Greetings,

I hope everyone in Charlotte had a great CIAA weekend, which stands for Crazy Increase in African Americans.

I would like to introduce myself. I am Professor Locs. I am an African-American, gay, Southern male who has had an extensive career in higher education. I attended seven schools during my undergraduate years, some I left and some I was asked to leave (smile), before graduating from an HBCU in Texas. I’ve been an assistant professor at two HBCUs, and I am currently chair at a mainstream institution.

I am spiritual without following or supporting organized religion. I am a filmmaker, writer, uncle, brother, cousin, son, friend, counselor, educator, film critic, activist, comedian and book club member.

In this column, which will run weekly on Qcitymetro.com, I will view and critique the world through my unique lens and filters. Join me as I explore race, class, gender, sexuality and popular culture with humor and insight.

So let’s get started:

Like many of you, I was shocked by the recent earthquake in Chile so close on the heels of the one in Haiti. This reminded me of an earlier incident that we do not want repeated, of good missionaries swooping in and gathering up children like so many puppies.

Remember when the group of Idaho missionaries was arrested for kidnapping and child trafficking?
Despite their claim of ignorance, ABC News reported that the missionaries were very aware of what they were doing by attempting to bring Haitian children into the U.S.

Who told these people that they could go down to Haiti and pick up a busload of children and take them back home like they were at a swap meet?

I blame Madonna and Angelina Jolie for the surge in adopting black children. But let's be clear; these are children of color from other countries. No one is busting down the doors of the child welfare office in Atlanta or Chicago's south side.

Mainstream America is enamored with the idea of bringing home exotic brown children from Malawi or Haiti.

No one wants to deal with the harsh realities of bringing home a BoomKeisha or Darnell from Fulton County, Ga.

I would love to see them on their little missionary bus with a load of kids from the hood.

Missionary: Buckle your seat belts, children.
Darnell: You not my daddy!
Missionary: No, but I would like to be if you let me.
BoomKeisha: What kind of job you got?
Darnell: You must be broke cause this van is busted.
Missionary: I serve a higher calling than praying to the alter of capitalism.
Darnell: Praying to the alter of Capricorn? Oh, Hell no; ya'll some devil people.
BoomKeisha: Get behind me, Satan. (singing) Amazing Grace
Missionary: We just want to give you a better life.
Darnell: What was wrong with the one we had? You got an Xbox?
BoomKeisha: Can I get some extensions in my braids?
Missionary: Quiet, children, there is a police checkpoint ahead.
Darnell: Snap, it’s the Po Po!
BoomKeisha: I'm about to pull a “Precious” and get paid! I'm gonna tell them you touched me in my happy place.

I look forward to sharing and exchanging ideas.

***

Click here to read Professor Loc's blog.
 

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