Chivalry Isn't Dead...The People Who Used It Are

I have a best friend who goes to school in Chicago and every time we meet up during breaks in Cleveland she never fails to mention the despair of being single, black, and a woman in America. I try my best to listen and reason (usually at a stalemate and feeling like my black male brethren are the scum of the earth), but I find it poignant that no matter what she always seems to mention that a key fact that she is single is because she feels that black men are not gentlemen anymore, or simply lost any semblance of chivalry. Chivalry is commonly associated with knights, maidens, and the Middle Age, but chivalry, at it's core, is consistent with the principles of bravery, honor, and most importantly, respect towards women. And, based off that definition, it would seem that there is hope for relevant use for chivalry in today's black men, right? Well, let's see...

The Fierce Urgency of Now Continues

For those who are unaware, this Sunday evening the President of the United States & his family and staff will be at The Ohio State University. Mr. & Mrs. Obama will be here for an Ohio Democratic Party Rally to galvanize the faithful in Central Ohio. This is key because this state, as well as this section of the state will be vital to sustain Congressional & local seats held by current Democrats. The White House has been criss-crossing the country at a frantic pace, showing a fierce urgency to sustain their majority and to more effectively push their agenda, and the time is now to do it with less than a month until Election Day. However, the President's visit may also be a sign of a more distressing problem; something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about when he coined the phrase the "The Fierce Urgency of Now"---that is the President is trying to re-energize the vote of the next generation, our generation, and especially rallying the support of the Black youth vote.

Helping “Our” People?

I have always been engaged in community service. I think it was somehow built in my genes. My mother said she wanted to be a nurse because she wanted to help people. In addition, she always pushed me to be active. Whether it was in elementary through high school being a Girl Scout and Girl Scout leader, volunteering at a nearby hospital, and assisting in creating entertainment activities in a nursing home. Or in undergrad being on the executive board for the NAACP chapter, my sorority (the one and only SKEE-WEE! I had to…) or volunteer for the Special Olympics etc etc. I’ve always had a mind to give back. That feeling of advocacy only grew when I came to graduate school. But it wasn’t just the desire to help people in general; it was to focus my energy on my people. Black people. But recently I have hit I brick wall. A wall seemingly built by…my people. I have had plenty of conversations with my people who have been working with and for African Americans and have more than enough battle wounds and stories of frustration. In listening to these stories I have said to myself, “Well my friend, you just gotta work harder! Keep up the good fight!” I’m not even 30, yet my stories of frustration are starting to compile.

Do you see what I see?

It’s late morning on a Tuesday and I’ve nearly arrived at my hotel in Pittsburg, PA. As I attempt to focus my attention on both the road and Google Maps on my iPhone, I notice that I’m traveling through a residential area. Pausing at a stop sign I take one last look at my directions and turn more of my focus on the neighborhood I’m driving through. If I’m going to be staying in this area for two nights I’d like to see if I can determine whether or not safety might be an issue. Two minutes into my foray it seems clear to me that I’m driving through a working class, mostly white, neighborhood. 

Recognizing the Unsung, Pt. 2

I waited, waited, and waited for this day! While many sports fans gave their attention to the NBA Finals, or the sanctions that await the USC athletic program, there was a recent feat that deserves attention: the Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup in 49 years beating the Philadelphia Flyers. Yet, their victory is not the focus of this blog, nor the politically incorrectness of their mascot. The subject is Dustin Byfuglien (pronunced Buff-lin). Growing up as a child, the presence of African Americans in hockey seemed silly to me, until I moved to Columbus where I met a brother who ran a hockey shop in Columbus.  That interaction and Byfuglien's role in this series (and the 2010 playoffs) led me to search for the role of people of African descent in the NHL. I learned that the contributions have gone unrecognized.

Distant Relatives - Hip Hop and Reggae

Despite his money and marital troubles, Nasir Jones (NAS) remains one of my favorite hip hop emcees.  When I first heard that Nas was collaborated with reggae music artist, Damian Marley, on an album called "Distant Cousins", I did not know what to think about project.

♪ ♪ Any Way You Figure, The President's a Nigger to Meeeee♪ ♪

Last night I set my DVR for the Boondocks at 11:30pm like I usually do every Sunday. I got off work at 9pm then went home to finally relax, study a bit, and watch the Boondocks. For the last three weeks Aaron McGruder has not disappointed covering such issues as Obama's media hype, the reality of rapper's lives, the Chinese stealing the Olympics, and now self-hate and racism to the fullest extent.

Perception doesn't always equal Reality...

I went bowling with a few co-workers and friends yesterday evening as we usually do on Thursdays. We were having a good time competing and keeping up with the NBA Finals scores. As the night neared its end, we noticed another party, a group of about 8 black males who were placing bets against each other to roll strikes, spares or have the high score. We noticed because there was a disagreement about a $5.00 bet and yelling ensued.

I digress, it reminded me of the scene in Barbershop when Lahmard Tate’s character, while stealing an ATM, drops the task to chase a man who owes him $5.00. When confronted about the situation he stated, “It’s not the money….. It’s the Principle.”

Recognizing the Unsung, pt.I

When it comes to Olympic protest and Black Power, Tommie Smith and John Carlos are the first two that come to mind. The 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City were a key moment in Black athlete protest, as illustrated in the great number of articles and books that focus on this event.   However, little known Wayne Collett and Vincent Matthews embraced the spirit of Black power protest from the '68 Olympic Games and displayed their own demonstration at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich. 

Charter school in tough neighborhood gets all its seniors into college - chicagotribune.com

Charter school in tough neighborhood gets all its seniors into college - chicagotribune.com

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