One Of My Favourite Tupac Speeches to Remind Us…We Have To Stop Looking Away!

This is one of my favourite Tupac speeches… Sadly, all he says still holds true…

And if not for Tupac’s words, lyrics and interviews, I would have been dead or in jail before I was 14, and that is REAL… He became a sort of mentor for me via his words in whatever form they came.

All children, more and more, as we are losing more and more, or traumatizing more and more children. Kids today need families; communities; we need unity and we need to think about what Tupac says… Instead of ending the video and moving on to something else, despite hearing some of the hellish obstacles ahead, too many people turn it off and push it to the back of their minds….

Makaveli Trained; RGB 4 life… peoples army….

Disrupting the Miseducation of African American Youth

“Teach them about their marvelous history and watch what happens… Teach them and tell them, I tell them, your people have done wonderful things and that you too can do wonderful things. The moment they realize that their people have done something is the moment they realize that they can do something.”

This is a powerful, strong talk on the a tragic truth that can change the future. . . That can change and help the mental health of the children… Everyone needs to see this video. It’s amazing how obvious so much of what he says is yet, the lack of how often this happens is heart breaking.

Be part of the change. This is not “by chance” that these children can barely read, let alone want to learn… We need Black pride; we need a revolution even in the educational system…

We can all change the world, if we all try. The level of deprivation of knowledge, the lack of funding given to predominately Black communities school. This isn’t equality. It’s time to change; it’s time to make Black children proud of where they come from, just as they should be, and children of all color should be learning this as well because learning lies is brainwashing and heartbreaking.

We can all do something. What are you doing?

A Brief Apology Before Carrying Onwards

Before I begin with my next post, I feel I need to explain and apologize, for I have failed-if no one else- I have failed myself. I do fear I have also let down others as well due to my lack of consistent posts. I understand that I am nothing ‘special’ but nevertheless, I want to create a page of knowledge that is consistent and dependable. Therefore, from here on out I’ve decided to make this page a top priority in my life. The knowledge I want it continuously overflow with, the resources, the awareness…all of it matters. I truly, truly hope that the research I have already, and that to come, will help or inform even one soul; for that one soul may be the one in a position to use it…

I can only hope it will get into the hands of far more than one as we truly have a lot of unspoken traumas, injustices and more occurring far too often. I surely am not doing all that I desire, but I hope to at least offer some form of assistance to issues ignored tragically by mainstream society. With a little bit of luck and hard work, maybe somehow the knowledge shared may even help to raise further awareness; even, again, if it is only that one person.. (though I hope it will be more, of course 🙂

With that said, previous projects are coming up and I want to organize this site; I am seriously considering also starting a podcast, for there is so much information that people need to know it is a bit much to cram into even the longest of reads.

So once again, for what it means to anyone who may be reading this… last month was very chaotic and harsh, but I’m back on solid ground now, which is going to see massive changes in positive, consistent ways.

I feel guilty for losing a month, or being a month behind; thus I felt this apology was due. The future I have decided will be held as a part of life I am going to dedicate myself to with all of my heart, and hope to reach others out there…

Thank you for reading; sorry, I’m sure this was the most boring post most of you have ever read lol. ❤ New changes on the way, as well as knowledge of all sorts… A change is starting, and it will be as such from now until…..until it is no longer needed 🙂

This Can Save Lives And It’s One Simple Thing ALL Of Us CAN Do…

As I worked today one of the most heartbreaking pieces I’ve done in awhile, which says something given the type of sick, hate filled work I work to end. But children are innocent and helpless… Furthermore, I am not stupid; I, as do you, know why this isn’t state, national or international news.
(This first part of the series will be discussing in depth Black children & suicide, and looking into possible solutions. It is one of many in a series of videos and essays to come- this shall be posted on this page in approximately 24-48 hours)

So as I was looking around her video popped up. It is short, and it could save a loved ones life- I beg you to watch it; I understand now that therapy needs to be more Black orientated…but this is a simple, basic technique to use on a loved person, and being human, having a soul and wanting to reach out are all natural, knowing no limitations.

 

Let me repeat that; this extremely easy approach is important for your loved one to have; again, it crosses all lines society has created; from gender, political, sexuality, nationality, financial, skin color or tone, age, disabilities.

Why does it cross this line? Because we are all of the same… I struggle with a severe mental illness(es) due to childhood traumas. Had I had someone when I was younger to listen to me and not judge, I may would have healed. I don’t know, and I am thankful for all I’ve been through.

Why? Without my battles, scars, hospital visits and such, what right would I have to speak out?

I know we all need different things, but one thing I believe most would agree which is so comforting to haven life is a non-judgmental person who does not interject with their personal feelings, opinions, views or something randomly off topic to make the person feel unheard. Mental health can get to a point of it being absolutely, utterly debilitating. 

And as I read more on the project I have in works, at all the suicides… it is so clear to me, more than ever, we have to find a way to not only educate children on how to react if you feel said way but we also need parenting classes for children who struggle. There are many other solutions, I believe and I am hopeful. 

Having someone to listen, without bias, without judgment and not only listen but empathize with the person; that may seem so basic and normal but it isn’t. And it is scary, but it also is life saving…

With the number of suicides all across America high, and those in the Black community as well, most worryingly amongst the ages 5-12… we need to take action fast, create community centers and other means of support… More on that soon, please do watch the following short video though, and if you don’t cry I am surprised 🙂 It’s short, and she discusses why it is important to just have someone there to …simply listen, nothing more nothing less.

Obama Speaks on Being a Real Man-Mental Health & Pride In Self

As I continue to work on my current project regarding racism and mental health, among Black men in particular, this, I believe, is a great piece. I agree with what he had to say as it is true…

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Former President Barack Obama spoke Tuesday about how to “be a man” and the need to combat stereotypes of masculinity that “trap” young men, specifically young men of color.

“All of us have to recognize that being a man is first and foremost being a good human. That means being responsible, working hard, being kind, respectful, compassionate,” Obama said at a conference for his My Brother’s Keeper initiative in Oakland.

“The notion that somehow defining yourself as a man is dependent on, are you able to put somebody else down… able to dominate… that is an old view,” the former president added.

In conversation with NBA star Steph Curry, Obama spoke about the need to create spaces “where young men of color, and young men generally, don’t feel as if to be respected they have to act a certain way.”

“If you’re confident about your strength, you don’t need to show me by putting somebody else down,” Obama said. “Show me by lifting somebody else up.”

“I’ve just been mentored right there,” Curry responded.

At the start of his panel, Obama had introduced himself as “Michelle’s husband” and the Golden State Warriors player as “Ayesha’s husband.”

The men sat on a stage surrounded by two dozen young men of color. In the front rows of the amphitheater near Lake Merritt in Oakland, dozens more young adults, mostly boys and men of color, faced them, having traveled from places like Los Angeles; Yonkers, New York; and Nashville to be there.

The two-day gathering in Oakland was meant to mark five years since Obama started the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The former president has described the group’s mission as “working to break down barriers that too often leave boys and young men of color at a disadvantage.”

At Tuesday’s event, Obama also spoke about how racism plays a role in perpetuating toxic masculinity.

“Racism historically in this society sends a message that you are ‘less than,’” Obama said. “We feel we have to compensate by exaggerating stereotypical ways men are supposed to act. And that’s a trap.”

He added that much of the “violence and pain” communities suffer comes from men seeking respect, including through gun violence. “And that is a self-defeating model for being a man.”

Obama noted how cultural influences, like music, specifically hip-hop and rap, are often built around “talking about how I have more money than you, I can disrespect you.”

“Ironically, that shows the vulnerability you feel,” Obama said. “If you were very confident about your sexuality, you don’t have to have eight women around you twerking… you seem stressed that you gotta be acting that way.”

“I got one woman who I’m very happy with,” he added, as the audience erupted in applause.

Curry, in turn, spoke about the need for men to be “open about their feelings” and have space where they can do that. He said the locker room with his teammates allows him that.

To read the rest, please click here for the original post.

Introduction # 2 , Hmm…

I’m going to call this my second introduction post 🙂 When I first began this blog, I was going to post results I found as I studied the development of the fetus and infant brain in relationship to society and other… But since then, my book has expanded in so many ways, thus so has my research.

I plan on being a lot more active now that I have a place I can go and share my findings, ‘vent’ my thoughts and frustrations and maybe even get some feed back 🙂

Currently, I am working on a project that has proven so big I am going to have to break it down into chunks, otherwise I’ll be posting a true novel on here… Either that or I’ll be away researching so much I’ll be forgotten. So again:

Yes I am going to be writing about the same things before, and a lot more often. However, now I am expanding how different situations are impacting people, such as racism, mental health and so forth in adults, and what we can do for both children and adults alike.

I also will more likely than not be writing reviews here on books and documentaries from time to time, so be prepared for that 🙂

Thank you to all of you who have stayed with me; I am about to make this blog what I should have made it from the start!

Dare 2 Struggle- Short Vent Session

I write this early on the first of December as I am at a loss. I have not lost hope in the fight against racism, police brutality or other atrocities, but there are moments when I step back and examine all the work I’m doing and what all we are up against…. It all hits me as hard as a wave made of concrete; literally, it takes my breath away.

Thoughts that make no sense and that are not true start to wander in…

Wondering why share things; no one is listening and if they are they don’t care… Why do any of this work, why make videos, why write, why painstakingly do all of this if no one cares… But I am always reminded people do care, and there is a reason.

As I sat here in an anguished mindset, desperately trying to figure out what is the best method(s) to use in approach to sharing this vast information of corruption- exceptionally evil corruption- I have and what it means to do so, a blessing came to me.

I believe in synchronicity; that is, more or less there are no coincidences and everything happens for a reason. I am in the process of moving and in the past I have worked with and done a lot of volunteer work for one of my most positive mentors; a revolutionist and friend, Dr. Mutulu Shakur. This was laying out on a desk in front of me but suddenly became the only focal point in the room.

One of these projects was working on a music album in memory of the man I deem my father, Tupac Shakur… I even have my name in the booklet, I am honored to say… The CD is a tribute to Tupac, and it is called “Dare to Struggle”…

That made me stop.

Think,…..

Now you think on that concept…

Dare to struggle . . . 

If fighting against evil, cruelty and oppressors in this world were easy we’d have a wonderful place to live for everyone would be involved… It is so hard and extremely enraging at times not because there is no hope, not because the war has been lost, not because we can’t win a battle; instead, it is this very reason, because it is hard doing what we do especially 24-7-365, it is a struggle some days to remember it all matters, that the struggle is for something good and until that good comes, that change comes; I could never, ever rest knowing I did nothing about it.

Currently some people in my life seem to think my work is selfish of me because it takes away from them… But to that I can’t help but feel dumbfounded. How can they not see the fragility; the horrific, tragedy being played, still in the same key, by Amerikkka? How can they see and know yet still go on about their lives as though it doesn’t matter? And if it doesn’t matter to them, who are they to try and guilt or bring down those of us who stand and fight?

I am not sure of my point in this post other than to say… No matter what it is you teach, what it is you fight for or against, whenever you feel tired, whenever you feel like you aren’t being heard or whatever the case may be… Remember you are daring to struggle… And in doing so, while yes it complicates life, it only does so because a wrong is being committed and clashing with the truth you and I bring forth.

Dare to struggle. And dare to struggle I have for the cause since 14, and dare to struggle I shall until we get some changes made. A lot, of changes made.

Keep doing what you do. Each voice matters, far more than we probably realize. All of this may seem trivial to you, or so obvious it shouldn’t have been written. That’s fair enough; but sometimes we all need reminders. I sure as hell did.