Entreprenuer – Page 2 – Hamp's Corner of America

HRO Admin. and the Current Presidency

Most have heard of the Gabrielle Union dispute and ultimate firing from the voice. A smaller number of people may have heard that Afton Williamson quit ABC’s “The Rookie” series back in July. She noted the reason was after her complaints during the first season of racial bullying and sexual harassment simply ignored by the powers that be. The complaint covered behavior as far back as the spring of 2018 and throughout Season 1. She indicated in an August 4^th TV Line article that she “experience racial discrimination, racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department, including sexual harassment from a recurring guest star.” The shows reaction, or “HR protocol was never adhered to,” nor was “an investigation” issued for any of the complaints.

I’ve worked in both environments as a government and private concern employee or manager. I know that most white people I’ve talked to about racism in the workplace didn’t want to hear about it. Never mind did it happen; they don’t want to discuss it. Pushed, you will get various views on the subject. Most will be opinions that are not conducive to a healthy HRO program. The difference between the government work environment and private concern is like night and day. Private companies have a Human Resource (HR) Office. Some often act as if it’s a wasted position. Most times, they immediately want to brand the complainer as just that, one who is a constant complainer. People who should feel lucky to have a job.

Many times, the perpetrator in the complaint can’t understand the problem or don’t think they have done anything wrong. Some may go so far as to say; there isn’t a problem. Either the complainer is a screw-up, or they are thin-skinned. They can’t take it, act like an immature baby, or fire them as incompetent. In short, “sit down, shut up, go along to get along.” Why they are always surprised to see people of color not follow their short edict is beyond me. This practice is not a Donald Trump invention. It’s more of “thirties, forties, fifties” white male perceived masculinity imbalance of their interpretation.

Presently we are in a place where up is down and down is up in this society. Trump perpetrates that state of “Tweet” mind. People who don’t like you for race alone are emboldened to act. They feel they have the political cover to act out their aggression. Previously suppressed dislike in some have come bubbling up to the forefront. They are edged on by white power websites or similar groups to commit some demonstrated act to show their racism.

The media report that we are a divided country. They don’t call it what it is, instead offering an opinionated view that the divide is among political preference. When, in fact, the divide is between people of color or the white race. The current presidential administration, along with his political party are happy to exploit that divide to stay in power. Meanwhile, our country suffers from this new now. We not only suffer in worldly shame for not standing up for the ideals of Americans. But we also suffer in economic ways that we may not feel for a few years. An objective that’s was a consideration in the Trump tax bill passed by the Republicans.

The ideals, goals on which this country built are questioned, ignored, challenged by those who want to maintain their power structure hold despite their now being the minority. So those in a position of authority feel free to practice their hateful behavior toward people of color or Jews. It’s a perfect example of the effect any current presidential admiration has on the people of this country.

We, as sixty percent of regular citizens now, ask, what kind of governmental representative do we want to represent we the people? Where do our loyalties lie with Russia’s Putin or our entire USA legislative body, along with its checks and balances? I ask, have we ever looked to Russia as an example of anything except a tyrannical state.

For that forty percent of Americans who consistently back this Admiration no matter what horrendous act Trump perpetrates on American Society, shame on you. History will interpret your behavior is truly Un-American.

All that’s needed for the entire USA to right itself and regard its neighbors as people of value is to remember whose birthday is on December 25^th. That would be Jesus Christ. Follow his teachings, not Trump or Putin; you can’t go wrong.

Who do we place our trust in to run this country? Our decisions toward political matters are to ensure that our children and their children live in a country that helps them grow as people. They should be free to express themselves freely without fear of a dictator’s wrath because of certain topics.

Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/ Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions

Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

Will The Real Candidate Please Stand Up

I tried to lay low during the first part of the 2020 National Election. I didn’t want to comment too early about any candidate, especially the guy that sits in the White House as President. We are now in November of 2019. One year away, too early, but the Iowa Caucus set for February 3, 2020. So here we go, as I attempt to keep the focus on the process.

A couple, if not a few people, are contemplating entering an already crowded field. Why, because the Democratic leaders in the polls are vulnerable. It doesn’t matter why because the vulnerability seems uncorrectable.

Independent/Democratic/Democratic-leaning Republicans, many still undecided even if they have named one of the leading Poll individuals are worried about the outcome of next year’s November vote. That noise you hear is their teeth gnashing, the scratching of fingernails on their windowpanes, or bohemia like screams. In short, most Americans are sick and tired of seeing a Presidency run on the fly along with a Twitter run policy initiator.

Every day, this country goes through stops, starts, hour by hour changes in direction with a constant flow of unqualified people placed in a highly visible governmental position — many on a temporary status. It’s sad to think of all the necessary investigations surrounding the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. To think there could be four more years of this environment is just too much.

Therefore, we are looking for one person who can take charge, step up to the plate and hit one out of the ballpark. We need a candidate that can and will win in November of 2020. Most of us thought we had one. But we have found too many variables. There is just too much uncertainty for our nerves.

When we cast our vote next November, we want to feel that our choice has a chance to win. Our winner is going to be very busy mending fences with pretty much all our Allies and friends throughout the world. Not to think of all the correction/refocusing to just about everything you can think of at the Government level. I bet you the actual White House is in bad shape too.

So please, for God’s sake, will the real candidate please sign up, step up or stand up and let themselves be known to an anxious public. Let the Democratic voting public know how you can fix problems and govern. Then and only then will the case be closed, with history set to record the how, why, when, and what the hell happened the previous four years.

Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Look for our newly released book, Unchon-ni, South Korea, I Remember 1962-63. Keep us in mind when buying books for that avid reader in your family. Details of the must-read novels are located at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

Or visit our Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company’s sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://chiia.com/. Our Retail Site is https://www.frostyltd.com/

Unchon-ni, South Korea, I remember 1962-63

Strike up a conversation with most people who were young, free, and enjoyed American life in the sixties. You will hear, maybe even feel their urgency to bring back the nostalgia of being young during that era. It was a time, whereas the overall feeling of most people in this country was to live life to its fullest, be what you wanted to be, above all else, be happy. We not only enjoyed it for ourselves but wanted our kinfolk, friends, and neighbors to discover a path to the American Dream. Flower Power, Hippies, Love Child, Soul Brother, names we used to describe certain groups, all while wishing them “Peace, Love, and Soul.” Find your road to happiness my man, my brother, my sister. Frequently we gave them marijuana joints as fuel for the journey. Some use harder drugs to get there, but everyone was at least taking the trip. Today, most people feel the same but are not as overt with their feelings as back in the day.

It was tough climbing the mountain of change, even though we savored the rewards. Older, conservative folks despised this new attitude. Young black folks were especially having a though transition. Their more discipline parents advised them to act in a more servitude manner in the presence of the southern white man. Don’t stare, look down, don’t talk, don’t dare talk back or act as a smart mouth negro in front of white people. It was the way most of them survived the Jim Crow Era. Black people ought to feel damn proud of the way our ancestors survived thought-out the ages. Without their efforts, patience we wouldn’t be alive today.

In the forties-fifties, they migrated to northern, eastern, and western cities, looking to improve their livelihood with good-paying jobs. They still practiced the same habits; felt that was the best way to get along with white folks. Don’t take their jobs, move in their neighborhoods, take liberties with their kind offerings. And for God’s sake, don’t try to court any of their offspring. Otherwise, a telephone pole would work just as good as a hanging tree.

The problems came when their children grew up in these cities. Youngsters found out that all people were pretty much the same, and no race was better than the other. As a result, they were having none of that servitude behavior. We did not accept our lowly position without objection. In some cases, they were sneaking around with people outside their race, even kissing or doing that thang with them. They didn’t want to disappoint their parents, but then you know the mantra of young folk, “Ahhh…we’re just having fun.”

Let’s take this a step further; I’ve written a semi-autobiography book detailing a lot about my life as one of the black children of the sixties. I left high school and enlisted in the United States Army during the fall of 1961. I had to beg my father to let me join as a seventeen-year-old recruit by promising to finish high school in the Army.

That young black boy’s first assignment out of Ford Ord, California, was a foreign country. It was April of 1962. As ordered, he boarded a troop ship out of Oakland, CA. By that time, he’d gone through Basic; Advanced Infantry Training. Now on a troopship for a twenty-three-day trip with stops in Hawaii, and Tokyo. Upon his arrival in Pusan, Korea, the Army already proved to him that he had joined the ultimate men’s club. They had rules to govern the rules. It was going to be a long three years, he thought.

His assignment to Camp Kaiser, with a local village right outside the main gate called Unchon-ni, turned out to be the best thing to happen to him. First, daily training, practice with your brothers in arms, the American Soldier. It was a fourteen months indoctrination of a war-torn country. We had a very clear understanding of our mission; to stop any advancement into the south by Charlie (North Korean Soldiers). As it was small groups (four, five, or a few more), North Korean Soldiers crossed the DMZ to raise hell, spy, or whatever.

Black GI’s are confronted with duty, honor, confusing because of race issues, demonstrations, back home. Given the oath they swore to when entering the Army, they had no choice but to become exceptional soldiers as did any dog soldier, no matter their race or origin. They found ways to justify their obedience while not sacrificing their racial identities. A quick right cross to Jim Crow’s jaw normally resolved any outstanding issues. That attitude brought about the question, what about the non-violent demeanor as played out in the US of A Civil Rights demonstrations? Conflict of responsibility between race and Army obligations was a daily reminder for Uncle Sams black soldiers.

Unchon-ni camp-town girls made the entire tour assignment worth the experience. Without flaws, they expertly played the part of girlfriend, wife, next-door neighbor, sister, brother, psychologist, nursemaid; you name it. They allowed the American GI to mature, expand their knowledge of the opposite sex. They duplicated as close to a sense of home life as one could ever wish for daily.

Readers can examine the flashback events that the primary character (Author) remembered in his life. I call this book my semi-biography that culminates with my maturing as a person. They said at the time, the US Army would make a man out of you. One learns certain things by accident. From my perspective, given the help of South Korea assignment, mission accomplished.

Unchon-ni is not only a must-read for anybody interested in the life and times of our servicemen stationed overseas. It’s an emotional exercise in men and women relationships from all walks of life. In other words, it’s a book for anyone interested in following the path of a seventeen-year-old GI discovering who he is, where he fits in then and later in society. The experience was so rich, so real; I just had to share it with you.

The novel is available in all formats, including paperback, B&N Nook, Amazon Kindle, or download a PDF copy. Check out the novel’s details located at the Author/Publishers site at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

Peace, Love, & Blessings

Codis Hampton II, Unchon-ni Author

Soulbeat TV’s Chaka Khan-Barry White Tribute

Saturday night, April 27, my wife and I sat in a front row seat at the Soulbeat’s TV produced Chaka Khan & Barry White Tribute. I usually don’t get into imitators of musical stars. Not because I don’t think it can be accomplished; I hate to listen to someone screw up a classic R&B song. Well, that was not a problem for all those who took the stage at Pittsburg’s California Theater. Warren Foster Sr., Chief Executive at the Bay Area’s Soulbeat Television, via Spotlight on the Bay produces quality programming. That is what assured me that the show would be real as real could get…and it was a showstopping jam that night.

Folks there was a band name Obama. I’ve got to tell you; the Obama Band practically tore the roof off the sucker. That six-member R&B Band left an indelible impression on me. They opened up the show and played a driving R&B tuned that had me shaking my head and tapping my feet. An opening performance relayed the fact that they came to play some music. Rephrase that into the street talk, meaning…they’re gonna be jamming up in here tonight. They could lay down the sounds of a professional band. They played the funk from a few Chaka Khan’s Band, Rufus. It was as if Rufus was performing in the house. The Obama’s never missed a beat.

They played that classic melodic cut from Luther Vandross’s and his band; A House is not a Home. Adding a few more of Luther’s hits while multi-talented vocalist Greg Ballard sang the lyrics. If you had not been at the California Theater at that particular time, you would have sworn that Luther had risen from the dead to grace the stage.

Ballard was also the main vocalist during the Barry White song tribute. Again, if you closed your eyes, you would have thought Barry White was singing on the California Theaters stage.

Niecey Living Single graced the stage while declaring she is not Chaka Khan. She belted out in a clear voice her version of Chaka Khans and Rufus songs. Tell Me Something Good, Once you Get Started, to name a couple. I do agree with Niecey. Who will told the audience, she is not Chaka Khan. But she sang Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khans hits with extraordinary ease of talent. And the Obamas played on.

The proof in the pudding. My wife was entertained at this show and evidenced by the patting of her feet and movement of her head during the entire show. She, along with an enthusiastic audience was well into the show and its stars.

As the Obama’s kept the beats, with the drums, percussions, guitars, synthesizers live, three background singers carried out their assignments. They chimed in at the appropriate time with blended humming or lyrics required of the songs.

And least of all, let me not forget the three shapely women dancers. They were on stage to add to the variety of the show. Their main job was to shake their rumps to the funk. Mission accomplished in my view. They certainly got my attention. That despite the presence of my lovely wife sitting in the seat beside me. Hey, …she knows where my heart lies. What can I say; I was just into the show.

An assortment of ladies from the audience joined Niecey and the cast for a vociferous version of Chaka Khans, I’m Every Woman. At that point, they all did a fantastic job. With the reason being, they were into the show.

All in all, a great time was had by all involved. Please allow me to be redundant. I want to make a point. The Thirty Dollar ticket price was money well spent.

They have numerous shows coming up. Comedies take the stage on May 3. After which, they’re bringing another Tribute Show to the California Theatre in Pittsburg. This time for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. I’ll also be there for that one.

I, and if you talk to Warren, realize this is not only great entertainment. It speaks to our culture. If you don’t know where you came from, you will never figure out where you are going. Hip Hop commands the scene these days. It was Blues, Jazz, and R&B that shaped the musical and overall culture in the United States. That is why shoes like these, original R&B artist touring, movies, television, speak to who we are in society. It will do you good to read up on the history of black music. Soulbeat TV may not be the first to put on these imitation shows, but they certainly have put themselves out there as a major player of quality programming.

Let me be another who adds a mountain of respect for Soulbeat TV’s productions. Go to the following link to see for yourself, http://www.soulbeat.tv/show-your-soul Yes, I bend the knee at productions that showcase the soul of our culture in which music is primary but only one aspect of Black History.

Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Subscribe to this blog at

Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of my Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read the books review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/ Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions

Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment

Tis The 2018 Holiday Season

Tis the season, so on and so on. I love the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year holiday season. I, like all, are reminded of our childhood seasons. Our young adult seasons come to mind. We think of those who have passed on as well as those who are still here with us. Out thoughts shift to old friends. We muse about new friends. People we would love to meet, greet, spend time in conversation.

We love seeing the excitement on our loved one’s faces as they reminisce about a happy time in 2018. We enjoy watching them open gifts. The surprise on their faces as they feel you have connected with their innermost wishes. Then there are the pensive thoughts going through their minds — thoughts along with excitement about the known versus the unknown in the coming year.The point is watching holiday reactions from your family, friends, or your main squeeze is a seasonal high. Times you must personally experience. You’ve got to be there, be involved in appreciating it fully. Your involvement is the ultimate high.

Oh, by the way. Whose bright idea was it to have the Mall Santa Clause walk around the facility soliciting “Selfies” instead of taking pictures with children on his lap.

Tis the time of the year when we tend to forget silly feuds, personal dislikes that don’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. You think your savior for allowing you, family members to make it through another year. Somehow you have a different or at least an adjusted attitude about life. Personal accomplishments only add to the good feelings.

We are still a realist for we have no illusions about the defective political thinking that are initiated by the White House. We think that victories as a result of the mid-terms will bring about change from the rapid deterioration of social customs. Indeed, if not the act of sociability, period. Those who voted for a change should have restored any dwindling confidence in our American resolve to maintain American values.

Over the year, we saw our children-adult toys become smarter, more complicated for the end-user. Robotic or personal items we never thought we’d see so soon back in the eighties or nineties. They’ve become essentials in 2018. For instances, without a smartphone, we are not as smart.

My son and I are continually having this conversation about the use of drones to deliver goods to your front door. I think regulation’srequired before allowing them to fly free, untethered, all Willie-nillie through the air. Think delivery of Amazon orders.

How big are the boxes? Does that mean the drones will have to be larger to match the box size? How long will it take a competitor like United Parcel, FedEx, or even the United States Post Office to initiate a Drone-Delivery Program? What’s to say they won’t fly into each other? How high will they fly? What does it mean to other airspace vehicles like helicopters, etc. if anything. And the obvious question. What happens when the drone accidental drops a package during delivery? Suppose the package falls on a moving automobile, a pedestrian, or group of children walking to school. The point being, there needs to be airspace regulation before we fill the air with drones flying all over the place. So far, no major issues but we are in the early stages.

The one thing we always take from these type holiday seasons is that our time is brief on earth. Especially around New Year’s Day. While younger, we may think we have a long time for whatever. The sudden realization in our thirties is a reminder that our time-clock is ticking. Anytime after that, most of us grasped the idea that we have an expiration date. We don’t have to like it, but we all are going to die.

Our legacy is in our hands. It’s up to us to leave behind a positive impression to anyone who has an interest that we once lived on this earth. Maybe a lot of people don’tcare or think it’s a depressing thought. For me, earning money is no longer my mantra. It is important that anyone looking up my name will find my writings. In which they will also find that I cared deeply about my family, friends, country, and heritage. I would also add God first and foremost. That for me is legacy enough. How about you?

Happy Holliday’s to you and yours. I’m looking forward to an eventful 2019.

Peace & Blessing, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Subscribe to this blog at tis-the-2018-holiday-season

Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of my Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions

Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Look for our new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. Not because we think we are so great but that you understand there are people out there that think as you do – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

Black Hair Care Industry Update of 2017

There has been an overall change in the way consumers buy hair over the last few years. They have joined consumers of other goods and services in the shift to online purchases. That doesn’t mean the collapse of sales of hair and associated products from brick and mortar stores market. It does say that a smart entrepreneur would be advised to sell both in-store and online. The feeling being one system may augment the other. The point is, versatility is the operative word as it is in all sales these days.
Sam Ennon, the founder of BOBSA (Black Owned Beauty Supply Association), has been bobsa_main_profile pic.jpg NEW JDlogo associated with the black hair business for practically a lifetime. BOBSA (www.bobsa.org) was created to meet the needs of the black consumer of hair products. At the website, one can find answers and current information in all aspects of the hair business today.
Recognized as a voice in the industry when related to consumer behavior, sales and product from the entrepreneur side, and the current state of affairs, the top Chinese hair manufacturer sought out Mr. Ennon last year. That cooperation resulted in the formation of EBHA (https://ebhahair.com/ ) or Enterprise of Black Hair Alliance. It was created to directly challenge the Koreans domination of the 9 billion dollars black hair care market. Along with providing black entrepreneurs direct access to products and supplies that the Koreans were sharing only with fellow Korean Beauty Supply owners. In fact, their mission statement reads as follows,
Enterprise of Black Hair Alliance (EBHA) is dedicated to a shared effort to create and develop a beauty industry that bridges with the black community. Our vision embraces the belief that our alliance will provide meaningful opportunities for all parties to generate revenues and manifest premium products and brands.
Our collaboration will enable the black community to fully realize the potential opportunities in committing to the creation of industry brands that will bring price and recognition to everyone involved in this collaboration.
An Entrepreneur reading that statement could conclude that he/she can become a player in a market whereas before anyone, not Korean was shut out of the management process. The intention is excellent so how is it working on a day to day basis? An evolving entity is a short answer. I’ll have more about that process at a later date. For now, you can go to the website and ask your question of interest. As you can see by the pictured ad, competition for quality products at competitive pricing is not a problem.
With the market being so versatile, even EBHA has gone through changes to meet the needs of the consumers. As they look for packaging and pricing that attracts an avid buying consumer. The Korean beauty supply industry sells what is known as Commercial hair. Since they have dominated the industry for the last decade or so, many users think this is the better grade hair.
Meanwhile, Sam Ennons’ developed a website, http://www.thecollectionhair.com/ , to sell directly to consumers. He and EBHA sell what is known as Bundle Hair. It takes four The_Collection_5x7_Front.jpgnew bundles to make a full and complete hairpiece. A grade that is superior to the Commercial Grade of the Koreans. If you look at The Collection site as well as EBHA’s you will notices the display layout and ease of selecting a product. That is not an anomaly.
People are creatures of habit and are already used to buying from the Koreans. Most continue to think that is the best quality hair. So to get them to switch over to another vendor can be a monumental task. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to build a reputation. Short of having that kind of word-of-mouth time, the website is your introduction and should provide the tools that are helpful to the consumer. It must be simple yet attractive for most. It should make for a comfortable transactional visit while allowing the user to carefully examine the hair. The supporting products must be packaged and displayed in a way that is slick and informative. And in the end, once a buyer receives their product promptly and uses it, they must be satisfied. They will pass their experience on, good or bad, so the impression your site makes is critical to your bottom-line.
Mr. Ennon’s site provides incentives like a thirty day 100% no questions asked money back guarantee. There is Free Shipping on orders over $75. Some items are dropped ship; others are sent from the US with a 5-8 day arrival date. There are no customs, tax or other duty fees on imports. Sam also has a growing following through BOBSA. He has a program that will provide a BOBSA entrepreneur a complete inventory and stock their shelves for the grand opening. Thus, a shopper can say this site is not only innovative but indeed consumer friendly and competitive by design.
Sam, an idea man, has another entity that is one my favorite concepts. Think of it, you, a consumer, are sitting in a beauty shop, barber shop, or visited some other type retail outlet and you notice this large black vending machine that offers black hair products. Your first impression is the uniqueness of the idea. As a hair care consumer, you may see some of the product you use for sale in the box. I won’t go through the full concept here, but you can visit the website at http://theblackboxbarbercaddy.com/
There is The Black Box Barber Caddy for men’s hair and skin products, The Black Box Beauty Supply for products catering to women and The Black Box Natural Products filled with natural products. For clarification of details, you can email Sam Ennon at info@theblackboxbarbercaddy.com. Or you may want to give him a phone call at 650-863-3491.

All in all, the black hair care product industry is alive, competitive and now servicing their consumers in many more ways. No longer is it dominated by the Koreans. Although depending on where you are, it may physically look like it via the sheer number of Korean brick and mortar stores in our neighborhoods. Look for a following up video interview with my friend Sam Ennon before the end of this month. We both subscribe to the idea that black dollars must be circulated within the black community to gain wealth. We will talk more about that concept on the interview. He will also bring us up to date on his collaboration with EBHA. Watch our social media sites for the date of that interview.

Peace, stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II
Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo
Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-il

Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica
We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. It examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions
Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html.

One Trick Pony or Jack of all Trades?

Some of you millennials may not have heard the term ‘One Trick Pony.’ For those who haven’t let me explain how it relates to people, places and things. It’s pretty simplistic in meaning that the pony has one trick. It is not good at any more than one thing, thus the phrase.

A lot of professionals in entertainment, business occupation or career slots suggest you pick a field and stay with it. They say you have to be passionate about your selection. Be persistent, unyielding, don’t let anybody move you off your spot. Keep moving toward your ultimate goal. Zero in on that particular skill set and enhance it to make you a well-rounded individual in your field of expertise.

Professions relied on calling in THE expert. Whenever they needed to solve a burning question to finally implement a big project or solve a problem in their processes. They’d call for the big kahuna. And you better believe THE expert would come at a BIG expense.

This being a capitalistic country and a money driven society made everyone long to be that expert. Therefore, with the emphasis being on a talents expertise there was a rush to become THE expert in various fields. Yeah, go forth young man or woman, become a specialist.

That’s what business instructors, analysts, and prognosticators said as recently as a couple years ago. In most cases it worked yesteryear. Some are stuck in that mode today. Unfortunately they are giving you the old way of rising in your chosen field. That doesn’t work today. Whether you are aspiring to be a Singer, Actor, Doctor, Lawyer, or Politician, versatility is a must to become a star in any chosen field.

Over the last few years, doctors were urged to become specialists in some type of medicine. That is supposed to make them experts in their particular field. Yet it hinders them by causing them to call in another specialist when they run into another organ issue that is connected to their operational body part. They try to have all the necessary surgeons in during the operation. Every now and then, they still have to call someone else to scrub in during an operation. Or if it’s beforehand they send you to another specialist in order to get another experts opinion.

Take a rapper for instance, who think that all they have to do is get a beat and a hook in the rap to create a number one hit. Keep in mind that their entire premise is based upon voicing the truth about what they supposedly have personally experienced in the hood. For those outside the rap game, the entire presentation all sounds the same. And that’s because it is the same. So people chase the dream of becoming a rapper for over twenty-five years and still are no closer than they were before their first release. A lot of rappers are attaining stardom for one hit record. Then fading as fast as they arrived because there is no there…there. If quietness is kept, it also happens to one hit singers.

How about an actor or actress? The two that comes to mind are Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. There is no typecasting these individual whose versatility is always on display to an audience. They are not one trick pony’s. When you think of them competing for various parts, they are two people that can play a couple of stationary bowling pins. As long as you gave them dialog and allow facial inflictions; case closed for considering anyone else for the part.

This also applies to our personal lives. On a personal note, I was a one trick pony. At the time, I had a dying need to please me and only me in every way imaginable. I wanted to be the best all talented, all rich, etc. etc. in the world. I wanted to be recognize as THE one and only. I was a walking neon sign that said look at me, for I am the one. The one of what didn’t matter, because I wanted to be THE One of it all. Maturity was realized and it dawned on me that whatever I tried to do, someone came before me and many were more accomplished at it than I. I had to drive out the conceit and begin to find my niche in life. My father words rang in my head, “Boy whatever you do, do it well.” I started taking his words to task. I became pretty good at most things. And boy did I get an education about life while becoming “A Jack of all Trades.”

Even if you excel at one of the personal traits, self-satisfaction is secondary to shared success. With maturity also comes the realization that all things worth having is even greater if share with someone. That goes double for sharing it with someone you love or even a group. Success is more special when sharing it with family, or a few close friends. That’s why you see so much jubilation when a sports team wins a championship. There is no substitution for looking in the eyes of someone you know is happy you reached a certain pinnacle. Keeping in mind that it is better to be good in several areas to become a superstar.

In the end when you look at the big picture, which would you rather be? Will you settled for being a home run hitter? Or would you like to be thought of as a complete ball player. When the managers on certain jobs come around with layoff pink slips? Who normally gets to stay on the job? The expert or the person that can handle various duties as assigned.

And finally, as an Entrepreneur, wouldn’t you feel more comfortable with a working knowledge of your entire business investment? Otherwise, how would know if people you have placed in certain positions are able to handle all aspects of the job. How long would it take for you to see that one or more is faking it? Their intention is to get paid, for they can find another job. But how many times can you come up with the funds to invest in a business venture. Now which would you rather be, a ‘One Trick Pony’ or ‘Jack of all Trades?’

Peace, yet stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

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In a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953, I will join LitFires Publishing exhibit at this year’s ALA (American Library Association in June) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. Go to http://exhibitors.ala.org/ for the full details. Meanwhile look for my fifth book to be published in early July. Thanks and see you in Chicago.

Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html .

Checking Our Life Progress at Age Forty

My online pastor, don’t trip, I also attend First Baptist in Pittsburg. As I was saying, a few Sunday’s ago Doctor Lance Watson of Saint Paul’s Baptist (Richmond, VA.) began a new sermon series. The new series is entitled “Fortyish.” The subject is as it sounds, people reflecting on their current status in life at the age of forty. Naturally, Dr. Watson looked at it from a biblical sense.

It started me wondering about my state of mind after turning Forty. First of all, I had my midlife crises in my early thirties. I had to close a thriving retail business because I didn’t have the collateral to get a business loan. With two kids and a wife, finding a career that had growth possibilities at home was a lost cause. After closing our retail outlet, I reasoned that my future was not in Milwaukee.

I was familiar with the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area. As a young soldier, I was once stationed at Fort Ord, outside Salinas and Monterey, CA. From there I was assigned to Oakland’s Army Terminal to await a ship that took me to Korea. While there, I’d settled in so well, the Forty- Niners’ became my second favorite football team, after the Packers. Reluctantly my wife agreed, and we decided to move to Northern California. I should also say my life took a drastic change for the better with that decision. I put in an application for a governmental position in Alameda. I got hired as a Supply Clerk by a lady I ending up calling my West Coast Mother. She called to tell me I had the job and found my wife to be pregnant expecting our third child. Ida M Brown (RIP) allowed me to report, two months later after the birth of the baby. After I had arrived, she suggested I move into the Oakland YMCA, which I did and invited me and my new friend, Denny, over to her house for a Thanksgiving Dinner. I never forgot her kindness. That was in 1978. I was thirty-four years old.

But let’s stay on point. I should note that I passed my forties over two decades ago. By age forty, I was working as an Accounting Technician at Naval Supply Center. I transferred from the Accounting Department and took a job in the Procurement Department. My dream had come true. I was a Purchasing Agent and feeling like I’d made real professional progress.

For most people, as Dr. Watson says, turning forty is a time we spend taking inventory of our life. Specifically, we look at our professional life, social environment, and friends.

Professionally we compare our dreams and hopes at twenty to our current reality. We look at our professional gains or losses. We wonder if we had taken this or that turn would we be in a better financial position. Are we happy in our chosen profession? Are we in an upward position or a dead end? Is my position as rewarding as I originally thought, does it provide me the required security. And one of the most important aspects of a career, am I paid enough for the work.

Should we make a slight change in direction or change careers? In these days, maybe the choice has been made for you. Companies continue to downsize, and look for ways to cut staff as a way of improving their profitability. In my opinion, all possibilities must be reviewed including starting your own business.

We also take stock as to who in our lives are worth keeping and who might need to write off as a loss or nuisance. Sounds cold? Come on; we’ve all had those people in our lives. Friends and, or relatives who have and will continue to cause constant problems in our daily existence. Most mean well, but come into your life with their personal agenda. Some go so far as to get what they need from you and move on to other sources. For a few, you may just have to say enough is enough; we just can’t be around each other. That would also include those in our love life. Is this the person I want in my life. Have the past years been as wonderful for both of us or neither one of us?

There is also an important examination that is biblical in nature. Do our possessions contribute to our mental well-being? In short, what we have purchased or personally own is the subject. Do our toys, for lack of a better word, make us happy? The size, brand or value of your toy may not mean the same to other individuals. Maybe it is a status toy like a home or automobile. Whatever the case, the question remains the same. Does it make you happy?

Sometimes we find that after getting a new toy, we are bored and begin to set our sights on a more expensive or new toy. In other words, we may find ourselves always longing for something we don’t have and possible can never own. That calls for self-examination of our values. Do we need this or another toy or can we find happiness with what we already own? And just where do our friends, family, and spouses fit into our toy equation? The value of human contact and interaction should always outweigh our desires for toys.

The point of the exercise is to examine all aspects of your life at this stage. It’s a case where you have to be selfish and honest with yourself. If the exercise is carried out in the correct way, one will learn a lot about themselves and people around them.

This article is a series of personal examinations at the subject decade milestones in our lives. We welcome comments on your thoughts as write about each topic point. We can all learn from others experiences as well as our own. Look for a new article every two weeks.

Next up: What Happens When You Reach Fifty?

Followed by: Sixty, the new Forty or Fifty?

Ending with: Seventies, are you Done?

Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

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“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://hcofa.net/

Dalila (DD) Dynes, Philanthropist & Entrepreneur

Dalila (DD) Dynes, a practicing hair stylist was the owner-manager of a North Oakland Salon for the last sixteen years. Her specialty was serving a diverse clientele with varying hair color and texture. “There weren’t any salons catering to all humans, so I opened one,” she says. It was a full-service business that housed a Jacuzzi Spa and massage service. Her customers also enjoy the garden patio, art gallery and performance stage as accouterments to her business.

There’s more to this Oakland born and raised Philanthropist. She’s an award-winning (Oakland Fence Project) photographer with a social conscience. DD is an entrepreneur who has a passion for the world of art, along with all forms of expression from the perspective of an artist.

She recently closed her salon for a year, opening a 600 square foot photography studio. “My photography is used to tell stories, to inspire, to communicate. I help my clients by capturing the images they want to convey. By listening to their needs, I create fantastic images. Any occasion; albeit portraits, wedding, professional employment, boudoir, or social setting for dating. Let us help you make a great first impression!”

DD’s Alameda-based studio offers a gallery showing the art of all mediums including music. She has included Live Streaming (#thecurrentpress) to the internet. Her interest in the success of another artist within our Bay Area communities was a prime motivator for taking on such a venture. “The Current,” (www.thecurrentpress.com) style and shoot photography, helps professionals personal branding by offering styling and hair services as well as on-site photo shoots.

She has developed a collaborative artist series to benefit a different children’s organization every month. The series has multiple benefits to all who participate in an event. The event itself is important because art is universal, meaning each event will consist of people from all age groups and backgrounds. DD says “When people come together in agreement they begin to find more ways to agree.”

A participating artist can offer art for sale. Keeping in mind, we are talking about an artist of all types. Any artist can craft their show, exhibit and exposed to various demographics and markets they were not privy to in the past. They are provided tickets to invite the press, investors or whoever they want to attend their exhibition or performance. For those investors who cannot attend, they have computer access to the best talent in the Bay Area.

As noted by the pictures above for the last show. In fact, Oakland and other Bay Area Residents who long for culture art and authentic Bay-ness can get inexpensive tickets to a wonderful event. She offers a “swanky art gallery with awesome parking.” And the kicker is since it benefits a children’s organization, the tickets and event expenses are tax deductible. Once again, children’s organizations get money and free marketing for their entities day to day expenses.

All artist participation is voluntary and free. The children’s or group recipients change on a monthly basis.

DD will be a guest on our May 4^th Blog Talk Radio show, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2016/05/04/hcofa-this-that-and-the-other-show

Join us for a lively discussion of Dalila (DD) Dynes new direction as a Philanthropist and Entrepreneur.

Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-8n

Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

Or visit my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://hcofa.net/

What is the Black Church’s Responsibility?

You’ve probably heard of the latest uproar in our community concerning the black church. Recently, Presidential hopeful Donald Trump hosted a; well let’s not even give it a name. The billionaire who is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination to run for President of the United States in 2016 had chosen few Black Pastors to attend a meeting. The Nov 30^th meeting billed as “Donald Trump meets with Coalition of African-American Ministers. It went on to name some of the most media-visible pastors and added, “Live from Trump Towers.” The public was offered several ways to watch this gathering. To keep it fair, I understand those invited were not all Trumps supporters. Some chose to go just to see what this particular candidate had to say or how he would address problems in our communities.

If I’d known about the event beforehand would I have watched on TV? No, because I already know Donald Trump. What I know of him, his politics over the last few years is enough for me to pay no attention to him.

From all I’ve read and surmised Trump was at best seeking an endorsement and at the very least seeking and bringing attention to his campaign. The question on the table was there for the consumption of those watching as well as those in attendance. Would this event show or make him a viable candidate that could attract the vote of the black community? A tall order given the rhetoric he has spouted the last few months.

Right after the meeting, a few pastors found the microphones of an eager national media. They wasted no time in stating what a wonderful meeting it was and how they had met a man that was true to his convictions, etc., etc. One of two went so far as to say, we need to take another look at Trump as he is not who he is portrayed to be in the media. At that the black community yawned.

Upset at the entire spectacle, Baltimore Poster, Reverend Jamal Bryant was quoted as stating about those in attendance, “ They are prostituting themselves and, in essence, the black church.” A couple of ministers who attended were a guest on Roland Martin’s TV1 News One Now show. Martin, who thought the entire meeting was “a waste of time”, asked his guest if there were any relevant substance gained from the meeting. In short the collective answer was no.

Some in social meeting took this incident to ask a potent question. What is the black church responsibility in our community? As it always is in social media, opinions were all over the place with most upset at the pastors for allowing themselves to be a pawn in Trumps media circus. People posted their opinions on Facebook and other social sites. Most of the comments centered on the role of the church. Again, it’s a question that concerns me as both a community advocate and church member in my little town.

I don’t pretend to speak for anybody but myself in any written matters. But…just for the record, the church is not the police department. In response to some who think the church should do what to the drug dealers and other criminals in the community? The church is made up of community people and as such goes about trying to follow the word of God as noted in the Bible.

The real question for those who always seem to overstate the church’s responsibility is what should the community do about the dealers and criminals in their midst? Whenever and wherever that questions answered, then the community could seek the church’s assistance in developing programs and assistance for those in need of services that are no longer available because of political or financial reasons.

But the bottom line, the church is in the business of saving souls, spreading the word of God, and providing a place for its members and all who want to worship. I would imagine if you ask any pastor, they would tell you it’s a full-time job just keeping their members entrenched in the word of God. Pastors, Deacons and Ministries are there to assist or provide the tools and interpretation of the Bible parishioners require to be saved and act as a good Cristian. Anything outside of actions that meet those goals is either a bonus from the church or what one would call extra curriculum activities. I have no problem with any pastor advocating his members to exercise their right to vote in all elections. The clergy can implore our cooperation and discussion with city, county, state and even national political offices to facilitate improvement within our community.

There is always going to be a Pastor, Preacher, or Evangelist, who goes outside of what they are supposed to be in the name of God. Every week or so, there are questions in my mind as to how some supposed man of God can justify their belief in Jesus Christ while spouting viewpoints that goes against the word of God. In the end, they are human and have their agenda when it comes to most of their actions and rhetoric.

More importantly to me, is the fact that some in the black community who are so very quick to criticize our churches role don’t belong to a church. Nor do they even attend a church in any community. Do You want to find out the churches role, get more involved in your community church? All you need to do is attend a church of your choice, join and become involved in the church business.

There is no doubt the church can have a tremendous effect on their community. But also, keep in mind that the church is comprised of members of your community. Your church pastor serves at the members convenience.

Any church will do their members bidding if enough of the members make it a priority. At least, they will do it in the disguise of their mantra. So as for that little performance by Donald Trump or any candidate that is looking for the black vote, the church is a great place to troll for votes.

On the other hand, any prominent clergyman or woman can suggest endorsing a candidate for its members. The vote is still up to each and every member. And just as there are black Republicans and you wonder why given their rhetoric over the years. Some black person will back some idea, cause or individual that makes you wonder if anybody is home in their brain. And you can bet their action will lead off Fox News and all the ultra-conservative media spots. But that is really old news by now. We all know what side our bread’s buttered on as the old folks use to say.

Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo

Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-6N

Join us at the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

Or visit my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://hcofa.net/