Uncensored: CNN's BIA 2 Tomorrow's Leaders Post-Show thoughts

Here’s my spin on the Black in America 2 documentary. I believe that CNN did a good job on their second installment of this eventual series on the experience of being black in America. I first want to say that CNN missed a great opportunity to offer real time dialogue and interaction from viewers by not utilizing the same CNN/Facebook application they used during the Michael Jackson Memorial Service. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to them that this medium would help effectively progress the discussion. In the absence of the Facebook application, I went on Twitter to follow the nation’s reaction to the sequel. I followed the trending topic #bia2. It amazes me how quickly folks were ready to stamp the show with a #fail! Can we get past the first segment before judging emphatically that CNN only perpetuates the stereotypical stories and outcomes? I felt the story on the mission in Malaak Compton Rock’s heart, Journey for Change, is a great stride in the right direction. Exposing inner city youth to other black cultural experiences of poverty unfathomable to them outside of their borough, is a life altering intervention that will yield a good return to society. It may not be realized during that year long program, but in the year to come these 30 students will be leaders in their communities in some capacity. I just hope it impacts the society in a positive way.

The segment on Capital Prep’s Principal Steve Perry (aka Joe Clark 2.0) was awesome and inspiring. Yes, he is fine and the waves in his hair were quite impressive, but the most intriguing quality I found was his dedication/determination to have 100% of his students succeed in life.

The following clip lightly scratched the surface of the classicism issues within the African American Community. Yes, the affluent black socialite group exists and often times can be perceived as invisible for their stories aren’t depicted or reflected in the media. Unless of course they are surround in some controversy or scandal (i.e. Dick Parsons and his young pregnant side piece). I celebrate with them that their families have generational wealth and have garnered great acclaim, I'm saddened that they didn’t highlight some of the efforts they do/could do to enlighten and encourage others to start that legacy for their families. The featured young man who attends the Tuxedo Balls came off as very arrogant and self-absorbed, which unfortunately further perpetuates the stereotype of buppies and widens the gap.

The final segment on the Management Leaders for Tomorrow was a high note to leave off on. I was just constantly reminded as I watch this that this is not a new concept. I was fortunate enough in college to be an INROADS intern. Their mission is to develop and place minority youth in business for corporate and community leadership. They have been doing this successfully for 40 years. Why weren’t they profiled? Interestingly enough, it could be because even though the mission is focused on minorities the founder was a white man. I commend the work that Mr. Rice is doing, I just wonder how these business school prep students will ascend into the higher ranks of Fortune 500 companies. I agree that mentoring is key, networking is essential, and knowledge is power. As an emerging professional and leader, I will be right there with them climbing that latter and continually breaking those boundaries that try hinder the gifts within.

CNN I give you a grade of B- . The documentary exceeded expectations, but I look forward to Black in America 3.

Uncensored: CNN's Black in America 2

Last Tuesday, July 14 I had the wonderful opportunity to go the prescreening of CNN's Black in America 2 at the Navy Memorial Heritage Center in Washington, DC. Thanks to a dear college friend, I got an invite to be in the audience of a selected few to see the documentary delving into the multifaceted experiences of being African-American in today's society. I admit I missed the controversial expose last year, and was happy to be in the midst of many progressive blacks who are making innovative changes in our communities in this showing. I also have a little news junkie "groupie" love for the host of the evening, Roland S. Martin. LOL :-) The theme for this installment of their coverage was on finding solutions for the mounting problems that disproportionately effect "us" from our marriages, education, and careers/finances, we as blacks in america have been ailing, as one panel member stated "When white america has a cold, black america has pneumonia." I encourage all to watch the documentary when is airs on July 22 & 23 and continue the conversation in your circles of influence.

Roland Martin told us all to ask ourselves this question "If we want to see change for the better in the black community. What is the one thing that you are going to do to change the black community over the next 365 days?" He also said that if you ask yourself this question and a year from now you haven't done anything, YOU ARE the problem in the black community.

Join me along with The Root.com at Busboys & Poets (5&k location) on July 23 from 8-10pm. We wll be watching the first night of the documentary and will be followed by a panel discussion on the show.

SIDEBAR: I saw this clip on You Tube. I love CNN for having some of the finest black men on news television! Check it out! I'm a big fan of TJ Holmes, Coco Brother, and Russ Parr :-)

U-Tube: Michael Jackson Home Video

In these last two weeks we all have be inundated with sensationalized stories in the media attempting to answer the burning question on "Who is Michael Jackson?" After the world viewed the most moving memorial service broadcasted internationally ever, I believe every viewer walked away with greater appreciation and love for the contribution that Michael Jackson gave the world through his music and humanitarian efforts. His legacy is truly multifaceted, but I will remember him as the musician who created the soundtrack of life. I love this home video that gives us a glimpse of his true self as a loving/caring person, brother, son, and friend. His family is really no different from ours. They have their trials and triumphs with a foundation built on love and loyalty.