SHOUTING OUT @ BABYLON

The Silent Taboo

2012-01-07T23:49:00.000-06:00

I came across, Possessing the Secret of Joy (Alice Walker), while in college and it has been a book that had a lasting effect on me. I have been an advocate against genital mutilation every since I put is down. Over the years, I have been trying to educate myself more on the subject. In 2009, I purchased a copy of, Warrior Marks: Female Genital Mutilation and the Sexual Blinding of Women (Alice Walker and Pratibha Parmar) to learn more about the subject. Warrior Marks, like Reinvention, is one of those books that I have to nibble on. Over the last few days, I have not been able to put this book down it has really drawn me in. It's one part of this book that is solely dedicated to the interviews Walker and Parmar conducted during this time for their documentary.While scanning through the interview section, I came across a thought that hit me like a ton of bricks and that makes me want to take a year to only research this topic. Walker stated that there is NO evidence whatsoever of the female African slaves that were brought to America practicing genital mutilation for a period of time. From all that I have read on slavery (which has been enough) I have never came across anything that has even remotely addressed genital mutilation during slavery.

It has been documented in various material that slaves were not allowed to practice certain aspects of their culture. We also know that many continued to practice certain rituals and traditions in secret which makes me wonder was genital mutilation one of the traditions they kept for a while. This topic has me "wondering" a lot! I hope in the very near future I get a chance to really put my History degree to good use researching this topic. As most Historians know, once you start researching one topic so many more come to the surface. If the practice of genital mutilation did carry over we can clearly devise that it not hold because most African-Americans have never heard of this practice.

I am interested to know what you all think about this topic. Please leave your comments sharing your thoughts especially if you have came across this topic in your own reading/research.

More later...

2011...

2011-12-31T22:23:00.002-06:00

In the area of social justice and world events, 2011 has been a "wow" year. I don't know where to begin there was the Arab Spring/Summer, the Occupy Movement, and the death of two dictators. London even saw a time of extreme rioting. There is continued unrest in Egypt and other countries including Syria. Needless to say 2011 was a year of revolution and the protester. I apologize for not blogging more and getting involved in the "conversations" of the previously stated events. Regardless, of my lack of content on the events I am very excited about what was/is happening. I am also very concerned about the huge changes these events will produce in peoples lives. How will the people of Libya, Egypt, and North Korea fair in their new environments. I have concerns about how the people of Iraq will move forward since American troops have left their country. As we enter into 2012 (God willing) I say...."power to the people."

Happy New Year, from Panther!

deus ex machina

2011-12-18T23:12:00.001-06:00

So as I'm driving home tonight, I get an update on my phone that another notorious dictator has passed away, Kim Jong II. This man had to be hired by the devil himself. CNN has a story titled "Kim Jong's II Legacy of Repression." I think a better title would be a "legacy of OPPRESSION." One of his tactics was to rule by starvation! I am praying for the people of North Korea that they find some liberty in the leadership that replaces Kim Jong II. Honestly, I pray that a spirit of revolution rise among the people of North Korea and they demand change. Revolutions are taking place all over the world and Dictators are Dying...

The Making of an Organic Intellectual

2011-12-11T15:05:00.001-06:00

As you all know I'm taking small bites of this book which usually means that it takes me a few days to read through a chapter because there is just so much information to try and digest. When I picked up the book for a much overdue blog post, I read straight through chapter 3, "Becoming "X": January 1946-August 1952." In this chapter Marable gives us a summary of Malcolm's life in prison, his introduction to the Nation of Islam, and some of the most amazing details of the history of the Nation of Islam. I wanted to review this book chapter by chapter to lift out those "golden nuggets" that can be missed when one does an overall review. This particular chapter makes me happy I made that decision.

"I could spend the rest of my life reading" (91).

Malcolm's life is prison was one of terror and most of the time he was the one causing it. Marable gives us a little history on the inhumane conditions of the Charlestown State Prison. Charlestown was also the oldest penal facility in continuous use in the world at that time (71). Another characteristic that stood out about Malcolm during his prison stay was how incredibly lazy he was. He stayed in trouble for dodging work or doing enough just to get by. I'm only sure his poor work ethic stemmed from his life of hustling and never really being established on a job. Malcolm met John Elton Bembry a fellow prisoner whom he worked with and whose intellectualism mesmerized him and actually set him on a self-directed course of formal study. Malcolm put this new knowledge to use on the prison debate team where he became an "expert" debater (91). The discipline that came along with Malcolm's search for knowledge really set the stage for him to move into his next phase of life.

Around 1948, Malcolm's brother Philbert wrote a letter informing Malcolm that the family had converted to Islam (75). Malcolm dismissed this letting citing that Philbert was "forever joining something" (75). What we come to learn up to this point is that the Little family was really close knit despite all the hardships they faced. The "family" converting to Islam was seen as a way for them to have a common connection regardless of where they went in life (76). In essence, Malcolm's family introduced him to Islam not the prison culture. This was quite a revelation to me. I can't remember if this fact was listed in the "Autobiography" as such or not but I've watched the Spike Lee movie depicting Malcolm's life so much that I have taken it as fact. In the movie Malcolm's conversion to Islam was encouraged by a fellow prisoner. What was even more shocking was the personal connection of Malcolm's family and that of Elijah Poole's. Elijah Poole later came to be known as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Earl, Malcolm's father, had occasionally preached in the Clara Poole's parents hometown (78). Ella had also been friends with the Poole's when she lived in Georgia prior to them being linked to the NOI (78). Malcolm began to embrace Islam and also demanded that the prisons he was in during this time respect the practices the faith of Muslim prisoners. He moved that the prisons make pork free meals available Muslim prisoners and that Muslim prisoners had cells that faced East so they could perform daily prayers. During this time Malcolm began to correspond regularly with Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm's correspondence was not only with Elijah Muhammad but with lawmakers, family, and old friends. Marable also made it a point to stress that Malcolm continued to attempt to stay in contact with Paul Lennon his supposedly "homosexual" friend and benefactor. It was Malcolm's letter to President Truman that opened his FBI file which was not closed until his death (95).

I can't stress enough how amazing the details were that Marable gave on the background of the NOI and how the organization was birthed. Marable even gave the early origins of The Moorish Science Temple of America and its founder the Noble Drew Ali and how that movement set the stage for Wallace D. Fard to establish the NOI. Another shocking revelation was that Elijah Poole was never a great speaker, without charisma, and did not even possess basic language skill but Fard saw "something" in him (87). We later came to learn that that the "something" he possessed was persistence. I would encourage anyone who wants to know more about the origins of the NOI and their system of beliefs to read this chapter. Marable closes the chapter with Malcolm release from prison. When Malcolm left prison he purchased a new pair of glasses, a suitcase, and a wristwatch (99). He stated that he purchased these items because he was about to see more, travel, and seize the time (99).

There is so much information that I gleaned from this chapter that I plan to research independently. Hopefully, some of that research will end up on this blog. Marable referred to Antonio Gramsci's theory of the "organic intellectual" that sparked my interest. Gramsci was imprisoned for over a decade under Mussolini and found that being dedicated to intellectual engagement he could endure physical hardships (90). What a thought! So I have to search out Gramsci and his theory a little more. Some other events that were mentioned that caught my eye were China's opium wars and the 1901 Boxer Rebellion. More later....

Daily Musings

2011-10-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Self Promotion?
Ruth Madoff is speaking out to 60 Minutes. Her husband, Bernie, is now serving a 150yr sentence for one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in history. Ruth reveals how she and Bernie attempted suicide due to all the pressure and charges he was facing. The cited article states that Ruth is trying to "humanize" her family. She claims that no one in her family had any idea as to what Bernie was up to. Personally, I don't think their son's had a clue but it is very hard for me to believe that Ruth had no idea as to what Bernie was doing. #mainstory

An Enduring Love
In the age of overnight marriages in which more than half end in divorce this story is quite encouraging. Gordon and Norma Yeager both in their nineties died within a hour of each other holding hands. The couple had a fatal car accident. Gordon and Norma's story is one that will prove the naysayers wrong...real love does still exist. #lovestory

Who Knew!?

Maybe I'm late but I did not have a clue that the cute little red monster's voice was a 6ft black man! Yes, I am talking about Elmo! Kevin Clash had a childhood desire to become a puppeteer every since the first episode of Sesame Street. Most of all I think that this story will inspire African-American youth! This will allow our youth to see people, especially a black man, in a profession besides that of a hip-hop star, preacher, or drug dealer. Look for the upcoming documentary based on Clash: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey. #inspiration

Resurrecting a Name
I'm pretty used to people naming their children "strange" names so this story was not that alarming. The Campbell's reside in NJ and two of their three children are named Adolf Hitler and Aryan Nation. The children were removed from the home because of suspected abuse but the parents claim that is due to the children's names. I doubt the state removed the children over their names seeing that the children aren't newborns. The state could have stepped in at anytime since the birth certificate was issued if there was an issue with their names only. Of course the Campbell's had to make it clear that they were not "racists." They may not be but the choosing to name children after one is suspect. #sideeye

The Great Quarantine
Marian Thompson, widow of Terry Thompson who killed himself after releasing 56 exotic animals, went to the Columbus Zoo to pick up the remaining animals but was turned away. The court stopped Thompson stating that the animals were being quarantined. What I would like to know is, was Marian there when Thompson released the animals? Was she there when he was cited on several occasions for mistreating the animals? If so the animals should not be released into her custody, ever! #followup

Daily Musings

2011-10-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

Is This a Phase or a Revolution?

Being apart of the 99%, I have begun to follow the "occupy" movements a little more closely. Like the picture on the left points out I guess I woke up. The buzz surrounding the movement today is in regards to the "Occupy Oakland" movement. The police arrested protesters and fired tear gas on them. This was done because the protesters allegedly threw things at the officers. It is being reported on (CNN) that the area where the protesters were needed to be cleaned/sanitized therefore the police were trying to clear them out. This was the same reason given by NYPD a few weeks ago when they came and were trying to forcibly remove protesters. Yes, they wanted to do some cleaning alright they want to clean this "occupy movement" out! All this police involvement makes one wonder if the "powers that be" aren't afraid of a revolution on US soil. This year has been one of revolutions! I know there were be some head shaking and giggles behind that statement but one can't deny that the atmosphere is set. What is so ironic is the fact that "if" there is a US revolution it won't just have a black/brown face it will be more white than anything. The black/brown faces know how to endure the oppressor we have being doing so since we left the ship to "occupy Amerikkka." #mainstory

Fist Pump to the women of Yemen
It is always inspiring when women take the reigns of a revolution, protest, or movement. The women of Yemen are "symbolically" burning their veils or "makrama" for protection from thugs. The accusations are that the governmental forces are raiding homes killing women and children. The Yemen uprising began in March against the tyrant Ali Abdullah Saleh and he is not backing down. This veil burning is essentially a plea for help. I pray these women get the protection they need and deserve for themselves and their children. I hope the world is paying attention. #inspiration

Whale Slaves
Peta has filed a lawsuit against Sea Word stating that the killer whales at the park are being held as slaves. Peta's argument that the whales are being mistreated maybe valid but them being labeled as slaves is just a bit much. My main reason for even mentioning this foolishness is to ask, "Where was Peta when the county slaughtered those animals in Ohio last week?" They are mumbling now that the governor has enacted a ban on exotic animals in Ohio. Peta should have been banging down Terry Thompson's door for animal cruelty long before 49 animals were killed. #sideeye

Amy Winehouse
Today the autopsy results for the untimely death of Amy Winehouse came in. The results are that she died of alcohol poisoning. What a sad ending. We all were rooting for Amy but it seems has though the alcohol and the drugs had a deeper root. #sadending

The Dictators are Dying

2011-10-21T21:31:00.001-05:00

As strange as it may seem, when I heard of Gaddafi's death the first thing/person that came to mind was Fidel Castro. I silently said "he will be next." Even though Fidel is not currently the head of the Cuban government the brother that followed him closely is. I don't live there but I'm only sure much hasn't changed. One can only speculate if the people of Cuba will be inspired by the events of the Arab Spring. No, I don't condone Castro's domestic policy but I do agree with most of his foreign policy. What I cannot dispute is that Castro is a dictator and so was Saddam and Gaddafi. They methodically control their countrymen. They kill unmercifully. Somewhere within the masses their is always a select few that have that revolutionary spark that burns within. Coincidentally, at one time that spark burned within Castro and Gaddafi.

I often reflect back on a NPR interview that I heard when the uprising in Libya began. I don't remember the name of the show, minor details, or even the name of the young man that was being interviewed. The man was a journalist whose parents were exiled from Libya but this extended family including his grandparents still lived there. The main focus of the story was how the young man returned to visit Libya the country that his mother spoke so fondly of during his childhood years. What I remember most about that interview is what this young journalist's mother said about a young Muammar Gaddafi. This woman knew him before he rose to power. She spoke of the 27yr old Gaddafi who she and her friends just knew would move up the political ladder with new and fresh ideas. She would be highly disappointed and she along with her husband had to flee the country because of their political ideas. She had to leave her parents behind. She had to leave the country she loved. While listening to this woman, I wondered to myself what had happened to turn the young Gaddafi into an old tyrant? I also wondered how this woman and others that had to flee during Gaddafi's reign felt when they heard of his death. I wonder what will happen to the people of Libya that now possess a new found freedom? One wonders if this new freedom is really freedom at all or if they will just have a new dictator that hides in the shadows. Everyone knows that the dictator that hides in the shadows goes by the name of, amerikkka.

The Chaos in the Details

2011-10-01T00:07:00.000-05:00

At the close of "The Legend of Detroit Red," I just sat for a few minutes to let the information settle. Marable kicks the details up a notch with much less of his sidebar history lessons. Malcolm is living with his half sister Ella but drops out of school when he realizes there are no girls enrolled (39). One of the many amazing "wow" moments of this chapter was Ella's life of crime. I vaguely remember her being such the motherly figure in the Autobiography but Marable paints a very different picture. Ella supports herself with a life of petty crime and was later briefly committed to a mental institution (40). Malcolm's behavior becomes so erratic that I could barely keep up with all his escapades.

From Marable's accounts Malcolm has no real mentor. His half brother Earl Little Jr. died of tuberculosis shortly after Malcolm's arrival (42). So in turn Malcolm studied the "streets." Malcolm befriends, Malcolm "Shorty" Jarvis, who is an accomplished trumpet player and Malcolm's guide to Boston nightlife (42-43). Malcolm fell in love with the ghetto underworld and became fascinated with black celebrities (43). For Marable to keep up with Malcolm's jobs during this time alone I would say makes him a "master" researcher! Of the numerous jobs that Malcolm held during this time one took him straight to "heaven." It was his job as a rail road line cook which traveled the Boston/New York route. Malcolm deemed New York/Harlem "heaven." His heart would always remain there (48).

Marable introduces us to the people who surround Malcolm and gives us a peek into their lives and how they influenced him. The love interest who Malcolm could not seem to shake until circumstances made him was, Bea Caragulian, a blonde Armenian. Ella didn't approve of this relationship which brought tension between her and Malcolm. Bea was later married but continued to see Malcolm, commit crimes with him, and ultimately testified against him in court. Her actions left a lasting impression on Malcolm and somewhat shaped his theory of all woman as fragile and weak (68). Later Malcolm was quoted as saying, "I got my first schooling about the cesspool morals of the white man from the best possible source, from his own women"(69). We meet the to black dishwasher and aspiring comedian, John Elroy Sanford, who later comes to be known as, Red Foxx (51). Malcolm met some of the most famous bebop and jazz artists of the day. We even discover that Malcolm himself had a brief stint as an entertainer. He danced at a bar under the name of "Jack Carlton"(63).

Even though Malcolm was using drugs and drinking heavily Marable refers to him as an "extraordinary observer of people"(52). We see that this characteristic proved valuable in his life as a hustler as well as his skill of master manipulator. He faked psychotic behavior to get out of serving in World War II. Malcolm was in a battle to survive and he was doing it by any means necessary. With that being said, I want to discuss that most controversial part of the book and one of the reasons why I was initially opposed to reading Reinvention. Malcolm's alleged homosexuality. Reading up to the point where Marable brings up this behavior, I would say Malcolm would have done just about anything to survive. He was running prostitutes, selling and using drugs, and he even robbed a family acquaintance and Ella. So when he met Paul Lennon who the alleged activity took place with I can't say what he would not have done for money. Lennon employed "male secretaries" in his home and Malcolm worked for him for as a butler and a domestic (65-66). For this part of the book to cause so much buzz prior to its release Marable clearly states,"There is NO evidence from his prison record in Massachusetts or from his personal life after 1952 that he was actively homosexual"(66). I don't know if Marable brings up this subject later in the text but if there is only speculation and no evidence I'm done with the whole issue.

I really enjoyed the interesting history tidbits in this chapter that Marable always gives. One being that the famed Apollo Theater was a whites-only burlesque house (49). The amazing facts about Harlem from the Cotton Club, the birth of the Harlem Renaissance, to the details of the 1943 riot. We learn how bebop turns into jazz because artists,"sought to create a protest sound that could not be so easily exploited and commodified" (62).

What may be the most amazing fact to remember while digesting the details of this chapter was that Malcolm's age span during this time as 15-19yrs old. Marable ends the chapter with Malcolm being sentenced to six to eight years in prison for "being with a white woman" not the actual robbery he committed (68).

When Anchors Give Away...

2011-07-23T20:59:00.010-05:00

High off the Introduction, I eagerly dived into Chapter I, Up, You Mighty Race. Marable introduces us to Malcolm's father and mother, Earl and Louise Little, and their individual backgrounds. Earl Little abandoned Daisy his first wife and his three children Ella, Mary, and Earl Jr., due to constant fighting and threats of violence from his in-laws. Earl traveled the East Coast and finally settled in Montreal and didn't bother to get a divorce. In Montreal, he fell in love with and married the beautiful Grenadian, Louisa Langdon Norton.

Central to Earl and Louise's marriage and life was the Universal Negro Improvement Association headed by Marcus Garvey. This is where I got bogged down and had to trudge my way through. Marable gave so many details on the UNIA and Garvey that there were times I forgot that I was reading about Earl and Louise. Due to their involvement with the UNIA, Earl and Louise were targets of racism in every community they moved to.

"Well over six feet tall, muscular and dark skinned, Little frequently got into heated arguments with whites who resented his air of independence."(pg 15)

Earl's strong appearance and demeanor was only a shell around a beat down soul. Marable tells us that Earl was prone to physical violence against his wife and some of his children (pg 30). We read that Malcolm often escaped his father's punishments and was deemed his favorite. Earl had the weight of racism on his shoulders and was staring it in the face everywhere he turned. I'm only sure this drove him to be a tyrant in his own home. The only place he could exercise complete control.

Everywhere Earl and Louise moved they recruited for and tried to build the UNIA. The more they recruited for the UNIA the more the KKK terrorized the Little's. What caught my attention was the emergence of a organization by the name of, The Black Legion. This organization, described by Marable, was anti-black, anti-catholic, wore black robes, and attracted law enforcement personnel and public transit union workers (pg 30). This organization, in my opinion, could do more damage to Blacks than merely burning crosses. It was made of people who could change policy and had the means to "cover" crimes. On a walk to pick up "chicken money" for poultry he had sold Earl Little died. The details of his death were that Earl was cut in two by a streetcar. Louise had no doubt that the Black Legion had killed her husband.

"We children," Malcolm reflected, "watched our anchor giving way." (pg 35)

Louise was left with little after Earl's death. She only had her pride to keep the family afloat. She took on meager jobs but eventually became another statistic of the Michigan welfare system. Marable detailed how Louise put up a good fight but the weight of raising children alone with little to no income and the scrutiny of the welfare system soon proved to be to much for her. A brief courtship during this time seemed to be the boost that Louise needed. After this encounter produced yet another child and no marriage, Louise succumbed to the mental anguish.

Due to the family's poverty, Malcolm was caught stealing food several times to satisfy his hunger. Malcolm also started showing up at his neighbor's home wanting food, the Gohannas's. The Gohannas's were older, white churchgoers who always had an open door to drifters and the indigent. They also took Malcolm in after welfare workers got weary with his run-ins with the law. Louise was totally against this move but she could not fight it. I wish we would have known more details about Malcolm's stay with the Gohannas's either from Marable or Haley. I would have liked to read about how they treated him and his encounters with the drifters that passed through. And if they had any influence at all on his later social justice ideals.

When Louise succumbed to mental illness and was sent to an asylum, welfare allowed the older children, Hilda and Wilfred, to take charge of the household. At this time the Gohannas's proved to no longer be able to take care of Malcolm. Malcolm's twenty-six year old stepsister, Ella made him an offer that he could not refuse. Late winter 1941, an almost sixteen year old Malcolm Little set off for Boston.

I must say this chapter was pretty "drab" for me. I was just ready for it to be over. Initially, I was just overwhelmed with the details of Marcus Garvey and the UNIA. I hope it gets better as I move on through. I want to keep doing these "per chapter" posts but let me know what you all think about them. Am I summarizing too much? Would you all prefer me to give my personal opinion more? Let me know. I want this particular series to be engaging.

Gone Too Soon...Amy Jade Winehouse 1983-2011

2011-07-23T18:50:00.003-05:00

"Nobody ever came to save me. They just watch what happen to you."-Tupac

So sad to see a such a talented young woman die so young. We all saw Amy's addiction lived out in the media. She wore her torment. Today Amy made her entrance into the famous 27 Club. As I read tweets, and articles about Amy's passing, I thought how does one deal with the "fame monster" at such an early age. Amy released Frank in 2003 when she was 20yrs old. If we are honest most of us barely survived our 20s (that is if you have even made it out yet). Yes, there are successful artists that start out young that do not succomb to addictions or the paths of destruction. I just hate Amy could not see her way out of the haze of addiction.

Let the Reinvention Begin

2011-07-14T00:11:00.007-05:00

"No man in our time aroused fear and hatred in the white man as did Malcolm, because in him the white man sensed an implacable foe who could not be had for any price--a man unreservedly committed to the cause of liberating the black man."-M.S. Handler (pg 10-11)

I did not want to move on from the introduction, Life Beyond the Legend, before commenting on this quote. If you have studied Malcolm at all you know he was devoted to Nation Of Islam and the Black race. I purposely put the NOI first because they birthed his love for the people. Detroit Red terrorized the community. Satan was introduced to Allah. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz fell in love with the community.

Malcolm was truly devoted to the NOI because he believed what they instilled in him. He was blindly devoted to Elijah Muhammad because through him he discovered freedom. His only agenda was that he wanted the people to be just as liberated as he was. He wanted to repay in service what he took in robbery. Raw unconditional love for the people is what he had.

Buy him, no.

You can't buy love.

He felt he owed us too much.

There were others who could be bought though.

So they preyed on his love and devotion.

They killed him from within.

But the Reinvention had already began....

Voir Dire

2011-07-11T13:12:00.003-05:00

We all have been bombarded with all the attention surrounding the Casey Anthony trial. The not guilty verdict set the media and social networking sites on fire. Due to the nature of this trial, the murder of a 2yr old, most people were not happy with the outcome. There were a lot of protests and outrage.

This morning while having my coffee, I happened to be watching Headline News. Having heard all I wanted to about this trial I was not paying much attention to the commentary. What made me turn and give my full attention to the television was the fact that "another" juror has gone into hiding. Really!? Jury duty is a civic duty that is not optional. In the United States of America a trial by jury is a fundamental part of our justice system.

What I want to discuss here is the fact that the jurors do not volunteer they are randomly selected from the community. I also know that most of you reading this are aware of the details of jury duty and jury selection. Most of us learned or heard of how it worked by the time we entered High School. My question is, "Why is there a remnant of society making death threats/harassing the jurors?" This was not a hung jury (which still would not justify any type of threats) it was unanimous decision. Whether someone was bribed/paid on this jury, I do not know but I think it is very unlikely. Regardless, these jurors are men and women from very diverse backgrounds that rendered a verdict based on the evidence given. I think it is utterly ridiculous for a woman who did not choose herself to be a juror to have to retire from her job early and go into hiding. The people that are making the threats and harassing these jurors are probably not directly connected to this case.

I do understand the emotional impact that a case of this nature can have on society especially our media driven one. If we are going to point fingers, harass, or threaten anyone shouldn't it be directed towards the police departments, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the justice system as a whole. These are the ones that had the responsibility of producing the burden of proof. I do not think there should be ANY violence directed towards anyone but it just seems logical that the jurors should not be the focus. The most effective way to make an impact in situations like these is to simply VOTE. We must stop being so passive about who's being elected to "local" positions such as city council members, district attorneys, sheriffs, etc. I will not go into the vigilante culture that has been produced, in my opinion, from too much media. I certainly will not say it is all bad either. What I will declare is that there has to be a balance. If I'm a juror trying to be a responsible citizen by reporting for my civic duty, I would appreciate it if I could return to my "normal" life when the case is closed instead of having to go into hiding. Democracy, gotta love it.

R.I.P. Caylee Anthony

Meditation, Tea, and Panthers..

2011-07-11T00:50:00.007-05:00

Last night I finally cracked open my copy of Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable (which will be referred here after and in future posts as, Reinvention). I think it is only fitting to blog my meditations about the book as I read it here. I finished the introduction, Life Beyond the Legend. I must admit I was shocked and pleased that Marable opened with the history of the Audubon Ballroom. That approach was totally unexpected.

I have not made it to the first chapter and there is already extensive underlining and side notes. I think I may need a small notebook dedicated just to my meditations on this work alone. Upon finishing the introduction, the researcher in me has been awaken from an extended nap. There are a few quotes that I want to share that are really pressed into my memory.

"You know, it was like having tea with a black panther." (pg 11)

This was said of Malcolm by M. S. Handler's wife after a visit Malcolm made to their house. The quote speaks for itself and I won't try to add to it. I do want to list some behaviors of a panther:

stealthy
elusive
solitary
temperamental

These attributes ties into another observation made by Marable:

"Malcolm always assumed an approachable and intimate outward style, yet also held something in reserve." (pg 10)

Remarkable. Maybe the "reserve" is what Marable is trying to uncover in Reinvention. No matter how famous a person gets or in this day and age maybe I should say it does not matter how many "likes" or "followers" someone may get/have something should be held in reserve. We see people spilling their guts on social media and then turn around and get mad when people start to whisper about what "they" put out.

As I go forward with reading this book, I ask the question, "Does anyone have the right to pull out or scrutinize our "reserves" while we are living or in death?" Some will say that if you put yourself on a public platform you can expect the scrutiny. With that thought being considered, when is enough, enough? I'm reading Reinvention with a grain of salt because I have always held Malcolm as my "shining black prince" totally untainted/unquestioned.

This book hit the shelves with an air of controversy and the untimely death of the author. Reinvention has been reviewed and dissected so much already that I don't want to complete a review and it just fall into the "pool." My plan is to blog out my thoughts here on a chapter by chapter basis. Hopefully this approach will yield more "hidden nugget" type discussions. I'm excited about this 600+ pg journey! Join in with me by leaving comments or emailing me directly: prissysnob@hotmail.com

He's Dead

2011-05-02T16:50:00.003-05:00

"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

Rude Awakening

2011-03-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

Great post about Ida B. Wells.

Rude Awakening « The Freedom Pages

Finding Freedom

2011-03-29T01:18:00.003-05:00

“This freedom, like all freedom, has its dangers and its responsibilities.” –James Baldwin

Revolution burns in the hearts of the youth. The youth are optimistic. They are passionate. They are fearless. We all know that they can also be wreckless. History shows us that most revolutions are started by young people. This present time we are living in also confirms this. Daily we are seeing revolutions in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, and the list keeps getting longer. Revolution is contagious.

When does the fire of revolution make you turn guns on the people you said you wanted liberate? Gaddafi rose to power in Libya when he was only 27years old with good intentions. When does the fire of revolution make you enact oppressive social and economic stipulations on the very lives of the people who rallied behind you? Fidel Castro overthrew Fulgencio Batista when he was 33yrs old. When does the fire of revolution burn out in your heart until you yield to the very thing you fought so hard to eradicate in your community? In 1966, at age 24 Huey P. Newton with the help of Bobby Seale established The Black Panther Party. I have been pondering what triggers the mind or the heart of the revolutionary to make then begin to rule by fear and oppression. The very things that they joined the revolution to eliminate they fell prey to. How does the fire of revolution turn into compromise? How does the fire of revolution make you turn on your brother (Nation of Islam to Malcolm) or tear down your organization from within (The Black Panther Party)?

When you join the revolution you also assume a certain responsibility to maintain its integrity and yours as well. When the revolutionaries start to take hits from the drug called “power” they lose focus. Power makes their vision hazy. Instead of seeing the poverty stricken and working class as their comrades power makes them see them as the enemy. This is when power tells you to control them instead of unifying with them. Power begins to tell him (the Revolutionary) to hold on to him (Power) at any cost and no matter how many lives you have to destroy. Power becomes an addiction. When the addiction gets out of control you have a situation like what is happening in Libya.

I pray for the peace of Libya and that Egypt gains the structure it needs.

All power to the people!

Remembering Mo Nabbous: Libya

2011-03-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

RIP Mo Nabbous.

NPR : National Public Radio

Riding with the kkk...

2011-02-11T18:05:00.004-06:00

“…whatever hand pulled the trigger did not buy the bullet. That bullet was forged in the crucible of the West, that death was dictated by the most successful conspiracy in the history of the world, and its name is white supremacy.” –James Baldwin.

Everybody has their heroes and people they feel like are due honor. This is a personal choice that should not be limited/dictated by some outside force. Let’s be clear, when you publicly declare your heroes be ready for any criticism that may arise. Your heroes may not be held in such high regard by the general public. Evidently, some people, in my state of Mississippi, consider Nathan Bedford Forrest a man that is due recognition. The sons of confederate veterans* has proposed the state make a car tag in his honor. I am only sure they have their own personal reasons for holding Forrest in such high regard. Personally, I haven’t done much research on Forest but the facts are that he was an excellent general and the FIRST grand wizard of the kkk*. There have been some claims that later in life Forrest somewhat distanced himself from the kkk. Whether this claim is trueor simply a way to soften the blow I have no idea. Either way, I am not a fan of Forrest or the idea of this car tag.

In Mississippi, there is a car tag for just about everything from barbers to sororities. I say let them have their Forrest/sons of confederate veterans (who are all dead by the way) car tag. In my opinion, it would be a great identifier. It is always good to see the snake before it strikes. This is the best way to identify business owners, lawmakers, and other everyday people that have been hiding behind masks, hoods, and sheets for too long. Now since they have been identified it is left up to those that feel so strongly about this issue to react in a way that produces results. If a certain business owner or lawmaker has such a tag, I will not support their business or support their campaign simple as that. I cannot say that everyone that purchases such a tag is racist or promotes the activities and values of the kkk but sometime the good have to suffer with the bad. People are entitled to hold whomever they want as heroes no matter how inappropriate but there are consequences to doing so.

Check out the NPR article on this topic.

*all lower case is intentional

…by the way it’s PANTHER!

Egypt: What You Should Know & Why You Should Care - Jack & Jill Politics

2011-01-28T23:50:00.000-06:00

Egypt: What You Should Know & Why You Should Care - Jack & Jill Politics

Black Models Celebrated As Runway Revolutionaries : NPR

2011-01-24T14:35:00.000-06:00

Black Models Celebrated As Runway Revolutionaries : NPR

The Write Curl Diary: The Alienation of Affection

2011-01-23T00:27:00.000-06:00

The Write Curl Diary: The Alienation of Affection: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Retirees Lend A Hand To Refugees In Fargo, N.D. : NPR

2011-01-20T13:44:00.000-06:00

Retirees Lend A Hand To Refugees In Fargo, N.D. : NPR

Cases of Forced Abortions Surface in China : NPR

2011-01-18T20:20:00.000-06:00

Cases of Forced Abortions Surface in China : NPR: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Violence Against Women (MUST STOP!)

2010-12-15T21:02:00.005-06:00

Women please don't not take your liberties for granted! This could happen to you! Your silence will not save you! It's been a while but I feel the PANTHER is back....

Vote

2010-10-27T22:05:00.001-05:00

"Civil disobedience, that’s not our problem. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem."
-Howard Zinn

The Stoning of Soraya M.

2010-07-21T12:41:00.002-05:00

Please take a look at the wonderful post on the stoning of the young Iranian woman, Soraya M found here:

Girls Rural

My good friend Sandra Johnson wrote it. Please leave her a comment letting her know your thoughts.

LilyPad Musings

2010-07-16T02:53:00.003-05:00

I decided to start a Tumblr blog for my "random thoughts" and because Tumblr has this awesome "reblog" feature. If you get a chance check it out!

LilyPad Musings

Tea Time

2010-07-15T20:06:00.007-05:00

What will amerikkka do what the anger she has bought?

When the Teaparty is on TV or if I come across an article about it in print, I try to avoid it at all costs. That whole movement makes my skin crawl. If I really paid them any attention, I am only sure that I may find that I actually agree with some of their issues. In my opinion, the people that are apart of the Teaparty that have valid points are being overlooked because they tolerate those that brandish blatantly racist signs and slogans.

The whole Obama billboard controversy did not really bother me nor does the "joker" Obama socialist signs. Political satire comes along with the territory. We all know how President George W. Bush got hammered. There is a very distinct line between political satire and blatant racism. We all have seen the abundance of racist signs at the Teaparty rallies. It seems as if those that are apart of the Movement have not seen them or they like the fact that they are there. Every movement will have its radicals and undesirables but they need to be denounced openly to save the creditability of the organization. One of the main allegations of the Teaparty that government is expanding in to many areas and that the current administration is deceptive. I do not have a problem with them expounding on those points and any other valid arguments they may have. What does President Obama being depicted as a African witch doctor or saying "go back to Kenya" have to do with the Movement's concerns?

Anytime that the Party is confronted about these racist elements they talk in circles or want to point fingers at the accuser. White people in this country have perfected ways to hide their bigotry and then hide their hands behind their back and look up in the sky. They freed slaves and could not stand their loss of power so they found Jim Crow. From the onset, I saw the Teaparty as a way for the bigots to hide and take racist shots at the new Black President that they could not believe was elected. I do not believe that the Teaparty Movement is entirely racist. If they do not condone the racist undesirables, when they start brandishing their racist signs or chanting their racist slogans they should condemn them on the spot. They should ask that they either put down their signs or be removed and if they are chanting ask them to be quiet or be removed. Simple as that. Those that do not want to confront the racist elements in my opinion are living through them.

So I do not take the Teaparty seriously. Their "overly" racist hangers-on make me laugh. I see it as ignorance in all its glory. I wish Malcolm and James Baldwin were around to weigh in on the Teaparty Movement (now that would be some good reading!).

Enjoy this Jack & Jill Politics post on the current Teaparty issues.

All Power to the People...even the Teaparty

Diving in...

2010-07-12T22:49:00.006-05:00

As promised, I'm taking this blog back to it's original subject matter, activism and politics. I have been making a conscience effort to stay out of the arena for various reasons but I might as well dive back in. I know at least one of my followers will enjoy this shift because he lives to challenge my views and is always up for debates (::waves:: Hey Paul!). I will be starting out slow.

It seems as if Newt Gingrich maybe a candidate for the re"thug"licans in 2012. I respect him as a candidate more so that Sarah Palin. He at least will have an idea about what he is talking about. I will be keeping a close eye on this.

Castro is still alive! So Amerikkka kick rocks! Not only is he still alive but he is still going hard on the U.S. For the record, I don't agree with all of Castro's policies. I respect that fact that he has stood his ground and now bowed to U.S. demands over the years. He is the truly the last revolutionary.

I will have plenty of time to talk about our B(ig) P(roblem) in the Gulf since we are on day #82. I do want to bring a few people back to reality that seem to think that President Obama can just stick his finger in the water and make the oil stop. Even though he is SuperMan he cannot stop the oil leak overnight. Sorry to disappoint. Direct all the complaints to BP they are big business they can handle it.

NewBlackMan: Feminism of the Future Relies on Men

2010-07-07T01:02:00.000-05:00

NewBlackMan: Feminism of the Future Relies on Men

I Did It!

2010-07-07T00:46:00.002-05:00

Well it's here the new blog!

The Prissy Book Snob

Get over there an check it out! When I get up to 25 followers there will be a book giveaway! Thanks for all your support!

Branching Out....

2010-07-04T15:57:00.004-05:00

I have been pondering the thought of starting yet another blog. The new blog will be dedicated to books, book reviews, and book discussions. This new blog will also contain my thoughts on quotes, poetry, various essays and authors. I want to take this blog (Shouting Out @ Babylon) back to its original direction, politics and activism. I hope all of you that follow this blog will follow the new one and tell all your "book loving" friends! I have not decided whether I want to build it on Blogger, Tumbler, or Wordpress. I will keep you all posted but it should be up and running no later than Tuesday. Be sure to check out my religious/inspirational blog: Exalt Him

Thanks for reading!

Bookworm Chronicles

2010-07-04T02:17:00.002-05:00

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The book opens with the brutal death of a sweet innocent child, Jude. A death that rocks this small town and nearly kills, Pearl, Jude's mother. Then the book moves forward fifteen years with the arrival of, Sugar, a prostitute. Sugar and Pearl bring a certain balance to each others life. They have an effect on each other that is quite unexplainable but it does help that Sugar looks a lot like Jude. The town is not as welcoming of Sugar as Pearl is. There are several rifts and confrontations that can be expected in a small town.

This book kept you wanting more but writing was quite simple and sometimes it felt like the author was trying too hard. I really enjoyed all the characters. I felt like I was apart of the Bigelow community. Pearl's character was so warm and inviting as well as her husband Joe. Sugar was so complex and the author really made you feel all her emotions and inner demons. Sugar is introduced to love but it doesn't last long because she can't tear away from her past. I finished the book feeling like there were a lot of loose ends that needed to be tied up. As you will find out, things are not always as solid as they seem.

View all my reviews >>

Bookworm Chronicles

2010-07-02T20:35:00.008-05:00

I use swaptree.com to trade books and movies. It's a terrific site and very user friendly! There is one downfall though it is awful for my book addiction! I got a book today that included a wonderful surprise....a 3D bookmark! The picture I have above does it no justice. It is a fish aquarium and it has vibrant color and it "moves" when you move it. Yes, I'm this excited about a bookmark! Of course, I have probably about a hundred bookmarks (even two from Turkey) but this one was such a nice gesture from a complete and total stranger. It just goes to show that in this "selfish" world that there are some people that are still willing to give a lil more...

The other picture is the book it came with. I can't wait to read it!

...

2010-06-15T17:45:00.001-05:00

" We can no longer play dead...to survive."

-Sunni Patterson

Fifth Born

2010-06-13T23:35:00.001-05:00

Fifth Born : A Novel by Zelda Lockhart

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Whew! This is a book that is heavy on the heart. We grow up with the main speaker and voice of the book, Odessa. We are with her from her first memory of her grandmama dying when she (Odessa) was three years old until her life comes full circle when she approximately thirteen years old. We enjoy her memories of a loving Grandmama and adventurous summers in Mississippi. As time progresses we also have to cope with the demons of the past, present, and future along with Odessa.

This book really deals with some heavy issues. There is molestation, incest, violence, and murder which all happens within one family. All the time I was reading, I wanted Odessa to simply grow up. I did not want her to continue to be a little girl and keep getting hurt. The author really made you feel the emotional anguish of each character. She also captured "southern life" the way that I know it to be. This book was quite sad even though the ending really weaved things together and was somewhat redeeming. This book parallels to Push by Sapphire in a lot of ways to me.

View all my reviews >>

Happy Birthday Malcolm

2010-05-19T17:28:00.001-05:00

Your living was not in vain...because your words helped me...

love you....

Girls Rock!

2010-05-12T12:26:00.002-05:00

Please take the time and let a young woman/girl know that her life has immeasurable value and that she can make a HUGE difference in the world.

The Shack

2010-04-27T12:26:00.000-05:00

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was all amped to read this book because a friend gave it such a rave reveiw. It's a story about a man, named Mackenzie affectionately known as Mack, who has a troubled childhood and later in life his youngest daughter is murdered by a serial killer. This is an All-American family until this tragedy strikes. Mack finds God back at the shack where his daughter was killed years later. The story is narrated by Mack's friend Willie.
I guess you could call this a "religious-fiction" book. This was a slow painful read for me. At times, I felt that the book was a word salad. I appreciate the author's attempt to show how God can reconcile our hurts and the hidden demons of our heart. Maybe I didn't like the book because I would consider myself "very religious" by most peoples standards and I just could not agree with the characters that represented the Trinity. I just could not get with God being an African-American woman and the Holy Ghost represented as some type of Asian fairy-like person. Over all the intention and moral of the story was good but I just don't think God, or Papa as He is referred to in the book, needs to be brought "low".

View all my reviews >>

Broken Promises...

2010-03-30T21:56:00.007-05:00

I promised my readers and friends that I would be posting a "fiction" piece this month. I'm sorry that I did not follow through on that promise. It has been such a rough month. I had a unexpected traumatic event to take place that kind of threw me all off. I also set a monthly goal to read two books a month and needless to say that did not happen either. I have made that goal up until now. I ask you all to bear with me. I have started the fiction piece so its on the way. I'm looking for April to bring a "shower" of posts...

Musings on The Help

2010-03-23T23:36:00.015-05:00

Tonight, I had the opportunity to attend the Millsaps Art & Lecture Series featuring Kathryn Stockett author of The Help. I have been anticipating this event since I heard Stockett would actually be in her hometown of Jackson, MS. I wanted to get the vibe of the author who wrote about such a multifaceted subject: black domestic workers and the white women that employed them. Mainly, I wanted to see and hear the white woman who captured, so vividly, the voice and emotions of these black domestic workers from 1962.

As I approached the Christian Center on the campus of Millsaps College where the event was held, I could not help but notice there were mostly middle aged older white women in attendance. When I entered the building this observation proved to be totally accurate. There may have been a total of ten Blacks in the entire auditorium. I took my seat on an empty row. Not long afterward, a group of women took their seats behind me. They are full of random conversation. One begins to talk about her Kindle asking her friend does she own one. Her friend does not own a Kindle but is all ears to hear about how it works. The chatty Kindle owner only gives praise for the Kindle not making her eyes tired. I tune out their conversation to let an older couple know that I was not saving seats for anyone. They take the two seats at the end of the row. There are nine seats to a row and the place is filling up pretty fast because this is a sold out lecture. I can't help but notice that every one is passing up my row. I'm beginning to feel like I have flies swarming around me like Pig Pen from the Peanuts comic strip. I must say that I was somewhat of an oddity among all these mainly upper class white women. Me the young black woman with afro styled hair adorned by a huge green flower wearing a denim skirt, white tee, and classic converse. While the smile broadens on my face as I ponder my "uniqueness," a younger white girl, from the age of Obama, comes and asks if any of the remaining seats were taken. I think, the flies must have gone. The new girl says she likes my tattoo which is the Hebrew symbol, Chai. She is Jewish. We begin to chat about ourselves and the book. Come to find out she is originally from Indiana and her husband works for the college. I mentioned to her, as I looked over the audience, I wonder did the text bring about any self evaluation within these women.

When Mrs. Stockett takes the podium she looks just like the classic southern white woman. She is soft spoken and full of southern charm. I must say Mrs. Stockett was very engaging and humorous. She gave a quick synopsis of the book and how it came to be. She was really interested in the Q & A session and moved quickly to that. I must say that I was elated to have gotten picked to ask a question. I asked, "Being a white woman how did she capture or tap into the emotions of Minny?" Mrs. Stockett in turn asked me did she get it right or did she get it wrong. I replied saying, "You did amazing." She began to say how she drew characteristics of Minny from her great friend, Octavia Spencer. Spencer happens to be reading on the audio version of, The Help. Quite a few people have said that this version is great. Mrs. Stockett also stated that Spencer will be playing the character of Minny in the film version of, The Help.
During the Q & A session, one gentleman asked while developing the content and writing the book did she want to bring about some type of change in this area. Mrs. Stockett, like many authors writing their first novel, stated she was writing for her own enjoyment. Since the book is bringing about dialogue on race and helping people engage in conversations they would not normally have, Mrs. Stockett stated that she is glad to be apart of it.

While I was waiting in line to have my book signed, an elderly white man sitting on a bench holding a cane beckoned for me to come near him. When I approached him he stated that he was from Ohio. Then he proceeded to ask me, "Where are all the Blacks?" I stated that I had no idea. He said the he was just wondering considering the subject of the book. I said, "I don't really think many Black people are reading this book to be honest." I really enjoyed the book but most of my friends that I mentioned it to were not to enthused to read it and the few that did were not that thrilled. This gentleman genuinely seemed to think that more Black people should have been in attendance. The reason why many Blacks are not reading the book nor came to the lecture could be that we are "over" this subject. We personally know the Abileen's, Minny's, and the other maids. They are our great-grandmothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and church members. We know these stories we have heard them all our lives. Now it is time for white women to hear them. There may not have been many Blacks in attendance but I have a feeling that there were plenty Hilly Holbrook's in the building....

So Many Diamonds for Sapphire...

2010-03-08T23:39:00.004-06:00

When I walked out of the movies after seeing Precious, I said to my friend, " I wonder who adapted the screenplay." I was quite please that the movie stayed real close to the book. My answer came last night (even though I could have Googled it earlier). Geoffrey Fletcher being the first African-American to win the Oscar in this category for such a controversial movie made my heart glad. Congrats, Mr. Fletcher! I see that me and a few folks at the Academy have some of the same thoughts.

I can only imagine how Sapphire is feeling right now. Her thoughts are probably with the "real" Precious and other characters that helped shape PUSH. It always so amazing to follow Phoenix stories....

Congrats Sapphire....thanks for writing a real story....you inspire me...

Congrats Mary Jones

2010-03-07T21:05:00.005-06:00

Monique was most deserving of the Oscar for her role as Mary Jones in Precious. I know a lot of people who did not like the movie for various reasons but I loved it. The book and the movie had me in tears. I wish Paula Patton's character (Blu Rain -teacher) in the movie and book would have gotten more recognition. Ms. Rain really empowered Precious through literacy. Literacy was the main catalyst in changing Precious's life.

This movie dealt with a lot of major issues that no one really wants to address head on. Many thanks to Sapphire and Lee Daniels for having the courage to write the book and make the movie. Literacy empowers. Literacy is life changing.

Congrats Monique!

Tea Anyone?

2010-03-06T18:12:00.005-06:00

I loved this movie!!!

I give this movie 5 stars! Tim Burton is a genius! Of course Johnny Deep is no less than AMAZING! Personally, I think the choices for the cast were PERFECT! My favorite line from the movie was:

"I have been thinking about words that begin with the letter, "M!"
--Mad Hatter

Go see this movie!

Naturals have so much fun...

2010-03-06T17:59:00.003-06:00

I can't wait to try this style on my hair. This chick is my natural hair inspiration! Every time I start my "loc journey," I come across one if her videos and it ends. I have so much "fro envy" when I see her hair! I'm gaining ground on her though! I'm sharing this video because it so fun and her hair is "bangin!!!"

You can follow her on Youtube misskrisnew
or
Twitter @misskrisnew

Bookworm Chronicles

2010-02-24T21:43:00.002-06:00

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book started out slow for me and it did not pick up until part two. I found all the different African names confusing and hard to keep up with. Overall the main character, Okonkwo, was quite depressing. I wish Okonkwo's daughter, Enzinma, character would have been developed more. Enzima was my favorite character throughout the entire story.

Even though the beginning was somewhat rough to get through, I like how the story developed. Okonkwo was such a complex character. His childhood demons followed him all his life. It was like a dark cloud hovered over his emotions. Personally, I believe that Okonkwo's broken spirit led to his horrible death. The ending really pierced me.

View all my reviews >>

Bookworm Chronicles

2010-02-23T01:03:00.002-06:00

Women, Race, & Class by Angela Y. Davis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had the most incredible and insightful research. The detailed information on the plight of the enslaved woman was amazing. Another favorite chapter of mine was, Racism, Birth Control, and Reproductive Rights. The previously mentioned chapter sheds light on widespread practice of surgical sterilization. Ms. Davis especially makes a point of how this practice was forced upon the poor. It was also refreshing to read about women who were influential in the Communist and Worker's Rights movements. There was also eye-opening accounts of how racism was rampant in the suffrage movement. This book was straightforward nothing but the facts. I would have liked Ms. Davis to convey more of her thoughts and feelings. You can gather her perspective to a degree but you do not close the book feeling like any certain view was being forced upon you.

View all my reviews >>

Discretion

2010-02-13T23:28:00.002-06:00

...is what I'm trying to practice when it comes to my words
I'm learning to talk less and less and less...
.....being meticulously discreet
is my new agenda

...

2010-01-22T16:15:00.004-06:00

..the older I get

the more I like close spaces

and few words...

this is one my kitties the infamous...wellington...for those of you who have not been introduced already :)

Children are playing in Haiti...

2010-01-15T23:20:00.002-06:00

...but children are also dying there
mass graves are being dug...
...corpses are being thrown in without being identified
they have families that are looking for them....
...they had lives that mattered
now they are discarded without a thought
...God has the eternal record

What have you done to help?? What are you waiting on?? Are you waiting on someone else to do your part?? If you don't have the resources to send money, pray. Prayer can go where we can't plus God does not sleep nor does He get weary. Today be the change that you want to see in the world, help!

Prayerful musings on Haiti...

2010-01-13T20:54:00.004-06:00

...the images are shocking
stirs the emotions we had during Katrina...
...hoping that the great poets like Sunni Patterson and Queen Godis have their pencils out
loved ones are guarding the dead because they have no where nor anyone to bury them...
....children are dying
people are buried alive...
...I have FAITH in God and I know He is working miracles

text haiti to 90999 to give $10 to the efforts via your phone bill

The prayers of the "righteous"....

2010-01-13T01:38:00.001-06:00

Please PRAY for the people of Haiti

btw

2010-01-01T04:20:00.005-06:00

I almost forgot to mention that I am back on my locing journey....almost a month in! With that being said, I know 2010 is going to be a year of growth and new beginnings not just for my hair but spiritually and naturally as well....

WOW it's 2010!

2010-01-01T04:13:00.004-06:00

Many praises to the most High God and His Son Jesus for bringing us to a new year and a new decade!

I am not going to make any resolutions or big promises but I will say I plan and hope to post more content to this blog. I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed and prosperous year! It's 2010 and I'm simply glad to be here in the land of the living.....

Jim made me do it...

2009-12-24T22:49:00.006-06:00

Today I starting reading, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and I can't seem to put it down. The story is set in 1962, Jackson, MS. The book is narrated by two very different African-American domestic workers and a quirky, privileged, yet progressive white girl who just graduated from Ole Miss. I connect with this novel. I was born and raised in MS and currently reside in Jackson, MS. Ms. Stockett refers to streets and landmarks that I travel and see almost daily. I am also an Ole Miss graduate that happens to know a few domestic workers personally. This post will not turn into a book review because I am only a little over 100 pages in. Already this book, even though it is fiction, has stirred so many emotions within me.

Many people, no matter the race, consider most domestic workers and janitors as uneducated folk that can be looked down upon and mistreated. In reality, these are some of the smartest most wisdom filled people one will ever encounter. Most domestic workers fly under the radar unnoticed by the very people they work for even though they are trusted with the most intimate details of their lives

In the Jim Crow South, most of the white women that had hired help went out of their way to make sure that Jim Crow rules applied in their home as well as in public. Separate bathrooms, utensils, and kitchen eating only was the norm for the "help" but yet these white women entrusted the "help" to handle and cook their food and essentially raise their children. Where is the logic? How stupid were they? You do not want this black woman's butt on your toilet but yet you trust her to potty train and sometimes even nurse your child. Seriously, I just can not wrap my mind around their reasoning. It baffles me how you let someone cook all your meals and yet you are scared you may contract a disease if they eat off the same plates as you do or pee in your toilet. These white people allowed HATE to eliminate all logic and reason.

Most of these domestic workers were the life and joy of these empty homes that were full of old skeletons and demons. These women were shoulders to cry on and listening ears. They were vessels full of comfort and wisdom. I imagine most of these women did not take the racist attitudes, long hours, and unfair wages to heart because they knew it was not personal just "colored."

Handle with Care

2009-10-29T16:21:00.003-05:00

I've been torn apart so many times
the healing hurts
but it is refreshing
it helps me put things into perspective
for the "next" time
because there is always a "next" time

The Finish Line II

2009-10-06T18:42:00.006-05:00

I'm so very excited to be posting my very first "guest" post (Does this mean I'm popular??)!!! It comes from my sistah from another mother, SOULSISTA! She is a mother, sistah, friend, and all around great person. I am so privileged to have her want to share her amazing skills on my "lil ol blog." I'm trying to talk her into submitting a weekly guest post (fingers-crossed). When she read my earlier post, The Finish Line, she said she had the sequel....enjoy!

Standing at the line
calling for you but there is no answer
You were visible but now I can't see you
Was it something I did?
What happen to us?
Your kisses, your sweet touch made me feel like
yours forever
I can't say it don't hurt
when I can't see, hear, or smell you
I can't be on the sideline cheering for you
with you waving to the crowd and signing autographs.
"That ain't me"
I'm at the point of no return
what you do from here on out no longer concerns
me
We are" friends"
your word not mine
10-6-09.

The Finish Line

2009-10-06T14:14:00.001-05:00

here we are at the finish line
everytime we make it here
I panic
and tug with all my might at the
back of your shirt
but this time
you ran across got away
I stood beckoning for you to come back
but I knew that once you crossed
it was no coming back
you went on to the point of no return
so I followed
walking slowly head down
as I reminisce
I can not tell where we began
which makes me think
maybe I imagined it all
no because there was a
genuineness to your smile
there was warmth in your embrace
tenderness in your touch
yet you were
detached
yes that was your exact word
detached

My Name is NOT Polly...

2009-09-15T16:14:00.003-05:00

“The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.” –American Gangster

The actions of Kanye West at the VMAs toward Taylor Swift were appalling and uncalled for to say the very least. In this post, I am not condoning his actions in any way, shape, or form. No matter what one blames it on (the alcohol?) it was, stupid. I just happened to have turned to the VMAs minutes before this episode ensued so I saw it from the beginning. As Taylor stood, along with the rest of the world, in awe in the back of my mind the small revolutionary voice within said, “The racist jackals will have a feeding frenzy.” It was correct. I hate not to have brought into this post-racism era and be the ever finger pointing pessimist at the racist cancer that has plagued America since it was discovered by Europeans. Oh well, I simply have a “calling” what can I say.

I have read several reports today on how people have taken their frustration for Kanye’s outburst to various social media outlets (Womanist Musings Jack & Jill Politics). This frustration comes from Blacks and Whites alike with some Latinos and Asians sprinkled in here and there I’m only sure. That’s fine. In America we have this little right called Free Speech. Some of these folks have taken this opportunity to let their little racist lights shine. There seems to be a flood of the use of the word “nigger” in regards to Mr. West. I wanted to be furious but I just let out a little “sigh.” The word “nigger” does not move me one teeny bit. Regardless, if it comes from white people who are trying to be malicious or Black people who use the term regularly. It is just a word to me.

When racist white people get a chance to use the word “nigger” it makes them feel empowered especially when they get a defensive reaction from their victim. I refuse to let anyone have that much power over me with one word. With the extensive vocabulary that we have as a civilized people, I am only sure there are numerous terms that could have been used to express their dislike of Kanye’s actions. For closet, coward racists that are hiding behind their avatars on the social media sites, get your shine on while sitting behind your computer. You have no heart. I have more respect for the skin heads and the sheet wearers.

Let me close with this disclaimer because I don’t want to be misunderstood nor does anyone need to try and test my “gangsta”. The word nigga does not move me but the motive behind someone addressing me as such does. For those with the wrong motives be warned that the little muscle known as the tongue can turn into a machete if used correctly. There is a way of delivering the facts with out cursing, getting loud, or resorting to derogatory words that has a lasting effect.

“When white folks get so comfortable around you where they can speak freely in the negative sense you are merely their Mascot, along the lines of a pet canary.”
-Malcolm X

Confession

2009-08-26T17:48:00.002-05:00

**hangs head in shame**

...my locing journey has ended...mainly because I follow too many natural hair blogs...which in turn gives me so much fro envy(le coil)!

RIP Dominick Dunne

2009-08-26T16:39:00.001-05:00

RIP Senator Edward M. Kennedy

2009-08-26T13:17:00.001-05:00

Photo by Pete Souza

Iimani David

2009-08-24T17:48:00.004-05:00

2 out of 5 stars

This was my first time reading a novel written in this form (impressionism). This book was strange to say the very least. Overall, the book gives the reader a very "eerie" feeling. Initially, the strangeness of it made me eager to continue reading. I wanted grasp something concrete to hold on to but I never made it to that point.

Chapter 7, Suicide, was the most intense and confusing. I did like how the author infused his political ideas into Chapter 4. Maybe the reason I could not connect with this book is because I have never read this type of fiction before. I simply could not relate to this writing style. The intensity of Chapter 21 is heart wrenching. In that chapter, Jodi Rhodes (main character), gives background of being a child that was produced when his mother was raped by a Catholic priest. Rhodes refers to himself as a "hate child" whose mother never called him "son." That subject matter alone is enough to read the book. The book is really about the mental life of the characters and you must follow closely.

Edwidge Danticat

2009-08-17T00:35:00.005-05:00

4 out of 5 stars

The main character Amabelle is a Haitian born orphan. She is the servant of a Dominican family consisting of a widowed father and his young daughter who happens to be the same age as Amabelle. Amabelle was discovered by the widow and his daughter by the river the same day her own parents drowned. Amabelle's lover Sebastien works 'farming the bones" which is harvesting sugarcane. Their lives change forever when terror, madness and murder erupts throughout Alegria.

The beginning of this book was quite intriguing but Amabelle's latter years did not quite take shape. It seems as if the author just did not know what direction Amabelle's life should have taken after the massacre. I was very disappointed when Sebastien was simply lost in the narrative when he was lost during the massacre. It is never confirmed if he is killed during the massacre or if he escaped. We are left to assume the worse. Amabelle escapes the massacre with Sebastien's best friend Yves. Even though Amabelle spends the rest of her life living with Yves and his mother, Amabelle and Yves never really form a close relationship of any kind. The most interesting part of the narrative for me is when death, during the massacre, was determined by whether or not a person could pronounce the Spanish translation of the word parsley. The Dominican people knew that the Kreyol speaking Haitians could not pronounce the trill of the "r" of perejil which was the Spanish translation of parsley. This reminded me of the word "shibboleth" used in the Bible to determine the regional origin of the displaced Ephraimites (Judges 12:5-6). I cannot help but wonder did the author have this in mind when writing this area of the text. Initially, I could not put this book down but the last stretch was hard for me to work through. I hated the ending. It was so elusive that I wanted to scream.

This is my first Edwidge Danticat novel and I look forward to reading more of her work. Danticat's writing style reminds me of Toni Morrison's but without the complexity. Her characters have a lot of ambiguity like Morrison. I like the overall writing style of Danticat but I did not like the structure of this particular novel.

New Beginnings

2009-08-10T17:24:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite songs...this really speaks to my heart & soul.

The Sun is Still Shining

2009-08-10T17:10:00.002-05:00

Nobody does Spoken Word like Sunni!!!

circa 1964

2009-08-06T16:44:00.002-05:00

he looked like he just stepped out of 1964
I had to take a second look
just to make sure I was not
dreaming
he had that slender build
that fluid walk
and clothes with a
vintage flair
with every step he took
I heard
Coltrane's sax
and
Miles' horn
all this puts me
In A Sentimental Mood
so I turn and walk away....

Paul Madriani

2009-08-06T13:58:00.008-05:00

3 out of 5 stars

This is my first Steve Martini novel and I must say that I enjoyed it. I will admit there were so many details in this book that they were overwhelming at times especially when Nitkin was assembling the bomb. Paul Madriani's character had no real depth to me he was pretty shallow. The characters I enjoyed the most was Templeton (the prosecutor) and Caral Mederios AKA Daniela (the undercover FBI agent). The most engaging chapters of the novel were the ones during the prison bus attack. I was on edge reading those!

I really appreciate the research that went into this book. The story line and the way the events are interwoven are amazing! This book was well paced with a lot of clarity. I have only read one other suspense novel prior to this one. I normally only dabble in African-American non-fiction but this novel has opened up a door to another genre that I won't be closing anytime soon.

I received this book via Library Thing Early Reviewers and Harper Collins and I am so very grateful and delighted that I was chosen! This my very first time winning a book to review!

If you are a book lover like me Library Thing is the place for you not to mention SwapTree!

Hiss...Hiss

2009-08-04T14:41:00.003-05:00

CNN is reporting that North Korea has pardoned the two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, that were captured there in March and charged with entering that country illegally. In June, North Korea sentenced these two women to a prison sentence of 12 years. All this drama has been squashed due to the good ol' diplomatic or should I say charismatic charm of Bill Clinton and the intervention skills of Sweden. Clinton comes to the rescue as our Shining White Prince! I know better. I do not hide the fact that I have NOTHING, let me say it again, NOTHING for either Bill or Hillary Clinton. I believe they are snakes.

Knowing the reclusive nature of North Korea (which is well documented) and the fact that Kim Jong rarely bows to anyone this is a hard pill for me to swallow. I just can not believe that Kim Jong II would release these ladies on the good words of Sweden, Bill Clinton, or even President Obama. No way just not buying it. This "pig" will not even feed his citizens. In the words of my mom, "There is a dead cat on the line somewhere and it is about to start stinking." I know that comment really exposed my rural Mississippi roots. I know there was some type of major exchange here for Kim Jong II to go back on his word.

I have been following this story very closely but I just knew it was over when these women were sentenced back in June. Regardless, of what the trade was I am over joyed that these women will be released back to there families and everyday lives. I am also grateful that they had enough courage to at least attempt to infiltrate North Korea and shed some light on the awful injustices carried out on the people that live there. That takes heart. North Korea is a beast and Jong is the pure devil so that tells me that Ling and Lee are some ride or die chicks. With all that being said, I also know that Kim Jong does not bend, therefore, there is some under lying detail that is not being revealed. I can not wait til it seeps out....

Loc Inspiration

2009-07-30T17:00:00.002-05:00

Lauryn Hill my locing inspiration. I want the "not so manicured" loc look. I want free form locks with separation if that makes any sense.

And the Journey Begins....

2009-07-29T12:56:00.003-05:00

I've been in the natural hair game for a while now approx 13 years. Most natural chicks have thought about rocking locs at some point. It has crossed my mind numerous times but I just could not commit. My time has come. I feel that I am in a place spiritually to commit. I will be documenting the transition right here on my blog! For my regular readers you already know this is rare for me because I do my best not let my personal life leak onto my blog. Currently, I plan on posting a monthly update.

Most people who have locs or have worn them say that Locing is a journey so I'm along for the ride....here goes! Many thanks to all the loc'd up chicks on Fokti who I drew inspiration and stole some tips from.

Technique:
I am starting my locs with double strand twists.

I simply washed my week old double strand twists with diluted peppermint shampoo. This was a gentle shampooing mainly using my fingertips loosing up the dirt/grime at my roots. I rinsed and rinsed holding my head back toward the shower head.

To dry them I just grabbed a few at a time with a towel and squeezed the water out.

I only had to retwist a few mainly in the back and I used IC Fantasia Olive Oil Gel (this stuff rocks!)

I also spritzed with a glycerin (Africare 100% glycerin), jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and water mixture I have.

Wisdom

2009-07-14T13:41:00.001-05:00

..and the other one
sometimes he makes me smile
then the reality sets in
he's just not that into me
so then, it's back to
self preservation

Bliss

2009-07-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

He makes me press my lips into a thin line
this is an expression of the distaste that the thought of him brings
I wonder could there be more
that's funny, very
because deep down in my being
I know that he's really not
capable
of
loving
me

Pool Party

2009-07-09T17:08:00.003-05:00

"In this country "American" means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate."
-Toni Morrison

I came across this wonderful quote in the latest issue of The Sun (get you a subscription NOW!) magazine. I was simply elated when I read this. This quote has stuck with me for the past few days. Every since African-Americans set foot on American soil we have been hyphenated from the most simple and basic necessities of life and left at the mercy of the white capitalist power structure. It is simply a shame to have to fight for equal access to bathrooms and water fountains.

I know as some you read this, you are making the same defense used time and time again, "Slavery and Jim Crow is long gone. Racism is not as prevalent as it used to be. We have a Black President." True, but let's not be delusional. Just yesterday African-American children were removed from a Philly pool for simply being "black." When these children entered the pool the white children quickly exited. Which makes it pretty evident that somewhere in these white children's environment and close surroundings (mainly at home) they are learning that African-Americans are "inferior." Hyphenated minorities continue to be discriminated against in employment, housing, and financial practices at alarming rates.

Reality, America is for white folks "others" just have to manage and function while living here. Grabbing the crumbs that fall off the big table of capitalism. Yes, I feel this way while living in the midst of a Black Presidency. We have made strides in this country, African-Americans as well as other minorities, but the foundation and the fundamental principles that this country was built upon remain the same. We operate under a Constitution that at one time stated that Black people were "three-fifths" of a person. Yet and still these less than human beings were the very building blocks of an economic system that sprang America into being a world super power. I can not look up to nor revere men, such as our Founding Fathers, that promoted and harbored such beliefs. A man that conceives in his mind that another human, who is simply another color but yet has all the same bodily functions as himself, as "three fifths" of a person is not sane. Until we change the way our history is taught to ALL of our children there will continue to be Americans and the rest of us will remain"hyphenated." Separate and still not equal.

Philly Pool Incident-CNN

Remember the Time...

2009-06-25T17:53:00.002-05:00

RIP Michael Jackson

My heart is heavy right now as I type this tribute. I loved you MJ & you will be truly missed. Your music left a lasting impression....

For Neda...

2009-06-24T17:24:00.014-05:00

(photo credit: Getty Images)

"When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak."
-Audre Lorde

Words cannot explain the joy in seeing women young and old fight for revolution within Iran. I want to cry but instead I lift a defiant fist in the air while whispering, “all power to the people.” In a country where a woman is usually seen as totally submissive and having no voice, we now see them being beaten and even killed all while wearing their traditional religious clothing. These women are keeping alive the spirit of so many that have fought for women's rights and justice, in general, all over the globe

Women have always been the "veins" of a revolution. These women stand on the shoulders of such great women as Assata Shakur, Marilyn Buck, Angela Y. Davis, Rosa Parks, and Fannie Lou Hamer to name a few. I just simply want to tell these sistahs, we see you, we are paying attention, we appreciate you, and most of all you are not in this alone.

History has proven that revolutions are born through the young people. It is the young people that are standing in the faces of Iranian police saying, "shoot me and beat me." The Iranian government is learning that you cannot choke the human spirit it will burst at the seams and flood into the streets leaving the blood to speak for itself. Change is inevitable and it will come by any means necessary. For details on a situation such as this ask America for the blueprint.

RIP Neda Agha-Soltan

Cafferty File

CNN

The Ridiculous Right

2009-06-17T12:41:00.005-05:00

This morning while getting ready for work, I was listening to a story on NPR about the recent Iranian elections. All I could do was shake my head at the comments from some of the top-ranking members of the Republican Party. Of course, they think that President Obama should be doing more and responding harsher to the recent turn of events taking place after the Iranian elections. For those of you that aren't watching the news, it seems as if the people of Iran have some legitimate concerns about the election being "stolen/fraudulent" in favor of the current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The Right thinks that President Obama should impose sanctions on Iranian financial holdings around the world. What??

Oh, how soon do we forget about the stolen/fraudulent elections that took place right here in "spotless" America in 2000! The Right has an ongoing severe case of amnesia most of the time. Did other World leaders seek to impose sanctions or shut down American financial investments around the globe during our election woes? No, they did not. We cannot go around policing the world's elections just because we may not like the policies of a particular country. Yes, I do have a strong belief that the elections in Iran are possibly flawed maybe even stolen but that is an "internal" problem. The people of Iran have a voice and they must take action not America or any other World power. We must get out of this United States of American Police of the World mentality! I have the utmost faith in President Obama to diminish this imagine as much as he can while in office.

To the people in Iran that are calling for justice...in the spirit of the Panthers...ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

The Flight Plan

2009-06-15T15:18:00.001-05:00

today I discovered my wings
they peeped out at first
I couldn't believe my eyes
so I did a double take
then all of a sudden
*pop*
there they were
no longer hidden and fully developed
for the world to see
especially those that thought they had me
trapped
no flight instructions needed
my instincts tells me it's time to
leave

Death of the Master

2009-06-02T17:49:00.002-05:00

"One thing that all Americans have in common is that they don't have an identity apart from the one on this continent."
-James Baldwin

Your status cannot be a substitute for cultivating your identity. No matter how oppressed or how free you think you may be you must rise above or step outside of those boxes and place a claim on your own life. The American Negro and the American European upon arrival knew they would never be able to return to their native land and have a connection like the one prior to their separation. Therefore, they had to bear one another. It is evident that the American Negro became the oppressed but nevertheless there was still an unusual affection he held toward his master. They were both trying to build a New World and their own cultures therein. The question is, how do you build a culture or a new identity out of bondage? You dig deep down and draw from the spirit that lies within because when you look at your little ones you know you owe it to them. This what our ancestors did. You love in spite of the foot that is on your neck along with the whip on your back. When you hold on you get to the White House you become the head and not the tail. Power blinds. This power blinded the American European. He trusted his status instead of cultivating a new identity. Now he sees that status never lasts forever.

“What is honored in a country is cultivated there.”
-James Baldwin

While one group bore the pain, pressure, and oppression of the other the oppressor was building an economic power base. It started out as the trading of humans for profit. That profit, based on lives that they did not give, laid a foundation for the economic empire that is crumbling today. Those same human beings gave rise to one of the greatest cash crops in the world, King Cotton. The cotton grown on American soil was not the usual white color given but instead it was red. Red because it was drenched in the blood of the slaves that tended and picked it. The American European gave honor to power and money and cultivated those at all costs. Mainly, at the cost of many human lives the same human lives that were their initial cash crop and the building blocks of this country. Somewhere during slavery human life lost its value. I can not pin point where this value was lost. Was it lost during capture, The Middle Passage, or in the cotton fields? Instead of cultivating life and love and building on those eternal things, the oppressors of this country cultivated the temporal things which in turn were vanity. So and economic system build on free labor initially looked promising because there was only profit very little if any pay out. The American European was delusional in thinking that he had a “headstart.” Profit must not be one’s sole measure in life.

And We Know This Place

2009-06-02T00:21:00.005-05:00

“The pursuit of wealth is dangerous not because riches makes one bad but because they could lead one down a path of self interested pathological narcissism.” –bell hooks

Yes, we know this place and we know it well. The “we” I’m referring to is Black people living in America. The “place” is the point of lack or barely getting by. At some point in this life we all have experienced lack while living as a Black person in America. Even if you have not experienced it directly (you may be apart of the new Black privileged class??) you may have heard about it from a friend or close relative. We all are aware of the current economic downturn that is taking place in this country but some are more traumatized by it than others.

The burden of slavery that was placed on our ancestors was designed to break the spirit but it in turn built a sense of community and survival that still runs through our veins. Regardless, of the problems in the inner city if you have visited or kicked in any ghetto you can see and feel the sense of community that is there. There may be an elderly lady that sits in the window all day and gets on your nerves by being so nosey but she is actually the neighborhood watch committee. JuneBug may hang out on the corner all day but in between his “deals” he is making sure the kids that are outside playing do not get hurt. I really can’t relate to city life because I was raised in a very small rural community. Where I’m from no one’s family went hungry because almost every family had a garden and raised some type of farm animal for slaughter! If you were short on your light bill money it only took a few phone calls and it was paid. That’s what I like about being reared in the South, you took care of your folks and love imbedded in the very fabric of your being.

We as Black people living in America we know this place some of us have never left it. We know the place of lack and getting by. In tough times we band together it pulls us tighter. I have even pondered whether or not this economic downturn has not even enriched the lives of some that had slipped away into their false sense of prosperity. While listening to Tell Me More on NPR, they were interviewing an economic expert and a single black mother who had just lost her job and her car was not working all while living in a low-income area. The “expert” was running off statistics about how horrible the young lady’s situation was and how she didn’t have the resources around her to end the cycle of poverty she was in. The young lady quickly spoke up and said, “What is he talking about? Yes, I lost my job but my rent has to be paid and I got to hustle. No, I don’t have a car but my neighbor down the street takes me where I need to go for five dollars a trip.” She also said that for tutoring her neighbor’s children her payment is using her (the neighbor’s) EBT card to get a pack of chicken. So her response to the interviewer and the expert was, “ We are good over here. No, we may not have a lot but we are not jumping out of no windows either.” I need not say that the interview soon ended.

We are all affected by the current economic situation but as Black people we already know this place, therefore, instead of taking lives and falling back into utter despair we dig out heels in and get by. Sure we have a few scapegoats but overall as a people we have a resilience that is not easily broken.

The Oath

2009-01-20T11:14:00.002-06:00

Be careful what you set your heart upon - for it will surely be yours.
-James Baldwin

Today the so-called American Dream which was thought to only be attainable by the Caucasian race of this country was alloted to one that was considered at one time less than human. Today a dream came true not only for one man, Barack H. Obama, but for an entire sect of Americans that were brought to this country in chains. What happens to a dream deferred? It eventually comes true.

Changes

2009-01-02T17:24:00.001-06:00

For those of you that are faithful followers of this blog, I want to inform you of a small change. Last year I introduced a re-occurring feature called, The Bookshelf. I love to share and get commentary from the books I read and that's how this feature came about. Unfortunately, I will not be posting The Bookshelf anymore instead when a post is derived from a book I'm reading I will list it at the end of the post. Feel free to email me anytime and ask what I am currently reading because I am constantly in the middle of two to three books. You can always check my Amazon.com wishlist widget on the right. Please stay connected with Panther in 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-01-01T23:56:00.004-06:00

I must admit in 2008, I was very lazy about my blog posts. I am committed to do more posting in 2009 maybe not everyday but frequent.

One major change that occurred during 2008 that has effected this blog was the election of President Elect Barack Obama. The overall theme of this blog was really about racial injustice and bigotry of the majority with a few other items sprinkled in here and there. With the election of Mr. Obama now for the first time I have some "optimism" when it comes to America even taking a step out of her oppressive ways. No, I don't expect things to change over night but I do think Americans will now realize that Blacks in this country are more than mere fixtures left over from slavery that introduced Hip-Hop.

...it's 2009, Let's get it!

Mercy Endures Forever...

2008-12-22T19:21:00.004-06:00

I finished the latest Toni Morrison novel, A Mercy, a few weeks ago. One word description: AMAZING! I read Toni during my latter high school years and again during my early and mid college years but I have been re-visiting her work lately. Prior to me reading, A Mercy, I read, Love, and it was really refreshing especially the character, L. I am currently reading, Tar Baby, and Valerian's character is so funny (to me)! I can't make a prediction on the book just yet because I am only half way through it but so far it is great. My favorite tidbit in this book is the fact that Valerian refers to his wife as the, principle beauty, but he treats her like she is the principle dummy. Basically, I am saying that Toni Morrison has really held her own in the world of literature through the years and she is still producing relevant work

Before I purchased, A Mercy, I was preparing myself for a "slave story" type novel because that was the buzz around it. While reading it most of the time I forgot that the main characters were slaves. Florens' race did not even come to the light until very late in the text. It came about while she spent the night at a stranger's home while on a longer journey. The stranger had some visitors (a husband, wife, and child) and when they saw Florens they were totally amazed and the child was even terrified because she was black. I was so engulfed in the text that I continued to read but I had to back up and say, "Oh she really is black." Seriously, race was not a big factor in this novel. The emotional issues that were addressed and how they came to being were simply amazing. Sorrow's character totally transformed from being so aloof, and looking for love after having a child. Her child's father being the "good deacon" was another story in itself. Lina was so calloused and hurt that I don't think she knew how to love with out controlling. I want to go on and on about this novel but it is so complex and I'm only sure everyone will get something different from it. The last paragraph will be etched in the history of literature for every. Buy it. Read it. When you do comment and let's talk about it!

The Root of ALL Evil...

2008-12-04T23:12:00.002-06:00

It has been announced that the U.S. is now in a recession. The underlying fundamental cause of this recession is GREED. The greed cancer that began in the real estate market spread like wildfire and now it has caused an international economic crisis. No, this is not just a U.S. problem but it is a problem in Canada, the UK, and numerous other countries. It is amazing to see how this one area of greed has hit almost every major industry.

Now the big three are on Capitol Hill “begging” for bail out money. What if there was no bail out money? What would the big three do? I heard one sound bite of a senator making a comment to one of the big three managers saying, “Some one must have told you all that we were just up here giving away money!” Staying true to American capitalism Henry Paulson is only giving bail out money to big business (ie-AIG and Citi to name a few). I thought (although my understanding could be blurred) that the main reason that the bail out money was being provided was to “help” the millions of families that are facing foreclosure. DISCLAIMER: I do think it was careless and just plain stupid for anyone to buy a home knowing they could not pay for it or better yet not even have a job. Nevertheless, these loans were given knowing that these people would not be able to make the payments once the rates adjusted one reason being is because they have NO JOB! Greed was the motivation and ruled out all logic. The basic principles of capitalism are the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. With that being said, I totally understand why Paulson basically has no concern or thought for the people that the economic crisis is really affecting.

How does a country that was basically built on generations of free labor not have a surplus of money? Greed is never satisfied.

…Panther!

Hatin Hoover

2008-11-23T21:11:00.000-06:00

Finally something worthwhile on Bet. I'm watching their American Gangster series which happens to be on J. Edgar Hoover and his COINTELPRO attacks on Dr. Martin Luther King. Taking a descriptive term from the great Malcolm X, in my book J. Edgar Hoover a "perfect devil' here on earth. He reminds me of that lil mouse on Pinky and the Brain that wants to take over the world so very badly.

I must admit that COINTELPRO was a genius idea much like the one Willie Lynch developed. Like the Willie Lynch philosophy some remnants of the COINTELPRO still remain. I'm only sure President Bush got his idea of legal eavesdropping from Hoover's archives. American sure has a rich history of hate like it has perfected "capitalist greed" it perfected "hate". Gotta love this country...I do. For real.

....it's Panther and I'm just reflecting on american hate mongering

America...

2008-11-04T22:27:00.001-06:00

I type this through the tears....THANK YOU JESUS! Today, I am proud to be an American! My soul cries out for my ancestors that shed their precious blood on this soil and those that took their own demise in route. It was not in vain. The Word of God is and will remain TRUTH....

Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

God Bless Barack Obama!

..For Warren and Gladys

2008-11-04T11:15:00.002-06:00

I voted. Today I didn’t just cast the ballot for Sen. Barack Obama but I cast my ballot in honor of my grandparents Warren and Gladys Barnes now deceased. My grandfather who could not read and barely write ALWAYS voted. I always went with them and their elderly neighbors to vote even when I was school age. They would obtain a sample ballot that my grandmother would have me study when I learned to read. I went in the booth to assist my grandfather. My eyes were barely over the bar where the ballot lay. Sometimes my grandfather would pick me up so that I could see. I would point to the one that my grandmother had coached me on and he would fill in the circle. Then he would say, “Now make sure you picking the right one now.” I would say in my smart tone, “Paw I know. I know.”

Today when I hit the touch screen, I did know. Words cannot explain my emotions or the emotional ties I have to this election….

Vote 4 Change

2008-11-03T22:59:00.001-06:00

Well tomorrow is the big day...it's go hard or go home! Shouting Out @ Babylon Blog has proudly endorsed Senator Barack Obama during his entire candidacy. I just want to encourage everyone to vote and do not let anything or anyone distract or discourage you from voting! I made a promise to all my readers to retire my spelling of 'amerikkka' if Senator Obama was elected and I will. So it's all on "you" tomorrow we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors....let's make them proud!
Let's us also be in prayer for Senator Obama's family in their time of loss.

Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

And the Bible Says...

2008-10-23T15:40:00.001-05:00

Galatians 5:13

13- For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

When we receive Jesus Christ in our lives along with His love and salvation we are under His Grace and Mercies. We should not use this Grace as a “get out of jail free card” to dwell back and forth in fleshly lusts and desires. We should abound in the Grace of God and build our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. When you dwell on the things that pertain to Jesus and his Righteousness you will yield less and less to self indulgence which is the flesh.

My Bookshelf

2008-10-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading, The Known World (fiction) by Edward P. Jones. Words cannot describe how this book is so masterfully written. The characters are so engaging. The most captivating technique used in this book is how Mr. Jones can give you the future of the character upon their initial introduction and yet not spoil the narrative. Actually it was like he is giving you the end of the person’s life in the beginning or the middle then he flows right back into the present. Amazing, to say the very least. Even though it’s a book about slavery and the lives of slaves is from and entirely different perspective. The slave’s lives inter twine with that of the families they belong to but not in an oppressive way. The central families are blacks that are slave owners. The lives of freed blacks were also told in this story and their reality was that at any time they could be kidnapped and sold back into slavery no matter how hard they had worked for their freedom. An overall great book that gives a different outlook on an era.

Just a Thought...

2008-10-09T15:21:00.000-05:00

"...and a white man can’t fight a guerilla warfare. Guerilla action takes heart, takes nerve, and he doesn’t have that. He’s brave when he’s got tanks. He’s brave when he’s got planes. He’s brave when he’s got bombs. He’s brave when he got a whole lot of company along with him,"

--classic Malcolm X, from The Ballot of the Bullet speech
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/malcolmxballotorbullet.htm

An Irresistible Conclusion....

2008-10-07T17:33:00.000-05:00

While reading, An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called Africans by Lydia Maria Child (1833), I came across an observation and quote from a Rev. R. Walsh. Rev. Walsh arrived at Rio Janeiro and observed four different types of blacks within the first few hours of him stepping off his ship. His observations came in this order:

1. Slaves
2. Blacks in the military
3. Free Blacks selling their wares at the market
4. A black man serving as a priest among other white priests

After seeing blacks in these various areas this is what he had to say,

"I came, therefore, to the irresistible conclusion in my mind, that color was an accident affecting the surface of a man, and having no more to do with his qualities than his clothes--- that God had equally created an African in the image of his person, and equally given him an immortal soul; and that a European had no pretext but his own cupidity, for impiously thrusting his fellow-man from that rank in the creation which the Almighty had assigned him, and degrading him below the lot of the brute beast s that perish."

...profound indeed!

It Is About Me....

2008-10-07T16:25:00.000-05:00

Most personal blogs are just that, personal. I rarely use my blog as a forum for my personal life or thoughts. I have decided to loose the reigns a little and give you all a rare glimpse of that side of me.

Tweaking some of the lyrics of the great India Arie song, Heart of the Matter, I have learned to live without a meaningful relationship but the truth is I miss having one (some time). I believe that the heart of the matter is self preservation. When I look back over some of my past relationships and maybe a few current ones, I see where I had to “dumb” me down or compromise what I was feeling or what I liked to do. A close friend and I were having a conversation yesterday and he was telling me of some advice he had given a mutual friend of ours who had just gone through a break-up. Our mutual friend was stating that she had wasted four years with her ex. That friend told her that the time wasted was not while you were in the relationship but the wasted time is when you continue to pursue that person and they are putting forth no effort to re-build what you all shared. Sometimes we all have those relationships/friendships that from the onset we know they are not beneficial but a small part of us says maybe there can be more. The reality is when people show you or tell you who they are, BELIEVE them. Remember it is about self preservation initially. If you ever get to the point to where your sanity is being challenged or if you are compromising your identity while in a relationship/friendship it’s time to call a time out. It may not be “over” but it’s time to step back and get a grasp on you.

“To thine own self be true”, if not you can’t be true or truthful to anyone else. When I view “self preservation” from the spiritual, I put it into the context of, is this person cultivating or hindering my spiritual growth. Does he/she understand or agree with my spiritual beliefs. When it’s all said and done you are going to die by yourself. You are responsible for you. We can have meaningful relationships/friendships without losing or compromising our identity.

I simply wanted to share these ideas with you all because I have been meditating on them. I am not trying to be a relationship expert to say the very least…..I’m just Panther!

Breathing on Our Own....

2008-09-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

James Meredith knew he would face some difficulties once he was accepted to the University of Mississippi after being denied admission twice. While walking along the campus to his first class with the U. S. Marshals protecting him did he ponder the thought, is this worth it? Considering the event that is taking place on the campus of the University of Mississippi today, I would say it was well worth it. For me it was worth it when I received my diploma in the Grove May 2000.

Meredith was hope for me and many other African-Americans who are now University of Mississippi Alumni. Barack Obama is hope for the United States of Amerikkka and there is no better place than the University of Mississippi for him to assert his views. There was much opposition to Meredith being admitted to the University of Mississippi but he knew no matter the cost, even if it was his life, he must set the wheels of change in motion. The University has made tremendous strides since October 2, 1962, when many thought it was hopeless and others did not want to change the familiar. The same issues Barack is facing campaigning while Black in Amerikkka.

The University is installing its first African-American, Rose Flenorl, to chair its Alumni Association on October 4, 2008. Mrs. Flenorl has served the University in various capacities since graduating in 1979. Rose Flenorl is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. a membership that we both share from University of Mississippi. To say her appointment as president of the Ole Miss Alumni Association is an inspiring honor is to say the very least.

October 2, 1962 change began at the University of Mississippi and it has been continous. I have confidence in the change that will take place in Amerikkka on November 4, 2008.

Anything that is not changing is dead.

Amerikkka is on life support!

Removing the Shame

2008-09-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

shame.
shame of your pigmentation
shame of your hair, kinks and all
shame of your way of life
shame of your speech
shame of your blackness in general
why let others choose your aesthetics?

and the Bible says...

2008-08-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

Romans 4:20-21

20-He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21-And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

**We cannot “stagger/stumble” through our FAITH in God we MUST stand fast on His Promises (His Word)!!! Abraham did, he believed God and it was counted to him as RIGHTEOUS! Now re-read verse 21—He is God bottom line, meaning… He can do ANYTHING but fail!!

2008-08-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Currently, I am reading The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson (1933) among other books. This is one of those books I constantly pick up and put down. While reading last night, I came to a passage that was so relevant today that I was just awe struck.

“…to handicap a student by teaching him that his black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless is the worst sort of lynching. It kills one’s aspirations and dooms him to vagabondage and crime. ...Why not exploit, enslave, or exterminate a class that everybody is taught to regard as inferior.”

The Mind of Baldwin...

2008-08-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

I do not wish to see Negroes become the equal of their murderers. I wish us to become equal to ourselves. To become a people so free in themselves that they will have no need to - fear - others - and have no need to murder others. - Spoken by the character Meridian Henry in the play ''Blues for Mister Charlie'' (1964)

A Plea...

2008-08-08T17:04:00.000-05:00