Fathers and Daughters
Fathers will show their daughters how to love and how to be loved in return. They are the first figure of strength daughters will ever know.
[Queen] ‘A Place in the World'
"God Almighty created each and every one of us for a place in the world, and for the least of us to think that we were created only to be what we are—and not what we can make ourselves—is to impute an improper motive to the Creator for creating us." —Marcus Garvey
[Queen] If I Were A Man
We are just as capable and ready for battle as any man—whatever that battle is.
[Queen] I Am a Feminist
One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Trudeau: "I can't be a rose in any man's lapel." For years, these words have sung to the very core of my being, yet I failed to understand its significance to my life. A recent conversation led me to recall situations in coming-of-age that have awakened my reality.
[Queen] A Light Ahead
Having a friend with depth and the ability to shoot from the hip is always a plus. But having one who has those characteristics and a degree in social work equals a huge win for me.
[Queen] It's About Women's Rights
I find it laughable that the state of Mississippi is even considering asking us to vote yes on Initiative 26. Really? We are being asked to make a law to give up our constitutional right to choice. Really.
WE ARE ONE - Yes We Will!!!
It's difficult to live a day such as this one and not be completely saturated with deep emotions. From utter amazement to overwhelming pride and gushing accomplishment hold close to each other. We have finally reached that road that was announced when our destiny was proclaimed in Martin Luther King, Jr's dream. How fitting it is that this day follows the day of MLK's birth. This day - the day the world, its citizens, and these the great United States of America welcome hope, and equality ..and change.
GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME! Biggie vs Tupac
Has Biggie done that?
I'm sure everyone knows that there's a new movie about to come out called NOTORIOUS. It is suppose to be chronicling the life of the "greatest rapper of all time", Biggie Smalls. I have a serious problem with this label being attached to Christopher Wallace aka BIGGIE. Don't get me wrong, I agree that the guy did his thing. How could one not name him in their top five greatest rappers? But when one uses the word GREAT, to me, that's totally different. Greatness, in this sense, is a lifestyle, not an ability or skill. Barack Obama is great. Mother Theresa was great! Greatness includes the ability to have the QUAN (as announced and defined in Jerry Macquire). Greatness is mastering your craft, giving back, educating, having a voice that heals and has purpose, being able to live through death, and announcing a change in the world once you've passed through it.
COWBOY ROUND UP - Marion Barber's Toughness is Questioned by Team Owner!!!
GET THE "F" OUTTA HERE! If you know me, you know that I am a super Cowboy fan. If you know that, then you know that am a super duper, serious, Marion Barber, III fan. Learning that Jerry Jones is questioning Marion's toughness has completely thrown my world upside down. Here's the story, Marion The Barbarian, dislocated his pinky toe **AWWWW** two weeks ago and didn't play in last night's game against Steelers. WE LOST! I'll be the first to say that we needed this win! But it's clear that team owner, Jerry Jones, is a little miffed that the dependable fall back guy -- Marion Barber- wasn't there to save our ass after Romo choked up/gave up (as he often does and Marion often has to save us).
A Call for Sisterhood
A Call for Sisterhood
Just like the stubborn dedication of Harriette Tubman; the proud insistence of Rosa Parks; the support and strong family values of Betty Shabazz, Corretta Scott King and Merlie Evers; the blinding courage of Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt; the spiritual acceptance of Mother Theresa; the unwavering commitment of Mary McCloud Bethune; the uncompromising commitment of Fannie Lou Hammer; the intelligent passion of Sojourner Truth; the creative beauty of Gwendolyn Brooks; the willingness to accept progression of our mothers and grandmothers before us - women are finally standing at attention and recognizing our ability to contribute to this world, this nation, this state and this city. Our female ancestors have planted an everlasting pattern to direct our journey. We need only accept and commit to its power. It's up to us to resurrect these strengths and revitalize our place in the natural order of life.
BEST RAPPER ALIVE-EMINEM!!!!
Read the article and let me know what you think.
So apparently Vibe Magazine did a poll on the best rapper alive and the winner is - EMINEM!!!! He beat out Jay-Z, Andre 3000 and Lil Wayne. Could it be.....best MC.....Slim Shady?????
Naysayers and Non-believers
I am growing very weary of people around this town who are always able to find some way to throw "salt" on those who are trying to make a difference. I'm beginning to wonder if some people are born with the natural ability to be hateful and derrogatory. It's unfortunate that progress has to be stumped by those unwilling to accept change and growth. We face these folk in every aspect of our lives, regardless of where you live. However, it's easy to second guess your strides and efforts when met with constant resistence. It's even more difficult when one knows that there is a job to be done and that it is absolutely necessary. I know that any person who steps up to the plate to offer something new will face naysayers and non-believers. There seems to be some level of complacency here that is keeping this city from forward movement.
Shoot to Kill—Store Clerk Shoots Robber
So WAPT is reporting that a store clerk shot a man who had attempted to rob his store for a case of beer. This guy is facing murder charges since the robber died from the gun shot wound.
What's up with the Entertainment Industry?
Is it just me or have we decided involuntarily to accept any and all things thrown at us by artists and radio? I am just stunned to see that so many artist these days lack actual talent. This is really not just music, it's affecting the entertainment industry all together. People are no longer required to have acting skills to become celebrities. They can just sign on to a reality show, where no acting experience is required, and then suddenly they are stars. We are suddenly concerned about their entire life? Reality shows take up at least 75 % of what we see on television these days.
Brett Favre - Make up Your Mind
What is it with these athletes that retire and within months are ready to come back? I don't get it! And this is retirement number two for Brett. Do you think that maybe he was forced to retire? Did he get home and decide, naaa, I can't do this? This happens quite frequently in todays sports' world so what's the deal with that?
Senseless Smoking Ban
I just had to comment on this. Tried to avoid it, but it's really starting to peeve me off. I understand that people don't want to have to deal with cigarette smoke. Okay. I accept that. Non-smokers don't want their meals interrupted by the smell. Besides, we're trying to make a healthier Mississippi - right? Let me explain why this makes absolutely NO sense-- if it's so serious that we must waive the rights of citizens to smoke freely.....why then are they still legal!!!!?????!!!!!!
Four Day Workweeks - What if???
Well I am all for a four day workweek. I think this is a very proactive attempt at getting this country back to some level of economic responsibility. Clearly we are going to have to step up as a people and make some strides for change in our city, county, and state government. Speaking of cutting costs, I've often wondered why our public transit system here in Jackson is not used as much as in other cities. Are we just addicted to driving? We need to educate people on utilizing our transit system and THEN make the city actually put some time into getting more frequent routes in a more timely fashion. Using the bus system, plus shorter workweeks would be a great start to fixing some of our economic issues, short term and long term.
Don Imus - Back at it again
Surely you've heard about Imus' latest racial episode. This time, he commented on Adam Jones (who doesn't want to be referred to as PacMan anymore). Mr. Imus made reference to the fact the what people should be made at is the amount of times Jones has had run ins with the law. I guess he was saying that the reason this guy has been arrested 6 times is because he's black.
Old School Rappers Blame SouljaBoy for Killing Hip Hop
So, the latest uproar in hip hop is that Ice T and other rappers who reigned during a time when rap was extremely hard core and aggressive are blasting new hip hop artists like Soulja Boy (Superman) for killing hip hop. These new rappers are now refered to as "ringtone" rappers. This basically means that they are rapping about nothing of substance and can only contribute a rocking beat to it's listeners.
Parents at Chastain Middle School are FED UP!
Kudos and accolades to the parents of Chastain Middle School who have said enough is enough. In addition to the school's embarassing administration, the students at Chastain are allegedly having sex on school property, and fighting as well. Surely someone should be held accountable for NOT doing the children justice over there. Who's responsible? Parents? Teachers? Lack of administrative professionalism? This is a prime example of the partnership that is necessary amoung teachers and parents to educate kids on proper behavior and sex. Chastain is a middle school. One middle school. If something isn't done soon to blanket this issue, it will fester out to more schools than Chastain. It'll take more than a handful of parents protesting. Is the community ready to take on this challenge? Do we even care enough anymore? What's the next move to save our children?
Inter-racial couples - What about the Children?
I have noticed a growing number of inter-racial couples in the Jackson area in recent years. At first I thought there was a curiosity factor running wild. However, I have since met many people who are born to inter-racial couples. These people seem to me to be a little informed on both sides of their heritage. However, I just wonder what will become of the children these days? Do the kids suffer in this still racist city when being born to say a black/white couple? How do you choose which culture should be the dominant one? Or, is there such a choice to make? Is it possible to provide a thorough culture/history to offspring when parents are of different racial backgrounds?
R. Kelly Trial - who's to blame?
So many of you are probably familiar with the case of statutory rape that singer R. Kelly is facing. So word is that Kelly and the underaged female are denying that they are the ones on the video (the one that caused all this drama). But now there's a new girl...third party, who says she was involved in a three-some with Kelly and the same girl.