Monday, May 1st, 2023
Early in the morning, I awakened at my usual time around 4:30 am and up or even if I’m laying in bed making notes on social-media world. This morning I looked out of the window of our 19th floor suite and saw the sky and felt awe and reverence by the beauty. I had to take this photo and I feel compelled to share it with you. I thought of the Scripture, "How wonderful are thy works in all creation?" And I hope when you see it, that you will feel as I felt.
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 Returned home from our Anniversary weekend
Facebook post: Another servant has gone home from labor. Sister Wilhelmina Banks was a member of our church, and a member of Sisters Against South African Apartheid (SASAA) founded and chaired by my wife Rev. Dr. Karen Daughtry and a member of various community organizations. She was a hardworking, serious sister. She exemplified the ideal to which so many strived to achieve but seldom succeed. She was tough and tender, she had a tough mind and a tender heart. She was compassionate, caring, to those who are the least or to the needy. But she showed a serious somber face to her adversaries. She was committed, dependable, and hardworking, always thinking of how to serve. She did whatever she was asked to do with punctuality and dependability.
She relocated to another state, where she continued serving the people. We are grateful for the time she spent with us for her character and contribution. We shall always remember her and the service that she rendered. Thank God for the hope and promise that Jesus Christ will meet us at the close of the day and welcome us to his presence with all the heavenly hosts. I send my prayers and condolences to the family members.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Wednesday morning with Sharman our press person to complete dictation on the funeral of Alton Maddox, after lunch I came to Brooklyn for our Timbuktu Learning Center meeting last night.
Wednesday evening I was informed by my wife that Deacon Leroy Aplin Jr. longtime Jersey City member joined the ancestors. Leroy Aplin Jr. is the son of Leroy Aplin Sr. who for many years was a member of our church in Brooklyn.
Leroy Sr. was well known and well-liked to both the church and community. Upon his retirement he practically lived in the church. He was the first one to arrive in the morning and last one to leave at night. He was faithful, dependable, sincere and hardworking. And the same could be said about Leroy Jr. in Jersey City.
Thursday May 4, 2023
Thursday morning I worked on funeral arrangements for Deacon Leroy Aplin Jr.
Later on I had a meeting with coordinator Sarah.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Rev. Sharpton and I have weekly conversations which starts around 6:15. In preparation for the Alton Maddox article, he was very helpful in jogging my memory regarding certain dates and events.
I picked up the Charles Barron and Road to Armageddon transcriptions.
Sarah and I spoke about promoting the following programs: Video Trailer in preparation for the Organizing and membership meeting
I posted on Alton Maddox, Attorney at War! Sunrise: July 21,1945 - Sunset: April 25, 2023
The above title of this article is the name that was given to Attorney Alton Maddox, attorney at war. He seemed to always be in a fighting mood. He was bold, brash and brilliant.
When he came to New York in the 70s, he joined the movement growing out of the killing of Randy Evans in 1976 and the chokehold death of Arthur Miller in 1978. The Black United Front was the lead organization, there were older organizations in which BUF inspired and new organizations which grew out of the movement. I immediately admired him, trusted him and drew him closer to me and the movement. I liked his audacity, fearlessness, dedication and commitment to our people’s advancement.
Read more at the button:
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Saturday at National Action Network
I posted the following: "Alas, another mass shooting- this time it is in Allen TX mall. I was just settling down to post my reflections on my morning visit to National Action Network (NAN). I was eager to comment on Rev. Sharpton thoughtful, informative challenging message and my appreciation and admiration for the brilliant essay by Professor Playthell Benjamin on a biography written by Gabriel Banat on Chevalier De Saint George, a Black Frenchman who excelled at “ sword and bow” which mean war and music and other highly regarded societal careers. Professor Benjamin highly commends the movie “Chevalier”. I’m not a movie goer, but because Professor Benjamin, for whom I consider among the Brightest Stars In The Galaxy, Commends I will see the movie.
And then the Heart Breaking News, Another Mass Shooting! And The Usual Call To Prayer And Other Religious Rituals, Even By Those Who Have The Power To Do Some Things About The Awful Situation And Have Done Nothing And Plan To Do Nothing And These Are The Same People Are Practicing Denial Of Human Rights And Who Are Opposing Programs And Policies For The “Least “ Among Us, And Than Word Of God, Came To Me As It Written In The Book Of Isaiah1:2-20
"…. ..when you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims . Wash your selves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek Justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of the orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Come now let’s settle this, says the LORD. Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, You will devoured by the sword of your enemies. I the LORD have spoken!"
Need I say more? Continue on the road we are going and the end will be CATASTROPHIC!
Sunday, May 7, 2023
In the photos: Langston and Stephon, we raise basketball stars young.
In the second photo is Jay and myself.
Basketball Prayer
Men’s Prayer at 8:45am
Sunday Service at 11:30am - in-person worship - Sermon Topic - “God will not leave us there!” Jeremiah 29:10-14
Focus Verse 11: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end- or promising end.”
I was inspired by the sermon preached at NAN’s on Saturday by Dr. Carson, guest preacher at NAN. He is the presiding elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The context of the story is that God had allowed his people to go into slavery because of their worshiping other gods and violating his laws. He promised that they would not stay there, but while in Babylon they were to learn as much as they could. For they would return to their land after 70 years. I used the story to make it relevant to us today and to people at any point in history. Whatever we are going through, whatever the hardship, however we got there. Whether God allowed it or directed it to happen, God will not leave us in the situation in which we find ourselves. God has a plan and God has a promise. I won't leave you there, I will bring you out to fulfill the plan and the future I have for you.
So I say to you today whoever you are in whatever condition you’re in. God will not leave you there, but God will bring you out to a future that He has planned for you.
Monday, May 8, 2023
I missed the Lifeline morning prayer this morning traveling from New Jersey to Brooklyn.
After the morning work session. I reviewed our schedule and workload for the coming week. We spoke about the publishers, who are still promising us our work. Our book will be completed in the near future.
We reviewed the future programs and Organizing meeting & Membership drive video . It’s about 5 mins covering most of the activities in which we’ve been engaged. It’s a rather exciting video and I strongly urge you to view it. Exciting and Educational.
Remembering Arthur Miller on the 45th Anniversary and the Making of a Movement upcoming June 17th, 2023 at 415 Atlantic Avenue. In conjunction with the Brooklyn Historical Society, it is the 45th Anniversary of Arthur Miller’s death.
Bishop Eric Figueroa - New Life Tabernacle
My wife, Dr. Karen and I attended the 40th Anniversary in the ministry of Archbishop Figueroa, Pastor of NLT. It was held at Russos on the River in Howard Beach, Brooklyn. It was an impressive gathering of clergy from every background. Mayor Adams delivered a proclamation and Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant was the Keynote speaker. I was asked to be the co- chairperson along with Archbishop David J. Billings III. In my remarks I pointed out why Bishop Figueroa is so loved and appreciated as evidenced by this huge gathering from every walk of life.
I emphasized that he is always doing for others. I pointed to all of the awards that he gave to people on his anniversary. It is an unusual act of generosity. When people have come to honor you and you in turn use the occasion to give a gift to at least 20 people which took considerable time. I was reminded although I did not mention it of St. Paul’s statement concerning his imminent death. He said, “ I fought a good fight, I finished my course and I’ve kept the faith. Henceforth there’s later for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord himself should give me that day, ” Paul the Apostle, thinking of his own reward and glory but still thinking of others. So Bishop Figueroa in his act of being celebrated on earth was still thinking of others.
Years ago he along with Bishop Jamison and Bishop Seabrooks organized a celebration for me. They named it Honoring the Sage of the City. It was a glowing success both in terms of quantity and quality.
Comments