I recently interviewed with Live Unchained, a blogozine dedicated to highlighting the artistic, professional and community efforts of women across the African diaspora. They hit me with some interesting questions. I wanted to share a few of my favorites. To read the entire interview, visit Live Unchained Blogozine.
In addition to poems, Write to the Core has writing prompts for self-reflection that makes it feel like a life-changing personal reflection class. Why did you choose that approach?
I wanted to include the reader by adding the prompts so they could interact with the poetry. Critical thinking is a must in this age of mass media. I don’t want people walking away from my work trying to dissect my words; I want them to connect with them.
Many prompts concerned personal development, but some also addressed politics. Like prompt #9: “Classism is a big problem in American society. How do you feel about the separation of classes? Do we have a system set up that works to keep the privileged rich as the underprivileged get poorer?” How would you answer them for yourself?
I don’t believe in politics, I believe in people. Most political positions are about as useless as office managers. If you remove these people from power, I would hope that people would be able to govern themselves. Essentially, I ask these questions to challenge people to think about whether the system is working for or against us. What people do with the thoughts is up to them, but I hope for all of us to become more proactive.
Still, I don’t believe, I know the system is designed that way. In knowing that, I encourage people to become more self-reliant, support independent business, embrace the idea of cooperative economics and stop falling into the traps of consumerism. I don’t think I have an artistic responsibility to highlight or speak on these things–it’s my responsibility as a citizen. More of us should be having these conversations.
If you could make love to any artist from history who would it be?
I’ve played these sessions over and again in my head so it’s hard to choose just one. I have a slutty imagination.
I have a Jean-Michel Basquiat fantasy. He seemed to have a muted sexual energy that probably translates into a great deal of passion. I also have a Tupac fantasy. He was both rugged and sensitive. That contrast is attractive. Then there’s Bob Marley and the beautiful Marvin Gaye.
What does Living Unchained mean to you?
Living Unchained means living without constraints and making your own rules. It means defining success for yourself and refusing to bend to the expectations of others. It means not conforming to commercial ideals and honoring traditions in a way that suits the lifestyle you desire.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Sweeping Oppression Under the Rug.
Due to an earlier conversation that I entertained with a neighbor, I had a short Twitter rant. The conversation was about individual agency, collective agency and whether or not movements can make a difference. His position was a firm no. He argued that because people hold so little power, systems of oppression will continue to exist. Even my references to the Civil Rights Movement didn't seem to inspire him.I explained that complacency certainly doesn't change anything, and by not taking a stance, he is indeed affirming his contentment with the exploitation and oppression of others. Inaction is a political position. People who sweep issues under the rug by going about their lives as if all things are peachy, really, really bug me (to keep it PG).
After some thought, I realized that my neighbor's negativity spawned from a sense of powerlessness, a characteristic of many people who are a part of oppressed groups. For some reason, people believe that they have to be a larger-than-life figure to make a difference, forgetting the stories of all of the individuals who came together for a righteous cause. We can't all be Malcolm X, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Peter Singer, Che Guevara, Fred Hampton or Huey Newton. However, we can all make small adjustments to our lifestyles to be sure we aren't monetary advocates of injustice. Money is power and being aware of what you're supporting should be a law of activism.
Aside from being conscious of where your money goes, there are plenty of ways to change the world: Be a mentor. Volunteer. Vote. Educate others about oppression through the arts (fine art, poetry, song, Hip Hop) and inspire change. Boycott businesses with exploitative practices. It's fairly easy to use your energy for good. Rise up! [against racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, speciesism, etc.]
I'll leave you with a thought by Martin Niemöller:
When the Nazis came for the Communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a Communist.
When they locked up the Social Democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a Social Democrat.
When they came for the Trade Unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Trade Unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
Open Letter to LAD of Detroit
Hello:
I am writing on behalf of justice, hoping that you all provide the Law Group at Legal Aid and Defender (LAD) in Detroit a fair contract and the opportunity to maintain a union without the threat of intimidation. It’s unfortunate that these lawyers have been working tirelessly on behalf of the people in Detroit -- those who cannot afford representation -- yet they are being railroaded by LAD management.
While the management has granted themselves wage increases of more than 8.5%, they continue to deny negotiating new contracts with staff attorneys who selflessly provide legal representation to low-income clients. It’s quite disheartening that a firm dedicated to helping disadvantaged people would treat their employees so unfairly.
LAD’s mismanagement of taxpayer dollars is yet another display of Detroit city’s shame. I urge Legal Aid and Defender to recognize staff attorneys as a union, put an end to mistreatment of union members, and grant a reasonable contract and wage increase for staff attorneys.
I hope that this letter is well-received.
Thank you,
Ain Drew
Detroiter
I am writing on behalf of justice, hoping that you all provide the Law Group at Legal Aid and Defender (LAD) in Detroit a fair contract and the opportunity to maintain a union without the threat of intimidation. It’s unfortunate that these lawyers have been working tirelessly on behalf of the people in Detroit -- those who cannot afford representation -- yet they are being railroaded by LAD management.
While the management has granted themselves wage increases of more than 8.5%, they continue to deny negotiating new contracts with staff attorneys who selflessly provide legal representation to low-income clients. It’s quite disheartening that a firm dedicated to helping disadvantaged people would treat their employees so unfairly.
LAD’s mismanagement of taxpayer dollars is yet another display of Detroit city’s shame. I urge Legal Aid and Defender to recognize staff attorneys as a union, put an end to mistreatment of union members, and grant a reasonable contract and wage increase for staff attorneys.
I hope that this letter is well-received.
Thank you,
Ain Drew
Detroiter
Thumbs Up for War.
In Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and Thailand, thumbs up is traditionally an obscene gesture, equivalent to the use of the middle finger in the Western world. So far, about $800 billion of US taxpayers' funds have been spent or approved for spending through mid-2009. There have been 4,325 US soldiers killed, and 31,430 seriously wounded (as of July 8th, 2009). 82% of Iraqis are "strongly opposed to presence of coalition troops. For more stats about this senseless war, go here.Thumbs up.
Global Action Day for Troy Davis (5.19.09)
From Amnesty International:Troy Davis, a man who may well be innocent, has a 30-day stay of execution that is about to expire. No court has yet held a hearing on the new evidence of tainted testimony, yet they are willing to end his life. On May 19th, every person can help make a difference by participating in any activity, event or creative action that calls attention to the injustice of his case.
For those of you in Atlanta and around the Metro, the info for the Atlanta Rally is as follows:
Join Amnesty International USA and NAACP for a rally in Atlanta for Troy Davis.
When: May 19, 2009; 6-8 pm
City: Atlanta
Location: State Capitol Steps
206 WASHINGTON ST SW
Organizers: Amnesty International USA and NAACP
Contact: Laura Moye, 404-876-5661 ex, emailto:troy@aiusa.org
Read more about the case of Troy Davis here.
ATL, Swing Over to the City of Ink.
Today the City of Ink will be kicking off their two-year anniversary with a socially conscious art show, "Enough Iz Enough: Artists United Against Police Brutality." My poem "Puck the Folice" will be hanging on the gallery walls tonight and the next 30 days. Please come out to support this very important message and check out some 30 artists who've artistically expressed their disapproval with past and current acts of police abuse. See you there! (Pics coming soon, hopefully)
ATTN: Mitt Romney, from a Fed-Up Artist.
I'm not a writer but I had to say something about this madness. I was cursing aloud when my daughter asked me what was wrong and reminded me that I should not use language like this. I apologized to her and calmly went and sat down to write this note to you adults. If you don't like profane language, stop reading now. So what had happened was...I went on CNN to catch up on the daily news and I came across an article written by Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, board member of an Winter Olympic committee, and former Presidential Candidate. Now, before I start talking about Gov. Romney, I have to explain how I went into a rage. I had just read an article about Obama telling Senate to cut the crap and get this bill passed already. We're in dire straits. (I'm paraphrasing but let me grab the quote.) Obama says, "Don't come to the table with the same tired arguments and worn ideas that helped to create this crisis." Right on Mr. President.
Now, everyday the news gets worse and worse and I keep seeing news conferences with law makers gathered in Washington hallways and steps to state their case. The Dems say they need to get this bill passed, the clock is tickin'. The Republicans say they want program funding thrown out because they don't create jobs. Some things I can see their point, but for the most part, these are limited funding regiments when you look at the majority of the bill. Typical political stances by both parties.
Then I go read this article by Mitt Romney... I fucking lose it. This guy comes with the same old argument of permanent tax cuts and spending the money on military supplies in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq, which no doubt will go to the same type of companies that got us in the ginormous debt we are currently suffering from. We've had major tax cuts for wealthy buttheads like good ol' Mitt and it has brought us nothing but misery. Oh and who was for deregulation... Mr. Romney no doubt. See what that got us on Wall Street? People like Mitt Romney don't get it because they are no where close to the tragedy that so many Americans are facing or are close to facing. This is this asshole’s philosophy: Give rich people tax cuts so they can hire more peasants. Cut the spending so we won't go deeper into debt, but if you do spend money, spend it on the motherfuckers that blew a majority of the money in the first place. Oh, and any of the programs that could actually help your broke ass, cut those because we can't afford to because we should spend that money on corporations and banks that can hire people and give loans. Only they're not hiring people and they're not giving loans. They're buying other banks and businesses. I want to punch this dude in the face. (Not to mention, how are you for war and not one of your five healthy sons are involved in it?)
Look, this tired old way of thinking is going to be the end of us. So if I had a vote, I vote that cut the crap, strip it of anything that isn't urgent right now and pass the damn bill already. Mitt Romney, please shut the fuck up. If the gargantuan spending that was the Iraq War hasn't tanked us, then spending money on the people of the US won't either. As a matter of fact, your conservative crowd is big on investing. Now it's time to invest in the American people. So fuck your Halliburtons who conveniently relocated their asses to Dubai so they could avoid whatever hellfire that is coming their way after the smoke clears in Iraq, or whoever would benefit from your military spending that you want in this Bill. Jackasses like Mitt Romney don't get it because he's never had to wake up and wonder how he's going to get money to pay for anything. Neither did Bush and that's how they govern. Fiscal my ass. Pass the bloody bill already and Mitt Romney sit down and be quiet... fuck!
Angry artist!
Fabian
RIP Amadou Diallo (Sept. 2, 1975 – Feb. 4, 1999)
On this date, ten years ago, Amadou Diallo was gunned down by four plain-clothed police officers in New York City. Officers approached Diallo using the age-old excuse that he "fit the description" of a suspected rapist in the area. The 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea was hit 19 times out of the 41 shots fired by Sean Carroll, Brendan Murphy, Edward McMellon and Kenneth Boss.The four officers claimed to believe that Diallo was reaching for a weapon, which was later found to be a wallet, presumably to show them his temporary Visa. The four murderers were acquitted on February 25, 2000, after the jury deliberated for two days.
What. The. F*ck.
In '96, Amadou Diallo moved to NYC to start a business with a family member and to pursue a degree in computer science. As an immigrant, Diallo had a vision of the "American Dream," only to have that dream cut short by rabid, crooked cops. This wasn't the first high-profile case of police brutality. Everyone touched by Diallo's death had feelings reminiscent of those felt when Fred Hampton was gunned down in his Chicago home, when Rodney King was brutally beaten by the LAPD on video and when Malice Green died of blows to the head from a cop in Detroit.
While the uproar was fierce, officers who took their "authority" to the extreme kept on pushing. The deaths of Kathryn Johnston, Sean Bell, Oscar Grant and others followed. This will continue until the "Blue Code of Silence" is dead and officers who abuse their power are held more accountable for their actions.
On February 27, 2009, The City of Ink in Atlanta's famous Castleberry Hill District will be hosting its second anniversary show, "ENOUGH IZ ENOUGH: Artists United Against Police Brutality." If you're in the A, you can make a statement by simply gracing the gallery with your presence. Uhuru!
When Are WE Going to Get Over It?
(An article for white folks) By Andrew Manis
For much of the last 40 years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem with the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often, we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?" Now I want to ask, "When are we white Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?"
Recent reports that "Election Spurs 'Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham,"
Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk." Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame, we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.
Read the rest of the story on Diversity Inc.
A Presidential Day in History.
I had the opportunity to be surrounded by several beautiful people today at Atlanta's Civic Center as we all watched President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden swear to serve this county. Since then, I've been trying to put the words together to express how I feel about this monumental day. Of course, many people have been discussing what this day means to America and the people. I'm not sure what angle to take in describing the implications of the day and each day after this for the next eight years (I'm claiming it), but in a word, it's Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
"F*ck the Police."
On New Years Day, around 2a.m., an overzealous Bay Area Rapid Transit (B.A.R.T.) cop pulled the trigger on the back of 22-year-old Oscar Grant. The unarmed civilian died from the shot and society demanded justice. Shortly after the incident, people rose in rebellion and around the country we cried, 'F*ck the police." The (now) ex-cop, Johannes Mehserle, is currently being held without bail. Excessive aggression by police isn't a new thing, especially towards people of color. Ever since society set up a system where ordinary men and women are given control over the people, there have been officers who abuse that control. However, I've been forced to dismiss the moniker "F*ck the police" and replace it with "F*ck the lack of justice. F*ck The Blue Code of Silence. F*ck the force's low standards. F*ck the police state." A sweeping statement like "F*ck the police" is no longer tolerable and not only ignores the real issues, but breeds more dissent and hostility between officers and the communities they are charged to serve and protect.
Personally, I don't hold police to any standards higher than those I hold for myself and other citizens. The badge they floss makes them no less human, and humans give in to personal prejudices, emotions, and make horrible, hasty decisions. Unfortunately, the only difference between a career criminal and some cops is a clean record. Give a gun to an ordinary man, and he's capable of making the same ignorant, neglectful moves that led to the murders of Eleanor Bumpers, Sean Bell, Kathryn Johnston, Amadou Diallo, and others whose lives were cut short by an incompetent man in Blue.
Make no mistake, by no means am I excusing the actions by corrupt cops who take advantage of their roles in order to get away with dirty deeds. I am, however, saying that rather than disparaging the work of the force as a whole based on the actions of the more gangsta minority, we should focus our energies on demanding stricter penalties for scumbag cops. Pardoning crooked police who kill, torture and abuse the citizens they should protect, thus causing the people to cry out "F*ck the police," only perpetuates a cycle of distrust and creates more of a divide between us and them.
Obama Mania.
As I was browsing for visual inspiration on Fresh Bump, I came across a collection of Presidential action figures with an Obama likeness created by Jailbreak Toys.
I realize the historical significance of having elected our first African American president, but the capitalistic gains by toy, plate, shirt, coin and such-and-such makers are getting a little crazy (so am I wrong for wanting the darn things?).
I'm also digging the "RUN DC" tees designed by Black Klown Clothier.
I've successfully managed to avoid spending a ton of money on this "stuff." But, in the spirit of capitalism *groan*: buy on.
I realize the historical significance of having elected our first African American president, but the capitalistic gains by toy, plate, shirt, coin and such-and-such makers are getting a little crazy (so am I wrong for wanting the darn things?).
I'm also digging the "RUN DC" tees designed by Black Klown Clothier.
I've successfully managed to avoid spending a ton of money on this "stuff." But, in the spirit of capitalism *groan*: buy on.
It's Almost Time to Say Goodnight to Bush!
Eight years of terror, humiliation of the American people, economic pitfalls, senseless war and flat-out stupidity are coming to an end. Nest Tuesday, Barack Obama will officially transition from President-Elect to the President of the United States. To celebrate, I think someone should buy me Goodnight Bush, a cute parody fashioned after children's book must-have, Goodnight Moon.
I am absolutely elated that Bush's reign of failure is closing. I'd all but given up on the US of A until the great states came to their senses and elected President Obama. I sincerely believe that the next eight years will bring prosperity, opportunity, peace and promising international relations. Let's take a look at Bush's stance on these issues over the past two terms:
"It's amazing I won. I was running against peace, prosperity, and incumbency." -George W. Bush, June 14, 2001, speaking to Swedish Prime Minister Goran Perrson, unaware that a live television camera was still rolling.
"See, we love - we love freedom. That's what they didn't understand. They hate things; we love things. They act out of hatred; we don't seek revenge, we seek justice out of love." -George W. Bush, Oklahoma City, Aug. 29, 2002
"I'm also not very analytical. You know I don't spend a lot of time thinking about myself, about why I do things." -George W. Bush, aboard Air Force One, June 4, 2003
"I'm not the expert on how the Iraqi people think, because I live in America, where it's nice and safe and secure." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2004
"I like the idea of people running for office. There's a positive effect when you run for office. Maybe some will run for office and say, vote for me, I look forward to blowing up America. I don't know, I don't know if that will be their platform or not. But it's -- I don't think so. I think people who generally run for office say, vote for me, I'm looking forward to fixing your potholes, or making sure you got bread on the table." --George W. Bush, on elections in the Middle East, Washington, D.C., March 16, 2005
"You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one." --George W. Bush, Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2006
"I heard somebody say, 'Where's (Nelson) Mandela?' Well, Mandela's dead. Because Saddam killed all the Mandelas." --George W. Bush, on the former South African president, who is still very much alive, Washington, D.C., Sept. 20, 2007
"I've been in the Bible every day since I've been the president." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 2008
I am absolutely elated that Bush's reign of failure is closing. I'd all but given up on the US of A until the great states came to their senses and elected President Obama. I sincerely believe that the next eight years will bring prosperity, opportunity, peace and promising international relations. Let's take a look at Bush's stance on these issues over the past two terms:"It's amazing I won. I was running against peace, prosperity, and incumbency." -George W. Bush, June 14, 2001, speaking to Swedish Prime Minister Goran Perrson, unaware that a live television camera was still rolling.
"See, we love - we love freedom. That's what they didn't understand. They hate things; we love things. They act out of hatred; we don't seek revenge, we seek justice out of love." -George W. Bush, Oklahoma City, Aug. 29, 2002
"I'm also not very analytical. You know I don't spend a lot of time thinking about myself, about why I do things." -George W. Bush, aboard Air Force One, June 4, 2003
"I'm not the expert on how the Iraqi people think, because I live in America, where it's nice and safe and secure." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2004
"I like the idea of people running for office. There's a positive effect when you run for office. Maybe some will run for office and say, vote for me, I look forward to blowing up America. I don't know, I don't know if that will be their platform or not. But it's -- I don't think so. I think people who generally run for office say, vote for me, I'm looking forward to fixing your potholes, or making sure you got bread on the table." --George W. Bush, on elections in the Middle East, Washington, D.C., March 16, 2005
"You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one." --George W. Bush, Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2006
"I heard somebody say, 'Where's (Nelson) Mandela?' Well, Mandela's dead. Because Saddam killed all the Mandelas." --George W. Bush, on the former South African president, who is still very much alive, Washington, D.C., Sept. 20, 2007
"I've been in the Bible every day since I've been the president." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 2008
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (10 December 1948 at Palais de Chaillot, Paris). The Guinness Book of Records describes the UDHR as the "Most Translated Document"[1] in the world. The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled. It consists of 30 articles which have been elaborated in subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, national constitutions and laws. - From Wikipedia
The Human Rights Action Center animated this thought-provoking video to raise awareness of the basic rights that all citizens of the world should enjoy. They're also petitioning to get the declaration included on all passports. I'm not sure how effective that would be when government(s) consistently abuse its "power." However, in celebrating our new change and ushering in a new world under the leadership of President Obama, I thought I'd share.
Love. Give. Live.
The Human Rights Action Center animated this thought-provoking video to raise awareness of the basic rights that all citizens of the world should enjoy. They're also petitioning to get the declaration included on all passports. I'm not sure how effective that would be when government(s) consistently abuse its "power." However, in celebrating our new change and ushering in a new world under the leadership of President Obama, I thought I'd share.
Love. Give. Live.
Obama-Inspired Art.
A lot of visual artists came out in support of our President-Elect, Barack Obama, and created pieces that inspired a generation. The most popular visual was the Hope piece by contemporary artist, graphic designer and illustrator, Shepard Fairey. His work spawned several incredible spin-offs. However, there's nothing like the original:
My Favorite "Ill-Advised Nonconformists."
I'm not just a fan of this blog because they featured me. Nor am I a fan because one of the beautiful bloggers happens to be my little sister and friend, Lia :-) I'm a fan because they've already hipped me to a few artsy gems. If you're into culture, art, fashion, literature and what-not, this is a great blog that strays from what's trendy, opting for vintage and unique finds.
You should be a nonconformist, too.
You should be a nonconformist, too.
Thoughts on the Election.
I didn’t vote for the black guy this year, like many others, I voted for a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology, who happens to be black.
I entered this election with the same enthusiasm as I did in ’04, when Kerry stood to end the dangerous Bush/Cheney regime. However, I didn’t cry tears of joy when they announced that Barack Obama was the President Elect simply because I imagined the end of eight years of “Bushit.” I broke down because in the words of Young Jeezy, “My President is Black.”
Listen to "My President Is Black" (Ft. Nas)
The significance of having an African American President extends beyond the borders of the country that enslaved our ancestors for 400 years. I saw the photos and videos of celebrations around the world from people who were touched by this indelible historical mark. People of all hues, ethnicities, and religions took to the streets when the decision was final: Obama will be leading this potentially great country for the next four, glorious years.
This election is sure proof of our progression, in spite of the quiet acts of racism by our legislative, judicial and executive braches that occur daily. Change is around the bend. It has always been there, but this election has widened our scope and made us more privy to our own possibilities. Obama cannot be solely responsible for transforming this country; we must travel on our own two.
Election night, I sat, glued to CNN and BET and listened as commentators followed, predicted and reflected on the race. Never have I been so engulfed in the business of politics, but the historical implications of either outcome had everyone—blue to white collars—poised to embrace the moment.
Watching the scores on the bottom of the screen became surreal as Obama’s electoral votes climbed. Then, there was that defining moment, as the votes jumped beyond 270 and the projected winner was announced: Barack Obama.
I could only cup my hands and cry. Instantly I thought of my great-grandfather, at 97, relishing in this triumph. I thought about my future sons, my brothers and the nephew who’s still in my sister’s womb. I thought of my parents, who worked tirelessly in various movements for just an inch of this type of victory. I screamed. I shouted. I shed tears on top of tears.
We finally got more than our “40 acres and a mule.” We got the respect of a nation who is ready and willing to thrust the future of our country into the hands of a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology: A BLACK man at that. We have the adoration of the world.
And now, I believe in the adage and can firmly exclaim, “Yes, we can!”
I entered this election with the same enthusiasm as I did in ’04, when Kerry stood to end the dangerous Bush/Cheney regime. However, I didn’t cry tears of joy when they announced that Barack Obama was the President Elect simply because I imagined the end of eight years of “Bushit.” I broke down because in the words of Young Jeezy, “My President is Black.”
The significance of having an African American President extends beyond the borders of the country that enslaved our ancestors for 400 years. I saw the photos and videos of celebrations around the world from people who were touched by this indelible historical mark. People of all hues, ethnicities, and religions took to the streets when the decision was final: Obama will be leading this potentially great country for the next four, glorious years.
This election is sure proof of our progression, in spite of the quiet acts of racism by our legislative, judicial and executive braches that occur daily. Change is around the bend. It has always been there, but this election has widened our scope and made us more privy to our own possibilities. Obama cannot be solely responsible for transforming this country; we must travel on our own two.
Election night, I sat, glued to CNN and BET and listened as commentators followed, predicted and reflected on the race. Never have I been so engulfed in the business of politics, but the historical implications of either outcome had everyone—blue to white collars—poised to embrace the moment.
Watching the scores on the bottom of the screen became surreal as Obama’s electoral votes climbed. Then, there was that defining moment, as the votes jumped beyond 270 and the projected winner was announced: Barack Obama.
I could only cup my hands and cry. Instantly I thought of my great-grandfather, at 97, relishing in this triumph. I thought about my future sons, my brothers and the nephew who’s still in my sister’s womb. I thought of my parents, who worked tirelessly in various movements for just an inch of this type of victory. I screamed. I shouted. I shed tears on top of tears.
We finally got more than our “40 acres and a mule.” We got the respect of a nation who is ready and willing to thrust the future of our country into the hands of a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology: A BLACK man at that. We have the adoration of the world.
And now, I believe in the adage and can firmly exclaim, “Yes, we can!”
Word.
"A new era has dawned for Africa and for the entire world. It is almost like what happened in South Africa after Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of that land. Then, as now, people of color everywhere — in Africa, in the U.S., everywhere in the world — had a new spring in their walk. They held their heads high, and their shoulders were straighter.
Obama's election has given hope to people everywhere that change is possible, that this debilitating status quo of a polarized world of "them" and "us" can change. People the world over want the U.S. to take its rightful place as leader in the commonwealth of nations. They want to see a U.S. without the arrogant unilateralism that led to the disastrous Iraq invasion, to the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and the refusal to sign the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. All this left the world resenting a bullyboy U.S.
The world now expects the new President to close down that abomination, Guantánamo Bay; to bring viable initiatives for peace in the Middle East; to bolster a good Bush project, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); to take real notice of Africa and other developing parts of our global village.
Today, those who want to end the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance, those who want to promote justice, peace and greater tolerance among different faiths are celebrating because Barack Obama is the new President of the United States."
By Desmond Tutu (Archbishop emeritus)
From TIME article, "The World's View of Obama's Win."
Obama's election has given hope to people everywhere that change is possible, that this debilitating status quo of a polarized world of "them" and "us" can change. People the world over want the U.S. to take its rightful place as leader in the commonwealth of nations. They want to see a U.S. without the arrogant unilateralism that led to the disastrous Iraq invasion, to the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and the refusal to sign the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. All this left the world resenting a bullyboy U.S.
The world now expects the new President to close down that abomination, Guantánamo Bay; to bring viable initiatives for peace in the Middle East; to bolster a good Bush project, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); to take real notice of Africa and other developing parts of our global village.
Today, those who want to end the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance, those who want to promote justice, peace and greater tolerance among different faiths are celebrating because Barack Obama is the new President of the United States."
By Desmond Tutu (Archbishop emeritus)
From TIME article, "The World's View of Obama's Win."
Sarah Plain and Small
McCain and his camp are either incredibly dumb or have the foresight that I and many people lack by giving his running mate slot to Sarah Palin, the current Governor of Alaska.The move further confirms the fact that politics is a science, not an art.
These calculated moves based on targeting a specific demographic and winning voters over (read: Hillary groupies who refuse to support Obama), are nothing but obviously insincere. But people are going to love it. The opportunity to have a female VP or a black President has the whole world clappin' they hands (shameless plug for an awesome friend). And aside from the phoniness of it all, I'm excited that such a monumental moment is occurring during a period of my life when I can truly appreciate it.
In bigger news, I have an ISBN # for my poetry collection, [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core. I've been unofficially peddling my art through Lulu w/o an ISBN or the opportunity to pitch it to retailers. Now I'm official!
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