THE SUICIDE RATE IS UP AMONG OUR BLACK CHILDREN AND THAT BOTHERED ME TO THE POINT OF DOING THIS FOR THOSE I THINK COULD BENEFIT AND PRAYERFULLY SOMETHING WOULD TRIGGER THEM AND MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE NEEDED AND THE FUTURE.
I GIVE YOU THESE GIFTS OF WHICH HAVE SPIRITUAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MY HONOR AND RESPECT FOR OUR FUTURE AND THE MAJOR ROLE THEY HAVE HAVE PLAYED IN MY LIFE. THESE THINGS ARE ESSENTIAL TO WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY HAVE GIVEN ME AND MADE ME BECOME AS A BLACK TEACHER!
BLACK STUDENTS MATTER IS NOT A SLOGAN BUT A FACT!
THE GIFT BAG, YES YOU CAN:
THIS IS POWERFUL.
from Dr. Claud Anderson
Soooo you mean to tell me that someone down your ancestry line survived being chained to other human bodies for several months in the bottom of a disease-infested ship during the Middle Passage, lost their language, customs and traditions, picked up the English language as best they could while working free of charge from sunup to sundown as they watched babies sold from out of their arms and women raped by ruthless slave owners.
Took names with no last names, no birth certificates, no heritage of any kind, braved the Underground Railroad, survived the Civil War to enter into sharecropping…
Learned to read and write out of sheer will and determination, faced the burning crosses of the KKK, averted their eyes at the Black bodies swinging from ropes hung on trees…
Fought in World Wars as soldiers to return to America as boys, marched in Birmingham, hosed in Selma, jailed in Wilmington, assassinated in Memphis, segregated in the South, ghettoed in the North, ignored in history books, stereotyped in Hollywood…
and in spite of it all someone in your family line endured every era to make sure you would get here and you receive one rejection, face one obstacle, lose one friend, get overlooked, and you want to quit? How dare you entertain the very thought of quitting. People you will never know survived from generation to generation so you could succeed. Don’t you dare let them down!!
—-Dr. Claud Anderson (author)
This is so so true!!!!!! Give this to your young people who don’t know their history and want to get weak!
It is NOT in our DNA to quit!
BEHIND THE DOORS!
HONESTLY, THERE WERE NO DOORS.
WHEREVER I WAS;
YOU SCHOLARS WERE WELCOMED
YOU SCHOLARS WERE TAUGHT WHO YOU WERE
YOU SCHOLARS WERE POURED INTO
YOU SCHOLARS WERE BUILT UP
YOU SCHOLARS WERE BELIEVED IN
YOU SCHOLARS WERE ADMIRED
YOU SCHOLARS GREW
YOU SCHOLARS WERE STRENGTHENED
YOU SCHOLARS AND ALL ATTACHED WERE NEEDED
YOU SCHOLARS WERE ALLOWED TO BE YOURSELVES
YOU SCHOLARS WERE ALLOWED TO CHILL
YOU SCHOLARS WERE ENCOURGED
YOU SCHOLARS WERE DISCIPLINCED
YOU SCHOLARS WERE INEXPERIENCED, CONFLICTED, SCARED AND UPSET AT CHOICES YOU HAD NO CONTROL OVER BUT YET WERE REDIRECTED AND GIVEN CUSHION.
MR. FRED ROGERS ASKED, “WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?”
OUR SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY IS WHAT DRAW US
OUR LOVE FOR THE BROKEN IS WHAT DRAW US
OUR ABILITY TO REACH THE UTTERMOST AND GUTTERMOST IS WHAT DRAW US
OUR ABILITY TO HEAL WITH A HUG, KIND AND HARSH WORD IS WHAT DRAW US
WHEN YOU KNOCK ON THE DOOR, IT WAS ALWAYS OPEN.
THANKS FOR BEING MY REASON WHY I CHOSE TO TEACH AND LOVE THIS PROFESSION AND UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A CALLING, MINISTRY, REVOLUTIONARY AND MY DUTY IS TO INTENTIONALLY BE TRANSFORMATIVE FOR THE CULTURE.
YOU EXUDE: PEACE, LOVE, JOY, PATIENCE, TRUST IN THE PROCESS AND AN UNDERSTANDING THAT GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE AND IN CONTROL!
QUAD CONTAIN: EVERYTHING MADE OF COTTON FROM 1619 TO PRESENT IS BECAUSE OF OUR ANCESTORS WORK ETHIC. THE COTTON IS A REMINDER THAT IT WAS US WHO WERE THE ORIGINAL LIFE GIVERS, DOULAS AND MIDWIVES. WE ARE THE INNATE AGRICULTURAL GENIUSES, WE ARE METEROLOGICALLY ACCURATE AND TIMELY ASTUTE MANAGERIALLY SOUND INTUTIVELY ON POINT….. THIS IS US AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN US
RICE- RICE WAS USED IN CORNROWS DURING SLAVERY AND AS THE YOUNG WERE MARCHING TOWARDS FREEDOM, THEY HAD RICE AND BEANS IN THEIR HAIR TO START THEIR AGRICULTURE WORK FOR THEMSELVES. RICE ALSO GETS WATER OUT OF THE CELLPHONE, JUST SUBMURSE A DRENCHED PHONE IN RICE AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, I TRIED IT AND IT WORKS.
COCOA-EVERYTHING MADE OF COCOA IS BECAUSE OF OUR ANCESTORS RICH HANDS, RICH INTUITION, AND RICH WORK ETHICS. READ THE WORDS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PACKAGE BECAUSE THAT IS WHO WE ARE BECAUSE OF OUR ELDERS
WATERMELON CANDY- WATERMELONS was a pathway to economic freedom for formerly enslaved African Americans. While enslaved, they were FORCED to farm watermelons. Once they gained their freedom, watermelons provided a way to reclaim their lives and make money, so watermelons emancipated Blacks. They grew and harvested them, becoming vendors and selling them on street corners. White folks turned something great into something demonizing, humiliating and racist and well, the rest is history.
PEPPERMINT, MUTHA’S BOARD MENTY WOMEN CHRISTMAS WASN’T CHRISTMAS UNTIL THAT BASKET OF FRUIT, NUTS, CANDY (RASPBERRY FOR ME) AND PEPPERMINT WAS LAID OUT FOR ALL TO ENJOY. IF THEY DIDN’THAVE ANYTHING ELSE THEY MADE SURE THEY HAD THAT TO GIVE AND THAT NASTY FRUIT CAKE. IT WAS THE CONNECTION AND APPRECIATION OF OUR CULTURE AND THE STRUGGLE AND A CONSTANT REMINDER OF HOW WE MADE IT OVER.
We have the suit wearing MUTHA
We have the HAT wearing MUTHA
We have the fussing MUTHA
We have the seductive MUTHA
We have the fashion police MUTHA
We have the snitchin MUTHA
We have the words of wisdom MUTHA
We have the cooking MUTHA
We have the never hold their tongue MUTHA
We have the usha board MUTHA
We have the comedic MUTHA
We have the hood MUTHA
We have the sangin MUTHA
We have the testifying MUTHA
We have the socialite MUTHA
We have the overly confident MUTHA
We have the low esteem MUTHA
We have the educated MUTHA
We have the gifted MUTHA
We have the talented MUTHA
We have the well traveled MUTHA
We have the slip you a lil sumn MUTHA
O BOY O BOY we all appreciate that PEPPERMINT PASSIN MUTHA of which was ALL OF THEM.
MINT was used as medicine during slavery. We have MINT but mainly peppermint of many forms of healing. There are many health benefits of peppermints: Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, Skin conditions, Headaches and migraines, Colds and flu, Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, Relieving chemotherapy-induced vomiting, Treating and healing chronic wounds.
STRAWBERRY CANDY-AS BLACK WOMEN WE WEAR MANY HATS, WE ARE EXTREMELEY RESOURCEFUL, GIFTED, TALENTED AND SKILLED. WE HAVE MADE SURE THE WORLD ILLUMINATED BUT NOT US? THERE IS NO USa WITHOUT US……read it 7 times! WE MUST BEGIN TO WALK AROUND WITH OUR OUTED SEEDS UNAPOLOGETICALLY, INTENTIONALLY, SHAMELESSLY, AND KNOWINGLY. WE ARE THE MOST RELIGIOUS AND WE ARE TREATED LIKE WE’RE LESS THAN, INFERIOR, UNSEEN AND MUTED AND THAT IS SEEN AS HONORING GOD ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE. OUR BIBLE ENCOURAGES AND INSTRUCTS US TO BE INFERIOR, SUBMISSIVE, LESS THAN, MEEK AS WE HAVE CONCIEVED, NURUTURED, PROTECTED, BIRTHED AND RAISED CHILDREN WHO WERE THE ECONOMIC ENGINE OF AMERICA BUT LADS GROW UP TO CONVINCE US THAT WE ARE WEAK, INFERIRIOR, INCOMPETENT, SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD, INVISIBLE AND WE ARE ALSO TOLD TO NOT BOAST, DO NOT BE PUFFED UP IN WHAT WE DO, DO NOT THINK TOO HIGHLY OF OURSELVES, KEEP IT TO OURSELVES, DON’T BRAG ON WHAT WE DO OR SPEAK ON OUR GOOD WORKS, DON’T BE PRIDEFUL, LET OTHERS GET THE SHINE, GLORY, HONOR, ACCOLADES AND PROFIT FOR OUR AND OFF OF OUR: GOODNESS CREATIVITY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BRILLIANCE MAD SKILLS GIFTEDNESS STRONG WORK ETHICS? WE ARE SOME OF THE MOST HONORABLE BLACK MAGIC SLANGING WOMEN EVER. KEEP ON OUTTIN YA SEEDS WELL, YA HEAR?
OUTED SEEDS, STRAWBERRIES ARE THE ONLY FRUIT
WITH ITS SEEDS ON THE OUTSIDE. Allow me to share the poignant words of our elder, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, “The students obligation was to build upon the previous generations work, to find out what is missing, omitted(intentionally or not), neglected, and flat out incorrect, so we can make the necessary changes for the following generation.”
RULER- You can only rule your own thoughts, actions, views, decisions and you. You taught me as a substitute, I must own it, understand it and be at peace with it; what is the it? What I rule. I thought my goal was to convince people to be Christlike, be selfless and really show what compassion was and educate you all. YOUR example of love, compassion, sacrifice and unconditional love, support and willingness to show what TRANSFORMATION looks like was my ultimate goal as an educator/teacher. I never knew about the game and BUREAUCRATIC nonsense that is meaningless in the lives of babies who are impoverished and oppressed by design and legislation.
FLASHLIGHT- As I reflect on the movie HIDDEN FIGURES we are conditioned to be silent, be invisible, be humble and meek, speak NOT on how we elevate, empower, and make sure all others shine and profit immensely off of us, we have 400 years plus worth of receipts. Take this flashlight and look deep within and bring out everything your ancestors put within you! They have issue with our MAGIC They have issue with our NATURAL BEAUTY They have issue with our INTELLIGENCE They have issue with our RESILIENCE They have issue with our BEAUTY They have issue with our COMPETITIVENESS They have issue with our MELANIN HERITAGE They have issue with our VOICE OF MATTER OF FACTNESS They have issue with our LEADERSHIP They have issue with our CREATIVITY They have issue with our INGENUITY They have issue with our CULTURE They have issue with our DEMANDS They have issue with our UNAPOLOGETIC positions They have issue with out FRANKNESS They have issue with ALL THINGS THAT WERE ONCE LEGAL THAT WE HAVE UPROOTED TODAY AS EMBODYING OUR FULL CITIZENRY OF WHICH threatens their notion of being SUPREME. When something is hidden, it means IT IS THERE!
THE BOOK I LOVE YOU FOREVER-I use the I LOVE YOU FOREVER book as way to teach generational cycles: love, acceptance, boundaries, respect, commonality, unconditionality, and as some like to say curses. I REFUSE to use that phrase generational curses with my BLACK babies in the inner cities whose parents are LEGISLATED maltreatment, malpractice, lack, oppression and poverty. I BRING THAT TO THE TABLE so they can fully understand why their moms have a hard time emulating the mom and child in this book and in America as an “essential” worker. STACEY’s book is a constant reminder to my babies of the POWER OF 1.
4 PENS-I give you these 4 pens to represent each of the 4 seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). As long as we live, seasons will come and they will also go. The thing about life is this, you need them all to HEAL, GROW, LEARN, TEACH, FACE, ACCEPT, REJECT AND BECOME RIPE. I AM ROOTIN FOR YA!
RED RECYCLE BIN WITH MUSTARD SEEDS-I give you these MUSTARD SEEDS in this plastic REcycle bin. Plastic is recyclable so this is proof that where we are in this country, it is nothing new under the sun. Allow these seeds to represent each and every thing, person, event, and experience you have endured, met, overcame to cause you to stand strong on the HERE I AM LORD; SEND ME, I’LL GO! YOU ARE TRIUMPHANT INDEED AND WORTHY TO BE RECOGNIZED AS AN AGENT OF CHANGE, HARMONY, EQUALITY, DIGNITY, HUMANITY AND A JUSTICE WARRIOR. Keep on living. Keep on giving of yourself. Keep on inspiring. Keep on motivating. Keep on hugging. Keep on healing. Keep on mentoring. Keep on mothering. Keep on going. Keep on transforming. Keep on being great. YOU MASTER THEM ALL! You are our proof that although we will face trials, tribulations, difficulties and mountains; you are still resilient, devoted, determined, selfless, compassionate, coveted and unconditionally loved. In the recycle bin; ONLY you know what to uproot, replant and recycle, DO IT FOR THE CULTURE.
SELF HATE WILL END WHEN WE KNOW WHO WE ARE, GENUINELY-
A HOOD STUDENT MUSE, MONIKER, MANTRA AND MONTAGE, YES YOU CAN!
THE MOMENT YOU STEP INTO A SCHOOL BUILDING, YOU HAVE:
MANY EMOTIONS, MANY THOUGHTS, MANY EXPECTATIONS MANY DEMANDS, MANY WISHES, MANY DUTIES MANY APPOINTMENTS, MANY DIAGNOSES, MANY FEARS MANY FACTS, MANY QUESTIONS, MANY FACES MANY FEELINGS, MANY WAYS OF COMMUNICATING, MANY WAYS OF TRAVELING MANY ROADS TO TRAVEL, MANY PEOPLE POCKING AND PRODDING, MANY VERBIAGE YOU MAY OR MAY NOT UNDERSTAND BUT YET MANAGE TO DECIPHER MANY WHO KNOW US BETTER THAN US AND FOR SOME, NEVER ASK US, MANY JOYS, MANY RESENTMENTS MANY FAULTS, MANY MISTAKES, MANY HURTS MANY PAINS, MANY I WISH I DIDN’T AND DID, MANY NEVER AGAINS MANY, MANY MANY REGRETS, MANY STRENGTHS, MANY WEAKNESSES MANY ACCUSATIONS, MANY DENIALS, MANY NEEDS MANY WAYS TO SHOW OUR LOVE LANGUAGES, MANY, MANY, MANY AND WITH ALL OF THIS, WE STILL PRODUCE EXCELLENCE! LOOK AT YOU!
HIGHTOP SNEAKER-
WALK INTO YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY
WALK INTO YOUR INDIVIDUALITY
WALK INTO YOUR UNDENIABLE BRILLIANCE
WALK INTO YOUR CONFIDENCE
WALK INTO YOUR SELF RESEPCT
WALK INTO YOUR DESTINY
WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PAST, IT IS OVER!
STAND TALL IN YOUR TRUTH
STAND TALL IN YOUR GOD CHOSEN FRAME
STAND TALL IN YOUR VIEWS
STAND TALL IN YOUR VOICE
STAND TALL IN YOUR OWNERSHIP OF YOUR FLAWLESSNESS
STAND TALL IN YOUR CHARACTER
STAND, STAND, STAND, STAND, STAND, STAND, STAND, STAND YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT GROWTH, IT WILL HAPPEN ANYWAY!
RUN WITH YOUR BLACK SISTERS
RUN WITH THE END IN MIND
RUN WITH YOUR ASSIGNMENT CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD
RUN WITH FIERCENESS
RUN WITH CONFIDENCE
RUN WITH INTENTIONALITY
RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE BUT DO BE GREAT IN EACH SEASON!
STEP INTO YOUR CALLING
STEP INTO YOUR MINISTRY
STEP INTO YOUR MISSION
STEP INTO YOUR HEALING
STEP INTO YOUR PASSION
STEP INTO YOUR APPOINTED TASKS
STEP, STEP, STEP, STEP, STEP, STEP, STEP YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT ANYONE BUT YOU, THS IS THE HARD, HURTFUL TRUTH!
YOUR BEAUTIFULLY PEDICURED FEET WILL GO INTO PLACES YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE READY FOR BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET, IF IT IS IN YOU, ONLY YOU ARE TO EXECUTE IT.
SEWING KIT/MANICURE SETS- On this justice journey, you students have taught me how to decipher. You students have taught me that it was in every: CONVERSATION, ENCOUNTER, GOOD AND BAD MOMENT; they were all needed for me to become who I was growing into. You students taught me that I have no control over no one but me. Since I don’t, you students have taught me how to ALWAYS: smell the roses, enjoy every creature, allow every person predestined to cross my life’s path to add and subtract from me. You also taught me that all kinds of people come with their own life’s journey and it is unfair to expect mine from them. You taught me to meet people where they are. THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE AND HURTFUL MESSAGE YOU TAUGHT ME WAS, IT IS FAMILY FIRST ABOVE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING BUT YET, ALL IS ESSENTIAL.
Purpose
Acceptance
TeachABLE
Compassion
Hone
Willing
Opportune
Ready
Keen
As I was meditating on how to pour into you, your impact on and in my life as my babies and students and the many ways you CHOSE to cut deep, I thought about a PATCHWORK QUILT and BEAUTIFUL FEET. I thought about you students who got up daily, expected and got consistent inconsistencies IN SPITE OF……. The many patches we endured and adorn that make us BLACK POWERFUL fragmented and broken while simultaneously whole PEOPLE is commendable and admirable. We had different paths, god knows different generations but same scenes.
Patches are symbolic of our life’s tests trials and obstacles and the sewing together of the good opportunity and right and just outcomes. In these pouches are many utensils that’s needed for one purpose and that is to create a completed PATCHWORK QUILT and BEAUTIFUL FEET.
GIRAFFE- The mother immediately begin to kick her newborn baby across the desert. Does she not love the baby? Does she not want to coddle the baby? Does she not want to be soft with the baby? Does she not want to nurture her new baby? YOU BET. But the reality is, she is in the DESERT and she must ready her newborn baby for prey and thus she take her big hoof and begin to kick the baby until it is able to stand upon its weak legs. Yep, we come from homes where TOUGH LOVE was mental preparation for a country that not only won’t and or refuse to see your humanity and worth but vote against it. I serve you notice, YOU and YOUR HOME were both born PHinishED and that is PhD ripe. We had SHADE TREE mechanics, culinarians, maintenance, cleaners, builders, architects, scientists and all SHADE TREE means, they couldn’t read or write but it had nothing to do with their ABILITIES.
OUR ACNESTORS: BelievEdD ConcievEdD AchievEdD ReceievEdD SatisfiEdD MovEdD RetrievEdD CaptivatEdD ChallengEdD InspirEdD MasterEdD SoothEdD ChampionEdD HealEdD ReleasEdD The mother giraffe immediately begin kicking her new baby across the desert, why? Not because she doesn’t love, support, care or want to protect her new baby. The reason is this, she knows that prey is readying themselves and that is her main reason why she is showing tough love. KEEP ON STICKING YOUR NECK OUT!
RED BOX WITH EXTRA GUM-Isn’t it funny how when WE SAY AND THINK that we are at our wits end, we can’t take it anymore, we are about to throw in the towel, GOD steps in and provide us with all that EXTRA:
REunite, REkindle, REimerge, REmember, REvamp, REsustain, REvolve, REnew, REvive, REsettle, REsourceful, REassign, REshuffle, REconsider, REmake, REstart, REinvent, REproduce, REfresh, REsolute, REdirect, RE and RE means again.
Elephant- IMPRINT AND IMPRESSIONABLE
A BABY ELEPHANT WAS TIED TO A CHAIR AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE ELEPHANT GREW TO BE 15,000 LBS (over exaggerating) AND STILL BELIEVED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE ALTHOUG THE CHAIN HAD BEEN BROKEN, THE INFANT OUTGREW THE CHAINS, SHAKLES AND ROPES. I SAY TO YOU MY FUTURE, THANKS FOR TEACHING ME TO:
ACCEPT MY POWER TO CHANGE
ACCEPT MY POWER TO TRANSFORM
ACCEPT MY POWER TO HEAL
ACCEPT MY POWER TO EMPOWER
ACCEPT MY POWER TO EDUCATE
ACCEPT MY POWER TO ENABLE
ACCEPT MY POWER TO BREAK MENTAL CHAINS
ACCEPT MY POWER TO BE DIGNIFIED
ACCEPT MY POWER TO BE ELOQUENT
ACCEPT MY POWER TO HAVE LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS UNAPOLOGETICALLY AND INTENTIONALLY ACCEPT MY POWER TO LEAD MY YOU ALL OUT OF DARKNESS, POVERTY, OPPRESSION, PAIN AND DANGER BUT DIFFERENTLY ACCEPT MY POWER TO BE THE CHOSEN, APPOINTED AND ANOINTED ONE IN THIS SEASON ACCEPT MY POWER TO BE THE WOMAN WHO YOU NEED ME TO BE AND THAT IS THE ONE I SEE AND THAT IS ONE WITH A MORAL, JUST, AND FAITH FILLED LIFE! ACCEPT MY POWER TO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR ANCESTORS WERE: STRONG LEADERS, FEARLESS, BRILLIANT, EDUCATED, GIFTED, HIGHLY SKILLED, TALENTED AND I GET A CHANCE TO WITENESS THE BATON BEING PASSED. THESE THINGS I AM NOT SAYING TO YOU JUST TO SAY TO YOU; THESE ARE THINGS FROM THE MOMENT I HAVE MET YOU, YOU HAVE EXUDED.
CHEESE- I GAVE SOME THE BOOK WHO MOVED MY CHEESE, THE CHILDREN’S VERSION. CHEESE IS A METAPHOR AND IT REPRESENTS THIS YOUR LIFE’S JOURNEY, CHEESE WILL BE GIVEN, STOLEN, OVERLOOKED, FORGOTTEN AND LOST BUT YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF OPTIONS. YOU CAN EITHER BE HEM, HAW, SCURRY OR SNIFF. THE FACT THAT YOU WENT THROUGH A SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT LEGISLATED YOU CONSISTENT INCONSISTANCIES AND SOME OF YOU WERE AFFORDED THE “BETTER” EDUCATION AND THEY MANAGED TO DILUTE, DEVALUE, DISRESPECT, AND DIMINISH YOU IN THOSE “COVETED” SPACES; THIS SUBSTITUE IS GIVING YOU THIS TO BE A DRASTIC CHANGE AGENTS OF THE MIND, THIS SPEAKS TO WHAT’S WITHIN YOU, WHAT YOU CAN HANDLE AND WHAT YOU MUST HANDLE. THE FIGHT IS IN YOUR HANDS NOW, WHY? OUR FUTURE MATTER!
LEMON EXTRACT- Just as the name, on this your life’s journey every LEMON was needed to prune, shape, make, and build you to be the phenomenal woman you are. EXTRACT EVERY LEMON and write them down with your head and then your heart or your heart and head and I promise you that with every LEMON the world threw at you, after you gather them; nothing but some of the best lemonade will come to fruition.
LEMONADE always comes after, ALWAYS after…. AFTER the thought, AFTER the talk, AFTER the dinner, AFTER the movie, AFTER the validation, AFTER the surgery, AFTER the diagnosis, AFTER the embarrassment, AFTER the degree, AFTER the promise, AFTER the let down, AFTER the lie, AFTER the work, AFTER the labor, AFTER the acceptance, AFTER the truth, AFTER the revelation, AFTER the birthing, AFTER the resurrection, AFTER the exhumation, AFTER the darkness, AFTER the burial, AFTER the choice to leave, AFTER the move, AFTER the hurt, AFTER the I told you so, AFTER the shame, AFTER the rape, AFTER the divorce, AFTER the miscarriage, AFTER the meeting, AFTER the trip, AFTER the mistake, AFTER the intentional act! ALWAYS AFTER but it couldn’t have occurred without those LEMONS that life sling us and we realize only AFTER that it was essential, needed, vital, and important in making us into the vibrant, resilient, ready women we have grown into to walk taller, hold our heads up higher, and be confident that if we were able to not only take, but hold tight those lemons of life and make lemonade, WE CAN DO AND BE ANYTHING WE SO CHOOSE. LEMONADE IS ONLY MADE BY THOSE WHO LEAD, ENTRUST, CHOOSE, ARE INFLUENTIAL, WHO ARE OVERCOMERS, WHOSE VOICES ARE HEARD BY THE DEAF, AND WHO IS RESPECTED BY ALL. AFTER LIFE THROW US LEMONS, YEP, WE ARE WARNED, WE ARE GIVEN EXPLANATIONS, AND YET WE RESIST, YET WE DEFY, YET WE MARCH, YET WE MAKE CHOICES FOR OUR FUTURE, AND OUR FAMILY. I THINK ONCE A WOMAN FACE THE FACT THAT SHE HAS THE STRENGTH NEEDED TO ELEVATE AND BE THE FORCE NEEDED, SHE KNOW LONGER SEE AND ACCEPT LEMONS, THEY ARE ALL LEMONADE FIRST! YOUR LEGACY IS PROOF OF YOUR LIFE’S LEMONS THAT YOU EXTRACTED!
WE BLACK TEACHERS GET, THIS ISN’T FOR EVERYONE. IT IS A CALLING, ACT OF LOVE AND MINISTRY. WE GET THAT IN ORDER TO PRESERVE OUR CULTURE, WE MUST GET INTO THE GATES OF OUR BLACK CHILDREN. (EAR, EYE, HEART, ETC.) WE GET THAT IF THERE’S NO UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OR GENUINE RELATIONSHIP, NO LEARNING WILL TAKE PLACE. WE GET THAT WE WILL GET EMPTY BUCKETS BUT ONCE THE ILLUMINATION OCCURS, THEY WILL BEGIN TO BLOSSOM, HAVE DREAMS, REACH HIGHER, OVERPRODUCE AND BE WHO WE KNOW THEY ARE CAPABLE OF BEING. I JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A TOKEN OF LOVE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE NEEDED, APPRECIATED, VALUABLE, AND EXTREMELY ESSENTIAL. YOU SEE, WE CAN’T DROP BEING BLACK AND FEMALE AT THE SCHOOL HOUSE DOORS. WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUES INSIDE THE CLASSROOMS AND IN THE WORLD SO IT IS WITH OUR COMPASION, EMPATHY, BRUTAL HONESTY, AND STERN DISCIPLINE THAT OUR CHILDREN FEEL SAFE, LOVED, WANTED, NEEDED AND GIVE US WHAT WE EXPECT AND KNOW IS WITHIN ALL OF THEM. FOR YOU, I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL. WHEN YOU GET DOWN, MISS HOME, FEEL OVERWHELLMED, GOOGLE YOUR NAME AND SEE HOW POWERFUL YOU REALLY ARE AND STRONG TOO. LOVE YA, MS. CARADINE
APPLE CANDLE- In church we learned a song that said, “THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, IM’M GONNA LET IT SHINE. KEEP ON SHINING IT. I encourage you to not only allow our light to continue to shine but never go out. You are a walking best seller You are a number one hit You are a poet laureate You are a doula You are an expectant one You are a change agent You are all these things as soon as you tell your story and let your light shine bright.
It takes a woman to build up another woman’s courage, trust, faith, belief, resilience and permission to release her inner strength, brilliance and gifts that she has lived her life convincing herself doesn’t exist or many reasons why she can’t leap. The moment she tremble and begin to make up her mind, she allow herself to tell her story, THE WORLD WILL SHAKE. I have noticed something spiritual and sacred about the women who have gained the encouragement, support, strength, power, fearlessness, boldness and assurance that they are not standing alone, someone is holding their hand. Yep, another woman. Read the story in the bible about Mary and Elizabeth. Women are strong Women are fierce Women are backbones Women are gifted Women are….. How can we conceive, nurture, protect, birth and raise children to grow up and look at us and say we are the weaker vessel? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. Apples were the only thing the poor could pay teachers for educating their children. This is how APPLES and TEACHERS became married. Women can’t be negative and bad things we’ve heard or experienced when we produce life and make life work. Our stories are synonymous and to keep us silent, compliant, submissive, subservient, needy, weak, spineless and ignorant we fall right in place and retreat, hide our strength. When girl talk happen or woman 2 woman encounters happen: light is shown, life is spoken, seeds are planted, love is felt, language is audible and inaudible, we can never be the same because woman 2 woman and girl 2 girl; the interconnection, connection, webbing, interweaving of lives were so that we could live and embrace her journey of which is our journey.
TOOTH PICKS-TOOTH PICKS ARE USED TO PICK…..
PICK GOD FIRST
PICK FAMILY
PICK JUSTICE
PICK DIGNITY
PICK MORALITY
PICK ETHICS
PICK A GOOD NAME
PICK COMMUNITY
PICK EQUALITY
PICK UNITY
PICK LOVE
PICK MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS
PICK TRUTH
PICK COMPASSION
PICK EMPATHY
PICK SUPPORT
PICK BRILLIANCE
PICK INTELLECTUALISM
PICK ACADEMICS
PICK ARTS
PICK RIGHT
PICK SOMEONE UP WHO WAS DOWN AND OUT
PICK INSPIRATION
PICK EMPOWERMENT
PICK ENCOURAGEMENT
PICK UP THAT PART OF YOURSELF THAT YOU DECLARED NEVER AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
LASTLY, PICK A PROFESSION TO ELEVATE OUR CULTURE AND NOT MONEY
INDEX CARDS-THE INDEX IS FOUND IN THE BACK OF A BOOK. YOU HAVE SEEN AND HEARD A PLETHORA OF TRUTHS AS WELL AS UNTRUTHS. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO OUR ANCESTORS VOICES, WISHES, DESIRES AND WORDS. GO TO THE INDEX OF WHICH IS ALPHABETICALLY PRESENTED AND LEARN, UNLEARN, RELEAERN, EMBODY, UNDERSTAND AND BEGIN TO EXECUTE AS YOU HAVE ALREADY BEGUN.
HIGHLIGHTER-
ALWAYS: HIGHLIGHT YOUR SUCCESSES. HIGHLIGHT YOUR STRENGTHS. HIGHLIGHT YOUR REASONS TO KEEP GOING. HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU OVERCAME. HIGHLIGHT YOUR CHOICES. HIGHLIGHT YOUR ATTEMPTS. HIGHLIGHT YOUR FAILURES. HIGHLIGHT THE TRUTH ABOUT AMERICA. HIGHLIGHT THE RACE YOU ARE WILLING TO RUN TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY BETTER FOR US ALL. DO THESE THINGS: UNAPOLOGETICALLY, UNBOUGHT AND UNAFRAID.
BOOK MARKS-MARK YOUR: JOURNEY, TERRITORY, ASPIRATIONS, STRONG WILL AND BEGIN TO: SUCCEED, GROW, HEAL, BUILD, AND OVERCOME.
BLACK TEACHERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LETHAL TO WHITE INFERIORITY! WE ARE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN: INsightful, INfluention, INspirational, INclusive, INdebt, INbuilt, INcicive, INcorrupt, INcredible, INcreasing, INdefinite, INdependent, INdestructable, INdescrible, INdispensible, INdisputable, INdomitable, INdustrious, INexpensive, INfinite, INformal, INformative, INfusing, INgenious, INherent, INtimate, INnitiating, INnocent, INnate, INnovative, INnocuous, INputting, INstantaneous, INstinctive, INstructors, INstrumental, INtact, INsulating, INtegrating, INtegrity, INtegral, INtangible, INtellectual, INtense, INtent, INteracting, INterceding, INterconnecting, INteresting, INternal, INterpreting, INterwoven, INtimidating, INtriguing, INtuitive, INvaluable, INventive, INvestors, INvigorating, INviolable, INviting, INvulnerable and as we can see these worthy attributes start with IN and describe us because they are all WITHIN US and ALWAYS HAVE BEEN.
WE ARE NOT AND NOR HAVE WE EVER BEEN: White people! They are quick to blame everyone for their wrong choices but honestly it is all of them and it has always been all of them. It is proven that they are the most: INferior, INarticulate, INsufferable, INadequate, INcapacitated, INane, INsupportable, INadequate, INept, INcompetent, INable, INcorherent, INciter, INcognizant, INflamatory, INfectious, INcapable, INconsiderate, INdecisive, INept, INsane, INsensitive, INdescreet, INdifferent, INexperienced, INarticulate, INattentive, INcivil, INcoherent, INcompatable, INcomplete, INcompetent, INattentive, INsecure, INdecent, INconsistent, INdecent, INconsistent, INcorrigible, INconsiderate, INdecent, INdifferent, INcompatable, INaccurate, INdefinite, INdiscernable, INeffective, INefficient, INelegant, INequal, INessential, INexcusable, INdelicate, INcorrect, INexpert, INsulting, INfestant, INflictive, INgrate, INhumane, INhospitable, INjurious, INsecure, INsane, INsensibile, INsignificant, INhospitable, INsidious, INsincere, INsolent, INsinuator, INdolent, INsubordinate, INstable, INsubstantial, INsufferable, INsulting, INexpert, INsupportable, INsurrectionist, INtense, INterrupting, INtimidated, INtolerable, INtrusive, INvasive, INvalid, INvisible, INvoluntary and you notice one thing about each word I chose? They all describe you and start with IN. WE ARE DIFFERENT: America/CONgress with an ink pen created DOUBLE D’s. Distance and Dollars. They began to DEFUNDED what came natural to us within our inner city communities (OUR MUSCLES AND MINDS) but when we jumped those UNNECESSARY hurdles due to sure will and DETERMINATION; WE ALWAYS proved that poverty wasn’t synonymous with skills, gifts, talents, brilliance, creativity or magic so what do we do and have always done? We DEBUNKED the lies the media and laws said and rewrote our narrative and brought the RECEIPTS of exceptionalism, excellence, brilliance, intelligence, skillfulness, and greatness and DOMINATED whatever we set out to do while impoverished.
COLORFUL CATERPILLARS-
Caterpillars are BIG eaters and grow extremely fast. They double their size in days. Their skin stretches until they can’t stretch any further. It replaces its skin with a larger one for further growth. They change skins 4 times and in between each new skin is known as instar. I want to encourage you my sister, my friend, my comrade, my friend to bring out the STAR with IN you. INstar made me think of the IN words that sums you up and make you ready to flutter the way God ordained you to. INcredible, INtune, INtuitive, INspiration, INsightful, INclusive, INviting, INcredible, INdependent, INdustrious, INeffable, INfluential, INnovative, INtelligent, INvigorating, INvincible, INdefatigable Now, as I concluded and really looked at the word, I noticed that the word PILLAR is in the end but yet it is one powerful word. As a BLACK WOMAN and one of who I know sorta well 🙂 You are: QUALIFIED, THE BEST, MASTERFUL AND PROFICIENT, OVER QUALIFIED, HARD WORKING, MAGIC SLINGER, STUDIED, BRILLIANT, BOLD, EXCELLENT, BRIGHTLY HUED, NEVER HANDED ANYTHING, NO HANDPICKING BUT YET AS THE WORD PILLAR SUGGEST AND IS: YOU ARE THE FOUNDATION, COUNERSTONE, STEEPLE AND YES PILLAR IN SOCIETY AND FOR THIS AND YOU I AM ETERANLLY GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL.
SWEETNESS! BLACKLICIOUSNESS ALWAYS SNICKERS AT: TESTS, TRIALS, OBSTACLES, ROADBLOCKS, DENIAL REJECTION BECAUSE IT MAKES PAYDAY THAT MUCH MORE MOSTY. WHEN WE BLACK WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN DO AS BABE RUTH AND HIT EVERYTHING WE TOUCH AND BEGIN TO GET THE NEED OF THE SEASON FOR US TO LEAD THIS UNITY THING AND STOP THE WHATCHAMACALLITS LIKE WE DON’T GET THAT IS LEAD BY BLACK WOMEN TO LEAD THE VILLAGE BACK TO EDUCATIN, EMPOWERIN, UNIFYIN THE FUTURE AND VILLAGE AND SKOR GREATNESS AND MOVE US OVER THESE MAN MADE RACIST MOUNDS SO THAT THE 3 MUSKETEERS: FATHER, SON AND HOLYGHOST CAN BE IN THE MIDST AND SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT ON OUR BEHALF AS IT ALWAYS HAS….. NOW AINT THAT SOME SWEET STUFF, YOU A BLACK MAMBA!
CONDIMENT SQUEEZE BOTTLE……………………..
THIS SYMBOLIZE WHAT IS INSIDE DOES NOT BELONG.
JUST AS OUR JOURNEY IN THIS COUNTRY, IT DOES NOT BELONG, WE DO NOT DESERVE NOR HAVE WE EVER DESERVED WHAT THIS COUNTRY HAS LEGISLATED. WE WILL NOT FOREVER BE TREATED AS AN INHUMANE, IMMORAL AND UNJUST PEOPLE. I WANTED TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO: REMAIN UNSHAKABLE. REMAIN UNWAIVERING. REMAIN UNQUESTIONED. REMAIN CONFIDENT. REMAIN VOCAL. REMAIN SURE. REMAIN CONFIDENT. REMAIN INFLEXIBLE. REMAIN BOLD. REMAIN A LEADER. REMAIN, REMAIN, REMAIN, REMAIN THE SAME!
ERASE ALL: DOUBT AND FEAR, IN THE PROFOUND WORDS OF DR. JOHN HENRIK CLARKE, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO IMITATE OUR IMITATORS. THEY STOLE OUR HISTORY, PERSONIFIED THEMSELVES IN IT, SOLD IT BACK TO US AND IN OUR IGNORANCE, WE BOUGHT IT.” HOW DID WE WORK FOR 250 YEARS FREE OF CHARGE TO ADVANCE AND MAKE AMERICA EXCEPTIONAL AROUND THE WORLD TO NOW WE HAVE TO PAY ALL THESE FEES TO PLAY AAU AND NCAA? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!
PLAN, PAUSE, REFLECT AND FLOURISH JOURNAL
The JOURNAL is so you could document your beautiful, unforgettable, amazing as well as long overdue JOURNEY of COMPOSURE.
It resembled one of those erasers and it was until I got upon it, I saw the words. I consider myself a TRUTH TELLER. I stand strong on FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. I follow some heavy hitter journalists who encourage us all to WRITE OUR TRUTH. Journalists Journey Journalizing Journalism Journaling Journo Journals U68 PhotoJOURNALISM As a BLACK WOMAN IN AMERICA who WIELD, WILL AND WHEEL a pen: SOjournER is my mentor because she knew where she wanted us to go and that was to LIBERATION just as I do as well.
GIRAFFES ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR LONG NECKS. GIRAFFES ALWAYS STICK THEIR NECKS OUT. I EQUATE GIRAFFES TO BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA. WE CAN’T CONTINUE TO KEEP ON SNATCHING BACK MORALITY DIGNITY, JUSTICE, GOOD, RIGHT AND GODLINESS DURING ELECTION TIMES AND NEVER REAP FROM THE FRUIT OF OUR LABOR. WE BLACK WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF THIS COUNTRY. WE BLACK WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS SHIFTED THE ATMOSPHERE IN THIS COUNTRY. WE BLACK WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS COOLED THE CLIMATE IN THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE IT WAS US FIRST AND ALL OTHERS JUST REAPED FROM OUR MORAL POSITIONING WHILE BEING TREATED LIKE WE ARE LESS THAN, INSIGNIFICANT AND OTHER THINGS AT HOME. PART OF ME WANT TO SAY, TAKE BABY STEPS BUT THEN I AM REMINDED OF THE GIRAFFE. THE GIRAFFE STANDS CONSTANTLY: EATING, SLEEPING AND GIVING BIRTH. THEIR LEGS ARE 6FT TALL AND THEY ARE BETWEEN 16 AND 21 FEET TALL. THE MOMENT THEY GIVE BIRTH, THEY BEGIN TO KICK THEIR BABY ACROSS THE DESERT TO READY THEM FOR PREY. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MORAL. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN JUST. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FAIR. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INCLUSIVE. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN STRENGTH FOR THE WEAK. WE HAVE ALWAYS BROUGHT VISIBILITY TO THE UNSEEN. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BRIDGE FOR THOSE WHO COULDN’T SWIM. WE HAVE ALWAYS THE TISSUE WHEN OTHERS CRIED UNDERSTAND THIS: WE GET CLOSER AND CLOSER TO LIBERATION WITH EVERY GENERATION. IT WAS THE HERE I AM, SEND ME I’LL GO! BLACKNICALLY SPEAKING, THIS IS US!
LANYARD-WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THAT THIS JUSTICE TRAIN IS STILL MOVING. WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THIS EQUALITY FLIGHT IS STILL TAKING OFF. WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THIS HUMANIZATION OF OUR LIVES IS STILL MOVING FORWARD. WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THIS DIGNITY OF OUR LIVES IS STILL FLOATING. WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THIS LEGALIZATION OF OUR LIVES IS STILL RUNNING. WITH THIS LANYARD, KNOW THAT IT WILL NOT, MUST NOT AND SHOULD NOT STOP UNTIL WE HAVE REACHED OUR FINAL DESTINATION: JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL AND BLACK UNITY
NOTES NOTEBOOK-
YOU MAY SEE LEMONS AND THE WORD NOTES BUT I SEE WORDS SUCH AS: NO-TO MENTAL DEFEAT NOT-GOING TO DENY YOUR EXCEPTIONALITY AND SUPERIORITY NOTE-(MENTAL, MANUAL, OR MUSICAL) ALL MAKES US WHO WE ARE STONE-EVERYONE THROWN, BUILD CATHEDRALS, PLEASE AND THANK YOU TONE-KEEP IT LOUD AND PROUD ONE-IT ALWAYS TAKES TO START, CREATE, INVENT AND MOVE US FORWARD TON-THE WEIGHT OF RACE BUT WE HAVE CARRIED IT FOR 500 PLUS YEARS, GIVING UP ISN’T OPTIONAL SET-EVERY ATMOSPHERE TO THE TEMPATURE YOU NEED AND WANT SON-GOD GAVE HIS SO YOU CAN BE KISSED BY THE SUN AND BE ILLIUMINATIVE ON-STAY ON PONT AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN NET-IS USED TO CATCH, BUILD YOUR SOCIAL NET NETS- WE HAVE NEVER BEEN A SOLITUDINAL PEOPLE, ALWAYS VILLIAGE CONCSIOUS, GET IT BACK TO TOE-YOU CAN USE ONE TO TEST THE WATERS ON THIS YOUR JOURNEY BUT LISTEN……. TEN-ALL OF YOUR FINGERS ARE ESSENTIAL JUST AS YOUR BLACK SISTERS AND BROTHERS TOES-ALL OF THEM TO GO DEEP AND DIVE AND SAVE
EASEL
AN EASEL IS A THING THAT IS USED FOR A CANVAS OF WHICH IS WOVEN CLOTH LIKE LIFE.
EASEL.
E-EMPTY, FROM THIS POINT ON, ALLOW OUR MIND AND SPIRIT TO BE EMPTIED OF ALL DOUBT, ALL UNCERTAINTY, ALL LACK OF CONFIDENCE, ALL WEAKNESS, AND ALL INCOMPETENCE AND ALL THE THINGS YOU’VE HEARD, SEEN, AND FELT AND EMPTY YOUR MIND OF THAT AND WALK INTO THE:
A-ACHIEVEMENTS OF US AS A PEOPLE. OUR ANCESTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED NOTHING BUT GREATNESS, GOODNESS, SUPERIORITY AND EXCEPTIONALITY IN THIS COUNTRY CALLED AMERICA. WE HAVE INVENTED, STARTED, CREATED, MADE, AND DID ALL THESE THINGS AND MADE THIS COUNTRY WHAT IT IS TODAY AND THEN I NEED YOU ALL TO ALLOW THOSE ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE:
S-SACRED, WE THOUGHT THAT THE GRASS WAS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE, AMERICA WITHHELD OUR AUTHENTIC HISTORY, AMERICA DENYING OF OUR AUTHENTIC JOURNEY, IT WAS THE EXCLUDED OUR AUTHENTIC CONTRIBUTIONS, AMERICA DENIED US OUR AUTHENTIC REALITY ABOUT OUR INNATIE: GREATNESS AND UNDERSTOOD THAT IF OUR FUTURE WAS TAUGHT ALL OF THAT, THEY WOULD KNOW WHAT WAS DEEP WITHIN THEM AND WHAT THEY HAD IN THEM AND WOULD DO GREAT THINGS. WHITE PEOPLE KNOW IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SOCIOECONOMIC BUT CLARITY OF WHO WE REALLY ARE. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHERE WE LIVED, WHAT WE HAD, HOW WE DRESSED, WHAT WE DROVE, WHERE WE TRAVELED OR ATE, EVERYTHNG WHITE FOLKS HAVE, HAVE STARTED, CREATED, AND INVETNED THEY GOT FROM YOUR ANCESTORS FIRST. IMAGINE GOING ITNO A BOOK STORE AND SEEING ALL OF THESE BOOKS, IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOUR ANCESTORS, OUR ELDERS AND THEY BEGAN TO PAIN THEM IN THE MOST UNFLATTING MANNER AND WE WANTED NO PARTS OF IT BECAUSE THEY WITHHELD THE GOOD STUFF, AND POSITIVE STUFF AND NOW I AM HERE:
E-EMPOWERMENT, THIS GIFT BAG IS ONLY TO EMPOWER YOU, YOUR EMPOWERMENT, YOUR STRENGTH, AND YOUR CLARITY, YOU HAVE A DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY AND OBLIGATION TO CARRY ON OUR ANCESTORS LEGACY.
LEGACY? THEY LEFT US OUR GPS ON WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GREATNESS. THEY LEFT A LEGACY OF GREATNESS, GOODNESS, COMMUNITY, SUPERIORITY, VISION, UNAPOLOGETIC WORK ETHICS, STRENGTH, CONFIDENCE, INTELLIGENCE, BRILLIANCE, CREATIVITY, INFLUENCE, WAYS. YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY, YOU HAVE IN YOU WHAT THEY HAD AND I AM HOLDING OU TO IT. CANVSAS, THINK OF CANVASSING A NEIGHBORHOOD AND WALKING, MEETING, GREETING, SEEING YOUR NEIGHBORS FACE TO FACE, UNDERSTANDING, FEELING, SHOWING COMPASSION, CARING, AND LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS YA KNOW, THOSE THINGS WE NO LONGER DO ANYMORE. BECAUSE WHITE PEOPEL AND THER INSANITY GOT US AFRAID TO BE: COMMUNAL, CORDIAL, CONCERNED, COMPASSIONATE, LOVING, SUPPORITVE, KIND, AND TRUSTING OF OUR BLACK NEIGHBORS, SISTERS AND BORTHERS BROUGHT THIS INSANITY THAT GOT US AWAY FROM US BEING AND DOING US BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTOOD THE IMPACT. THEY PUSHED FEAR AND WE ARE NO LONGER A SOCIABLE PEOPLE, WE SHARE, WE CARE, EMAPTHIZE, WE ARE SYMPATHIZE, WE SUPPORT, WE LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, THIS IS WHO WE ARE NATURALLY, INTUITIVELY, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, AND UNDERSTANDBLY AND THEY WANT TO BE US AND SINCE THEY CANT’ THEY CREATED DIVISISON AMONG US AND WE HAVE TO REMOVE IT AND UNIFY AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO GET THE UNITY GOING THAN TO TEACH THE FUTURE THE TRUTH OF WHO WE REALLY ARE? WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD TO BE MENTALITY STRONG IN AMERICA. IT SOUND GOOD THAT WE CAN BE WEAK, INCOMPETENT, SENSITIVE NO YOU CAN’T NO YOU CAN’T . THRE IS NO REASON THAT BLACK CHILDRENA RE UNALIVING THEMSELVES, WE DON’T DO THAT, WE DON’T DO THAT, WE DON’T DO THAT. YOU ARE GIVEN THOSE SEEDS OF SUICE BY THE ENEMY THEN YOU ARE JUSTIFYING WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALIVE SO THEREROFE YOU ALL ARE CHOOSING TO UNALIVE YOURSELVES. WE DN’T DO THAT. OUT OF ALL WE HAVE BEEN THOUGH IN THIS COUNTRY AND YOU ARE THE MOST PRIVILEGED AND FREEST GENERATION OUT OF ALL, YET THEY MANAGE TO GET YOU TO UNALIVE YOURSELVES??? WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD TO BE STRONG MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY, PSYCI ALLY AND SPIRITUALLY STRONG. WE GOT TO GET BACK TO NOT WHAT WE WANT AND NOT WHAT WE THINK BUT WHAT WE NEED TO SURVIVE AND WITH OUR UNITY, ALL THINGS ARE ACCOMPLISHABLE. WE DON’T DO THAT! WE WERE AND ARE! GET BACK TO WHAT IS. ALTHOUGH AMERICA IS SAYING WHAT IS ABUSE, VIOLATING YOUR SPACE, NOT RESPECTING YOUR BOUNDARIES AND ALL OF THAT OTHER CRAP, THE LAWS, RULES, CODES, POLICIES AND MANDATES HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED TO THIS NEWFOUND FREE GENERATION, GENTLE PARENTING AND GENERATIONAL PARENTED YOUTH OF WHICH IS CAUSING US TO PREMATURELAY BURY THEM AND THEY ARE PREMATURLEY IMPRISONED BECAUS WELL, THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT ERRONEOUS NARRATIVES ABOUT HOW THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY CAN DO UNDER THIS RACIST AMERICA.
