Author: DAMON K JONES
In American society, the role of the father is often taken for granted. Yet for many Black men growing up in single-mother households, the absence of a strong, positive male figure is a silent crisis that shapes their mental health, identity, and the future of their families. This “deprived masculine mental illness” has ripple effects, not only affecting individual men but also their relationships, children, and communities. For many Black men raised without fathers, the journey to manhood is fraught with emotional confusion. These men often absorb emotional traits from their mothers, learning to navigate the world in ways that…
As I stated in my letter to the Westchester Black Pasters, we must stand on the tenets of our faith and historical struggle and recognize the striking parallels between the oppression faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation and the historical injustices endured by Black Americans. Historically, the Black struggle in America and the Palestinian struggle have been deeply interconnected. The 1967 Arab-Israeli War brought the Israel-Palestine conflict to the forefront of American consciousness. Black Power and Civil Rights activists identified with Palestinians as fellow people of color fighting for freedom and justice. This sentiment resonated throughout the civil rights movement,…
In the whirlwind of modern life, I found myself constantly chasing the next deadline, the next achievement, the next big thing. Days blurred together, weeks flew by, and before I knew it, months had passed in a haze of busyness without real purpose. It was then that I stumbled upon the concept of setting daily intentions, a practice that has since transformed my approach to each day and, in turn, my entire life. At first, I was skeptical. How could simply “setting an intention” make any real difference? Wasn’t this just another self-help gimmick? But as I delved deeper, I…
Washington, D.C. – As the Atlantic hurricane season rages on, FEMA is facing mounting criticism for allocating significant funds to the migrant crisis while warning of insufficient resources to assist hurricane victims. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacks the necessary funds to support disaster relief efforts for the remainder of the season, sparking controversy and a political showdown. Funding Crisis and Migrant Spending The announcement has raised alarms, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 200 lives in the Southeast. FEMA’s financial predicament has drawn scrutiny due to…
“Representation isn’t just about seeing yourself on a screen. It’s about seeing yourself in the divine.” These words, spoken by theologian Dr. James Cone, encapsulate a powerful idea that can potentially transform Black men’s lives across America and beyond. In a world where European depictions have long dominated religious iconography, the concept of a Black Jesus offers a radical reimagining of faith, identity, and self-worth for Black communities, particularly Black men. It’s important to acknowledge that many people argue that Jesus’s race doesn’t matter, focusing instead on his message and teachings. This perspective emphasizes the universality of Jesus’s love and…
In recent years, high-profile police shootings have shaken public confidence in the ability of our justice system to hold law enforcement accountable. The issue of who investigates and prosecutes these cases has become a focal point for advocates, policymakers, and concerned citizens alike. In New York State, the Attorney General (AG) currently serves as the special prosecutor in cases involving police shootings of unarmed civilians. While this setup may seem logical, it is not without significant flaws. To restore and strengthen public trust, it’s time to change the system: the power to appoint an independent prosecutor should move from the…
The recent report from the New York State Attorney General Tish James (see below), Office of Special Investigation (OSI) sheds critical light on the fatal shooting of Mr. Garris by Detective Conn. According to the OSI’s findings, the circumstances leading to Mr. Garris’s death raise significant concerns about the proportionality of the force used. The report details that, despite claims from Detective Conn that Mr. Garris was attempting to seize Officer Bird’s firearm, other evidence, including Officer Bird’s testimony, contradicts this narrative. The OSI’s investigation highlights that less lethal alternatives were available, and the threat level perceived by Detective Conn…
In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, Nourishcore’s Vita Health Nutrition line is making waves with its innovative approach to daily supplements. Their latest offering? A range of delicious and nutritious gummies designed for those who struggle with traditional pills or are seeking a more convenient way to maintain their health regimen A Gummy for Every Need Vita Health Nutrition understands that different bodies have different needs. That’s why they’ve developed a diverse lineup of gummy supplements, each targeting specific aspects of health and wellness: The Gummy Advantage For many, swallowing pills can be a daily struggle. Vita Health…
In an era of instant messages and social media posts, the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 18:13 resonates with profound importance: “He who answers before listening – his folly and shame.” PROVERBS 18:43 This timeless insight strikes at the heart of effective communication, particularly in our intimate relationships. It serves as a crucial reminder of the power of genuine listening in a world that often prioritizes quick responses and constant self-expression. The digital age has dramatically reshaped our communication landscape. Social media platforms have conditioned us to engage in one-way communication, often without expecting thoughtful dialogue, broadcasting our thoughts in brief…
The family of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. has issued a scathing statement following a grand jury’s decision not to indict Detective Steven Conn in the shooting death of Jarrel Garris in New Rochelle, New York. In their statement, the Chamberlain family expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, drawing parallels to their own experience and the broader pattern of police violence cases across the nation. They criticized the familiar refrain of “insufficient evidence” used to justify the lack of charges against officers involved in fatal shootings. The family took aim at what they describe as a “universal playbook” used by officers to…