Duron “Brother Manifest” Chavis, 29

Eligibility Worker, Richmond Department of Social Services
Founder, Happily Natural Day

Photo by Scott Elmquist

“When people think activist, they think you’re out here ready to picket somebody,” says Duron Chavis, also known as Brother Manifest, who’s been known to hold a sign now and then in support of the cause.

But it’s not in a picket line that you’re most likely to find Chavis. He’s the face of a different kind of social consciousness in the black community, one devoted to positive messages, changed minds and what it means to be black in America.

“They say knowledge is power,” Chavis says, “but I say it’s not powerful unless you do something with it.”

Chavis, an eligibility worker for Richmond’s Department of Social Services, is founder and tireless promoter of Happily Natural Day, a yearly festival devoted to rebuilding the self-esteem of the black community. His work is about people knowing who they are, he says, loving who they are and raising their awareness: “If you really love yourself, you’re going to do for yourself.”

Held each August for the past seven years, Happily Natural is more than one day. It’s a year-round social movement, a mind-set and an educational resource built around Chavis’ belief that pride in community and pride in self are the twin roads to success for the black community. He’s brought that to local TV, a lecture series and other events.

Chavis’ commitment to cause — and to education — has not always met with approval, and in one case while still a student at George Wythe High School, he took three bullets during a poetry reading. But he stuck to his belief that education is a powerful changing force in the black community. He recovered, graduated in the top of his class, attended Virginia State University on scholarship and launched his crusade to right nearly 400 years of wrongs.

BACK TO THE ARTICLE

Take the Survey: Leave Your Email in the Comments We will send you Human Re-Engineering by Dr. Jewel Pookrum via video link after survey completion

Brought to you by FTP Movement

RSVP: FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE (SEATING LIMITED – RSVP NECESSARY)

Prepare yourself for THE black history month commemoration you’ve been waiting for!!

THE DUAFE LIFESTYLE EXPO – EXPLORING BEAUTY & CULTURE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

featuring – master loctologist Malaika Cooper of Dreadz N Headz, botanical alkemist Malika Divine of Divine Alkhemi & Film Screening + discussion of Make Me White by Anita Rani (BBC Documentary on Skin bleaching epidemic in Asian and Carribbean communities)

One of a kind art, jewelry and world class natural body & skin care products and urban couture fashions will also be on display and for sale by world class professionals of african arts & culture.

Come network and explore as we examine our definitions of beauty in the black community – Sunday Feb 21st 3 to 7pm

Email: happilynaturalday@gmail.com for info on sponsorship – workshops – volunteering

http://baltimorenaturalhaircareexpo.com

For vending & sponsorship info email ohnappy1@gmail.com

Did you read the latest edition of The Final Call Newspaper?
Is Pres. Obama’s political success tied to distance from Black issues?

By Askia Muhammad and Charlene Muhammad, Final Call Correspondents

WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com)- President Barack Obama formally ended his first year in office with his first constitutionally mandated report on the State of the Union on Jan. 27, with a nationally televised address to a joint session of Congress.

Even as Mr. Obama reached out again and again, tilting his policies toward the Republican minority in both Houses of Congress, liberal, grassroots organizations and Democratic members gave him generally high marks after his speech, while Republicans for the most part simply scowled and “sat on their hands.”

“One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by a severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse and a government deeply in debt,” said Mr. Obama as he began his 71 minute address. “Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression.

“So we acted—immediately and aggressively. And one year later the worst of the storm has passed,” he said. And despite a slow, mostly a “non-recovery” for those who have been the worst off in the society, those at the bottom of the economic and social ladder, Mr. Obama’s optimistic mood seems to have carried the day.

[READ FULL ARTICLE HERE]

Report: Detroit Imam slain by FBI agents suffered 21 gunshot wounds
By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Asst. Editor

(FinalCall.com) – Over three months after the controversial shooting death of Detroit-area religious leader Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah, the official autopsy results were released by the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office on February 1.

The report confirmed information previously reported by The Final Call, that Imam Abdullah died after suffering 21 gunshot wounds in various parts of his body including the abdomen, scrotum and back. According to family members and media reports, a majority of the wounds were below the waist. The imam was found dead at the scene with his hands cuffed behind him.

The autopsy was actually completed in December 2009, however, Dearborn police held up release of the autopsy until their departmental investigation was finished. This lead to widespread concern among community activists and some advocacy groups of a cover-up by local and federal law enforcement officials. Protesters demonstrated outside Dearborn police headquarters shortly after the results from the autopsy were released.

Since the Oct. 28 shooting, there have repeated calls for an independent investigation into the FBI’s actions which led to the imam’s death.

[READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE]

If the civilized man fails to perform his duty, what must be done?
by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad

The duty of the civilized man is to teach civilization to the uncivilized—the arts and sciences of civilized people and countries of advanced civilization.

A Divine Messenger of God (Allah), raised among His people with the Divine Message, is held responsible for its delivery. His message teaches spiritual civilization, which is important to the success of a nation and society. According to history, the people who refuse to accept Divine Guidance or His Message sent by His Messengers are classified as uncivilized or savages.

A well-educated, cultured and courteous people make a beautiful society when it is spiritual. Good manners come from the civilized man who does not fail to perform his duty.

There are several civilizations. We have a wicked one and a righteous one. It is a righteous civilization that is in the workings now. We have all been well trained into the wicked civilization. Now we must be trained into the knowledge of the righteous one. We must have a righteous, trained civilized man who will not fail to perform his duty to us in guiding and teaching us.

[READ FULL ARTICLE HERE]

Continue to support the The Final Call Newspaper by logging on the official website at www.finalcall.com. Also follow The Final Call on Twitter @TheFinalCall

Advertisement: Attend Saviours’ Day 2010 The Crowning Event of Black History Month

Return to the Source

North Carolina City Under Martial Law Curfew & Banning The Possession Of Firearms!!! They Are Testing The Waters!!!!

Return to the Source

Audi’s Predictive Programming 4 The Sheople, The Super Bowl "Go Saints" (Vatican)

While the Audi Green Police will be reaching over 100 million (Sheople) on Super Bowl Sunday, we hope that their efforts provide even a fraction of the benefits that the everyday official green police units in the United States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Israel are having in educating their populace (Sheople/Living Dead) and enforcing environmental protection laws within their own countries. The Audi Green Police are here to entertain and educate (Re Educate The Sheople) so our decisions regarding the environment are smarter and well-informed to make them a little easier. Green Police – Israel Green Police – New York City Green Police – UK Green Police – Vietnam Who are the Green Police? While the Audi Green Police will be reaching over 100 million (Sheople) on Super Bowl Sunday, we hope that their efforts provide even a fraction of the benefits that the everyday official green police units in the United States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Israel are having in educating their populace (Sheople/Living Dead) and enforcing environmental protection laws within their own countries.

See The Rest Here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=253277168&blogId=528664990
Return to the Source

Day 1 in Portland: Touring, photography and a reunion with my high school art teacher

(At Powell’s City of Books in Portland…..this is a map of the bookstore!)

I arrived in Portland Friday afternoon. I am here as a honored guest presenter for the 4th Annual Youth Summit headed by Imani Muhammad. The one day summit starts at 12:30PM today so I had an opportunity to tour the city on yesterday.

Before I tell you a little about the tour, let me make you laugh. In route to the Continental airport in Houston, I encountered some serious traffic. So despite leaving extra early to catch my 8:50am flight, I was now cutting it close.

Here is the funny moment. Because I was about to change time zones, I consumed a little too much water that morning so I needed to use the restroom. When I finally arrived inside the airport it was 8:30am. I knew I was too late. But instead of going straight to bag check, I made the “critical” decision of not getting on a plane with my pants wet. (smile)…LOL

So after running down the escalator and running back up, I got to the bag check counter at 8:40am. The bag assistant grinned and said “You’re too late”. I definitely wasn’t surprised. So I asked when was the next flight and I was told it was 6:00pm….wow I thought.

Then minutes later she told “You’re in luck, the flight is thirty minutes behind so you can get on”. I made it!

As the plane got closer to Portland, I captured this shot of Mount Hood.

When I landed, I was greeted at the airport by someone I have not seen in 13 years. It is my art teacher from Forest Brook Senior High School in Houston. We called her Ms. R in school because she did not like her last name nor did we even know what it was. Yes, she is White and taught at an inner-city school for the four years I was there. She’s tough, don’t be fooled. She taught me the fundamentals of drawing, painting, and the depth of art history whether it was the Harlem Renaissance or the Middle Ages. She eat, sleeps and drink art. She is a professor at the Art Institute of Portland.

And for those that did not know, yes I am artist. I have not been as consistent in doing it the past several years but Ms. R is “fussing” at me about picking my pencil and brush back up. She kindly became my tour guide for the day. We rode the train, walked for miles and I got a lot of photos. We visited the huge Powell’s City of Books, the rivers, and more.

Weather is perfect. Check out a few shots below.

Ok, I have to get ready for my workshop. Will blog more later today! You can also follow my updates on Twitter @BrotherJesse

Return to the Source

My daughter is featured on Soul Portrait

Every Black woman knows the experience of bearing the pain of mama’s comb to produce a masterpiece. My daughter has entered that elite society.

This piece I shot was recently selected to be featured on the website Soul Portrait. Soul Portrait accepts photos, videos, sound recordings, music, essays, short stories, and poetry that chronicles the rich culture of black people around the world.

[CLICK HERE TO SEE MY FEATURE]

Return to the Source

The Bush Family and The Nazi Connection

“received the Cross of the Legion of Honor (from France), the Victorian Cross (from England) and the Distinguished Medal of Honor (from the U.S.”

Where and to whom was Prescott Sheldon Bush born?

Why are there no official records of this monumental event?

Where and when did he attend school?

Where are his military records kept, or have they been conveniently “burned to create space in the National Archives” along with his father’s wartime business records?

Return to the Source

Two Warrior Queens representing at this years Saviors’ Day 2010
The “NU Day” Journal
Special Report

February 2, 2010

Today, Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, extended an invitation to two dynamic Sistahood Warriors to be presenters at the upcoming Saviors’ Day 2010 scheduled to take place February 26-28, 2010, in Rosemont, Illinois.

This year will be the 80th year of this historic gathering.

Sis. Empress Phile’ Chionesu (Empress Chi), originator and architect of the historic Million Woman March (MWM) and President General of the Million Woman Movements/Universal, and Sis Pam Africa, Chairwoman of the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal (ICFFMAJ) will be amongst

Along with providing insight into the now very visible and growing Million Woman Movement (Global Black/African Woman’s Movement) its present work, protracted mission and goals, Empress Chi will share information regarding major groundbreaking MWM projects such as the soon to be released Kujichangulia & Ujima/Ujamaa Sweepstakes (TM) and The “Sistahs Healing Sistahs” Haiti/Ayiti Restoration Project. Thousands upon thousands of anticipated participants (that include, of course, NOI members, international diplomats, representatives from a wide variety of national and international groups and organizations, artist, business persons, professionals, activist and organizers from the US and abroad, will be made greater aware of the plight of African women and girls, worldwide, who are subjected to all forms of physical, mental, social and systematic violations (violence and abuse) and the increasing dilemma of African/Black women, incarceration., and judicial injustice. With that in mind, the case of the Scott Sisters will be presented and the call to all persons of conscience to get involved, in whatever way possible, and to support the Mass Rally and Demonstration in Jackson Mississippi that is being planned by the Black Women’s Defense League/Direct Action to bring greater national attention to this incredible nightmare of two sisters serving a double life sentence each for the alleged robbery of $11.00. The demand for their release must be made loud and clear because not only has the lives of these two young women and their families been irretrievably affected, Jamie Scott is now gravely ill as a result of not getting ample medication and care and now kidney failure.

Sis. Pam Africa, will for certain bring a fiery spirit to the forum when she provides the update and plans of action in the fight to Free Mumia Abu Jamal who recently experienced a serious set back after the Supreme Court reversed the previous decision sending Mumia’s case back to the Pennsylvania Third Circuit Court leaving it up to them to decide whether Mumia is to now be sentenced to life in prison or death.
If sentence to life, the DA can appeal but if sentenced to death there is no appeal…..

With a new Phila, DA, ( the first person of color to hold that office) who pledged during his campaign that he would seek the death penalty for Mumia if elected, it stands to reason that petitions, rallies, and other actions are presently underway, internationally, to address the seriousness of this matter and expose how a decision was made based on another case (that of an admitted neo-Nazi who murder three people) that should have never been considered in Mumia case, in addition to the very callous and insidious “Philly style” type of maneuvers. Sis Pam will also provide information regarding events commentating the 25th year anniversary of the dropping of a bomb in Philly where 11 men women and children were murdered and an entire Black community completely destroyed and the ongoing struggle to Free The Move 9.

For weekly updates and lots of other great information and dialog tune into “NU Day Resurrection and Liberation” radio broadcast aired every Saturday evening from 10:30PM-12midnight EST on line (internet) at: www.blogtalkradio.com/empresschi ; or via podcast (telephone) by calling 646-652-2232

Official Million Woman March & Universal Movement
All Rights Reserved (c) 2010
Return to the Source

Wise Intelligent speaks on U.S. Human Trafficking, Haiti and beyond…

INTELLIGENTNEWZNET
INFORMING the HIP-HOP COMMUNITY

YOU WERE PUT HERE TO PROTECT US….BUT WHO PROTECTS US FROM YOU?

Upon hearing the hideously disturbing news concerning child stealing in poverty stricken, earthquake devastated Haiti – after a spiritually heavy gasp – I was able to gather my thoughts (as I have become accustomed to doing) and not “react” according to anger, frustration or activist fatigue. I had to push refresh on my neurological data-base of stored information, things studied and lessons learned. In less than 60 seconds every repulsive incident of child trafficking I had ever forced myself to read flashed before me almost as if I had Googled them.

My consciousness was speedily directed to 2003 when a UN ship of “peacekeepers” was implicated in facilitating a child prostitution ring. The Associated Press report said that the ship chartered to peacekeepers in East Timor is also “being used to bring child prostitutes to the island nation.” Expresso, the Portuguese weekly reported that “UN personnel were involved in bringing girls from Thailand to East Timor as prostitutes.”

Then there was the UK’s Guardian report November 27, 2002 titled “Portugal’s elite linked to pedophile ring,” the report talks about how the investigation threatened to “engulf diplomats, media personalities and senior politicians.” These are very disturbing examples of “spiritual wickedness in high places” authorities abusing the peoples trust in the most unforgivable ways. The former Secretary of State for Family’s lamented that she had given the police ample evidence 20 years ago found at the home of an important diplomat where four “missing” orphans were found under lock and key – evidence which included “photographs, an account of the methods used to spirit children out of the orphanage and testimonies of a number of children,” all of which police ignored.

Again, many of us were effectively distracted by the nomination of America’s first black president, Wall Street’s contrived march toward the precipice of collapse and its anticipated bailout on the backs of America’s working poor – that we all but missed the 2009 Press TV report that revealed how Blackwater – the controversial U.S. government backed private corporation of mercenaries “used child prostitutes in Iraq.” The article added that “Iraqi minors got involved in sexual acts with Blackwater members in exchange for one dollar.” It goes on to declare that Erik Prince, the firm’s owner, “failed to stop the ongoing use of prostitutes, including child prostitutes, by his men.”

We “Americanized” citizens of the West often sigh in the ignorance induced, but comforting relief that this is happening in Thailand, Portugal, Iraq, the Sudan, Congo and not in America. However, when we turn the hands of our almost extinct analog wall-clocks back to the 1980’s we immediately come face to face with the Nebraska child pedophile ring that was discovered to have went all the way to the White House.

The front page of the Thursday, June 29, 1989 Washington Times read “Homosexual Prostitution Inquiry ensnares VIPs with Reagan, Bush: Call Boys took Midnight Tour of White House.” The article said that the Washington D.C. operator of the ring was the well known Republican Party lobbyist and homosexual Craig Spence. The Times confirmed that “Mr. Spence arranged at least four midnight tours of the White House including one June 29, 1988, on which he took with him a 15 year old boy whom he falsely identified as his son.”

Many children were flown in on planes from Nebraska orphanages by top political officials, for child sexual services provided for key bureaucrats, diplomats and politicians. The operator of the Nebraska arm of the ring was none other than nationally active Republican politician Larry E. King, who was finally convicted on embezzlement charges in a trial wherein State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha said that he had “received numerous reports to which he clearly gave credence, that child sexual and physical abuse were linked to the scandal.” Larry E. King Jr. – a black man – sang the National Anthem at the 1984 Republican National Convention.

This article is a sketch of what comes to mind when I read about people stealing Haitian children, a “thinking out loud” of sorts. These are your elected officials funding orphanages with mission statements lauding the noble aim of caring for children without families, but sexually and physically abusing them. These are pedophile politicians brought to you courtesy of the citizens of the United States of America, and the world!

By Wise Intelligent/Djezuz Djonez

It’s NO LONGER Smart to be DUMB!

The Franklin Cover Up by Sen. John DeCamp ISBN: 0-9632158-0-9

Washington Times – Thursday June 29, 1989 Headline: “Homosexual Prostitution Inquiry ensnares VIPs with Reagan, Bush” (cover)

The Washington Times, Pg. A3 July 26, 1989 Headline: “Secret Service furloughs third White House guard”

Americans arrested taking children out of Haiti
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60T23I20100130

New York Times

http://www.whale.to/b/un_ship.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/nov/27/childprotection.uk

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=102887&sectionid=3510203

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1538476/UN-staff-accused-of-raping-children-in-Sudan.html

To view the scanned newspaper articles follow link:

http://www.voxfux.com/features/bush_child_sex_coverup/otherfranklin.htm

Human trafficking of children in the United States-Fact Sheet

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.html
Return to the Source

The Southwest Region welcomes dynamic Student Minister Nuri Muhammad

(Nuri Muhammad greets young males at Cleme Apartment complex in Houston)

by Jesse Muhammad

After speaking at over one hundred different venues last year, Student Minister Nuri Muhammad is in full gear in 2010 as he strives to deliver the life-giving message of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to the masses throughout the country.

During a recent visit to the Southwest Region of the Nation of Islam (NOI), he was a guest speaker in three cities in Texas. His mini-tour kicked off in Austin on January 22 with a keynote address to NOI members and the community.

On January 23, Brother Nuri headed east to Houston, the SW Regional headquarters, to speak three times in two days. That same day he electrified 5th Ward residents at Cleme apartment complex during a community day event coordinated by the outreach ministry of Muhammad Mosque No. 45.

“This is our whole objective. That you all will begin to take a path that we have taken to better ourselves,” said Eugene Muhammad, as he introduced the visiting speaker from Indianapolis. “He is dedicating himself and his time, so I hope that you all will be inspired by him.”

With residents sitting in chairs in the grass and listening from their porches, Bro. Nuri paralleled the potential of the human being with the way small ants operate below their feet. [see YouTube clip below]

“If you and I would study the ant and adopt the characteristics of the ant, we will be able to solve every problem that is plaguing our people at this current moment,” said Bro. Nuri.

He further said “if you notice, ants can be found always working. There is no envy or jealousy amongst the ants. They work in unity. The ant is not worried about what other ant is not doing. What if Black people operated like that?”

Following his message, Bro. Nuri greeted the residents as they lined up to receive free meals prepared by sisters of the local mosque. He took a trek to Missouri City to visit The Elevated Places School during their annual read-a-thon. That evening, he was invited to address the future generation on the grounds of Muhammad Mosque No. 45 for ‘Youth Night Out”

A near capacity audience received another thunderous message on January 24 at the mosque as Bro. Nuri emphasized the importance of everyone not only achieving individual success but also embracing the electricity found in teamwork. He reinforced that message in Dallas on January 25.

[Read more about this in an upcoming edition of The Final Call Newspaper]

Note: Photos below of the event at Cleme Apartments in Houston on Jan. 23

(Residents at Cleme Apartment complex in Houston receiving free meals)

(Sisters of Muhammad Mosque No. 45 serving the residents of Cleme Apartments)

(Children playing as event co-organizer Eugene Muhammad passes by working)

(Brian 3X aka “DJ X” provided music for the residents)

(Student Asst. Minister Eric Muhammad greets the residents)

(Children playing at Cleme Apartment complex in Houston)

(A little girl at Cleme Apartment complex)

(Nuri Muhammad and William T. Muhammad)

(Young males listening to Bro. Nuri speak.)

Return to the Source

Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad returns from an 8-day mission in Haiti…..watch his video!
The Nation of Islam’s Minister of Health Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad has safely returned to the United States after an 8-day mission in Haiti. Below is a video he posted on his blog Life Abundantly.

Dr. Alim says “Here is video of some of the destruction of the government buildings and infra-structure that has virtually shut governmental operations down. They were not all that good before the quake. Now they are almost none existent.”

“Foreigners, some well meaning, others not, are swarming all over Haiti and the people are suffering horribly. The video was shot by me from a moving car on my second day in Haiti a week ago,” he said.

Be sure to follow Dr. Alim’s blog for more reports.

Watch this footage of the destruction caused by the earthquake:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f36u0IE6HS8

Return to the Source