"On The Rise Again"

For quite some time now, the city of Detroit, Michigan has developed a disgraceful reputation. It's been considered not only one of the most unprofessional cities, but also the most violent, the city with one of the highest illiteracy rates, and the home of one of the most frowned upon school systems in the nation. How did it ever come to all this? How did a city that was once on the rise day by day develop as one of the most all-time low cities in the United States? Who is to blame? Truthfully, we can only blame ourselves for letting things get this way.

As I walk around, I tend to see everything that I don't want to become. Some say that children are a product of their environment. If that's the case, then I along with thousands of other young men and women must be from other cities and even countries. My first step into becoming a DPS (Detroit Public School) student was high school and it was my first step into the real world of my city. Yes, it was almost a huge culture shock for me and I saw and experienced things that I would have never known went on in the minds and lifestyles of young men and women of my age. However, it was here that I got a revelation that my generation has some talented individuals that I know will take this city back to where it needs to be.

As a high school student, I was apart of one of the highest rated orchestras in the country. We scored high in all categories at competitions, and performed literally all across the globe. It wasn't until the end of my senior year that I realized just why Detroit is known for some of the most talented people in the world. At the end of each year, all of the DPS high schools would come together and put on a musical performance at the Fox Theater in Downtown Detroit. To say that the talent in that house was phenomenal would be an understatement. As I think back on how much talent rocked that place those nights, I realize that Detroit still has a chance to come back.

About a week ago, I had the privilege of meeting a young man who still believes in Detroit as much as I do. He is the author of an upcoming magazine called La Famiglia. Not only does it give local Detroit artist the chance to shine in music, but it shines light on the graphic artists that otherwise would not be heard of. I was astonished at the graphic art and music that were at the magazine release party, and I could not believe that all this talent came from the city of Detroit- my own hometown. I couldn't help but be proud of my city. Not only did those performance nights during high school remind me why Detroit is still the home of great music, but the night of La Famiglia's event confirmed it once again. It is through the people that still believe in this city that real talent can shine in this city. I truly believe that like our orchestra, magazines, and other venues that help encourage our talented people of Detroit, the Motor City will once again rise to the occassion like it was meant to do.

"Where Is The Love?"

What is love? It's a word that once had true meaning, and the true meaning of love was not taken seriously and not just tossed around like a rag doll. However, it seems that nowadays that word and the sanctity of it has become a thing of the past, and doesn't look like it is going to make it's way back into popularity anytime soon.

Being a celebrity/entertainment reporter, I have to oftentimes look at different celebrities and their lifestyles. That means that I look at all the gossip, events, concerts, films, and of course celeb relationships. What I have noticed all in all is that not only do most celebrities toss this word around, but those that look up to them mimic such carelessness and exude such to others when it comes to relationships.

When I was younger, I thought I knew what love was. It started with those little butterflies that fluttered in my stomach when I saw that certain guy. Then it went on to writing about him in my private journal and thoughts. Then it went to the giggling about him and talking about him with my friends. Sensing a pattern here? It's the puppy love that older generations say little girls and little boys experience, but not real love. As I got older, I realized what the older folks meant when they said we were too young to know what real love was. Today, I still think that even adults forget what real love is as well.

Ever since I can remember, I have always admired the love and commitment that actors Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith have exuded throughout the years that they have been together. You never hear of them cheating on one another, fighting in public, having their drama placed on the front cover of magazines, and they obviously love and absolutely adore one another. Why is it that we can see examples of what real love is and not want to follow it?

In my own relationship, I see that day by day he and I make one another a priority and see to it that eachother's happiness is attributed to one another. We have a very mature relationship and we make sacrifices for one another and see to it that we stay committed to one another. There were times when we would argue and fight, but even Jada says that a little conflict keeps the flame alive. I look at what we have and look at others and can understand why we are strange to others and why the way we interact with one another is almost incomprehensible. There is nothing strange about what we do; it's strange that others don't understand what we do.

Daily I hear young girls say how much they love a man that pretty much doesn't respect her. Daily I hear about how young men simply feel that love is how good sex feels. The truth of the matter is that just like N.E.R.D. said in their song, "We don't need another love song. We need a love bomb." The fact of the matter is that the real meaning of love and the sanctity of love has become lost in a whirlwind of confusion, lust, misunderstanding, and ignorance. God intended love to mean something to each and every one of us and for it to be shared with others. But how are you going to share something when you don't know what it is? We always hear about how women lay with men, get pregnant and the man leaves. Gee, I wonder why. Could it be because love was not there? Yeah, I think that just may be the case.

The real meaning of love starts with looking to the Word of God and finding what the true meaning of love is. The footprints of an angel are love and those footprints can be made daily if the time to understand what love is, is taken and given a chance. And where there is love, miraculous things can happen. I've seen it in my own relationship.

"Taking Pride In..."

When I heard about the tragic shooting that happened in my own town, I realized how upset the people of this city make me. The City Council is in need of a serious makeover, the job market is in the dumps, younger people are dying everyday, and the school system is one of the worst in the country. How long does all this have to go on before the people of Detroit realize that changes need to be made, and unfortunately most of it is only going to happen without any governmental assistance.

Recently I was listening to Michael Jackson's Man In the Mirror and began to reflect on alot of the issues that take place here in the city of Detroit. People always complain about the high crime rates, the job district, the school system, the City Council, etc. But the truth of the matter is that many of those issues exist because of the lack of pride that the city people have for its city. As I got older and saw my own hometown deteriorating before my eyes, I realized that most of this stuff starts at home. It seems that people that complain about situations the most are the ones that are doing to least to improve things. I always hear people complain about how the suburbs looks better and has better ammenities than the inner city. But those same people never ask themselves if what they are doing is the reason why the city is the way it is. They never ask themselves if the level of pride they take in their city is what makes the city the way it is.

The fact of the matter is that a community is only as good as the people that live in it. If the people in the community do not take pride in their homes, then the community will become a disgusting place to inhabit. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up. If you see a helpless person, help them. If you see the school system failing, use other resources to help educate your children. It's like M.J. said in his song, "If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make a....CHANGE!!!" Maybe that message was more than a song at all. It's a lesson on how to take pride in whatever you have.

"A True Disgrace to TV and a People"

There was a time when African-Americans desired to have their own. Their own neighborhoods, their own schools, and even their own television networks. So what happened? Well, the world gave them what they wanted. Then what? Let's just say that some things should just have restrictions.

This year's B.E.T. Awards were intended to be dedicated to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, in rememberance of the legacy and impact that he made on this world. B.E.T.'s CEO Debra Lee announced at the awards ceremony that the network had been working around the clock for three days to see to it that the entire show be dedicated to the King. Well, in my opinion if that was a revamp of the entire show, the station once again became the best of the worst.

Sure, there were a few performances dedicated to Michael, and when the stars accepted their awards they said their condolences to the family. But was that enough? NO!!!! Not by a landslide. MTV, VH1 and CBS all featured hours upon hours of segments and television specials dedicated to the King of Pop all in a matter of hours after his death had been confirmed. How is it that a predominantly white station could show so much more effort in honoring this icon whilea predominantly African-American station does less than the very least for this international incon? It's a mystery that even I cannot solve...and I know I am a great problem solver.

B.E.T. and its networks have notoriously disappointed its viewers with outlandish sitcoms, degrading and ignorant reality shows, and have displayed African-Americans as uneducated and unsuccessful people. It is true that there are other stations that feature other races as being ignorant as well. But the African-American race should be able to count on its own people to portray them in such a way that is completely opposite of the majority of society. The sad fact of the matter is that even we as a people can't even do that. I find it very shameful that this network would rather show hours of black women being degraded rather than being celebrated for their strength. I find it horrifying that this network would rather give two "hood rich" women a reality show about living a ghetto fabulous lifestyle than featuring a segment that teaches smart financial tactics. I find it just down right rediculous that this station would rather portray our men as uneducated street walkers and thugs rather than glorifying the men that live successful lives and pursue degrees at universities and colleges.

The fact of the matter is that B.E.T. needs an entire makeover as far as I'm concerned. It makes no sense the things that they put on this station. It seems that this stations becomes more and more of a disgrace to the African-American race each and every day. I don't think that this station will ever get better. It doesn't accurately portray the black race and it definitely doesn't know how to put together a good dedication to an icon. B.E.T. should simply stand for Bafoonery Entertainment.

"Icons Live On"

Thursday, June 25th, 2009 will be a day that will go down in history as the day the earth stood still. The Bible says that Heaven rejoices even when one person comes to the Lord and is saved. I believe that Heaven and Earth also rejoices together when the legacy of an icon is celebrated. This time that icon is the King of Pop Michael Joseph Jackson.

The impact that Michael Jackson had on this world is indescribable and is also a rare circumstance. Who would have thought that a young child from Gary, Indiana would lead the world into believing that when you look at "The Man in the Mirror" one could "Heal the World"? I don't even think Michael Jackson himself knew the impact that he would have on this world. His mother Katherine Jackson always said that she knew her son Michael was special. Now, we can all see why she said such.

Too often we as a people are so stuck on ourselves that we forget to love one another. Michael was not afraid to reach out to each and every country that he could and tell everyone that "We Are The World" and that we should help one another. In fact, he was one of the first individuals to reach out to continents such as Africa and inform the world of their struggles to live let alone find happiness and hope in living. It was through his acts of humanitarianism that the world came in contact with developing countries filled with hungry children and wars that break up families. As Americans, we grow to be so selfish and find pleasure in hurting others rather than simply giving someone a hug and let them know that they are loved. Michael wasn't afraid to do that. His acts were a testimony that said if you want to "Start Something" then simply let someone hear you "Say You'll Be There" for them.

I can't describe in one blog how much Michael Jackson impacted this world. But if there is one thing that I know he was and always will be, it's an inspiration to all. He was a voice to the voiceless; a healer to the sick; a humanitarian to those in need. He was more to others than he was to himself and what I like most about that is that he was humble about it. He didn't have to brag about his cars, money, women as most musicians tend to do today. He sang of love and helped take down walls that separated races and genders and told everyone that it doesn't matter if you're "Black or White". He sang of a day when all would come together. And you know what? I know he is in a better place smiling and realizing that the day he passed was the day that the world began to be healed.

Thank you Michael...We love you and your legacy will forever live on.

"A Responsible Mother"

"I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created..."
-- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Now one would wonder why is this quote even worth analyzing? When most think of Frankenstein, they think of the monster created by a mad scientist whose work drove him nearly crazy. However, if one really takes an in-depth look at the themes and meanings behind the actual novel Frankenstein, one would see that the role of responsibility is something that many of us fear and will run from at least once in our lives.
As we walk through life each day we make decisions. They could be good or they could horribly alter our lives or the lives of others. We make the decision of whether or not we will perform our daily work tasks, whether we will voice our opinions of something, and even whether we will allow someone or something to shape our day. Either way, each day is filled with decisions that we must make. But what happens when even the smallest decision makes such an impact on our lives or the ones around us that we are forced to deal with the responsibility of that decision? Do we run from it? Do we hide from it? Or do we just take responsibility for our actions?
The thing about Frankenstein is that he worked on his goal of creating life for so many years and so intently that the question of whether his work became an obsession began to come about. However, after his work had finally been completed, he began to become disgusted with his creation and began to run away from it rather than take responsibility for it. His lack of responsibility ultimately brought about fatal circumstances to himself and the people he loved as well.
When we make decisions, the bottom line is that we have to take responsibility for them whether we want to or not. Too often we hear about mothers and fathers abandoning the creation of life that they brought into this world and never take responsibility for that life. As a result, that forgotten life takes on a form of its own where the dangers of society began to shape and mold that once innocent life into an inner image of lifelessness and numbness.
So often we take extreme joy in the toils and adventures of life that we often forget to ask ourselves, "How is this going to look tomorrow?" or "Who may this affect later on in life outside of myself?" We tend to become so selfish that we don't ask such questions and simply act on an impulse and in the end when it comes time to take responsibility for our actions, we simply run away from it, in hopes that everything will just disappear and things will go back to how they were before. If you're going to play the role of Frankenstein and create life into a decision, take the road of responsibility and don't let a small thing become a reckless monster terrorizing us all.

"Crawl, Walk, Run, and Soar"

As babies, we grow to have a curiosity about the world and have an eagerness to explore it and see how things operate in this big world. With each passing year throughout that stage, we learn and grow. In the process of learning and growing, we develop ourselves inside and out. As we enter into elementary, teenage, and then adulthood, we learn and continue to grow even more. But with each of those transitions, we have to learn to accept that sometimes we may just have to make those transitions alone. Unfortunately, that means that the same people that we used to be with may or may not be able to handle it.

There is a little thing called maturity that each and every one of us has to encounter at one point or another and for some that may be a scary thing. Some of us don't like the idea of having to move out of our comfort zone and go on to encounter new things. We would rather sit and stay in the vicinity that we are most familiar with along with those that feel the exact same way. We don't want to grow and leave behind our former ways. But how can you get better in life and succeed in life when you just merely keep the same mentality as an adult that you had when you were in the stages of a teen? The answer is simply this...YOU CAN'T!!!

I see this alot in college especially. It seems that alot of the men and women that I once used to run with, can't seem to leave a certain type of "hood" mentality behind with childish ways. They seem to feel most comfortable walking, talking, and acting the way that they did during younger years and as as result, cannot seem to advance in life at all. They may say that they are a grown man or woman and that they are doing it "big" but it seems to me that the ones that can't leave that mentality behind are simply defining "big" as what is at the end of their block, failing to realize that the world doesn't end there.

For some of us, this experience isn't the best feeling in the world because it hurts us to have to leave those childish ways and people behind. We thought that those particular "friends" of ours would grow with us and continue to be there to this day. It turns out that those people that we once used to run next to are still in the stages of crawling and have yet to realize that they need to get out of their own comfort zone and mentality in order to grow in life.

Though it may seem like a diss to those that don't grow as fast in maturity, to see it that way would be considered childish anyway. One can only crawl first. Once you learn to crawl, you have to walk. Once you learn how to walk, you have to run. Once you learn to run, you have to soar. Once you learn to soar, no one can stop you and bring you down. Don't be afraid to leave childish ways and people behind for the sake of growing in life. God brings people in our lives for seasons. And once that season is up, it's time to move on. Crawl, walk, run, soar and you can never fall.