Today is World AIDS Day, which reminds us of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the world’s health. In preparing this post I wanted to gather as much information as I could because AIDS is a serious epidemic in the black and international community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, HIV and AIDS have hit African Americans the hardest. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather to some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), sexually transmitted diseases, and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or directed at people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV).

When we look at HIV/AIDS by race and ethnicity, we see that African Americans have

• More illness. Even though blacks (including African Americans) account for about 13% of the US population, they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS.
• Shorter survival times. Blacks with AIDS often don’t live as long as people of other races and ethnic groups with AIDS. This is due to the barriers mentioned above.
• More deaths. For African Americans and other blacks, HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death.

As alarming as these statistics may be, early detection through testing is the best way to control this disease that kills millions of people around the world. I’ve heard people say, “If I have it, I don’t want to know”. To them, I urge to change their mindset. Don’t be selfish. Take the test and take control. Be responsible because you’re not just putting your life on the line. You’re also affecting the lives of everyone who you’ve had unprotected sex with. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get help.

If you don’t know where to go for testing, you can use you cell phone to text message your zip code to 566948 or visit www.hivtest.org.

You have the power to control this. The ball is in your court. All you have to do is shoot. Please take the time to review the links I’ve provided. It’s some important information and you might learn something that will save your or someone else’s life. Let’s spread the word and take control.

The Basics on HIV Infection and AIDS

How to keep from getting AIDS

Rapid HIV Testing Podcast (1 minute)

Rapid HIV Testing Transcript

HIV Transmission: Questions and Answers

African Americans & AIDS

HIV/AIDS among African Americans - Fact Sheet

2007 AIDS Epidemic Update

Fact Sheet - Key Facts by Region

Black AIDS Institute

It looks like they are trying to crack down on illegal immigration in Irving, Texas by racially profiling people in order to stop them and verify their immigration paperwork. The first time I heard of this happening was when Irving police arrested several Hispanic men in an apartment complex for public intoxication. Since then, if you looked like you were breaking the law, you would go to jail. The police department has been enforcing a program which allows jailers to identify suspected illegal immigrants and refer them to immigration authorities. The police chief says they aren’t targeting specific groups of people because the identification of suspected immigrants is happening at the jail, not on the streets.

Racial profiling has always been an issue in the black community and it’s sad to see it being used in this manner. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and since the federal government has been silent on the issue, this is an example of how city officials are going to crack down on illegal immigration. Some of the people who were arrested were there for minor offenses which probably would have been overlooked any other time. While I agree everyone who enters this country should come here through the proper channels, those who have bypassed it and are working to feed their families should be allowed to stay. All they are trying to do is have a better way of life and earn a living. If it means having to illegally cross the border to do so, then so be it. We’re mad at the wrong people. I’d do the same thing for my family if I were in that position. Would you?

Hundreds protest Irving’s rise in deportations
Irving’s Illegal Immigrant Crackdown Sparks Debate

About a month ago, I wrote a blog post on a way to get up to 20% off on prescription medication. The only criteria was that your county had to become a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo). I was disappointed to find my mom’s county wasn’t a member, so they weren’t able to participate.

About a week later, I recieved a call on the voicemail hotline from about the FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card. This is a similar program through , but there are no enrollment or eligibility requirements. I should mention it is not insurance, but a way to receive immediate discounts on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Simply present your card with each prescription from your doctor to the participating pharmacy at the time of purchase to receive your discounts. If you need to transfer a prescription, bring your empty prescription bottle or label with you to the pharmacy.

While the government continues to argue over what to do with the health care crisis, FamilyWize is making something happen. To print out your prescription drug card, go to the Where to Get a Card section of the website. Once again spread the news to those who need it. Much thanks to Dan for informing of this program.

Who needs the media when you have live coverage from the blogosphere. Shawn, author of the Dallas South Blog will be making is way to Jena and will be posting live from the rally. He’s put together some good content and below I’ve listed some additional links to posts that he’s done on the Jena Six movement. It makes me proud to see black people coming together for a common cause. If this were not to happen, those six young men would just be another statistic in the criminal justice system.

All I’m asking is for a fair trial. In a radio interview with Mychal Bell’s father, he said there are a lot of issues regarding race in Jena. As long as Bell was running the ball on the football field, everyone loved and supported him. It was until this situation that his support dwindled and the town has turned on him. I hope things turn out well and the media covers the real reason behind the rally. This is a movement to make right some of the wrongs in the world.

Dallas Prepares for Travel to Jena
Judge vacates conviction of Mychal Bell

by Darrell Holmes

For my industry, I am involved with organizations that provide consultation and support for the members of those various organizations. During a lunch meeting today, I was made aware of a franchise tax that was recently signed into law for the state of Texas. The intentions of the tax are well-placed. Essentially it would alleviate some of the financial burden carried by homeowners through property taxes without sacrificing funding to education. Believe me that as a homeowner I’m all for being relieved of some of the taxes I pay with my area having some of the largest homeowner taxes in the country. However, the committee that organized the wording of the new tax is putting a strange hold on small business owners who operate service-based corporations.
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If you listen to the podcast, then you know that I am a tech junkie. This is what originally got me into the blogger and podcaster world and I’ve met some really good people in the process. There is a major trend on the Internet dealing with social networking and the we now have the ability to communicate with people all around the world. The technology industry has come a long way and this is only the beginning. Marketing products and services is also changing and it’s easier to get the word out to more people than ever. Which brings me to the point of this post.

Through a contact of JD’s at Black in Business, I’ve been asked to help build up the African-American community for a new social networking site called Cre8buzz.com. When you sign up, you are able to showcase yourself, showoff, post your pictures, blog your opinions, and share your videos. As people view your content, they are able to provide their own ranking which allows for even more exposure (if it’s good). It’s like myspace, meets, youtube, meets flickr. The ranking system is pretty amazing and meeting people in other communities has been cool. I’ve been there for a couple of weeks and have personally talked to the Antman (yes, he’s real) and he’s all about getting exposure for the little guy. As of now, I’m the only one in the African-American community, so I’M #1!!!

I’m not trying to lose that position, so sign up and let’s create some buzz. They are still in the beta stages so the time is good to get involved. To sign up, you need an invitation, which I can email you. Just send your request to podcast[at]theojohnson.net and I’ll get it to you. I’ve already started publicizing the blog and traffic has increased. If you have any comments or suggestions on the site, let the Antman know.

Finally, when you sign up, I’m in the cre8Buzz > People > African American community. My name is tjohnson3. See you soon

I was just informed by JW at the Mandrake Society Radio that I linked to the previous podcast in my for Episode 29. If you’ve already downloaded the show in your podcatcher, you may have to try it again to pick up the right one. Big thanks to JW. I didn’t realize what I did.

Theo

Donnie is a soul/R&B artist hailing originally from Lexington, KY. Having honed his craft in Atlanta, GA, his Southern gospel influences are as prevalent as his socio-political commentary. His first album, The Colored Section, would go on to receive critical acclaim after an inauspicious debut. He claims Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donnie Hathaway as his musical influences as he helps keep their legends alive through his music. The Daily News is Donnie’s second LP.

Though I love Donnie’s music, I’ve always felt that I wouldn’t be able to do his art justice in a review format. Therefore, I handed over the reigns to my wife, Shaunta Holmes-Reese for the review below since she was better suited to dissect what Donnie does best on his newest album. His music is as complex as it is enjoyable and I thank my wife for taking her time out to help a brother out. Her review is below.

Once again, people should open their ears and minds to what Donnie has to say on his newest LP The Daily News.. The album starts off strong with two of America’s biggest tragedies; the too soon forgotten 2005 Hurricane Katrina is represented by the song, “Impatient People” and the unforgettable per media events of 9/11 that are deeply embedded in the song titled “911.” Donnie gets his message across to listeners immediately saying, “I’ll trade the World Trade to spend some time with you baby, I’ll trade my racism, my sexism, my homophobia, trade all my funny ways, my financial center, gonna be a cold and lonely winter without you.”

After Donnie releases his emotions about unforeseen events, he let’s loose on the pharmaceutical industry with a full fledged band on “Over the Counter Culture” featuring Phonte of Little Brother. The song blasts the legality of chemicals and drugs used to “fix” the diseases of people, emphasizing that America supplies the drugs and the pharmaceutical companies “don’t never be breaking no laws” as they provide over priced ways to kill people who are already dying financially.
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All I have to say is, it’s about time. The media is finally starting to put the spotlight on the Jena Six trials. While Anderson Cooper and CNN get the attention on a national level, I credit the blogging community for leading the charge. The first time I heard about it was from the Villager at the Electronic Village, Afrospear and Vanessa at vanessabyers.net. If you don’t know what’s going on, I’ve provided some links for you to check out. The Villager and Vanessa have put out some good information on the Jena Six and I don’t believe in re-inventing the wheel when it’s already well-designed.

Racism is still an issue and it only leads to trouble. While the young men were wrong in what they did, the problem I have is with the charges brought up against them. If the situation was reversed, would the same charges apply? The National Bar Association is looking to open their own investigation to make sure each of the young men are properly represented.

97.9 the Beat, a local Dallas radio show is getting ready to travel to Jena on Sept 20th to attend the rally. For those who can’t make it, they are asking you to donate to the Jena Six Defense Fund at www.colorofchange.org. Send what you can, no matter how small of an amount it is. Details for the rally are still being gathered and I will post them when I get them.

Please sign the online petition and read the following links for more information.

Going To Jena
Jena 6: Racism in America
Jena Cuts Down Noose Tree
The Jena Six: An American Tragedy and a Shameful Reality
Jena 6: An American Tragedy

Update: I also ask that you check out Jena Six Activism Getting Results. Black bloggers making a difference. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

In need of a job? Looking for more opportunity in your career? Then visit the largest online job fair at gotoworkamerica.com. It’s a new website aimed at getting you the job you want. *end commercial*

I’m not sure if that would be a good commercial, but I am sure that this is a website to check out. One of the ministers at my church is on the Go To Work America team and he urged us to get signed up. The official launch was September 3rd, so get your resume out there as soon as possible. He told us that employers are out there and it’s worth taking the time to submit a resume. You never know what can happen. To be honest, I agree with him 100%.

On my first job, I enjoyed what I did and I was good at it. All of my reviews were above average and I was a dedicated worker (so I thought). The company had some executive changes and layoffs started to free up some money to outsource overseas. That’s when I got that dreaded phone call letting me know my services were no longer needed. I wasn’t prepared for that, but in the end things ended up working out for me and my family. I’m saying this to let you know there’s nothing wrong with having options. I’m happy in my current job situation, but I have to remember to always keep my options open. You never know what opportunity might come your way.

Spread the word about this site and if you sign up, let me know how things turn out.