Just looking out of the window…
Watching the asphalt glow
From supporting the weight of all the stones mean mugging folks
And the babies mommas holding babies on they hips
Smacking on bubble gum and flaming hot chips
Swearing this life is the shit cause they hollering at the chief
holding down the block
and the fate of those heading to cell blocks
Just looking out of the window
Watching souls of black folk
and babies pretending to have a childhood
playing behind steel bars on the first floor.
While they mommas hang out on the front porch
Yelling sit y’all asses down.
And they coming down off they high…
Wishing they self-esteem could get that high.
Just looking out of the window
Watching the neon lights flashing
OPEN signs seducing with promises
Link accepted here.
Single squares and malt liquor beer.
Black and Mild get smoked ghetto style
Only the strong and black survive here.
Just looking out of the window
Watching a bike get stole
Seeing lil man and ‘em stand in the freezing cold
And rain
Just so they can make it rain
Like Lil Wayne.
But all they doing is bringing pain
Actin insane in the membrane
Queens stripping dignity away giving brain
And that’s why so many refuse to remain.
Just looking out of the window…
Makes you wanna close your eyes…
And pray.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
The State of Illinois
The State of Illinois is certainly not in the best state of affairs.
That depends on how you look at it. Having Chicago as its metropolitan epicenter, Illinois has always been like the Tupac Double CD, “All Eyez On…” receiving prime time concentration. Unlike most states, big things jump off in the city and permeate, often influencing, what takes place in the State’s capital. It’s a political dance, and the lead is found in the fancy footwork of this state’s biggest city hall.
Let me take a moment to drop a little trivia. Most people refer to Chicago as Chi-Town, and yes the city is definitely cool like that. But even more popular is its moniker as the ‘Windy City.’ And that has nothing to do with the weather…it was a nickname given to reflect the boisterous, flamboyant, and ambitious styling of its political landscape.
So it should come as no surprise that the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate would be from this state. No more of a surprise then that from Illinois would rise the third Black popularly-elected U.S. Senator who subsequently became the first Black U.S. president.
With all this history, Illinois has very seldom had a reprise from the limelight.
But it ain’t all good.
Exactly one-month and a day into the State’s “Barack as President-elect honeymoon,” Illinoisans woke up to the morning news on every local channel showing their governor, Rod Blagojevich, handcuffed and headed to jail.
Uhhh… Deja-vu? Does this state’s highest seat have a thing for prison blues?
Apparently. In fact, Blagojevich’s predecessor, George Ryan is locked down for scandalous governing and corruption that involved the deaths of a family of children.
Now what are Blago’s crimes, one might wonder if they haven’t had access to a television since he has appeared on more television outlets than the syndicated episodes of The Jefferson’s.
Well, his blatant manipulation and failues haven't resulted in deaths.
Now I’m not any political pundit or commentator, so in real simple terms this is how I see Blagojevich’s crimes… he was playing the “pay to play” game. Now I’m not familiar with other state’s political game (really city cause remember what I said about Chicago) but as Blago’s personal home phone line was being tapped and he handed his career over to Atty. General Patrick Fitzgerald. It’s true…he was caught cussing and all, sounding like a brother who’d been fired after a long day of manual labor. His conversations ranged from other State officials, to private board members, to media execs. He was shopping the former U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama like an auction on Ebay. EXCEPT…the money never changed hands.
Now again, I’m just a little citizen…but where I come from, somebody may say they got something in exchange for some cash, but it isn’t official to the exchange takes place.
I guess he is guilty of conspiring to commit bribery. I guess…
See, I have a few issues with this whole saga. For one thing, Impeachment is costly to citizens, cause none of the legislators who voted for this are taking any pay cuts to help fund this costly proceeding. Not one doggone bill or piece of legislation is being sponsored and passed into law while these shenanigans play out. And the majority of our school systems are still absolutely horrid.
This “pay to play” is nothing new. And quite frankly I am tired of the BS, these greedy ogres posing as public servants of this State. And in the midst of it all is BLACK politicians pimping the Black vote, using it as a bartering and negotiating tool. That is what this is all about.
Funny thing about Illinois and Chicago politics, these jokers have become horrible at their own game, turning on one another, backbiting, clawing their way out of the barrel. With the exception of Roland Burris; Sen. Brookins; Judge Pincham and a handful of others, I have yet to hear of any Black public servants who serve with true integrity.
Governor Blagojevich is being shunned during his storm and lots of folks are standing silent who gave him carte blanch to the black vote.
Before, Black preachers welcomed him into their pulpits and endorsed his references to Harold Washington and other Black icons. They let him come in to the pulpit and start shucking and jiving, embarrassing him self sounding like a dejected Toby. The congregation suddenly believed cause “Pastor” let him come into the pulpit, Jesus Christ himself had ordained the election in favor of Blago who (rumored) to promise goods handed over to preacher man upon election. In return, the preachers got building funds/projects/cushy jobs for relatives/property/etc.
In some instances, retaliation from Black leaders would manifest in threats of mobilizing the Black vote…flexing political muscle by organizing some temper tantrum demonstration…which then resulted in closed door meetings and what do you know…all is resolved, but the thing that the black community demonstrated about and called to the local talk show radio station in a fit about remains the same. The black folk forgot al about it the next week.
There’s also the crew of the ‘Grown and Sexy” politicians and their lobbyists who will throw their support (and a bunch of parties too) PUBLICLY behind one candidate but on the side its an entirely different picture. The public support is just to offer just enough credibility to the candidate. This also serves to say, “Hey, I supported my brothers/sisters.” YET, their money and fundraising efforts for the closet candidate they know will go much further in a victory.
I could go on and on…and really drop some nuggets, but who am I? I don’t have any wire tapping devices hooked up to anyone’s phone line. What I observe though, is his colleagues created the ego that is Rod Blagojevich. The votes and campaign dollars that got him into office for both terms was PROMISED to him by his colleagues, if he paid to play…so he did what he was allowed, dare I say encouraged to do.
But what I do know for sure is every child in Illinois has health insurance. Every preschool age child can attend head start. Illinois is the only State to draft legislation that funds prevention of HIV/AIDS amongst African Americans, with an emphasis on the incarcerated. More Blacks were appointed to head State departments during Governor Blagojevich’s 1st term. He created the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, to which he appointed Sis. Claudette Muhammad of NOI. AND he defended and stood by her when the ADL called for her resignation. Taxes have not been increased for citizens. Millions have gone into state-wide homeownership counseling to deal with the housing crisis. The Illinois school system has gained more funding during his term…and we can breathe smoke-free air in this state.
I would not vote for Blago again…but my money is funny and I don’t need it going to support monkey business in Springfield. What I think needs to happen is EVERY single one of them down there needs to be ousted and we can start new. Although I love (Kwame Raul…he’s the truth) and a few others…okay so not all, but 80%
Final thoughts…if you’re going to publicly persecute someone, they should have a just and fair day. BRING forth all the evidence and ALL those involved in the recorded conversations. If he can’t get that, then leave this to the criminal courts.
Poor Blago…ticked off the wrong one…must’ve been the real ruler of the city, umm I mean state.
Wonder who that was…???
La'Keisha Gray-Sewell
That depends on how you look at it. Having Chicago as its metropolitan epicenter, Illinois has always been like the Tupac Double CD, “All Eyez On…” receiving prime time concentration. Unlike most states, big things jump off in the city and permeate, often influencing, what takes place in the State’s capital. It’s a political dance, and the lead is found in the fancy footwork of this state’s biggest city hall.
Let me take a moment to drop a little trivia. Most people refer to Chicago as Chi-Town, and yes the city is definitely cool like that. But even more popular is its moniker as the ‘Windy City.’ And that has nothing to do with the weather…it was a nickname given to reflect the boisterous, flamboyant, and ambitious styling of its political landscape.
So it should come as no surprise that the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate would be from this state. No more of a surprise then that from Illinois would rise the third Black popularly-elected U.S. Senator who subsequently became the first Black U.S. president.
With all this history, Illinois has very seldom had a reprise from the limelight.
But it ain’t all good.
Exactly one-month and a day into the State’s “Barack as President-elect honeymoon,” Illinoisans woke up to the morning news on every local channel showing their governor, Rod Blagojevich, handcuffed and headed to jail.
Uhhh… Deja-vu? Does this state’s highest seat have a thing for prison blues?
Apparently. In fact, Blagojevich’s predecessor, George Ryan is locked down for scandalous governing and corruption that involved the deaths of a family of children.
Now what are Blago’s crimes, one might wonder if they haven’t had access to a television since he has appeared on more television outlets than the syndicated episodes of The Jefferson’s.
Well, his blatant manipulation and failues haven't resulted in deaths.
Now I’m not any political pundit or commentator, so in real simple terms this is how I see Blagojevich’s crimes… he was playing the “pay to play” game. Now I’m not familiar with other state’s political game (really city cause remember what I said about Chicago) but as Blago’s personal home phone line was being tapped and he handed his career over to Atty. General Patrick Fitzgerald. It’s true…he was caught cussing and all, sounding like a brother who’d been fired after a long day of manual labor. His conversations ranged from other State officials, to private board members, to media execs. He was shopping the former U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama like an auction on Ebay. EXCEPT…the money never changed hands.
Now again, I’m just a little citizen…but where I come from, somebody may say they got something in exchange for some cash, but it isn’t official to the exchange takes place.
I guess he is guilty of conspiring to commit bribery. I guess…
See, I have a few issues with this whole saga. For one thing, Impeachment is costly to citizens, cause none of the legislators who voted for this are taking any pay cuts to help fund this costly proceeding. Not one doggone bill or piece of legislation is being sponsored and passed into law while these shenanigans play out. And the majority of our school systems are still absolutely horrid.
This “pay to play” is nothing new. And quite frankly I am tired of the BS, these greedy ogres posing as public servants of this State. And in the midst of it all is BLACK politicians pimping the Black vote, using it as a bartering and negotiating tool. That is what this is all about.
Funny thing about Illinois and Chicago politics, these jokers have become horrible at their own game, turning on one another, backbiting, clawing their way out of the barrel. With the exception of Roland Burris; Sen. Brookins; Judge Pincham and a handful of others, I have yet to hear of any Black public servants who serve with true integrity.
Governor Blagojevich is being shunned during his storm and lots of folks are standing silent who gave him carte blanch to the black vote.
Before, Black preachers welcomed him into their pulpits and endorsed his references to Harold Washington and other Black icons. They let him come in to the pulpit and start shucking and jiving, embarrassing him self sounding like a dejected Toby. The congregation suddenly believed cause “Pastor” let him come into the pulpit, Jesus Christ himself had ordained the election in favor of Blago who (rumored) to promise goods handed over to preacher man upon election. In return, the preachers got building funds/projects/cushy jobs for relatives/property/etc.
In some instances, retaliation from Black leaders would manifest in threats of mobilizing the Black vote…flexing political muscle by organizing some temper tantrum demonstration…which then resulted in closed door meetings and what do you know…all is resolved, but the thing that the black community demonstrated about and called to the local talk show radio station in a fit about remains the same. The black folk forgot al about it the next week.
There’s also the crew of the ‘Grown and Sexy” politicians and their lobbyists who will throw their support (and a bunch of parties too) PUBLICLY behind one candidate but on the side its an entirely different picture. The public support is just to offer just enough credibility to the candidate. This also serves to say, “Hey, I supported my brothers/sisters.” YET, their money and fundraising efforts for the closet candidate they know will go much further in a victory.
I could go on and on…and really drop some nuggets, but who am I? I don’t have any wire tapping devices hooked up to anyone’s phone line. What I observe though, is his colleagues created the ego that is Rod Blagojevich. The votes and campaign dollars that got him into office for both terms was PROMISED to him by his colleagues, if he paid to play…so he did what he was allowed, dare I say encouraged to do.
But what I do know for sure is every child in Illinois has health insurance. Every preschool age child can attend head start. Illinois is the only State to draft legislation that funds prevention of HIV/AIDS amongst African Americans, with an emphasis on the incarcerated. More Blacks were appointed to head State departments during Governor Blagojevich’s 1st term. He created the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, to which he appointed Sis. Claudette Muhammad of NOI. AND he defended and stood by her when the ADL called for her resignation. Taxes have not been increased for citizens. Millions have gone into state-wide homeownership counseling to deal with the housing crisis. The Illinois school system has gained more funding during his term…and we can breathe smoke-free air in this state.
I would not vote for Blago again…but my money is funny and I don’t need it going to support monkey business in Springfield. What I think needs to happen is EVERY single one of them down there needs to be ousted and we can start new. Although I love (Kwame Raul…he’s the truth) and a few others…okay so not all, but 80%
Final thoughts…if you’re going to publicly persecute someone, they should have a just and fair day. BRING forth all the evidence and ALL those involved in the recorded conversations. If he can’t get that, then leave this to the criminal courts.
Poor Blago…ticked off the wrong one…must’ve been the real ruler of the city, umm I mean state.
Wonder who that was…???
La'Keisha Gray-Sewell
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Dr. King
Here it is 2009, already. It is also the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I can remember, and it seems like it only yesterday, that Black grown-ups all around me were fighting mad because “the man” didn’t want to give “us” a day to honor Dr. King.
Lots of heated debates, tons of racial epithets, (and let me say there weren’t any white folks around so that goes to show they aren’t the only ones who use slurs) and even furious tears.
But alas, the time came for rejoicing and little black kids all over were jamming to Stevie’s version of Happy Birthday. And everybody sang along to Sing Celebrate!
Wow, those times felt so good. A fight had been fought, yet tears and scarred spirits weathered the storm of an almost 20 year fight before a victory. “Now every January on the third Monday, we pay homage to a man who paved the way for freedom, justice…”
Okay let me stop.
For those who don’t know the above lines are the lyrics from the most popular Dr. King celebration song. I was 8 years old when his birthday became a National holiday, 11 years old when that song came out, and I tell you it is amazing to juxtapose that time with today as I have children who are currently in the same age group as I was then.
Imagine. That was the same time a Republican was at the helm of our Nation. It was also the same time when houses were being boarded up across our country in cities like the Bronx in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philly and Compton where families struggled to keep their heads above water in an economy that only fed a laughable war on drugs and government-sponsored dealings with Iran-Contra and others whose activities devastated foreign lands while Americans sat at home watching Love Boat, Dynasty, and Love Connection barely noticing the circumstances of those overseas. But we held out….we were pushed up against the wall and the victory of honoring the man who gave us the hope that one day all men would be treated fairly based on the content of their character versus the pigmentation of their skin, well it made us feel like we could come off the wall and start fighting back again.
Next thing you know, a black man became the first to be elected as the Mayor of Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the country. Ironically, it was a city that Dr. King himself had come to live as he fought against housing discrimination.
And the train never stopped moving towards the station of freedom.
Then fast-forward some 20 years later. Is not like a mirror being held up to the face of time? Who is our President? What does our economy look like? What illegal government-sponsored evil is being played out right this moment as I type this? What is the most visible condition of our economic distress…is it not foreclosed property?
Is our media attempting to make us entertain ourselves out of our tragic and sobering reality?
Yet, there has been this feeling of hope in the air. There has been victories coming that make us FEEL that something in the wind is blowing in the direction of change. I won’t give credit to any one man, but I will say as Dr. King did many decades ago, that this Nation has a date with destiny and there is a movement that no man can stop.
People can sense a fighting spirit that unites every citizen, regardless of color, who long for change…who know the purpose of humanity.
And I don’t know about any of you, but I am extremely happy in my spirit. I feel we are not at our destination, but nothing feels better than knowing where your journey began, and acknowledging you have somewhere to go forward to. To make an analogy, just think. When most people are asked what was their most treasured time in life, many (of course not all) but many say what? When they were children…Why? Because you knew where your home and family were. You could go outside and play dream about what you would be when you grew up, you weren’t afraid to take an adventure, and always you could check in, but off you’d go again. You felt free.
I believe America is in its second childhood and we have a chance to get it right. Black America is in its moment. It is a moment that can empower all of us. It is a moment that can unite us all in the same tenets that Dr. King dreamed of. At the end of the day, we are all the same, we all have the exact same basic desires, to be free to express ourselves, to be treated fairly, to earn our way, to be educated and allowed access…we all want Constitutional rights and to know that riding a subway train will not get you handcuffed and shot in the back like Oscar Grant was on the BART system in Oakland and so many other men of color in ghettos around this Nation.
I reflect today and feel so proud of who I am and the heritage I come from.
I sat tonight and watched as the Chicago Defender honored 51 Black men (including my CEO, Byron V. Garrett) as Men of Excellence because they “care more than others think is safe; dream more than others think is practical; and expect more than others think is possible.”
All day today it has been resonating with me how history re-creates itself until we get the lesson, but even more during this event I took it all in that the Chicago Defender…the paper that freed twice as many sharecroppers as Harriet Tubman did slaves and the paper that has been the pulse of the black community forever, was showing us what Black excellence looks like and how it strides.
I was tickled sitting there and seeing so many little boys emerge from matured mens’ bodies. You could see these men were just as proud as if they had gotten honor roll or class valedictorian in high school in front of their mommas. They had nervous energy and immense pride. It was a sight to see. But it took me to another place as well.
Seeing these men who spanned generations and were from every walk of life and every imaginable background scope, I recalled just earlier today I saw a post from a very well-respected Chicago journalist who is searching for some wealthy black people who could share what it feels like to be in the talented tenth.
I am overjoyed that because of Dr, King and those that dare to believe in better tomorrows for the present and future generations, that wealth and is not their highest honor and that their contributions exceed the limits of the talented tenth.
Happy Birthday Dr. King!!!
Please check out the video...classic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGKW3O6EpMo
I can remember, and it seems like it only yesterday, that Black grown-ups all around me were fighting mad because “the man” didn’t want to give “us” a day to honor Dr. King.
Lots of heated debates, tons of racial epithets, (and let me say there weren’t any white folks around so that goes to show they aren’t the only ones who use slurs) and even furious tears.
But alas, the time came for rejoicing and little black kids all over were jamming to Stevie’s version of Happy Birthday. And everybody sang along to Sing Celebrate!
Wow, those times felt so good. A fight had been fought, yet tears and scarred spirits weathered the storm of an almost 20 year fight before a victory. “Now every January on the third Monday, we pay homage to a man who paved the way for freedom, justice…”
Okay let me stop.
For those who don’t know the above lines are the lyrics from the most popular Dr. King celebration song. I was 8 years old when his birthday became a National holiday, 11 years old when that song came out, and I tell you it is amazing to juxtapose that time with today as I have children who are currently in the same age group as I was then.
Imagine. That was the same time a Republican was at the helm of our Nation. It was also the same time when houses were being boarded up across our country in cities like the Bronx in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philly and Compton where families struggled to keep their heads above water in an economy that only fed a laughable war on drugs and government-sponsored dealings with Iran-Contra and others whose activities devastated foreign lands while Americans sat at home watching Love Boat, Dynasty, and Love Connection barely noticing the circumstances of those overseas. But we held out….we were pushed up against the wall and the victory of honoring the man who gave us the hope that one day all men would be treated fairly based on the content of their character versus the pigmentation of their skin, well it made us feel like we could come off the wall and start fighting back again.
Next thing you know, a black man became the first to be elected as the Mayor of Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the country. Ironically, it was a city that Dr. King himself had come to live as he fought against housing discrimination.
And the train never stopped moving towards the station of freedom.
Then fast-forward some 20 years later. Is not like a mirror being held up to the face of time? Who is our President? What does our economy look like? What illegal government-sponsored evil is being played out right this moment as I type this? What is the most visible condition of our economic distress…is it not foreclosed property?
Is our media attempting to make us entertain ourselves out of our tragic and sobering reality?
Yet, there has been this feeling of hope in the air. There has been victories coming that make us FEEL that something in the wind is blowing in the direction of change. I won’t give credit to any one man, but I will say as Dr. King did many decades ago, that this Nation has a date with destiny and there is a movement that no man can stop.
People can sense a fighting spirit that unites every citizen, regardless of color, who long for change…who know the purpose of humanity.
And I don’t know about any of you, but I am extremely happy in my spirit. I feel we are not at our destination, but nothing feels better than knowing where your journey began, and acknowledging you have somewhere to go forward to. To make an analogy, just think. When most people are asked what was their most treasured time in life, many (of course not all) but many say what? When they were children…Why? Because you knew where your home and family were. You could go outside and play dream about what you would be when you grew up, you weren’t afraid to take an adventure, and always you could check in, but off you’d go again. You felt free.
I believe America is in its second childhood and we have a chance to get it right. Black America is in its moment. It is a moment that can empower all of us. It is a moment that can unite us all in the same tenets that Dr. King dreamed of. At the end of the day, we are all the same, we all have the exact same basic desires, to be free to express ourselves, to be treated fairly, to earn our way, to be educated and allowed access…we all want Constitutional rights and to know that riding a subway train will not get you handcuffed and shot in the back like Oscar Grant was on the BART system in Oakland and so many other men of color in ghettos around this Nation.
I reflect today and feel so proud of who I am and the heritage I come from.
I sat tonight and watched as the Chicago Defender honored 51 Black men (including my CEO, Byron V. Garrett) as Men of Excellence because they “care more than others think is safe; dream more than others think is practical; and expect more than others think is possible.”
All day today it has been resonating with me how history re-creates itself until we get the lesson, but even more during this event I took it all in that the Chicago Defender…the paper that freed twice as many sharecroppers as Harriet Tubman did slaves and the paper that has been the pulse of the black community forever, was showing us what Black excellence looks like and how it strides.
I was tickled sitting there and seeing so many little boys emerge from matured mens’ bodies. You could see these men were just as proud as if they had gotten honor roll or class valedictorian in high school in front of their mommas. They had nervous energy and immense pride. It was a sight to see. But it took me to another place as well.
Seeing these men who spanned generations and were from every walk of life and every imaginable background scope, I recalled just earlier today I saw a post from a very well-respected Chicago journalist who is searching for some wealthy black people who could share what it feels like to be in the talented tenth.
I am overjoyed that because of Dr, King and those that dare to believe in better tomorrows for the present and future generations, that wealth and is not their highest honor and that their contributions exceed the limits of the talented tenth.
Happy Birthday Dr. King!!!
Please check out the video...classic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGKW3O6EpMo
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Top Reasons Michelle Obama could be USA proud
First Tina sang about Mary, now Proud Michelle Obama has got things rollin'!
With her husband going hard at the U.S. Presidential bid, Michelle Obama has been gracing the campaign trail on Barack's behalf. Just as eloquent in her delivery as her husband, the very refined yet 'around the way sister-girl' delivery is polished enough to crossover and resonate with white educated and soccer-moms.
Yet, somehow she has found a way to come under direct fire from political pundits and mainstream media. Apparently, Ms. Michelle got a little too caught up in her husband's momentous primary wins. So much so that she had the audacity to voice her sentiments regarding her affinity for America. Seems she only recently has really been able to hold her head tall when it comes to her native country.
For the past week, her comments have been dissected in the headlines of media broadcasts and bloggers alike. Just for the record, these are her exact words (and you can view the actual speech on below):
"What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I've seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it's made me proud."
Maybe Michelle hasn't gotten the memo that she is a citizen of the beautiful land of the free and home of the brave.
Of course, she wouldn't have been necessarily "proud" of America before her birth in 1964. That's understandable, given the fact of slavery having taken place for the first 200+ years of this nations' history. And we all can agree that nobody could find an ounce of civil decency in the atrocious offenses of lynching and burnings that Ida B.Wells spoke out about during the 1920's and 1930's such as the Tulsa Riots or the Rosewood Massacre. Things were almost perfect for our country once Mamie Tillman decided to publicize her son's devastating remains for the world to see in 1955.
But Michelle should be grateful that she did not have to exist in a country where 4 little lives were blown away in the heinous church bombing less than a year before she was even born. AND, my goodness, the Civil Rights Movement worked so hard to ensure her lifetime would be full of promise and harmony, in a peaceful land of opportunity and justice for all. What more was there to be proud of than when the Voting Rights Act was signed into legislation?
Bless her little heart that she was just too young and naïve to understand that Tommie Smith and John Carlos were ostracized and threatened by their fellow Americans after being summarily dismissed from the US Olympic team in 1968 because they gave the Power to the People salute after their Gold and Bronze wins (respectively). If she had been an adult, maybe she might've been able to see reason to celebrate all this on behalf of her country.
She may have come of age in some discerning times to say the least, but she faced nothing like what was before her time. Things had to start looking up as she matured and we advanced in this Free world.
So, the magic question is why has Michelle Obama had to wait until her adult life to be 'proud' of her country?
Oh, maybe it was because in 1972 while she was yet a little girl, the President of her country was caught in corruption that ran the gamut between illegal wire tapping, robbery, threats, and violent attacks, notably called the Watergate Scandal.
Good thing she wasn't an adult when her President decided to use his constitutional discretion for 'police action' and involve American soldiers in the Vietnam War. She was probably too young then to know how to be proud of this activity on behalf of her country where millions of lives were lost and subsequently homes and families torn apart on both lands…leaving thousands American veterans maimed and disabled for the rest of their lives.
Luckily the country didn't assume her pride in it while she was a teenager during the 1980s and CIA Iran-Contra Affair propagated the proliferation and distribution of crack cocaine in Black communities across the America. But wait, no she would have been an adult by then…maybe this is when she could have first proclaimed her patriotism while all around her on the south side of Chicago destruction prevailed as yet another President rallied and united our country with great slogans like "just say no," and tax incentives for the rich.
But then again, yet another opportunity arose in the 1990s for country-pride when the United States' President and foreign policy turned a sleeping eye to the genocide and AIDS pandemic that spread across Africa. And when cries and a staunch fight to overturn affirmative action spread like wildfire across the country, THAT had to be the prime time to be so proud.
Onward as our new millennium arrived sagged by the first ever terrorist attack on US soil paralyzing the country, where was her patriotism for this mighty country? Given the swift promise and prophecy of the current administration, especially Bush's arrogant declaration when during the State of the Union Address of 2002 Bush stated "…as we gather tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in recession and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet the state of our union has never been stronger." Now knowing we had such a level headed commander in chief should have had Michelle heading up the AGC (American Glee Club).
It is a wonder that she didn't become explicit in her fondness of this country and especially its leadership when yet again the Bush man showed the world just how arrogant America can be when we engaged in preemptive war under false pretenses and the propaganda of fear.
Still, surely, Michelle Obama had to have felt a surge of pride after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and agreed wholeheartedly with President Bush when he turned to FEMA chief, Michael Brown, and announced "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job," notwithstanding the swelling feeling she must have had as the situation of the Superdome and those left in flooding sewage died and floated past news cameras. Swelling with what emotion I'm not sure…maybe pride???
Somewhere in the happenings of our great nation Michelle Obama could find a few top reasons to be a PROUD American…or maybe she's stuck under some rock. Could be the mythical Plymouth Rock that overshadows accomplishments of black civilization in America, which is also still being passed on as the discovery zone of Christopher Columbus.
I must say, I'm mighty happy for Michelle, at least she has found her pride in this country…I'm still waiting on mine.
How about you?
With her husband going hard at the U.S. Presidential bid, Michelle Obama has been gracing the campaign trail on Barack's behalf. Just as eloquent in her delivery as her husband, the very refined yet 'around the way sister-girl' delivery is polished enough to crossover and resonate with white educated and soccer-moms.
Yet, somehow she has found a way to come under direct fire from political pundits and mainstream media. Apparently, Ms. Michelle got a little too caught up in her husband's momentous primary wins. So much so that she had the audacity to voice her sentiments regarding her affinity for America. Seems she only recently has really been able to hold her head tall when it comes to her native country.
For the past week, her comments have been dissected in the headlines of media broadcasts and bloggers alike. Just for the record, these are her exact words (and you can view the actual speech on below):
"What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I've seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it's made me proud."
Maybe Michelle hasn't gotten the memo that she is a citizen of the beautiful land of the free and home of the brave.
Of course, she wouldn't have been necessarily "proud" of America before her birth in 1964. That's understandable, given the fact of slavery having taken place for the first 200+ years of this nations' history. And we all can agree that nobody could find an ounce of civil decency in the atrocious offenses of lynching and burnings that Ida B.Wells spoke out about during the 1920's and 1930's such as the Tulsa Riots or the Rosewood Massacre. Things were almost perfect for our country once Mamie Tillman decided to publicize her son's devastating remains for the world to see in 1955.
But Michelle should be grateful that she did not have to exist in a country where 4 little lives were blown away in the heinous church bombing less than a year before she was even born. AND, my goodness, the Civil Rights Movement worked so hard to ensure her lifetime would be full of promise and harmony, in a peaceful land of opportunity and justice for all. What more was there to be proud of than when the Voting Rights Act was signed into legislation?
Bless her little heart that she was just too young and naïve to understand that Tommie Smith and John Carlos were ostracized and threatened by their fellow Americans after being summarily dismissed from the US Olympic team in 1968 because they gave the Power to the People salute after their Gold and Bronze wins (respectively). If she had been an adult, maybe she might've been able to see reason to celebrate all this on behalf of her country.
She may have come of age in some discerning times to say the least, but she faced nothing like what was before her time. Things had to start looking up as she matured and we advanced in this Free world.
So, the magic question is why has Michelle Obama had to wait until her adult life to be 'proud' of her country?
Oh, maybe it was because in 1972 while she was yet a little girl, the President of her country was caught in corruption that ran the gamut between illegal wire tapping, robbery, threats, and violent attacks, notably called the Watergate Scandal.
Good thing she wasn't an adult when her President decided to use his constitutional discretion for 'police action' and involve American soldiers in the Vietnam War. She was probably too young then to know how to be proud of this activity on behalf of her country where millions of lives were lost and subsequently homes and families torn apart on both lands…leaving thousands American veterans maimed and disabled for the rest of their lives.
Luckily the country didn't assume her pride in it while she was a teenager during the 1980s and CIA Iran-Contra Affair propagated the proliferation and distribution of crack cocaine in Black communities across the America. But wait, no she would have been an adult by then…maybe this is when she could have first proclaimed her patriotism while all around her on the south side of Chicago destruction prevailed as yet another President rallied and united our country with great slogans like "just say no," and tax incentives for the rich.
But then again, yet another opportunity arose in the 1990s for country-pride when the United States' President and foreign policy turned a sleeping eye to the genocide and AIDS pandemic that spread across Africa. And when cries and a staunch fight to overturn affirmative action spread like wildfire across the country, THAT had to be the prime time to be so proud.
Onward as our new millennium arrived sagged by the first ever terrorist attack on US soil paralyzing the country, where was her patriotism for this mighty country? Given the swift promise and prophecy of the current administration, especially Bush's arrogant declaration when during the State of the Union Address of 2002 Bush stated "…as we gather tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in recession and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet the state of our union has never been stronger." Now knowing we had such a level headed commander in chief should have had Michelle heading up the AGC (American Glee Club).
It is a wonder that she didn't become explicit in her fondness of this country and especially its leadership when yet again the Bush man showed the world just how arrogant America can be when we engaged in preemptive war under false pretenses and the propaganda of fear.
Still, surely, Michelle Obama had to have felt a surge of pride after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and agreed wholeheartedly with President Bush when he turned to FEMA chief, Michael Brown, and announced "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job," notwithstanding the swelling feeling she must have had as the situation of the Superdome and those left in flooding sewage died and floated past news cameras. Swelling with what emotion I'm not sure…maybe pride???
Somewhere in the happenings of our great nation Michelle Obama could find a few top reasons to be a PROUD American…or maybe she's stuck under some rock. Could be the mythical Plymouth Rock that overshadows accomplishments of black civilization in America, which is also still being passed on as the discovery zone of Christopher Columbus.
I must say, I'm mighty happy for Michelle, at least she has found her pride in this country…I'm still waiting on mine.
How about you?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Barack's Got Haters
I’m a bit perplexed. No make that downright aggravated.
One thing is I cannot let go and ignore some haters (sorry to use this term but I gotta call it like I see it). Much of why I felt so cynical last year is because folks love to sprinkle salt and of course where salt is sprinkled some by-standers will feel it under their feet. Is it me, or no matter what some people do that is good in the world, there is another somebody just lurking in the shadows to point out all the wrongs they have done? Not that I am this Miss Zen type of person, but I TRY to appreciate where someone is standing and what they have to deliver. I don’t know. It just really peeves me that many of the historical and significant strides being made are being truncated by some pissy-tailed whiners.
What am I talking about? A whole bunch of stuff but mainly the backlash Barack has been getting from many other black folks. It kills me that the beef folks have with Barack is that he isn’t black enough or doesn’t address enough hood issues. Not that those are not legitimate beefs, but please tell me these same folks are banging on the doors of their local statesmen about the same complaints. Tell me they are paying a visit to their local officials and holding them accountable for any of the world’s ills. Let me know the last time they took a trip to D.C. and actually visited the White House (Cindy Sheehan managed, or hell did they even write the letter?
Now here it is, that we are about to elect the U.S. President, and for the first time the race involves a serious Black contender who really does give a damn that he stands a chance to win, and folks want to choose this time to say just how many of the WORLD’S problems he cannot fix. I mean come on…for real!?! Who else are you holding to these standards? My point is, there will be a president elected to the U.S. office. Plenty of white men have had their chances to mess up in the name of democracy, several have left black folks worse off than when they got into office, the majority focused on the old white vote, very few learned to speak Arabic, Swahili, Japanese, etc. so their genuine interest in fair foreign relations is questionable. But it only becomes a problem that we feel so adamant about so we discourage folks from “liking” or “celebrating” a black man’s audacity to hope. Get a freaking life HATERS!
Same folks sitting they comfortable asses in a mortgaged home, driving a nice luxury cars(or they just got conscious and downgraded a bit) hopping on planes for leisure/business, attending Ivy walled schools, politicking with well-bred folk of the same ilk. Where I’m from…never mind. Let’s just say it would not be tolerated. And screw representing the people with all this incarcerated mumbo because when is the last time you did a lock-down on some Gestapo journalism, set up shop in filthy housing units, slept with Katrina survivors (not in a hotel), roughed in the Appalachian region with some folk, or visited Pakistan or Iraq, hell the Sudan? You haven’t so shut the heck up!
For real, sometimes we need to examine our shit, stop trying to make our demo sweet.
I’m ranting so this is coming fast….then people have the nerve to mention Mayor Washington (Harold Washington for folks not from Chi) like they ever lived here or can conceptually grasp what this city was like before he became CEO. You know what, Mayor Washington would be in full support of Barack Obama. And this isn’t fully about Obama, it’s just about HATING folks period.
All this hating has dampened my spirits, for real. It’s like okay yeah, most of these problems have been around for centuries, since the existence of man, so more than likely, some thing’s will continue for centuries more. But my people, damn, do YOUR small part and don’t let that part be a measurement against what someone else is or is not doing.
If you are not contributing to someone’s campaign fund, then you really do not have a legitimate beef with them…they owe you nothing. If you do not make a practice of utilizing your right as a citizen and voting, step back and go lecture yourself into a hole.
If you are number one activist in the streets going hard for the people with 1000+ blind followers, then guess what, you still got work to do…go recruit some more. If what you deliver is as good as you say it is, then you don’t have to knock somebody else’s hustle to make you shine.
I think Lil Kim said it best…”get yo own ish, why you riding mine?”
And I will go on record right now and say it, somebody has to get the job…call me simple, but I’d rather it be Barack Obama than anybody else. And I am not catching the vapors…I wrote a blog about Barack becoming U.S. President long before he even announced it. See I met him seve4ral times and know what he does on the strength.
Kick rocks HATERS!!!!
One thing is I cannot let go and ignore some haters (sorry to use this term but I gotta call it like I see it). Much of why I felt so cynical last year is because folks love to sprinkle salt and of course where salt is sprinkled some by-standers will feel it under their feet. Is it me, or no matter what some people do that is good in the world, there is another somebody just lurking in the shadows to point out all the wrongs they have done? Not that I am this Miss Zen type of person, but I TRY to appreciate where someone is standing and what they have to deliver. I don’t know. It just really peeves me that many of the historical and significant strides being made are being truncated by some pissy-tailed whiners.
What am I talking about? A whole bunch of stuff but mainly the backlash Barack has been getting from many other black folks. It kills me that the beef folks have with Barack is that he isn’t black enough or doesn’t address enough hood issues. Not that those are not legitimate beefs, but please tell me these same folks are banging on the doors of their local statesmen about the same complaints. Tell me they are paying a visit to their local officials and holding them accountable for any of the world’s ills. Let me know the last time they took a trip to D.C. and actually visited the White House (Cindy Sheehan managed, or hell did they even write the letter?
Now here it is, that we are about to elect the U.S. President, and for the first time the race involves a serious Black contender who really does give a damn that he stands a chance to win, and folks want to choose this time to say just how many of the WORLD’S problems he cannot fix. I mean come on…for real!?! Who else are you holding to these standards? My point is, there will be a president elected to the U.S. office. Plenty of white men have had their chances to mess up in the name of democracy, several have left black folks worse off than when they got into office, the majority focused on the old white vote, very few learned to speak Arabic, Swahili, Japanese, etc. so their genuine interest in fair foreign relations is questionable. But it only becomes a problem that we feel so adamant about so we discourage folks from “liking” or “celebrating” a black man’s audacity to hope. Get a freaking life HATERS!
Same folks sitting they comfortable asses in a mortgaged home, driving a nice luxury cars(or they just got conscious and downgraded a bit) hopping on planes for leisure/business, attending Ivy walled schools, politicking with well-bred folk of the same ilk. Where I’m from…never mind. Let’s just say it would not be tolerated. And screw representing the people with all this incarcerated mumbo because when is the last time you did a lock-down on some Gestapo journalism, set up shop in filthy housing units, slept with Katrina survivors (not in a hotel), roughed in the Appalachian region with some folk, or visited Pakistan or Iraq, hell the Sudan? You haven’t so shut the heck up!
For real, sometimes we need to examine our shit, stop trying to make our demo sweet.
I’m ranting so this is coming fast….then people have the nerve to mention Mayor Washington (Harold Washington for folks not from Chi) like they ever lived here or can conceptually grasp what this city was like before he became CEO. You know what, Mayor Washington would be in full support of Barack Obama. And this isn’t fully about Obama, it’s just about HATING folks period.
All this hating has dampened my spirits, for real. It’s like okay yeah, most of these problems have been around for centuries, since the existence of man, so more than likely, some thing’s will continue for centuries more. But my people, damn, do YOUR small part and don’t let that part be a measurement against what someone else is or is not doing.
If you are not contributing to someone’s campaign fund, then you really do not have a legitimate beef with them…they owe you nothing. If you do not make a practice of utilizing your right as a citizen and voting, step back and go lecture yourself into a hole.
If you are number one activist in the streets going hard for the people with 1000+ blind followers, then guess what, you still got work to do…go recruit some more. If what you deliver is as good as you say it is, then you don’t have to knock somebody else’s hustle to make you shine.
I think Lil Kim said it best…”get yo own ish, why you riding mine?”
And I will go on record right now and say it, somebody has to get the job…call me simple, but I’d rather it be Barack Obama than anybody else. And I am not catching the vapors…I wrote a blog about Barack becoming U.S. President long before he even announced it. See I met him seve4ral times and know what he does on the strength.
Kick rocks HATERS!!!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Reflections of 2007...from my Block
2007 has come and gone. It had certainly been a year that glaringly accentuated the smoldering flames of civil rights struggles and veiled racial prejudices that seem to be inherent to this country. Still great things have taken place and joyous moments were to be found in the moments of ’07. Keep reading for some of the highlights of 07, including social issues, entertainment and my personal challenges.
Let’s start this off on a high note, just as ’07 did. Black History Month jumped off with some very crucial and celebratory moments. For starters, two African-American coaches made it to the NFL Superbowl for the first time in history. Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy coached an incredible game, debunking the myths and stereotypes that Black-coached teams finish last. By making it to the Superbowl, they scored the last laugh. Next up, Barack Obama (IL-D) announced his candidacy for U.S. President. The audacity of hope this sparked in America was tantamount to when Dr. King outlined his dream for this country. The extent is yet to be seen. These are just two instances that had to be marked as some of the proudest moments in ‘07.
Reluctantly, I think two idiots set the tone for a controversial year of racial discord. Number one idiot, Michael Richards of Seinfeld fame set it off by verbally assaulting comic-joint attendees and yelling Niggers during a stand-up gone wrong. Thankfully someone caught it all on their trusty camera phone and blew up the spot on Youtube, it went nationwide and folks were calling for Richards’ weirdly coiffed head. But not to be overshadowed by personal idiocy, wrinkled shock jock Don Imus let lose with his own asinine, on-air racist and sexist remarks calling Rutgers’ Women’s Basketball Team “Nappy headed Hoes. Immediately black leadership went ape-shit, and voiced how appalled they were by the racially insensitive language. Of course that all got swept under the rug when Imus blamed Hip Hop for his #1,080th mess up. Sharpton, Jesse Jaackson, Editors at Essence Magazine and others volleyed to get him fired and removed from air. But by year’s end, only 7 months later, Imus would regain his seat at the mic, this time with two black cohorts to endorse his foolishness. Wow….
Got yourself a Taser Gun…
The new weapon of choice by PD across the country ha apparently went to taser-guns, of which the victim has no special profile. What with a white college student being tasered in a library jump starting public outrage only a few months before the start of ’07. Yet the dismay over this shocking matter was intensified when I got a call from Tracy Taylor, a Chicago woman, seeking recourse for her 82 year old grandmother, Lillian Fletcher, who had been tasered by Chicago Police in her own home. Yes, indeed, Grannies in different cities would get the shock of their lives at the hands of police, another notable case is that of 68 year old Beverly Kidwell in Ohio, tasered while sitting down in a police station. Think that is over the top, what about the pregnant woman who was tasered by police in Trotwood, Ohio? Or the 14 year old tasered on Halloween in Georgia for using profanity. Or the teen tasered in Saint Louis…who died after being tasered by the cops. Iss it safe to label this excessive and unjust force?
Wild Style…
Some things you expect in a lawless unchartered land. When going where no man has ever gone before, anything goes. BUT NOT AMERICA!!! Do we expect to hear of such barbaric behavior as we did coming out of Dunbar Village, where a black woman was gang raped by a group of black youth, made to perform sexual acts with her son, sodomized, doused with ammonia left for dead in her home. Yes, this all happened in the Summer of ‘07, within a few miles of Posh Palm Beach Florida. I first heard tis on Tom Joyner’s morning show, but my girl over at www.Whataboutourdaughters.com really gave full synopsis and coverage of this horrific story. I always say it and I will repeat it, we are our own worst enemies.
On the Move…
Well, of course this list would be incomplete without pointing to Jena 6. Symbolic if nothing else, this case showed the world how far America has come in race relations. Many who could not separate Al Sharpton’s high-profile involvement from the actual story and lives affected by this situation never took the time to dig into the story that really lied within the confines of this rural backwoods city and others like it across this country. Taking the initiative to go to Jena, LA., for myself and document the march and rally, I have to proclaim victory for black America, that includes the ones who are not aware of needing a victory. Nonetheless, I got a chance to meet and interview one of the fathers of the Jena 6, Theodore Shaw, along with some local residents who gave stark revelations of the seething racism they live with everyday in a place that does not offer work to its black citizens (not even in its local Walmart or Popeyes); and is oppressively segregated much like the Jim Crow south we thought was dismantled by the Civil Rights movement. Many have argued that the Free Jena 6 march was seemingly orchestrated by self-interests of Al Sharpton, Michael Baisden and others, and that because Mychel Bell took a plea bargain that has revealed his sordid criminal history it was all in vain. However, what I experienced first hand was a town virtually shut down by Black Power. I saw a revelation that black folks will always take care of our own, even when some of us do not realize that yes they too still need to be taken care of within the fold. Moreover, we showed America our insult and tolerance levels have almost peaked, we are not there, but we are on our way and boy oh boy when we get there…
Still 2007 gave us more hope that things are headed in the right direction. Of course no one can forget Genarlow Wislon, the popular 17 year old honor roll student and high school football phenom with a bright future derailed by the felonious act of receiving consensual oral sex. Well after serving 2 years of a 10 year sentence, he was freed. But not before the egotistical and blood-thirsty DA and prosecutor held out for a plea bargain suggesting Genarlow should “take his medicine,” and cop a plea like his co-defendants. Well the backwards laws of backwards Georgia were overturned thanks to this famous case and after much legal maneuvering Genarlow’s predictions from 2007 came true. In his own words…
"I've got a real good feeling about what's going on," he says. "I feel like 2007 is it. This is my year." It was indeed. The most thorough article I read on Genarlow came from an ESPN artice by Wright Thompson, a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. He can be reached at wrightespn@gmail.com.
Speaking in terms of sports (in a way) every review of ’07 should include my girls Venus and Serena Williams. Continuing to blaze trails, 2007 marked the year Ms. Venus earned her 4th Wimbledon Championship, without the assistance of any steroids like some fake athletes (cough, Marion Jones, cough). I am as proud of these girls as when they first blessed the court in all their corn rowed beaded glory!
Doin’ it for the Glory…
Chi-Town held it down on the music scene of ’07. Common’s Finding Forever was the healing balm on the newly resurrected Hip Hop scene. To me the lead single, “For the People,” is the rallying cry of the grassroots movement underway universally. Apparently more than a few folks agree, because Common reigned supreme at number one on the Billboard charts, and never moved beyond top 100 on International charts…Real music reigns….I’m just saying.
And we don’t even want to go there with Kanye West’s, Graduation. The number of singles still flowing from this project are spinning everywhere. I’m a little biased when it comes to these two so I’ll save the rest of my comments…You already know they are official in my book.
On a sad note, losing a mother of Hip Hop, Dr. Donda West, Kanye’s mom, was tragic loss. The very public forum this leaked and was experienced makes any human heart pain for Kanye. I must also comment that it also indicated the wavering concept of beauty and acceptance among black women in relation to Western culture. Fortunately, we all know her brains and human values are undeniable and immortal traits. Her death also halted some of Kanye’s most ardent and unrelenting critics.
Music was yet again perfected by some sultry, note belting sistas! Just in time to circumvent the studio enhanced performers of today, Jill Scott blessed us with The Real Thing. Indeed, The Real Thing, even without much marketing or promotion arrived on the scene and reminded us of Who is Jill Scott.
Then young blood entered the water with Ms. Chrisette Michele. Young in age, her mature voice takes us back and gives homage to vintage jazz and soul. Both albums a good wrap up to the last months of 2007.
And Stevie came back out
on the scene…live in person! History and a living legend, he truly is Stevie Wonderful!!!!!!
For Reel….
This year’s Oscar Nominations won’t be as colorful as recent years, especially with our most Academy friendly actors dishing out trash like Norbit, I do have a few reel recommendations from 2007. Here is the list in no special order:
Stomp the yard
American Gangster
Daddy’s Little Girls
The Great Debaters
God Grew Tired of Us
Pride
Hip Hop Project
Talk to Me
Darfur
This Christmas
I am Legend
Inspiration….
Okay, so I have to admit, I can be a little scattered in what I want to do with my life. My interests and talents are numerous, but I think passion is more important than anything else. Factor that in with the fact that people must feed their bodies along with their souls, and bills must be paid…. Passion and vision and execution can be stalled. But the last days of ’07…literally the last days/weeks revealed serious inspiration, of both personal and professional reflection.
If you read the profile, you know I am admittedly judgmental. I’ll also admit that my thought pattern has become a bit cynical over the last year. But I was pleasantly surprised when I met and heard the prolific words of Killa Mike (Purple Ribbon Fame) as he addressed youth in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. His delivery was so raw and unfiltered, he was intelligent and caring, and very much aware of his heritage. I was so impressed to say the least. It left an indelible mark on my own outlook…I let him know it was a pleasure to meet him, but more importantly it reinforced that nobody is one-dimensional, and that judging often makes an ass of the judger…I humbly stand accused.
Further inspiration always comes from seeing the good works of someone else. This list here is endless, but I will say that on December 31, 2007 I accidentally came across a Youtube video of a young sista, Priscilla Renae….Oh My God…she created a YouTube account to release videos of her performing her original songs (she writes, produces, and sings!!!!) For an entire year this young lady stayed on her grind, and has built quite a reputation for herself. She also has a myspace account, please check her out www.myspace.com/priscillarenae
So, I closed out 2007 with a definitive vision for myself, directed by my passion and purpose to empower my people and heal the world starting where I stand. Utilizing my talents I can create opportunities for myself and family to gain more and prosper in abundance. Just wait till you hear my 2008 updates…Please stay posted and feel free to hold me accountable for delivering what I speak on.
I wish prosperity of peace, joyous moments with family, full spirits and whatever your heart desires. Increase the Faith and create your fate in 2008!
Have a POWERFUL year!
Let’s start this off on a high note, just as ’07 did. Black History Month jumped off with some very crucial and celebratory moments. For starters, two African-American coaches made it to the NFL Superbowl for the first time in history. Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy coached an incredible game, debunking the myths and stereotypes that Black-coached teams finish last. By making it to the Superbowl, they scored the last laugh. Next up, Barack Obama (IL-D) announced his candidacy for U.S. President. The audacity of hope this sparked in America was tantamount to when Dr. King outlined his dream for this country. The extent is yet to be seen. These are just two instances that had to be marked as some of the proudest moments in ‘07.
Reluctantly, I think two idiots set the tone for a controversial year of racial discord. Number one idiot, Michael Richards of Seinfeld fame set it off by verbally assaulting comic-joint attendees and yelling Niggers during a stand-up gone wrong. Thankfully someone caught it all on their trusty camera phone and blew up the spot on Youtube, it went nationwide and folks were calling for Richards’ weirdly coiffed head. But not to be overshadowed by personal idiocy, wrinkled shock jock Don Imus let lose with his own asinine, on-air racist and sexist remarks calling Rutgers’ Women’s Basketball Team “Nappy headed Hoes. Immediately black leadership went ape-shit, and voiced how appalled they were by the racially insensitive language. Of course that all got swept under the rug when Imus blamed Hip Hop for his #1,080th mess up. Sharpton, Jesse Jaackson, Editors at Essence Magazine and others volleyed to get him fired and removed from air. But by year’s end, only 7 months later, Imus would regain his seat at the mic, this time with two black cohorts to endorse his foolishness. Wow….
Got yourself a Taser Gun…
The new weapon of choice by PD across the country ha apparently went to taser-guns, of which the victim has no special profile. What with a white college student being tasered in a library jump starting public outrage only a few months before the start of ’07. Yet the dismay over this shocking matter was intensified when I got a call from Tracy Taylor, a Chicago woman, seeking recourse for her 82 year old grandmother, Lillian Fletcher, who had been tasered by Chicago Police in her own home. Yes, indeed, Grannies in different cities would get the shock of their lives at the hands of police, another notable case is that of 68 year old Beverly Kidwell in Ohio, tasered while sitting down in a police station. Think that is over the top, what about the pregnant woman who was tasered by police in Trotwood, Ohio? Or the 14 year old tasered on Halloween in Georgia for using profanity. Or the teen tasered in Saint Louis…who died after being tasered by the cops. Iss it safe to label this excessive and unjust force?
Wild Style…
Some things you expect in a lawless unchartered land. When going where no man has ever gone before, anything goes. BUT NOT AMERICA!!! Do we expect to hear of such barbaric behavior as we did coming out of Dunbar Village, where a black woman was gang raped by a group of black youth, made to perform sexual acts with her son, sodomized, doused with ammonia left for dead in her home. Yes, this all happened in the Summer of ‘07, within a few miles of Posh Palm Beach Florida. I first heard tis on Tom Joyner’s morning show, but my girl over at www.Whataboutourdaughters.com really gave full synopsis and coverage of this horrific story. I always say it and I will repeat it, we are our own worst enemies.
On the Move…
Well, of course this list would be incomplete without pointing to Jena 6. Symbolic if nothing else, this case showed the world how far America has come in race relations. Many who could not separate Al Sharpton’s high-profile involvement from the actual story and lives affected by this situation never took the time to dig into the story that really lied within the confines of this rural backwoods city and others like it across this country. Taking the initiative to go to Jena, LA., for myself and document the march and rally, I have to proclaim victory for black America, that includes the ones who are not aware of needing a victory. Nonetheless, I got a chance to meet and interview one of the fathers of the Jena 6, Theodore Shaw, along with some local residents who gave stark revelations of the seething racism they live with everyday in a place that does not offer work to its black citizens (not even in its local Walmart or Popeyes); and is oppressively segregated much like the Jim Crow south we thought was dismantled by the Civil Rights movement. Many have argued that the Free Jena 6 march was seemingly orchestrated by self-interests of Al Sharpton, Michael Baisden and others, and that because Mychel Bell took a plea bargain that has revealed his sordid criminal history it was all in vain. However, what I experienced first hand was a town virtually shut down by Black Power. I saw a revelation that black folks will always take care of our own, even when some of us do not realize that yes they too still need to be taken care of within the fold. Moreover, we showed America our insult and tolerance levels have almost peaked, we are not there, but we are on our way and boy oh boy when we get there…
Still 2007 gave us more hope that things are headed in the right direction. Of course no one can forget Genarlow Wislon, the popular 17 year old honor roll student and high school football phenom with a bright future derailed by the felonious act of receiving consensual oral sex. Well after serving 2 years of a 10 year sentence, he was freed. But not before the egotistical and blood-thirsty DA and prosecutor held out for a plea bargain suggesting Genarlow should “take his medicine,” and cop a plea like his co-defendants. Well the backwards laws of backwards Georgia were overturned thanks to this famous case and after much legal maneuvering Genarlow’s predictions from 2007 came true. In his own words…
"I've got a real good feeling about what's going on," he says. "I feel like 2007 is it. This is my year." It was indeed. The most thorough article I read on Genarlow came from an ESPN artice by Wright Thompson, a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. He can be reached at wrightespn@gmail.com.
Speaking in terms of sports (in a way) every review of ’07 should include my girls Venus and Serena Williams. Continuing to blaze trails, 2007 marked the year Ms. Venus earned her 4th Wimbledon Championship, without the assistance of any steroids like some fake athletes (cough, Marion Jones, cough). I am as proud of these girls as when they first blessed the court in all their corn rowed beaded glory!
Doin’ it for the Glory…
Chi-Town held it down on the music scene of ’07. Common’s Finding Forever was the healing balm on the newly resurrected Hip Hop scene. To me the lead single, “For the People,” is the rallying cry of the grassroots movement underway universally. Apparently more than a few folks agree, because Common reigned supreme at number one on the Billboard charts, and never moved beyond top 100 on International charts…Real music reigns….I’m just saying.
And we don’t even want to go there with Kanye West’s, Graduation. The number of singles still flowing from this project are spinning everywhere. I’m a little biased when it comes to these two so I’ll save the rest of my comments…You already know they are official in my book.
On a sad note, losing a mother of Hip Hop, Dr. Donda West, Kanye’s mom, was tragic loss. The very public forum this leaked and was experienced makes any human heart pain for Kanye. I must also comment that it also indicated the wavering concept of beauty and acceptance among black women in relation to Western culture. Fortunately, we all know her brains and human values are undeniable and immortal traits. Her death also halted some of Kanye’s most ardent and unrelenting critics.
Music was yet again perfected by some sultry, note belting sistas! Just in time to circumvent the studio enhanced performers of today, Jill Scott blessed us with The Real Thing. Indeed, The Real Thing, even without much marketing or promotion arrived on the scene and reminded us of Who is Jill Scott.
Then young blood entered the water with Ms. Chrisette Michele. Young in age, her mature voice takes us back and gives homage to vintage jazz and soul. Both albums a good wrap up to the last months of 2007.
And Stevie came back out
on the scene…live in person! History and a living legend, he truly is Stevie Wonderful!!!!!!
For Reel….
This year’s Oscar Nominations won’t be as colorful as recent years, especially with our most Academy friendly actors dishing out trash like Norbit, I do have a few reel recommendations from 2007. Here is the list in no special order:
Stomp the yard
American Gangster
Daddy’s Little Girls
The Great Debaters
God Grew Tired of Us
Pride
Hip Hop Project
Talk to Me
Darfur
This Christmas
I am Legend
Inspiration….
Okay, so I have to admit, I can be a little scattered in what I want to do with my life. My interests and talents are numerous, but I think passion is more important than anything else. Factor that in with the fact that people must feed their bodies along with their souls, and bills must be paid…. Passion and vision and execution can be stalled. But the last days of ’07…literally the last days/weeks revealed serious inspiration, of both personal and professional reflection.
If you read the profile, you know I am admittedly judgmental. I’ll also admit that my thought pattern has become a bit cynical over the last year. But I was pleasantly surprised when I met and heard the prolific words of Killa Mike (Purple Ribbon Fame) as he addressed youth in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. His delivery was so raw and unfiltered, he was intelligent and caring, and very much aware of his heritage. I was so impressed to say the least. It left an indelible mark on my own outlook…I let him know it was a pleasure to meet him, but more importantly it reinforced that nobody is one-dimensional, and that judging often makes an ass of the judger…I humbly stand accused.
Further inspiration always comes from seeing the good works of someone else. This list here is endless, but I will say that on December 31, 2007 I accidentally came across a Youtube video of a young sista, Priscilla Renae….Oh My God…she created a YouTube account to release videos of her performing her original songs (she writes, produces, and sings!!!!) For an entire year this young lady stayed on her grind, and has built quite a reputation for herself. She also has a myspace account, please check her out www.myspace.com/priscillarenae
So, I closed out 2007 with a definitive vision for myself, directed by my passion and purpose to empower my people and heal the world starting where I stand. Utilizing my talents I can create opportunities for myself and family to gain more and prosper in abundance. Just wait till you hear my 2008 updates…Please stay posted and feel free to hold me accountable for delivering what I speak on.
I wish prosperity of peace, joyous moments with family, full spirits and whatever your heart desires. Increase the Faith and create your fate in 2008!
Have a POWERFUL year!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Televise the revolution!
I’m not convinced that the revolution will not be televised. It needs to be. And why not? …the media is a POWERFUL tool. Mass media can shine light in the darkest caves of our world. I say televise the revolution. It is our duty. Youtube has got to have a purpose other than embarrassing Paris Hilton and all the unlucky folks making fools of their self on the daily.
As early as I can remember, I was truly inspired by television. Roots was on TV. Yes, I would later read the book, but watching the televised series is what sparked my interest. Oprah Winfrey came on every morning and commanded my attention (and still does). Regardless of personal opinion of Oprah, just imagine the reach, being able to reach folks around the world and share whatever thoughts are in your mind, state your opinion on a matter and most importantly tell the truth about a thing that can influence change among the masses of viewers. I want a hand in that. My purpose is to produce the truth for the masses. It is all I’ve ever wanted to do, which may be why I have always been accused of talking too much, because I am willing to tell the truth, to your face, in a crowd no matter who you are. Ask my mama…she’ll tell you. Besides I have had swollen lips from her back hand many a day.
But it feels so good to release, expose, share truth. When we were kids, my step-sister used to greet people saying ‘what it be like?’ We thought it was funny as hell. My father and step mother didn’t…speaking back alley talk in public. Anyway, Tassah was asking what it be like and I was telling how it be (you feel me).
Where’s the Truth?
Truth, of course, is relative. Your truth may not necessarily be my truth and vice versa. Still truth is real, therefore truth has to be respected. You can present an argument in support of our denouncing a truth; you can bring in an organized voice to enforce truth. But the most dangerous is to ignore truth.
What’s the point of this entry today…I don’t know. B (tha's the hubby)and I just watched Zeitgeist (yeah so what if we are late) and I am stupefied. Now, mind you I don’t associate with too many folks who are not conscious. Most of my associates are more enlightened than I cause I’m constantly seeking knowledge and truth. All that to say I had heard most of the topics discussed in the movie, especially in the 20hours of black studies I took in college, but man…Wow. I never saw it all so clearly.
Video. It is amazing.
Davey D has a mantra that he speaks on every time I talk to him, we need ownership and access to media. We need to tell our own truths.
But what is our truth and what do we go on and on spreading. I can tell you that from my very limited experience…dissertation on why Common should not be hawking Lincoln Navigators if he is truly conscious. So now he is a big mean dumb rapper profiting off of ignorance and damning the entire environment plus ghetto black folks to hell with his latest gig for Ford(go figure); we make documentaries on small-time gangsters and street criminals; create reality shows proclaiming pioneers/architects of a culture; we have mock burials and heated debates over the word nigger; we use our voices to dispute who can and should organize forums, symposiums, voter registrations, marches, rallies, on-line petitions, etc. We have arguments over immigration rights, condemn people for their race, class, political, social group and all other sorts of affiliations. We convince each other to distrust folks not in our immediate circle. That’s what we spend our access on, the excess of craziness.
When the big fish…the ish that really, really, really matters has no air in our showtime. We are kidding ourselves. With all of our good intentions and hearts in the best interest of our folks, there is a conditioned distraction to the little stuff.
I think there should be required viewing…prerequisites for citizenry. So please, indulge me. What meaningful, truth revealing movie, documentary, educational video, etc. would you suggest to put on the “Zeitgeist list of required viewing.” And please, all you presumptuous smarter-than-though folks, please grant us your mercy and share your all-knowingness with us little people, too
Here’s a tentative start. Fill free to add yours and we can update this thing and even do reviews. Televise the revolution of truth!
Zeitgeist List of Required Viewing:
Zeitgeist
When the levees broke
Outfoxed
The revolution can and will be televised.
As early as I can remember, I was truly inspired by television. Roots was on TV. Yes, I would later read the book, but watching the televised series is what sparked my interest. Oprah Winfrey came on every morning and commanded my attention (and still does). Regardless of personal opinion of Oprah, just imagine the reach, being able to reach folks around the world and share whatever thoughts are in your mind, state your opinion on a matter and most importantly tell the truth about a thing that can influence change among the masses of viewers. I want a hand in that. My purpose is to produce the truth for the masses. It is all I’ve ever wanted to do, which may be why I have always been accused of talking too much, because I am willing to tell the truth, to your face, in a crowd no matter who you are. Ask my mama…she’ll tell you. Besides I have had swollen lips from her back hand many a day.
But it feels so good to release, expose, share truth. When we were kids, my step-sister used to greet people saying ‘what it be like?’ We thought it was funny as hell. My father and step mother didn’t…speaking back alley talk in public. Anyway, Tassah was asking what it be like and I was telling how it be (you feel me).
Where’s the Truth?
Truth, of course, is relative. Your truth may not necessarily be my truth and vice versa. Still truth is real, therefore truth has to be respected. You can present an argument in support of our denouncing a truth; you can bring in an organized voice to enforce truth. But the most dangerous is to ignore truth.
What’s the point of this entry today…I don’t know. B (tha's the hubby)and I just watched Zeitgeist (yeah so what if we are late) and I am stupefied. Now, mind you I don’t associate with too many folks who are not conscious. Most of my associates are more enlightened than I cause I’m constantly seeking knowledge and truth. All that to say I had heard most of the topics discussed in the movie, especially in the 20hours of black studies I took in college, but man…Wow. I never saw it all so clearly.
Video. It is amazing.
Davey D has a mantra that he speaks on every time I talk to him, we need ownership and access to media. We need to tell our own truths.
But what is our truth and what do we go on and on spreading. I can tell you that from my very limited experience…dissertation on why Common should not be hawking Lincoln Navigators if he is truly conscious. So now he is a big mean dumb rapper profiting off of ignorance and damning the entire environment plus ghetto black folks to hell with his latest gig for Ford(go figure); we make documentaries on small-time gangsters and street criminals; create reality shows proclaiming pioneers/architects of a culture; we have mock burials and heated debates over the word nigger; we use our voices to dispute who can and should organize forums, symposiums, voter registrations, marches, rallies, on-line petitions, etc. We have arguments over immigration rights, condemn people for their race, class, political, social group and all other sorts of affiliations. We convince each other to distrust folks not in our immediate circle. That’s what we spend our access on, the excess of craziness.
When the big fish…the ish that really, really, really matters has no air in our showtime. We are kidding ourselves. With all of our good intentions and hearts in the best interest of our folks, there is a conditioned distraction to the little stuff.
I think there should be required viewing…prerequisites for citizenry. So please, indulge me. What meaningful, truth revealing movie, documentary, educational video, etc. would you suggest to put on the “Zeitgeist list of required viewing.” And please, all you presumptuous smarter-than-though folks, please grant us your mercy and share your all-knowingness with us little people, too
Here’s a tentative start. Fill free to add yours and we can update this thing and even do reviews. Televise the revolution of truth!
Zeitgeist List of Required Viewing:
Zeitgeist
When the levees broke
Outfoxed
The revolution can and will be televised.
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