Hip-Hop Speaks Out

David Banner has taken it upon himself to speak to politicians in regards to hip-hop lyrics. In this transcript, Banner provides an eloquent view on hip-hop, media, and society.

"I am one of the few artists who went to college. I still see my friends who, as college graduates, are unable to get a job. The truth is that what we do sells. Often artists try to do different types of music and their music doesn't sell. In America, the media only lifts up negativity." (Banner)

As an educator, it is difficult to sell the "American dream" of a college education that to students who encounter unemployed college-graduates daily. It is so rare for them to come across the employed college graduate who's idea of success is giving back to the community and making money, as opposed to just the latter. That is the example that I try to set in my career and I take it seriously! Everyone deserves to reach beyond the K-12 public/charter/private school education and to demand that future generations do so as well. If not, when will the receive their true histories and identities?

I Put a Spell On You

I'm beginning to believe that my ex-boyfriend cursed me. Okay, maybe he didn't. I have to blame things on someone. On a recent date with someone I've been seeing on and off for a year now, we were discussing our....duh duh duuuuuh...future. This conversation was not that surprising coming from him because it often comes up. As I began to discuss what I was looking for and how he was lacking it he reminded me, "You see. I told you that you were strict!" The conversation continued to revolve around my strict nature and impossible expectations. This dude made it sound like I was wearing an ironclad chastity belt!

I don't consider myself strict at all. I'm just old school in some areas. I demand respect, attention, and consideration. Simple.

Thinking back to my past relationship, which was quite ideal for the time, I was quite comfortable and was able to let my guard down...LOVE. Once you suffer heart break, no matter how timely it is in your life, it's hard to bounce back with the same trust and openness. At least that's what I'm finding. I'm imagining my past months of dating: what if I was open and jumped in not thinking about the possibility of getting hurt again? It's easier said than done. But like my last relationship, if I am able to say that I had a good time after it's over and done (which I did!), that's all that matters.

Try it! I will...

What's on your bookshelf?

I love a GREAT book! I love sharing books with friends and having them tell me about a recent read that moved them. Even today, I found myself in a "book" conversation with one of my best friends. I went down the list of books I looked up regarding dating, uncovering the male thought, and relationships between adult children and their parents. After that conversation I consulted the September 2007 Best Sellers List in Essence Magazine and I noticed something frightening: the non-fiction authors read like a list from People Magazine's Most Influential and I only recognized four of the fiction authors. I believe I have an impressive book collection for someone my age, but viewing that list made me wonder...Who are the literary geniuses of our generation?

Kick it.

What I'm reading now: Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon