How Many Shots Does It Take To Bring Down An Unarmed Black Man?

How many shots does it take to bring down an unarmed black man? Apparently, 41 isn't enough anymore--now it's 51! And they wonder why we distrust cops! And apparently it's not important anymore to br tried by a jury of your peers, when you can get a judge on the payroll to try your case, because it's more than likely that the verdict will go your way. And they wonder why we distrust the justice system? And now it's not enough to have white cops doing the shootings--they've recruited our own to do it as well. Fuck you very much!! I wiped away tears for yet another black man, gunned down on what was supposed to have been a very special day--a soon-to-be husband and probably loving father of two, who will never know him again in life, because it was decided that his life wasn't worth living anymore. Rest in peace, Sean Bell, because God knows, we won't, as long as it's ok for police in this country to gun down black men because they feel unsafe and at risk, when it turns out that their fears are unfounded and they can be acquitted for such costly and reckless actions. I hope I don't get in trouble for writing this, because God knows, speaking(or writing) the truth in public, will get you vilified. Look at what they're doing to Rev. Jeremiah Wright!! 'Nuff said...for now!

Thought For The Week

No matter what...it is with God.

He is gracious and merciful.

His way is through love,

in which we all are.

It is truly--A Love Supreme--


--John Coltrane

Billie Holiday - Strange Fruit

A classic and haunting gem from one of my favorite jazz performers.

Thought For The Week

“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful implanted in the human soul.” --Johann Wolfgang Goethe

The Future Of America

I wanted to share this video of students at a high school in the Bronx who have been inspired by Barack Obama's campaign for president. It pretty much speaks for itself. If they get it...'nuff said!

Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute - U2

On this, the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, I would like to share this amazing tribute video that I found on YouTube and ask that we consider the life of one of this country's greatest heroes--what was lost and what we have yet to attain to as a nation, as a "beloved community", that he hoped we would become. To slightly paraphrase another U2 song, may he "sleep tonight, and ...his dream be realized..."

Opus Beautemous

This week's entry is inspired by the famous questionnaire, created by French writer, Marcel Proust, utilized by French television talk show host, Bernard Pivot, of Bouillon de Culture, and adapted by James Lipton, host of the Bravo television show, Inside the Actors Studio, which he asks to every guest at the end of the program. I just thought I'd try this out for fun, to sort of stimulate the creative juices a little bit. Not to mention, give you a little insight into who I am. And it might be a fun exercise for those of you out there who may read this blog, to try out for yourselves or with other people. Enjoy, and as always, feel free to leave any comments, questions, and/or suggestions. 'Nuff said!!





What is your favorite word?

Beautemous-I think I made it up, I don't know when, and it doesn't seem to be in any dictionary. To me, it's a cool way of saying that something is most excellent or outstanding, like when you manage to find a parking space or something happens to you that was completely unexpected, that's beautemous.

What is your least favorite word?

Taxes. The least said about that, the better. If I could vote to avoid having anything to do with them, I would, gladly---twice!!

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Really good writing, in whatever medium. That's what I aspire to.

What turns you off?

Injustice of any kind.

What is your favorite curse word?

Well, this might come as a shock to those who knew me growing up in church or from going to a Christian college, but it's motherfucker. When it's said properly or in the right context(i.e. almost any Samuel L. Jackson movie or the title poem of my recent collection of poems, "Mofo' Risin'", etc.), in any number of variations, it's poetry.

What sound or noise do you love?
The laughter of children, especially babies.

What sound or noise do you hate?

The construction noise outside my window at 6:30 in the morning.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Jazz musician--either a piano player or trumpeter.

What profession would you not like to do?
Teacher, only because I respect the profession too much to throw my hat in the ring. Which goes contrary to what some of my friends have told me.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

I think the fact that I'm at the Pearly Gates would be enough for me.