Are Black Men Expendable in This Country?

It is sad that in this country a black man must walk down the street practically naked in order to be safe from the people we pay to protect and serve us.

Public service announcements will soon read as this:

Attention All Black Males!

Please remove anything shiny from your person. Leave all cell phones, blackberries and keys at home. Keep your mouth shut; don’t even move your lips. Make no sudden movements, please. Or this may be construed as things that would make an NYC police officer fear for his life. If you don’t adhere to these precautions NYC police officers will aim and shoot. Not once, not twice but possibly fifty times or more. These officers will then appear before a judge and be acquitted of all charges. This concludes our public service announcement

Fifty bullets were fired. That’s right fifty bullets.

I shook my head back and forth when I heard the guilty verdict. But what was really disturbing was the fact that I wasn’t surprised by the verdict. My first thoughts were, ‘Are black men expendable in this country?’

But why wasn’t my first reaction outrage? It’s because unfortunately in this country we have been desensitized to verdicts such as these.

My heart cried out for all the men in my life; my fiancé, my brothers, nephews, cousins and extended family. But it also cried out for Sean Bell and his family.

Until we see white faces or hear names like John Smith, Jake Hall or Wyatt Long will we see a cry of outrage in this country.

Clearly, it is evident that policeman are afraid of black faces.

I understand what dangers policeman face everyday. I’ve lived in neighborhoods where I’ve had to watch my back as I’ve walked home from work some nights. I’ve carried paring knives in my purse for protection. I’ve had keys balled in my hand ready to strict if need be. I’ve had friends and family robbed, harassed and guns put to their heads.

But what is disheartening is where do we turn? It’s possible to be a victim of a crime any day of the week. And what’s more shocking is my friendly neighborhood policeman can take my life just as easily.

Sadly, I’d rather plead with a criminal to take all my money and my jewelry and spare my life. Than to say one wrong word or make one sudden movement in front of an police officer for fear I might be gunned down where I stand.

I think the Assistant District Attorney Charles A. Testagrossa summed it up nicely by saying, “We ask police to risk their lives to protect ours. Not to risk our lives to protect their own.”

Woods on South located in Charlotte, NC

Yesterday I had an opportunity to visit Woods on South Located at 2100 South Blvd in Charlotte, NC. I enjoy trying different restaurants. What lured me to this restaurant was the fact that it features Carolina Cuisine by Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods. To help you picture him he’s the African American Chef that wears a scarf on his head. He hosted “Home plate” on the Turner South network.

The advertisement for his restaurant quotes: “Chef Marvin Woods’ dishes are light, sophisticated & exotic!” -Oprah

So with the succulent description of the menu items and celebrity endorsement how can you go wrong?

Woods on South is in the building that was formerly occupied by South End Brewery. So for the connoisseurs of Micro-Brewed beers Carolina Beer Company has taken over. I would also like to mention that they offer beer tasting and tours daily.

We started out with a chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. Never having had gumbo before I thought I was in store for a rare treat. I found the gumbo to be so-so. It lacked flavor and spice. I would even have to go as far as to say it was bland.

Then we proceeded to try an appetizer “The Hallelujah Hot Wings” sounded as if they would be something to sing about. However, I didn’t find myself humming nor tapping my foot. I thought the chicken wings were a little undercooked. The chicken skin was a bit too soft for my taste. As far as flavor there was none. But it was hot. Hot like someone squirted hot sauce on the wings before they came out of the kitchen.

For my entrée I tried the Ashley Farms (NC) Flash Fried Chicken with Mac n 3 cheese and vegetarian braised collard greens. I would give the Mac n 3 cheese 3 out of 5 stars. The vegetarian braised collard greens seemed to be little overpowered by vinegar. I’m thinking maybe cooking them with bacon or smoked turkey offsets the vinegary taste.

I did enjoy the Flash Fried Chicken it was piping hot, fresh, properly seasoned with a lot of crispy crunch.

I have three categories in which I put a dining experience in.

1. Recommended – Meaning I would eat there again and recommend it to others.
2. Toss up – Means you have to decide for yourself by visiting the establishment.
3. Drive By – Means keep on driving pass the restaurant.

So which category does Woods on South fall in? I would put it in Toss up. If you have visited Woods on South leave me a comment letting me know your opinion.

Until next time bon appétit!