Tell Your Own Story!

I'm re-posting my response to a post on one of my favorite blogs, Michelle Obama Watch.

"Sometimes (and I would say more often times than not) you just need to TELL YOUR OWN STORY. That is the thing I find most encouraging about the world wide web and this 'people-powered-media' movement. It shifts the power of the pen from the hands of a few, to the hands of many. And while I can appreciate comments from folks like Kathy, I am sorry to say that she is in the minority when it comes to telling the real story about the two-and-two Americas - one America on paper, one America in real life; one America for the haves, and one America for the have-nots. It is incumbent upon us all to tell our own story, from our own point of view, with authority and assurance, and without regard for the opinions of those who would (and will) negate our lived-experiences. These folks have been coming to conclusions about us, without us, since the dawn of coming to conclusions. And they will continue to do so. But we can and should share our own conclusions – at the very least there will be something out there to contradict and correct HIStory, and at the most, our stories will change history for the future. TELL YOUR OWN STORY - to your daughters and sons, to your near ones and far ones, and to friends and foes alike. Tell your own story and make them hear you. MAKE THEM HEAR YOU!"

Happy President's Day!

Keep up the good work Mr. President!

There's No Superman - Only You and I

Last month I received an email about the Schott Foundation's report, a detailed 50-state analysis of Black males and the US public school system. I won't go into all the details, thought one point does stand out for note: schools across this country fail over 50% of Black males - but if you are like me, raising a young Black male in America - then you know this stat all too well already.

I strongly encourage any and everyone who cares about young people, about the education system, about the future of this country, to read this report. And then go advocate, advocate, advocate. We can't wait for Superman - he (much like Santa Clause) does not exist. All we have is you and I - but then, that's really all we need. Peace.

The photo is Porter Library - normally the scene of learning and exploration. Last month it was more like a scene from the movie Higher Learning. I am sad, but not surprised, to note that yet another young black male (Mr. Reginald Latson) was profiled as a possible criminal, and as a result, is now dealing with life-altering events courtesy of the justice (just-us?) system. Read here for more information. As I noted on one of my Facebook status updates, the details in the case are conflicting, but what seems clear are the facts that Mr. Latson was NOT armed with ANY weapon, and he is in an AUTISTIC individual who should not be held in a jail/prison general population due to his mental condition. My opinion at this point is that the individual who phoned in this tip, "there is a suspicious black male walking around and he could be carrying a gun" should be held accountable. This call resulted in eight area schools being put on lock-down, a police 'manhunt', and an innocent individual's life being turned upside down. WHEN will people stop assuming that all young Black men are suspicious??? For the love of peace, can we please turn off the stereotypes!!!

I will track this story till its conclusion, and find a way, some way, to help.

Peace, Najmah.