#FreeMen

[militantinremission]

Did Fat Joe show his Whole Hand?

Safe to say that Jose Cartagena has been an outspoken HipHop Revisionist. In recent Years, Joe along w/ John Leguizamo & Crazy Legs have been offering their narrative on who created HipHop Music & Culture. The Pioneers have stepped to the Mic & set The Record straight on WHAT happened, WHEN it happened, & WHO was there. Fat Joe, like KRS One is caught in a contradiction. Kris is actually 'Of The Culture', so he has a Lane available to say: mea culpa & come back into the Fold. Joe on the other hand, didn't respect his place as a Guest in the House of HipHop- as a result, he's getting his privileges revoked. I appreciate the degree that Joe chose to Stand on his Square, because it reminded many of Us of previous Bad Behavior.

In his Barbershop interview w/ Math Hoffa, Fat Joe had a few cringe moments. He disrespected Lord Jamar by saying that he was a 'Looney Tune looking to go viral', & called him the 'wackest member of Brand Nubian'. That said, his most cringe worthy statement had to be referring to FBA as a 'Radical Black Hate Group' that only wants to associate w/ their Own. He defined FBA as: 'Foundational Black Authority', & called Our Lineage 'a bunch of broke N-s'... Black Alpha, Lord Jamar, Phil Scott, & Jason Black were among the first to respond; All pointed out his White Supremacist Talking Points. If we're being honest, Joe sounded like a straight up Conquistador.

As We come to the End of Our 'Year Of Affirmation', We find Ourselves Standing firmly on Our Convictions & calling out ANYONE that questions them. Fat Joe, like many others who were allowed access into Our Culture are discovering an unexpected Reality- Houseguests don't get House keys. These Folks have been given so many passes over so many Years, that they actually believe that they KNOW Us. This is the same Story, from Michael Rappaport to Drake & Cardi B. Fat Joe's tantrum was ill timed; Our Collective Antennas were up, & Everyone heard the same language. Black Alpha in particular, pointed out how Joe wasn't even talking about HipHop anymore... This thing has many layers.

We all see that this attitude towards Indigenous Black Americans is nothing new. We know the History of the Immigrant Experience in America; the Ethnicity changes, but their actions are too similar to just be a coincidence. We saw it w/ the Irish, Italian, & Eastern European (Slav & Askenazi); now We see it w/ 'Black & Brown' Immigrants. The Black- Latino Dynamic is complicated, because Hispanic/ Latino Culture is rooted in Colorism (Blanqueamiento). Their Society is divided by how close one is to their 'Castilian Roots'. How does someone aspire to Whiteness in an Area where folks are 'Black & Proud'? When We look at Latin American Leaders like Fidel Castro & Hugo Chavez, who touted their Afrikan Roots & included Afro- Latinos in the Body Politic, We see how they were demonized as Bad Men.

ALL of their predecessors kept the Afro- Cuban & Afro- Venezuelan Population in a State of Poverty & Oppression. It's clear that the 'Blanco' contingent preferred the leadership of Fulgencio Batista (Zaldivar), Ramon Jose Velasquez, & Rafael Caldera Rodriguez. We need to look no further than Miami, where folks like Gloria Estefan are STILL lamenting the Cuban Revolution. Fat Joe glossed over 'Radical Puerto Rican Extremists' as he focused on FBA, but can We call it 'Extremist Behavior' when The Majority of The Population practices it at Home, & bring it w/ them when they Immigrate Here? Black People aren't respected in Hispanic/ Latino Culture, they're victimized. Latino Police Officers can be more Anti- Black than Irish & Italian Officers; certainly more aggressive towards Blackfolk. Again, Joe is silent on this Note.

As I said, this thing has layers. In the same way that Great Britain left the door open for America to step in & assume the role of Dominant World Power; AmeriKKKa is leaving the door open for Hispanics/ Latinos to hold the reins of Power over Black America- as long as they acknowledge their Position in White Supremacy. In the same manner that Whitefolk & Azkenazis assumed Ownership of Jazz, Big Band, Country, & Rock N Roll; Latinos think that they can assume Ownership of HipHop. They were successful in taking 'Tango' from the Afro- Argentinians that created 'The Forbidden Dance', but We're a Lineage of Fighters! If we're being honest, We have to acknowledge how the Latino influence on HipHop has done more harm than good. Stand Outs, like Mantronix & Immortal Technique are revered as Legends in The Game. Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud also deserve an honorable mention. Now I could be wrong, but I haven't heard ANY of them side w/ Fat Joe.

Joe has been on many Platforms trying to push his narrative. He has emboldened other Puerto Ricans (Nuyoricans) to chime in on 'Out Of State' Cats speaking on something that started in NYC. Content Creators point out how HipHop may have been BORN in NYC, but was CONCEIVED in The South. Jason Black & Black Alpha point out the cultural differences between Us & Non ADOS/ FBA Communities, & how little they know about Our Lineage. First off, the Slave Experience in AmeriKKKa affected Us differently than it did those in Latin America & the Caribbean. While they exhibit Tribalism & Colorism, We exhibit Unity. From the East Coast to the West Coast, & from the Great Lakes to the Gulf- Blackfolk are an Extended Family. Those of Us in the Northeast & Out West tout Our Southern Roots like a Badge of Honor. We are the Descendants of those who survived AmeriKKKa's Killing Fields. Immigrants don't have that experience, & therefore can't truly understand what motivates Us Culturally.

Another clear cultural difference between Us & Non ADOS/ FBA Ethnicities, is how We deal w/ White Supremacy. We have a Global Reputation of fighting White Supremacy, no matter where it exists. As a Collective, Immigrant Groups tend to be Anglophiles; They aspire to Whiteness. They 'Get In where they Fit In', & that classically means harboring Anti- Black Sentiment. Fat Joe & Busta Rhymes aren't exceptions, but typical examples of how these people move. They Rock w/ Us- copying Our 'cultural mannerisms', until they get a 'Come Up'; then they shift to White Supremacist Talking Points & Anti-Black Sentiment. Busta thought he 'Made It', & began an onslaught of disrespectful opinions regarding Black America. He began w/ disenfranchising Blackfolk from HipHop, & went on to say that 'American Culture' comes from Latin America & The Caribbean. The Man had a much anticipated World Tour scheduled, but the backlash from ADOS/ FBA has led to Investors pulling out & the Tour being Canceled. This Tour was supposed to solidify Busta's Legacy, but he's been reduced to doing a wacky Walmart Commercial... Safe to say that he made a misstep.

As bad as Busta has been, Fat Joe has been worse. He admits that he's "the product of The Product", but somehow believes that he knows about Events that happened before he was born. His arrogance has revealed an Anti- Black Racist sentiment that is pretty common among his people. Content Creators have pointed out Joe's excessive use of The N- Word, & how he ignored pleas from his Fans to stop using it. As a Native New Yorker who spent his Formidable Years in Spanish Harlem, then lived in Bushwick for 4Yrs & Inwood for 5Yrs- I can say w/ certainty that NO ONE uses the N- Word more than Hispanics/ Latinos. Dominicans top The List, but Puerto Ricans & Cubans aren't far behind them. Caribbean Folk are also pretty frequent w/ their use of the N- Word; is it a coincidence that many of the Rappers spewing this word aren't from 'The Soil''? Regardless, what We are witnessing, is a clear effect of Delineation. As We Circle Our Wagons, the Opportunists (i.e. Tethers) are getting nervous. They depend on Us believing in 'Coalitions' that benefit them to Our detriment. Times have Changed! These folks no longer have Us to lean on for Financial, Social, or Political Support. Since these people believe they're Superior to Us, they should have No Problem w/ Going it Alone in the 'Wilderness of North America'.

-As I said before, They better get used to The New Normal.

[akaashmaharaj]

Freemen of the City of London of North America

I thank the North American association of Freemen of the City of London, for including me in its "Meet the Court" series.

Originally, Freedom of the City institutionalised the right of mediaeval Londoners to live and work beyond the power of feudal lords. Today, it binds together people who share a common connection through London.

This week, we will celebrate Rob Andrews for his distinguished tenure as the Company's Master, and invest Helen Field as his successor.

🇨🇦🇲🇽🇬🇧🇺🇸 https://freemenlondon.org/

[kronieken]

De Kerels van Vlaanderen

Het toekennen van de rechtsmacht over Lammingsvliet (later Sluis genoemd) en het Zwin weekt hevige frustraties los bij de Bruggelingen. Ze beschouwen die voorhavens op basis van eeuwenoude privileges als hun eigendom. Het risico bestaat trouwens dat alle voor Brugge bestemde koopwaar via de Lieve naar Gent zal worden afgeleid. En die vrees wordt al gauw werkelijkheid als Jan van Namen een aantal…

[that1overthere]

humans are so weird when they see something that defies their perception of biology and technology

poll PLEASE VOTE

[accala]

(Poll inspired by @thatonefreemanversefic)

[I'm betting on one character to win lol.]

[stonesense]

the emerald graves are much nicer than the exalted plains but there is a particular bleakness to travelling anywhere in the dales even if they are beautiful

[robocop1906]

Time.to stand for what we believe in!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I Couldn’t have said it better myself.

[crispycrunchers]

No inspiration. Just bilbo baggins flipping you off.

[militantinremission]

What does being 'Black' really mean?

I have thought about this for a long time. Over the years, I spoke w/ Moors, Israelites, Indigenous, & Pan Afrikans about 'Blackness' & what it means to them. I also looked at Separate but Equal (Jim Crow) Laws, The Black Codes, The Fugitive Slave Act, Dred Scott, & related documents dating back to the Colonial Era. Writing on this Subject was always in the back of My Mind, but now I feel compelled to give an opinion. Dane Calloway & Yvette Carnell don't agree on much, but they're both in agreement about 'Blackness in America'; their perspectives intrigued Me. Cam'ron's Declaration of Blackness, followed by responses from Marc Lamont Hill & Umar Johnson inspired Me to chime in on the Subject.

Recently, Dane Calloway & Yvette Carnell both went into detail about 'Blackness' on their individual Channels. Both have expressed their view in the past, but the timing of their latest opinions caught My attention. They essentially agree that this 'designation' refers to a Bottom Caste status that sets Us up for Social Inequality as a Collective. They also agree that identifying as 'Black American' only clouds Our identity as a Lineage Group. The denial of (promised) resources to 'Black' Farmers, & the repeal of Affirmative Action on College Campuses were both done in the name of 'Race Neutrality'. Apparently, Whitefolk & Brownfolk thought that these (long overdue) measures offered too much(?)

I was still digesting Dane & Yvette's perspective, when Cam'ron declared that he prefers being called 'Black' over Afrikan American, citing a schism between Black Americans & Continental Afrikans. This prompted Dr. Marc Lamont Hill & Dr. Umar Johnson to respond- in the name of Pan Afrikanism. Over the last 5Yrs, Pan Afrikans have been very vocal about Reparations & who should be entitled. Groups like N'COBRA, NAARC, The NAACP, & The Urban League have pushed for Trans Atlantic based Reparations; but they favor Social Programs over cash payments. Grassroots Organizations like the ADOS Advocacy Foundation, stress the need for cash payments to American Descendants Of Chattel Slavery.

It's curious how the same U.S. Constitution that used Our skin color to classify Us as 3/5ths of Humanity, still uses Our skin color as a 'Racial identity' to restrict Our access to resources. Somehow, this skin color classification doesn't stop 'Minority Groups' (i.e. White Women, White LGBTQ..., Azkenazis, People Of Color [POC/ BIPOC]) from getting the resources that They want & need. Maybe it's just Me, but I see a double standard playing out. Edward Blum & his 'Minority Coalition' are hell bent on weaponizing Race as a means of maintaining Black Oppression. He recently resorted to applying the Civil Rights Law of 1866 against Black Women; meanwhile, ADOS was unsuccessful in their attempt to apply the Same Law to (naively?) support Byron Allen's Case against Comcast Communications.

I understand where Family is coming from, when they refer to dictionary definitions of 'Black'. In a 'White' Society, Blackness is depicted as antithetical. It's not unusual, when we consider the way Afrikan Tribes associate 'Whiteness' w/ Death & Disease (i.e. Leprosy). Historically, this attitude towards Blackness goes back to Our 1st Contact w/ Northern/ Step Europeans (Vikings, Scandanavians, ect...) who traditionally burned their dead. Our mummification process spooked them! Those bodies took on a dark hue, & hardened into a crystal like structure; the Europeans called it a 'Crust'. From this, came the word 'Curse'. The Europeans migrated south into Western Asia & transported their ideology w/ them. This fear of Black Mummies was shared w/ Mongolians & other Indo- European Tribes, like the Turks & Huns. In the same way that Afrikans came to associate Whiteness negatively, the Asiatics came to associate Blackness similarly. Today, We STILL hear Koreans, Japanese, & Chinese refer to a 'Black Devil'.

The modern regard for Blackness is a Social Construct created by 15th Century Castilians & Portugese. These beliefs were sanctioned by the Catholic Church, by way of Papal Bulls & adopted by Dutch, English, & French Colonizers. That's not to say Anti Black sentiment didn't exist; Maimonides (Musa Ibn Maimon) wrote 'The Curse of Ham' centuries earlier... Spain, Portugal, & Italy appeared tired of Moorish Rule, & took advantage of the waning years of their influence. Current Reparations discussions have included the prominence of Afrikan Slave Trading, & how Afrikan Kingdoms, like Mali & Kongo actually traded Slaves w/ Europeans; until they were also Colonized. Afrikan Kingdoms became dependent on the profits, decadent lifestyle, & overall efficacy of trading away their 'enemies'. They didn't concern themselves w/ Europe's intentions for these people.

European Colonizers told themselves that they were 'On a Mission' to Christianize the heathens. I don't know what THAT had to do w/ raping & pillaging Societies in 'The Americas' (Amaru Ca/ Turtle Island/ Atlantis). In 'Capitalism & Slavery' Eric Williams explains how Europeans rationalized their barbarism to offset the guilt of violating fellow Human Beings. The Fruits of Exploration clouded the moral judgement of Many. Thinking Men, like Samuel George Morton began to concoct a number of Theories (Religious & Scientific) to condone their actions. It wasn't limited to Afrika or The Americas; ANY non- Christian was a potential target. Truth be told, Latin America had more Slaves coming from The Pacific, than The Atlantic. Many of the Illegal Immigrants that (so called) Native Americans in The Dakotas are calling 'Indigenous People', are descendants of 'Negritos' transported from The Philippines & the South Pacific Islands. Spanish & Portugese Conquistadors adopted Colorism from the Arabs, & used it as a tool for Divide & Conquer (Blanqueamiento/ Branqueamiento).

The Portugese & Spanish brought Colorism to the (so called) New World, but it was The English who refined it into the System of Racism. Benjamin Franklin was credited w/ using the term 'White' in 1751, but Black Codes were already in play for decades. Bacon's Rebellion of 1675- 1676 resulted in 'Racial' (Chattel) Slavery in Virginia. White Indentured Servants that were treated no differently than their Black counterparts, were elevated to Overseers & Slave Hunters; later to become Militiamen & Police Officers. Legally, 'White' represented the Wealthy Class of Land Owners & Bankers (Gentlemen of Property & Standing). 'Black' represented Indigenous Americans- Free & Enslaved; Poor Whites were stuck in the middle. The Lessons of Bacon's Rebellion brought Laws that ensured that the average White Person had a better lifestyle than the average Black Person. This is the crux of 'White Privilege'.

Dictionaries define 'Whiteness' as: Fair & Pure. 'Blackness' is defined as: Ugly & Evil. All of this helped perpetuate Indigenous/ Aboriginal People as inferior to the European. The 1790 Census brought the first reclassification of American Indians to 'Negro' & 'Colored'. This reclassification continued w/ each subsequent Census. Census Enumerators were not just instructed, but encouraged to use their personal judgement when making Racial Assignments; particularly when making classifications of Negro & Colored. In 1924, Dr. Walter A. Plecker pushed 'The (Preservation of) Racial Integrity Act' in Virginia. This Act sought to reclassify ALL Indigenous People in Virginia as Colored or Negro, & penalized them (w/ violence or death). The 'One Drop Rule' was added in 1930. The Census completed it's reclassification w/ designations of 'Black' in 1970, & 'Afrikan American'(?) in 1990... Chris Rock once joked: "Have you ever seen an American Indian Family in an IHOP?" He probably didn't know that depending on which IHOP, he may have been SURROUNDED by them!

The U.S. Government has been persistent in their efforts to erase America's 'Copper- toned Aborigines'. In addition to Local, State, & Federal Laws designed to keep Us out of contention, they also used Anthropology to prove the inferiority of Indigenous People, compared to Europeans. W.E.B. Du Bois countered, w/ the help of Franz Boas & a new generation of Anthropologists. Melville Herskovits, like Boas contributed to the Anti Black counter narrative; playing a role in setting up the Harlem History Club at the 135th Street YMCA. This is the same Club that inspired Kwame N'Krumah & Ho Chi Minh... Since 1990, (Indigenous) Black Americans have been on a Pan Afrikan Crusade that sought to embrace EVERY melanated individual as 'Black'. Haitians, Dominicans, Columbians, Somalis & Nigerians have been very vocal about NOT being Black; they're right! Family thinks that they either want to be White, or at least avoid the negativity associated w/ Blackness. Regardless of their reason, they have a Right Of Expression.

History has been purposely skewed, to prop up self righteous White Men & their Female cohorts (WASPs) over Everyone Else. Their advanced weaponry & barbarism has motivated many to fall in line w/ the Western Agenda over the last 500 Years, but Indigenous/ Black Americans have been fighting them every step of the way. Despite the effort to "Kill the Indian & keep The Man", We continued to search for Our Truth. 100Yrs ago, that led Us into an extensive search on the Afrikan Continent. DuBois, Boas, & Herskovits ALL espoused Out of Afrika Theory; & in some shape or form, molded the Minds of many of Our Master Teachers & Scholars. Their search for Roots in Afrika (Alkebu- Lan) was a noble & fruitful endeavor. As Students, We learned of glorious Civilizations that predated Europe, Rome, & Greece by several millennia. We learned that The Kamau, Nubian, & Kushite referred to themselves as 'Black People'. They were the 'Children of The Sun'- Blessed by The Most High w/ Blackness (Melanin/ Ka Nu). The 'Afu Ra Ka Nu' & 'Afu Rat Kat Nut' are the First Born of The Most High; molded out of Primordial Blackness (CERN calls it: The 'God Particle') & assigned as Caretakers of Planet Earth (Geb). In a Nation that marginalizes the very Concept of Blackness, We were inspired to shout: "I'm Black & I'm Proud!".

Today We live in The Information Age, & as such, Our Generation(s) have access to sources that few of Our Elders had. As We put the pieces together, We discover that:

North America had a population of roughly 100 Million Indigenous People when the Colonizers arrived 500Yrs ago.

These People had highly functional Matrilineal Societies that existed for millennia.

They traded w/ The Moors & other Afrikan Kingdoms for Centuries, & They spoke the Lingua Franca.

They have a Legacy of Brick Making & Mound Building. Billy Carson & Walter Williams both say that Our Indigenous Ancestors have a direct connection to the Kamau. Archeological digs in Southern Illinois & Ohio uncovered Kamitic Ritual material & Pre Phoenician 'Proto- Hebraic Script' among the artifacts. Quiet as it's kept, North America has a plethora of Mounds & Pyramids; St. Louis is nicknamed 'Mound City'.

ALL of the European visitors admitted the 'Copper- toned Aborigines' or Indios practiced a higher Culture than ANY Culture in Europe.

Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, et al were students of Indigenous American Culture. They adopted the Articles Of Confederacy & The U.S. Constitution from the existing Confederacy Of The 5 Nations (The Iroquois Constitution), written around 1200 A.C.E... The Iroquois are the True Founders of the 'American Democratic Experiment'. Remember, ALL of the European Colonizers hailed from Monarchies, so it stands to reason...

The possibility of transporting 12 Million Afrikans to North America from 1619- 1865 is highly improbable. Dane Calloway already broke down the logistics of Trans Atlantic Shipping, & personally compelled The State of Virginia to reduce their 'Afrikan Slave' count by more than 90%. Depending on who you talk to, the number of 'Afrikans' transported to North America ranges from 90,000- 300,000 individuals. At best, this accounts for less than 10% of the 4 Million Individuals that were emancipated. The 20 Young Women that arrived at Point Comfort in 1619, were originally called 'Negresses', not Afrikans. American Indians were called Negroes almost interchangeably.

Dane Calloway, Kurimeo Ahau, & The Research Guy have all pointed out how Europeans transported North American Indians to 'Slave Seasoning' (Buck Breaking) Camps in The Caribbean. Afterwards, they were either shipped back to America, or transported to Europe, & later West Afrika; from Sierra Leone, to Angola. The English & French used Caribbean Maroons in their assault on Afrikan Kingdoms.

All of this new information about Our Ancestors has led many to revisit their Family Genealogy. Many of Us recall a Story or two about the Family connection to a particular Tribe. I personally can't remember hearing an Afrikan Origin Story, before the airing of Alex Haley's 'Roots'. My family taught Us about Our Indian Roots; We don't have a Slave Ship Story in Our History. Most of the Blackfolk claiming Afrikan Tribes, have taken so called Genetic Swab Tests that are advertised as 'Entertainment'. Black Historians & Genealogists, like Dr. Henry Louis Gates have refuted the accuracy of these 'Tests' for years. NO ONE can determine their ancestry from a mouth swab; you need the actual DNA of an Ancestor to make an accurate analysis. Most people don't know that their genetic material is being held (& utilized) by proponents of the [Mormon] Church Of Latter Day Saints. The largest Genealogy Library on Earth, is in Salt Lake City, Ut.

As We put the pieces together, We can clearly see the ongoing process of Colonization. AmeriKKKa cannot be as bold as Israel in their removal of Indigenous Black Americans, so The U.S. Government uses a trickbag of classifications & legislative measures to keep Blackfolk in a state of 'Arrested Development'. They hope that We 'migrate' to Afrika, but most of Us can't afford to visit; let alone relocate. Meanwhile, The Government continues to Flood the Zone w/ immigrants (for 175Yrs & counting). The Mainstream Media speaks about Venezuelan 'migrants' daily, but We hear nothing about the 100,000 Afghani & 100,000 Ukrainian immigrants they prepared for. These people are literally White on arrival. If illegal Venezuelans are getting 5 Star treatment, what are these folk getting?

I felt obligated to go in-depth on this topic, because so many cling to a definition created by Colonizers & Oppressors. How does someone define themselves using the language of their Oppressor? It's the same as someone saying: "A N-- like me", or "A B-- like me". We have been programmed into accepting a wretched (ratchet) image of Ourselves. Some of the people refusing to use the term 'Black', have No Problem referring to themselves as 'N--s' & 'B--s'. I question their logic. Richard Pryor said 40Yrs ago, in 'Here & Now' that he was wrong about using The N- Word. He went on to say that it was a Word that describes Our Wretchedness. He vowed never to use that Word again, but since his declaration, there has been an explosion of 'N-- Comics' over the last 40Yrs. Use of The N- Word is more prevalent than wearing that dress, but few talk about this particular assault on Our Culture. Is it just a coincidence that many of these N- Comics have 'funny looking Wives', as Katt Williams described them?

The lion's share of Our Master Teachers & Scholars were literally spoon-fed Out Of Afrika Theory, so We were primed for Pan Afrikanism. Marcus Garvey was actually 'fishing in a barrel' on those Harlem Streets. This isn't a bad thing in itself. Our Problem has been giving Our 'Cousins' too much access to Our Cultural Mores. Many of the Celebrities, Athletes, & Entertainers being spotlighted & engaging in miscegenation, are descendants of Black Immigrants. They're the Same Ones misrepresenting Our Culture, while telling Us that We're 'Culturally Lost'. Like Hindi/ Bangladeshi/ & Pakistani/ Americans, these folk are situational about their Blackness. They relish being 'Afrikan American' when it's profitable, but are quick to remind you of their Nationality (in a thick accent) when it isn't... It's time to delineate. EVERY melanated group has an identifiable lineage, except Black America. We had a clear identity, until We allowed Jesse Jackson to reclassify Us as 'Afrikan American'. To quote Dane Calloway: "We're named after 2 Continents". Now We're being amalgamated into an 'Afrikan/ Black Diaspora' that is looking to fleece Us like Everyone Else. Most of these folks are 'Black' Capitalists looking for a quick buck. The commercialization of Kwanzaa is a prime example. Our argument for Lineage Based Reparations has revealed this well kept secret.

The (current) Reparations discussion has brought important issues to the conversation. ADOS, FBA, Freedmen, & Indigenous Family all agree that We're a specific Lineage Group w/ a specific Experience. No other group has endured what We have endured in America. Some Black Immigrants make a valid point that They have endured over 100Yrs of White Supremacy in America; few admit that They also had more autonomy & opportunity than We had. Many of the 'First Faces' that We tout, aren't Us, but Our Cousins. Colin Powell, Eric Holder, & Susan Rice aren't just descendants of Immigrants, they're also Cousins! Barack Obama was Harvard's 1st Black Law Review Editor & Claudine Gay was their 1st Black President, but NEITHER have Indigenous Black Roots. BOTH have more in common w/ the descendants of Slave Holders, than those Enslaved on Harvard's properties. We have far too many of their Faces in Our Spaces. 'Afrikan American' is not working for Us. It skews perspectives regarding Wealth & Inequality, while rewarding newcomers for their 'proximity to Blackness'.

I have to go back to The Black Power Movement, to get a clear understanding of what Blackness truly means. During that Era, 'Blackness' was an American Phenomenon that was Globally acknowledged. No One else said: 'I'm Black & I'm Proud' w/ as much authority. John Carlos & Tommie Smith proudly threw up their Black fists, knowing they would pay a price. Muhammad Ali lost his Prime Boxing Years to make a point. The Culture of Blackness permeated Music & Cinema; We were doing Our Thing, Our Way. The Culture was distinctly Ours. It WAS a Black Thang, & No One understood it; but EVERYONE respected it. As We travelled The World, We were called Soul Brothers & Soul Sisters, but most called Us Black American. We have a distinct Pedigree. The World knows WHO We are. If we're being honest, Black Culture & Music was generally more respectable before 1990, when We became 'Afrikan American'. Hollywood has been denigrating Us since 'Birth Of A Nation', but their images contradicted who We are. We're a Righteous & Noble People. Our Love of Our Collective progeny is unrivaled. The Slave Experience stripped Us of Our individual lineage, but it also eliminated any Tribalism. Indigenous Black Americans- from New York to Oakland, & from Detroit to Houston refer to each other as: 'Family from...' We compete against each other, & toss The Dozens; but when it's time to Put in The Work- We're ALL On Code.

I laugh at this notion of 'Race Neutrality'. What exactly is meant by Race? Chief Justice John Roberts & Justice Clarence Thomas both lean on this term pretty heavily, but how? Black, White, Asian, & Latinx aren't Racial Groups, they're Socio- Demographic Classifications. Every Middle School Student has learned by 8th Grade of 3 Races: Negroid, Mongoloid, & Caucasoid. This 'Racial Re- tread' only seems to affect Indigenous Black Americans/ Copper-toned Aborigines on the basis of Our skin color. Everyone Else, including Black Immigrants have a Right of Expression under the current demographic structure. This is the Same System that holds Black America stagnant at 13% of the population since Emancipation, while bringing Ethnic Europeans (Caucasians, Catholics) & Asians under the umbrella of Whiteness; to offset the declining birth rate in their demographic. The Biden Administration has implied the same thing is being done w/ Latinx. I STILL ask: What is a 'Latino/ Hispanic'- are they a specific Nationality? No, they're a Socially Engineered Group (Buffer Class) created to marginalize the Indigenous Black American Population. Our Collective, is not a grouping of different Ethnicities & Nationalities under a particular demographic- We're One Nationality. As We search for a uniform description of Our specific Lineage Group, 'Black American' is a No Brainer... Cam'ron is correct.

'Black American' actually describes a specific Ethnic Group w/ a specific Culture & Experience that NO OTHER GROUP can tout. It describes a Group of People in a specific Region, not a (Global) Racial Group. We are as distinct, as Australian Aborigines. Other than Our Cousins- the 'Black Brits', melanated People tend to describe themselves Tribally or Nationally. They only identify as 'Black', when they Come to America. Meanwhile, Native (Siberian) Americans have used the Dawes Rolls to appropriate Our Ancestral [Tribal] Identity, forcing Us to Collectively reestablish Ourselves from scratch. Indigenous, Aboriginal, or American Indian describes Our connection to The Land. The Blood & Bones of Our Ancestors are buried Here, not in Afrika. Black American, describes who We are today. It defines Us as a unique Nationality. This description makes it easier for Us to point out Centuries of legislative policy crafted & used against Us as a specific Lineage Group. Afrikan American, is a monolithic classification that ignores the diverse Cultural experiences & Tribalism of the Collective. Ultimately, Our Name may change, but The Culture stays the Same.

In a nutshell, Black American IS Our Tribal Identity. We're World renowned for Standing Out & Standing Our Ground, & NO ONE does it better. As Professor Black Truth puts it: 'We create Icons'.

-Just making My Case

[robocop1906]

Today we live !

[utopianoverlord]

Valve is going to drop Half-Life 3 on a random Tuesday with no notice. no warning. could be next week. next year. 5 years from now. remember this

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

[thatonefreemanversefic]

I LOVE TYJIS FIC SO MUCH SO MUCH SO MUCH!!! PLEAS TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED!! I WAHT IT!!

aaaaahhh anyway i sadly. sadly do want to ask how much Benrey is planned. Will it just be mentions? will he show up? ILL LOVR OT ANYWSY!!okybye

I'M SORRY I'M SO LATE TO ANSWERING THIS TOO!! BUT ALSO THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE THIS FIC TOO AND I REALLY WANNA FINISH IT!!! I HAVE SO MANY PLANS!! SO MANY IDEAS!!

Speaking off...

So glad you've asked, dear anon!! I too am a Benrey fan, though I can't say I even come close to rivaling Sapph (the beta reader, in case you don't know) and their love for that silly little guy. Sorry why does this sound like a villain monologue?

To actually answer your question, in as vague terms as possible so as to not spoil: There will in fact be more than just mentions >:) The main 4 (OG, Mind, Martini, and Gorgeous) will get AT LEAST ONE silly from their universe each to play a much more major role than just being like, a background easter egg mentioned to get you guys excited. I am a big fan of stories with huge casts and I feel like this will either shine through very well for this fic or just make the plot get progressively more confusing, but I'm having fun and hopefully you're having fun so who cares honestly?

[loremori]

🎊Happy birthday Bilbo and Frodo!!!🎊

🎉🎉🎉

[darklordazalin]

Azalin Reviews: Darklord Hazlik

Domain: Hazlan Domain Formation: 714 BC Power Level: 💀💀💀💀⚫ Sources: Ravenloft Gazetteer Vol 1 (3e), Ravenloft 3.0, Secrets of the Dread Realms (3e), Realm of Terror (2e), Domains and Denizens (2e) CW: Genocide, homophobic hate crimes

Disclaimer: I have been reviewing the Darklords in order of Domain Formation and Hazlik coming up during pride month feels wrong to me but then again hate crimes are real and those in the queer community face them far too often. The older material on Hazlik was questionable, at best, but who can blame the man for wanting revenge against those who hated him because he was talented and gay?

Hazlik, the aging chaotic little "Red Wizard” and Darklord of Hazlan, is a man of many contradictions ruling over a land riddled with ancient magics and straggled with oppression.

Hazlan is an arid land of cliffs and canyons with sparse vegetation where landslides and tornadoes are common hazards. The populace is severely divided with the Rashemani barely having enough to survive on, while the Mulan lavish themselves in luxury. Keeping the oppressed oppressed is the only way the Mulan maintain rule over the Rashemani as they are severely outnumbered.

It should come as little surprise, given his moniker, that Hazlik comes from the world of Toril and was once a Red Wizard of Thay. Typically having a malevolent nature, these “Red Wizards” devoted themselves to the mastery of a particular school of magic. Hazlik’s chosen school is evocation.

Hazlik’s downfall came from his own ambitious nature. He rose too fast amongst the ranks of his fellows and made too many enemies in doing so. One such rival and enemy, the necromancer Thantosya, became his undoing. Though Hazlik attempted to hide his desire for Thantosya’s lover (Ordiab), the two must have found him out.

Ordiab seduced Hazlik and when discovered amidst their passion, Hazlik’s enemies (lead by Thantosya) accused him of assaulting Ordiab. They captured the little evocator, tattooed his head and chest with arcane symbols of femininity (which Hazlik viewed as humiliating) and cast him out of their order then burnt down his estate. They were quite thorough and one wonders why they did not simply kill Hazlik and be done with it.

It’s always curious who our Tormentors single out as Darklords. Thantosya and Ordiab’s crimes were far greater than Hazlik’s, but I wager that having an obsessive nature has something to do with it and Hazlik’s obsession with revenge must have drawn them in.

He spent his forced seclusion on magical experimentation and research in hopes of finding a way to utterly destroy those who ostracized him. I’m not one to hold much weight on chance, but call it what you will, one day Hazlik came upon Thantosya and Ordiab in a small glade while he was gathering ingredients.

He ambushed the lovers, killed Ordiab and forced Thantosya to drink his blood before killing her as well. And with this act of vengeance, the Mists took Hazlik into the Nightmare Lands. There he found himself once more tormented and powerless by those that had tattooed him. He fled back into the Mists and Hazlan formed.

Before the Grand Conjunction, Hazlik was obsessed with escaping Hazlan so he could obtain revenge against those who humiliated him. The death of Thantosya and Ordiab were never enough, he wanted vengeance against them all. Because of his hatred of the wizards who humiliated him, he forbade the practice of the arcane arts in Hazlan, except for himself, of course. Blinded by his hatred for the necromancer that led to his downfall, he has a severe disdain for undead servants and necromancy in general. Well, there’s no accounting for taste…

After the Grand Conjunction and Hazlik's near escape of these misty realms, Hazlik’s views changed significantly. For one, he opened the Red Academy to teach the arcane arts. It is rumored that he saw a glimpse of Toril and his enemies thriving there before the Mists took him once more. Being taken a second time, Hazlik convinced himself that he would never escape the Mists. That’s all it took? Quitter.

Hazlik’s views of magic are in direct opposition to the Church of the Lawgiver which thrives amongst the Hazlani. This church’s doctrine views the practice of the arcane arts as blasphemous. Ridiculous. I will always put more faith in my own knowledge than some ‘greater’ and mysterious power these so called priests worship. Especially in these lands where the gods are clearly absent.

Mostly, Hazlik ignores the church. Perhaps for his own purposes in that their suppression of magical practices by all but Hazlik’s chosen apprentices allows him to study his art in peace and without fear of an ambitious mage attempting to overthrow him? Or perhaps I am giving him too much credit here…

Hazlik sees the Rashemani as being beneath his notice and believes the all Mulan deserve absolute suffering for what they did to him in Toril. Yet, he appoints Mulan leaders to rule settlements in his steed as he ignores the demands that rulership placed upon his shoulders.

Hazlik’s current plans revolve around his favored apprentice, Eleni. For without a new body and his refusal to use Necromancy, he will eventually die of old age and considering he is already in his 80s, well…He plans on taking control of Eleni’s body before that happens so he may carry out his rather elaborate plan for revenge. No longer is he satisfied by destroying those that humiliated him, but he seeks to slay every single Mulan in existence. He spends countless hours researching rituals that will allow him to do just that, targeting the Mulan in Hazlan and in any realm they exist. A bit extreme for a few tattoos and a broken heart…

Hazlik is still tormented by nightmares of his enemies. So frightened by these visions, he spends much of his energy attempting to find magical means of staying awake, but he never succeeds for long and the longer he stays awake he begins to experience waking nightmares, seeing enemies and rivals everywhere.

Despite his misguided disdain for Necromancy, Hazlik is one of the most powerful wizards in Ravenloft and through constant experimentation has created some unique items such as the vat of living clay that allows the creation of a monster sculped from clay every day. He can sense any spell cast within his borders and in most cases identify it. Additionally, our Tormentors were so kind to gift him with an amulet that, upon his destruction, will store his soul within so he is not easily defeated.

[lostinquisitor]

after his unexpected survival, ameridan stays with the inquisition for a bit but then does some of his own wandering, especially prior to the exalted council. he tries very hard during those years to ‘detach’ himself from modern events— a sort of deliberately fed dissociation, an attitude of ‘this isn’t MY world anymore, i don’t have the right to try and change it in any significant way’ but the problem is outside of his mental mess he’s actually very fucking bad at minding his own business. that’s why he was named inquisitor! his job was to be in everyone’s business!