Browsing through the photos of Haiti weeks later, I clinch my teeth at captions reading "looters," underneath photos of those searching for any means to survive. Bodies have been crushed by brick and mortar, burned by suspicious fires and piled high in makeshift graveyards. Yet, in all of the sadness for the many lives lost and disrupted by the quake of January 12, overzealous security guards still have the mind to protect things of no value.

Appliances, electronics, furnishings: all have trade value in Haiti's desperate climate. Some call it burglary, saying they could excuse the "looting" if people were solely looking for food. But many of those passing judgment have never had to consider the choice between starvation and finding a way, by any means necessary, to feed their family. Many of these people can only sit upon their plush sofas and shake their heads at the disenfranchised citizens of Haiti, thinking how these people "have nothing better to do than steal." They have never been in a position where the scraps from a dishwasher are as precious as rice, water and bread. They assume that "looting" is a selfish act carried out by opportunistic people who feed off the remnants of disaster. Wake up and jump off of that high horse of yours. There are methods behind the madness... inconceivable to people of privilege.

Haiti is virtually out of clean water, power and the scarcity of food looms overhead like vultures. The only things our brothers and sisters can count on is help, hope and faith. They don't need pity or ridicule. I feel sorry for those who cast stones when they see dozens of cuffed brothers, face down, being dehumanized by men who have decided to pick up where nature left off.

The pictures are clear, Haiti is in a mode of survival. This is not a time for politicos, morality police or legal eagles. This is purely a time for understanding, love and humanity.

Ran into this post while browsing FreshBump, one of my absolute favorite creative blogs. I frequent FreshBump for visual inspiration, so I found the artistic element of these quotes pretty dope. Love the one above, mainly because it's true.

After eight days trapped in rubble, a beaming Kiki (7) emerged to the excitement of a rescue team. His sister, Sabrina (10) was also pulled from their fallen home. This picture speaks to the hopes & faith of many.

“They pulled him out and he immediately threw his arms out and smiled. He did it all on his own. And one of the rescuers then followed suit,” McDermott told Times.

“When it happened, we had to get back and look at the camera,” he said. “It was an incredible moment. You start losing hope after eight days.”

As an artist, I understand that there's a higher calling for me to use the talent I've been blessed with for something bigger than myself. I've done this in various ways, whether it's using my gift to dole out free press releases to nonprofit organizations or writing poetry that speaks to issues that affect the people. However, with the recent events in Haiti, I've been reviewing my deeds and I realize that I can do more. I will do more.

I am pledging all of my 2010 earning from [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core to Unicef and Yele Haiti.

It's simple, Lulu deposits my "royalties" and each dollar and dime will be transferred to one of these two amazing organizations. My poetry being read and appreciated has always been more than enough payment. Fortunately, I'm in a position where I can do a small bit of good.

We were all flowing down Auburn Ave. on a current of positive energy. A blend of beautiful browns, tans and peach shades covered the streets to honor Dr. King. We marched in peace not only to preserve his memory, but to bring awareness to that fact that the dream still lives, and unfortunately, has not been fully realized.

I decided to march in the King parade with FTP yesterday b/c their movement reflects my own beliefs. Free the People. Fight the Power. Feed the People. Free the Prisoners. Etc. We exerted our energy for Jamil Al-Amin, Mutulu Shakur, Mumia Abu Jamal, Sekou Odinga, Kamau Sadiki, Veronza Bowers, Move 9 and Sundiata Acolim, among other political prisoners who are mere pawns in the game the system plays to keep US in line.

The view ahead is incredible, but there's still work to do. I was inspired in so many ways. Some of my favorite shots are here. If you missed the march, please enjoy the clip. Footage by Goldi Gold.

When I think of all of the lovely and inspiring music that I discovered in 2009, I want to create my own shorthand abbreviations. OMG would never suffice. Something more like, TSIS (This Shit Is Solid), will do. As a frequent music blog browser, I've happened across so many promising artists who have somehow managed to stay out of my radar until this year. I could probably name dozens, but I'll drop ten names who may be essential to your playlist. If you haven't heard of them, Google is your friend. If you have, you're ahead of the music curve, my musically savvy friend.

1. Mateo
2. Jason Mraz
3. The Cool Kids
4. Fashawn
5. Noisettes
6. Jarell Perry
7. Kissey Asplund
8. Lykke Li
9. Little Dragon
10. Passion Pit

One of my biggest offenses as a writer in '09 (and before), was over-researching journals and over-thinking writing projects. I created unnecessary stress by constantly considering what I should write to fit the criteria and expectations of editors. I spent more time brainstorming topics, planning execution and reading publications than I did writing. Deplorable. In spite of all the time I spent defining myself as an artist, I approached my art as a science and undervalued my spirit of creativity. Art is not science. Art is the expression of artists' observation and imagination.

From here, I'm dedicated to writing on the subjects that move me and penning pieces that I deem relevant and worthy. I'm staying prayerful that following my heart will attract the suiters who find monetary value in my work. But writing for the purpose of selling myself has only left spaces that could have been filled with my art. No more writing for the wrong purpose.

Now, by no means am I claiming that '09 was a non-productive year. I've written a significant number of poems for my second collection, got knee-deep into the revision of my first novel, and started the second. From the standpoint of marketing and promotions, I've also made leeway by going somewhat hard. However, I've gotta go harder.

It's been a good year of growth, realizations and creative frustration. No regrets. But it's time to correct my mistakes and create room for new ones.

"Someday At Christmas"

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmas time

Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment my heart ran away
From our world today

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmas time

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Take hope because your love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmas time
Someday at Christmas time

This past weekend, I flew out to Baltimore, MD for a snowy weekend with the Executive Director of the United Sisters Mentoring Program, Grace Kolawole Wiggins. Grace has been a dedicated client since the top of the year. I've been blessed to be called upon to write press releases for exciting events, such as the USMP HIV Call-Out and Fuel for the Arts. Unfortunately, with miles and states between us, I was unable to support these events in the physical. However, I got a chance to chop it up with Grace regarding the future of USMP during my visit. As someone who's professional life is supported by a strong web presence, the vision of USMP as an E-Mentoring program has an allure that other organizations don't. By basing the program online, the organization strives to keep in tune with the ever-evolving use of technology. Dope.

While in B-More, I had a chance to visit Mund Park, the spot where Fuel for the Arts was held (in partnership with an art collective, Steady Baltimore). During the event, Steady Baltimore crew did live graffiti. An element from the cause will always stand on Greenmount Ave. We took a few shots at the park, surrounded by the historic row homes of the city and stark white sastrugi.

As one of the faces of USMP, I enjoyed a photoshoot directed by Grace and executed by a talented artist, Stefan Ways. I'm sure we got some great shots to be used for the site and other materials that I can't disclose. I'm looking forward to seeing a few flicks and sharing soon.

My last day of Baltimore was one with a touristy agenda. With the snow cleared and a great guide in my new pal Adrian of Steady Baltimore, I headed to Fells Point. We had a nutritional lunch at a vegetarian spot, Liquid Earth and copped some nice albums at a hole-the-wall vinyl shop, Own Guru Records. The area was doted with plenty of unique and eclectic shops for every taste.

I'm so glad to have finally made it to B-More meet Grace face-to-face and build upon the foundation that we started to cement in January '09. As a freelancer, it's difficult to come across faithful clients who value your work. I'm grateful to have found that dynamic in Grace and United Sisters Mentoring Program. As Grace bounced ideas off of me over the weekend, I've come to admire the passion in this woman's work. It's going to be exciting to see the USMP mission unfold.

Muchos besos, Baltimore!

What a beautiful day it had to be for the parents of the Crouch quadruplets when they all received the news that they've been accepted to Yale University. Unfortunately, academic discrimination still exists. Still, we have shockingly low numbers of men of color graduating from 4-year universities. So when a family of beautiful, brown-skinned youth make it into one of the most prestigious schools in the country, it's news to celebrate.

Cheers to the Crouch family. I speak for a community when I say that I'm proud of you!