Fareeda Mabry

2012-02-01T19:15:00.004-05:00

VOTE

FAREEDA MABRY

Candidate for Pennsylvania

185th Legislative District

**APRIL 2012**

WHY AM I RUNNING?

If communities do not have strong representatives that listen to the voice of the people, you end up with representatives that dictate their own goals and agendas, represent special interest groups that give them money, or worse yet ineffective representatives that are controlled by stronger political wills, not the best interest of the community they serve.

Home is where my heart is! The same issues that affect everyday people are the same ones that affect me...job loss, transportation, health care, affordable housing, high utility cost, accessibility to resources, cost of food, crime, business and economic development...the list goes on!

Fareeda works to move society ideals forward while working to make her community a better place for all people to live in, no matter their pockets or political affiliation.

RESPECTING THE PAST.

WORKING FOR THE PRESENT.

AND REACHING FOR THE FUTURE...

We need Progress...

We Need Fareeda Mabry

THE PLATFORM:

Education:

Child care and early childhood education can be burdensome for many working families and a hindrance to low income and single parents from re-entering the workforce.

Investing in workers by investing in their children.

Increase funding, resources and support for the School Districts.
Increases in early childhood education subsidies.
Support Increased training opportunities and resources for Teachers and Administrators.
Increase incentives for teacher and student retention.
Provide additional support to students with learning, physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
Provide additional support to low income and single parented households.
Support programs that are focused on assisting children who have been in the foster care system, whose parents are incarcerated and also those who have lost a parent to a violent crime.
Support a Curriculum change to ensure our children are able to compete in the global economy.
Investing in community colleges, and technical schools, with focus on developing and sustaining their connections with the business community to ensure employment after training.
Funding needs to be restored to education programs that have been proven to be successful, give Pennsylvania students a head start.

Business & Economic Development:

Pennsylvania needs to be able to compete globally. My focus for Pennsylvania is business expansion and job creation. Focus needs to be on easing the financial burdens to PA families and businesses. Pennsylvanian workers should enter the workforce with the skills, training and resources needed by employers in this high tech world. There must be targeted and strategic development and incentives to get Pennsylvania back to work.

Enact incentives for entrepreneurs, small businesses and inventors to keep their products produced in Pennsylvania.
Tougher laws that increase protection for displaced workers from discrimination.
Increase sustainability efforts.
Market and Promote Community & Historical Value with the goal in mind to bring more homeowners and entrepreneurs to live, work and play.
Increase accessibility to professional licenses and permits.
Encourage minority and women business owners.
Partner with Community and Commercial Development Corporations.
Partner with the Small Business Development Organizations.
Build resources for training, employment, mentor ship, apprenticeship and entrepreneurs.
Develop specialized task force that provide employment information and training opportunities, also building relationships with businesses and trade organizations that can support a specialized population. The team would be focused on targeting under-trained, laid-off, unemployed, under-employed, previously incarcerated, and youth.
Working with established businesses, corporations and community colleges to create summer youth employment programs an initiative to combat flash mobs and recidivism in the juvenile justice system.
Strategies to encourage trade and focus on bringing industry back to Pennsylvania and restoring the working class.
Create Home ownership programs and incentives.
Enact laws that prohibit the use of credit scores in employment decisions.
Establish new Job Creation Tax Credit programs and Job Training tax Credits

Targeting Veterans, Displaced Workers, Men and Women who return from incarceration, Recent Graduates and Job Training Opportunities.

Community Revitalization:

Pennsylvania needs a long term and comprehensive transportation and roads plan, this would also create jobs for Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is the nation leading in bridges. We have 5200 bridges that are structurally deficient; more than 7,000 miles of state roads are in unsafe and hazardous conditions.
Partnering with the local streets and highway departments.
Build more supermarkets in the area.
Create Community Gardens where the community can come and grow their own food.
Create More Parks and Playgrounds and other recreational opportunities.
Increase sustainability efforts.
Work with developers and investors to make sure Seniors have access to supermarkets, transportation, businesses and health care professionals.

Crime & Gun Violence and Recidivism:

Create more youth programs, focusing on stopping problems before they start.
Create more venues for recreation and for youth to get involved.
Open Licenses for low level and first time offenders- Nursing etc.
Focus on Pre-Release Issues.
Focus on cracking down on straw purchasers.
Provide additional resources and support for those who have been incarcerated, or those who have drug and alcohol abuse.
Focus on job development & specialized training

Temple News: Warm Hearts offers help, warmth for the homeless

2011-11-01T18:24:00.000-04:00

Warm Hearts offers help, warmth for the homeless

October 31, 2011 by Dominique Johnson
Filed under Opinion

Exposure: Memoirs of a Maverick Part: I: Where I am From

2011-10-29T21:07:00.010-04:00

Fareeda C. Mabry was a little girl born at Temple University Hospital to Jeanetta and Matthew Mabry, June 25th, 1978 at 5:30pm. Yet my recollection of becoming Fareeda Mabry the woman begins at age 7.

When I look at my parents I see how opposites attract. My mother comes from a family rooted in entrepreneurship, she a student, later a Nursing Assistant and my father from the rougher side of the tracks…Richard Allen Projects, nicknamed “Brain”, because he was so intellectual, street wise and school wise,who later became a Chef.

Prior to my brother Matthew Mabry Jr and I being born and into the early 80’s my father became abusive mentally, spiritually and physically towards my mother. My mom left with no other choice, saving her soul and saving her children. I remember her dressing and grooming us extra special when we went to court with my father. It was a MAJOR offense to her to accuse her of not taking care of us.

Needless to say, the court granted my mother custody and we moved on and up like the Jeffersons. As a child, I never knew what asserting yourself meant, empowerment, struggle, women’s rights or poverty was until later on in life. Buying her a new home, and never looking back, only to watch her back from my fathers violent behaviors.

Although I have heard of him being physically abusive, I do not remember my father being directly physically towards my mother, I do remember him harassing her with the court system, over custody. I felt in my life, it was never about my brother and I, it was about control for him and he never really wanted custody of us.

As I matured, I never really got a chance to know my father completely. Yet, I know my father loves me. I never knew him as a man. That distance and disconnect is what hurt his character in my eyes. I see him as most men, challenged by emotions and struggling with his brokenness, selfishness, and control issues. My mother wanted only the best for us. Always has and always will. What mother doesn’t?

We were the first black people on the block. My mother got the best paints, fixings and trimmings on the house. It was her own...home. For myself, I made many friends at Olney Elementary which many I still remember and am still friends with today. Others I have sadly seen perish by the code of the streets, and there are others who I have seen their struggles, maturities, growth, learning lessons and life change for better or worse.

When we moved there, Olney as a neighborhood was predominately white. I spent almost 20 years in Olney, watching its transitions and demographic shifts. From a middle class Caucasian neighborhood to one mixed with Hispanics, Asians and African Americans. We became the target of racism many times; however we never let that deter us from living there. It adds to the layers of hurt and anger, yet never a deterrent. The very first time of being called a "nigger" as a child, you may not know what it is, yet you know its a hurtful word. There was a time when there was black paint thrown on the front of the house and my mother and I cleaned it off in the early morning. What was such an innocent place to live through the eyes of a child, became a harsh reality. As a child, its amazing when you find out, people really do not like certain people for the color of your skin. Everything in life is not "peaches and cream"...

I clearly remember my moms struggles as a single young African American mother of two. She has experienced abused, has fears of failing, yet still determined to survive for the sake of her children. As a kid you think all moms are like yours. I never saw any woman as dedicated to the well being of her children. So when people say you only get one mom, its true...appreciate her.

She taught us most importantly, how to survive in a cold world. It didn’t make a difference if my father was there; my mom became the Alpha and Omega, the mother and the father. She struggled and made sacrifices to make sure we had even when she didn't have. My mother is the backbone, always worrying over us. Her children were her life. She made sure my brother and I went to school, had food, clean clothes and basic utilities to survive. It wasn’t easy.

Times we went without heat, food or basic essentials. I’ve seen my mother cook a full meal consisting of meat, vegetables and a starch…Yet she would only eat the vegetables and starch and save the full course meal for my brother and me. I remember my mother boiling water for us to wash because our hot water tank had been busted and she could not afford a new one. Yet she made sure she always respected herself, we went to school, fed and clean. As a woman today, I can remember as a child seeing the pain in her eyes, yet her love for and from her children is what kept her going.

My father, he would relentlessly try to locate my mother although she never wanted to be located. He threatened her life, and vowed to kill her. Putting on a different face for us, so we as his children could not see the monster within. Children are very perceptive. And I know at that age, I couldn’t imagine for any woman…Running from and hating someone you once were madly in love with and to top it off, have children by. In my mother’s eyes, my father turned into a different individual. I always wonder if my relationship or lack thereof with my father has an effect on my relationships today with men.

I do not doubt his love. What I saw in my father was a conflicted, bitter, and controlling man. His anger stemmed from his loss of control. He did not realize that has been the best situation for us. I to this day know many of the issues of my father stemmed from lack of control of his own emotions, immaturity, fear of loss and insecurity. In order to remove the hurt, I had to look at my father as a man and not as my father to better know him as an individual and as a human being.

Although I love my father dearly, I had to understand him as a man, I believe was and still is broken emotionally and spiritually. My mom, taught me to be independent, industrial, determined, feminine, bossy, feisty, loving, caring, compassionate, sexy, motherly, and domesticated. I remember going to buy my first bra, and me talking to her about having sex or not. I must say, the safest place after school, was next to mom on the couch after homework, watching television waiting for dinner.

I’m blessed to have never been in foster care or in the system; my mother took care of us to the best of her ability. She thought of herself as weak at times, and despite the pain from life’s disappointments…she is the strongest woman I know.Always she was hard on us about homework and education. Her saying, “Education is the best to make you a success”…she never lied, the only knowledge that can hurt you, is the knowledge you do not have.

I want to thank my mother for her sacrifices, and her struggles. I am proud of her for taking her life in her own hands. I thank God that he allowed me to meet and know her while spending some of my most precious memories, experiences, and life lessons with her. I am proud to have her as an extention of me. My hurts, pains, loves and my life…I wouldn’t change for anything in the world. Because It made me "the Maverick" I am today. Im not afraid of hard work.

Please stay tuned as we move into the next chapter of my life. I am proud to be a boot strap kind of person...I know what hard work is. I like for people to relate to me as a human being and not some novelty. I never grew up rich or with some designer labeled last name.

I am Fareeda Mabry, from the people and for the people. I am writing this because I want people to know where I am coming from in order to understand where I am going.

Stay Tuned: Exposure: Memoirs of a Maverick Part II

Adolescent: " What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise" O. Wilde

OPERATION WARM HEARTS—BLANKET DRIVE WARMING HOMELESS AND LOW INCOME HEARTS IN PHILADELPHIA

2011-10-19T15:32:00.008-04:00

OPERATION WARM HEARTS—BLANKET DRIVE

WARMING HOMELESS AND LOW INCOME HEARTS IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, PA October 18, 2011— Operation Warm Hearts is a grassroots organization seeking to collect and distribute 1701 or more blankets across the Philadelphia region. Its going to be a brutally cold winter.

As housing and social service cuts increase and the economy deteriorates, it is determined across the country that there is somewhere between 200,000 and 500,000 Americans homeless. It is estimated that there are approximately 4,000 persons who are homeless on any given day in Philadelphia. This includes only those who are in the shelters or on the streets. This does not include those who are in transitional housing, low-demand residences, or in substandard/unfit living conditions.

Operation Warm Hearts is looking to help those who cannot help themselves. This 2^nd year for Operation Warm Hearts! Last year Operation Warm Hearts serviced over 800 homeless families and individuals. This initiative will be happening every year from October 1 until March 1.

Available Drop Off Locations:

(Walk In)

· Rondney Harris Splitten Wigz Barbershop—48 North 52nd Street M-Sunday 8am until 8pm

· Bluford Elementary —5801 Media Street M-F 8am until 4pm Telephone# 267-707-8979

(By Appointment)

· Kartrina Dear/Girl Scout Troupe 93414—5621 Stewart Street, Philadelphia PA Telephone# 215-906-7591

We are now accepting other items such as cases of water, soap, tooth paste, tooth brushes, clean socks, clean t-shirts, and other toiletries.

For donations, drop offs, pick-ups or partnership, sponsorship, donations and volunteer opportunities please contact Fareeda Mabry 267-707-8979

Email using the subject: OPERATION WARM HEARTS fareeda@fareedamabry.org

# # #

Philadelphia Police…Hero or Gestapo? Please don’t taze me bro

2011-03-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Police…Hero or Gestapo?

Please don’t taze me bro

Who moved my McGruff? And who in the hell polices the police? Like many of you I grew up with the images of police as heroes. Our “boys in blue” are here to help people, protect and serve the community and educate with honesty and integrity. As a kid…who was more up standing than an officer? In movies the good guy always wins…McGruff the Crime Dog’s motto was to “take a bite out of crime”…

McGruff image indicated that the police mean a safe refuge. However as time has changed, the role, image and what it means to some to be a police officer has drastically changed from hero to Gestapo.

In recent news, we see many police officers being reprimanded on all sorts of corruption, brutal/terrorist acts, and misconduct. What creates a corrupt cop? Where is the accountability? The police it seems are the only ones who police themselves. Well, why doesn’t the community trust them? Is there a reason for fear of the police? The many minority and ethnic communities have become a place where trust of the police is obsolete and the code of the streets is “stop snitching”. There is a disconnect between the two.

The community has been victimized by the same people who are sworn into oath under God to protect and serve. Stop snitching is a major unspoken campaign not to mention the aggression and backlash. Stop snitching is a way for the community to protect and serve itself. The people’s revolution will not be televised… For every action there is a reaction. I feel the community reacting to being victims. No one wants to be targeted, or enslaved. Snitches are the lowest form. A rat, a snake is what they call it.

Power and the hunger for it corrupts even the most innocent. There is no justification for crime. Crime is merely reactionary. When we look at Marlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, if any of these needs are not met, all hell breaks loose.

We're not anti-police... we're anti-police brutality.
Al Sharpton

A recent incident that drew national attention, a young man Askia Sabur, brutalized by the Philadelphia Police Department The video link provided captures the violent arrest of Sabur outside a takeout restaurant at Lansdowne Avenue and Allison Streets. This neighborhood although has turned around in many years, is no walk in the park.

Sabur, outside of the restaurant he reminded officers he was “waiting for his food”….how do you go order 3 chicken wings, and some shrimp friend rice and end up your skull cracked open? Sabur was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and resisting arrest.

The Beating of Askia Sabur

Not sure if Sabur was also charged with robbery…because police claim, Sabur reached for an officer’s gun. When has anyone in African American history seen or heard of a black man who reached or had any kind of weapon and is still alive to speak about it? The other officers would’ve filled him full of bullet holes.

If you do not believe me, ask Amadou Diallo… There was no justification in the increased level of force and the level brutality taking Sabur into custody…

Police brutality is an international human and civil rights crises, so much bigger than Philadelphia. From Nigeria to New York, police brutality is an issue. Let’s take Oakland, CA…Oscar Grant, who was shot dead by a transit officer, doing his job a bit too much if you ask me.

The Shooting of Oscar Grant

Not sure why a person would shoot an unarmed person who was not resisting. Grant was faced down and shot in the back…execution style, by the same man who was hired to serve and protect his life. I mean…If you cannot trust the police to protect you…Who can you trust?

Danroy Miller, 20, equally as sad. Promising college student “he was killed by police in Mount Pleasant, N.Y., located about 35 miles north of New York City, according to police and university officials. Henry was behind the wheel of a parked car when police arrived at Finnegan's Grill, in a neighborhood called Thornwood, police said. He allegedly attempted to flee in the vehicle when officers breaking up a nearby brawl approached him”.

Danroy Miller Article: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/10/massachusetts_m_2.html

Miller’s friends where even beaten when they tried to administer CPR to save his life: http://jonathanturley.org/2010/10/21/new-york-police-accused-of-assaulting-college-students-trying-to-give-cpr-to-friend/.

The police have created an image of brutality, and domestic terrorism. Invoking resistance and fear in the community. Protect and serve or alienate and exterminate? The systematic heavy handed violence of police targeted towards poorer, under resourced and under serviced communities is out of control.

Amnesty International (AI) on American Police Brutality: On its web site, AI says "Police brutality and use of excessive force has been one of the central themes of (AI's) campaigns on human rights violations in the

USA

," launched in October 1998. In its "United States of America: Rights for All Index," it documented systematic patterns of abuse across America, including "police beatings, unjustified shootings and the use of dangerous restraint techniques to subdue suspects."

Little is done to monitor or constrain it the brutality that is dished out…Racial and ethnic minorities are the ones who are disproportionately harmed by the harassment, false arrest, beatings and terrorism.

For Philadelphia police excessive force seems to be the norm: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/07/philadelphia-police-caugh_n_100569.html.

Looking at west African immigrant, Amadou Diallo, shot at 41 times by four New York policemen, struck 19 times and killed while he stood in the vestibule of his apartment building, unarmed and nonviolent, another life snatched….a victim of police brutality. Sabur unlike Miller, Diallo and Grant, he may have gotten his skull cracked open…yet he still has his life.

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with over 6600 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel. The PPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for serving Philadelphia County, extending over 140 square-miles in which approximately 1.5 million reside. Geographically, the Department is divided into twenty-two police districts (each headed by a captain), which comprise six police divisions (Northwest, Northeast, East, Central, Southwest, South - each headed by a Divisional Inspector), into two major sections of the city, Regional Operations Command North (ROC North) and Regional Operations Command South (ROC South), each headed by one Deputy Commissioner under Field Operations. Personnel are assigned to work in 55 different locations throughout Philadelphia, with Police Headquarters located in the 6th Police District, in Center City, at 750 Race Street. http://www.phillypolice.com/about

Brutal men with unlimited power are the same all over the world.

Mary Chesnut

In Philadelphia since 2009, “11 officers have been arrested on charges including murder, rape and drug dealing. They are among 51 police officers fired for misconduct since May 2010. Brutal beatings and assaults by Philadelphia police continue particularly in African-American and Latino/neighborhoods”. http://www.workers.org/2011/us/philadelphia_1027/

I thought the idea was to stop and prevent crime before it happen and not perpetuate it. There is a long legacy of brutalization in the community stemming from excessive force from the Philadelphia Police Department.

“Most people are aware of the recent police beating of Thomas Jones here in Philadelphia, but fewer people remember the police beating of Delbert Africa in 1978 caught on videotape and broadcast worldwide. This incident prompted the Department of Justice to file the first ever lawsuit against a city for police brutality. In 1985, the police dropped C-4 plastique from a state helicopter on the MOVE house resulting in the death of eleven people including five children. Sixty-one homes were burned to the ground.”

http://www.democracynow.org/2000/7/31/philadelphia_a_legacy_of_police_brutality

To me a police officer who abuses his badge is no different than a priest who shames the church. Shame...All cops are not bad, and all people are not good. Many victims eventually become victimizers. The psychological affects of brutality is worse than the beatings. For those who are not killed, some are paralyzed, and suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, aggression, emotional disturbances, drug abuse, suicide and paranoia. Its historical, it’s generational? Brutality, bullying and Gestapo tactics are modern day lynching. Most importantly what are we teaching our children and our next generation of law enforcement?

fareeda@fareedamabry.org

www.fareedamabry.org

267-243-1468

Our national deficit is projected to grow at an unsustainable rate over the next 10 years. Come Discuss on 6/26! Our Budget Our Economy" 18 Days Left!!!

2010-06-08T17:23:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Town Meeting: Our Budget, Our Economy

Our national deficit is projected to grow at an unsustainable rate over the next 10 years. This threatens our ability to fund what’s most important to us. We remain deeply divided over what our national priorities are and what we, as a people, are prepared to do to support them. Clearly we need to do something and let our leaders know what we will support. It's time to come together as a country to make the tough choices that will ensure America's future.

Sign Up Online today!

www.usabudgetdiscussion.org or call toll free at 866-755-6263

Join Americans at meeting halls across the country linked together by satellite and the Internet! This is a chance to:

-Learn About the Issues
-Find Common Ground
-Present priorities to leaders in Washington

WILL YOUR VOICE BE COUNTED!!!!

AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy and the National Town Meeting provide an opportunity for Americans to share their perspectives and listen to the perspectives of others to create solutions for our nation’s economy. By registering for the National Town Meeting you agree to thoughtfully share your views, respectfully listen to others, and fully engage in dialogue to find common ground and shared priorities. The recommendations that come from your participation will help the country and our leaders move forward on these difficult and critical issues.

Organized by AmericaSpeaks, the Our Budget, Our Economy meetings will take place on Saturday, June 26th in twenty cities simultaneously, including Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor
First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
11:30 am to 6:00 pm

The initiative will bring together demographically diverse groups in the 20 cities and invite volunteers to convene smaller conversations in communities across the nation. The forums will be held simultaneously and linked together by satellite and the Internet for a truly national discussion, which will be the largest and most comprehensive opportunity to date for Americans to deliberate on our federal budget.

Participants will weigh in on the policy options framed by a diverse, bipartisan group of experts. The resultant recommendations, reflecting priorities from a broad cross-section of the America public will be shared with policymakers as America’s solutions for a sustainable fiscal future.

To participate, you MUST register.

There is no fee to register and lunch and snacks will be provided free. Where possible, childcare, transportation assistance and translation services will be provided.

Participants in the Town Meeting will reflect the political, socio-economic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. After June 26, AmericaSpeaks will present the priorities that emerge from the National Town Meeting to Congress and President Obama, as well as the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and the Bi-Partisan Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force.

The results that emerge from the discussion will have credibility with policy makers because they will reflect the authentic views of a large, informed, and representative group of Americans. The discussion will not be manipulated by any side or point of view, and will give the American public a real chance to find common ground.

For additional information, visit our website at: http://usabudgetdiscussion.org

AmericaSpeaks Presents: Philadelphia National Town Hall Meeting: Our Budget, Our Economy

2010-05-10T13:12:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia National Town Hall Meeting: Our Budget, Our Economy

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!!

Space is limited for this Town Meeting site. Registrations to attend will be considered on a first come, first serve basis. If registrations for this site are reaching capacity and not representative of the demographics of the local community, some participants will be invited to host or attend a nearby Community Conversation (a smaller meeting near you).

AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy and the National Town Meeting provide an opportunity for Americans to share their perspectives and listen to the perspectives of others to create solutions for our nation’s economy. By registering for the National Town Meeting you agree to thoughtfully share your views, respectfully listen to others, and fully engage in dialogue to find common ground and shared priorities. The recommendations that come from your participation will help the country and our leaders move forward on these difficult and critical issues.

Organized by AmericaSpeaks, the Our Budget, Our Economy meetings will take place on Saturday, June 26th in twenty cities simultaneously, including Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor
First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
11:30 am to 6:00 pm

The initiative will bring together demographically diverse groups in the 20 cities and invite volunteers to convene smaller conversations in communities across the nation. The forums will be held simultaneously and linked together by satellite and the Internet for a truly national discussion, which will be the largest and most comprehensive opportunity to date for Americans to deliberate on our federal budget.

Participants will weigh in on the policy options framed by a diverse, bipartisan group of experts. The resultant recommendations, reflecting priorities from a broad cross-section of the America public will be shared with policymakers as America’s solutions for a sustainable fiscal future.

The Philadelphia Town Hall meeting will be held at the First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street in West Philadelphia, from 11:30am to 6pm. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click REGISTER NOW!

To participate, you MUST register.

There is no fee to register and lunch and snacks will be provided free. Where possible, childcare, transportation assistance and translation services will be provided.

To register

Log on to: http://usabudgetdiscussion.org

Click on Participate found at the top of the page.

On your right, in the vertical menu, under ‘Join the Discussion’ click on Philadelphia. This will open up the Registration form.

Complete and submit the Registration form.

You can also register by calling toll-free at 866-755-6263

Space is limited so register now !

Your voice will be heard !

Participants in the Town Meeting will reflect the political, socio-economic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. After June 26, AmericaSpeaks will present the priorities that emerge from the National Town Meeting to Congress and President Obama, as well as the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and the Bi-Partisan Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force. The results that emerge from the discussion will have credibility with policy makers because they will reflect the authentic views of a large, informed, and representative group of Americans. The discussion will not be manipulated by any side or point of view, and will give the American public a real chance to find common ground.

For additional information, visit our website at: http://usabudgetdiscussion.org

The Children Under the Stairs: The Foster Care System:

2010-01-11T15:12:00.004-05:00

The Children Under the Stairs—
Going Beyond the Foster Care System:

After watching the movie The Blind Side, a movie based on a prolific true story about a African American young man whose mother was a drug user and he lived in the projects. A Caucasian family took interest in him becoming his legal guardians and groomed him to be one of the best players in the NFL.

After seeing the movie about Michael, I was bought to think about how many other Michaels there are in the world that comes from broken and/or dysfunctional homes. It was personal for me, as my little brother, who many would consider a very blessed young man, straight A’s, football and basketball. Even made it to “Whose Who”…My little brother is an example not an exemption. Although both my brothers and I were raised in a single parented home. I think about those who are like my brothers best friend Gerry, who does not have either parent…no mother nor a father.

Over the years after my parents marriage, I often times reflect on my father, him as a man and him as my father. His faults and the lessons I have learned from growing up with out him fully present in my life. As a young lady…it’s hard, creating basically a skeptical cynic from birth about life, love and relationships. Being a child on the receiving end of broken relationships…it’s tough. Yet, I am happy I had one parent even if the other messed up!

What about those living with no parents? Could you have live on your own 12 or 15? Each year, thousands of young people “age out” of the foster care system, many without family or economic supports. Without connection to a caring adult and support to plan and prepare, these youth face steep challenges, including higher rates of unemployment, poor educational attainment, health issues, incarceration, and homelessness.

When I first met my little brother friend, Gerry, who lives in foster care with six other foster children, now brothers and sisters, mother and father…where there was none before. I know Gerry has it hard. He said to me one day, “Ms. Fareeda, you should adopt…adopt a boy”…kind of threw me off, and after looking into his life a little deeper I begin to see why he said what he said….He was looking for a chance or to give someone else a chance and an opportunity at life.

Although a well, soft hearted, mild mannered very caring young man, who I come to love as my little brother…I learned that Gerry’s living conditions in foster care are no better than if he would be living in a shelter, alone…He has trouble in school. Even as a teen, he urinates on himself, and wreaks sometimes where my family and I have to make him wash up, and provide him new socks and under garments. He cannot help his situation. Not only has he lived in the refuse…the other children do as well. It breaks my heart. Gerry is a good kid and could very well be a great man. The young mind is so impressionable.

My point with this blog entry…how are these children being prepared for life? And what programs are people are tapping that potential?

In school, behaviorally and academically they are just passed along so teachers do not have to deal with them. The movie bought to light a scary reality for many children who reside within the walls, and subways of Philadelphia streets, a real reality for those children who live within the shelter and the foster system and are still not getting adequate care….

“Approximately 3,000 children come into out-of-home care in Philadelphia each year. Many of these children are placed in temporary foster care while the family and social workers work together to build upon a family’s existing strengths, address concerns, and when at all possible, reunite the children with their family in a safe, loving home.

Unfortunately, this is not always possible, and it is sometimes necessary to find another permanent placement option for a child – in many situations this means adoption.”(1)

Unfortunately every homeless and parentless child cannot be brought about like the movie. Gerry lives in conditions that groom him for doom. What is up with the foster system? Are there provisions in place to make sure foster parents are not just collecting checks from the government and actually taking care of the Gerry’s of the world? I’m not a parent yet after learning more about him, I am inclined to help others who are like him and live like him. Is the foster system preparing or breeding individuals for prison? Is the foster system flawed or are the folks adopting many children abusers of the system?

We know all children have aspirations, strengths and talents, and the potential to become fully participating citizens who contribute in a range of fields. Yet, the main challenges facing young people in foster care and in the welfare system are: (1) the culture of low expectations for those in care and (2) the lack of accountability or real motivation for success or failure. A principle challenge is changing the thinking and current practices prevent many from taking on individual responsibility for preparing for a future of successful independence.

Until that happens, most young people coming out of the foster care will not be prepared for college and meaningful careers. Too many will continue to end up homeless, jobless, and incarcerated, without the resources they need to become successful adults. The fate of these children depends wholly on the goodwill of the community and their personal ability to persevere.

http://dhs.phila.gov/intranet/pgintrahome_pub.nsf/content/Adoption (1)

Contact:
Fareeda Mabry
www.fareedamabry.org
Email: Fareeda@fareedamabry.org

Life, Liberty and Neighborhoods First!

From NIGGERS to WHIGGERS

2009-11-24T21:58:00.013-05:00

After Judgment – Guide to Getting Results

*Dehumanization through Words*

NIGGER, WET BACK, JEW, CRACKER, GOOK, CHINK, BOG RAT, NIGGER , RED NECK, BLACKIE, AYE-RAB, EXTREMIST, BUCKWHEAT, CHICO, CHINAMAN, CANUCK, COLORED, COON, DARKIE, FAGGOT, NIGGER, DYKE, GREASER, GREASEBALL, NIGGER , HALF-BREED, MUT, JAP, HONKY, RETARD, JUNGLE BUNNY, JIGABOO, MICK, KRAUT, OREO, PAKI, POLACK, REDSKIN, SAMBO, SHYSTER, NIGGER, RUSKY, SPOOK, SPIC, UNCLE TOM, TOWEL HEAD, WASP, WHITE TRASH, WOP, WHITEY, YID, ZEBRA HEAD, WHIGGER.

Words, (especially the perversion of them) have a powerful affect on the mind.

"It is not whether your words or actions are tough or gentle; it is the spirit behind your actions and words that announces your inner state."
-- Chin-Ning Chu

I can think to when I was about 10 or 11 years old I had my first run in with being called a nigger. It was not another African American it was a middle aged Caucasian gentleman. At that time, living in a neighborhood with few blacks, and being the first African Americans on our street, my family and I experienced a lot of racism and racist things at that time as I grew up. Nothing so chilling as to me remembering that man calling me a “little nigger”. Can you imagine how that felt at that age?

I think that is where my self pride grew from the black little girl to the budding young Bell Hooks you see before you. I thought how dare he? I am SO more than that. So much more, shit, I’m the next Oprah Winfrey slash Grace Jones, LOL.

Despite the circumstances, what child deserves that type of dehumanization? An adult to a child. Would you say the effects of this is less than that of molestation? I would say worse. Attempting to degrade me and raping me of who I could be....Yet, I learned this is really the American way through the eyes of many. This is what we are taught. How many have those conversations in the home, you would not dare to have outside the home. Remember, "if they can't use the comb, don't bring them home..."

This is how I began my quest to understand people.

As I grew older, and pass that experience I come to the realization, that most people who are ignorant do not know they are ignorant, and common sense is not really all that common. This type of generational ignorance is deeply rooted and subtly plays on insecurities of people. It is a mere reflection of the person projecting. It speaks to the victims superiority and the victimizes insecurities. There is no reason for it. It really does not matter what color you are if your ignorant, your just ignorant. I come to understand, people hate what they fear most. They seek to destroy it.

Dehumanization is a DIRTY conventional warfare tactic played on the minds of those who are ignorant or unaware. Through frames and messaging the mind is easily influenced in many cases, particularly if it’s subtle or subliminal. Let’s take the “residue of slavery” which remains, and is reflected in the historical racist and dehumanizing treatment and views of African Americans/people of color as it is projected and plays out in modern society.

My personal experience caused me to think about those who have been in institutional settings such as prisons, and schools. Those who were told they would not be amount to anything. And if your told to aim at nothing, your are surely to hit it! I am sure, that put them in the mindset to feel like nothing, leaving them at a disadvantage, mentally. Bureaucracy keeps them running in circles. Men and women who return home from prison are at a much greater disadvantage because they are stripped of certain rights and denied certain transitional opportunities, especially if they are a minority.

Modern society plays out the stereotypes fueled by dehumanization in poorer violence ridden drug infested urban communities, and found primarily in places where the word Nigger is very popular. Not to mention overly populated by those who are in many cases very intelligent and socially aware, socially constructed in a systematic way of keeping these people, under resourced, inadequately-socialized, under educated/employed, under-utilized all leading to dehumanization and indifference.

No matter how awful, nigger is a popular word. “Nigger is a noun in the English language, most notable for its usage in a pejorative context to refer to black people, and also as an informal slang term, among other contexts. It is a common ethnic slur. The word originated as a term used in a neutral context to refer to black people, as a variation of the Spanish/Portuguese noun negro, a descendant of the Latin adjective niger, meaning "black[1]"

Dehumanization through words only perpetuates and reinforces stereotypes behind words such as Nigger, Spic, Gook, etc we see it ingrained in the social fabric of America. Novelty makes the world go round and because of this lack of understanding on many levels, this dehumanization is reinforced.

Look at the competitive factor among whose race is superior. If it was not, groups like the KKK would not be so successful. Because America are the main consumers of this bullshit, we are socially unaware and unconsciously are shifted into treating one another indifferently because of modern day racism reinforced through stereotypes built upon a hate and a perversion of words. Thus reflecting and projecting this ignorance on an international basis. Promotion of this dehumanizing way of thinking.

A way of thinking, a way of being taught for generations. Killing ourselves, by working against one another over something that is unrealistic. Man can accomplish so much more by working together. Race is arguably socially constructed....I mean, who is really black or white nowadays?

Yet, aren’t we all mere human beings? Why dehumanization? It baffles me, how is it our similarities do not seemingly override our differences. It is the words behind the differences are which separate us, stereotypes.

“Chapters of the same book just a different page, Niggers in the struggle all out to get paid”…Beanie Siegel

ON THE OTHER SHOE: RACISIM beyond COLOR LINES…

Nigger I believe is the primary root of separatism among African Americans. To an educated black man a “Nigger” is someone who looks like all other black people in terms of skin color, yet messes everything else up for the rest of the proud African/Jamaican/Haitian Americans. A nightmare walking, and a shoot out waiting to happen! Now, you don’t see any black person referring to Martin Luther King Jr as a nigger…?

And let us not forget the infamous, Whigger? WHIGGER—whites who act “black” or like “niggers” depicted and defined by educated blacks. Emenim , the Beastie Boys, and MC Search would be the along and among the Whiggerish ones.

“Possible Characteristics of a Nigger: Laziness, Ignorance, Racism, Belligerence, Kleptomania and an all around urge to just do dumb shit all the time.”…Unknown

For example: Shooting and killing a police officer on Broad Street, in broad daylight on Halloween or Mr. Malvo training a teenager on sniping innocent people across Washington DC…yup, I admit, that is some real nigga shit. Yet, although comical in a sense, this is a word used to separate us from ourselves. Nigga shit embarrasses the educated black. Yet, I think the "nigga" really knows no other way. The only way they know, is the way we have known for over 300 years, "survival of the fittest"...

It is for the educated black man to make the difference, pave the paths and show the way. Like they say, "it takes a village"...

Some understand being a Nigger is a behavior trait based on a foundation of ignorance, yet by the use of the word, we dehumanize ourselves. Because we can distinguish, it does not mean it is okay. And those on the outside looking in cannot distinguish, so as African Americans we are grouped, and we categorize and catalog ourselves and in turn are grouped in the eyes of the media, in our homes, in our schools and within the walls of the prison. So if you want to stop being called and/or treated as such, please look within. And be sure to help those who cannot help themselves...

“Even if you in a benz you still a nigger”….Kyane West. Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, and we drill it into ourselves…what is the purpose, and where does it end? Self destruction....or?

Another example of the skillful use of the ideologically based dehumanization in action is, Adolf Hitler's references to Jewish as 'vermin' or 'rats'. “Dehumanization is a psychological process whereby opponents view each other as less than human and thus not deserving of moral consideration.[2]” Word removes personal identification, annihilation of character all allowing the public to override their repugnance to conflict by perceiving their enemies as inhuman. After 9/11 notice the increase in Muslims now labeled “Terrorist” and “Extremist” in turn making it okay to murder. Do you hear them saying hey "rat" sup, or hey "terrorist" wassup?! No, we as a people need to learn to lead by example. Be proud!

“Who pulls the strings?... Are you making things happen or watching them happen? Set the stage or you will become a mere character in a play Its best to be a puppeteer of life and not a puppet….” F. Mabry

The next time you or someone you know calls you a nigger, or uses the term nigger as a description, think about the mighty weight that word carries and has carried for over 300 years.

Progression or regression…

Niggerism and using the word nigger is thinking backwards, not forward. Think about what you are saying. When you judge someone based on the color of their skin, this does not speak to who they are as a person, it speaks to who you are.

As a African American, if you are using nigger in a way to describe someone African American considered uneducated, low class…etc…try helping your fellow man. Never throw stones when living in a glass house, remember how society views you no matter what IVY League degree you possess.

Do we really wonder why we as blacks are so separated? Look at yourself. If you see no problem there, move on. If so, there is the problem, change your way of thinking, the generational problem resides there. Words we use not only among ourselves on a micro scale, think on a wider global level. How do we expect to be considered an international force if we can't get our own shit together, and utilize resources instead of always trying to exploit them?

If you don’t want to be put in a box, don’t put yourself in one, and don't box others in either.

Words can be weapons used for good or evil. Writing and freedom of speech is one of my weapons against the atrocities we face. I personalize the struggle, because struggle is part of life, and life is very personal to me. I am thinking of those human beings who look like me in disproportionate numbers wrongfully imprisoned, hated, degraded and dehumanized, just for being born. I am from the community and for the community.

If I am too intense, or too passionate, or too overbearing, I am not only thinking of my life, I am thinking of yours too and the lives of your children. So I apologize in advance for my realness.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

WATCH YOUR WORDS you may be forced to eat them.

As Albert Einstein says, “you cannot change a problem with the same mind that created it”, so you have to change your way of thinking in order to change the problem. Although I have to curb my tendency to use the word, I see the harm it caused, and causes. Not just on an external level, on an internal self-esteem level of the African American community. Why are you broken? Who wants to be viewed as no matter what you accomplish you are still a “stain” on society i.e. a nigger.

That was then, this is now! Today, calling me a Nigger, you are guaranteed to get your feelings hurt no matter what color you are. Ain’t no niggers over here. I am for respect no matter who gives it. As Pearl Strachan Hurd says, “handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs”.

Fareeda "TheMaverick" Mabry

www.fareedamabry.com

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigger#Other_languages

[2] http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/dehumanization/

The Jones...WHO in the HELL?

2009-10-24T19:00:00.011-04:00

Who in the hell are the Jones?

why are we keeping up with them?

“If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased”

I never met these Jones and cannot understand why folks want to keep up with them!! For myself, I can only speak from my perspective, and let me be correct it’s about lifestyle and choice. Personally, I cannot afford it. I have not always been this way. For me, flea markets are a blessing from God himself. I like thrift stores and discount shops. Even if I could afford it, I could not see myself paying $500.00 for anything that is not a necessity just to be down, or in the loop. I refuse to pay a lot for this muffler. Its about practicing frugality, and still come out looking stylish!

Those who suffer from this Jones Syndrome. are those want to project a particular image. Why? Shopping is an expensive habit. For me, in the African American community, I find many will spend when they do not have it or before they get it. We are the number one consumers in the nation. Why? I never met the Jones and really do not care to know who they are unless they are willing to adopt me.

Some of our young black men are willing to sell drugs, rob, kill, steal and destroy one another to get at fashion, to get at women. I see rappers like lil Wayne; his teeth have to be worth $100,000 in his mouth. His mouth alone could wipe my bad debt away and have enough for a vacation for my entire family! And I love me some lil Wayne….Some of our young women are either exploited or even willing to prostitute themselves for a Gucci bag or the latest. Its sad. Why the need to cover oneself in material?

“Got 30down at the bottom, 30 more at the top, all invisible set in little ice cube blocks, if I could call it a drink I call it a smile on the rocks, you call out a price, I call it a lot, I got platinum and white gold, traditional gold, I’m changing grillz everyday like Jay change clothes”

Nelly “Grillz”

Are we that vain we go through any lengths to keep up an image for people who could careless about us? “A recent study by Essence Magazine showed that African American women alone spend $7.5 billion annually on beauty products. In an industry that is estimated at $80 billion, $7.5 billion may not seem like much, however, African-American women shell out 80 percent more money on cosmetics and twice as much on skin care products than the general market. That difference is largely due to the fact that African-American women sample more products to find the ones that are most effective on their skin as the majority of the consumers are left feeling unsatisfied.[1]” That is a lot of make up and hair products. Can you imagine the cost of the other upkeep? Many still left dissatisfied.

“Man I promise, I'm so self conscious
That's why you always see me with at least one of my watches
Rollies and Pasha's done drove me crazy
I can't even pronounce nothing, pass that Versace!
Then I spent 400 bucks on this
Just to be like nigga you ain't up on this!
And I can't even go to the grocery store
Without some ones that’s clean and a shirt with a team
It seems we living the American dream
But the people highest up got the lowest self esteem
The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings
We shine because they hate us, floss cause they degrade us
We trying to buy back our 40 acres
And for that paper, look how low we a'stoop
Even if you in a Benz, you still a nigga in a coop/coupe

KAYNE WEST “All Falls Down"

This materialistic mentality has a great deal to do with attitudes and behaviors towards spending. In my opinion, hip hop not only highlights and glamorizes fashion, allowing listeners to draw conclusions and parallels between what is “whack” and what is considered corny (i.e. not up to the latest style). This has gotten to the point where teens have been able to use clothing as a way to represent a certain gang affiliation, and also compete among one another. Drawing parallels between the children who have and do not have. Possibly inclining the child who does not have to "get it" by any means. Reminds me of the Emperors Clothes, the value we place on them...

I see parents spending hundreds and thousands of dollars for their children to keep up with the latest…clothing and electronics…Are we just a glutton filled consumerist nation as a whole? And does this “Keeping up with the Jones Syndrome” affect the poorer community more than others? It has gotten to the point, schools have had to implement policy changes in what our children wear to school not just for safety, for self esteem…Like my mom told me, “You go to school to learn, not for a fashion show”. Yet she always struggled to not only keep me in the latest, in quality.

Through clothing I realized you are judged...cleanliness, attractiveness, worth etc. Such a shame how the mind generalizes. I find those who are not of the materialistic mentality are those who actually established and not projecting an image of being so. Its about stability and not the glam and glitz of material.

In High School, I seen many die over material, victims of the Jones. Is what we work so hard for worth dying over? In my lifetime, there have been many senseless killings over clothing, sneakers, jewelry throughout the world. Materialism equates to futility and pride to humility, self esteem and self respect. Materialism causes our society to not only harbor and judgments against one another based on clothing. What is that about?

Self respect…self esteem, something the African American community had very few lessons in over the last century. Willie Lychism only fuels the hate we have for one another. Where is the pride? Self love without the cover ups? African Americans as a whole, are taught not to love thy self nor one another. Is materialism a way to cover up these issues? Why so much emphasis on clothing and material? Dealing with internal issues and material as a way to cover up, over compensate for what is lacking or is it to enhance what is already an immaculate untarnished beauty. Keeping up with the Jones, the American Dream or being self conscious?

“Just because you are blind, and unable to see my beauty doesn't mean it does not exist.” ******Margaret Cho

Think about plastic surgery….Are we that vain we would destroy alter or hate what is naturally given. Naturally you...Beauty is skin deep. Anthropology taught me, beauty is what you see, it depends on who you are and where you come from. This world is so vast and beauty is created on many levels in many variations. . Preferences, ideals, and the media shape our ideals of beauty. Some Europeans want to look more ethnic, and those who are ethnic want to be more European. Think about the idea of a tan...How is it some people hate dark people yet they run the very risk of skin cancer, and sun burn to achieve darkness...Botox, and injections to have fuller lips, bigger butts etc to be that of a sister.

So, all this Keeping Up with the Jones, depends on your attitude towards yourself. Materialism fuels insecurities within self. Satisfaction is mindset and starts with self. Its okay not to be able to afford the Neimans, because the outlets work just as good and are much cheaper! :)

"Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are."

Julius Charles Hare

Just being who I am fuels my confidence; life is meant to be lived, not for a fashion show.

Shop smarter, not harder.

Be an original. Don’t die a copy!

Fareeda “The Maverick” Mabry

www.fareedamabry.com

http://fareedathemaverickmabry.blogspot.com

[1] Fashion, Beauty and the African American Consumer (http://www.getemgirls.com/?p=7238)

The Disease that infects us all…

2009-10-10T09:56:00.004-04:00

The Disease that infects us all…

Racism, no other disease infects the world more. Not Swine flu, Ebola, Cancer nor HIV/AIDS have infected the world more than the ignorance of racism. Racism since the days of slavery and the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s in its blatancy days is now a silent, subtle and passive/aggressive socially constructed tool used to manipulate, control, exploit and degrade people solely based on the color of someone’s skin.

Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” Abraham J. Heschel

Born and raised from Philadelphia. Philadelphia is segregated, depending on race, class and political connections. In a world where everything is not just black and white, this disease has infected the entire world. It is races against races of people, and racism with in races. You better not call a Cambodian a Korean, or an African a Haitian, or a Columbian a Puerto Rican, or someone Bi-Racial something totally absurd, or you are in trouble…People get angry when they are judge, stereotyped, or boxed into a group or category. When people make these honest everyday assumptions it is because we are taught to group and generalize people based on appearances.

True story, I remember being in a meeting, one of two other black people in that same meeting. The lead of the meeting was looking to target and recruit more African American professionals. The lead of the meeting was putting an event together and was looking for some kind of music that would appeal to blacks. He turned to me and asked about a particular group/artist and said, “Do black people like them?” I wanted to say how the hell should I know? I cannot speak on individual preferences. Some of my friends like rock music, and classical, others R and B/Jazz, some Hip/Hop and Rap, and others love Reggae! There is no set of music for people of color. People all over the globe listen to Beyonce, Elton John, and Jay Z, my point, music is universal, why as human beings, are we not as universal!

I was not sure if I should have been upset that he thought because I was black, I would be able to be the spokesperson for all blacks in Philadelphia, or was I a mere political pawn used to recruit more blacks to be the martyr. Or, just to play devils advocate, did ignorance blind the attendees at this meeting and they looked towards me as a leader and someone they needed to assist them in a better understanding on how African Americans think…? I ended up a little shocked, yet as many blacks staring down the face of (perceived or real) racism (blatant or subtle) you silently and gracefully brush it off.

I hate racial discrimination most intensely and all its manifestations. I have fought all my life; I fight now, and will do so until the end of my days. Even although I now happen to be tried by one, whose opinion I hold in high esteem, I detest most violently the set-up that surrounds me here. It makes me feel that I am a Black man in a White man's court. This should not be I should feel perfectly at ease and at home with the assurance that I am being tried by a fellow South African, who does not regard me as an inferior, entitled to a special type of justice.”

Nelson Mandela

God created the human race, not meant to be a competition among the races. Labels, stereotypes, stigmas and unspoken competition of who is more inferior among races perpetuate the racist mindset. They are ugly because they are darker, they are ugly because they have short hair, or long necks, or even stupid because of their skin. So much emphasis is put on skin, which is lighter or darker. As Justice Blakmum stated, "In order to get beyond racism, we must first take into account of race. There is no other way. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently."

Race is anything but an anomaly. Racism is taught in the homes, schools, and institutions, and is generational. It comes from a lack of understanding of one another and a fear of moving closer to understand. Those same tried true beliefs are not working. Everyone is not going to like you. You cannot help how you are born into the world. You cannot change your color. Racism is meant to make you hate yourself. And what separates us in 2009 is baseless. When do we stop the anger, and start the healing? Stop the ignorance, and start the education? Racism the disease, it’s a mindset, and a form of mind control. My favorite quote from George Orwell, "He who controls the present, controls the past. He who controls the past, controls the future."

Let us stop this foolishness and embrace all of humanity. Starting with yourself. I cannot see how God loving people can love humanity, yet hate a certain set of humans? You love God, yet hate his creations? That is like having a pretty smile with no teeth, its contradictory! Racism a disease that destroys deteriorates and kills us all. To be a racist is an individual choice. It starts with me and you.

In Solidarity,

Fareeda “TheMaverick” Mabry

www.fareedamabry.com

What Stinks About Philadelphia...? Is it the Economy or Attitudes?

2009-09-30T20:09:00.004-04:00

Smiling is infectious. You can catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today...I started smiling too!

I always loved that poem. Makes you wanna smile, and it is so true. Yet I find, in Philadelphia, this does not seem to hold the same truth. The streets are talking and Philadelphia is not the city that loves you back...

The City of Brotherly love has been named one of the most bloodiest cities, with murder rates and job-loss on the rise, no wonder everyone is on edge. I wonder, is or will Philadelphia ever be a great American city? Are our attitudes towards one another keeping us stagnant, and segregated? Or is it the challenges of the preceding economical conditions and we are stuck in a perpetual cycle?

I have heard the talk, Philadelphia is populated by a bunch of haters, backstabbers, gossipers, murderers, and judgmental racist? Isn't this true of everywhere in the world? Being a Philadelphian I understand. Yet, I also understand that these are issues are bigger than the current administration or any other administration. The problem may be the way Philadelphians mindsets are trained to view the world. the root cause of our current social, and economic decay. We can attribute today of the foundation of the post-Mayor Rizzo "off the cuff" era.

There was a lot of conflict with African Americans along with deliberate"block breaking" among the old Italians and Irish Catholic neighborhoods. Philadelphia is a generational city. Police brutality, nothing new. Crimes on police officers, nothing new....remember, people are still talking about Mumia Abu Jamal and Officer Daniel Faulkner. Some people who live on my small south Philadelphia street have remained in the same houses for over the last 20-30 years and have raised their families in the same household, sometimes even raising great grandchildren. Same house, and many times the same mentality for over 20 years. Now in 2009, people still carry those same attitudes.

I remember one 70ish Italian lady on the 47 bus, told me "I hope your not going down 9th and Washington, its like Vietnam down there, not like the good ole days, you never know what you are getting"...Philadelphia is about the tried and true, one thing I love about our city and that is one thing I hate....some things like the negative attitudes we have to let go. For me, I love the Italian Market. Where else can I get a huge bag of Italian rolls for 50 cents?

CHANGE is what Barack Obama and many other great leaders before him spoke of...

Einstein says it best, "You cannot change a problem with the same mind that created it, you must change your way of thinking in order to solve the problem". How do you cease the blatancy of hate among the people and political divides with the elected and the community?

Depends on who you ask? Knowing many people from diverse walks of life, I am very sensitive to others, how they live, how they think, how they learn etc...People are different. God called us all from the boat to be someone, whether it be mother, doctor, or repairman.

Do Philadelphians not understand those differences that make up who we are? Philadelphia residents make up our administrations, political leaders, policy makes, and movers and shakers. From a sociological perspective, an unbalanced government maybe causing our unbalanced minds, as humans we are not immune to our environment.

Like we are what we eat, that also comes from family lives, friends, associations etc... Or are resources so scarce certain classes and groups are excluded or blocked through bureaucratic and systematic barriers, needs go unmet, unaddressed, or undeserved because of the declining conditions and that causes a stressful situation?

Philadelphia's attitude separates more than it integrates us, economically and politically. The stress and embitterment you see in your daily travels could very well stem from the mindset embedded throughout our history, taught in our schools, in our homes, practiced in our courts, and housed within our government.

This is reflected in our consistent economical struggles and historical political play to pay mentality keeping our city in stagnation. Its not just African American nor a Caucasian thing, its a Philadelphia thing. What makes us "hate" one another? My friends who are not from here are the happiest, and then within 2-3 years, if not sooner...they are ready back home or to another city. Are we really that bad! And they are the ones who generally have a better attitude toward life in general.

Even Rizzo's old neighborhood South Philadelphia has transformed to reflect a microcosm of the world, Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans from all walks of life, newly transplanted live alongside those who have been there for a generation. Change is inevitable. The mind reflects reality. Thoughts become actions. Yet, if those same folks you see and label "haters" are the ones controlling a system with a foundation built on conflict, division, racism, hatred...we are still in trouble as a city!!! Solving the problem starts with yourself.

At 31, I have seen it on many different levels. My own experiences, trials and tribulations have taught me a lot...Philadelphia can be very oppressive, with an eccentric overall personality...Philly there is no place like it, and it has its little nuggets of beauty. Philadelphians have so lot in common, cheesesteaks, our love for arts, parks, parades, the Phillies, the Eagles... Philadelphia as a city and those who reside here undeniably test your strength. The key: Never go too deep in shallow situations. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. Maneuver beyond the crab in the barrel, small town-big town mentality by always being your own person. Be the change you wish to see. Spread the sunshine, say hello and smile even when others are not! Be positive when others are negative, and treat others the way you would like to be treated!

Fareeda "TheMaverick" Mabry
www.fareedamabry.com