The Unconquerable Soul

Though one should conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, he who conquers his own self, is the greatest of all conquerors! ~ Gautama Buddha

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap... this is a long one, LOL

On Wednesday morning, I was excited about my plans to go see Rent with my best friend and her boyfriend. Throughout the day, I was cheesing hard.

Immediately after work, I began to cook at a local church. (The youth council that I advise sponsored a Thanksgiving Dinner for the less fortunate.) Once I started bugging out with my kids, I couldn't leave them while there was work that needed to be done.

I took a couple of my kids walking around to promote for our dinner. (They needed me as the MUSCLE. LOL!) So we went to the YMCA affordable housing facility, the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter (I lived in that building for a couple of months), and a couple of half way houses. There were many people in need and were happy we extended an invitation. The moment I had to drop a tear was when we entered a soup kitchen that I knew existed two blocks from my job, but never had a chance to volunteer. As we walked downstairs, we were graciously greeted by the volunteers. The church was JAMMED packed with families.

Throughout my life, I have been conscious of the less fortunate because there were many moments in my young life where we didn't know when was the next time we were going to eat. (Thank God for the nasty school lunch.) Anyhow, seeing those kids hit the heart. All I could mutter was "Thank You! Jesus!" We passed out our flyers to the people being served. Again, they were all grateful. After leaving the church, the young ladies that I was protecting (LOL) were in complete shock by the total experience and vowed to work on a couple more projects for the less fortunate.

I ended up going home around 11:30 to start making my sweet potato pies (it's been my job for the past ten years for Thanksgiving and Christmas). My roommates left for the weekend and it was SCARY being in the house alone. It was truly a time when I could be loud while doing the hanky panky. LMAO! Anyways, I didn't have a blender so I had to mix by hand; it was no joke. I ended up wrapping the pies around 3:30am.

Thursday. I'm at the church at 9:30 am. We did another street team run at some other places like the Salvation Army where we could find people who may be interested in coming to our dinner. The day ran very smoothly. My kids took control and served everyone graciously. We had many moments of laughter and Kool-aid smiles. I was upset that they didn't like the holiday punch I made. LOL... they added a five pound bag of sugar (my goodness). One of my mentees put his foot in the mac-n-cheese. I swear to goodness it was BANGIN!

We ended up leaving the church at 4:30 pm. I was really tired and didn't have an appetite, but my Momma wasn't hearing that. When I arrived at my mother’s house, my mom told me that her Friend (if you know what I mean) is coming over, but later on tonight (I knew this was going to happen... but since she said later on, I was quickly planning my escape after dinner.) But, like many things in my life, it didn't go as planned. As soon as my mom fixed my plate, a doorbell rang. (YES, It was him) My heart started racing. I went into my lil brother's room and said, "I can't believe I’m about to meet Mommie’s friend." He replied, "well, you gonna have to deal with it, just like I have to almost everyday." I wanted to smack that boy, but I didn't only because it was a holiday. LOL.

So My Mom's friend walked in and I headed to the living room, greeted him politely and then headed back to the kitchen to eat. I thought we were going to eat together, but we didn't. My brother ended up eating in his room so my sister and I ate together while my moms was entertaining her friend. My sister was telling me that the friend is over the house too much. Oh yeah, did I mention he really does look 29? (Not to downplay my moms; she is 43 and looks like she could be much younger.) Anyway, he looks just as young as some of my friends. LOL.

About twenty minutes later, my mom announced that she is leaving to go to her Friend’s cousin's house. Why did the baby in me want to cry? My mom and I were supposed to go to my grandmothers house. She left us. I will admit I was upset. I went home and had a big piece of pie and was asleep by 7:30pm. It had been a long day.

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I don't feel like typing my Circuit City story.... Friday, I went from 3am to 9am and left empty handed... by 10:30 am I arrived home and The Unconquerable Soul was the proud owner of a new PC from BestBuy. Go Me!

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My sister played me! She agreed on Thanksgiving to accompany me to the movies. I thought I was going to finally see Rent. I ended up staying in the house from 10:30am Friday morning until 10:30pm Saturday night. In that time, I just relaxed and meditated about my life and the world. It was truly regenerating... but it also brought forth the agony of relieving stress alone. LOLOL! (I know tmi, but shoot I had safe fun, LOL)

My roommates came home and got twisted as I was getting ready to go to my homeboy's housewarming party.. y'all know him as Shawnqt... his place is HUGE. I think I’m gonna move in. LOLOL! I'm so happy that got me out of the house. He keeps great company, so it was nice to see some familiar faces as I walked through the door.

My boy shawty and I ended up going to 42nd and watching the 12:45am showing of Rent. Y'all know I had to hit up Starbucks for a double shot of espresso. I truly am a dork because as soon as it started I wanted to tear up (shut up, don't hate on this sensitive brotha.) I thoroughly enjoyed the movie! Taye, Tracy, Jesse, Adam, Ida and especially Rosario WORKED the Fyck out with their VOCALS. I'm going to see it again soon.

This is getting wwwwwaaaayyyy too long but I’m almost done. I really don’t want to forget this weekend.

Sunday, I managed to get up for church on time and I was jamming to praise and worship by 9:30. I can't even begin to tell you how the spirit of the Lord was up all over my church. Pastor hadn't even preached yet and he felt the need to call people to the altar and over 15 people joined. Pastor preached on
2 Samuel 22:1-4. I just read the entire chapter and when I say David's Song of Praise was Deep y'all need to check it out RIGHT NOW. (click on the link) I praised the Lord as if I was at church by myself. I closed my eyes and lifted my hands with praise. Tears began to fall and I kept saying, "thank you Jesus! Hallelujah!" I kept getting louder and louder.

I don't deserve the many blessings that the Lord gives me but because of his Grace and Mercy, I am here thriving on what I have in order to bring forth the plan he has in store for me. I pray for his guidance. This week I'm fasting sun up to sun down. Please pray for me. PEACE!

Supreme Court Cases Impact Access to Abortion Services

AP
WASHINGTON - Wednesday the US Supreme Court takes up a case that could change the abortion battle in a fundamental way, potentially allowing state lawmakers across the nation to enact more-restrictive regulations on a woman's right to choose abortion. The case, Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, examines the constitutionality of a New Hampshire law requiring teenage girls to notify at least one parent before obtaining abortions. It carries broad implications for reproductive rights nationwide, and could be a turning point in a debate that has divided the country for more than three decades.

As pro-choice supporter, I intend on paying close attention to this case. I am a firm believer a woman has the right to choose. This will be Chief Justice Roberts most trivial case since he's been sworn in. Y'all better watch out!

The biggest reason why I wanted Bush out of office last year was because I knew he would be able to confirm several conservatives to the Surpreme Court. We already have Roberts at the helm and now we may have another conservative, Samuel Alito up for confirmation.

After demanding that President Bush withdraw Harriet Miers' nomination, anti-choice interest groups praised Alito. They already are aligning Alito with the two most conservative Supreme Court justices, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, both of whom have voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. (The Roe v. Wade case established woman's righ to choose).

I wondering if Alito will release a statement on his opinions for this case. He probably won't. It's scary that nine people have so much power and most of us don't even know it.

I tell people all of the time, especially black people it is very important to vote for every single election you can. 1. our anscestors paved the way. 2. we must support those who are advocating for civil right and liberties for everyone! 3. we must think about future generations to come because we are paving the way for them.

I hope a pro-choice decision will be reached.

And FYI, I believe the Senate should oppose this nomination and ask President Bush to submit a nominee who will uphold our rights and liberties.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Salut! LOL (inside joke)

Greetings!

I've been extremely busy and wanted to post something. I recieved this forward today and wanted to share it with you. My thanksgiving recap is coming up shortly.

Brace yourself, this is sad and I almost didn't send it but when I think of how wasteful we can be, I changed my mind. Let us pray for others as never before, because in spite of "it all," we are all blessed people!

This guy won an award for taking this pic!!! please read carefully..........

Click on the picture in order to read the caption...


Dear God,

I promise I will never waste my food no matter how bad it tastes and how full I may be. I pray that He will protect this little boy, guide and deliver him away from his misery. I pray that we will be more sensitive towards the world around us and not be blinded by our own selfish nature and interests.

I hope this picture will always serve as a reminder to us that how fortunate we are and that we must never ever take things for granted.

Please don't break... keep on forwarding to your friends. Let's pray for all those suffering around the globe and send this friendly reminder to others...

Think & look at this...when you complain about your food and the food we waste daily........

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS AN AWESOME THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS!
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~JFK

Monday, November 21, 2005

50 things about me

I wrote this list a couple of weeks ago. I'm super busy at work and wanted to post something. The list doesn't have any numbers because when I copied and pasted the numbers erase (hey, that rhymes, lol). Anyway, its 50 things about me, the other 50 coming soon! Hope everyone had a great weekend!


I am the oldest of 3.

My favorite types books are autobiographies.

The autobiography of Malcolm X is my favorite.

I have two best friends

That still don’t know about me

I’m a sucker for a good drama

I am a harpist

I played the tuba in high school (yeah, big difference)

I can’t stand heartless and selfish people

I believe in Karma

This summer I’ve learned that relationships can be a lot of work

I don’t want to be famous, just well known for my talents

My life is and will always be deeply entrench with helping the less fortunate

I hope the Katrina Relief Grassroots Movements will spend off with empowering our people before another catastrophic event.

It pisses me off that our people needs a tragic event like Katrina to raise money and cry, when there are millions of black people in our local area who are living in poverty, homeless, unemployed and filled will self-identity issues.

I love to stay home to read or watch tv

I LOVE THE L Word

I have my first sexual encounter when I was 15

It really hard for me to budget my money, but, the last month, I’ve been doing a good job with my business

When I was arrested at the Republican National Convention back in 2000 for six days, I vowed that I must find a way to work within the system in efforts to empower our community.

I am very impatient

I am very critical of others and myself. (only a few select people know this, because I don’t like to say negative things to people.)

Once the Black Church becomes united and stand for all people, it will be a driving force to revolutionizing the US racial and poverty barriers.

I think a lot of people put on a FRONT, including myself (a few times a year, LOL).

I will die a happy man, once I find the love of my life.

My dark side is rarely shown.

One thing that I admire about myself is my compassion.

I have a wide network of people.

It’s hard to keep in contact with those people

I didn’t live in the projects, but I’ve lived in some roach infected places in my life. (I hate roaches)

If I won a million dollars, I would spend half to purchase my mother a home in her name (its her dream).

My mother and grandmother were both victims of domestic violence from their husbands

They are my source of inspiration.

I wish my dad was in my life like I need him to be

I miss his $600 a month child support I received until I was 22

It’s a damn shame that every American does not have health care

I think there are a couple of bloggers who I will be a friend with for the rest of my life.
Some bloggers have amazing talents that will make them into some of tomorrow national leaders in many endeavors.

At times, I have anxiety problems; it tends to happen when I have to many events going on at one time.

I’m in the process of growing out my hair. I’m making an attempt to bring back the AFRO. Something like Cornel West. (that changed last week, lol)

I don’t know where would I be, if I didn’t become a member of my church this year.

It’s really hard for me trust someone I’m involved with because of pass experiences.

I love to play spades, but rather play Bid-wiss. Unfortunately, there aren’t many folks in the northeast that don’t know how to play.

I’m trying to give up pork.

Dorothy Height is one of our living legends, whose story is often unspoken.

I believe the black community needs to focus on education.

I moved in with three of my frat brothers in September. We have a one family house. I love it. But, I would love it more if they would clean up.

Kwesi Mfume is one of my heroes

I wish I was born in the mid-fifties.

God is truly the center of my life.

THE END

Friday, November 18, 2005

Random stuff...

First, I wanted to send thanks to everyone who e-mailed or commented on my Breakdown post. Everyone words are inspirational. Throughout the week, I must have read then over twenty times. It truly put a smile on my face and definitely was the highlight of my week.

I don't know why I have Fantasias' I Believe in my head. I feel JOOD! I've been growing my hair for the past two months and yesterday I cut if off. I bought a notebook to right down my daily task so I won't forget anything. (it is helping with my anxiety. now i don't have to remember everything) I finally saw my ex for the first time since the break-up, it was a pleasant experience. You Go Boy(Ex)! I told someone who i'm starting to deeply care about, my dark insecurities and I received positive feedback (see Bobby's comment). My business (yeah, i got a small business on da side) is about to engage in a new endeavor. And soo much other stuff is going in. One more thing, I woke up this morning with a smile on my face because I'm FLY! NOW, ISN'T GOD GOOD!

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I went to the To Be Young, Left And Black: Priorities and Possibilities forum. I absolutely love being around progressive people of all colors. There is a certain level of passion that fills up the room, which makes it worthwhile to go to event like this. The panelists were very honest with their thought-provoking ideas. Two of the panelist expressed the love for James Baldwin. I don't know too much about his political thoughts, but I must seek out some Baldwin knowledge.

Please go out and buy
Letters From Young Activist! I read tons of letters on my commute back home. Like the McDonald's commercial, I'm loving it. (Dang, I should have submitted a letter.)

Big shout out to all that was involved!

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I'm still reading Bayard Rustins' Biography. Oh My Goodness, this brotha was a bad mo fo. He had so much courage and every page inspired me to obtain that.

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I know this may be TMI. I'm taking colon cleanse pills. OMG! It keeps going and going! I don't know how i'm going to make it over the weekend. I KNOW! LOLOL!

It is so cold outside. Dang, why do I need to go shopping? I have no casual winter clothes!

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Check out Work.. its a Artist Showcase like no other! Our brothers Ray and SE7EN do the dang thing!

Am I the only black person who wants to see Walk the Line and the New Harry Potter film?


PIMP OUR SHYT... da post

Coming Today Friday.... hopefully i'm working on it.. LOL

Thursday, November 17, 2005


Rumor of War

I remember in early Febuary,
Redd telling me about Brother Wiley's exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. His work is amazing. Rumor of War opened last friday, if you are in the area support this talented brother. I'm trying to check him out this weekend!

November 11, 2005 — December 10, 2005
76 Grand Street, New York City

Deitch Projects is pleased to present Rumors of War, a painting installation by Kehinde Wiley inspired by the history of equestrian portraiture. The installation features four larger-than-life canvases each updating a specific Old Master painting with a contemporary sitter, framed in custom-designed ornate, gilded frames. Soaring to heights of over nine feet, the paintings’ exaggeration of scale and high-keyed cinematic colour highlight Wiley’s interest in the aestheticization of power and masculinity.

Retaining the trappings of power implied in their sources, Wiley reproduces the rippling shoulders of thoroughbreds, the baroquely billowing fabrics, and the vague, idealized pastoral backgrounds-- but instead of polished riding boots in the gilded stirrups, we find Nike High-tops. The clash of centuries and societies heightens the sense that these men are riding steeds in a charged non-space outside of time, while the extraterrestrial greens and blues of the minimal landscape push the surreal aspect almost to the breaking point.

VH1 recently comissioned Kehinde Wiley to paint portraits of all the 2005 Art of Hip-Hop Honors honorees. Wiley met with the featured rappers and director John Singleton before painting his subjects. To link to the VH1 2005 Art of Hip-Hop Honors page please click
HERE.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

To Be Young, Left And Black: Priorities and Possibilities

Thursday, November 17, 7:30pm
Kimmel Center (60 Washington Sq Park South) NYC
Room 907

In the midst of the riots in France and months after the Katrina disaster, the Black social and political concerns are again center stage. What are the concerns of today's young Black Left?

Come hear the voices and opinoins of some of today's leading young Black activist as they read from the newly published anthology "
Letters From Young Activists" and politic about the priorities and possibilities of Black political life in the 21st Century.

Moderated by former Black Panter Ashanti Alston

Panelist include:
Kenyon Farrow, Tiffany King, Merv Marcano, Ella Turenne & Marc Washington

Brought to you by NYC Womyns Center & Co-Sponsored by Left Turn

If you are in the area, this event should be awesome. Plus, fellow blogger
Kenyon Farrow is participating as one of the editors of "Letters From Young Activist." I'm buying my copy tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

THE BREAKDOWN

On Saturday, November 12, 2005 at approximately 11:15AM on the corner of Broadway and 66th St in Manhattan, I had what I call a breakdown. A breakdown is when you been avoiding something’s that has been bothering you for a while and you finally release those energies. I haven't publicly cried like that since April 2004. The tears that I've been holding on had to be release.

Background information: The last couple of weeks, I have been blessed to meet a couple of influential leaders both locally and nationally. This is not unusual, but lately events have been back to back. I'm constantly meeting someone who I aspire to be.

Wednesday. I picked up last week's issue of TIME Magazine; the cover story was on the Secrets of Ambition. The story highlighted the fact that Ambition is apart of someone’s character... that it isn't a learned behavior. Anyone who knows me would say that I am very ambitious. I have always been.

Thursday. My job had end of the year evaluations. Both of my superiors gave me a great review. They both are African Americans who have been working in their field for more than 60 years collectively. I was on the verge of tears the entire time. Why? Both of them looked me into my eyes and said over 10 times how much potential I have to become extremely successful. Not to brag, but I've heard this throughout my life, just not within the last couple of months. I do not have a close personal relationship with either of them yet I had instilled an impression of success. I was thankful for their criticism on how I could be better.

Thursday Night. One of my best friend’s father bought me a ticket for the 100 Black Men of New York Annual Gala. This is the second time in a row that he has invited me. They were honoring Diddy, Wynton Marsalis and Willie Randolph of the Mets. Last year, I felt awkward being around so many wealthy people. This year, I really didn't give a darn because they are people just like the rest of us. In fact, I had a wonderful time; my best friend and I tore the dance floor up. Stacie J. from The Apprentice approached me from behind and tried to get some of my sugar, lol.

After the Gala, I returned to my homegirl’s resting spot on the Upper West Side. I stayed in the apartment watching television and on the phone with Visitor. I got dressed early Saturday morning because I wanted to go to brunch and to the movies. On my walk from 98th St towards 66th St, I stared at everyone who passed me, just wondering how it would feel to live and afford residing on the UWS. I glanced at many couples that were walking their cute little dogs. In a blink, I felt lonely. Here I am on the brink of success, yet I'm not as happy as I ought to be.

My walk started to slow down. I ended up buying the latest copy of Black Enterprise. The cover showcased the Hot List, America's Most Powerful Players under 40. I scanned the pages and started to question myself. Am I going to achieve the magnitude of what I call successful? Why aren't I on this list at 24? How am I going to take my career to the next level? When am I going to enter a relationship when I can support them and they can support me? Who am I? What am I? Where do I need to be? When will I achieve my goals? Why hasn't it happened yet? How am I going to achieve it? My body and soul started to fill up with all types of uncertainty.

I finally arrived to the movie theatre to purchase my ticket. In her shoes was starting two hours later. As I left, I called my mother and started to tell her about my anxiety. Tears started to fall. I told my mom that I firmly believe that I have the potential to become an Advocate for oppressed people around the world, that I can become a successful entrepreneur and live a happy life, among other things. My heart stopped, I couldn't breathe. That's when my tears came falling like the water in the Niagara Falls. It wasn't one of those little cries, I cried HARD. Right on the streets of Lincoln Square. I cried because I saw my vision, yet I had doubt that I could turn my vision into reality. I think I cried for about 15 minutes.

I told my mom about two big endeavors of 2006 that will take me into the next couple of steps of building my career. My mom reminded me that I was only twenty-four and that I've come a long way. She identified a couple of things that I need to work on. Then I started crying again because I'm grateful for having her in my life. In my dark hour, just her listening ear lifted my hand with praise. Thank you Jesus!

My anxiety got the best of me. It wasn't for a long time, but I needed my breakdown. I remembered my thoughts on Diligence. I wrote in that post, Can you think of a black successful person who has not gone through a tremendous amount of adversity? So I had to think about how I would write in my memoir my Lincoln Square Breakdown. Then I thought about my connection with someone that has the potential to develop into a fruitful relationship. I thought about my present hardships being a part of the testimony that will inspire others. I thought about my faith leading me into God's plan.

It is so easy to lose hope! Sometimes I feel like I'm in a great position in my life but I want better. I don't feel there is anything wrong with that. This desire will give me that strength to Keep on Pushin. And I will keep pushin until I get to the mountain top! No matter what, I am the Master of my Fate/ The Captain of my Soul!



Y'all better watch out for me!
I'm still The Unconquerable Soul!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Dear Child of the Ghetto

Dear Child of the Ghetto
Don't you know, when Maya wrote,

"But, Still I Rise,"
She was talking about you
That you can rise up from adversity, exploitation, and poverty


Dear Child of the Ghetto
Your life may seem like a dark room
But, there is a light switch that you must flicker
So you can finally see the yellow brick road

That has always been before you.

Dear Child of the Ghetto
Don't be afraid of using your God given talents

Our community needs them NOW
You are a 26 karat Diamond in the rough
Covered with dark nasty coal
Let your light shine


Dear Child of the Ghetto
I don't know what you’ve been told
I want you to know that your beauty is more than skin deep
You must love yourself
The good, the bad and the ugly

Dear Child of the Ghetto
You don't have to sell on the corner
You don't have to drop out of High School
You don't have to become a teenage mother
or a dead beat dad

All of your Life
You don't have to live in poverty
Don't have to suffer from domestic abuse
You don't have to join a gang
You dont' have to use the check cashing place
You don't have to eat ghetto chicken
Six days of the week from US, Crown or Kennedy Chicken

I'm telling you
Your are somebody
You are Langston, Harriet, Martin, and Rosa
You are Bayard, Angela, Malcolm and Stokely
You are Oprah, Russell, Magic and Diddy
You are Ken Chenault, Richard Perkins, Cathy Hughes and Robert Johnson

Dear Child of the Ghetto
You Matter!
Once you realize this
The revolution begins...

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

I am so happy the election season is finally over. Most of the candidates I've been reading about from across the country won, except for Jass Stewart. I really hoped that I would get a chance to assist his campaign. A pray goes out to him and his family.

The year is finally coming to a close and I'm still excited about what's going to happen within the next two months. I am truly feeling blessed today!

The Top 5 Wednesday topic for today is....

Top 5 things I can't wait for (in the next two months)

5. Lost Prophet - Tonight, I'm picking up the biography of Bayard Rustin, Lost Prophet. Last year was the first time that I've heard about this unsung hero. He was the main organizer behind the March on Washington (I bet some of y'all didn't know that.) From what I've heard about him, he is a true unconquerable soul. I think this will be a tear jerker.

4. The Color Purple, the musical - The Color Purple is my favorite movies. I know y'all black folks are saying the same dang thang. But, IT IS MY MOVIE! MY FAVORITE MOVIE! LOL Anyway, its on Broadway and sista Winfrey gave the production some money so you know its going to be great. I'm kinda nervous that it's a musical. I'm trying to wait and see it with my church, but I think I may have to go with some friends during the week of Christmas.

3. Shedding off. November 1st, I started a new workout plan. I'm tryna shed a couple of lbs before New Years! Last year, I killed it! This year folks better watch out! Oh yeah, my jump roping skills is UP! Can't nobody tell me nothing!

2. Rent - I saw Rent on Broadway a couple of years ago. I absolutely love "Seasons of Love," especially Stevie Wonder or Frenchie's version. When I first heard about it being filmed, I secretly wanted to get a small role in it, LOL! I've been anticipating this movie for the entire year. When i see the trailers, I get all getty and start singing with them. Y'all don't know about my theatre vocals, LOL! (y'all may not want to know!)

1. Visitor - I have a special visitor coming in mid-December. I am so excited and I just can't hide it. I am certain we are going to have an enjoyable time with each other.

Honorable Mention: Mary J. Blige Seventh Studio Album, Radio City Christmas Show (going with Visitor, it will be our first time)

What are some of the things y'all anticipating?

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

40 years ago, our elders fought for the Voter Rights Act of 1965!
You owe it to them, to get you lazy azz off this screen and go VOTE!
November 8, 2005 -
TODAY IS ELECTION DAY
GO VOTE
GO VOTE
OR DIE,
SUCKERS!!!
LOL

Monday, November 07, 2005

Random stuff!

Since November 4th, my mother has been out with her new "friend" SEVEN TIMES! I've been very busy, so I only spoke with my mother four times last week (SHUT UP!). So of course my brother & sister called to tell me that they have met the guy and he has come over the house more than once. No over night visits, yet. I'm extremely happy for her. BUT, yesterday I called and asked her if I can take her to the movies to see Jarhead, she kindly declined and said, "I’m going out with my friend today, do you want us to stop by and say hi?" I said, "No, that's ok! Enjoy yourself! I'll talk to you later." I'm not ready to meet him and I don't even think I was ready for her to decline my invitation. I think I'm jealous, LOL!

Saturday, I went to a Hip Hop in Education Conference! I met many young progressive people! There were many people from across North America; I noticed there were not many black attendees. (It made me go, hmmm..) Anyhow, I am a firm believer that we can use hip-hop to educate our youth. Check out
Flocabulary, it’s a program to help young people increase their vocabulary.

West Wing last night was incredible. Smits and Alda rock the house in a live presidential debate! Do I hear Emmy?


I am loving Israel & The New breed latest cd Alive in South Africa. But it is nothing compared to Kirk Franklin's Hero.

I can't believe the holiday season is arriving. I would like to have my shopping completed two weeks before Christmas. We will see! I want an ipod (hint, hint readers) LOL!

Over the weekend, I helped my best friend find an apartment in New England. This brotha came from poverty and just received a very lucrative job. I am very proud of him. While we were apt hunting, I wondered what it would be like if I moved somewhere else. A part of me wants to move somewhere new within a year, but we will see.

Can y'all please check out my boy, Soldiers blog? He is an incredible person that has shared something very personal on his blog recently. Please show him some love! Read the last two entries, they are intense.

Tomorrow is ELECTION DAY! Please do some research and VOTE TOMORROW! IT'S IMPORTANT!

Peace!

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Diligence

I sit on an important committee at my church that does many great things for the black community. There are several prominent members who had faith in me when I chaired the first Men’s Economic Conference’s a couple of weeks ago. I was surprise that they chose me because I’m the youngest by far on the committee. Not only did they allow me coordinate this conference the committee quadrupled my budget. Nonetheless, it turned out to be an extraordinary day and I think my pastor knows my name now. (hehehe, I go to a very large church.)

Last night, we began making tentative preparation on our next upcoming event in February. I am very excited to participate in this endeavor. It’s the annual black history month event that I attended right before I became a church member this year. We were discussing ideas for a theme. We talked about the change of MLK platform after the March on Washington. Dr. King began to talk about economic empowerment for the black community. Some say, this was inspired his death.

The conversation quickly moved into what is our community doing today. Most of the members talked about diligence in our community. One member said, “Black men in America don’t know nothing about diligence.” In general, I do believe our community lacks the drive to empower themselves. I firmly believe that we as a people become complacent in our situation. Many of us are on welfare, section-8 or if we really doing well making three dollars over minimum wage. There are some that persevere, while the fast majority is still living in the projects that their grandmother grew up in.

In September, I had the pleasure of having lunch with Dr. Cornel West. Someone asked him, “What do you love most about black people.” I can’t recall his exact words, but he said something like this, “Our people have always made the best out of every situation.” It’s true! I know many people, who have been living check-to-check for over 20 years, including my mother. When my mother was getting food stamps, my four-person family was happily living in a two-bedroom apartment without cable, making soul train lines and singing our hearts out.

But, something changed.

My mother was blessed with a better job. She began to expose us to a different lifestyle. She nurtured thoughts of a better life.

Unfortunately, enormous amounts of our people living in poverty don’t make that change. We have generations and generation of teenage mothers, welfare recipients, children of violence and the list goes on. I told the committee our people don’t have HOPE! This is the main cause of our complacent being.

We have endless amounts of talent, yet we don’t know how to channel this talent into something LEGAL and PRODUCTIVE (that’s another post.) The poverty stricken black folks in America don’t know the sun will come out tomorrow.
James Brown had a song something about “Open up the door/And I’ll get it myself.” The door is open… how can we get up and get it ourselves.

It’s a tough unjust world. It’s truly hard for our people to conquer their dreams. A large amount of us face adversity in some form every day of our lives. We must not allow hardship stop us from achieving our goals.

I think it important that we educated ourselves about our elder’s stories.

Can you really imagine walking miles to work for over a year in Montgomery under the sweltering heat?

Can you really imagine a high school drop out going on to become a congressman and president of our oldest civil right organization?

Can you really imagine being an incarcerated felon and redeem yourself in the Muslim religion to become on of our greatest civil right activist?


Can you think of a black successful person who has not gone through tremendous amount of adversity?

H E Double L NO

Our blood is strong and our people don’t even know it.

Diligence! When is our people going to learned that’s all we need to succeed?

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Top 5 Wednesdays - Workout

So yesterday, I started to jump rope! Yes, JUMP ROPE! I needed to do some cardio at home and decided jumping rope for twenty minutes would be a great workout. Let me tell y'all, jumping rope is no joke! I swear to goodness, my heart became all tight. Two of my roommates came outside the house and started laughing. Of course, they wanted to jump rope, too. Why did these m-fers(lol) started jumping like they been doing it for years... as if they were Rocky training for a match, doing all those rope tricks, LOL! I'm not gonna lie, I was trying to do some tricks but it didn't work out to well (i have some whelps to prove it, lol).

Afterwards, we started playing catch with a football. Don't sleep! This brotha has skills! Y'all don't know about freshman year starting offense. What? What! Sike nah! Has anyone use a resistance rope? If you don't have weights at home, get one of these ropes!

Anyhow, I decided to start Top Wednesday's (only my readers from my old blog know about this) So today is....


Top Five Fall TV Shows! (Clap your hands!)

5.
Noah's Arc - There are a lot of people that have many negative comments about this show. But, I find it very entertaining and ground breaking! Enough Said!

4.
Top Model - This is my first season that I have watched every episode. This show is serious! I don't know why, but I really really love this show. One thing, Tyra could have chosen better-looking black women. Don't get me wrong, both are pretty, but I just can't see them as a Top Model.

3.
Grey's Anatomy - Created by a Black Woman on Primetime ABC, I must support this show! I loved last season and this season is even better. Sarah Oh ROCKS!

2.
West Wing - I have a background with working in government and political campaigns. Most people in that sector of my life watch this show religiously. In the past couple of years, I have watched it when had the chance. Now, my black behind is in front of a television at 8pm every Sunday. Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda are going to do a live debate on the next episode this Sunday. Watch It!

1.
Commander-in-Chief - This is my favorite new show! The scenarios in this show if a woman were President are very realistic. I love the fact that the show is very progressive. 1. Geena Davis as President. 2. Harry Lennix (y'all remember him from the Five Heartbeats, the one who sung bass) as the chief-of-staff. Can y'all imagine that? A female president and a Black Chief-of-Staff. I must mention that Donald Sutherland plays his role to the tee!

Honorable Mentions: Desperate Housewives (this season is different from the last, but i still like it), Any Law & Order (especially SVU), One-on-One (those kids grew up, yum, lol), Everyone Hates Chris (I wish they changed the time).

What's are your favorite Fall TV Shows?
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