Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I Remember Teena Marie.... Square Biz!


It was the Night after Christmas.... I was chilling with the twins watching Toy Story Two.... Phone rings... Drae begins the conversation asking about the boys and our holiday.... I could tell though by his voice though something was not right. He seemed troubled.... I listened closely. "Yo G.... I need you to check something out for me..." "sure thing.. I replied... "what's going on??"

"Word is that Teena Marie passed"

"What??!! are you serious??"
"yeah man.... can you check it out??" "I know you know some folks.. can you call someone?"

"I'm on it..." I called some people and looked in my emails.... yes. it was true... Teena Marie dead at 54....

Dag... Teena Marie.... What a shock..... an R&B icon dead.... Official causes have not been determined at this writing but the news is that she recently suffered a Grand Mal seizure.... and perhaps that is the connection.... one thing is sure, it is news that has rocked the entire R&B world to its core....

My first reaction was to think of her daughter... the love of Teena's life. It was she who found Teena in their Los Angeles home. She'd just turned 19 on Christmas Day. Man what a ride life is.... I can only imagine how it was in that household... one day celebrating the joy of Christmas and a birthday.... the next day, unmitigated tragedy... I pray for healing in her soul as she deals with this sudden and tragic loss.

Compton Juneteenth Festival 2010 - photos by Mac Alexander


I then began to think about what Teena Marie meant to the urban music world... Her voice was timeless. Ever since her explosion onto the scene as a protege' of Rick James, she has been the center of countless classic hits. The fact that she was a white girl who sung with the vibrato, soul and essence of a deep soul sista was a novelty at first but then a non factor as she sung and wrote her way into the fabrical DNA of modern R&B.

I remember the first time I had ever heard her. I was in the Marine Corps then and had just rotated back from a year long stint at Iwakuni Japan. I came home on leave and one of my homeboys who knew of my unmitigated love of music was bringing me up on what was new... He turned me on to this new sound called "Punk Funk" lead by this party animal named Rick James. His band was tight and the music definitely slammin', but what was outstanding from first listen was this little white girl who sang with the conviction of a super soul sista... Teena Marie on "I'm just a Sucka for your Love" was one of the first twelve inches I would acquire upon my arrival back into the "World".

The hits are timeless. Her voice unmistakable. And among my many industry memories, I remember after many attempts, we finally got her onstage at the 2001 Stevie Wonder's House Full of Toys Benefit Concert. It was in the Fabulous Forum. Can I just tell you she rocked that building to the rafters... I remember being in the wings and looking across the audience and up to the cheap seats... EVERYONE was out of their seats rocking dancing and singing.....

I remember Teena Marie at the Greek Theater with Rick James..... wow....
A couple of years later at the same venue co-headlining with the Whispers.... I had second row seats that night and got a chance to talk to Teena at length backstage.... what a cool lady....

I remember Teena coming to our live music series called "Lush Lyrics, Live Music"... at the now extinct BB Kings Blues Club on Universal CityWalk. she came out to hear the music on a couple of occasions. But the night we had Howard Hewett as our headliner, she came armed with her guitar. It was a rare, glimpse at Teena at her finest... an impromptu acoustic set that still gives me goosebumps even as I watch it for the umpteenth time.



I remember Teena Marie when she visited the station. Once with Stevie Wonder and other times with Tammi Mac and others.... she was gracious. cool. awesome and spiritual....


I remember her at the Gibson Amphitheater. That was a bad experience for her because the Amphitheater's audio guys kept messing her up. I mean it was horrific.... I hope somebody got fired for that night. But never fear, she played at the Compton Juneteenth Celebration and RIPPPPPPPPPED IT!!!

I remember the 2010 Jazzfest West.... This is one of my favorite festivals.... she rocked that huge crowd on a level that I will never forget. I mean, she sung every song. This festival is in the brutal heat of mid summer but nonetheless everyone was on their feet. She was the Ivory Queen of Soul in every sense of the word...


photos by Mac Alexander

I would be remiss if I did not make note that in most, if not all of these performances, particularly the most recent ones, I realize she took the time in her show to give reference to God and her personal savior Jesus Christ. She strongly professed her faith and implored her fans to do the same.... she ministered from her funky disposition. She loved on her following. She remained humble and open.... She was an angel here on earth.

I am forever grateful for Teena Marie. I am deeply saddened at the news of her passing.... nonetheless, I love her music and am honored to have met her... to have spent time with her.... and to have had her grace the stage of shows and promotions of which I have been a part. I will cherish her music. Her legacy. Her memory. Her life.

Rest in Peace Teena. Square Biz.



Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Soul Train Music Awards: I could give it to you but what you gonna do with it

I watched the 2010 Edition of the Soul Train Music Awards last nite. Generally I was impressed with the presentation, but was left wondering if indeed, the Awards has resurrected itself back to its former glam status. Or if indeed the essence of Soul Train is even present in this current generation of the music industry...

I remember that the Soul Train Awards was a must have ticket. I remember that you went and got your tux or your gown and got dressed to the nines for this show. After all, since the Grammys did not award our music as we felt it should, then we HAD to be our best and look our best to honor our best.It was, at the time, the consummate honoring of our musical universe.

One year, I remember sitting with Tom Joyner when Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre rolled onto the stage in his '64 impala.... that was dope!!! And Tom was so funny, but I believe at that moment he was speechless!!! I remember with the explosion of hiphop, the quality of the show quickly diminished to a super ghetto presentation that folk came out for in tennis shoes, jeans and even flipflops.... and then the violence.........

The Soul Train Awards was dead.

Well, that was then and this is now. Don Cornelius has sold the Soul Train brand to Madvision Entertainment who in turn has produced the nouveaux generation of the Soul Train Music Awards. They've done a deal with the new Centric Channel (an extrapolation of BET) and turned it into a first class production. The current generation of music artists have seemingly embraced the renovation wholeheartedly.

Atlanta is the new center of African American culture and, I suppose, it is a fitting location for the new generation of Soul.... The red carpet presentations seemed shallow, though. After all, how many times can you ask what was your best memory of Soul Train. What about the substance of the music projects? what of the artist perspective of current, culturally relevant events? But nay, the red carpet interviewers only asked the obvious: "What was your best memory of Soul Train?" and the answer was always the same.... "The Soul Train Line".... ho hum.

The production was awesome. A first class presentation. Although, like a lot of twitterlings, I have mixed feelings of R. Kelly's appearance - I just have a problem with forgiving him and moving on... however, his appearance with Ron Isley and Chante Moore was completely off tha chain!!

Cee-Lo: Loved it, but what the heck was that you had on???? Also, I know it was the Soul Train Awards and Centric and all that, but the original version of that song is the complete bomb and just doesn't do it for me as a clean version. I wanted to hear you sing F&^k You straight up....(sorry church fam... that's just how I feel)

Anita Baker Tribute: loved it! and especially loved the return of Dionne Farris... where you been girl? Goapele is someone the national audience has been sleeping on.... on the Steve Harvey Morning show, they couldn't even pronounce her name.... Goapele is the bizness.... you betta ask somebody!!

Ron Isley Tribute: I love that the Awards has these tributes. It makes today's artists give props to those who paved the way for what they do today..... I actually think some of the artists onstage are humbled when faced with singing the hits of the honoree IN FRONT OF the honoree... Everyone did well, although Eric Benet seemed like he was working too hard to impress.... he got down though...

Janelle Monae: don't sleep on this young lady.... saw her at the Greek for the first time this year and had to wonder out loud.... who is this child?? she is James Brown, Prince, and Jackie Wilson reincarnated!!

Taraji and Terrence: Jury is still out for me, but looking at twitter and facebook comments, they get mixed reviews.

In the end, I am so glad that the Soul Train Music Awards is rebirthing itself... It should take its place as the premier black music awards show in America. It should be the creme de la creme of urban music culture. The mantle has been passed....

So in the words of that song from Jayo Felony a few years back "I could give it to ya but whatcha gonna do with it"

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Definition of Insanity..... The rant of a good man....

The Holiday season is here... and at this point in my life, more than ever, I am contemplating the essence of family. Yes, these are the days we are supposed to get together and love on one another.... These are the days that loved ones come from all over to fellowship, bond and promote familial solidarity.

All I see across Black American Cultural dialogue is the bemoanment of the black man... I see how sistas have this totally negative view of who the man is and what the man should be. I see daughters and sons frustrated because the father is not around, but I have to ask, how much of your frustration is centered in how the mother has portrayed who your father is and how much of it is because you have come to know your dad for yourself. Or how much of it is because of the grown child's own level of trifling view of the world??

Should Dad keep coming to see you on holidays only to get dissed and disrespected by the mother? Should Dad keep travelling to get the children only to find the mother has left purposely, leaving the dad scratching his head in amazement and finding absolutely NO JUSTICE in the Family Law courts.... yes, when it comes to the man, he is the enemy. Yea, but all that is ancient history. Now that the child is grown, I am receiving mixed signals... She says she loves me, but lies and shows blatant disrespect. In the blended family, I cannot remember a time where we got together to break bread and love on one another even as sacrifices have been made time and time again for thier well being.

These days, in this holiday season, I reflect. How is it that when one tries to do good, he is dissed and vilified...

I stand as a man of honor.... my faith is strong and I walk with the knowledge of salvation and sanctification. I have the stock of an honorable man... My Mother raised and educated an honorable, moral man and yet, I continue to hear and see a level of disrespect that seems unfathomable...

I have cooked complete Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with the full expectation that those "loved ones" are coming over to eat and fellowship. No one showed. This is not anomaly.... This has happened more than four or five times... Even with my blended family.... loved ones do not show... they sit and wait for me to reach out.... Immediate relatives tell me one thing and do another. Lies.

And when I take inventory, I cannot really see any reason for this disrespect. So the only conclusion I can draw is that they really do not love me. I show them love, sacrificing whatever I may to help them, but they show me nothing. nada... zilch. These are not the actions of those who love and honor their father.

And so this year, I see that as I step forth to do that which I have done time and time again... I am advancing insanity. and in the words of Benjamin Franklin: The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect the same result. This has got to stop. Now.

I rebuke insanity and turn unto my self and my God..... I refuse to keep getting hurt. I am a good man. I know it and God knows it. Who are y'all to keep dissing me?? who are you to turn away the love of a father?

Today, I move towards who I am as a man.... leaving behind the insecurities and insanity of those that would say they love me but really do not.  I submit to the will of God and move to do his will... I step away from the insanity of disrespect. the indifference. the insanity of the misguided.

I move to that which the Lord would have me do... all things that are not tantamount to that.... does not matter.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Going Postal..... woman rails racial epithets at mailman....

Have you seen this story? Out in Hingham, Mass., a woman goes postal on her mailman. Seems that the brotha delivered one of those certified letters, which she signed for and then decided that she did not want it. She implores the postal worker to take the letter back, which he says he cannot and the lady launches into a tirade full of calling the man a nigger and accusing black folk of killing Dr. Martin Luther King.... She even slaps the patookas out of the man.... yes, she slaps him! Thing is, the mailman is videotaping the entire episode....
 


Sad. right? Ultimately, the mailman gets fired behind the incident and is now seeking public support as he feels he has been wronged.... That is a travesty and something that needs to be looked into and dealt with.

For me, though, it is the content of the woman's tirade that has me thinking. In particular, she says at approx. 1:09 of part two that causes pause. Some of what this woman spews should be a wake up call with how we are perceived in the world. She says we "turn on each other".... true. She says it's sad.... true. But at 1:09 of part two, she says "black women are against black men.. because they've been exploited. They're with the white people...." WOW!!!

This is the perception of America.... indeed the world....

With the release of "For Colored Girls", Tyler Perry's screen adaptation of Ntozake Shange's award winning Choreo-poem play, we have seen sistas engage in discussion of the evils of the black man. Every where we look in these days and times, the black man is to be feared, distrusted, and otherwise discarded. And here, in the small mind of a prejudiced (although she says she is not prejudiced) old woman, one of the claims she makes is that black women are against the black man. And upon review of popular culture, discussion and analysis of modern black life in America, one may agree wholeheartedly.

Black male/female relationships are paramount to the elevation of our culture in America. We sit around and wonder how immigrants can enter the United States and make such great strides while we, a people who built this great nation, still scrounge for crumbs. But upon closer examination, one will note that the common denominator to success in America for other cultures is the preservation of male/female relationships. The family is the root to the elevation of cultures in America.

But in Black America, the intact family is almost non-existent. The issue of marriage is becoming an obsolete proposition. Sistas are angry. Sistas are fed up. Sistas hold almost unreasonable expectations of what the brotha needs to be. At the same time, brothas don't honor the woman. They do not respect the sista. Why?

Sistas are so angry that one can view the displeasure on their faces in public. A trip to the grocery store will sometimes generate looks of disdain from women you don't even know... sometimes, we that are innocent have to pay the price for the wrong that some guy extended to the sista.... And then again, sistas want the thug... a roughneck. However when the thug acts like a thug and disses them, then they wanna complain.

In the end, we have to do better. Is the black man the bane of America? even more than we historically have been portrayed? White America no longer needs to create this mistrust of the black man - we are perpetuating this image through our own owned and operated media. We are perpetuating the negative image of the black male through our music, our movies and even our television shows. The brotha is still the enemy.

And without solid black male/female relationships, the father is not in the home... teaching the young man how to be a respectable black man. And thus the evil image is perpetuated through generation to generation. White America and indeed the world sees this. And even the smallest minded American citizen, in a tirade of racial epithets can still make the distinction that, Black Women are with the White People........

Even with a Black man in the Presidency of these United States, true liberation is still far from our grasp.

Our culture has gone postal.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Post-Racial America: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same.......

A by-product of the Administration of President Barack Obama is this notion of a post racial America.  Some believe that the election of an African American to the highest political office in the land is the ultimate signal that America is indeed post racial......

Post Racial America means that we have gotten past racial bias, prejudice and racism in America. Even after a legacy of nationally sanctioned slavery, miscegenation, Jim Crow, Police Abuse, Driving While Black etc., etc., the consciousness of America has finally gotten to the point in Dr. Martin Luther King's dream where we would no longer be judged by "the color of our skin, but by the content of our character"..... Change.

My mom had this saying... "the more things change, the more they stay the same..."

I am a child of the Civil Rights movement. Too young to march. Old enough to hear, learn and become aware of my duty to my people as I took advantage of the strides the generations before made for me. As I was coming up hearing not only MLK and Malcolm, I remember being told of Medgar Evers.  I remember my dad taking me to see James Meredith speak at UCSD. I remember being told that I was groomed to become educated and to bring my education and experience back to the community to "uplift the race".

The election of a black man to the office of the President of the United States meant so much. It is a distinctly American Cultural paradigm shift... And yes, I am able to separate the cultural importance of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama from my right as a citizen, to observe, criticize or support the political decision of the person occupying the Oval Office.

That said, let us consider the concept of a post racial America. Some say that to elect a President Barack Obama is destroying the yoke of prejudice and racism in our land. Some would say that we can no longer complain of racial biases in our daily walk. And perhaps a part of this is true. I mean, up until the election of 2008, the concept of a black man as President was a far fetched dream.  But now, anything is possible,

Yet, today, we recognize the familiar signals of prejudice and disdain for black people woven in the speech of those who would politically disagree with the Administration's direction. We see a subliminal campaign to promote negative images of black people through mass media. We perceive the negative veiled, yet prejudiced statements from media pundits all over the country. Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and others promote an extreme, pro-white viewpoint that has been a part of this country's consciousness since the founding. They offer profound disdain for the man in the Oval Office. A level of disrespect sometimes leaves one wondering "can he really say that about the President?" We see the various movements around the country who disagree with the change needed in this nation as those who long for the return to the good ol' days... oh you mean those days when we were "kept in our place"..... So are we really "post-racial"?

No. Even as rules and policies change (or not), the hearts of men have not. There is evidence that perhaps the powers of the world want to keep minorities down. School system failures abound in the hood..... An abundance of health issues abound in the hood. President Obama wants to give the people health care and the right wants to squash it. They want to keep folk under their thumb and possibly keep them extinct.

On the street, one can feel the feelings of prejudice and entitlement overflowing in the way we deal with each other as Americans. The looks you receive.... the attitudes..... the issues.... Perhaps the administration of President Barack Obama is the apex of a cultural revolution in America, the bloodshed taking place on levels that we will never see. But as the battle rages, we are subject to the effects of the battle here on the streets, the center of America's essence.

Post Racial America? no. We are not..... not now. The more things change, the more they stay the same....

Friday, October 08, 2010

Life: Handle with Care

I went to a funeral this week.
It was the most recent in what is seemingly an unending string of such gatherings since my father's passing in 2005..... The essence of the latest homegoing was that I saw many people who have been a part of the "industry" for years, as have I....

As I looked around, I saw so many associates and friends who have been laboring in the entertainment industry for years....  Still looking the same, perhaps older and wiser....It was a completely reflective day.... A day that most will agree gave pause to take inventory of the value of life....

Tonite, I sit here in the dark, randomly prognosticating about life....  The gift of the Life..... The essence of life.... how valuable life is......

But what is life?

Sometimes we get caught up in our titles.... our jobs.... our positions here.... our status there.... but is that really what life is all about? We judge one another by the clothes we wear.... the cars we drive..... the complexion of our skin...... is that life? is that how we're living???

Even in our spiritual walk....  Is this the life we strive for even as the Word specifies life????

On the street, brothas in the hood battle even unto death over the color of a handkerchief..... is that life? of course not....

We work so hard towards material goals, but is that life??? We strive so diligently in pursuit of our careers... is that life?

Sometimes we rush to and fro in search of that which is most important (or not) in our lives... but is that thing really worth its place as center of our lives??

In recent times, I was in a season where I commuted more than 300 miles daily to and from work. I burned up two cars and was involved in a major accident in the third... I now had to walk from my house to the bus stop early in the morning. This bus would connect me to the trolley which would connect me to the AMTRAK train. If I missed that bus, my entire day's timeline would be destroyed..... ( if you are so inclined, you can relive my daily journey here...)

Every other day, there would be this elderly man on a scooter who caught the bus at my stop. And every other day, this guy would have a problem getting that darn scooter on the bus... We would have to wait while this old guy manuevered his scooter safely inside the bus- his problems often causing us to miss the trolley.... everyone on the bus would get an attitude when he was at the bus stop.

Even as folk would get an attitude with this guy, he would turn and apologize to everyone and offer everyone who would listen a butterscotch candy.... he would look each person in the eye and say hello.....

After a time. I began to talk to this man. I learned that he rode the bus because it was his only way of getting to his vital dialysis sessions.... He was up at the crack of dawn so he could get to the health center where he would have tubes probed into him all day. If he missed a session or two, he would face dire health issues....

"Hey man, I'm just trying to live" he says to me one day.....

Here I am, getting majorly angry with this guy whenever he came to the bus stop.... He was in my way... he was upsetting the delicate balance of my life.... He was in the way..... But in the real, he was living..... and living in this moment.....

Our time is appointed and anointed..... it is up to us to embrace the essence of life all around us.... promote the love that emanates from our hearts.... and celebrate the energy of our people and from whence we came....

We cannot re-do the past.... so live.....

We cannot control the future.... so live.....

We can only regulate the now, and even then only up to a point....

Each fleeting moment is a gift. Don't waste it.

No matter what the situation is, if you can breathe the breath of life, it is a gift....

Life. This moment in time.... is so precious.... so fragile.... so valuable.....

What will we do??? how will we live??? How do we treat others???

That is the individual choice of everyone in this world.... but one thing is sure....

Life is to be lived with love.......

Friday, October 01, 2010

Memoirs of a mega church member, part two

Wow... Bishop Eddie Long gets accused of sexual shenanigans with young men in his congregation.... Much has been written, reported, interviewed, said (or not), and otherwise presented throughout the international media... Only time and a fair justice system will reveal the truth as God already knows it....

He is not the first mega minister to be brought to shame before the world... and certainly he will not be the last. As much as we want our men of God to be blameless, we are reminded time and again that they are men, subject to character flaws, perversions and sin just like everybody else. This is not to make excuses for them, its just a fact. True, they are held to higher standards biblically because there is specific direction and criteria for those teaching, leading, and following men who stand before God's people representing HIM.
(Rom.14:16 ~ Rom.16:17-18 ~ 1Tim.~ 1:19-20 ~ 2 Tim. 2:17 ~
Phil 4:2 ~ Col. 4:17 ~ 3 Jn.9-10") "

Thus the result of the scandal cuts deep. Our trust in the institution of church is severely violated when the leader falls. And while the sensationalism that comes with the accusation is contagious, the instance of scandal makes one pause to contemplate one's membership, loyalty and history of following the mega church.... At some point one has to pragmatically look at stories like Long's and other similar episodes in order to balance their view of church folkways and mores.....

As a member of a mega church (NOT New Birth... I'm out west....), I love the many good works we are able to do.... we love the leader's international involvements.... we love the leader's local impact, we love and support his influence across social and political boundaries... we love the way the bible and a Christian lifestyle is articulated in our church. We have labored and built to become a force for good in the community, indeed the world...

Around the City, the vibe of folk who attend these mega-ministries have the same type of pride and love for the involvements of the leader...  Especially those who have attended the church for a long time - those who have witnessed the growth of the church and the pastor. The sense that you are part of something powerful, righteous and stands for good becomes an integral part of your lifestyle. We are an example of Jesus' love in the community and the world...

Plus the access to study the word of God is on a deep level. 

I would be deeply damaged to hear my spiritual leader caught up in some madness like Bishop Long, but yet, Long's issues remind me that no matter what, these guys are just men... subject to mess up... just like all of us... And while I really appreciate what the man of God has shown me and encouraged me to integrate into my life, the most important lesson that I can take away from his spiritual counsel is that God is....

God is more than the man in the pulpit.
God is more than this magnificent edifice we have saved and invested in through the building fund...
God is more than the denomination, if any, the ministry, the rules, traditions and processes of the work....
God is more than all of it....While we adore these men, they are,.... just that. Men.

Yet, across the Body of Christ, we have various visceral reactions to the news of possible misconduct from the man of God... from shock to awe..... a closer look will reveal that he is not the first.... and most probably will not be the last.... the result and effect hurts not only the victims of the deeds, but the masses of the people who have said yes.. I will follow and help you build...

The news of scandal causes members of other mega churches to consider "what if...?"

That's when we have to remember that your ultimate relationship is with God Almighty through Jesus Christ... That's it, that's all... He will be there for you just like he was before your fabulous 5000 - 10000 seat sanctuary.... He will be there after the sanctuary is gone... He will be there in the midst of scandal.... He will be there... He will be there as he protects your congregation or He will be there as he reveals the dark secrets of sin..... He will be there.....

The ultimate challenge of the mega-church member is to take a self-inventory and ask if we caught up in the ceremony of church? Are we caught up in the essence of our pastor, the mega church? Or do we take to heart our relationship with God....  Do we walk with humility or are we puffed up from some false superiority complex just because we belong to a large church....

In the end, we have to remember it's all about our relationship with the Almighty and not the religion of our mega church experience... We honor the men leading our various institutions, but at the end of the day it's all about Jesus.... that's it, that's all.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Bishop Eddie Long..... A violation of trust

 

By now, we've all heard the stories of  Bishop Eddie Long.... four guys have filed suit claiming a wide range of complaints from sexual coercion to oral sodomy...

whoa...
Bishop Eddie Long is one of America's foremost black church leaders with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church ranking among the top mega-churches in the nation. More than 25,000 people are members at New Birth. His ministry is widely respected.


I learned of the scandal as I was browsing CNN.com... Breaking News... The plaintiff's attorney was holding a press conference and detailing the how's and wherefores of the case she just filed. I was shocked! My mind went to all the rumours and criticisms I had heard about Eddie Long.... I found a copy of the actual court documents and learned the specific nature of the complaints.

Rituals? Spiritual Sons? Singled out as special from the rest of the youth? wow.... Trips, gifts, sleeping in the same bed? what in tarnation???

I wonder how the members feel about these accusations.. what do they feel? so many people have come to redemption inside this church... The thousands who have put the drugs down, the crime, the transgressions of life... all through the work of this church and under the ministry of this man.... I think you'd agree that the work of the Lord has gone forth boldly through the people of the Lord at New Birth.... how hurt they must be.

I wonder how the auxiliary leaders, laypersons, deacons and deaconesses, ushers, missionaries, Sunday school.... how do they feel? Oh yes, publicly they stand for the Bishop as evidenced by the pandemonium that took place in church on Sunday (9/26)... yes, they praise and dance in support of the Bishop... But did Bishop really put their mind at ease? Or did he ignite the ceremony of church to the degree that folk could be anesthetized to the non-statement made from the pulpit??? Did he use the mega church theatrics to divert focus from those needing something to hold on to??

I know folk want to hear something to cling to as they move forth to defend their Bishop but what do you mean, I'm not perfect?.....  Sounds like you did something!

Now, this could be a fraud on many fronts....
first, the plaintiffs could be some flaky cats out for some loot. This could be a shakedown as Bishop Long's staff has claimed. But dag, he sent photos to them!! suspect...

Or, it seems that there are forces out there who are moving to discredit the power brokers of  Black America (we've seen accusations just this year of misdoings from black politicals, and now black clergy)  I'm just sayin'... c'mon y'all know it's possible!!! (COINTELPRO) OK, sorry, its just the conspiracy theorist in me...

Or Bishop Eddie Long has built a mega-ministry over the years but kept hidden his sexual preferences from the masses ... even as he publicly campaigns against such behavior....

By and sure, we will see the truth. The truth will be revealed as the plaintiffs back down from their story, or the Bishop admits his role in these charges, or the truth will be implied - after he pays off the plaintiffs.....

But at that time, who will heal the laypersons??? how do they rectify their service in their hearts and minds... and how does the man of God come to their aid. After all, a great trust has been violated....

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Nigga, Please!! A Tragic Etymology

So, Dr. Laura sets off controversy as she rants about race while on the air. She's got a caller on the air and uses the "N-word" some eleven times. On the Air. dag....

And now she quits over the controversy, announcing that she will end her radio program at the end of the year... Here's the story ....

This conversation is not new.  Nigga.... Nigger. Generationally speaking, the interpretation of the word sparks either vile vibrations of a racist society, or a sense of endearment among the brethren in the 'hood.

The following is an extrapolation of a blog I posted back in 2006. I posted the blog in response to a news story I found online from WHAS=TV in Louisville. The station no longer carries the story on their site, but the general story was as follows:

Keysean Chavers was a freshman at Valley High School in Louisville, KY. He's a Boy Scout, a football player, a member of the ROTC, and an honor roll student. One day, he was hanging around his teacher’s classroom door. According to Paul Dawson, the teacher, Keysean used the word Nigga as he told him to sit down...

“I was just kind of stunned for a second and I said, 'Well then, get away from the door, niggaz.' I repeated the same insult because that was sort of what I was trained to do.” said Mr. Dawson, who's been a teacher in the Jefferson County School District for over 20 years... Yes, believe it... the teacher told the student to "get away from the door, NIGGA!!!"

Several of the students interviewed during the course of the school's investigation did not hear Keysean say the "n" word first and Dawson says students use the slang version of the word at Valley High School all the time. According to the WHAS report, Dawson says “nigger” is a racial slur but says students use “nigga” as often as they say "dude" or "hey, man.” Dawson says as much as he doesn't like the word, he still used the slang version to feel more comfortable with black students. “Why is this word used so frequently? So I just don't understand it and I’m trying to understand it,” Dawson says. “I need help.”

Dawson was suspended for 10 days without pay.

Young Keysean and his mom are outraged and feel the 10-day suspension is not harsh enough.. They want the teacher's job. Representatives of the black community are up in arms and the Urban League is calling for the teacher's job.. They are calling the use of the word by the teacher a racist incident...

So let's take a step back and examine this story. The issue is a by-product of the modern urban culture. The teacher is absolutely correct when he says that the kids use NIGGA as a term of endearment.. Listen to your teens.. They are going to greet each other "What's up my nigga?" or "That's my Nigga". Or as the teacher explains in the news report "Can you lend a nigga a pencil?" (that was hilarious to me).. Even white teens are calling each other nigga... Latinos, Asians... (I wonder in the teen sub-culture, does a young white teen who gravitates toward hiphop, call his black friends "my nigga"?) Young people will quickly explain to you that NIGGER is the offensive word and is cause to get your butt whupped if you utter it...

In hiphop music, nigga is one of the main lyrics in songs... One of my favorite hiphop joints is from the classic cd by Tribe Called Quest called Midnight Marauders.                                                                             

One of the tracks "Hey Sucka Nigga" attempts to explain the etymology of the word nigga and why the hiphop generation uses it as a term of endearment. I've had conversations with my college interns about the use of the word and they attempt to make me understand that if you say NIGGA or NIGGA, then you are using hip, urban slang and describing a friend or a cool person. However, if you say NIGGER and with a tinge of hatred and disdain in your inflection, then you are being racist.

This is the modern state of a word that has caused death and destruction for generations of our people. The use of the word is derogatory and our relatives and friends from the south can especially remember exactly how the word is used. I can distinctly remember being called nigger at my high school even as we were bused to school - a byproduct of Dr. King's Dream... I can remember being called filthy nigger by whites while I served in the United States Marine Corps... I can remember being called an "affirmative action nigger" by jealous white folk as I moved up the ladder inside a bank where I used to work

I cannot condone the use of the word personally, and I do not know if we can stop the use as described above by our young people. And because our image drives American urban culture, folk are confused with how or when or not,,, to use the word. Why are we offended when white people use the word, but ok when we use it against or with each other.
On the other hand... I agree with Chris Rock when he says "I LOVE Black People, but I HATE Niggas...."( or is it Niggers???)

Should Dr. Laura quit? I suppose. But instead of getting ready to march, let's take this time to examine our culture. Why is this word so pervasive in our culture? Why are the young people using it so frequently? Why are young people killing one another? Why are the scores in the schools so low? why are we going to jail so frequently? Why is the music so self debasing, misogynistic, and violent? How did we get so hung up on material things? How did pimpin' get so glorified?? What's up with the gang bangers? Crime, health.. These are the questions of import within our culture..

No, Dr. Laura should not have used the word, no matter her intent, no way, no how, in any interpolation.. But she is perplexed. She turns her TV on and sees the comedians, the rappers and some films using the word frequently and profusely. She is confused.......

Yes, the music promotes it... we, by our very actions deny our children the knowledge of the history of this word and other negative descriptors of ourselves...

Before we get so up in arms about this issue, let's start in our own community and remove the word from our cultural vernacular... Let's keep our community safe, clean and promote higher learning and spiritual growth at every turn... Once we do that, we will overcome....

Saturday, July 24, 2010

USC's Shady Dealings: A fan's rant

Lots going on in the City. And as I am forced to watch the Lindsey Lohan foolishness play out on all media everywhere, my angst and attention goes toward the unfolding drama over at the University of Southern California... The effects of being banned from bowl games and other severe sanctions as a result of the school's violations of NCAA rules were a bit shocking and disappointing. Mike Garrett "retires" after 17 years as Athletic Director. All references, salutations and commendations to Reggie Bush and basketball player OJ Mayo on campus are wiped away. Including the return of  Reggie's 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trust.

USC President Mikia said in a statement, “The Trojan family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons whose actions did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes. Accordingly, I have instructed the senior vice president for administration to remove athletic jerseys and murals displayed in recognition of O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush by mid-August – before the incoming class of students moves on campus – from Heritage Hall, the Galen Center , and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The university will also return Mr. Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in August.”

Dag. Persona Non Grata at the university you led to national championships. SMH....

And no, I am not an alum of USC, however I have always loved their football team - particularly because we do not have a professional football team in Los Angeles. The Trojans are the city's team. National Championships. Top contenders. Football fans in LA look forward to Saturday afternoons.

Reggie Bush was a hero around town, even as he was a college player. His number 5 was prominent around the City as urbanites rocked his jersey... He was the man around here... But even so, over the years, it didn't matter much who came out of the backfield, the USC Trojans always contended for the top and they are OUR team.... LA's team. The top QB's.... The top tailbacks, wide receivers, lineman... our team - LA's football team was the bomb....

It is painful to hear the news of improprieties in the athletic work of  USC. We didn't win it fair and square... I mean this is a slap in the face of the citizens here in the City of Champions(ok, Inglewood is the City of Champions I know, but that was then and this is now....)

I suppose we would be foolish to assume that college sports is this squeaky clean administration. Let's face it. Schools are making millions in ticket sales, concessions, and merchandising. The television and radio rights are HUGE revenue streams for the University. The fight to recruit and retain the best athletes in the land is ferocious and cut-throat. To be the best in your conference and yet best in the land means millions and millions of dollars. And as it is written, money is the root of all evil.

For the player, to be courted and recruited by major universities is an alluring opportunity especially if they come from humble roots. Just think of the neighborhood kid from the 'hood, playing football, mom and dad struggling to make ends meet. The kid has a gift and is heavily recruited. USC calls. Now the kid has a chance to attend one of the finest universities in the land, gain a top notch education and play before one of the largest audiences in the world. Suddenly, the kid and his loved ones are exposed to unmitigated adoration, boundless perks and unbridled excitement - all the sensory overload that comes with starring center stage... The temptations and opportunities to accept or participate in the finer things of life as offered by wealthy and influential people (aka alumni) is difficult to resist. If the need is for a car, who are we to refuse? A house? cool. Cash? now this we can keep on the low, but heck yeah!!!

Besides, they probably would not have time or interest to go back and consult a lawyer or counselor each and every time such an opportunity arises. After all, to accept these things as gifts, benefits or incentives to stay and play are highly illegal in the NCAA. There are rules and standards in place to preserve the integrity of the college student athlete. Rules and Standards that should help keep the focus on the student's academic success while supporting their athletic success. but alas..... the evil that men do.....

I cannot help but feel the pain of being stripped of  national championships. I am disappointed that the team has been from post season play including bowl games for two years. I wince from the notion that the school returned the Heisman Trophy presented to Reggie Bush. His number and any reference to him removed from the hall of champions. He is in the same category as OJ Simpson. Campus hero. College Football superstar, stripped of all recognition on the campus where he was the center of attention.  Persona Non Grata.

As for OJ Mayo, USC announced that it had determined Mayo was ineligible for the 2007-2008 season because he received improper benefits. As a result, USC vacated all 21 of its wins from the 2007-08 season, dropping its record to 0-12. A vacated game does not count as a win for the other team, but is officially treated as having never happened. USC also withdrew from postseason consideration (including the Pac-10 conference tournament) for the 2009-10 season. A winless season. Persona Non Grata.

The debate of whether Coach Pete Carrol knew of the coming sanctions is an interesting sidebar. It is kind of suspect that he took a pro football coaching gig just before this stuff hit the fan... The "retirement" of Mike Garrett saves face for both the school. It's time for him... after all 17 years is a long time and he's done his due.... time to move on.... take this cash and go play golf.

Whether money and benefits should be paid to student athletes is another vociferous debate.

OJ is now playing with the Memphis Grizzlies enjoying millions and building himself into a solid player in the NBA. He's not hurting from this one bit.

Reggie. Here he is kicking it with Kim Kardahsian. On the rise as the running back on the sentimental favorite team in America. Just coming off a championship season... On a team that was just awarded the ESPY for best team of any sport in America.... Reggie's got it all going on!!! He got his education. At one of America's finest schools. He's on the cover of magazines. He's in the spotlight.... a rising star.... He's not hurting from this.

What about the guys coming up behind him?? Those who reveled in his exploits, made life decisions based on what he did on the field and very probably what he said during the recruitment phase. The students who are now locked into a school that cannot compete. a school that cannot win even if they win. Imagine going undefeated only to be unable to play in the championship.  Shameful.

Reggie's business dealings are obviously messy. And so the gauntlet has to fall. But he will not feel the pain. the young ones who came up behind him.. the innocents will have to pay the price for his mess. OJ followed the counsel of greed and unscrupulous people.. and now the innocents have to pay.

Shady.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

BET Awards 2010: The Paradigm of Redemption

The classic song of redemption reminds us that "We fall down, but we get up".... and so it is for the 2010 BET Awards...

This time last year, the fans were incensed. We were terribly shocked at the news of Michael Jackson's death. The world was reeling with grief, shock and awe as we grappled to understand the sudden passing of the King of Pop. The BET Awards, already set and ready to rock at the time of MJ's death; was now the center of media scrutiny as the world looked to the show as the supreme articulation of cultural perspective into the untimely demise.... Instead, we got coonery.... we were shocked and appalled... it was an embarassment.... BET had committed serious cultural crimes even as we sought to honor the memory of Michael while celebrating the best black music had to offer.


This year, the BET Awards was the catalyst for cultural redemption.  Oh yes, this year was a tremendous turnaround. With the addition of Queen Latifah as host, and the Lifetime Achievement Award performances from a visibly pregnant Alicia Keys climbing on top of her grand piano, Janelle Monae, and the legendary Patti LaBelle - all in honor of Prince, the Awards made a quantum leap in quality, presenting a dramatic, redemptive, first class perspective of black entertainment. The Awards took its rightful place as the premiere awards show saluting the best of the best in black entertainment. We fall down, but we get up.

A major element of this redemptive presentation was the tribute to Michael Jackson as the Awards found itself once again at the center of media scrutiny as the world paused to contemplate the one year anniversary of  Michael's untimely death. At the center of this keynote presentation was the controversial Chris Brown, who delivered an incredible dance tribute to MJ - the key influence in Chris Brown's "stylepath" to stardom. It would be one of the first tributes that included Chris, who has been sitting in the cultural corner enduring derision and fan disappointment. It was time for Chris to get his turn, And boy did he deliver.

His moves evoked memories of MJ. His moonwalk sent the crowd into an ecstatic uproar. But then it came time to sing "Man in the Mirror". The song's message of love and support to global crises rang true and deep, however it was soon apparent that the message took a personal turn for Chris. Overcome with tears, he was unable to finish the song.....

We witnessed a powerful moment in this young man's life as he gained the forgiveness and respect of his fans while paying proper and excellent tribute to the primary influence on his art... The essence of the song rang true and deep in his soul... It was one of those hallelujah moments.... you know that cleansing tearful exfoliation of the burdens in one's life.. He is free..... We fall down, but we get up.

 Some have speculated that the tears were contrived, but most have felt Chris in this moment, clearly understanding the significance of the performance. Redemption. 


We Fall Down But We Get Up.....The 2010 BET Awards. A Paradigm of Redemption.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Soul on Ice

Ok, so one day, I get this phone call from my friends at AEG... "Hey Greg, how are you?? listen, the Los Angeles Kings are celebrating Black History Month...." I was like "yeah right... now I know we have a great relationshp but...... hockey??" c'mon..... Black People? and a hockey game? I have done a few five star events with them so I was glad to hear from them... But I was really surprised at what they had in store this time... I mean, we did parties with Serena Williams, inaugurated the Home Depot Center with world class track and field atheletes but nothing could prepare me for what I was hearing this time...

But quickly they would inform me that one of the LA Kings brightest stars this year was a young black man named Wayne Simmonds... yup, in the middle of the NHL Hockey season, the Kings are looking really competitive and one of the central reasons was this kid from Toronto.... They were really enthused with his play.... They told me he could score... he was not afraid to fight, obviously a key attribute in Hockey.. They compared him to Kobe Bryant's entre' into the NBA inasmuch that he did not play college Hockey nor come up through the NHL minor leagues... 

Ok. this is kind of interesting... but will it resonate with my audience.... We'll see...  So my colleague Marc Gaspard and I put our heads together and the promotion began... we really took the time and care to make this promotion a huge deal in the community of black Los Angeles.... We hooked up with Ingrid Hutt and the Los Angeles Sentinel and Eugenia Wright handled the PR.... we wanted this event to really pop and pop it did...

Thursday, Feburary 11 was the night as we descended on the Staples Center to witness history... The Kings faced off against the Edmonton Oilers. It was a beautiful night and our guest list was a veritable who's who of Black Los Angeles... I mean business leaders, politicians and celebrities rolled thru... Tachina Arnold sang the National Anthem and Willie O'Ree dropped the first puck...

We had a VIP suite in the Staples Center and hosted an awesome after-party complete with red carpet and paparazzi.... Just imagine 300 black people, none of whom really knew the game of hockey, all in one place to celebrate young Wayne Simmonds and the Los Angeles Kings. Even the Reverend Jesse Jackson came out to witness this awesome event. We met Willie O'Ree, the first black man to play in the NHL.... The game was exciting.... I even met a lady who exclaimed, "hey this is better than football!!" Imagine that!

In the end, the game went into double overtime and then a shootout.... The shootout is one on one hockey- one player and the goalie... The player shoots and if he makes it, the other team gets to shoot, gaining a chance to answer... Here, the Kings and Oilers shot it out into the late hours of the nite... King after King got up to shoot, eveyone missed..... But then Wayne Simmonds took the ice..... GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!! the Staples Center erupted into what would be the largest ovation of the nite... But alas, Edmonton would answer and even beat the Kings resulting in a loss for the Kings...

At the after party, all of our dignitaries gathered in the San Manuel Room of the Staples Center to celebrate and acknowledge Wayne... It was a nice affair with DJ James Reece spinning.... NHL Hall of Famer Luc Robaitaille, GM of the Kings came thru...  it was a really nice affair. It was here that Wayne was showered with proclamations and commendations from politicians from all over the region....

Black History Month with the LA Kings.... what an awesome event...... and you know what, now that I have experienced Hockey, I find myself keeping up with the sport.... I am a new fan.....

This is soul on ice.....

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Lamentations of San Diego

So the San Diego Chargers lost to the New York Jets 17-14 in the AFC playoffs... Congrats to the Jets as they advance to the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts... It's good to see USC's Mark Sanchez doing so well.... But I was pulling for the Chargers. I was born and raised in San Diego. Although for most of my adult life I have called Los Angeles my home, I have been in and around San Diego a lot over the last year. i just wanted to see San Diego get into that championship celebration mode all across the city...

We have never won a championship. All my life, the Chargers would get close, but never close the deal...I did not live in San Diego during the Fouts years,, but I watched and cheered from Los Angeles. I mean I loved my LA Raiders, but the hometown has a special place in my heart. But each time they would get close, but never close the deal. Oh yeah, they did make it to the Super Bowl one year, against the San Francsco 49ers.... but no deal. Matter of Fact, they were scorched 49-26.

 The Padres.... a little better with two World Series apperances, but no deal.

The various NBA teams (errr, they NEVER got close, they just lost..).. San Diego Clippers, Rockets - yes. the San Diego Rockets, San Diego Conquistadors.... all lessons in losing...


Since moving to Los Angeles, I have been in the City when my beloved Lakers won it all.... I was at the parade.... I've heard the fireworks and libations all around the City...  I remember when the Dodgers won it all.....Kirk Gibson's 1988 homerun at the bottom of a two-out ninth inning World Series game....this still resonates in my consciousness..... I remember the electricity gripping the City as our teams marched towards the finals and ultimate victory.... I just wanted to see San Diego get into that feeling....

But once again, it would not be....I really never recovered from the missed field goal that Nate Kaeding kicked in the wild card playoff game against the Jets a few years back....however, my soul was just ready to forgive him this season however as he went on a successful streak of 69 made field goals.... I admit I was happy he made the Pro Bowl this year..... but then he missed..... again..... three times.....in the most crucial game.... against the same team.. Familiar feeling for the City....

San Diego lamentations..... just can't close the deal....

Monday, January 11, 2010

Color Coded Culture

The issue of light skinned/dark-skinned has found itself at the center of today's national political debate. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apparently made comments about President's acceptability as an African American candidate stating that he is a light skinned African American who does not speak with the "Negro dialect" unless he wants to.... This comment was made as then Senator Obama was gearing up for his electoral run.... And now, America is up in arms about this comment and the subject was fodder for the Sunday talk shows and headlines are ablaze with accounts of Senator Reid's subsequent apology to President Obama and the various civil rights leaders. Folk are calling for Sen. Reid's resignation as Majority leader and the pundits are speculating that the remarks may have put his re-election bid in peril.

But why does Sen. Reid owe Black America an apology? His comment only places a longtime cultural dialogue onto the mainstream stage. We all know that the "general market" is less intimidated by the light skinned African American. The light skinned African American has always been more accepted by the mainstream.  The light skinned/dark skinned battle has raged within our culture for centuries. In slavery, the light skinned black was the recipient of generous favor - often given the opportunity to gain education, own land and maneuver around with less scrutiny than that of the darker brothas and sistas. The issue of "passing" was a persistent benefit in the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Even now, the one that is light skinned with "good hair" is yet and still a preferential choice when identifying a more "favorable" black person.

We don't need the mainstream to apologize. We already know that the light skinned person is more accepted. This is not news. So many studies and analyses have been conducted to prove the point and a gargantuan effort to overcome the stigma darker blacks have contracted because of this has been part of the fabric of our culture for years. The notion that the light skinned one is somehow better than being dark has wrought seemingly irreparable psychological damage on our people. We have been conditioned to perceive the darker skin as bad, dishonest,  and somehow less valuable than the light skin.... 

The black elite contains more light skinned people than dark. The lighter black person rises to the heights of corporate promotion and opportunity while the darker one faces a more intense discrimination. Sometimes no matter the education, pedigree, experience... if you're black, step back...

We don't need the mainstream to apologize because we have perpetuated this self hate on ourselves for centuries. Back in the day, the standard for color-acceptability was the brown paper bag test. If you were darker than a brown paper bag, then you were too dark and would not be accepted into certain segments of black society. Daughters were prevented from dating brothas who were too dark because the darkness was a preventative from getting to the upper echelons of mainstream America.

On a global scale, the stigma of dark skin has catapulted skin lightening creams and cosmetic procedures to the top of the beauty industry. We have been duped into thinking that being dark is somehow bad.... The hair weave and pressing comb have provided an escape from our naturally nappy hair. All over the world, the notion of dark skin light skin and good hair, bad hair has caused us to be ashamed of who and how God created us....

While Sen. Reid's observations are probably politically incorrect, he was only thinking what we know mainstream America thinks of us. And that is that the light skinned black is somehow more acceptable and less threatening in their eyes than the darker black person. Even Vice President Joe Biden made comments to the same, stating that "finally we have a mainstream African American, who speaks well...."

When President Obama was running for his office, an article appeared in Advertising Age, a marketing industry newspaper. This article examined the marketing strategies of the Obama campaign and expressed a perspective as to why even hardened racists would vote for him. The prognosis of the piece was that President Obama's complexion makes him "acceptably black" and therefore white folk would be comfortable enough to hear his message and place a vote in his favor..... They called it the Halle Berry test.

It tickles me to hear light skinned blacks express outrage at the remarks of Senator Reid. They are the same ones who teased and ostracized dark skinned blacks in the 'hood, in church, at college.... There are still black organizations that only admit and support light skinned blacks. In the not too distant past, and in some cases this may still stand, but you could always tell the girls who pledged Delta from the ones who pledged AKA because the AKA's were always lighter. This collegiate fact was spoofed in Spike Lee's School Daze('Your just a jigaboo, tryin to find somethin' to do... you're just a wannabe, tying to be better than me....) We still find light skinned black families who caution their daughters to stop dating a dark man based on their own sensitivities about skin color within our race.

It is ludicrous for Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele to get on national television and call for Harry Reid's resignation and deplore the remarks. It's fairly obvious to me that this light skinned consciousness is the same consciousness which allowed him to rise to the political heights to which he has attained? I bet he has been told of the paper bag test... I am sure he has engaged in this cultural self hate. I wonder how many times in his lifetime has he looked around his neighborhood and identified people as "too black"

Naw, Harry Reid doesn't owe me an apology. We already know how white folk think of us. He has only brought to the light a secret that has plagued black culture for centuries.... there is an internal battle within the culture. The battle of light and dark. politically incorrect? probably. But we can't get so up in arms about it because let's keep it real-Long before he spoke, We were already a color coded culture....

Friday, January 08, 2010

For Love of the Game: pistols and basketball

So...NBA All Star Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards and his teammate Javaris Crittenton drew down on each other in the locker room. Yup, with guns.... Over a gambling debt. According to one story, apparently, Gilbert needed $60,000 to pay somebody from whom he'd lost a game of cards... Javaris fronted him the money... and when he asked about his repayment in the locker room, things got heated to the point where each man went to thier locker and pulled pistols.....

Pistols? in an NBA locker room? how many laws does that break? and why oh why are highly paid basketball players coming to work strapped? they were playing cards on the team plane, but playing for real... gambling and all (err, what happened to playing for quarters???) Debts pile up... somebody doesn't pay or doesn't want to pay and pistols are brandished in a false display of bravado, machismo, thuggism, and a very real display of foolishness.

So what is the deal with this exchange? I mean today's NBA player is fabulously famous, fabulously wealthy and they play a fabulous game for a living. They travel the country, gain VIP status wherever they go... It's a far cry from the ghetto.... So what's up with the guns?? It seems to me that these young guys have it made.... They were pampered in High School, given a free ride through America's finest universities, and now are paid millions as they take center stage in one of America's favorite pastimes, professional basketball.

Even if the young men grew up on mean streets where being strapped could be a necessity, a priviliged educational experience and multi millionaire status would smooth the rough edges and every conflict is resolved through reasoning and attorney negotiation, not street justice. The young men are trying to reinforce thier perception of a strong man through the display of firearms, but that's not strength plus the city is full of stories of men in jail or in the ground behind the brandishment of a weapon.

Gilbert Arenas says he had the guns at the arena to hide from his children. Bullcrap. Even responsible gun owners know how to store weapons around thier homes. And even if the safety of his children were the real issue, then why did Jarvis Crittendon have a weapon in his locker? Why are y'all carrying heat? If you're so rich, why not hire someone to carry for you??? And why do you need to carry? So the burden of being a rich athlete is a life threatening proposition? So then the hoop dreams are more like hoop nightmares....

And in these days of terrorism, I am sure the people who run these facilities where professional basketball is played are reviewing and practicing extreme security measures, looking for signs of terror among the fans coming in and around the stadium... These days all facilities are alert to make sure terror does not strike. But I wonder if they ever ever ever thought that they would have to watch the players? Now Homeland Security has a whole new meaning.

And what message are you sending to young people across the globe??? It's ok to pack heat? It's ok to threaten the life of your teammate? And what of the old adage that if you're going to pull it, you better be prepared to use it?

And now as the investigation into the episode unfolds, we find that Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely. But what about the other guy?? He is just as culpable. Further I'd want both contracts voided. Both men should be forced to make anti gun violence PSA's and appearances around the country. Both men should meet and talk to those who have lost loved ones to the violence of guns...

The damage done to the leauge could be irreparable. They have worked through so much and now, this. The damage done to the black male image is irreparable. They already think of us as violent men who can't control ourselves. These guys should be made into an example. They should bear the brunt of harsh punishment. Their star should be extinguished as a consequence of their actions. Second chance? no. Jail? perhaps. redemptive work in the community? definitely.

For Love of the Game -  Pistols and Basketball....... dag.

Friday, January 01, 2010

2010: A Random Contemplation

Happy New Year.... not too long ago, the clock struck midnight and we ushered in yet another year. I love to listen to the city when it is in celebration mode. Yes, I received a load of invitations to New Year's shindigs. But, as is my custom, I am here.... home... in the quiet.... playing my playstation two while wifey watches Shaq's All Star Comedy Slam.... And trust me... we are completely cool with that.

Happy New Year.... we've popped a little champagne and asti spumante.. clinked our crystal glasses... and welcomed the new year in.... After our toast.. I took my crystal champagne glass outside and listened to this town celebrate the new year...

pop pop pop!!!.... bang bang bang!!! buck buck buck!!.... the guns are shooting off into the air..... true to form someone nearby is having a party and has turned thier stereo way loud... so loud that if this were not New Years, the cops would be called most ricki tik.... That's how quiet it usually is around here... The music is bumpin though..... in spanish!!

I stand out front... in our super quiet neighborhood.... and listen..... The full moon is big and beautiful in the Southern California sky... and this town is off tha chain right now..... and me? ..... I take a sip of champagne... tske a deep breath of new 2010 air and go back inside..... and enjoy the peace and meditation of contemplation.... for 2010.... is the REAL year of change......

I look to the television... look! it's the Black Eyed Peas!!! dang they've gained a lot of weight.... that's what success will do for you.... I wonder if they resolve to lose that stomach...

I change the channel.... Green Day is live from LA Live... I bet that place is off the chain...

I wonder where the hot spot is in this town... I guess in the end it doesn't matter.... I hope everyone is having fun... and being safe...

I've settled down in front of my Playstation..... looking forward to tomorrow's dinner and football games....

Happy New Year, everybody.... Look toward the light.... Keep your head up.... for we have no where to go but up........


2010... it's our time....

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