dark skinned people has perplexed and befuddled academicians, political leaders and policy-makers for centuries. From the suffering of those laboring under the unjust yoke of racism, the legacy of slavery cannot be omitted, and for those suffering under oppression, the concept of justice and fair dealing cannot be dismissed.

The Republican’s election of a black to “lead” the party could be described as nothing more than placing a new mask over an old face, especially since Rush Limbaugh has emerged as the real figure-head of the party which is making an all-out effort to see President Obama fail.

With the changing of the executive branch from Republican to Democratic hands and the subsequent strengthening of the Democrat majority in Congress, the inauguration of President Barack Obama found many Americans exhaling a collective breath of relief. As the Bush years came to their celebrated end last January, many Black folk, among millions of other Americans, were left wondering: Where do we go from here?

The economic recession sparked by a meltdown of Wall Street banks and brokerage firms, coupled with America’s loss of credibility and two ongoing wars, should give African-Americans pause for serious introspection. By looking inward perhaps we may become more aware of the bigger picture and decide to become active participants in what is a global reality.