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WE COULDN’T DECIDE ON A COVER SO WE INCLUDED THEM ALL.
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Nation19 / APDTA Issue # Dos Table Of Contents Are We Being White Washed?
8-9
Col. Gadhafi’s Contributions... Hip Hop Humanitarians Launch of Baby Planes™
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Jamel Shabazz
22 - 25
Fall Of America 2011
30 - 33
Erykah Badu Goes B.L.I.N.D.
34 - 37
12 - 15 16 - 19
Ok there is only five people that use thieir time, and God given talents to publish, and market this magazine. But there are many others who inspire, consult, volunteer, and support Nation19. We do this with no money ...if you would like to support nation19 please goto www.nation19.com/support.php Send info, comments, resumes, advice, money, time, talent to:
Mobile Regime, LLC c/o Nation19 / APDTA PO BOX 27431 Scottsdale AZ 85255 www.nation19.com info@mobileregime.com 623.239.1913 Office / Sales
Art Direction Hakeem Khaaliq Editors
Queen Muhammad Ali, Masaniai Muhammad Ali,
Writers Proof Reader
Shahida Muhammad Queen Muhammad Ali, Masaniai Muhammad Ali, Hadiyah Muhammad Ali
Design
Hakeem Khaaliq
Nation19 / APDTA Issue # Dos Photography Hakeem Khaaliq, Brother Hasaun, Jamel Shabazz, Queen Muhammad Ali, Masaniai Muhammad Ali Ronald Muhammad (Asst) Music Editors Masaniai Muhammad Ali, Translations Jahsua Muhammad Ali Marketing
Mobile Regime, LLC
Models
Kaedyn Smith (3) “cover” Melé A Khaaliq (2), Ali Muhammad, Masaniai Muhammad Ali, Queen Muhammad Ali Unknown Tagger,
Props to
Hon. Minister L. Farrakhan Sylvester Muhammad Sister Cherie M. F. Shafar Khaaliq Jesse Muhammad Abel Muhammad West coast Kam Ambassador Wyclef Jean Jasiri X Erykah Badu Jay Electronica Brother Hasaun (NYC) DJ Chonz & Radio Bums® Daniel Muhammad Harry Muhammad Charles X Atkins Steven Muhammad (PHX) Alberto X Alvarez Kevin Muhammad Micheal Muhammad (NJ) Akilah “Nehanda” Muhammad
By Q
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mad Al
uham ueen M
Have you ever went to the mall and noticed nothing looks like you (if you’re not caucasian)? Maybe you haven’t because it’s become the”norm”. Now imagine if every ad, every billboard, every commercial, from the hottest new fashions to the latest cologne advertisement looked just like you. Why is the so called “normal” reaction “fear” of offending Caucasian people? But if you look
ALL BE H S U O TH SHED! A W E T WHI
SHE AINT EGYPTIAN
8
THOU S
@ the majority of movies.... there is usually not one black person and very seldom any other nationalities besides Caucasian. For example, look at the movie “Prince of Persia” and let’s put the emphasis on “Persia” as in Iran. How in the world does everyone in the movie have British accents and the movie shows the black population as 1%....But for some odd reason this has become normal to us. Every movie that is in that time period (the dark ages with no dark people LOL), somehow obliterates CHEE the existence of indigenous nationRIO alities or their languages, it’s just MATE old English (British accents)... So ! if we just take a few moments to SHALL BE WHITE think about it... we are actually WASHED! being constantly white washed...
Col. Muammar
Gadhafi CONTRIBUTION
to the people of Libya:
1. There is no electricity bill in Libya; electricity is free for all its citizens.
8.If a Libyan buys a car, the government subsidizes 50 percent of the price.
2. There is no interest on loans. Banks in Libya are state-owned and loans are given to all its citizens at zero percent interest by law.
9.The price of petrol in Libya is $0.14 per liter.
3. Having a home is considered a human right in Libya. 4. All newlyweds in Libya receive $60,000 dinar (U.S.$50,000) by the government to buy their first apartment so to help start up the family. 5. Education and medical treatments are free in Libya. Before Gaddafi, only 25 percent of Libyans were literate. Today, the figure is 83 percent. 6. Should Libyans want to take up farming as a career, they would receive farming land, a farming house, equipment, seeds and livestock to kickstart their farms and are all for free. 7. If Libyans cannot find the education or medical facilities they need, the government funds them to go abroad, for it is not only paid for, but they get a U.S. $2,300/month for accommodation and car allowance.
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10. Libya has no external debt and its reserves amounting to $150 billion are now frozen globally. 11. If a Libyan is unable to get employment after graduation, the state would pay the average salary of the profession, as if he or she is employed, until employment is found. 12. A portion of every Libyan oil sale is credited directly to the bank accounts of all Libyan citizens. 13. A mother who gives birth to a child receives U.S. $5,000. 14 .40 loaves of bread in Libya costs $0.15. 15. 25 percent of Libyans have a university degree. 16. Gadhafi carried out the world’s largest irrigation project, known as the Great Manmade River project, to make water readily available throughout the desert country.
www.nation19.com / APDTA / Fall Winter 2011
The Late Michael Jackson taught the next generation of entertainers to be generous and give back. Let’s see who learned the most from The King of giving.
Research by Nation19
layout by Hakeem Khaaliq
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Founded in 2005 by Grammy-award winning musicians Wyclef Jean and Jerry Duplessis and Hugh Locke, Yéle Haiti is a grassroots, non-political charitable organization focusing on emergency relief, employment, youth development and education, and tree planting and agriculture. Yéle Haiti was profoundly and permanently changed by the earthquake of January 12, 2010. The current programs are a combination of emergency relief and long-term rebuilding. However, two programs continue from the pre-earthquake period: Yéle Vert and the Youth Orchestra of Haiti. On September 27th 2011, The Yéle Haiti Foundation officially opened the doors to thier vocational training program in hospitality with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in Jacmel. Supported by the Ministry of tourism and funded by Yéle Haiti, the “Hospitality Education and Training (HEAT) program is a new, pilot initiative aimed at training 120 students in the core skills of the hospitality and tourism trades. In so doing, the program aims to accelerate job-readiness in the poverty stricken country, and to help stimulate growth in Haiti’s re-emerging tourism industry.
www.yele.org
Hip Hop Artist, Actor, and Children’s author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as “Common”, is the visionary behind The Common Ground Foundation. CGF is dedicated to the empowerment and leadership development of urban youth. It consists of programs such as “BE Empowered”, “CGF/ Lighthouse Youth Leadership”, and “Readers ARE Leaders”. In April 2011, The Common Ground Foundation held a gala fundraiser in celebrating women of Excellence and Leadership in Chicago IL. including honorees such as Dr. Maya Angelo, Sherri Shephard and several others.
www.commongroundfoundation.org
Almost 8 years ago, Snoop Dogg started the non profit organization, SYFL, in South Central, LA. Now, the league can be found in three different markets, including Chicago and Las Vegas. Snoop’s youth football league was created for at risk and inner city children ages 5-13 in relation to football and cheerleading. Part of Snoop and the SYFL’s mission is teaching the value of teamwork, discipline, self respect, good sportsmanship and at the same time stressing the importance of academics. Teen sensation Diggy Simmons was in Chicago recently, where he showed support for Snoop Dogg’s Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL). Diggy and Jacob Lattimore surprised hundreds of teens, when they appeared at the SYFL benefit party in Chicago. In addition to speaking to students to encourage them, the pair pledged their support for Snoop Dogg, and promised to return for a benefit concert.
www.snoopyfl.net
In 2007, Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter conceived the idea to create the non-profit “One Family Foundation” as a means of helping urban youth. It’s mission is to empower urban youth by engaging them in opportunities to cultivate their talents and skills, educating them to become productive and economically selfsufficient, and motivating them to dream beyond their circumstances. In 2008, The One Family Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD) utilized Lil Wayne’s celebrity stardom to raise funds to restore Harrel Park to full functionality for the benefit of youth in the 17th Ward of New Orleans. Harrell Park, which was destroyed when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, was used as a trailer site for the local water board in the hurricane’s aftermath. Lil Wayne has donated nearly $300,000 to help rebuild the New Orleans, Louisiana playground he grew up in.
www.1familyfoundation.org
Grammy award-winning Rapper/Actor T.I. (aka Clifford Harris), has become a powerful role model while traveling the country motivating and inspiring at risk youth. He has created a voice through his K.I.N.G. Foundation to host community initiatives that engage young people on being responsible citizens to help build their community. On the eve of him serving a year and one day on a prison sentence, he sent the message of social responsibility to as many as he could. In addition to “T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go” number one TV show, where MTV chronicled the rap icon’s dedicated mission to educate today’s youth by sharing his mistakes before serving prison time. Nation19’s parent company Mobile Regime, LLC enabled T.I. to continue his community outreach with fans and supporters by (SMS) text messaging updates of encouragement and news during his time served.
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http://soundcloud.com/nation19/a-tribe-called-19
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feel that I am duty bound to make images that inspire and educate, in addition to passing on this knowledge to anyone that desires to walk a similar path. (Nation19) When did you first hear of the 5% Nation / Nation of Islam? What type of effect did it play on you?
Jamel Shabazz Interview October 22nd 2011 (Nation19) What is your definition of light?
(Jamel Shabazz) My definition of light is, one having knowledge, purpose and direction. (Nation19) Can you also define darkness / shadows?
(Jamel Shabazz) Darkness to me is a
state of unawareness. Shadows symbolize ones struggle to find direction and purpose. (Nation19) Does spirituality play a part in your photos?
(Jamel Shabazz) Spirituality is the cornerstone for all of the work I have been blessed to create. I am forever thankful for having the ability to see and with this amazing gift, I
(Jamel Shabazz) I will start with the Nation of Islam first. My introduction came by way of a neighbor in the Red Hook housing projects in Brooklyn back around 1972. The members of this family were all active at Temple 7C in Brooklyn. They consisted of a mother, 2 teenage sons and a young daughter. I remember them being very dignified and humble and they never forced their belief on me, but it was the example of the older male that garnered my respect and admiration. His name was David and he was about 5 years older than me, as I was about twelve at the time. He was kind, always had a peaceful disposition, and very concerned with issues that affected the community. I remember seeing other Muslim males he would have over to his apartment. They all possessed this profound glow, carried themselves like soldiers, but at the same time were humble and respectful but you also knew that they were not to be played with. Having this encounter early on gave me an example of what I hope to be when I got older. I recall falling victim to malt liquor (like a lot of young men in my community) and one of the brothers that used to visit David, would see me and my crew in the park getting intoxicated. He would stop by with this power-
ful glow and greet all of us with a warm greeting and then he would kindly tell us that alcohol was not good for us. He would go on to say that if we continued on this path we could destroy our livers. The brother would go on to teach us the importance of replacing a bad habit with a good habit and suggested that we try Tropicana Orange juice instead. I took his advice and never went back. I was introduced to the 5 Percent Nation by way of an old female associate, around 1975. Her name was Sharon and she was a very confident sister from the neighborhood. Somehow our paths crossed when I was in a very difficult transition. My mother and father had just divorced and I was wandering around aimlessly, when I would reconnect with her. In seeing her she had metamorphosed into this elegant Queen, covered from head to toe in a righteous garment radiating a magical glow, now studious, and holding her book of life or lessons close to her heart. She would reintroduce herself to me as Queen Fatima Earth and explain that she was now a member of the 5 Percent Nation. This was all new to me and I was intrigued to know about this new way of life that had transformed my friend into this serious conscious young woman. One of the first things she taught me was
to stop eating the flesh of the pig and how it along with byproducts were forbidden as proven in the bible. Without hesitation I gave up eating pork and she would go on to tell me that I needed to change my name because it was a slave name and had no real bearing on who I was. She gave Muhammad Ali as an example; like pork, he gave up his given name and then she guided me to the name Jamel.
Traditionally it was not proper for a woman to teach a male, but she recognized something in me and wanted to help me as I made my way. As time would pass I would lose contact with her, but always remembered her for befriending me at a critical time in my life. My encounter with Fatima would help me on a long and difficult journey and forever change my life. (Nation19) Do you prefer to shoot analog film or Digital?
(Jamel Shabazz) I embrace both,
however I still use film when shooting black & white images. Everything else is pretty much digital these days. I enjoy showing my subjects their images right away, along with being able to upload photographs rather than having to wait for them to be processed. (Nation19) Why should inner city youth learn or appreciate
photography?
(Jamel Shabazz) I feel that our children living within the confines of the inner cities could benefit tremendously by being afforded the opportunity to learn photography. In my experience learning the beauty of photography, the camera became the compass that set me on my path. Prior to that, all I wanted to do was shoot guns. So, I know first hand the power of photography and how it can both transform
and educate. Photography books also played a major part in my growth and development, as I would spend hours in the local library studying images in books and magazines. This process enabled me to see a world outside my community, thus inspiring me to want to travel. Sadly today many art, photography, and music programs are being eliminated from schools and young people are not being afforded the chance to bring their talents into fruition. (Nation19) Who is the most interesting person you ever captured on film?
(Jamel Shabazz) The most interesting person I ever captured was a baby named Wanique who was seconds from coming out of his mothers womb. I was able to capture the miracle of life and that image was made over thirty years ago.
(Nation19) It is said that ancient Egyptians and Atlanteans used crystals to document events. Do you have any knowledge to build on this?
(Jamel Shabazz) I have no knowledge
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of this particular science, however when time permits I will research it and get back at you. (Nation19) How do you see today’s mathematics?
(Jamel Shabazz) I see today’s mathematics as wisdom wisdom all being born to culture and refinement. Wisdom is the manifestation of the knowledge, the way one makes his/her knowledge born by their words and action. Wisdom is also symbolic of the woman who is the mother of civilization, queen of the universe, bearer of life and helpmate to her king. A nation can rise know higher than its woman and that is why we as men must guide and protect her, because from her womb comes forth future generations. Presently, we are living in a very serious day and time. A time when the images of Black women are being shown all over the world and these images are not positive; they are images of
www.nation19.com / APDTA / Fall Winter 2011
a sassy, loud, arrogant, quick to cuss you out woman. A woman who will get on national TV, and belittle herself with no shame. Just look at programs like The Flava of Love, Basketball Wives, Bridezilla, Jerry Springer, and Maury to name a few. It is disheartening to see these horrible images especially knowing the effect they have on us as a people. If you notice magazines showing the Black woman, she is always half naked and here in New York on any given day you see images of her shamelessly on public display like a piece of meat. What we are seeing is a clear example of not having culture and refinement. How does this effect the family and how are “We” viewed as a people around the globe? In order to be victorious in our fight against negativity we must save our women, for again they hold the future of our nation within their bellies. (Nation19) What type of music best describes your work?
(Jamel Shabazz) Old School R&B, Jazz, Conscience Hip Hop, and Reggae. Both Mos Def’s “Umi Says” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on” are audio soundtracks to the overwhelming majority of my images. (Nation19) Who is the love of your life?
(Jamel Shabazz) My Queen.
(Nation19) how would you describe War?
(Jamel Shabazz) Tragic and unnecessary. (Nation19) Thank you.
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Queen Muhammad Ali wearing Infrared Tag APDTA Hat
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Masaniai Muhammad Ali wearing Purple on Black Tag APDTA Hat
Interview by Queen Muhammad Ali Written by Shahida Muhammad Photo by Brother Hasaun Layout & Design by Hakeem Khaaliq Interview Music by Masaniai Muhammad Ali
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APDTA
BEAUTIFUL LOVE INCORPORATED DEVELOPMENT (B.L.I.N.D)
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To hear the interview of Erykah Badu and Nation19 goto: http://soundcloud.com/nation19/exclusive-nation19-interview Erykah Badu is going B.L.I.N.D. It started years ago when her desire to service the youth, affected her vision, causing her to lose sight of how she used to perceive things. “Before I was an artist, I was a teacher. I worked in a community center,” says Badu. “As a Black woman growing up in a Black neighborhood, my focus was black children.” But a change in her outlook took place after she began touring the world. Now, she can’t see things the way she used to. Her culturally diverse experiences abroad lead her to the realization that “poor is the new black” and out of this the soulful songstress was inspired to launch B.L.I.N.D., which stands for Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development. Founded in 2003, the organization provides communitydriven development for inner-city youth through music, dance, theater
and visual arts, and the name comes from the idea that love is blind. “My agenda is to give children choices to see themselves on a broader scale and the world on a broader scale, because we do feel this is the beginning of a new world,” says Badu. She also meets with young people around the world after her shows to dialogue about the issues in their communities and build bonds that will hopefully translate into positive change on a global scale. It seems Ms. Badu is always finding ways to help and heal either through her music, her organization, or her role as a holistic health practitioner and a mother. “I have faith that I’m being guided,” says Badu. And so her spiritual insight has lead her to see that love is not limited, but is indeed B.L.I.N.D.
“As a Black woman growing up in a Black neighborhood, my focus was black children.”