The Man of Non-Violent Defiance: Nelson Mandela Makes His Exit

The iconic anti-apartheid man named Nelson Mandela, was laid to rest this past Sunday in Qunu, South Africa, where he was born and raised. Over 4000 thousand mourners paid their last respects on Sunday, after a 10 day celebration and remembrance of an extraordinary human being.

Mandela was a man that meant hope to all who knew him and knew of him. He made his purpose in life a forever mission to free the people of South Africa, and was often vilified and ridiculed -- even by America, for trying to do so. He was labeled a terrorist by some, but a terrorist he was far from; terrorists kill and Mandela wanted people to live, and live freely within their own land. This was a man that committed himself to death so that others may enjoy life.

Twenty-seven years Mandela spent in prison; 27 years of innocence behind bars -- paying the price for speaking truth to power. And although his physical being was imprisoned his mind was not. He refused to give his oppressors the one thing that enabled him to press on, so he gave his body instead. After 27 years of reading, writing, praying and struggle, Mandela became more powerful than ever before which ultimately led him to become president of South Africa. His dream had been realized and not just for himself, but for all his fellow South Africans who seemed more like close family than citizens.

Mr. Nelson Mandela may you eternally rest in peace good sir, for your purpose on this earth has been fulfilled; in which I'm sure new works await you on the other side.

2013 LA

12 Years A Slave - Movie Review

Preparing for this film was a breeze; saying to myself it's another slavery film I can handle it. Not true. 

Paying money to view this work of art is what kept me glued to my seat had I been able to pause it, I would've gotten up and walked away for a breather. I needed a breather more than a few times because the truth from this film spoke so loud that it shook me to my core. 

I tried conquering the brash truth by rubbing my forehead, breathing deeply, crying, blowing out strong wind, shaking my legs, twisting in my chair, and yelling f*** you at the evil slave owners. This film was so raw and unapologetic that it left me feeling dehumanized and violated, as if I were too reliving my ancestors' tragic past. 

Freedom looked real good at the beginning of the movie, where the main character Solomon Northrup (played by actor Chiwetel Ejiofor) lived peacefully with his wife and two children in Saratoga, New York, in 1841. 

His freedom would end abruptly as he was blind-sided by two gentlemen who pretended to need his musical services for a particular event, fixing Solomon's drink in a way that would knock him unconscious only to wake up in slave chains. Those slave chains would mark the beginning of Mr. Northrup's twelve years of hell. 

An unspeakable evil took over the screen for most of the film's duration, making the atmosphere tensely thick and uncomfortable. Watching families be torn apart for the purposes of money and power, is reminiscent to our 21st century politics. Furthermore, listening to the white Southerners in the movie preach from their Christian bibles referring to themselves as lord and master, reminded me of the extremists within our government who use the bible consistently to make their points valid -- but to no avail. 

It reminds me of a passage I read by the notable philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche which does state, "To have glued this New Testament, a kind of rococo of taste in every respect, to the Old Testament to make one book, as the "Bible," as "the book par excellence" - that is perhaps the greatest audacity and "sin against the spirit" that literary Europe has on its conscience." ~Beyond Good and Evil~

Annoyance became the norm for me every time I watched a slave master preaching to the slaves, from a Bible that the slaves themselves weren't permitted to read. 

The drilling of obedience and servitude by the slave masters was a strategic mechanism used to brainwash the victims, and it made me sick to my stomach. The Book of Eli with actor Denzel Washington playing the main character of Eli, makes even more sense to me now.

The "missus" of the house (played by actress Sarah Paulson seen below scratching Patsy's face played by Lupita Nyong'o) was a bitter, miserable, evil and jealous

woman, who took pride in abusing her slaves especially Patsy, whom her husband highly favored and repeatedly raped. 

Patsy endured the most grotesque beatings, rapping's, labor, and mental abuse. She was beat nearly to death for traveling to a nearby plantation to retrieve soap, since the "missus" of the house refused to give her any. That scene is permanently engraved in my mind, remaining as a constant reminder of how far we've come and how much further we still have to go.

Solomom Northrup was called an "exceptional ni****" by the Southern white men because he could read, write, play the violin, and knew math very well, so well that it pissed off his overseer who automatically deemed himself more intelligent because he was white. 

Jealousy and envy drove the overseer crazy in which he attempted to beat Solomon, as a result of his own inadequacies. This particular scene reminded me of present corporations that house supervisors and directors who are threatened by "exceptional" minorities, and will go insofar as to deny promotions for fear of competition. 

And no matter how dangerous it was to trust any white men in the South, Solomon entrusted two; one who stole his money and lied for personal gain, and the other who was less ignorant and more humane which ultimately led to Mr. Northrup's freedom -- again.

This film isn't for the faint of hearts but if you love history and if you wish to view the act of slavery through the eyes of the man who lived it, this is definitely a must see. Kudos to the writer John Ridley and director Steve McQueen, for making us confront the real evil of our time.

2013 LA 

In America is the "Great Migration" Being Consistently Enacted?

- No employment; move

- No housing; move.

- No love; move.

- No hope; die.

Are migrators purposely forced to shift their entire livelihood, simply to appease those who crave a certain way of life? That way of life may exclude certain races of people who may have differing statuses, while being placed in "a box" labeled "class". 

African Americans began their Great Migration between 1910-1970, leaving horrid memories of the South behind to advance North, towards freedom and opportunity. The great migration of African Americans was attributed to fierce racism, which was protected by Jim Crow law from 1876-1965. 

When the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863, that was code for Black people to get-the-hell out of the South! 

The executive order passed by our 16th President Abraham Lincoln, infuriated White Southerners to the point of retaliation; enters the first Klan members of 1866, with political massacres carried out by 1868. With no hope for career opportunities in the South -- the "Great Migration" commenced. 

Was it difficult for African Americans to up and leave the South, being that they had no money because their forced labor didn't acknowledge their worth? What about when they reached their destination, where would they lay their heads? 

The desperation for freedom to live, far surpassed their fears of the unknown that certainly awaited them on their enduring journey. 

Fast forward to 2013, where some of the richest Americans have roots firmly planted in the South, with many companies of substantial status to show for it. The heads of these companies will most certainly hire like-minded individuals, as to not cause in off-set within the conservative utopia. 

Hiring individuals not like-minded, is a game that must be played due to federal laws and regulations currently in place. However, those companies can retaliate by keeping "not like-minded" individuals at bay; meaning to be kept in lower wage job positions with no opportunity for advancement. And only those who've experienced it can properly call it by its name; discrimination.

- No employment; move.

- No housing; move.

- No love; move.

- No hope; die.

2013 LA

Lee Daniels' "The Butler" - Movie Review

The much anticipated film of the year and the biggest hit at the box office to date Lee Daniels' "The Butler", had me on edge as the storyline opened up to America's greatest sin; slavery. 

The slavery scene in the beginning set the mood for the rest of the film, and I immediately understood the journey in which I was about to embark; It was dark, stifled, lonely, and the only traces of light was the love shown between a father and his family. Love of family coupled with a people's persistence to persevere regardless of the odds, is what got me through the film. 

One of the most disturbing scenes displayed the Freedom Riders where Klansmen/civilians attacked a group of college students, until their bus exploded into flames. Every emotion in me wanted to make my body stand-up and throw something at the movie screen, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for them to STOP! 

As the heinous scene dissipated into the next so did my fury, leaving behind traces of my tears. As my heart palpitations ceased, the struggle between father and son continued. A struggle between two men living in two different worlds and clashing, because while one tempted the status quo the other tried harder not too.

The true events of the film gave way to the election of our first black president, Barack Hussein Obama. I surprised myself when my body began quivering, emitting loud sobs from deep within that my neighboring movie goers couldn't help but hear. It was an unexpected reaction at the end of the film, but as I replayed Lee Daniels' "The Butler" in my head -- my loud outcry made sense. The journey of darkness led to a victory of light and after all that, my sobs of bittersweet emotions were indeed relevant.

Kudos to the writer of this film Danny Strong and the Director Lee Daniels, for bringing this film to our eyes and ears. And kudos to the extraordinary cast for using their artistic craft of acting, to simultaneously mess with ALL my emotions. This film is a must see!

2013 LA

Was Friedrich Nietzsche Warning Us?

Reading Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche's works is to think that you've gone far past a perversion of nature, and on the other hand your curiosity for a higher truth, one that makes more sense than what you've been force fed all of your life -- draws you into his blunt and painstakingly truthful rhetoric. 

Nietzsche's works helped me put to bed the very skepticism that I myself had come too, and I must admit, it felt good to see that someone else thought the same. His works put more of a distinct timeline to my perspectives, which would've been thought to be conspiracies.

Nietzsche's works have been described as the "unexplainable" or the "forbidden", but why should "truth" be forbidden? And the so-called "unexplainable" was explained to me just fine, so much so, that I often felt as if Nietzsche was personally speaking to me. He questioned me through the journey of his words as if to make sure I understood him and if not, it was imperative to backtrack and reread what I could have possibly missed.

He made you feel as if he were testing your capacity to comprehend him and if you did, then you would make it to the end of his essay. Nietzsche thought highly of himself and if you were his equal you'd not only finish reading his works, but would have mastered the understanding of it. 

A true artist of his era as he sought truth on the deepest level; a level so deep and sacred that it could stop a parent from attending their child's wedding due to differing biblical views. A level so deep that one could be condemned and/or disowned from their immediate circle of family and friends for being in biblical opposition.

Nietzsche's written work titled 'The Antichrist', is exactly what it sounds like. The philosopher calls into question the problems of morality regarding good and evil, while giving a world view perspective which claims that there is only one truth or one true interpretation of existence. 

This book explains how Christianity came to be in a way I had never before seen. Moreover, it also answered many questions that I had about the bible and of a particular people that had mass influence to change it. The 'Antichrist' introduces us to a new world order and judge, a concept recreated from the original copy. A contradiction as Nietzsche would say, "in plain English; the most dangerous kind of parasite."

There is much truth in Nietzsche's literature because it bespeaks a familiarity of my present day, our present day; the 21st century. Which is why I recommend reading this book for all curious minds interested in a different world view perspective. 

Through his writings you'll embark on his travels, his notable interaction with other philosophers and their works which allowed Nietzsche to compare and contrast, as well as various theologians, priests, authors, artists etc. His magnum opus (masterpiece) has been the experiences of life, things that can not be taught in a classroom. Furthermore, Nietzsche requires that one should step outside the status quo of instructed learning, as he sees life to be the best possible classroom.

Not for nothing, but I thinks it's relevant to quote a few paragraphs from 'The Antichrist' so you understand how it's similar to our present day.

1. "The greatest number became "master".

2. "Sin, I repeat, this form of self-pollution par excellence on the part of man, was invented in order to make science, culture, and every elevation and noble trait in man quite impossible; by means of the invention of sin the priest is able to rule." (LBGTQ , interracial couples, disobedient wives  )

3. "The prerequisite thereto was the admission of the fact that the type of the Savior has reached us only in a very distorted form. This distortion in itself is extremely feasible: for many reasons a type of that kind could not be pure, whole, and free from additions. 

The environment in which this strange figure moved, must have left its mark upon him, and the history, the destiny of the first Christian communities must have done so to a still greater degree. Thanks to destiny, the type must have been enriched retrospectively with features which can be interpreted only as serving the purposes of war and of propaganda.

4. "Diet is selected in such a way as to favor morbid symptoms and to over-excite the nerves." 

5. "In order to be able to say Nay (no) to everything that represents the ascending movement of life, prosperity, power, beauty, and self-affirmation on earth, the instinct of resentment, become genius, had to invent another world, from the standpoint of which that Yea-saying (yes) to life appeared as the most evil and most abominable thing." 

Nietzsche's works are a must read.

2013 LA

In The 21st Century: Enters Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Have you ever heard of a great philosopher named, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (last name pronounced 'Knee-chee')?

The first time I heard the last name of this person it was in an Eddie Murphy movie titled, Coming to America. 

Actor Eddie Murphy quoted Nietzsche while on a date in this particular film. Years later I would come across this infamous name 'Nietzsche' again, but this time, I decided to research this often referenced individual. In doing so, I discovered that my greatest fear was something that was studied and documented over a century ago. 

Funny how the behavior of individuals from the past carry all the way through into the present, and resurfaces at such an extreme rate that it becomes historical, therefore, calling into question past historical events to compare too.

In fact on September 24, 1886, Friedrich Nietzsche stated in a letter almost as if he had a psychic prediction, that "People will be allowed to read [my work] in about the year 2000", as if he knew his work would be of great importance in the 21st century -- hence, the political extremism that's been taking place all over the world. 

It isn't just military wars erupting, it's election wars, federal government wars, social movement wars, technological wars, corporation wars, propaganda wars, disease wars, and I'm sure many more left unsaid. The uprisings of these individual wars are causing many people to question what's happening in our society?

Some people are content with relaying today's current

events as a "sign of the times", relating of course to biblical terms. And there are others who are jilted from their complacency of interpreted news, and who branch out seeking as much full disclosure of historical and current trends in order to make sense of it all; enters Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. 

Through Nietzsche's work which is so profound it often left me gasping for air, he takes us on a journey through his self-taught empowerment, curiosity, comparisons and teachings; stripping completely bare the flesh that is us in order to expose the multiple spirits that make up our soul. 

He breaks down our human connection/instinct to animals, while displaying our inner battles of good nature verses aggressive nature (good verses evil), and how only by learning one's self completely through the dynamics of culture can we control a darkness (evil) that is very much real.

"Thus Spoke Zarathustra" a 19th century poetic texts written by Friedrich Nietzsche (1883-85), in my opinion is an alter-ego of Nietzsche who only understands it as such because through his life experiences he has lived it; the good side and the bad side. 

Nietzsche recreated the historical figure Zarathustra the ancient Iranian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, and teaches the difference between the "eternal return" and the "Overman", the new meaning of existence in order to overcome the morality of good and evil. Nietzsche understood human behavior in such a way that he contemplated the "eternal return", which simply means history repeating itself until the right/correct/original lessons are learned.

In 1887 "On the Genealogy of Morals" was written by Nietzsche, and through analyzation of soul configuration he discovered that the world order is shaped by morality, and exposes its make-up as ressentiment; rejection of, or contempt for that which is "different" or "greater than one." Bad conscience and guilty feelings are linked to the syndrome of crime and punishment, and the self-disciplined denial of the body, sensuality and sexuality. Sound familiar?

Much of Nietzsche's work was deemed controversial due to the bluntness and boldness of his rhetoric, which I feel such boldness is necessary. The fact that Nietzsche calls us to question our own character and morality in terms of how the world works, shows a fundamental understanding that we all have a part in molding the world with our minds but it would behoove us to mold with the good parts and not the bad -- which Nietzsche expresses is attainable. 

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche's literary works, have become my new passion!

2013 LA

Robert F. Kennedy's 'Day Of Affirmation' Speech Speaks Volumes

Ever heard the song 'We are the World'? What about 'The Greatest Love of All'? Or 'Hero', 'Firework', and 'Born This Way'? 

These songs share a common message of unity, defiance, acceptance, uniqueness and love. Each of these musical creations was prepared with thought given to the message, and all seem to bare significant outreach to the youth of the world.  

Outreach to our youth and making the world a better place for them to live in, has always been our nation's mantra. And after reading Robert F. Kennedy's 'Day of Affirmation' speech it becomes unequivocal yet again, that our children deserve for us to fight for their future.

See below excerpts from RFK's 'Day of Affirmation' speech.

• Our answer is the world's hope; it is to rely on youth.
• This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease -- a man like the Chancellor of this University. 
• It is a revolutionary world that we all live in; and thus, as I have said in Latin America and Asia and in Europe and in my own country, the United States, it is the young people who must take the lead. 

Timeless words from a powerfully conscious leader.

2013 LA

George W. Bush's Ancestor's Were Slave Traders/Masters/Investors

Another racist story hit the media waves today but instead of it being about Paula Deen, this time it's about our 43rd president, George W. Bush.

A new three-page report in Slate provides explicable detail about Bush's ancestor Thomas "Beau" Walker, who was a notorious slave trader in the 18th century.

Slate investigated claims of two historians from Yale University who claimed Thomas Walker was involved in 11 slave voyages to West Africa, between 1784-1792.

The Bush family’s spokesman had no comment on the findings but Slate notes that in 2003, George W. Bush called slavery one of the “the greatest crimes of history.”

Now if George W. Bush really felt that slavery was "the greatest crimes of history", why was it so hard for him while he was president to offer a binding apology for the crime of slavery? Why did an apology only become popular after then Senator Obama, began running for the Oval office? 

Why was his "no child left behind" program a total sham and ended up leaving many children behind? 

Was Bush's aid to Africa really helping the population, or simply helping conservative made programs masked by the Africa AIDS agenda? I'm just saying, the proof is in the pudding. 

You know what Kanye West, I think you're on to something.

For FULL slave trader article click here.

2013 LA

1957 Documentary On Race In America

Researching America's history I came across a documentary titled, 'A Series on Changing Neighborhoods' by Dynamic Films Inc. 

The video footage was taken back in 1957 in Levittown, Pennsylvania, which is midway between Philadelphia, PA and Trenton, NJ. The comment and analysis was done by Professor Dan W. Dodson, Director Center for Human Relations and Community Studies, School of Education, New York University.

I felt it was important to post this piece of history because it's indicative of the 21st century.

In the documentary it displayed a typical family friendly neighborhood that became extremely tense when new neighbors arrived. The new neighbors were the Myers, a college educated married couple with two children. What made the Myers stand out to their neighbors wasn't the fact that they were college educated and married, but instead the brown hue of their skin is what caused an uproar within the white middle class community.

Various neighbors were interviewed on the basis of their feelings, in regards to the Myers moving into the community. There were progressive neighbors and there were racist neighbors, which I felt the racist neighbors were simply misinformed and were raised to be prejudice. 

It was most interesting when one of the neighbors actually stated that a black family would "bring home property values down" if they were allowed to reside in the community!

Another neighbor came to the Myers' rescue stating that the "Myer's have nothing to do with property values increasing or decreasing, it's a white problem not a negro problem. The majority group will influence property value not the minority."

The narrator then goes on to say, "If a negro family can afford what you can afford, how do you justify your feelings of superiority?"

I see the elephant in the room do you? It's called superiority. That's the problem. A person shouldn't ever feel that they're superior over anybody, otherwise the racist cycle will continue. This video is way deep.

2013 LA

'42' - Movie Review

'42' was written and directed by Brian Helgeland, and is a film that literally pulls on the heart strings of your most extreme emotions. This movie gives a riveting contrast of extreme love verses extreme hate, and forces you to embark into the dark past of American history.

Actor Chadwick Boseman played Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball in American history. 

The film begins with young Robinson narrating his life story up until his present day of 1945, in which the storyline plays out and the plot thickens. 

Robinson received his first chance to play in the major leagues as a first base Brooklyn Dodger on April 15, 1947. Although the oppressive environment in which he lived could have easily deterred him, the extreme love he received from his wife played by Nicole Beharie, seemed to pull him through the roughest patch of extremely hateful moments thus proving that love indeed conquers all.

The story focuses mainly on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodger season and gives you a detailed view of why Jackie Robinson, was the best at what he did. 

My personal favorite moment was when Robinson would fake out the pitchers as a way of getting to the next base. I had never before seen a fake out like that in baseball!

It made me prideful that Robinson and his wife never bowed down to segregation and racism, but instead faced it head on and starred it straight in the eyes. Because of the Robinson's efforts, currently in the 21st century there are more minorities in Major League Baseball than ever before!

Actor Harrison Ford who played Branch Rickey, a Major League Baseball executive and manager who was responsible for signing Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, was unapologetic as he took on the controversy he had caused while reminding movie goers that it only takes one "good" person to break a barrier. 

This was an intense, highly emotional, but very informative film. Anyone who loves history and a great baseball story should go see this movie.

2013 LA

Civil Rights Progression

Look how far we've come! Let's keep moving!

#PROGRESS

2013 LA

Happy 150th Anniversary to the Emancipation Proclamation

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (seen above). This single document changed the course of history in our country, leading us past dark centuries of slavery and into freedom, reconstruction, and civil rights.

The Emancipation Proclamation above does read:

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: 

"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all person's held as slaves within any State or any designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free; and the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof,will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom."

Slavery was officially abolished in 1865, however, it took one state almost 150 years to date to receive word on the dismantling of an era.  

On February 17, 2013, Mississippi, became the last state in the nation to ratify the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

Wow.

2013 LA  

Black Activist, Actor, and Singer Paul Robeson On Racial Inequality

   Testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, June 12, 1956

"My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I'm going to stay right here and have a part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people like you will drive me from it. Is that clear?" ~ Paul Robeson 

2013 LA

Happy Birthday Mr. Bob Marley!

Bob Marley was born Nesta Robert Marley on February 6, 1945.

Mr. Marley was more than a Jamaican singer/song writer and musician, he was a proud activist of his homeland; forever bringing light to the horrid issues that long plagued his community through his music. The "Stir it up" singer spoke avidly about the atrocities of racism and why it shouldn't exist. He wanted so much for the white race and black race, to come together and unite as one for a greater good as he stated,

"Me, only have one ambition, y’know? I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all."

Speaking of freedom through his "redemption song" while screaming for all people to "Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights", made Marley an instant hit with an oppressed people. Due to his outreach through song and electrifying dance moves he touched people, he felt people, he nourished people, as a matter of fact one of Bob Marley's quotes was,

"My life don't mean nothing to me. My life is about people. If my life is just about me and my security, then me no want it." 

Those two quotes along with his picture quote seen above, was the true character of this man; unselfish, full of love, and all about helping people. Bob Marley understood that until mankind could live in peace with one another, that his job would never be done.

You are not physically here with us sir, but your words and music will live on forever within us. Thank you for your music, your efforts, and your love. 

We march on!

Happy Birthday Mr. Nesta Robert Marley, and may you continue to rest in peace.  

2013 LA 

Happy Birthday Ms. Rosa Parks!

Happy Birthday to "the mother of the freedom movement!" You are NEVER forgotten as we pay tribute to you during Black History month.

For more information on Ms. Rosa Parks, click here.

2013 LA