We invited people to come to the Nichiren Shu meetings at the home of Mr. Shaka Khalphani because we encouraged people to express not only our culture, we teach Buddhist history in our faith that includes the African heritage.

The issue of centralization that Mr. Shaka Khalphani brought up sent chills through my body. Never upon never will I allow any religious order to inhibit my “Cultural Expression.” Nor will I be a part of the racist acts that I experienced in both the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu. The case and point of the name we call ourselves “Memphis Proud Black Buddhist.” Either Nichiren Shu can embrace us or want no parts of us. I do not Kowtow to anyone.

These things should be known more on the front end rather than the back end. When I came to the home of my friend Mr. Shaka Khalphani I never agreed to a policy of "Centralization." I would have never invited people to the home of Shaka had I known he would drop the “bombshell" of Centralization on me.” While there are national Buddhist organizations, in reality Buddhism is organic. Buddhism Ist grew in America because it was "organic." Each region had their own unique brand of Buddhism.  It seems to me that both the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu had a hidden agenda.  Ultimately the practice came down to "mind control."  Buddhist members were expected to submit their minds to Daisaku Ikeda.  This was "Centralization of the Faith."  When Daisaku Ikeda "Centralized Buddhism" he lost most people because they became like the "brain" and the people became like puppets.  The Nichiren Shoshu Priests Rev. Murata and Rev. Iwaki destroyed Buddhism in Memphis with its "Centralization Policy." These Japanese do not call it "Centralization" they just take your freedom in you find yourselves like a zombie and part of a system. We in Memphis just went through the misery of years of Buddhist Centralization and I want no parts of any religion that tramples on the freedom and dignity of a people to practice the religion freely. In my community we make decisions based on a need rather than being concerned if a White person is comfortable with Black culture.  In essence I operate "like a free Black man."

When we met at the home of Mr. Shaka Khalphani Shaka reminded me of what he had learned about being natural from Rev. Sugeno. We are friends and Buddhist and it is only natural that we can study and enjoy Buddhism together.

In Memphis, Tennessee I am a respected citizen and advertised by my Memphis Congressman as a “Hometown Hero.” It was “Disingenuous” for us to start praying and meeting then for Shaka to drop the “Centralization bomb on us.” Centralization is not in the best interest of African American Buddhist in Memphis, Tennessee.  We should concentrate 1st at integrating a foundation for Buddhist Culture in our community.  We do not rely of Houston, Texas as to how we do it.  We look to Houston, Texas to teach the formalities without controlling our lives.

It is best that we make direct contact to the powers in Nichiren Shu and clearly define the parameters and get a clear understanding as to what is a Nichiren Shu Buddhist.  It would be tragic to bring people to the Nichiren Shu religious organization and we find them to be as equally oppressive as the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu.  I refuse to trade one Japanese master for another.

Perhaps it is in my best interest to learn Nichiren Shu teachings in New York and I organize a “Memphis Proud Black Sangha” in my personal home. I understand that Shaka serves “Houston Texas” I serve my “Sick Child” before I think of taking care of my healthy Children. Again Nichiren Daishonin writes: "Suppose that a couple has seven children, one of whom falls ill. Although the parents love all their children equally, they worry most about the sick child." We too worry most about our sick children in Memphis.  It is the African American Buddhist in Memphis who need the most help.  If Whites were to emerge in Memphis as Buddhist, White people know how to take care of their own.  In all of reading regarding Buddhism it is the Black Sanghas that need help. What we read about Black Sanghas is discrimination and lack of African American participation in Buddhism  Such things can never happen if the strings are pulled by a puppet master in Houston or Japan.

 At this point I would love to engage with the African American Priest Myokei Caine Barrett, Shonin.  I did meet her at the home of Mr. Shaka Khalphani.  She looks better in person than on her pictures. Most Buddhist Priest "Shave Their Heads." It is a "Cultural Shock" in America seeing a female religious leader with a Shaved head.  Such things has advantages and disavantages. If she is presented in a "Formal Forum" this will play great.  If her photo is just blasted  over the internet it dones  would not work best.  Unlike a Japanese she seemed very comfortable in Memphis and meeting her you would never know that she is a Priest.  We never exchanged any words and she spent her time on the computer.  She seems to certainly have a "Keen Intellect."  I would think that such a person would appreciate our efforts to learn about Nichiren Shu and our asking questions.  In the case of the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu they never answer questions.  Please stay informed and we will give those interested the  "411."