40th Anniversary of the Assassination of Fred Hampton

December 4th marked the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Fred Hampton. Since first seeing him through the Eyes on the Prize series 25 plus years ago, I've been fascinated by thoughts of what if.

What if this young man's life wasn't cut short? How would his vision have manifested itself? How would his leadership have matured? Where would he lead an organization like the Black Panther Party? What would he be doing today?

After all, possibility for him was lost that day 40 years ago when the police entered his home, while he slept, and opened fire. What did he do that was so bad, that they disliked him enough to take his life?

"Power to white people, Power to yellow people, Power to red people, Power to brown people, Power to black people, All power to all people. Power to the people!". He said that. He imagined a world where all people had power! Revolutionary for a world that felt threatened by the power of a vision articulated by a 19 year old black man. I guess that made him dangerous. He was on the verge of doing something in Chicago no one had ever done before or since - unify young black men under a purpose fueled by being proud to be black. Gang members would direct their energy toward the empowerment of the community instead of their energy being misdirected toward a purpose that would continue to exploit them and the community. Wow! If not for the interference of government forces, he was close.

Fred Hampton's name is not just symbolic of the potential of so many black men but also the need for us to take notice of young black men so we don't have another example of possibility lost.

But alas, Fred Hampton continues to serve as a reminder for what is the potential in all of us. If you have a vision, you can live forever as your vision manifests itself in the world as a living legacy for all to see. Today, and every day, Fred Hampton is one of my heros. He is what I see in every young black man I work with.

At his funeral, no surprise that young people in attendance, seemingly spontaneously, started shouting, "I am Fred Hampton!". They saw what I saw, he lives in everyone that has a vision for themselves, black communities and the World.

"I am Fred Hampton!"
www.seeingblack.com (Dec 8th, 2009 blog entry)

"I am the source of my vision" IBS 2009 Declaration
www.3dreads.com
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Be MORE! - 3i Summit (Leadership Ottawa)

Life is just a minute—only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon you—can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it—didn’t choose it.

But it’s up to you to use it.

You must suffer if you lose it.

Give an account if you abuse it.

Just a tiny, little minute,

But eternity is in it!

I’ve started every speech with these words for the past five years to remind myself of the importance of every moment. A lesson I’ve come to embrace along the journey to discover ME. Along the journey I have experienced inner turmoil, crippling disappointment, sadness, and dispair but I’m not here today to talk about those things.

I once thought that those things were my lot in life. Lucky, that road has lead me to overstand some thing about myself – I am truly blessed for having ALL of those experiences because it keeps me present to the “flip side” of that life. Using the words of Canadian Hip Hop artist, Sokrates, I’m in love with ME and I’ve never felt so free (Hip Hop artist Sokrates)

My story can be summed up by the lines spoken by Preach to Mr. Mason in the 1975 classic film Cooley High. You see Mr. Mason saw potential in his apathetic student Preach and in a moment of frustration asked him; “What are you going to do with your life?” Preach looked back at Mr. Mason and confidently replied, “I want to live forever!”

As soon as I heard the words for the first time, I knew that’s what I wanted. But how? Glynn Thurman’s character Preach seemed to have so many more talents than I did. But there was something about his declaration that was attractive to me. I knew if I could just tap into some thing hidden deep inside me, I too could find it.

How can I be more?

My earliest memory of my life is a story about my grandfather meeting me for the first time when I was two years old. It’s said that he looked at me and declared that I had ‘the call’: an expression in Caribbean culture that means I possessed some special ability to see things (at least that the definition for today’s speech).

I entered my adolescence feeling that MY “special” was my athletic talent.

By my mid twenties I figured I was a complete failure, as I had seemingly little to no evidence that my athletic talent had done anything. Although I had gone further than most, I wasn’t able at the time to see the success. I couldn’t see the SPECIAL and when I did, I thought special meant someone would need to hold a telethon for me.

My twenties would represent my greatest period of confusion. I hid from myself, walked around angry with the world for putting me on what looked like a forever road of disappointment caused by my own poor choices and circumstances that seemed extremely unfair.

After all, didn’t the universe know that I was special? I contemplated suicide twice during that time. Depressed and ready to let go of life itself I discovered something. It wasn’t clear and I certainly never thought anyone would be move by it. I discovered my ability to create laughter. Surely not the gift I was looking for so I never considered at the time that, it could free me from the conversation I was clinging to so tenaciously. But it did act as my refuge. It was my way of hiding my sadness. I became very sad so I also was extra funny. Perfect partners. I wanted more but I didn’t know how.

Laughter would occur even in my darkest moments. I never would have thought, at the time, that anyone would be really be interested in what I had to say. I’m just a little black girl from 1465 Beaverpond Drive in Gloucester Ontario. Nothing to notice about that! As a student at the University of Ottawa, I became infamous for ‘yucking’ it up in the Agora between classes. ‘Cuttin up’ between classes landed me the gig that landed the gig that landed me on the steps of CHUO radio in 1992 or maybe it was 1993. I still wasn’t putting credit where credit was due. The foundation for my life was being set.

Some people are fortunate enough to be able to pin point specific moments of change in their lives, the precise moment where they were changed forever. I can do that too. After some health challenges, I surrendered to some basic overstandings. If I wanted more, I had to do more. I could make no one else responsible for it. That caused me to get more comfortable. The more comfortable I became with myself, the more I allowed myself to dream, about MORE!

A Dream! Before when I allowed myself to Dream, it scared me so much I thought most of the time I was in a nightmare. It was different this time. People were relying on me. People held expectations for me as my visibility grew. The community depended on me. My dream though seemed to have no direction to it but at least I was dreaming. I was acting out of the deep responsibility I felt for Ottawa’s black communities but it was draining. I was reacting to things without a plan and what started out as “my duty” quickly started to feel like “my burden”. In 2002, I sat in a room for 4 days with black people from all over the world who had journeyed to Toronto for the International Black Summit. Throughout the weekend, I was being asked to identify my vision. When I began to look for it, I still didn’t see it. The things I did seemed so random, with no real connection. What was the connection! OMG – laughter! It’s always been there. My foundation has always been to empower myself through laughter. Wow! Just like what Mother Teresa expressed in her diary, it is just that simple. The thing that I once considered childish and immature allowed me to answer a Call to nurture the Youth in ME. As an educator, laughter is my greatest weapon against apathy. After all, if there were a support group for it or a 12-step program, I surely would be leading it. I have come nearly full circle. The thing about full circles though is when you come back around, what joins up to the other side of the line will not look like it did when you started drawing that line. I now can stand in front of an audience and own who I am. I am a student of my life. Every day I get to exercise a different kind of muscle. A muscle that tracks all of the ways my vision manifests itself in the world. I can live for ever as a result. The special I have is ME! I am the source of my vision and I want to be more!

Honest intention + sharing your vision + engaging the right people = Successful momentum

So… together we can Be more

Be more passionate to do.

Be more empowered to act.

Be more inspired to see.

Be more willing to transform.

Be more committed to support.

Be more open to accept.

Be more free to give.

Be more ready to receive.

Be more resourceful to achieve.

Be the stand to Be More...

Today somewhere in the world, the day began with a sunrise like this…today is a great day to start.

I am Adrienne Coddett

Founder and Opportunities Broker for 3Dreads and a Baldhead

Proud student of my teacher Aliai Lual

Leadership Ottawa – as long as I owe you, you’ll never be broke!--

www.3isummit.com

I'm being held hostage

So today has just been one of those days. Just when I thought I couldn't laugh today because my frustration level with people is at an all time high. Upon arriving home from work I decided to take a walk up to the grocery to get some dinner. On my way back I noticed there were two adults standing on the sidewalk ahead and they weren't moving. As I approached them, I discovered why they weren't moving. Trapped and then held hostage by two love bird skunks. Now they have us all standing here like dummies too scared to move. We can't go around and going back isn't in the direction I need to go in so we have to wait here until they finish making love or doing whatever they are doing before we can move. They have kidnapped us. Expect a phone call for the ransom because these two aren't playing. Every time you make a move to go around, they look like they are going to spray. So, we have been standing here now for 15 minutes just waiting. I have struck up a great friendship with the two other hostages. Made the day complete and ending it is a good chuckle. Actually, it's beyond funny.

"Man down situation. Holla" - Frankie and Neffe Show

A

"I am the source of my vision" IBS 2009 Declaration
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On Track

Well, I was met with more foolishness, another opportunity to be confronted about the way things have been done in the past. Part of me wants to tell all of them to kiss my ass. I'm sure that will not get the intended result - I won't be happy and the school will not suffer as a result of what is missing. I see is as one of the challenges when advocating for marginalized groups. We're already invisible so quitting out of frustration tells the structures you are challenging that they are effective in doing what they do - keep certain groups outside. Even though it takes more effort, the answer to marginalization is to meet the system from an angle it hasn't planned for. The system says, "resources are limited". Response is to make something happen even out of what seems like nothing.
Inaction meet Action
Apathy meet Engagement
Upset meet Love and caring

I have great purpose for and in my life. To believe that means that at each stage, I get to exercise muscle around how my vision manifests itself in the world. It may not change my feelings about choosing to be responsible for that but I will not be deterred. I continue to seek the support and guidance necessary to clear myself so I may be able to vision my way through these and other challenges. It's all OPPORTUNITY to be what I say I am, the source of my vision - Empowerment Through Laughter.
"I am the source of my vision" IBS 2009 Declaration
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The Summit by Jacqueline Lawrence of 3Dreads and a Baldhead

The Summit

The highest point,

The highest place I meet myself.

Spirit calls me, leads me, guides me

To climb my Everest, my Kilimanjaro.

Each day begins with an invitation to get to my peak.

I hoist my 100 lb knapsack of past hurts and pains,worries and regrets upon my back.

I stumble. 

I get stuck. 

I cannot breath - my conditioning too poor.

Each laboured step calls me

To clear, to notice, to declare, to leave behind,

To complete on triggers that no longer serve me

To release endless excuses - no time, no money, no energy

To create, to generate and to live this life -fully.

I start the climb to the Summit with many-
I am the only one who can make it to my peak.

I am scared.

I am present to this sacred journey.

I open myself to meet my deepest self the higher I climb

I listen to the you that was me,

I listen to the you that is me
I listen to the you and me that will be

I listen to you and us differently now
I listen
I speak to my present differently too
I speak in a language of possibilities
I speak in a language of creation
I speak in a language of expansion
I speakto be wholeto be complete
to release
to let go
to be    
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
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I AM NOT MY Uterus!

"THEY CUT ME OPEN and SUNSHINE CAME OUT"

Three weeks ago I was in the hospital to have a hysterectomy at 41, 10 months, and 55 days old . Seems rather drastic but essential for me to ensure a quality of life I have not been experiencing for almost two years.

I remember the day I went to see Dr Singh, my third specialist (http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/obstetricsgynecology/General_OB/eng/SinghBio.html). Walking to his office I was determined to take a stance that I think many woman in my position take; "There is no way I'm letting him take my uterus. That's what they like to do to black woman. It amounts to sterilization. There is no way. I'm dying with all the parts I came into this world with. I don't care what he tells me". This was what I was rehearsing to say when I talked to the doctor.

Once I got in his office, he mapped out my particular situation very clearly: 41, no partner, "frankenstein uterus" with an equivalent size of almost 20 weeks pregnant and growing, anemia and an iron level that wasn't even registering on the blood test, energy level zero. Once those facts were in front of me, my decision was only whether he would do the surgery or if I would get it done by the original specialist I was sent to. I chose Dr Singh not just because he was honest with me but also because he proposed doing the procedure using laparoscopy, the only doctor in the city who uses that technique. It meant that although I would have no choice about reducing my activities to nearly nothing, it wouldn't need to be for as long as if I would have needed to be off if I had done the traditional procedure. The most important thing for me to do therefore was to prepare mentally for the obvious, no chance of having my own children.

A good friend counseled me and I followed her advise for several weeks. I spent a lot of time writing down every single thing I feared about the surgery. I kept a pad near me for weeks that I used to jot down things as they came to me. I amassed a list with about 40+ things on it. When I knew I was complete with the list, I burned it in the fireplace. You wouldn't believe how freeing that exercise was. I really felt good about the decision after completing it and I knew that everything was going to be fine.

What it also allowed me to see was all of the children I already had. Just so I could be reminded of that, my daughter Aliai mapped it out in a heartfelt email just how many there were out there who are my children. I've always known it in my head but after that email, I felt it in my heart and spirit. That allowed for the next space to be created which was to release and let go of an expectation so that I could see what was available in the space I was in.

I have always had a special affinity for children. I remember when my sister was born. I was four years old and I just knew I could help her learn things. It was my first teaching gig. Angela knew how to do things like tie a lace, count, write etc younger than anyone else. My favourite toy was a chalkboard that sat for years in my room where I would teach her how to write her name. She was really my first student. As an adult it took me years to stop running from what was truly my calling and who would benefit from that passion (ME).

The day before the surgery I enjoyed a very chill day. Of course it had the usual crazy as I didn't understand what "bowel prep" meant. Let's just say it's a good thing I didn't follow through with the plan to eat that big ass meal I was planning. I took my last sip of water at 11:57 pm just short of the midnight cut off for food and drink.

Angela, my mom, and Deborah came with me to hospital prepared with books, music etc to sit for a long haul. In the end, all they had to do was drop me off. The Surgical Day Unit processed me quickly that before I knew it I was naked under the "I can see your ass" gown they give you at every hospital. The nurse came in soon after I was assigned a bed to help put on my sexy Spanx (pressure tights for circulation) and give me some meds. I promptly fell asleep assuming she had given me something to relax (Not. My ass just has dropsy). Next was the "knock you out" doctor. I was scheduled for a noon surgery but didn't get into the OR until nearly 2pm. A very nice nurse kept me preoccupied as I was poked and prodded. Just as I was about to go sleepy time, Dr Singh tapped me and we shared a moment that made everyone in the OR laugh. He told me to have a good sleep and I told him to do good work.

Well I need to add this experience to the list of "missing hours" in my life. The next thing I remember was my mouth feeling like cotton wool and the nurse gently trying to wake me up. I immediately asked her if I still had on my sexy Spanx. She laughed so hard and asked my mother if I was always this crazy. Of course my mother told her yes. I was determined to be a good patient and follow every order so that I could be released by 7am the next morning when Angela arrived to pick me up. She then told me I had a "trail-a-load" of visitors waiting to see me. No one else had as many as me. They had to come in two at a time and it was like a parade.

During the evening and between meds, the pain was crazy even for me. I drank so much water because I was so thirsty. I listened to my music all night so I could sooth away the pain and I wouldn't have to hear the snoring of my neighbour or myself. I ate digestive tea crackers like they were crack. I literally felt like I had done 400,000 sit ups. When Angela got there at 7am, right on time, I was dressed and waiting. I had had my "golden" pee pee, eaten some toast with cheese and had a cup of coffee. I was ready to make an escape.

Once home, my only job then and now was to get better. The house was busy and I am so thankful for the care that my family and friends gave me. Lots of visitors with worried faces but trying not to show me their concerns. For some, it was the first time they had ever seen me looking and being out for the count. All of that was permission to chill and let others do for me. Everyone had the same concern which was that I would be challenged by having to stay still. I guess they all forgot that is what I do all summer every summer for the past ten years as an educator. Also, my secret is that as long as there are movies to watch and books to read, I am happy right there in my house.

I couldn't climb stairs, sit up without severe pain or go to the bathroom without assistance or take care of my basic hygiene needs.

I became very clear how loved I am (not that I didn't know that before). All my children either came or called. My friends were always around and my friends who couldn't be here were keeping in touch by email and phone. The number of them kept my mother hopping up and down the stairs answering the door or running down the hall to get the phone. She lost weight that first week for sure.

Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes, prayers, prayer circles, flowers, visits, emails, phone calls and cheerful reminders for me to take it easy and do everything I can to get well. I am truly blessed.

It is in the silence between the moments when/where transformation takes place. My body transformed three weeks ago and my spirit was fulfilled.

At 41, I am not my uterus and it would be a sin to dwell there. I am mother to many and best of all, I can have new children any time and I don't have to wait nine months. They range in age from just over 1 year old and the oldest is just under 35. They are boys and girls. Some have their own families now. They always come home, they always check to make sure I am well. Just like my good friend Michelle, I too will adopt soon. Love can not be confined by the space in your uterus and I have lots to share.

What have I learned? I am love and loved! I am Sunshine!

Thank you to all. Thank you to my mom, Yvonne. You are the best.

This is sent with love from me to you!

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"

Reflections of...

In 2004, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to travel with my two best friends to Africa.  We went to Accra and Elmina Ghana.  We were there for the annual event of the International Black Summit and then we spent at least two weeks touring the homeland of our foremothers and forefathers.  One of the most eye opening experiences we had was a tour of  Cape Coast "Castle". Original built by the Dutch, Cape Coast Slave Castle taught me that the worst part of slavery was not the Middle Passage as I had previously believed.  In fact, I had heard from other people who visited that Castle that they had heard voices and experienced a physical reaction to the spirits of our ancestors who remain trapped there.  Let's just say, that I was not looking forward to the tour.  Cape Coast Castle is now run and operated by the Smithsonian network of Museums.  It is far from being a castle to those who were trapped in unspeakable conditions inside its belly. The part of the tour that I will never forget occurred when we stood at the "Door of No Return".  This was said to be the door slaves past through on their way to an awaiting ship in order to be taken to the Americas, never to return to their beloved homeland.  The sadness of that moment was transformed by the view from the door and the very clear fact that I was standing there.  Someone had sacrificed and done unspeakable things in order to survive so I could be there in that moment.  When the door was opened, it revealed the most beautiful view of the ocean, the colourful business of the fishing village, and the beautiful faces of the people.  How could such a great picture hold some much pain and tragedy?  The tour guide then told us the story of the return of the remains of former slaves found in New York City.  Now, the outside of the door reads: "The Door of Return" in honour of those ancestors who were returned to the castle and buried with honour in its courtyard .Fast forward to a cold day in January.  All of a nation's hopes and dreams are wrapped up into this one moment.  A whole World's hopes and dreams actually.  The man selected after the most incredible grassroots effort ever witnessed steps to a doorway into glory.  When Barack Hussein Obama stepped to the doorway, I actually saw it in that moment.  He was at the "Door of Return" .  As we looked at him standing there, that's what we were seeing. A return to glory.  A return to excellent pursuits.  A return to sexy, cool, and smart.  A return the path that we have strayed from as black communities.  The return to an age where we can no longer sit idly by while others make decisions for "our" destiny.  A return to Action!  I couldn't help but to be moved.  Tears ran down my face because in all of it I knew this never had anything to do with Barack Obama and every thing to do with me.  I am the change I have been waiting for.  I no longer have an excuse for my inaction.  I no longer can wait for someone to do it for me.  I must do "IT" because if I want more, I gotta do more.  I WANT MORE!

"Life is just a minute only sixty seconds in it,forced upon you, can't refuse it. Didn't seek it, didn't choose it, but it's up to you to use it. You must suffer if you lose it, give an account if you abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but all eternity is in it"

Dr Benjamin Elias Mays - former President of Morehouse College and spiritual advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
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Reflections -- Nora

It is DAY 4! January 20, 2009

WOW...like I don't even know where to start! I feel as if I have to be very strategic with the words I pick through out all these entries, considering there are not many word to describe how I'm feeling.

Okay our day started quite early. We slept at NANA'S house and after a long night of forage through the infamous Uncle TONY'S paraphernalia! lol, I just learned that word, it pretty much means a whole lot of ! Ha!Ha! LOVE IT...But yea as I was saying, this morning was actually one of the better days with the weather and it is the DAY OF THE INAUGURATION. Our original plan was to march with the students of Howard University, but after a long night we woke up too late. But you know how everyone says everything happens for a reason.

Well good thing we woke up late because we would not have had the amazing experience of watching the INAUGURATION from the Crampton Theatre at the university with many students and parents. We met some very nice people, that were very welcoming, such as Victoria and Dr. Carr. The energy in the room was astounding. I felt at hoe. The feeling of being in the same room as hundreds of people that are there for the same reason as you is incredible. As CNN live addressed the inauguration, it was on a BIGGG! Screen TV. for us.

The energy in the room started to build up as we saw the most recent president come out. Then FINALLY, the one we were waiting for. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!! Mao to explain how the room felt and the energy, is beyond words. It started off extremely loud. Just IMAGINE!!! Soon after everyone was quiet, I guess they were trying to take it all in that it was actually happening. If someone was to walk in at that moment, they would truly feel the energy instantly.

THE TIME FINALLY CAME. As soon as he stepped on those stairs and came down to deliver his speech, WOW! Watching the MILLIONS of people all there and the people in our cozy auditorium, I felt as if we were all one and nothing in the world could break this sense of unity.

As OBAMA was delivering his speech, chills went running up and down my back. TEARS of JOY, SUCCESS and HOPE ran down the eyes of the elderly and the young. Although my time in WASHINGTON DC was UNFATHOMABLE, I would have to say this moment was the most precious and the hardest to describe!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy to be here right now and I wouldn't trade it for the world. With a new year comes GREATNESS!!

Reflections -- Shanning

So unfortunately, on the way to the states my body completely crashed down so i wasn't able to express my feelings towards the trip which i'm so estatic for. This is day 2, also known as Martin Luther King Day! We woke up early today knowing that we'd be staying over at nana's house for the next day,but not much has been revealed to us besides that. So forget what i thought i expected from this trip, i soaked up pure breathing taking information about a world i didn't know existed.

Getting a tour of the Howard University campus from Ms. Codett brought alot of my interest,it was a quick awareness that greatness can be acheived in the black commmunity. At some point during the tour, i was starting to understand my reason for being in the presence of this enviroment. The path that i'm currently on wasn't my full potential and, mentally and physically changing certain things would get me to my objective.

That was just the beginning though, the following day we got the chance to attend a symposium, which in one word was-refreshing! Hearing those women (not only the black women) speak and articulate themselves on certain topics such as gender issues surronding us in the present which havent been fully dealt with us socially. It completely clicked with the inaugural event surrounding us for those days.

Enough said, i fully comphrehend the purpose of my being there for those days with those group of people, i can truely say it had an immense impact on my life, inspiration to say the least.And honestly i want to completley show my gratitude for giving me the chance to experience a one in a life-time trip. I've soaked up so much on this trip that it completely had me thinking of my way back on the bus. Oh and the successful people thay also were on the buswith us gave its final touch. I thank you miss!

Oath of Office!

The introduction begins. Quartet strums, violin sings, the cello sounds leads us into a magical grip. The clarinet takes over and the piano sells the deal as the piece moves with diversity - we all dance together. The stage is set as all smile not onl for themselves but shows that they know what they are contribuing to in this moment.

The crowd goes NUTS as the Ode to the President plays in the backgreound with cannon fire. People flash the Obama gear like they have just joined a new gang, sorority, fraternity, community, vision, way of being that is essential for all of us to stand up to this new accountability and responsibility! We have all drunk the Kool Aid!
"Barack Hussein Obama
"My fellow citizens...".

Hope over fear.

Proclaim the end to petty differences.

The time has come to set aside childish things.

All are equal.

All are free.

All deserve a chance to preserve their happiness.

Starting today we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off to create a new America.

Extend opportunity to every willing heart.
Necessary to our common good!

Friend of each nation.

We are willing to lead once more.

Keepers of this legacy

Our spirt is stronger and can not be broken. We will outlast you.

Our patchwork heritage is our strength.

Mutual interest and mutual respect.

You will be judged by what you build not wha tyou destroy.

Extend a hand as long as you unclench your fist.

Meaning in something greater then themselves

A spirit that must inhabit us all.

Return to truths and a new era of responsibility.

Nothing so satisfying to our spirit.

Mark this day. Who we are and how far we have come.

With hope and virtue let's brave the icy currents.

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
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Wow!

We sit in stifling anticipation. My heart is racing so fast I can hardly type. It feels like glorious torture. The moment creeping closer. "Sometimes you wake up expecting something wonderful to happen. Most of the time it doesn't. But, when it does, it happens for real". Today it's happening for real.

He appears in the doorstep, as thouggh he is at the Door of Return at Cape Coast Slave Dungeon and just like that, the space is transformed! Oh my goodness! He's coming down the stairs. Cool as ice. Not phased. Taking his seat in history representing all of us. ALL OF US!
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
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Obama Mania

It is absolutely crazy out here but the joy of the moment is moving beyond words. Everyone is packed in like sardines but the mood is one of joy, excitement. People are chanting and singing, smiling like crazy while they stand in -10 waiting for the moment they witness history. All of hopes and wishes, dreams and aspirations are rolled into this one experience. Everyone feels like they have a small piece of responsibility for the success of that man who proclaimed that we are the change we are waiting for. It's only just beginning to hit me and I'm holding back tears. More to come!

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
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www.refresheverything.com - Refresh Hip Hop

Refresh Hip Hop NOTES

Panelists: Diddy, MC Lyte, Shaka Zulu, Londell McMillan, Ludacris, Queen Latifah
"We are the change we have been waiting for!"

When did you first fall in love with hip hop?

-How do you take the bone out? You leave it in! DJ Hollywood
- politics is the new Hip Hop

What made you want to be part of the Hip Hop culture?
- it was more than just music and it was a community
- Hip Hop's conscience was deep and it allowed the experiences of a generation to be heard
- cultural continuation of an African culture (slave narratives to street narratives)
- empower and advocate for the culture
- Hip Hop as empowerment because of how it touches young people
- the creative aspects are natural
- Hip Hop = urban news agency
- expression, to tell a story, change people's perception, uniqueness
- "Speak the Words" - Dana Owens
- this is s great way to make a living

Difference between a Rapper and an MC and the difference between Hip Hop and Rap music?
- a rapper raps
- an MC is an artist, understands what they are doing in Hip Hop, opinion leaders, claiming the responsibilty, speaks to one's character
- rapping is the action, MC (Mike Controllor, Move the Crowd)
- rapping is one of the elements
- cycles within Hip Hop and gets redefined through time
- rap is a genre of music
- Hip Hop is a life style, a culture
- evolution of it is the entrepeneurial side
- Hip Hop is business
- global, attitude, fearless (use of creativity as its anchor to the pursuit of freedom)
- black music, black culture spead around the world as our most rescent form of music
- started as music and has become so much more
- bridging people together
- it's a Black Thang!

Has the commercial nature done harm?
- this can't be contained because there are multiple ways to do the thing
- if you're telling the truth, you can't ever sellout
- there has to be a diversity in the Hip Hop so that as it grows it reflects the realities
- can't lose sight on our value system but there is not one value system for everybody

Crazy success of Southern Hip Hop
- part of the cycle
- the South is diverse and embrasses the diversity
- wherever the dances are created, Hip Hop is thriving
- instinctive
- feels good, it's fresh

- the strength and genius comes from your experiences

How has Hip Hop treated woman?
- how does the world treat woman? How does the rest of the world treat african people?
- What is missing is the woman's voice
- we are the hoe in the club but we are also the first lady and there needs to be diversity representing the fullest picture

Is the drug dealer still the paradigm of success (especially after Jan 20th 2009)
- he never was or wasn't fully
- people are attracted to things that never was or are not real
- there must be a moral campus
- BO and AO (before Obama, After Obama)

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

"Refresh Gender" by Shanning and Salma

January 19 2009

The first segment of the ' Refresh The World Symposium' that just took place is called Refresh Gender. If I were to summerize the heated, yet still very respectful debate in one word, it would be refreshing!
The topics that the nine intelligent and opinionated women discussed and debated on were a wide variety of things. They spoke about women's roles in the world, equality between genders, and breaking the glass ceilling. What struck me the most was when the women on the panel compared the comments Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin received from the media to the ones male polticians received. One of the women said that when either of the female poltician were mentioned in the media; their hair, what designer clothes they were wearing and even their calves were also mentioned. Yet the comments the male politicians received from the media were along the lines of intelligent, experienced and articulate. That made me think, 'seriously?'
The whole coversation and debate was very enlightening and often times humorous, I trully enjoyed the experience.

-Salma S.

On my part, I found that they completely unraveled certain topics that we've been discussing with each other on the political election. Issues like the ones talked about all over the media, Sarah Palin and her pregnant teenage daughter and her political approach versus that of Barack Obama. As well as going into the whole democratic rivalry between a white woman campaigning against black male. It was great to soak in all the opinions of great outspoken women

- Shanning E.

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

www.refresheverything.com - Refresh the Economy

Refresh the Economy notes:
"We need to act now. We need act transformationally in a big way. "

"There is no good debt and you drank the Kool aid. Obama is not the second coming and we can not continue to live beyond our means." Michelle Singletary

After asking taxpayers for $750 billion, "You have lost the right to lecture me about the economy." - Dr. William Spriggs

"Credit is like oxygen. You don't know you need it until you don't have it" - Warren Buffet

"We privatize the upside and socialize the downside" - Maya MacGuineas

- the issues of healthcare are an economic crisis
- corporate welfare is a great conversation but social welfare (individual) does not get the same focus
-current corporate structure promotes that losses are public and profits are private
- renting does not mean that you are a financial failure
- owning a house is something that is right at the right time
-unemployment should be a national system instead of a state run system

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

Recovering!

I got up this morning very early considering I am sufferring the effects of Socarama for Obama which got me home in the wee hours of the morning. Killed a plate of spinach rice and hit the sack at about five. Can't sleep through history though so I sprung out of the bed, got dress, and walked across the street for the Refresh the World Symposium sponsored by Pepsi and Spike Lee. Oh my goodness, Steven Spielberg just got out of a Mercedes Benz and is being brought in steps ahead of me. Inside of Crampton auditorium on Howard University campus the vibe is mellow and we are ready to hear the good word.
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

Only in DC

Today's adventure started with the girls making their way to my house. After showing a collection of Barack paraphernalia that is sitting in my living room we hit the streets to show them Howard university campus. Right away it became evident that the spirit of moment is everywhere. While on campus we met Charles, a Howard sophomore Communication's major on the Howard swim team. He gave an orientation of all of the reasons why Howard campus is a historic and important place to go to school. As well, how that connects to the history of this moment. You can't plan that kind of spontaneity. The blessings didn't end there. While sitting in China Wonder eating carry out two amazing things happened. First, a Howard professor came in and gave us a lesson, 7 reasons why Obama's Inauguration is important to Canadians. It was a lecture. Second, two ladies waiting to pick their carry out asked where we were from. When we said, Canada, one exclaimed, "Oh, can I take a picture of y'all?" Next thin we know her husband went into his car trunk and pulled out a full sized cut out of Obama for us to take our picture. Where else does that happen?

"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

We have arrived!

Well, we have arrived. The city is a buzz. On the radio there are ads for nothing but events and parties for Obama: Reggae for Obama, Mambo for Obama, 'Socarama for Obama', We Shall Overcome for Obama, Yes We Can dance, just to name a few. The American economy will be sparked by Obama events only. There are trinkets, keep sakes, t-shirts, posters, pins, buttons, footwear, track suits etc everywhere as people gear up for Tuesday. .Yes they will! Who ain't got a hustle, will be helping some who got a hustle. Fired up and more than ready to go now. Making the plan of action to take in as much as possible in the short time that we are here. Formulating the plan for exact execution. The plan. There is none. Taking it all in for the glory of the historic moment and hope that I can remember everything that's happening.
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

Anticipation

As we approach the city, the anticipation of the trip is building. All of the planning to bring us to this moment. Wow! I can't say that I have felt more excited than in this moment. The girls, although a little sleepy, have already been experiencing the joys of riding the bus. The community has embarassed them as children of the community and they have easily slipped into family mood taking each girl under their wing. Our theme song for the drive has been Chris Brown's Forever as we rock the last hour down the hwy. We are just outside of Baltimore. Great jokes. Great laughs. Great company. We lost the bus and are now looking to catch them at Wheaton Plaza, the first drop off spot for passengers not staying at the hotel.
"Doing Our Spiritual Jobs Towards Our Destiny"
Sent with love from a Crackberry Device

Open Letter to Obama from Toni Morrison

Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.

May I describe to you my thoughts?

I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."

In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.

When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?

Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.

Good luck to you and to us.

Toni Morrison

Open Letter to Obama from Alice Walker

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear.

And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate.
One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people’s enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander-in-chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, “hate the sin, but love the sinner.”

There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people’s spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to “work with the enemy” internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless care-taking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,

Alice Walker