Today is the 43rd anniversary of the March on Washington (1963)

A march for jobs and freedom. The more things change, the more things remain the same. This week I've been watching quite a few Katrina anniversary shows - from Spike Lee's documentary on HBO to a semi-feel good on HGTV. What resonates is why this region can be so easily ignored.

Then I saw the march program on the National Archives site. Boomers have got to know that we are not nearly done.

Our Documents - Official Program for the March on Washington (1963)

African American Genealogy Symposium

As we get older, the need to know who we are and where we came from becomes even more important. Elders are beginning to pass on and our progeny could certainly use the anchor of history. The National Archives is presenting a symposium that could assist you in getting started on your family research.

NARA - Know Your Records - Know Your Records: African American Genealogy Symposium

Friday and Saturday, September 8-9, 2006
10:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
National Archives in College Park, MD

Reservations required. To pre-register, call Jessie White at 202-357-5333.

PrimeTime Fitness

The past two weeks have been difficult to say the least . . . within two days I learned that my 55 year old cousin Neil died in Massachusetts and a few days later my fiance learned that his 52 year old cousin Denise died in North Carolina.

It's been most difficult for us because we considered them fairly young and of course, entering the supposed prime of their lives. We had to take a hard look at ourselves and ask "Are we as fit as we can be?"

The answer is - needs work. However, as my 82 year aunt has told me repeatedly for the last year - "This is a time for starting over and new beginnings."

That certainly is true - I'm getting married in July and there is no way I'm going to look like an aging wilderbeest in my ultra-fly wedding dress. It's on now!

Check out this site (of course, I'm loving the site name) PT_Fitness
Primetime Fitness. Jill's a personal trainer, but all you can say when you see her is "Damn, she looks good!" Steve too, but hey, that's for the guys.

I want that same exclamation when I walk down the aisle. Stay posted.

America's High Tech "Invisible Man"

Do you know this man? No, this is not an American Express commercial. Every major corporation has at least one. There are always unseen, unsung soldiers and this is one. Take a read of this recent blog and give a few props.

Our Empowerment

Adding Color to Red, White and Blue

This is a great article from the Washington Post leading up to the Winter Olympics. It's the sort of thing the NBS (National Brotherhood of Skiers www.nbs.org) has been supporting for years.
Check it out.

Adding Color to Red, White and Blue

For Davis, the Only Color That Matters Is Gold

Photo Credit: By Vladimir Rys -- Bongarts Via Getty Images Photo

"The Wicked" Wilson Pickett

Music really does define our lives, doesn't it? While civil rights brothers and sisters were marching and protesting, we were still shakin' it to the sounds that made us forget the torment and the struggle.

Working that "Jerk" and "Philly dog" and "Choo Choo" and "Mashed Potato" and "Watusi" while listening to Mustang Sally, or Engine Number Nine or Don't Knock My Love. Knocking On Wood in the Land of A Thousand Dances during the Midnight Hour just before we slide down to Funky Broadway. Did he really have to ask "Do You Like Good Music?" - definitely not!

No Boomers' ipod is complete without the wicked Wilson Pickett. Spotlight on Wilson Pickett now. I can hear those horn riffs now. Work it Wilson. Do that "Shing-a-Ling".

Wilson started his trip March 18th, 1941 in Prattville, Alabama and made his way to Memphis by way of Detroit. His strange, long trip ended in Reston, Virginia today. http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/19/pickett.obit.ap/index.html

I still think you gotta know how to "Pony" like "Bony Marony".

Civil Rights Movement Veterans - CORE, NAACP, SCLC, SNCC

Once again three day weekends and sales at malls begin to blur what is really important. Many would like us to think that celebrating the birthday of an all too human civil rights front man is just something the greater culture submitted to for appeasement of their "coloreds". Now go back to your middle class lives and pensions and mega-churches and SUV's and jobs you should be happy and grateful to have . . . and most of all, be quiet.

Well . . . I never was too good at keeping quiet. How about you? I have been blessed to be of both African and Jewish heritage and the one thing I've been taught and believe in is "Never Forget."

It wasn't just Ms. Rosa on a bus, or Martin in jail. It was 'strange fruit', midnight raids, four little girls, three college boys in a car, burning churches - and bodies, being dragged from your family, being beaten to a pulp.

And all of this within our charmed little lifetimes. Our very existence is owed to the veterans of this movement.

January 15th should be the beginning of a holy remembrance complete with showing our youth the true meaning of what happened. Their posturing in oversized pants, thongs, platinum teeth, weaves and bling means nothing in the face of tar & bonfires, water hoses, billy clubs, or police dogs.

Visit this site.
Civil Rights Movement Veterans - CORE, NAACP, SCLC, SNCC

Browse the pictures with your children. Remember, recognize, feel, learn, and teach.

Be moved and continue The Movement.

Now.

Vet Sues Michael Jackson for Unpaid Bills

Perhaps Mikey should sell or donate the animals to a zoo. His Neverland creation (along with the lost boys) has disappeared with the ether.
Vet Sues Michael Jackson for Unpaid Bills

Now really - is it typical of boomers to tend toward the 'Peter Pan' effect? Hmm . . . I dunno. I'm still a Toys 'R Us kid. LOL.

Fun Facts From Our Uncle . . .

9.1 million
Estimated number of baby boomers in 2004 who were (?) black (as if they weren't going to be black in 2005?). Also, 8.0 million boomers were Hispanic (of any race).

Who will replace black history makers?

MultiCultClassics: Essay 317

Lou Rawls: We'll never find another voice like his

A little outside the boom box, but influential just the same. A great voice . . .I can't imagine a UNCF drive without him. We'll miss you Lou.

CNN.com - Lou Rawls dead at 72 - Jan 6, 2006

Professor Kim's News Notes: Lou Rawls: We'll never find another voice like his

Primetime - Life After 40 Is The Best!

Primetime - Life After 40 Is The Best!

Welcome To Black Baby Boomer Central!

Yes, we've passed 40 and we are still "Doin' it and doin' it and doin' it well" (sorry L.L.). A lot of us are probably the first college graduates in our families. Some of us come from more well educated families - it doesn't matter. Black boomers are in the prime of their lives and this blog is dedicated to making it better. Come back often for news on lifestyles, wellness, finance, relationships, careers, and much more.

Also check my other Primetime Boomer site: http://boomersprimetime.blogspot.com/