Below you will find the lyrics to Van Hunt's song "Precious" off of his self-titled debut "Van Hunt"...I love this song...the mood, the feelings, the joy, the hope that it offers me as I think about the man whom GOD has created JUST for me that has yet to find me, but that WILL find me when GOD has decided that the time is just right....I love it...
Tonight you have no worries with me here
My time, my time is as free as your tears
Let them rise with the wind and fall on me tonight,
You have no worries, no worries tonight
Remember the woman who locked herself into a lonely room
'Cause she, she thought that she had no one to make her feel like nothing less than a precious jewel
But, you know that you are: precious as the morning sun
You know that you are: precious as the deep blue sea
Baby, you know you're the one most precious to me!
You, you are the one I bet my love on
For my faith, for my faith I have nothing to show...
But a wonderful taste in my mouth from loving you
From loving you
Precious as the morning sun
Precious as the deep blue sea
Baby, you know you're the one most precious to me!
Precious as the morning sun
Precious as the deep blue sea
Baby, you know you're the one most precious to me!
Remember the man who selfishly gave to a chosen few
'Cause he, he thought the world owed him something too
Make him feel like something more than a simple ol fool
You made me feel: precious as the morning sun
You said that I was: precious as the deep blue sea
Baby you know you're theone most precious to me!
Precious! Precious! Precious! Precious!
Monday, October 09, 2006
SongS of the Week:
Ok so this week, there are THREE, yes 3, songs of the week...one from every genre that I am digging right now...I don't know why but hey it is what it is...I couldn't decide on just ONE song this week...
I think the main reason I refuse to get ride of Comcast cable is because of MTVJams and VH1 Soul....I love hearing new music first via these music channels...
OK so here they are...
Up first is Robin Thicke: Lost Without You
I am slipping because I didn't even get his CD the evolution of Robin Thicke which came out last week...I like this video its simple, its sexy, yet its classy...him and the young lady in the video display a connection...and you can see the feeling of the song...well I went to Best Buy yesterday in Bowie and they were sold OUT of his CD which doesn't surprise me because they never order enough "soul" music CDs, same thing happened when I went to buy the Corrine Bailey Rae CD...I didn't get it until a week later...but anyways Robin gets his sexy on in this one...
Don't you just love that!
Up next is my man Lupe Fiasco: Day Dreamin (you all KNOW I think he is bringing HIP HOP back...*smile*) This one of my favorite songs...I love the symbolism and the word play in this song...the sarcasm...
The video is different, Jill looks classic, Lupe looks fresh...I just like the crisp look of it...the tribute, so to speak, to the old school classic record stores, true DJ stores...places to get that real music, real conversation, real talk....
"righteous Kung Fo" Holla
Last but not least are my home boys Gnarls Barkley: Gone Daddy Gone
You all already know how much I love these dudes...and the reason this is on the list, is because not only is the song HOT...but I love the concept of the video
Cause Im gone daddy gone....
Oh and here is an honorable mention:
Now I must admit that me putting this song on here would, at face value, mean that I like this dude, or more specifically, THESE dudes...I in NO way am a DIPSET fan...but I am feeling the latest by Jim Jones: We Fly High
and I don't get why I like this song...but I do...Oh My
Happy Monday...Happy Day of that dude that really didn't find nothing, hence the reason I am still at work, and I am glad that I am because I see NO need to take off....
I think the main reason I refuse to get ride of Comcast cable is because of MTVJams and VH1 Soul....I love hearing new music first via these music channels...
OK so here they are...
Up first is Robin Thicke: Lost Without You
I am slipping because I didn't even get his CD the evolution of Robin Thicke which came out last week...I like this video its simple, its sexy, yet its classy...him and the young lady in the video display a connection...and you can see the feeling of the song...well I went to Best Buy yesterday in Bowie and they were sold OUT of his CD which doesn't surprise me because they never order enough "soul" music CDs, same thing happened when I went to buy the Corrine Bailey Rae CD...I didn't get it until a week later...but anyways Robin gets his sexy on in this one...
Don't you just love that!
Up next is my man Lupe Fiasco: Day Dreamin (you all KNOW I think he is bringing HIP HOP back...*smile*) This one of my favorite songs...I love the symbolism and the word play in this song...the sarcasm...
The video is different, Jill looks classic, Lupe looks fresh...I just like the crisp look of it...the tribute, so to speak, to the old school classic record stores, true DJ stores...places to get that real music, real conversation, real talk....
"righteous Kung Fo" Holla
Last but not least are my home boys Gnarls Barkley: Gone Daddy Gone
You all already know how much I love these dudes...and the reason this is on the list, is because not only is the song HOT...but I love the concept of the video
Cause Im gone daddy gone....
Oh and here is an honorable mention:
Now I must admit that me putting this song on here would, at face value, mean that I like this dude, or more specifically, THESE dudes...I in NO way am a DIPSET fan...but I am feeling the latest by Jim Jones: We Fly High
and I don't get why I like this song...but I do...Oh My
Happy Monday...Happy Day of that dude that really didn't find nothing, hence the reason I am still at work, and I am glad that I am because I see NO need to take off....
Friday, October 06, 2006
2 minutes of free association...
Peace, blessings and righteousness to the soon to be righteous man...
the blessings of GOD stand within YOUR hand...
it is merely up to YOU to recognize that they are there...
for they have been there this whole time, but you couldn’t see them for your clouded mind...
so take a stand and stay strong...
and know that you do not go at this alone...
For Jesus will walk beside you...
Peace, blessings and righteousness to the soon to be righteous man
the blessings of GOD stand within YOUR hand...
it is merely up to YOU to recognize that they are there...
for they have been there this whole time, but you couldn’t see them for your clouded mind...
so take a stand and stay strong...
and know that you do not go at this alone...
For Jesus will walk beside you...
Peace, blessings and righteousness to the soon to be righteous man
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Happy 57th Birthday Ma!
So today is my mother's 57th Birthday!
And I am so blessed to still have her with me...My mother is my BEST Friend...the end all to be all to be...I love that woman like no other!
And I know its because she loves me like no other. She has made sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice to make sure that I did better than she did.
She took me any and everywhere with her..showed me different things in life, places, told me I can do any and everything as long as I put my mind to it...
She didn't graduate from college, so she made sure I did!
In fact she worked TWO jobs my freshman year (so did my dad) to make sure I didn't go without...and after that I made sure I PAID for school myself!
She taught me to value myself, to love myself and to appreciate EVERYTHING because I am owed nothing...
She taught me my values, my morals...
She has never lived alone, so she fought with my Dad so that I could move out!
She doesn't trip off of designer clothes or shoes, but she would always made sure I had what I wanted because as she puts it "I am just like my father when it comes to clothes, shoes, HATS and boots..." and I really am...
There are things that NO BODY knows about me BUT my mother...
She is so secure in who she is that I can post her age on the web and she doesn't give a flying place in space.
My mother is the sweetest thing, but she ain't NO punk either...she will curse you forwards and backwards and then TELL where you can go and find YOURSELF...she is too funny...
Most importantly, she taught me how to be a woman, just by watching her...
She is GOD fearing, confident, strong, beautiful inside and out...
She keeps it real, really real...but there is nothing you can ever do that she won't love you and support you...
She is the BEST FRIEND I could ever have... I think I said that already but she really is...we talk day and night...all day every day...she is my support system...my structure...that voice in my head that keeps pushing me to become the BEST woman I can be...comfortable in my own skin because I am wonderful...(according to my Ma)
I am who I am because of HER....I will be who I will be because of her...
So Happy Birthday Polly...I love you!!!!!
And I am so blessed to still have her with me...My mother is my BEST Friend...the end all to be all to be...I love that woman like no other!
And I know its because she loves me like no other. She has made sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice to make sure that I did better than she did.
She took me any and everywhere with her..showed me different things in life, places, told me I can do any and everything as long as I put my mind to it...
She didn't graduate from college, so she made sure I did!
In fact she worked TWO jobs my freshman year (so did my dad) to make sure I didn't go without...and after that I made sure I PAID for school myself!
She taught me to value myself, to love myself and to appreciate EVERYTHING because I am owed nothing...
She taught me my values, my morals...
She has never lived alone, so she fought with my Dad so that I could move out!
She doesn't trip off of designer clothes or shoes, but she would always made sure I had what I wanted because as she puts it "I am just like my father when it comes to clothes, shoes, HATS and boots..." and I really am...
There are things that NO BODY knows about me BUT my mother...
She is so secure in who she is that I can post her age on the web and she doesn't give a flying place in space.
My mother is the sweetest thing, but she ain't NO punk either...she will curse you forwards and backwards and then TELL where you can go and find YOURSELF...she is too funny...
Most importantly, she taught me how to be a woman, just by watching her...
She is GOD fearing, confident, strong, beautiful inside and out...
She keeps it real, really real...but there is nothing you can ever do that she won't love you and support you...
She is the BEST FRIEND I could ever have... I think I said that already but she really is...we talk day and night...all day every day...she is my support system...my structure...that voice in my head that keeps pushing me to become the BEST woman I can be...comfortable in my own skin because I am wonderful...(according to my Ma)
I am who I am because of HER....I will be who I will be because of her...
So Happy Birthday Polly...I love you!!!!!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
TRUTH or DARE
so I'm playing "Truth or Dare" over at *~Rapturous Souls~* spot.
So...if you guys want to play we can if not...I will play on that end with them...
I really liked this game as a teenager coming up, got to know a lot about those I hung around playing this game at SBoo's house in Kettering..man that was the spot. We would just sit up and Truth or Dare each other all night long...them was the days...
Ok so here's how you play:
You comment on this "Truth or Dare" post with either TRUTH or DARE. I will respond with a question or a dare (in my comments), and then you must post your response on your blog so that I can make sure you actually did it. How about we make the title something along the lines of Truth or Dare?!
THEN, you get to ask me Truth or Dare.
Here are a few suggested guidelines:
~Let's not ask to see pics of each other insane or not reasonable like you know asking for a naked photo. The idea is to get to know each other better, not embarrass each other.
~Ask interesting questions nothing perverted
~If you do a dare, it has to be something that can be easily shown by posting a pic online
~No crazy/illegal dares
I chose TRUTH:
Here's what Rapturous asked me:
@TC: TRUTH...tell us the single scariest moment (either emotionally or physically)in your life thus far in detail.
Here is my
TRUTH
UPDATED
From BrillD: Here's one for you. Truth. What is
your opinion of Black Canadians?
Here is my Truth:
Honestly I don't have an opinion of Black Canadians, Black Europeans, Black who evers...you are the first Black Canadian that I have ever had any "real" interaction with...based on what you have said seems to me that you have the same issues that we have here in America being black or any minority (including a impoverished white person)...and it might be a little worse because HERE, BUT at least we KNOW what this country was built on, we know what we are dealing with...in Canada I think there is a misconception that is "all good" and there isn't racism...but I think you all feel it too...I think we are all in the struggle together in some form or fashion...that's what I think and we still need to start with bringing the BLACK family (all over the world) back together...and outside of my "Black Power" movement speech...I mean you seem cool...I don't know what to say....seem like peoples, like any other Black person...
Updated 10/06/06
From JAC: In your last meaningful relationship, what was the thing that your ex liked least about you? i.e. What was his most consistent complaint and what did you learn from it?
Here is my truth
My last meaningful/committed relationship ended two basically three years ago, and started in 1999...*just wanted to give some back ground* so I was really young and should have been focused on dealing with me and not on a relationship...but love waits for no one and I was with my ex from 1999 until July 2004. I will start with the superfical stuff because the other stuff will require me to you know look deep inside of myself...LOL...so my shopping...he couldn't stand the fact that I would be in the malls for HOURS upon HOURS upon HOURS on end dragging him along for the VERY painful ride of finding me something to wear...I would constantly complain about myself and that would annoy him because he thought I was beautiful...so I can honestly say that my shopping which was a habit due to low self-esteem was a problem something that he liked least.
But THE one thing that I can honestly look back on and say to MYSELF that I think he liked least because its the one thing I liked least when we were together was the way I talked to him. See I grew up in a house where I was taught NOT to take any "stuff" from someone, but never taught how to stand your ground and NOT belittle someone. I honestly would belittle my ex..when we FIRST got together it was cool, but once we were together for about a year around our 21st birthdays...MAN I got so mean and nasty with him...I mean I remember one time I just ripped into him over something really smal and not major at all, I mean really petty issue, but I ripped into him right there in his OWN cousins living room in front of EVERYONE...I was so wrong, totally out of line and just being a brat! It wasn't the first time, but it was surely the last, because the look of humliation on his face was enough to just break my heart! I learned to speak to him better convey my dislike for his actions in a better way. First off that it should be done one on one...unless its just crazy disrespectful type of actions (which he NEVER did) than it could wait until we were alone to discuss as adults not to yell, curse and fuss like we were crazed fools...Secondly, I learned that he would listen and take me more seriously if I didn't talk down to him or at him but with him...Third, that my nasty attitude at times got me NO where and my excuse that I am just like my father was just that an excuse and I had to make a CHOICE in how I was going to live my life and conduct my personal relationships! So that was a lesson and I learned to have better self esteem and to express myself accordingly in a relationship...
So...if you guys want to play we can if not...I will play on that end with them...
I really liked this game as a teenager coming up, got to know a lot about those I hung around playing this game at SBoo's house in Kettering..man that was the spot. We would just sit up and Truth or Dare each other all night long...them was the days...
Ok so here's how you play:
You comment on this "Truth or Dare" post with either TRUTH or DARE. I will respond with a question or a dare (in my comments), and then you must post your response on your blog so that I can make sure you actually did it. How about we make the title something along the lines of Truth or Dare?!
THEN, you get to ask me Truth or Dare.
Here are a few suggested guidelines:
~Let's not ask to see pics of each other insane or not reasonable like you know asking for a naked photo. The idea is to get to know each other better, not embarrass each other.
~Ask interesting questions nothing perverted
~If you do a dare, it has to be something that can be easily shown by posting a pic online
~No crazy/illegal dares
I chose TRUTH:
Here's what Rapturous asked me:
@TC: TRUTH...tell us the single scariest moment (either emotionally or physically)in your life thus far in detail.
Here is my
TRUTH
UPDATED
From BrillD: Here's one for you. Truth. What is
your opinion of Black Canadians?
Here is my Truth:
Honestly I don't have an opinion of Black Canadians, Black Europeans, Black who evers...you are the first Black Canadian that I have ever had any "real" interaction with...based on what you have said seems to me that you have the same issues that we have here in America being black or any minority (including a impoverished white person)...and it might be a little worse because HERE, BUT at least we KNOW what this country was built on, we know what we are dealing with...in Canada I think there is a misconception that is "all good" and there isn't racism...but I think you all feel it too...I think we are all in the struggle together in some form or fashion...that's what I think and we still need to start with bringing the BLACK family (all over the world) back together...and outside of my "Black Power" movement speech...I mean you seem cool...I don't know what to say....seem like peoples, like any other Black person...
Updated 10/06/06
From JAC: In your last meaningful relationship, what was the thing that your ex liked least about you? i.e. What was his most consistent complaint and what did you learn from it?
Here is my truth
My last meaningful/committed relationship ended two basically three years ago, and started in 1999...*just wanted to give some back ground* so I was really young and should have been focused on dealing with me and not on a relationship...but love waits for no one and I was with my ex from 1999 until July 2004. I will start with the superfical stuff because the other stuff will require me to you know look deep inside of myself...LOL...so my shopping...he couldn't stand the fact that I would be in the malls for HOURS upon HOURS upon HOURS on end dragging him along for the VERY painful ride of finding me something to wear...I would constantly complain about myself and that would annoy him because he thought I was beautiful...so I can honestly say that my shopping which was a habit due to low self-esteem was a problem something that he liked least.
But THE one thing that I can honestly look back on and say to MYSELF that I think he liked least because its the one thing I liked least when we were together was the way I talked to him. See I grew up in a house where I was taught NOT to take any "stuff" from someone, but never taught how to stand your ground and NOT belittle someone. I honestly would belittle my ex..when we FIRST got together it was cool, but once we were together for about a year around our 21st birthdays...MAN I got so mean and nasty with him...I mean I remember one time I just ripped into him over something really smal and not major at all, I mean really petty issue, but I ripped into him right there in his OWN cousins living room in front of EVERYONE...I was so wrong, totally out of line and just being a brat! It wasn't the first time, but it was surely the last, because the look of humliation on his face was enough to just break my heart! I learned to speak to him better convey my dislike for his actions in a better way. First off that it should be done one on one...unless its just crazy disrespectful type of actions (which he NEVER did) than it could wait until we were alone to discuss as adults not to yell, curse and fuss like we were crazed fools...Secondly, I learned that he would listen and take me more seriously if I didn't talk down to him or at him but with him...Third, that my nasty attitude at times got me NO where and my excuse that I am just like my father was just that an excuse and I had to make a CHOICE in how I was going to live my life and conduct my personal relationships! So that was a lesson and I learned to have better self esteem and to express myself accordingly in a relationship...
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Oh how I love U
So here is what is really going on...I received an e-mail today with pictures of Lil Wayne and Trina and their respective tattoos of each other's names ON each other...
Now I am assuming that this is an act of affection towards the person that you love...but this is the thing that I can't get with. I don't have an issue with tattoos because I myself HAVE a tattoo, nor do I have an issue with showing your love for someone, but really just HOW FAR DO YOU GO?
I mean really...
According to the streets Trina and Wayne recently broke upand Wayne is now with Solange. So now it didn't work out...what do you do with this tatoo thats ON your body? What do you do with it?
I mean really, let's think about this logically...
I guess to me that's just dumb...its not a sign of "ghetto love" its a sign of lack of good judgment, period! A man or a woman is NOT guaranteed to you so why would you put their name on you...ring finger none the less did we NOT learn from Trech and Peppa...
I mean I am not even going to get into the "body is a temple" issue or the spiritual issue...that it should stand for something...or even its a form of artistic expression...how in the world is your "mans/womans" name artistic expression then how crazy will you feel when you are no longer with him or her...
...shouldn't a tattoo stand for something a purpose? I am wrong for thinking that's really dumb to have a man/woman name tattooed on you? I don't know people talk to me what do you all think?
Pictures courtesy of Crunk & Disorderly
Now I am assuming that this is an act of affection towards the person that you love...but this is the thing that I can't get with. I don't have an issue with tattoos because I myself HAVE a tattoo, nor do I have an issue with showing your love for someone, but really just HOW FAR DO YOU GO?
I mean really...
According to the streets Trina and Wayne recently broke upand Wayne is now with Solange. So now it didn't work out...what do you do with this tatoo thats ON your body? What do you do with it?
I mean really, let's think about this logically...
I guess to me that's just dumb...its not a sign of "ghetto love" its a sign of lack of good judgment, period! A man or a woman is NOT guaranteed to you so why would you put their name on you...ring finger none the less did we NOT learn from Trech and Peppa...
I mean I am not even going to get into the "body is a temple" issue or the spiritual issue...that it should stand for something...or even its a form of artistic expression...how in the world is your "mans/womans" name artistic expression then how crazy will you feel when you are no longer with him or her...
...shouldn't a tattoo stand for something a purpose? I am wrong for thinking that's really dumb to have a man/woman name tattooed on you? I don't know people talk to me what do you all think?
Pictures courtesy of Crunk & Disorderly
Weekend trip back to the "A"
So this past weekend I had to go BACK to Atlanta, GA for the 91st Annual ASALH Conference. ASALH is the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. It was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History week, which later turned into Negro History Month and of course Black History Month...
So let me take a little time to dispel something right now the "white (politician) man" did NOT give US the shortest month of the year...Dr. Woodson picked February, in particular the initial Negro History Week, because it fell between Abraham Lincoln's birthday and what was thought to be Frederick Douglass' birthday (there was no record kept of an enslaved persons birth)
Ok, so every year for the past five years Kiamsha's Youth steering committee (which I am a Director of) goes and puts on the Youth Day for ASALH. This year it was a little different because the person that normally directs the day was going on a much deserved vacation so it was up to KW and CJ to direct the performance. Also this year it wouldn't just be Kiamsha students presenting on youth day but we had 4 Atlanta students that were to present as well. My role was to blind the two groups of students and make sure that the mentors where doing their job, just keep everything running smoothly, move between KW/CJ and RJ as needed. RJ had to do the logistical stuff which was good because she is great with money and rooms and all that stuff.
So our weekend starts with us having to be at Largo High School at 3:45 AM, yes that's right people, 3:45 AM on Thursday morning to catch the shuttle to the airport. We get to the airport and we are doing good...one of the kids left his ID (although I clearly made an annoucement prior to leaving the school asking if everyone had their IDs) so he gets clowned off the break...which was cool...we make it to Atlanta safely...we met Kep at the airport and we are off to the hotel
We get to the Hilton and we get settled and we meet up with the Atlanta youth...off the break I tell Kep you are in charge of the males. Why? Because Kep has this thing about me and my "attitude" with the guys. See I am one of the coolest mentors you can talk to me about any and everything, I am going to keep it real and I am always going to take you to the Absolute Truth to find an answer. However, I take nothing less than the utmost respect. So the guys and girls HEAR IT often from me at the same time. So I am cool but I don't play...so I tell him you want to make a difference, here is your chance!
...well we find our rooms in the hotel, and go down to the show room to get acquainted with one another. So we do some Ice Breakers and then we are off to lunch and due back for rehearsals at 2pm. I must say I LOVE bonding with the youth...I really do. So it was really easy to transition our youth with theirs.
KW/CJ had those youth rehearsing for 4 hours straight and they did a really good job on keeping them focused, we had dinner, 2 more hours of rehearsal and then we were done. Off to bed by what midnight.
Friday, the day of Youth Day....What can I say other than it came together GREAT! It was one of the BEST shows I have seen in a minute. Those youth were on point the entire performance. You could tell the Kiamsha youth from the Atlanta youth only in that Kiamsha students have been on stage before so they were a little louder AND because of the accents other than that...it was a smooth transition...it wasn't choppy and it didn't look like all we had was one day TOGETHER of rehersals....
You could tell that the 150+ Atlanta students that came liked it. They were extremely interactive and came up with their schools mission statement and everything! What can I say it was a GREAT youth day. BUT something did happen in the end.
KW had put her cell phone down on the tech table and it was stolen! (we know it was stolen because the phone was turned off immediately and was going straight to voice mail) I was heated and conflicted at the same time. I made the annoucement that the phone was missing and proceeded to wait for someone to turn it in during lunch. NOTHING. So I asked the other KW, KW2 (KW's little sister...KW2) if she could go around and ask the teachers to ask their students about the phone...CD did the same...I KNEW I couldn't do it because I was HEATED I mean I was really HEATED! But the phone never turned up. Some of the youth wanted to search the kids that were there, but we just taught them about their history, we had just taught them about the difference between a conviction and a preference, the difference between being a slave and being enslaved and how life is all about choices. Mainly, although I was heated I didn't want to accuse 149 students for the actions of 1. I mean really it would have defeated the entire purpose of what we were trying to instill during Youth Day. So we had to just let it go. KW called and canceled the phone and called the Atlanta PD to file a report (who by the way did NOT show up until 12 hours later at 1 AM).
So I sat and had a rap session with the youth. I expressed to them that when they buy a "hot" phone, or a "hot" anything that they are buying something from someone who has violated someone like KW was violated. And so they too needed to think about the choices that they make in life and really internalize what it was that they were teaching...they HAVE to think! I have learned to use every moment I can as a teaching moment...that was a true test for me. Because me personally, I was torn what to do, but ultimately its the bigger picture you have to think about...so that was that.
"When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
We have to learn to think...outside the box...we have to think...
after that we had "FREE TIME" for a couple hours so we gave the youth instructions and me and KW went to the Hard Rock Cafe just to get out of the hotel for a minute...it was cool just walking around downtown Atlanta and I got a little taste of it.
Friday night we went to the unveiling of the Dr. Woodson's new display at Emory University. That was the first time I had been in the Northeast part of Atlanta, so it was cool to see that. It reminded me of NW or the Georgetown area of DC...somewhere I wouldn't live, but it was cool to be in another type of environment other than downtown Atlanta to get a bigger view of what its like there. The display was really nice as well...the evening for ASALH was called "A Night Out" so there was food and everything...once again we were buggin out us and the youth which was cool.
We came back and had to be ready for our Poetry Night which Kep and Drea hosted. Now, this thing was off the HOOK...every generation present at the conference was present at the poetry night. Even the pastor that sponsored it got up and spit a poem...It was so awesome. Elders and youth alike jamming to poetry, spoken word, and music...it was a sight to see. Kep and Drea did they thing as usual, both rap and are spoken word artist. I personally just started writing poetry again, but I got up and did my piece titled "Merely an Ideal." There were a couple of folks out there that did their thing. But this one MAN stands out to me. His name is Derrick Bailey and he is the founder of the Man or Male Movement. He got up there and did some spoken word about the difference between a Man and a male. What he is doing needs to get all over the country, that's how deep and real this message really is! Hopefully I can get him to come to DC so be on the look out for that....
Saturday, we toured Atlanta going to the MLK Center and the Herdon House (Alonzo Herdon was worth 22 million dollars upon his death in the what 1927...interesting story). We also had lunch at Paschal's a famous Atlanta eatary. The food was good. What was funny is that we ran into TI's Grand Hustle Street Team...too funny...they was cool though, gave the youth some CD's but funny. The thing that was most interesting over lunch was that KW and I talked to CD and his wife PD about moving to Atlanta and he said something that has me thinking...
"it shouldn't just be about the money, T you have to think about your purpose in life, what's your true purpose? Can you do what you do with the youth in Kiamsha in Atlanta, you have to think about that...what do you really want out of life?"
So NOW I have to think about that too...I guess I will address this in another post.
The trip was like one of the BEST Kiamsha trips we have had in a LONG time. Me, KW, CJ, and RJ were in total control and we had NOT one issue with any of the students. Nobody got in trouble for anything! WE learned a lot about them and they learned alot about us. We talked about a lot of stuff, from the education systems, the light skin v. dark skin issue, or just simple stuff like music: hip hop v. rap, go go v. crunk....
It was truly positive and uplifting. As tired as I was and still am, I love being around them...they just MAKE you want to give back, keep them from making the mistakes you made, pour in knowledge and wisdom...its a beautiful thing. Our youth aren't lost, they just need some guidance.
Well I know this was really long, but with so much negative being said about the youth today I just really wanted to take the time and say it ain't all negative there is a whole lot of positive out here too!
So let me take a little time to dispel something right now the "white (politician) man" did NOT give US the shortest month of the year...Dr. Woodson picked February, in particular the initial Negro History Week, because it fell between Abraham Lincoln's birthday and what was thought to be Frederick Douglass' birthday (there was no record kept of an enslaved persons birth)
Ok, so every year for the past five years Kiamsha's Youth steering committee (which I am a Director of) goes and puts on the Youth Day for ASALH. This year it was a little different because the person that normally directs the day was going on a much deserved vacation so it was up to KW and CJ to direct the performance. Also this year it wouldn't just be Kiamsha students presenting on youth day but we had 4 Atlanta students that were to present as well. My role was to blind the two groups of students and make sure that the mentors where doing their job, just keep everything running smoothly, move between KW/CJ and RJ as needed. RJ had to do the logistical stuff which was good because she is great with money and rooms and all that stuff.
So our weekend starts with us having to be at Largo High School at 3:45 AM, yes that's right people, 3:45 AM on Thursday morning to catch the shuttle to the airport. We get to the airport and we are doing good...one of the kids left his ID (although I clearly made an annoucement prior to leaving the school asking if everyone had their IDs) so he gets clowned off the break...which was cool...we make it to Atlanta safely...we met Kep at the airport and we are off to the hotel
We get to the Hilton and we get settled and we meet up with the Atlanta youth...off the break I tell Kep you are in charge of the males. Why? Because Kep has this thing about me and my "attitude" with the guys. See I am one of the coolest mentors you can talk to me about any and everything, I am going to keep it real and I am always going to take you to the Absolute Truth to find an answer. However, I take nothing less than the utmost respect. So the guys and girls HEAR IT often from me at the same time. So I am cool but I don't play...so I tell him you want to make a difference, here is your chance!
...well we find our rooms in the hotel, and go down to the show room to get acquainted with one another. So we do some Ice Breakers and then we are off to lunch and due back for rehearsals at 2pm. I must say I LOVE bonding with the youth...I really do. So it was really easy to transition our youth with theirs.
KW/CJ had those youth rehearsing for 4 hours straight and they did a really good job on keeping them focused, we had dinner, 2 more hours of rehearsal and then we were done. Off to bed by what midnight.
Friday, the day of Youth Day....What can I say other than it came together GREAT! It was one of the BEST shows I have seen in a minute. Those youth were on point the entire performance. You could tell the Kiamsha youth from the Atlanta youth only in that Kiamsha students have been on stage before so they were a little louder AND because of the accents other than that...it was a smooth transition...it wasn't choppy and it didn't look like all we had was one day TOGETHER of rehersals....
You could tell that the 150+ Atlanta students that came liked it. They were extremely interactive and came up with their schools mission statement and everything! What can I say it was a GREAT youth day. BUT something did happen in the end.
KW had put her cell phone down on the tech table and it was stolen! (we know it was stolen because the phone was turned off immediately and was going straight to voice mail) I was heated and conflicted at the same time. I made the annoucement that the phone was missing and proceeded to wait for someone to turn it in during lunch. NOTHING. So I asked the other KW, KW2 (KW's little sister...KW2) if she could go around and ask the teachers to ask their students about the phone...CD did the same...I KNEW I couldn't do it because I was HEATED I mean I was really HEATED! But the phone never turned up. Some of the youth wanted to search the kids that were there, but we just taught them about their history, we had just taught them about the difference between a conviction and a preference, the difference between being a slave and being enslaved and how life is all about choices. Mainly, although I was heated I didn't want to accuse 149 students for the actions of 1. I mean really it would have defeated the entire purpose of what we were trying to instill during Youth Day. So we had to just let it go. KW called and canceled the phone and called the Atlanta PD to file a report (who by the way did NOT show up until 12 hours later at 1 AM).
So I sat and had a rap session with the youth. I expressed to them that when they buy a "hot" phone, or a "hot" anything that they are buying something from someone who has violated someone like KW was violated. And so they too needed to think about the choices that they make in life and really internalize what it was that they were teaching...they HAVE to think! I have learned to use every moment I can as a teaching moment...that was a true test for me. Because me personally, I was torn what to do, but ultimately its the bigger picture you have to think about...so that was that.
"When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
We have to learn to think...outside the box...we have to think...
after that we had "FREE TIME" for a couple hours so we gave the youth instructions and me and KW went to the Hard Rock Cafe just to get out of the hotel for a minute...it was cool just walking around downtown Atlanta and I got a little taste of it.
Friday night we went to the unveiling of the Dr. Woodson's new display at Emory University. That was the first time I had been in the Northeast part of Atlanta, so it was cool to see that. It reminded me of NW or the Georgetown area of DC...somewhere I wouldn't live, but it was cool to be in another type of environment other than downtown Atlanta to get a bigger view of what its like there. The display was really nice as well...the evening for ASALH was called "A Night Out" so there was food and everything...once again we were buggin out us and the youth which was cool.
We came back and had to be ready for our Poetry Night which Kep and Drea hosted. Now, this thing was off the HOOK...every generation present at the conference was present at the poetry night. Even the pastor that sponsored it got up and spit a poem...It was so awesome. Elders and youth alike jamming to poetry, spoken word, and music...it was a sight to see. Kep and Drea did they thing as usual, both rap and are spoken word artist. I personally just started writing poetry again, but I got up and did my piece titled "Merely an Ideal." There were a couple of folks out there that did their thing. But this one MAN stands out to me. His name is Derrick Bailey and he is the founder of the Man or Male Movement. He got up there and did some spoken word about the difference between a Man and a male. What he is doing needs to get all over the country, that's how deep and real this message really is! Hopefully I can get him to come to DC so be on the look out for that....
Saturday, we toured Atlanta going to the MLK Center and the Herdon House (Alonzo Herdon was worth 22 million dollars upon his death in the what 1927...interesting story). We also had lunch at Paschal's a famous Atlanta eatary. The food was good. What was funny is that we ran into TI's Grand Hustle Street Team...too funny...they was cool though, gave the youth some CD's but funny. The thing that was most interesting over lunch was that KW and I talked to CD and his wife PD about moving to Atlanta and he said something that has me thinking...
"it shouldn't just be about the money, T you have to think about your purpose in life, what's your true purpose? Can you do what you do with the youth in Kiamsha in Atlanta, you have to think about that...what do you really want out of life?"
So NOW I have to think about that too...I guess I will address this in another post.
The trip was like one of the BEST Kiamsha trips we have had in a LONG time. Me, KW, CJ, and RJ were in total control and we had NOT one issue with any of the students. Nobody got in trouble for anything! WE learned a lot about them and they learned alot about us. We talked about a lot of stuff, from the education systems, the light skin v. dark skin issue, or just simple stuff like music: hip hop v. rap, go go v. crunk....
It was truly positive and uplifting. As tired as I was and still am, I love being around them...they just MAKE you want to give back, keep them from making the mistakes you made, pour in knowledge and wisdom...its a beautiful thing. Our youth aren't lost, they just need some guidance.
Well I know this was really long, but with so much negative being said about the youth today I just really wanted to take the time and say it ain't all negative there is a whole lot of positive out here too!
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