Black FreeThinkers

Open Mic! Call in to chat about whats on your mind or experiences. (310) 982-4273.   Please join us Sunday, November 20, 2011 @ 1PM CST.

Many of us were faced with the dilemma to either remain loyal to religiosity or risk losing family, friends, business networks, social standing, etc.  Some of us asked ourselves, ‘What should I do?’ or ‘Do I keep silent and just go along with the program?’   Some of us kept silent went along with the program until we could no longer tolerate the dysfunction and deception.  In turn, many of us paid a dear price…we were shut out by the very people who proclaim to show God’s love and forgiveness.  Our characters were defamed and we became social pariahs.  This is not an easy walk when you feel that you are all alone.   Many of us had to make the decision to leave and suffer or stay and suffer…not only ourselves, but the countless number of people we saw being sold false hopes, emotional ecstasy, and false promises of riches.  What to do…what to do?   Do I walk away and not look back because I may end up saltier than Lot’s wife?  OR Do I stay and die internally every time I genuflect and kiss the ring of the passuh?  Do I stay and finance his personal dynasty/fiefdom on this earth knowing that he is the biggest hypocrite in the building?   Dilemmas…   Per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of dilemmas is:   1 :an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent 2  a:a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice     b:a situation involving such a choice 3  a:a problem involving a difficult choice     b:a difficult or persistent problem

Please join us Sunday, November 6, 2011 @ 1PM CST as we introduce the Los  Angeles Black Skeptics Group.     Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson started the Black Skeptics Group in 2010 with other like minded people to address the lack of in-person support and advocacy groups for non-believers of color.   We will be joined by members of the Los Angeles Black Skeptics Group to discuss their upcoming projects and goals.  Aaron Dowell, D. Frederick Sparks, and Jeffery "Atheist Walking" Mitchell will be joining us to discuss this progressive group.   You can dial in to speak with the host at the following number (310) 982-4273.

There have been many theists turned atheists who have confessed that they never believed, but it was a profession.  Daniel Dennett and Linda LaScola conducted a study about preachers who don’t believe.  I am sure many of us have questioned the validity of some believers testimony. Are skeptical believers a silent majority? Should skeptical believers discuss their confusion or disbelief? Do self-professed believers really know deep down that it’s all a ruse? The behaviors of many believers show that they are only giving lip service. Is this being done subconsciously? Are they truly emulating the bi-polar/schizophrenic behavior of many of the mythological characters of the Bible? Is the confusion experienced by many believers a matter of cognitive dissonance? Is God angry or loving? Should they just pray or should they actually help people in need? The Bible tells me it’s a sin, but my flesh tells me otherwise. (sexual, sexuality, addiction, lying, etc.). Please call in to join in the conversation.  (310) 982-4273 and press 1 to speak with the hosts.

Please join us Sunday, October 23, 2011 @ 1PM CST to discuss the neo-atheist movement. What is the neo-atheist movement? What role do you play in this movement? What role would you like to play? How has this movement impacted your beliefs and life? Had you ever interacted with an atheist before this movement? Had stereotypes regarding atheism prejudiced your views? Are there defined roles and responsibilities within the neo-atheist movement? Should social justice be a factor in the neo-atheist movement? Is a solutions based neo-atheist movement feasible? Is anarchy a viable solution within the neo-atheist movement? Should we turn a blind eye to those causing irreparable harm to themselves and/or others? Do we have a responsibility to correct others?

Open Mic!  Call in to chat about what's on your mind or experiences. (310) 982-4273

NEW ALBUM, "AS ABOVE, SO BELOW" released February 2011!!!   Anthony David is a Grammy nominated Neo Soul singer/songwriter out of Atlanta GA. Raised in Savannah, Anthony moved to Atlanta after a short stint in the US Army, and began pursuing his career in music. Immediately upon arriving, Anthony met India Arie, and began penning songs and performing locally, gaining a large local following.   David wrote Part of my life, on Arie’s grammy award winning album Acoustic Soul, as well as producing tunes on her follow up albums, and toured with her as a backing vocalist.   Shortly after, he joined friends Cufi and Cosmo to form the funk/rap outfit, El Pus, and participated in the recording of their Virgin records debut, Hoodlum Rock.   Embarking on a solo career in 2004, Anthony signed to indie label Brash Music, and released two albums 3 Chords & The Truth, and The Red Clay Chronicles . Via licensing deals with Dome records in Europe, and in Village Again Records Japan, David toured internationally and gained critical acclaim throughout.   Universal Records came calling in 2008, and released a compilation of the two indie records, titling the album Acey Duecy.

Please join us Sunday, October 2, 2011 as we discuss family expectations and dysfunctions.    Unlimited forgiveness is demanded in some families.  Is blood really thicker than water?  What compels some to acquiesce to family expectations? Are we required to love relatives who deliberately hurt & malign us?

Please join Mandisa Thomas, Black Non-Believers of Atlanta, and I to discuss the fundamental aspects of the Troy Davis, Reggie Clemons, Humberto Leal Garcia, Samuel David Crowe, and Edward Earl Johnson cases.   The difference between a pardon vs a clemency. The difference between evidence presented in a criminal case vs a civil case. Let's discuss being proactive vs reactive in situations.   Going forward, are you going to be apathetic or action  oriented?

Open Conversation!  Call in.

Please join us Sunday, September 4, 2011 as we motivate and celebrate the youth and young adults in the freethought movement. This is the first in a series of shows that we will feature. Please reach out and let them know that they have our support and encouragement.   We will feature the music of MC Brooks & Imani the Misfit.  We also will discuss relevent issues and topics with Toshon, Dries, Tim, Jean and our listening audience.   Please call in to encourage and motivate them as they evolve and develop.

Mandisa Thomas of the Black Non-Believers of Atlanta (BNOA) will be our guest host this Sunday. Blacks account for over 500,000 cases of HIV out of the 1.1 million cases in America. The AIDS diagnosis for Blacks is 9 times than that of whites. Per the Kaiser Foundation, in 2009 only 33% of African Americans claim that they have heard of AIDS as compared to 62% in 2004. Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/IDS since the epidemic beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time. In the Black community, HIV impacts women, youth, gay, and bi-sexual men the most. Why has the Black church not stepped up to educate and assist the community that it claims to represent, love, and reside in?

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, Black FreeThinkers will be broadcasting the Black Non-Believers of Atlanta's General meeting and informational.    This will be an interactve formal introduction of Black Non-Believers of Atlanta to the freethought community.   Please call in with questions.  BNOA will be more than happy to answer them and give you more information about their organization.

Mario Dorsey, of Black Non-Believers of Atlanta, will be our guest host.   We will discuss the You Are Not Alone Campaign and how it relates the the freethought community.  We invite you to join us to discuss this very important matter.   We also encourage you to send in video submissions to Youarenotalonecampaign@gmail.com.  The central theme is You Are Not Alone and you can provide information about your organization.  It is imperative that people know that there is a supportive community that is diverse in scope.   The videos will be featured on various sites in conjunction with other campaigns that are currently running. Please call in and share your experiences.

Mario Dorsey, of The Black Non-Believers of Atlanta, will be our guest host Sunday, August 31, 2011   Our featured guest will be author Donald Wright.  His book, "The Only Prayer I'll Ever Pray: Let My People Go."   The Only Prayer I'll Ever Pray: Let My People Go is a stirring call for blacks in America to critically examine their loyalty and dedication to religion and to begin adapting a lifestyle centered on rational thinking. It is time to break the chains of mental bondage caused by religious dogma. This book is a compelling presentation of practical reasons using a common sense approach that encourages blacks in America to disregard their need for religion. It provides a perspective on the harmful influences of religion. Author Donald R. Wright addresses the effects organized religion, primarily Christianity, has had on blacks in America from slavery to the present. He gives a brief but concise explanation as to how slaves were converted to Christianity. He has decoded this Matrix called religion. This book presents the case as an advocate for an alternative view.