Princeton Prize in Race Relations

In order to recognize, support, and encourage the young people of our country who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations, Princeton University annually sponsors an annual awards program for high school students - the Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

Applications postmarked by January 31 will be eligible for prizes—including cash awards up to $1,000 for particularly noteworthy work.

Applicants for students in the greater Boston area can be found at http://www.princeton.edu/pprize/application/. Contact Catherine Toppin at cjtoppin AT alumni.princeton.edu for questions.

Journalism Scholarship Opportunity for HS Seniors

The Freedom Forum gives $1,000 scholarships and a trip to Washington D.C. to 51 high school seniors (one student from every state and the District of Columbia) who want to pursue careers in journalism and who are "free spirits."

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Conference program is a competitive process that requires an application and published journalism work. The conference will be held on March 13-19, 2009 at the Newseum. All 51 scholars who are selected will also be eligible to compete for one top scholarship of $10,000.

The annual deadline for scholarship applications is October 15. However, we have extended the deadline to it to December 21 (postmark date) for applicants from Rhode Island. The application is available online and more information about the program is available at www.freedomforum.org/freespirit.

College Planning/Funding Seminar for Parents

Parents: Check out this free seminar on Saturday, 12/12, in Waltham by the homie Javin Jones. There's no better time than the present to invest in your child's future. Holla.
-POPS

College Funding
Your College Savings Goals Are Within Reach
presented by Christopher Javin Jones, Financial Advisor

Join us for a special educational workshop where you'll learn about:

• Current and future college costs
• Sources of college funds
• Financial aid, scholarships, and loans
• 529 Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
• Investment options for college savings

One financial goal that most parents share is a college education for their children. With college costs increasing at a faster rate than general inflation, saving for college can be a daunting task. You can, however, pursue this important financial goal by establishing a college fund and taking action today.

When: Saturday, December 12th from 9 AM to 11 AM

Where: Strategic Financial Partners, 800 South Street, Suite 505, Waltham, MA 02453

Reserve your seat today via phone {781-788-4682} or email {CJones3 AT sfp-ma.com}

Thrive in 5 - Early Child Development Parent Support Group

Early Child Development Parent Support Group: "Thrive in 5" seeks parents and caregivers of children (birth to 5 years old) to help carry out Community School Readiness Wiring (CSRW). CSRW will work in each Boston neighborhood to provide families with the information and resources they need to best support their children's healthy development. Learn more about monthly meetings: Katie, 617-624-8196, katie.madrigal AT thrivein5boston.org

BPS 5-Year Acceleration Agenda & Feeback Forums

The Boston School Committee will hold a feedback forum from 5-6 pm prior to the start of the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

The forums will provide parents and other BPS stakeholders with an opportunity to weigh in on the
Superintendent's Five-Year Acceleration Agenda presented on November 18th. All are welcome.

These forums are in addition to the 14 school-based community meetings which will be held at each of the following proposed Turnaround Schools. All meetings are from 6 - 7:30 pm:

Monday, November 30: The English High School, Curtis Guild Elementary, Maurice Tobin K-8

Tuesday, December 1: Odyssey High, William Monroe Trotter Elementary

Thursday, December 3: John Holland Elementary

Monday, December 7: William Blackstone Elementary, Henry Dearborn Middle, Harbor (Middle) School, John F. Kennedy Elementary

Tuesday, December 8: Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary, Elihu Greenwood Elementary

Wednesday, December 9: Paul Dever Elementary

Thursday, December 3: Orchard Gardens K-8

Diamond Educators

Diamond Educators Mentoring is committed to the development of young men in the City of Boston by building relationships and inspiring them to attain educational, social, cultural, and financial growth through mentoring.

The founding members of the Diamond Educators grew up in the City of Boston and are dedicate to:

• The educational and social development of all students
• Supporting social, emotional, and educational growth in which each member is connected and dedicated to the community
• Providing quality instruction to foster the need of social, cultural and financial stability
• Building respect, integrity and success through education and mentoring
  

Web: http://www.de-mentoring.org
Phone: 617-291-3851

Sydney Finkelstein on "Think Again: Why Good Leaders Make Bad Decisions" (Thu, Nov 19)

Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents Sydney Finkelstein

“Think Again: Why Good Leaders Make Bad Decisions and How To Keep It From Happening To You”

Moderated by Sally Jackson

Thursday, November 19 at 6:30-8:00 pm
C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University

(Boston, MA) Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents Sydney Finkelstein on “Think Again: Why Good Leaders Make Bad Decisions and How To Keep It From Happening To You;” moderated by Sally Jackson. Thursday, November 19, at 6:30-8:00 pm. Followed by an open discussion. Admission is free and open to all.

C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University, 55 Temple Street, Boston, MA.
Wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near the Park Street MBTA station.

For more information, call the Ford Hall Forum at 617-557-2007 or visit www.fordhallforum.org.

History is full of brilliant leaders making incredibly poor choices. From President John F. Kennedy’s Bay of Pigs invasion to Wall Street’s heavy bets in the mortgage market, we see people with extraordinarily powerful cognitive abilities make terrible decisions. Why does this happen? Sydney Finkelstein, bestselling author and Steven Roth Professor of Management for the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, joins Sally Jackson, public relations consultant and founder of Jackson & Company, to addresses the specific ways our minds are lured into making misguided judgments, and why organizations so often fail to correct the mistake. Most importantly, he identifies the way wise leaders sidestep these pitfalls, and how you can do the same.

The Ford Hall Forum is the nation’s oldest continuously operating free public lecture series. The Forum promotes freedom of speech and fosters an informed and effective citizenry through the public presentation of lectures, debates, and discussions. Its events illuminate the key issues facing our society by bringing to its podium knowledgeable and thought-provoking speakers, including some of the most controversial opinion leaders of our times. These speakers are presented in person, for free, and in settings, which facilitate frank and open debate.

The Forum began in 1908 as a series of Sunday evening public meetings held at the Ford Hall, which once stood on Beacon Hill in Boston. While the original building no longer exists, the public conversations have continued throughout the Greater Boston area with the generous support of foundations, corporations, academic institutions, and individuals. As the Forum marks its 100th Anniversary, it is embarking on a new partnership with the Suffolk University College of Arts & Sciences. Suffolk is now housing the Forum’s administrative offices just a block away from where the original Ford Hall once stood.

Free Presentation: Social Media for Nonprofits

Free Presentation: Social Media for Nonprofits
Thursday, November 19 from 6:30 to 8 pm

The Arlington Entrepreneurs is hosting an interactive session on Social Media at the Robbins Library on Mass Ave (Arlington Center). Bring your laptop so you can implement or test drive what you are learning 'real time'.

The session will be hosted by Barbara Clarke.

This event is free. Please RSVP to margy AT arlington-entrepreneurs DOT com

In His Shadow

the phone rang as he approached the onramp
two minutes after coasting
on cruise control on the interstate
came news from out of state
that the state of the world done changed
impending transitions
fretting over fatherhood
millions of thoughts racing through fast lanes
and beyond breakdown borders
one word stood out
get this right
and in that instant
he disappeared into the night
peer pressure gave way to a culture of expectations
to be continued...

Black Men’s Leadership Breakfast

Dear Brothers,

The need for us as black men to become involved in the issue of public education is obvious.

In a global economy, the need for a strong educational foundation is essential for our children if they are to compete for the jobs and careers of the future. Yet in the city of Boston, a school district proclaimed by urban education experts as the best public school system in America;

* More than 50% of young men and women fail to graduate with their freshmen class,

* Virtually every graduate of Boston Public Schools who attends college are required to take remedial classes before their official matriculation, and

* Less than 3% of African American males who graduate from BPS secure their college diplomas within 8 years of graduating high school.

Boston may have the best urban system in America, but the above statistics in and of themselves must be unacceptable to us as black people.

And where our collective voices as black people should be raised in outrage, we as an entire community are virtually invisible in the halls of government or in school committee meetings where decisions as to how to educate our children are made.

Brothers, we write to you because the time has come for responsible men to stand up, take leadership, demand accountability, and provide direction to our community on the issue of how black children are being educated in the city of Boston. We know two things to be real…that education is the method by which we rise and grow as a people, and that securing a quality education for our children is indeed the civil rights issue of our lifetime.

Please join us for a black men’s leadership breakfast on Monday, November 23rd at the Boston Foundation 75 Arlington Street 10th floor at 8:30AM. We will discuss strategies, ideas, and determine a process by which we may become engaged in a meaningful way to assure that black men are providing leadership in the effort to educate our children.

Union of Minority Neighborhoods
http://www.unionofminorityneighborhoods.org

My elders all feel the same there's no bravery

We're suposed to fight for freedom not just the end of slavery
-Akrobatik, "Remind My Soul"

With the local municipal elections now behind us, life has calmed down a bit for many. For others, it is picking up pace at even faster levels. Regardless, I needed to decompress from the madness and wonder of it all. Take a walk with me.

My friend Carlos Henriquez lost his 2nd attempt to unseat Chuck Turner for the District 7 spot. My Boston peoples know the incredible legacy of Mr Turner has as a community activist and organizer. Many of yall also know how real Mr Henriquez keeps it as well. It's just unfortunate that the election became a more of a referendum on Mr. Turner's guilt/innocence than on the actual issues that confront the district.

Personally, I feel Mr Turner was more effective as a activist in his pre-city councilor days than he is now. But to each his own, right? But the main thing that really troubles me is the lack of introspection on the part of many of the elders in the Black community who saw the election as battle between us versus them, when in fact we all rep the Bury and not the fruit yall.

It is often said that the young folks have not done enough to step up to the mantle of leadership. But in my eyes, it has been tried on several occasions only to be stymied by an unwillingness to let go of the baton and pass it on with accompanying guidance and "pushing." It is my hope that our community soon comes to realize that if we are not developing new leaders, ideas, and visionaries yearly, we are doing ourselves a disservice by simply granting authority to a sleet few because of their presupposed experience.

As many of the sons of Roxbury fall victim to its streets, other sons are stepping up in many different ways to make their impact. It is time for the mature generations to recognize and embrace this passion wit earnest encouragement.

Volunteer Opportunity: Boston Tech Day

Are you interested in using your tech skills to make a difference in our community? If so, we have an exciting volunteer opportunity that we think will interest you.

On Saturday, November 21st, Open Air Boston, TechBoston, and the Castle Square Technology Center will be hosting Boston Tech Day at the John D. O'Bryant High School in Roxbury.

During this event, computer-savvy volunteers will offer free computer repair services and provide one-on-one computer training to low-income Boston residents. A lack of affordable computer repair services and a lack of knowledge about how to make use of relevant programs and Internet services are two of the most significant barriers to technology use for low-income families.

We are looking for:

• Volunteers who are experienced with PC maintenance and repair and feel comfortable working on other people's computers. We will supply tools and software, but please feel free to bring your own.
  
  
• Volunteers who feel comfortable working one-on-one with families with little or no computer experience and can demonstrate technologies such as email and web browsing and useful websites such as as Google
  and Google Maps.
  
  
• Volunteers who can help with the logistics of the event - signing people in, offering directions, etc. It would be particularly helpful if you speak a second language.
  

Boston Tech Day will take place from 10am to 2:30pm on Saturday, November 21st at the John D. O'Bryant High School in Roxbury. Volunteers should arrive at 9am for orientation. The school is located at: 55 Malcolm X. Boulevard, Building #3, Roxbury, MA 02120. We will provide coffee and lunch for volunteers. The school is accessible from the T and parking will be available. Tech-savvy high school students will have an opportunity to earn money for their hands-on technical help.

To sign up, please contact me with your name, email address, telephone number, whether you want to volunteer for training or repair work, and a very brief statement about your relevant experience.

Also, please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested.

I was that tree that grew from the weeds and wasn't meant to be

"I find greatness in the tree, that grows against all odds
It blossoms in darkness, and gives birth to promising pods"
-Tupac, "Family Tree"

I've participated for many years as a pen pal in the Timilty Middle School's Promising Pals program and it is a great way to connect with a young person. I encourage you to Get connected!

Dear Promising Pal,

We are writing to invite you to participate in the 24th Annual Promising Pals Program at the Timilty Middle School in the Boston Public Schools. This year’s theme, The Dream Lives On, celebrates the legacy of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, continues our focus on community, and reinforces our emphasis on peace. As you know, this program is unique to the Timilty and we look forward to forging multi-year relationships with our Pals. As in previous years, the letter writing will begin in January and conclude with the Promising Pals Breakfast on June 4, 2010. Please mark this date in your calendar, to be sure you can attend.

Please respond by emailing Promising Pals Coordinator Laryssa Doherty at LDohertyBPS AT gmail.com or filling out the online registration form by November 13, 2009. All Pals must re-register each year so we have an accurate list of participating Pals.

In a few weeks, we will send out a letter confirming your participation in the program and introducing you to your new pal. This mailing will also include a writing calendar and Promising Pals Writing Handbook to help in writing to your Student Pal. We appreciate your continued support of this program in advance and hope you will refer others to participate as well. We look forward to another successful year of writing!

To register for Promising Pals, please click the following link: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFFxVEh1UWI4ZjlUWDhfb0N5THdyMmc6MA

Teach Plus Boston

Teach Plus Boston is offering two exciting new opportunities for teachers interested in education policy and reform. Teach Plus works to retain outstanding teachers by giving them a chance to: CONNECT with reform-minded peers and national and local education policy leaders, LEARN about innovative policies to empower and retain effective teachers, and BE A VOICE for change within the teaching profession.

To learn more about the Teaching Policy Fellows (a selective fellowship program for teachers within years 3-10) and the T+ Network (a series of events meant to engage a larger number of teachers), visit: http://www.teach-plus.org/work/boston.htm. The T+ Network is kicking off November 5th, 2009, featuring Brad Jupp, Teacher Quality Expert, US Department of Education.

Contact: Julie Sheffer, jsheffer@teach-plus.org

Havin more babies than Lauryn, she started showin early

"Moving weight, losing weight
Not picky with who she choose to date
To confused the hate
With her struggle I relate"
-Common

The kid Riley Harmon is a beast. Peep it - How to: Love.

Volunteer for Fenway High School's Annual Career Fair on November 20th

Dear Friends & Supporters of Fenway High School,

You are officially invited to attend the annual Fenway High School Career Fair!

Your involvement is very important! As we well know, the economy is in a dire state and jobs are hard to come by. Fenway High School's Juniors and Seniors will be graduating into this economy and they need all the preparation they can get -- and YOU are the way to that end!

The Annual Career Fair is coming up around the corner (Friday, November 20th!). Please volunteer to conduct mock interviews, participate in a panel discussion or host a booth in our assembly hall. Your time and contribution will be invaluable!

Please help spread the word and encourage your friends, colleagues anyone who would like to give back to come and help prepare the future workforce with you! Last year we had over 100 participants and it made for a rich and diverse experience for our juniors and seniors.

What: Fenway High School's Annual Career Fair
150 students and 100 professionals from Boston's workforce spend the day sharing experiences, practicing interviewing skills, discussing career fields and preparing for the future.

When: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 8:30am – noon or 1pm
The day will be structured in three sessions - students will rotate, volunteers will stay put in their areas (see details below). If you can, please stay until 1pm and join the students for their first-ever networking lunch from 12- 1pm.

Where: Fenway High School
174 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA 02215 (Right across the street from Gate B at Fenway Park). Directions are included in the attached document.

Why? Because Fenway students are tomorrow's workforce and they need your wisdom, guidance and insight today!

REGISTER NOW! Volunteers can now register online two ways:

1. Go to http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG9xZnROQ0FPX09HLW5MMmtTZExyVGc6MA

2. Go to our school homepage at http://www.fenwayhs.org/ and click on "Career Fair Registration" at the very top of the page.

Please feel free to forward this email on to anyone who may be able to help recruit - we want to make this is a rich and valuable event for our students and find people from ALL INDUSTRIES!

DETAILS ON THE ROLES YOU CAN PLAY:

Between 8:30am and noon, volunteers will participate in one of three areas (Mock interview, panel discussions or hosting a booth in our assembly hall - I'll describe further below) and there will be three rotations of the 150 students broken into groups of 50 each. Three groups of 50 rotate through the three areas of the career fair and cover all areas before the day is done. I provide lunch from 12-1 afterwards where students and volunteers can connect with each other more informally.

For the panel discussions, the 50 students will choose from one of two panels to attend. Students have selected their preferred panels ahead of time and the groups are small enough to invite conversation between the panelists and students. This is an important area to fill. Professionals (volunteers) are asked to talk for about 3-5 minutes about their work, how they got into the field, what they like and don't like about their work, advice they have for students thinking about studying to go into their field of work. After all panelists share, students begin to ask questions and the panelists can answer however they would like. I usually have panelists and students circle up so it feels more informal, less intimidating to the kids and so they feel more connected to you. There will be a brief orientation when you arrive in the morning.

The booths in the assembly hall are essentially tables where volunteers stand with information about their field of work (company info, pens, brochures and any other customized handouts) and they talk about the types of jobs kids can do if they go to work for their company (ie. banks hire software engineers, finance people, HR people, marketing people, etc). You can answer general questions about your company, the field you work in and if appropriate, any internship or job opportunities your company may have for HS students and who they should contact (you can ask HR if they have a summer HS student internship program - lots do). Set up starts at 8:45am.

The mock interviews are done by 18+ HR folks who are skilled in interviewing and can give students feedback at the end of the interviews. Each of the 150 students completes an interview during the career fair. A list of questions and a grading rubric will be given to volunteers during a brief orientation in the morning when you arrive. We need lots of people for this!

Generation: 60Hz

Since I've become fairly well-versed in cyber babble, I've grown fond of sharing anything I find online that may prove useful, educational, or informative fro others as it relates to internet safety. Generation: 60Hz is a great video conveying the wide range of emotions and psychological reactions on the Interwebs. A dope piece by Riley Harmon to show to students and have them react and respond to it. And then maybe make their own.



via Current

And I'ma need a few moments just to get in ya'll ear

School em' all from the drop out to post grads
What history book you do or don't have
-Mos Def, "Breakdown"

Apparently, I haven't been blogging regularly in so long that I forgot what it looked like. As a matter of fact, I used to have some blogging peoples who I haven't been trading comments with in so long I don't even know if I still have their joints bookmarked anywhere. Alas; such is life. With a clean slate we start anew.

I want to get back into the swing of things by going face first. To hell with dipping my toe in the water. Let's get it in, shall we?

For my Boston peoples, let me break it down to you so it's broken. Mayor Menino has done a lot of good for the city. But there's a lot of progress that is noticeably absent. I am very skeptical that if voters elect him again, he wil not finish his term. I simply do not see it happening.

Call me a skeptic, cynic, o whatever. But it ain't going down, boo-boo. If Thomas M. Menino gets elected to a fifth term, he's going to somehow step down, which in turn will allow the presiding city council president to become interim mayor. Obvisouly, many moons ago before Mike Flaherty blossomed into a fully grey-heared man, that was the rumored plan.

But no....in the age of power-hoarders clutching on to their authority until you pry it from their cold hands, there is no succession planning. There is succession appointing. And my dear friends, if we are not careful, the next person to be mayor after Tom Menino will not be Flaherty or Yoon. It will be none other than...

...Rob Consalvo.

gulp.

And then I'm packing my ish up, dapping up my peoples, selling the crib, and moving my black a$$ back to my hometown, because that joker's a bama, son. Two steps forward and three thousand seven hundred and fourteen steps backwards. Don't say I didn't warn you. Yall better hope Mike Ross stay council president. Get at me.

Roxbury Community Research Advisory Board

The Roxbury Community Research Advisory Board (CRAB) has membership openings and is seeking individuals who live or work in Roxbury, Dorchester or Mattapan and are interested in helping to end health disparities and expand participation in medical research. The Roxbury CRAB is composed of residents who are working to improve community understanding of and responsiveness to community based and clinical research in the above areas and work to advise researchers. Members also provide advocacy education & training and community outreach and dissemination of information. The Roxbury CRAB is a part of the Horizon Center at UMASS Boston.

Please send bio or resume' and a short explanation of your interest by October 26, 2009 to The Nominating Committee Horizon Center Wheatley Hall, VDC Room 162 UMASS Boston 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, Ma. 02125 or email to highfort@juno.com for more information call 857-544-3079 617-287-5685

ropeburn

we wrote our eulogies on napkins
stained from bloodied fingers gripping
at life's drawstrings
palms chafed from struggle's rope burns
embracing such struggle so often
in this mystical
ghetto wonderland
we often forget
to get off at our stop
lazily lulling ourselves to sleep in a
hallucinogenic stupor of
despair
the choices we make never fully feasible
the regrets we forsake never fully meaningful
disciplined by character
and whipped by insecurity
we fetch our own twigs and nooses
in spite of our supposed freedom
oblivious to the living lessons learned
in our stories
skimming through its pages
much too fast to notice
we've reached the cliffhanger
and all the parachutes are on back order
so we dangle from tattered ropes
as gravity prevails

The Bay State Banner’s next step

The Banner’s next step

America has been suffering in the throes of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. At the same time, the newspaper industry has struggled with revolutionary technological changes that have eroded advertising revenues. It is no wonder that a small weekly publication like the Bay State Banner would be greatly challenged by such circumstances.

With publication of the July 9, 2009, issue, the Banner announced that it would suspend publication. Reaction from the Boston community was resounding. Civic and political leaders stepped forward to help bring the Banner back, and Mayor Thomas M. Menino arranged for a bridge loan from a special fund administered by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Critical to the future success of the Banner is the management’s development of a plan for future operation with the guidance of Next Street Financial, a merchant bank located in Roxbury and New York. But no plan can be successful without the support and participation of Banner readers.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Banner invites all those who may be interested to attend a meeting at Hibernian Hall, located at 184 Dudley Street in Roxbury, to hear a report on “the next steps” for the Banner. Those interested in coming should e-mail sandraATbannerpub.com by Monday, Sept. 28, so that we can have an accurate count for the caterer.

Your support will determine whether the Banner continues to serve as the voice of Boston’s African American community.

Audiotions for Boston Book Festival Spoken Word Event

The Boston Book Festival seeks high school students to perform at the student spoken word event to be held at the inaugural Boston Book Festival on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 11 AM.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 26.

Students must be nominated to audition by a faculty or program advisor with an active poetry, drama or spoken word program.

For more information or to nominate a student, please contact Eileen Newman at eenewman (AT) comcast.net or 617-763-5145.

Call for Concept Papers - School Improvement Initiatives in Boston

EdVestors is pleased to issue this Call for Concept Papers for school improvement projects in Boston. With a single, three-page concept paper, applicants can apply for consideration for a two-year grant for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years.

This begins the selection process for inclusion as a grantee in EdVestors 2010 Investment Portfolio, including those invited to present at the annual Urban Education Investment Showcase. Please see the attached document for more information: http://boston.k12.ma.us/bulletins/CallforConcept.doc

Contact: Megan Curtis, 617-585-5740, curtis AT edvestors.org

Deadline: Tuesday, October 20th at 3:00 pm

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to honor middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.

The program's goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Over the past 14 years, more than 260,000 young Americans have participated in the program, and nearly 90,000 of them have been officially recognized for their volunteer work.

For more information, visit http://spirit.prudential.com

DEADLINE: Monday, November 9, 2009

on demand

objects in the mirror are closer than they appear
dreams bounce on puddles
like soundwaves ripple ears
we huddle in bunches to stay warm
holding close what's known
repressing hunches to leave home
only to return in due time
yet came back to faded signs
and pictures with frayed edges
we hedged bets; averse to happiness itself
never knowing what the future holds
yet melting down hearts like roach clips in the dark
we spark it up for those soulmates seemingly still on the ark
waiting for us to disembark
and hold hands
but the cold hands and feet and days only repel
never quite able to tell the season
or the reason for our being
except that forever is infinite
which is definitely a long while
so the smiles may not hold as much joy
the cheek bones too much to bear for the man-boys
who tried to do what was right
and still got bagged like thieves in the night
so the ski masks came out
ill ice grills framed their mouths
and angst filled the air like sauerkraut
and broken glass
the shards of which we use to claim our place
in the sand
the first of the last
the last of the firsts
chivalry on demand

Moonwalkers

Butterflies gave me hope on rainy days
yet, I'm asking them to change their ways though
Told them to stop making my heart
flutter
Pent-up passion caused me to start stutter-ing
and twisting
my words
And I'm no fan of being tongue-tied

Ao, although no big puns are intended,
this average Joe did say he didn't want to be a player
no mo
Made those former cocoons beat it because
there is no black or white
only invincible gray matter
when nothing else matters otherwise

We struggle to hang on to high hopes
Hanging them on half-charged power lines
unaware of the electricity
casually zapped from our core
Do you remember the times when sweaty palms
meant your SkyTel was blowing up?

Now we make love via text messages

Midnight thrillers on the big-screen of
ritualized romance
dancing below windows and off walls
This pretty young thing found an equal match to rock with
You see, his story was equal parts depth and ambiguity
a dangerous combination of risks, rewards, and reggrets
helped to shape his past, present, and future
but sweat is the stream of life connecting their dots
until that one night in Japan when the blood on the dance floor had them screaming and channeling life's force through their vocal chords

i guess we're all men and women staring blankly in mirrors
still trying to see our true selves through the steam

Revolve, a fundraiser for Project HIP-HOP

Peace family,

I wanted to take a quick moment to say hello to everyone and invite you to an event this Thursday evening. You may or may not know already, but I am a volunteer and board member for an organization by the name of Project HIP-HOP, which is based in Dudley-Square. It is a youth-focused entity that is helping to create a new generation of community-engaged, socially-conscious, and grounded young people. This Thursday, May 28th, Project HIP-HOP will host an event entitled, REVOLVE, at the Boston Foundation's headquarters (75 Arlington Street) from 6 PM until 8:30 PM. The event will feature live music by our resident teen DJs, hors d'oeuvres by Ethnica Catering, and refreshments by Bon Vivant Wine Company.

Project HIP-HOP is not all things to all people; but it means the world to many. It is a safe haven for youth from Dudley Square's bordering neighborhoods. It is a nest for a new breed of community organizing centered around local solutions to local problems with creative thought, feedback, and action by those most affected by the problems and the solutions. It is an experience in itself where youth learn about ways to use hip-hop culture for social change to empower themselves and their communities

To be straight-up, it is indeed a fundraiser, but also a celebration. It will be a time for us to celebrate many occasions. Our Executive Director, Mariama White-Hammond, was recently named a Barr Fellow and will embark upon an extended sabbatical. Filling in for her will be D'Mon Bills, PHH's Deputy Director, who just joined in February and hit the ground running. For the last three years, I have served as the board chairperson. I will be stepping aside as to allow for a fresh leadership perspective. Taking my place as board chairperson is Marc Germain, a good brother who is actually a PHH alumnus. So, in essence, PHH has already come full circle. Two people (Mariama is an alum as well) who were formerly youth leaders are now community leaders committed to fostering a new kind of cycle amongst our people. Not one of tragedy, despair, and struggle; but one of purpose, hope, and integrity.

So, in closing, I am asking you to consider attending the event, but even more importantly, to strongly consider making financial or in-kind donation. I truly believe with my heart and soul in this organization and its impact has been tremendous thus far. But as the saying goes, there is always room for improvement. The young people of this city need to know that the adults do in fact have their backs.

If you would like to learn more Project HIP-HOP, feel free to visit the web site or just ask me. I'm all ears. Take care and stay up.

Peace,
-Eric/POPS

http://www.projecthiphop.org/revolve.html

say goodbye to Mississippi's

Tucked away on a relatively desserted street a few blocks from my crib is was one of the best-kept secrets in town. Mississippi's was a quasi-cafeteria and deli-style restaurant with an open floor-plan and some of the tastiest food in town. The employees were diverse, the food was good, and the environment was quite and serene despite the bustle of the Orange Line mere feet away. A few months back, we got an email saying that a fire had destroyed the building and that rebuilding plans were in the works. Unfortunately, we got an email today saying it's a wrap. They threw up the deuces. Peace out to a hidden gem in the heart of the city. See for yourself:

Dear Friends,

With a great deal of sadness but no regrets I have made the decision not to re-open. After 30 years, it is time to hang up the pots and pans and kiss the cash register goodbye. I'd be lying if I said that I enjoyed every minute of it. The bad things people say about the restaurant business are entirely true. But I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that I have enjoyed serving you a fine meal at a fair price for as long as I possibly could. It is wonderful to be able to take raw ingredients and turn them into a finished product. Not just any product, but a product that people trust so completely that they will put it in their mouths and savor it, and then come back day after day, week after week, year after year. You did that and I am grateful that you have trusted me so completely. I couldn't have done it without you.

And I couldn't have done it without a loyal and hard working staff. No group works as hard as a restaurant staff. The pressure can be brutal, the work is constant, physically demanding, emotionally challenging and requires nothing short of complete diligence. The reward is not only money because if it were, we wouldn't have anyone to do the job; the pay isn't great. The rewards are primarily an internal sense of accomplishment and the look on the face of a satisfied diner. And yet those workers are frequently overlooked, or worse yet, mistreated by the public. Don't misunderstand me, the thank yous come, but never when the kitchen is overwhelmed, the servers are shorthanded or management is caught off-guard, in other words when the thanks are needed most. The readers of this letter are a notable exception. You are the people who supported Mississippi's even when we let
you down.

I began restaurant work in 1976. I bought Mississippi's in 1981. We moved from Kenmore Square where we were a late hippie hangout to Brigham Circle where we became a Longwood Medical Area catering phenom and finally to Roxbury Crossing where we fit in like a member of the family. It was a sweet progression and our last stop, the facility on Terrace Street is without a doubt the finest place I have ever worked, the most comfortable environment and I like to think that it was one of the many places that make Boston a fine place to live. I have never been in a restaurant whose clientele was so well integrated, racially, ethnically, culturally, economically and professionally. Everyone felt at home at Mississippi's and that was very gratifying. Being the owner of such a place was not my initial intent, it was accidental, but it was a great privilege to be able to treat everyone who came in here with respect. It is true that you get what you give. At 103 Terrace St. I got that respect back in bundles. I am going to miss you and all of my customers dearly.

Mississippi's Restaurant has given me much hope for the future and the opportunity to see how well a multicultural society can work. In its aftermath, I am moving on to a new career. So far, I'm not sure where. My lifelong passions have been reading, writing and editing and many moons ago I graduated from UMass with very high honors and an English degree. I hope that I can use that passion and expertise to contribute to a worthwhile cause among a group of like minded people. If you know of an organization where my skill might be useful, please don't hesitate to call.

I look forward to seeing many of you again, but some of you I might never see again. If you know people who aren't on my mailing list but ought to be, please forward this letter to him or her. To all, thank you, thank you and may God bless you.

Love,
Jim

P.S. I have been referring former clients to other caterers who can meet their needs. If you are looking for a caterer, let me know and I'll put you in contact.

Now wasn't that some of most pure and rawest emotion put to words? Make your vocation your vacation and voila!

Microsoft's Incubation Week for start-ups

Straight from Don Dodge's site:

Microsoft is organizing several “Incubation Week” programs to help start-ups incubate and develop outstanding ideas. The event will feature technical gurus from Microsoft, technology veterans who have built their own applications, and influential venture capitalists and industry experts. Microsoft developers will lead interactive discussions, provide helpful advice, and facilitate actual application development on site. At the end of the week, they’ll select a winner who will be eligible for prizes and special PR opportunities.

The event is free and each team can bring up to three participants (one business and 1-2 technical). All start-ups are eligible, whether or not you have an application built today.

CRM Incubation Week will be held at Microsoft Technology Center in Waltham, MA from Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 24th. This event consists of ½ day of training, 3 ½ days of active prototype/development time, and a final day for packaging/finishing and reporting out to a panel of judges for various prizes.

To nominate your team, please submit your development proposal to Sanjay Jain. Nominations will be judged according to the strength of the founding team, originality and creativity of the idea, and ability to leverage CRM as a Platform.

all chiefs, no indians

I am beginning to wonder if that idiom wasn't meant for the upcoming at-large city council race. Although it isn't quite time yet for candidates who plan to run for district seats to formally announce yet, there just seems to be an excessive number of folks running for an at-large bid. Presumably, the two incumbent at-large city councilors (John Connolly and Stephen Murphy) are going to run for re-election. Nevertheless, we're talking about 4 seats. It's going to be a free-for-all among those two and Felix Arroyo, Jr, Jean-Claude Sanon, Andrew Kenneally, Doug Bennett, Marty Hogan, Ayanna Pressley, Scotland Willis, Tomas Gonzalez, Peter Lin-Marcus, and Ego Ezedi. 

For one thing, it will mark an unprecedented slew of candidates of color embarking on the journey of public service. And I highly doubt that the interest has subsided. As a matter of fact, I know for a fact of at least two others who will be jumping headfirst into the foray in the weeks to come. Plus, I would not be surprised if Ed Flynn and Patricia White threw their hats into the race yet again. Back in 2007, there were 8 candidates vying for the four slots. This time, there may be a good dozen of 'em in the primary. And this isn't even bringing the district races into consideration. Commonwealth Magazine lamented the lack of contested races in Massachusetts. Maybe this could be a sign of the future. Who knows? But I know not to hedge my bets. So let's just suffice it to say that the spring and summer of 209 will definitely be an interesting milestone in Boston's history.

Millions of Children Left Behind

I'll be the first to readily admit that I have quickly become a fan - groupie even- of Sir Ken Robinson. The man is ill.

In a very intriguing article for the Huffington Post, he continues to spell out some very formidable suggestion for what we must do to drastically change the face of education as we know it in order to achieve sustainability and greater gains.

The ideas he offers aren't really that far-fetched actually. They are more matter-of-factly than anything, yet the beauty is in their simplicity and the mammoth complexity with which everything would have to change in order to see such change come to fruition.

"The present system was designed for 19th century industrialism and it's overheating in a dangerous way. Reforming education isn't enough. The real task is transformation."

Just yesterday, I went to the Young, Gifted, & Black show and enjoyed it just like I have the previous ones I've attended. Some of the artists I have seen grow up over the last 3-4 years into very well-rounded performers (and adults as well). Their words continually challenge me to perfect my diction, be on top of my wordplay game, and confront the skeletal stories that beg to be told. These poets are my spiritual mentors who speak to me through stanzas and prose unlike what any normal slang is supposed to sound, taste, smell, and feel like. And in that same vein, it is their creative will and genius that has to rise to the surface in order for the status quo to continually get challenged.

"...the current systems of public education were never designed to develop everyone's talents. They were intended to promote certain types of ability in the interests of the industrial economies they served."

One sister quipped: "but these standardized tests are not made to consider students who do not have multiple choices." Moving beyond acronyms, standards, and pedagogy are merely first steps. If not for the children (seeds), who will purify the water we pollute to water them? How do you think innovation can rise to the surface?

Do schools kill creativity?

Peep the words from Sir Ken Robinson. This is a very intriguing and at-times, hilarious 20-minute speech from 2006 that embodies some heavy food for thought.



a few of the concepts shared:

• If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original.
• We stigmatize mistakes.
• We are educating people out of their creative capacity.
• We get educated out of creativity.
• Every education system has the same hierarchy with math & language at the top and arts at the bottom.
• Some people have to move in order to think.

More ill ideas and thoughts can be found at the TED web site.

Politics mixed with new statistics

"Big brother got us spread like an atlas
Powerless in fear that leads to paralysis"
-Pras, "Ghetto Politics"

Let's talk about it.

I went to a forum yesterday entitled, No Contest: Why So Few People Run for Office in Massachusetts and What to Do About It. Held at the UMass Club on the 33rd floor of this building, it was hosted by MassINC and featured panelists Charles Baker, Sam Yoon, Sonia Chang-Diaz, and Maurice Cunningham.

Massachusetts has abysmally low rate of contested elections. It was cool to hear varying perspective on the challenges of running for office. Baker is a Republican with a lot of buzz as rumors swirl that he'll run for governor. Yoon is trying to make a major come-up in his bid for the mayor's seat. And Chang-Diaz is the new face in town.

For starters, it was great to hear them challenge each other and push back instead of the typical piggybank points that you usually tend to hear in a panel.

Do you think you make a difference?

That was the line of reasoning Baker proposed. According to him, that should be the initial question for any potential candidate to ask themselves as opposed to 'can i win?'. It even comes before the whole notion of running simply for the sake of running because we live in a democracy. I agree with that line of reasoning. Don't go wasting people's money on a campaign with no hope whatsoever.

There were some grumbles about the personal toll and financial costs (and risks) or running. And another point raised was the notion that candidates should be prepared to run for office twice. Once to get their name out there (depending on context) and then then second time to truly sway voters in their direction.

Other interesting tidbits I think were useful included mentions that, 1) on the federal level, candidates are allowed to draw a salary wage from campaign funds, yet that is not something allowed here; 2) elections in Minnesota are publicly financed with spending caps & spending-forward (carryover) cap; 3) Iowa redistricts via computer; 4) discipline is a strategy; 5) fundraising not for self but for sat of values; and 6) low contribution limits favor incumbents.

Pretty good stuff. Anyone interested in working towards helping to develop a PAC specifically to support more grassroots, progressive candidates of color; holla.

Your style is Pascal, mine is Basic

An eye for an eye, a life for what's right
Dissected, I'm on some hi-tech sh!t
Computers want to byte
-Common, "Sum Sh!t I Wrote"

If you're in the Bean and have a grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, or parent that is computer illiterate and want to learn some of the basics, feel free to share this information with them. All this work being done on the digital divide ain't all just for the youngins. Holla at the Timothy Smith Network. They are doing really great things.

how many shots have to ring before we hear freedom ring?

shout-out to Stacey Muhammad and Wild Seed Films on the production of "I Am Sean Bell"

we march to mourn another murdered in silence
where do our screams go?
why go to a place where dreams dry
and mothers cry for their sons on foreign soil
she did not send him here to die
would not have let him come here had she known
so who will hold her hand?
stroke her face?
fill that hole of empty baby place 41 times
who will acquit her of her grief?
-Bassey Ikpi


I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.

to protect and serve?

Standing up for the slain

"For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for it." (Corinthians 13:8)

It's the phenomenon we become familiar with as little kids when something goes wrong.

Who did it?
I dunno. I didn't see anything.

My family would really get it. Was it a ghost?! Was it a disappearing magician?! They'd eventually break you. Or break their foot off in your rear. Either way, the truth had to come to the light.

In many ways, the drama of inner-city life unfortunately belts a similar tune. Casual shrugs and fears of retribution cast gloomy shadows over the bodies of mostly young black boys no longer here on this earth to grow into men.
Kevin Cullen's article last week, Standing up for the Slain, paints a stark comparison between the sanctioned lawlessness of some West Africa nations and the Wild West feel of some of America's hoods.

"There is risk, but the greater risk is saying nothing."

Fear is a powerful motivator. Some people aspire to put fear in others' hearts. Some would rather be respected than feared. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Regardless, the truth has nothing to fear form scrutiny; it is strong in its own strength and feared in its own right.

social change is a lifestyle

Some very insightful anecdotes from an interview with the man I like to affectionately call, Uncle Horace.

love life knotted up like some black hair

come on shake it off, wake up enter the light of consciousness
where the dead don't exist
explore love find it in all shades of life
you're the driver when you see love just look both ways
-Ghostface, "Message from Ghost"

Ghostface has always been my dude. Especially back when I had the white Taurus and the MES crew from BU used to chill with the BESS crew from NU like we are all one family. Nobody can say "strawberry kiwi" quite like son. Anyways, I tend to stay away from celebrity gossip and such. But this Chris Brown & Rihanna stuff is almost too serious not to.

There have been all kinds of articles dissecting everything, but what I did notice missing in my opinion was more voices from the celebrity world. It seemed it was a whole bunch of fans chiming in. For the record, I am not an abuser; never have been; and never will be. But I've seen it. Up close. If I only knew then what I knew now, maybe I could have helped more. But when you are a young boy barely hitting puberty, you often find yourself still looking for guidance. 

Anyways, I can't help but keep replaying "Message from Ghost," his own little spiel released a few days ago. I'm just going to let the music do the talking from here...

listening is more than hearing

My base of fans are made up of many; with kids allergic
to belts lettin they mind melt from drinking the Henny
And them straight and narrow types who be waiting to hear
them drums say the revolution is near - are you listening?
Are your eardrums open for christening?
-De La Soul, "Much More"

I've always been a bit of a muse. More reserved than outgoing. More laidback than excitable. I've tried my best over time to become better at not only hearing what someone is saying to me, but also by being able to actively listen and process the conversation as it transpires. Mostly, it's a selfish trait to allow myself to better comprehend whatever the hell they're talking about. But at times, it has proven useful and productive to help inform my observations afterwards when they ask for feedback.

There was an article a few weeks back that essentially spoke to the concept of Tuning in to hear others. To be honestly, I have definitely tuned out many times when someone is speaking and I either have little interest in what they're saying or my mind was already preoccupied with other thoughts.

Listening demands critical thinking. Often, people don't speak clearly, so listeners must sift patterns of language and intention - on the fly. This is why experts often suggest that listeners practice "reflecting," or paraphrasing what a speaker says, so that both sides know they are understanding one another. During a conversation, good listeners also offer brief verbal and physical signals - such as nodding or saying "I see" or "tell me more" - to show that they are paying attention.

To hear that there are businesses that actually teach listening skills is profound indeed and also a testament to the power of creativity and entrepreneurship. I see listening, critical thinking, and problem solving almost essential to each other. Without all of them, the risk of failure and miscommunication is extremely high and almost frightening. Yet, for all the talking we do nowadays, texting and IMing has replaced much of the need to actually listen. I've often called folks back after getting a text message. At first, I was just being mad cheap. Now, I find I am increasingly annoyed at the thought of texting back and forth for 25 minutes for what could have been a 3-minute conversation. Go figure.

Over kids' heads like halos

"combating prose with passionate passages surpassing the realm of gun toting savages"
-Bahamadia, "Innovation"

You know those days when you wake up and it seems like you're at a track & field final at your alarm sounds more like a gun going off? And you have to Go Hard all the way? Yesterday was one of those days. Kinda.

In the late afternoon, I dropped by one of the the school district's budget hearings. Held at English High; this one is specifically for youth. And they turned out in droves. The energy was palpable. The frustration very real. The worry and concern evident in either the jitteriness or excitement in their voices.

I actually wear several hats. On one hand, I am an employee who is obviously concerned about losing a job as well as losing colleagues and teachers who I have developed relationships. Plus, I've got to pay the mortgage, student loans, and household bills just like everyone else.

Secondly, I am a parent. I have tried to become more and more active in his school's community and am learning new things everyday about what parent engagement entails. It is a daunting challenge that grows both easier and more difficult with each passing day.

Lastly, I am a connector. A lot of what I do revolves around students and whether working or not; I am always on the job. I worry about the students a lot. I worry about the many who I have connected with an hope that they still consider STEM careers as viable as I've been leading them to believe. I hope they buy-in to my suggestions that the college route is the best way to go. Admittedly, not all of them in the past have one straight to college; which in fact probably was the best choice for their situations.

There were some very pointed and angst-riddled questions posed to the School Committee members from the many students who attended. Coincidentally, I then walked a block up the street to Doyle's for another education-related forum. Boston Leaders for the Future of Education, a new quasi-think tank held a panel about innovation. It was a common theme throughout all of the questions and the place was packed to the brim and some folks even left because they didn't want to squeeze in. I saw many familiar faces from as well as made a few new connections. But the true meat of the event was the quality of the panel. This was truly one of the better panel discussions I have seen. I won't go into too much detail right now, but there were some great ideas tossed around by both the panelists and audience members. Issues about equity, approaches to problem solving, innovative concepts in other cities, and segregation by choice we the topics that stood out to me.

Superintendent Johnson gave a profound analogy about how education is a race and even though some sprinters have trained for months and are well-prepared, the ill-prepared (conditioned) sprinters still need the support of all the spectators to help them reach the finish line with roller blades if necessary. And even though not everyone thinks they deserve those skates, it is imperative that they do because it isn't actually a competition. Like that 90's throwback, we're all in the same gang. Plus, Mayor Menino gave a pretty good introductory speech. Essentially, he noted how we are at our most creative when we have the least resources. Straightforward, succinct, and sound words. Now, let's hope all this innovative thinking will translate into some innovative doing. Personally, I think bringing up taboo topics have to be mentioned. For instance, why is there no school in the summer when the winter poses higher costs and higher risks for missed (snow) days? Food for thought? Something to chew on, I suppose.

creativity olympics

about three years ago, i participated in a great online exercise. myself and a few fellow bloggers wrote haikus and then voted for our favorite.

Here are the ones I did way back when.

butterfly kisses
long weekend approaches
an empty pillow
-8:08 AM, 5/26/2006

can you stand the rain
quarter waters only quench
sun-dripped tears
-7:07 AM, 5/27/2006

It was actually pretty simple and mighty damn fun. Yall know the rules..5-7-5. Go! I'll start.

carpal tunnel nights
snapshots of passion on pause
ill finger flick skills

Soliloquy of Chaos

Describe Yourself with Music

Using only song titles from one artist, cleverly answer these questions

Pick a band/artist: Gangstarr

1. Are you a male or female: You Know My Steez, I'm The Man

2. Describe yourself: No Shame In My Game, Werdz From the Ghetto Child

3. How do you feel about yourself: The Illest Brother, Peace of Mine

4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: Ex Girl to the Next Girl, Nice Girl Wrong Place

5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: Royalty, Now You're Mine

6. Describe your current location: The Place Where We Dwell, Rite Where U Stand

7. Describe where you want to be: Above The Clouds, The Planet

8. Your best friend is: B.I. vs Friendship, The Militia

9. Your favorite color is: 1/2 & 1/2

10. You know that: The Rep Grows Bigga, She Knowz What She Wantz

11. What’s the weather like: Beyond Comprehension

12. If your life was a television show what would it be called?: Check The Technique, Just to Get a Rep

13. What is life to you: 2 Steps Ahead, Here Today Gone Tomorrow

14. What is the best advice you have to give: Say Your Prayers, Take A Rest, Who's Gonna Take The Weight, My Advice To You

15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Brainstorm, DWYCK

Squeeze the juice outta the headphones

It must be real hard for ya'll to listen
And it's sad, [when they're] too broke to pay attention
-The LOX, "All For The Love"

I love music. I have been going to concerts for a long time. I remember seeing Troop at the old Loco Records on River Avenue in North Charleston. I remember seeing Hammer at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. I remember seeing Naughty and Chubb Rock rock the King Street Palace in Charleston. I remember seeing De La Soul & A Tribe Called Quest in 1993. So anyways, suffice it to say that I have a soft spot for big speakers and sweat. Here's a special shout-out to my fellow concert lovers. And preliminary headnod [word] for the shows that I'd love to check out if financially feasible. Holla.

Tue, 2/25 - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ House of Blues (Fenway), $25
Fri, 2/27 - Slick Rick @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [damn i can't go]

Sun, 3/1 - K'Naan @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $10 [shout out to all my Kenyan peeps]
Thu 3/5 - Joe Budden @ Middle Eat (Cambridge), $20 [word]
Sun, 3/8 - J*Davey @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $10 [word]
Fri, 3/6 & Sat, 3/7 - Rachelle Ferrell @ Scullers (Allston), $42
Mon, 3/9 - Common & Kid Cudi @ House of Blues (Fenway), $30 [word]
Fri, 3/13 - Black Moon & Smif N Wessun @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [word]
Mon, 3/16 - Busta Rhymes & Red Cafe @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $19
Thu, 3/19 - Raphael Saadiq @ Paradise, $27 [word]
Fri, 3/20 - Maceo Parker @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $35
Sat, 3/21 - Canibus @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $15
Wed, 3/25 - Digable Planets @ Paradise, $20
Thu, 3/26 - Christian Scott @ Scullers (Allston) [word]
Fri, 3/27 - Lupe Fiasco @ Boston College [word]
Sat, 3/28 - Daddy Yankee @ Orpheum Theater (Downtown)
Sat, 3/28 - Dead Prez @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $20 [word]

Wed, 4/1 - Bone Thugs N Harmony @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $30
Fri, 4/3 & Sat, 4/4 - Ashford & Simpson @ Scullers (Allston)
Mon, 4/6 - Fred Wesley and the New JBs @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $12
Mon, 4/6 - Seal @ Orpheum Theater (Downtown)
Thu, 4/9 - GZA/Genius @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $25 [word]
Sat 4/11 - Termanology @ Middle East (Cambridge), $10
Wed, 4/15 - Bilal @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Fri, 4/17 - Dr. Lonnie Smith @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Tue, 4/28 - KRS One @ Harpers Ferry (Allston), $25 [word]

Fri, 5/8 - Etta James @ House of Blues (Fenway), $38
Fri, 5/8 - EnVogue @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $27
Fri, 5/8 & Sat, 5/9 - Oletta Adams @ Scullers (Allston)
Sat, 5/9 - Boyz II Men @ Showcase Live (Foxboro), $35

Fri, 6/19 - Andre Ward @ Scullers (Allston), $25 [word]
Wed, 6/24 - Femi Kuti @ Paradise (BU West), $25
Fri, 6/26 - Terence Blanchard @ Scullers (Allston) [word]

begin with please

On the sixth day of my demise...
please...
do not mourn me

Please do not adorn my casket
with baskets of fruit brone from the
bowels of our past relations

Please do not offer warm, damp towels
to soothe the physical realities of bereavement
readily apparent in the emotional responses
of the ones I loved

Please do not toast my life as anything other than
what it is
what it was meant to be
what it was

please do not cry or shed a tear because i am not here
have faith in your fear and trust the wisdom of your ears

when you hear of a sparrow that sang its song until
it could chirp no more
until it could fly freely no more
until its wing were sore and the jetlag it bore
became to much of a burden for your visual girth

give peace to the meek who inherited their net worth
from the debt of your gratitude
bestowed in
small denominations
in rigidly defined pews
filled with wine bottles in the side pockets of mulattos
who came in several hues
yet still paid their dues

so please do not tell my son that i passed away
but instead reassure him i am still beside him
let him know that my joy is simply a reflection of his smile
let him know that my weariness pales in comparison
to the excitement of seeing a new sparkle in his eye
a new confidence in his gait
it is he who holds the real weight

no corner boy lookout role though
for he is blessed with favor incomparable
to those with no fear but man themselves
no man will indeed fear a fool
we drop jewels only to chain them back to our necks
and expect stimulus checks to fund our extravagance

please do not prejudge, i beg of you
guide this treacherous journey of self-discovery
lend a calming presence to the emotional overtones
that color our hindsight
spiritual discipline to the conflicted realities
that blur our vulnerabilities
the error of our ways written in blue ink
when no pencils were in sight

reversing wrongs won't necessarily make it all right
yet one day it'll all make sense
so until that time comes
continue to keep a steady pace
so as not to lose your breath prematurely
because when those last seconds do arrive
you surely will want to mind your manners
close your eyes
and look beyond your reflection of self

do away with black history month?

Both the Boston Globe and Bay State Banner have posed the question (although it was the same damn article - but the Banner has the extended version); as have many other publications in the last few weeks. Your president is black, so February no longer needs to be too.

It's an interesting poll. I've always been aware of black history and historical figures since an early child. But I cannot count how many times I hear folks relay how they didn't hear about some stuff until they were in middle school or later. It always baffled me actually. Hell, I just stumbled across an old 5th grade portrait of me in a flattop and an african medallion hanging from my neck. word.

But to simply do away with black history month? i don't think we're quite ready for that yet. Honestly, I don't think America is as evolved enough to truly handle it; the common history theme. It is too compartamentalized. There are whole sections of the world that get merely skimmed over in favor of the "classics." Classics according to who? How about AP Asian History and AP African History? Because right now all you got is US and European History. They say if you don't know your history, you are doomed to repeat it. Well, at least it won't be boring because we've got a lot to learn.

[don't] shoot the messenger

peace, god. so went the salutation from one five percenter to another. or 1 out of every 4 hip-hop album in '94. conversely, it's the first phrase that came to mind when i stumbled upon an article about the local black clergy finally unifying for reconciliation.

Truce and reconciliation: Setting example, black ministers seek to end 'clergy wars'
By Maria Cramer

It is time, they say, to practice what they preach....After years of disputes and infighting, black clergy from across Boston gathered late Thursday night in Codman Square to start what one minister called their own "cease-fire."

I have often puzzled the peculiar way in which the clergy has been seemingly recognized de facto as the leaders of the black community. Nevertheless, this comes at an opportune time. Far too often, we strive for excellence in others and neglect to push ourselves towards the same goal. Styles P had this one joint at the end of his Time Is Money album called, Leave a Message. In it, he starts off relaying how was trying "to tell these shorties something," but they rebutted that he was just as bad as them. It's a simple point. A lot of cats are smart on the low. Whether they are not man enough yet to be proud to embrace their intelligence or simply want to go down a certain path, street sense does take a bit of common sense. Could these urban youth been tuning out the calls to put their guns down because they saw in plain sight that the old heads were beefing in the same vein? Maybe. That'd be too much of a media-centric perspective. Too simplistic. But it does compel one to ask more questions. Because when you start to ask questions, you go beyond the surface.

About a week ago, I hit up the MFA's African Film Festival to check out the movie, Shoot the Messenger, by Ngozi Onwurah. It was a interesting tale that dissected a variety of topics; black self-image, identity, and mental health. To be honest, I wasn't even feeling the movie in the beginning, but by the end of it, I was fully enthralled and enjoying its meandering plot. Although it has no direct or immediate relation to the clergy article or youth violence, it still raises plenty of questions that are definitely connected; about paranoia, contempt, and forgiveness. peace, god.

no money, mo problems

Midway through tax season, I thought these fiscal tips would prove helpful not only to those parents who worry about setting a good example for their children, but even for those without kids who are proactively planning ahead. I can clearly recall the exact location of the bank where I opened a savings account when I was probably around 7 or 8. Although the follow-through wasn't what it could have been, I can strongly look back and appreciate the early guidance. And although my moms isn't the picture of fiscal responsibility by any means, every little bit counts. It's time for the midget and I to upgrade from our water bubbler bank.

Tips to help parents teach money management skills

I got a trick but my name ain't Ali-Babba

"Well, I came here for something funky to happen
Is this Christmas cuz everybody's rapping?
You better get sparked by the song that I sing
Although my name ain't Martin Luther
But I'm considered the king"
-Kwame, " The Rhythm"

I think Kwame was underrated on the skills tip. The Rhythm is one of my favorite joints. I can recite the lyrics right now, yo. Biggie did him wrong on Unbelievable, but son has since bounced back from a flop to being the man on top. He's been doing his thing behind the boards as a music producer for several years now. I always thought his flow was pretty crisp and fluid. Plus, you cannot front on his use of a band to back him up in that video. Way before the Roots and Revive Da Live. Much respect.

Lost and found

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see."

I read a financial article that spoke about tightening up your fiscal game in these uncertain times and some of its talking points really resonated with me for more than obvious reasons. In the piece, the writer likened the range of emotions people feel when unprepared to their gut instincts when their money is being messed with. The pain of loss is something we grieve over more as opposed to celebrating the joy of gains. In simple terms, we are more sad we lose money than we are happy when we earn money. In my world, it struck me because I had a t-shirt created to vibe with a theme that had been running through my head. Legendary status. Or living legend. Or whatever you want to call it. Essentially, I am a fan of celebrating someone's life while they are still here to enjoy and partake in that celebration. This is especially hitting close to home right now because it has been a mere 2 days since I received word that my dear friend, Denise Luma, passed away. Denise was a very warm and genuine person. A fellow NEU alumnus, she did her thing in school and won accolades as a star student. Outside of class, she became part of an extended family of NSBE heads that all rolled together hard. But she eventually lost her battle with lupus. When I last visited her in the hospital, she was super pissed because she was mad hungry, yet we still cracked several jokes and spoke about President-elect Obama because dropping that "elect" prefix was still premature with the Inauguration a day away. Denise was full of energy and sass and as I chilled Monday night with 2 other friends reminiscing, I struck me that I have been quite blessed and lucky to not have had a death made such a immediate impact on my psyche until now. As my peers and I grow old, some relationships will fall off while others will continue to thrive. And yet I will continue to life each day as though it were my last. I've always harbored a disdain for death and those moments leading up to it. As the years go on, more pain will surely come my way; natural causes or otherwise. But I will say that I life is to be lived. Instead of mourning her passing, I will celebrate the many fun, hilarious, adventurous time we shared personally and with others. The thrill of waking up to a new day is not to be taken for granted. May you rest in peace, Miss Luma.

change the game

I happened to come across the web site for the 2025 Campaign for Black Men and Boys and immediately was drawn in to its purpose and content.

What could we do as a society to improve the life of a Black boy born in 2007 so that by the time he was eighteen his odds for success were significantly greater?

I'll admit that I was mostly captured because of their use of the phrase, "real change takes action." But that whole concept if measurable change takes me back to the days of learning about OGSMs and strategic planning. Many a meeting, group, organization, or entity has sat stagnant and frozen in time from talking more than doing. It is a pervasive and all-too-common ailment that afflicts many people. So naturally, I am highly intrigued by the clear direction and action steps that it offers. Nonetheless, the data is in-your-face and disheartening, but not futile. Given Half a Chance is the the Schott Foundation's 50 state report on public education and Black males. I did find some of the results surprising: New Jersey is the benchmark for graduation rates of Black male students for states enrolling more than 10,000 Black male students (74%), Maryland is the benchmark for the percentage of Black male students in Gifted/Talented programs (5.7%), and Massachusetts is the benchmark for Black male students scoring at or above Basic for Grade 8 Reading in 2007 (62%).

one down, plenty to go

It appears the homie, Bob Terrell, won't be running for an at-large city council seat after all. I had his Feb 27th campaign kick-off already in my calendar. Via email, he let folks know that he was bowing out gracefully.

Just a brief note to inform folks that, unfortunately, I'v had a major change in plans. I will not be running for public office this year. Having made a decision to run in late November 2008 this left us with a short amount of time to prepare for a major undertaking in 2009. It appears that we will not be able to put everything in place that we need in time to run an effective campaign.

I would like to thank those of you who expressed an interest in my candidacy but please be assured that I will be running for office in the not to distant future. I will keep my "account" with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance open so that I can activate a Committe-to-Elect any time I choose.

In the meatime i will not be idle. I will continue to be active on issues facing the City of Boston and buildings towards a run in the future. This will give me the time I need to develop the organization and gather the resources needed to win. Thanks again for your interest and support. I'll be in touch soon.

I got to know Bob 2 years ago when we worked on Mr Henriquez's campaign. I'm glad to see that he's still planning to launch a run for office in the near future. He's one of the city's leading voices in terms of public transit and is very involved with both ACE and the Roxbury Neighborhood Council. But....Sam Yoon finally decided to throw his hat in the race for mayor.

balling on a budget

So...the school district had its presentation of the preliminary fiscal year 2010 budget tonight and it's not too pretty. It is no secret that the economy is down everwhere and nowhere is that more evident than in municipalities across the country. Locally, the governor announced that there will be substantial cuts to local aid from the state, and despite any hopeful economic stimulus packages (read: bailout money for schools) it's gonna get uglier before it gets prettier.

For me, I've been a bit anxious myself as all the news has been circling in terms of layoffs, recession, and such. I know several folks close to me have had to bear the bad news of getting the proverbial boot. Personally, I love my job and the variety and challenge it offers. I'd prefer if my small department was left alone to continue doing the work we do to expose students to STEM careers and opportunities. But I ain't no dummy. Everything's on the table, son. pretty.

The preliminary budget recommendation lists a reductions in staff of an estimated 917 full-time equivalents. Damn ain't even the word. Principals are stressing. Teachers are stressing. Employees and administrative staff are stressing. And students and parents are stressing as well. As both an employee and a parent, I wear two hats in all of this. We had a Parent Council meeting this morning and the budget obviously dominated the conversation. Hopefully, being such a small school will work in our favor to limit the impact on my son and his fellow schoolmates, yet risk aversion is one scary, hairy b!tch. Even with the school closings already in progress for next year, there's no telling what the future may hold. Hell, we had to do our own petitioning just to get some information about when they were going to re-open the neighboring pool. Simply doing things in silo won't work alone. Expanding the number of zones from 3 to 5 and reducing transportation costs are just the tip of the iceberg.

Anyways, I just felt the need to quasi-vent and quasi-pontificate about this economy stuff. Trickle-down economics ain't no joke, yo. I'll have the resume ready for rapid fire if I need to dust it off and holla at some folks, ya dig? Regardless, we gonna keep pushing our agenda to stimulate and capture the attention and minds of youth interested in careers in technology. They are our future change leaders who will inherit our mistakes if we don't step up our game to do right by them. Speaking of which, I ran into Sister Tina today and she did he usual wowing of the crowd with a very inspirational and motivation speech about her son and the Peace Institute. I didn't know she'd be there, but it was goood to see her as always. We spoke briefly, but essentially the young professionals have to be more proactive in addressing the issues and concerns of our community. Whether it is related to the schools, politics, business development, or public safety; we cannot afford to keep resting on our laurels. I've seen a lot of great energy lately (from friends, co-workers, and stranges alike) and I've been burning the oil on several personal projects of mine (entrepreneurship, politics, board service, education, & photography), so here's to a 2009 full of substance and impact. Word.

Praise Song For the Day

the inaugural poem
by Elizabeth Alexander

Each day we go about our business,
walking past each other, catching each other’s
eyes or not, about to speak or speaking.

All about us is noise. All about us is
noise and bramble, thorn and din, each
one of our ancestors on our tongues.

Someone is stitching up a hem, darning
a hole in a uniform, patching a tire,
repairing the things in need of repair.

Someone is trying to make music somewhere,
with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum,
with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

A woman and her son wait for the bus.
A farmer considers the changing sky.
A teacher says, Take out your pencils. Begin.

We encounter each other in words, words
spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark
the will of some one and then others, who said
I need to see what’s on the other side.

I know there’s something better down the road.
We need to find a place where we are safe.
We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Say it plain: that many have died for this day.
Sing the names of the dead who brought us here,
who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges,

picked the cotton and the lettuce, built
brick by brick the glittering edifices
they would then keep clean and work inside of.

Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day.
Praise song for every hand-lettered sign,
the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables.

Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself,
others by first do no harm or take no more
than you need. What if the mightiest word is love?

Love beyond marital, filial, national,
love that casts a widening pool of light,
love with no need to pre-empt grievance.

In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light.

If I Was President

Not long ago, those words were merely the name of a Wyclef Jean song. Today, they hold so much more meaning.

Today was a very intense, beautiful, and emotionally exhausting day. I found myself feeling all sorts of ways throughout the day; from being hyperemotional to nonchalant to deliriously anxious to the verge of tears. Witnessing the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is one that I will never forget.

One of the most poignant moments during the day came when my mind raced back 13 and a half years ago to October 16, 1995. As my uncle, grandfather, and I strolled the National Mall that day I can clearly recall being overwhelmed by an intense feeling of joy and excitement. It was something almost magical to bear witness to history in living color.

Fast forward to today and that same aura came back. It was truly a remarkable sight to see. My grandfather called me later in the day to shoot the shT for a bit and we spoke about how magical it all really turned out to be. And then he heaped praise upon me that I don't even think I deserve, but it means so much to hear it from him. I remember as a child hearing this one story in particular he used to tell. Having grown up on the Lower East Side, his multicultural neighborhood was always full of surprises. One day, he got sent home from school because he hadn't washed up properly. Apparently, the teacher had told him to wash his neck, but he mistook that for a simple soap remedy when, in fact, there was nothing he could do to rid his skin of its hue. With a spanish surname, light eyes, and dark skin; what was he to do? Today, was a day that will will forever be etched in the hearts, minds, and souls of millions across the globe.

Throughout the day, I kept changing my facebook status via phone to match my changing mood and/or perspective. From wondering how "shook" the limo driver must have been to secretly hoping Bush got booed, it was a great experience to see the power of technology to connect. I don't even like Twitter that much but we were definitely getting our super-twit on today. And honestly, it would have been bad form for the crowd to boo Bush en masse. But I also did secretly hope that somebody would shove Chaney's gangster a$$ down those steps as well. Oh well. I need to stop being so mean, I suppose.

Even more profound were the dozens of articles I have read from journalists on down to everyday people sharing their thoughts, perspectives, and insights on the inauguration and election in general. The part of Obama's speech that stood out to me the most: "be judged by what you can build, not by what you can destroy." It was a truly beautiful piece of simple wordplay with such a deeply compelling message of hope, leadership, and substance all in one.

it's me, a monster y'all done created, i've been inaugurated

"I'ma show 'em who's the global gangster
Sentence me to four more years, thank you
I'ma make you feel a little bit safer
Because it ain't over
See that's how we get your fear to control you
But ain't nobody under more control than the soldier
And how could you expect a kid to keep his composure"
-The Roots, "False Media"

So the inauguration is a week away and the Washington Post profiled a local blogger with a nice short piece. I find it intriguing to read about the varying experiences of others who are willing to "bare all" in short to allow the world to see them in all of their vulnerability and complexity. It made for a great read. Similarly, the school district pitched some really great story ideas on its web site. I think it would be great if the local media ran with some of the ideas and did some in-depth stories or covered the events. I'm sure there's someone out there who'd wager that they (Globe/Herald/Phoenix) won't cover any of them.