"Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired": A prospective viewpoint on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Whazzup everyone? It's been a while. I'm in the process of finishing law school and other things, which is why I have been busy. There has been a lot going on in this country since the last time I posted anything. Today, I wanted to talk about the March on Washington  50th Anniversary today. I participated in a March here at Southern University this afternoon. First thing I have to say about it: Heat. The second thing I would have to say is that we had a great turnout of students, faculty and staff that wanted to honor and commemorate the historic day.

However, I'm reminded by what Brother Malcolm X once said after the March on Washington. He stated that fifty years later, black people would still be marching. Sure enough, Bro. Malcolm was a prophet. Now, I am not in any way trying to disrespect and defame the honor of those who marched in the Civil Rights Movement. I myself have participated in rally and marches to get African-Americans out to vote, fight for their right to return to the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and the death of a black teenager who was strangled to death in New Orleans several years ago.

In many circumstances, yes marching is good. But at some point, one has to say enough is enough. We have been marching for years, and most of the time there is only attention, but never any results. Why is that? Could it be that black leadership has been absent? That some leaders are rather interested in fame and fortune than dealing with the real issue at hand? That we would rather choose to be invited at the White House for dinner than making a significant change to help our children?

If anything Trayvon Martin's death has shown, we have a far way from reaching the dream. When the verdict was read, I was thrust back to my history books from the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford. From that case, the Supreme Court declared that blacks were not humans and not fit to stand even before the court. No my friends, that dream will not come until everyone has an open and honest discussion about racism, white supremacy, and "Uncle Tomism."

Finally, it's hell of ironic that President Obama gave the Keynote address at the March on Washington today when the United States is on the verge of war with Syria. Something an anti-war advocate like Dr. King would more than likely not approve of. The great historian, John Henrick Clarke, once said he felt that marching was a waste of shoe leather. I don't know if I put my weight all towards that point, but I can tell you the other side is getting lighter. These are my thoughts and opinions. I stick to them.

Suicide and African-Americans: A cry for help

Hello Family,

I know it's been a while and you're probably guessing where I've been. Well for all of my four followers, I've been in Law School at SULC and have not had a chance to do anything. Literally. It is a 24/7 job that is very stressful.

With that being said, I wanted to talk about Suicide and it's effects on African-Americans. If you remember from my last post, I planned to discuss this when the time was right in the wake of the late great Don Cornelius. Suicide is not a "White Man's disease." According to the CDC, suicide is third among all leading deaths of African Americans from the ages 15-24. Black-Americans are 30 times more likely to suffer from severe psychological distress as compared to White-Americans.

Anyone who has been inflicted with major depression, and feel like you can't go on, there is help. I wanted to do this topic because I have battled depression and even suicidial thoughts. This was something that I did not want to discuss, but I felt that getting the message was more important than my personal feelings.

What has kept me going is my faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And I believe in him, our Blessed Mother, and the Holy Ghost. I pray every night for my soul and to ask God to shower me with his love and squash any such thoughts because there is nothing worth losing my life over. Not women, cars, money, etc. So, 50 Cent can get rich or die trying if he wants, but this brother wants to live.

If you or any loved one is suffering from Suicidal Thoughts, dial these numbers:

1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) — or the deaf hotline at 800-799-4889.


And Check out these websites:


www.nopcas.com/


http://www.biography.com/people/don-cornelius-273681?page=2


(Source of this information for this blog: BET (No KIdding. I quoted BET #WorldIsEnding) http://www.bet.com/news/health/2012/02/02/suicide-and-black-men.html)
RIP

RIP: Don Cornelius & Whitney Houston

Hey family,

I know I've been missing like Montel Jordan, but I've been busy these past few months. Law school, trying to survive day to day, among other things have been keeping me preoccupied. I told y'all I was going to do a story on blacks and suicide, that has not changed. I'll have it done by Fat Tuesday (NOLA slang for Mardi Gras). It is unfortunate though that I have to talk about blacks and suicide and not focus on a pioneer we lost as a result of it: Mr. Don Cornelius. Don Cornelius, the creator of Soul Train, helped launch the careers of many artists including, Teena Marie, LeVert, The O Jays, The Miracles without Smokey Robinson, and more. Not to mention, rap stars like Snoop Dog, Kurtis Blow and the Fat Boys were able to get on and perform live music, when MTV wouldn't have blacks on their shows. For the first time ever, we had a show that was for us and buy us for all the world to see.

Rumor has it that Cornelius was going to work on a Soul Train movie before this passing. I would have been one of the many that would go see this project, with the hopes it would bring the show back on the air. Personally, I love the Christmas specials Soul Train that would come on that second Saturday Before Christmas. Maybe his sons will take the engine and guide the hippest ride in television.

I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't mention the passing of Ms. Whitney Houston. While she had her faults, no one can deny that she was a ray of talent and beauty, with a voice that would shake your intestines. I'm listening to her sing the National Anthem now. When I hear Whitney sing the National Anthem from Super Bowl 25 on youtube, I hope that bubble I feel in my stomach is just gas and nothing more..(Oh, wait a second..yeah it is). As a comedian, we crack jokes all the time about celebrities. It's part of the job. But there's a time to laugh, and a time to cry. Right now, my heart aches because we lost these two greats. But the legacy that they leave behind, will continue to live on.

RIP DON & WHITNEY: "WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. BUT UNTIL THAT TIME, I WISH YOU LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL!!!!"

Katrina: 6 years and still struggling

Hey Family,

It's been a while since we've last talked. I've been busy getting this law school stuff down, trying to think like an attorney, and avoid acting like a criminal. I had to take time however from my busy schedule and discuss what has happened six years ago. Six years ago, on August 30th will actually mark when the flooding of New Orleans began. I say intentionally August 30th, not the 29th. (We can talk about conspiracies at a later date) Even though Hurricane Katina actually struck Mississippi more than New Orleans, we are still suffering and struggling to make it.

I was passing through New Orleans recently on my way to see an ill relative. While in Ponchartrain Park, I couldn't help but to feel this naustious feeling, not just from the potholes in the road, but the lack of progress being made on a city, state, and God know's federal standpoint. To still see the blighted houses, the lack of two hospitals in New Orleans East, no shopping mall and the lack of police protection just shows how long  we've come, because we haven't even moved. God bless the people of New Orleans and also to Mr. Mario Richard. I love you

I'm with Spike

Hey family. It's been a long time since I last typed with y'all. I've been really busy taking care of some things in my time away from saving SUNO, of which they'll be voting on tomorrow. While I was off, I've been hearing about beef. Not Grade A, but beef between to black directors. Spike Lee and Tyler Perry have been feuding over the quality of movie making between the two. Spike thinks Tyler's movies are buffonish, while Tyler says Spike shouldn't get to heaven. (Not in those exact words, but same meaning.) Now, I'm an artist myself, and I believe artists should be able to be creative and do all things. But after spending my last $7.50 on Madea's Big Happy Family, I will say, I'm with Spike.

Now, I've got nothing against Tyler Perry. He's given opportunities to other black actors, whether rookie or veteran, and they've gotten exposure. In an industry that largely ignores black actors, Tyler has adopted them.  Not to forget, he's also given opportunites to writers, directors, waterboys, flower girls, the whole nine, the opportunity to work. But with that being said, I can't really say that I quantity of work outshines the quality of it. Tyler Perry's movies, to me aren't really realistic when it deals with relationships with black men and women.

For example, in Why Did I Get Married?, Parts 1&2, Michael Jai White is married to Tasha Smith, who's loud, abrassive, abusive and annoying. So annoying, that even her friends are embarrased to be around her at times. What black man, with a great job, benefits, good-looking, (Not gay, but you get the point) will put up with being married to a woman like that? The sex has got to be that good.

In a recent interview with Russ Parr, veteran actor Clifton Powell blasted Spike Lee for his treatment of black actors and how he handled money with the cast and crew on his movies. He also talked about how he doesn't like Spike and how he would "kick his ass" if he had a problem with that. Now, I don't know anything on their relationship or what Spike may or may not have done, but I can tell you this: Nearly all of Spike's movies I can say are classics. From Do the Right Thing to School Daze to Malcolm X, and even the ones that weren't really financially successful like She Hate Me (Oh, the Sex scenes. Anthony Mackie, you the man.).

So, with all that being said, I really like both of these brothers. I do hope they have success with their movies and work. And I'm saying that in part cause my butt is looking for a job! I hope that Tyler can grow to make more movies than just a 6'3" grandmother in drag. Daddy's Little Girl's was a great movie  that was closer to dealing with black men and fatherhood. Perhaps if he can get more balance, then I may see things differently. Til then, Spike: Where's She Hate Me 2: The Return?

Peace

SUPPORT SUNO!!! PART 3

Calling all my family. Come out with me Tuesday at 10:00 a.m to support our legacy S.O.S. Support SUNO!!!!

Support SUNO Part 2