30 November 2010

Detachment

I sit here behind this screen, reluctant to type more than a simple message to address my absence. 

During this period of this transformation, more so a self-development project, I can't seem to find stability with my thoughts. As I figure them out I will deliver them in a manner that reflects the expansion of knowledge I care to share.

I can tell you this; the dictionary has become one of my favorite reads.

18 November 2010

Photo of the Day

"This photo was inspired by you!"

I was touched to receive this picture and to know that I played an inspirational part in its existence. Nudity is an under-appreciated expression of freedom, taken for granted by those who are blind to the beauty of a human body. It is also a misused attraction for sexual attention. None the less, I love seeing that people aren't ashamed of their bodies, and aren't afraid to show it. Society has misconstrued the acceptable standards of nudity, especially when it is being displayed in an artistic taste.

Embrace your natural curves, rolls, stretch marks. Imperfections are what make our body's aesthetically pleasing in the sense that no one of us is made the same.

Shouts to my girl @IllRollYourDoob ! You and your body are a blessing.

17 November 2010

The History of 420

Just finished watching this video. High Times knows how to appeal to their audience: CARTOONS!

In commemoration of High Time Mag's 420th issue.
Video done by Evan York.

Reflection...

The other day while I was in the city I saw a man with a bucket:
Help the Homeless.

Do you have any change to donate? Mariah and I reach for our wallets and a group of tourists approach from behind. Picture this: a group of middle-aged women, necks craned to the sky, sporting city branded t-shirts and Liberty hats, headed for the coach bus preparing to depart Broadway.

The bucket man called out to them. Ladies, would you care to help the homeless?

As if their entire night had been ruined by raining prunes, the women looked at the man, seemingly in an attempt to avoid looking at his imaginary third eye. Smiles and giggles replaced with gaping mouths and blank stares. In sync with one another, the women turned on their heels and continued on their way, a silent yet blatant dismissal of the call to service.

Me being who I am, I looked at the women, almost in disbelief. It amazes me how people can find the most important people of our world to be the least significant.

That man playing the buckets in the subway.
Even that convict-turned-Christian distributing pamphlets.
What about the woman who made the F train her home?

From the outside looking in, New York City is place to come for the best shopping and attractions.
Lion King on Broadway... Fashion Night Out on 5th Av... Knicks at Madison Square Garden

Blinded by these attractions. visitors lack appreciation for what NY really is: a concrete jungle, where only the resourceful survive, and the poor make the city rich. Rich in culture, diversity, art, and history.

Living here for over a year now, I've grown to love New York as my second home. One of the things I love most about being here is knowing that everyday I will meet someone new and see something different. It isn't the bright lights and designer stores that draws me in; it's those people I never expect to cross paths with. It isn't the rich I care to mingle with, those aren't the people I relate with. I much more value the homeless I share my food with, the starving artists I indulge with... those are the one's I care to be amongst. The ones that face the back of society's ugly head... the ones that can never get a break... the ones that get passed by the tourists.

The poor of this place bring the city it's wealth. Help them, or prepare for reverse gentrification.

16 November 2010

Words from the Wise

"When I play anything I'm playing to win. Don't get it twisted. I don't play any game or sport without the goal totally focused on winning. It that ever changed for me, I just wouldn't play. I HATE losing, anyone cool with losing stay the hell away from me and my team! You won't ever win anything at a high level without this mindset."

- Lloyd Irvin Jr.
One of the wisest men I have ever met and will ever know. I am honored to say I graced the same mat with him and trained under him. 

03 November 2010

Quote of the Day

So we're sitting here at this table. Waiting for the Black Solidarity Day march to start. 
We're a little high... Well. Yea. 

This guy walks over to the table with some wings from a vendor in the school cafe. He sits down at the table in front of us... he's actually sitting there now. Still. On the phone. 

And I guess Marley was insulted.

"Oh, so he just gon' come over here with that oppressed-bought food?!"

*I died*
I'm still weak.

Black Solidarity Day

If I see you on campus today, I expect to see you in black... all black.

It was all inspired by a play. "A Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward tells the story of a Black community that mysteriously disappears, causing the government to suffer. This depicted the social, economic, and political power of African Americans. 

In 1969 this day was created on the campus of Brooklyn college by Dr. Carlos E. Russell. It is observed the Monday before Election Day as a day to remind the nation of the communal strength of the Black population. The original tradition calls for all African Americans to abstain from working, attending school, and shopping.
But why?

The Mission:
"Black Solidarity Day is a peaceful university wide protest against injustices and inequalities that affect the black population. By creating one powerful voice through the unification of our populace we can uplift and empower our communities. We do this while demonstrating the importance of Black owned businesses and services throughout the world."

Join us today in proving the strength of our Black community. 
Don't buy food on St. John's campus! 
We will be heard.

**Make sure you get a pin and ribbon in Marillac Terrace. Information provided by today's program flyer.**
Check in later for a recap/reflection of today's events.