I am not taking my Christmas Tree Down This Year!! I'm Going to Leave It Up Year-Round For special occasions

Article 2, Vol 3                                                January 19, 2013

The Christmas Tree Story

 Finding justification to put up the Christmas tree up every year started to cloud my mind. Why? I would ask. The answer I received from different persons would be words to this effect, "Well, you know we being doing this a long time. " Then, I ask, "Does the tree have anything to do with the birth of Jesus?"  This question would generate a lot of different answers, some would say yes, others would say no, and many would admit that they didn't know. However, most of them could not support their .

 So, I did my own research, and my findings supported my long felt belief - Christmas trees do not have anything to do with the birth of Christ.

***See my research, in part, below.

My thoughts went back to Christmas 2011. Two sisters at a local church spent about 2 hours trying to screw in the parts of an artificial Christmas tree. Two men came by and offered their help. Still, after an hour, the four of them could not figure out how to put the tree together. The men had to leave.  The women spent about another hour trying to make the parts fit. They were unsuccessful.

Finally, they gave up and went to the store and bought another tree. Hallelujah. That was a wonderful idea. One of the women, lamented, "Why didn't we do that earlier?"


Since the tree does not relate to Jesus birth or Christmas, I figure, why don't I just leave it up at home year round.

This is my story:

The Christmas Tree Redefined

"The Prosperity Tree"

Nope, I am not taking my Christmas tree down this year. Too much trouble.It's going to be a year - round special occasions tree.

In January, we are going to use it to put our gifts under for birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

The green leaves is going to mean we got a little bit of money, and some green veggies.

In February, we gonna put our Valentine Day gifts under the tree.Then we gonna Give God the praise like we always do. Them green leaves gonna represent we got a little bit of money and some Green veggies.

In March, we gonna celebrate the beginning of Spring. We gonna thank God for bringing us through another winter.Then we gonna prepare for the oncoming farming season, even if we don't farm, somebody gotta farm if we want to eat. Also, we gonna celebrate Palm Sunday, the Passover and Resurrection Sunday.

 `We gonna look at that tree and them green leaves, and in our mind they are going to represent life, grace and gratitude.

Well, that's the first quarter of the year. More to come. But that is enough for now.

So, in March my former Christmas tree will still be standing tall. But it is going to have a new name,

It's gonna be known as, "The Prosperity Tree."

*** The Christmas tree is full of symbolic meaning for the Christian tradition, but there is no immediate between Jesus and the practice. However, the evergreen has a rich history of religious significance among pagan cultures, which is why some Christians have rejected the tradition outright.   {1} see credit

Long before it was incorporated into the Christian tradition, the Solstice Evergreen was a common pagan symbol in many cultures throughout the world. The tree was a reminder of the life that never dies in pagan cultures. {2}

History clearly shows that the origin of the Christmas tree usage was started by the pagan. {3}

Today, however, Christians and Catholics have put forth justifications that sounds good to them to justify the usage of the Christmas tree during the Christmas season.

{1} {2} {3} What's in the Bible, and information from a variety of historical sources on the Internet.

Also, my research included other books and material on the subject.

  

Copyright 2013 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved. 



Providence Baptist Church, Leesburg: Watch Meeting was inspirational

Article I, Volume III                            January 1, 2013

 Providence Baptist in Leesburg, VA - Watch Meeting

The Watch Meeting on December 31, 2012 at Providence Baptist Church was very inspirational.  There were songs of praise, testimony, and prayers.

The highlight of the evening was the message by the pastor, Reverend Dr. Herbert C. Love, Jr. For scripture, he used verses from Proverbs, Chapter 4.  His text was "Ankle Deep Religion."

His message, paraphrased, included the following: 

 >  When you are in ankle deep water, you don't worry about drowning. There is hardly any risk. In your religious practice if you always resist doing the things which can show you as a Christian because somebody might criticize you or you can't do certain things because it would be inconvenient for you, then you are showing the signs of an angle deep christian. Being a Christian is going to require you to step into deep waters sometimes.

As a Christian, you have to go places or do things sometimes when you don't feel like it.

As Christians, you should learn how to swim in deep waters, and those things that seems hard will be easy. Have you ever noticed  persons who can really swim? Notice how assuredly they move in the water. In Christianity once you get anchored, you can swim in the deep waters of life.

Don't worry about the Fiscal Cliff, if it happens, it happens.  God Will provide. You are going to have food on the table and a roof over your head.  Just believe and trust, and you will be able to survive in deep waters. Do not be dismayed. Just trust in God. He will provide.<

After the message, we all gathered at the altar for prayer.

The congregation included children from age two, teens and adults of varying ages.  It was an occasion suitable for all ages.

Deacon Blount was present. Sister Marie Love was the musician. Sister Tina Ellis provided the ushering service.

The sister in the kitchen put a soulful touch on them black eye peas. The kitchen staff did a wonderful job.

To cap off the evening, we gathered in the kitchen to share black eye peas, rice, cornbread and cake before going to our various homes.

It was a wonderful way to start the New Year.




 Copyright 2013. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.












 

Black Folks: Why Do you attend Watch Meetings?

 

Article VIII, Volume II                              December 30, 2012

Watch Meetings

It is a long time practice for black folks to be in a church when the New Year comes in. It is said by many that this practice started in December 1862 to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by Abe Lincoln to free the slaves, effective on January 1, 1863.  The story goes, the slaves went into church on New Year Eve as slaves and came out free after midnight.

However, a reporter pointed out that the practice was started much earlier in white churches.  Probably true, but that still does not reduce the sufficiency of the blacks celebrations.

I don't believe there was a whole lot of attendees at black churches informed about the Emancipation Proclamation. Instead, they went to worship service to give praises to God for his blessings and pray that freedom would be coming in the near future. Remember, they were slaves, and didn't have a lot of access to news.

I believe that research would show that the slaves begun the practice of prayer service on New Year Eve - when they could - many years before 1862.

Today, 9 out of 10 persons I know, probably never heard anything about the connection between the Emancipation Proclamation and Watch Meeting. The bottom line, we just do it to express our thanks to God.

In a sense, we are sort of like birds that fly south in the winter, we just fall in line and keep the practice going, without any thought about when and how it started. Slavery time? It isn't even part of the thought process.



Different Ways-Same Objective

Watch Meetings come in different forms today. Some of the differences are listed below:

    1. Some mega churches have three or more services on New Years Eve with the final service ending at midnight.

   2. Some the service start at 7 pm or earlier, and they feature singing and preaching most of the evening.

  3.  In some of the others, food is served, often of a soul food variety, during, before, or after the service.

  4.  In some traditional churches, they just pray, sing and testify until midnight. Then go home.

  5.  Many people just stay at home, and go down on their knees and pray, shortly before midnight and start their prayer and continue until the New Year.

   6. Then, there are others, who just pause wherever they are shortly before midnight, and render a prayer of thanks.

In conclusion, whatever method or practice you choose, just do it. I believe that God hears every sincere prayer and is receptive of all truthful praise.



Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant, Sr.






 

The ten greatest basketball players of all-time. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had the greatest impact on the game. Special rules were implemented to help Michael Jordan.

Article 7  Volume 2                              December 9, 2012
                                           

                                         10 Greatest NBA Basketball  Players of All-Time

Everybody has an opinion about who is the 10 greatest NBA basketball players of all- time. Opinions may vary on the order, but our body of selections are solid. One of my criteria is that the players selected, accomplishments is compelling enough to keep them on the top 50 all- time list for the next 50 years.
I believe my top 4 selections (Wilt, Bill, Michael and Kareem) will be on the top 100 list for another 100 years.

My selections are:

1. Wilt Chamberlain ......................(1959-73) He won 2 NBA championships rings. but had a great impact on the way the game is played.  The only man to avg. 50/50 for a season (points/rebounds), 10 All-NBA teams, 4 MVP awards. Played with Globetrotters for two years (they didn't lose a game when he played with them).

2. Bill Russell ................................ (1956 -69) 11 times All-NBA, 5 MVP awards. His presence made it possible for Boston to win 11 championships in the 13 years he played. He is one of only two players to win 11 championships (Sam Jones, Russell's teammate, is the other). I can't foresee another player topping this accomplishment in the next 100 years. A born winner, led tiny college in California to two NCAA Championships and the United States to the 1956 Gold Medal.

3. Michael Jordan.........................(1984 - 2003 (breaks in between)), 11 times All-NBA, 5 times MVP, won 6 NBA Championships. Great defensive player. But if I am choosing sides I would select Wilt and Bill first and second.  Big men win games, little men sell tickets. Number 3 All-time scorer with 32,292 points.

4. Kareen Addul-Jabbar..............(1969-1989), 15 times all NBA, 6 MVP awards.  A born winner.  Nobody could block his sky hook. Won championships everywhere he played. Remember how he led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA Championship.#1 all time scorer with 38,387 points.

5. Ervin "Magic" Johnson..............(1979 - 1991 (briefly in 1996) 10 times All-NBA. 3 times MVP. 5 NBA Championships. Changed the way we look at point guards. At 6'9" most teams didn't have an answer for how to stop him. He could play every position on the floor. Led  Michigan State to NCAA as Freshman, and then entered the draft, and was selected No. 1 overall.  In first year, led Lakers to championship playing center.

6. Oscar Robertson....................... (1960 - 1974) Won only one championship, but his greatest was evident every game he played.  Spent most of his career with Cincy. The only player to avg 20/20 in a season. (points/assists).11 times All-NBA, l time MVP

7.  Larry Bird ..............................(1979 -1992) Played hard. 3 NBA championships.  Great all around player. Inspired his teammates to play harder. 10 times All-NBA, 3 times league MVP

8. Karl Malone............................  (1985-2003) Team went to finals 2years,   MVP award 2 conseuticut years, 11 times All NBA team .Number 2 all time leader in points scored, 32,292. Never won NBA championship.

9. Shaquille O'Neill...........    (1992-2011) 4 NBA Championships 14 All-NBA, l MVP

                             (Tie until career ends)
10.. Tim Duncan.......................(1997-Present) 13 All-NBA; 2 MVP

10a. Kobe Bryant................. (1997-present)  l3 All-NBA; won 1 MVP, fifth on All-Time scoring list with over 30,000 points 

Note: Kobe and Tim are still playing. When their career ends, they will move up in the rank

                      Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.

                                                                                                                                                 

Victims of hurricanes and other disasters: Are churches more willing to help the unknown than the known victims?

Article 6  Volume 2

Do Churches Hold Back Too Much When It Comes to Helping the Needy?

Each year churches take in millions of dollars.  You would think that one of their main goals would be to assist the local community and persons they know who are victims of hurricanes, floods, loss of job, sudden sickness and many other setbacks that occur in people lives.  Well, I think in the heart many churches are willing to help.  But, I believe, in many cases, they are more apt to gear their assistance to the unknown persons than to the known.

It is difficult sometimes for church members to digest the fact that persons they know are in need.  For example, many of us may have family members affected by hurricanes like Sandy or Katrina or other disasters and they stand in the need of help. The thought may be, while don't they (victims) just leave the area?  We will pray for them.  Prayer is always good. However, do they consider that they could use a little bit of financial help? 

Let us consider two persons standing in need.  One, you have seen grow up right before your eyes.  Another, you don't know anything about.  Which one do you think will most likely be offered the most, if any, financial help? The chances may be even better for the unknown if they never attended your church, live in another state or country, or know how to cope a plea.

Look at the budget of your church. How much money is allocated in the budget  to assist community or local citizens in need? Chances are less than ten percent of the budget. Often if the known person or family receive any help, they have to fill out so many papers to show justification, consequently, they just say forget it.  Whereas, all the unknown persons have to do is express a need.

I am not indicting any church or churches.  I just believe that the thought process has not reached home with many good intention persons and churches.

This opinion includes several Christian organizations that virtually ignore making provisions in their budgets to assist local needy persons or families.

(to be continued)


  Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All Rights Reserved

Church Ground Burial: Have you checked on your family's burial sites lately?

Article 5  Volume 2




Many families have burial sites on church grounds. Recent events have prompted me to raise a question about the maintenance, record keeping and existence of grave sites families think exist.  Many churches have large turnovers of personnel and consequently the record keeping for grave sites is ignored.  As a result, grave sites get lost in the shuffle. Therefore, nobody can find any records to verify the existence of a vacant plot or can verify who is buried where.

I urged families to verify that their church accountability for grave sites, if any, is accurate.  In some cases, I believe, families will be surprised.  Let's face it, at most churches this is a volunteer job,  and many of the grave keepers are deceased or old.  Their duties started many years ago when they didn't really keep a written record.  They relied on memory. So, when some of them passed on - so did the whereabouts of certain grave sites.  In some cases, I was told, two or three family members were buried in one grave and nobody could be sure who they were.

Then, I believe, there are sites that two or three families think they own. But when the time comes, for either of the three families to use the site, they may find that it was sold or given to fourth family.

 In these times where land utilization is critical, some grave sites may have been paved over for parking lots, sold or just ignored.

You may be aware of the big mess they had at Ft Myer with grave sites. If it happens there - a multimillion dollar graveyard - why couldn't it happen at your church?

If families can afford it, I encourage them to consider a private or military (if eligible) grave site. They are generally  maintained better and records are kept.  Churches are okay, but the future in some cases, are unpredictable.  Churches are relocating and expanding.

In conclusion, I encourage families to check on their family owned grave sites and verify the records with the responsible person at the church.

Then you can have peace of mine.

(to be edited)       

Ain't I still a Negro? My birth certificate is the same as it was the week I was born

National News
Article 2, Volume 2                            January 15, 2012

                                                 Ain't I Still a Negro?                                                      

Just who am I? I mean, I know I am a child of God, but they keep changing or crossing me up about what I should be called.  Tell me, just who am I?

I was born a Negro. That is what they put on my birth certificate. I can show it to you. When I started elementary school. I was informed that Negro is a slave name, therefore, I should refer to myself as Colored. I told the teacher that everybody was colored. She told me I was being smart, so just shut up Colored boy and have a seat.

My first year in high school the teacher informed me that I was now Black and I should not use the words Colored or Negro because they were demeaning. She said I should use the word black, with a capital B. I told her that last year I was suspended 2 days because I called a boy Black, after he called me red. The teacher said that was last year, and now this is this year.

My freshman year in college they told me I was out of touch. I should use Afro/American for race. I told them I have never been to Africa so how can I be Afro/American?  My White friend from Africa can be Afro/American but not me.

But wait. If I am Afro/American, is the White man classified as European/American or the Asian as Asian/American? Oh, no, they say, just call them Americans or Asians.

Through all of the changes with my classification, America has been steadfast with the overall classification for white folks for hundreds of years. Just write White, and that is all right.  However, for us Black folks, there has been a constant change.  Tell me, how come?

I asked a lady from South America what classification did she use for her family. She said that her family use the category, Other.

Other is interesting. That means that you are other than all the others. In a sense, all of us are Other.

Somebody tell me the truth, ain't I still a Negro? Because through all the changes, my birth certificate, in block eight, still list me as a Negro.

So, just call me a Negro.  I won't complain, because all them other names are just nicknames, subject to change.

Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant  All Rights Reserved

Natural Death: Nine habits or practices that may be good to you, but may not be good for you, because they can lead to early death. But is it really natural?

National News

Article 1 Vol 2

Natural death is a common occurrence and classification. Whenever a person dies and it is determined that he/she was not killed in some manner, the death is generally classified as due to natural causes. Often there is  no explanation given. Although the death is natural, further examination will often disclosed that it could have been prevented or delayed for many years.

The body is made to last a long time if it is taken care of properly.  We can exercise and eat properly, but those practices do not guarantee a long life if we are not sound in many other areas of our lives.

I will list and discuss eight habits and practices that contribute to natural death:

1. Water. a. Lack of enough on a regular basis can cause our system to dry up and lead to kidney failure, improper body development and many diseases. b.  Too much water. Water is good, but too much of it can wash nutrients out of our system, thus leading to many of the sicknesses that we encounter for not drinking enough water.

2. Food. a. Eating too much of foods that we enjoy - knowing or unknowlngly - disregarding the facts that they are bad for our bodies.  For example, eating raw or poorly cooked meat, too much fried and processed food, consuming too much food cooked in improper oil. Also the intake of too much salt and sugar contribute to poor health and early death. b. Failure to eat enough of proper foods.Often, just a dab will do, but that dab may not be enough to keep the body functioning for a long period of time.

3. Stress. Worrying constantly about things that are completely out of your control or influence. For example, constantly in distress about money, work, children, family, friends and the economy. These worries causes our immune system to go bad and leads to early death.

4. Preventable diseases. a,Refusing to get vaccinations that can prevent sickness or diseases from destroying your body. b. Avoiding regular check-ups that can detect symptons of diseases that can lead to early death.

5. Excessive Time in Traffic. Spending three to four hours in traffic for 5 days a week can be very stressful. Also, the sitting down for a long period of time and be constantly in an anxiety mood, and the stress that goes through your body can lead to long term body damage.

6. Smoking. There is no upside, in my opinion, to smoking tobacco products. You can do all the things necessary to keep the body fit, but if you don't avoid the habit of smoking it may all go for nay, when it comes to living a long healthy life. I had a relative who was in excellent health, except for the lungs which was eaten away by tobacco. A lot of people are fooled by smoking mild ciggarettes. They believe that will help them avoid cancer. But, in my opinion, it just mean they will kill the person softly in a matter of time.

7. Drinking.  Excessive consumption of alcohol does not have an upside.  The alcohol will gradually destroy the liver and many other parts of the body.  Although, it may not cause death, it can lead to many sickness that will make a person unable to function mentally and physically.

8. Lack of Exercise. When you are able, but yet fail to get a minimum amount of exercise, the body will decay gradually, though you are still able to walk around. You can develop shortness of breath, overweigh, bones deficiencies, and worsen the effects of diabetes.

9. Fumes from household products.  Bleach is used to clean bathrooms and kitchen floors, cabinets, tables and many other household items. This product generally leaves a specific odor. We often just ignore it, and proceed with whatever we are doing.  Often, we ignore the odor and continue working in it, and even sat down to relax while the odor is still still strong in the house. Inhaling these fumes can lead to cancer, respitory problems,  and internal body damage.  The consequence can potentially contribute to early death. In  days of old, some families would spray DDT just before meal time. and wait about 15 minutes and start serving dinner while the odor was still in the house.  This practice, I believe, lead to many early deaths. They call them natural deaths. But were they?

There is one more that can be good to you but an over consumption can be very bad for you. So, you have to determine, in a logical manner how to deal with it. I can not go in detail because I promised to only write about nine habits and practices.

Nevertheless, be aware that natural death is often caused by habits and practices that we enjoy and we  refuse to make corrective adjustments even when we know the potential consequences.

Be safe, develop good habits and remember, the body, like fruit on the vine, if treated properly, can survive a long time. 

Bailey's Community Center, Bailey's Crossroads, VA news will be reported on a special dedicated website.

In the future, news pertaining to the Bailey's Community Center and the Bailey's Crossroads community will be reported on a dedicated website for community news.  This website is made possible, in part, by a special community grant.
See my latest post, with pictures,  at the Website listed below. It may surprise you.

The website is, http://www.bxrcc.blogspot.com/

Baby Due: Child born one minute before midnight on December 31, 2015 can make a difference of $5,000 in tax refund

Article 12 Volume 1                                       Updated and re-published: December 31, 2015

The Baby is Almost Here!

A father's plea:  Doc can our baby be delivered at 11:59 p.m. on December 3l, 2015 instead of 12:01 a. m. on January 1, 2016?  You may ask what difference does it makes? Well, if the baby is born in 2016 you may get the baby and your picture in the local newspaper.  The baby may be recognized as the first born in the region for the new year and the parents receive a bouquet of flowers.

However, this is the flip side, if the baby is born in 2015, before midnight, and the parent or married couple income is at a certain level, the family may qualify for the following: (1) an additional dependent (2) $1,000 child tax credit ( credit is cash, not a deduction), and (3) possibly an additional $3,000 in earned income credit (real money).  Then, when the State taxes savings are factored in, the parent(s) could possibly be receiving even more in tax savings.

(This report continues below in Article III, Volume 1 or google, baby due soon.All in All.grady bryant ) Do not use .com

Last year several parents from all over the country were happy to receive this news before their child was born.

Santa Clause Did a Flyover of my House on Christmas Eve. I Almost Cried a Tear

Article XI, Volume 1

Santa Flew Over My House

I'm going to share a  story about my experience, many years ago, with Santa Claus.

 Every year at Christmastime, several of my friends and myself would go downtown to a local department store and tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas.  He would give us a big laugh and promise to deliver on Christmas Eve. 

On the night before Christmas, me and my four Siblings would stay awake - virtually all night - waiting for Santa to come.We would jump up if we heard a car passing by or an airplane flying overhead.  My brother Jeff jumped up one freezing cold Christmas Eve night, about 2 a.m. and ran outdoors barefooted , because he thought he glanced Santa landing in the yard.  It turned out to be a deer, walking through the yard.  So, we all went back to bed. About an hour later, my sister, Shirley ran on the porch because she heard a noise. We looked in the sky and saw a helicopter flying over our yard.  We assumed it was Santa and he was using the helicopter because he had too many toys for his sled.

So, all of us went back to bed, feeling assured that Santa was in the neighborhood, and shortly, he would be stopping at our house. We made sure the fire was out in the fireplace.

Before we went to sleep, we heard the sound of an airplane flying over - we did not get up this time - because we felt that Santa was in the neighborhood and on his way. I surmised, the noise was his backup sled or helicopter because he had a lot of toys to deliver.

When 7 a.m. came, we all jumped out of  bed (from separate rooms) and ran to the Christmas tree to get our presents.  Sure enough there was a gift for all of us, but the gifts were a far cry from what Santa had promised to bring.

My youngest sister, Audrey, had been anxiously awaiting two years for Santa to bring her a colored barbie doll. (This was before they started making black dolls readily available). She got a doll but it was a far cry from a barbie doll.  She was disappointed.

I got my usual, single shot, cap pistol, an apple, orange, nuts and candy.  All of us got something, but that something was not what Santa had promised to bring.

I stepped outside, and saw one of my friends,-who was an only child in his family - coming toward me, dressed in a full cowboy outfit, with two automatic six shooter cap guns and holsters. He was really decked out.  My friend invited me to his house.  His front room was loaded with toys.  All I could say was, "Wow, Santa left you more than he delivered for me and my four siblings combined!"

(Continued at http://www.esh60.blogspot.com/.

Copyright 2011 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved

BCS National Championship Game 2012 Cannot Be a Real Championship Game

Article X, Vol 1
  
 BCS Football National Champion Selection process is flawed and open to corruption

The forthcoming BCS game between Louisana State University (LSU)  and Alabama should not be called a national championship game.  There is no logical trend  that can elevate this game to championship status. To me, it is a mean less game, that will not prove anything if Alabama wins.
Let's look at the facts. LSU has already beaten Alabama (Tide) in the division when it really counted. So, if bama wins, they will be tied at one game each.  Therefore, to determine which team is better than the other, you would need a third game. A third game would determine which team is better between the two, but it would not decide which team is the best in the land.
If they played a third game and LSU won, they would have a one game loss, like four other teams. If bama wins, they will still have a one loss season just like all the other one loss teams.
Plus, how can you call bama National Champions when they did not win their division or conference championship?
If a team that finished second in the division of a conference can be crowned national champion, then why even bother to have all these conference championships labeled as a potential step to the championship game?
The BCS selection system is messed up so much, in my opinion, possibly corrupt,and filled with the opportunity for voters to vote in a manner that will bring millions of dollars to their conference.
For example, why would a coach in the SEC cast a vote for Oklahoma State over Alabama if it has the potential to cost his conference millions of dollars in bowl money?
This year the voting was so close, it probably only took two coaches to vote bama as number two (2) to secure assurance that the SEC would get the two top teams in the ranking.  Thus, the SEC will receive the first and second place money.
In conclusion, regardless of how you look at it, there is no logical way the BCS Championship game 2012 can be a real championship game. They can call it whatever they want to, but they cannot make it a reality.
I'll consider the Oklahoma State game against their opponent as the BCS Championship Game for 2012.  After all, since there is no real playoff system, isn't the truth in the mind of the beholder?

             Copyright 2011.Grady E. Bryant.All Rights Reserved

Bailey's Community Center:Don't Bother Them About Youths Participating in Basketball Leagues! They Don't Appear,in my Opinion, to Have the Will To Make It Happen.

Article 9, Volume 1
                                                             Youth Basketball

The powers that be at Bailey's Community Center (BCC)  in Bailey's Crossroads, Va are not, in my opinion, willing to put forth the necessary effort to ensure that children in the Bailey's Crossroads community have an opportunity to participate in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) or any other basketball leagues for youths. This situation is sad when you consider the FCYBL is funded, in part, by the county and more than 75,000 youths in the county and surrounding jurisdictions participate.

 Each year I receive about 40 to 50 calls from parents and students about youth basketball. If I refer them to the BCC there is nobody there who can give them an adequate answer. Oh, they may invite them to come in and sign up, but after they sign up, the follow-up action by BCC is unacceptable.

Also, once a child signs up for a team at Bailey's, he or she get the impression that Bailey's is going to have a team, so they don't pursue signing up with another organization. Then, when they find out that BCC is not going to have a team it is too late to join another club.

This year, the pattern continued, except no real effort was made to organize any teams. According to my calculation, and the sign-up sheet that was posted, at least 40 children signed up or expressed an interest in playing.  Again, this year I was told that they are not good enough to have teams.

The powers in place are willing to tease the children every year about organizing teams for the league, but then before the time for league registration they will come up with some lame excuse as to why it cannot be done.
Then the children are told that can sign up for house league because they do not think they are good enough to play in the county league.Chances are the children will not play in any league this season.
Four parents called and told me that they took their children to practice on two or three occasions and there was no coach present and the children was just clowning around.  In frustration they went back home.

                                                             Background

For 25 years BCC was one of the highest rated youth organizations in the region. We received several commendations for our efforts. I had 12 outstanding volunteers working with me in 2008-09. We had 70 children participating on 6 teams. Our girls team Division 1, went to the finals and barely lost. One of our boy's teams won a league championships. In fact, one of our teams won a championship every year for 10 straight years.

We were one of, if not the most diverse organizations in the area. Our players came from at least 22 different countries.

On November 24, 2008, I invited the center  director to our coaches meeting and he invited Pam Washington to accompany him.   Two weeks after the meeting , 6 citizens of the community, members of the Bailey's Crossroads Community Center, Inc., advisory board, came together and decided they were going to take over the basketball operation. They  agreed to call themselves the "Bailey's Community Center Advisory Board" collected all the money, opened a bank account, and essentially eliminated organized youth basketball teams at the center. These six, decided to eliminate usage of any reference to the official board that was in place.

Despite the distraction we had a successful season.

In September 2009 the board and center director had the children to sign up for FCYBL league play, and started practicing in October. After 8 weeks of hard practice, the children were told that they were not going to play in the county league.
I had one team organized and they played one game in the FCYBL. Then the league and the team was told that Bailey's team would not be participating.  I pleaded with the powers that be to let the children play since I had assumed all responsibilities and the schedule was set.

A meeting was called and 8th graders were informed that could not play in the FCYBL, instead they could play in the house league against 5th graders.  This was very disappointing. Several of the children cried openly when they were informed.

They participated in the house league and defeated teams by scores like 80-6. It was a total disgrace. The house league, in February 2010, rightfully, found a way  to disqualify the team before the season ended.

In September 2010, I told the director, at BCC that I had four teams that wanted to play. He told me that the unsanctioned advisory board was going to have teams, so it would not be right for me to try and organize any teams.

Again, they had the children sign up. Put an unprepared, coachless team in the league and only showed up for one game.

The situation was so pitiful, in January 2011, the FCYBL, rightfully, had to drop them from the league.

It turned out that Bailey's didn't have any coaches or organization for teams to be formed.

Who is the contact person?
                                          
I really don't know who to talk to anymore. I talked with Community Services director, Chris Leonard; area director, Chris Scales; area director, Bruce Patrick and BCC director, Chonn Lacey.

Who do I contact? I ask the BCC director, and he refers me to the appointed commissioner, Daryl Lucas, then he refers me back to Chonn. Then I'm referred to the board or back to the commissioner. Round and around I go, but end up getting no where.
 
They all gave me varying stories.

But the bottom line is, the children in this area are denied an opportunity to play.  Money is not a problem, in 1993, I was successful in getting the county to set aside $5,000 to use primarily for youth basketball at BCC and three other community centers. Since BCC does not have any teams, I cannot attest to how the they are spending or spent the money.

The contact person is Pam Washington. I don't believe any other board member is active in the decision making process.

Each year I have to pass up at least $15,000 in free camps, games and other freebies that are offered to county teams. Why? Because we do not have an organized program.

What Can We Do?

Organize. They are not going to pay me any attention. I need parents and citizens who have an interest in seeing youths participate basketball to come forth and join me in my efforts to restore the game and all the activities that go with it back to the Bailey's Crossroads community.

Youth basketball is not just about playing, it is also about scholarships, jobs, interacting with other children, using the gym for the community, strengthening local high school teams and many other benefits.
For example, our last 8th grade girls team sent 6 girls to varsity as freshmen in high school.

For more information on the status of BCC, and pictures that show, in part, the condition of the gym, visit our new dedicated Website, http://www.bxrcc.blogspot.com/

My email address is, gebryant411@gmail.com

Reactions by insiders of the Penn State scandal is akin to the reaction by the mass in society to slavery and discrimination in America for over 400 years

Article VIII, Vol 1

   Penn State Scandal: Fear of personal welfare by observers left door open for abuse to continue

  Corrective action pertaining to the abuse of the helpless children in the Penn State community was very slow.  It is troubling to know that so many people knew about it, but yet condoned it. Seemingly, some felt they had full filled their obligation when they passed the information upward.  Once the information was passed upward, the informed continued their friendship and interacting with the perpetrator, Jerry Sandusky.

     The alleged perpetrator, probably just laughed, and continued in his unlawful acts, and the children continued to suffer.

     I still cannot understand why it took from 2002 to 2011 for this matter to come to light. That is nine years!  I can imagine the insiders were busily working to keep the lid on the matter to protect the good name of the University and the head coach.Sandusky, the alleged perpetrator, I imagine, was aware of the University actions, so he just kept right on performing his abusive acts.

     Also, it was reported that Sandusky could sign one or some of the children out of school without the parents consent. What kind of school system is that?  Well, they probably figured  that it was okay because he was Jerry Sandusky, the man who worked with Joe Paterno. 

     I admired Paterno for his coaching ability and all the things he did to help in society.  Yet, I cannot accept the fact that he ignored the cry for help from the children.  Yes, he had a moral obligation to report and keep reporting the incidents to the legal authorithies until something was done. This requirement was not only for Paterno, but for every coach,  player and school staff member who was aware of the situation. You are soaping in folly, if you believe only a few people knew what was happening.

     You may ask and wonder how does this matter relate to slavery and discrimination? Let us look back.

     Slavery was ingrained in this country's system for over 400 years.  There were a lot of Bible toting people who was morally oppose to slavery, but openly continued to support it.  It was a status thing to own and control the lives of other human beings.  The slave owners could sell, beat, kill, whip and treat them like animals - with the confort of knowing there would be no consequences.  (The movie, "Roots" has a lot of truth in it. It is not shown on TV much now, in part, because O. J. Simpson is in it).

     Men who openly professed to be Christians and knew that slavery was wrong, continued to accept slavery, in part, because they were the beneficiary of the free labor or they feared for their lives and/or status.

     After the Civil War ended in 1865, slavery, on paper ended, and discrimination against the ex-slaves increased.  The Negro was discrimimated against in virtually every walk of life. Many persons were in a position to speak up and do something to halt it, but they did not do a thing. 

    There is a lot of evidence that thousands of Blacks  were wrongfully killed, but no action was taken by persons in power against the killers because they feared to speak up would affect them politically, financially, or harm their status in society.  Many white peoples were aware of what was going on, but felt helpless.  You ask, What could they do?  Well, they could have been more outspoken and denied the fruits of the discrimiation practices.
      Lots of us marvel at the great works of President Thomas Jefferson. He made sure the Constitution stated that, "All men are created equal...." but he did not put those words into practice. He knew it was morally wrong to own slaves, but he continued ownership until the day he died.

    So, in conclusion when you consider the two matters presented above, you will be able to see a linking point.  Men in society, churches, and other high places saw what was going on, but just stood by for a long time and did nothing about it.

    What a pity, what a real pity!

       Copyright 2011.Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.     

Bailey Community Center News: The Bailey's Community Center Advisory Board is responsible for sponsoring basketball teams in the FCYBL this year. The contact person is PAM WASHINGTON.

 Article VII, Vol 1

  On August 18th I was invited to a special meeting concerning youth basketball in the Bailey's Community Center.  Three members of the unofficial Bailey's Community Center Advisory Board; Chonn Lacey, BCC director and Wendell Byrd were present.  The three board members were Pam Washington, Houston Summers and Robert Wright. Wendell Byrd was present on behalf of the county. 
     The invitation I received stated that it was a coaches meeting.  However, no coaches were present.  Mr. Byrd main mission appeared to be to inform me that they (Advisory Board) did not want me to coach this year.
     I informed him and everybody present that I had not coached a team at BCC since 2004 and that I didn't have any plans to coach this year. However, I will continue to work with the youths in other communities in the region.
     I am hopeful that the Advisory Board can keep its promise to the children this year.
     Sign up sheets are posted at the center. I encourage parents and children to sign up for basketball this year at Bailey's Community Center.

For more current news on the center, visit http://www.bxrcc.blogspot.com/