Saving Our Own Community

September 28, 2022October 23, 2022 R.L. Witter

Teach Appreciation and Gratitude

Welcome to The Positive Community’s (TPC) Fall Education Focus. In this issue, we’re happy to feature two dynamic leaders in education and public service: Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.; President, Kean University in NJ; and Hon. Inez E. Dickens, NYS Assemblywoman from Harlem.

On behalf of co-publisher, Jean Nash Wells and TPC family, we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our readers, dear sponsors/advertisers and the many faith institutions (pg.7) that have said “Yes” to a positive, community building ideal! And we press on for positive change: in the home, schools, our faith institutions— our community; positive change in public and private institutions, community/corporate relations, and international affairs, and race relations too!

The Challenge

Most of us are not too happy with the image of our young people as it is projected in popular media today. Think of it, we’re now living at a time when the contents of rap lyrics can be used to convict an “artist” of violent crimes; a time when our precious young women would debase themselves in the worst possible ways on the public airways and across multiple music platforms.

And yes, shame on the Fortune 500 corporations, especially those in the music and entertainment industries—robbing children of their dignity and innocence! Those who would reap huge profits from the sordid, wicked, enterprise of mass marketing the Seven Deadly Sins to our young, our poor and the unlearned as an attractive life style choice. Shame on those among us who would know better, but simply choose to look the other way!

Perhaps in our community’s push toward integration and inclusion, the African American people have all but surrendered their cultural sovereignty to large corporations. Through well financed ownership of media and entertainment properties that target Black consumers, we have allowed others to entrench themselves, to dictate fashion and trends; to influence and determine what’s important for us and our children—on their terms.

We the People

Racism, oppression, trauma, guilt and fear, be damned! A new season of positive change is now upon us. A time for the forward thinkers, the people of God to reclaim the territory and prosper!

Is it not a truth that we the people, are ultimately responsible for: 1) the progress of our children. 2) The dignity and integrity of our African American culture, values and traditions—our collective soul? Never forget: the only way we can ever be denied our own blessings and talents is if we deny them for ourselves! After all, at the end of the day, the culture belongs to the people, and not the person or people with the most money!

Our Narrative

We win only if each of us would commit to teaching a young child appreciation and gratitude—essentials of positive change! Yes, let us boast appreciation for our own American story; and share a debt of gratitude to all who suffered and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today! Let’s celebrate our group achievements—our claim on the American Dream—on our own terms!

The great African American Cultural Narrative was first published 10 years ago in 2012 in anticipation of the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 2013. Study it for yourselves. What was first published 10 years ago is as true today as it will be even 50 years from now! The Cultural Narrative is the truth about who we really are: Liberated, beloved sons and daughters of The Most High God; mighty decedents of the Great Emancipation—1863! And that is our story—our American narrative!

Our Music; Our Soul

Teach the children. Teach them about music, song and musical instruments—about our music—all of it. Talk about our people’s enormous, creative contributions to the American soul and world popular culture. Teach music appreciation, and cultural literacy; instruct them in the fine arts; encourage appreciation and gratitude. Inspire within their souls a real hunger for truth and an unquenchable thirst for righteousness! The church of the future will address these cultural and spiritual matters!

Positive Community Radio (TPC Radio) is the soundtrack that reflects a spirit of positive change, streaming live, 24/7 on positivecommunity.com.(and all smart speakers). TPC Radio gets the people’s music right! We play only the very best of everything, a world-class sound, “In Classic Black.” Come on home to the melodies, harmonies and rhythms of a loving and gifted race—“the real power of Soul!”

Many will say that they already have their own personal music playlists and listening devices. Our response: Tune in to TPC Radio as an exercise in spiritual and cultural unity. Feel the music as a friend or neighbor would receive it! TPC Radio is a shared experience. TPC Radio is about community progress and loving service; cultural pride, songs of freedom, love and wholesome fun! Indeed, we do this because it is our absolute divine right and our patriotic duty to preserve, protect and promote our very best—America’s best. TPC Radio: For Music Lovers Only!

Potentials and Possibilities

So don’t fret or be dismayed that the “enemies of progress” would prosper in these evil times; let the negative take care of the negative! Affirm and embrace the positive and keep it moving—forward! For we are about our Heavenly Father’s business—the business about the future—positive change! A most noble and righteous cause!

Always remember, culture is to a community, nation or race, what the soul is to a man or woman. Both enjoy potential and possibilities for survival beyond a single lifetime or generation when intelligently and lovingly nurtured. Teach appreciation and gratitude! Positive change affirms the dignity of our humanity! Strive to help the children learn to choose their heroes wisely. For each of us has been entrusted to ensure the survival and safe-passage of values from this generation to the next! Amen!