Community & World Issues

With the ever changing chaos amidst what remains consistent is we can always count on a good old political sex scandal to spice things up. Many of our most notable Leaders have succumbed to public scrutiny and exposure. At this point there should be a patent on the formula for “post” affair damage control:
1. Admit to it
2. Hold a press conference and express an almost tearful apology
3. Talk about how much you let down your family and constituents
4. Have your wife standing at your side as a sign of support and unity.

What’s ironic is that what starts out as betrayal to the Spouse becomes over shadowed by the presence of public betrayal. When the media circus exposes the deed, the public official spends more time apologizing to his constituents than mending his relationship. What’s even more hilarious is the “public outrage” and backlash from wives of America who feel entitled to an apology as well.

More recently South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford went public exposing his liaison with his Argentina Hot Mamma. Bizarrely his public apology turned into a twisted admittance/declaration of his undying love for the other woman BUT his intention is to save his marriage and make amends to the people of South Carolina (Whatever!). When these incidents occur I pose the same questions;
-Is the public owed an apology when Public officials are exposed?
-Does an extra – marital affair interfere with the Public official’s ability to do his job?

Unless public funds were used to carry out the relationship, I don’t feel I have to be personally apologized to. An apology in essence should be sincere but these types of apologies are nothing but steps in the “I need to keep my job” process. I understand our leaders are held to a higher standard but where do we draw the line on having to know everything?

That’s my word now I’m waiting to hear your position….I’m listening…..Holla at ya Gyrl !

I heard something interesting on National Public Radio (NPR). Early this year, President Obama visited Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington D.C. When asked by the cashier if he wanted his change, President Obama replied, “Nah, We Straight.” Based on President Obama’s use of the term, “Nah, we straight,” NPR comprised a segment on
Coded Language. It was said, “Obama uses coded language, mannerisms, and symbols that resonate with Blacks (people) but may be missed by Whites.”
To others the language may be coded but for Black people it is a unique dialect we share among one another. Historically we have always spoken in code; mainly to prevent being killed. However as time progressed, the manner in which we speak continued to evolve. We share a non-verbal communication as well. For example: I can look at a Black person whom I do not know and gesture or display a non verbal message and it will be pick-up without the faintest hint of confusion. I would love to say this “language” is something taught, but I’d be lying. I actually believe it’s in our DNA strand.

Did NPR discuss this because President Obama used a term unfamiliar to all Americans or to expose his use of a language favored mostly by black people? Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: Today’s White House will not always reflect the style, culture and language of the last 43 Presidents. Already President Obama has apprised America into taking a genuine interest and focus on our culture; our language.

Do you feel Blacks and White hear Obama differently? Speak to me….I’m listening…Holla at ya Gyrl !

Today the nation stopped at 12:06 p.m.

At 12:06 p.m. our hearts paused its beat as President Barack Obama uttered the first words of his Presidential Inauguration Speech.

At 12:06 p.m. America received a welcome overdose of Hope and Change; injecting renewed spirit, renewed confidence, true unity, and confirmation that when we stand together as a people, America is truly our country.

November 4, 1841 Frederick Douglass delivered one of his first recorded anti-slavery speeches for the Massachusetts Society. In this speech Mr. Douglass says, “They will not allow that we have a head to think and a heart to feel and a soul to aspire.”

Today, souls of Americans drown in aspiration, acknowledgement, and testimony that we have reached the epitome of what our Ancestors hoped to see. I can only imagine they are looking down upon us with a quiet smile saying “well done America…well done.”

I know we have a long road ahead of us which will likely get worse before it gets better, but I didn’t want to worry about that today. I simply wanted to emerse myself in the moment. This is my reflection as I witnessed History take place, what about yours? I want to know how you felt today at 12:06 p.m.; good, bad or indifferent…I’m listening…Holla at ya Gyrl !

I never become tired of talking about the things we dream of. Dreaming about things to come or the way we envision ourselves is vital to our foundation and maintaining ourselves as an individual. Last week we acknowledged that life does get in the way of our dreams. Growing up our choices seems limitless then we become adults with responsibilities and discover it’s not all that we thought it would be. The freedom is great but the margin for error closes quickly. We leave High School and enter a life of true responsibility. As our responsibilities increase our passion for pursuing our dreams slowly fade away. Then one day you wake up and the kids are bigger, your career is steady, life becomes a little more balanced and you discover the passion you had for your dreams is still within you. Where do you start? Now that you’ve lived 10 or more years in strict rules and rigid timeframes it’s time to unlearn some of what you’ve dedicated your life to; coloring inside the lines.

I use the term bittersweet often because it sums up something that’s good and not so good at the same time. I view rules as being bittersweet. We need rules to establish order. However, when too much focus is placed on rules we neglect our ability to be creative. We start seeing the glass as half empty as opposed to half full. Our optimism is replaced with pessimism, and we shift our thinking to why we “can’t” as opposed to why we “can”. We let people convince us to remain in our comfort zones though it is innate in us to venture. So, in order for us to let go, revive our creativeness and nurture what we are good at we should start by giving ourselves permission. Permission to;

- Be different!
- Have a crazy idea and treat it seriously!
- Talk about what you dream in your heart and believe in it!
- Be confident and somewhat arrogant about your natural talents!
- Invest in making your dream come true!

Let’s move forward together and shift our dreams from our heads and back into our hearts. What dreams do your heart desire? I’m listening…Holla at ya Gyrl !

Godspeed
~Latoya~

I grew up with a Father who staunchly supported my dreams no matter how silly or unrealistic. My dreams were filled with bright lights, big screens, and Broadway bill boards bearing my name! When I wanted to be a Singer, my Daddy let me play my records as loud as I wanted. When I thought I would be the first female Break Dancer to make it big, my Daddy brought home the biggest cut of card board he could find. As my dreams moved to being a Rapper, he bought me a microphone, notebooks, and never winced when I scratched up our records trying to D.J. in our tiny Living Room. I knew without a doubt I could reach the stars, so of course when I began raising my kids I even went a step further. I’ve been Team Mom too many times to count, Assistant Basketball Coach, loudest Mother in the stands, snack person and transportation. 3 of my sons loved sports and wanted to be bigger than Michael Jordan, Kobe, the Barber twins, etc., and my 4th son found his gift in academics. He was the only one who never expressed his dreams or talked about what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Then one day, my son told me he wanted to be the first Black President of the United States of America. I shook my head in agreement and support of his dream knowing I was telling him a lie!

I knew this country, with all its freedoms, democracy, beauty, and protection of its own, this unspeakably wonderful land of opportunity for all men of all races would allow my son to be anything he was capable of reaching for, but President was not one of them.

I hoped and prayed my son would find another dream to strive for. One without a meaningless purpose. As my son entered High School he did shift his focus. Even he opened his eyes realizing he may never see a Black President of the United States in his life time.

So, today as I intently scrutinize the Presidential election, I stand speechless, proud, shameful, and vindicated. Shameful that I didn’t have enough confidence in America to believe I would see a Black President and vindicated that I no longer have to lie. When my little Nephews and Nieces tell me they want to grow up and be President, I can look them straight in the eyes and PROUDLY tell them they can be anything they want to be……… including President of the United States of America…Let’s vote for a Change We Can Believe In.

~GodSpeed~
Latoya