Is there Anymore Room for Black Love?

What do Black people look for in a marriage? As the generations have changed, it would be fair to say that people look for different things when it comes to marriage, than their grandparents might have.

During our great grand and grand parents days, marriage was a partnership, that was not based off the idea of attraction and great sex. The idea was to get married so that you could successfully raise a family. There were very much gender roles, where the husband was the breadwinner and wife tended to the house. During those days, the Church was big in the Black community, and divorce was frowned on. As a result, marriages lasted through about anything, and they knew their sole purpose was to keep their family together.

Then what changed? I think it was the BS fairytale movies that painted a tainted picture of what marriage should be like. As a result, lust, looks, sex, and good conversation is what gets people jumping over the broom.

So what happens when the lust is gone, looks have changed because of old age, sex doesn't exist, and people are too busy to talk? I will tell you, people rush to sign a piece of paper saying that they are divorced and quickly move on to the next person, leaving the family broken.

The change could come from the fact that our roles have somewhat changed in society. Women no longer want to be confined to the house, but have began to focus on having their own careers. This would mean that how the house is ran, would be slightly different. The partnership would then change, and women would not have to depend solely on men to bring home the money. This makes it less likely that a woman will have to stick through a marriage when times get hard, because they can quickly start over on their own.

I am convinced that there are a few more reasons why the ideals of marriage have changed. What use to be a reason to raise a family, now can lack the idea of even having children. Marriage has now become defined by the selfish needs of each partner, and not by the compromises that people use to make for each other.

So how do we make this "new" marriage work? How do we lower the divorce rate and bring back our strong Black families? We would of course have to define what to look for in a partner before considering marriage. Now everyone has their own ideas of what to look for, but I will give it a shot.

The List:

1. Are you and your partners goals aligned? So often we jump into a marriage before understanding what the other persons goals are. No this does not mean you both have to have the same goals, but you have to be willing to either accept their goals, or compromise.

If you want to be a garbage man, and your future wife wants to be a CEO of a major company, as the man, are you willing to let your wife be the breadwinner?

If your future husband says that they do not want children, but your dream was to have four children, are you willing to give up on that dream? Is your husband willing to give in?

You get the idea. Make sure that you guys have similar goals, or are willing to compromise. Be careful if you spot too many differences, sometimes what someone says they will compromise and do, can end up not being true.

2. Financial issues are the number one reason for divorces. You need to figure out if you can be financially stable with this person, not rich, but stable. That means understanding their career goals, financial background, and how they manage money. That also means determining if this person is hard working, and will do all he/she can to make sure there is money coming into the house.

3. Do you share similar morals and values? This comes into play when you are raising your children. It comes into play in other situations of course, but raising children is important. It is beneficial for the child if you guys are on the same page, or at least have compromised. Compromising can be really hard when it comes to morals and values, so really look deep into this one.

4. Support each other, its a partnership! Although our roles are not easily defined anymore, we can still each have a role that makes the house run smoothly. Some play good/bad cop when it comes to the kids. Some Dad's stay at home now. Some stand behind their partner, even when it is hard. (At first Michelle did not want Barack to run for President, because of fear....but she did what she had to do) You have to Support each other and your families; become each others better halves!

5. Finally, do not look at someones appearance and good sex as the only reason for marriage. Understand that all that stuff goes away with old age. Can you really spend the rest of your life with this person?


Basically, you need to start thinking about what you NEED in a marriage, instead of what you WANT. Truly consider who you could raise a family with, not who you like to F***. When the fire works are gone for a moment, can that persons conversation spark them all over again? Can we please go back to caring about our children's needs, and not so much ours? Black love does exist, and that means the Black family can still become strong again!!!!

What do you NEED in a marriage? What characteristics does your ideal partner have? What does your ideal marriage look like? Let us know....maybe some Black love come develop on here....LoL

Keeping Up's Guide for Freshman Trying to Keep Up

Keeping up with the Huxtables would like to present our college edition of how to Keep Up! We asked a few of our readers that were recent graduates or graduating seniors to give us a few tips on how to Keep Up while in college. After reading this, if you have any tips to offer, please feel free to leave some below. They need all the help they can get! Also read the other article posted today, because the Culinary Goddess gives us tips on how not to gain a freshman 15! Finally, feel free to pass this link on to any freshman or students you know that could use this advice.

Financial Advice:

1.) Do not take out unnecessary loans; you will end up paying double when you graduate. Just get a job or beg your parents! (Shyah D.)

2.) If you take out loans and end up getting a refund check, because you also got scholarships, its probably best to send the money back to the government or put it in a savings account. (Shauntel B.)

3.) Be very weary of credit cards. Have one for emergencies only. (Shyah D.)

4.) Keep track of all your finances- Bank accounts, financial aid, and credit. (Brett W.)

5.) I wish someone would have discussed the importance of home-ownership with me. I thought that was something you did when you got married. I amassed too much debt in school, because I was not thinking about the future. (The Beautiful Struggler)

6.) Apply for as many scholarships as possible, its free money and that is what it’s there for. (Nakiya L.)


Classes:

1.) Many students are not clear of their career path and it's okay to switch majors while in school. It will be more beneficial to switch in the end, rather than spending all your time & money on something your are not passionate about, or will not use after graduation. (Shauntel B.)

2.) Know your scheme! (Michele T.)

3.) Study before each class in order to pose questions during class and reinforce after class. (Michele T.)

4.) Take pride in learning. Do not waste money on paying for school, and not take advantage of learning as much as you can. I spend a lot of time going back and trying to learn new stuff now. (David B.)

5.) I grew up thinking High School was where I had to really achieve and excel, and I did. But it was never posed to me how important college is. I wish someone would have told me that every grade counts, and the grades you make determines your future. (Krystal R.)

6.) Do not be afraid to double up on majors and minors. Try to take as many classes you can! (Ashley Blaine)

7.) Learn outside of the classroom, it will help you develop as a person. (Carmen M.)


Campus Involvement:

1.) Take advantage of every opportunity that the campus has to offer; such as, programs, organizations, and studying abroad. (Jamel F.)

2.) Join clubs the match your major. (Nakiya L.)

3.) Get involved in your student government (The Socialite)



The Social Experience:

1.) Be Social, make friends and remember to keep up relationships with friends and family at home. They will be your biggest supporters as well as your biggest critics. (Nakiya L.)

2.) Visit other schools and colleges. ROAD TRIP!!! (Nakiya L.)

3.) Visit the surrounding universities and network with their students as well as your own. I think this would have been beneficial for me because of my craft; in my area of study it's imperative to make connections any and everywhere in order to be successful. It also give you a greater sense of togetherness and community pride vs. just school pride. (The Culinary Goddess)

4.) Undergrad is not as serious as people make you think it is! Relax, have fun, live a little, as long as you never lose sight of why you came, you will be able to enjoy things in moderation. (Patricia R.)

5.) Take advantage of other cultures through study abroad programs. (William R.)

6.) Appreciate the time, and not rush the experience, because once it's over, it's over. (Batch Please)


Preparing for the real world early:






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1.) Follow your heart into your profession. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance will eventually lead to monetary wealth. (Zakiyah W.)

2.) Having an idea of what you want to do in the future helps. It is then easy to start networking and doing internships freshmen year. So by the time you graduate, you will have secured a job. (Krystal R.)

3.) I was told college was more about the experience, but I wish I was told it was also about securing your future. (Krystal R.)

4.) Four years literally fly by, so don't rush to graduate, because sometimes in four years you may not honestly know what you want to do, so take an extra semester, or an extended trip abroad to truly figure out a plan for your first five years after school. (Bianca H.)

5.) Stay in school as long as you can, think about grad, professional and doctoral programs. (Nakiya L.)

6.) After graduation, do not rent, buy a house instead. You can then use the equity to pay down student loans. (Rich L.)

Random words of wisdom:

1.) Do not get consumed in too much of one of anything. (Shauntel B.)

2.) Be true to yourself and put God(religion) first in whatever you do, everything else will come natural. (Zakiyah W.)

3.) Do not over exert yourself. (Brett W.)

4.) Do not lose yourself through your college years. Personal growth & maturity is necessary, but the essence of who you are should remain the same. (Revae T.)

5.) Do not ever let someone try to make you conform. College is a place where whoever you are, there is a place for you to fit in. (Ashley Blaine)

6.) Not everyone is in school to go to school. Your success and education, is the last thing on their minds. (Devin M.)

7.) It’s okay to take risk, so think outside the box. (Nakiya L.)

8.) Stay active politically. (Nakiya L.)

9.) Things you do freshman year can follow you throughout your college career, think wisely. (Nakiya L.)

10.) It's not actually fun to stay more than four years. (Lenzism)

11.) The dreamers who believe in their visions & embrace their weird side, are the ones who create the world, everyone else just keeps the world alive & running. (Ayana P.)

12.) It's all about balance! (Nakisha W.)

Recipe of the Week (College Edition): “Great Freshman Eats without the 15"

Keeping Up with the Huxtables called up the Culinary Goddess to give a few tips to Freshmen on what to eat to not gain that Freshmen 15! Please feel free to send this to any freshmen or students that you think might find this useful.

Culinary Goddess:

I remember beginning my collegiate experience like it was yesterday! Taking my first steps across the yard, watching the hustle and bustle of move-in, being warmed from the inside out by the overwhelming school spirit, hearing the calls of existing organizations echo through the air….and of course the never ending speeches about gaining the freshmen 15!!!! This week I’m going to give you a few tips on how to eat great and NOT gain the freshmen 15!

Tip 1: Use Your Meal Plan

Most schools have meal plans that are mandatory for first year students. And while you may not feel like it’s the cool thing to do, utilizing your meal plan is important to maintaining your health. The cafeteria is going to be filled with a variety of things which gives you more opportunity to make good eating choices. Try to have a piece of fresh fruit and a small salad a day, and balance your daily meals.

Tip 2: Eat Healthy Snacks

I know what it’s like to be up late in the library or computer lab trying to study or finish an assignment, and it almost feels natural to have a snack during these times. But that snack doesn’t have to be chips, candy, or cakes. You can just as easily have a bag of grapes, an apple, sun chips, or even the baked chips. Have a bottle of vitamin water instead of juice or soda. It’s better on your body to feed it healthy snacks than to get it accustomed to the greasy and fatty foods. Pack granola bars in your backpack instead of making the emergency run to McDonald's for a 20 piece!

Tip 3: Drink Water

As cliche as it sounds water helps to wash the impurities from your body, and is truly the only thing that can quench your thirst. The drinks with high sugar content only contribute to your thirst and cause you to drink more of them. But if you drink the recommended doses of water a day you will not only feel healthier but you’ll look it!

Tip 4: Limit Your Fast Food Intake

I know that it’s much easier to stand in line or go to the drive thru and grab a bite on the go, but it will catch up to you in the long run. It’s cool to eat fast food once in a while but don’t make it an everyday habit, and be selective in the fast food choices you make. Frequent the establishments that have the healthiest options and the freshest ingredients.

Tip 5: Exercise Regularly

I know you’ve probably been hearing this from everyone but it’s true…..exercise matched with healthy eating WILL help you to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. If you’re like me and not really into the gym use exercise tapes, or take local dance classes. It’s loads of fun and still gets the job done. If you honestly don’t have the time to set aside for this type of exercise, try walking when you have the opportunity to ride. As you’re standing at the shuttle stop walk to class instead, use the stairs instead of the elevator, and get your exercise this way. It may seem like a task but at the end of your freshmen year you’ll be happy NOT to have become a statistic!

Play Hard, Study Harder, Eat Well!!!!
Your Culinary Goddess

Who will I inspire today and what will inspire me?

Last night Michelle Obama gave a remarkable speech. Her speech reminded me of how everyday I wake up and think....Who will I inspire today and what will inspire me?

The reason that so many people are attracted to Michelle and Barack, is because of their ability to inspire. It is not a surprise that Dr. King's I have a Dream speech still rings in the ears of people years after the speech was actually made. I now understand why so many kids from around the world still chant, "I wanna be like Mike", and hope that one day they too can be a champion. Inspiration in what saves at least one person a day from falling under the evil spells of this world.

We all have someone or something that inspires us to continue to go on everyday. Who or what inspires you? I wrote a short letter to the ones that inspire me, thanking them for the inspiration.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I want you to know that you are my inspiration. I have heard your stories and seen your victories. Dad, I am so happy that I have a father that has always been a provider and protector. You went from Doctor to Reverend, President of the School Board to State Representative, but it was not the titles that impressed me most. It was the passion and love that was put behind each and everything that you did. It was the nights that you tucked me in and together we would say the Lords prayer. It was the times when I would walk downstairs, and see a new person laying on the couch that you had taken in, because they had no where else to go. Maybe its the fact that, even after losing your wife, with little time to grieve, you went right into campaigning to help the city of Detroit. Your selfless acts have always been an inspiration to me.

Mom, words cannot express how much you have been an inspiration to me. When you passed away earlier this year, I realized that you were not only an inspiration to me, but to hundreds of other people that lined up at your funeral just to say thank you. Maybe it was the fact that you worked three jobs just to pay your way through college, while being a Science major. It might have been the fact that you went on to graduate to become a Doctor to help sick babies, but that was not enough for you. Then I guess it would have to be the fact that you worked hard everyday and became the First Black Woman to become President of the Wayne County Medical Association. People would probably argue that it was the fact that you set on the boards of so many different organizations that had missions to help the community.

For me it was the day that I was able to put my Alpha Kappa Alpha pin on you, and be able to call you my sister and my mom. It was the times I would just sit in my room and listen to you while you were singing a gospel song downstairs. It was the fact that you were so busy, but you still made time everyday to call me in the morning and the evening just to say hello. It was the fact that you stood so strong behind my father in everything that he did. I never understood how you could be such a power woman at work, be a supportive wife, and a loving mother, never missing a beat. It probably was when you came up to New York the week before you passed away, just to help me get settled in my new place. You were so busy with work, but that never stopped you from helping your daughters. When you were here, it was the lifting of the boxes over my gate, the waiting in long lines to send off my packages, and grocery shopping for me, that reminded me of how good of a mother you were. But I think it was the moment that I put my head on your lap in the cab ride home from a party in New York, and your ability to stay up to make sure I was okay from being drunk, despite getting straight on the plane from work to come see me, that reminded just one more time why you were an inspiration to me.

Mom and Dad you have made me into the person that I am today and I am truly blessed to have been able to experience your ability to inspire first hand. Because of you I wake up everyday asking myself, "Who will I inspire today?". Thank you for everything!

Love,

The Socialite


Who or what inspires you? What would you say to the person that inspired you? Write a short letter below under the comment section, thanking the person or thing that inspires you in front of us all. Who knows it might inspire someone else.

Readers I encourage you to wake up every morning and ask yourself, "Who will I inspire today". I have no doubt that you will do some good that day because of it. There are tiny eyes watching you, and cannot wait to be inspired by you.

Barack and Michelle Obama thanks for inspiring us all!

Who are We?

The United States of America is a place where many different races, cultures and backgrounds, all live on one great land, under one great law. That is what makes the U.S. different and unique. Every year thousands of people migrate to America in search of the American dream, knowing exactly where they came from and where they are going. But what if you did not know where you came from and did not have any place to return? What if you did not know who you were?

What if you were a race that instead of migrating, you we forced to come to a country beyond your will? What once use to be a group of people that were slaves that were brought on a boat over from Africa, is now a group of people that cannot figure out just where they came from. It was a group of people that spoke many different languages, but were forced to speak English or say nothing at all.

They forced us to forget about our customs and beliefs, and we were forced to learn new ones. We were taught that our Master ranked supreme and our duty was to serve him. Our men watched their women get raped in front of them, and now you want us to be a race of confidence. We then became the race that would soon build this entire country, yet still we would not be accepted as apart of it.


What do you call a race that was not even considered half of a man? I know, we will call it a race that was finally granted freedom, yet till this day we are still locked behind bars. We will call it a race that had to live with Jim Crow as if we were lesser than everyone else. I guess we are the race that finally stood up and started a movement.

But what do you call a race that fought for so many years, only to be still in a similar position? We may be able to sit in the front of the bus and attend their Ivy League Schools, but we attend our own public schools, and they are still average at best.


Do not get me wrong, we are more than what they tried to make us. We are the race that entertained the masses, became the strongest athletes, overcame the most obstacles, and till this day continues to strive for new heights despite what we have been through.


But yet we are still lost and cannot figure out where we came from. They went from calling us Nigger to Negro, and now we cannot figure out if should call ourselves Black or African American. We use African American, but in the Motherland they do not want us to claim them. Everyone can claim a country, yet we claim a Continent. We do not know what country we are from or tribe to say we are apart of.

The only thing we know is that we are American, yet we still stuggle out to find out what that means. It seems like to me that America does not want us either; so we go back and forth trying to figure out how to be accepted.


We have some people that learn all they can about African, dress the part, and hope to return one day. Then we have others that wish their hair was lighter and their eyes were blue. We cannot wait to say we are mixed. We often claim we have Indian in our family, but the only tribe we know of is Cherokee.


Who are we? This has been something that Blacks have struggled with for years. As we continue to develop who were are, it seems like we are once again stripped of it.


But I will tell you who we are. We are Black Americans who have a story like no other. We are a race that was once stripped of our culture, but has developed a new one since we got here. We are the ones that turned left over scraps into what we call Soul Food. We are a race that built the nations capitol, and is now watching one of our own take over the capitol. We can call ourselves a race that fought for Civil Rights when the country was against us. We are a race that attended HBCU's and created some of the greatest and most talented people in the world.


You might as well call us the race that has produced the best athletes and entertainers in our country. You can shout out to the world that we invented most forms of music and dance. It is okay to say that we are a race that is made up of different shades of color, and our strong features are what gives us character. We are the race that comes from a Continent that has produced some of the strongest people mentally and physically. Then it is not a surprise that we are a race that built this entire country. We are a race the faces hardships everyday, but like the story of Moses and the Jews, there is good at the end.

The key to the success and advancement of our community, is to be confident in whom we are. Hold on to what you got, and continue to make new things. Do not let your children forget about where we started in this country, and let them know where we are going. Although we may have originally lost our culture from our countries in Africa, we have developed a new one here. Embrace what we have and be proud of whom you are. Do not rely on the acceptance of others, love one another. Who we are, might have only started about 400 something years ago, but our culture is stronger than ever.


Everyday tell one new Black person that they are beautiful, talented, successful, loving, thoughtful, or anything positive that you can think of. Show them that winning "their" Oscar, does not confirm the talent you have. Wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and say, "I am proud to be Black. I love myself and those around me. I am not defined by how the media portrays me, but by the struggle and determination embedded inside of me."


The Key is telling our youth the above every chance that we get; have you done that lately?


Keep Up!

Friday's Top Ways to Keep up with the Huxtables..

1. A constant complaint that Blacks tend to have, is that the media always portrays us in negative ways. One thing that I always say, is that if you want to see a change, you have to do it yourself. It is important to create our own media outlets and tell our own story.


"In 1910, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois founded THE CRISIS magazine as the premier crusading voice for civil rights. Today, THE CRISIS, one of the oldest black periodicals in America, continues this mission. A respected journal of thought, opinion and analysis, the magazine was and still remains the official publication of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and is the NAACP's articulate partner in the struggle for human rights for people of color. " -The Crisis Online

There is a lot of other Black publications that have been created to tell our story. Among the many that have been around and were started to highlight the Black community, were Ebony and Jet magazine. These magazines sought to put a positive spin on Blacks and things they were doing. They continue to be two of the leading Black magazines today.


Big-ups to all the Black blogs that are also helping us to Keep Up with our community. Check out my blog roll on the side and check out what some of my fellow bloggers have to say regarding Blacks and our issues.


You have to create what they will not. We have to care first!


2. We can build dynasties! Thanks to one of my readers for sending me an article showing me how some politicians are already starting. For those of you that read the article on Dynasties earlier this week, Randall gives us an example of how some Politicians are trying to start dynasties in Chicago.


On Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, Sen. Emil Jones of Chicago, announced that he would not seek re-election and made it clear he prefers that his son, Emil Jones III, take his seat.

Check out the rest of the article at the link below:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5grO4uvQIb55jhgCwJvhCL7UgIh_wD92MI4H87

3. In place of the word Nigga...try using the word Bro, Brotha, Brother, Sister, or Sista. (Every time you hear someone say nigga...scream out one of the above.)

Keep Up!

Young and Keeping Up- Miss Mykie

With her new single, "Dear Hater", up and coming recording artist Miss Mykie, is Young and Keeping Up.

Keeping Up with the Huxtables would like to introduce you to Miss Mykie and give you a chance to see how she is doing just that...

Miss Mykie born Mykel Gray, was birthed in the Rocky Mountain home of Denver Colorado. At the age of three, Mykie alongside her parents and six siblings packed up and moved to Houston Texas to begin new lives.

Constantly performing with her siblings in front of her parents, Mykie's parents immediately researched for the best performing arts program in the Houston area. By the age of six she was doing summer programs at the Ensemble Theater where she had lead roles in many productions. She also went on to be in other professional productions and musicals such as Porgy and Bess, with the Houston Grand Opera, and Peter Pan at Theater Under the Stars.

As Mykie got older, she began having a real love for music. Throughout her teenage years, Mykie tried launching a music career with a few girl groups, but with no progression, Mykie decided to go solo.

Mykie's brother, an up and coming producer, took Mykie under his wings. Mykie and her brother began going full blast on her solo project. This time around they began doing much more, she was in a local radio station performance showcase and began performing opening acts with such artist as Tyrese, Slim Thug, and Sean Paul.

During this improvement period, her first single titled "Ish" started to get recognition in her area. The single featured rap artist T2, the son of Houston's Lil' Troy, well known for his 1999 hit "Wanna Be A Baller". "I cant even listen to that track now! It's hilarious to me, but it shows me how much I have grown and developed in my artistry. I received so much positive feedback on that song and now you couldn't pay me to play that for anyone."

As things were starting to look good, graduation was approaching for Mykie and she would soon be accepted to Howard University. Her brother told her that he thought it was best that she concentrate on her studies, and during breaks and spare time they would do music.

Unfortunately, during Miss Mykie's freshman year of college in 2003, her brother was killed a few days before his 25th birthday. That experience drastically changed her life, and put her in a position where she felt like there was no way that she could ever do music again. Despite the tragedy, she remained strong and directed all her energy on being an interactive student. She became an "Ooh La La" dancer for the Showtime Marching Band of Howard, as well as a Soror of the Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.. Miss Mykie went on to graduate from Howard University in May 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts.

After graduating, a year later, it was fate that led Mykie to meet recognized producer/songwriter Yung Chill. Yung Chill took Mykie under his wing and she recalls him saying "Just trust me and let me do what I do." After the first studio session with him she realized that he was going to take her to the next level. "... The girl groups that I had been in focused mainly on R&B music. I always knew that I had a different sound..." She realized she was comfortable with Chill's judgement, and that she was a pop artist. "This is where I can truly be myself. Chill helped me find my sound and knows exactly what tracks and style of music cater to my voice."

Yung Chill and Miss Mykie

Her lead single, entitled "Dear Hater...", is a motivation record to all, vividly empowering people to let consistent signs of hatred be motivation to do better. The song is rapidly creating a buzz and is getting positive feedback from radio rotation. "Chill worked his magic, a few days after we recorded the song he called me and told me to listen to the radio, and I just started singing along". Miss Mykie is now working on recording her first solo EP and is excited about what her destiny has in store.

(The words above are snippits from her bio)

As Mykie continues to pursue her dream, Keeping Up with the Huxtables asked Mykie to give us her advice on how to Keep Up in the industry:

"Keeping up with the entertainment industry is rough. It is what you make of it, just like any other aspect of life. My best advice is to stay dedicated and true to who you are. Never compare yourself to other artists who might be into the same genre of music that you are pursuing. It is easy to fall short that way. Be an individual and never get comfortable. You should always continue to push yourself."

Keeping Up thinks that Miss Mykie has such a beautiful story and can be an inspiration to all. Her talent and drive is amazing. Keeping Up would also like to say congrats to Miss Mykie for being Young and Keeping Up!

Check her single out at:

http://www.missmykie.com/

Can we ever build a true Dynasty?

We always hear Jay-Z talking about this thing called a Dynasty. If you know your history, you have heard about Rockefeller, which is who Jay-Z gets the idea of the Dynasty and the name Roc- A- Fella from. But what is a Dynasty?

Answers.com defines Dynasty as:

1. A succession of rulers from the same family or line.
2. A family or group that maintains power for several generations: a political dynasty controlling the state.


The Rockefeller Dynasty has stood for money and power since John D. Rockefeller built one of America's great fortunes with Standard Oil Co. Subsequent generations have continued to hold sway in politics, finance and philanthropy.

There are many other Families that have created Dynasties, such as the Vanderbilt's. However, I would love to see some Black Family Dynasties in the near future. Can we ever build true Dynasties?

Now do not get me wrong, there are lots of Black families that have managed to make a name for themselves within our community. A lot of these families are known as the Black elite, members of Jack and Jill, vacation in Martha's Vineyard, and attended Howard or Morehouse. But I am talking about building a name as strong as Rockefeller, that will be known for generations to come.

There is one Black family name that is in all the history books, The King Family. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., built a name for himself during the Civil Rights Movement and now has a national holiday named after him. No he did not build a fortune like John D. Rockefeller that can be passed on to his family, but he built a legacy of service that can surely be passed on.

His wife Coretta Scott King carried on the legacy of her husband very well, and even founded the King Center. There are schools, streets, and other buildings, named after Dr. King. Isn't it wonderful that they have kids to continue to build on this legacy or shall I say create a Dynasty of Service?

After reading this article in yesterdays news, I began to wonder if Blacks could ever create a true Dynasty?

Black Voice:

ATLANTA (AP) - Two of Martin Luther King Jr.'s children have been sued by the institution their mother founded, accused by their brother of using The King Center for personal gain.

Dexter King, the center's chairman, filed the lawsuit Monday against his brother and sister, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King. He says his siblings have established foundations in direct competition with The King Center for Nonviolent Change.Dexter King also says in the lawsuit that his brother used the center without permission to meet with then-presidential candidate John Edwards in January 2008.A King family matter previously played out in the media when Bernice and Martin Luther King III sued their brother in July. They wanted to force him to open the books of their father's estate.

The King siblings have continued to take one another to court over how the family estate and foundations are being ran. Can't these issues be settled out of court? Can't they find a way to do right by their family name and build on it? Can't they create a true Dynasty?

This is just one family name that can be built on. It is more than just building a Dynasty by using their fathers legacy to continue in his efforts, but it is also about building power and respect for others to follow. That is what a Dynasty is all about, Power. Blacks can never truly gain power and respect in this country without building Dynasties, continuing to pass down knowledge so that we will continue to grow.

Solution:

1. People when you make money, learn how to invest and save your money.
2. Do something that your children could possibly take over.
3. Build your own legacy.
4. Teach your children all the things that you learn, so that they do not have to start all over again and learn for themselves.
5. Do not let your children fail...lead and guide them.
6. Build connects...it's okay for your children to use them in the future.
7. If you have a business, do not sale it outside our race for someone else to build on it, i.e. BET.

Do you want to help our community; it starts with your own family. Lets build Dynasties... Keep Up!

The Million Dollar Slave

We have all heard stories about how Blacks use to perform on stage in front of millions of Whites in places where Blacks were not even allowed. Many would come to call this COONING. The Urban dictionary defines cooning as, "a verb derived from the word coon. A coon was/is a person of African decent whose sole purpose was/is to entertain white people. These 'coons' started out as wearing black face, characterized by having big eyes and painting big red lips on their face. These people would tap dance, play instruments and sing."

Was this us performing for our Master? Was this another form of slavery? Remember hearing about Slave Masters that use to make their slaves sometimes serve as their entertainment on the Plantations?

I am sure that many of us have already pondered on the above statements before, but there is another form of entertainment that I do no think many have ever questioned. Read the below statements and see if cooning can be inserted somewhere in the quotes.

Forty Million Dollar Slaves:

"David Falk, the sports attorney who helped make Michael Jordon into a global icon, recalled a negotiation session with the Knicks in 1991. After Falk and player Patrick Ewing made an offer, the general manager looked at Ewing and asked, 'How much money is enough?' Falk said he knew that Ewing was offended, and so was he. 'I knew that in Ewings mind that wasn't an economic statement, it wasn't a negotiation statement. It was a racist statement saying, 'You're a young black man, how much is enough?'"

It took so many years for Black athletes to even be allowed to play with White athletes. Once they were allowed to play, the elevated compensation of some players obscured the reality of exploitation and contemporary colonization. Today Black athletes are paid a lot of money to play sports, but sometimes it still seems like they are cooning.

When I was in the audience of a Basketball game one night, I can recall watching this guy slap one of the Black ball players on the butt, but instead of it looking like your usual slap on the butt done during games, it made me shiver. It appeared more like he was sending "his slave" out to go coon some more. Go out and do what I pay you to do.

I am quickly taken back to the Plantation where Slave Masters use to make their slaves fight one another for entertainment and to claim they had the strongest Negro's. Are our Black athletes secretly being played like that? Most Black athletes are the Franchise players....wait I think you missed that.

Have they begin paying us millions of dollars just to be able to control us more? Is the money, that Black athletes make, thrown in the faces of the rest of the community? Do we then try to obtain the same amounts of money as them, and want to spend it the way that they do? Does money then somehow create a new form of Slavery?

If you understand what is being said, let me know what you think.

Are they Million Dollar Slaves? Are we?

The point of this is not to just ponder on if the Black athlete is a slave, but to understand the new form of Slavery that is occurring.

Keep Up!

Finalist for Best New Blog- Please Vote!

Readers,

Keeping up with the Huxtables would like to thank you for helping this blog become one of the finalist for Best New Blog for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards. It isn't over yet! We now need you to go and vote for Keeping Up to win! Just click on the link below:

http://www.blackweblogawards.com/database/step1.php

A ballot will come up and you will be asked to vote for 30 categories. I know this may seem like alot, but these blogs need your support! We have to support Black people. Please do not just click on the first blogs that you see (At least mix it up...lol)

Don't forget about other blogs in the Cool Kids Society, Lenzism and Me, Myself, An I, are also finalist! Also LBJ's Food Blog is a finalist in a few categories. Check their sites out and vote for them if you like what they are talking about.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Sunday, 17th: Harlem Day- A Family Reunion

Yesterday Keeping Up attended what Harlem likes to call the biggest day during Harlem Week, Harlem Day. For those of you that do not know, Harlem Week started about 34 years ago, and began as a showcase of Harlem's rich economic, political, and cultural history. It actually started with Harlem Day, and has turned into a series of events that helps celebrate the people of Harlem for more than one day.

On Sunday morning I got up and went to church at First Corinthian Baptist Church on 116th and Adam Clayton Powell. The sermon talked about the 23rd Psalms and it was definitely what I needed to hear. After a hour of preaching and scraping together some money for offering, I headed outside to join in with the Harlem festivities.

I began to walk down the some what crowded 135th street to see what vendors would be out this year. I first approached the huge stage that would later have a few Hip Hop and R&B performers on it. It was completely covered with Hot 97 banners, one of the official sponsors of the event.

As I continued to walk, I came across some of the familiar Fish and Wing spots, Jerk chicken stands, and tent with the Italian sausages that they pile a large number of onions and green peppers on top of. After a few seconds of trying to decide what I would eat, I quickly ran over to the Jerk chicken stand and told them to pour on a heavy amount of Jerk sauce.

As I enjoyed my jerk chicken, I was pleased to see some of the other vendors that had come out. There was a tent that was selling t-shirts with Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes on the front of them. There was also a voter registration table, "I love Harlem" tent, Apollo stand, and TV One. I searched a little bit around for BET, but they were not there. I was still happy to see that TV One came out to join in with the festivities.

One of the most interesting moments of the festival, was "Open Line" Radio Talk Show, recorded live. I watched as the radio station passed the mic around to different people in the audience and listened to millions of concerns the people in the community had. It was your typical concerns that we always hear, but it was amazing to see the faces of the Whites in Harlem, as they heard Blacks say that they did not want them in their neighborhoods.

I listened for a while and then wanted to head towards my house. Before I could make it home,
I ran into the, "N.Y. City Children's Festival", where they were doing a special focus on the health of our children and their families.

That was not the only area at the festival that was focusing on health. As I almost got to the end of the festival, there was a row of tents that were holding the, "N. Y. City Health Fair & Expo". As I went from tent to tent, there were health exams, education, information, health testing, material distribution, holistic medicine, oral health, acupuncture, healthy eating, and Q & A for the entire family.

The event was a blast and Harlem Day was definitely helping the community Keep Up! I cannot wait until next year to see what Harlem Day brings.

1. Did you attend Harlem Day, if so, what was your favorite moment?

2. If you live in another city, does the event remind you of an event in your hometown?

3. This year Harlem Day focused on health, what do you think they should focus on next year?

Weekend Fun: Bell Biv Devoe- Poison (1990)

Weekend Fun presents Poison, a chance to reminisce on the sounds, style and dances of the 90s. Thank you Adam Guthrie and Ryan M. Seaforth for submitting this old school video as this weeks Weekend Fun!

Weekend Fun- Night Time Is the Right Time

Weekend Fun brings you an old episode from the Cosby Show! Weekend Fun allows you to be able to enjoy those classic moments on television or by artist from the past. Enjoy!

BET...What can be done?

I watched an episode of Boondocks on my boy Nasir page( http://nasiraleem.blogspot.com/). Some of you may have seen it awhile back; however, I wanted to bring the issue back up. I do not think that many people came up with any suggestions for BET. They also did not highlight any of the positive things that BET has accomplished, which we rarely do as a race. So here is my version of the post...

The episode was about one character going on a hunger strike against BET. He claimed that he would stop eating until BET was removed from television. As I continued to watch the show, there was a scene where the top executives were holding a meeting about the direction that the network was going in. A character, that appeared to be the President of BET, was yelling about how Bob Johnson had a dream that BET would ruin Black people. She went on to say that she did not think BET was currently doing a good job at living up to his dream.

As they went around the table, different executives pointed out how they were doing a good job. One guy said that since BET came on air, the number of teenage pregnancies increased and there was more violence in the community. They laughed as they continued to name ways that BET has slowly brought the Black race down. Although a little extreme, the point of the show was to highlight some of the issues and concerns many people have with BET.

Before I go into if Boondocks was correct about BET, I will highlight some of the positive accomplishments of BET.

1. Keeping Up would like to congratulate Bob Johnson for creating one of the first Black networks on television. For years we could never see an entire network dedicated to us or see nothing but Black faces.

2. They give Black up and coming actors and television personalities a chance to start a career on their network. Shout out to AJ and Free.

3. They created an award show to highlight the achievements and success of our Black entertainers.

4. They give Blacks job opportunities.

5. They created a fashion show that highlights Black clothing designers, who are rarely recognized as true fashion.

6. They syndicate some of the greatest Black television shows ever made.

I am sure that there are some more positive aspects of BET, but Boondocks made a few good points. The first time that I really became angry with BET was when they created the show UNCUT. I sat there and watched video after video of Black men disrespecting Black women. The videos often consisted of women half naked and shaking their butts all over the screen. I just could not understand who approved such a show.

Then they created College Hill. I was so excited that a show was coming out that was going to highlight Historically Black college and universities. As I watched the show, there was more negative than positive highlights. It did not do HBCUs justice.

These are just two shows that I pointed out, but the amount of quality shows BET has, is lacking. While I do not think that BET seeks to ruin Black people, the network just does not always give a positive message to its audience.

However, the real issue could be the Black entertainers and the individual negative images that they give off. BET is supposed to highlight Black entertainment. If the Black entertainers are acting a damn fool, then that is what is going to be highlighted.

Solution: As a network that has the eyes of so much of our youth, take the time to create carefully shows that have a positive influence on your viewers. Continue to play music videos, but create other shows that can be beneficial. Know that there are not too many outlets where our voice can be heard, take advantage of the power that you have.

A few ideas for shows:

1. Highlight the Young Blacks in performing arts
2. Use BET news to cover some positive news going on in the community.
3. Create a mini Black Olympics for young black athletes.
4. Create a reading campaign that includes celebrities.

Viewers that are disappointed, write letters to the network voicing your opinion. Come up with suggestions and send them in.



Black entertainers, give BET something positive to highlight!



1. What do you think about BET network?

2. What would you add or delete from its programming?

Chicago Students Plan First Day Boycott

Yesterday I was reading Black Spin and was surprised at the article that I came across. The headlines read: Chicago Students Plan First Day Boycott.

If you read yesterdays lesson, it talked about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and I charged our generation to start a modern day Civil Rights Movement for the issues that we face today.

Boy was I excited to continue to read the article to see how Chicago planned to carry this boycott out. From Black Spin:

Chicago State Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago) has proposed a rather radical action to protest the underfunding of Chicago's inner city schools. Meeks has issued a call for all school kids in Chicago's poorest districts to boycott the first day at their assigned school and instead head to resource-rich predominately white schools and attempt to register there.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Nearly 50 ministers on Monday embraced plans for students to boycott at least the first day of Chicago Public Schools classes, a move aimed at ramping up pressure on state officials to address widespread inequities in education funding.The church leaders from the city's West and South Sides pledged their support as lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday to meet in a special session Gov. Rod Blagojevich called to consider the funding issue that has vexed lawmakers for decades.The ministers said they would urge their congregations and communities to participate in the first-day boycott Sept. 2 and attempt to enroll Chicago students in New Trier Township High School District in north suburban Winnetka."We refuse to continue to allow the State of Illinois to orphan our educational system," said Rev. Albert Tyson of St. Stephen AME Church.

When Governor Blagojevich was asked how he felt about the boycott, he stated, "It's counterproductive to urge kids not to attend school. If a child misses a day of school, that child will miss an opportunity to learn. I think children should take advantage of every possible day they can to go to school."

As usual I had one of my moments and was taken back to the Montgomery Boycott. I am walking along the side of a friend and both of us are on our way to work. The White people that we work for live clear across town. I had to wake up extra early just so I could make it to work on time. As we are walking, the bus rides by and ask us if we need a ride. We quickly brush them off and say no thank you. We would continue to walk until the fight was over.

I flashforward a little, and can see my children being escorted by cops into the white schools, as white students and parents stood on the side yelling out, "We don't want niggers in our school". I remember smilling with admiration as my children walked with their heads held high and continued on to their classroom.

I quickly come back to reality and wonder if a modern day boycott could really work? It might seem disruptive, but people tend to only react when something extreme happens. What if schools across the country took the same action? Would it have the same affect as the Montgomery Bus Boycott or would the government not respond at all?

For this to work, the entire community would need to get involved. Just like when employees of a company go on strike and will not stop until a compromise is made, the community needs to protest until their issues are addressed. The students should not be encouraged to miss school all year to get the point across, but after that first missed day, others should protest around their local government offices for as long as it takes. Bloggers and other media outlets should cover the story and spread the word to other cities.

Keeping up with the Huxtables says congratulations to Chicago for trying to take some form of action. The rest of the states need to follow!

1. Do you think that the boycott is a good idea?

2. Do you think that it could pressure state officials to really respond?

3. What would your ideal boycott consist of?

Today's Lesson- "If there is no struggle, there is no progress"

"The more Hall watched the boycotters, the more impressed he was by their unbending determination. Every weekday, some 15,000 to 25,000 Negro residents of his hometown, many whom lived all the way across town from where they worked, somehow managed to get to and from work without the bus transportation they had always used. The car pool system alone, involving more than two hundred cars and forty regular pickup points, was an organizational wonder. Hall, like so many others, had figured that the first light shower would send all the maids, babysitters, and cleaning ladies scurrying back onto the bus. But the boycott went on and on, each and every day, hot or cold, rain or shine." - The Race Beat

We are facing some of the same situations that they faced in the 50s and 60s, yet our fight doesn't exist. We complain about our school systems, gentrification, police brutality, and Affirmative Action, yet there is no real fight.

We conducted the Million Man March, which was amazing, but lasted for one day. Many people have done "March on Washington", for some cause, but only for the moment. Al Sharpton helped conduct a protest in New York after the ruling of the Sean Bell Case, but the newspapers captured it and that was it.

How many of us would be willing to fight a long battle for the rights of our people? How many people would sacrifice their comfort, go out of their way, stay up late nights, and protest until change was made?

I am reminded of the words of Frederick Douglass, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground."

Will we ever make progress if we continue to just complain? Will we just sit here and complain that the government is not helping us? Will we just sit around and wait for change to magically come? Oh I know, we think that Obama is going to be the change.....

People we must recognize our conditions and somehow each do something towards the fight. During the Civil Rights Movement there were protesters, leaders, followers, preachers, teachers, and writers. Everyone played a different role during the movement. What will your role be?

Well, I will continue to write and I hope spark motivation and determination in someone. I will continue to write and try to tell our story. I will continue to write and teach anything that I learn from the books that I am reading.

I am also willing to sit down with a group of people and come up with a plan of action.

1. Can you identify the struggles that are keeping us from our progress?

2. Do you have a process that allows you to anticipate and overcome these struggles?

3. What role do you want to play?

We can easily learn about what we need to do to spark change, by READING and learning about what others have done before us. Today this has been a lesson from Frederick Douglass and The Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Exclusive Interview with Disturbing the Peace/ Def Jam's newest recording Artist...LE-LE

" I want to Dare Females to Dream...Especially Black Women"

A few weeks ago, Keeping Up got a chance to speak with one of Disturbing the Peace/ Def Jam's newest recording artist LE-LE. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, LE-LE is a female rapper that says, "I'm just trying make it in a mans world". Through her songs, such as her current single, "I'm the Shit", she wishes to spread her message of self-esteem and female empowerment. Keeping Up wanted to chat with LE-LE and find out how she is Keeping Up!

Keeping Up: Can you start off by telling us just a little bit about your music background and how you got started?

LE-LE: I come from a musical family, my daddy always sang in groups. I think professionally music started for me when I went off to college, Howard University. I majored in radio television and film and that is really where I started to cultivate the music and learn the programs to put everything together. But musically I've been in it all of my life.

Keeping Up: What makes you different from other female rappers in the game?

LE-LE: I think that one difference is the fact that in I'm not trying to be anything other than LeLe. I feel like its a lot of people musically out here trying to be and do things that aren't real to them, but all of my fans and anybody who listens to my music can always note that anything that I say I've done it or I do it. Anything that comes out of my mouth is true to me. I think the second one would be the fact that I'm from Jackson, MS. There has never been a female rapper out of Jackson; really all we have is David Banner to be honest with you. That in itself I feel like sets me apart.

Keeping Up: Makes Sense. Earlier you said that you attended Howard and I also heard that you were a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

LE- LE: Yes Mame!

Keeping Up: Do you think that this also separates or makes your different from other rappers that do not necessarily have a college experience or a degree, and are some of these experiences incorporated in your lyrics?

LE- LE: Absolutely! Delta in itself is like a world of its own. I think back to my process and going through Delta and how its prepared me for not only my career but life in general. I have a different spin on the business side of life; I'm not going to just seduce it to just music. College definitely, especially coming from Jackson to Washington DC was crazy. Jackson is a capitol city, but its nothing like an East coast New York city or DC, where I had to learn to grind. I had to do everything on my own. Jackson was home and I had to come out of that comfort zone. That definitely prepared me for the rap game, because there is no comfort zone; its cut throat and to the point. You have to be on your grind and both of those institutions definitely prepared me for what I am doing now.

Keeping Up: By the way I went to Howard University also and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

LE- LE: That's what's up! when did you come out?

Keeping Up: I crossed 05' and graduated 07'

LE- LE: OK cool! That's what's up!

Keeping Up: I read your bio and your Myspace page; you speak a lot about empowering women and it seems to be an ongoing theme in your songs. Can you explain to us what major changes you want to actually see happen with Black women through your lyrics?

LE- LE: First and foremost, I feel like women are misrepresented in the world as well as in the music industry. I feel like a lot of people put their dreams on hold, because it doesn't seem like it can really happen, especially women. We chose the latter instead of doing what we really want to do. I want to dare females to dream, especially black women. We are at the bottom of the bottom in everything and I feel like we sell ourselves short at the expense of being comfortable, and comfort isn't cool. I feel like life is too short and look at the economy, its so much going on, you should being doing what you want to do and what makes you happy every single day. That's the only thing I want to press in my music, ladies lets get it! All of my songs are geared towards promoting female independence and promoting female empowerment.

Keeping Up: I love it! I love the Dare female to Dream thing.

LE- LE: Its not even on some back to school special stuff. Its on some real day to day stuff. It's what real women like myself go through.

Keeping Up: It makes sense. Like you said we have a lot of dreams or we have a lot of thoughts in our minds, but so often we put it to the side. Mainly because we feel like we can't make it or we put other things before it, i.e. a man, children, things like that.

LE- LE: Right, Exactly!

Keeping Up: How do you think that your current single, "I'm the shit", will inspire and empower women?

LE- LE: Probably the chorus itself, I'm the shit. That song was really inspired by situations that me and a lot of my home girls go through in regards to women haters. The people that I roll with are really cool and laid back, but your would never know it. Its always something going down with some other chick, that's not warranted by us. That's how that song was inspired. So I want people to take away from this song confidence and also let the hate cease. We are all out here trying to make it, so what's the point of hating. Those are the two reoccurring themes in that song.

Keeping Up: Yeah a major problem that we have in our community is that Black women go against each other so much and we never can truly come together.

LE- LE: Exactly, and because we are the bottom, its like a crab in the barrel type of situation. We need to really be about sisterhood. Its time!

Keeping Up: I read that you said that you are trying to make it in a mans world. What obstacles have you faced as a woman trying to make it in this industry?

LE- LE: I'm a professional and because I'm a female, even in professional settings men tend to come at me wrong. I can draw off this weekend; I did a show back at home. I have a very close friend that's is in the rap industry heavy in Jackson. So we all roll up to the club and they let him walk in, no questions asked. With me it was a big situation. I was about to go home and they were about to call the police. I did pop off, because they didn't stop him, he walked right in. Because I am a female, you have to question me. I have to sit out here and wait for the promoter, because you can't take my word that I am performing tonight. That happens quite often. The main things that pop in my mind, is men coming at me on some sexual stuff, which is bound to happen. Delta prepared me for that, Howard prepared me for that, Jackson prepared me for that, so I'm good. But its still a hassle trying to deal with it. Its still a hassle when you have to take bigger strides just to have the basics, because of the way the world is in regards to men and women.

Keeping Up: What female rappers do you look up to and may have been an inspiration to you?

LE- LE: Salt and Pepper! I'm the youngest of a lot of aunts and cousins that grew up in the same house, so they had me on that heavy. For them to have been legendary and have done what they did, when they did it, now that I'm really in the industry and I can see what it is, I now have a new found respect for them. I now know the struggles, not even trying to sound cliche' or nothing. I know the struggle now and that was 20 plus years ago. Hip Hop itself was struggling just to make it, so imagine some females in Hip Hop trying to make it. Salt and Pepper are number one on my list.

Keeping up: After female rappers like Salt and Pepper and Queen Latifah, the female rappers that started coming into the industry were females that had a sexual image. Many people say that their sexual image is what made them more mainstream. How do you feel about their sexual image just to get to the top?

LE- LE: I can't knock any ones journey, because that is their journey. I respect it for what it is, but its not for me. I understand that females are sexual and definitely sex sales, but I think that we have something in us that is more valuable that should be focused on rather than sex. Don't get me wrong, you will see me in some scantily material possibly, but that's what I do sometimes. It doesn't deviate from who I am. If that's who they really are, then I'm cool with it. My only issue is doing something that's not who you really are.

Keeping Up: What are your up and coming plans? What can we see from you very soon?

LE- LE: Well I'm working on an album, so that's the next big thing to come out. I'm going to put out the next single in December, so the album will probably come soon after that. Not trying to rush it, trying to get it right, because of the fact that what I'm doing, I want it to be taken seriously. So were taking our time in putting it together; It should be coming out early next year.

Keeping Up: Ok Ok. Any possibility that we might see you during Howard's Homecoming?

LE- LE: Absolutely! We are in the works with that. definitely going to be on the yard in Atlanta and possibly Jackson, so we will keep you posted on that.

Keeping Up: Definitely do! One more thing, what advice would you give to people trying to "Keep Up" in the industry?

LE- LE: DON'T STOP

What else can she say? Anyone out there trying to make it....LE-LE says Don't Stop!

Check out LE-LE's single "Im the Shit" and her myspace page at the link below:

myspace.com/leleonthemic

" Howard and Delta Sigma Theta prepared me for what I am doing now."

The Old School Greek Picnic- Taking it Back!

What use to be a reunion celebrating African American Sororities and Fraternities, has now turned into a large population of people that do not even attend colleges attending the festivities. It has become such a mess, that Police often are asked to shut the event down. I am referring to what is known as the "Greek Picnic" held annually in Philly.

Back in the day Greeks can recall coming together and being able to enjoy food and drinks, while they got to mix and mingle with the different Frats and Sororities. If you attended the festivities you would be surrounded by Pink, Green, Red, Purple and Blue all around you. You could hear the sounds of the Omega's barking and the Kappa's swirling their canes. You could not help but notice the Delta's and AKA's strolling to the sounds of the DJ and the Zeta's posing for a picture holding up their sign.

Now the picnic has become a place for the local teens and young adults to come out and walk around trying to look cute and catch a boy or girl. The Greeks barely can recognize or locate where their Frat is and older Greeks have become turned off completely.

Well, ten years ago a group of "Old School Greeks" got together and created the "Old School Greek Picnic", also held in Philly. This event was to be held separate from the original Greek Picnic, which still goes on today.

They wanted to create a picnic that was reminiscent of how the Greek Picnic used to be. Keeping up with the Huxtables was delighted and honored to attend this event on Saturday August 9th, and truly felt like they were at a real "Greek Picnic".

When we arrived at the event we were immediately greeted by the Omega's who were quick to offer us a plate of food and some "purple stuff in a cup", a few of you know what this is called. We quickly wanted to look around and found that every Greek had their own tent, food and drinks.

Brett and the Socialite

There were also vendors out that were selling paraphernalia and the sounds of the DJ could be heard from miles away. The Greeks joined in the middle of the park singing and dancing to old and new school tunes. We were quickly taken back to old school family reunions where the Electric Slide was a must.

Everyone there seemed to be Greek except for a few friends and family members. The event reminded me of the true reason that Black Sororities and Fraternities were founded, brotherhood and sisterhood!

It was truly a delight to see Brothers and Sisters come together and the police not have to show up! lol

Keeping up with the Huxtables would like to say congratulations to "The Old School Greek Picnic" committee for Taking it Back! The Old School Greeks invite you to come out next year to celebrate with them, as long as you don't turn it into an event that people cannot truly enjoy!

Celebrating the life of another great Black Entertainer...Isaac Hayes

August 10th, 2008, we lost another great Black entertainer, Isaac Hayes. A family member found him laying next to a treadmill and he was pronounced dead shortly after. He was 65.

Keeping up with the Huxtables would like to celebrate the life of Mr. Hayes, who was a singer, songwriter, and musician. He was most known for the "Theme from Shaft", which won an Academy and Grammy Award.

Isaac Hayes paved the way for many R&B singers and Rappers, also laying the ground work for disco.

Hayes most recently filmed a small role playing himself in the upcoming movie Soul Man, starring Bernie Mac, who we lost on Saturday. How ironic is that?

Keeping up asks you to take the time out to celebrate Hayes and his many accomplishments. Remember him for songs such as "Walk on By", "I wanna make love to you so bad", and "Do your thing".

And don't forget:

Isaac Hayes you will truly be missed and may you R.I.P!

Celebration of Life: Bernie Mac

The comic Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, known to many simply as "Bernie Mac" died early Saturday morning from complications due to pneumonia. Mac, 50, had been hospitalized for about a week at Northwestern Hospital in his hometown of Chicago, according to his publicist.

Keeping Up with the Huxtables would like to celebrate Bernie Mac's life and commitment to entertaining the masses.

In a time where we are facing recession, gentrification, racism coming back to surface and a fight for the first Black President; laughter and satire is needed.

Comedians like Bernie Mac had the ability to make us laugh at situations we often let get us down. He gave us a chance to dip out of the realities of life, if only for a moment.

"I ain't scared of you"

"Why do Black people use the word motha****** as a person, place and noun?"

"Him downstairs"

Not only did his jokes produce laughter, but his accomplishments gave hope to other Black entertainers trying to make it in the industry.

I am reminded of the time when he was on Kings of Comedy and he stated that all the Kings had a show but him, and shortly after he was given the opportunity to star on his own show. This just proved to us that whatever you want to accomplish, you will!!!

Bernie Mac was a true King of Comedy and someone who was truly Keeping Up!

On Keeping Up, we like to celebrate the lives of Blacks and the wonderful things they did while here with us. So take this time out to comment and leave your favorite joke, moment or time when Bernie Mac made you laugh!

R.I.P. BERNIE MAC