BFT Gospel: Ricky Dillard at the 2008 Stellar Awards Singing "The Light"

BFT Discussion: Your Thoughts On The Race Card?

Let's discuss the race card? When black folks don't get their way or they are lacking in education, training, and the like, why do some of us pull the race card? When is enough enough! Do you think that pulling the race card is necessary? Is it appropriate? If so, when should it be necessary or appropriate to pull the race card? BFT what are your thoughts?

BFT Discussion: What Do You Think About Chris Matthews' Comments?

I have been debating if I wanted to post this or not. I was not sure if I wanted to give any power to these comments. However, it is a big topic so I am posting for your comments. Here is a clip on Chris Matthews commenting on The State of the Union and on forgetting that President Obama was black for an hour? Should we be offended by this? Do you think that people feel that black folks can't do this job or speak correct English or make sense of what is going on about the state of our country? What are your thoughts?

BFT Discussion: How Do You Define Black Culture?

Culture is defined as the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.; that which is excellent in the arts, manners, etc.; a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period; development or improvement of the mind by education or training; and the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group. With culture being defined, how do you define black culture?

BFT Movie Premiere: "Cop-Out" Starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan on February 26, 2010

Tracy Morgan has a new movie coming out. He is co-starring with Bruce Willis in this comedy. The movies comes out on February 26, 2010.

BFT Is Opening The Website For You! Email Us Your Submissions!

Do you have something that you want to say? Do you want to know if others have the same thoughts and opinions as you. Well... Black Folks Think may be the forum for you! As many of you know, I am a big supporter of the black community and black businesses as long as it is positive and that it helps somebody. This site it not about being racist or attacking a particular group. With this being said, I am opening up the BFT blog to you! You can tell us what is on your mind. You can tell us what you are feeling. You can tell us what black folks are thinking. You can bring your thoughts and opinions to the folks on BFT website, the BFT Facebook Fan Page, the BFT Twitter Page, the BFT Myspace Page and possibly countless other blogs that follow Black Folks Think. Here is your opportunity! Let's take advantage!

If you would like to submit content to this site, please email us at blackfolksthink@yahoo.com. Please be advised that all submissions will go through an approval process before being approved and posted on the BFT site.

BFT Weekend Movie: Two Can Play That Game

I know the weather is bad in many parts of the country. So my DVD pick is "Two Can Play That Game." This movie features Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tamala Jones, Dondre Whitfield, and Bobby Brown. This is a funny movie! I hope you will check it out and enjoy.

President Obama's State of the Union Addresss - 2010

BFT Discussion: Why Not Put A Ring On It?

Just a couple of thoughts that are running thru my head. There is a very high rate of couples having children out of wedlock (I am included in this statistic). If you are going to live together and have children, then why can't you put a ring on it? If you good enough to have children and to live together, then why not make it legal and get married? For the life of me, I could not come up with a good answer of why I did it. This is a general question for everybody. I hope no one takes offense on this.

Don't Miss the Comedy Event of the Year - The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition - February 12-14, 2010

The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival was established in 1986 to provide a Bay Area-based showcase for Black comedians and comedians of color from all over the united states and across the world. For over two decades the Competition has been at the vanguard of the Black/urban comedy movement, greatly contributing to the career development of many of its stars and the construction of many of its brick and mortar and 'clicks and mortar' venues. According to event founder and executive Producer Tony Spires, the Competition was born out of a need for, "Comedic Affirmative Action."

The Competition's ongoing mission is to create an environment which provides our comedians with equal access to empowering opportunities which enable them to demonstrate their unique talents to the entertainment industry and the general public and to raise worldwide conscientiousness of the validity and viability of the indigenous American art form known as Black Comedy. Through the years the BABCCF has emerged from its grassroots-based genesis to become the largest and longest-running live, urban comedy showcase in the country. Please join us as we take comedy to the next level. The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival, "Where the Laughter Never Ends!"

BABCCF outstanding alumni includes:

Jamie Foxx

Chris Tucker

Nick Cannon

D.C. Curry

Mike Epps

D.L. Hughley

Mark Curry

Katt Williams

Sheryl Underwood

Arnez Jay

and many more...

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

Paul Mooney

Reynaldo Rey

Robin Harris

www.blackcomedycompetition.com

BFT Discussion: Million Man March - Is It Relevant Today?

On one of the Facebook discussions, someone mentioned the Million Man March that occured in 1995. Well, the 15th year anniversary of the Million Man March is fast approaching. This mass gathering of men was held in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 1995 under the leadership of Nation of Islam Leader, Louis Farrakhan with the help of some churches. The goal of this march was for black men to come together in unity, atonement and brotherhood. My question to the black men... was this march beneficial and/ or helpful in the daily lives of black men? Do you feel that is necessary for black men to continue this gatherings of this magnitude or not more often? Did anyone attend the million man march back in 1995? If so, can you please share your feelings of the march and how it is relevant to today's economic and social ills?

BFT Business Spotlight: ChocolateBrides.com

As many of you know, I am a very big supporter of black businesses. This particular website I am very excited about. It is called Chocolate Brides (www.chocolatebrides.com). It is a website where couples of color can find wedding inspiration that specifically represent us and our culture. For you couples that are thinking about jumping the broom, please check out this site for some inspiration for your special day.

The Difference Between A Chick And A Full Grown Woman

By: Cassandra Mack. www.strategiesforempoweredliving.com

There are times in a man’s life when he confuses a chick with a full grown woman. He sees a pretty face, a nice body, an inviting smile, an easy lay and allows a fleeting momentary desire to cloud his judgment ...and break up everything he’s worked so hard to build.

He looks at the ease of not having to work that hard…not having to make a real investment of time, commitment or emotions. He looks at the thrill of getting a little piece on the side. Not realizing that more often than not, it’s the side dish that costs more than the main course when you average it all out. Plus, when the novelty wears off, he finds out the hard way that the side dish, although appetizing at first glance, can never truly fill or hold him down like the main course he already has at home.

Men be careful…the side dish will bring you drama, break up your family, wipe you out financially, create a scene on the job. But the main course who you often take for granted will help you to build, sustain and grow.

See the main course, if you let her, will make you a better man. She understands how to weather life’s storms, so when you fall down, she’s right there to pick you up. The side dish can never walk in the main course’s shoes. She’s simply not equipped. And since she’s not the struggling kind, if you ever fall off financially she’ll kick your butt to the curb faster than a New York minute. However, the main course being a woman of wisdom, won’t trip if you fall off financially…and if she does it won’t be for long because like the Proverbs 31 woman, she knows how to make a dollar out of fifteen cents.

Sometimes in an act of desperation or naivety, the side dish will step out of pocket and call the main course to curse her out and “set the record straight,” not realizing that the main course is too much of a lady to be brought down by something on the side.

It’s important not to confuse the main course’s ability to keep herself and her children away from extracurricular drama with being a doormat. The main course is not naive or stupid. She is simply trying to keep her family together. Plus, it’s but so many times the side dish can step out of her lane before the main course unleashes her inner lioness and rips the side dish to shreds.

Let me be clear here: In no way am I advocating violence, but if you are bad enough to play in another woman’s garden and bold enough to call her house to brag about it, then you really shouldn’t be too dumbfounded when she goes into her ghetto bag and unleashes a can of full grown whoop ass.

In an attempt to upgrade, some men foolishly trade in their main course for the side dish, not realizing that since the side chick has just been hatched, she does not have the staying power, wisdom or loyalty to stand by their side for better or worse. Therefore, unbeknownst to many men, the side chick can be their biggest liability. But the full grown woman who strives to hold it down at home despite your desire to sample every passing item on the menu and who has seen you through the best of times and the worst of times, has already proven herself to be one of your greatest assets.

Sometimes, during moments of loneliness, failed relationships or depleted self-esteem a main course kind of lady will reduce herself to side chick status. It’s not that she’s a side chick at heart. It’s that loneliness got the best of her or she falsely believes that she cannot do any better. So she avails herself to somebody else’s man convincing herself that half a man is better than no man at all. And since she's lost all common sense, she somehow believes that she has hit the jackpot. When the truth of the matter is, it’s not that He’s ALL THAT… He’s just ALL THAT SHE HAS.

Make no mistake about it, the difference between a chick and a full grown woman has nothing to do with age. There are 40 year old chicks and 20 year old full grown women. It's not an age thing. It's a self-worth thing.

It’s been said that boys will be boys and a man’s gonna do what a man’s gonna do. But if I might be so bold as to offer an alternative point of view….When you have a taste for something on the side, take a moment to think about what you stand to lose before you order out.

Although there are lots of options on the menu, in the long run the best option is to eat in, keep it at home and add a little spice so you can bring out the flavor in your main course. You just might be pleasantly surpised. It’s your life…Just my take on the issue.

Remember – You hold the pen that writes the chapters of your life,
Cassandra Mack

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2009 by Cassandra Mack. A portion of this article was excertped from Cassandra Mack's book. "The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement." To order your copy go to: http://www.strategiesforempoweredliving.com

******Cassandra Mack, MSW, is a trained social worker, keynote speaker, consultant, corporate trainer, author of several successful books including, "Young, Gifted and Doing It: 52 Power Moves for Teens, " Cool, Confident and Strong: 52 Power Moves for Girls," "The Busy Woman's Little Book of Motivation," and "The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom," which are all available at: Amazon.com. Cassandra is the founder and CEO of Strategies for Empowered Living Inc. a company dedicated to helping people grow through empowering workshops, in-service training, personal-growth products and consultation services. For more information go to: http://www.strategiesforempoweredliving.com

Highlights from "Hope For Haiti" Performances - Please donate to help Haiti

BFT Movie Spotlight: The Secret Life of Bees

Featuring Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning. This film was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

BFT Book Shelf: "A Natural Woman" by Lori Johnson

HE CAN "DO" HER RIGHT...

Aliesha is a dark-skinned beauty who seemingly has it all -- a prestigious academic job, a respected role at church and an adoring boyfriend. All she thinks she needs when she lands in Dante's barber's chair is someone capable of handling her natural, unchemically-treated hair. But her encounter with the handsome barber forces her to confront what's been missing from her life all along.

...BUT IS HE MR. RIGHT?

Dante is a laid-back brother who isn't easily rattled. But everything about Aliesha -- from her big-city attitude to her wild, defiant hair -- begs his attention. His offer to work his magic on her hair sends both of their worlds into a tailspin. But does Dante really have what it takes to finish what he's started?

BFT Music Spotlight: Tyrese Gibson Pays Tribute to Teddy Pendergrass - " Come Go With Me "

Vital Signs - The Pulse of Black America - Episode 1

This is the first video in a ten part series, in this episode Morpheus states his hypothesis about what is really wrong with Black America today. Morpheus breaks down in great detail the root cause.

BFT Comedy Spotlight: T Rexx

BFT Old-School Jam of the Day: Tom Browne's "Funkin' for Jamaica"

Martin Lawrence's New Sitcom "Love That Girl" on TV One

Martin Lawrence along with Bentley Kyle Evans(Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show), Jeff Franklin ("Full House"), Raphael Saadiq, and Trenten Gumbs are the executive producers of this sitcom called "Love That Girl". This new comedy sitcom will be airing on TV One for four episodes. It stars Tatyana Ali (The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air and TV One Access), Alphonso McAuley, Peter Oldring, Mark Aldair-Rios, Kendyl Joi, Bresha Webb, and Phil Morris. Let's continue to give them our support so that we can get more African-American shows on television.

BFT Gospel Spotlight: James Fortune & FIYA "I Trust Him".

Sorry to be a little selfish. I posted this video for me but I hope that it will bring some light to someone else's life. Trust Him! Be blessed!

BFT Discussion: Is Jay-Z a Satanist?

Each week, I watch try to catch a word from Pastor Jamal Bryant. This week, his teleservice became of interest to me. He is discussing Jay-Z's song "Empire State of Mind". Below is some of the sermon that he preached. Let us know what you think?

Congratulations to Mo'Nique Winning Best Supporting Actress For the Motion Picture "Precious"

BFT Discussion: Are Black Churchs Relevant to the Black Community?

When I was growing up and even before that, it seemed as though the black church was the cornerstone of the black community. That is where black folks went to church and got more than a message but they got a sense of community. That is where you could get a hot meal, that is where you could get encouragement for doing a job well done, that is where you could promote education, that is where you received aide when times were tough and that is where you got all of what was going on in the community and worldwide. Now, it seems as though a lot of churches are lacking that. Back then, black churches seem relevant to the black community but are they relevant now? Are they more than just preaching the message or are they walking the walk too? What does the black community expect from the black church?

BFT News: Haitian Relief Organizations

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are go out to the citizens of Haiti and their familes from the staff here at Black Folks Think. As many of you may know, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on January 12, 2010, at 4:53 p.m. EST. The catastrophic earthquake sparked a tsunami watch for parts of the Caribbean, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There are several ways you can help.

Yéle Haiti:
If you would like to donate to Wyclef Jean's Foundation, Yéle Haiti, by texting "YELE" to 501501. The donation will be automatically charged to your cellphone bill.

Please note that the Yele website was inundated with donations and crashed under the traffic. If you would like more information follow Wyclef Jean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wyclef

American Red Cross:
Send a $10 Donation by Texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.redcross.org/

You can make a donation by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or click on the Donate Now button.

World Vision Onlline Donations:
http://www.worldvision.org/

Unicef USA:
If you would like to donate through Unicef, please go to https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6680&6680.donation=form1

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund:
Two former presidents came together to help bring immediate relief and long-term support for the citizens of Haiti!

www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

BFT DVD Movie of the Week: "Talk To Me"

This is a phenomenal movie! If you missed it check it out this weekend on TV One or get the DVD! I learned a lot of about our history and what a convict...no I mean miscreant was able to accomplish. The movie features Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mike Epps, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and Martin Sheen.

First Black College Video Game Trailer: Black College Football Xperience

Come on and support this venture! It is nothing like the black college experience! Check out the their website http://www.bcfxgame.com. This is awesome!

"I Have a Dream" Speech In Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! This man is the very reason why we have the freedoms we have today! Make sure you observe Dr. King's birthday if nothing else. Please check out his momentous speech "I Have A Dream". Please take note of the kind of man he was, what he meant to the world and the effect he has on your life. Please take his words to heart. Watch,learn and enjoy!

BFT Movies: Check out Denzel Washington's New Movie "Book of Eli" in Theatres January 15, 2010

BFT News: Teddy Pendergrass Dead at 59

On a sad note, R&B Crooner, Teddy Pendergrass has died at the age of 59. Pendergrass, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in 1982, underwent surgery for colon cancer eight months ago and had a "difficult recovery," according to his son, Teddy Jr.

BFT News: Haitian Earthquake Relief

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are go out to the citizens of Haiti and their familes from the staff here at Black Folks Think. As many of you may know, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on January 12, 2010, at 4:53 p.m. EST. The catastrophic earthquake sparked a tsunami watch for parts of the Caribbean, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There are several ways you can help.

Yéle Haiti:
If you would like to donate to Wyclef Jean's Foundation, Yéle Haiti, by texting "YELE" to 501501. The donation will be automatically charged to your cellphone bill.

Please note that the Yele website was inundated with donations and crashed under the traffic. If you would like more information follow Wyclef Jean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wyclef

American Red Cross:
Send a $10 Donation by Texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.redcross.org/

You can make a donation by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or click on the Donate Now button.

World Vision Onlline Donations:
http://www.worldvision.org/

Unicef USA:
If you would like to donate through Unicef, please go to https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6680&6680.donation=form1

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund:
Two former presidents came together to help bring immediate relief and long-term support for the citizens of Haiti!

www.http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/

Nicole's Corner: How Do You Honor Your Life?

Welcome to Nicole's Corner. This is where you will get my perspective or thoughts and feelings on any given subject at hand. I was planning on making my next Nicole's Corner a video blog but given what I have experienced today, I rather just write it out.

Today is my mother's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! My mother passed way in 2003 from a disease called sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues. This particular disease mainly attacked my mother's brain, heart, lungs and skin. She battled this disease for about 10 years before she passed on.

I attended a funeral for my play Auntie LaLa's grandmother, affectionately known as Granny, yesterday. Granny was a phenomenal woman. She passed away at the ripe old age of 103. Imagine that! To add to that, she had an amazing life just as my mother did. The service was beautiful until one of the singer's sang "I Won't Complain". When I say that lady sang that song, she sang that song. The song brought back the memories of my mother's funeral when my cousin sang this very song as tribute to my mother. It brought back all the pain and loss that I felt at that time. That is when the service became emotional for me.

My plan yesterday was to go to the service and then to put some flowers on my mother's grave. I had not been to visit her grave in some time but I felt the need to go. Normally when I go, I talk to her for a second, clean up her headstone, and then leave feeling that I felt her presence. I normally can get back into the swing of things, but this particular time I could not bounce back. This time I cried and I think that I made myself sick. I miss her so much. I miss her wisdom, guidance, protection and most of all her love.

After I got myself together (sleep and eating a little something), I decided to check my facebook page to see what was going on when H.S. Reed (Life Couch) instant messaged me. I explained to him that I had a tough day and why. Through that conversation, I realized my inspiration in all of this. He stated that my mother's life should be a testament to how I live my life today. With that being said, I agreed with him 100%. I also came to why I started Black Folks Think. The reason why I started BFT is because I wanted to honor God first and to honor the values that my mother instilled in me.

So I say all of this to say in your daily walk on this earth, how do you honor your life? Are you doing everything it takes to live an excellent and an amazing life? Are you wallowing in hurt, pain, loss, depression, etc? For me, the way I live my life is how I honor God. It is how I honor my mother's memory. So I decided that I won't continue this sadness. I won't complain any longer. I will strive to live a life of purpose, meaning, and excellence. What are you going to do? How will you live your life? How will you honor your life?

In honor and tribute of my mother, I will leave you with Karen Clark-Sheard singing "I Won't Complain". Be blessed. Remember I love you and there is nothing you can do about it.

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole

BFT Discussion: What is Black Dialect?

On the BFT Fan Page Wall, a BFT Facebook Family member (Robyn) brought up an interesting topic of discussion in respect to Senator Reid's remarks. What is black dialect? Is it ebonics? Do we unconsciously articulate our words differently than other cultures? Can you tell if you are talking to a black person? BFT what do you think?

BFT Old School Flash Back: Dougie Fresh and Get Fresh Crew "The Show"

I was jammin' this today and I had to post. The memories! This is old school rap at its best. I hope you enjoy! Don't hurt yourself doing some of those old school dances! Much love to you!

"The View" Argues over Harry Reid's "Negro Dialect" Comments

Take a look at this clip and tell us what you think. Particularly check out what Whoopi is saying. Is she off base? Does she make her point? Do you think that we are jumping the gun on this issue? What do you all think?

Tanya Fermin's "Is Your PERSONAL GPS Working?"

By Tanya Fermin

The other day, as I ran out the house, I checked for everything before closing the door, wallet, keys, blackberry AND the GPS. If you have one of these devices you know that GPS stands for Global Positioning System (a navigational device). With the amount of travel that I do, I don’t leave home without it. This leads me to question-is your PERSONAL GPS working?

Are you leaving home not having a device that is directing you where to go in your PERSONAL Life? Here are some questions to ponder as you head on the road to success. Changing the acronym of GPS to stand for GOAL PRODUCING SYSTEM!

1.Enter the Destination-You have to know where you are going in order to get there-so write it down. (i.e. masters degree, buying a house, losing weight, new job, building relationships, quit smoking)

2.Follow the Directions-Now that you have your destination-plot your turns. List all of the steps you need to take in order to reach your goals. Whether you have chosen the shortest distance or shortest time (short-term and long-term goals) you should have each step written so you will know without doubt where to turn.

3.Make the Next Legal U-turn-don’t let obstacles deter you from your goal. You may need to take an alternate road sometimes but make sure that it is leading you to your destination.

4.You have Arrived!-When you hear those words you know you are there! You’ve put in the hard work and have followed your GPS. (i.e., researched and practiced, meticulously saved money and repaired credit, exercised and dieted, gained new skills for new job, made contacts). Go ahead and reward yourself. Congratulations!

You have the GPS-Goal Producing System for a reason- so TURN IT ON! Wishing is Not a plan. No one ever succeeded just by wishing for it. Even in winning the lottery-you have to play.

Navigate Your Success!

For more blogs from Tanya Fermin, check out her blog website http://tanyafermin.wordpress.com.

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tanyafermin

Comedy on the High Seas Event - You Don't Want To Miss This!

For more information go to www.comedyoftheseas.com

BFT DVD of the Week: "Pride"

Featuring Terrance Howard, Bernie Mac, Kimberly Elise, Brandon Fobbs, Alphonso McAuley, Nate Parker, Kevin Phillips, Evan Ross and Regine Nehy.

BFT Music: "I Ain't Hearin' U" by Angie Stone

BFT Book Shelf: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life! by Erica Goodridge

* Rediscover The True You
* Unlock Your Potential
* Discover Your Purpose
* Reach New Heights
* Live A Powerful Life On Purpose

Embark on an empowering journey of your life, destiny and purpose. Erica Goodridge, a highly respected motivational speaker and accountability coach shares intimate secrets of success and setbacks on the road to discovering her greatness. Erica is energetic and committed to changing lives and making a difference around the globe.




Erica is available for book signings, speaking engagements and interviews.
To book Erica contact Mittie Stephens at 1-800-518-9846.

To get a copy of her book, please go to her website www.ericagoodridge.com.

BFT Discussion of the Day: Washington Wizard Player Suspended Without Pay

Why do athletes and entertainers feel the need to carry guns? In the case of the Washington Wizards basketball star, Gilbert Arenas, he has been suspended without pay for carrying a handgun without a license. What do you guys make of this? Wouldn't it be cheaper to get a body guard if you are fearing for your life? Why are these talented people making dumb decisions. BFT let me hear from you!

BFT Discussion: What do you want to change about you?

BFT Family! What is the one thing that you would like to change in 2010? Be honest with yourself! If you write you vision down and make it clear, it may be the goal or change you achieve!!!!

Salli Richardson-Whitfield Discusses Her New Movie "Pastor Brown" with Humor Mill TV and Also Check Out The "Pastor Brown" Movie Trailer

BFT Comedy Spotlight: Mark Curry

BFT Finance: Michelle Singletary Give Financial Advice To College Students

I love this! Michelle Singletary gives financial advice to college students and advise on pursuing their dreams! I believe everyone can benefit from this!

BFT Discussion of the Day: President Obama and the black community?

Should President Obama make the problems of the black community part of his agenda? Why or why not?

The President Discusses the Fight Against Al Qaeda

President Obama Wishes the Country a Happy New Year