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!