Today marks the last day that the address 40 Leon Street in Boston will retain its physical relevance.
In less than twenty-fours hours, the brick walls and inner ironwork of the buidling wil be an emoty cavity of crushed cement and hollow ceilings that once provided respite from the realities of a hectic world that moved a bit too nervoulsy and sinuous for many.
So I dedicate this abbreviated eulogy to the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute. A place that helped mold me into the man that I am today and will forever hold a dear place in my heart as a testament to the will of determined people passionate about their causes for the greater good. The grass may be greener on the other side, but let's have a few more hours to enjoy the here and now and relish in the beauty that is this physical structure, with a transparent Afro and black fist rising like a phoenix out of the dust that will settle in its place come tomorrow.
Between these walls resided an intangible sense of ownership that epitomized both struggle and progress. fear and optimisim. anxiety and optimism.
From african-american quiz bowls.
to hip-hop rap sessions.
to Red Room open mic nights.
We shared collective smiles, sighs, and setiments.
From Kwanaa celebrations.
to Baccalaureate ceremonies.
to do-ya-stomach-right potlucks.
We shared hearty laughs, tears, and hope.
Some came to chill.
Some came to relax.
Others came through to chillax.
A few of us studied.
A few of us surfed the web or played pool or got haircuts.
Some made new friends. Some grew apart from their homies.
Many grew up before their own eyes and self-corrected along the way.
There were plenty of meetings.
Plenty of parties.
Plenty of all-nighters.
Plenty of arguments and beef.
Plenty of idle time.
And plenty of growth.
Our very own 3-story HBCU at NEU.
No elevator. No wireless. No entry after 11pm.
Unless you still got your key.
Through it all.
We weathered the storm.
From sit-ins to sleep-ins to press conferences to car chases and street riots.
We held it down.
Because the Tute held us down
But it didn't hold us back.
So how do we eulogize an urban landmark with a spirit that exists beyond the realms of mere mortality?
By invoking the souls of those same images of Black pride, power, compassion, love, and determination that adorned the walls.
By blending the varied colors of the diaspora that dotted each floor into a rainbow of righteousness to remind you of your duty to represent.
By never forgetting the legacy of those upon whose shoulders you stand.
Those who sacrificed A averages for respect.
Those who put their values before their worth.
Their needs before their wants.
A brick facade that symbolized much more than just the Black experience at Northeastern.
So with restrained tears and determined resilience we look forward to the future.
Knowing full well it is no longer in vogue for a black cultural center to exists in its totality without simmering in the melting pot that is the diversity broth.
Yet acutely aware of the impact it has had on the collective propsctes of generations of young and old; poor and wealthy; apathetic and militant.
The Institute came to reflect the microcosm of the Black experience that is Boston and society as a whole.
Its importance shall never be forgotten.
Its significance shall never fade or temper.
Its legacy shall forever remain etched in permanent ink on the collective wrists of those who bared their souls for the forward progress of their peoples.
Say word.
(title from verse spit by Edo G on "Movement" collabo with The Foundation)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
We can grow as long as my beard does
Even in the midst of attempts to do right, we can go wrong. I'm not much of a fan of wearing my heart on my sleeve. But I'm still learning. Still yearning. Ain't nothing worse than the post-partum feeling of fuqed-up-ness. Maybe I'll get it right one day.
I'm sayin' it a rat's a$$ I couldn't give
Even though you're far away, in my heart you live
So bring your little sweet face closer to me
And look into my eyes and tell me what you see
-Come Closer (remix)
Monday, May 29, 2006
Eviction Notice
This article, entitled "Is Gutierrez ready to rumble," got me to thinking about the similarities that exist between Chicago and Boston. It elaborates a bit on the possibility of the demise of the Daley regime and the prospect of a person of color being squarely at the helm of the city's power structure once the dust settles.
I often find myself reflecting on the veneer of backwards progress that has come to epitomize Boston under the Menino administration. As a matter of fact, we could even throw my hometown up in the mix too, where Joe Riley has been mayor longer than I have been alive. It just baffles me sometimes how some folks can justify progress through sheer domination as opposed to evolution. Any NSBE heads will attest that I am a devout fan of leadership by fire. You're only as good of a leader as your successor. I don't even remember where the original quote came from, but a leader should be judged most by the quality and effectiveness with which s/he trains and develops future leaders.
There was an interesting little snippet in the yesterday's Globe about Boston's current vacancies for police chief, fire chief, and public schools superintendent. And somehow I cannot find it online. But its premise was essentially to highlight what everyone's been saying. Boston is unaffordable and cold and those damn baby-boomers have all the big-time gigs on lock. Um, like, duh, yo. All three cities have unique histories and interconnected legacies, yet the mayoral power structure epitomizes the oft-embarrassing tendency for folks to overstay when it's time to roll out. This is not to say that those in charge have not done anything of significance, but it does paint a telling picture about the need for change every so often so that collective creativity and new thought perspectives are not stymied by a closed network of the same ole people, making the same ole deals, paying more attention to the same ole things, while my hood is in its same ole sorry state of affairs. And I am not fuqing feeling that.
Gutierrez says it succinctly:
I often find myself reflecting on the veneer of backwards progress that has come to epitomize Boston under the Menino administration. As a matter of fact, we could even throw my hometown up in the mix too, where Joe Riley has been mayor longer than I have been alive. It just baffles me sometimes how some folks can justify progress through sheer domination as opposed to evolution. Any NSBE heads will attest that I am a devout fan of leadership by fire. You're only as good of a leader as your successor. I don't even remember where the original quote came from, but a leader should be judged most by the quality and effectiveness with which s/he trains and develops future leaders.
There was an interesting little snippet in the yesterday's Globe about Boston's current vacancies for police chief, fire chief, and public schools superintendent. And somehow I cannot find it online. But its premise was essentially to highlight what everyone's been saying. Boston is unaffordable and cold and those damn baby-boomers have all the big-time gigs on lock. Um, like, duh, yo. All three cities have unique histories and interconnected legacies, yet the mayoral power structure epitomizes the oft-embarrassing tendency for folks to overstay when it's time to roll out. This is not to say that those in charge have not done anything of significance, but it does paint a telling picture about the need for change every so often so that collective creativity and new thought perspectives are not stymied by a closed network of the same ole people, making the same ole deals, paying more attention to the same ole things, while my hood is in its same ole sorry state of affairs. And I am not fuqing feeling that.
Gutierrez says it succinctly:
"Should I lead this city, I have no interest in my legacy being the number of visitors to a beautiful lakefront park or the year the Olympics came to Chicago. It would be how many more kids graduated, how many quality teachers we hire and how many new schools were built."Now for all my Beantown folks; think back to how often you see the words, Thomas M. Menino, inscribed all over the place on everyting from signs, to illboards, murals, flyers, etc. Guerilla marketing or urban legend? And can someone tell me why do I appreciate the TV show, Good Times, exponentially more right now than I ever did as a child? Word to Big Bird.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
This dirt underneath my fingernails speak for itself
The li'l homie and I are holding each oher down this weekend. We've already had our litle run-ins, but we've made it this far. Plus, it has come to my attention that the gear that I copped for him last weekend at the outlets 'fo cheap' was apparently discarded in this past week's trash. Insert gasface here.
So anyways, we had some good breakfast at Mike's, where I haven't been in a while. The grits and pancakes were doing a brother's stomach good. We also hit up a peformance at the Origination Cultural Center in Eggleston Square. The event, Mayllenium, was put together by my man VCR and was hosted by none other than the ill homie Big Brother Sadi, my personal favorite in terms of local poets and a good dude overall. Did I mention he's also an engineer and fellow NU head? Caught the ill freshness that is Miss Letia Larok rocking the mic yet again, linked up with some teens I was checking for (no, not in the R Kelly way), and got blessed with a closing set by Azizi the Poet. Since I never charged her comission for the free marketing strategy provided last summer, I'll just say we're even. Because suffice it to say, she has this one poem entitled, Boston, that resonated with me. It eeriely has a lot of subtle messaging similar to my next to last post. Peep it. And give her material a try if you're into exploring new shT like that. Somebody's gotta support all these young black entrepreneurs. Nahmean. Put your money where your mouth is, dukes.
In this jungle, wilderness, we was raised
by the wolves and the scavengers, instincts like a animal
But it toughened us, put a whole lot of thug in us
-Prodigy, "Y.B.E."
So anyways, we had some good breakfast at Mike's, where I haven't been in a while. The grits and pancakes were doing a brother's stomach good. We also hit up a peformance at the Origination Cultural Center in Eggleston Square. The event, Mayllenium, was put together by my man VCR and was hosted by none other than the ill homie Big Brother Sadi, my personal favorite in terms of local poets and a good dude overall. Did I mention he's also an engineer and fellow NU head? Caught the ill freshness that is Miss Letia Larok rocking the mic yet again, linked up with some teens I was checking for (no, not in the R Kelly way), and got blessed with a closing set by Azizi the Poet. Since I never charged her comission for the free marketing strategy provided last summer, I'll just say we're even. Because suffice it to say, she has this one poem entitled, Boston, that resonated with me. It eeriely has a lot of subtle messaging similar to my next to last post. Peep it. And give her material a try if you're into exploring new shT like that. Somebody's gotta support all these young black entrepreneurs. Nahmean. Put your money where your mouth is, dukes.
Boston
By Azizi Carle
Boston the inner city
Color roaming the streets
Plenty of sorrow and pain
If you don’t have the cheese
Crowded streets of people
Thinking this is it
They give us dirt to eat
With no dreams or means
Where’s our motivation
Grab the paper from the Black Muslim
Seven dollars labor mommy
No desire for education teens
Lies, lies, lies, over and over and over again
The same ones, why do we believe them
Camera, lights, action
Let the news in to tape our bad apples
While the viewers ruin the bunch
Dudley street man, you own this block
Named after a slave owners spirit
Hovering over us, making sure our minds stay in
Slaverrrrrrrrrrrry
Bus our children to METCO schools
Black sheep in suburb wonderland
Stick them out like a sore thumb
So maybe they’ll question there own self-identity
So maybe they’ll be corrupted into wearing
Black ties and roll up their sleeves and bare
White souls
But, Boston public schools read old books
Lies, lies, lies, lies over and over and over and over and over again
The same ones, why do we believe them
With screeching black boards with white letters from
Suburb white teachers, who never seen the lights
Of our city streets
The slaves said, “Up north is freedom” Boston
Then second class, now second-class
My man was refused a job, again
Sit anywhere on the bus
Just not on theirs
But what’s truth color of Boston
It’s embedded in our hearts
That we are somebody
So don’t let the project high rise block your sunshine
And don’t let the trash on the streets clutter your mind
Time has always been on our side
But those lies, lies, lies, lies, lies
Over and over and over and over and over and over
And over and over again
The same ones,
Why do we?
Why do we still
Believe them"
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
I tried to pay attention but they classes wasn't interesting
I was a good student growing up. I got mostly good grades. But I also had a penchant (more like ill skill) for falling asleep during class. Sometimes I would be in the back row, hidden from conspicuous view. Yet, I did end up mad obvious with mine as well. But anyways, I came out alright. I didn't miss too much during that REM sleep. So my dunny HC over at GhettoUprising said something not long ago that still resonates in my mind. Basically, the gist of his notion was (verbatim):
Maybe I'm just being a bit too simple-minded with it though. And it's not as though I echo those same sentiments that HC does because, frankly, I have been pleasantly delighted to work with the various peoplthroughoutut the Boston Public that I've come across. But really though...it still don't mean everything is all gravy. We have our share of crime, youth violence, gang beef, and old-a$$-men-who-have-yet-to-become-grown-a$$-men. But without stopping short of wiping the slate clean, it's the hardest thing in the world to reshape someone's entire paradigm, nahmean? I could kick it to the choir for days, but who would really be hearing me like that?
I actually ended up going off on this tangent because of this
this article about how Oprah was ragging on Baltimore's Education Climate. Much like Boston, Baltimore is a major city with an inner-city that is a shell of itself. On one hand, you can see the hope and promise of a better of tomorrow. But for sake of humanity, you cannot figure out when tomorrow will become today. When will the talk result in action. Will we keep thinking or will we start doing? I saw a re-run of one of The Wire's episodes last night and recalled my anticipation for the new season, which is rumored to be focused on the public schools in Baltimore. Plus, I spoke with a high school principal not long ago and he very emphatically lamented about the need for Black male teachers. In my mind, I was thinking we need more black male students and graduates, too.
It must be some shT to try to save "“urban youth,"” then have to work with a grown-up urban youth to do it.I don't know about you, but that whole concept just introduces an entirely sharp contrast in thought to any normal daily grind thinking. It's almost akin to me being "in education" while pumping Dead Prez's "They Schools" on WinAmp. The paradox poses intriguing issues of struggle versus progress, right versus wrong, pity versus purpose, and fate versus fatality.
Maybe I'm just being a bit too simple-minded with it though. And it's not as though I echo those same sentiments that HC does because, frankly, I have been pleasantly delighted to work with the various peoplthroughoutut the Boston Public that I've come across. But really though...it still don't mean everything is all gravy. We have our share of crime, youth violence, gang beef, and old-a$$-men-who-have-yet-to-become-grown-a$$-men. But without stopping short of wiping the slate clean, it's the hardest thing in the world to reshape someone's entire paradigm, nahmean? I could kick it to the choir for days, but who would really be hearing me like that?
I actually ended up going off on this tangent because of this
this article about how Oprah was ragging on Baltimore's Education Climate. Much like Boston, Baltimore is a major city with an inner-city that is a shell of itself. On one hand, you can see the hope and promise of a better of tomorrow. But for sake of humanity, you cannot figure out when tomorrow will become today. When will the talk result in action. Will we keep thinking or will we start doing? I saw a re-run of one of The Wire's episodes last night and recalled my anticipation for the new season, which is rumored to be focused on the public schools in Baltimore. Plus, I spoke with a high school principal not long ago and he very emphatically lamented about the need for Black male teachers. In my mind, I was thinking we need more black male students and graduates, too.
A brother can work in fast food if he can't invent computer gamesOf course I'm biased about steering the li'l duns towards STEM careers, but hell as long as they are being steered in the right direction, that's all good with me. So I'll chill out this weekend, recover from the huge headache the midget inflicted the last 48 hours, get some work and cleaning done, and take some time to flesh out some personal and professional goals and 2-3-year plans so I can maintain some clarity and focus on shT. Because the never-ending quest for making this hood good is still on. Roll those sleeves up first though, fam. Who's riding dirty with me?
-Bulworth
...you know they math class aint important 'less you addin up cash
In multiples, unemployment aint rewardin
They may as well teach us extortion
You either get paid or locked up, the pricipal is like a warden
In a four year sentence, mad n!gga$ never finish
But that doesn't mean I couldn't be a doctor or a dentist
-Dead Prez, "They Schools"
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I'm scheming like I'm dreaming on a couch wit my feet up
You scream I'm lazy, you must be crazytime to get my lazy blog on...
Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me
-Eric B and Rakim, "Eric B Is President"
this is comedy
some folks afraid of urban challenges
ga news
freeland & payzant q&a
rent subsidies expiring
charlie murphy is hella funny as dr. spock
a poverty of the mind
i have mixed reaction to condy rice speaking at BC and the ensuing brouhaha that has erupted in protest.
this place is just too damn expensive.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Don't Pass Gas Dot Org
So I heard this addon the radio (in passing) and I thought to myself, "Did I really just hear what I think I heard?!" So, suffice it to say, I hoppe donline and went click-a-clacking and found this site: www.dontpassgas.org.
This has got to be one of the most hilarious ad campaigns ever. I always loved the way those TheTruth ads attacked the tobacco industry with such witty and snazzy approaches to drive their messages home. Definitely provokes a bunch of ancillary thoughts, but I'm hungry and my battery's dying so oh well.
This has got to be one of the most hilarious ad campaigns ever. I always loved the way those TheTruth ads attacked the tobacco industry with such witty and snazzy approaches to drive their messages home. Definitely provokes a bunch of ancillary thoughts, but I'm hungry and my battery's dying so oh well.
Monday, May 22, 2006
blunted on reality
seems that some things just don't change....
Apparently, some reporter in my hometown chose to capture readers' attention by specifically mentioning the high school of a recently arrested and alleged murderer.
First and foremost, it is a tremendously tragic and sad incident for a young mother and her children to lose their lives. It is a reprehensible act of cowardice on the part of whoever is at fault. It is troubling the face of a brother whom you once knew - however sparingly - and see that somewhere along the way, something may have gone terribly wrong. It sucks when shT hits closer to home than expected.
So while I cannot sympathize with the brother, I will say a pareyer for the families involved. But I will also join the rest of my Burke family in solidarity because the headline for the story was completely out-of-place, unnecessary, and tacky to say the least. nahmean?
the story may not show up at this link so I'll paste it as well.
Apparently, some reporter in my hometown chose to capture readers' attention by specifically mentioning the high school of a recently arrested and alleged murderer.
First and foremost, it is a tremendously tragic and sad incident for a young mother and her children to lose their lives. It is a reprehensible act of cowardice on the part of whoever is at fault. It is troubling the face of a brother whom you once knew - however sparingly - and see that somewhere along the way, something may have gone terribly wrong. It sucks when shT hits closer to home than expected.
So while I cannot sympathize with the brother, I will say a pareyer for the families involved. But I will also join the rest of my Burke family in solidarity because the headline for the story was completely out-of-place, unnecessary, and tacky to say the least. nahmean?
the story may not show up at this link so I'll paste it as well.
Burke grad accused of killing family: Clayton Ellington charged with slaying twin sons and wife, who also grew up in CharlestonMedia sensationalism has its time and place, but casting a shadow on a already tarnished Burke reputation ain't the way to roll, potna. Peep how the sentiment got so eloquently summed up in this one email I received today:
Saturday, May 20, 2006
BY NADINE PARKS
The Post and Courier
The mother of a man who grew up in Charleston and is now accused in the Wednesday bludgeoning death of his Lithonia, Ga., family says her son loved his wife and twin sons."My son is a good child, whatever happened," Barbara Kellman said Friday. "If he did it, he must have snapped, because God knows I have a good-hearted child."
Clayton Jerrod Ellington and Berna Judge were raised in Wagener Terrace and attended Burke High School, but Judge was two years ahead of her future husband in school, Kellman said. Ellington, a linebacker for the Burke football team, graduated in 1995, and later the couple started dating, she said.
Ellington continued his education at S.C. State University, and Judge moved to Lithonia for a job as a biologist in an environmental laboratory, Kellman said. She said the couple married about three years ago, and Ellington joined his wife in Georgia and started work as the manager of a Lithonia restaurant and grill.
They celebrated the second birthday of twin sons Cameron and Christian on April 10, Kellman said.
"They were beautiful little boys," she said. "They were identical, except Christian had a birthmark on the back of his head."
Just before midnight Wednesday, DeKalb County police found the toddlers dead in their beds and Berna Ellington, 31, dead, face down on the floor, according to a police report.
Clayton Ellington, 29, had called 911 at about 11:45 p.m. and said he had returned to the home to find the gruesome scene, said DeKalb County police spokesman Jason Gagnon.
However, Gagnon said information police learned when they questioned Ellington led to his arrest. Ellington is charged with three counts of murder and was held in a DeKalb County jail Friday after a judge denied him bail, a jail spokeswoman said.
Neighbors near the Ellingtons' suburban home said the family was quiet and that they never saw anything that gave them cause for alarm, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.
Kellman hopes people will reserve judgment until her son has his day in court.
"I'm so hurt to see my child's picture on the TV," Kellman said. "Every man is innocent until proven guilty. Only God knows what happened that night in their home."
Reach Nadine Parks at 745-5863 or nparks@postandcourier.com.
When I saw “Burke Grad Accused of Killing Family” in the Post and Courier on May 20, 2006… I was outraged!!! You tell me, what does the fact that he is a Burke grad do with the fact that he is accused of a horrific crime??????????? I am sick and tired of the media placing Burke High School in negative spotlight. They want the community to believe that Burke High breeds violent and aggressive individuals. This is not true. Burke has produced so many good things. Lots of Burke grads have stories of success. However, they seem to always be overshadowed by the negative ones. I’m sure that if one were to take a look … they’d find that our success outweigh our “failures”. The tragedy here is the triple homicide, NOT that he is a Burke grad! So please show your support by contacting Nadine Parks at the Post and Courier. She can be reached at (843) 745-5863 or nparks@postandcourier.com. Send to as many Burke Alumnae as possible. This is ridiculous. Thank you.Maybe even some non-Burke heads will recognize this for what it is and lend a hand as well.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Willing to let my guard down to figure you out
I don't normally feel Obie Trice like that, but this line from one of his joints did my sentiments justice.
And like my man Buckshot said back in '93:
Plus, I've been penning this epic poem that has yet to see daylight because I'm almost as afraid of real-deal rejection as getting hit by a city bus covered in horse manure. On occasion, I can even retroactively sense when I've done some simple-type ish. I get this WTF look because I've seriously invaded personal space....but I'm sayin yo. My bad. Ten yard penalty flag on me. But anyways.
It ain't lust. It ain't curiosity. It ain't infatuation. Ok well maybe so. But whatever, yo. If there is anything about POPS that never, ever gets publicly released...it's the personal life (in addition to any unmentionable past transgression that are now sealed. ahem). But man...I may need to make a PSA with this one.
I
am
falling,
yo.
So as my ticker pitter-patters 24/7, I'mma go ahead and do what i gotta do. Wipe the slate clean. Learn from my mistakes. Heed the balance of wits between my mind and my heart. And let life push me instead of pushing back. Can you stand the rain?
And like my man Buckshot said back in '93:
ahhhhh...don't front.Women have the uncanny ability to make a brother feel like a straight up punk-a$$ biyatch just about whenever they want. And the shT gets exacerbated when they do it without even trying. It just kinda happens, nahmean? So basically, my heart has been willy-nilly for a few months now. It's not like I'm some hulking tough guy with a comfy chest, super-sensitive in-touch-with-a-woman ESP powers, and a flair for romantic shT. But damn son....smitten ain't even the word.
you knowIshe got you open.
Plus, I've been penning this epic poem that has yet to see daylight because I'm almost as afraid of real-deal rejection as getting hit by a city bus covered in horse manure. On occasion, I can even retroactively sense when I've done some simple-type ish. I get this WTF look because I've seriously invaded personal space....but I'm sayin yo. My bad. Ten yard penalty flag on me. But anyways.
It ain't lust. It ain't curiosity. It ain't infatuation. Ok well maybe so. But whatever, yo. If there is anything about POPS that never, ever gets publicly released...it's the personal life (in addition to any unmentionable past transgression that are now sealed. ahem). But man...I may need to make a PSA with this one.
I
am
falling,
yo.
So as my ticker pitter-patters 24/7, I'mma go ahead and do what i gotta do. Wipe the slate clean. Learn from my mistakes. Heed the balance of wits between my mind and my heart. And let life push me instead of pushing back. Can you stand the rain?
Saturday, May 20, 2006
on some real geek ish
Hub start-up will back up data files for $5 a month - The Boston Globe: "Sonexis "
I used to be known as the guy with dozens of email addresses. I had aliases out the ying-yang, and could rattle off one based on need, timing, available stroage space, and etc. But one stands out still.
There was this one company I used called Driveway, that had a pretty fly file stroage solution. They don't seem to be around anymore, and I beleive I downloaded the many Megs of data I had uploaded. They probably went belly-up since it was 1999 when I first signed up and 200 at the height of my account's activity. But it seems that the concept has come back full circle in the form of Carbonite.
They claim to charge only $5 a month for an unlimited amounf of file back-up capabilities. I think I may have to sign-up and test it out since I have been seriously slacking on the disater recovery preparedness tip. They even have a free, 15-day trial.
I used to be known as the guy with dozens of email addresses. I had aliases out the ying-yang, and could rattle off one based on need, timing, available stroage space, and etc. But one stands out still.
There was this one company I used called Driveway, that had a pretty fly file stroage solution. They don't seem to be around anymore, and I beleive I downloaded the many Megs of data I had uploaded. They probably went belly-up since it was 1999 when I first signed up and 200 at the height of my account's activity. But it seems that the concept has come back full circle in the form of Carbonite.
They claim to charge only $5 a month for an unlimited amounf of file back-up capabilities. I think I may have to sign-up and test it out since I have been seriously slacking on the disater recovery preparedness tip. They even have a free, 15-day trial.
Friday, May 19, 2006
give you a pat just to put a kick me sign on your back
Eminent I stand tall
In the mold of my ancestors
They paved the way in which I walk
Yet I can now fill those huge footsteps
For years I fell short
But now I have become a man
The time to strike is now...
Word is bond.
In the mold of my ancestors
They paved the way in which I walk
Yet I can now fill those huge footsteps
For years I fell short
But now I have become a man
The time to strike is now...
Word is bond.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
My orange box-cutter make the world go 'round
Play ya position, here come my intuition
I am soo very sleepy and it sucks when you cannot think of enough words to type. it can even happen with speech. the last syllable tumbles off your lips barely with enough clearance for a safe landing. inadequate for some. comfortable for some. so without much to type about, i figured i'd piece these lines together. they're all from the same song. you figure it out. i'm sleepy.
His crew's your crew, or they might be next
I have subtly said something similar on many an occasion. I have a tendency to adopt people based on relationships. Sometimes it don;t work out too well, but a vast majority of them have turned out to be fruitful.
Gettin larger in waist and taste
My gym membership will be up in a few months and I'm hestitant to renew this time around. i don't play ball there (maybe twice a week) nearly as much as I used (at least 4-5 times a week). so unless I really start gripping the iron like that, I may ave to call it quits and invest those lootkicks elsewhere. And although I don't go out to eat as much as I used to, the wear and tear of life has me eating take-out more than I should, yet I'm pretty comfortable with my handles. Always room for improvement, but I think I've done decently considering...
Some use pipes, others use in-jec-tions
I need some weed or liquor becuase some of these projects and "youth" are getting on my damn nerves. Young and old; some folks are begging to get shanked.
While we out here, say the hustlas prayer
If the game shakes me or breaks me
I hope it makes me a better man
Take a better stand
Put money in my moms hand
Get my daughter this college plan
So she don't need no man
Stay far from timid
Only make moves when ya heart's in it
And live the phrase, Sky's The Limit
That pretty much sums it up. my man HC's latest post posed an interesting notion about urban youth needing saving. They just need dreams. And like I told my man D tonight. Be a role model. The streets is watching. Gotta set that example no matter what. Sometimes it's bigger than respect. G begets G.
I am soo very sleepy and it sucks when you cannot think of enough words to type. it can even happen with speech. the last syllable tumbles off your lips barely with enough clearance for a safe landing. inadequate for some. comfortable for some. so without much to type about, i figured i'd piece these lines together. they're all from the same song. you figure it out. i'm sleepy.
His crew's your crew, or they might be next
I have subtly said something similar on many an occasion. I have a tendency to adopt people based on relationships. Sometimes it don;t work out too well, but a vast majority of them have turned out to be fruitful.
Gettin larger in waist and taste
My gym membership will be up in a few months and I'm hestitant to renew this time around. i don't play ball there (maybe twice a week) nearly as much as I used (at least 4-5 times a week). so unless I really start gripping the iron like that, I may ave to call it quits and invest those lootkicks elsewhere. And although I don't go out to eat as much as I used to, the wear and tear of life has me eating take-out more than I should, yet I'm pretty comfortable with my handles. Always room for improvement, but I think I've done decently considering...
Some use pipes, others use in-jec-tions
I need some weed or liquor becuase some of these projects and "youth" are getting on my damn nerves. Young and old; some folks are begging to get shanked.
While we out here, say the hustlas prayer
If the game shakes me or breaks me
I hope it makes me a better man
Take a better stand
Put money in my moms hand
Get my daughter this college plan
So she don't need no man
Stay far from timid
Only make moves when ya heart's in it
And live the phrase, Sky's The Limit
That pretty much sums it up. my man HC's latest post posed an interesting notion about urban youth needing saving. They just need dreams. And like I told my man D tonight. Be a role model. The streets is watching. Gotta set that example no matter what. Sometimes it's bigger than respect. G begets G.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
was on a vacation in the ghetto
There's 8 Million Stories in the city it's a pity
We live and we die. We breath air for life out of necessity. We laugh heartily out of need. We long for love out of a fear of being alone. Yet, we're all alone in some way; stuck knowing only our thoughts and realiant upon self for sustenance and cheer. Otghers may lend a hand, but the relay race ain't getting won if we don't reach for the baton.
Don't come around town without the hip in your hop
Cause when the shit hits the fan, that ass'll get dropped
"That's the way it's been. It ain't going to stop. Police can be here 24/7, and people will still find a way to shoot each other."If we keep turning blind eyes to the issues in front of us; we'll all end up with Slick Rick eye-patches. Let's make our Children's Story have a bright future and happier ending. And though this weather really fuqing sucks, I hope the Peace Walk still gets a good crowd to turn out because if there's one thing we need in this city right now; peace is at the top of the list. Although it is neck-and-neck with jobs, training, economic development, more role models, and hope.
I'll have you left without a job, like Isley from The Love Boat
We boast and brag and posture with a reluctance poise that only reveals a small hint of our insecurities. Never being fully confident in self is the greatest weakness. So we mask our worries - both personal and worldly - with a facade of fearlessness and freedom. Free from worry. Free from guilt. Unafraid of responsibility. Are we free of being afraid? Or afraid of being free? Either way, the cheebah smoke of existential living oft can be just a thick cloud of smoke.
I open up your pores like a plate full of collards
So here's a toast; to the Class of 2006. to moms on the grind going for theirs. to families working hard to keep the link in the chain. to health, wealth, and knowledge of self.
Salud/Word.
We live and we die. We breath air for life out of necessity. We laugh heartily out of need. We long for love out of a fear of being alone. Yet, we're all alone in some way; stuck knowing only our thoughts and realiant upon self for sustenance and cheer. Otghers may lend a hand, but the relay race ain't getting won if we don't reach for the baton.
Don't come around town without the hip in your hop
Cause when the shit hits the fan, that ass'll get dropped
"That's the way it's been. It ain't going to stop. Police can be here 24/7, and people will still find a way to shoot each other."If we keep turning blind eyes to the issues in front of us; we'll all end up with Slick Rick eye-patches. Let's make our Children's Story have a bright future and happier ending. And though this weather really fuqing sucks, I hope the Peace Walk still gets a good crowd to turn out because if there's one thing we need in this city right now; peace is at the top of the list. Although it is neck-and-neck with jobs, training, economic development, more role models, and hope.
I'll have you left without a job, like Isley from The Love Boat
We boast and brag and posture with a reluctance poise that only reveals a small hint of our insecurities. Never being fully confident in self is the greatest weakness. So we mask our worries - both personal and worldly - with a facade of fearlessness and freedom. Free from worry. Free from guilt. Unafraid of responsibility. Are we free of being afraid? Or afraid of being free? Either way, the cheebah smoke of existential living oft can be just a thick cloud of smoke.
I open up your pores like a plate full of collards
So here's a toast; to the Class of 2006. to moms on the grind going for theirs. to families working hard to keep the link in the chain. to health, wealth, and knowledge of self.
Salud/Word.
Friday, May 12, 2006
th3 numb3rs gam3
So the fam is up to see RetardedDaughter graduate from college. naturally, you know how we do. so the jokes will come rolling, some tears will start flowing, and we'll have a good ole time. friday night's dinner was mad fun. we rolled mad deep to Quincy and hit up Siam House, Yvette's favorite Thai spot. definitely a good look.
interesting convo on the way from dinner to the airport.
interesting convo on the way from dinner to the airport.
gm: she's cute. i like her. our spirits get along.
me: oh word? nice. hopefully, y'all didn't scare her away.
gm: yeah we can be a bit intimidating
gm: how old are you now?
me: 26
gm: oh, you're getting old. you getting up there in age. i'll be 88 at the end of the month.
me: nice. and you look so good. it's like you get younger.
gm: well i do just stick with one number nowadays.
me: oh word? what? 76?
gm: nah. 38.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
make a left
some ideas come at the darndest times.
so there used to be these ill ballplayers from NYC...the Mapp brothers. Ok, they weren't that ill, but ballers nonetheless. One was named Majestic and the other was named Scientific. They had more siblings, but you see where this is going already.
Some names are strange. And some just make you grin from ear to ear.
So naturally, I decided to troll the web and find some other off-the-wall names parents have bestowed upon their churn. I'll take the liberty of omitting the kids and parents that I actually know because that would just be mean of me. i wouldn't want to start patronizing anyone.
so there used to be these ill ballplayers from NYC...the Mapp brothers. Ok, they weren't that ill, but ballers nonetheless. One was named Majestic and the other was named Scientific. They had more siblings, but you see where this is going already.
Some names are strange. And some just make you grin from ear to ear.
So naturally, I decided to troll the web and find some other off-the-wall names parents have bestowed upon their churn. I'll take the liberty of omitting the kids and parents that I actually know because that would just be mean of me. i wouldn't want to start patronizing anyone.
Zowie Bowieand now that I think about it, I wrote a paragraph in response to some chick who was bad-mouthing Blacks for some of their children's unusual names, but somehow my quick rant got lost in cyberspace and I've since lost all the anger that preceeded that tirade. oh well.
Richard Hertz
Rock Bottomly
Bud Wieser
Benjamin Dover
Richard Falek
Randy Bunney
Tu Morrow
Ima Hogg
Fennis Dembo
Jermajesty Jackson
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
WTF/WTBS?!
interesting educational happenings going on lately.
This teacher chick in Texas done lost her damn mind. Punishing them for going to the "stupid marches"?! What if Mrs Mundy had something smart to say to me when I returned to school that Tuesday morning from the Million Man March. Moms would've wailed on her a$$.
The folks in New Bedford are making some remarkably bold steps against high-stakes testing.
what the blarney stone?!
The police commish just resigned after I had read about all the drama that unfolded on Sunday and Monday, so I'll have to let it marinate for a few and commit a full post to that. Definitely an interesting saga, but I am not feeling the timing. not one bit.
This teacher chick in Texas done lost her damn mind. Punishing them for going to the "stupid marches"?! What if Mrs Mundy had something smart to say to me when I returned to school that Tuesday morning from the Million Man March. Moms would've wailed on her a$$.
The folks in New Bedford are making some remarkably bold steps against high-stakes testing.
what the blarney stone?!
The police commish just resigned after I had read about all the drama that unfolded on Sunday and Monday, so I'll have to let it marinate for a few and commit a full post to that. Definitely an interesting saga, but I am not feeling the timing. not one bit.
The Power of an Idea
This young woman's name is Dianna Marcellus. She is an engineer. She is a role model. She is a queen. She is also a patent-pending inventor. She is the future. Word.
Eighth-grader Dianna Marcellus from the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science won the top prize, a $15K scholarship and intellectual property legal services, in the Power of an Idea competition for coming up with a nifty invention - a robot that does manicures. The law firm of Burns & Levinson LLP sponsored the competition and the firm will help Dianna secure a patent. Dianna was encouraged to enter the competition by two teachers at her school, Jamy Drouillard and Myriam Hibbard. Dianna learned to build and program robots by attending the 2005 ITEST summer program sponsored by Northeastern University and TechBoston. The program invites any high school student enrolled in the public schools of Boston to create a new device, machine or process. Yesterday, she officially submitted her application for a patent of her invention. There is hope, my peoples. All this NSBE Love is not in vain.
Eighth-grader Dianna Marcellus from the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science won the top prize, a $15K scholarship and intellectual property legal services, in the Power of an Idea competition for coming up with a nifty invention - a robot that does manicures. The law firm of Burns & Levinson LLP sponsored the competition and the firm will help Dianna secure a patent. Dianna was encouraged to enter the competition by two teachers at her school, Jamy Drouillard and Myriam Hibbard. Dianna learned to build and program robots by attending the 2005 ITEST summer program sponsored by Northeastern University and TechBoston. The program invites any high school student enrolled in the public schools of Boston to create a new device, machine or process. Yesterday, she officially submitted her application for a patent of her invention. There is hope, my peoples. All this NSBE Love is not in vain. |  |  |
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Hold That Thought
i am
i was
i is
i were
i had been
i be dem folks who no longer wear the masks
now we bask in pools of authority
i got reported as a minority
until i checked other
cuz I'm fuqing major, son
i was
i is
i were
i had been
i be dem folks who no longer wear the masks
now we bask in pools of authority
i got reported as a minority
until i checked other
cuz I'm fuqing major, son
Monday, May 08, 2006
It started as a pasttime to make time pass
right now, i should be smoking or drinking or sleeping, but i'm doing none of the above. just thinking about a million things and wondering how i'll manage to find happiness in the morass of murky mayhem that manifests itself as my daily grind. it ain't all gravy but it could be worse. so stop yer b!tching and man up. i should start condo-hunting again. plus, i got called out for not writing/performing lately, so i should actually cop a real book to start putting my lifetime in between the paper's lines. man, i use that line way too much. An otherwise sunny day gone by without much work accomplished.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Peace Boston Youth Arts Showcase
A little love for the people out there on the grind trying to make the world a better place. As part of the Peace Boston 2006 initiative, there's a show on Sunday from 2-6pm at the Strand Theater in Dorchester's Uphams Corner neighborhood. It's all about spreading that love, dunny.
Sit your five-dollar a$$ down before I make change
I need to sit down. And hibernate. The busy season is upon us. This Saturday is dumb packed with stuff going on, and here's yet another one. One of my students was involved in creating one of the films that will be in this screening. How Fly.
"TAKE A SEAT"
The ICA FAST FORWARD Teen Video Program
2006 Spring Screening
Saturday, May 6th, 2006
4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Institute of Contemporary Art
955 Boylston Street
Boston MA 02115
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
Please join us on May 6th for our final screening at the Boylston Street location before we move to the waterfront. The program of teen-produced work includes the premiere of SAVING D'LIGHT, a comedy that follows two teens into the world of scientology (), a documentary on the lure of trading card games, and many other thought-provoking and creative pieces.
Refreshments will follow the screening.
For more information, contact Fast Forward at: (617) 927-6629 or fastforward AT icaboston.org
Reservations are recommended for the 7:00 PM screening. To reserve seats, please call 617-927-6629. On the voicemail, leave your first and last name and the number of seats you would like. Tickets will be held at the door.
NOTE: All reserved tickets not claimed by 6:50 will be released.
"TAKE A SEAT"
The ICA FAST FORWARD Teen Video Program
2006 Spring Screening
Saturday, May 6th, 2006
4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Institute of Contemporary Art
955 Boylston Street
Boston MA 02115
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
Please join us on May 6th for our final screening at the Boylston Street location before we move to the waterfront. The program of teen-produced work includes the premiere of SAVING D'LIGHT, a comedy that follows two teens into the world of scientology (), a documentary on the lure of trading card games, and many other thought-provoking and creative pieces.
Refreshments will follow the screening.
For more information, contact Fast Forward at: (617) 927-6629 or fastforward AT icaboston.org
Reservations are recommended for the 7:00 PM screening. To reserve seats, please call 617-927-6629. On the voicemail, leave your first and last name and the number of seats you would like. Tickets will be held at the door.
NOTE: All reserved tickets not claimed by 6:50 will be released.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
What is your greatest weakness?
That was one of a host of questions asked repeatedly tonight. I, along with three other folks, served on the interview committee for the National Black College Alliance. We were tasked/asked to interview all of the students interested in participating in the summer program. Some were new recruits, while others had been around for over a year, and others had only gone on the Black College Tour, but had not been very involved otherwise.
We had to run through a gamut of questions (the same ones) for each student and then assess them one scale of 1-5 on how we felt they repped. A 1 means that you are not ready; 2 needs improvement, 3 is average, 4 is good, and 5 is excellent. It's pretty straightforward, but the variety of personalities is acutely evident and on full blast consistently.
But I only thought to write about this tonight because of the greater meaning behind the stregth/weakness questions. Aside from giving many of their ears the first taste of that question, it also reveals a lot about self-esteem and character development. Some kids are shy, but are still quick to note what they could improve or what they think they bring to the table. Some can go blank on you while thinking of something to say. Some will be hard-pressed to think of a stregth and others will be unsure of any existing weakness without an air of cockiness. Some things just don't cross your mind to be thinking about, ya know?
So I wonder...I like mixing up my reserved side with my outgoing side and letting them two-step with each other at times, while I comfortably worry about just living and not about crazy interview questions such as these. But on the reals, I'm trying to recall the traits and qualities that I have uttered in response to those two questions. Everything can be a learning opportunity. The strength is something we can look to for affirmation that we got it going on...because some youth (and adults) don't believe they do. And the weakness can become a goal; something which can be worked on and improved upon for the betterment of self. What's your greatest stregth? weakness?
We had to run through a gamut of questions (the same ones) for each student and then assess them one scale of 1-5 on how we felt they repped. A 1 means that you are not ready; 2 needs improvement, 3 is average, 4 is good, and 5 is excellent. It's pretty straightforward, but the variety of personalities is acutely evident and on full blast consistently.
But I only thought to write about this tonight because of the greater meaning behind the stregth/weakness questions. Aside from giving many of their ears the first taste of that question, it also reveals a lot about self-esteem and character development. Some kids are shy, but are still quick to note what they could improve or what they think they bring to the table. Some can go blank on you while thinking of something to say. Some will be hard-pressed to think of a stregth and others will be unsure of any existing weakness without an air of cockiness. Some things just don't cross your mind to be thinking about, ya know?
So I wonder...I like mixing up my reserved side with my outgoing side and letting them two-step with each other at times, while I comfortably worry about just living and not about crazy interview questions such as these. But on the reals, I'm trying to recall the traits and qualities that I have uttered in response to those two questions. Everything can be a learning opportunity. The strength is something we can look to for affirmation that we got it going on...because some youth (and adults) don't believe they do. And the weakness can become a goal; something which can be worked on and improved upon for the betterment of self. What's your greatest stregth? weakness?
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Boston Wireless Community Forum
The City of Boston has formed a Wireless Task Force to develop a plan for a citywide wireless network. The task force is organizing a WiFi and Internet Community Forum (*.pdf) on Saturday, May 6th at Wentworth Institute of Technology. The event will feature speakers, workshops, and display booths to help educate the public and local businesses about the effort, create an atmosphere for feedback and discussion, and demonstrate unique uses of broadband Internet access. It is a free event and should attract over 200 techies and non-techies from throughout the Boston area.
TechBoston has been asked to sponsor and participate by bringing tech-savvy students to attend and work the event. So we'll be there in full force repping for the at-risk, urban youth whose names get thrown around so frequently at events of this magnitude. Hopefully, we'll wow 'em with our wit, poise, tech aptitudes, and positove attitudes. Plus, a crew of them will be using AlphaSmarts to take notes throughout the day. We're about to do the training in an hour (crossing fingers). The notes taken by us will be incorporated into a formal report that the Wireless Task Force is going to present Mayor Menino in July.
Date:
Saturday, May 6, 2006
Location:
Watson Hall, Wentworth Institute, 550 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Directions:
To Wentworth: http://www.wit.edu/pop_directions.html
Watson Hall is Building # 5 on this campus map: http://www.wit.edu/pop_campusmap.html
Note: Although the official address is Huntington Avenue, it is easier to get to the building from Parker Street.
Time:
The event is from 8:30 AM - 12 PM, but we'll be there from 7:30 AM - 1 PM in the background playing our positions.
Online Registration:
If you'd like to attend the forum, you can register for the event at the following site:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/wireless/WirelessForumRegistration.asp
Monday, May 01, 2006
It's unexplanatory how I gets wicked, but it's mandatory that I kick it
So some wack site caused my browser to wimp out on me last night and I ended losing my post, so in a quick re-cap...
If you already an entrepreneur or have some things in mind, then this page of the 10 Stupid Mistakes Made by the Newly Self-Employed should be an enjoyable read. I don't normally like blogging lists and tags and the sort, but when an article is broken down in such a manner, I tend to warm up to it as long as the first few items and background hold my attention. And this one definitely holds its own. Speaking of lists, I did, however, find this listography site to be intriguing. But I'm kinda tired of signing up and registering for new accounts and profiles everywhere I turn. The Net really needs a single sign-on feature.
But what I need to do is get my shT together. I've slacking on my macking and need to step it up. So instead of waiting until New Year's to think of some witty resolutions, I'll just retrace some prior ones, do a status check, and plan in earnest to make good on them. As a matter of fact, I even ran across this ill, simple site that is devoted to the many murals that dot the Los Angeles landscape. Definitely giving me ideas...
If you already an entrepreneur or have some things in mind, then this page of the 10 Stupid Mistakes Made by the Newly Self-Employed should be an enjoyable read. I don't normally like blogging lists and tags and the sort, but when an article is broken down in such a manner, I tend to warm up to it as long as the first few items and background hold my attention. And this one definitely holds its own. Speaking of lists, I did, however, find this listography site to be intriguing. But I'm kinda tired of signing up and registering for new accounts and profiles everywhere I turn. The Net really needs a single sign-on feature.
But what I need to do is get my shT together. I've slacking on my macking and need to step it up. So instead of waiting until New Year's to think of some witty resolutions, I'll just retrace some prior ones, do a status check, and plan in earnest to make good on them. As a matter of fact, I even ran across this ill, simple site that is devoted to the many murals that dot the Los Angeles landscape. Definitely giving me ideas...
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