Remembering Moz – Hamp's Corner of America

So, it Goes

Wow! Half the year is gone, can you believe it? This weekend folks enjoyed the festivities of the Fourth of July. It was a chance to travel by air unless you suffered a canceled flight. If driving, a chance to get out of the house. Folks enjoyed local parades, fireworks, tasty food and forgot about COVID-19 for a little while. However, authorities advised wearing a mask in the company of a lot of people, just in case. It felt nice to get a real break from being cooped up during the pandemic, even though this is not the first opportunity to do so. California weather allowed for backyard barbecues.

It’s a nice break from your televised news of shootings and protestors not to think of supreme court overturns. A court that has increasingly become a right-leaning political ally. Enjoy it because returning to your TV telecast or however one consumes the national news. Let’s say inflation is not the only thing we worry about today. Reportedly tragedies happen on the Fourth.

But then, if you haven’t noticed, this country is on a very conservative lean. One could say right-wing ideas have become valid in the mainstream. Some are based on baseless theories and simple lies. Republicans are ecstatically anticipating numerous Democratic lawmakers losing their reelection bids during the 2022 fall midterms. As usual, they believe most Americans are not paying attention to their do nothing but support people with money ideas.

They continue to back the National Rifle Association (NRA) stance of no need for gun control laws. The country suffered from mass shootings, again, as recently as this past July Fourth. Where, who, why, or when doesn’t seem to matter to those gunmen with a military automatic rifles. Their one goal is to kill innocent people.

The GOP doesn’t support police officers’ reform despite evidence as recently as another sixty bullets entering one person of color this past Fourth of July. The eight officers involved are on leave, suspended with pay. How many people do you know are suspended from a job with pay? No, we don’t want to defund the police, yet we feel a severe examination of qualified individuals is warranted. There should also be an effective program to identify police officers who are burnt out or feel certain races in our society are not entitled to the same laws as others. Sensitive training doesn’t seem to work on most of the officers.

We are so tired of people getting in our faces to give us their interpretations of their American rights. I am baffled by these people who disregard health warnings or governmental caution. They want government off their backs until they are hit with fire, flood, or other god-causing disasters. Then, they change their rhetoric with rocket speed; they sound hypocritical.

So, look out for the hyped lead-up rhetoric to the midterms. They act as if the rest of the world is the problem, not necessarily them.

What is your lawmaker doing about these societal ills? That is the question for the upcoming mid-terms. Are they one of the do-nothing Republicans?

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

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

Our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

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

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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

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

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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/

What Am I Thankful For In 2015?

What am I thankful for on this Thanksgiving? Where do I start? First of all, I am thankful for being the child of Doreatha (Childs) and Codis Hampton. Two people whom I dearly loved and will miss through eternity. And my heavenly father for placing me in their care and guidance in the first place.

I am thankful for having such wonderful siblings as my sisters, Delores, Carol, and stepsister, the late Johnny Mae. And let me not forget my little brother James Edward. I was the oldest and should have been the most responsible, but forgive me when I strayed to the dark side in my late teenage and young adult age.

That was a period when all five feet four of me thought to be cold blooded, hardcore and tuff was a prescription for survival in this country. The streets of Milwaukee called for guile, cunning, a bad attitude and short fuse. At least that is what I thought at the time. The first words out of my mouth to anyone who disagreed with me on any subject was F_ _ _ you, followed by I will kick your M-F A_ _. It made no difference if the guy was 5’4” 140lbs or 6’4” 250 lbs. My only suggestion to the person was to bring a lunch because it’s going to be an all-day fight to the finish. I won some and lost others. In fact, have you ever seen a group of different size dogs on the street or in a yard? The smallest runt of the pack is always barking the loudest, jumping up and down. The others may not even bark, but that runt is lunging at you as you walk by and seems to want to tear one of your limbs off your body. I was that runt.

I was mad at the world, didn’t care who knew it and was not planning on passing the age of twenty-one. And if that was to come to pass, I was going down swinging at my foe. Along the way, I found out a simple truth. It didn’t matter who won, my body still felt the pain from being in a fight. All praise is to God; I got over and lived through that phase. I also give thanks to a three-year service in the US Army which helped me mature in a manner I never knew existed for a black man in this country.

I’ll tell you some other people who knew what I was learning the hard way. And that is my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, uncles, Aunts and adult cousins. If I had listened to them in the first place, well…that phase in my life could have been spent more productive maybe resulting in a master degree in something or the other. I have no regrets. That is what it took for me to get to 2015. Now it’s just another reason for me to be thankful today.

I am grateful for having met my wife, Sandra along the way. For our children, Shawn Lynn, Richie and Brandon, now grown and finding their way in life, I am all so proud of their accomplishments. They are down to earth people who are real and see life as it is not through rose colored glasses. My wife and I tried to raise them in the way we were raised hoping they would be better and avoid some of our mistakes. The fact that they are alive and well is a blessing in itself.

Today, I can say; I have family and friends that I keep in contact with, some daily, weekly, others monthly, and yearly. There are friends and family I haven’t touched bases with in a while who know me well enough to know I still care and think about them. As in life, there have been disagreements with family and friends causing them to fall out of touch for whatever reason. They should know; I’m not a person who holds a grudge or harbor some dislike for them because of some incident between us. Thank God, I can say, I’m not that kind of person today. I have evolved and continue to do so. I am a better person than I was years ago, last year and several months ago, as I continue to work on me every day. I am certainly thankful for that.

Make no mistake about it. I go through what you all go through on a daily basis. We have to deal with rude and obnoxious people in the grocery store or other retail outlets. Making a phone call to a vendor while trying to correct their billing error can be challenging. Is it me, or am I correct in concluding that customer service is lacking at too many of our service industry companies these days? Sometimes it’s as though the Human Resource Office in these companies have hired a staff of incompetent, uncaring, and impatient individuals to answer their phones and yet call themselves a customer service representative. Most of time, I feel I should send them an invoice for helping them do their job. You feel me? But then, over the years I’ve learned not to let a person or persons put me in a bad mood for the day. I deal with it at that time with that person and move on; it’s that simple. And for that change in my personality, I am thankful to Jesus Christ.

I am oh so thankful for the new people I am meeting in my life. Some of which, I have never personally met or seen, but often communicate by phone as if we’ve known each other for a lifetime. I’ve met most of these new friends and contacts in connection with my church, BTR Show, publication of books or my role as their tax preparer.

Every day many of these people or colleagues give me hope there is a better day coming for our people of color and communities across this nation. We share a common goal for the human race and specifically for the black race. These are people of all colors who demonstrate on a daily basis that they are community driven first rather than only seeking profit for their endeavors. It is these people, along with my upbringing that keeps me going and selfishly giving of my time for my community.

I am so thankful to my Savior for guiding me as I take the actions required to give and contribute in my way to our community. To say that I’ve evolved into a good husband, father, citizen and black man in 2015 is an understatement in my view. I’ve found peace with myself, my God, my family, friends and everyone else. And for that, I am eternally thankful this Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, may you find the same type of contentment in your life.

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-6t

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/

Black Hair Care Industry Update 2015, Part II

Think about it. Of all the numerous manufacturing and service industries in this country, which one should be dominated primarily by the consumers they serve? Of course, it’s the Black Hair Care Industry. In Part I of this article, you got the 411 on the Koreans attempt to dominate that industry. And make no mistake about it, only a tiny fraction of the funds Koreans earn from black consumers find its way back to our communities. So let’s put a number on it and say ninety cents of every dollar earned goes to the Koreans coiffures never to return to the hood.

Those black consumers who buy their hair products, wigs and accessories from the neighborhood beauty supply store? On the way, they often pass by empty storefronts, closed schools, and vacated fire stations. Do you ever wonder why we have to shop at suburban malls to find a major department outlet? A store run and mostly staffed by Koreans has no intention of putting any of their profits in your community, nada, zip, none, 0 dollars.

You say our communities are poor and cannot support our grocery stores, sidewalk cafe’s and any entity that provides a quality product for a fair price? Here is a quote from Nielsen’s African-American Consumer Report from 2013. “Despite historically high unemployment rates, Blacks have shown resiliency in their ability to persevere as consumers. Black buying power continues to increase, rising from its current $1 trillion level to a forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017.” There is no reason the bulk of that buying power should not be circulating in the black community before heading out to other communities.

You want to improve your environment, your hood, the neighborhood in which you live. Spend your money with those who you know will put the money back into your neighborhood. Especially during this holiday period as there is a call to boycott Black Friday and seek out black business to spend your hard earn cash. If not directly with stores in your community, then indirectly, because as black entrepreneurs rise to the top of the economic scale, so shall you, the black consumer. Consumer spending is the lifeblood of any community located within our United States Economic system.

That ladies and gentlemen is a monumental ethnic consumer change in behavior that has been absent in our communities for far too long. One of the fastest ways to effect major change in the treatment of a race of people in this country is to direct our spending toward people, regardless of color that has our best interest at heart. You feel me?

There are smart, innovative, and hungry entrepreneurs who are looking for you, the consumer to try their product or visit their Beauty salon. They want you to see and report to friends and neighbor the usefulness and quality of their goods and services. And the kicker is, they look like you, meaning that ninety cents of your dollars spent will circulate in your community several times. Over time, you will see other business entities return to your neighborhood. Why, because as we’ve reported, there is money and wealth in your community.

We are not naive here; this has to happen over time. Let’s start this Christmas Buying Season. If you, the consumer change the direction of your disposable income to those who will help build or feed your community, you will begin to see the result sooner than later. Let’s meet a few entrepreneurial innovators in the Black Hair Care Industry.

Madam CJ Gardner, in her words “having an affinity for promoting cultural awareness” is one such innovator. She also disproves the notion that all ideas should be colossal in nature. The idea should be to see a need and attempt to fill it which is an apt description of her #thehookmeup tool.

Having earned a B.A. from Rutgers and an M.A.S. from Fairleigh Dickinson Universities, she has worked in the juvenile and adult corrections world approaching twenty years. She entered into the cosmetology world because of an overwhelming interest in protecting her natural hair while wearing a ‘sew in hair’ weave. The thought and actual practice of removing the weave was an emotionally taxing and stressful venture for Ms. Gardner. The tools used to go through the weave removal process was no help at all in providing a warm and fuzzy for protecting one’s hair or avoiding cutting a finger. She would ask for herself and eventually answer her question, “What if there was an all-inclusive tool to remedy this problem, along with eliminating the infamous ‘itchy weave pat’?”

We can now report that after talking on the financial and entrepreneurial responsibilities that are required, Madam CJ has brought her patented and own Hook Me Up tool to the American market. Predictably the consumer market has welcomed such a innovated tool. So much so that the local TV Fox News affiliate, Channel 29 out of Philadelphia aired the following report during a broadcast of Empire. Click the following link to view the entire report. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nAdnWvJ7qNUmpDSVI0aDh1U28/view #thehookmeup tool just hit the market around the second week in September. After viewing the noted Channel 29 report, I am sure you will find the necessity of the tool itself for the entire Hair Care Industry. Go to http://www.thehookmeup.org/ for purchase details. You can also find a taped interview I completed with the New Jersey native for my Blog Talk Radio Show broadcast on September 30, 2015. Click on my shows link at the end of this article to find the broadcast.

We find our next innovator right here at home. Here name is Dalila Dynes, aka DD. She is the owner-manager of DD’s Serendipity Salon and Spa located in Oakland, California. You can visit her website at http://www.serendipityhairsalon.com/

She began at the tender age of twenty-three with the intent to service any and all races of clientele. DD has perfected the craft of multi-cultural hair styling over her fifteen years of hair styling. So much so that she’s developed a healthy hair care class for parents of mixed-race children. Or as she also describes it, “Parents not versed in black hair care.” There is also a styling class for the trans-gender community. These are the among a few of the specialties offered at her Salon

You get the feeling that this entrepreneur is attempting to create a mood when speaking with her about her salon and spa. DD feels her customers should and do come to her facility to be pampered in the same manner as if they were in one of the major Las Vegas Hotels. Thus, she offers the use of her Jacuzzi Spa and massage service, with a shower, garden patio, and art gallery. Given her background as a natural artist, photographer, and dancer, she has a performance stage. One might get the correct assumption that DD is offering complete relaxation, a memorable experience that results in a warm and fuzzy feeling one gets when they have rewarded themselves. All of the services offered are at a reasonable and competitive price.

I interviewed her on my HCofA BTR Show which you can access by clicking on the following link, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2015/11/18/entrepreneurs-with-a-purpose I bring it up not as a promotional tool for my show. If you want to hear passion and conviction from a professional Hair Stylist-Owner-Manager in the Hair Care Industry, you need to listen to this interview. Dalila “DD” Dynes provides you a detailed description of the relationship and trust issues required between a stylist and their customer. For that matter, any Entrepreneur should take note as she gives an A-plus message on providing great customer service. It was my pleasure to hear that kind of devotion to one’s craft.

And finally, my friend Sam Ennon at www.BOBSA.org, continues to bring it. He has collaborated with Alex and Natascha Dube. They are the South African couple who invented and manufactured the Afro & Twist comb. If you have not heard, Natascha originally used a tennis racket to get the twist style she used for her hair. Note her picture here. Needless to say, a racket would not fit into a ladies normal size purse. Being the innovators she and her husband are, they came up with a smaller comb to meet her styling requirements that also appeals to the black community. It was a simple fix for entrepreneurs who have a need and find the products or item absent on the current market.

As initially stated, they hooked up with BOBSA’s Sam Ennon who was instrumental in the packaging of and promotion of the Afro & Twist Comb, Cleaning Spray, Moisturizer Conditioner, No Flake Styling Gel, Locking & Twisting cream plus a useful small sponge used in the application to round out the hair twist styling process. The utilization of these items promises to provide the end user with a clean, moisturize and nice minty scent for any preferred twist style. One can step out on a date or attend an evening affair looking fresh and as though your sporting a professionally prepared hairdo. For your information, the products are distributed by Afro & Twist Comb |CA dixassoc@earthlink.net |209-888-4800, CA sam@bobsa.org | 650-863-3491 | IL 708-769-2154 | GA 404-752-9183.

As previously stated in numerous articles, my aim is to get you acquainted with Entrepreneurs that have a purpose. Our entire purpose is to enlighten our community and turn them on to the goods and services that are not only beneficial to you the black community. The people I write about or have on my BTR Show are always quality driven and community conscious which is just what is needed to lift up our neighborhoods standard of living. That is my promise to you, hoping that you find the individuals and organizations mentioned here meet that standard.

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-69

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/

Remembering Moz, the Book

I beg to differ, no… anybody can’t write a book. You will note that those who say that loudest haven’t written anything. Any and everybody may be trying, including me, but everybody cannot write a book. Education, training, or tutoring enables but does not produce an effective writer. Oh, I believe as others that there is a book in all of us. The problem, as you might imagine, is getting it out of a person. There are numerous reasons why people can’t write fiction, current events, spiritual awakening or their life story.

We are all different, some raised in similar neighborhood environments, by parents (single or other family members) that bring their habits and mannerisms to the adult to child relationship. How many times have you heard a guardian start a stern warning with, “When I was a child, my mother or father,” People act in certain ways based on their life experiences. And make no mistake about it, as much as we say we will not repeat the same rearing mistakes our parents or guardian did, we always find ourselves repeating some words. Words, warning, or advice that directed at us by the same people we are trying not to emulate.

Yes, we are all impressed by someone in our childhood. Be that a parent, grandparents, aunt, uncles, or the old man or woman around the corner. All of us remember the advice given by many. And unfortunately, especially nowadays, some have never heard or listen to any of it. They also have a story. Some have told it from a jail cell; others didn’t get to tell it because their lives were cut short by the opposition, police, or another prison inmate.

Then there are those who have lived the American dream as portrayed in books and the movies. Some were raised by the privileged in this country. They came from homes like the old television series, Father Knows Best, Eight is Enough or even The Cosby Show. The offspring grew up to be successful, wealthy, and live happily ever after. Some from that environment strayed or failed because they did not know how to handle the stress of not being as successful as their parents.

So yes, there is a book in all of us. However, everybody is not a writer. Or for that matter, everybody cannot tell their story accurate enough with all the emotion needed for interpretation by a ghost writer. Readers will be able to tell if the story is unique, no matter who wrote it. And they alone, are the ultimate judge if you have a story worth their time.

There must be some reason that people will read the story in the first place. First of all, the story or subject must interest your targeted readers. Creativity must be present, flow constructively and cause a person to reflect on their or others around them lives. Every author, aspiring author and I know and understand the deep and subtle meaning behind those words. All authors have a story to tell, regardless if the book is successful or a downright failure. I’ve had three with the latest being Remember Moz. That simply means that I’ve written three books whereas I had something to say to any and everyone who will read the books. As previously stated readers will be the judge if I’ve succeeded in my quest.

In my latest, 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. That is why I go all the way back to the Civil War, following his people’s roots up through his birth in the heart of Jim Crow country. Why I take you through his growth as a responsible human being and why he had to take on that type of responsibility at a young age. Through it all, I show you the humorous side of a serious individual who always made an effort to enjoy life as he lived and worked in it.

Everybody had a father, mine was just one of a billion or more, but oh what an impression he made on those he touched during his lifetime. That is the story I tell in Remember Moz. A story, anybody and everybody should read just to see who this man was and if I did him justice in representation. A story that should be read by all who think that being a black family man and father in this country is ordinary. This book will point out how presumptuous and simply wrong an opinion can be. There are numerous issues that come up daily and demand a black father’s attention because of the way the declining majority attempts to divide this country by race. Issues that most other races take for granted, black parents must use as teachable moments in preparing their offspring to succeed and indeed survive in the United States or America. No matter what they say, you and I know it is not equal.

Not all black man know the formula for allowing successful childrearing while providing an environment of love, understanding, protection, and neutering to facilitate confidence in our children. My father knew even though he may not have been sophisticated enough to articulate that knowledge. He got his point across by living the life and demonstrating how one should live, play, and love. Towards the end, he also revealed the weakness in human nature of searching for ways to cope with a major love and companion lost. All in all, that weakness for coping did not diminish his personality or who he was throughout his life.

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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Black Hair Care Industry Update, 2015, Part 1

In 2014, I was surprised to learn that a the United States 1965 decision to ban the import of any wig that contained hair from China contributed to the Koreans attempted domination of the US Black Hair Care Industry. Six months earlier in a successful attempt to aid their wig manufacturers, the Government of South Korea banned the export of the desirable raw hair by anybody other than their own. The result was a Korean monopolization of the Black Hair Care as depicted in Aron Ranen’s, http://diaryofahairobsession.com/black-hair-the-korean-takeover-part-2/ documentary. In a four-part documentary, Ranen’s film points this out and provides in debt insight into the industry as of 2009.

You should note that the acts by the two governments “almost providing a monopoly.” For a monopoly to work, competition must be halted by regulation or lack of availability of the monopolized service or goods for sale. In this case, the consumers held and still hold the key to monopolization.

I wrote this article for one reason. It was the beginning of my concern and ultimate involvement to promote the haircare storyline where ever I could in an attempt to wake up our people. Obviously, I am and was not the only ones concerned about the attempt by the Koreans. It got the immediate attention of people who were directly involved in the industry. Because…it affected their bottom line, the profit and loss in their salon, beauty shop, and even your neighborhood black barber shop. They’d been on the front lines of this competitive market long before the actions taken by the US or Koreans.

I was able to learn how industry manufacturers and beauty salons were prepared to cope with industry experts like Sam Ennon, Founder of BOBSA.org. As well as Regina “Regi” Kimbell, Co-producer and director of ‘My Nappy Roots: A Journey through Black Hari-itage Documentary.’ Regi, who I might add recently held their 3^rd Annual Los Angeles Natural & Lifestyle Expo in August of this year. Most of you may know it as an extension of Regi’s Nappywood brand. Sam, who has become a friend and close associate, continues to take steps in not only countering the Korean domination plans but alerting industry players to each others products and services. The bottom line, they did not intend to take this takeover attempt as a foregone conclusion. Various processes were already in place as others were being perfected to bring to the forefront of the fight.

As stated in the 2014 article, I attempted to interview not only a few movers and shakers in the industry. I wanted to hear the thoughts of front line stylist. The mom and pop beauty shops along with the upscale beauty salons. I was stunned to find that most local Bay Area Beauty Shops I contacted did not want to comment to the media. The concern once again was their bottom line. The fact is, the Koreans had made great headway in their domination of the industry. Some black stylist and shop owners were forced to used Korean products or go out of business. At least that was their impression of the Beauty Supply landscape.

Most didn’t mind talking about their concerns but was reluctant to a point of flatly saying “thanks for the invite to your show, but no thank you. I have a business to run and don’t want any problems.” The result, was I got no takers, and those were the ones who returned my calls. There was dead silence from others. The subject of Korean products was a non-starter. I turned my attention back to the above industry experts, Regi Kimbell and Sam Ennon. There were others I know, but I felt comfortable with these two individuals.

As previously noted, Mr. Ennon is the founder of BOBSA, a black-owned organization whose members offer the same type service as any Korean Beauty Supply Product vendor in the world. The organization was formed to seek out members who are involved in the black hair care industry. The idea is to share information, open up communication and act as a proven effective and quality based alternative to the Korean attempted domination of the industry.

In fact, Mr. Ennon was a guest on my show. He offered a very involved interview by providing historical and current references to the industry. He was the first person who was willing to speak out in no uncertain terms about what happened, was happening and how he expected to change the course of the industry with the help of BOBSA Members. You can catch the March 18^th HcofA BTR interview at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2015/03/18/bobsa-stands-for-black-own-beauty-supply-association-and-you. In short, BOBSA acts mainly as a Networking business association connecting Cosmetologist, Hair Care Manufactures, and associated products from over the world. Members and others quickly learn that the mere association opens up a world of innovative and constructive business minds from people who are bound and determined to make a difference in the industry on their own. The fact that these individuals are allowing their company and connections to come under one umbrella forms a formidable organization that benefits those Entrepreneurs. One thing is now certain, there is no reluctance from most beauty salons and others to provide an opinion on products they have invented or issues in the industry itself.

You may have noticed that I had not mentioned the most important individuals in the Black Hair Care Industry. That would be you, the consumer. What do you think or value as required by the industry to obtain and or retain your hard earn dollars? They know you want a quality product at a competitive price. A product has to make you look good and feel confident about whoever is contributing to that end. Frankly it’s also a business decision for you too. You love your people, but if they cannot deliver, oh well.

I’ve got good news for you. There have been major changes going on in the background while some have been in the forefront for you and them. Let me give you some examples. One great place to start is with a good book on the industry itself. Nicole Lee, Managing Cosmetologist, and inspiring author’s book appropriately entitled “Healing Cosmetologist.” I introduced her on that same March BTR show that included Sam Ennon’s interview. She is a writer who penned an open directory to the requirements needed to excel in the world of cosmetology.

On an advertisement for her book, she writes, “Did you know that your hair is an antenna that transmits and receives thoughts outside of your 5 senses? It carries energy of vibrations within each strand, holding information about an individual’s spirit and is often transferred through the power of touch. Because of its connection to the head or Crown Chakra (energy space between the spirit and physical body), it is sensitive and can hold vital links to spiritual wisdom, knowledge and even healing.” My first reaction upon reading these words were, “Say What?” That’s why I including Nicole in this article because she brings something new, innovative and a good vibe to your experience with your stylist. It’s the kind of “feel good experience” you want when you pay for a service that contributes to your appearance and outlook to all others in which are in your social circles. Do you feel me?

A glance at her Resume and you will find revealing words and learned capabilities such as Instructor, Spiritual Coach and Successful Experienced Business Owner with advanced knowledge of Metaphysics, Universal Law, and Napoleon Hill Philosophies, coupled with Business Success Strategies, Personal Growth and Spiritual Tools used for enhancing one’s life towards bliss. You may want to read that description of this lady’s capabilities again just for your complete edification. The point being, Cincinnati resident, and author Nicole Lee prepared herself for a leadership role in the areas above. That is the expertise she points out in her book and practices as a Consultant in the world of Cosmetology.

She is but one of the first industry innovators that look like you, therefore, know what appeals to you. I intend to introduce you to a few more in Part 2 of this article. Don’t get it twisted; I am not saying that todays Black Hair Care Entrepreneur need all be people of color. Meaning that they are the only ones who know what you need. But I am saying that is one body type and color that you know should be an expert on what you the black buying consumer need.

Come back for Part 2, in one week and meet more of the innovative game changers in the Black Hair Care Industry. People from around the world and, of course, stateside that understand your requirements and are reaching out to you and you alone. In other words, their products are designed for your practical, budgeted and quality requirement. For remember, they are your next door neighbor, even if they are from another country. Explain you say, they are like you, in mind, spirit, style, and body type.

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