Well, here I am again, blogging my ass off in the attempt to spread some realness in this oh-so-confusing world. If you're not ready for the rawness of thepwordandpolitics.com, I suggest that you look at another blog.
Today, I was looking at the brother of George Floyd testifying in front of a legislative body. He spoke effectively and efficiently. I must admit, that southern drawl is kinda sexy! But his message was clear...his brother should not have been murdered over a 20 dollar bad check. Truth be told, his brother should not have been murdered at all. When I looked at the face of the murderer that had his knee on the neck of George Floyd, with his hand in his pocket, he looked like he was having an orgasm. His eyes told the story and he had to change is nasty ass drawers when he got home. What he will do, if exonerated, is to kill another black male or female. He and his racist counterparts. And you know what, shit is about to get worse.
Today, I watched the black Chief of Police in Minneapolis, Minnesota talk about the changes that would be made in their police system. The abhorrence in the voices of some of the caucasian reporters was quite obvious. They were pissed because a black man, despite being Chief of Police is changing the structure of their corrupt police system. They asked him about the police union, who he refuses to communicate with now. Wonder why? Hmmm....I guess that he is tearing the cover off of their racist asses. Now that can't be allowed to happen in their minute mind can it? I'm glad that he has a gun, more than likely more than one. He's going to need them. And we betta strap up too!
By the way, did you know that the origin of the police system in Amerikka was structured after the slave patrols? If you don't know what that is, do me a favor and look it up.
I respect and love those who protested, marched, sang and looted (yes, some of those people needed shoes, clothes, food, flat screens, etc.) Unfortunately in today's world, they are only effective for a short amount of time. When the protests are done, many times they become faded memories. Black people are under attack in Amerikkka. It does not matter whether you are male or female, a youngster or more mature, or if you weigh 20 pounds or 200 pounds. Black people are getting fucked up! I am not surprised unfortunately. Blacks have been getting fucked up since the day that we set foot on Amerikkkan soil.
From slavery, to Jim Crow to 2020, the objective of the elite caucasian racist system has been to KEEP African-Americans fucked up."Phabulous, you ask...what do you mean by getting fucked up"? Well, how about enslavement, systemic racism in education, economics, housing, medical care, sports, entertainment etc...shall I continue?
It is up to us to stop the murders? It is up to us to stop the corporate slave masters! How? Well, in the words of R & B artist Montel Jordan, THIS IS HOW WE DO IT! BLACK DOLLAR DAYS!
So, what is black dollar days you say? I'm gonna try to make it short and sweet, but bear with me. Firstly, those in power understand two things....MONEY AND POWER! And that is what black people have to use as leverage to get what we want. So here's the truth...Corporations own the government, the government funds the states and the states fund the cities (police). So we, black people, people of color, African-Americans, American-Africans etc. have to stop spending money in support of the corporations that murder us. Imagine this, for 52 days out of the year, once per week, we spend no money on anything, except with other black owned businesses. Of course, there can be more days, but once a week may be more palatable to those who say that it cannot be done. Now, there is a movement that requests that black people buy nothing on July 7th, 2020. I will support it. Unfortunately, nothing will change. The corporations could give less than a damn about one day.
Last year, I was at the Lyric Opera House in my most grandiose manner. I was slaying hair, make-up, shoes, purse and some yellow diamond perfume. Yaaaaaz hunnti! I slayed! Well, I ran across a certain gentlemen who is a host of a program on WVON radio. I starting having a conversation with him about Black Dollar Days. He stated that " it will never work, black people will never do that". I must admit that I was shocked. Here this man was, a long standing voice in the black community, speaking negatively about the mental status of the very community that he supposedly represents. Then his bald-headed, cheap suit wearing, ignorant ass walked away. That was a moment of awakening! I had finally met a nigga-nigga! In the words of A Tribe Called Quest "sucka nigga, nigga nigga, I throwed the sucka in the front for the ones that front". He has been playing the black community for years.
Anyhoo, let me give you the real on what black consumers can take from these modern day slave masters.
Nielsen’s latest report reveals how technology and culture drive black buying
09-12-2019
“At 47.8 million strong and a buying power that’s on par with many countries’ gross domestic products, African Americans continue to outpace spending nationally
African Americans are more likely than the total population to agree that advertising provides meaningful information on most platforms, including mobile (42% higher), television (23% higher), radio (21% higher) and the internet (18% higher).
Advertising spend designed to reach Black consumers declined 5% between 2017 and 2018.
Physical appearance reflects a sense of cultural pride and self-expression in the Black community. This is evidenced by the top spending priorities for African Americans from everyday soap to luxury handbags.
African Americans outspend the total market on personal soap and bath needs by nearly 19% ($573.6 million).
Men are making an impact with grooming habits, outpacing the total market by 20% on toiletry items.
Blacks are 20% more likely than the total population to say they will “pay extra for a product that is consistent with the image I want to convey.”
They are also more likely to say they shop at high-end stores including Saks Fifth Avenue (63%), Neiman Marcus (45%) and Bloomingdales (24%).
While online shopping grows, African Americans continue to head to physical stores for the personal touch and feel experience—but with more discerning eyes.
More than half (52%) of African Americans find in-store shopping relaxing, compared with 26% of the total population.
55% of Black consumers say they enjoy wandering the store looking for new, interesting products.
When shopping, African Americans are more influenced than the total population by store staff (34% more likely), in-store advertising (28% more likely) and merchandising (27% more likely).
African Americans dominate the ethnic hair and beauty aids category, accounting for almost 90% of the overall spend.
42% of Black adults expect brands they purchase to support social causes (16% higher than the total population).
35% of African American shoppers are more likely to agree, “when a celebrity designs a product, I am more likely to buy it.”
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is the largest advertiser in African American media, spending more than a half-billion dollars ($544.3 million). Five of the top 20 baby care category products come from P&G’s Pampers and Luvs brands.
Soul food drives African American consumers’ top grocery purchases. These consumers are also passionate about the environment, wanting to buy safe, locally sourced food items.
African Americans outpace the general market on: Quaker grits ($19 million); Louisiana Fish Fry ($11 million); Glory Greens (frozen and fresh, $9.5 million combined) and Jay’s Potato Chips (nearly $2.7 million).
61% say produce is the most important category to buy local, followed by bakery and prepared foods (56%), eggs (55%) and dairy (52%).
Blacks over-index the total population concerned about food safety issues: antibiotic use in animal production (by 20%); artificial ingredients (by 19%) and GMO crop development due to climate change.The biggest worry is rising prices due to trade tariffs (68% Blacks vs. 56% total population).
So, do you think that Black Dollar Days won't work after reading this? OUR SPENDING POWER IS ON PAR WITH SOME COUNTRIES GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT!!! ( In excess of 1 Trillion Dollars ). Join us, because we can, we have to do this. If we don't the murders will continue. By the way, if you are one of the small minded people who claim that it can't be done because black people don't stick together...shut the fuck up! Do you think those words were coined out of black person's mouth? Hell no! The power of life and death is in the tongue. If you start saying that BLACK PEOPLE DO STICK TOGETHER, it will negate all of that negative bullshit.
The Oppressor never gives power away, it has to be taken!
Now on to BLACK WOMEN DO STICK TOGETHER/SUPPORT AND BUY FROM EACH OTHER!
My sista's my sista's, I love y'all. I sure do. But some of us must get out of the jealous, envious, mindset and work together. Now, I am not saying that every black business woman is jealous of another. But in many cases, it prevents us from working together. Yes, sometimes things can get real shadyboots! Now anyone who knows me is aware that I support black women entrepreneurs. I support them through buying their products or services. That is what needs to be done! Not just saying "oh girl, I like that wig", but not purchasing one.
For instance, Chrissy Davis, CEO of Stay Ready Mobile Wig Boutique, (Wigslayer extraordinaire), has a fantastic business. Not only can you buy a wig from her, but she brings it to your home, styles it and puts in on your head so that you can see the finished product. And if you don't want the in-home consultation/installation, she pre-styles it and brings it to you! How does Phabulous Phabulous know? Hmmm...because I have purchased wigs from her. ( Yes, I have many) And you know what? I didn't have to ask her to support our blog. She just did! That's how black women entrepreneurs work it! Support AND buy! You can reach Ms. Davis at https://stayreadywigs.com by the way. ( I really ain't trying to be shady...but...her caucasian clients never complain about her prices or services). Just sayin...
Of course, we can spend our money where we wish. But, will it help our communities? Will it help our little girls build businesses if we don't support each other? Are you for real, or are you fake? Do you love the black community or are you just talking? Put your money where your people are!
By the way, if you are one of those women who say that "black women don't stick together", shut the fuck up. Do you think that those words were coined out of a black woman's mouth? Hell no! We survived 400 years of slavery and have been the backbone of the black community. We DO stick together. You may get cussed out if you say that to me!
Let's just remember one thing ladies. When we support/buy from each other, we must sell/buy at the same level of quality that you may get from a caucasian. I've purchased some services and products that just were not up to par. Now, don't get your panties in a bunch. If it does not apply to you, then I'm not speaking on you. And, just like we are backbone of our communities, we are the force behind the Black Dollar Days Movement. We will have to buy from each other on Black Dollar Days. And we should do the same on any other day!
Remember, Love and Respect will keep you blessed!