Political Hate Talk and The Safety of President Obama

by: Herndon Davis

There is seemingly a combination of conservative media and “political hate talk” being generated and directed towards the Obama administration allowing extremist groups to receive their cues and direction.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.bet.com/News/Political_Hate_Talk_And_President_Obama_Safety?cid=idnb

Casting for Spiritual/Inspirational Short Film in Los Angeles

Everyone,

I'm shooting my 3rd short film in October in Los Angeles. I'm looking for both extras and principal actors. All principals should be unknown actors in their mid-twenties.

(1) Latino Male
(1) Asian Female
(1) White Female
(2) Black Males

Also looking for extras of all races and ethnicities. This is a spiritual/inspirational piece mainstream in nature. Please send links to demos or headshots to me directly at herndon@herndondavis.com or just direct me to people you think would be a good fit.

This is a non-union, micro-shoe string budget short (25 min or less) shot digitally.

Herndon

http://www.herndondavis.com/

Details Emerge About the Estate of Author E. Lynn Harris

by: Herndon Davis, Special to BET.com

New details are coming out of Hollywood about the literary legacy of popular author, E. Lynn Harris. Insiders reveal there’s a mad dash to figure out who owns the rights to Harris’ remarkable 12-book catalogue and his two soon-to-be-released novels. Read more at the link below:
http://www.bet.com/News/E_Lynn_Harris_Million_Dollar_Estate_Owner_Revealed.htm

HERE II HERE

Hey check out one of my favorite independent bands, HERE II HERE. They sing a combination of tribal pop and R&B with beautiful lyrics of peace, love and harmony. I will interview them on-camera this fall!! I'll keep you posted!

Herndon
http://www.diversitytv.tv/

What a Wonderful World

Recorded by Louis Armstrong

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

[Instrumental Break]

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Also check out an alternative version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XtLxzxQt3U

Celebrity Deaths Makes Us Rethink Life

by: Herndon L. Davis

www.herndondavis.com

The recent deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays all occurred under different circumstances yet they call together a common thread of thought, concern and resignation concerning our own impending demise from the planet we call home.

In actuality the death of any loved one, friend or co-worker tends to jolt us for a few days, weeks or several months. It temporarily gets us thinking about getting our financial house in order, creating wills, living trusts, and how we’d like for our wishes to be carried out in the event we are incapacitated. But the death of loved ones also gets us thinking about our own legacy and the gifts that we will leave to the world.

So with the public deaths of some of the world’s most famous and iconic figures in such close proximity it leaves us wondering what God trying to tell us. What is God trying to tell the world? And what lessons can we learn from the deaths of others? As morbid and as oxymoronic as it may sound, there is great life to be found through the death others.

With Michael Jackson we learned that living our lives through the lens of love is the only way to eternal peace, a peace that I feel Michael is in right now. With Farrah Fawcett we were taught bravery in the face of certain darkness and despair and in the process we were inspired to never give up no matter what. With Ed McMahon we were taught that our success and legacy doesn’t always have to be up-front-and-center but can also be supportive in nature. With Bill Mays we learned to use whatever gifts that we have in order to create a niche following and in the process create the joy and success that we seek in our lives.

And if you think about it long enough you too can glean lessons and pearls of wisdom from the deaths of others both famous and not-so-famous.

I remember I had a much older acquaintance who had written a trilogy of cookbooks but was reluctant to self-publish them. He continued to hold on to the nearly bygone era and idea of having a great big publishing company swoop in, pay him a big advance and then publish him to great wealth and notoriety. I twice provided him with resources to self-publish his books and the last time I spoke to him he was beginning to lean towards that direction. But sadly he died after a brief illness before being able to do it.

Today ideas, works, and talent are locked away never to be seen or heard from again. I learned from his death to never wait to have your talents discovered but instead have enough confidence and courage in yourself to promote the brilliance of who you are!

I remember another acquaintance I met through a mutual friend several years ago when I was moving from Atlanta to Los Angeles at a time when I didn’t know anyone in the city. I wanted to connect with him before I moved out west. In his email which I still have today, he stated “Come on out the water is fine.” Two years later he was dead.

Through his encouragement and by watching him live a successful life as an independent artist I knew that it was also possible for me to do the same thing. Although he lived a life of both struggle and joy he did so with grace, faith and with no public complaints. His death taught me to always go after your heart’s calling knowing that the rest will fall into perfect and divine order.

Although none of us can avoid the inevitability of death, we can certainly learn from it. We can take note of the guideposts and make course corrections within our lives. Hence we can never love too much. We can never create too much joy in our lives. We can never give back too much. And we can never become too much of the God-created image that we were meant to be.

So through the deaths of those around us and the public figures and celebrities who also pass on, I encourage all of us to rethink life, to rethink our personal lives as well as the direction in which we carry it and the vibrancy in which we live it.

Herndon Davis is a media consultant/journalist focusing on issues of diversity among people-of-color, women and LGBT. He can be reached at www.herndondavis.com

Why The Great Ones Leave So Soon: RIP Michael Jackson

Why The Great Ones Leave So Soon: RIP Michael Jackson
By: Herndon L. Davis
Source: http://www.herndondavis.com/

They’re God’s special gift to the world, the individuals who touch our hearts, move our souls and transform the entire world in the process. They are sparkles of light and gems of brilliance who when cloaked in the dress of humanity seem to spin the world around several rotations then tilt it on its ear when their job is finished and deemed “well done.”

Michael Jackson is not the first and certainly will not be the last universal gift of wonder, peace and humanity to depart from us seemingly way too soon. Whether famous or not, we have all known or will know individuals who have shined in our lives for a season only for us to either awaken or suddenly receive notice of their tragic demise.

On Thursday, June 25th when I read the first tweet on Twitter that Michael Jackson was being rushed to the hospital, I knew deep down inside that it was not a prank or a cruel hoax. I even thought about rushing down to UCLA Hospital just in case it was true in order to give a first hand media account of that day. But thirty minutes later when CNN indeed verified that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital, I instinctually knew that he was already gone or was in the delicate process of transitioning to a higher dimension of light and peace.

Although much of the world has grieved, cried or felt a deep sense of sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson, I oddly have felt only relief and a sense of happiness to know that Michael’s long and short, successful but torturous journey in this human dimension was finally over. And of course I felt a deep sense of sorrow for his three children, parents and siblings who must bury their father, son and brother. But for Michael I could only feel relief.

In fact I felt an increasing sense of renewal knowing that Michael’s essence had only been redirected to a higher vibration of awareness and creativity and that he continues to live forever just as he had wished. Initially I did not feel I had really been affected by Michael’s music as much as others until I started hearing it all over again. It was then that I began to recognize just how spiritual Michael Jackson was and how he had grown to become a citizen of the world, a forbearer of peace and a touchstone of love.

To quote my friend Harrison who really states it best “It only takes the power of one human being to bring about a level of inspiration and influence which transcends his or her existence to permanently alternate human direction. Michael Jackson is indeed one of those human beings.” Notice how he used the word “is” versus “was.” This is because Michael’s magic lives on today in all of us whether we’ve heard or even liked his music because Michael’s music is the music of spiritual Oneness that reassures us that we are not alone.

Although we may have pop-locked and moon walked throughout many of Michael’s songs, if you listen carefully you will see that much of his music had a deeper message, a double message, a hidden message and a message that remains relevant to this day. How else can you explain how the entire world from prison inmates to children born a few years ago are able to identify with him, mimic his moves on YouTube and feel a sense of connection with this man?

It is simply the oneness of the soul or “The Power of One” as my friend Harrison explained. Michael like all of us was a Spiritual being who had a human experience. The Spirit in us recognized and honored the Spirit that lived in Michael Jackson hence expressing the principle of Oneness.

Yet still I cannot forget how deeply flawed a man Michael Jackson was reminding me that brilliance does not come without its costs. If we learn anything from Michael Jackson it isn’t the fact that he sold hundreds of millions of records, danced around the world, or even was the very sad and tragic consequence of a lost childhood. Instead I think that Michael Jackson’s life and death was engineered by a Supreme Higher Power, a Ruler of Wisdom and Knowledge and an Entity of Light and Peace that many of us have come to know as God in order to remind us that riches, fame and power cannot give us eternal joy or long term happiness.

As the world witnessed Michael Jackson was the happiest and the most joy-filled when he was with his children, the three loves of his life. He fully dedicated himself to them and for that I am certain they will be eternally grateful. So as I read and watch the media reports which inform us of how much Michael Jackson gained and lost on earth, I instead focus on his most precious gem that still lives on, the love that he gave to his family and to the world. This is the Michael Jackson that I have chosen to remember and this is the lesson that I have chosen to emulate from his extraordinary life and untimely death.

Rest In Peace Michael Jackson…….

Herndon Davis is a media consultant/journalist focusing on issues of diversity among people-of-color, women and LGBT. He can be reached a herndon@herndondavis.com or www.herndondavis.com

Iran's Youth and Women's Movements Analyzed

by: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

For nearly two weeks the ground shifting protests in Iran’s capital city of Tehran has seen an unprecedented number of young people and women who have risked their lives to speak back to the regime in opposition of the suspect re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Their faces, voices and deaths have become the symbol of what could possibly be seen as an emerging revolution. But amazingly none of this recent and historic activity can be credited to or actually began with the questionable Iranian presidential election. In fact for years prior to the June 2009 protests, Iran had already been undergoing a quiet but rapidly growing sexual revolution where young people, women, and gays have been speaking back to the regime with their bodies, behaviors and dress.

Previously an increasing number of women in Tehran had been wearing lipstick, gay nights were being held at night clubs, and the youth of Iran were beginning to speak more openly about sexuality, sexual activity and sexual identity all at the risk of being caught by Iran’s strict morality police. As a result, the world could potentially be witnessing a tipping point of Iranian political change chiefly credited to the long term simmering twin movements and efforts of Iran’s youth and women.

Iran’s Passionate Uprisings

In December 2008, this reporter interviewed Pardis Mahdavi, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Pomona College. She is also the author of the book, Passionate Uprising: Iran’s Sexual Revolution. Six months before Iran’s presidential protests, Mahdavi shared that Iran was undergoing massive internal changes led by its youth and women. The “revolution” she described was sexual in nature fought by the efforts of women and young people to redefine the social and sexual norms and behaviors of a rigidly fixed society.

Born and raised in the US, Mahdavi began writing about Iran’s Women’s movement shortly after turning 21 when she initially visited the country. And for seven consecutive years she spent several months at a time living in Tehran. She also lived there full time between 2004-2005. Her field work led Mahdavi into the unchartered world of Iranian young people and women who had already been discussing amongst themselves what they had termed as a sexual revolution underway in Iran.

These burgeoning Iranian social changes can actually be encapsulated into four categories which serve as both the backdrop and the springboard for Iran’s post-presidential election turmoil. The thirst and hunger for human rights combined with a boiling angst for personal and sexual freedoms has catapulted the Islamic Republic of Iran into brand new socio-political territory.

1. The Size of Iran’s Youth Population

Today 70 percent of Iran’s 70 million population is currently under the age 30 with 50% between ages 18-30 Mahdavi reports. She explains that the awkwardly skewed demographic is due to government polices which began shortly after the Iranian Revolution of 1978-79.

“In the 1980’s they [Islamic regime] enforced a pro-natalist policy whereby families were encouraged to have as many children as possible. And the way they encouraged it was by subsides. Any family that had five children or more got a free plot of land” she explained. She adds that the idea was to “Populate the nation with young people who would serve Islam.” In addition Iran also engaged in an eight year war with Iraq during the 1980’s and there was a strong nationalist desire to replenish its population.

This large community of young people are now questioning “why” and also questioning the authority which governs them. They’re young, oppressed and beginning to push back on the norms of society as they begin to understand themselves and the rest of the world. Much of their rebellion targets their required dress, gender separation and sexual behaviors.

“Young people are saying this is a regime that has either come to power or operationalized its power through a fabric of morality and we are going to attack the regime by attacking that morality. And we’re going to use our bodies we’re going to use our bodies speak back to the regime” exlains Mahdavi.

She elaborates that Iranian youth feel that “This is a regime that is so overly focused on our bodies, has laws about what we have to wear, Islamic dress codes, has laws about socializing. Young men and women who aren’t married shouldn’t socialize, no drinking, no dancing, no partying, no having fun.”

And in recent years Iranian youth have rejected these rigid rules by socializing between genders, hosting underground parties some of which turn into orgies and by listening to non-Islamic approved music.

“They’re using their bodies and engaging all these different types of behaviors to speak back to the regime.” Iranian youth are saying that “You haven’t won our hearts and minds. And we’re going to do this to show you that you haven’t won our hearts and minds. We’re going to carve out spaces for ourselves by engaging in social behaviors that the regime would deem immoral.”

And from an Islamic perspective Mahdavi explains that “Many of the young people I interviewed saw themselves very much as secular. We may be spiritual but because religion has been shoved down our throats we have problems sometimes with organized religion, sometimes with the fact that religion is running the country” the Iranian youth revealed to her.

But what about the morality police those individuals charged to ensure that the general public adheres to Iran’s strict religious based laws? “It becomes a numbers game because you have so many young people that the morality police cannot possibly arrest every single one of them for being subversive” Mahdavi explained.


2. Technology and Iran’s Youth

As witnessed by the Iranian presidential protests, young people have utilized the internet and cell phone technology to capture the most brutal and riveting images of the regime’s crackdown. Social media sites such as Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook have become the 21st century tools used to capture the opposition demonstrations in lieu of network television ground crews.

But months prior to these demonstrations, Iranian young people were already exploring the internet to understand what life was like outside of their country. They were also searching for answers to questions often deemed as taboo such as topics dealing with sex and sexuality. Similar to other young people from around the world they are curious about the intricacies of intimacy, sexual orientation, and the risks of HIV/AIDS.

According to Mahdavi “Persian which is the official langue of Iran is the third or fourth most used language on the blogosphere.” She adds that “At any given point and time there are millions of Iranians who are online. So they absolutely have access to this globalizing youth culture. And so I think they could be taking their cues from any number of places.”

According to her research although the average age of marriage may be 25, the average age of first sexual intercourse is 15. “There is a ten year gap between when people first start engaging in sexual behavior and when they get exposed to the education about managing the risks and about managing sexual health.”

And for Iranian youth who go against religious law and engage in pre-marital sex, they’re often forced to do so without condoms thus increasing their risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. “Pre marital sex is illegal so a young unmarried person is not going to feel very comfortable walking into a pharmacy to purchase condoms. Technically the pharmacist wouldn’t ask for a marriage license but they might harass them.”

Mahdavi adds that the typical rhetoric of many young Iranians when it comes to the fear HIV/AIDS is that “I’m more afraid of getting caught by the morality police or my uncle than I am of getting HIV. If I get HIV I’ll deal with it then but right now I’m trying to get by on a day to day basis.”

3. The Memory and the High Education of Women

There is a segment of older Iranian women who remember a much better life under the Shah of Iran. During this era, women actually lived with more basics freedoms to vote and to hold political office. But after the Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile and repealed those advances and reinstituted extremely rigid and strict moral code of law which came down harshly upon women.

But Iranian women still continued to push for reform buoyed by their higher education; women make up 65% or more of university students. They were also inspired by past Iranian women who prior to the Iranian Revolution held Cabinet level government positions and who had contributed heavily to the scientific, literary, and arts movements.

“Women are very strong and very prominent in Iran. Islamic dress is much more harsh on women. Intellectually they’re also very strong, very goal oriented. The woman cowering behind her veil is very wrong. Women are reasserting their sexuality” explains Mahdavi. She added that women still excel in other areas of life citing examples that there are “Women race car drivers, champion women golfers, horseback riders, and Nobel prize women” who are Iranian.

Another example of Iran’s women’s sexual revolution was their fight to wear open toe shoes something that might appear to be frivolous to American’s but was a monumental victory for Iranian women.

Mahdavi recounts that “In the summer of 2002 and 2003 young women pretty much decided to come out en masse all of them wearing open toe shoes. Now maybe the first thousand or the first ten thousand could get arrested. The fact of the matter is you cannot possibly arrest a hundred thousand women wearing flip flops. Picture arresting a hundred thousand women wearing flip flops. It’s just not possible. So what happened? Young people can now wear flip flops or open toe shoes. Now that’s just something they’re not going to get arrested for. We may not see that as a lot but it is a lot and it is significant because it’s them speaking back to the regime and the regime has no choice but to sort of accept it.”

Mahdavi also details in her book when she and a female friend were driving back from a party. “We’re wearing tight outer coats, my friend is wearing a lot of makeup, our head scarves are slipping pretty far back and the morality police pull us over and all they want to do basically is flirt with us and ask us out [on a date] instead of arresting us. It’s a numbers game. They can’t arrest everyone. There’s been a lot more space for social behaviors.”

4. Iran’s Gay Community

Under the Shah of Iran gay rights and homosexuality in general was tolerated. In fact there were even night clubs that catered to this community. But all of that changed after the Iranian Revolution. Since then public hangings, lashings and intense rhetoric against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has been the method used by the regime to oppress this community.

In 2007, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad publicly denied the existence of gays within his country at a speech given at Columbia University in New York City. But still a quiet sexual revolution had already begun to take place over the years in the city of Tehran where some nightclubs started to once again host gay nights. Further, online Iranian LGBT communities have sprouted up providing a connection and support under the oppressive regime.

“Now you have gay night [at night clubs] which you wouldn’t have had seven years ago. And we have to really credit the youth movement for creating that space.” And identical to straight youth, gays also have their challenges in obtaining knowledge and using protection against HIV/AIDS. “HIV I think is a big problem but we don’t have good statistics on it. We don’t have good base line data on it. I think many people are afraid to get tested or they just don’t” Mahdavi explains.

In May 2009, Iran’s Health Ministry reported that there are nearly 20,000 people in Iran who are HIV positive. The highest infection rate (40.2 percent) occurred among men between the ages of 25 to 34. In total 13.5 percent of all cases were contracted through sexual contact with 77.5 percent through intravenous drug use. Iran is reported to have some of the highest rates of drug use in the world along with a rising number of intravenous drug users. The nation is also bordered by the opium generating country of Afghanistan

So What’s Next?

As of June 2009 many question marks remain concerning the future of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Everyday the twin youth and women’s movements are converging upon the overall desire for human rights. Will there be another Iranian Revolution or will the regime stay in power, badly weakened but empowered nonetheless. And will the outside world place additional pressure of isolation as its response? In the days, weeks, and months to come either ground shifting history will be made or fierce suppression will continue. The people of Iran and the world deserve far better than the latter option

Herndon Davis is a media consultant/journalist focusing on issues of diversity among people-of-color, women and LGBT. He can be reached at www.herndondavis.com

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Black Victims of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’

Black Victims of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’

Anthony Woods and Tommie Hawkins

by Herndon Davis

Source: http://www.laprogressive.com/2009/06/20/black-victims-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/

Over 60 years ago, President Harry S. Truman took a monumental step towards social progress by integrating the US armed forces and civil service. This action allowed African American soldiers to serve in integrated combat units alongside white soldiers. Today, another military battle rages over the issue of allowing openly gay and lesbian soldiers to serve alongside their straight counterparts. For years, gay and lesbian activists have been calling for the repeal of the military policy “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (DADT), which removes openly gay personnel from the armed forces.

Most of their efforts have largely been viewed as a gay white movement until now. Asian American First Lieutenant Dan Choi, an Arabic-speaking linguist has recently become a vocal critic of the policy. Choi, a West Point graduate and a combat veteran of the Iraq War is currently being discharged from the Army for admitting to being gay. He will soon join the 13,000+ men and women who have been discharged from the military under the policy costing tax payers nearly $400 million dollars in investigation, recruitment, retraining and separation costs.

To date many of the faces, voices and stories of African Americans who have been impacted by the Clinton-era policy have largely remained invisible and silent until now. Two black and openly gay men are speaking up and making a difference in the struggle to end DADT.
Anthony Woods graduated on the Dean’s List from West Point and later received his Master’s from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In between his education, he served two long deployments in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star by the US Army.

But Woods lived with the secret that he was gay and finally determined that he could no longer serve in silence under DADT. He was honorably discharged in 2008. Today at the age 28, he is running for US Congress in California ’s vastly white 10th Congressional District. The seat is expected to become vacant when Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) resigns to accept President Obama’s appointment as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

Tommie Watkins was once the admired and twice elected class president at Annapolis Naval Academy but he was abruptly kicked out of the Navy in 1997 when it was discovered that he was gay. Watkins was then ordered to pay back over $86K in tuition and interest to the United States government. But Watkins summoned the fortitude to sue the Navy and won. Today he is a vocal advocate for the repeal of DADT.

'I believe in being honest and I believe in integrity'

Although he did not fully become aware of his sexuality until his college years, Anthony Woods explains that if he had known earlier, he still would have joined the Army. “I wanted to serve my country and I wanted an opportunity to get a quality education and I wanted to serve in the military.” But his childhood dreams would soon come crashing to an end after he struggled for six months before coming to the conclusion that he could no longer serve in silence under DADT.

” I believe in being honest and I believe in integrity in every aspect of my life. And so Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was forcing me and I believe others to lie about who they are.” However the word “lie” is really subjective in the case of DADT which gives a very clear option for gays and lesbians to remain in the armed forces. In fact it is estimated that “Nearly 65,000 men and women in uniform are likely gay or lesbian” and that “An estimated 1 million veterans in the United States are gay men or lesbians” according to the Urban Institute, nonpartisan economic and social policy think tank.

So it would appear on the surface that there is some relative success with the DADT polices of the past 16 years. But according to Woods this couldn’t be further from the truth. “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell affects everyone differently and perhaps those 65,000 people are feeling differently about the policy. Those 13,500, myself included felt very differently about the policy.”

He adds that “In modern America I think there is something fundamentally wrong when the law says some segment of the population has to lie about who they are in order to not get fired.” To date, President Obama has yet to fulfill his campaign promise of repealing DADT much to the shock and ire of gay and lesbian activists. During a recent White House briefing press secretary, Robert Gibbs stated the president was seeking a “durable solution” in repealing DADT inferring that he preferred a legislative act versus issuing a presidential executive order.

However it has been over sixty years since President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 to integrate the armed forces thus creating an excellent example of a “durable solution” to a similar situation. But Woods still has faith in the president. During a recent interview with CNN’s Campbell Brown he stated “It’s a matter of all of us standing up and letting the president know that we have his back and that the time is now to get rid of the policy.”

But until that time comes Woods will be campaigning in Northern California in a crowded field of possibly ten candidates using all avenues possible to get the word out about his campaign. From his 4,000+ member Facebook presence to fundraisers being held across the country, he is steadily building up a financial war chest from men and women from all walks of life who believe in his principles. Furthermore. Woods insists that he is not a one-issue candidate. “That would be a waste of a lot of effort and a lot of time and squandered opportunity.”

He pledges to join the fight for universal health care with a public option. “I understand what its like to be one of 47 million Americans without health insurance. I want to bring a different voice to that fight” adding he knows what it is like to “Have to rely on luck to stay healthy.”

He also plans to focus on the nation’s economic recovery and on issues of national security, explaining “It’s really hard to lose perspective when you’ve done these things yourself.” And for his critics who point out that he has zero political experience, Woods believes he actually has the most life experience of all of his contenders.

“Voters are pretty frustrated with sending experienced politicians to Washington , DC or to Sacramento and then realizing that they’re not happy with the results. I think this is an opportunity to send a person who’s not going to cave into special interests because I’ve lived the same battle that they’re fighting on a daily basis.”

‘I volunteered to serve my country because I love my country’

“I knew I was different at the age of eight, but did not know what to call it until I was twelve” explains Tommie Watkins Jr. But that did not stop Watkin’s burning desire to join the armed forces. “I joined the military believing that as long as I did not tell they could not ask and I would not be unfairly discriminated because of my sexual orientation.”

Soon that dream would be horribly dashed when Watkins met and dated a fellow midshipman in the US Naval Academy. Most people knew about their relationship and often joked about it, but the teasing would soon prove be too much for his partner, who reported Watkins to their superiors.

“He said I would hang around him and would spend too much time around him” and that “I was trying to make him gay.” But this is where the story begins to get a little tricky. Under the homophobic and sometimes witchhunt climate of DADT, Watkins would soon be railroaded out of the Navy although technically he did not violate DADT policies.

“In my case they didn’t ask and I didn’t tell, but they harassed me and pursued me and threw me out of the Navy and then said, by the way, here’s a crippling debt to add.” Watkins vividly recalls that he was forced to resign because the Navy JAG threatened to prosecute him for sexual harassment based on the claim of wanting to spend too much time with another midshipman. This midshipman Watkins feels was actually struggling to come to terms with his own sexuality and in a desperate attempt to throw off suspicion, reported Watkins as gay instead.

“The government came up with the word harassment” which is a far cry from the initial complaint of Watkin’s accuser. To add insult to injury the accuser, who is white, was allowed to remain in the Naval Academy, while Watkins, who is black, was forced to resign and repay initial tuition costs of $66,000.

The inequity of treatment was the basis of Watkin’s complaint against the Navy. His case was eventually turned over to the Navy Inspector General and after three years the Pentagon ruled in a surprising 3-0 decision that he was a “victim of error and injustice” and waived the recoupment of tuition. Watkins had won and was exonerated of the Navy’s false allegations, but the story didn’t stop there. The Secretary of the Navy refused to comply with the Pentagon’s ruling and continued to pursue repayment of tuition.

Watkins was then forced to file a petition in the federal district court of Maryland in order to “Make the Navy obey itself.” Meanwhile US Senators and Congressman wrote letters of support to President Clinton urging his administration to put a stop the seeming witch hunt.

Finally, in offline negotiations with the US Attorney General’s Office, Watkins agreed to drop his lawsuit and the US government agreed to stop pursuing him for the repayment of tuition which had grown with interest to over $86,000.

“I volunteered to serve my country because I love my country. Our job is to serve and everything else is secondary” Watkins reflects. He also clarifies that if DADT is lifted there will not be a “floodgate” of gays and lesbians rushing to join the military because they are already there. Instead “People will no longer have to lie in order to serve their country.” But probably the most appalling thing about DADT other than forcing servicmembers to lie is the way that it is often inconsistently applied.

“It is 100% arbitrary and capricious” explaining that “If your commanding officers suspect it then it only lies within the realm of your commanding officers. But some commanding officers believe that sexual orientation is not the most qualifier for their servicemembers within their command.” However, for over 13,000 American servicemembers they have become the unlucky victims of the whimsical and unpredictable bias of their commanding officers.

Watkins has written a book about his experience in the Navy titled Living Out Loud.

Today, he works as an HIV prevention specialist in his hometown of Birmingham , Alabama . He recently earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and will soon enroll at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to earn a doctorate in Public Health. His focus will be to conduct research on black men who have sex with men (MSM) and their disproportionate HIV/AIDS infection rate.

Herndon Davis is a media consultant/journalist focusing on issues of diversity among people-of-color, women and LGBT. He can be reached at herndon@herndondavis.com

White Supremacist DC Shooting in Post-Racial America

by: Herndon L. Davis
Source: http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2009/06/12/white-supremacist-dc-shooting-in-post-racial-america/

On June 10th an 88 year old white supremacist walked into the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC armed with a rifle and killed a black security guard before being fired upon and apprehended. As usual, local authorities including the Mayor of Washington, DC used two familiar words that were recently uttered in the murder of Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller; “isolated incident.”

Well just how many isolated incidents of targeted pre-planned murder have to occur before America finally comes to term with a dirty little secret that lies beneath its surface? This painful bleeding truth is that there are many angry white Americans along with many organized hate groups with extremist followers who are lashing out during an era of supposed racial inclusiveness, post-racial mentality, and Obama diversity.

And there are other issues which come to the forefront which deal with gun control and the ever so constant dismantling of gun restrictions laws across the nation. In 2008 portions of DC’s strict handgun and firearms law were overturned. And just last month, President Obama signed credit-card reform legislation with an amendment slipped in by republicans which now allows handguns inside of national parks.

READ MORE HERE AT: http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2009/06/12/white-supremacist-dc-shooting-in-post-racial-america/

Poor, Elderly, HIV/AIDS Citizens to Die in California

Poor, Elderly, HIV/AIDS Citizens to Die in California

By: Herndon Davis
Reporting from Los Angeles, CA
June 6, 2009: www.herndondavis.com

In just under two weeks the state of California will go broke unless it makes deep cuts to its budget by eliminating spending on crucial programs in order to cover a $24 billion deficit. Among the programs hardest hit are social services which assist the elderly, blind, low income families, single parents, the mentally challenged and those living with HIV/AIDS. Additional proposed cuts would end the state college financial aid program, reduce spending on the prison system and cut allocations to local cities and counties forcing many municipalities to reduce everything from trash service to police protection.

On Friday in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles nearly 300 hundred HIV/AIDS protestors took action, shutting down the main artery of Santa Monica Boulevard for four blocks as they rallied in front of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Local and state officials plus singer/actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph were on hand to rally protesters to not allow Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to send any more people to an early grave by eliminating crucial HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.

READ MORE HERE:http://herndondavis.com/diversitynews-HIV-California-Budget-2009

Obama's Speech to the Muslim World and America's Foreign Policy of Diplomacy

by: Herndon L. Davis

Today President Barack Obama spoke at Cairo University in the Muslim country of Egypt and delivered a soaring and historically moving speech as part of his dual mission of establishing Arab-Israeli peace and in creating a US-Muslim alliance. Obama whose Kenyan father was Muslim extended America’s hand, met eye-to-eye and reassured the Muslim world that the United States is not their enemy, foe or adversary.

And it is this very approach that is deemed by the president’s conservative detractors as portraying America as weak and apologetic. So how does being inclusive and multi-lateral make America weak?

Read more here: http://herndondavis.com/diversitynews-Obama-Speech-Egypt-Muslim.html

Sotomayor, Racial Scapegoating and the Media

by: Herndon L. Davis

Last week several white political pundits tore into President Obama’s pick for Supreme Court Justice, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. She was called a reverse racist by Rush Limbaugh, an affirmative action pick by Pat Roberson, and was falsely accused by former US Congressman Tom Tranredo of being a member of a Latino KKK organization. In actuality La Raza is the country’s largest Hispanic national civil rights organization similar in nature to what the NAACP has been for black people.

But later in the week, the racial attacks got worse when a white suburban Philadelphia mother, Bonnie Sweeten claimed during a 911 phone call that she and her nine year old daughter were being held hostage at the hands of two black men after she was rear-ended in a traffic accident. Sweeten even pretended to call 911 from the trunk of her assailant’s car but was later found at Disneyland property in Orlando. Marital and money problems have been cited as the possible reason for Sweeten’s desperate flee .

Read more here: http://herndondavis.com/diversitynews-Sotomayor-Racial

Media/PR/Communications/Writing Services

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If so then I AM your solution!!

Herndon Davis
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herndon@herndonavis.com
Bio: http://www.herndondavis.com/AboutHerndon.html

Media/Communications Background:
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Media/Communications Turnaround:
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Media/Communications Customer Support:
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Herndon Davis
Media Consultant/Journalist
herndon@herndonavis.com
Bio: http://www.herndondavis.com/AboutHerndon.html

Is Washington, DC Dying of AIDS???

By: Herndon L. Davis
The Defenders Online

The nation’s capital is in the midst of an enormous and rapidly growing healthcare epidemic: 3 percent of its population is living with HIV/AIDS and 76.3 percent of these people are black. Even worse, the numbers are likely to be severely undercounted as the race to identify more residents who unknowingly are HIV positive or have full-blown AIDS continues.

So what is behind the crisis and why? Recently, experts on HIV as well as political, religious and community leaders identified five key social elements that serve as the combustible mix igniting and spreading the epidemic across the District, where 55 percent of the residents are black and 27 percent live in poverty.

Read more Here:

Author E. Lynn Harris Stands Up in Fight Against AIDS in Black America

By: Herndon L. Davis
BET.com

Fifteen years ago, author E. Lynn Harris published his first novel “Invisible Life.” That bestselling novel – and the 11 others that followed – have helped to forever shift the way African Americans view the complicated connections between race, sexuality and spirituality.

Now Harris expands his pioneering literary work by advocating on behalf of Black America for the increased nationwide funding of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and awareness within black communities. From lobbying on Capitol Hill to developing Invisible Life (The Musical) which debuts in Washington, DC, September 2010 at the historic Lincoln Theater, Harris’ is determined to stop HIV/AIDS in black communities.

Read more here:

Driving While Black in Small Town Texas and America

The Tenaha, Texas welcome sign on March 3. The tiny east Texas town is making money by pulling over black motorists and seizing their cash and property without charging them with any crime.

READ MORE HERE

Racial vs. Gay Diversity in Daytime Television

In 2009 daytime television staunchly remains the least racially diverse form of American entertainment.
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But despite the shocking scarcity of people-of-color there has been an infusion of gay and lesbian characters popping all across the sudsy landscape creating a pink-triangle emblazoned gay renaissance filled with social statements and PSAs.

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In fact what was once considered to be historic, bold and taboo is now becoming commonplace; the visible and integrated presence of gay and lesbian characters on daytime dramas. Meanwhile people-of-color characters continue to be occasional dots on the canvas of turmoil with restricted storylines and long periods of non-representation.

Read more here!!

Herndon Conducts Red Carpet Interviews tonight in LA!

Tonight I'll be conducting red carpet interviews at the debut of the movie The 9th Step. Filmmakers Charles McWells and Earl Wooten be presenting their inspirational story of how one man's victory over drug addiction and spiritual bondage affects the lives of an entire community.

The debut if free but you must show up early for entry. Reception starts at 6:00pm and the film starts at 6:30pm. Location: 1125 N. McCadden Place The village at Ed Gould Plaza, Los Angeles.

See you there!

Herndon

http://www.diversitytv.tv/

Tyler Perry's, Madea Goes to Jail movie review

Movie review for Tyler Perry's, Madea Goes to Jail starring Tyler Perry, Keisha Knight Pulliam Derek Luke, David Mann. TV talk show Host, Herndon Davis, www.diversityTV explores the film’s themes of anger, drug abuse, prostitution and forgiveness.

Read the movie review here!!

DiversityTV Interview: Keisha Knight Pulliam (Madea Goes to Jail)

Keisha Knight Pulliam stars in Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. Pulliam gives her strongest performance yet as the drug addicted prostitute, Candace Washington. She’s interviewed by TV Talk Show Herndon Davis. See the webcast interview here!!

DiversityTV Interview: David Mann (Madea Goes to Jail)

David Mann stars in Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. He portrays the bible-thumping, zany and not too smart Mr. Brown. He's interviewed by TV Talk Show host, Herndon Davis.
See the webcast interview here!

DiversityTV Interview: Derek Luke (Madea Goes to Jail)

Derek Luke stars in Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. He portrays, rising Assistant District Attorney, Joshua Hardway. He's interviewed by TV Talk Show Herndon Davis,

See the webcast interview here

Crips and Bloods Documentary Provides Insight and Hope

by: Herndon Davis
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Sunny, vibrant and bubbly; Los Angeles is a place immersed in fantasy, fun and frolic surrounded by the California Dream where anything is possible and where fortunes can be made for generations to come.

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However there exists a rather different section of Los Angeles located just six miles from the glitz, glamour and mansions of Beverly Hills. It is a place just a stones throw from Malibu and up the road a piece from Disneyland.

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It is a place that’s heavily guarded, yet no one is protected. It is a place where nearly a quarter of its young men will end up in jail or prison and where many others will end up dead.

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It is the heart of Los Angeles, an area ringed by neighborhoods collectively called South Los Angeles, home of two of America's most infamous African-American gangs, the Crips and the Bloods.

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READ MORE HERE

Gay Movie "Noah's Arc" Receives 3 NAACP Image Award Nominations

For a second year in row, a black gay themed movie has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. I recently spotlighted Noah's Arc in a special BET.com report which takes a snapshot of Black Gay entertainment.

Also make sure you tune into the FOX network next Thursday, February 12, 2009 to watch if Noah's Arc takes home the gold. And also read my BET.com article here.

Has Diversity Finally Come to the GOP?: Michael Steele and Sara Palin to the Rescue

by: Herndon Davis

A couple news items concerning the GOP caught my attention last week, namely two people who are foreshadowing their significance in the upcoming 2012 presidential election. In the blink of an eye, diversity has suddenly become a focus of the Grand Old Party as an African American man and a White woman are vying for party control, direction and eventually the White House; a red version of the Democratic Party’s political saga of 2008.

READ MORE HERE

Back in Sunny, Warm LA after 3 Week Trip back East

After a 3 week trip to the east coast mostly in Washington, DC, I’m finally back home in warm, sunny, gorgeous southern California. Instead of cold and snow, I now see palm trees, sunshine and lots of outdoor activity.I’m wearing a t-shirt versus a scarf, gloves and overcoat. To celebrate the great weather. I'm now at one of my favorite LA coffehouses chillin.

Oprah and Ted Haggard: Gay Sex Scandal Analysis

This week disgraced evangelical mega pastor, Ted Haggard resurfaced from exile. In 2006 Haggard, a married father of five admitted to engaging in gay sex with a former male prostitute as well as purchasing and using crystal meth. Haggard appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, a day before his HBO documentary profiling his life since his fall from grace.

The smackdown between Oprah and Ted Haggard provided surprising insight into issues dealing with homosexuality and religion.

READ MORE HERE

Obama proves Cosby was right all along

Entertainer, Bill Cosby was criticized by many blacks for his positive and uplifting 1980's sitcom, The Cosby Show and his 2007 book, Come on People, but the election of Pres. Barack Obama validates Cosby's dream of uplifiting the African American community.

READ MORE HERE

Family Affair Explores the State of Black America

In the upcoming book “Family Affair,” editor, Gil Robertson IV gathers a collection of first-person narratives from an eclectic array of high profile black Americans who share their thoughts, perceptions and analysis of the African American community.

READ MORE HERE

The Cultural Lessons of Gran Torino

by: Herndon Davis

www.herndondavis.com

This year’s newest social drama, Gran Torino provides a surprisingly enlightened stab at understanding cultural diversity within a rapidly evolving American neighborhood. The movie interjects the need for communication, understanding and a return to middle class values in a youth oriented culture on the verge of anarchy.

Here’s the movie’s premise:

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), is a grumpy, tough-minded and border-line hateful widower, who is the lone white home owner in an increasingly ethnic neighborhood dominated by Asians. A Korean War veteran, he’s unable to get along with either of his children or his neighbors. But when Thao, a Hmong teenage neighbor attempts to steal his 1973 mint condition, Gran Torino, Kowalski reluctantly tries to reform the youth.

READ MORE HERE

Politics, Sex and Lies: America In Review

by: Herndon L. Davis

The past week in America was squarely centered on politics. It was exhilarating, sentimental and somewhat sensational. The nation celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the eve of the country’s most historic inauguration. Then there was the ceremonial passing of the presidential torch on Inauguration Day. Next we witnessed the political meltdowns of Caroline Kennedy and Sam Adams, the new Mayor of Portland, Oregon.

-Obama’s First Week
-The Caroline Kennedy Mess
-The Gay Portland Mayor’s Sex Scandal

READ MORE HERE

Inauguration Day 2009: A Day of Peace, Inspiration and Love

By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

It was an American Coronation, a return to Camelot filled with the pomp and circumstance of American pageantry. It was the world's biggest party costing in excess of $170 million dollars with 2 million people proudly in attendance.

It was the 56th Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Hussein Obama. It was also the day that a man became America's first African-American president taking oath of office January 20, 2009, a day that will forever live as the very first day of a New Era of hope realized for America and the world.

Capturing the Day

Many of my personal pictures of the day were not close up shots of the inauguration, they were instead photos of huddled masses of people all coming together on one accord to seek glimpses of history and the future together. And while the temperature remained in the high 20's to low 30's the air was electrifying filled with a warmth and kinship among us all.

Recognizing America

Over the past two weeks while reporting from Washington, DC and also on Inauguration Day I saw the many diverse and vibrant faces of America and felt an intimate bond of commonality with them. I heard varied accents and saw colorful license plates from every corner of this great nation. I observed, I absorbed, and I embraced the change that has washed across this country and across the world.



Inauguration Day 2009 although exhausting was also invigorating and although freezing was also sizzling with the anticipation of what the future might hold for us. And for me the day was even odder because I did not know quite exactly how I should feel or how I should act. Should I be joyous or should I be circumspect mindful of the violent racial past that has brought us to this day? Should I cry with emotion or should I grin with pride?



And running through my head were thoughts of where exactly is my place in all of this, where do I fit in the world now? Although I firmly have no desire to run for public office I still have a desire to make a valuable and measurable difference in the world. And because of Inauguration Day 2009 I am further enlightened, motivated, and affirmed in knowing that the Universe is truly my limit and reassured in knowing that there is no limit, end or finality within the Universe, for it lives forever.



Throughout this day I was able to confidently confirm once again the fact that I need only listen to the calling which lies within me, a calling that overrides the thoughts, sneers, and criticism of others. It is a calling from God, the Creator, a calling that has been waiting for me to recognize and embrace it. January 20, 2009 shined a brilliant white light of love and potential into a world seeking to overcome the threat of darkness. It was a day that was a long time in the making and implementation but still it was a day that finally arrived for all of us to draw courage, inspiration and direction from.



And finally, it was a day of a new beginning for the world and for that I will be forever grateful!



Herndon Davis is a consultant, author, lecturer and TV/Radio Host who focuses on media analysis and interpretation of issues pertaining to people-of-color, women, and gays/lesbians. He can be reached at www.herndondavis.com and www.diversityTV.tv

Inauguration/MLK Blog: Monday January 19, 2009

Happy MLK Day, a holiday that is extraordinarily special this year since it is the day before the historic Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. Inauguration weekend here in DC took off in fullspeed despite the bone chilling cold.

From Thursday night thru Sunday parties, balls, and other entertainment events dotted the DC and metro region. Major hip hop artists such as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, T.I, , Jeezy, Diddy, Common and R&B greats such as Aretha Franklin and John Legend plus athletes such as Clinton Portis and Antwan Jamison all had a place to perform and host during Inaugural weekend.

READ MORE

Obama Inauguration Blog: Friday Jan. 16, 2009

TV Host, Herndon Davis reporting from Washington, DC, www.herndondavis.com

Well the chartered and tour buses are rolling into town today. Although Washington, DC is frigid with single digit temperatures it’s still hot with activity and preparation for a weekend filled with Inaugural balls and parties.

I will be all over the city with my 5 layers of clothing, cameras, and caffeine to catch the latest! Here’s a recap from yesterday’s activities:

U-Street and Georgetown Forays:

I hung out in the bohemian haven of U-Street corridor. From the U and 14 Street NW intersection going east and west you’ll find eclectic shops, clubs, restaurants, and a large African population. On weekends there’s a farmer’s market and it is all accessible via the U-Street/Cordoza/African Amerian War Museum (what a mouthful) metro stop.

READ MORE HERE

Obama Inauguration Daily Blog Entry: January 15, 2009

Herndon Davis Reporting from Washington, DC
http://www.herndondavis.com/

As we move further into the week and closer to Inauguration Day so does the frigid artic air. The Obama’s if they choose to walk part of the parade route should make sure they wear at least 3-4 layers of clothing or perhaps some really good thermal underwear.

The cold weather is also having an effect on the city’s aging infrastructure. Here is a picture of the aftermath of pipes bursting under a city development. The water hit the city streets then froze over as ice causing a mini havoc during the morning rush hour commute.

More Local’s Take on Obama Inauguration:

As I’ve written previously many locals are ready to the put the inauguration behind them mainly because of the excessive prep work, bridge closings and non-stop local media chatter about it. In fact some residents are even skipping town just in time for what some could dub as being the world’s biggest party.

But long time DC resident, Earl Fowlkes Jr. is really looking forward to savoring every moment of the Obama Inauguration next week.

“I have to admit that I have been saving my emotions for President Obama's swearing in. I am still in shock over the election results. A person of color becoming president of these United States? Who knew? My excitement and joy has been tempered a bit by the overwhelming task that lays before President- elect Obama....the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the housing crisis and the lack of access to affordable healthcare. However, all these challenges withstanding, I am going to enjoy this historic moment and celebrate…”


Neighborhood Stop: The Penn Quarter

Back when Washington, DC was truly a notoriously dangerous war zone, a particular area of town now known as the Penn Quarter was on one of the cities worst. But with deep investment pockets and a renewed sense of civic pride the area is now a major tourist destination.

READ MORE HERE

Obama Inauguration Daily Blog: January 14, 2009

Herndon Davis Reporting from Washington, DC

Early Morning Drama at a DC Starbucks:

Well yesterday morning got off to a rocky start. I decided to do some blogging in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, an extraordinarily cute, highly concentrated 4 block nexus of shops, entertainment and the Verizon Center, home of the Washington Wizards basketball team.

I had planned to perch myself on the second floor of the Starbucks at the corner of H and 7th NW and to quietly sip on my Chai tea while watching the world pass beneath me at the famous intersection. Then suddenly I along with eight other people were treated to the rantings of a derelict looking individual who apparently was refused a cup of coffee from the Starbucks staff downstairs.

The late 50’s gentlemen argued with himself while he slowly walked up the staircase. He then walked around the room daring each of us to say something back to him. We all sat semi-nervously as we collectively ignored him. His temper tantrum soon dissipated as he left the room but not before he overturned three chairs and a table.

The Presidential Walk Up Close

Once the errant wind from Starbucks blew away, I finished my Chai Tea and started on my Presidential Trek to downtown DC to see the most famous address in the world, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I remember the very first time I saw the White House in person back when I used to live in the District.

READ MORE HERE:

Obama Inauguration Daily Blog: 7 Days to Go!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Herndon Dav is Reporting from Washington, DC

With just 7 days remaining until CHANGE is ushered into the Washington Beltway, I will be blogging everyday about the sights, sounds and news events of Washington, DC from both a tourist and former resident perspective.

Today we blog about the following:

-Local Issues
-Transportation Woes
-Weather

Sunday Jan. 11, 2009:

I arrived from Los Angeles to Washington, DC to windy 40 degree weather. Besides being cold, I noticed only faint signs that the city was beginning to spruce itself up with flag draped buildings and a few noticeable street blocks but nothing too significant. That night the temperature dipped into the teens under clear skies.

Monday, Jan 12, 2009:

I made my way around the city from the Historic Mall to Dupont Circle and U-Street corridor up to the NE in order to get a feel of the city 8 days leading into the Presidential Inauguration. In fact many of the local residents I talked to were already over the hoopla of the big day now.

READ MORE HERE

Inauguration Report

Herndon has made it to DC. It's cold, the residents are already tired of the hoola and the buildings are flag daped. More reports later at http://www.herndondavis.com/

How Politics Brought Sexy Back

by: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Although the nation’s capital is dubbed as being Hollywood for the Ugly, an oasis of navy blue suits, cautious laughter, and conservative entertainment; all of this will likely change as the Obama’s roll into town under a 21st century regime of coolness, hippness and a sexy attraction to a very old industry, politics.

Image Is Everything

The 2008 Presidential campaign culminated in probably the boldest statements of fashion, style and sex appeal ever used in the history of American politics. Not since a youthful Bill Clinton and a studly Al Gore jogged their way into Washington, DC has there been such a youth focused, image conscious and yes even a sexual appeal to politics; remember the “boxers or briefs” question on MTV?

Well compare that to the shirtless, ab dominated photo the world was treated to of President-Elect Barack Obama walking down a Hawaiian beach last week. The health conscious Obama is likely to continue to turn heads along with his lawyer-turned-fashion icon wife, Michelle in the years to come.

READ MORE HERE

5 Reasons Why Blacks Should Support Same Sex Marriage

A very short piece that I wrote "5 Reasons Why Blacks Should Support Same-Sex Marriage" ran on BET.com last week.

Would you please forward it to our colleagues and foes alike? Every bit of repetition helps in the struggle for equality for all.

For those of you unfamilar with BET.com it is the leading online media site for African Americans with 6.4 million visitors monthly.

I'm also going to be a guest on an online talk show out of Chicago on New Years Eve to talk about the topic as well. I'll keep you posted on the details.

Happy Kwanzaa!!

Herndon DavisMedia Consultant/Personality
http://herndondavis.com/AboutHerndon.html
http://www.diversitytv.tv/

Recap of 2008 MTV VMAs Preparty

TV Host, Herndon Davis of Diversity TV, http://www.diversitytv.tv/, TV Host, Herndon Davis interviews singers, actors and producers at the pre-party of the 2008 MTV VMAs

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Diversity Tips from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Diversity Tips from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
by: Herndon L. Davis

Intellectually we understand that the classic childhood Christmas story of a rejected-to-accepted red-nosed reindeer who manages to save the world from a potentially disastrous Christmas has a much deeper and substantial meaning.

In actuality the fabled, ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a cleverly constructed, thinly veiled story of society’s intolerance towards minority groups and the isolation and depression that these groups experience along with the forgiveness they must muster in order to persevere.

Annually this story is retold in song and rebroadcast on television, but its simplistic delivery seemingly continues to go over the heads of the political, economic, and social majority. So when exactly will the world finally learn, embrace and execute the lessons “learned” from the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? READ MORE RUDOLPH'S DIVERSITY TIPS HERE

Demo Reel of Talk Show Host, Herndon Davis

DivesityTV Interview with Celebrity Chef, Nathan Hall

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/ interviews,Celebrity Chef, Nathan Hall has cooked for Tina Turner, Prince Phillip, Diana Ross and Gladys Knight among many others. But what makes Nathan so unique is that he embraces his family's slave origins by serving authentic Southern cuisine.

Along with his excellent preparation he also shares the slave stories and recipes from which they emanate. In fact Nathan has a written trilogy of books focused on southern
cooking influenced by American slaves.

Click here to watch my interview of Chef Nathan Hall!!!

DiversityTV Interview with Soul Singer, Rachel Lynn

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/ interviews soul singer Rachel Lynn. Rachel combines her diverse vocal talent into a cohesive arc of rock, jazz, and folk with nuisances of pop. In fact she writes all of her lyrics through both the singular and shared experiences of life.

See the Rachel Lynn Interview here!!

DiversityTV Interview with Popstar, Ari Gold

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/ interviews singer Ari Gold. Ari’s vocal talent ranges from pop and R&B with a strong undercurrent of soul. He also has the ability to attract a wide fan base as an openly gay artist, attracting gay and straight fans across all ethnic groups. He has three studio recorded albums, “Ari Gold,” “Space Under Sun,” and “Transport Systems.”

See my interview with Ari Gold here!!!

Abraham Biggs Jr. Suicide Spotlights Black Mental Illness

A 19 year old African American son, brother and friend is dead. Abraham Biggs Jr. committed suicide on Nov. 19 by taking an overdose of pills during a live streaming webcast before an internet audience of strangers.

Mental illness among African Americans, once kept in the “closet” of black families is gradually being more openly discussed but not quickly enough as alarming statistics reveal.

Read more here............

DiversityTV Interview: Dennis Dortch, Filmmaker

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/ interviews filmmaker, Dennis Dortch. Dennis’ film, “A Great Day to be Black and Sexy” was screened at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. He takes us on an intimate journey of black sexuality and eroticism in a series of six interconnected vignettes that unfold in a single day in Los Angeles. The film celebrates the essence of black sexuality.

Click here to watch the interview!!

DiversityTV Interview: Blaine Teamer, Producer/Filmmaker

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/ interviews author, screenwriter, playwright and producer, Blaine Teamer. Blaine recent film project is called “True Grits.” He’s created 3 distinctly different version of the film which explores the need, the origins, as well as the emotions behind cheating the effects of being cheated upon in relationships.

Click here to see the interview!!

DiversityTV Interview: Author, M.W. Moore

TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/, interviews M.W. Moore, a college educated, former track and field champion. But despite his success, Moore battled crack-cocaine and sexual addictions. Eventually he spent 6.5 years in prison for robbing 6 banks. But today Moore is a rising executive and author of a trilogy of books which chronicle his life, “For What I Hate I Do,” “Internal Chaos,” and “About Face.”

Click here to see the interview!!

Red Carpet Interviews at Kevin Josephson Salon Party

Check out my Red Carpet Inteviews at Kevin Josephson's Salon Party

You can view my interviews with Kevin along with  VH1's "New York" and Sebastian who's currently starring in Tyler Perry's "The Family that Preys."

Herndon
www.diversityTV.tv

 

NBA Players: Roger Mason Jr. and Etan Thomas Interview

Last week I interviewed Roger Mason Jr., San Antonio Spurs Guard (formerly Washington Wizards) and other professional athletes and celebrities at the inaugural fundraiser, Ball For A Cause benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area!

During the interview Roger shared that his father passed away from kidney failure hence his support of the National Kidney foundation.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW

Interview: San Francisco 49ers, Vernon Davis, #85

Last weekend I had the pleasure of interviewing San Francisco 49ers Tight End, Vernon Davis along with a host of other athletes and celebrities during the Vernon Davis Weekend in Washington, DC. Spanning over three days, the community events were geared to support the ANC Umbrella Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, DC.

Activities included a football clinic, celebrity bowling event, and two night club events.Click here to view Vernon's interview and understand the philanthropy and the artistry behind the athlete.

Interview with Soul Singer, Robert Gee

The words soulful, mature, romantic and spiritual all describe the debut CD of Robert Gee’s All My Love. The Philadelphia native and Los Angeles resident has spent an entire lifetime performing in everything from his own college band, theater, music videos to now performing as a solo vocalist.

Robert’s music, vocals and producing qualities all screams of seasoned professional with a talent that is familiar yet unique. His music relaxes, inspires and draws the listener back to love, hence the CD’s title.

I had the opportunity of meeting Robert and interviewing him one-on-one about his music, life, and the joy of being Robert Gee!

View Robert Gee's interview here.

View previous diversity interviews here.

BET RED CARPET INTERVIEWS PART 2

www.diversityTV.TV

TV Host, Herndon Davis of Diversity TV, www.diversitytv.tv, conducts red carpet interviews at the KFC Hitmakers-BET Awards pre-Party (June 2008).

Herndon interviews actors, singers, fashion designers, and dancers including: Wynne Wharf (General Hospital), Lil Zane, Sam Bell, Bernard Fredericks, Russ Cootey, Bianco Bethune, the Funny Lady, Lunelle, Eric Fisher (CSI), Une, Ernest Thomas (Everybody Hates Chris), Cassandra Hepburn (Surfer Dude), Bree, Miki Bad Boy (1830 Records), Daryl "Dogman" Young (1830 Records and co-founder of Death Row Records), Narmar Hanna (American East), Maurice Jamal (Friends and Lovers, Dirty Laundry and Ski Trip), Bernard Fredericks (Transformers), Ken Tayloe (Think 5 Entertainment), and Freedom Hill

More interviews at www.diversityTV.TV

The BET Awards: Red Carpet Interviews Part 1

Everyone,

I had the amazing fortune of being able to participate in the BET Awards celebration a few weeks back. Below are just a few of the several dozen red carpet interviews I conducted. I will posting at least 2 more entries over the next couple of days.

Please forward to others!

Herndon
www.herndondavis.com
E: herndon@herndondavis.com

The Creative and Spiritual Passions of Actor/Singer, Marcus Patrick

by: Herndon Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Marcus Patrick, actor, singer and model. He is multi-talented, a triple threat, a peaceful warrior and one of Hollywood’s most intriguing entertainers. For a while now Marcus has kept the internet and print media tongues wagging with his risqué roles, controversial pictorials, stunning looks and perfectly cut physique. But there exist a deeply spiritual and sexual side of the entertainer as he reveals to TV Host, Herndon Davis, http://www.diversitytv.tv/

Watch exclusive on-camera interview here:

The White Attire Affair: Saving Lives from HIV

by: Herndon Davis
www.herndondavis.com


The White Attire Affair is an annual social event held in Washington, DC attracting thousands of men and women from across the country. Sponsored by the UMMAH Endowment Fund, the event is a HIV/AIDS social marketing awareness and fundraising event focused on African-American communities.

Lavish in presentation and entertainment, nearly 100% of the attendees are black. In addition, attendees wear white as a symbol of unity in the mission to ending HIV/AIDS.

View the Red Carpet interviews and entertainment here!!

Music Videos that Inspire Me

by: Herndon Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

From time to time I find myself in need of inspiration and/or motivation in order to get through the rough patches of my life. In fact there have been plenty of times where situations have gotten so bad that I desperately wanted to give up and give in.

But thank God that didn’t happen. To a large extent I have found my inspiration through spiritual books and through the beauty of music videos which have lifted my spirits, blessed my soul and given me deeper insight.

The following are inspirational music videos that I would like to share with you.

http://herndondavis.com/aboutdiversitytv-Inspirational_Videos.html

Diversity TV: Interview with Career Stylist, Nicole Williams

by: Herndon L. Davis

Meet Nicole Williams, founder of the lifestyle brand, Works, which seeks to develop and to empower the career minded woman.

Nicole is also co-creator of the television series Making It Big which aired on the Life and Oxygen Network.

A weekly lifestyle advice columist on MSN, Nicole is also a national bestselling author of "Wildly Sophisticated: A Bold New Attitude for Career Success" and its follow-up companion, "Earn What You're Worth: A Wildly Sophisticated Approach to Investing in Your Career and Yourself."

I visited Nicole in her midtown Manhattan offices where we discussed her own career and her exciting future. Watch my exclusive on-camera interview with Nicole Williams here!

Herndon

http://www.herndondavis.com/

http://www.diversitytv.tv/

Blacks Who Support Clinton: Stay In Race and Win

By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

Despite last week’s increasingly louder calls for Senator Hillary Clinton to bow out of the presidential race by media pundits and politicians alike, it is best for America that Mrs. Clinton remain in the race, push forward and win the nomination.

Much has been publicly stated of how Senator Clinton cannot mathematically secure the democratic nomination with her pledged delegates and how this will not change even if she wins the majority of races going forward. Her ability to sway the super-delegates as well as other pledged delegates in the states where she has won will be her only route to the head of the ticket.

Well surprise, the exact same scenario also exists for Sen. Barack Obama as well. In fact both candidates are sitting in the same boat heading in the same direction; to Denver.

READ MORE HERE

Diversity TV: Interview with Coretta Scott King's Gay "Son"

Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated the remainder of her life to keeping Dr. King’s dream and legacy alive. In fact she became the world’s foremost human rights leader by championing the voices of the underrepresented, mistreated and the downtrodden.

But there was another man in Mrs. King’s life who wielded enormous power and influence
but from behind the scenes as her personal assistant. This man was Lynn Cothren, a
white and openly gay then teenager from Tennessee who for over 23 years worked at the foot of Mrs. King learning and applying the principles of Kingian Nonviolence.

In 2008, two years after the death of Mrs. King’s a now 40-something Cothren lives in the
Harlem neighborhood of New York City pursuing a new career of empowering young girls
while continuing within his own right activism within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender community. Watch my TV interview with Lynn Cothren here!!

Diversity TV Debuts: Interview with Duane Cramer, Award Winning Photographer

For more than two decades, Duane Cramer has educated, entertained and uplifted his audience through the brilliance of his photography.With an emphasis on capturing the individual, Duane's shots are uncomplicated and intimate yet a powerful conveyance of the beauty he sees in all his subjects.

His dramatic use of light and composition, and his mastery of black and white photography, has earned Duane international praise as an accomplished modern artist.Duane Cramer calls San Francisco home which is exactly where I caught up with him at his artistic loft.Click here to watch my on location interview with Duane.

-Herndon in QBliss Magazine

I was recently featured in the premiere print edition of QBliss magazine. The article can be accessed online here. Take a look and tell me what you think.

Herndon

http://www.herndondavis.com/

http://www.diversitytv.tv/

Red Carpet Interviews at NAACP Image Awards

Last week I had the pleasure of conducting red carpet interviews at the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles.

I had the honor of interviewing on-camera some of Hollywood's biggest and brightest talents from Loretta Divine, Victoria Rowell, Taraji P. Henson, Jimmy-Jean Louis, Jennifer Lucas and many others. You can watch their interviews here.

In addition, I went backstage and taped press interview footage from Denzel Washington, Herbie Hancock, India.Arie, Tyler Perry and several others. These interviews can also be seen here.

Next week I will kick off my newest component of The Herndon Davis Diversity Reports, Diversity TV. It's official I now own and operate my very own online television network streaming at http://www.diversitytv.tv/, an extension of my current site, http://www.herndondavis.com/

-Spiritual/Inspirational Corner

I recently authored a few inspirational pieces. I hope you find joy and guidance through them.

I Belive that You are Great

Do It Now or Forever Wish You Had

Remember To Remember

Herndon

The Optimist's Creed by Christian D. Larson

Click here to view the Optimist's Creed by Christian D. Larson.

http://thesecret. tv/optimists- creed/

You can also print the last page and repeat it daily as your new mantra.

Herndon

Diversity Reports Update

Hey,

I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that I am expanding my diversity reports and I wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect.

Below is a link to my Diversity Television page. As you will see, I have a lineup of exciting on-camera interviews with extraordinary people from across the country. So email me at herndon@herndondavis.com if you have an idea, topic or guest you think I should pursue.

http://herndondavis.com/aboutdiversitytv.html

And there’s much more to come!

Herndon

I Believe That You are Great

I Believe That You are Great
By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

I believe that you are great, that you are beautiful and full of power. You will never grow old in my eyes only smarter, wiser and full of aged wisdom. I believe in the value of your thoughts, the essence of your walk and the authority of your voice.

You are truly an emanation of God, a special creation that can never be replicated. And for as long as you live I will love you will all of my heart, admire you from a far and wish you all the success that the world can provide you and what God desires for you.

I believe that you are great, that you are beautiful and full of power.

I believe in your vision, I respect your mission; I see your work and I understand your passion. And I recognize your need to grow for more. Although your inner beauty is sometimes misunderstood and your heart is often unseen, I still love you just the way that you are.

I do not judge you but instead seek to understand you as I witness your path as being the path of God.

I believe that you are great, that you are beautiful and full of power.

As your words and actions continue to evolve I recognize you not as the person that the world sees, but instead as the spiritual being in which God lives and breaths. Although you may not hear it often or even believe it yourself; know that I believe that you are great, that you are beautiful and full of power and that I love you……..

Herndon L. Davis is an author, lecturer and TV/Radio Host. He can be reached directly at www.herndondavis.com

Remember To Remember

Remember to Remember
By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Remember the faith you profess to have in times of your personal crisis.

Remember the forgiveness you profess to have when engaging those who have hurt you.

Remember that prayer is talking to God and mediation is listening to God.

Remember the sacred scriptures of wisdom and the wonderful books of inspiration that you have read when facing tenuous situations.

Remember the spirit behind the scripture and not just the memorization of it.

READ MORE HERE!!

Do It Now or Forever Wish You Had

Do It Now or Forever Wish You Had
By: Herndon Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/


In the hilariously funny 2007 movie, Hairspray starring John Travolta, I was struck by a phrase towards the end of the film that was uttered by actor, Christopher Walken. Walken’s character looked towards his onscreen wife and said “Do it now or forever wish you had.”

Those eight simple words jolted me as it made me think of how scores of people have lived and continue to live their sad lives of “woulda, coulda shouldas.” This is such a miserable and crippling mental state of existence because it haunts its victims for the remainder of their lives.

READ MORE HERE!!

Thoughts on the Life of the Late Benazir Bhutto

Thoughts on the Life of the Late Benazir Bhutto
By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

I saw it coming months ago. Back in October 2007 there was an assassination attempt on the life of former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto as she returned back to her native country after an eight year exile. Although a suicide bomber killed 140 people during her homecoming procession near Karachi, she still engaged herself in a three-way race for prime minister. However something very deep inside of me knew that she eventually would be martyred.

READ MORE HERE!!

Why HIV/AIDS Continues to Grow in Ethnic/Minority Communities

Why HIV/AIDS Continues to Grow in Ethnic/Minority Communities

by: Herndon L. Davis

Nearly three decades into the AIDS epidemic after hard fought advances in prevention and treatment, disturbing news is now surfacing that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is preparing to release over the next few months alarming statistics regarding the new rate of HIV/AIDS infections in America.

Several sources closely connected to the CDC including AIDS advocacy and prevention organizations have revealed that over a 12 month period in 2006, there have been as many as 60-63,000 new cases of HIV reported. This number is up dramatically from the longstanding 40,000 new infections a year statistic that has been estimated by the CDC for the past decade.

READ MY FEATURE ARTICLE ON GAYWIRED.COM HERE

Interview with Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Co-author of "Come On People"

by: Herndon Davis
www.herndondavis.com

In an overwhelming act of community concern, comedian Bill Cosby and Harvard Medical School professor, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, MD partnered together to co-author a bold but loving, educational yet inspiring book titled "Come On People."

Written with the expressed intention of providing an uplifting hand to underperforming black communities this book provides amazing life skills as well as stories of hope and success in overcoming despair and tragedy.

I personally interviewed Dr. Alvin Poussaint who provided an even greater insight into to the book.

READ my book review and commentary here:

LISTEN to radio interview Dr. Poussaint here:

VIEW my Video Commentary here:

Become The Change That You Want

Become The Change That You Want

by: Herndon L. Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

One of the most profound statements ever uttered was by Mahatma Gandhi who stated “Changing the world begins with changing yourself; you have to become the change you want to see in the world.”

I recently finished reading powerful two books targeted towards empowering urban communities that are often shut out of the American dream. The books were “Come On People” by Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint and “Do You” by Russell Simmons. Both books take on victim-hood issues and challenges its readers to rise abover their socioeconomic conditions in order to become victors and captains of their fate.

One particular sticking point in both books dealt with the culture of media, specifically the culture of hip hop and rap as expressed through its music and imagery.

READ MORE HERE

Hillary and Oprah:Lessons in Gender Politics and Crisis Management

By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Powerful women have been in the news lately showcasing their skill and depth in handling sticky and controversial situations. First let’s start with presidential hopeful, Senator Hillary Clinton. The New York senator stumbled last week when she doubled talked on her support of giving driver’s licenses to undocumented workers.

A few days later in a speech at her alma mater, Wellesley college Clinton stated that:

“In so many ways, this all-women's college prepared me to compete in the all-boys club of presidential politics …When I came to Wellesley, I never in a million years could have imagined I would one day return as a candidate for the presidency of the United States.”

READ FULL COMMENTARY HERE:

10 Ways to Live a Life of Integrity

By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

In my opinion a person who lives a life of integrity does so simply by living out their lives as spiritual beings. It does not require an announcement to the world of their internal worth, but instead we are able to see it and feel it whenever we’re in their presence.

The following are 10 ways, laws, pathways and directions that I have observed of people who live a life of integrity:

#1. -They live by Values and not by Volume.

Whatever a person values in life is what they will direct their energies towards and pay more attention to. So instead of saying “I love my spouse” which is volume, one can see the love in the way one spouse treats the other and vice versa. Thus people with integrity live by their values and not by the volume of their words.

So instead of shouting in church, “I Love the Lord,” one can see the love in the way they treat others; take time to mentor young people; give an encouraging word or a friendly smile to those who society has deemed to be the least of these.

READ FULL TEXT OF "INTEGRITY" HERE

MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate 10/30/2007 Analysis

By: Herndon Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Senator Hillary Clinton was much more engaged but much less poised. She was clearly on the defensive against her onstage rivals. She spoke louder and faster but at the same time quickly rattled off in clear tight sentences her plans for the future thus distinguishing herself and her proposed polices.

Her sound bites were powerful, repeated and took root. If I didn’t remember anything else, I know that she is for ending the war; diplomacy in Iran starting with economic sanctions; taking $10 billion dollars back from industries such as the HMOs and against fixing social security on the backs of the middle class.

But she faltered towards the end on the issue of providing driving licenses to New York state residents.

READ FULL TEXT HERE:

Why Did I Get Married?: Review and Commentary

By: Herndon Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

After watching Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married,” I was amazed and proud to finally see one of very few films which focus upon the black middle class. Apparently Hollywood still is under the myth that all black people live in da hood or the ghetto and only thrives to see these types of images.

But the overwhelming success of “Why Did I Get Married” proves this thinking to be null and void and further should become required viewing by many within black communities. Viewers should not have to wait every other year to be treated to character driven films that display articulate, educated middle class black people grappling with the peaks and valleys of their lives.

READ MORE HERE!!

VIEW MY VIDEO BLOG HERE!!

Hollywood Veteran: Stanley Bennett Clay

By: Herndon L. Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

For over 30 years, Stanley Bennett Clay has been blessed to work exclusively as an artist swimming in the Hollywood circles of money, power and creativity. He is a veteran of the stage, film and television and has also been an avid writer having penned stage plays, screenplays, books and also published a magazine for ten years.

But what is most amazing about Stanley’s life is that he has lived most of it un-apologetically as a left handed-black-gay-man; three things he states that the world has at one time or another condemned. Now at age of 57 his life seems to just be getting started with the release of a new book and upcoming movie which he has also penned.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Jesus, Porn and Gay Marriage: The Life of Rev. Bobby Blake

By: Herndon Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

For an entire generation the name Bobby Blake became synonymous within the world of pornography. Having starred in over 100 gay, bisexual and multi-racial porno flicks Blake quickly became an international sensation fulfilling the erotic needs and dreams of both gay and straight audiences alike.

Now retired the bisexual porn star reveals that underneath his rock hard muscles, insatiable sexualized persona and celebrated sexual physical endowment exist an extremely conservative preacher from Tennessee who ironically is vehemently against gay marriage and is considering a new career in criminal justice. So just how does Bobby Blake reconcile his Christ-centered theology, sexual orientation, and pornographic exploits?

READ MY INTERVIEW HERE

LISTEN TO MY RADIO INTERVIEW HERE

Understanding The Progressive Movement

By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Tune into CNN, MSNBC, Fox News or surf the plethora of political blogs and you will get a healthy dose of “us vs. them”, liberal vs. conservative and a chorus of political pundits railing against the progressive movement in America. They insist that we are in the midst of a culture war over values and morality. But what isn’t always as saliently clear are the definitions and the history behind these political terms, in particular the understanding of the broad based and overused term “progressive.”

Depending upon who you’re speaking to the progressive movement can wear many different and dynamic hats of identification. This point alone often makes it difficult to nail down a fully equipped sound bite that clearly defines exactly what it is and what it isn’t. The issues embraced by the progressive movement vary widely hence a study of its past seems fitting as we attempt to define its current-day existence and usage.

READ MY COMMENTARY HERE:

Possibility Thinking vs. Impossibility Thinking

By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

One of my spiritual mentors, the Rev. Sylvia Sumter of Unity Church of Washington, DC recently began a series of sermons focusing upon Possibility Thinking. She based this series upon the ministry and suite of books written and published by Dr. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, CA.

As a reference, Schuller has authored the following books on Possibility Thinking:

-Move Ahead With Possibility Thinking
-Become a Possibility Thinker Now...
-You Can Become the Person You Want to Be, It's Possible
-If It's Going to Be, It's up to Me: The Eight Proven Principles of Possibility Thinking

READ MORE OF MY COMMENTARY HERE

3 Spiritual Book Reviews

By: Herndon L. Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

I’ve recently been reading three spiritual/inspirational books. Sometimes I’ll read books of similar theme and dimension because they often dovetail, support and strengthen the message that I’m attempting to absorb. So I’d like to share with you these books and the lessons that I’ve gained from them thus far.

READ ENTIRE COMMENTARY

SEE VIDEO BLOG HERE

Why Iowa and New Hampshire Shouldn’t Matter

By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

We can no allow America’s political pendulum to be influenced by the fickle tastes of voters in the states of Iowa and New Hampshire. It’s more tradition than an actual mirroring of America reflection that we hold these states as the ideal testing ground in taking America’s political temperature.

Although both states may reflect a cross-section of economic and social classes they are both sorely lacking the ethnic diversity that the rest of the nation is rapidly experiencing. Below are racial and ethnic demographics that strongly suggest a reexamination of the importance of Iowan and New Hampshire:

READ FULL COMMENTARY HERE

Are You a Thermostat or a Thermometer?

By: Herndon L. Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

A sermon preached a few weeks ago by my pastor and spiritual mentor, the Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual center reminded me of the awesome power and ability that we all have in our lives to move it in the direction that we desire versus being a just a product of our lives.

Beckwith referenced Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1963 “Letter From A Birmingham Jail” where MLK wrote that “The church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.”

READ MORE OF MY COMMENTARY HERE

Claim Your Role In Media

By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

As individuals who are seeking to make a change in the world we must become aware of the precise utilization of media as an essential element of everything that we are called to do in life.

You see society take its cues through and from the media. From current fashion trends to the way we feel politically and even spiritually, the media has a powerful influence upon the thoughts, voting patterns and the everyday belief systems that we as a nation hold personally and publicly

And because of that crucial reason we as citizen journalists must learn how to interject our voices, our works and our messages into the discourse and consciousness of a seemingly brain dead society.

READ ENTIRE COMMENTARY ABOUT THE MEDIA HERE

VIEW MY VIDEO BLOG ABOUT THE MEDIA HERE

Herndon Davis interviewing Sheryl Lee Ralph, singer/actress

Below is a recent red carpet interview that I did with singer/actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph in Washington, DC. Look for more celebrity interviews on my new television magazine debuting in Oct. 2007 on cable and satellite television.

Herndon Davis interviewing Duane Cramer, international photographer

Below is an interview I conducted with international photographer, Duane Cramer in his loft in San Francisco. Duane will be making an appearane on my new TV magazine, The Herndon Davis Diversity Reports that will be aired nationally on both cable and satellite television. So look out for it!!

Herndon
www.herndondavis.com

Senator Hillary Clinton Polarization in Red States Due to Her Gender and Not Her Politics

by: Herndon L. Davis

www.herndondavis.com

A recent MSNBC article goes into great detail to point out that Senator Hillary Clinton still has very high negative ratings in many key red state areas of the country.

But if you read the entirety of this news article along with hundreds others that have been written about Senator Clinton’s negative ratings, very little if anything is ever said as to why Hillary is despised in certain regions of the country.

Sadly, the core reason that red state America and some of their blue state cousins have such disdain for Senator Hillary Clinton is simply because she is a woman. Yep, I said it. Entire regions of America are intimidated if not frightened over the possibility of a woman becoming president of the United States.





Read More Here!!

The Peace of Television: Understanding and Learning From Yarone Fishman

by: Herndon Davis
www.herndondavis.com

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” With approximately 29 recognized wars across the world, a rising domestic strife and a growing number of internal conflicts based upon socioeconomic wedge issues, one is often led to believe that peace could not and probably will not ever be achieved in this lifetime or the next.

But for Yarone Fishman, peace is already a reality waiting for us to recognize and to embrace as the embodiment of our highest calling. The activist/musician recently launched Peace.tv, a multi-cultural, racial, linguistic and denominational media presence that serves as a nexus, a creative collective and a driving force and conduit by which to inspire, motivate and to create the essence and the reality of peace.

READ MORE HERE

Herndon

http://www.herndondavis.com/

The Power of Art: Understanding David DeRosa

by: Herndon Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

As undefined as visual art can sometimes be there is still a measured structure to it which can resonate with a viewer so much so that it “pops” from the canvass into the psyche of a mesmerized admirer.

Termed as pop impressionism, this style of artistic expression has been perfected by San Francisco artist, David Derosa, whose recent “Catachismic” series takes on a distinctly spiritual theme while using opposing shades of light and dark, positive and negative shapes with text that contain dual meanings of his subjects in everyday poses.

READ MORE HERE


Herndon
http://herndondavis.com/index3.html

The Peace, Power and Passion of God

by: Herndon Davis

http://www.herndondavis.com/

I was recently inspired on a trip to Detroit, MI, by Rev. Renee McCoy, minister at MCC Detroit, and Rev. Darlene Franklin, pastor of Full Truth Fellowship, during a praise service where both ministers uttered the phrase “Go in God’s peace, power and passion.”

The mere alliteration of these three words was powerful enough but the substance behind them evoked a monumental force of thought, a creative sense of inspiration, and an enlightened spiritual re-awakening in me that I felt urgently compelled to share with you. I truly hope that you gain the same spiritual resurgence that I have from it.

READ MORE HERE

Herndon

http://herndondavis.com/index3.html

The Passion of Robert Anton

by: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

The passion of Robert Anton is evident in the roll of his voice, the power of his testimony and the excitement of his presence. He is more than just a singer; he is an artist with an amazing essence of truth, determination and inspiration about him.

His third music project and probably his best work so far provides a combination of smooth R&B, soulful dance with fun highlights of reggae. His voice is big but not overbearing, free but controlled while entertaining the senses at every turn.

Read more here!!

Herndon
http://herndondavis.com/index3.html

Herndon's Summer Reading List 2007

Summer is right around the corner and so is our need to find the right book(s) to accompany our summer romps at the beach, cookouts with friends and family, and cross-country and overseas travels. Below are six diverse books that I’ve selected for my summer’s reading pleasure. Take a look and tell me what you think!

Click here to read the top 6!

Herndon

www.herndondavis.com

Summer book reading, lee hayes, faith club, bishop carlton pearson, the messiah, that moment when, george k. jordan

My Atlanta Weekend

My Atlanta Weekend
by: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

A few weeks ago I hopped a plane to fly down to my former home, Atlanta to speak at a Men’s Conference at the progressive, Tabernacle Church. I moved away 3 years ago so this was a treat to be able to visit and see friends again.

Friday 4/20/2007:

Once I got into Atlanta and found my way to my hotel, I spent Friday evening putting the finishing touches on my presentation. I stayed in mid-town Atlanta at the Courtyard Marriott in absolute peace and quiet.

My room faced a wooded view of the pool and it was serene enough for me to have no reason to leave my hotel for the rest day. But later that evening I met with Rickie Smith, one of the organizers of the Men’s Conference in the lobby of the hotel. It was GREAT to finally meet him in person since we’ve chatted back and forth via emails.

He told me that this was Tabernacle’s first annual men’s conference and I was honored to be one of their inaugural speakers. So after my chat with him, I went back upstairs and practiced my speech one last time then went to bed.

Saturday 4/21/2007:

Other speakers for the day included, the pastor of Tabernacle, Rev. Dennis Meredith who was recently spotlighted in a New York Times article concerning his love and acceptance ministry.

In addition, Reggie Gay, local Atlanta gospel radio/TV personality, who can be heard on KISS 104.1, GLORY 1340, and on the internet at http://www.am1260wtjh.com/

Donnell Duncan, founder of http://www.thecrackeddoor.com/ and author of the book, “I Curse Death” a revolutionary analysis of the concept of death.

Reverend Franc Perry, New York lawyer and staff evangelist for MCC-Atlanta, also flew in for the event as well.

And we were joined by Rev. Christopher Vincent Brown, an associate minister at Tabernacle.

All of us came from diverse theological, personal, and professional backgrounds as we spoke on this year’s theme: Christianity and The Modern Man.

It’s always a thrill and a joy to be able to speak publicly especially about pressing topics that affect us all. I want to personally thank Rickie Smith for reaching out to me months ago about speaking at the event.

Here’s a rundown of what happened.

Breakfast/sign-in registration.

Reggie Gay gave a strong inspirational talk which set the tone for the rest of us to follow.

Rev. Perry spoke about sexuality and living our lives as sexual beings and as Christian men. He really stretched us during his workshop to truly analyze our intimacy and relationships through the lens of our relationship with Christ.

He also recommended a couple of books for us to read, one of which is titled “The Gift to Listen, The Courage to Hear” by Cari Jackson. Whether you’re in a spiritual or a romantic relationship, being able to hear and listen is crucial to the success of the relationship.

Pastor Meredith spoke about wealth building and how our “poor concepts about wealth and money left over from years of teaching” are serving no good. He really broke down how it is NOT a sin to have money or to be wealthy. He encouraged us to build wealth but of course not place wealth ahead or before God.

Lunch Break - GREAT southern cooked food!! Enough to put you to sleep for days!

Next, Rev. Christopher Brown spoke about the different types of love:

-Eros (passionate love);
-Agape (selfless giving love)
-Storge (affectionate love – parent-child)
-Ludus (playful love)
-Mania (consumed by emotional extremes, misery, possessive, and jealousy).

Next, I spoke about the five Spiritual Truths that I’ve embraced in my life which have pushed me further into my spiritual walk to experience the success that God has ordained for me:

First, I confided that I had to realize that my perception of God was too small. God dwells inside of me and that I should operate not from a fear-based theology of God but form a love-based theology.

Next I spoke about my having to understand and embrace both the power of prayer and mediation. Prayer is referred to as talking to God while meditation is listening to God. We must open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear God in all of his/her creative and glorious ways (i.e. baby’s laughter, homeless man on the street, bumper sticker, song lyric, “coincidence”)

Then I spoke about how I had to learn to facilitate and embrace change in my life no matter how painful it might be. It hurts more to resist the changes in your life. So we must have resistless grace as we flow into the spiritual stream and through the change and pain of our life, knowing the Truth. The Truth is that God always has your back, has a plan for your to follow to see the light of day, and that he/she will never leave or forsake you.


Then I spoke about redefining your life. Sometimes we must wipe the slate clean of all the things that we think we know to be true about our lives, about God and redefine our lives. We must do this because we often take other people’s perceptions of who we are and make them our own. We accept other people’s condemnation of us and perceptions of who they think we are. Now is the time to redefine our life, renew our footsteps, restore our thoughts, re-invigorate our beliefs, re-path our sights, re-strategize our understanding, remodel our faith, and re-plan our identity. Romans 12:2.
Finally, I ended with the last spiritual Truth that I now embrace which is to prepare for the good in your life. We must prepare ourselves for the good, great, excellent, and brilliance that’s already waiting to manifest itself within our lives.

We must prepare ourselves by affirming those things to be. We must NOT play the name-it and play it game. Instead we must affirm the good, great, excellence, and brilliance in our lives right here, right now. We must no longer walk on faith but instead become faith itself. Become what it is you seek to be and begin embracing the good that you seek now!

Finally, the last speaker was Donnell Duncan.

He spoke from numerous scriptures that clearly stated that if you do not use your talent or resources you will lose it and even be cursed for not allowing it to grow and burying it from sight. He also admonished that if you cannot be faithful to your full-time job right now, then your side-gigs will remain just that, a side-gig. God will never break the spiritual law and bless you with more when you haven’t been faithful over what you already have.

Duncan also sold and signed copies of his book, “I Curse Death.”

Saturday Evening: 4/21/2007

I later took time to type of this blog at a Starbucks and waited to be picked up by my friend Tuan N’Gai, co-founder of Operation Rebirth and author of Will I Go To Heaven: A Black Gay Man’s Spiritual Dilemma.
From there Tuan and I met up and then picked up his friend, DeWayne and from there we headed to College Park!!

Tuan just purchased a beautiful home the day before and I was one of his first house guests! I was gonna go out but we ended up watching The Wiz and then ate a late dinner.

DeWayne did an amazing job in preparing garlic chicken Alfredo.


Sunday Morning: 4/22/2007

The next morning we all slept late finally arising to the warmth of sunshine shining through the brand new home. I later headed into midtown where I met up with 15 other guys, all of whom friends from Atlanta or some combination via Atlanta.

Sunday Afternoon: 4/22/2007

We all met up at Einstein’s and sat outside under the Georgia sun for at least three hours talking, eating, networking and really getting to know each other.

I decided to put together this impromptu event after Nathan 7 Scott did something similar for me on a recent trip to NYC.

The time spent with great friends, great food, and great weather was almost enough to lure me back to the back Peach. No one wanted to leave. When one person would finally leave two more would join us. The afternoon dragged into the early evening as the sun slowly set.





Some of the attendees included: activist and media personality, Jonathan Perry; social commentator and graduate student Zachary D. Weaver; nationally syndicated columnist and book editor, Gil L. Robertson IV; marketing and direct mail entrepreneur/guru, Michael Vanderwerf; community activist Larry Cook; filmmaker, Sydney; educator, Octavia; financial planner, John; communications guru, Addrian; radiologist, Larry; real estate investor Tremayne, and several others.


By the time we finally left the restaurant, I spent the rest of the evening chatting with Tuan and admiring his new home, catching up on personal news, and eventually packing up to head back to the airport.




I had an amazing time in Atlanta and I’d like to thank everyone who came out to make it a very special time.

Herndon……….

Atlanta, friendship, Gil L. Robertson, Jonathan Perry, Larry Cook, Michael Vanderwerf, Mr. Post Card, Not In My family, Pastor Dennis Meredith, Tabernacle Men’s conference, Zachary Weaver

Street Beggars Test the Christ In All Of Us

Street Beggars Test the Christ In All Of Us

By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

One of the unfortunate things about living in a big city is the concentration of homelessness and poverty that often pervades certain neighborhoods. In fact seeing homeless people in significant numbers in wealthier areas of town is becoming the norm rather than the exception.

In fact poverty is a shocking problem in America altogether. A staggering 37 million people in the United States live in poverty and an estimated 45 million people live without insurance. Imagine that every 13th person that you encounter today is living in poverty. Well this is indeed the case. Poverty comes in all shapes, colors and hues.

Another major problem that I see in relation to poverty and the rising rates of homelessness is panhandling. They’re the street beggars who stand on the corners, at traffic intersections, in front of stores and near churches and badger those who pass by for change or food.

Dealing with street beggars truly tests the Christ in me. Am I a bad person if I don’t give? What would Jesus do at this exact moment?

I am not against helping other people especially when they’re down-and-out, but what I have difficulty with is the sheer number of people living on the street, earning money through begging and through the kindness of strangers.

From young children to the very old, I am more amazed than ever of the often boldness and aggressiveness that some people have in asking, pestering and even badgering others to give. It’s a disturbing sight to witness every day.

But it is especially a difficult chore to walk past another human being as if they do not exist without an acknowledgement if only by a quick glance. Often a quick glance of acknowledgement gives a panhandler their “in” with you. They feel as if yes, there is a chance that you might stop and give.

I recently witnessed inside of a busy train station a derelict man who seemingly was trying to start a fight walking side-by-side with another man and his family loudly asking for money. It’s as if the derelict man who actually was of a significant size was bullying people with his physical presence and loud mouthed antics to get them to give him money.

When it didn’t work on the man and his family, the derelict person went after a child who was walking by himself. He used the same intimidating antics on a child!!

Upon closer inspection of this supposedly homeless guy, I noticed that he had on ear plugs that went down to his Ipod and he looked like he could stand to loose a few pounds which made me wonder if he really was homeless or if this was his way of earning money.

I often see the same people sitting at the same street corner day after day including weekends begging for money. With such faithfulness to begging they stick to it as if it were a 9-5 job. And to some it really is. I remember when I used to live in Atlanta a local news team followed a panhandler from his stoop in downtown, to his car at a nearby garage, to his middle income home in the suburbs. When confronted with news cameras, the guy admitted this was way of earning extra cash, through begging.

Meanwhile legitimately down-on-their-luck people are passed up for assistance everyday for fear that they too might be schemers seeking a way around the system of work.

I used to be sucker for panhandlers, because I wanted to express the love of Christ towards the least of these and to people who were just in a really bad spot. I’ve been in plenty of bad spots before but thankfully I had either family or friends who were able to help me out.
I used to think to myself what if I didn’t have them to help me, I too could be homeless and asking for change on the street. So I would be more inclined to help those I would see on the street thanking God it was not me.

But years later after being badgered so often I now stand much more firm in my ability to ignore those who I see on the street. I wonder what Christ must think of me now?

I’ve come to the realization that I can’t help everybody that I see and in some circumstances it places me at risk as a possible target for robbery or more.

I now join the rest of America who passes without blinking by the human “garbage” that we are so quick to dismiss as lazy, drug and/or alcohol addicted. We are all too eager to put out of sight the begging youth who we think learns from their elders when in actuality, many begging youth are actually raising themselves. It is emotionally painful to know that so many people exist in such squalor conditions and that there is absolutely nothing that we can do to help. Back during the Reagan Administration the President eliminated numerous social programs that would have helped adults and youth alike to stay off the street and to help rebuild their lives again.

Today, there are few federal resources in comparison to yesteryear that are dedicated to social services. Somehow the Red party with help from the Blue party convinced the rest of middle-America that the least of these didn’t want to work. Somehow we engaged ourselves in a class and race conflict where we said enough is enough and cut off vital support to those who needed it the most.

Somehow we became a nation at ease with ignoring the plight of poverty and homelessness by arming ourselves with a pull yourself up by your bootstrap mentality. But when a person doesn’t have boot let alone a bootstrap, this mantra doesn’t work.

So as I continue to walk the urban streets and I’m asked “brother can you spare some change,” I quickly reflect to see what the Spirit would have me to do in light of the fact that I have limited resources and that there are at least 20 more people I will encounter by the end of the day asking me the same thing.

Spirit do I give today? Do I give to this person? Do I walk away? Do I ignore today? Or do I give right now? ………..Within seconds I know the answer. Often I walk a way yet other times I give but ALL the time I pray for them as I walk away.

I am accompanied by a brief guilt that is soon shrugged off by knowing that I am but one person and that my little bit of assistance combined with others will make a difference. I go on faith knowing this to be the Truth as I walk away.

Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host. He an be reached directly at http://www.herndondavis.com/ or at his blog at http://www.herndondavis.blogspot.com/

Christ, homelessness, panhandling, poverty, street beggars, What would Jesus do

Focusing Upon The Message, Not the Messenger

Focusing Upon The Message, Not the Messenger
By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

God speaks to us in an untold number of ways, methods and instances. It could be through a baby’s laughter, the roar of an ocean, and through the words of a bumper sticker. Regardless of how it is done, we must always be open to receiving the Creator’s message despite the conduit or person that it might travel through.

This means that we must continously keep our spiritual eyes and ears opened so that we might receive downloaded instructions straight from heaven as to what we must do and how we must do it.

I remember once I was depressed not sure what the answer might be and how to proceed. I was walking down a city street when I passed by this homeless man who suddenly said, “Keep Your Head Up Brother.”

I was shocked not sure if he was really talking to me or to someone else. There was no one else immediately around so he must have been talking to me. But this guy didn’t know me.

I spied on him for a few seconds to see if he said something similar to other people passing by. He didn’t say a word. It’s as if the words he said were geared specifically to me at that exact moment in time.

But again this guy didn’t know me. In addition, he was stinking, looked liked death and appeared to have no sense of awareness of his own situation. So how could he give me advice, why would he give me advice, and how did he know my situation?

Then it dawned on me. Could this stranger be a messenger from God? Could God be speaking to me not through the preacher, pastor, deacon, trustee Sunday School teacher but instead through the least of these?

After reflecting some more I accepted the answer which was a resounding YES!! God was indeed speaking to me but through a way, a method and through a person I barely recognized. I also realized that if my spiritual eyes and ears had not been opened, I would not have received God’s message simply because of the messenger.

This experience reaffirmed in me the fact that the answers in life are not always packaged neatly in beautiful flowing words that come from astute, profound and studied individuals. The answer can sometimes come in the most simple of forms through instances, people, children, and the most unexpected of ways.

I encourage you to once again keep your spirit open to receive and your spiritual eyes and ears ready to understand and to embrace the message and to focus upon the message and not the messenger.

Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host. He an be reached directly at http://www.herndondavis.com/ or at his blog at http://www.herndondavis.blogspot.com/


God, Creator, message, messenger, spiritual eyes, spiritual ears,

Why Some Clergy Fear Passage of Hate Crimes Bill

Why Some Clergy Fear the Passage of Hate Crimes Bill

By: Herndon L. Davis

www.herndondavis.com

Thank God that the HR 152 -Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLHCPA) was passed by the US House of Representative on Thursday. The result of the vote went straight down right down party lines. The majority of democrats voted for it while the majority of republicans voted against it. It always amazes me just how hard and resistant it is for those in power to bestow protection and power upon others.

It’s as if they feel that somehow they will be left without if they were to reach out to help and protect others. You see LLHCPA will give extra federal resources to local jurisdictions plus new federal penalties to prosecute against those who specifically commit crimes against people based upon the fact that they are women, gay or gay identified or have disabilities. This is an extension of the already existing 40 something year old law that provided identical federal resources to local jurisdiction as well as federal penalties to those who specifically targeted victims based upon their race, ethnicity and religious affiliation.

In other words, the Civil Rights era law that was created to protect Black people is now being extended to protect women, gays, and those with disabilities who are targeted solely because of the essence of who they are.

So why such a big debate over whether it should be created and passed? Well conservative and fundamentalist pastors are nervous because they would like to continue to preach hate towards gays/lesbians but are now afraid that the new law may be used against them from preaching the gospel of intolerance which they call love. They feel that they will be prosecuted for thought crimes, thus a “chill” will be placed upon their abilities to preach the word of God. Well this is NOT the case.

A thought never killed anyone, but a person has. The newly passed bill was written specifically with a religious exclusion. It does not punish people or pastors for their thoughts or religious beliefs. It only punishes people who do bodily harm or property damage to others in targeted groups (racial, ethnic, religious, gender, gay or disabilities).

The First Amendment clearly protects free speech and a pastor should not worry their conservative little heads about it. No comparison can be made to other countries and their similar laws because no other country has Free Speech written into their constitution the way that America has.

Thus the First Amendment stands untouched with the passage of this bill. However, homophobic clergy still worry because they still can be brought into an investigation although not charged with a crime if a person in their congregation were to kill someone based upon a sermon they’ve preached.

Well my response is that if you do not advocate violence towards gays, women, blacks, those with disabilities and other ethnic and religious groups, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. If you truly preach love for everyone, then you should not be worried about being brought into an investigation because you won’t. But of course we all know that, acceptance, tolerance, and non-violence towards gays and other ethnic communities aren’t always preached within our American pulpits.

These supposed men and women of God are now worried that they will have to face the music for their heinous words spoken under the guise of religion. But again, they must remember that their personal and religious beliefs and their First Amendment rights are always protected.

Again, thoughts never killed anyone, but people have. If you deliberately incite violence in your pulpits towards other groups of people just like Hitler and the KKK then yes you have a lot to worry about with this bill. However if you deliberately incite love, caring, and thoughtfulness towards other groups of people, then no, you have absolutely nothing to worry about with this bill.

The President of the United States, George W. Bush is already hinting at vetoing the bill in order to appease his conservative religious base. It would be a travesty if this would occur on the heels of him vetoing the war funding bill.

When will middle-America finally wake up and realize the mess that they’ve gotten us into? 2008 can’t get here fast enough for me.

Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host. He an be reached directly at www.herndondavis.com or at his blog at www.herndondavis.blogspot.com

Hate crimes, gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, women, gender based crimes, theology, clergy, fear, first amendment rights, US Constitution, fundamentalists, conservative clergy, power, targeted crimes

Cinco de Mayo Day: A Pathway to Ameican Tolerance?

Cinco de Mayo:
A Pathway to American Tolerance

by: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo Day!! Cinco de Mayo is the day that we celebrates the victory of the Mexican forces over the occupied French forces on May 5, 1862 in the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is sometimes confused with Mexico’s Independence Day which is celebrated on Sept. 16.

The rich symbolism behind Cinco de Mayo is that it’s representative of people who overcame insurmountable odds, challenges, and adversity to gain victory of their homeland. Today Mexican culture and American culture are fused in many ways as we celebrate this festive holiday.
The Hispanic population has grown tremendously in America in a relatively short period of time as witnessed by the large Hispanic neighborhoods which exist in most major cities as well as in rural areas in many states. There is also a strong desire to identify culturally with Mexican heritage while assimilating into mainstream American culture.

Thus Cinco de Mayo and the attention it brings to Mexico and Mexican Americans should be used as turning points of knowledge, understanding and tolerance. But instead violence erupted in Los Angeles last week towards the end of the May 1 protests against the harsh immigration reform proposed by the White House.





The frustration of police, the frustration of middle-America, and the frustration of many Hispanics who are feeling the brunt of the wave of ant-immigration politics is manifesting itself through incidents of violence.

It is politics as usual guided by our nefarious White House. First in 2004, the gay community and the issue of gay marriage was used as bait to incite middle-American fear, anger and resentment in order to drive voters keep Republicans in office.




Then two years later in 2006, the immigration debate was used as the red flag to declare war on yet another segment of the United States, all in the name of keeping Republican in power.

Fortunately, middle-America saw better and the Democrats gained both sides of Congress. Now as we march into the 2008 Presidential elections, we must prepare ourselves for more divide and conquer strategies as dictated by a party desperately trying to remain relevant and in control of what they themselves have termed as a “culture war.”

It is my dream to one day live in an America that is okay with its diversity; that is able to embrace others while still agreeing to disagree. Although Cinco de Mayo is just one day of reflection and celebration, wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be used as a stepping stone of tolerance and understanding of culture of all people recognizing their adversities and celebrating their victories?

I think we all can learn a lot from the symbolism of Cinco de Mayo. It just takes a willing mind and a willing heart to embrace instead of a closed mind and a closed heart that is bent on division.

Happy Cinco de Mayo to all!!

Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host. He an be reached directly at http://www.herndondavis.com/ or at his blog at http://www.herndondavis.blogspot.com/


are delightful

Cinco de Mayo, culture, gay marriage, Hispanic, immigration politics, Latino, Mexican, Mexican American, War, \

America's Missing Backbone

America’s Missing Backbone
By: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

104; the number of US deaths incurred in the month of April by our military forces. Meanwhile President George W. Bush continues to make good on his promised threat to veto recent legislation that would place timetables on withdrawals out of Iraq.

By far the bloodiest war America has been in since the Vietnam War, our President doesn’t seem to lose too much sleep over the fact that nearly 3,351 lives American lives have been lost, with thousands more seriously injured. It seems that all that matters is getting a firm foothold in an oil rich country under the guise of establishing a democracy that people of that country never said they really wanted.

I’ve lost comprehension of the Iraqi death toll and of the devastation and destruction that I’ve witnessed over the course of four years of senseless war. But more than anything else, I’m not sure where exactly America’s backbone has been for these several years of senseless death, pain, and brutality.

Could America’s backbone have been hidden under false allusions of patriotism and a phony desire for world-wide freedom and democracy? Or perhaps was America’s backbone hidden behind fear of what the country might endure during a post-911 era of vicious follow-up attacks?

Or instead was America’s backbone hidden behind fundamentalist theology and sermons which backed the Bush administration as if God’s word somehow crowned him as the new found savior of the safety of America?

So who could go against the troops? Who could go against God? Who could go against a man named Bush???

It saddens me to no end that once again that middle-America has been duped for so long based on fear. For the vast majority of George Bush’s presidency, he has managed to thrive upon the fears of America while presenting himself and his tactics as the only way and the only solution for a stronger and safer America.

So many basic American rights and freedoms have been eliminated for good while allowing the United States government and President broad sweeping powers that neither have had in nearly two generations. And then on top of that, we invade an innocent country who we’ve to date refuse to openly admit it and apologize for it.

But finally, in November 2006 America seemingly found its backbone as it voted into office a brand new Congress with the express intention of calling an end to the war in Iraq. On last week, both the House and Senate passed resolutions to fund the war but with a timetable for a withdrawal.

Once again the President roared that he will veto it and sadly, there were not enough votes in the House and Senate to override the veto. So where exactly is the backbone of Congress??

There comes a time in life where we must each walk on faith and eventually become faith itself. There comes a time in life where we must do what is right, regardless of whether it is popular or even if it will cost us our jobs.

To be called to do the Right thing in the face of wrong can be difficult especially when everyone else is doing wrong. To be called to have a backbone in the face of seeming giants can be fearful and threatening, but it must be done.

A timid Congress that is too afraid it might lose re-election in 2008 is not the backbone that America needs but sadly it is the backbone that America has. When we talk about weak and strong and comparing countries next to our own, we must remember that America although financially or politically stronger than many others, is one of the weakest countries I know.

It is a powerhouse bully that refuses to play by the world’s rules of engagement of war and politics. It is country determined to create fear and division in order to seek its own gain. It is a country that hides behind morality but refuses to utilize it. It is a country without a backbone.


Herndon L. Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host. He can be reached directly at www.herndondavis.com


George W. Bush, Iraq War, Backbone, weak, US Congress, death, destruction, devastation, Morality, fundamental theology, fear, US Senate, US House, veto, bill

Rethinking American Culture Part 1

Rethinking American Culture Part 1
By: Herndon L. Davis
http://www.herndondavis.com/

Much has occurred over the past few days and week. The shooting massacre at Virginia Tech renewed concerns of domestic violence, gun control and man’s inhumanity to man.
It was just days ago that the nation was embroiled in the Don Imus “nappy-headed ho” controversy along with the “bitch-ho” culture that rappers and hip hop artists have cultivated over the past 20 plus years.

And it was only a few months ago that the “F-word” slur towards the gay community with Isaiah Washington and later with Tim Hardaway was fodder for the evening news. Meanwhile America continues to be engaged in a prolonged war over nothing as it desperately tries to force democracy and Western values onto a people who resent it.

America, the land of the free should be more accurately be renamed, America, the land of the fractured. This country’s biggest strength is also its biggest challenge, its diversity. Home to over 300 million people, the US represents the world in its various ethnic, cultural, language, and racial makeup.

Our past is also intriguing too. We’ve oppressed and then later liberated entire groups of people (i.e blacks, women) yet still there lingers negative affects from it (i.e racism, sexism, inequality in income, housing, education, etc.). We live in a culture that says pull yourself up by your bootstraps, but provides no real guidance to those who have no clue through generational poverty and institutionalized racism.

We live in a country that proudly states that all men are created equal but continues to treat gays/lesbians as if they were second class citizens, denying them of over a thousand different rights and benefits because they are not allowed to legally marry.

We live in a nation that prides itself on being devout, religious, or family valued and centered, yet the divorce rate exceeds 50%. We live in a culture that despises getting old and refuses to adequately protect its elderly.

We also live in a culture that fears that the rest of the world is jealous and is out to get us but without fully recognizing how our own foreign policies and decisions negatively impact the rest of the world.

We live in a culture, an American culture that is abound, replete and overflowing with contradictions, contradictions that opens the door of frustration, disrespect, anger, rage, and sadly violence.

There is a seeming resistance, an American resistance to refuse to hear, see and to embrace the truth about itself. There are entire groups of underprivileged, angry, depressed and joy-deficient people living within our own borders who are yearning to be free of their societal chains.

Some of them strike out in the form of profane song lyrics. Others act out through disrespect towards others (i.e women, gays, a person walking down the street). Still others take a very dangerous path of crime and violence.

However, what is very disturbing is that no one in American culture seemingly is able to understand the pain of others. No one seemingly cares to know about the footsteps in which others have taken. We barely stand long enough to hear let alone listen to what others have to say.

Many Americans say they attend church regularly and profess to pray often but we still manage to overlook the obvious, we overlook and ignore the least of these……..

Now this is not to say that I am excusing the behavior of the Virginia Tech shooter, the callous words of Don Imus, the profane words of rappers, and the criminal behavior of others in society. I just wonder what could have been done to curb if not avoid many of the situations that we see happening today.

What could have been done to guide, mold, train, teach, inspire, hold and love the least of these……. And what can be done today in order to make our culture, the American culture much less commercially driven and much more compassionately driven.

Herndon L. Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio host. He can be reached directly at http://www.herndondavis.com/


Tags: american culture, politics, imus, virginia tech shooting, rappers, 50 cent, snoop dog, isaiah washginton, F-word, tim hardaway, tim mcveigh, oklahoma city bombing, world trade center attack

Fighting Intolerance with Love

by: Herndon L. Davis
www.herndondavis.com

This weekend I came across two emotional poems that I would like to share you with you.

The first is the Prayer of St. Francis which was recited at the conclusion of a candle light vigil I attended on Saturday for the late Ryan Keith Skipper, http://news.yahoo.com/s/po/20070320/co_po/twochargedwithhatecrimeinflaslaying

Ryan’s throat was slit, his head bashed and his body stabbed 20 times by two men who wanted to steal his car. They later dumped his body on the side of the road and then drove around in Ryan’s bloody car bragging to their friends of what they had done.

Ryan’s attackers, who thank God have been arrested, stated that they targeted him because he was gay and they were retaliating because of a previous sexual advance that Ryan allegedly had made towards one of his attackers.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also came across this beautiful quote. It speaks poignantly to the life in which I seek to live through the lens, the essence, and the manifestation of love.

“Bitterness imprisons life;

love releases it.

Bitterness paralyzes life;

love empowers it.

Bitterness sours life;

love sweetens it.

Bitterness sickens life;

love heals it.

Bitterness blinds life;

love anoints its eyes.”

~ Harry Emerson Fosdick

Conflict, Peace and SATYAGRAHA

Starting today, we embark on a year long series focusing upon various Peace initiatives and tools being used world-wide. This week meet filmmaker Rob Graydon. His documentary SATYAGRAHA is providing the entire world with peace alternatives. Read his story and listen to his radio interview at http://www.herndondavis.com/index3, your source for progressive media.

Herndon

http://www.herndondavis.com/index3

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My Easter Weekend in NYC

This past Easter Weekend I had an amazing blast in NYC. Although the temperature dropped back to winter levels, I still had the warmest time ever while in the Big Apple. Here's the rundown:

I arrived in NYC and primarily went sightseeing down at Union Square, Midtown, and Harlem.

I had breakfast in Chelsea at Choux, a quaint bagel breakfast place at 8thAvenue and W. 23rd. I checked email on my laptop and called up DJ Baker, the creator and radio personality of DaDooDirty Show.

DJ and I chatted for a few and we decided to meet up for my radio interview at my hotel at Hotel 31. From there we had a wonderful time chatting about my life, spirituality, personal media initiatives, politics, and parenthood. The interview airs on Wedneday at DaDooDirtyShow.

The Second Interview

After my interview with DJ Baker, I had another interview with Ramone Gaylife of About.com. Ramone’is working on a project which will be later unveiled this summer. His questions were again also about my spirituality but also ventured into the use or misuse of the “N” and “F” word plus a glimpse into what I foresee in the future for myself.

Ramone Johnson (L) and Herndon Davis (R)

From there, Ramone and I met up along with