Posted on 02/18/2018 10:05:55 AM PST by boycott
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has never been shy about discussing social issues or concerns within the black community.
And during an interview with ESPN, Barkley talked about efforts he is making to improve life for some in the black community.
The comments came on the heels of opinions shared by NBA superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
James said that Trump "doesn't give a f--- about the people" while Durant said, "And I feel like our team, as a country, is not run by a great coach."
Barkley also chimed in on Trump in the ESPN interview.
"I'm not a fan of the president," he said. "I don't talk bad about the president because he is the president of the United States. But I'm not a fan. I think he's divisive. I think he's very divisive."
Barkley commended another NBA Hall of Famer, David Robinson, as well as James for their efforts in the black community.
Then Barkley discussed his own ideas Friday on First Take in the interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
"I'm working on a new initiative in Alabama - you know, Stephen A., I don't know any black plumbers, any black electricians, any black car mechanics," Barkley said. "So I'm going back to Alabama over the summer and I'm going to partner with a vocational school to get more black plumbers, electricians."
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
But the traditional Black public college in Alabama was Alabama A&M...that’s Agricultural and Mechanical...in other words, vocational. It taught practical education and vocational training and was condemned as racist because it was not more classically academic.
So Barkley wants to go back to those old crow daze.
Right. Between us—I’m in Tallassee—there are PLENTY of black plumbers, mechanics and carpenters in Tuskegee, Union Springs and other diverse places.
A cynical person might think this is groundwork for Charles’ first political campaign.
You’ve got a good point. They offered more to the black community and society overall when the focus was on real vocations.
Arent these the types of jobs the Democrats tell us Americans dont want to do?
You lying blowhard...That was Trump's idea...One of his campaign promises...
That’s a fact. I had my roof raised in 2000—had a black guy and his sons, grandsons, even, come rebuild my chimney.
I had the same folks made a brick foundation for my in-laws doublewide back in 2006.
I wonder whether those guys are still in business?
Isn’t putting people to work demeaning?
You don't learn skilled trades by reading about them...
We are conservatives.
We want and deeply believe in the wisdom of smaller government.
Barkley made a ton of money during his NBA and broadcasting careers, no? If he wants to bankroll black people through trade school, that’s up to him.
I also believe LeBron is a pretty good family man. I don’t know a lot about Durant but I’ve got no problems hearing his views on helping the black community.
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The black family is almost non existent in many urban areas. During his First NBA final appearance LeBron’s mother was having a sexual relationship with Delante West, LeBron’s teammate. No one in his locker room said anything yet they all knew. If Lebron is now a faithful husband-father it would be in spite of not because of his “family”.
Bingo! Illegal immigration has been the biggest thing ruining the job market for both black and white youngsters trying to make it in the trades. I am in Alabama. We are horse breeders. In the ‘80’s we built a concrete barn. Black masons did the work. Since then as time as gone on every project we have done has had less Americans and more latinos. It is hard to know if they are legal or not. I hate using them but if you have a small contractor doing work you are stuck. You just can’t find anyone that doesn’t use them.
President Trump did things like that right after the election and before the inauguration and was stabbed in the back by black leaders who owe more to the democrat party than to their black followers.
Charles Barkley is on the right track though. President Trump wants to give special emphasis to vocational programs, and Barkley's program could fit into that. Neither Barkley nor President Trump should make a big deal out of any help Barkley receives from the president.
Does Barkley have the courage to endure the arrows that will come his way from fellow blacks if he joins with Trump?
I went to a community college (formerly vo-tech) in Alabama.
Started with about 60 people. 80% black. They got lots of help.
At the end of 18 months, me and another white guy graduated.
Let Charlie complain all he wants.
Won’t change a thing until earning an education is no longer considered “acting white.”
I don’t follow professional basketball or pretty much any professional sport but I believe LeBron is married and is a father to his children. Are there better role models? Absolutely! And those should be included too.
Hey more job security for me.
They rarely ever call a miss all (811 utility locate) before they start running their Ditch Witch trenchers through gas, phone, and CATV lines.
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The construction industry has changed greatly in the last 50 yrs or so.
There used to be a lot of black people in the trades, granted a lot were
in the lower end jobs. But among the brick layers, concrete, foundation,
electricians, plumbers, etc. they are now mostly of some Spanish decent.
Same goes for landscape to include mowing, etc.
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