black in america

Hi all, it's Keir again. Hope you're enjoying your summer!

So, this past Wednesday July 23rd and Thursday July 24th, a documentary called Black in America premiered on CNN. Each show was two hours, starting at 9 p.m.; the first one was called "The Black Woman and Family", the second was called "The Black Man."

One of the most touching moments to me, was the old woman on "The Black Woman and Family" who was living in Harlem. She said that it was easier for her to eat junk food, because there was no place to get fresh food and vegetables nearby. As a result of her bad eating habits (as well as stress due to that and her everyday living situation), she had constant health problems and was in and out of the hospital.

There is a similar old woman where I work in New York. Her name is Miss Maggie, and she lives in Harlem too. Every week, my aunt likes to bring her some fresh fruit; whether it be ripe cantaloupe, watermelon or a few strawberries. She always sets aside some fruit for Miss Maggie. As expensive as food is these days, the gratefulness in Miss Maggie's face and voice keeps her giving. This is what I thought of, when I saw the old woman crying on TV, and when I heard a voice say that it was easier to find a gun in her neighborhood than a tomato.

Other than that, I'm not going to give my opinion on it. I think everyone should watch it and make their own decision about it. If you missed the premiere on Wednesday and Thursday, a repeat is showing tonight, July 26th and tomorrow, July 27th on CNN, at 8 p.m.

jesse jackson vs. obama

Hello all, it's Keir again.

I know on the last post, I had talked about Barack Obama being the democratic nominee for President. While what I want to discuss is still Obama, it's less optimistic on my part.

I'm sure you've all heard about Jesse Jackson's recent crude remarks about Obama. If not, you can read about it here.

I don't think this is going to have a big effect on his campaign, or the division or unity of the democratic party itself, but I think that as the minority, Blacks need to stick together and support each other. Whether Jackson said what he said out of jealousy, or personal dislike, or whatever reason it may be, it was inappropriate and unneccessary. And as such an important historical figure, he should be setting a better example.

That's all I have to say. What do you think?