Soledad O’Brien hosts this highly anticipated series. CNN’s Black in America-Almighty Debt is the third installment of the documentary series focused on Black hardships in America. The documentary takes the viewer on a journey with several different families that are in financial crisis for different reasons. The realism of their situations grabs your attention forcing you to look at yourself and evaluate everything you’ve been raised to think about money. I wonder how many of us are really debt free?
The premiere was unique, in that the key people in the documentary were also in attendance alongside CNN analysts. CNN’s Roland Martin (blue suit), along with CNN business news correspondent Stephanie Elam (pink dress), joined with the featured Pastor of the documentaries church centered theme. Pastor DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries (Senior Pastor for First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey second from left) and Ronald Green, Houston City Controller (far right) all sat on the panel discussing the issues with Soledad O’Brien (middle). The panel opened the floor to the audience, who was able to express their concerns to the panel. The common denominator in many of the issues is the sad notion that you have to “keep up with the Joneses,” and the under-valued philosophy of living within your means.
Here are a few great quotes from the documentary and subsequent panel discussion:
“I’m against optimism if it’s not rooted in reality.” -Pastor Buster Soaries
“Debt is Slavery” -Pastor Buster Soaries
“Elevate this as a movement.” – Roland Martin
“People stay in these houses as if God’s going to pay the mortgage. God don’t pay mortgages.” -Pastor Buster Soaries
“Debt is a bigger problem than racism.”
“We had more self esteem when we were segregated.” -Pastor Buster Soaries
Soledad O’Brien takes you on a financial journey through the eyes of three families. This documentary is a must see. There are many lessons to learn, and by the time you finish watching the documentary you will be left with lingering questions and in depth contemplation on your overall financial status. The viewer will more than likely walk away with a new appreciation and understanding of how to stretch the value of $1.00. Make sure you tune in on October 21, 2010 at 9pm/est. “It’s time to remove the invisible shackles that financial debt employs.” -Roland Martin.
About PATH Blogger Shuntia Wheeler: Shuntia Wheeler is a graduate student at Prairie View A&M University. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Prairie View A&M University in December 2009. Ms. Wheeler has demonstrated leadership in various organizations; She is the former Financial Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists PV Chapter, a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honors society for communication, she has served as the Academic Editor of The Pantherland Yearbook, and she is a contributing journalist for The Panther. Check out her blog at www.shuntia-wheeler.blogspot.com, as she presents world news from a fresh perspective through fun, fierce, and factual stories impacting the world we live in. Email her at shuntia@pathmagazine.com
