This evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Youth of Union will perform their Annual Christmas Eve Play at 1219 Druid Hill Avenue. The performance last's about one hour. It will feature an original play developed by the youth with costumes. The songs of the season will be sung in the Historic Sanctuary of Union Baptist Church. Together we will share in Holy Communion.
This morning Union Baptist Church distributed 300 food baskets to people within the community. It's an annual tradition that has grown over the past few years. Early in November we collect the names of people who live within the 21217/21201 zip code where our church is located. Yesterday, a team of volunteers packed each of the tree hundred baskets. The packing of the baskets is a joyous period of time as each one of us reflects upon the blessings that God has given us. We also reflect on how good we feel to share a bit of the Christmas spirit with our neighbors within the community.
"I will strengthen you." Isaiah 41:10
Growing up there was an image of "Big Brother" watching your every move, collecting information on everybody, and knowing what you were thinking and doing. It appears that "Biggie is Here." In today's Washington Post is a disturbing article outlining the technology and methods the government is using to track every day Americans under the guise of being potential terrorists. For government to posses this power in an era of political extremism is something to watch. Depending upon who is in political power will determine who is on the watch list. I guess we will just have to be prepared for "Biggie" to watch our every move and to monitor every transaction we make. The old adage is true, "what is done in the dark will come to the light."
If anyone has had problems understanding and reading the Book of Revelation, I recommend that you obtain a copy of the recently released book by Dr. Micheal J. Gorman, my dean at the St. Mary's Seminary, entitled "Reading Revelation Responsibly".
The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings has added another accomplishment to his impressive resume. He was elected by The House Democratic Caucus to be the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the House of Representatives.
"Come to me." Matthew 11: 28
Tupac was a very misunderstood poet. His talent was able to take him to heights unknown. His ego distorted his role in society. It is unfortunate that while he wrote and rapped about the streets; he felt he had to live the street life.
Too many of our youth fall victim to street life before they have had the real experience of life. "To do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God."
They go from strength to strength." Psalm 84:7
"salt without prescribing how much." Ezra 7: 22
The story of Rev. Craig Mathies, Sr., being elected to the office of County Commissioner in Somerset County should not be overlooked. He is the first African American elected to an office in Somerset County in over 300 years.
| "Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,— | |
| Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown, | |
| Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own." |
Ms. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. Her regal air has commanded the respect of music loving people for decades. We have witnessed her presence throughout her very public career. From the humble beginnings in her father's church she has become an iconic image with international fame. Her private life has been pretty much private. Her public life is known to all. Her refusal to travel by plane, her battles with weight, and her failed attempts at marriage. We know a lot about Aretha Franklin; she belongs to us and is revered by us. Now she faces the battle of her life. Now she needs the support and prayers of all those who have invited her into the private places within their hearts and spirits.
"It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:24
The Dells use to sing a song, "I'm going to open up my heart this morning and see if I can help a friend." Some of you old school people may remember it.
"From your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor." Psalm 68:10
"He chose the lowly things of this world." 1 Corinthians 1: 28
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
"I have many people in this city." Acts 18:10 Scripture reminds us that all the people are God's people. It is an unfortunate reality that we label people or classify them into categories. That's not what God does. He sees people as people and souls that need to be redeemed and saved. Our world and our urban environments would be so fulfilling and the quality of life for all would greatly improve if we understood that all of the people belong to God. If we functioned that way, the resources would not be hoarded by the few. If we governed that way, the benefits would not just accrue to the rich and powerful. If we lived like that, we would participate in God's grand design for His "beloved community." As we move through the Advent Season, we must believe in our hearts that God has many people within the cities of America and the world. People whom God send His Son to save!
Recently The New York Times wrote an article entitled, "A Mission to transform Baltimore's Beaten Schools." It highlights the work of Dr. Alonso. It's an article that was clearly written to propel him onto a national stage. Possibly with the intent to be added to his resume as he is seeking to be courted by other school systems. While Dr. Alonso is a pretty likable guy, there have been some glaring missteps during his tenure that has impacted education within the communities of Baltimore City. I work within the Upton Community and find myself engaged with five schools: Booker T. Washington. Mount Royal, Furman Templeton, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, and Eutaw Marshburn. In the case of Booker T. Washington, there has been six principles within the past six years. In the article I'm quoted as saying that Dr. Alonso brought principals in with impressive creditable, but they don't know the community and in effect are just using GPS systems to find there way. I wish more of my comments could have been included versus a quote. What I said is that new principles were brought in without true community engagement. They were throw into our neighborhoods without any historical information or current information regarding assets. Each operated under the assumption they had to go out and identify community resources; as if they did not already exist. The second observation I made was under Dr. Alonso we have not seen indigenous talent being elevated. We have outstanding schools of higher education that are training local residents to assume positions within our own educational system. I fail to see where Morgan, Coppin, Towson, or Notre Dame graduates are in positions of responsibility with our school system. It appears to me that Dr. Alonso is tilted towards out of state talent versus local talent. The final observation I made was that under Dr. Alonso we have lost school building being named for historic figures and the result is that students are attending schools with generic names. They lose a sense of pride and understanding of the contributions of past leaders and role models. I wish Dr. Alonso well in his future pursuits. We need a leader of our School System who is committed to Baltimore as their career goal.
"There is no flaw in you" Song of Songs 4:7
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." Psalm 107:8
"Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Leviticus 19:16
"The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority."
The word is out. The people of 21217/21201 have come together and organized to become a part of the work force in the State Center Project. The Baltimore Afro has done a front page story that outlines the issues involved. In physics for every action there is a reaction. The question is what will the reaction be: will the forces open up the process and provide jobs to the local residents or will they use the age old excuse we cannot find qualified people? The faith community has done the work. We have a comprehensive listing of people who are ready, able and willing to work who live in the neighborhood. We shall continue to insist that our local residents are hired. On Wednesday, December 1st the approval and funding for the underground garage goes before the Board of Public Works. We will find out directly from the Governor if local hiring will be a reality in this project. I pray that it is for the people who live within the community who need to work. Everybody wants a job! Now!!!!
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
Had the opportunity to have a discussion with two successful African American Males, both under the age of 27 years. Between them they have collectively earned 9 degrees. One works for the government and the other works for corporate America. Both are from Baltimore and both attended Calvert Hall College and then West Virginia University. We were laid back watching the WVU versus Pitt football. During the game I asked a few reflective questions. What preparatory experiences during your high schools years helped you in college and beyond? What did you learn in college that has been beneficial to you in your careers? To the first question, it was shared that the discipline of Calvert Hall propelled them through college and beyond. Learning in a multi-cultural environment gave them a tremendous advantage at WVU. Learning how to use the free periods at Calvert Hall helped them with time management when they were in college. Learning how to pick friends gave them lifelong associates who pushed each other to succeed. In college they found that other students didn't take advantage of the free tutoring assistance provided. They invested two hours each day in the free tutoring sessions. They found that being on top of their subject areas didn't prohibit them from having fun and participating in extra curricular activities. Obtaining an international learning experience while in college proved to be helpful. Having goals that for them meant education was a stepping stone. Not seeing simply graduating as the mark of success, but obtaining the career that they wished as the success mark. They explained that they witnessed two many of their colleagues having short sighted goals: just getting into college or just getting a degree. Their goals where to obtain positions within the areas they had chosen for their careers. Finally having multi-cultural friendships taught them how to engage people from different cultures and backgrounds. In closing understanding that the competitors for jobs and positions come from all over the world. They had to meet a global standard for academic and professional achievement. I left the conversation feeling pretty goal about these two young men. I was proud as a peacock, knowing that they will provide leadership for our community and world in the future. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed!
This picture is intended to remind us that a key aspect of the Civil Rights Movement was to demand jobs for people. Religious leaders understood the connection between full employment and healthy communities and families. Our ancestors were willing to put their faith into action. Their Sunday worship experience fueled their desire to create change within the social and economic fabric within their communities. America and many local communities are going in the wrong direction. They believe that communities can be transformed through physical development without the spiritual uplift and development of the local residents in those communities. This is a formula for failure. Physical development, economic development and spiritual development are integrally tied together.
The wait is over. This Sunday, November 21st, the 11:00 a.m. preacher for Men's Day at Union Baptist Church will be Rev. Dr. Cleophus J. Larue. He is a professor of homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary. If you have not heard this teacher of preachers, you should come to 1219 Druid Hill Avenue tomorrow and experience one of the finest preachers in America. Fresh from attending the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Homiletics in Atlanta, Ga., he is in town for one day only to proclaim the word of God. A special men's day choir under the direction of Mr. Marco Merrick will sing. The theme: "Union Men: Empowered by their history to serve God." The Men of Union have a rich history upon which they can extend the ministry of service to the residents of the Beloved Community.
I'm leaving for New York to speak at the Annual Gala of the National Bible Association on Thursday, November 18th.
I use to say when one of our giants leaves us that it is a lost. In the case of Mr. Mack Lewis, he deposited some much of himself in so many that he will live on. Mr. Lewis was the originator of "street creditability." He earned his reputation by staying in the community and taught wild young boys what it meant to become a man. He was the "godfather" who did not abuse his power, but used his wisdom and assistance to steer young men in the right direction. I was blessed to interact with him on many occasions. I always stood in awe of this man whose legendary status waxed right before my eyes. Boxing was his tool to reaching hard headed young men. Young men who he taught that being macho was not how hard you could hit someone else. He taught being macho was how well you could serve someone else. Many men learned the lessons he taught. Each one who gleaned from his wisdom; is richer indeed. Mr. Mack Lewis, the man!
You are receiving plenty of advance notice. Next week the magic moment arrives. The United States Naval Academy Gospel Choir will be in concert at Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue on Sunday, November 21, 2010 beginning at 4:00 p.m. I would suggest the you arrive at least 45 minutes early to get a good seat. This fantastic choir is touring around the United States and is making a special appearance in the Historic Union Baptist Church. If you want to hear a sampling of their music, you may click onto this link which will take you to UBC's home page. You will see a link on that page which will allow you to listen to one of their songs, "The Lord is in this place".
One time all you would ask is "what came first the chicken or the egg"; but in these days and times you have to look at your eggs and wonder if they are contaminated with salmonella. Profits and genetic alteration of our growing process, as well as, slack regulation of our food production chain has put the consumer at the behest of the food producers. I long for the time when we produced and grew our own foods and animals on family farms. Some of us may remember going to the "country" and visiting our relatives. Walking their vegetable fields, or climbing in their orchards, or chasing the chickens in the coop; these experiences, for some, are a distant memory. For others there is no memory at all. But, we use to live in simpler times. We use to live closer to nature. It seems the further away from nature we get; the more distant God is. Take a ride into the country, drive through the mountains; never forget that "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all they that live therein."
Have you given in to the urge to buy an IPad, or have you resisted the urge? Was it because you didn't need another trinket to learn or carry? Or, was because of the high price of all these items in the marketplace that supposedly you can't live without? I must admit I bought an Adroid phone, but I have not purchased an IPad. Why, I'm protesting how technology is taking up so much of my time and weaving its way into the fabric of my life. I'm concerned! As a result I've found myself spending more time in the library. I try to spend at least four hours per week in St. Mary's University and Seminary's library. I'm reading more books at home. I'm concerned that the inward journey created by technology is turning a generation of people into introverts. How do you say hello to someone when they have ear plugs in their ears? How do you look someone in the eye when they are constantly watching their cell phone or texting? I'm making it a habit to write at least ten letters each week. Because of email and texting we are losing the art of letter writing. What are you doing to resist the temptation of techonology taking over your life? Or, are you too far gone that it doesn't matter!
In today's Baltimore Sunpapers you will find an article about 2011 Charter Schools. One of the schools mentioned is The Furman L. Templeton Elementary School in the Upton Community of West Baltimore.
My daughter as an alumnus of Morgan State University generates the excitement in my home when Homecoming Weekend comes around. My wife and I had the opportunity to experience the Morgan Gala last night at Martin's West. It was an outstanding affair. Heard the new President Dr. Wilson speak. He is destined to have a positive impact on the school.
In Friday's Afro American Newspaper, the position the clergy and community has set on the State Center Project job opportunities is posted.
I promised to give my endorsement of a candidate for Governor of the State of Maryland after the interview on WOLB by Larry Young. The radio interview was held this morning. I am now ready to state my endorsement. I must admit that the choice is really limited to the major party candidates. While I encourage alternate party candidates to run, we have a long way to go within the State of Maryland to create a viable third party option.
Mr. John H. Murphy III has joined the celestial band of angels. Throughout his life and career he stood for the best within our race and exhibited excellence in all that he did. He permitted me and other youth in Baltimore City to carry with pride the "Afro" newspaper.
With family and friends went to see the play, "The Wiz" at The Center Stage last night. They have an amazing cast of talented singers and actors. You can find world class entertainment in Baltimore. For those who wish to escape the regular and mundane, go see "The Wiz."
The 1st Phase of the State Center Project in Baltimore is on the street for bids by construction managers. It's an impressive project that will forever alter the landscape of West Baltimore. Since its inception I have been involved with the singular goal of insuring that local residents and businesses benefit from this $1.5 Billion project. I firmly believe that all parties have operated in good faith. Nevertheless, life has taught me that unless you are at the table when decisions are being made, you are out of the loop. At present the people who are out of the loop are the persons who live within the community who may desire to work one of the many construction jobs that will be available. Persons are saying to me to wait until the contract is awarded and then the jobs will become available. For me that is too late, I believe the local residents who wish to work, should be identified, trained, and organized so that they are able to report to the job site on day one. I don't want local residents to wake up one day with a job sign being posted and their being hired is catch as catch can. Therefore, in partnership with the International Labor Union, I'm seeking to organize 200 persons who wish to work and are willing to be trained to work on Wednesday, October 27th at 3:00 p.m. at Union Baptist Church.
The rescue of the Chilean miners has captivated the attention of the world. The brilliance of engineers, architects, and planners are on display. The intestinal fortitude of the miners has people all over the world in awe. Since yesterday, periodically the men are being transported from deep in the mine to the surface by a capsule designed for that purpose. In other words a specific rescue plan was developed for them.
This evening is the debate between O'Malley and Ehrlich. Is it a waste of time to watch two men who are so disconnected from the needs of my community push positions that will not change the trajectory of the misery and despair so many people feel? Will either one make a difference in the misery index that is felt and is real? Both have had the opportunity to demonstrate their governing ability, both are known commodities, and the results of both are lackluster at best.
This morning I am sharing a side view of Union Baptist Church and the multi-colored stain glass windows that so beautifully adorn our sanctuary. Our ancestors understood simplicity and beauty. They designed a sanctuary that exemplified their respect and worship of God. As we move through this Saturday towards Sunday, I pray that each of you pause for a moment and "think about the goodness of the Lord while we are in the land of the living." I believe we all will conclude, "that God is good!"
This stained glass window is prominently placed in the rear of the main sanctuary of Union Baptist Church. It was designed by John LaFarge, an American stain glass designer who developed the opulent glass technique made famous by Louis Tiffany.
My mother would say to me that, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." She was reminding me of the importance of eating fruit as a part of my diet. In our health conscience society we find eating fruits and vegetables is very important. Having a healthy body is what God wishes for everyone.
There is a Negro Spiritual entitled, "There is a Balm in Gilead." This song communicates the biblical textual meaning of Jeremiah 8:22, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of my daughter of my people recovered?"
The formal process begun over three years ago came to its logical conclusion with a dedication program at Union Baptist Church. The process of which I speak is what the church undertook to have it placed on the National Register of Historic Places by The Department of Interior's National Park Service. Forever in the national records of The United States of American, this African American Baptist Church will have its many accomplished noted and its record of service maintained. Rev. Dr. Harvey Johnson, a former slave, did not permit his enslavement to curtail the power of his mind and spirit. Once free he attended and graduated from Wayland Seminary in Washington. D.C. and proceeded to work for the cause of freedom of people of African descent everywhere. Much can be attributed to his 50 years of service as the Pastor of Union Baptist Church. He understood, long ago, that the Constitution of the United States of America was a tool that could be used for liberation of African American people. He, along with Attorney Waring, would take cases to court on behalf of African American people and won. So successful was his strategy that W. E. B. DuBois replicated it on the national level through his work with the N.A.A.C.P. I commend the members of Union Baptist Church for persevering through this process. The role of this church and the legacy of our ancestors will forever be in the national records of our country.
For anyone that wants to understand how "FACEBOOK" came to be and why we are using it right now; go see the movie "the social network." I saw it last night with my daughter and it is the bomb! It walks you through the nuances of an entrepreneur. It explains the role of Harvard University when it says, "its students are not educated to get a job, but to create jobs." It outlines how FACEBOOK has become an global force that has no limits. It's originators and investors have all become billionaires. The tag line is, "You don't have 500 million friends and not some enemies."
