You have to come to the people as they are

Had some interesting conversations the last 2 days that really put a lot of things in perspectice.

For starters, much props to Horace Small of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods for hosting us at his crib Friday night. My duns Tobin, LSoove, and I got the email forward and decided to hit up what had been billed as a Black Men's Cookout. What it turned out being was initially not quite what I had expected, but it quickly became apparent that is so much more. Much like the talks and mind thoughts amongst my scattered network of crew and peoples, this small gathering was part of an effort to not just foster a sense of unity amongst Black men, but add more tangible value to an otherwise dispersed, distance, and fragmented disconnect between varying ages and socioenonomic status. I've got to give Horace his props for blindly allowing us to come through, eat his food, and politik with him and his buddies - Smokey Montgomery, Woullard Lett, Chuck Turner, and Charles Yancey. I really appreciate the effort on their part to be willing to mentor younger like us and sit down without frills and build on issues that affect our community and society as a whole - youth violence, temperamental politics, and leadership development. I'm definitely going to have to stay in touch with that crew. I think that activist itch that my man Kwadjo pricked is starting to expand. Apparently, he's going through some serious stuff right now - as always. Somobody better step up and take the weight and not make me have to move back home and stir shT up.

On the 41st side, I got an email from my main man ALow of an interview with Saigon by Cedric Muhammed of BlackElectorate.com. Now, me and Sai already go a ways back, because he's ill like that. But I'm really feeling how he shares a lof of inspiring and insightful articles with the crew. I'm glad we're on the same team. He's a serious street scholar - I only aspire to read as much, as frequently, and with as much insight as he does. Well anyways, Saigon spit some real words talking about his music, his bid, and his game plan. He's definnitely an artist with something to say and I'm proud to say I bought one of his albums. and I'll keep being a fan as long as he keeps coming with the real. For a point of reference, peep his track, The Color Purple, which stirred a little bit of controversy - but didn't get nearly as much critical acclaim as it should have. Kinda reminds me of what Phife Dawg said back in the day.

Let me take this time to say R.I.P. to Phyllis Hyman
Who never got the props that she damn well deserved

And lastly, speaking of props, Wyclef is one soulful dude. I caught an episiode (#34) of Def Poetry Jam last night and it was incredible. First of all, it seemed as though there were about ten performers, which is amazing, because it always seems as if every episdoe is shorter than the next and only 4 poets get featured. It was a great show, with Wyclef kicking it off with a piece called, The Immigrant. He used that high-pitched, ever-so-indicative of Haitian descent accent in a way that was both humorous and introspective. I can remember when I first heard his first album and thinking how souldful and forward-moving the music and content was in those songs. He lost me a bit over the years, but it was a beautiful thing to see him on that stage. I seriously need to get back to my spoken word days. Hell, I almost bought a Saul Williams album last night and my girl Iyeoka is having a performance this Monday night in Providence with Ursula Rucker. If the name isn't too familiar, just think back to some of the Roots albums. I may have to hit up either that show on monday or the Lizard Lounge on Sunday.