GLOBAL BLACKNESS: We Are Everyone: Intimidated by the Grandeur of Black World History?

Nayara Justino thought her dreams had come true when she was selected as the Globeleza carnival queen in 2013 after a public vote on one of Brazil's biggest TV shows. Subscribe to The Guardian ► http://is.gd/subscribeguardian But some regarded her complexion to be too dark to be an acceptable queen.

NAYARA JUSTINO (sOURCE: uol)

While I am happy for Nayara Justino... and I know that there is a good percentage of the populace that needs to be struck in the head with the reality of that barbaric, satanic, historical experience...
I do not have it in me to watch another TV or Cinema production about the Black "slave" experience.
I just can't.
There are many that are intimidated by the grandeur of Black world history. They are afraid that, to address the whole of Black culture and personality would diminish theirs.
But when has that ever happened?
Where in history have we done anything but enhance and enrich every thing around us?
Who can say that they are not better for Black style and influence... and say it without Black contributions to their "voice"?
We are more than just the result of oppression and abuse. We have more to say than to scream out in pain... 
"We" are everyone. "We" own everyone's stories.
This is why I art.
I want to help to show the world a complete human existence, one "work" at a time...
And help it be made whole.
Ambitious?
So be it.

~ Grey

PARADIGM SHIFT: Remember Who You Are

William Leidesdorff, Jr :: America's Forgotten First Black Millionaire And Inventor of San Francisco (SOURCE: THE DAILY BEAST)

wILLIAM leidesdorff HISTORICAL MARKER: PHOTO BY CHARLES RIGGS (sOURCE: WELLS FARGO BLOG)

Whenever I look around "the 'hood" and see the Salons, Barbershops and Churches that are Black-owned, I am struck by the false narrative shadowing our view of American Black business culture.
In fact, there are still many other Black-owned businesses in neighborhoods like these, it just isn't publicized.
Why?
This country is built on Black inventions, and many were able to gain patents that provided the beginnings of real wealth.
The "Black Wall Street" and "Rosewood" massacres did not happen because Blacks were unable to build successful business communities.
In fact, many became millionaires deep into the 1800's.
The story has been told and highlighted in a way to convince everyone that investment in a Black-owned business is historically wasted money.
Blacks have even started to believe it themselves.
How is this dangerous image reshaped?
How does a Black person do fair business in an environment that is slanted against perceived investment value?
As a producer, one can only focus on the competitive quality of product and sharper presentation.
Is that enough? Probably not... 
But maybe baring witness to the true reality... being proactive in shaping the perspective... is a step in the right direction.
We will see...

~ Grey