TALK 2 ME: DON CORNELIUS' DEATH OVERSHADOWS BRIDGEPORT KILLINGS

Written by Producer, Minister Che’ri Humphrey, M.Ed. -2/2/12

Founder & President of Diamonds In The Rough (DITR)…Finding The Spirit In Me!

Note: This article is sent out in an automatic email blast to those on its original list through this site. Please email me if you like to be added or removed. Thank you

Conclusion of Encore Entertainment is that upon threat to expose them in the last article; I received my first check in the mail. Now this is after contact coordinator in the payment dept. in California claimed all my initial paperwork, W2 forms, etc. had NOT been submitted. A bold-faced lie! All forms were faxed to the correct department in August prior to me beginning the Justin Beiber product sales at Macy’s at the CT Post Mall. All of a sudden my paperwork was in order, and as a result I received both checks for the time I had worked. I refused to resend anymore forms and demanded my pay! Consequently, I accepted no more assignments after it took nearly 3 months before I saw one check, and neither did they contact me on my assignment site for more vendor jobs. I must laugh because I knew had I not threatened to expose nothing would’ve been done. A lie never lives long, and it says in the bible, “…touch NOT my anointed and do my prophet no harm,” and mama didn’t have no fool. My warning to readers is beware of these online job sites that claim they’re companies that hire you, and it takes 3 months for your first check. The devil is a liar! I’ve been working since the age of 14 years old and never encountered anything like this type of system to compensate workers. I’m just glad I stood my ground, and truth prevailed. ~Che’ri

View slideshow: Che'ri Humphrey

Tragic Death for Don Cornelius, Founder of “Soul Train,” the longest syndicated show in history.

Donald Cortez Cornelius was born on September 27, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Dusable High School and studied art and drew cartoons. After high school he joined the US Marines and served in Korea in 1954-1955. He married Delores Harrison, his high school sweetheart in 1956 and had two sons, Anthony and Raymond. After struggling to provide for his family as in insurance sales he attended broadcasting school in 1966 which paid off. He later became an announcer on WVON in Chicago then an anchor on WCIU-TV in Chicago. Don followed his dream to found his own TV special that he pitched to management producers in Chicago. He launched his first show on August 17, 1970 that featured Jerry Butler of the Impressions, himself and others after landing his first sponsor, George O’Hare who was the manager at Sears & Roebuck’s Company that gave him his first break. Thank God for this man who believed in the vision of Don to bring to America Black entertainers, and to give them an artistic platform to exhibit their talent. Don’s TV show, “Soul Train,” would become the longest running syndicated music program in the history of television. Soul Train went on air 10/1/71 once a week and was produced in the Los Angeles Metromedia Studios.

One year later, in August 1972, a 1 million dollar advertising deal was signed with Johnson Products. Don’s broadcast was the first to feature all Black casts advertising hair products for the Black community through its commercials. In 1974, 95 stations showed the hippest Black teens and musical icons that the world had never seen. Artists such as: James Brown, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Denice Williams, Stevie Wonder, and Shalamar a group he helped formed that included Jodi Whately, Jermaine, and Howard Hewett was created. Jodi and Jermaine were dancers that were regularly shown on the broadcast prior to the creation of Shalamar. Anyone and everyone that would touch America in entertainment we saw on Soul Train, including Al Green. The “Soul Train Line” was a must see which wild and silly costumes were worn by dancers who came down the middle of the line showing the latest dances that most people couldn’t recreate was a true delight for most in the Black communities on Saturday mornings. I believe every Black family that had a TV set was watching in amazement and awe every Saturday to see what dancers were wearing, what new moves they had, and to witness the wonderful sounds of known and unknown artists that graced his stage.

In 1975, Don started Soul Train Records with Dick Griffey which folded a year later after Griffey separated. However, Don was known by his sultry deep voice, and the saying, “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace, and soul!” Also, we all loved his large afro and huge bow ties and the backwards lean when he wished us good-bye for the week. Spin offs to Soul Train that Don began was the Soul Train Music Awards in 1986, and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.

In addition, Don had a life threatening brain surgery in 1982 to correct congenital malformation in the blood vessels that took 21 hours of surgery. Don was plagued with illness for 30 years until his death. In his personal life, Don’s marriage was certainly strained with his high school sweetheart whom departed becoming his estranged wife after reports of domestic violence. This is news to me, and probably many of you who didn’t know about his history of violence with the women in his life, such as his most recent marriage to Victoria where Don was arrested on felony charges of domestic violence towards her more recently. I feel strong against any form of domestic violence and it saddens me to know that such a great and courageous man would commit these acts because any form of violence against anyone is wrong, but I won’t be quick to judge because no one but the parties involved really knows what transpired, except God. I pray that all parties (both former wives) received help to heal from these travesties, including the children - now grown men. We all have vices hidden or seen and closet skeletons we must deal with, but one thing I know about Jesus; He loves us and His grace and mercy keeps us all. His grace is sufficient and He alone is a mender of broken things. No one is above fault in some area of their life; some just have more to deal with than others for whatever reason. God is a patient and forgiving God unlike some people. He loves in spite of our faults, and we can never get enough of Him.

Moreover, there’s no doubt that this man was used to blaze the trail to open avenues for Black artists to receive a platform to express their gifts, receive recognition; to break racial barriers and offenses towards the Black community at a time when people weren’t tolerant or accepting of the Black culture or community. Back then it was white against black, now is black against black crimes, and the disparity of crimes against the gay and lesbian community. That’s right I said it! Just because YOU don’t agree with a person’s life style or the color of their skin gives you NO right to verbally, physically, mentally, or psychologically threaten or harm another. God is a God of love, and it doesn’t say anywhere in the bible that God hates anyone. The only verse I found were it says that God hates is the act of lying, and the works of the devil. Correct me if I’m wrong- send me an email. The killings against our young Black boys and men by other Black young boys and men, is out of control, especially in the city of Bridgeport which I’ll get to soon enough.

Trailblazer, pioneer, producer, emcee, founder, entrepreneur, and visionary Don Cornelius was found dead on Mulholland Drive in his Sherman Oaks home, Wednesday, February 1st from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. I still can’t believe it. Had the surgery in 1982 affected his judgment or kept him in pain privately? Was he suffering from depression, and did anyone know that Don had feelings of committing suicide at the old age of 75? As human beings we judge a book by its cover; thinking of a man more highly than we ought, or the lesser-thinking of them lower than we should without really knowing a person. When do we decide to read the book, and delve into the pages instead of glancing over the cover? I’m baffled and truly saddened that Don’s life would end this way. Had he given his life to Christ? Who was helping him in his private life with these demonic thoughts that transpired into death? Someone help me understand. I’m so glad I have understanding friends and family with the love of God in them who care about me, and not just what I can do, that can help guide and pray for me; those who love the good, bad, and ugly about me regardless of my mistakes. I’m blessed. Was anyone there for him behind the glitz and glamour because everyone needs someone? You never know what a person is really dealing with and without a support team anyone can suffer tragically. Was anyone praying for or with this man knowing he had issues of domestic violence and was suffering with illness all these years? Well I’d hope so, and America loved this man, especially those in the Black community. I’m sure no one wanted to hear about this on the first day of Black History month were we only have “28” to celebrate us. It’s truly ironic and terrible.

Anyhow, Soul Train was purchased by Kernard Gibbs who was the former Vibe Magazine Chief in 2008 after the productions of Soul Train stopped in 2006. Don Cornelius’ gift to the world to bring great talent and music to us won’t be remised. His legend lives on. I’d like to remember him in a good light instead of the darkness by what he brought to us every Saturday morning that would make you jump up and dance while eating your bowl of Frosted Flakes and dancing around in your pajamas. We should focus on the good he’s done, and never stop doing the Soul Train dance line at family parties and functions. He will be greatly missed.

Thank you Don for being courageous and having the crazy idea to do something no one had done before during that era. And most of all for… love, peace, and ssssssssssooooooooooooooooouuuuul!

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT? WHY THE PLAGUE OF KILLINGS ON OUR BLACK YOUNG MEN AND BOYS?? IT’S AN OUTRAGE!

There are three deaths that stand out for me since December of 2011. The first, I know someone who was close to the young man in Bridgeport by the name of Dayquan Henry that was shot dead. The other two Greg Thompson, and Justin Thompson. What’s going on in Bridgeport? Killing sprees have taken an all time high once again in the city. What is the root of these acts of violence? How can this Black on Black crime cease? I know there are many of you who turn on the local channel 12 News, daily, and find that another young man was shot almost on a day-to-day basis in Bridgeport. It’s sickening. What must be done in the community to redirect our male’s attention to positive endeavors? In a time where most are struggling with job loss, lack, and poverty we know there will be crime, but this can’t continue because of it. We must trust God, seek God, find God, and let Him help us through these tough times daily. Seek help if you think you’re gonna’ lose it. I know the struggle believe me I do. Poverty, depression, and lack can make people to crazy things, but someone along the line lower income communities will have to take a stand. And who is responsible; the schools, the law, the lack of parental guidance, the churches, the government and lack of city programs to reach our youth? I don’t have all the answers, but together we can reach someone and help them. We receive our healing sometimes by reaching out to others. Do you have an answer? Are you being proactive in your community to bring someone up onto a better and more level playing field to succeed in life? Well if you’re not that’s where the first problem is. If you are unable to reach or teach, or assist in someone’s healing and growth KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT because you’re not helping. Like the saying goes, “If you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all.” You may very well be the problem.

Dayquan Henry was 21 years old who had a child and girlfriend. His and her family was deeply troubled by the loss. He was found lying in the backyard of a home on Newfield Ave with multiple gunshot wounds around 12:30am on Dec. 22, 2011.

Greg Thompson was walking down the street with his girlfriend minding his own business on Howard Avenue when he was shot on January 1st this year.

Moreover, the one tragedy that angered many was the death of a 14 year old boy-just a kid-was along with two of his friends who were walking down Seaview Avenue Sunday morning on the first week in January of the new year. Justin Thompson was pronounced dead while Benny Turner, 21, and Travon Phidd, 20 were wounded and rushed to nearby hospital. They survived and Justin died a senseless death.

Last year in Bridgeport alone 20 homicides were recorded. While there of those arguing senseless arguments, fighting each other at home, stirring up strife, and keeping gossip going, or just simply being intolerable there’s a real WAR GOING ON in our community that needs our attention and energy. Adults who are able to help someone; take one youth under your wing if you can, and try to change someone’s life for the better. If it weren’t for the many mentors, and my best-friend who counseled me during a time when I had come out of myself and my character completely spinning and spiraling downward in 2000; I may have been dead a long time ago. It didn’t happen by ridicule, hatred, targeting to kill a spirit, or pointing a finger, but simply by showing LOVE that caught my attention. I noticed a difference from every other Christian I had encountered in my life who called themselves Christian, but showed a lack of love for anyone unlike themselves. It was because of a little time she took during each day to reach out to me for 3 years that I’m writing you today because God used her when I thought life was over for me. All I want to do is help enlighten and prevent someone from dying whether it’s spiritual or keeping their dream from dying. Lock me up because I’m guilty of having compassion, and risking my lively hood to reach others. Yes, I’m guilty.

My message is STOP THE KILLINGS on the street, the deaths amongst family and friends, and the spiritual deaths in the church amongst sisters and brothers in Christ!

My condolences go out to all these families and the family of Don Cornelius. God bless you and keep you.

REFERENCES FOR MEDITATION:

BIBLE (KJV)

Psalm 103:2-5

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD, ' Because they called you an outcast saying: " This is Zion; No one seeks her."'

Hosea 6:1

Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.

Hosea 14:4

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.

Malachi 4:2

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

Psalm 30:2-3

LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.

O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Exodus 15:26

and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."

Deuteronomy 7:15

And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the

terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

Isaiah 58:8

Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Psalm 41:3

The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Exodus 23:25

So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.

Psalm 91:15-16

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.

Psalm 30:2

O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.

Psalm 107:19-20

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

Psalm 73:4-5

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

Psalm 107:20

He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 38:16

O Lord, by these things men live; And in all these things is the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live.

Isaiah 57:18

I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners.

Jeremiah 33:6

Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 55:18

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

Psalm 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 25:17-18

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Job 4:3-4

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. [4] Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Psalm 6:2

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on theLord.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Psalm 3:5

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

Psalm 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.