Here we go again, another stereotype. The latest: angry black woman. Of course, it was directed at Michelle Obama, which doesn’t surprise me. However, as a black woman, I find it rather appalling when the First Lady of the United States of America has to appear on national television to defend herself against a misconceived notion that she’s an angry black woman.

First of all, what does an angry black woman look like? Second, why is it when a black woman is beautiful, strong, and intelligent, she’s an angry black woman? Third, how does one equate being beautiful, strong, and intelligent with anger?

Saying that all black women are angry is like saying all blondes are dumb. Both are simply not true. I’m proud of our First Lady Michelle Obama, she symbolizes the true essence of a black woman; she’s an inspiration to black women everywhere. And those folks tossing that angry black woman label around, don’t have a clue what it’s like to be a black woman.

Throughout history black women were on the front line fighting for justice and equality: Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Barbara Jordan, Ruby Dee, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, and Dorothy Height to name a few. No, they were not angry black women. They were beautiful, strong, intelligent, and courageous black women, just like our First Lady Michelle Obama.

There’s so much talk nowadays about the need for the rich to pay more or their fair share, and rightfully so. I’m not rich and I don’t have a problem with rich folks. After all, most of us aspire to be rich and famous. However, I do have a problem with the rich getting richer at the expense of the poor and middle class.

Forget trickle down economics, today, we have what I call reverse Robin Hood. Take from the poor and give to the rich. Just think about it, if the rich had been paying their fair share so that everyone could prosper, then there wouldn’t have been a need for Robin Hood. Although many corporations are reporting record profits, they’re failing to hire the unemployed. Furthermore, not only is corporate greed at an all time high, but it’s influencing every aspect of American lives, including the political atmosphere.

I wonder what happened to us as a nation? When did we stop showing compassion for folks stuck at the bottom or those wanting their fair share? That I got mines, too bad if you can’t get yours attitude. What happened to, helping the least of these? What happened to, I am my brother’s keeper? What happened to, when I was hungry you fed me? What happened to, when I was naked you clothed me?

When are we going to realize that prosperity is not limited to the well to do or the well connected? I have a message for those rich folks that don’t want to pay their fair share: naked you came into this world and naked you’ll go out.

by Deborah Brown

I must admit, politics has never been my cup of tea. However, since the election of President Obama, my attitude has changed. I’ve become a little more mindful of the political arena. Mostly, because I wanted to see how folks in this country would react to the first African American President. And what I’ve observed over the past two and a half years, which I find rather disturbing, is the lack of respect shown toward President Obama. Some folks may disagree, but I can’t recall ever seeing a President of the United States so disrespected.Today, you’ve folks from all fronts disrespecting President Obama on national television. What kind of message are we sending to our children and folks watching around the world? What happened to showing honor and having consideration? What happened to good old-fashion respect?

Well, I’m from the old school. And first of all, I was taught to respect God, to respect my parents, to respect myself, to respect others, and to respect authority. Second, if you didn’t have anything nice to say about someone, then you didn’t say anything at all. Apparently, some folks either missed or have forgotten that lesson.

Look, some of you may disagree with President Obama’s policies. And that’s okay. But like night and day, there’s a heck of a difference between being disagreeable and being disrespectful. I for one, have the utmost respect for President Obama. To come from where he has come from and accomplish what he has accomplished is no small feat. From my perspective, President Obama’s intelligence is unmatched, and his oratorical skills are off the chart. On top of that, he’s hardworking, compassionate, humble, witty, cool, and calm under pressure.

Furthermore, despite all the odds, despite all the adversity, despite all the naysayers, he was able to rise above it all, and become President of the United States of America. That along beckons respect. Let’s not forget that President Obama inherited an enormous mess. And contrary to belief, there’s no overnight fix. As we all know, it’s easy to get yourself into mess, but it’s hard to get yourself out. So folks give credit where credit is due. And like Aretha Franklin’s song, give President Obama some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Over the past three decades, obesity rates in America have doubled for adults and tripled for children, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several studies indicate that obesity leads to a multitude of heath problems: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, and diabetes to name a few. All which leads to poor physical health,  lower quality of  life, and shorter life spans. If we don’t sound the alarm and act, we’re going to have a generation of unhealthy adults.

To me, children today are less active. Back when I was growing up, you couldn’t lie or sit around the house all day. If you weren’t sick, you were outside playing. And you played until sundown. Nowadays it’s a different ballgame. Between the video games, the computer games, the internet, and the television, children don’t have to go outside and play anymore. They now have instant entertainment at the click of a button. No physical activity required.

Look, we all want a better future for our children, grandchildren, and so on. We all want our children to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. So why not teach them the importance of eating healthy and physical activity? As adults, we’ve an obligation to teach our children not only to do the right things, but to also eat healthy. Children learn by example.

I realize that we live in a microwave society, compounded by the stresses of everyday life. And with both parents working outside of the home, it’s difficult for families to always have a sit-down prepared meal.

Then there’s the issue of affordability and accessibility. There are folks living in low-income neighborhoods and rural areas that don’t own an automobile, nor have access to viable transportation. The nearest grocery store or supermarket is miles and miles away. Therefore, they shop at the local convenience store that may not always have fresh fruits and vegetables.

In all honesty, with the rising cost of gas and food, many folks can’t afford the healthier foods. Let’s face it; the healthier foods are more expensive. And if you’re on a fixed income, it’s even more difficult to eat healthy.

Thankfully, we’ve a White House that understands all of this. Our First Lady Michelle Obama is championing the cause by making obesity a national issue. She is leading the charge by promoting healthy food choices and physical activity through her Let’s Move campaign. I must say, the First Lady is leading by example. And President Barack Obama has established a Task Force on Childhood Obesity.

Last month, our federal government unveiled a new food plate icon, Myplate.We now have a clear picture of what a healthy plate should look like. So, let’s act. Let’s start by implementing these standards in our daily lives, and take the much-needed steps toward turning the tide on obesity. After all, “you are what you eat.”

As we draw near to Father’s Day, I’m grateful my Dad is still with us. Now that I’m older and have a family, I often reflect on my childhood and how difficult life was for my parents raising 10 children. I think about the numerous sacrifices they made every day so we wouldn’t have to go without. Even more remarkable is the fact that our Dad was the only breadwinner. My Dad didn’t abandon us or his responsibilities like so many fathers do when times are tough.  Because of this, I salute my Dad for being a real father.

I salute my husband for being that rock, that guiding light, and a real father to our son. I salute those real fathers that are willing to sacrifice and get down in the trenches for their family. I salute those real fathers that are raising children that are not their biological offspring. I salute those single real fathers that are both a Mom and Dad to their children. I salute those unemployed real fathers that are contributing to the emotional and spiritual welfare of their children.

No, you’re not going to read about real fathers in the newspapers, or see them on the television. After all, many are not famous entertainers, famous actors, famous athletes, political figures, or headline grabbers. However, like our military and military veterans, these dedicated real fathers are our unsung heroes. They understand the importance of family. And they should be celebrated every day, not just on Father’s Day.

Jazzmyne Davis, is a young and aspiring writer letting her light shine through poetry.

Did you know there’s no such thing as a Bad Day? Seriously, there’s no such thing as a Bad Day. I know many of you disagree, but bear with me for a moment. First, let’s take a look at the days in a week: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I don’t see a day named Bad Day, do you?

Next, pick up a calendar; take a look through all 12 months, and you’ll notice the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Good Friday, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Thanksgivings Day, and Christmas Day. Still, not one named Bad Day. As a matter of fact, out of 365 days in a year not one day is named Bad Day.

Now, think about when God created heaven and earth. God provided us with everything we need and everything that’s good. Correct? God gave us life, the days, the nights, the stars, the seas, the trees, the birds, and much, much more. God didn’t give us a day named Bad Day and God didn’t promise us a rosy and carefree life. Furthermore, it’s not the day that’s bad. It’s the things that happen, both good and bad. Bad things are going to happen. That’s life.

Then again, you’re reading this post, so you’re having a Good Day. Do you want to know why? You’re alive. That’s right. You’re alive. As long as you have life, there’s no such thing as a Bad Day. Every day is blessing.

It’s no secret that a woman never reveals her age. But I’m going to make an exception and disclose my age. I’m fifty-five. Why does this matter? It matters since I delayed having a simple test for five years. What test is that? A screening colonoscopy. Why did I delay? I was too busy. I didn’t have the time. I didn’t want to go through the preparation process. Any excuse would do. However, because of my loving husband’s persistence I scheduled an appointment.

In preparation for the colonoscopy I’d to thoroughly cleanse my colon. For two days I was on a clear-liquid diet. And I’d to drink stuff that kept me in the bathroom so much that I was beginning to feel like a fixture. Nevertheless, I persevered. Besides, the benefits far outweighed the minor inconvenience.

The colonoscopy went smoothly, no polyps. I uttered a sigh of relief and thanked God. Even more fantastic. I’m good for 10 years. This is a simple test, but vital in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Both men and women should have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50. Like me, many delay having it, if at all. I knew better. I was lucky.

Among cancers, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). In 2007, there were 53,219 reported deaths from colorectal cancer, and 142,672 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Regular screening starting at age 50 could prevent 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer.

Think about this for a moment. The number of deaths  from colorectal cancer is more than the population of many small towns and cities. I must say that these numbers are alarming. Further alarming is the fact that African  Americans more than any other group of people had the highest occurrence of deaths from colorectal cancer. And we’re more likely to die from colorectal cancer.

As African Americans we had to overcome hundreds of years of oppression. Many marched, bled, some even died for us to have equal rights, civil rights, and voting rights. Now, we must be just as diligent and just as determined with issues concerning our health.

There are far too many of us dying needlessly. We’re the minority, but are the majority in deaths from colorectal cancer. I find this  shocking.  You should too. If we’re going to continue to flourish as a people we must and can do better. No one is immune from cancer. So if you just turned 50, get a screening colonoscopy. It’s a simple test that could save your life. You owe it to yourself and your love ones.

Have you notice when there’s a full moon folks start to act weird? I don’t mean that werewolf stuff. They say and do some of the strangest things, and they drive more erratically. Try driving on the road after or during the onset of a full moon. Folks are more likely to cut in front of you, weave in and out without signaling, give you the finger, and run red lights.

By no means am I an authority on this subject, nor have I read any scientific facts. But I believe there’s a link between a full moon and folk’s behavior. I base my belief solely on observation. Maybe it’s just a coincidence. I’m not really sure. What do you think? Do you think folks behave differently when there’s a full moon?

During black history month so much of our attention is focus on past events, laws, heroes, and heroines that were instrumental in shaping who we are today. Rightfully so, we should never forget our history, and those extraordinary individuals that paved the way for our future. Frankly, I think every day should be black history.

With this in mind, I’m going to do something different, by giving praise to two of today’s most influential African Americans: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I don’t think we praise them enough. After all, we glorify and praise our entertainers and professional athletes every day.

The president and the first lady are like a breath of fresh air; they’re intelligent, witty, charming, and carry themselves with such grace and dignity. They’re an inspiration not just to African Americans, but to all Americans. They’re a shining example of hard work and determination. They inspire all of us to think big, dream big, and to hope. Thank you President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, for being such an inspiration to all of us.