The Village Report with W. Eric Croomes

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Reverend Jackson's "Runaway" Comments

I’ll be the first to hold my hand up and admit that Americans simply cannot get away from race, nor does it appear we ever will, given the magnitude of the egregious political climate we’ve seen the past quarter-century. But we most definitely won’t outlive race when race is obnoxiously injected into a conversation about business, legal and ethical issues – as well as matters of one’s heart. LeBron James’ super-hyped decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the Miami Heat provided the perfect platform for those issues to be hashed out. It was a business decision with legal ramifications bordering on an ethical dilemma (just how long was LeBron going to leave the city of Cleveland in the dark?) that sprung from the heart of a superstar.

So when the Reverend Jesse Jackson recently commented that Cleveland Cavalier's owner Dan Gilbert’s overreaction to James' decision was akin to a slave owner going ballistic over his “runaway slave”, I was surprised. Surprised for two reasons: one, James’ decision was not race-based. If he had been white, I imagine Gilbert’s reaction would have been the same. Two, it appears Reverend Jackson was not as inclined to hold James’ feet to the fire for the unseemly way we were held in suspense, an anti-climatic version of 'as the superstar turns.'

Celebrating Real Fatherhood

A W. Eric Croomes Special Comment: Celebrating Real Fathers

As we witness another Fathers’ Day it is important to reflect on the meaning of such a day in the black tradition. It is equally important that we lift our black fathers in a society that has placed so many barriers to their success. It is easy to cast our eyes downward when we reflect on the condition of so many black brothas in America – from incarceration, to mental health to unemployment.

The time has come, however, for the black father who really is a father to be celebrated! I am speaking for the legion of black brothers out there who are significantly present in the lives of their child or children.

Devil in the Mirror

by W. Eric Croomes

"You may see at one and the same time both your best friend and your greatest enemy by stepping in front a mirror"

-Napoleon Hill

I had heard the rumors of the Devil’s involvement in some of the worst cases of African American human development; how some of black America’s most vexing issues were being placed at the foot of Satan, whose Hebrew root means to “oppose” (also known as the Enemy, Belial, and Lucifer among other names). Certain elements of the black preaching tradition have made the theology of the Enemy taking the health, wealth and stability of black people a staple of sermons for quite a long time. I did some research to try to figure out how and when Satan became black America’s public enemy number one. Unsurprisingly, blacks are not the only ethnic group that subscribe to the Devil as oppressor belief; some seventy percent of Americans polled believe in the existence of Lucifer. And I suspect that a similar poll in the black community would yield even greater numbers. But my research just didn’t answer the deeply embedded questions I had.

So I decided to put in a call to hell’s public relations department to get the skinny. The person with whom I spoke only agreed to do so anonymously, fearing reprisal for commenting on something he was not authorized to do.

Perspective: Are Black Women Sharing their Men?

If African American men make up approximately 6% of the United States population yet comprise up to 50% of the penal population, are black women sharing their men? If African American men live shorter life spans (67.7 years) than African American women (71.7) and succumb more frequently to cancer, HIV and violent deaths, are black women sharing their men? If African American men have the lowest high school and college graduation rates and their unemployment rates surpass that of the general population three times, making them less than spectacular marital candidates, are black women sharing their men?

TheVillageReport.Net asked Patricia Dixon of Georgia State University to offer her professional opinion on this question.

W. Eric Croomes Blog

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Yo Money: African Americans’ Financial Beliefs Out-of-Sync with Actions

Though African Americans are more optimistic about their financial future than the general population, three-quarters don’t have a formal financial plan and nearly half have gone out of their way to avoid a financial conversation, according to a survey from the The Smiley Group and Nationwide Insurance.

The survey (pdf) found that while the majority of African Americans (58%, vs. 30% of the general population) say they think their financial situation will improve in the next year, less than half are being proactive about their financial future.

Key survey findings:

African Americans are more confident than their general population peers in their ability to make savings and investment decisions (52% vs. 43%), but are also more likely to indicate they are struggling with credit card debt (38 % vs. 32%).
Paying monthly expenses and paying the rent/mortgage are the most important financial considerations for African Americans right now.
Nearly half of all survey participants with children under 21 are very or extremely worried about being able to afford a college education for their children, but only about one in 20 say they actually have a college savings plan. Only three percent say saving for education is the most important goal.
Nearly 90% of African Americans do not have a professional financial advisor because they don’t think they need one or think they can’t afford one.

Hungry for Information, Reluctant to Talk

Even though most don’t have a formal advisor or plan, African Americans express a greater interest than the general population in obtaining financial planning information from seminars, a financial advisor, an insurance agent, family/friends or television, the study found.

Despite this hunger for information, both African Americans and the general population have an overall tendency to avoid the topic of finances. They rank sex and not having enough money as the top two topics they are least comfortable discussing with family members, far outranking religion or politics.

However, a higher percentage of African Americans admit to having taken some type of action to avoid conversations about finances (45% vs. 39 percent of the general population). The actions most cited to avoid the conversation are screening telephone calls and cutting off a relationship

Teaching Children About Money

Of those who aren’t actively avoiding the topic, most African Americans report they are talking to their children about financial matters. Three out of four parents with children under 21 say they have discussed saving money with their children, and three-fifths have done so within the past month. One out of four have discussed saving money in the past six months. However, of those participants with children in school, eight out of 10 say they have not researched if their school teaches about saving money.

“It’s one thing to be positive, but it’s another to be practical, proactive and prepared to weather this difficult economic climate,” said Tavis Smiley, talk-show host and founder of The Smiley Group. “This survey reveals the critical need for an honest assessment of our financial status so that we can be sure that we are taking the steps necessary to safeguard the future for ourselves, our families and the next generation.”

Source: Marketing Charts

The Literati: What Black Bros Should Know

There have not been journals posted for what black men should know - just a lot of ideas surrounded by one general thesis: black men are at high risk for just about everything negative American society has to offer. That is until now! Marvin D. Woodard has listed 101 One Things A Black Man Should Know and it is chalked full of info that can prove quite beneficial to the average black male reader. From 'You Are Your Worst Enemy' to 'Living an Upscale Life Does Not Make You Square', Woodard relishes the time-honed pratical applications that most take for granted. It's a pocket-sized book that one can take on the go and makes an excellent gift for a brother on the mend.

Ask Eric: Advice from a Brotha's Point of View

Ask Eric is a new feature on TheVillageReport.Net. Here is where you can share what’s on your mind regarding relationships, family, personal struggles, finances, things going on in the world. I’ll in turn give you my direct opinion, no beating around the bush. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll get one! If there is a need for a professional resource for your particular situation, I’ll find you one!

If you story is selected for posting, your identity will never be revealed.

Now, since I am not credentialed to act as a psychologist or counselor, my views in no way are to be taken as professional advice.

To contact me, simply send an email to heyeric@thevillagereport.net. I’ll respond to your email within 72 hours.

The Back Spin: How Do We Feel About the Prez. and Race Relations?

CNN) -- A year after the election of America's first African-American president, blacks in the United States are expressing optimism about racial progress not seen in a quarter-century, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center.

Thirty-nine percent of African-Americans said the "situation of black people in this country" is better than it was five years ago, nearly twice the 20 percent who said the same in 2007.

The optimism is not limited to the present, but covers the future as well.

A majority of African-Americans polled, 53 percent, said that life for blacks in the future will be better than it is now. Two years ago, the number was 44 percent.

The historic election of Barack Obama to the White House appears to have played a role in the positive sentiment.

Fifty-four percent of African-Americans said they think Obama's barrier-breaking election has improved race relations in America. One-third of whites polled agreed, while 45 percent said his election has made no difference in race relations.

Personal finances have improved for blacks, according to the report. One-third of African-Americans polled rated their financial situation as excellent or good. In 2006, the number was 27 percent.

During the same time frame, economic fortunes for whites slumped, dropping from 52 percent then to 35 percent now.

Even with the upbeat findings, more than eight in 10 African-Americans said the country needs to make more changes before blacks have equal rights with whites. About one-third of whites agreed.

The phone survey of 2,884 adults was conducted October 28 - November 30, 2009, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.0 percentage points for the full sample. Error rates vary among sub-groups within the survey.

Source: CNN

The Arts: A TVR.NET Listener's Review of the Film

Precious

Precious is a step out side the box. It is not the traditional drama. I am the type of person who enjoys analyzing things or finding irony in a situation. After leaving the theater I drew a blank. I was speechless. I had to take a moment to reflect on what I’d just seen.

The performances were great. This was a very different role for Monique. Very great acting on her part. The abuse in this film was a bit shocking; however as a Social Worker I can appreciate how this film brings awareness to the struggles many individual face daily. This film touches on the issues of abuse, poverty, poor education, dysfunctional family dynamics and their affects. I was impressed by a statement made by Precious after being abused. She stated “I cried last night; but that’s why God makes new days, to start over.” This is a film about perseverance. Although faced with many adversities, Precious found a way to push on. Life is about choices. You can either choose to be a victim or fight through adversity.

-Latisha Moham, Dallas

The Philosopher's Seat: Quotes, Words, Anecdotes and Such on Current Events

President Obama's recent pronouncement regarding the use of bailout money to reduce the deficit and bolster job growth comes on the heels of the worst financial crisis in United States history, spurred by the actions of scurrilous 'money changers'. That brings a speech by FDR to mind, who was mending a financial crisis of his own, as the nation was mired in the Great Depression:

"The rulers of the exchange of mankind's goods have failed, through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence, have admitted their failure, and have abdicated. Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men. Yes, the money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of that restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than monetary profit."

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

TVR.Net Contributors

W. Eric Croomes is the Editor in Chief of The Village Report and host of The Village Report with W. Eric Croomes.

heyeric@thevillagereport.net

To become a TVR.NET Contributor send a article sampling your work to:

heyeric@thevillagereport.net

The Village Report with W. Eric Croomes

A blogtalk radio show

We're on our summer hiatus but will return to the air September 2, 2010!

with our brand new

The Village Report Roundtable:

authors, bloggers, artists gather to discuss what's happening in black America

Please join us on our new day and time! Thursdays this fall at 8pm central!

Dial 347.237.5313 from your mobile or home phone with your questions and comments. You can also email the show with questions and comments at heyeric@thevillagereport.net See you on air!

The Village Report with W. Eric Croomes is a BlogTalk Radio show.

www.blogtalkradio.com/thevillagereport

Books by W. Eric Croomes:

Dance in the Dark: Poetic Reflections of Love and Culture, $10

NOMINATED FOR BWI 2007 AWARD IN THE POETRY CATEGORY

Brotha2Brotha: Becoming Healthy Men from the Inside Out, $10

NOMINATED FOR BWI 2007 AWARD IN THE SELF-HELP/HOW TO/CREATIVE
(NON-FICTION) CATEGORY

To order a copy send check or money order to

P.O. Box 630252 Irving, Texas 75063

Checks payable to: The Apple Tree Group

Orders shipped within 24hours of payment! Please allow 5-7 business days.

Follow me:

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To book W. Eric Croomes as a speaker/facilitator for your next conference call 214.493.2875 or email: heyeric@thevillagereport.net

In the Spirit

In the Spirit:

When Relationships Become Toxic

Just about all of us have been in a dysfunctional relationship or two. We don't always know how they happen, where they come from. But if we are going to claim the brand new future God has for us then we need to be on guard against toxic relationships. And if we are currently embroiled in one, then we must move to get out of it - if it cannot be redeemed. We've been given one life to live; it makes no sense for us to be constantly barraged by negative criticisms from people who claim to have our best interest at heart. Too many of us as black men have been held in perpetual prison by the uncritical opinions of those around us, including family, friends and women. Family should tell us when we are right and when we are wrong, but if relatives or loved ones are constantly telling you what you can't do, then maybe it's time for a little distance to clear your head. Let's be careful, too, about our relationships with women. Unfortunately, there are a lot of sistas out there who are constantly critical of brothas, due to self-esteem issues of their own or bad experiences with other brothas. We must be on guard against embracing a woman who is unseemly negative about black men. The self-esteem of a lot of brothas is slowly being eaten away by negative, non-supportive, judgemental women. Toxic relationships - no matter how they began - rob us of freedom and tarnishes our desire to succeed. Relationships should be mutually beneficial and satisfying. We should nurture, love and respect each other's opinions and ideas and together achieve a sense of becoming while working toward a common goal.

African American Relationships

AFRICAN AMERICAN RELATIONSHIPS:

Most good women have little trouble getting married to decent men: One has to be skeptical of the beautiful, intelligent, fully capable woman who simply says that she can’t find a good man anywhere. Most women I know who are well-balanced and who also appreciate the idea of respecting men in the same way they would like to be respected have no trouble finding suitable mates. Sorry to break this to you, but the only constant variable in your relationships is a person called YOU. Rather than pointing the finger at the world, a bit more introspection might be called for: perhaps you have to reconsider your laundry list of expectations or wonder if you’re not doing a good job finding men who are open to commitment (it’s easy to find a man, just not easy to find a man who is willing to be with you and you only- maybe different types of men should not be held to the same standards). You may be fishing in the wrong ponds in the first place or using the wrong bait to catch the fish you’re bringing home.

Some facts about being married:

• Live longer,

• Enjoy better health,

• Earn more money,

• Accumulate more wealth,

• Are more likely to be homeowners,

• Feel more fulfilled,

• Report more satisfying sexual relations, and

• Have happier, more successful children

Some other tidbits about black marriages:

• 54% of African Americans aged 24-34 have never been married, compared to 35% of Americans in general;

• Only 47.9% of African American families are headed by a married couple (compared to 76% in the general population);

• In 1960, 75% of African American children lived with their 2 married parents. By 1995, only 33% of African American children lived with their 2 married parents);

• Today, 69% of African American births are to single mothers (compared to 33% among all Americans).

Source: Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World

The Obama Watch

The Obama

African American unemployment rate

August 2009: 14.7%

March 2010: 16.5%

Black male unemployment rate

March 2009: 16.4%

March 2010: 19%

Health and Wellness

Healing Without Hate: How To Forgive To Live

Healing Without Hate: How to Forgive to Live,” is a ten step process that will help you become free to let go of the past and live the life that is intended for you. It has always been my belief that everyone was placed on this earth for a purpose. It is important for one to find out what their meaning in life is, so they can develop their message and then ultimately carry out their mission (purpose). How can you grow as a person or a business if you don’t know what your purpose is?

Step 1: Prayer. I pray for those who have hurt or abused me. I have also learned it is very difficult to hate someone that you are praying for.
Step 2: Counsel. I reached out and received help when I realized I needed it. Step 3: Confront. At the proper time, I went to both of my parents individually and confronted them and how they had effected my life. We must learn to confront the people in our lives that have hurt us. Step 4: Release. Once I confronted my past and my pain, I then had to learn to let it go.
Step 5: Forgive. Forgiving is a big step in the healing process. We must also face whether we have “pardoned” someone with complete forgiveness or “paroled” them, where the forgiveness has conditions.
Step 6: Attitude. You must have an attitude of gratitude for the good things in your life while you are going through the healing process. Do not concentrate on just the negative. It’s very difficult to be depressed when you are counting your blessings. Step 7: Joy. It is a decision to have joy on the inside while you experience happiness on the outside (circumstances around you).
Step 8: Goals. You must write down what you want to accomplish. If you don’t it will just be a dream. No one plans to fail, they just fail to plan.
Step 9: Give. No matter where you are in life, there’s always someone that could use your help. Reach out and help someone with your time and or resources. Step 10: Live Life Now. Don’t wait until tomorrow because tomorrow is not promised to you.

Source: www.blackwomenshealth.com

W. Eric Croomes is now a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Federation of Personal Trainers!

Stay tuned for more information on Infinite Fitness by Eric

Lose fat. Gain muscle. Live fit.

The Tope Five:

The Top Five Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

1. Do you want children?

2. What is your relationship with money?

3. What is your sexual preference?

4. Who's cleaning what?

5. Do you value fidelity?

What's On My Mind

A W. Eric Croomes Special Commentary: So Exactly Who's Responsible?

Several years ago noted NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made headlines when he insisted he was not and neither should he be considered a role model for black youth. This despite the fact that millions of youth virtually worshipped at his very feet, indeed his very shot. Barkley’s words unleashed a torrent of criticism but were indirectly followed by others of the black elite who echoed his opinion. But consider the following:

• 58% of all Black 4th graders in the nation are functionally illiterate & 85% are reading below grade level.

• A Black boy born in 2001 has a 33% chance of going to prison in his lifetime.

• A million Black males are in prison.

• 2.4 million Black children have an incarcerated parent.

• Murder is the #1 cause of death among our young men. (Source: OneMillionMentors.Com)

So who exactly is responsible?

The rapper may rap that he or she’s just rapping reality; the politician will likely say it’s a result of the policies of the party in power; the preacher may likely tell you it’s because we aren’t praying enough. And the school teacher may proclaim ‘I’m just working with what comes to my classroom!’ The problem is no one, at least not enough, is willing to say ‘I am responsible!’

It’s easy to point our collective fingers at the one source we’d love to blame: parents. But in doing so we miss the point of how the black family has been so ravaged by the American experience as to produce the sad and sullen reality of 70% of our households being headed by single women.

I am not so naïve as to think that parents, or guardians or whoever is raising our young does not in some way find themselves blameless for the mess that we are in. I’m only suggesting that blaming parents or guardians may be, in some misguided way, our own pathetic attempt to escape culpability.

So who is responsible? Once upon a time, when we colored, all of us were responsible. Or, put in the immortal words of our ancestors, I am because we are, we are because I am.