Same 'Ol Same 'Ol

So I traveled to Orlando this past week for my birthday and to take a break from school. UofM is a b-i-t-c-h and it has a way of making the smartest people feel dumb. But it's cool, I have survived and I am about to graduate shortly and join the largest alumni base so it's all gravy.

While I sit in my room unpacking I realize that I am over Michigan. There is nothing left for me here. I have been here all of my life. Born and raised in Detroit, went to some of the best schools in the city and now at one of the greatest universities in our nation. I feel like I have sucked Michigan dry and explored all I can (or at least all I care to explore). It is time for me to move on to bigger and better things and Michigan is not in the situation to foster the growth I desire.

I want to meet new people. I want to see and experience different things. I want new friends. I just want to start a life of my own that is not based on Michigan. I am too familiar with this place and I have grown tired of it. UofM was cool the first two years but I feel like I have accomplished a lot here in regard to academics, social life and extra curricular activities.

Life here has become so mundane and repetitive. I need a new challenge. Something that excites and scares me. I loathe being bored which is why I stay involved in so many different things. However, I am now bored of this place and I can not wait to graduate so I can begin the next chapter in my life. I don't fear the unknown nor the future, I welcome it because some of the greatest things have arose out of unfamiliar settings.

Music Review

Aight so there's been a lot of music that has caught my attention as of late so here we go....

1. No Celings: Lil Wayne is a lyrical genius and all you have to do is listen to his new mixtape. My favorite song is probably his rendition of Swag Surfin although there are some other ones that get heavy rotation.

2. Graffiti: I still don't like Chris Brown since he feels it is alright to put his hands on a woman but his new song Crawl has me anticipating his album. I think it's supposed to drop in the beginning of December. I saw the album cover and it's pretty dope.

3. Lupe m'effin Fiasco: His mixtape is supposed to drop around Thanksgiving. I don't think there is a title for it evwen though it'll be available Nov 25th. Lupe is my ish and is the best rapper around. He has the flow and the content so I'm definitely awaiting this date. He has done songs with Chris Brown and Diddy so I wonder if they'll be on the mixtape.

4. Rated R: Rihanna is a lil angry mofo after C. Breezy got in that ass. I heard most of her album and she's pretty raw. Some of the songs I'm feelin while others seem out of character. Every time I listen to my favorite song, G4L, I wonder where was all this toughness when Chris went WWF on her.

Ahhh! It's Alive!

I do not know how, why or what the fuq Beyonce was thinking when she decided to do a song with the monster from the Blue Lagoon. And by monster, I mean the creature known as Lady GaGa. I do not like her or her music...at all. This video just proves how garbage she is. Beyonce is still bad but I feel like they were trying to be TOO different. Not to mention the seizure I almost incurred as I watched the first part of the video wit all those damn flashing lights.

Video Phone

Untitled

If I were to be truly me, would you accept me?

Whole-heatedly?

Or would you talk about me behind my back when no one can see?

Would you still respect and love me unconditionally

Or would you treat me disrespectfully?

Am I really ready to give it up willingly?

The chance at peace and normalcy.

I don't know, I know how people are

Staring and acting like you're something so bizarre.

Someone said I'd rather be me than anyone else

but is that really the truth?

Before sleep, I'd like to see how they really felt.

The world hating them for being true

The problem isn't them, clearly it's you.

How dare you think being you is okay

Fix yourself, get it together and get ready to play

The game of life. Not for them to be comfortable I say

but for you so you can survive from day-to-day.

On to the next one

I have a bad case of senioritis right now. I don't want to go to class...do work...sit in lecture or read anybody's articles. I just want to move on to the next stage of my life. Ann Arbor is soooo whack to me right now. I've been here for four years and I'm over it. I'm over the people, the city and everything about this place. Yea I'm gonna miss my friends, the open-mindedness of its residents and the other things it has to offer but I just want something new. Personally, I get tired of things quickly from TV shows to relationships. I just don't have the attention span to devote me energy to one thing for an extended period of time.

I am excited and anxious about graduating. Excited because I need a new scenery and will be departing Michigan immediately but anxious because of the job market and the economy. I am one step closer to Teach For America so I'm hoping all goes well and I am chosen to teach our future leaders. I am still debating whether to go somewhere warm or stay somewhere cold. Being in a warmer climate I would be happier because I dislike the cold and it would benefit me health-wise. However I have more family and friends in colder places and it would be closer to home compared to the South or out West.

I just need to be me, meet new people and enjoy life which seems impossible here at UofM.

Lights, camera, ACTION

If you know me then you know that I am a very closed off guy who keeps to himself. Yes I have tons of friends, associates and frat but only a chosen few truly know the real me. I am a realistic type. I don't get emotional because I feel like emotions are useless. Maybe it was the way I was raised. There is no doubt that my family loves each other and we are close but I can't recall ever telling my parents I love them or vice versa. And the thing is that I don't need to hear it. It is implied and I know they do. For me actions speak louder than words. The last phrase really speaks to my character and may be the reason I don't care for feelings. Yes you can weep, exclaim or have joyous outbursts to tell me much you care for, love or respect me but if you don't act on it then they are simply just words and a waste of my time.

Okay you say you are my best friend but if you don't act like it then I can tell you don't value our friendship. You may proclaim that you're my frat but if you lack brotherhood then I have no interest in building our bond. This is not to say I'm a mean person at all because I give everyone an opportunity and then some. I just have come to a point in my life where I am realizing there are a lot of irrelevant people in my life who are trying to play a major role in it. If you really do want a lead then be sincere, honest, patient and most of all remember that your actions speak louder than words.

What's good wit TRILL

Aight so Trill has been ghost lately but we've been workin hard for yall.

*Check out the new music video for "Better Believe It" featuring Boosie, Jeezy and Webbie. If you haven't heard it in the club or on the radio, it's a hot new single.

*Boosie's album drops SEPTEMBER 15th so make sure you cop that when it hits the stores. Also Boosie will be on Radio One's Russ Parr Bus Tour along with artists such as Bobby Valentino, The New Boyz, Hurrican Chris, Dorrough, Ace Hood and others.

*Check out MTV's article about Boosie and the making of his video for "Better Believe It."

*Here's the new joint from Webbie and Lil Phat, "Do It Bigger"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KanE2FVGFro



Aight that's all for now. Check out the info above and lemme know what you think.

As always thanks for your continued support.

Help a Brotha Out!

I was randomly thinking about the current state of black people and this is what I have concluded (this should apply to all minority groups despite race).

If you know me then you know I'd be the first person to point out that social injustices exist to this day despite all the movements, civil rights leaders and laws and policies put into place in our country. However, sometimes enough is enough. Yes "the man" is alive and kicking...yes it is hard for any minority to succeed in American society. Specifically racial groups that exist in the United States due to the fact this country was founded and built upon racism. To go even further it is particularly difficult for African Americans because of the distinct Black-White relations and the brutal past Blacks have had in this country. I say all of this to show you I understand the plights of our people however it is time to stop pointing the finger at the White man. Yes we have had a very unfortunate past but it is time to make the best of our present opportunities to ensure a fruitful future not only for ourselves but our children. I will be highly upset in my old age if my people grow content because they see Obama as "making it" and the peak of our achievement. Yes electing Obama to the highest office in this land is remarkable but can our entire race not long to achieve success such as this.

We have ensured that one of our own has attained his dream by becoming the 44th President of the United States but now is the time to aid our general population in achieving their goals even if it doesn't pale in comparison to Commander in Chief. Once upon a time in American history our people were self-sufficient- this was a time after Emancipation and before integration. They were self-employed, they conducted business amongst each other and there were multiple black cities and towns that flourished throughout this country. Blacks made sure that others that looked like them succeeded by supporting each other in all facets of life. However, shortly after the Civil Rights Movement ended so did this progressive behavior. (One may say this was caused by the end of segregation but that's an entire blog post within itself.) One thing is for sure...we don't support each other like we need to. One person's success is meaningless if he/she isn't willing to share it with others. We'd rather steal, kill and degrade each instead of uplifting one another. And if you look back fifty or so years, this kind of behavior isn't getting us anywhere. We are still suffering from poverty, poor education and crime. So I challenge you to lend a helping hand to your brother or sister because what's the point of "making it" if you don't have others around you to enjoy it with.

"Yes, societal issues exist within our country but placing the blame on others will only get us so far. It is time for us to invest in our culture, our people, and ourselves if we intend to progress."

The Black Man

I just got finished watching a video clip of some teens eluding the police while driving recklessly, endangering lives on their joy ride. What got me thinking and upset was the response of the cops after the teens were finally caught. From what I could tell from the video they were not handcuffed, even if they were it doesn't matter. The police offers were actually calmly standing next to the perpetrator(s) having a conversation with them. They inquired were they hurt, why they did this and other foolywang. Not to my surprise these teenagers belonged to the privileged class in this society...meaning they were White.

From all the videos I've seen in the news where Blacks were being pursued by cops, never have I ever seen a police officer have a normal and sincere conversation with them. I am by no means saying the Blacks didn't break the law but I'm simply making it aware that the law works differently depending on the color of your skin. When Blacks and Hispanics are engaged in criminal acts they are automatically seen as dangerous and cops shoot first ask questions later. It's no secret that minorities have been injured and killed for less than eluding the police and reckless driving like these White teens from Howell.

What comes to mind are stories where a Black man was killed for just reaching in his pocket because the cops thought his wallet/ID/whatever was a gun or pulling a Black man out of his car and holding him to the ground with a knee in his neck because he fits "the description" of a wanted criminal. In a society that is based on racism and racial discrimination it is evident that the law does not work in my or any Black man's favor.

The sad thing is that many of us really do try to do well and dispel the stereotypes set upon us but when you are constantly told that you are worthless then is it any wonder that the Black man is in his current situation?Is it any wonder they are more likely to be sitting in a prison or grave because it is easier to find shelter in a jail cell than in the real world or find a gun and drugs than to obtain a job?

And even when the Black man has "made it" people have preconceived notions of his past, present and future. I've seen the visage change on a person when I tell them I attend UofM on the Ann Arbor campus because behind their pupils they quietly (sometimes not so quietly) assume I'm only there because of affirmative action or some sports scholarship. Or in the corporate world they assume you are only there to fill some quota because it could never be a possibility that you are actually qualified for the job.

Don't get me wrong there are good people out there who don't place these stigmas on Black men nor do they exercise discriminatory practices against them but unfortunately it doesn't take an individual or two but a movement to excite change.

I have a love-hate relationship with America...however most of the time I feel myself despising her. :)

Me...right now

Aight so I'm bored and feel like talking about myself lol. So this is what's on my mind:

I was re-reading "The Golden Compass" but I decided I needed to blog and take care of some business...an hour or so later I'm still blogging...womp.

I'm over clubs. Ish was fun when I was in high school and freshmen year in college but I honestly don't like them and would prefer to chill at a bar/lounge or a house party any day.

A lot of times I don't speak my mind to be nice. I never really regret doing so.

When I get mad, I get extra quiet. I NEVER talk about my feelings regardless of how close we are, especially if I feel like nothing will be accomplished by doing so.

I'm a very private person. If you know about my family, history, goals and ambitions it means we are gonna be friends forever and I've known you for a while/trust you. If not...don't be offended, like I said I'm a private person.

I am actually very knowledgeable about random things but people may never know it because I don't like to be aggressive or overwhelming.

I'm only sarcastic to people I like. If I don't joke around with you then...sucks to be you! lol

'tis all for now.

4th of July- Chicago Style

Snap, crackle and pop! I went to the Chi for Independence Day 1. because I didn't get enough of the city when I went earlier this summer 2. because Michigan sux balls and 3. to visit my lil homie, Tracey.

I went with Tony, Emily and Che...four hours in the car with these clowns, especially Lache makes you a stronger person at the end of the day, lol nah they were coo and I had a good time. We were supposed to leave at noon but Che didn't get there til thirty after which caused me to participate in the CP time too and we didn't end up leaving campus til after 1...womp! But we go there safely and surprisingly traffic wasn't bad so I can't really complain (although I probably will).

We got to Chicago and realized everybody and they momma from the state of Michigan was there so it really wasn't a get-a-way but more like a four hour field trip. We hit up the Cheesecake Factory and after being there countless times I STILL haven't had a slice of cheesecake from there because I'm not paying $7+ for a sliver of dessert. The food was good until later on that night when I had food poisoning or something. Ish hurt so bad I actually tried to make myself throw up but iFailed big time so I just suffered the rest of the night. We ran into Ryan, Will Bos, Donnie, Chika, and Trav randomly and they were drunk as hell. So i basically lived my night vicariously thru them since I just wanted to curl up into the fetal position. And that's exactly what I did when I hit the couch.

We didn't see the fireworks. We didn't sight-see. We didn't go to the Taste. And we didn't do touristy things. But we did club, we did go shopping, we did almost get hit by a reckless [Chicago] driver and I did get toasted beyond belief so I would say it was a pretty great time.

Where's the Funny!?!

Aight so I just saw this video today and iDied...ish is that funny. I had a good laugh so I hope you will too. I couldn't embed the video so you're gonna have to do it the old-fashioned way and follow the link. -----> click me, I'm funny (Funny)

Check me out!

I'm gonna try something new and try to update the blog with new and upcoming things whether it be music, fashion, people, etc.

To start this topic off...I'm gonna start with something old yet new. This is a website I just recently was made aware of. It's the site for my boy Ayo. You may or may not know but outside of doing waaaay too much at UofM he is a poet. And he's actually dope (if you've heard any of his work you would know). Anyway, he just got a site so people can check out his craft. He has some of his work on there so you can listen to it for FREE and then you can also buy his new CD he just released on there too. So check it out at Ayo In Motion BOO-YAH...and enjoy!

I'm TRILL Homie

Aight so if you didn't know I want to go into marketing and promotions after college. I plan on working in the entertainment industry speciafically the record industry along with nightlife i.e. clubs. Me and BJ aka B Jax aka Brittney plan on starting our own firm also. This of course after we get our capital and experience up but it's a goal nonetheless. In order for me to do this I am currently working with Trill Entertainment. For all of yall who don't know this is the record label Boosie and Webbie, among other artists, are on.

I just started working with them about a month or so ago and so far no complaints. But I do need your help and so let me know what you think of their music. If you haven't heard...Boosie is coming out with a new album entitled "Superbad: Return of Boosie Badazz." So far he has two singles out Loose As A Goose and Better Believe It ft Jeezy and Webbie. So check out the links and just let me know what you think by leaving a comment on this post-good or bad lol.

(You can also join the Facebook Group and lemme know what you think about Trill as a label, their artists or their songs. Since Trill is an independent label you can trust that yo opinions do matter and it'll get back to the label through me..yea boi!)

But 4real gimme yo opinions so I can do my job! haha

Recently Played (On My iPod)

Hood Music- Right now I'm feeling Ice Cream Paint Job by Dorrough. Honestly it has no substance but it has a nice beat and I can vibe to it. If he sounds familiar he's the same dude that sings Walk that Walk.

Oldie- I was randomly listening to 92.3 and The O' Jays came on. I can't say I'm a fan because I never followed their music like that but I do know a few songs of theirs and this my friend is my sh*t!





Random- So it's a tie between these two songs. If you've seen Juno then you've heard "Anyone Else But You" and if you listen to gospel music or saw the BET Awards then you've heard Mary Mary's "God In Me." So I'm gonna go ahead and post both of them. I like the first song because it represents my silly personality. Although I'm a critic of religion as an institution, I'm still a believer and the second song shows that plus the song bangs!

Anyone Else But You



God In Me

BET: Do Better

So here's my issue with the Black Entertainment Television network. First for years they have focused mainly on depicting stereotypical images of the same people they are supposed to be representing. The countless hours of music videos that are played (or that was once played seeing as I haven't been a frequent viewer in quite some time) is ridiculous. Videos of blacks glorifying sex, violence and drugs in the morning, noon, night and every where in between that.

I need the station to promote positivity while also showing an accurate representation of Black people. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy watching music videos from time to time but after a while it becomes overbearing. I don't even think BET has its news show any longer. Outside of short clips that highlight some major event every once in a blue moon the station doesn't educate its viewers on the news. Yea I understand it's Black ENTERTAINMENT Television but when you are rarity such as this network you have a bigger responsibility.

The entertainment is cool but educate, inform and inspire our people. Give them a reason to want to do something with their lives outside of becoming a rapper or singer. Stop glorifying and reinforcing the negative images set upon our people. Videos that constantly portray our women as sexual objects and men as violent thugs and social deviants. I loved the idea of College Hill but as I watched it I realized they seldom showed the students in school. However they focused on the drama and the beef between the roommates.

Lastly the lack of originality within the network saddens me. It makes it seem as if Black people don't have the power to create, invent and expound upon things because of their programming. "College Hill" seems like a spin off of "The Real World", "106&Park" "TRL" and even this new show I saw today "Tiny and Toya" looks very familiar to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."

I applaud the effort of the station because at times it does seem to attempt to create positive but then there's the numerous images they depict that nullifies it all. BET stop claiming to be the "Black station"if you don't step up to the plate and act as such. The Black experience encompasses more than just an entertainment aspect, our culture is richer and runs deeper than that.

The D

Hmmm let's see what I can rant about today. Well the weather as of late sucks. It's kinda like a reflection of Detroit lol. Don't get me wrong I love my city, born and raised here but things are looking pretty dim for the Motorcity/Motown. I don't know if either nickname is appropriate for the city. I haven't seen the true Motown except for in history and the building (which I believe is on Grand Blvd). Outside of that Detroit is no longer the epicenter of music like it once was. It is a thing of the past which can be recalled through listening to old albums of the number one hits. And Motorcity. The only positive thing about that name nowadays is the casino on Grand River. The Big Three are no longer so big, all trying to survive this recession and the end of the Industrial Age. These car companies employed thousands of people and seemed to hold the very fabric of Michigan's economy together and with its absence we can see how well things are turning out.

In addition to white flight, the brain drain and an absence of retailers and quality education Detroit is looking pretty glum. The only thing it seems to be doing well in is unemployment, violence and terrible schooling. BUT even with its flaws I must point out the positive because the city and the people are honestly great. If you've made a trip to Downtown lately you'll notice how things have changed within the last 5 years. It is actually looking like a downtown rather than a bunch of abandoned buildings. The museums seems to be flourishing and the schools in the area seem to be doing well (Wayne State, Creative Studies school, of course Cass Tech [lol] and a new school for the arts is being built down there). I love driving around downtown. You see the Fox and the sports arenas . Then you go down a little further and you're passing the People Mover and on both sides there a new stores surrounding you. And on top of those are lofts and condos for people who have faith in the city and want to be in the midst of it. You pass more clubs, stores and restaurants until you hit a dead end. Cobo is to your right and if you make a left you'll be riding alongside the river with the newly renovated riverfront. You can see the Windsor skyline in the distance and Belle Isle is a few miles down.

The city has potential and lots of it. There is beauty in Detroit, you just have to know where to look.

Recently Played (On My iPod)

I just updated my iTunes and my iPod so I figured I would let the world know what I'm listening to since you clearly care about my musical taste.

Hurricane Chris- She Fine

Let's start off the list with some hoodrat music. I think the dance to this song is very questionable since they look like AKAs/Kappas. Nonetheless, the chorus is catchy and the beat is nice.



All American Rejects- Gives You Hell

Someone told me about this song and it's kinda great! I like to listen to different genres of music and this song has made the playlist...kudos All American Rejects.



Kid Cudi- Day and Night

This is my ish! The beat is tight, the lyrics are decent and it's Kid Cudi. He has another song called Poker Face featuring Kanye and Common which is hot too.



Pleasure P- Boyfriend #2

I don't know how I feel about this video but I like the song.



DISCLAIMER: Don't judge me, give me evil glares,throw things at me or think of me differently because I like these songs. LOL. Enjoy. Music is Life.

Just a thought...

I think it's funny how his friends (and associates) are down to do anything social but when you need their help in regard to academics they wanna pull the disappearing act. That's why SHORT people are and will remain SHORT because they have their priorities mixed up. smh.

Where's the Funny!?!

So here are a few things that I've recently ran into that makes me laugh from a good hearty place(lol):


FMYLife. Ish is HILARIOUS...period. If you are ever feeling down just visit the site and I promise you'll start feeling better in moments. Reading about others misfortune somehow makes your life seem so much better.


I saw this video a while ago but someone just reminded me of it yesterday. I must say this is still freakin funny and when in public I still embarrass myself by laughing out loud at this guy.



Lastly is this Family Guy episode that I randomly watched. I kept hearing about how funny it was from my residents and friends and I finally saw it. Like all Family Guy episodes it's gonna make you laugh and have you beggin for more funny.




Hope you enjoy the funny...

For shame America...for shame!

If you want to see the true nature of a nation then look at how they treat those who are the least fortunate in that society...

I find that the United States is disgusting. We are really messed up and have our morals twisted. We may say we care about people but let's face it, that's a lie. We look out for ourselves at the expense of others and we have little to no remorse for doing so. Money is the root of all evil and unfortunately our eyes glisten with dollar signs. Our society is built upon climbing up the ladder to reach financial wealth which is why Americans are driven by money. Everyone wants to live the "American Dream" and live comfortably but at what cost? The poor work relentlessly to achieve this goal and the rich ignore the plights of others so they can maintain this dream. We are not a people that are concerned about the well being of our neighbors but how to exploit them in order to profit.

This idea came about after viewing Sicko. This is a great Michael Moore movie and I STRONGLY encourage you to watch it. I didn't watch it all but I watched enough and it really put a lot of things in perspective so much so that I was contemplating moving to Canada or the United States. The film is about the health care system in the U.S. It reveals the monstrosities that take place in our system while comparing it to those of socialized health care systems. Imagine your elected politicians selling their votes to multi-billion dollar companies, hospitals dumping patients off in the streets, someone having to choose whether they want to keep their index or middle finger, or losing a child due to a hospital's unwillingness to treat them. These are all truths within our health insurance system and it doesn't seem like it is going to get better. The rich are too concerned about gaining more wealth at the expense of others. If patients received financial help from an insurance company they were considered financial losses. How is potentially saving a life considered a loss!? Even worse doctors, who have taken an oath to treat anyone in need, receive bonuses based on how many people they deny for health coverage.

Now compare this corruption to Canada's system where all citizens receive free health care no matter what. All they have to do is walk into a clinic and they will be taken care of without any co-pays or expenses billed to their homes. They can stay as long as they need and all of their prescription drugs are $1o at the most. Homeless people and affluent moguls all receive the same treatment in order to ensure equal health care for all unlike the U.S. where the wealthy receive the best care and the rest of us are left to struggle. The U.S. puts a lot of propaganda out that portrays socialized health care as a bad thing but it's actually quite beneficial. All the citizens have care (in some countries you don't even have to be a citizen to receive care), preventative care is exercised, doctors and medical professionals are still paid well among a number of other benefits. It is no surprise then that the poorest of these countries outlive the wealthiest Americans.

When you are more concerned about increasing your wealth than saving a life that is a problem. When you coerce politicians into passing bills so you can maximize your profits that is a problem. When you tell a man that he has to choose which finger he wants to keep because he can't afford the surgery to keep both of them that is a problem. When someone denies a child treatment because their insurance isn't good at that hospital and she dies as a result of refusal that is a problem. When did we became so consumed with making money? Why don't we genuinely care for people anymore? Is the money really worth the lives of others?

I truly have a different understanding of the land of the free after watching Sicko. I am deeply disturbed by how money motivates the actions of others to the point of indirectly murdering people. After grad school, I am now considering organizing and creating free health clinics in the U.S while lobbying for universal health care so that people no longer have to suffer, choose which finger to keep or lose a child.

D9

So this blog originated from a conversation me and a Greek friend of mine had. The topic of our discussion was Black Greek life and what would our founders think of us today. Sad to say that we concluded that our founders wouldn't be very proud of us at all. Don't get me wrong our organizations still do a lot of good thing but we also participate in a lot of....well let's say a lot of non proactive behavior. The underlying purpose of each of these Black Greek Letter Organizations were to serve the community and to be role models for our people so they can strive for achievement as well. Unfortunately, we are not upholding these ideals. We can't even get along to the point where it affects the way our fraternities and sororities work together. We love to argue and diss each other but when it comes to unifying for a cause then BGLOs can't be found. It's really sad when you think about it because we show so much pride in our three letters but what are we really doing with them. By no means I am suggesting that once you become Greek you have to be a different person but through your process you should have grown into a better person who understands the needs of the Black community. We are in a position where we can do so much good and be effective however we don't take advantage of these opportunities. Instead we are focused on stepping or hoeing our Greek brothers and sisters. I know everyone doesn't fit into this category (we dobut a lot of our D9 brothers and sisters...TO BE CONTINUED WHEN I HAVE FREE TIME

iGNORANCE iS BLiSS

Not long ago were we, as Blacks, beaten, killed and discriminated against just because of our skin color.
Now less than 50 years from then do we have the audacity to discriminate against another minority.
We of all people should understand what if feels like to be ostracized from society
But instead of easing the plights of this group we induce them.
We hop on the bandwagon and even worse we often lead it.
We use words in a book to justify our actions, we quote them as if they were our own.
Ironic how this same book kept us enslaved for hundreds of years and justified the mistreatment of our race since the day the Christian man laid eyes upon us.
Funny how that works.
We are more willing to tear people down based on their differences than making an effort to build bridges and offering a helping hand.
So if you choose to live your life by this book then please stop being a contradiction and follow it in its entirety.
Stop picking and choosing which things you want to abide by and those that you don't.
Remember the past, your past, and how groups were brutalized, hated and destroyed just for the simple fact that they were different from the "normative."

Like the pot calling the kettle black.

This is one of the reasons why ignorance perturbs me.

The Good and the Bad of the Inauguration: A First Hand Account

Everyone saw the Inauguration. Everyone saw Obama get sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Everyone saw a historical event. However I wonder how many witnessed the contradiction that took place during this momentous time. America preaches freedom and equality for all but how can this hold true when religion is constantly woven into the very fabric of its existence. Political figures and documentation preach the separation of church and state but it was evident to anyone who watched the Inauguration that this is a blatant lie. From the prayer that took place before the ceremony to Obama's very speech, religious values could be seen taking place side-by-side this political event. Once again the U.S. has contridicted itself with the lie of separating its political actions from religious beliefs.

On a lighter note: the Inauguration was great lol. I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C and witness histroy being made. It was a beautiful moment in time that was definitely worth the struggle. I struggled with sleep deprivation, lack of shelter from the brisk cold and hunger pains but when Obama was sworn in and spoke the words of change none of that mattered.

I arrived around 4am in D.C. the day of the ceremony from about a 10/11-hour bus ride. The excitement on the bus grand, eveyone was ecstatic that we finally arrived and that history would be made in less than 24 hours. After miles of walking and temporary relief from shuttles I made it to the National Mall. It was soooooo cold and the ceremony was hours away before it commenced. So a friend and I snuck off into the Smithsonian for relief from the cold, exhaustion and hunger. As my limbs unthawed I perused the exhibits that the museum had to offer such as the The First Ladies exhibit, the African American and Jewish exhibit among various others.

The Smithsonian pratically robbed me by charging $15 for a chicken tender meal but the satisfaction of having a full stomach eased my woes. I walked through the museum again looking for a place to sit but it seemed like everyone decided to come here to seek refuge from standing and the cold. People were scatered everywhere on the four floors that made up the Smithsonian. Every seat was taken and people were lying all over the lobby and exhibit floors attempting to get a moment of sleep. As soon as I found a place to sit and get a quick nap in the meseum made an announcememt that there was no sleeping in the building and guards came by propmtyl to wake me up. I was so sad.

I finally ventured back into the cold...still exhausted but fed and as I pushed through the crowds of the Mall I watched history take place. I clapped, yelled and shouted "Obama!" The feeling of being there, on the National Mall, with millions of people, all supporters of the first African American president of the United States and his plan of change is indescribable. All I can say is that, as I along with millions of others watched President Obama get sworn in and speak, a feeling of hope overcame me and I now look forward to the next four years.

Enter My Mind If You Dare

Greetings. My name is Johnathon Ray most people call me John or John Ray among other variations. I am currently a junior majoring in Sociology and Communication Studies....attempting to take over and change the world one degree at a time. Outside of school I am an RA in Bursley Hall where I command almost 40 soldiers, ocassionally called residents. Living in North Campus is a very interesting story and would require a totally new blog which I may do later. In my spare time I run the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc chapter on this campus along with being a Big Sib. I stay busy...like forreal forreal...but I do so because I hate being bored. (insert saying about idleness and devil's playground or something along those lines).

I am from Detroit and I am proud of being able to claim that citizenship...so please no hating on my b-e-a-utiful city. I am the middle child...which can explain why I act the way I do-independent, overacheiver, organized, etc. I am sarcastic NOT mean so please don't confuse the two. I am actually probably thee nicest person you will ever meet while you inhabit this earth so be appreciative :)

I love my friends, family and frat (the three F's). I am random, funny and just like having a good time. I also enjoy long walks on the beach while venturing into the sunset lol. I do enjoy educational and meaningful conversations- whether past, present or future...I love to discuss social issues. I am always willing to learn and explore new things which will become clearer as I continue to write and as you continue to read.