U.S. Foreign Embassies Making Millions

A report on the front page of a foreign country’s Sunday newspaper indicated that the United States embassy there acquired $25 million U.S. dollars so far this year from visa applications. In general, this information does not only show the massive income that the U.S. embassy has acquired from this particular country, but it is unimaginable how much billions in total visa income each year that the U.S. government must be earning from all their foreign embassies.  The newspaper also included information that 159,000 applicants have visited this U.S. embassy so far during this year. The U.S. Counsel General from this embassy indicated that 65% of applications are approved. However, contrary to his claim, on a good day, the majority of applicants who line up overnight or during the wee hours of the morning will not be successful in their visa bid. A low visa approval quota means that there is money to be made by foreign U.S. embassies in certain countries where so many of the vulnerable applicants, who struggle to gain the application fee, have no chance of getting a U.S. visitors’ visa.  The U.S. embassies come out on top, at the expense of these applicants, since the foreign agencies get to pocket the visa application fees without issuing any visas to so many.  Therefore, the foreign U.S. embassies are running a profitable business at the expense of so many.

Don't Want to Go Back 200 Years

Ancestry.com’s television commercials attract viewers who may be interested in locating their ancestors. Their recent commercial features African-American twins, and this has allowed the company to get their message across to Black viewers that they too have an opportunity to use the services. The twins are vibrant, convincing, and appealing as they talk about their experiences using the service …until one statement is made. The young man says that he would like to go back 200 years to meet his ancestors. A desire to want to meet ancestors is not an unusual wish. However, such a statement would have meant nothing and go unnoticed if these twins were not Black. Apparently, the producers let such a statement pass since they are ignorant that 200 years ago was 1815 during the height of slavery when slave families were being sold causing a separation of families rather than uniting loved ones. The twin, in making such an absurd statement, also seems ignorant that no Black person, who is aware of his/her history, would consider any desire to want to go back in history during a time when his/her ancestors suffered from mental and physical abuses daily. No one wants to go back to a time when they, too, would be considered slaves or free people with no rights. 

Hypocritical Worldwide Reaction

The recent bombing in France was a horrific incident that certainly deserves the overwhelming worldwide support in honor of the victims and country. Yet, where is this overwhelming support of public display for bombing victims and others affected by terrorist attacks in other countries?

Missouri Football Players Stand Up for their Rights!

Finally!!!  It is a pleasure to see young Black brothers standing up not only for what they believe in but representing other students of color on their campus. Protesting in the streets is just not enough to impact change for people of color. The protest of these young men brings hope that more people of color will engage in this type of protest that creates a significant impact not only on major events such as America's favorite sport but also on the bottom line which, in this case, is the loss in millions in revenue to the university if these young men do not play. Great job young men! Hats off to you! Stay the course as Black folks in Alabama did during the 1960s when they refused to ride on public transportation until they were granted the right to sit anywhere they chose instead of being ordered to sit at the back of the bus or give up their seats to the whites. The stance of these young men must be supported by all whose racial discrimination plea has gone unheard for so many years.

Petition to Fire Don Lemon Is Senseless

The BLM movement has made a great impact in publicly supporting the need for police officers to treat Blacks with respect when they are stopped for whatever reason. So, BLM's efforts in emphasizing the importance of Black lives is necessary especially with the continuous spate of unwarranted murders or mistreatment of Black men and women. However, the movement's involvement, through Jamell Henderson, in a Change.org petition to remove Don Lemon from his CNN news anchor post demonstrates that basic common sense is lacking in starting such a petition. Don Lemon, as any other anchor - Black or White, can ask whatever questions he wants and if the questions or his comments are not to anyone's liking, then they can easily switch channels in this democratic nation. Furthermore, Lemon's asking to obtain more facts is justified versus jumping to conclusions based solely on brief video that does not show prior footage in the Spring Valley classroom. For Jamell Henderson to presume that Don Lemon must rush to judgement prior to hearing all the facts in the Spring Valley High School case, simply because he is a Black man, is nonsense. Henderson's call for Lemon's firing is irresponsible especially when so many people have jumped on the bandwagon in support of such a simple-minded, silly request which will certainly not happen in the real world! There are more serious issues occurring in the United States to rally Black support through Change.org!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/10/30/student-walkout-backs-fired-deputy-sc-school/74874920/

A Cry of Racism for Indiscipline Children

Officer Ben Fields was fired for slamming a female student to the ground. Many are crying racism, but records show that he was involved in the mishandling of a White student. Nevertheless, the matter with the student at Spring Valley High School should not have escalated to the altercation as shown on the video. Teachers and educator are faced everyday with dealing with disruptive children who have no home training, so these students believe they can do whatever they want to inside a classroom and get away with it. All who are crying racism in this Spring Valley High School case should stop criticizing and come spend one day inside a classroom with some of these indiscipline students who are out-of-control. Surely, these critics would have a different opinion after they encounter students who are constantly on their phone texting, etc., etc., etc., instead of completing their classwork. Wonder what these critics would do if they were in the classroom everyday and had to deal with such students who have a habit of talking back and confronting the teacher?

Parents are Still Opposing Desegregated Schools

Listening to the NPR podcast of the Normandy, Missouri school district losing accreditation and the transferring of 1000 of its Black students to the predominantly White, Frances Howell schools, is an eye opener that the vicious attitude of a number of White parents on school desegregation has not changed. The Frances Howell parents' town hall meeting indicated their great discontent with Black students transferring to their children's schools, and those parents' comments such as the following were most troubling to say the least:

• Normandy's under-performing  children will lower Frances Howell's accreditation status
• Normandy's children are indiscipline
• Frances Howell parents should have a vote to accept Normandy's school children
• Frances Howell parents do not want different kinds coming across the tracks to their side
• Frances Howell parents want to know if they can implement metal detectors for the Normandy children
• Normandy children are violent and should not mix with their children
• Frances Howell should have sniffing dogs for the Normandy children
• Frances Howell children will get robbed by Normandy children
• Move start time up so Frances Howell will not be the best option for the Normandy children

These are the words of parents during the 21st century which reflected similar attitudes of White parents during the 1960s when Black children had to be protected by police and state troopers as they attempted to walk through the doors of predominantly White elementary, middle, high schools and universities. These same Frances Howell parents come to mind when remembering photos of not only White men but women and children having a picnic as Blacks were lynched.  Of course, the beliefs of parents greatly influence their children, so the cycle of racism will continue.

NPR podcast link
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/562/the-problem-we-all-live-with?act=1#play

Slavery and the Holocaust - Two Unforgettable Atrocities

Prime Minister, David Cameron's speech  to a Jewish group about the Holocaust included the kind, considerate comments "Tell us what you think we should do and let us make sure we commemorate  these dreadful events and make sure that here in Britain no one ever forgets what happened and we swear together; never again".  His curt, inconsiderate statement to the Jamaican Parliamentarians about slavery  - "We can move on from this painful legacy..." Both historic events represent  atrocities committed against humans and neither one should and will be forgotten.

Jamaican Born Writer Wins Coveted Literary Award

Jamaican born, Marlon James, won the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. He won the United Kingdom's coveted literary award. James, an American resident, is an English professor at  Macalester College in Minnesota. He never gave up whenever any of his award winning books were initially rejected. He is an example that shows with hard work and determination success can be achieved in an area outside of the elusive sports and entertainment careers. Congratulations to Professor James for a well deserved achievement.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20151013/james-brief-history-seven-killings-was-most-exciting-book-list-says-judge

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/marlon-james-becomes-first-jamaican-born-author-win-booker-prize/

http://news.yahoo.com/jamaican-author-marlon-james-wins-man-booker-prize-210019390.html

Boisterous Behavior Leaves Little Compassion for a Grieving Town

President Obama's visit to show respect to families of victims at Umpqua Community College was met with demonstration by gun supporters who ironically are from the same or surrounding communities as the mass shooting. It is shameful that after such a massacre, these gun supporters have not been deterred from stubbornly preferring people to purchase guns without any restrictions. It was even surprising to hear one of the students whose life was spared from the massacre and her parent voicing their ignorance during an interview that the matter would have turned out better if all had guns inside the classroom. If the residents of a community go through such a traumatic experience and their reactions to gun control have not changed in the slightest, how can outsiders have any compassion when these  gun supporters are boisterous and demonstrating with signs that bear racial overtones.  The protest in Roseburg did not indicate that the town has been grieving!! Instead, the gun supporting protesters only showed a lack of respect for the mass shooting victims in their own community instead of President Obama.

Danny Glover Blasts British Prime Minister, David Cameron

The controversial visit of  the British Prime Minister to Jamaica continues to get attention from many worldwide including U.S. actor, Danny Glover, who visited Jamaica on the invitation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20151006/cameron-ignorant-says-danny-glover-american-actoractivist-calls

PM David Cameron Visits Jamaica to Discuss Building A Prison!

Prime Minister Cameron's visit to Jamaica was not welcomed with the overall excitement that was given to the visit of President Barack Obama. Jamaicans did not mind that so much money was spent to clean up the city and make preparations for President Obama. It was an honor for the population that he chose to visit Jamaica. He was warmly welcomed to the island and left a great impression in the minds of Jamaicans. On the other hand, Cameron's visit was regarded with great skepticism as people wondered why he was visiting the island in the first place since the policies of England over the years have not been favorable to Jamaicans. But, the visit was seen as an opportunity for Jamaicans to address the reparation issues with him. However, all intentions was made to avoid discussing the issue by denying a press conference so that he would not have to respond to any questions. Furthermore, Cameron's conniving intentions to visit Jamaica became clear when he announced that he is visiting to discuss the building of a prison! Yes, a prison! Not the building of a school, or hospital, or a community center...or factory...or logistic hub..or technology center...but a prison! His intentions is to send Jamaican born prisoners back to the island. Ironically, many of these people left the island as infants or youngsters so they developed their criminal behavior while growing up and living in England - not Jamaica. The more things change... the more they remain the same!!

Isn't It Something......

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Isn't it something that drunk drivers responsible for fatalities or serious injuries to others usually walk away from an accident without a scrape!


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Isn't it something that Prime Minister, David Cameron's speech  to a Jewish group about the Holocaust included the kind, considerate comments "Tell us what you think we should do and let us make sure we commemorate  these dreadful events and make sure that here in Britain no one ever forgets what happened and we swear together; never again".  His curt, inconsiderate statement to the Jamaican Parliamentarians about slavery  - "We can move on from this painful legacy..." Both historic events represent  atrocities committed against humans and neither one should and will be forgotten.

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Isn't it something how the oppressed has become the oppressors!
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Isn't it something that a VW executive when questioned in Congress on the car's emission scandal was quick to point the finger at middle management employees and deny his or other executive's knowledge of the matter. What a cowardly act to blame others instead of taking responsibility!
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Isn't it something that after the senseless massacre of nine persons at Umpqua Community College, it is business as usual for the staging of gun shows in Oregon!
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Isn't it something and hypocritical that the U.S. government is chastising the Soviet Union for carrying out air strikes on able-bodied men who chose to fight a battle in Syria while a U.S. led team bombed a Doctors' Without Boarder hospital with vulnerable patients and a volunteer medical teem.
http://news.yahoo.com/doctors-without-borders-afghan-clinic-bombed-3-staff-045208716.html
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Isn't it amazing that over the years, as routine mass shootings occur and innocent people continue to lose their lives, the American congress refuse to get their act together to implement gun safety laws. Those Congress lawmakers opposing gun safety laws give the impression that mass shootings will never affect them, their family, or loved ones so they don't care to amend the law.
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Isn't it something that the north east has been experiencing an unusual hurricane trend while these storms are not as prevalent in the south as they were over the past years.  Can we say climate change!
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Isn't it something that someone can waste so much time and energy showing hatred and anger to another person who is not even concerned or thinking about the disgruntled person.
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Isn't it something that the internet is one of the greatest inventions, but its misuse by some can make it one of the worse inventions
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Isn't it something that research shows that concussions have caused severe brain injuries to football players and this had lead to some committing suicide. Yet, parents continue to push their boys into playing football in hopes of them becoming rich and famous.
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Isn't it something when the job that you've always wanted turns out to be more than you can handle!
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Isn't it something that Mexicans are called illegal for entering the land that was originally a part of Mexico! It is inevitable that even with fences to keep Mexicans from their own land, they will reclaim it one day through generations of Mexican Americans who will become the majority in Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona and Colorado.
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Isn't it something that those pissed off at ObamaCare don't ever have to worry about health insurance since they and their family are fully covered!
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Isn't it something that university students are paying athletic fees to absorb the million dollar costs of their football teams even those non-performing teams. The worse thing is that these fees help to increase student loan debt.
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Isn't it something to watch an interview conducted by an American reporter with ethnic or people of color from other countries and see sub-titles at the bottom of the screen. The sub-titles are meant to interpret the English of those from  another country. However, the irony is that often times the person being interviewed is speaking better English than the American conducting the interview! Strangely enough, subtitles are never seen on programs such as "The Eastenders".
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Isn't it something that people complain about being over weight., Yet these are the same people who jostle to get the parking space closest to the door of a building instead of parking away from the building and walking to get exercise.

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Isn't it something that the person cleaning a classroom at a college/university may have health insurance, vacation days, sick days, retirement etc. while an adjunct professor works without benefits. .

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Isn't it something that college sports such as football and basketball bring in millions of dollars for institutions while the players making this happen would live in poverty if they did not have an athletic scholarships.
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Isn't it something that some in the U.S. complain about immigrants taking over jobs when many Americans who are unemployed would not consider applying for these jobs.
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PM David Cameron Needs to Apologize on Behalf of the British Government

Prime Minister David Cameron will be visiting Jamaica next week. His visit is of concern to many Jamaicans. Jamaica was colonized by England and while slave owners were compensated when slavery was abolished, slaves who were the victims of brutality by slave owners were never considered for any form of compensation by the British government. The British government has even failed to acknowledge the inhumane treatment to the slaves. This reaction is similar to the United States government who compensated other groups whose civil rights were violated except for the Black slaves and their descendants. The following was taken from the Jamaica Gleaner publication 9/25/15 on the upcoming visit by David Cameron:

The (National Commission on Reparation (NCR) has written to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to urge her to raise the issue of reparation with the British prime minister.

"What Britain has been doing is issuing statements of regret. A statement of regret is not an apology. An apology takes responsibility for the crime against humanity which slavery and the slave trade was. It would commit to repair the damage and it would also commit to non-repetition," Shepherd said.

"It is well-known that Britain was primarily responsible for the forced relocation of millions of Africans from their homelands, via the trans-Atlantic Middle Passage, to Jamaica, and for their brutalization through the system of chattel enslavement under plantation slavery from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The Compensation Records contain firm evidence of the beneficiaries of that system, including the ancestors of David Cameron," the NCR said in a media release yesterday.

Cameron's ancestors were among the wealthy families who received generous reparation payments that would be worth millions of pounds today.

The British government paid out £20 million to compensate some 3,000 families who owned slaves for the loss of their property when slave-ownership was abolished in Britain's colonies after the passing of the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1833. A total of £10 million went to slave-owning families in the Caribbean and Africa, while the other half went to absentee owners living in Britain.

The compensation records show that General Sir James Duff, an army officer and MP for Banffshire in Scotland during the late 1700s, was Cameron's cousin and son of one of Cameron's great-uncles, the second Earl of Fife.

He was awarded £4,101, equal to more than £3 million today, to compensate him for the 202 slaves he forfeited on the Grange Sugar Estate in Jamaica.

"If he comes to Jamaica and he does not make an apology and he does not engage in the process of reparatory justice, to me, it would be doing a disrespect to the people of Jamaica".

 riminister

Dr. Ben Carson's Closed Minded Views

During slavery Blacks were :

Denied the right to be free

Denied the right for families to remain intact

Denied the right to be treated humanely

Denied the right to secure permanent dwelling

Denied the right to read and write

Denied the right to go to church

Denied the right to travel freely without the threat of capture, maiming, or death

Throughout the years after slavery Blacks were:-

Denied the right to vote

Denied the right to integrate in public spaces and institutions with whites

Denied to right sit at the front of buses

Denied the right to live without fear of being threatened, beaten, or murdered for being Black

Denied the right.......Denied the right......Denied the right......Denied the right...........

~ J.Y. Campbell

For so many years, Blacks have experienced trials and tribulations in the process of being denied their rights. However, now that some have progressed and gained wealth and fame, they have seemed to forget their history and feel that it is okay to deny other groups their rights. Such is the case with Dr. Ben Carson whose true feelings have come to light in his statement that Muslim American should not have the right to hold the highest office of President of the United States. Dr. Carson fails to remember that it was not long ago that Blacks, like himself, were thought of being incapable of holding leadership positions, let alone the office of the President of the United States. If such backward thought had continued among the majority population, then President Obama would not have had the opportunity to be leader of this great nation. As a Black man, it would have been expected that Dr. Carson would hope for other groups, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, to succeed to the best of their abilities in whatever they choose to do. But, obviously, he is closed minded and that is not what he stands for since he has already achieved fame and fortune.  

The Most Hilarious Political Rally in D.C.

Not sure if the segments from the Stop the Iran Deal Rally in D.C., captured by practically every television network, were a coincidence, but the videos showed that Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and their sidekick Sarah Palin led the most comical political rally to date. While the rally was intended to address a serious issue, the three amigos were nothing but fun to watch. It was hilarious to listen to the fighting words of hotel mogul, Trump, that included: "We are going to start winning bigly, on trade, militarily.” Yes, "bigly" this came out of Trump's mouth, but it never stopped there. “We will have so much winning if I get elected that you may get bored of winning. Amazing.... Believe me.” Guess delivering comments that make no sense is just good enough for the type of people Trump is attracting since they may not know any better! But, it could not get any worse with Sarah Palin who mixes up or jumbles her words which causes an inability to put a complete sensible sentence together. Her shouting in a shrill voice does not help the matter either. Ted Cruz's lala land rhetoric was expected - there was nothing new from him.  Overall, this rally was suppose to present speakers with sensible, thought provoking perspectives on a serious issue but it just didn't happen!

Same Old Misjustice! Racial Profiling of a Tennis Pro

The following post shows that it doesn't matter if a Black man in the U.S. works hard to achieve success in a profession and financially, he will still be subjected to discriminatory racial profiling by police officers. What a shame!

American James Blake, a former professional tennis player, was mistakenly slammed to the ground and detained by NYPD officers on Wednesday. Blake was taken down by five white NYPD officers who were in plain clothes because he was mistaken for a suspect in an identity theft ring happening around his hotel.

Blake was understandably scared, as Wayne Coffey from the New York Daily reports:

The incident occurred around noon in front of the Grand Hyatt on East 42 St., as Blake, a 35-year-old African-American who attended Harvard before going on tour, was waiting for a car to take him to Flushing Meadows, where he was making corporate appearances for Time-Warner Cable.

“It was definitely scary and definitely crazy,” said Blake, who suffered a cut to his left elbow and bruises to his left leg.

The news comes eerily on the same day as Thabo Seflosha requested a full trial to exonerate himself from an incident with the NYPD outside a nightclub where his leg was broken.

During his long career, Blake was one of the most popular players in tennis. He reached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings.

No Excuses to Fail in United States Schools

This morning an NPR report commented on the plight of low income youth who are left out in the cold since parents are unable to afford the costs of their participation in extra-curricular activities such as football. This discussion and other conversations have continued to indicate that some parents' goal is for their children to become football, basketball, and other athletic stars rather than an interest in the child obtaining a solid education that will ultimately increase the chances to escape a life of poverty. Education continues to take a back seat as excuses continue that low income youth do not have a chance to succeed due to poverty, failing schools, undesirable living environment, no extra-curricular activities, etc., etc., etc. So, the cycle of poverty continues from generation to generations who have no problems affording the latest phones and electronic gadgets for their homes. Yet, when taking a look at the lives of youth in developing Caribbean or African countries, it is always inspiring to see children who may not have a satisfactory pair of shoes or uniform still do all that is possible to walk miles to school through dangerous conditions or terrain every single day. Many cannot afford books and do not have electricity to study or running water but they overcome such barriers to excel and successfully complete a difficulty curriculum to be awarded entry into local universities or even gain scholarships to the United States or United Kingdom where they excel. These students who may be dirt poor know the value of having an education - they have no excuses to be the best students.

President Maduro Warmly Welcomed in Jamaica

While many countries have been trying stay away or isolate themselves from Venezuela's President Maduro, that is not the case with Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller who joyfully welcomed him to Jamaica over the weekend. Over the year, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations have benefited from the PetroCaribe agreement with Venezuela which allows special oil purchase arrangements. Madura is also in Jamaica to co-chair a summit attended by Caribbean heads to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Petro-Caribe agreement. Further, in light of the poverty in his nation, Madura is also in attendance for the official opening of his millions of dollar gift to Jamaica - the Simon Bolivar Cultural Center.

Be Open to Changes - Nothing Stays the Same

There are so many complaints against changes in life. Some people fear immigrants coming to "their" country since there is apprehension in a change in the dominance of the population. But, in this revolving world, nothing is expected to remain the same. The time will come when everything must change. A neighborhood will not remain predominantly Black, White, Asian, Italian American, Irish, etc., etc., etc., since diversity will cause others to eventually move in to areas that are race or culture classified. The multi million dollar buildings that are erected today will be torn down tomorrow to make way for more modern structures. The practices that we cherish today and try to maintain will be outdated tomorrow. Change is expected. Change is natural. Change cannot be resisted by remaining stuck in the past. So, embrace change because it is coming sooner than later.

Life Can Quickly Change From Prosperity to Nothing

Negative feedback posted on a website to describe the people and surroundings at a bus station in a well known city brought awareness that these comments are a perfect example with what is wrong in America. The writers seemed to have no compassion for the homeless - only selfish innuendos. Most people believe that they have reached a level where they are safe so they will never experience poverty or homelessness or close to that status. So, these holier-than-thou people will vilify and write disparaging comments about people who have become homeless may be due to unforeseen circumstances. The feedback mentioned words such as "fear" "do not look them in the eye", "up-to-no-good", "get away quickly", etc. etc.  However, some people do not seem to realize that danger comes in all forms including the all American professionally dressed person whose main intentions is to engage customers in bad deals to rip them off. Too often people mistake in a negative way anything that is black or poor or ethnic or make them feel uncomfortable since it does not meet the American standard of acceptance. The next time anyone comes across a homeless man, woman, or child, remember that history has shown that with a snap of a finger even the wealthy and famous have become homeless. So, you can too!

Migrant Crisis in Europe - U.S. Must Bear Some of the Burden

Migrants and refugee generally do not leave their countries because they develop a great hatred for the land of their birth. Many hold out until the last moment before they have no choice but to flee. Their dissatisfaction and need to leave often stems from economic or politically related difficulties that make it unbearable to continue to live in these countries. Therefore, had it not been for such issues, then citizens of leading nations in Europe and the United States would not have to constantly complain about migrants or refugees flooding their country.  A yearning to return home never dies and is prevalent for the migrant/refugee especially when they experience unexpected difficulties while living in their adopted land. The Syrians are examples of refugees who are forced to flee from their native land as a result of death and devastation from the civil war, but many have not lost that special love for the country they have lived in for so many years. If it was not for Europe's blind eye to the atrocities that has been plaguing the Syrians and Europe's lack of intervention, then may be the continent would not have to now deal with such an unmanageable migrant crisis. Furthermore, United States may be breathing a sigh of relief that due to its distant location, the nation will not have to deal with the current migrant crisis in Europe. However, history will show that the United States is equal in their failure to intervene during the initial stages of Syria's civil war. This mean that the U. S. must share in the burden with the European nations to take some of the refugees.

Athletes, Think About Changing Allegiance

The IAAF World Championship is now underway in Beijing, China and, similar to the Olympics the track and field event showcases the talents of the best athletes around the world. Throughout the years, some of these athletes have switched their allegiance from their native country to represent the United States. Athletes who switch may see, at present, more advantages in representing the United States such as securing lucrative endorsement or sponsorship from major corporation; having access to top training facilities; and simply enjoying the status of representing the United States. Whatever the case, it is important for these athletes to also consider what happens after the glory of their winning streak ends. At this world championship in China, there is an athlete who switched allegiance and has previously successfully represented the United States at a number of championships including the Olympics. However,it is seen from the current championship and others that this athlete has been gradually sidelined from races once dominated and limited instead to perform in one race only. This track and field athlete, like others, will eventually be forgotten as younger star athletes are discovered.  As companies move on to the next rising star athlete, the once lucrative endorsement will end as quickly as it was implemented. In other countries, however, a track and field top performer is never forgotten even after death. Their fame and fortune continue after leaving the sport, and this allows them to become an influential force in their countries. The glories will continue for a long time to come for athletes who are honored to represent their countries.

African American Ballerinas Still Have A Very Long Way To Go

 Misty Copeland's rise to principal dance for ABT must be applauded. However, her achievement is a very small step in an industry that will not give any consideration to outstanding African American ballerinas with darker skin than Copeland. DePrince pictured above had to migrate to Holland to be recognized as an exceptional dancer. Her situation is a reminder during earlier years when African American musicians, entertainers, writers, etc. had to migrate to Europe where they were accepted and respected for their talents. Below is an article on DePrince's return visit to the U.S. to share her experiences with young African American ballet students. She must be commended for taking the time to make these youngsters know that with hard work, they have the ability to become premier ballerinas.....unfortunately not with closed-minded U.S. city ballet companies but in foreign countries where they will be given a chance. 

International Ballerina Michaela DePrince Teaches, Inspires At Miami Gardens Studio

PBS - Black Balerina Documentary