Hamp's Corner of America

Golden State Warriors after KD

It is always easier to voice an opinion on someone’s lifestyle other than your own. Yes, I am a Warriors fan. I should admit that I was one who thought they would never get their lackadaisical season play corrected in time for last years playoffs. They fooled me by doing just that going on to win the championship. Even with a weak bench.

Well, here we go with major drama for the 2018/19 season. I will say that I thought it began with Kevin Durant. The fact that he decided to be non-committal on his future after the end of this season. Why? Only Kevin knows the reason. But that added to the ramping up rumor mill of “Can Lebron lure KD away from the Warriors. Or will he go anywhere other than return to the team that allowed him to win a championship?

We do understand the errors in judgment made by youth. Especially a rich young person. We were young at one time. As a result, we are still suffering from suspect decisions we made about our professional life. To end this comparison, we, like you and everyone else made it out of our immature stage.

The bottom line, the uncertainty of where Kevin will play next season initiated by him was not a team-oriented decision. There lies the crux of the problem.

That doesn’t excuse the actions of Draymond Green. But I would bet he is not the only teammate that feels taken aback by Kevin’s stance. I don’t think they have any doubt s about his play during the season. However, with his stance, he’s highlighted his sense or lack thereof team in my mind.

The one thing you can say about Draymond, he is a 100% team player on or offseason. Eventually, no matter the place, time or incident, he is going to speak his mind. That is the underlying issue in their flare-up. I for one like the idea that Dray may have said: “We have won without you.” That is an indictment on KD’s non-committal stance.

Now all the other stuff that was part of the disagreement; that’s on the both of them. Should they reconcile, remain friends on and off the court. That too is on them. Remember I am just giving my opinion. I don’t think either one will forget this flare-up. Some analyst has suggested the team may lose both players.

At the beginning of the season when Kevin’s quoted as “keeping his options open” regarding signing the next year. My first thought was to move on brother. This had to do with the way he seems to change his mind so much. Who he wants to play with or what will be his role. Does he want to be the man on the team? Or did he want to be part of the background as he has voiced to others? If he doesn’t want to be with the Warriors, then let him go where ever he wants. Thanks for the contribution but the Warrior train is moving on down the track. All aboard who wants to be aboard. Thanks for a visit.

My hope is they sign DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins to a long-term deal. Think of it. Boogie is playing with the rest of the Warriors. He may not be as cerebral as Durant. Or as great of a player. But he will patrol that center position like no other. Something the team hasn’t had since…well, a long time. And he has shown himself to be a good teammate at Sacramento and New Orleans. They have now lost three in a row with Curry and Dray out. Kevin is playing but not shooting well either. Basketball is still a team sport with only five teammates on the floor at a time.

In other words, let’s not worry about whether Kevin Durant stays or goes to another team. We enjoyed him while he was here but it’s a team game. He is a player who may never be satisfied. The Warriors have won without him. They now have a chance to get an outstanding center who shoots the three with ease. Go for it if Kevin wants to move on.

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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-kV

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’s based upon 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 are 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

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

Women + Democrats = Political Fairness

I, like all of us, have been lucky enough to have a mother. Yes, I am trying to be clever. What I’m clumsily trying to point out is the motherly instinct in most women. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules. But let’s stay on point.

A large majority of women have a natural tendency for fairness in my opinion. You can hear it in their conversations, see it by their actions toward others. It may not always be visible while protecting their realm of responsibility, but there is always a presence. It just seems to me they have a natural tendency to protect all within their environment. That same protection extends to other environments they work in or have some other association. It is a tendency that calls for common sense decisions to be effective at creating a protective cocoon.

Their frankness, honesty, along with social abilities are all on display as they make a decision that is all-inclusive. These are traits that make for a skilled politician. One who doesn’t have a private agenda looks forward to working with people who have diametrically challenging ideas.

A large influx of women was elected across the country during the mid-terms. I look forward to their service. Why, because some of the men holding office today? Especially Trump followers or wanna-bes, they wouldn’t make an above average dog catcher. For some, what is fair for all doesn’t concern them. Politics for them seem always to be personal power or in some way profitable.

I am insulted when you see a congressmen or senator spouting the party line the last couple of years. We can always recognize the talking points as we’ve already seen two people on other channels by saying the same thing. It doesn’t have to make sense; they are just following the edict from the White House, Speaker of the House or Senate Majority Leader. Always playing to a certain constituency which is not the majority in this country is un-American. Stroking the egos of people who don’t care about right, wrong, or fairness is almost criminal. The only one who is satisfied is Trump, their supreme leader.

Think about it. The Republicans party championed and passed a large tax cut that benefits the wealthy. They were not concerned with the deficit while crafting the plan. But now the deficit is their primary concern. The party, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, must cut entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare to erase the deficit. You tell me, is this action best for all concerned?

Or another favorite, retiring Senator Jeff Flake stating he is still not sure Brett Kavanaugh told the truth at the hearings. Then why did he vote for the man? Flake, please! These type men will be the first to tell you that they are for Country first and self-gain last. Sure they are…and the earth is flat.

And the guy in charge of the White House? He is devoid of anything resembling common sense. He has a neurotic approach to every problem that crosses his desk. Every day, he shows us who he is in capital letters. I don’t know about you, but I knew who he was before he got elected as president.

Before the mid-term elections, McConnell warned the Democrats to toe the line if they win the majority in the House of Representative. Afterward, Trump warned there would be political war if they pursue constitutional directional oversight against him. He wants to protect his kingdom. Never mind what is best for the country. For my money thank God Democrats are in the House majority. That is one of the positive outcomes from the 2018 Mid-terms. Beginning in January, Democrats will have the power to say: Hold up White House, wait just a minute. Let me see the document in your records. No? Then I will subpoena all the records including your live sworn testimony. Yes! Once again, we have checks and balances in our government.

Remember, the 116^th new Congress will not be sworn in until January 3, 2019. Not wasting time, Trump fired Sessions, replaced him with a partisan political fan. Plenty of time between now and then for fast-track regulation from the Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives. Look for a slew of Executive Orders from Trump from here on out. Whether they make sense or not.

Then again, the Democrats are not stupid. As noted, they are the checks and balances in the system. So, let’s see how it goes the next two months before they are sworn in.

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

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

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. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

Join Us, Vote Them Out of Office

Well…where do I start. Why don’t we summarize? That way I won’t get so long winded. The Donald still occupies 1600 Pennsylvania. Congress is still eating out of the palm of his hand. On a given day, Thirty-five to Thirty-seven percent of some group of people support Trump no matter what he has done, is doing or will do in the future. I, just like most of you are unsure what number of people that percentage is supposed to belong too. I am beginning to think like Hillary and numerous others. They are strange, very strange. I do know that thirty-seven from one hundred leaves sixty-three. What that means well over a majority of some people doesn’t like Donald’s policies. As you know, the new supreme court justice is sworn in despite the baggage of sexual misconduct claims. We are in such a crisis in America today. Our entire way of living along with what this nation is supposed to champion is being run over by the Donald Confusion Express. There is a solution to the problem.

The big mantra today is to vote, vote, vote, and vote. Go to https://vote.gov/ for details. There is no reason for you not to vote.

Let’s not get caught with our pants down as we did in 2016. For God’s sake let’s not repeat that disaster. For God’s, our parents, cousins, and all America’s sake let’s make a change in political representatives during these mid-term elections. We can no longer stand by while whatever is growing in the white house fully develops. The little orange man as someone called him is just getting started with changing this country into a place we don’t recognize as the United States of America.

Remember when civility was a common practice in Congress? Do you remember when Democrats and Republicans would go to lunch together? There was a time when collectively they would come up with good ideas for the betterment of this country. Now all you have is partisanship. Up is down, down is up and the only thing that is constant? Every day we are getting screwed by the Republican political representatives in power.

I don’t blame anyone for not tuning in every day to see or hear what they are taking away from us. Some days I have to let it go to maintain a sense of reality. On those days, I wander around searching for truth and justice from anybody, anywhere about anything. I just long to hear something that makes sense; is not a damn lie.

I remember when politics was not a dirty word. Watching a debate now is like watching a wrestling match. You know its fake, but you cannot believe the inhuman spectacle before your eyes. Integrity, fairness, indeed the truth is buried in a sea of grunts, nicknames, outright lies that have now confused the media. Have you noticed they are looking for ways to justify the lying of Donald as some abnormal physic analytical defect in Trump? Me, I prefer the old black person’s description…” He is a damn lie, and the truth isn’t in him.”

Keep it simple. Keep it real as my daddy would say. “That cat has a problem. I am glad I don’t have to be around him. Or I might catch whatever the hell it is.

Listen, do me and the rest of the country a favor. Why don’t we, the sixty-three percent vote in large numbers to effect policy direction change? For people of color, what’s left of the middle class, Americans from all walks of life. For all those who not only envision but are witnessing the death of our rights, laws, and moral compass. Are we going the way of the German people before World War II? Are we becoming blind to the trampling of our rights by a select few? Are we to stand by while our country’s way of conducting its business is scrapped; replaced by whatever Donald wants on any given day?

We start by voting. Not registered, click on https://vote.gov/ Need to check to ensure you are registered. Want to know your voter ID requirements in your local area? Go to https://vote.gov/

It doesn’t matter how far we must go, how long we must stand in line. We have got to turn this trend around during the midterm. Join me like millions of others as we let our collective voice be heard over the fake news cries or howling from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Vote for a Democrat to stop the Donald.

After all, it’s our country, not some rich folk play toy.

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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-kK

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

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. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

Celebrating Our 50th Wedding Anniversary

My wife and I celebrated our 50^th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday at the Pittsburg Senior Center. Our actual anniversary was on August 31^st. We choose to celebrate it on Saturday, September 1st to get the venue for the party. Family, friends were in attendance on a holiday weekend. Relatives from our hometown, friends from near and far made it even more of an extraordinary celebration.

Our son, Richie “Tycoon” Hampton acted as the Master of Ceremony. He also performed his releases, “Family,” and “Ain’t Goin Nowhere.”

The “Called-2-Praise” Dancers performed to the Fantasia & Tye Tribbett collaboration of “I Made It.” They did an encore dance to “Your Spirit” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. All were excellent at their craft.

Our Guest brought gifts, cards, although please believe me when I say, we were not expecting that type of support. Maybe we were just naïve in thinking people would not show their support with beautiful gifts. To us it was about sharing a special milestone in our lives with some of the people we treasure as friends and family. There were those who could not be there for a multitude of reasons and was kind enough to let us know. Just know that by being invited, Sandra and I consider you to be an essential part of our walk of life.

All in attendance will get a heartfelt “Thank You” package via the US mail or personally delivered to you. We will add pictures of the event, and a personal note of our gratitude. Please be patient for that. Again, it was so amazing to look out over the audience and see people who we have met at one time or another and try to keep as friends in our lives. It took us a while to learn to associate with individuals who share common goals and beliefs yet remain special in their own way. For the most part, they and we are people who shy away from the drama of living but hone in on the joy along with rewards that God has planned for us. Just know that friends and family in that hall plus some that were not in attendance have a special place reserved in our hearts. After all, you are real people.

Some may wonder how do you end up staying together for so long much less fifty years? One answer is we never thought about it with each passing year. There was never a shortage of love and respect from either one of us. I would say that is one of the major components that helped us through the trying times. The big one for me is communication between the two of us.

We started out as friends, lovers and running buddies. I thought I knew all about life and she let me feel so. No doubt I have good common sense but not as much as I might think I have at times. She challenged me at every turn which kept me on my toes. I was and still are under enormous pressure not to fail or disappoint her. She amazed me with her patience with family, people, and events. A trait that I sometimes struggle with today. We always had each other best interest at heart, no matter the situation.

A Leo man and Aries woman, two fiery combatable yet compatible signs. Some had reservations about us staying together for a week much less than a year. And here we have surpassed fifty years? Wow! What a trip. In short, we don’t really know how we did it. We do know that we come from families that had histories of staying together through thick and thin. I do remember telling her in the very beginning. She didn’t marry any member of my family. Nor did I marry any member of hers. It was going to me and her from then on out, no matter what anybody thought or how they would advise either of us. Having said that our parents and many others thought we were a cute couple. They cheered for a successful long union. Those who have passed would be proud.

I should add we made up our mind to not have a big wedding. One reason is that we didn’t have big money. Besides, we didn’t think a big wedding was necessary at the time. We made an appointment to be at City Hall on a specific date and time. We got married in front of a justice of the peace. One of my best friends, Jr. Ballentine was there as a witness. That morning of August 31, 1968, we walked down to City Hall as neither of us had a car. After the short but tender ceremony, we walked eight or nine blocks to a tavern. Where I got into a pool game. Eventually, my new wife got tired of waiting for me. She walked back to her mothers’ house while Jr and I stayed at the tavern shooting pool. We hooked up again later that evening.

Now let me explain how it was with my buddies and me back in the day. There were no traditions that we hip folk followed at the time. If one were to traditionally zig, just to be different, we would zag. Our generation felt the old people had screwed up society so bad, the only option we had was to tear it up and rebuild it. So, to ensure your understanding of the point, the type of tradition didn’t matter. We realized we were following our parent’s example of getting married when they were young. Funny how some of life’s historical patterns repeats itself.

Our love and appreciation to Gloria Jones (Event Planner) along with her crew in providing logistical support for the entire affair. Thanks to the attendees love and support shown…

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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-kA

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

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. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

The NFL’s lack of Public Relations

The older I get, the more impatient I get with stupidity. Not your normal dumb things we do as humans. Because I would have a lot of problems with a few of my personal decisions. I’m talking about those NFL Owners conservative grandfathers who seem to live in a world of Archie Bunkers (All in The Family TV Show) 1950.
Now the Owners have voted to ban the kneeling of any protest during the National Anthem at the beginning of football games. Further confusing the issue, they have said those who don’t want to stand didn’t have to come out of the locker room at the playing of the National Anthem. The first-time individuals or a team stay inside, how do you think a team owner will respond? They have already revealed who they are behind the mask.
There is no need for me to go back over the issue of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the National Anthem at the start of football games. You know the story. Other football players plus other players in other leagues began to protest in their own way.
Enter the mouthings of one of the most hypocritical lying individuals who have no respect for this country’s traditions. A person who doesn’t seem to have the capability of selecting competing people to serve in positions within the United States Government. Also, a person who never served a day in the military. One who dared to question football demonstrating players.
Keeping in mind that these demonstrations were not about the US Flag. No, they specifically protested the almost automatic stop, frisk or shooting of any person of color. Any person other than white that looks, feels, makes sudden moves or has anything that is merely the same color as a weapon. Often concluding with the death of the subject who was pulled over by the police for a broken tail light. That is what those athletes were protesting.
For those people who thought they were disrespecting the US Flag…get a life. Frankly, I do know where you are coming from, after all, most of you voted for Trump. That pretty much gives us all great insight on your moral compass. Even at that, I, who did serve in the military openly stand by your rights to vote for whoever you want to in this country.
But for those fat cat NFL owners who are already rich and getting richer off local communities. Cities and towns that have laid off police officers, closed schools, etc. to support the building of a football stadium. One where they will have the privilege of paying an enormous price to see eight games of football. Not to think of the ridiculous prices paid at various concessions, parking and you name it. With each and every penny taking in added to the owners’ coffers or the NFL’s bottom line.
Most of these owners are conservative in nature and greedy by design. They enjoy a special tax designation and other political favors. Some have been accused of not trying to win a championship. They are just happy to enjoy the tax breaks and put an inferior product on the field each year.
I am a fan and have been a fan for decades. Although I should add, I don’t go to football games. I have and always have enjoyed the games on TV. I went to a pre-season Raider-Rams game at the Oakland Coliseum on tickets given to me. Nothing at that game changed my mind on the comforts of watching a game on my living room TV. But then that’s me.
To his credit, my favorite team’s owner (Jed York of the 49er’s) abstained from the voting. He wanted to talk to his players and get their feelings about such a move. This must have set Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys) and Bob Kraft’s (New England Patriots) hair on fire. At least the little hair they have left on their head. Mr. York went further by saying “I don’t think we should be profiting if we’re going to put this type of attention and focus on the field and on the flag.” This was in response to the subject of stopping concessions from being sold during the playing of the National Anthem.
It’s sort of like that concussion issue. Another issue they don’t know how to handle in the field of public opinion. The one constant with the NFL to remember, they are now and will always be concern with making more money at whoever’s expense.
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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-jN

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. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

Here’s 2018, or…

…Down is up, up is down and sideways is running around in circles

We are approaching or in a brand-new year. Yet we are still dragging along a bunch of crap from the old year. Stuff that hasn’t been worked out or a federal investigation that hasn’t reached a conclusion. Everybody knows the Russians interfered in our elections except the President of our country. My guess is he knows but just doesn’t want most Americans to delegitimize the December 2016, Electoral College declaration of the November 8 official winner. If you are not careful, you will become dizzy from the twist and turns of the daily behavior from the current occupants of the White House.
Words like conspiracy and obstruction of justice are flying around Washington DC like a noose tightening around the Grand Marshall of the KKK’s neck. The current administration is ducking, dogging while trying to counter punch as if boxing was in their DNA. No one knows where the real buck is going to land or if an indictment is just around the corner. Yes, these are tense times at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Stay tuned for more fallout reported daily by the very institutions designated by the president as Fake News Outlets.
Stay tuned for more sexual harassments charges from men who can’t seem to keep it in their pants when it comes to business associates or woman they casually meet at some affair or another. For that matter, I bet you some relationship that we never dreamed would occur is about to come to light in 2018. But then…yes…women have found their voice and its about time.
Look out for more saber-rattling from North Korea and the like. They all know now that as America continues to isolate itself against the rest of the world. That provides cover for their inhuman acts. Our allies now trust us less as they don’t know if their discussions with the US will be in the next tweet from the Donald. Senate and House Republicans will continue to act as if they don’t know why they were sent to Washington in the first place.
Look for Democrats to pin a lot of hopes in the 2018 elections. The problem is they better put in the work, or the November-December headlines will be how the Democrats blew it.
All that is just a distraction from how we as individuals can make it an outstanding New Year. First loose as many pounds as you can, which is my goal. You will note I didn’t say how many. That guarantees I will be successful in that venture. Do something you and your main squeeze like to do at least twice a month in 2018. Do something that may be costly during the year but save for it. Or you can still do something that is not pricey. Realize it doesn’t cost anything to be helpful to one another. Or for that matter to people, you meet during your daily rounds.
Take an interest in your children’s world, including play and school. Ensure that they know the values of life and not just the commercial entities. Make an example of yourself by reading books, magazines, or computer blogs. But let them know that your family is a reader of words from many different but trusted sources. Along with your religious preference which should be practiced on a daily schedule. Another fascinating subject that I believe should be discussed within the family is the theory of Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. In short, it’s Abraham Maslow’s psychology theory dating back to his 1943 paper entitled “A Theory of Human Motivation.” It is the ideal vehicle in which to show others why we crave specific needs. Look it up on the internet for details. Having taken the subject of Psychology in school. I found it to be a roadmap for life’s achievements.
Take steps in planning for your independence from your job one day. Whether that is in retirement, resigning or being downsized. Be aware of your peak earning timeframe and always plan on moving on to something else. It will keep you financially stable and able to pivot to another direction. Don’t ever think you are going to work until you are old and gray in any employment.
Finally, as you know, this is a time when we take note of where we are at, going, and how to get there. Some of us select the person we want to ride with us to wherever we’re headed. Nevertheless, it is a time for reflection. If it isn’t, then make it such a time as it should be for your own best interest. Happy New Year from my little corner of the world and enjoy the coming seasons. As you know time moves on with or without you so hang on and enjoy the ride.
If you are thinking of what’s next in Washington DC, don’t get confused or buy into the rhetoric. Heed the words of my Grandma Gracie, “One monkey don’t stop the show.” She may have not been grammatically correct, but you get the point.
Peace & Blessings…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a 2018 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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-jf

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

I Remember The Old Christmas Seasons

Tis the season when I become nostalgic and remember Christmas time at my parents and an assortment of relatives’ houses. Being raised in Milwaukee, I understood what the late Bing Crosby meant by a White Christmas. We wished for light snow instead of a snowstorm. If that be the case, I would grab my snow shovel and go around the neighborhood knocking on old people doors. They would pay a reasonable price for me shoveling out the walkway to their house. If you knew my father, you would understand where I got the idea. Like Codis the first I would take every opportunity to earn a dollar. Mind you I performed those tasks early in the morning. So I could be back in time to enjoy Christmas Day with my family.
Oh, what Christmas Days those were; it seemed longer back in the day. My stepsister and I had to wait for momma and daddy to get up before opening any presents. They would usually come out of their room around nine o’clock. It was a long agonizing wait because we were up as early as five o’clock. The big day always seemed to fall on a day after our parents spent Christmas eve playing cards, nipping at beer or alcohol and entertaining guest.
In time, Mama Rosalie would begin to cook breakfast. Another long agonizing time as we had to wait until she finished cooking. She would not open her presents until after breakfast. Daddy followed suit which would make me and my stepsister so anxious. Then after waiting so long, we wouldn’t get a lot of the toys we wanted. We mostly received school clothes, things we needed and books. Over the years we got used to it. We didn’t have a chimney, so Santa Clause didn’t stop by our house. My daddy would joke about shooting Santa if he came through our Third-floor window. That’s when we realize there was no Santa. Because daddy would never shoot Santa, would he? We found other ways to amuse ourselves by collecting or earning money to buy ourselves a toy or two.
By early afternoon, the visitors would start to stop by and wish us a Merry Christmas. If an Uncle or someone didn’t come to our house, my father would allow me to ride with him to their home. It must have been a golden rule established in my relatives’ southern hometowns of Arkansas. Go by and visit the sick and shut-in. Always check on your family members. Somehow between Christmas Eve and the big day, we would see all our relatives for a minute or two. At one time, I thought every black person in Milwaukee was related to me in some form or fashion. Daddy seemed to know everybody in the city.
Yes, I do remember Grandma Gracie who had her own little apartment within walking distance of our house. Cousin Buddy, his wife Ruby and their three kids (Louis, Larry and Ruby Jean) who lived on the first floor of our three-story building. From other places in the city, there was Uncles Monroe, Aunts Mittie Lue, Calvin & Marjorie, Peach & Vernese, Abe & Rose, Curtis & Verdia, Clarence & Gertherene. Aunt Lacireen & Uncle RT, Aunt Lena & Uncle Colrolus still lived in Arkansas. Of course, they all had kids, some were the same age as me. While others were older and younger, there were cousins Roy Lee, Johnny Lee and Vernell to name a few. This was to name just a few whereas we all managed to see one another during the holiday season. Our parents would look to that ritual.
It is that foundation from which I was raised I find comfort in being myself. One always found themselves protected from all the outside ills of society. If somehow, we encountered a problem we always knew how to handle it. Or our parents and that assortment of relatives would come to the aide of those who needed it; anytime and anyplace. They were people who worked hard, played hard and worship God on Sundays and other occasions.
I can’t tell you how many times my Grandma Gracie said she was going to pray for me. Especially during my teen years. When I was finally allowed to go around the corner from my house. Or that old warning, “Boy you are getting a little big for your britches, aren’t you?” With that, she meant I was beginning to act outside my age. They never wanted you to grow up so fast.
I think about those people today. I missed the conversations we had about family, history, life and the current state of the black race. Now you may understand why I write books and articles about those people. How I do miss my mother, father, stepmother, mother-in-law, uncles, aunts and a host of other goodwill people of their ages. Around Ninety-Eight Percent of those old Southern Souls have passed on and left a legacy of people like their children and me. I, my siblings and cousins who are left are now the older generation of migrates from Bradley County, Banks, Arkansas and the surrounding area. With pride, we say we are chips off the old blocks.
Don’t get me wrong, I love and enjoy the family my wife and I have brought into this world. I am always happy to see or talk to my sisters, brothers, and countless cousins spread throughout the United States. My wife and I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the career success we had before retiring from the rat race. But we also know that success is a credit to those old Southern Souls and God. We love and enjoy the new friends and acquaintances we’ve made and can claim today. Yet, there is no denying the value of having come from those Southern Souls of the past. God broke the mold with many of those people. I know that many of you know exactly what I am talking about from members of your own family. May they rest in peace knowing they did a very credible job at life.
Peace, stay vigilant for our American Rights, Blessings and Merry Christmas to you all…from the Hampton Family.
Codis Hampton II
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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
Enjoy the book I wrote honoring my father, entitled Remembering Moz. Get a copy at https://outskirtspress.com/rememberingmoz
Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

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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
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Reaching Judgment without all the Facts

How many people you know can look at a disagreement at the mall or some public place and tell you who is wrong? Hearing a few words from the participants will provide enough background to convince them they were right with their first evaluation of the scene. They will not agree with most people. But we call it the act of jumping to conclusions without any sustainable facts.
I know, we are in an era of not wanting to get involved because we don’t know what is about to jump off. We are very familiar with that stance in the hood. A little-known secret is most people are of the same mind outside the hood. But then let me stay on subject.
People entering snap judgments are evident in the following example. I saw a Facebook Post the other day that read: Got the job at Walmart $11.00/hr. Thank you, Jesus…
The poster noted “This guy is 32 and has 4 kids. Is this an accomplishment he should be proud enough to post about? At what age is this pay rate unacceptable? Could this be YOUR man??? Would you stay down?”
To be clear, one would note there is no mention of the jobs location or local area in the country. Believe it or not that hourly rate will work, for a start, in some rural areas of the US. Places that grow their own food. Areas a resident can hunt or pull a chicken out of their front yard for the main course in a meal. But that also assumes a lot.
As you might have imagined, there were never ending comments from young ladies and men. There was not a time during the day that I looked back at the quote whereas someone was not writing a response at that moment. A lot of women literally hated the hourly rate. Stating that it was an insult to black men everywhere, they noted that they would not date or be in a relationship with a broke Ni_ _ _.
One woman would post a similar comment. Other women, while co-signing that particular sentiment would add to it or make an entirely different comment. Most meaning the hourly rate was ridiculous and somehow made the worker less than a man for accepting the position. Of course, this would be followed by numerous post, some very descriptive and using profanity which in itself told you a lot about the attitude of the responder. A reader could understand that most of the responders were writing from personal experience.
That should not come as a surprise. Getting a job is an emotional challenge in many ways. Economics, self-worth, community status, and mostly relief (outward and inward) of pressure to get a job and take care of you and yours are the first benefit. But then as we take into account where the job is located and in working for whom. How much you will earn is of vital importance. If there a path for growth, raises, and promotion must be calculated in accepting a job.
But there is no doubt as most men of color have experience, including me, you may have to start your working career at some low rung on the working food chain. Education can help you avoid these dead end jobs. But then there is the rub, most young blacks were not trying to be a good student in high school. They follow the temptations of their environment. And yes that also included the way I choose in spite of being warned by my parents and others. That is still happening in our public school systems today. God bless those students who have the proper guidance in the right direction. And are disciplining enough to stay on the right path to a formal education.
But make no mistake about it, when it comes right down to it. The direction to go is made by the student. For me, wrongly I thought I had the intelligence to catch up with my school mates. So I took a few years off to party. I left high school and joined the Army with my father’s permission and signature. Don’t think that God wasn’t watching over me when I made that decision. Again the point being it is up to the individual high school student to choose the correct path to graduating from high school and attending college even if it’s a junior college. That is why you have to take into account that some black men are going to be behind after finally deciding to join the working crowd. I ended up leaving my hometown to begin a career in the western part of the country. It should be noted that the catch-up game is almost impossible to do in today’s job market.
Most young men, apparently upset at some of the female response, posted that is what is wrong with the dating world today. Noting some of the women responses, a few used it as an excuse to justify their chase of women outside their race. Yes…They went there and often. That brought about a barrage of new comments and others who were already involved in the conversation. The word “B_ _ _ h” was thrown around to describe some of the posters. Some pointed out they too would not date a woman who had four kids. It made me wonder how many of these women commentators actually realized the men have their principles too. Most men, and keep in mind I am talking about men take their marching orders from the head on their shoulders, not the other way around.

Apparently, some of the comments hit an emotional nerve with some guys.
Of course, the more hopeful and realist from both sexes overall comment was at least, it’s a job. The young man was trying to take care of his family and could get other help. A lot of posts stated at least the man wasn’t trying to sell dime bags or involved in some other illegal activities to make ends meet. They advise patience to see where this job leads in the near or distant future. Given the brief background, it was the right choice to make in my opinion.
Peace, 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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My Country, Tears for Thee

I am an avid fan of Joy Reid. She burst on the scene in the mold of Rachel Maddow, both excellent political commentators are on MSNBC. So here I am going through my Saturday (8-12-2017) morning ritual of cleaning out my email while watching Ms. Reid during her 7:00am-9:00am show.
A little over a half hour into the show as Ms. Reid was reporting on Alt Right’s march on Friday night, came “Breaking News” as they say. Filmed as it was happening Saturday morning, pictured were thugs for lack of a better word holding white shields with a black X painted on them. They were shown attacking counter demonstrators while protecting their own space in the street. Bottles were being thrown from in back of the protestor’s line. Some of the shields had KKK printed on them. There was no sign of a police officer, National Guard, or any crowd controlling authority.
It was like watching a gang fight that would die down for a minute. Words were shouted, and someone would be pulled in the demilitarized center. One or two of the shield welding group of white nationalist or KKK would proceed to strike the victim with whatever they had in their hand. Eventually, they would pull back into their group feeling good about their personal conquest. Someone would start right back up when confronted with someone who was an enemy in their mind. The only bodies missing were anybody in authority. Later on that afternoon, a pair from one of the white supremacy groups ran down a bunch of counter-protesters on the sidewalk with an automobile. This act resulted in one death and numerous injuries. Twenty-year-old James Alex Fields has been arrested and charged with murder in the case.
The Donald came out hours later on Saturday and made a comment that many sides were involved. After two days passed, he was goaded into making a public statement prepared by his handlers. By Tuesday afternoon, the real Donald Trump came out in force. In the words of the late Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Millions of Americans already knew who the Donald was by his actions over the years. In spite of all the evidence that came out during the campaign. A large enough of voters in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania disregarded the evidence and voted for him. They helped get elected. It has yet to be reported if all those people are members of the White Nationalist Party or KKK. It is highly unlikely. There are all types of races and creeds in that voting bloc. If they were unsure of before, they now should know who and what Donald Trump is and stands for.
Now, what is the question we all should ask ourselves? Where do we go from here? The President of the United States has outed himself. White Nationalist, KKK, Trump, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and their supporters are not to be trusted with our country. Their interest is clearly about some subverted view of the United States of America. They clearly are not entirely aware of the Constitution, wars and undeclared wars, or the core values of the US. They all seem to subscribe to the notion that this country is their personal piggy bank, stomping grounds, or have the sole responsibility for guided its direction or redirection.
Today, August 16 is my birthdate. At my age, I can actually say I’ve seen a lot of change in this country. Most have been for the better and some for the worst. I’ve experienced racism up close and personal. For that matter, every now and then I still run into a racist during my daily travels. Yet, I’m acutely aware of what this country stands for, and I subscribe to those ideals. I love American History with all its flaws and inconsistencies. In the end, I understand what a vast majority of people in this country want America to be. That is not the vision of the white nationalist, Alt Right, KKK or Trump and similar politicians.
We all were put here by God almighty. Some choose not to acknowledge it by having faith in the same. I want to follow and pray every day. Can you imagine not being a Christian? The beauty of this country is you can practice any denomination of religion. You are free to pursue any occupation you choose. You can live anywhere you want, love anybody you like, raise a family and teach them to aspire to be whatever. Compared to other countries an assortment of freedoms is at your disposal.
I am not so naïve that I believe everyone can benefit from or practice these freedoms. There are many reasons why someone can’t enjoy a particular freedom this country promises. But there are also legal ways and means for a person to force another to capitulate. So the promise is still here more so than any other place on earth. And that is where we would like to keep it.
We want to avoid the thoughts of people like Trump. Our country is not for rent, sell, or loan to any one group or individual. To the dictators and one man rulers around the world, our democracy may be just over a couple of hundreds of years in years. But don’t bother trying to influence political figures or maneuver our elections to your liking. We may be slow to respond, but when we do, history has proven that you don’t want the people of the United States as your enemies. If anything America is resilient and is a foe, you would rather not confront.
As long as we fight for our core values individually, in concert and by our votes, we can determine our future. So thanks to the Donald, he may have finally awakened some people with his assertions. But most of us already knew the America our ancestors built and died for. We unlike some others of privilege have served in the military. Some of us saw or know of the death of young men and women who fought and died for the rights these racist groups now enjoy when marching in protest. We prefer that America other than the one that minority of racist, hoodlums, and self-interested politicians think we will become because of their actions.

Peace, 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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