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

Survey: What chew want?!?

I want to open it up to see what you want me to write about on BloomingNYC.blogspot.com. Below, I’ve included some examples of the areas that I have written about in the past and can write about. Are there others? If you could have me write a custom article just for you, what would it be on?

Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see me write about. Below, some ideas to get started. Also, check out what I've said in the past on the right hand side.

Relationships:

• Dating: learning from past relationships, current relationships and realizations, male-thought, dating outside of your comfort zone
  
• Friendships: cultivating last friendships from a distance and in new locations
  
• Parents: understanding parents as an adult child
  

Personal Development:

• Self-Esteem: the role of media and pop-culture.
  
• Health/Fitness: healthy regimens in diet and exercise, lifestyle
  
• Beauty: personal style and worth
• Life Lessons in purpose, spirituality, life, and love
  

Education:

• Higher Education: pursuing of graduate studies (while working full-time), finding the right program
• K-12 Teachers: reflections from the classroom

Entertainment:

• Hot Spots: restaurants, bars, lounges/nightclubs in NYC
• Book & Music Reviews: suggestions of the latest (worth-while) literature and music
• Quizzes
  

Leave a comment: What would you like me to write about?

Kick it!

Multi-deminsional: Parents

Last night, I was with a friend waiting for the bus and as they were looking at the schedule their stance reminded them of a comment made by their father. My friend Sam* said that he was looking at a picture with his hand on his hip and his father said, "Why are you standing like that?"
"Like what?" Sam replied.
"Like that! It's feminine!" He answered in a thick Creole accent.
Sam recalled his confusion and questioned whether or not it was because of the fact that his hand was on his hip, or maybe his hip was cocked, or maybe...he couldn't figure it out.

His confusion with the episode reminded me of my older brother's over analysis of my Dad's comments towards him. Additionally, the way he brushed off his Dad's opinion made we wonder about the nature of their relationship.

"Do you get along well with your Dad?" I asked.

Sam's reply was a culmination of the feelings I had towards my father, which had taken years and tears to understand. Yet, Sam made it sound so simple.

"I respect my Dad as a guy. But as a husband and father, I can say that I agree with what he's done."

For those who struggle with parental relationships for whatever reason, relax. Although you may feel anger towards one of your parents it is not because of hate. It is simply a break down of respect. We all have our own standards based on our past experiences. You should always respect your parents because they are people, your elders to be exact. However, you do not have to respect the decisions they make as a husband or parent because those decisions are based on their past. Until you understand their past and why they are the way that they are, you will not respect that side of them.

What comments or sayings from parents get under your skin or do you find repeating to yourself?

Kick it!

Your Introduction Song

While enjoying the player's songs at Mets baseball game, a friend of mine asked,

"What would be your introduction song when you walk in a room?"

Since baseball players get three songs, I had to think of three songs that would get me excited and represents a part of me. My line up:

1. Where I'm From by Jay-Z
2. Can't Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West
3. Rock The Bells by LL Cool J

If you could choose three songs to play when you enter a room, what would they be?

Kick it!

Ring the alarm!

Those who know me, know that I have key pieces of jewelry that I wear daily: my necklace with three important charms (tiara, treble clef, and clarinet), my silver hoop earings, and my rings. Each piece of jewelry is sentimental in some way, especially my rings. One ring was a gift from my favorite uncle worn on the right ring finger, another was an awesome ring from Disney World worn on the right index finger, and the last was a present for myself after the first semester of my freshman year (I did well!) worn on the left ring finger. Although they were not fancy, the one on the left had been mistaken for a wedding ring in the past.

I am a key believer that everything happens for a reason and if you want things to happen you have to speak it into existence and act as if you already have it or that is on its way. I thought about this one day while looking at the ring on my ring fingers. At the time, I was in a great relationship with someone I believed I could marry. But when I looked down at my ring finger, I could not imagine that finger bare or with another ring being there. I was not ready.

After that relationship, I was hesitant to date in my new city. But, NYC treated me well. I have met so many gentleman that have treated me like a princess! Most notably, was the rebound guy. It took me a while to accept his purpose as we decided to step back and become friends, but I now understand. I am now in the beginning stages with someone who makes me loose my breath whenever I see and hear them, and sees my inner and outer beauty as clear as day.

I am now single and dating and it has been two weeks without a single ring on my hands!

I feel on top of my game in most facets of my life. My heart is shinning bright and so is my smile. In my mind and heart, I see what I want out of a relationship. I am ready to use my past lessons to take my current relationship to new heights, if that is in God's plan. I am ready for LOVE!