Monday Get Over It Post

There's so much to just "get over it!" And I don't even know where to start or end for the matter. Nevertheless, we persevere with this platform to educate, empower, and our unique take on "what's

really going on!"

Now for the "Get Over It," top 5 that has no specific urgency or particular disdain factor. And of course, this forum is always open and willing to hear anything that you are just over!


1. Folks who believe that when you call out truth's that we often want to left unsaid, some how you are a negative force always seeking to hang out the "dirty laundry." Let's just say that most times "truth" hurts as it should set us free from misinformation and diversions of truth.

2. Poor customer service. I've had it with those who are suppose to be "customer service representatives," who don't seem to have a clue of exactly what this means. Case in point, " can you tell me where product X is ? Naw, I don't work over their." So I think, so you don't know anyone else that works in that department that might would know? Or can you help me, "No, I'm on break."

3. I've tired of individuals telling me to "dumb it down!," which means I should alter my ability to speak perfectly good educated English to communicate my beliefs, emotions or rage. Really? You can't even imagine how much of this I've heard, ranging from," why you always talking white,?" to "you like to use your words as weapons." At this point, "I'm over it," and if they can't understand what I'm trying to say, there's any App for that.

4. I'm over being tracked by all the gadgets or platforms that I visit. Some day's its just too much and at times a little creepy. It gets really creepy when ads start popping up in the margins of your email, robo calls to your phone and waves of emails about "missing you," because you've not been back or purchased from their sites. Its that "we're watching you" feeling with elements of "I know what you did last summer." Even I don't particularly like it, I don't think much really can be done about it except just allude the Internet all together...

5. And finally I'm over HIV. From what I continue to gather it appears that most folks are ready to throw the "ELMO,"(Enough, Let's Move On) card at this chronic disease because its time has come and gone as far as many Arkansans are concerned. I find this certainly amazing, concerning that 50% of the still increasing infections are among young gay black males, despite them being 1% of the states population.

How can we be "over it," when there still persist issues surrounding access to public health clinics for STI testing whether through expedited appointments or non-traditional times, we still have unanswered questions concerning unaccounted for 2014 Awareness Day funds, meanwhile nothing has been done about out of touch management bean counters who are not challenged for there blanket decisions again without viable explanations.  It's all good  since we don't know what's the status of the HIV reporting data clean up or exactly what "high impact prevention" outcomes are being achieved by those grantees awarded prevention funds because what would that matter anyway.

Who cares that I saw a pinned notice on the STRILITE Facebook page making a clear distinction that just because important HIV related information was being posted, the group was "not a support group." They didn't want to be known in that way yet the pinned note goes on to state that it was indeed HIV Awareness dollars which was and has been their only means of funding support. So why make that distinction since this health dilemma directly impacts those whom you seek to engage?

And last but not least, I'm over learning about new approaches and concepts that will not be implemented in our area. I've had enough teleconferences, webinars, surveys, sign on letters, both regional and national conferences plus my bi-monthly non-effective, checked box, un-respected position as AHPG Community Co-Chair. Why continue to bother with any aspect of this work since it appears that everyone and everything is just fine and dandy. And since that's the perception, I should certainly not waste anymore of my life cycle being concerned about too.  

Equality Business in Arkansas

The Equality Is Our Business Pledge is a concerted effort by businesses and individuals to advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and their allies across the state. Developed by Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest civil rights organization, the Equality is Our Business initiative has the following aim: to encourage 10,000 US business and organizations to stand up for diversity.
Currently HRC reports 106 Arkansas businesses have signed on and have pledged to display signifying stickers to demonstrate their involvement with the program.

‘We firmly believe in equal rights for everyone.’ Said Jeremy Bragg of Little Rock's River City Coffee, one of the businesses to sign the Arkansas pledge. ‘We try to provide an accepting and welcoming atmosphere for all! We like to be that kind of haven. Showing our support through the HRC is another way for us to get the word out about our stance on equality.’

Certainly this approach has merits, but calls in to questions as to exactly where have all these business been when needed sponsorships, advertising opportunities, in-kind or valuable contributions or donations have been needed for numerous LGBTQ programming? And since they are now acknowledging their support, does this translate in to more than stickers on door fronts or otherwise. How or should we say who will be tracking these businesses as to whether they live up to the pledge or is this good optics as a business in search of that disposable gay cash that keeps being reported about it. All of this will require some additional monitoring and looking into as this project unfolds.

According to the HRC website the cite  that the business community and like-minded individuals understand that if we want to compete for top talent, we must have diverse and inclusive workplaces.  The Equality Is Our Business Pledge was created by the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

The goal of Equality Is Our Business Pledge is simple: encourage at least 10,000 businesses and organizations to stand up for diversity.  Businesses and organizations of all sizes who sign the Equality Is Our Business Pledge publicly join thousands of other businesses and organizations that support workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations.


As a reminder....

 

Roll The Video Big Wheel of COP 24/7

Wow! We here at COP 24/7 is not sure what to make of it all. Our Google analytics have been "pinging," with information that this week alone we've had some of the highest readership this year. Alright so what's different?  We'll have to continue to monitor the data to determined if all this is just an anomaly, did we scale up our marketing, more provocative content or could it have been those damnVIDEOS?

Yes those videos that has the masses mesmerized and totally engulfed in something "winking, blinking or twerking," to get their attention. So if you can't beat em, then by all means let's join the party, not only with when we discover what's trending but look for our own unique videos coming to this platform soon! All the way live and in living color here at COP 24/7.

No matter what, we are here, queer tested and ready to give you more of what you've been asking for on this platform and don't forget to check out our You Tube link to more of our favorite channels.  Roll em Tonto!

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Women's Day 2015 Theme: MAKE IT HAPPEN

All around the world, International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.

Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.

 

Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations , governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

 

Various entities identify their own International Women's Day theme, specific to their local context and interests. Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. For example, organizations  like the UN, Oxfam, Women for Women, Care International, Plan, World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and more - run exciting and powerful campaigns that raise awareness and encourage donations for good causes. The UN has been declaring an annual equality theme for many years.

And recognizing March 10 as:

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Pop Goes the Videos on COP 24/7

The children have spoken yet again. They want "VIDEO's!!!" Yeah I get it and I'm down with it, although I must continue to encourage the young set that reading is fundamental to greater understanding with hopes that you also comprehend as well. I've been somewhat amazed at how many younger folk keep telling me that they "don't read," they just video? 

Usually at this point is where I give them my "WTF" look while thinking surely not. But it seems true as I keep hearing this from a wide range of people are more interested in seeing a piece that speaks to them rather than as I've been told, to read my postings. Its all about that "blink" society where individuals want it now and quick. And we are going to comply as we transition to more videos of all types ranging from the simple to the provocative. And with that said let em fly...!



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The Roar of Thor Wednesday

COP 24/7 Back Talks Out Loud

How appropriate that the latest winter blast of 2015 is named none other than, "Thor." According to Wikipedia, he was "the hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing and fertility. Sound like this guy was some kind of deity to reckon with and this forum can certainly recognize with many of his attributes while obviously not meeting that "God," standard.

Nevertheless, COP 24/7 has certainly wielded its own hammer over the past decade as this forum has covered many topics that have ranged from the nonsensical to those who have made many folks uncomfortable including yesterday's post which pinged our Google meter and perhaps other nerves to boot.

Being a provocateur which means, "one who provokes,"  can be a strange position. Often times it juxtaposes one to either boldly speak up factually about the situation or either hope that someone else will come along to, "say out loud what other folks are thinking." For the record, COP 24/7 has always been a provocative digital town square where you can discover subject matter to tweak your senses, offer you a teachable moment or repel you from interaction.

Here at COP 24/7 we don't wear pretty lavender glasses and tip toe through the tulips to the rainbow brick road. Even though it sound like a wonderful state of mind to enjoy. Do we occasionally divert our eyes for the whimsy, of course. But if we are to demand from the greater society equality status, then we must be diligent to make sure that our own community is doing the same. And we are not alone in this provoking arena.

Locally we have firebrands such as Christina Wang of Arkansans for Equality who is currently serving time in the Facebook jail for being outspoken and calling out Christian folks for their hypocrisy in the name of God. She was among the original proponents to use the ballot box to pursue marriage equality in Arkansas. I salute her for her service to our country and her position that "I'm mad as hell and ready to do something about it," attitude.  

Flamethrower, Diedra Levi, who has totally made folks uncomfortable with terms such as "genocide, democide, and addressing the affects of post traumatic syndrome among those who lived through the AIDS crisis. She has been unyielding in talking out loud about her lived experiences as a Black lesbian within the LGBTQ construct that doesn't always "see her."

Man on fire and Bowen law student, Mondale Robinson who has provoked communication and marches in response to law enforcement policies in this city. I feel his provocative statement, "1,000,001 thoughts have kept me up all night. There's a truth inside of me that seems outside of the
main culture. Radical." As far as I'm concern we need more men of color such as this brother who is unabashed and unflinching about "what's really going on." He is among the few heterosexual Black men I know willing to openly talk about homophobia and sexuality in the Black community.

These voices are just a few of the people who are "provocateurs," in their own right. I applaud these
 individuals and the many more such
as Trey Weir,(pictured left) who is ready to step up to speak to power, and there's the outspoken educator Micha Qualls, advocates Bob Coffey, Randi Romo, and Emjae Manning who are "provoking" others to learn more about our state and the circumstances in which we live. I'm sure that often times they do not always making everyone happy about what they have to say about matters. Yet they continue because they are not waiting for someone else to do it.

Since our launch, this space has never wimped out on posting topical items that were meant to encourage debate, discussion or dissension. I urge readers to check over our 1330 post to get a feell for what has been covered. In this digital town square, its all here for the taking including many unedited comments, backtalk, rants and observation. We invite robust interaction while giving everyone a space to keep it 100.  The floor is open...


COP 24/7 Slip Stream....Save the Date!

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The 365 of Same Gender Loving

The LGBTQ Six Degrees of Separation

I continue to be amazed at the "six degrees of separation," construct where somehow, some way we can connect from "here to there," to share thoughts or observations. Case in point, in attending a national conference last year I "connected," with the Counter Narrative project which gathered brothers together to amplify our lived experiences from various angles.

From their I found myself again "connected," with numerous other creative folks linked to various networks that led to Journalist Steven Thrasher,(pictured far right) an at large writers at The Guardian, who reached out to find out who he could "connect," with in Arkansas concerning our recent crazy legislation business, as well as, seeing "what's really going on here," in the Natural State. Here's the link to his story:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/02/south-arkansas-lgbt-rights-discrimination-policies

As usual I responded to keep making "connections," with area individuals such as Frederick Gentry (pictured right) whom shared his viewpoints on area politics and living in the state. I believe that all these connections were fulfilling for all parties involved and showed the power of networking and linking voices with faces to demonstrate the impact of any legislation.

Meanwhile, Steven also has been busy with a bevy of other pursuits including being a Henry M. MacCracken Doctoral Fellow in American Studies at New York University, as well as, being a man writing about LGBTQ subject matter for the past seven years.

In his recent Guardian video piece its stated that "the only way he can make sense of the world is to embrace the fact that he's a queer, reporting on a queer world. How else to explain why black people use cannabis at comparable rates to whites, but go to prison for it almost four times as often? Or why the global community will declare 'je suis Charlie' for 12 people killed in France, but remain largely silent about 2,000 Nigerians massacred the very same week?"   I totally enjoyed my encounter "six degree," encounter with this journalist, advocate, fellow writer and man who owns the word queer as he sees it.

 

 

  

COP 24/7 Updates : AIDS Foundation 411   

 

In our ongoing series addressing LGBTQ businesses and organizations, COP 24/7 cited that someone at the Arkansas AIDS Foundation had posted a job listing on Indeed.com concerning a open position at the agency. We also learned that actually the newly created position had also been privately leaked

to possible candidates ahead of the actual posting which although not criminal nor perhaps totally out of bounds but from our perspective it didn't smell right on several levels. Meanwhile, all of this activity has occurred as the agency recently announced its Annual AIDS Walk, April 11 in Mac Arthur Park.

 

In our rummaging around this affair, we posted that current Executive Director, Portia K. is slated to leave her post in June. The online position post seemed to serve as a "twofer," listing which would allow the agency to capture information about any candidates that responded to the "public relations," position apparently also got vetted for the ED slot. 

 

Yet even with all this supposedly interviewing going on, COP 24/7 "heard," that agency case manager, Mr. Larry H. had been "chosen, appointed, anointed or what have you," as the heir apparent to the position. We've been awaiting an official announcement from the agency which has yet to materialize about all of this.

 

Now let me be clear, agencies certainly have the power to what they want to. However, how much of this was done doesn't fall in the non-profit best practices category nor does it speak well for the agencies leadership succession process that apparently did include board interaction or decisions. Also as a City of Little Rock HOPWA sub contractor, I would think that their primary funder would be concerned as to their hiring practices in regards to labor laws, privacy issues or internal policies. Especially since the agency has publicly aligned themselves with city department weather scheduling.

 

To further demonstrate more oddity to this situation was a 2/26/15 "Facebook," announcement from board member,  MR. J.K. Hardnett, sharing that he was accepting the position as the new Public Relations Specialist for the organization. Wow all I can say is those HOWPA dollars must multiply like those "two loaves and five fishes," to supply funding for this agency. At this point, we must stop and poise the question, "what the heck is going here?" As soon as we may be able to sort it out, we'll update...please stay tuned!!!

 

 

RETIRED MINOR LEAGUE PITCHER JASON BURCH COMES OUT PUBLICLY

 

Jason Burch was a pitcher in the minor leagues for six seasons and played for four Major League Baseball franchises. He did so as a gay man.

 

Burch confided in some teammates who asked but was still largely closeted when he left the sport in 2008 to pursue a law degree and now has successful career in law.  "Looking back, I wish I had told the whole world that I'm gay from day one,' as recalls his story in Outsports magazine.

 

As a closer, he was used to teammates relying on him to seal a victory and now wishes people could have had that feeling about him knowing he is a gay man  "I think that would have been a powerful message,' he says. 'If we are talking about changing people's opinions, I do think that would have been a powerful message. But I wasn't really thinking about that at the time."

But some teammates knew - because they simply asked.During a game in his final year, a pitcher from Latin America asked Burch if he had a girlfriend. He replied: 'I'm not interested in girls. I'm gay. And I don't have a boyfriend.'But he did his fair share of under the radar dating.

'"I came of age as a gay man in those six years,' he says. 'It was difficult because the only way I could regularly meet men was on the Internet, and that's just not how I relate to people. I like to see how people talk and listen. That's the only way I can take an interest in a man, to see him talk and see him walk. So that was the real difficulty for me, the means by which I could reliably meet men, sites like Manhunt and Gay.com and Adam4Adam."

Major League Baseball meanwhile still awaits its first active openly gay player. US soccer has Robbie Rogers, the NBA had Jason Collins and the NFL will have Michael Sam if a team ever takes him on. Meanwhile, we continue to applaud these extremely talented men and women who are blazing pathways for those who will follow in their footsteps. ( sources GSN, A gatekeeper I am)



Reading Rainbows and More

COP 24/7 Hears A Who!

I confess. I've always loved to read. And I was never so traumatized when my 6th grade reading teacher informed me that from that point on there would be no more reading classes offered. She said, "Cornelius you have completed all the required reading modules we have!" And I innocently thought, "why are their not more if this is what I truly excel at?" Then it occurred to me, that although those may be complete, I indeed could keep reading not only in the schools library but later discovering a world of books in the Public Library which celebrated reading!!

It was in this reservoir of periodicals and such that I also got to start all over again with books that I had read as a youngster including, "Horton Hears a Who!, by Dr. Seuss which tells the story of Horton the Elephant who while splashing in a pool, hears a small speck of dust talking to him.

Horton surmises that a small person lives on the speck and places it on a clover, vowing to protect it. He later discovers that the speck is actually a tiny planet, home to a community called Whoville, where microscopic creatures called Whos live. The Mayor of Whoville asks Horton to protect them from harm, which Horton happily agrees to, proclaiming throughout the book that "a person’s a person, no matter how small." 

Even though at that time in my life, I found it whimsical and fun reading, I had no idea just how important then that some four decades later as an activist and advocate for human rights as well as social justice issues, that I could again could refer to that books moral lesson that "a person's a person, no matter how small." This is so evident with the recent passage of HB 202 and other ill conceived legislation from those inhabiting our legislative jungle under the dome. Even though the book was intended to teach a moral lesson, it is not COP 24/7 intent to hijack the story as it has been by some, but to use it as a reference point that all of our voices need to be heard no matter how small.


Advances and Opportunities in HIV/AIDS for Women and Girls

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance coordinated by the HHS Office on Women’s Health (OWH) on March 10.

OWH will offer a live stream of a panel discussion ahead of this year’s annual observance. At post time, COP 24/7 was unable to confirm any local direct observances of this awareness day.

This lack of information or observance continues to pique our questions around what view as lackluster efforts to increase awareness around this health dilemma. Despite inquires and outreach to not only those whom had proposals dismissed without explanation, apparently this issues has little momentum to demand answers. 

The discussion will highlight milestones since 2006; discuss the future of HIV/AIDS research, prevention, treatment and care, and the reduction of stigma; and provide a forum for an open dialogue about HIV/AIDS.

• For more information on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/.
• Follow the conversation on social media using #NWGHAAD.
• Send questions prior to or during the webcast to womenshealth@hhs.gov.

Coming this week...Pride in the City, AHPG: What's the 411? and Doing Gay Business in Little Rock?

You will not want to miss any of this weeks postings!!!

• ​

Hot Topic Friday and More

Hello Is this thing ON

Again," hello is this thing on?" Well let's hope so as the madness of the Arkansas legislature keeps putting our fair state on full blast across the globe. Yes my dear readers Arkansas has gone "viral," although we have had steep competition with "The Dress," and the Llama's on run that got folks in a damn near tizzy!

If you recall, this forum as usual went there to wax on about the recent "call to actions," around those pesky pieces of legislation. You know the ones' the now law, SB 202 and that other stupidity HB1228, the so-called “Conscience Protection Act” which suffered a key setback in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Just as a refresher in case you still trying to figure out "the dress" stuff, as written, the bill would allow individuals to sue government actors—including teachers, firefighters and police officers—if that individual believed that their personal religious beliefs were being violated.

Also just in case you had your head buried otherwise, there has been a slew of big facebook rants and as I pointed out, people from around the world pondering if Arkansas is a "hate state." OUCH! All this even brought NYC based and at large Journalist Steven Thrasher of The Guardian to the city in search of gay folks and anybody of any color who would talk about these matters. More on that next week too.

In the meantime, COP 24/7 applauded what had been done, but pondered about "big box" tactics such as high profile full page ads, palm cards and where was our TV spots from the "changing hearts and minds," folks.

Well we're not sure if they were listening but "viola," we witness the roll out on our local and totally gay friendly, KARK TV 4 yesterday. It was a well produced TV ad concerning this issue, hot off the editing board and slip streamed to our area and of course their website. We here at COP 24/7 are so glad that great minds think alike or whatever. Its so good to know that we too here in the state have really great ideas of how to advocate for ourselves given the resources to make it happen. But in the meantime, check out this video and as always your comments are encouraged and welcomed. I'm sure that there's more to come....stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

Empire VS This Is Luv

 

Launched on February 16th, GLAAD teamed up with You Belong Co-Founders, former NFL player Wade Davis and writer Darnell L. Moore along with the National Black Justice Coalition, Politini Media, Feministing.com, HRC Foundation (HRCF) and EBONY.com to launch “This Is Luv” (#ThisIsLuv), a multi-media campaign highlighting affirming LGBT love in Black communities and families.

So why was this done you ask? Thanks for asking. According to Wade on MSNBC's Melissa Harris Perry Show, he stated that there needed to be response to both the perception that love dynamic images are in short supply in the black community plus the Black homophobia story line of the run away hit Empire over on none other than FOX. 

COP 24/7 had to go binge watching all eight episodes in one sitting to make sure that we stayed in the fruit loop with the children and many adults who are going totally stupid over this show. Anyway more about Empire in a later posting.

In the meantime, this campaign offers a counter-narrative to the prevalent idea that the African-American community is generally homophobic. Celebrities, writers, and advocates will share photos and video blogs about the supportive and caring relationships that have transcended sexual orientation or gender identity. This too is another hot topic that needs more mouth from COP 24/7 to come.

“Too many people within the Black LGBT community believe this myth and never allow themselves to be loved by their families,” says Wade Davis. “Our goal is make it known that love for Black LGBT people exists in our community.”

Advocates are increasingly becoming aware of the intersecting identities of being African-American and LGBGT as a focal point for discourse and healing.  A part of that process is intentionally documenting and celebrating loving relationships in Black families to deliberate

 



To see the portraits and testimonials go to http://thisisluvproject.tumblr.com/
You can also post your pic of affirming love for Black LGBT people by their allies by using the hashtag #thisisluv and #blacklovematters.


Coming Next Week...

We've just learned some exciting news about LinQ for Life and you can learn about it here before anyone else does! We're going to spill the tea and you will not want to miss it...trust us!

The Book Of Negroes

As February rolls to an end, this forum would be remiss in not acknowledging Black History Month, although we make it a duty to cover a wide range of topics concerning all people, it is important that we continue to celebrate out lived experiences, historical contributions as well as being

cognizant of our current barriers such as generational wealth, access to capital, and poverty to challenges of both crime and urban blight in our neighborhoods that must continued to be addressed.

Beginning with the December release of "Selma", which recalled the historic Pettis bridge march those who dared to do it, through January in which there were numerous programs profiled on OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and other local activities presented throughout the month which offered interesting perspectives as well as thought provoking discussions that would do much to educate most anyone. I found myself among such an array that, there was no way to catch them all. But of the many, one of the most interesting was BET's production of The Book of Negroes which had the backdrop of those enslaved, yet the soul of the production was from the viewpoint of its central character Aminata Diallo.

This beautifully told story captured me with its survival spirit as she recounted that her will and persistence was not to die a slave and to remember her fathers words of "find your way home." Even as this series has been already shown, in true BET fashion and due to its receptive audience, I am sure that it will be repeated. When announced, this forum will share that info. Below is a snapshot of a review of the show and some assorted facts in recognition of this heritage month.



Admiring Aminata Diallo comes easy in “The Book of Negroes.”

The hard part is is absorbing all she had to overcome after she was kidnapped as a child in 18th century Africa and sold into slavery.

“Book of Negroes,” a six-hour Black History Month miniseries, will be fairly compared to “Roots,” though it focuses on the life and times of Diallo rather than covering many generations.
Marvelously played by Aunjanue Ellis, Diallo is wrenched from a happy childhood to face the
untender mercies of a world where she is assumed to be no more than someone’s property.
It’s a cruel, cold awakening, and even some of the most well-meaning sympathizers fail to honor her human dignity.

Diallo finally flees to New York where she is caught in the whirlwind of the American Revolution and forced along with others to make a fateful choice.

Do they side with the British, who offer freedom from slavery, or with the rebels, whose own concept of freedom doesn’t seem to extend to black folks?
A powerful theme of “Book” stems from one of the last things Aminata’s father said: that she must always find her way home.

That’s the goal of almost everyone here, with a cast that includes Louis Gossett Jr. and Cuba Goodings Jr. But the path is never easy, and the news is never all good.
In a world where survival is victory, Aminata helps others survive as well. It’s an achievement as remarkable as the obstacles are chilling.

The Book of Negroes is a 2007 award-winning novel from Canadian writer Lawrence Hill. In the United States, Australia and New Zealand, the novel was published under the title Someone Knows My Name.

And from the Writer: Mr.Lawrence Hill

"I used The Book of Negroes as the title for my novel, in Canada, because it derives from a historical document of the same name kept by British naval officers at the tail end of the American Revolutionary War. It documents the 3,000 blacks who had served the King in the war and were fleeing Manhattan for Canada in 1783.

Unless you were in The Book of Negroes, you couldn't escape to Canada. My character, an African woman named Aminata Diallo whose story is based on this history, has to get into the book before she gets out.

In my country, few people have complained to me about the title, and nobody continues to do so after I explain its historical origins. I think it's partly because the word 'Negro' resonates differently in Canada. If you use it in Toronto or Montreal, you are probably just indicating publicly that you are out of touch with how people speak these days. But if you use it in Brooklyn or Boston, you are asking to have your nose broken. When I began touring with the novel in some of the major US cities, literary African-Americans kept approaching me and telling me it was a good thing indeed that the title had changed, because they would never have touched the book with its Canadian title."^[1]


History Then & Now...


George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
George Washington Carver was born into slavery in southwestern Missouri during the Civil War. A only African-American student, eventually joining the faculty after graduating. He would then head the agriculture department at Tuskegee University, where he devised agricultural innovations, including new uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes, including oil, flour, and ink. His work paved the way for modern advances in biofuels and cleaning products. Gay rumors followed Carver at Tuskegee, which were not dispelled when he and his research assistant, Austin Wingate Curtis, Jr., began living together. Curtis worked hard after Carver's death to preserve his companion's legacy.
sickly child, Carver threw himself into education and was admitted to Iowa's Simpson College as the


Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)
Bayard Rustin was a leader in civil rights movement of the 20th century. In 1947 he planned the first awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Freedom Ride, which challenged segregation on interstate bus systems and inspired further such rides in the 1960s. Rustin combined his organizational skills with support for nonviolent resistance and
became a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. He was often arrested for his stances and spent two years in prison for refusing to register for the draft. Widely known as gay to his contemporaries, Rustin was also jailed for homosexual activity in 1953 and often attacked as a “pervert” by his political opponents. Although he rarely served as a public spokesman, his influence on civil rights never dimmed. Rustin died in 1987; 26 years later, President Obama

Dee Rees
Film director Dee Rees is behind the movie "Pariah," which follows a 17-year-old African American teenager struggling with her sexuality. The film was a hit at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Hump Day Spinning Wheels & More

Welcome to another COP 24/7 post where we spin the big wheel of "what's really going on!" And believe me, there's plenty and then some as the social media platforms have been lit up with rants, chatter and state bashing that this platform has non to happy about. So without any delay, lets dive in head first.

The LGBTQ Body Politic

In the past several weeks, this platform has been in a "call to action," swirl ranging from asking pesky questions about the "missing ADH awareness day funds," to sharing many conversations with like minded folks who want to know what can we do next. So what's next is anybody's guess. However here are a few updates to consider.

A Town Hall meeting sponsored by the Arkansas Stonewall Democrat Caucus is scheduled for 3/1/15, 4pm,  1500W 4th inside the AEA Building. Here you can hear from panelist such as Senator's David Johnson and Joyce Elliot, an overview of the bills and a brief Q & A session. Please note that SB 202 has already become law without the Governor's signature.
 
You can join the Facebook page, Arkansans United Against Unjust Laws, which has been launched to act as an information clearinghouse for activities related to laws that are discriminatory against Arkansas' LGBTQ community.

And of course this digital town square is and has always been available to everyone to share for the most part whatever is on their minds. Our call to actions are not reactionary to legislative sessions, but are ongoing calls about a bounty of intersectional issues and challenges facing this community including growing infrastructure, leadership pipeline, complacency and lack of motivation, racism, homophobia, economic disparity and this platforms resolve to continue to raise awareness about continuing HIV infection rates among young gay black men while seeking to enjoin new concepts designed to close the care continuum gap.

There you have it. A quick update on what you can still do to be in the know and discover what you can do to amplify you voice about it. So what you gonna do?

Gay Business Watch 2015, Part 2

With all the other breaking news, weather outbreaks and items trying to "cancel out" other items, we could not leave you hanging from our Gay Business series from last week. Despite the recent anti-gay legislation that hasn't put our state on blast, and folks decrying why the worlds largest retailer didn't step up more forcibly.

What COP 24/7 would like to ponder is what we perceive as a ongoing lackluster response from gay owned and operated businesses. 
There has always been a strained dynamic with local gay businesses that has way to much history to even begin here. 

Even as the opposing legislation had a "business bent," in regards to the gay community, where was the ballyhoo from the community business leaders similar to the "oh my God outrage," when the city was considering shutting light night club doors. You could hear the screed and decries that included hastily organized coalitions, full color Ads, newspaper interviews and closure threats to boot!  Yes it was all there for the taking.  So where has this "release the cracken," energy been toward this measure? It seems to be MIA (missing in action) because many don't or won't fee that it will affect their bottom lines.

This scenario has been prevalent and pervasive as local CBO's or entities have endlessly struggled, cajoled and grappled with utilizing whatever community resources could be garnered.  Even though this should be a two way street, often times its not. Such as the case for the recent closure of In's and Outz, which abruptly shuttered their doors at even the surprise of their employee.

Even as this business entered the market, it was plagued with numerous circumstances that ultimately became its demise. Such exotic retail ventures have never fared well in this city which we could attest to how such shops are perceived or positioned.

From our observation, there were problems with marketing, employee retention, management challenges and above all, a lack of customer base. Not everybody can fit into Andrew Christian underwear or otherwise, therefore, if you don't have more of what's needed, then sales speak for themselves. Especially when you don't engage your possible base.

With that said, this brings us back to "gay economics 101,' in regards to interaction of patrons and businesses whom value their customers instead of taking them for granted for any reason. In this new digital reality of smart phones, Bitcoin, Apple wallets, and door knock booty calls. Let's face it,  its a new day and way to play that will require business folk to redefine how to capture and keep LGBTQ folks community through the doors.

 

 

And now our COP 24/7 Zip Stream Video Clip

 

Snow Voices Carry Tuesday

So where do we begin with this post? The groundhog spoke and Mother Nature delivered a wintry swath of snow complete with a take that folks cold snap!

Adding to that chilly situation also comes the fact that despite all the "call to actions," and many efforts to demand Governor Hutchinson to use his veto power to stop SB 202, he was having none of it. He did a "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," move to allow the measure to seep its way to being a law. That's all folks.

Despite this situation, those who raised their voices, sent e-mails and all manner of public discourse should commend themselves for at least stepping up and doing their civic duty. I am posting a couple of items that I saw in reference to this situation below.

Bob Rogers wrote on Facebook:

"I used to be proud to be an Arkansan. Even though we were last in virtually every measurable category, we were hospitable to people of all types. Thanks to your complete lack of leadership on SB202 (and no doubt on HR1228 should it reach your desk) I am no longer proud. I'm not only not proud, but I'm afraid to be a gay Arkansan.

I am ashamed of you, and our legislature.

If there was any way for me to afford to move from the state I was born and raised in and returned to gladly to pursue my career with First Commercial Bank and later Regions Bank, I'd be out of here.

Sadly, that's not going to be possible. But I can assure you that I will with every fiber of my being persuade any business, professional, or social contact that I might influence that Arkansas is most assuredly not open for business; not welcoming to professional highly educated employees; and not a good place to continue higher education. In short, stay away from Arkansas, and by extension, any corporation, business, or university associated with this state. Bar None."

And then there's this...

M.M. Granger on Facebook:

This jackass. The state of Arkansas is officially entering the PREVIOUS CENTURY. But guess what - it won't last long! ANYONE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BASED PURELY ON APPEARANCE - THAT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW.

If it happens to you, and you are not wearing rainbows or anything that specifically identifies you as LGBTQ, record it if you can. LAWSUIT!!!

Unfortunately, as a democratic republic we know that many people are just not engaged with many of the electorate processes. Its been highly reported that many citizens are not voting, know exactly who represents them, aware of the various branches of government and recently its been cited that a great deal of Americans probably couldn't pass the citizenship test that others must pass to become citizens. Wow!

What has happened is another valuable lesson on how lawmaking works or not works and just what it takes to address such matters. COP 24/7 applauds those who answered the call, but what's needed and is seriously lacking is a well oiled machine to at least give us a fighting chance. But we have to be clear that even with this, nothing is a sure thing here in our great state.

As noted, this type of structure requires a tremendous amount of resources that we have yet to muster. Local community based organizations are "struggling well," to stay afloat with their meager funding outlays, dedicated donors if any, scrappy fundraisers, and often times exasperated leadership. All of this effort falls in the "good intentions," bucket that has persisted for most of my life time. When good viable leaders, activist or advocates are identified or developed, we usually loose them to the siren call of gay meccas from coast to coast.

We seem not to get folks to "stick and stay," because we don't have the lure of "gayborhoods", the heat of the ATL, or big city living that takes every damn dime you can earn to keep living it as if you would die if you had to think of living in Arkansas.

We have suffered defeats before, yet we live to see another day. I'm not about bashing the state, abandoning it or allowing others to do so, but rather staying diligent to be apart of the solution rather than moving on to another perceived paradise state to have more expensive problems. It may not be what we want for now, but let's not stop trying! 


A COP 24/7 Zip Stream Moment...



 

 

“The Real Impact Project honors National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day to all of the African Americans who in the midst of a life changing diagnosis such as HIV still manage to perform in front of the world’s stage.”
Arkansas RAPPS, Mobilizing Arkansas Brothers and all the Community Connectors across the state believe that we all must be on the team in 2015!

For testing and linkage or retention care information call 501-404-2400

 

The All About Monday Outpost

And we are on the last week of February from yet another wild and robust week before and starting out! Where has this month gone is almost beyond me, but its been one that has been totally off the chain with all manner of items ranging from breaking news from the "crazy" going on at the State House to the ongoing hoots and hollers on Facebook. Its was all there and some of it was here,and most likely an Oscar in our future is a long shot unless you are talking about the hot dog version.
So let's take another noise dive into "what's really going on.."

All About Oscar!

Yeah it was that time again for the yearly Hollywood honor its best and according to host Neil Patrick Harris quip, "whitest," night of those sharing their acting craft. Of course the evening was totally filled with what we've come to expect, glitz, glam, game faces, and the power of the Oscar winning song, "Glory," which soared with bravado about numerous social justice issues and messages that we've talked about on these very pages.

Actually I didn't watch the program in real time as I have in the past. There's a back story to all of this but you will have to read the "Reflections of A Shattered Mirror," project to get that one. In the meantime, I knew that the onslaught of recapping and Monday morning quarterbacking about "all things Oscar," would suffice. Since the award season gets going earlier, usually you can safely bet what will be the outcomes even as local movie reviewer Rene Shapiro called out the "award locks" prior to the show. Yet, from what understood from other talking heads, her predictions mirrored so much of what had already been said or known.

Nevertheless, this platforms applauds all the winners and even those loser's who got $150,000 swag bags, limo service to A-List parties all the while their people worked their I-phones for their next gig. If I only had people with an I-phone working to get my next gig...And so it goes.


All About CHER


And speaking of the Oscar's..., Oscar Winner and Icon Cher weighed in the on the crazy legislation (SB202) that has
now made it way to Governor Hutchinson's desk. Of course, you know that even though she may have been briefed, I'm sure that her "people," handled all the workings of getting it posted to social media. I have no doubt that she's still recovering from her 2014 tour cancelling illness but still running her empire nonetheless.

I guess that doesn't really matter since other than using e-blast, social media posting and all that's basically free, there has been no "funded media campaign," to thwart this measure. So if this is so dastardly and a great deal of area folks believe that these measures are just not good policy, then where the heck is the tsunami of billboard, mail pieces, radio & TV spots, palm cards and all manner of media needed to "change hearts and minds," about this type of governing. 

Well, the basic reason is "cash." There is little to no good old fashion currency flowing to support not only any of the above mentioned but many local community based organizations have no non-restricted funds to dedicate to battling those well heeled folks under the dome. Certainly this forum has been in the mix with the "call to action," sending out information, posting breaking updates and always "dressed to kill," for most social justice engagements.

Yet our area infrastructure is cash strapped as apparatuses that can unleash what it takes to either defeat or support measures in our best interest. Certainly using the internet has it advantages, but we can't deny it also has severe limitations as well. Alright we certainly appreciate the "shout out," from the mighty "Cher," machine with hopes that our own internal shouts will be heard not only about this legislation but about our own machine that needs attention.


All About Earl Young's Delta

Producing this forum takes much time and effort. I know that you think that it magically writes, edits, research and produce its self within the wink of an eye. Not. Its just not that simple nor has it been since it's inception all those years ago. With that said, there have been new fangled methods to assist and time manage your production schedule. However one of the most things needed is a fresh stream of content and I've found that Mr. Earl Young has begun to fill that need through his Arkansas Delta LGBTQ Newsletter e-blast.

As I've mentioned before, Young has a penchant to roll out a boat load of content ranging from pictures to links to interesting items that fall right into our wheelhouse. From his own personal page he list that he is retired and living in St. Louis. From what I gather he use to live in the Delta and has a passion for scouring cyberspace, getting it to his Facebook page lightening fast as matter of informing those still living in the area. The page touts that the newsletter covers stories of interest to LGBT persons in the 5-county Arkansas Mississippi Delta counties of Phillips, Arkansas, Monroe, Lee and Francis.

I love it when other's join us in our digital pursuits to share information, offer numerous viewpoints, connect our readers to great video content and do what we can to make a difference. Thanks Earl for your ongoing efforts to keep it coming. Its' appreciated. Check out his page at www.facebook.com/arkansasdeltaLGBT

 And its all about Call to Action!!!

SB202 has made it to the Governor's desk. He has said he will neither sign, nor veto this law. 90 days after the end of the session, this bill will become law. COP 24/7 encourages our readers to keep the pressure on him about our opposition to this bill. It is suppose to becomes law today (Monday), but not enforceable until 90 days after the session. Yikes!!! Even as the snow falls and everybody else is getting to the house.

SB202 allows the legislature to selectively ignore the Arkansas standards of Home Rule, it violates the Equal Protections Clause and will generate lawsuits at the expense of taxpayers, will have a chilling effect on new Fortune 500 companies setting up business in the state, it will promote a "brain drain" as some of our best and brightest leave the state in search of more equitable climes. HB1228 contributes to these as well.

One more time, here's the folks that you can reach out too for this and to always stay in touch about legislation that could impact your life and beyond.

EMAIL ALL - Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee:

Senator Johnson - David.Johnson@senate.ar.gov

Senator Woods - jon.woods@senate.ar.gov

Senator Rice - Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov

Senator Elliott - Joyce.Elliott@senate.ar.gov

Senator Chesterfield - lchesterfield@comcast.net

Senator Burnett - David.Burnett@senate.ar.gov

Senator Collins-Smith - Linda.Collins-Smith@senate.ar.gov

Senator Hutchinson - Jeremy.Hutchinson@senate.ar.gov

Now please call and leave a message for your personal Senator - 1-501-682-2902

THEN! CALL the Governor (501) 682-2345 and express your opposition to SB202 and to HB1228.