"... I always did like school, jus' seem like school never did like me... Secon' grade they laffs at HOW I talk. So I stop talking. What for? Secon' thas when "Imma joke" start. When I sit down boyz make fart sounds wif they mouf like it's me fartin'. When I git up they snort snort hog grunt sounds. So I jus'stop getting up (PUSH, 36)."
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and nurtured in school. What do you think every child deserves?
Tiffany
You deserve the world at your feet. You deserve to be treated the way you treat others, and that’s as if they were your best friend. The teachers should treat you as an individual, not just as a whole because everyone is different and they learn different as well. You should be able to go as far as you want to go, no matter the circumstance. The teachers should be behind you 100 percent.
They should tell you that you can do anything that you want to do and that the sky is the limit. They should make things happen for each and everyone of you. Separately, they should show each of you the way to go to be whatever you want to be. Meaning, if you want to be a librarian, they should take you to meet the librarian, so that she can show you just how easy your dreams can be made true.
TaQuasha
See now you are in the first grade and first impressions are everything. You can’t act the same way at home and at school. School is not play time it is a time to learn. Your teacher is there to teach you and help you with any questions that you may have. You must use this time to take in as much as you can. Play time is on the playground not in the class room. I know you have times that you get mad but you have to learn to control yourself. Try your best at all times and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tee-Tee
Hey Karizma I don’t know your struggle in Elementary School but I hope it’s going okay. Just giving you a heads up on how many children go through bad experiences in their first years of school. I hope u don’t go through these things. You are such a smart little girl and could set a good example for your friends and classmates. Your teacher may not be the best teacher but as long as she cares for your learning, it doesn’t matter. Don’t be a bully to your peers because you would never know what bad things they go through. Be yourself and be a child and stay a child. Have fun with your life never grow up too fast!!.. I love you.
Crystal
I feel like every 7 year old shouldn’t go through any type of struggled and you shouldn’t be having to face any types of critism. I really don’t remember when I was seven what had happen. But I do know that I deserved to be treated equally and shouldn’t be having any problems. Some seven year olds are mostly scared to speak there minds on what right and wrong. I hope that in a classroom teachers should understand that there students are only kids. They should be able to be trated lik kids and working there way up to being teens. Teacher should be able to give candy or not necessary candy but some kind of reward to the students letting them know that they did a good job in class. Let them know that there good work was took in consideration. The teacher should be understanding and really help the students be great individuals.
Unique
7's your age, you're in first grade. You should be happy to be in school with your peers. This is the time your brain shoud be sucking in a lot more of important things. Behave in school and know that this is your first step in getting a real education. you should receive all the loving and caring that you need. Write your numbers and spel your name and when its ap time enjoy your sleep. Be good in clas so your classmates can look at you like a super hero. If the teacher gives you any problems, don't hit her. Just tell your mom so she can deal with it. Eat your food, and do not throw it up. Be good in class and you will get candy and prizes.
Briana G.,
What I think every seven year old deserves is a chance to be a child and act like a child. What I mean by that is to play outside, go to school, go to sleep overs, hang out with your friends on the weekend. Basically not trying to grow up so fast. Also have respect for the ones trying to help you.
Brianna C.
I think they deserves respect from all their teachers. Like someone they can always talk to so they want feel alone. And have like a good friend cause I remember when I was young I thought I didn’t have anyone to talk to at school I felt alone. So I think every seven year old needs a teacher mom not saying like a mother do everything for you just for you to be there so have by your side so you want alone.!
Friday, February 12, 2010
If you knew me you would know...
"... There has always been something wrong wif the tesses. The tesses paint a picture of me an' my muver-my whole family, we more than dumb, we invisible. (PUSH, 31)"
In the story PUSH Precious talks about hating to take tests and hating to have files written about her by people who don't really know who she is. We agreed that people often judge us by things that have little to nothing to do with who we are as people and felt the need to tell yall a lil about ourselves.
I you knew me you would know...
TaQuasha
If you ever knew me you would know how much I struggle ever day. Certain things in my life I cant handle emotional and sometimes it takes a physical toll. It got so bad one night at like 2 o’clock in the morning I cut off my hair, 3 inches off the side, 2 inches off the rest except for the middle. It’s very short to me now but I think I just needed a fresh start. It took a lot off of school its like I try to do well in school but when it comes down to home life it takes away from my focus. I wish people could see the pain I feel inside sometimes.
Monique
If u knew me you would know that I am 17 years old born April 8,1992 born on my mama birthday so you I am very spoiled if u didn’t know it already. love to party, go out have fun, chill wit my family and boyfriend, shopping, I am a very shy person but also a nice that people love to be around. But if u push me to the limit I can me the worst person you would wont to meet. Some people say that I have the worst attitude that I teen can have cause I don’t take nothing from nobody. If people let you run over them they would but I am not that type. You have to get respect to receive respect from me that’s how I feel. I wont my own business a clothing shop and beauty salon in the back named “Stlyez 2 Da Limit & Baquette”. But to get to that level I will need to finish high graduate go to college for business, get my business license. Then after that then work on my shop stuff like find a building the supplies and much more. That’s a little about me if you didn’t already know about me.
Tyler
If you Knew me you would know that I am a person that is kind hearted and that like to express there self in ways to know that I am somebody and not to judge that somebody even if I am that somebody. Also I have feelings to, I mean I wouldn’t use them as excuses if you would really understand me and part were I come from I mean just give me a chance I mean I can prove to you I mean I don’t have to but I choose to I mean to show you I can actually achieve. To make you approve and make you think different to show you people can change I mean even you. To make you want to change your opinions to make your expressions and thoughts different. So if you know me I mean you would fall in love with me for me and not what I can do.
Crystal
If you knew me you would know that I’m 18 years old. I was born October 20, 1991. I’m currently in high school and a senior getting ready to graduate. My personality is really bright and at sometimes I tend to be shy about things. I want to be a singer and song writer and produce my own music. I love to shop I buy shoes and clothes. I’m a very sensitive girl about some topics. I’m a real nice girl and am real determined to things in life to achieve my goal. Every time I write songs it’s when I feel some kind emotions. Like if I’m going through something that they I write a song about the type emotions I’m feeling. I love to satisfy others and their needs first before I can satisfy my own. I really need to work on that. I never like to be put on the spot by teachers or anybody else. I get embarrassed sometimes by that. I really want to pursue my singing and song writer career.
In the story PUSH Precious talks about hating to take tests and hating to have files written about her by people who don't really know who she is. We agreed that people often judge us by things that have little to nothing to do with who we are as people and felt the need to tell yall a lil about ourselves.
I you knew me you would know...
TaQuasha
If you ever knew me you would know how much I struggle ever day. Certain things in my life I cant handle emotional and sometimes it takes a physical toll. It got so bad one night at like 2 o’clock in the morning I cut off my hair, 3 inches off the side, 2 inches off the rest except for the middle. It’s very short to me now but I think I just needed a fresh start. It took a lot off of school its like I try to do well in school but when it comes down to home life it takes away from my focus. I wish people could see the pain I feel inside sometimes.
Monique
If u knew me you would know that I am 17 years old born April 8,1992 born on my mama birthday so you I am very spoiled if u didn’t know it already. love to party, go out have fun, chill wit my family and boyfriend, shopping, I am a very shy person but also a nice that people love to be around. But if u push me to the limit I can me the worst person you would wont to meet. Some people say that I have the worst attitude that I teen can have cause I don’t take nothing from nobody. If people let you run over them they would but I am not that type. You have to get respect to receive respect from me that’s how I feel. I wont my own business a clothing shop and beauty salon in the back named “Stlyez 2 Da Limit & Baquette”. But to get to that level I will need to finish high graduate go to college for business, get my business license. Then after that then work on my shop stuff like find a building the supplies and much more. That’s a little about me if you didn’t already know about me.
Tyler
If you Knew me you would know that I am a person that is kind hearted and that like to express there self in ways to know that I am somebody and not to judge that somebody even if I am that somebody. Also I have feelings to, I mean I wouldn’t use them as excuses if you would really understand me and part were I come from I mean just give me a chance I mean I can prove to you I mean I don’t have to but I choose to I mean to show you I can actually achieve. To make you approve and make you think different to show you people can change I mean even you. To make you want to change your opinions to make your expressions and thoughts different. So if you know me I mean you would fall in love with me for me and not what I can do.
Crystal
If you knew me you would know that I’m 18 years old. I was born October 20, 1991. I’m currently in high school and a senior getting ready to graduate. My personality is really bright and at sometimes I tend to be shy about things. I want to be a singer and song writer and produce my own music. I love to shop I buy shoes and clothes. I’m a very sensitive girl about some topics. I’m a real nice girl and am real determined to things in life to achieve my goal. Every time I write songs it’s when I feel some kind emotions. Like if I’m going through something that they I write a song about the type emotions I’m feeling. I love to satisfy others and their needs first before I can satisfy my own. I really need to work on that. I never like to be put on the spot by teachers or anybody else. I get embarrassed sometimes by that. I really want to pursue my singing and song writer career.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
PUSH reviews Pgs 1-40
We've begun reading PUSH here are our first thoughts...
"...It's crazy that she had to go through that at 7 years old in the 2nd grade. I imagine my niece at 7 years old being treated that way and the way I would react to something like that, and I'm only her aunt. I imagine my mother undergoing something like that with me and knowing that the possible outcome would definitely not just be "ok."She would do anything in her power to keep that from happening to me and I would do everything in my will to make sure noone ever hurts my niece."
"...I think that Precious went through HELL!!! She didn't deserve to be treated that way growing up. That as sick the way her father did her growing up. Her mother didn't make it no better. Where's da rest of da family?!!... It hurts me that someone in this world goes through something soooo painful. And many people probably went through worse. THis world is all F'ed up!!... Where is the peace??... Happiness??..
I really feel for Precious!!"
"... I mean about the book... of everything that had happened in the back of her mind which has her thinking that she is a failure. I feel that if anyone really wanted to love her she wouldn't let them get close to her and its sad. People believe that the hurt mostly comes from her mother I feel even though that happened with her father she really needed her mother to play part so she could at least get over the feelings, so she could go on.
"... I think the story is very depressing. It makes me really mad how Precious' real dad f'ed her! I don't even have the expression to say how I feel. And her mother is so wrong for not doing anything and especially when she knows that Precious is pregnant again by him. Precious' situation is hard to go through, and if I was able to help, I would."
"...What I think of the whole situation is that its wrong what she have to go through. I feel bad for her cause it ain't nobody to help her. But she can tell people the way how she feels."
"... Precious is a very strong girl to be her age and have gone through all that stuff and haven't already did to herself. Young girls her age that go through things like that go through depression and commit suicide, but she never did anything to hurt herself because of the lack of love she receives from her mother and father, even the students in school. She is already a strong little girl."
"...It's crazy that she had to go through that at 7 years old in the 2nd grade. I imagine my niece at 7 years old being treated that way and the way I would react to something like that, and I'm only her aunt. I imagine my mother undergoing something like that with me and knowing that the possible outcome would definitely not just be "ok."She would do anything in her power to keep that from happening to me and I would do everything in my will to make sure noone ever hurts my niece."
"...I think that Precious went through HELL!!! She didn't deserve to be treated that way growing up. That as sick the way her father did her growing up. Her mother didn't make it no better. Where's da rest of da family?!!... It hurts me that someone in this world goes through something soooo painful. And many people probably went through worse. THis world is all F'ed up!!... Where is the peace??... Happiness??..
I really feel for Precious!!"
"... I mean about the book... of everything that had happened in the back of her mind which has her thinking that she is a failure. I feel that if anyone really wanted to love her she wouldn't let them get close to her and its sad. People believe that the hurt mostly comes from her mother I feel even though that happened with her father she really needed her mother to play part so she could at least get over the feelings, so she could go on.
"... I think the story is very depressing. It makes me really mad how Precious' real dad f'ed her! I don't even have the expression to say how I feel. And her mother is so wrong for not doing anything and especially when she knows that Precious is pregnant again by him. Precious' situation is hard to go through, and if I was able to help, I would."
"...What I think of the whole situation is that its wrong what she have to go through. I feel bad for her cause it ain't nobody to help her. But she can tell people the way how she feels."
"... Precious is a very strong girl to be her age and have gone through all that stuff and haven't already did to herself. Young girls her age that go through things like that go through depression and commit suicide, but she never did anything to hurt herself because of the lack of love she receives from her mother and father, even the students in school. She is already a strong little girl."
Letters from my six year old self
In the story PUSH Claireece talks about being tormented by her classmates and ignored by her teacher at the age of 7. We began to wonder what would happen is she and all little girls felt powerful enough to speak their truths to introduce themselves to the world. And so we introduce ourselves to you...
LETTERS FROM MY SIX YEAR OLD SELF.
Princess
My name is Princess and I'm 6 years old. I like riding my bike around the block. I smile as I feel the ool wind blowing in my face. I'm happy all the time when my cousins be playing with me. WE play in the dirt, making mud pies, jump rope, running and playing on our playground in the back yard. Thats the best thing I love to do because thats the only time I don't feel shy. I am also friendly but am scared to talk. I don't talk much until until I start playing with my babydolls. I then met a friend a couple of houses down named Stephanie. She is the best friend anyone could ever have. She has a clubhouse inside of her tree in her back yard. I love the way it looks. Inside the clubhouse was pink and it was filled with baby dolls and teapot sets. I love playing with her because she is my only friend, beause the kids at school all me mute (I just figured out what that means)! so all I do is play around with my cousins, (most of them are boys but I love playing with them), even though they don't like being around me. I don't really care beause they don't tell me but always and fussing and getting mad when I come around, but they still show me a good time, thats why I love them. I'm a very spoiled young girl. I get everything I want... I just want a brother or a sister that can look up to me.
Unique
Hello I'm Unique,
I am 6 years old and I have 2 big sisters named Kynisha and Shymeka. My sisters teach me how to ride my bike and play barbie dolls with me.My sister walks me to school and walks me home everyday. In school I cut oranges and apples and learn how to write my name. They make me sleep a lot and I really don't like that. At recess I play with my friends. running up and down the court yelling and screaming. My teachers say I'm a good girl and I love to get along with others very well.I look forward to going to shool everyday to see my friends.
Dream
Hello my name is dream. I am 6 years old. I love to play hopscotch, but I mostly draw mines. I never really liked dolls they scare me, just something about that...uuugggghhh. I also love to sing. Sing anything that rolls past me from gospel to slow songs. anything my mother loves to hear. I love to play with my friends. We all used to run just to see who is the fastest. I get sad when I don't win. but who really cares!
For me being 6 I loved lunch time, my favorite. In school I always loved to each chicken with mashed potatoes, uuuhhhmmm, but I really got along with everybody.
Shaccaria
Hi my name is Shaccaria and I am 6 years old. I go to Lakewood Elementary school and I'm in the first grade. I love to go to school and play with my friends on the playground at recess. Me and my friends like to jump rope, run around on the playground and play on the monkey bars.When I get out of school I like to ride my bike with my big brother. I also like to play barbie with my friends in the neighborhood. I love the weekend because I get to spend time with my daddy. I love spending time with my daddy because he spoils me and I get everything I want, because I'm his only child. I also like to go to my grandma's house and ride my power wheel. My grandma is really nice to me and shows me a lot of attention. My favorite thing I like to do is play with my chawawa. My dad brought me my chawawa on my birthday and thats why she is so special to me. My chawawa is like a sister to me because she shows me love and attention and protects me and I do the same for her.
Christie
Hi! I'm Christie, and I'm 6-years-old. I am in the first grade and I hate it! I pee on myself just to go home with my mommy and daddy. I love my mommy so much because she always gives me cereal and yogurt, and when she gives it to me, I get sooooooo happy!!! My daddy seemed to know I would pee on myself just to come home with them but I don't care. They knew I was very afraid of the doctor so they started threatening me to take me there if I continued, so I stopped! I started liking school and having fun. Every weekend my mommy would take me to the mall to get toys out of the dollar store. Now that would really make me excited! Especially when I would already have two toys already in my hands and she would say "wow look at this one." Do you want this too? I would be so happy that she would but me a lot of toys. But hey I'm a kid!! Its easy to satisfy kids! Only if I knew how cheap they were, I would've been mad and wanted to get bigger and better things. I also spend a lot of time with my cousin, Nesha. We always have fun together, riding our bikes playing Barbies and coloring in different coloring books. My dad is known as "Jerry, the bike man." He will never be seen without his bike. If something happens to his bike or it gets stolen he has many other bike parts to put together a new one. My daddy taught me to ride my first bike, and I follow him around.
My mom takes really good care of me but my dad has started to get on drugs really bad and isn't the fun daddy I knew. He and my mommy get physically into fights around me all the time. It is very scary for me because I am scared that my dad will hurt my mom But the funny part about it is that my mommy beats the crap out of my daddy, like LITERALLY!! And my mom kicked my dad out. After they fight my mom throws all his things on the porch. As a child I run to see what she threw out and pick some cool things up and ask my mommy if I can have it! It is kinda funny, lol! My daddy stops by often to see us and things are fine!
Alyxe,
Hello,
My name is Alyxe and I am 6 years old. Some of you already know me but for those who don’t I wanna say it is very nice to meet you. Do you wanna be my friend?
I’m the fastest kid in my class. I like to climb trees, jumprope, play hopscotch, and my favorite game is steal the flag. I like to color, play stranded on a desert island with my Barbies, make collages and (here’s my first secret) sometimes I still suck my thumb when I watch T.V. I love to be barefoot and most of all I love, love, love to sing (show tunes are my favorite but I will sing anything)!
I live in the woods with lots of really tall trees, that I can hide behind (even though mama Nia says I am safe) and a bubbling warm springs that are not too deep.
My best friend’s name is Talya she comes to visit me on butterfly wings.
Mama Nia calls me her first Breath she says I was here before hurt or heart break. I am her best self, I keep her in love. She remembers much better than I when it wasn’t safe, when I wasn’t free, and she has vowed today to protect me.
LETTERS FROM MY SIX YEAR OLD SELF.
Princess
My name is Princess and I'm 6 years old. I like riding my bike around the block. I smile as I feel the ool wind blowing in my face. I'm happy all the time when my cousins be playing with me. WE play in the dirt, making mud pies, jump rope, running and playing on our playground in the back yard. Thats the best thing I love to do because thats the only time I don't feel shy. I am also friendly but am scared to talk. I don't talk much until until I start playing with my babydolls. I then met a friend a couple of houses down named Stephanie. She is the best friend anyone could ever have. She has a clubhouse inside of her tree in her back yard. I love the way it looks. Inside the clubhouse was pink and it was filled with baby dolls and teapot sets. I love playing with her because she is my only friend, beause the kids at school all me mute (I just figured out what that means)! so all I do is play around with my cousins, (most of them are boys but I love playing with them), even though they don't like being around me. I don't really care beause they don't tell me but always and fussing and getting mad when I come around, but they still show me a good time, thats why I love them. I'm a very spoiled young girl. I get everything I want... I just want a brother or a sister that can look up to me.
Unique
Hello I'm Unique,
I am 6 years old and I have 2 big sisters named Kynisha and Shymeka. My sisters teach me how to ride my bike and play barbie dolls with me.My sister walks me to school and walks me home everyday. In school I cut oranges and apples and learn how to write my name. They make me sleep a lot and I really don't like that. At recess I play with my friends. running up and down the court yelling and screaming. My teachers say I'm a good girl and I love to get along with others very well.I look forward to going to shool everyday to see my friends.
Dream
Hello my name is dream. I am 6 years old. I love to play hopscotch, but I mostly draw mines. I never really liked dolls they scare me, just something about that...uuugggghhh. I also love to sing. Sing anything that rolls past me from gospel to slow songs. anything my mother loves to hear. I love to play with my friends. We all used to run just to see who is the fastest. I get sad when I don't win. but who really cares!
For me being 6 I loved lunch time, my favorite. In school I always loved to each chicken with mashed potatoes, uuuhhhmmm, but I really got along with everybody.
Shaccaria
Hi my name is Shaccaria and I am 6 years old. I go to Lakewood Elementary school and I'm in the first grade. I love to go to school and play with my friends on the playground at recess. Me and my friends like to jump rope, run around on the playground and play on the monkey bars.When I get out of school I like to ride my bike with my big brother. I also like to play barbie with my friends in the neighborhood. I love the weekend because I get to spend time with my daddy. I love spending time with my daddy because he spoils me and I get everything I want, because I'm his only child. I also like to go to my grandma's house and ride my power wheel. My grandma is really nice to me and shows me a lot of attention. My favorite thing I like to do is play with my chawawa. My dad brought me my chawawa on my birthday and thats why she is so special to me. My chawawa is like a sister to me because she shows me love and attention and protects me and I do the same for her.
Christie
Hi! I'm Christie, and I'm 6-years-old. I am in the first grade and I hate it! I pee on myself just to go home with my mommy and daddy. I love my mommy so much because she always gives me cereal and yogurt, and when she gives it to me, I get sooooooo happy!!! My daddy seemed to know I would pee on myself just to come home with them but I don't care. They knew I was very afraid of the doctor so they started threatening me to take me there if I continued, so I stopped! I started liking school and having fun. Every weekend my mommy would take me to the mall to get toys out of the dollar store. Now that would really make me excited! Especially when I would already have two toys already in my hands and she would say "wow look at this one." Do you want this too? I would be so happy that she would but me a lot of toys. But hey I'm a kid!! Its easy to satisfy kids! Only if I knew how cheap they were, I would've been mad and wanted to get bigger and better things. I also spend a lot of time with my cousin, Nesha. We always have fun together, riding our bikes playing Barbies and coloring in different coloring books. My dad is known as "Jerry, the bike man." He will never be seen without his bike. If something happens to his bike or it gets stolen he has many other bike parts to put together a new one. My daddy taught me to ride my first bike, and I follow him around.
My mom takes really good care of me but my dad has started to get on drugs really bad and isn't the fun daddy I knew. He and my mommy get physically into fights around me all the time. It is very scary for me because I am scared that my dad will hurt my mom But the funny part about it is that my mommy beats the crap out of my daddy, like LITERALLY!! And my mom kicked my dad out. After they fight my mom throws all his things on the porch. As a child I run to see what she threw out and pick some cool things up and ask my mommy if I can have it! It is kinda funny, lol! My daddy stops by often to see us and things are fine!
Alyxe,
Hello,
My name is Alyxe and I am 6 years old. Some of you already know me but for those who don’t I wanna say it is very nice to meet you. Do you wanna be my friend?
I’m the fastest kid in my class. I like to climb trees, jumprope, play hopscotch, and my favorite game is steal the flag. I like to color, play stranded on a desert island with my Barbies, make collages and (here’s my first secret) sometimes I still suck my thumb when I watch T.V. I love to be barefoot and most of all I love, love, love to sing (show tunes are my favorite but I will sing anything)!
I live in the woods with lots of really tall trees, that I can hide behind (even though mama Nia says I am safe) and a bubbling warm springs that are not too deep.
My best friend’s name is Talya she comes to visit me on butterfly wings.
Mama Nia calls me her first Breath she says I was here before hurt or heart break. I am her best self, I keep her in love. She remembers much better than I when it wasn’t safe, when I wasn’t free, and she has vowed today to protect me.
2010
Wow,
I haven't been here in a while busy busy busy it is time to reconnect. As many of you know I have for many years now worked with Students at New Horizons academy of excellence in Durham NC. This year is proving to be as amazing as all the previous years. Students are expressing themselves through writing, audio, video hosting symposiums and forums and we have decided to blog.
Now, me trying to be less wasteful even with internet space, has decided rather than create another blog, to dedicate my "Better to Speak" blog (after all who could come up with a better name), to my students. I hope you will follow us cause we got a lot to say!!!
Peace
I haven't been here in a while busy busy busy it is time to reconnect. As many of you know I have for many years now worked with Students at New Horizons academy of excellence in Durham NC. This year is proving to be as amazing as all the previous years. Students are expressing themselves through writing, audio, video hosting symposiums and forums and we have decided to blog.
Now, me trying to be less wasteful even with internet space, has decided rather than create another blog, to dedicate my "Better to Speak" blog (after all who could come up with a better name), to my students. I hope you will follow us cause we got a lot to say!!!
Peace
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dear Mr. DuBois
So after pouring over both readings I had to go with my gut. Though I
found Wynter's reading more than enlightening and I am sure I will
read it numerous times, it was DuBois that illicited a moving response
from me. Being that I know the Professor Gumbs personally I have taken
the liberty of responding less "academically" and more like me.
Dear Mr. DuBois,
As I read through your writings a second time I am struck by physical awakenings. My eyes raise to Assata’s words hanging on my [wall] is just a wall...” Gentle croons from The sounds of Blackness, “Black Butterfly...Freedom comes with understanding who you are” kiss my ears, and a faint scent of coco mango reminds me of me.
This morning I wake, aware that the world you exist in pushes me to analyze, de and re-construct your words to argue for or against views written long ago, yet clenched firmly too today, and my body says not again. For I am, we are all enough.
How can my very breath be a problem, this space I occupy, be some mysterious cavern men need to explore, after donning precautionary gear, lest the rituals of my life threaten to supercede their own. I do not exist under a “veil” to be raised, function daily in some secret hide away. My existence is not a mystery. I am neither trying nor desiring to be the occupier of any space but that, which has been gifted to me.
I do not know your desires completely brother, but I know your love for the very people of whom you are “bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh.” For that reason I can’t help but wonder why you seek to expose me/us to forces choosing to render we, [if only to themselves] invisible. Why has denial taken command of your soul? You, my brother, know that we have always been, and will continue to be visible in a universe equipped to embrace us all. You know our lives to be real. Yet you place our spirits and songs on tables to be evaluated by those who have their own songs to sing. Consumption for a system, that drinks our blood to ensure its survival. You seem to feed us up willingly, by searching for home foreign territory. This cannot be your intent. We have a home.
I will admit that you are correct to point out the reality of a “double consciousness, a two-ness of american and negro,” but I can’t help but wonder why this stage was set, and why we feel compelled to enter it. Are we obliged to seek “freedom in [this] promise land” from those with whom we co-exist? This space cannot be rightfully possessed by any of us for we are, all of us, mere tenants of an order greater than even we. We each, make a choice to enter into contacted ownership of a humanity that must negate and invalidate to survive. I cannot sign up today. Rather I choose to mark, reject and discard this phenomenon, like an old sweater that has served no purpose at all, for we come from fertile ground and we are not cold.
I wonder Mr. DuBois, what this text would look like if you too had discarded this trend, if you had written as who you are, about you. Could you have written without thought to audience, spoken with your facts about what is, maybe written the Blues? How would you tell your story as the “tired climber searching for Canaan?” Would you still be “handicapped and racing with the world” if you were not measuring “men” against the “souls of Black folks?” In this place this measurement I am most intrigued by this men to non-men balance. Who I wonder, names the things that make up the basis of this comparison? Who possesses the right to decide against melanin? When exactly did we blindly accept the standard and, in turn, surrender our humanity?
As I near the conclusion of this dialog I must note that my assessment here is as much about me as you. I find myself wading in a pool of multiculturalism that seeks to uphold an us /them mentality. What I know is that we are all culture for we have each of us adapted to this existence in ways that make sense for us. Each manifestation looks different, sometimes mystical, but it is, in fact, an adaptation nothing more nothing less. Our lives, our cultures are not to be explained, or conceptualized in any other context than the ones we exist in. I search daily for that comfortable place beyond a covetous path, that honors each of our journeys. I have yet to find it, maybe together we will.
In solidarity,
MaMa Nia
found Wynter's reading more than enlightening and I am sure I will
read it numerous times, it was DuBois that illicited a moving response
from me. Being that I know the Professor Gumbs personally I have taken
the liberty of responding less "academically" and more like me.
Dear Mr. DuBois,
As I read through your writings a second time I am struck by physical awakenings. My eyes raise to Assata’s words hanging on my [wall] is just a wall...” Gentle croons from The sounds of Blackness, “Black Butterfly...Freedom comes with understanding who you are” kiss my ears, and a faint scent of coco mango reminds me of me.
This morning I wake, aware that the world you exist in pushes me to analyze, de and re-construct your words to argue for or against views written long ago, yet clenched firmly too today, and my body says not again. For I am, we are all enough.
How can my very breath be a problem, this space I occupy, be some mysterious cavern men need to explore, after donning precautionary gear, lest the rituals of my life threaten to supercede their own. I do not exist under a “veil” to be raised, function daily in some secret hide away. My existence is not a mystery. I am neither trying nor desiring to be the occupier of any space but that, which has been gifted to me.
I do not know your desires completely brother, but I know your love for the very people of whom you are “bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh.” For that reason I can’t help but wonder why you seek to expose me/us to forces choosing to render we, [if only to themselves] invisible. Why has denial taken command of your soul? You, my brother, know that we have always been, and will continue to be visible in a universe equipped to embrace us all. You know our lives to be real. Yet you place our spirits and songs on tables to be evaluated by those who have their own songs to sing. Consumption for a system, that drinks our blood to ensure its survival. You seem to feed us up willingly, by searching for home foreign territory. This cannot be your intent. We have a home.
I will admit that you are correct to point out the reality of a “double consciousness, a two-ness of american and negro,” but I can’t help but wonder why this stage was set, and why we feel compelled to enter it. Are we obliged to seek “freedom in [this] promise land” from those with whom we co-exist? This space cannot be rightfully possessed by any of us for we are, all of us, mere tenants of an order greater than even we. We each, make a choice to enter into contacted ownership of a humanity that must negate and invalidate to survive. I cannot sign up today. Rather I choose to mark, reject and discard this phenomenon, like an old sweater that has served no purpose at all, for we come from fertile ground and we are not cold.
I wonder Mr. DuBois, what this text would look like if you too had discarded this trend, if you had written as who you are, about you. Could you have written without thought to audience, spoken with your facts about what is, maybe written the Blues? How would you tell your story as the “tired climber searching for Canaan?” Would you still be “handicapped and racing with the world” if you were not measuring “men” against the “souls of Black folks?” In this place this measurement I am most intrigued by this men to non-men balance. Who I wonder, names the things that make up the basis of this comparison? Who possesses the right to decide against melanin? When exactly did we blindly accept the standard and, in turn, surrender our humanity?
As I near the conclusion of this dialog I must note that my assessment here is as much about me as you. I find myself wading in a pool of multiculturalism that seeks to uphold an us /them mentality. What I know is that we are all culture for we have each of us adapted to this existence in ways that make sense for us. Each manifestation looks different, sometimes mystical, but it is, in fact, an adaptation nothing more nothing less. Our lives, our cultures are not to be explained, or conceptualized in any other context than the ones we exist in. I search daily for that comfortable place beyond a covetous path, that honors each of our journeys. I have yet to find it, maybe together we will.
In solidarity,
MaMa Nia
To be a problem
Hey, haven't been here in a while!!!
So... I am taking this online course from the brilliant Professor Alexis Gumbs over at Duke University. The course is called "To be a Problem- Outcast Subjectivity in Black Literary Production." I will be using this blog to post my responses to our weekly readings. And who knows, I may be inspired to write something else.
Enjoy
Friday, January 19, 2007
A note of Thanks
Thank you all for participating in this incredible three day release of healing energy. The outpouring of love and support is evidence of the extrordinary beauty WE possess. I (Mama Nan a.ka. Nia) am hoping that you will continue releasing this powerful energy every morning with a moment of Asha, to the universal call for love and and healing and with intentional smiles, greetings and real listening... to yourselves and one another. It is our time, if we grasp it!!! As a continued promotion of this healing spirit, I am choosing to fruit, vegetable and herbal tea detox every Tuesdays (the least valued day in the capitalistic world), knowing that to win this battle we must become whole. Knowing that WE are neither silence nor sacrifice. WE are celebration. Asha
Please Join Me.
Please Join Me.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Reclaiming our spirits- Join us in a three day fast
This is a call to reclaim our spirit. To fight the way we know how. And to following the paths our ancestors set before us.
Join Black Women in Durham as we expel and heal from the hatred spewed upon our bodies. Collectively we can cleanse ourselves and our community of this venom.
We are calling for a 3 day fast (Tuesday, January 16th - Thursday January, 18th), along with meditation and prayer as we ignite a collective power of healing.
This is not meant to be a hardship so please fast in a way that feels right to you. Many of us will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water and detoxifying teas. Please do what feels right to you. We ill break this fast on Friday morning and continue to fast one day a week until...
Please distribute this email widely and post a comment to our blog
iambecauseweare.wordpress.com.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Join Black Women in Durham as we expel and heal from the hatred spewed upon our bodies. Collectively we can cleanse ourselves and our community of this venom.
We are calling for a 3 day fast (Tuesday, January 16th - Thursday January, 18th), along with meditation and prayer as we ignite a collective power of healing.
This is not meant to be a hardship so please fast in a way that feels right to you. Many of us will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water and detoxifying teas. Please do what feels right to you. We ill break this fast on Friday morning and continue to fast one day a week until...
Please distribute this email widely and post a comment to our blog
iambecauseweare.wordpress.com.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Friday, January 12, 2007
Silent Protest and Insallation
Because direct and immediate action is love, and revolution, and beauty, and resistance, and ....
Because art is action all over this globe
Because we are we are we are we are we are agentsloversalliessurvivorsstriversresisterssistersfightersradicalsfamily
Because nifong is not the glue that holds this case or this community together
Because we will not be silenced or confused in the face of white racist patriarchy and sexual violence...
beacause we need....
Movement now...
If you want to sit and meditate silently in front of the Court House Sunday meet us there!
Bring a flower, a poem, a candle, a stick of incense, a piece of art work and... let's collectively focus positive energy on healing our ourselves and our community.
This is not an overly choreographed event, just show up at the court house around 12 noon Sunday 1/14.
Because art is action all over this globe
Because we are we are we are we are we are agentsloversalliessurvivorsstriversresisterssistersfightersradicalsfamily
Because nifong is not the glue that holds this case or this community together
Because we will not be silenced or confused in the face of white racist patriarchy and sexual violence...
beacause we need....
Movement now...
If you want to sit and meditate silently in front of the Court House Sunday meet us there!
Bring a flower, a poem, a candle, a stick of incense, a piece of art work and... let's collectively focus positive energy on healing our ourselves and our community.
This is not an overly choreographed event, just show up at the court house around 12 noon Sunday 1/14.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Before you condemn her
The first time I heard the "N" word used by a white person was in my
high school lunchroom. A classmate whispered stupid "N" as a young
Black man walked by him. The whole table erupted in laughter as I, the
only Black person at the table, sat fearing that I would be next. One
of my girls at the table noticed my discomfort and said " Don't worry…
you're not a "N," you're one of us." Having somehow acquired some
higher value in their eyes, and safe from their contempt I sat in
silence.
As a Black Woman and a survivor in Durham, I am now reliving the fear and
confusion of that experience constantly. I feel a heaviness in my
chest as I breathe air thick with racism, classism and misogyny, and
dodge careless verbal assaults and contemptuous glares as I choose
along with other survivors, to step away from the "safety of silence,"
because, as the poet Audre Lorde once said "Your silence will not
protect you."
So before you condemn her think for a moment about the things not
being said in the media, things irrelevant to the D.A and defense team
that are urgent to Black woman survival.
Consider for a moment the violence placed upon our bodies long before
either dancer entered that house. Consider the violence of a group of
drunken White men specifically and deceitfully requesting us as
dancers. And consider the assaults on us as these men spewed threats
and racial slurs at them. Consider the violence of entire communities
venomously condemning, one woman as she seeks a justice entitled to
her under the laws of this country, and lastly consider what it must
feel like to be a Black survivor in Durham. No our silence will not
protect us, "So it is better to speak"(also Audre Lorde).
high school lunchroom. A classmate whispered stupid "N" as a young
Black man walked by him. The whole table erupted in laughter as I, the
only Black person at the table, sat fearing that I would be next. One
of my girls at the table noticed my discomfort and said " Don't worry…
you're not a "N," you're one of us." Having somehow acquired some
higher value in their eyes, and safe from their contempt I sat in
silence.
As a Black Woman and a survivor in Durham, I am now reliving the fear and
confusion of that experience constantly. I feel a heaviness in my
chest as I breathe air thick with racism, classism and misogyny, and
dodge careless verbal assaults and contemptuous glares as I choose
along with other survivors, to step away from the "safety of silence,"
because, as the poet Audre Lorde once said "Your silence will not
protect you."
So before you condemn her think for a moment about the things not
being said in the media, things irrelevant to the D.A and defense team
that are urgent to Black woman survival.
Consider for a moment the violence placed upon our bodies long before
either dancer entered that house. Consider the violence of a group of
drunken White men specifically and deceitfully requesting us as
dancers. And consider the assaults on us as these men spewed threats
and racial slurs at them. Consider the violence of entire communities
venomously condemning, one woman as she seeks a justice entitled to
her under the laws of this country, and lastly consider what it must
feel like to be a Black survivor in Durham. No our silence will not
protect us, "So it is better to speak"(also Audre Lorde).
Sunday, November 26, 2006
I'mma Heal ME
And you think you know ME… cause you saw a girl like ME… in a book by an anti-ME, who sniffed MY shit when he was in school.
Don’t get it twisted…
Anthropology don’t mean you know ME
My badd to the anthropology degree
And you think you can heal ME… cause you know the man who killed ME, riddled MY life with “what if “ hypothesis.
His DNA charging you with scrutiny, you performed your duties well…
Serving up invisibility… you smother ME in flowery blankets of muli-cultural
Selling pre-fabricated images in Ninth Street shops
Sowing hollow seed to deplete mal-nourished souls
You spread mad cow diseased shit over ME and kill fertile soil… tip-toeing between ME and MY self
You don’t know nuthin bout ME
And My SIRvival names your destiny
And when dawn breaks I am Sun kissed Sankofa
Snug hugged, sista loved
Head nestled in a napped neck bathed in hints of Peacefire oil.
I’m plotting revolution with six forks in a five dollar piece of sweet cream pie,
and meeting Audre through Lex
as Zach pumps Sweet Honey through my veins
I am strong now
I am fed
Nourished through poets writers and song
Booty windin Hips grindin to Lauryn cause
Hell yeah “ You just lost one”
And Aiden and ME…
We pick steel door dead bolt locks for Patty Sue
Cause we know
Freedom Looks like squirrels mating on rooftops,
and mama birds nesting in second story dryer ducts
Creating home despite your destruction.
Outside the big box, where Ubuntu grows.
I got ME
So if you think you know ME cause you saw a girl like ME in a book
Think again
Don’t get it twisted…
Anthropology don’t mean you know ME
My badd to the anthropology degree
And you think you can heal ME… cause you know the man who killed ME, riddled MY life with “what if “ hypothesis.
His DNA charging you with scrutiny, you performed your duties well…
Serving up invisibility… you smother ME in flowery blankets of muli-cultural
Selling pre-fabricated images in Ninth Street shops
Sowing hollow seed to deplete mal-nourished souls
You spread mad cow diseased shit over ME and kill fertile soil… tip-toeing between ME and MY self
You don’t know nuthin bout ME
And My SIRvival names your destiny
And when dawn breaks I am Sun kissed Sankofa
Snug hugged, sista loved
Head nestled in a napped neck bathed in hints of Peacefire oil.
I’m plotting revolution with six forks in a five dollar piece of sweet cream pie,
and meeting Audre through Lex
as Zach pumps Sweet Honey through my veins
I am strong now
I am fed
Nourished through poets writers and song
Booty windin Hips grindin to Lauryn cause
Hell yeah “ You just lost one”
And Aiden and ME…
We pick steel door dead bolt locks for Patty Sue
Cause we know
Freedom Looks like squirrels mating on rooftops,
and mama birds nesting in second story dryer ducts
Creating home despite your destruction.
Outside the big box, where Ubuntu grows.
I got ME
So if you think you know ME cause you saw a girl like ME in a book
Think again
Monday, November 13, 2006
And to be clear...
And to be clear…
I love… need… cherish… respect and honor
you
And without doubt…I have always wanted you
I mean
How else can WE exist
And to be clear…
Daddy
Brotha
Uncle
Son
And my Love…Oh my Love
There is no image without US… tied
No point of begin or end…
Black love Sweat dripped… glistening sweet
Melodic moans, rhythmic heartbeats mimicing djembe drums
This Here
This is WE
Floating space across time
As Angela croons in the background
“Tonight I gave in to the feeling…”
As WE love the way WE know
But to be clear…
This weight on my shoulders don’t make me strong
And marrow depletion shrinks me to osteoporosis… Bones crack from gentle wind
Clearly…
This story can’t be told through muted truth
When I turn to see it’s you blowing breeze to my nothing
Forcing me back to that place with no voice, no words, no space to love WE… again
And if HIStory is told without her
I will never be whole
So why you ain’t got my back
And if HIStory is told without her
Our daughters will continually be raped
So to be clear…
WE need you king
I mean
How else can WE heal but
Side by
Side by
Side by
Side …
I love… need… cherish… respect and honor
you
And without doubt…I have always wanted you
I mean
How else can WE exist
And to be clear…
Daddy
Brotha
Uncle
Son
And my Love…Oh my Love
There is no image without US… tied
No point of begin or end…
Black love Sweat dripped… glistening sweet
Melodic moans, rhythmic heartbeats mimicing djembe drums
This Here
This is WE
Floating space across time
As Angela croons in the background
“Tonight I gave in to the feeling…”
As WE love the way WE know
But to be clear…
This weight on my shoulders don’t make me strong
And marrow depletion shrinks me to osteoporosis… Bones crack from gentle wind
Clearly…
This story can’t be told through muted truth
When I turn to see it’s you blowing breeze to my nothing
Forcing me back to that place with no voice, no words, no space to love WE… again
And if HIStory is told without her
I will never be whole
So why you ain’t got my back
And if HIStory is told without her
Our daughters will continually be raped
So to be clear…
WE need you king
I mean
How else can WE heal but
Side by
Side by
Side by
Side …
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Our Babies have so much to say
When Tierra Speaks...
Black like the dark and lonely night.
Movement Heavy like heart beating keeping it tight.
Ferocious like a tiger. I take what’s mine.
Brown like golden sugar yeah it’s one of a kind.
Dancing like hip hop I’m nice and trendy
Compare myself to a porche so sweet and independent
Tease me like I’m just a wolf in the night
Like a drum you beatin me down caus I want to see my name in lights.
Brown skin and Beautiful That’s who I seem to be
Shivering, shake tryin to figure out where life might take me.
Walkin with pride cause I know I got heart.
L.A. Got dreams ain’t no tearing them apart.
When April Speaks...
Red like Blood dripping from a thug
I can sing like Whitney Houston but
I can’t rap like bobby
I’m beautiful like a butterfly
Hot wings is the best
I plan to be a lawyer because I can argue you down like a dog
I drive a Porche cause a Porche is for the Black and Beautiful
I like to hear a drum cause the beat drives me wild.
My eyes are brown like a pretty puppy
My hair is Black like the darkness in the woods
My skin is sexy chocolate like the Mrs. Goodbar
I fear a snake but it resembles my shape
I walk with the world on my shoulders
My people call me “Lil Bit” but I stand tall and brush the dirt off my shoulders
Black like the dark and lonely night.
Movement Heavy like heart beating keeping it tight.
Ferocious like a tiger. I take what’s mine.
Brown like golden sugar yeah it’s one of a kind.
Dancing like hip hop I’m nice and trendy
Compare myself to a porche so sweet and independent
Tease me like I’m just a wolf in the night
Like a drum you beatin me down caus I want to see my name in lights.
Brown skin and Beautiful That’s who I seem to be
Shivering, shake tryin to figure out where life might take me.
Walkin with pride cause I know I got heart.
L.A. Got dreams ain’t no tearing them apart.
When April Speaks...
Red like Blood dripping from a thug
I can sing like Whitney Houston but
I can’t rap like bobby
I’m beautiful like a butterfly
Hot wings is the best
I plan to be a lawyer because I can argue you down like a dog
I drive a Porche cause a Porche is for the Black and Beautiful
I like to hear a drum cause the beat drives me wild.
My eyes are brown like a pretty puppy
My hair is Black like the darkness in the woods
My skin is sexy chocolate like the Mrs. Goodbar
I fear a snake but it resembles my shape
I walk with the world on my shoulders
My people call me “Lil Bit” but I stand tall and brush the dirt off my shoulders
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Untitled as of yet
Weighted sacrifice
I am seducing you through fears and abandonment
Playing hidden under-sleeve card hands in a delicately mastered game
Queen of Hearts
fatal drippings of slow medieval bloodlettings,
We are dead long before the lacerations reveal
an absence of poison we were sure created unworthy
Lifeless our pain lines streets indisputably free the disease of contempt
We are forfeit
Bearing souls while holding familiar infliction
Clenching just enough
Enough self-induced disdain for the “unprincipled” opportunist
We are blurred by benefit
drunk with sour tasting submission.
I mean what else can you do… but pity me with love?
And the tiny voice whispers
Stop
Wait
Come
Dance between flames unconditional
Where hints of light show brown flickers in your eyes
In your eyes…
Where I see all of me
Us eternally twined balancing laughter to tear
Come
Here
WITH Me
Enter pathways laced in warm
Where sweet chocolate fudge melts in truth teller palates wet with anticipation…speaking forgiveness
And we play...
Fusing intricate our puzzles
and like childhood connect the dots, glide pencils easy along a page
1…2 to 3…4 to 5…
an exquisite butterfly breathing life into blank space
We are convolute
Shedding super-shero’s capes soaked red in oppressor blood
Healing through naked creation
We be FREE now
We be new
And the tiny voice whispers
Know
Me
Engage
We
In safe… In home
I am seducing you through fears and abandonment
Playing hidden under-sleeve card hands in a delicately mastered game
Queen of Hearts
fatal drippings of slow medieval bloodlettings,
We are dead long before the lacerations reveal
an absence of poison we were sure created unworthy
Lifeless our pain lines streets indisputably free the disease of contempt
We are forfeit
Bearing souls while holding familiar infliction
Clenching just enough
Enough self-induced disdain for the “unprincipled” opportunist
We are blurred by benefit
drunk with sour tasting submission.
I mean what else can you do… but pity me with love?
And the tiny voice whispers
Stop
Wait
Come
Dance between flames unconditional
Where hints of light show brown flickers in your eyes
In your eyes…
Where I see all of me
Us eternally twined balancing laughter to tear
Come
Here
WITH Me
Enter pathways laced in warm
Where sweet chocolate fudge melts in truth teller palates wet with anticipation…speaking forgiveness
And we play...
Fusing intricate our puzzles
and like childhood connect the dots, glide pencils easy along a page
1…2 to 3…4 to 5…
an exquisite butterfly breathing life into blank space
We are convolute
Shedding super-shero’s capes soaked red in oppressor blood
Healing through naked creation
We be FREE now
We be new
And the tiny voice whispers
Know
Me
Engage
We
In safe… In home
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
To Breathe You
“Thank you Talya for surviving
For as long as you could girl you kept on smiling
Thank you for opening your eyes when
I know that you were tired
Darling you inspire me…”
Visited me near Shackleford
Mamasita serenade whispered through saltwater sands
And florescent winged silence whisked along ocean Breeze
And I inhaled Orange Chakra… to breathe you
I inhaled Orange Chakra…to breathe you
through Unfed placenta’s crack belly wombs
Can you Name me who chose you
Which ancestor flowed
Cause “Failure to thrive” survives naysayer’s taunts... if you got a job to do
And a 3lb 3 oz fireball burns, if you try to smother her light.
And green Butterflies still sing you
And Josephine’s spirit celebrates you
And I inhale Orange Chakras to breathe you
As you breathe me through night…
Breathing “Hush now I am here”
Where haunting man-raped dreams reside
Breathing Hush now and you’ll hear Black butterfly song
And the radio danced you through clouds with Aunt Mauti
Past boundaries of meaningless death
Cause struggle names you life
And you survive in sweet dreams of forgiveness
And I inhale Orange Chacra to breathe you
And I inhale Orange Chakra to you
“MamaSita…MamaSita
You are number one
number one Talya…”
For as long as you could girl you kept on smiling
Thank you for opening your eyes when
I know that you were tired
Darling you inspire me…”
Visited me near Shackleford
Mamasita serenade whispered through saltwater sands
And florescent winged silence whisked along ocean Breeze
And I inhaled Orange Chakra… to breathe you
I inhaled Orange Chakra…to breathe you
through Unfed placenta’s crack belly wombs
Can you Name me who chose you
Which ancestor flowed
Cause “Failure to thrive” survives naysayer’s taunts... if you got a job to do
And a 3lb 3 oz fireball burns, if you try to smother her light.
And green Butterflies still sing you
And Josephine’s spirit celebrates you
And I inhale Orange Chakras to breathe you
As you breathe me through night…
Breathing “Hush now I am here”
Where haunting man-raped dreams reside
Breathing Hush now and you’ll hear Black butterfly song
And the radio danced you through clouds with Aunt Mauti
Past boundaries of meaningless death
Cause struggle names you life
And you survive in sweet dreams of forgiveness
And I inhale Orange Chacra to breathe you
And I inhale Orange Chakra to you
“MamaSita…MamaSita
You are number one
number one Talya…”
Monday, September 18, 2006
When Tal Tal speaks...
From Jobee,
Hush.
Let’s put no thought into it.
Forget what you know and what makes sense for a minute.
Just Hush.
Let the silence set in.
Quiet all the knowledge ‘cause too much fogs the vision.
Too many facts shatter the dreams and I need y’all to believe.
To Believe
In possibilities
And know that I am Here.
I am Here.
Flowing through the veins of the roses
So pure
Like the water
You can see me if you focus.
I am Here.
Bending the petals of the lotus
And you’d know this if you’re open
You can feel my breath through wind.
I’ve been given opportunity to use the elements
To Comfort and to Soothe
So, that is what I do.
I rain
So gently on the strength of your manes
I Rise in the morning and Rest in the shade.
I whisper through the grass.
It’s my favorite place to play.
I call to you a song in the sound of ocean waves.
My body lay
Embedded in the pillows of your hearts.
But
My spirit hasn’t got a set home.
I roam where I’m needed and
I need you to Believe this.
To see it’s not over
Just yet.
Hush now.
Rest.
I am stronger now than then.
So, don’t miss me in your pain.
I’d Never Want For You To Suffer.
Not to struggle.
NEVER WOULD I
So...
Don’t be so quick to mumble sorrow.
You mute my purpose with your cries.
Dry eyes
In the paradise I’ve left
Of memories.
Wet eyes
From the laughter in joy you receive from me.
Thank You
For singing, For praying,
For laying out a bed of soft thoughts.
I Love You
All
So don’t build a wall between us
Don’t send me too far from love
And don’t place me in some place you’ve never seen or heard of
Instead
Create a space for me in the playgrounds of your minds
So I can swing High up
For my feet to touch the trees!
Alright?
Hush now.
Put all your thoughts aside.
I need you to believe that I can and I DO
FLY!!
Hush.
Let’s put no thought into it.
Forget what you know and what makes sense for a minute.
Just Hush.
Let the silence set in.
Quiet all the knowledge ‘cause too much fogs the vision.
Too many facts shatter the dreams and I need y’all to believe.
To Believe
In possibilities
And know that I am Here.
I am Here.
Flowing through the veins of the roses
So pure
Like the water
You can see me if you focus.
I am Here.
Bending the petals of the lotus
And you’d know this if you’re open
You can feel my breath through wind.
I’ve been given opportunity to use the elements
To Comfort and to Soothe
So, that is what I do.
I rain
So gently on the strength of your manes
I Rise in the morning and Rest in the shade.
I whisper through the grass.
It’s my favorite place to play.
I call to you a song in the sound of ocean waves.
My body lay
Embedded in the pillows of your hearts.
But
My spirit hasn’t got a set home.
I roam where I’m needed and
I need you to Believe this.
To see it’s not over
Just yet.
Hush now.
Rest.
I am stronger now than then.
So, don’t miss me in your pain.
I’d Never Want For You To Suffer.
Not to struggle.
NEVER WOULD I
So...
Don’t be so quick to mumble sorrow.
You mute my purpose with your cries.
Dry eyes
In the paradise I’ve left
Of memories.
Wet eyes
From the laughter in joy you receive from me.
Thank You
For singing, For praying,
For laying out a bed of soft thoughts.
I Love You
All
So don’t build a wall between us
Don’t send me too far from love
And don’t place me in some place you’ve never seen or heard of
Instead
Create a space for me in the playgrounds of your minds
So I can swing High up
For my feet to touch the trees!
Alright?
Hush now.
Put all your thoughts aside.
I need you to believe that I can and I DO
FLY!!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Discovering Phoenix
Silhouette’s reveal...
You are first God's cherished glimpse
Bringing dime store Cracker Jack box
sweet treasured prize
and every day penny laughs wrapped in Bazooka Joe
Untainted... plain perfect exposed
Visioning was to will be
You are first God's cherished glimpse
Bringing dime store Cracker Jack box
sweet treasured prize
and every day penny laughs wrapped in Bazooka Joe
Untainted... plain perfect exposed
Visioning was to will be
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
NO! On sale now
Tell everyone!!!
NO! a profoundly brilliant film by Aishah Simmons on rape in the Black community
officially goes on sale at California Newsreel today!
Click here for info on buying the film!
http://www.newsreel.org/nav/title.asp?tc=CN0187
Please forward this to educators, activists and everyone you know for
two obvious reasons that i'll restate here
1. this film makes a revolutionary impact and is NEEDED in every community
2. Aishah deserves to be fully supported in continuing to do the brave
healing warrior work that she/we be doing
Every institution that you are affiliated with should own a copy of this film!!!!
NO! a profoundly brilliant film by Aishah Simmons on rape in the Black community
officially goes on sale at California Newsreel today!
Click here for info on buying the film!
http://www.newsreel.org/nav/title.asp?tc=CN0187
Please forward this to educators, activists and everyone you know for
two obvious reasons that i'll restate here
1. this film makes a revolutionary impact and is NEEDED in every community
2. Aishah deserves to be fully supported in continuing to do the brave
healing warrior work that she/we be doing
Every institution that you are affiliated with should own a copy of this film!!!!
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