Keep It Movin

Another week has come and gone and the challenges of urban America continue to grow.  Many of these challenges are well documented by the media and have become conversations at town hall meetings, community centers, Faith Based organizations and at houses of faith.  The solutions to these growing issues have so far resulted in a few if any noteworthy outcomes.  Needless to say, more work needs to be done and more people need to become actively engaged in the overall process to find answers. 

There are a number of ways in which to view what is happening in urban America.  On one hand, these growing challenges include high rates of poverty, increasing gun and domestic violence, a growing drug trade, expanding urban food deserts, limited access to health care, and lack of affordable quality housing and finding a livable wage job.   On another hand these growing challenges require additional social and governmental services to manage and deal with each unique crisis.  This in turn has created jobs in the areas of human services, social work, law enforcement, mental health and health care. 

Yet on another hand these growing challenges have create an illuminating cultural awareness that seemly looks the other way, ignores the “bad and ugly” and only focuses on things, programs, construction projects and initiatives that help bring out the best of the city.  This is not an uncommon attitude or position to have in terms of how people want their city to be perceived by others, big business, future conferences and for major sporting events.    

To be clear about it, we all desire that our urban city be seen in a positive light and as a city on the move, with things to do, place’s to go, exciting entertainment, sports, promising careers and wonderful people.  In addition, we all want the very best for ourselves, family, neighbors and community.  However, the truth is just as hard to face and to deal with when we know that so much of what we desire for a certain aspect of our city is not going to happen anytime soon.  In the true light of indifference and complex views in perceptions of what is a “great city,” we will always struggle to find a direction that fits.   Regardless of what is happening around us, we “cannot stop” moving forward.  What do you think?              

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

Deal or No Deal

The game show “Deal or No Deal” first appeared in America in December 2005 and ended in 2009.  The show was big hit with over 10-16 million viewers each episode during its first full season.  During the game, one contestant chooses one briefcase at a time from a selection of 26.  Each briefcase contained a cash value from $.1 to $1,000,000.  To start the game the contestant would select one briefcase that would remain on the table by them. 

It was over the course of the game that the contestant would begin to eliminate a few of the other briefcases at a time by having them opened by those holding them.  Periodically and after the opening a few cases the game would be stopped by the host and the contestant would be presented with a money “deal” from the Banker who was located upstairs in a darken room and would call the host by phone with the offer.  The Banker would make an offer to the contestant to stop now and take the money before continuing on with the game.  The offered amount would be based upon what the remaining dollar amounts left in briefcases not opened.  Then the contestant would have to make a decision to the take the “deal” or say “no Deal.”   

The process of opening briefcases would continue throughout the game and as more brief cases were opened the “deal” and amount of money being offered by the Banker would go up or down based solely on what the remaining dollar amounts where in the unopened briefcases. As time as time when on and more briefcases were opened the tension would build and the contestant would have to seek out help from the audience, family members and friends.  The question remained “do I take the money and quit or should I go on and believe that the first briefcase I selected is the right one with a lot of money?    

Similarly, it feels the same as if we were on the game show... with this new proposed sports arena for downtown Milwaukee.  Each week something new and another briefcase is opened and adds more to the mountain of information; public financing, timelines to make a decision, public input, promotion, county, state and city government.  All we can hear is ... “let get this arena deal done.”  The real sad thing about these kinds of situations or deals is that it is a recurring theme that is echoing all across America... it’s another city, difference people but the same music.  Don’t get me wrong... I am for progress, economic growth, job creation and moving forward... it’s not the overall concept of the “deal” that concerns me and others...it’s the specifics that may be a cause for alarm.  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When Education Matters

Nearly all parents are glad that a new school year has begun.  Most have been looking forward to the new school year since the end of the last one.  There are a number of reasons for such excitement including the amount of money spent over the summer, keeping their children safe, additional day care costs, finding a job for the teenager, being the chauffeur to and from youth activities and worried about the amount of time their children are left at home along.   

Since the founding of America, education continues to be a key cornerstone in our society that crosses every culture and ethnic group.  The education systems of our nation include both public and private schools on secondary and post-secondary levels.  A year does not go by in which every secondary school system in America goes through some kind of review process by educators, administrators, parents, advocates, elected board and general public.  The primary focus of the process is to ensure that schools operate efficiently, within budget and teachers provide grade level instruction that is age appropriate and that also meet local and national educational standards.  

One of the real challenges of education today is its rising cost and how to keep it affordable in the future.  The primary funding for all public schools comes from the state and local property taxes.  And because of this reality, funding for each school varies from district-to-district, city-to-city and state-to-state.  In contrast, urban school districts struggle each year to provide a high level of academic support for students due to a lower tax base that come from lower property values.  It’s not the same with suburban schools that are able to provide more simply because of more funding that comes from a higher property tax base.  Because of this glaring gap in funding, urban schools are unable to be on the same level as those schools in suburbia. How to close this gap still stirs much debate. 

It is indeed a challenging time for parents with the start of school, but there are also some great expectations and opportunities.  Besides buying some new clothes, medical exams, vaccinations, a book bag, supplies; there is also a need for children to read, learn math and understand science on grade level.  Additionally, there is a need for all parents to become more active and involved in the education of their children.  Of course there is a need for some faith that the upcoming school year will be a great one, safe and that the school selected will be a good fit.  Like it or not, good or bad, a new school year is upon us.  So the question is... “Are we ready for this school year and what can we do to make if even better?”  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When 'Straight Outta' Matters

The recent opening of a new movie called “Straight Outta Compton” certainly had a lot of people on edge.  Many movie theaters took extra precautions with additional security and the local law enforcement on alert if something happen.  No one knew what to expect and how it would be received.  But to everyone surprise the movie was a big hit: no disruptions, riots, outrage and disorderly conduct.  But nothing happen!!!

Universal Studios took the risk to produce this movie based on the rap group N.W.A from the 1980’s.  And now it is reaping the rewards and after just two weeks the movie has been at the top of the box office in US ticket sales with over $112 million so far.  What a gamble, since the last such movie based on a singing group the “Four Seasons” released by Warner Bros. and called the “Jersey Boys” did not fair that well.  Was it a matter of good timing, good marketing and promotion or an understanding about where we are in our national discourse about race in America?        

To me the movie was more than just looking at the rise of rap group that exploded upon the national scene, gained a following and launched the future careers of some of its member to unparalleled success in music, production, directing, TV and in movies.  But they were able to capture the real life struggles of those living in the inner city.  It also included issues in personal relationships, hustles, black-on-black gang violence, poverty, crime, justice, drug trade, street survival and mistreatment by law enforcement.  Many of the things they spoke about and lived through continue to resonate even today. 
   

Even the media critics saw the strength, message and the mission of the movie.  In so many ways the movie captured a period of uncertainty and downward spiral within many Black communities.  It also exposed the linger gap in community leadership, meaningful employment and the abandonment of those living in the inner city of America. To my surprise the interest and acceptance of this move by a younger generation of African Americans also reflected a growing need to take a serious look at history, the roads taken and paths walked.  We all are   “outta” some place...if we claim it or not.  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When Hip Hop Matters

I know that the founding fathers of our great country did not see this coming...not at all... and perhaps they would be just as lost as many of us baby boomers are today in understanding and embracing the world of “Hip Hop.”  It is not just the music; but it is a culture all to itself.  I know what you are thinking and I am with you... as a baby boomer myself, I find it hard to put my hands around this new culture at times, its style, flavor and message...and that is putting it mildly.

What began as an organic cultural expression that has its roots in other music genres of African Americans including slave songs, Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock and roll, soul, funk, and disco; “Hip Hop” continues to evolve.  Just like the musical genres that preceded it, “Hip Hop” has become more than just a musical expression; it has become a way of life for a newer and younger generation.  It has affected us all.  
  

What a phenomenon!  Its growth and expansion has become so big that it has sparked a new movement and created a cultural shift that continues to shape and reshape the way things are viewed, marketed and remembered.  It has changed our music, language, technology, dress codes and now generates more than $10 billion per year.  Hip Hop is not just an African American thing; it has impacted the entire nation, future generations, but also the global community.  It has moved beyond its musical roots of rap, rhyming speech that is chanted, DJing/scratching, break dancing and graffiti writing.  It has transformed into a dominant and ever increasingly lucrative lifestyle.  It’s a lifestyle that has sparked the creation of new industries within fashion, accessories, foods, hair styles, cars, houses and new technologies.    

For those who see this “Hip Hop” culture as a bad thing and at times some of it has been destructive, but I see something more...much more.  Before this “Hip Hop” culture passes the torch to the next musical genre era... it has also becoming a movement that is inspiring people to vote, become active in civil rights, politics, economic development, better housing, expanded health care for all, improving the quality of education and most of all... it is helping to build some self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth.  It one thing to become rich from this moment in the movement... it’s another thing to help others to improve the quality of their lives before it ends.    What do you think?             

When Leadership Matters

 It is truly amazing that most people have a hard time in acknowledging true leadership when they see it before their very own eyes.  Many are quick to point out the qualities of what should be in a “good” leader, their habits, passion and vision.  They can also point to what are the qualities of a “bad” or “poor” leader.  The real point is that there are leaders all around us; we see them every day, for leaders are people who lead other people with a purpose. 

The real problem is that we have a difficult time really understanding what leadership is and what it takes to be a so call “good” leader.   Leadership has difference meanings because of   situations, cultures and by career.  In some aspects a person can be seen as a leader due to their role within a certain community, context, event, and job or during a crisis.  In some unique situations, leaders and leadership takes various forms that are reflective of the needs of that organization, company or group of people.  And with all the issues we are facing within law enforcement, education, health care, social services, and housing; we need true leadership.   

Today, the greatest need for our nation is to have men and women to become effective leaders in communities, cities and across the nation. This includes having leaders at every level of our society, regardless of their age, race, ethnic background and religious faith.  We need leaders who are transformational, authentic, path finding and servants.  It is one thing to rise to the top of a company, a CEO, an Executive Director, manager, or an elected Official; but it is another thing to become a the leader when it matters the most and the quality of life for others is at stake and their lives do matter. 

In my view, true leaders are not known by what they say, but rather by what they get done.  And that is where we are falling short, we have a lot of people “saying it loud and saying it proud,” but where are the results or the noteworthy outcomes?  Some people are in leadership for their own personal gain and pretend to lead when helps them to look good.  I also know that leadership is without easy answers and that someone has to be in charge to take the credit or the blame.  But I believe that real leaders always emerge from the crowd when the stakes are high and failure is not an option.  What do you think?             
 

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

 

When Justice Matters

Just like a page out of US History, we are witnessing and reliving events that reveal an ugly truth about our nation’s past... “Some people's lives do not matter.” With each passing day, another incident grips the headlines and shockingly exposes what so many of us already know that our criminal justice system needs an overhaul.  And soon, if not already there, we are coming to an impasse of what to do about it.  Clearly, what is going down is not working.   

Today, many see our criminal justice system as being flawed and out of balance... especially when you consider that people of color are disproportionately paying a higher price when it comes to charges, length of sentences and incarceration.  And it does not stop there, even after paying the fines, serving time and reentry back into the community there is an ongoing stigma that comes along with being involved with the criminal justice system.  For many the nightmare never stops and getting back to some kind of normal life is an ongoing battle. 

Not only are we wrestling with the social impact of a broken system, we are also dealing with a system that is becoming overwhelmed with the sure volume of societal problems that are “out of sight” and “out of mind.”  And with the emergence of videos by “John Q Public” being produced via cell phones and shared on the internet has opened our eyes to the good, the bad, the ugly and the just awful in real time.  These “game changer” videos have added to the need for more system reform and a challenge to the status quo. 

Let’s get real about it; many of our problems are deeply rooted cultural biases that continue to create barriers to reforming our criminal justice system.  At the center of it all is the troubling fact that “racism and poverty,” are major factors.  Additionally, it’s seems that more “gray” areas are now appearing, where there are unknowns and it keeps us asking the question, “How can we make the system better for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status?”  I don’t know about you, but it’s time for a change and where all lives matter.  And in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  What do you think?