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.