Category Archives: social consciousness

enlightenment, entertainment, love, social consciousness, Uncategorized

Boy Meets Girl

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Boy meets girl, and falls in love.
In this world of hate and war…
Girl meets boy, and falls in love.
So let stay together, play together, days forever babe… (Boy Meets Girl – Scarface *Made*)

We all know the story, according to scripture, in the beginning there was the WORD. And from that juncture, the Grand Architect of the Universe created all that we see and hold dear. Adam was produced and according to the Holy Bible, Genesis 2:18-24, and the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And from the deception of the serpent in story until this very moment as you read this manuscript, the “ying and the yang” which is the relationship between male and female has waged forth.

The depth from the vaginal opening to the tip of the cervix is 3 to 4 inches. And as a man, the saying is you’re birthed from it, and all your life you spend trying to get back in it. Ah… P.O.P. The Power of Pussy. An interesting case study when you examine it from afar. I ask you to make an attempt to strip yourself of everything you know. The visualizations provided by magazines, television, movies and video; the influences of music which leads to unconscious decision making. How would beauty then be defined? What is its true definition? Would it still be a matter of appearance or would the attraction be a result of our innate sense as creatures to gravitate to the opposite sex due to unforeseen and unknown reasons? Alas, we live in a time where the exploits of women are never examined in their pursuit of gratification; a taboo subject to say the least. It is the male that is labeled the pursuer, the hunter, the aggressor. However, as the photograph indicates, for a woman’s affection, they are OUR conquerors.

As the late Bernie Mack expounded in one of his comedy routines, if a man could pick up a six (6) pack of p*ssy and head home without the hassle that comes with companionship, there would be a lot of lonely women walking the planet. So go ahead, pick from a treasure chest filled with romance novels, films and love songs. The common denominator is the male persona in pursuit of the female. Sure, “these hoes be acting up and these n*ggas be letting them.” The statement itself is self-explanatory; for the P.O.P. has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s an addiction that has broken up happy homes and caused wars; creates elation and produces heartache; leads to an exchanging of vows & swearing an oath to the heavenly father or having individuals appearing before a judge dividing the family belongings, or coming to an agreement for the allocation of child support. A pimp is willing to share, optimize and profit from it; the disillusioned will kill to prevent anyone else from having it, even at the expense of harming themselves; crime scene, yellow tape, forensic report and grieving friends and family all included. A father will rape his own child and beat her for her disobedience to satisfy his urges. It influences the decisions one makes and the people one associates with. And like most instruments of destruction, can be used for both good and evil. Laughable I know, but when you think about everything you’ve read in its totality, you know the font representing the words are true.

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Though the case can be made for both genders, for that “sack” or glimpse of the “camel toe” a man will exhaust all means to garner a female’s attention; fresh haircut and clothing; the nicest automobiles; an exorbitant amount of money spent on spirits laced with sparklers to garner a vixen’s notice in a conducive environment. A subtle glance in a strip club will cause precipitation of US Currency; showering dollar bills with the chance of a night of pleasure; bills and other obligations be damned. And in a public setting, denied overtures for communications are met with “Fuck you bitch” or “You must be a lesbian!” Yes sir, you wouldn’t believe how fast a THOT (That Hoe Over There) can turn into “bae” with the quickness when it comes to blood flow reaching the head of the penis. And just like the movies, the male persona will impress, search the ends of the earth, avenge the loss or even die behind it. They say there are no rules or restrictions, but OPP (Other People’s Pussy), these chicks belonging to everybody and other slogans are no longer applicable. They’re all lies. Men want their main girls and don’t want others to have access to women they associate with outside of their relationship. So as women post photos leaving jealously, negativity, heartbreak, hate and fake friends behind in 2014; where some women celebrate being professional “side bitches”; where a model receives as much attention as an “around the way girl”; and despite their achievements, the beautiful and affluent sometimes end up lonely, and the underdog is married with children, as a female, they all have equal footing and a male will ALWAYS have the craving for sexual fulfillment with any of them. Assess the lost verse of the song “These Hoes Be Acting Up” found written on papyrus on the outskirts of creation, which was originally composed by Wale & Meek Mill featuring French Montana with production by Rico Love and you’ll see..

“These hoes be acting up, and these n*ggas be lettin’ ’em.”

It’s amazing to me, when a girl see’s a n*gga with grip
All those stankin’ ass skins wanna get on ya d*ck
It’s a trip, before they would tell a n*gga to dip
But like a pocketbook, they wanna hang around by ya hip
Put a wedding band on your left hand, I don’t see that
Double X caught passenger side, they gon’ key that
Run and go tell ya girls, cc: that
Yeah I know, I know, I know I’m broke as f*ck, well I’ll be that
See that, I don’t haveta take that sh*t
N*ggas out here spending money trying to cake that b*tch
Question everything you do, can’t shake that b*tch
How you justify taking a rib to make that b*tch
Hoes up and raggedy *ss n*ggas we let ’em
Turn a blind eye to the bullsh*t and then sweat ’em
Forget ’em, with anotha chance to make that choice
Childe please, get da f*ck out my face, Chad voice!

“These hoes be acting up, and these n*ggas be lettin’ ’em.”

And despite all of that, as the great scribe Beyonce’ Knowles quaintly asked, “Who runs the world? Girls!!!” And that’s pretty much sums things up! You have a right to remain silent, however I do not recommend it! “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

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enlightenment, social consciousness

Infomercial

(Grabs and taps mic) “Check 1, 2!” Good morning! In the spirit of ‪#‎TBT‬ I give you this. If you’re like me, and burn the candle at both ends, you have a tendency to be awake at odd hours of the night. And while scanning the channels of your cable or satellite network, you may’ve come across an infomercial where an actor/actress from yesteryear appears and petitions you to donate just $.45 per day to supply food, water and medical supplies to a desolate area of Africa. Then the images are displayed for 20 something minutes, tugging at your heart strings; damn near bringing you to tears. Some people can’t move fast enough to get to their ATM cards and dial the 800/866 numbers to donate their monies. That isn’t the issue. The message is being planted in your subconscious. It gives the perception that an ENTIRE continent is poor, lives in squalor, wears tattered clothing and remains unkept. Those same descriptions could be attributed to other areas of the world if the camera constantly showed it and painted that picture. For those of you living in Miami, have you ever thought to yourself when a sporting event is televised, why they constantly show images of South Beach or the Grove when they go to or come back from commercial? Programmers know that by showing an attractive image, they could keep the viewers attention, give the allure of a fantasy society where when you visit Miami, it’s all beauty, beaches, cocktails and scantly dressed women. You don’t have to worry about TNT or ABC showing the Mint, Carol Mart, Tootsies or the Jackson’s because it doesn’t promote the bottom line & push the agenda. (Think about the intro to Rick Ross’ video Hustlin’) Now flash back to the images of Africa and what do you think now? If I present the image that people are poor, aren’t self-sufficient, in constant need of assistance, etc., what kind of portrait does that paint. It’s the equivalent of showing 1st 48 marathons for an entire month and attributing that behavior to one class of people. If you don’t believe me, be real with yourself and ask this question. If someone asked you to imagine what the continent of Africa looked like (cities, neighborhoods, businesses, commerce, etc), what would it be? More than 70% percent of you would have a vision that it’s f*cked up over there? Don’t let the media fool you, there’s beauty and vibrance everywhere; it’s only a matter of if they’ll show it to you or your willingness to seek it out. (Drops mic. The impact causes the instrument to reverberate on the cold concrete) “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

Africa

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education, enlightenment, social consciousness

Preyed Upon

I and my kind have roamed these lands for eons. I have no perception of time, so the sun rising and falling are of no consequence to me. I thrive in an ecosystem where every species has its place and familiar with their roles. I have no concept for the species for which I’m categorized; I only follow my animalistic instincts and do what’s natural. I live a free-flowing lifestyle; for I am the lord of these lands and ruler of all I survey. There are others that are thought to be superior to me, but are no challenge to my authority, cunning and intuition. I’m an imposing figure once upright and out of my stance. I’m deceptively fleet of foot and have the mental capacity to astonish. Some have thought I am the missing link to all existence; the strands of my DNA the missing piece to complete the puzzle of all humanity. And for this I’m WANTED.

This day is no different than any other. The morning dew litters the leaves and the sun rays pierce through the vegetation in which I dwell. I and other members of the troop go out to seek nourishment to fill our empty bellies. We separate briefly in an attempt to locate an area of abundance that will satisfy the needs of the band. The acreage in which I live is dubbed the “Dark Continent” because it remains shrouded in mystery and holds treasures the likes the world has never seen. Strangers have scoured these shores capturing my kind and ravaging the land of its resources. I wander the brush and detect an unfamiliar scent. My senses are now heightened. There’s uneasiness in the foliage; a twig breaks silently and I immediately perceive the presence of danger. I seek higher ground from the company of an enemy which remains invisible, and within moments I’m entwined in the confines of a net. I struggle to release myself from this prison and I’m met with butt of a shotgun; struck squarely between my eyes and forehead. I scrape and claw; bite and scratch and with the second blow, I’m left unconscious. I will see the lands of my birth no more.

I awaken caged and shakled. The ebb and flow of the seas make my stomach uneasy. I roar, shaking my enclosure unmercifully in an attempt to escape. My captors can’t understand me, as my dialect is foreign to their ears. Thus, my cries for help go unnoticed. To my enslavers, it’s an annoyance and they strike me with their staffs to silence me. I comply because I wish the pain to stop. We arrive at our destination and I’m met with awe; passersby halt in amazement. They’ve never seen a specimen such as me. Three (3) men to my left appear to negotiate an agreement for my services, and now I’m off to a life which is destined to be brutal and unbearable. They’re confident that because of my strength and size, I can outperform the work done by others; they’re correct in their assessment. They believe because of my stature, I eat meat and will devour everything placed before me, scraps, tiny morsels and all; they’re wrong because it’s been proven that I’m more herbivore than carnivore; the dietary change is something I’ll grow accustomed to. They assume because I can’t articulate my feelings, I’ll absorb their verbal abuse; they’re correct with their assumptions as with each act of defiance I am punished more severely. They think by cracking the whip and striking me with their instruments I’ll work harder, longer, faster; they’re wrong as I can only work to my body strengths and limitations. And after all of this, they force me to breed with others of my kind and continue the cycle that they’ve instilled. And for generations, I and my kind have entertained you; appeared on your televisions and featured films; you’ve pointed at me from the other side of impenetrable glass or a gate separated by a cavern; people have impersonated me and made a mockery of the ideals for which I stand; they’ve performed experiments and still can’t understand the state of my being; and if I’m deemed dangerous, they won’t hesitate to kill me on site. And though my freedom has gradually increased over the decades, I feel no freer than the day of my arrival. I yearn for peace and tranquility, and seek a reversal of the psychological damaged that has been inflicted upon me, plagued my kind and rule our existence. I am the Mountain Gorilla from Rwanda, Africa, and with my dwindling numbers I’m deemed an endangered species. Change my habitat to the concrete jungle and my species to human, what would I be? “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

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enlightenment, social consciousness, social media

#FreeFerguson

“Now let’s talk about freedom…
The Negro says I want my freedom now, and others say never.
The voice of a responsible, educated, non-bias person says, togetherness, there is no other way.
Until justice is blind of color,
Until education is unaware of race,
Until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of a man’s skin,
Emancipation will always be a proclamation, but not a fact.
You see prejudice squints when it looks, and lies when it talks.
Damn fools!”

I used that monologue while attending college for a presentation, and who would’ve known that the speech would continue to hold such merit today. I understand everyone’s upset! I know the pain all too well; witness it first hand (the psychological ramifications) and read about it on a daily basis as do you. So because of the anger we harbor inside, we feel it’s necessary to unleash our fury on anything & anyone who opposes us. So we burn down the stores where we shop to attain the necessities in life; we vandalize structures that were the pillars of our community; we destroy all the things that had meaning, that were monuments, beacons and landmarks which served as gathering spots. But now think of this, that structure you demolished; those dreams which were quickly dashed by setting those buildings ablaze; a lifetime of work and money invested reduced to ashes, were they Black owned? If not, then who stands to win? The “true” owners will reap the benefits of the destruction by receiving a check from the insurance company. The losers are those who no longer have that establishment to return to. And it isn’t their moral obligation to reestablish that company that you’ve now destroyed. They can cut their losses and head off into the sunset check in hand. Vacant lots make the property value go down; reacquire, resell and turn another profit. Hmmm…

From the time of the shooting until the decision was made last night, monies were being collected for both Mike Brown’s family and Darren Wilson. By late August, Wilson had collected almost $350,000, while Brown’s Memorial Fund collected $214,000. So with Wilson set to resign and move forward with his life, he has monies to be able to sustain for quite sometime, allow the media madness to die down before moving on to his next venture. Meanwhile, there’s no dollar amount that can replace the life of a loved one; as life is more precious than a “Promissory Note”.

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Lastly, the misnomer of “Black on Black” is ridiculous. There’s no such thing. Sure the message was clear in the song “Self Destruction.” We view the headlines from Chiraq (Chicago), Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami Gardens reporting the incidents. However, the term is a media creation to instill fear and give the appearance that this is a problem which takes place solely in OUR community. If you live in Liberty City, Overtown, Opa Locka, Richmond Heights, Perrine, Goulds, etc, who else are Black people going to commit crimes against? You commit crimes against those you’re most associated with or live in close proximity to. “Black represent 13% of the population but commit 50% of the murders; 90% of Black victims are murdered by other Blacks. Yet the disturbing truth, according to the FBI’s most recent homicide statistics, is that the United States is in the wake of an epidemic of White-on-White crime; a (staggering) 83% of White murder victims were killed by fellow Caucasians.” (This was as of August 2014) I ask again, and I always harp on this, why do you think they reinforce OUR negative behavior, never insinuating the positive? Because YOU sell the newspapers, move the needle for conversation, drive the Internet with your songs, participation in sports and theatrics on television. I’m sure you weren’t aware that several young people visited Geneva for a meeting of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, refusing to back down during testimony about police brutality in the U.S. I don’t claim to know everything nor do I profess to be a prophet. The goal is to live outside of the confines of society to attain a higher understanding of oneself. As someone mentioned, the Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted one year, which conversely led to change; do y’all think not shopping on Black Friday; one day of 365 will make a difference? This sh*t is chess not checkers? “I don’t want you to think like me, I just want you to think!” #shotsfired “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

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education, enlightenment, social consciousness, social media

Bonus Blog – Declaration of Independence

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So during last week’s episode of the show, The Porch Reloaded with Brandt Edwards, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jerrod Johnson, Founder and CEO of Bajree Couture. Through the course of our conversation we discussed the formation of his company, the necessary steps taken to make his dreams come true and Black entrepreneurship. There weren’t any groundbreaking discoveries made to change the way business is conducted; no innovations revealed that couldn’t be found at a seminar hosted by your favorite personality; it was real, genuine, authentic dialogue held between two (2) individuals discussing the differences in being self-sufficient as opposed to a “wage slave.” He pointed out that in the Black community children are taught at an early age to attend school, graduate and pursue a career in the workforce. There’s no incentive reinforced by the elder generations to own a business or stray off the beaten path. Mr. Johnson reflected back on the career of his father, stating that while growing up his dad held a high ranking, prestigious position in the Miami-Dade County Public School System earning an exceptional salary. He relayed that his father would frequently come home disconcerted at the end of the work day and at the time he couldn’t understand why that would be the case. The explanation was simple; it doesn’t matter the dollar amount being earned or the title that precedes your name before it’s spoken, as long as you’re employed by someone and aren’t in control of your own destiny, you’ll forever be a slave. Although I had heard this before, I couldn’t help but be taken aback because the lesson was all too familiar. He then punctuated the conversation by asking the listeners this question: “Who do you know that has gotten rich by working at their job every day?” Now everyone has their own interpretation of wealth, but for me I would define it by being debt free, have a Trust (Trust Fund) to past to future generations that accounts for residual income, owning their home (homes) with no mortgage, travel to and fro without the worry of the cost of expenses, etc. Not amassing a fortune like Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Bill Gates, but the ability to live comfortably and have no pressure on their money despite any circumstance. Go down the list of your family members, peers, co-workers. I can honestly say I don’t know any. There are always exceptions; stories frequently emerge where someone invested wisely and turned their meager salary into a half a million dollar nest egg. But for the most part, many of the people I know are one paycheck away from poverty. That’s crazy!!! Furthermore, Mr. Johnson stated that anytime you’re employed by someone, you’re dependent upon them for your livelihood. If you’re fired, laid off or experience some unforeseeable life circumstance, your income is essentially cut off. In which case, most people don’t have a “Plan B” and are reliant on family members or credit cards to maintain their standard of living; or spiral into an abyss of debt, dissatisfaction and depression. What he continued to reiterate was, if you have confidence in yourself and believe in GOD (or whatever deity), why are you dependent on anyone other than yourself to feed your family and earn a comparable wage. And though it makes sense, many people weigh the factors of “Risk/Reward” and are scared to test the boundaries of their convictions. Failure is deflating; and when you involve money, the odds of people being willing to gamble on themselves in the pursuit of independence are greatly reduced. For some, it’s a matter of semantics; making a daily salary, long hours, ebbs and flows, gratification upon achieving success versus stability, pension, and health care. The choice appears obvious but there’s something to paving your own way and having something which is solely yours that you established that’s appealing. At the close, we both agreed that children should be encouraged to pursue the possibility of entrepreneurship and not directed to join the rigors of the workforce; be another replaceable cog in the wheel of industry. “If you don’t build your dreams someone will hire you to help build theirs.” – Tony Gaskins “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

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depression, education, enlightenment, love, social consciousness, social media

Help…!

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Initially, I had planned to write this as a correspondence on my wall on Facebook because the subject was a little too personal and I didn’t want it attributed to the brand I’m trying to create. But then I said to myself, “F*ck it! I’m all in!” As you well know, if you’re a follower of me and many of the endeavors I’ve established (Internet radio show, blog & Fan Page, social media, etc.) I’m real big on narcissism. And not that I’m questioning your intelligence but, here’s a definition of the word; because let’s be real, many of you have no idea of what it means. Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes. Now some of you are shaking your head and saying to yourself, “Brandt…! You some bullsh*t! How da f*ck you gonna say something like that & you be posting on this muthaf*cka (social media) 100 times a day?” I know, I know! I hate the sh*t myself! It’s a necessary evil. You see, I “thought” I had established a good enough reputation with my actions, deeds, kindness and work, that I could I just “announce” I was doing something that would be beneficial to the community and enlighten the masses that people would immediately flock to it based on premise that I had a “clean face.” See, contrary to popular belief, I hate attention. I like to lurk in the shadow and remain in mystery. Sure I like to be lauded for my accomplishments, but for the most part, I’m cool with not being the center of attention. That’s not a lack of confidence, just the applause of the crowd doesn’t appeal to me because I know it can be stripped and turned into “boos” at any moment. And boy was I wrong! You have to beg for attention to captivate the public’s imagination. Thus, it requires me to be active on social media to attempt to amass an audience. The irony is, when I first established my venture, I asked a collection of “friends” should I even return to social media (because I had left) to promote and establish my brand. And from the collective it was a resounding “Yes!” It’s funny how those same individuals don’t follow the pages, approve of the information or show support to the endeavors. (Sigh) It is what it is.

The question must be asked, without social media, what would people do to garner attention? In a world where hiding behind a keyboard, your profile avatar and “check-in” location allow you to create the persona you want the world to envision, how would people receive the gratification they so desire? What I’ve learned in recent weeks is that everyone isn’t a narcissist. They say the eyes are the window to the soul; and behind the red tinted eyes of individuals in both selfies and usies are people screaming out for help. They don’t want the attention that comes with luxury and beauty. They yearn for the comfort of a warm touch; they desire an attentive ear to listen to their problems and dreams; they crave the love that’s been lost with the absence of a cherished individual or failed relationship. So to compensate, they hide behind the burst of the flash bulbs, drown their sorrows with bottles laced with sparklers paraded throughout dimly lit venues, resort to retail therapy or immerse themselves in their work to avoid the issues that plague them. I’ve met people for which, despite their beauty, job status and intellect, feel empty because they’re attempting to fill an unknown void in their lives; their self esteem plummets because of the slightest adversity. I pity them. Many of them can’t handle the pressures life has to offer and they either decide to create a persona to compensate, wallow in their misery and plunge into depression or commit suicide. That’s not to say that everyone who has over 1,000 photos of themselves falls into this category, because the large majority of the public exudes confidence. It’s the individuals that you’re unaware of that should a concern; those that portray an image that everything’s fine that you should be leery of. It breaks my heart that I know people that are unhappy with themselves despite everything they have to offer and all of their achievements. So this blog is for them. From this day forward, I won’t make disparaging remarks about those who wish to inundate the worldwide web with images of themselves. (Cross my heart) However, for those to which this applies, stop hiding behind the lens of the camera, refocus, and ask for the help you seek. They say a picture’s worth a thousand words; it’s worth even less when you don’t know and understand your value. “We Are The Change!” I’m gone! (b)

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education, enlightenment, social consciousness

Black Republicans

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So as the election results poured in Tuesday night, many people, especially those of color, were disappointed with the outcome.  In the course of one evening, the Republicans seized control of the United States government by now having a majority in both the House (House of Representatives) and Senate.  For the next two (2) years of Barack Obama’s tenure as president, there’s sure to be “bipartisan” gridlock on Capitol Hill.  Up and down my News Feed on Facebook conversations reached a crescendo with complaints about the lack of voter turnout, individuals caring more about standing in line for the latest iPhone or Jordan sneaker release as opposed to performing their civic duty, and people flatly saying that didn’t vote nor did they care.  What was more revealing and not a surprise was the number of people who were against Republican leadership.  Which then lead to this question being raised on Facebook and other social media outlets, why were African Americans Democrats?

The two (2) party political system has an interesting history, and for African Americans the account is revealing.  For many of us, similar to that of religion, your party affiliation was made for you by your parents.  Once you were eligible to apply for a Voters Registration Card, you were told that you were associated with ____ party.  Perhaps as you’ve gotten older, taken on responsibilities and discovered that the democratic process means more in your everyday life, you may have examined further, switched parties or disassociated yourself with the process entirely.  African Americans are for the most part Democrats.  A person of color dares not say they’re Republican for risk of ridicule; ask Stacy Dash.  The Republican Party was founded to end slavery and Blacks mostly voted Republican from after the Civil War and through the early part of the 20th century.  This is not surprising considering Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president and is applauded for signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.  From 1869 to 1935, every African American elected to Congress was a Republican.  The “Left” appears to spin history in their favor in the present and neglects to mention that it was the Democratic Party who founded the Ku Klux Klan in Pulaski, Tennessee in 1865.  Moreover, it was the Democrats who instated Jim Crow laws and poll taxes. Initially, the Democratic Party did not welcome Blacks, and it wasn’t until 1924 that African Americans were permitted to attend Democratic conventions in any bureaucrat capacity.  The tide began changing as early as the 1913 to 1921 presidency of Woodrow Wilson, and swung again in 1932 with the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  In 1936, FDR received 71% of the Black vote and had comparable numbers in the next two (2) elections.  However, the number of Black Americans who thought themselves Republicans were virtually equal.  It wasn’t until the election of Harry Truman (a Klansman who opposed Civil Rights legislation) in 1948, where he acquired 77% of the Black vote that a majority of Blacks reported themselves as Democrats.

Issues that contributed to the demise of the Republican Party amongst Black voters were the implementation of the Southern Strategy by Richard Nixon (though he was a supporter of Civil Rights) and the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1965 Voting Rights Act.   The Southern strategy was Nixon’s campaign strategy to win the southern United States for the Republican Party during the 1968 and 1972 elections by catering to the residents’ primary concern: Desegregation.  In his 1960 loss to John F. Kennedy, Nixon was able to get 32% of the Black vote.  Lee Atwater, a political strategist for Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, described the Southern Strategy in a 1981 interview:“”You start out in 1954 by saying, “Nigger, nigger, nigger.” By 1968 you can’t say “nigger” — that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states’ rights and all that stuff. You’re getting so abstract now [that] you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites. And subconsciously maybe that is part of it. I’m not saying that. But I’m saying that if it is getting that abstract, and that coded, that we are doing away with the racial problem one way or the other. You follow me — because obviously sitting around saying, “We want to cut this,” is much more abstract than even the busing thing, and a hell of a lot more abstract than “Nigger, nigger.””   Michael Steele, former head of the RNC (Republican National Committee), on the Southern strategy: “For the last 40-plus years we had a “Southern strategy” that alienated many minority voters by focusing on the white male vote in the South. Well, guess what happened in 1992, folks, “Bubba” went back home to the Democratic Party and voted for Bill Clinton.” 

According to a report from the JFK Library, “By the 1960 presidential campaign, Civil Rights had emerged as a crucial issue.  Just a few weeks before the election, Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested while leading a protest in Atlanta, Georgia.  John Kennedy phoned Coretta Scott King to express his concern while a call from Robert Kennedy to the judge helped secure her husband’s safe release.  The Kennedy’s personal intervention led to a public endorsement by Martin Luther King, Sr., the influential father of the civil rights leader.”  After King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, then President Lyndon B. Johnson (who opposed Civil Rights legislation in the decades leading up to his presidency) pushed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (outlawing segregation in public places) which his opponent, Senator Barry Goldwater opposed.  This took place after the assassination of Kennedy in November of 1963.  As a result, LBJ received 94% of the Black vote that year. The JFK Library states, “Before becoming vice president, Johnson had served more than two decades in Congress as a congressman and senator from Texas.  He used his connections with southern White congressional leaders and the outpouring of emotion after the president’s assassination to passs the Civil Rights Act as a away to honor President Kennedy.” What’s lost in history is that the crux of the bill was drafted and pushed through Congress by Republican Senator Everett Dirksen.  The following year, Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act and since that time, no Republican presidential candidate has gotten more than 15% of the Black vote.  You then include the presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush, the party’s stances on abortion, Social Security, the war on drugs, etc., and you can see why people of color are against them as a party.  As I’ve mentioned before, party affiliation isn’t as important as the financial backing you have when trying to implement and influence change.  The power of currency is all that matters in these times of high stakes poker involving war, drugs, natural resources and commodities.  The Bill of Rights was created to advise citizens of their entitlements under the law and the obligation of elected officials to uphold them; the public shouldn’t be exploited as a result no matter the party affiliation.  “We Are The Change!”  I’m gone! (b)

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enlightenment, entertainment, social consciousness, spirituality

Won’t He Do It!

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Each morning I appreciate the fact that I’m granted another opportunity to awaken from a night’s slumber, listen to the roaring laughter and engaging conversation that transpires between the residents in my humble abode and embark on life’s journey made anew, as I bask in the illumination of the sun’s rays.   The dawning of a new day leads to one’s ability to overcome past transgressions and account for past mistakes.  Would’ve, could’ve, should’ves (states of procrastination) can be transformed into grandiose accomplishments with just a bit of effort; and words often left unspoken can be uttered to please the ear.  And though my life may not be what I envisioned, I have shelter, clothing, and the ability to consume food to nourish my body.   So you have to forgive me if I have a condescending attitude about most things I encounter in life, with religion being something I personally don’t subscribe to.

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Now this piece isn’t being written to bash or question anyone’s values; nor meant to sway public opinion.  It is my hope to provide levity; holding up a mirror and allowing the reader to gaze upon their reflection.  Point out disparaging behavior that we all at times suffer from; an inflated ego; narcissistic tendencies, being braggadocio in the name of their chosen deity.  As always, before I pose my argument, I like to define the key terms or phrases that will be used throughout the piece.  Religion is defined as the belief in a god or in a group of gods; an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of gods.  Now spirituality has no true definition; it means something different to everyone.  For some, it’s about participating in organized religion (going to church, synagogue, a mosque, etc.)  For others, it’s more personal (private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection or long, tranquil walks).  In all, these differences classify our society as a whole; the believers, non-believers and those in-between.

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“No hater can stop God’s favor.  God will give them front seats to watch your life prosper.”  When I hear someone say, “God is good all the time” I think to myself, what about the children that are subjected to child molestation by their parents, other family members or an adult role model?  What about the millions of citizens that litter the streets of our communities homeless while banks foreclose on homes leaving uncounted thousands of dwellings vacant?  The praying mother or grandmother, who pays their tithes on a weekly basis, attends Bible Study and is a participant of all the available “Boards” only to learn that after years of asking for guidance and protection that their child is doomed to a life in prison; engulfed by the Criminal Justice System or suffers from some incurable disease. Or during the time of slavery, where people of color were indoctrinated to the ways of European culture and servitude of their deities; dependent upon the belief that one individual had suffered the same atrocities they were then experiencing.  The wounds from the lash have yet to heal, the family structure remained severed and the psychological damage remains evident to this day.  The same messiah (Jesus) that John Hawkins used as the name of his ship (The Good Ship Jesus – Jesus of Lubeck)on his voyage during the Slave Trade (1564). Do you honestly believe that a higher entity had a stake in last Sunday’s football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals?  That the players on each of the rosters wanted to win any more or less than the other? When an athlete is interviewed after a victory, they immediately “Thank God” for allowing them (and their team) to be triumphant in “battle”.  When have you ever heard the losing participant thank their deity for experiencing a defeat? Wouldn’t it be amazing in contrast to hear a player state, “I would like to thank ____ for allowing me to compete.  I know this loss can be used as a learning experience and can catapult both myself and our team to greater heights.”  That would definitely be refreshing and provide a dynamic for showing appreciation despite experiencing adversity or absorbing the emotions of failure.  What about the hardship that Geno Smith, quarterback of the New York Jets, is now experiencing after being benched for his poor play?  You don’t believe he has a strong religious foundation or is this a case of “favor ain’t fair”; testing his faith?  The same can be said at award ceremonies, where the victor approaches the podium and thanks their “spiritual guide.”  But what about their opponents; didn’t they work just as hard in an attempt to be rewarded and recognized for their efforts? Is it then fair to say that someone was granted favor, when if all things were equal, one person is being elevated above the other for some unbeknownst reason. This is typically the outcome that is frequently heard when dealing with the divine and infinite?  Pray… Did it work?  Yes!  Praise the Lord! *TO THE CONTRARY* Pray… Did it work?  No!  God works in mysterious ways!  This is what perplexes me about the attitude displayed daily on social media.  Receive an upgrade on tickets to a sporting event, concert or travel accommodations, “Won’t he do it!”  Credit score good enough to purchase a new car, “Won’t he do it!”  Child passes standardized testing to move on to the next grade, “Won’t he do it!”  Do what?  I’m confused.

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Don’t get me wrong, despite the tenor of this correspondence, I believe in the “Most High”.  I just have my reservations about how “favor” is distributed.  If you peer into the evening sky, and all the stars you envision are suns for different galaxies that extend throughout the cosmos, then how can one entity be solely responsible for that; and more or less be concerned about MY well-being? People dismiss extraterrestrial activity and the existence of life on other planets, yet believe all the stories written in the Bible which have no historical significance; research the Emerald Tablets of Thoth. Is it fair for a person to work, suffer, endure, live in squalor, while another exploits and reaps the benefits off the backs of others?  And before you respond with the uniform statement of “Life’s a blessing” or “He/She lived a full, wonderful life”, who amongst us tells the truth about how we feel to our peers.  We live in an era where if you’re open and honest, you’re labeled a “hater”.  There’s no longer freedom of opinion or expression; you’re either supportive or an outcast; again, there’s no in-between. And with a diatribe like this, I know I’m an outlier for articulating this opinion.  This is an explanation written on Facebook regarding the quote “Favor Ain’t Fair”: You’ve heard the quote “Favor Ain’t Fair”… Normally when used, it’s a rebuttal to those we categorize as “Haters”… You know the ones who can’t comprehend the blessings you’ve received, so they slander your name, question your credentials and attempt to assassinate your character… Today we’re giving the “Haters” also known as “Fans, who haven’t realized their true identity” a break, they’ve been beat down enough.  We want to talk to the “Favored” and bring to light the other side of “Favor Ain’t Fair”…  “Favor”, an unmerited gift from God can sometimes feel as though it comes with a cost… Those who are living a “favored” life can relate to what we’re about to say.  It doesn’t seem “fair” you’re attacked because you landed the job others were more qualified for… It doesn’t seem “fair” lies are told to discredit and tarnish your image and name… It doesn’t seem “fair” your feelings are hurt because doors were opened for you that were slammed for others… It doesn’t seem “fair” you have to questions your family and friends motives, “Are they here because they love me? Or because they love what I have?” And so on. Like all things in life it’s a matter of perspective. Adversity has a way of changing the dynamic and make the strongest individual question their faith.

My thing is, stop attributing success or failure to an entity which is unknown to us all and only exists on the basis of faith (belief or trust; belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof).  The phrase, “Look at GOD” isn’t applicable to everyone.  Many people feel as though they’ve been shunned by the savior they’ve been taught to worship despite their best efforts to be granted blessings.  They don’t understand when you give from the heart, and it’s sincere, there are no rewards being sought; no light singling out the individual to honor them for their deeds.  It’s a feeling that goes unheralded and unappreciated.  Besides, who’s to say that the deity you worship is a “he” anyway?  If life is alleged to have begun in Africa, the first remains of human life are those of a woman, and the woman bears life…, wouldn’t it stand to reason that a woman (wombman) is therefore GOD?  Perhaps that’s a discussion for another day.  Check out this link pertaining to that subject: http://themadmanchronicles.com/2014/02/08/black-man-proves-adam-and-eve-biblical-story-is-a-lie-his-dna-dates-back-338-thousand-years/  “We Are The Change!”  I’m gone! (b)

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education, enlightenment, social consciousness

Blacksmiths

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The room is dark and grim. Upon entry, there’s an immediate rise in body temperature; beads of sweat appear about the forehead and nose.  Tools of the trade suspend all about the structure; a furnace emits an enormous amount of heat which aids in the creative process. When discussing the importance of the blacksmith, the mind reverts to an era of mythology; dragons and knights; smalls towns during the age of colonialism in the New World; the “Wild West”; Scotland and England during the middle ages; where young boys concealed themselves behind inanimate objects spying the “smithy” performing their tasks.  A blacksmith is charged with creating objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend and cut. In the annals of history, the blacksmith constructed weapons to slay potential foes; fabricated iron to furnish homes and be used as accessories.  Today, those traits are used in other facets by the populous at large.

As adults, we are responsible for forging the minds of the youth. The information we provide them, through music, television, speech and literature, fuel the furnaces of their brain. It’s negligence on the part of parents to place that burden on teachers in the school system, under the assumption that they are solely liable for enhancing the knowledge of our children.  The sparks that fly from each strike of the mallet to form the personality of a child have equal importance to their overall development. The cinders and ash that land and mark your skin are a result of the failures and difficulties that are met when faced with the adversity when instilling morals and values. Parents manufacture the weapons that are used by their children to combat the metaphorical demons and dragons that life often places in their child’s path. Their ability to use those instruments contributes to the level of success they may achieve.  Gold, silver and cooper are all metals that are used by the blacksmith to craft beautiful trinkets and items placed on display for the world to adore; ironically, they’re the same items that society is taught to attain to have measureable success in the eyes of many.  What’s made in the confines of those shops (homes) can’t simply be discarded and deemed unusable; all the finished works which hang on hooks throughout the structure are lessons which foster levels of triumph. Frustrations are released through the flue of the chimney; the sulfur that litters the floor are the remnants of bad habits which have been deposited and removed in exchange for behavior that’s more amenable.  Through it all, the “smithy” remains undeterred and unrewarded; aware that the grueling days and long hours are well worth the compensation that’ll be received for a lifetime of accomplishments if all of their labors are reciprocated and lessons passed down to future generations by their children or those under their care.  And as the steam emanates into the atmosphere, and the tools of tutelage are cooled under the rushing waters of parenthood or mentorship, all that can be asked after placing your apron upon a hanger and wiping your brow is, was it a job well done on my behalf? Be there for the youth to assist in forging a lifespan of achievements.  Blacksmiths united.  “We Are The Change!”  I’m gone! (b)

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enlightenment, social consciousness

Drive In Theatre

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Play this as you read the post. This blog was inspired by Curren$y’s mixtape with the same title. Low volume preferred.

It’s the weekend… and family time is in order. A sitter has been procured to watch the children; they’ve been fed; and instructions have been left as to what’s expected when bedtime arrives.  After a long work week, ROR has been recommended and a night of entertainment and dining are the slated activities.  With both parties refreshed, fully clothed and smelling good, the only decision remaining is what will be viewed at the cinema.  After reviewing several movie locations to find out what featured films will be showing, a conclusion is drawn to “take it back to the old school” and go to the drive-in.  Entry and the ability to pay for food will be much more cost efficient and being comfortable is a premium that can’t be denied.  Besides, the windows are tinted on the luxury vehicle and who knows, a little “hanky panky” may take place; foreign eyes need not be invited to that escapade.

And they’re off! An adult beverage is had by both to remove the edge of a long, trying day. For him, cognac made neat; she has vodka and cranberry, as it reduces her inhibitions.  Upon their arrival, the movie is agreed upon, the proper radio frequency is selected, the front seats are pushed forward and they cuddle in the back seat.  The characters in the featured film are all too familiar; though the eras differ the plot remains the same.  And as the opening credits roll and the title flashes across the screen, the words, sounds and images no longer matter; they’re mute.  The characteristic of each individual have been predetermined.  The people of color will be either killed first when faced with horror, the comic relief, savages or depicted by their “criminal nature”.  All others are the heroes or heroines and when the closing credits roll, they would’ve done something to shock the conscious or entice the viewer to wish they had those same attributes.

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In real life, there’s no director yelling “Lights, camera, action”; no trailers to return to when a scene doesn’t fair well to refresh and regroup; no stunt double to replace you when you’re designated to take a hard fall, be involved in an accident or be murdered in a violent fashion. Everything is performed in real time; no filters or adjustments.  The media plays a profound part in public perception.  They single handedly control the minds of the masses.  They can build an individual up to receive sympathy and public support, or vilify that same person and have them at the doorstep of purgatory.  In a flash, the news coverage went from wall to wall Mike Brown, police harassment, Ferguson, Missouri, to domestic violence and child abuse.  And in each of these instances, the featured characters are those of color.  And when public sentiment was at its peak, the plot heightened and it was thought that the ending would be different from that of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Emmit Till and a slew of others, the media without hesitation focused their attention back to that of Ray Rice and now Adrian Peterson.  Ray Rice’s initial incident occurred during the month of February; he appeared in court and was punished by the NFL.  However, when new video surfaced of the same incident, he faced double jeopardy, and was again punished; this time more severely for a crime he already committed.  (The cuddling has stopped and now patrons are at the edge of their seats.  The straw can no longer consume the liquid that was once in the cup and all that can be heard is a slurping noise as the inhalation can’t draw sustenance.)  For Peterson, his crime can be credited to psychological embedment.  Since the 1600s, the cracking of the whip was as synonymous with those brought here from the banks of West Africa as the word “nigger”.  The whip was used as a form of punishment; discipline. How could it not be passed from generation to generation when it was instrumental in instilling fear in the hearts of those it was used to enslave?  And now, there are faces associated with domestic violence and child abuse.  The images are of Ray Rice and Jonathan Dwyer.  One almost forgets that Mel Gibson and Nicholas Cage also had similar incidents, and their names have much more prestige.  The cases of Hope Solo and Kelly Brooks are easily forgotten when placed side by side against their male counterparts.  In the case of Brooks’, she admitted to punching both of her past boyfriends in the face, wrote a book about her transgressions and laughs about it when questioned.

As the couple leaves the venue, they were well aware of how the story would end. Like so many pieces, the predictable outcome doesn’t leave the viewers unsatisfied; for them it’s just a night of enjoyment.  In life, although the script can be rewritten to change the conclusion, most people choose to leave everything status quo, play their roles and be the subsidiaries to those that are willing to “rock the boat” and alter the consequence.  As with the events taking place today, like a wrestling match, the ending is foreseeable.  People of color are regulated to the role of heel, while everyone else basks in the glory of holding the championship belt.  They’re engulfed by the applause while the villain is showered with boos.  There’s no drawn out kisses or music reaching a crescendo highlighting a historic, heroic end; only misery and suffering.  Ask Danny Glover how troubling it is to fund a film where people of color are the heroes and “whites” have no bearing on the finish other than being the ones that are being overrun by those being oppressed (the film was to be based on Francois Dominique Toussaint Louverture [1743-1803], a former slave and one of the fathers of Haiti’s independence from France in 1804, making it the first black nation to throw off imperial rule and become a republic).  The drive home from the night’s outing isn’t one of depression; when you’re oblivious to your circumstance, the conversation revolves around the value had involving precious time spent with each other.  The sitter is paid their fee; the couple undresses and prepares for a night’s sleep.  When the sun rises again, the previous night will be a distance memory and the rigors of the day begins anew. While some strive to change the landscape placed before them, the large majority continue to like things the way they are.  And that’s fine if you enjoy the screenplay composed of your life preordained from birth to death; however, if you’re unhappy with the actors playing the role of your character in your own life, the only person that can fire the staff and change the result is you.  Flip the script! Popcorn please! “We Are The Change!”  I’m gone! (b)

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