URBAN THOUGHTS POETRY
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Black Girl Magic: Graphic Artist Edition

10/12/2018

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PictureLeah Photographed by: R. Hameth Photography
“Black Girl Magic is a rallying call of recognition. Embedded in the everyday is a magnificence that is so easy to miss because we’re so mired in the struggle and what society says we are.”
- Ava Duvernay


Leah is the creative mind behind CreARTive Designz. When I launched The Phoenix Project, one of my goals was to intentionally circulate the crowd-funded money back into the African-American community. Every single dollar spent went from your hands to mine back to brown hands like ours. One thing that I also wanted was to equally distribute the money between men and women. I put out an all call on Facebook for a graphic artist and was met with an overwhelming amount of recommendations for Ms. Leah. When I looked up her clientele list, it was really impressive. This young woman is a force in the creative arts world from painting high- quality on of a kind art to graphic design work on an impeccable skill level. I contacted her about doing the cover of my Spoken Word CD.
 
So what happened?
 
Communication: Her response time is unreal. You know the fears of working with our community. Well Leah separates herself above and beyond. She and her team are attentive and connected to your needs. You really feel like a VIP. Honestly, I don’t know what else she could have done other than fly me in by helicopter to view the city. No but seriously, CreARTive Designz communication is that top notch and I will explain in detail that a little later.
 
Artistic Expression and Vision: The talent of this company to gather your ideas and then express them is fantastic. After a consultation, in which, they truly listen to you proofs are rendered. Each time I had very little if anything to offer in exchange of how to make it better. I was incredibly pleased and just moved to the point of tears to see someone see my vision like I saw it in my head.
 
Timeliness: The dedication to deliver on time products was truly unmatched. I have dealt with plenty of graphics artist and they often try to create deadlines that they just don’t meet. Well each deadline was not only met but early. The coolest part was being able to see what stage your project was in.
 
Client Portal: I know a client portal! I am not talking about the user friendly website: https://creartivedesignz.com/  - I am speaking about a custom built client portal for you where you get virtual assistance, a drop box to your project, spaces for conversation and creation, and an online chat box directly to the company. I was just too done. Like take my ghost now brown eyed baby Jesus…I saw that client portal and was like OMG!!!! It was so DOPE!
 
Prices: The prices are competitive and such a value compared to her counterparts around Memphis. Honestly, I found them beyond fair and reasonable. Most of the prices are online at the website so it is not a guessing game. Also, custom packages are the name of her business. I have no problem recommending her at full market value and price. She is worth every single penny. 
 
What is next?
 
Well for me- I will be posting the cover this weekend to my social media; however, for those of you reading this-You will get a sneak peek at the cover right now! I know so go head…Scroll down and see this amazing art that was done by CreARTiveDesignz. So look them up THINKERS, tell them I sent you and check out further paintings sketches, and art on Facebook as well at:                                                 https://www.facebook.com/CreARTiveDesignz/ 

With all that said, THANK YOU LEAH- When I tell you, I love you, Your heart, Your art, and the PROFESSIONALISM that you displayed. I mean that. Your company is not good for an African- American or Black Company or a Woman Company- It is Awesome Because it is A GREAT COMPANY! But being full of Black Girl Magic definitely is a plus. Thank-you for making Kaleidoscope come to life and helping me finish: The Phoenix Project. I give this company a perfect 5/5 on the hot company scale.  Stay Tuned for more business reviews. 
 
-Urban Thoughts 

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LEGENDARY: THE IMBL EDITION

7/11/2018

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"When living life is like- making plans to die/ Because if you're liked, It'll be romanticized and amplified/ Cause when no more's left to be buried/ Legendary is something you have to let Fans define."  - Loaded Lux

Yo, Shout-out to my sponsor Paradise Bay Cigars. Def hit them up on the west coast.  Now let's get this work in. I have been pushing to become legendary. I want my daughter to look back: see all the awards, accolades, performances and say he was awesome. More so, I want my impact to be remembered so be steady Thinkers. I am dropping The Phoenix Project CD this year. Shout-out to my sponsors we reached the 8K funding point-so the project is fully funded for a poetry project. That's crazy! If you wish, you can still donate-see my front home page. Thank-you! Feel free to push "Dear Son" YouTube is a process; however, The video did 5.8K and counting on facebook so now we pushing the youtube. It's been crazy the response and checks coming through to combat suicide and domestic violence prevention on the urban communities. I appreciate ya'll word of mouth.  Now let's get to this work!

Yo, Danny Myers came through and battled! And did he battle? Hell yeah, Angry fan was shooting off about the timing. I felt that but I like the fact that Danny is a battler. He is a warrior and backs down from no challenge. Ironically Nu Jerzey Twork fell ill and the battle on URL didn't happen. I look forward to this next battle.

Danny gave everything he had like he was on stage in front of 20,000 at URL Summer Madness for a smaller league. He definitely won a fan in me. Def follow that brother. As far as his opponent, Local Iron Mouth Battle League Past Champion Jose Irvin showed an impeccable heart. Stood in front of monstrous bars, held his own and wasn't thrown off by veteran tactics: freestyle, crowding, rebuttals. He just kept fighting and punching.

In the end, Danny Myers showed that it is levels. His punches hit consistent, Room Rockers and twists, name flips- deadly, Talked to him, schemed, multi's just the whole damn kitchen sink. But to me it was the small things: the phrasing and pauses, set-ups and presence set the difference. Example: the small pause before the throw him off a mountain- I like my Jose on the rocks bar. The pause just set up the anticipation and then boom room rocker. Just levels but I think Jose is close. Lesser men would have choked, stumbled, faltered and came out with being completely overmatched. I didn't come away with that. I came away thinking Jose is close. Hope -Danny shoots the kid some info and pointers. But if I was Jose next opponent I'd be worried cause Jose 3rd round Jeesh. Shout-out to Danny for being professional and just giving a helluva show.  Check the link below for that Danny vs Jose! Dope battle.
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After the footage dropped, a debate of who is legendary stormed the page. It made me think what does make a battle rapper legendary? So I started to look at society's list of male legends: Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Prince, Mike Tyson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Joe Montana, Tupac, Malcolm X, and I realized a common thread. Legends have a consistency of greatness over an extended period of time with the "It" Factor and a sense of invulnerability. It is not that legends are completely incapable of losing but it is the sense that to defeat a legend it will take your best everything just to survive. 

With that in thought I compiled my list of IMBL LEGENDS- Ranked in order. 

1. B-GUNNA - Champ 3X- Any list that doesn't start with Gunna is blasphemy. Just throw the whole list away and don't continue.  Facts are she has dominated the woman's division. She has traveled and ripped through opponents on the road. B-Gunna then entered an all-star field of men and came out with last year's belt as well. At the end of the day, the stage presence, domination and literal destruction of men and women and holding three titles is something no other local battler can claim. If B-Gunna doesn't take another battle- her fate is sealed.  #GetTheStrap as 50 would say cause y'all know B-Gunna is a nasty ... well y'all know. B-Gunna is a monster in the tourneys and she will freely give out that work. 

2. Steve McSwain- Champion- Word play, Schemer, rapping monster. The knock on Steve was will he ever be focused. Well we see-he wins championships. He bodied Aye Verb by popular opinion but what is more impressive is his list of bodies. Debate as you may but his resume is impressive and if there is one thing we know he is memorable: the spin, college football, the anticipation of what he will do. People remember. He is one of the most asked about battlers. 

3. 5'9- One of the best pound for pound battlers period. No matter what style 5'9 is confronted with he excels. He has an uncanny ability to become powerful or water. Think Bruce Lee in the battle rap arena. His offense is deadly but his defense and ability to predict and combat opponents is lethal. He has been on every stage in Memphis and left chaos in his wake. Consistently, becoming one of or the outright best in each league. His performances are always quotable and memorable.

4. Jose Irvin- Champion- Word play, schemer, and real life comic hero. At the end of the day, whether you debate his style -his body of work is evident. He has walked through some of the best, holds a title, has never choked or stumbled and shows a ridiculous ability to stay relevant and adapt to his opponents. Proven winner and champion gives the nod to him over others. He may be a cyborg because to be under the pressure- the flu, Danny Myers, sick, deaths in family and still compete at that high of a level. The fans respect it. 

5. Nasa- May be the most decorated IMBL battler period. Holding the 2014 Rookie of the year, 2014 and 2017 Iron Man of the Year, being a part of the 2015 and 2017 crew of the year while holding the record for longest winning streak in IMBL history at (11). He has been kicked out, made enemies, been labeled the heel of IMBL. Constant villain and antagonist but the one thing you have to know is that NASA in the ring is a monster and something most duck and want no parts of. He is a pitbull of aggression and schemes. He holds a crazy clear win record. He has literally done everything but win the championship.

6. St. Courts - Not many in the world that I respect when they say they will spark. St. Courts is one of the few. His realness and directness speaks volumes. You believe his bars are more that it is possible. St. Courts is either your brother or your enemy. It is clear and distinct that there are no grey areas. When he spit the whole round with a razor in his mouth vs a top tier Showoff-it sealed the deal. He has battled the best and consistently shown well. People consistently try to call him out or bait him to battle because they know the footage will be good. 

7. TP THE GREAT- Tito Porter-  At the end of the day, this may be the legend of all legends. He is like a myth. People know he exists but haven't seen enough to make sure that it is real. So they try to dismiss it by saying there is not enough of a resume. I struggled with it as well; however, TP maybe the smartest  IMBL battler because he dictates his terms and only books the biggest moments. He destroys people on stage and consistently pushes the view count. Battlers constantly try to battle him because 1) They know the man can rap, 2) TP does views and that is what battle rappers thrive on, 3) He may be as infamous as local famous-people just know him and his brand. He spits in a way that the people identify and rally behind. Fans just love the guy- flat out and anticipate his next battles.

Battlers I considered: All 40 from all 6 years of rankings especially: Almenjoi, Bo The Great, Yella Mane, ATM, Stizo, Guru, Henny, TKFM

EXCLUSIONS:
Murk- I consider more of a bigger stage artist and has a clear legend status from all her big appearances. Came back and gave locals shots and has one of the highest viewed battles period.

Jason Harris- Boooooo- I just felt like hating on the freestyle king and definite Memphis Legend for rapping and battles so I intentionally put him last so if he did read this it would be a waste of his time after people tell him he was mentioned or he googles his name. Petty- I know. I embrace it. (Memphis inside jokes-blessings brother)

Yo, so that's the list. Like It, Love It, Debate It? Preciate you reading! Shout-out to AC DUTCH you legendary owner status. 


As always Live, Love, and Dream- Urban Thoughts

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When the doctors say You won't see your birthday...

6/21/2018

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"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages."
-Michelle Obama

This year I have been tested: Emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Last year, I faced death. My lungs were collapsing and a bullet from my younger years was being removed in 2017. My body was literally on it's death bed...so I thought. Funny, after you get done praising God and feeling safe- it happened. I found myself in my doctors office in tremendous pain. At first I thought it was side effects from the surgery or medicine. The doctors thought is was obesity on the joints, then arthritis, and then Muscular Dystrophy. Each time they would run more tests and diagnosis. I have faced death a few times. In high school, my best friend Willie Brown, Jr., committed suicide and for the next month I tried several times to join him. In college, my god brothers Ullyses and Chris literally held my wrist and throat to save my life. I died for 2 minutes according to the doctors. Finally as an adult, I went through flipping my truck and a rage that left me on the side of the road finally treated for depression. A drug in my brain was not being produced. Each time my body tried to kill me- it just pissed me off and made
 me stronger. But this time was different, at 36 literally two times the age of 18- that I thought I would not get to: due to surroundings, economics, and my life that I had created.

Here I was at 36- staring my doct
or, a police officer, and a psychiatrist in the faces. I remember the doctor saying, "It will just be a few people joining us today." I remember hearing them speak and just looking at the table refusing to hear them. I remember going to spine clinics and specialists all across the country waiting for one to say something different. I remember my sister who is a nurse understanding and at the same time refusing to understand. I remember my parents just holding me in the parking lot of the top nerve specialists in the nation. Just holding me. Funny thing about dying, the closer you are to it - the more you realize how much you like living. So what is it? I know you are dying to know...get it the pun. It is a rare genetic nerve disorder. It is not contagious. You can't catch it. It won't affect/effect you no matter what. It is literally in laymen's term a disorder that wants to shut down my brain and nervous system. I still refuse to name it. I told myself if I made it to 37 I would just tell my fbf's and my friends. I am so thankful to my family, Andrea, Pastor Earle, Ashawntee, Hope, Tundrea, Willow, Jazz, Chill, Elvin, my line brothers and my softball girls. I honestly just couldn't take the damn sadness after my family found out the hard way at teh doctor's office and my line brothers found out when I called a meeting and watching friend after friend break or walk out. I just couldn't tell anybody else. Except the youth, they don't pity you. They get on your butt about what you are eating and if Coach rested on the bus to the game. As you see, the list is incredibly short, I never was much for goodbyes...and this isn't one by the way. I'm getting to that. 

This is a declaration that I am still here. The doctors said, "Time's up- you won't see your 37th." Honestly, I've been afraid to sleep. I decided that I would stay up. I am honestly afraid if I go to sleep- maybe the doctors would be right. My faith in my Creator, God, the Universe is fluctuating and yet I know that the Magic that in woven into the fabric of my being keeps me connected to my God. My Creator created a being of just outright stubbornness. Today, I sent a note. At 3:00 P.M. CST my doctor will get it. It simply says. "I am still here." I have endured so much this year. So much loss- of love, relationship, friendships, money, jobs and my way of living. My body at times has been paralyzed and I just lay in bed crying. Sometimes, honestly- I wished for death at times thinking it would be easier but dying is not. Living is easier. Each moment you get a chance to breathe, correct, change, and create. I have learned how to control my happiness and how to demand my sanity. Recently, I went to a doctor that is encouraged with the way my body has taken to some drugs and that my nervous system is trying to actually repair itself. He says, "It's a miracle." I prefer "Fate." It is supposed to be this way. For the last 60 days, I have been purposely telling myself. You are healed. You can walk. You can breathe. You can remember. You will heal. It is my mantra each morning. 

Why now? I got tired of lying. Anyone that has been in my life for the last decade knows that I am brutally honest and take pride in my truth. I had issues with that in my youth. As a man, I stand firm on those things. So yeah, I just got tired. I'm not okay. But I am perfectly fine. I am excited about teaching this year. I am excited about doing slam poetry. I am excited about working out. I am excited that once again my purpose is not done and this testimony is just now starting. What I have learned is that through these trials to celebrate now. We often wait until the storm is over. I celebrate now. To all others facing storms, I say endure- LIGHT will come. Fear not- Darkness always breaks. I do not know what is to come. I expect to have my body be in that 3.2% that bodies correct or it reduces to MS/MD/ severe Fibromyalgia or bust out yo- it was just a misread diagnosis. Either way I do not fear. The doctors will do there jobs. My body will make clear. I will still get angry when they take blood, MRIs, Spin me a round and ask me do I want to be a test rat for new drugs. I decline. I'm from Tuskegee. I've seen how that turns out. I trust ginger and roots and prayer and meditation and water. Anyway, this is a blog...but more- it is a note to myself for 2019. A moment to look back and remember the night I was afraid to go to sleep on my birthday. But honestly, I have been afraid to go to sleep for the last 6 months. Today, I'm just happy to be writing and working on lesson plans and watching my fingers and legs work. The beauty of feeling teardrops fall and knowing that for whatever reason your job on this Earth isn't complete yet. I have work to do and so do you. Keep pressing thinkers. There is work to do.

Happy Birthday to myself,
Urban Thoughts

P.S. I am still here!





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Dr. Seuss: The Racist Cartoonist

3/2/2018

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​We celebrate nationally a racist propaganda enthusiast who for the majority of his career created cartoons depicting blacks as Niggers and criminals. For Dr. Seuss great works of blatant racism-we celebrate and wear hats! We dress our scholars up. We have school days and pass our bookmarks with The Cat in The Hat image. I have even seen principals of color promote school-wide activities for good ole boy Dr. Seuss.
 
In turn, we condemn Trump and other racists’ actions as Confederate statues while leaving the memory of one of the most well known racist cartoonist intact. It is a disgusting sight to witness grown adults, specifically adults of color, dress as Suess. Would we place white sheets with eyeholes as Klan members and walk around school? Would we black face our children and send them to school? Yet, we do when we wear our "cute" striped hats. In the name of making reading fun, we create safe images of a man that was a major proponent of supporting factions and laws that were directly against people of color, Koreans, Asians, and immigrants.

The apologists will state, "Can't everyone change?" Yes, they can. We all can be forgiven and correct our actions but we must be held accountable for all the actions that we directed in our names. There is no overwhelming evidence beyond loose assumed correlations that he was regretful; however, there is a mountain of cartoons that were left as a legacy of his racist’s beliefs. The facts remain that Dr. Seuss was a racist. A loud, proud, and very verbal proponent and supporter of racism in America that we consistently overlook. To be fair, Dr. Seuss is quoted as saying that he was slightly regretful of some of his earlier work; however, he never condemned nor regretted all of his work of that nature. His later work is still in question as the images are not as clear but the messaging may be implied or embedded. I can not in good faith promote, teach, or trust Leaders of POC who promote a known racist. 

I teach my scholars that the first rule of reading before you open the book is to: 1. Research the author. Why? Who the author is will have a great weight of how much value I attribute to your material. 2. Many can lie or create great fiction but the non-fiction of your life to me always reveals the spirit of what the author intended ie Facebook lives. Every one is a star on the book or Gram but what is your real-life like? It is clear what this author (Dr. Seuss) is and was. I ask you do your own research on Dr. Seuss. When you do, you will see why America who has been bred on the backs of systematic racism, capitalistic greed and oppression in the name of freedom embraces Dr. Seuss as its hero. 

I love America. I love the citizens and my fellow neighbors. Even when America continuously shows its blatant disrespect for the equity and equality of creating safe spaces in Education for people of color but what I will not do or allow is for the truth to be white-washed and ignored in the name of making reading fun.

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Malcolm X: From The Shadows

2/21/2018

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PictureMalcolm X (Stock Google Photo)
On this day... A hero fell. So much of the revolution was his energy. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's., shadow and publicity cast a long shadow on his work. Ironically- after a meeting and conversations between the two they found that they had many similar views. The media casts a divide on the two. America would rather embrace the passive then the angry. Till this day, a black man that speaks ambitiously and with a strong tone is still seen as dangerous. We are painted as if our mouths are the AR-15's that continue to murder. We are painted with hoodies, regardless, of our educational status or purpose.  Around the two leaders deaths (X and King) you could almost hear elements of the other in their rhetoric and dialogue. They found value in each others stances. The value strengthened and gave them critical analysis points to further their own work. We (People of Color) continue to help media by driving wedges and discontent into our own skin. We would rather only our way to freedom get credit than allow for any other view point to advance and possibly win as a whole. Has the greatest of war leaders not shown that in battle one need all elements of their military to succeed at winning the war? Everyone doing their job, no matter how seemingly small or how grand, everyone must do their job. 

Dr. MLK, JR., became much more aggressive and demanding for equality and equity while speaking for economic freedom and expansion. Malcolm X became a visionary of inclusivity of struggle in an active voice against passive resistance while showing that love has no bounds in the pursuit of humanity, needs, and rights. Malcolm X views, strength and leadership was a much needed counter and direct opposition for our advancement of our narrative. I am grateful for his tone and influence. Malcolm X was assassinated on Feb 21, 1965.  
As we view Black Panther, I see the arguments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and/or/vs Malcolm X, Booker T. Washington and/or/vs W.E.B.Dubois, and T'Challa and/or/vs Killmonger. Stan Lee even patterned the X Men characters Professor X (Dr. MLK Jr.)  and Magneto (Malcolm X) after their vantage points.

Mutants storyline in comic books mirrored the ideals of race relations and views of human rights. So much of our dream worlds mirror our reality. This battle of inclusion vs exclusion in the pursuit of happiness has always been present. What we must do is allow for all to find their niche area in the fight. The greatest of leaders always put their warriors in position for them to shine and be the greatest asset. In this battle- waged on oppression, greed, hatred, and the systematic approach of keeping separation clear and defined in caste systems of the have and have nots. The weight of his death bares a little heavier on my soul today. Thank-you brother for your work and may your legacy be remembered today.
​We are still fighting...I urge you to allow for space for all to fight. We need everyone in this battle doing their part as Malcolm X did his so valiantly.

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HARPO WHO IS OPRAH?

1/8/2018

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On Oprah for president 2020:

Ya'll are so easily persuaded. Reagan spoke well too. Oprah is not the answer. Just because she would be better than Trump doesn't make her the answer. Oprah over the years has been profoundly silent and consciously decides towards the bias of her ratings for years.  To many in the public struggles she is known as the female Michael Jordan with her ability to skate on the edge and distance herself from speaking to publicly. I give her credit for financial sums to Black America and providing jobs but if you research her companies ethnicity and diversity of employed individuals you would see her rhetoric doesn't match her hiring practices. Alas, we can't be so happy when someone finally steps to the forefront and speaks when they should have spoke years ago when her platform has been there. I'm not impressed and wouldn't rush to the polls for her.

At the end of the day, she will appeal to the African-American base to advance her own dreams. But while you were in Africa building schools, Chicago and schools in America could have used half of the money donated. While Oprah was building her fan base off of the middle income suburban white or people of non-color, Black America was pleading for her to do more and say more in regards to our needs. Now Oprah gives one glorified speech and we are supposed to believe that you are Nat Turner, Phyllis Wheatley, or Harriet Tubman rolled into one overnight? Nah, I can't do it. I remember how so many of her shows never spoke of the conflicts that were going on, police brutality, or the needs of defense from sexual predators. Given that she was and presents herself as an advocate for the healing of girls due to your personal experience - Oprah, you,  still managed to remain very silent. 

We have to do a better job evaluating before rushing to praise and anointing someone a savior. I am happy that she spoke. The words she said were powerful and needed. I love that she chose to highlight of Recy Taylor and the #MeToo movement; however, where were you Oprah on so many times that you bypassed the front lines for ratings and to remain neutral. She was always black enough to remain down and visible but never black enough to risk the platform. I know it is a slippery slope to be a Billionaire, Oprah had to make hard choices and decisions. That is life though. You can make those decisions but you can't make those decisions then come back when it benefits your Presidential run and act like we don't remember. Harpo who is this woman? Really-Oprah who are you exactly?

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#TOOK'EMDOWN901: THE TAMI SAWYER NARRATIVE

12/20/2017

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Statue Removed...Photo Cred: Tami Sawyer
PictureTami Sawyer. Photo Cred: Memphis Flyer-Justin Fox Burks
“Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:

- I shall not fear anyone on Earth. 
- I shall fear only God. 
- I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. 
- I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. 
- I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi
 
The narrative in history will speak of Greenspace, Mayor Strickland, and the City Council historic decision to take down the racist elements of Memphis. The history books will try to omit Tami Sawyer who lead the charge.  The history books will try to omit the freedom fighters that were maced, jailed, and removed from protests. The history books will not speak of how many times administration directly opposed the removal by prolonging and slow-footing the process. The narrative will be changed. The narrative will become: What of crime? Black on Black violence (Media labels for ratings-Never hear white on white or brown on brown crime "Another blog")? Other issues? Other made up issues? Trigger words that sound good in print that all lead to- What's next? As if this was not-just one step towards: LIBERATION.

Spotlights will be given to people that were barely there and once again accolades and applauds will not be appropriately given.  The truth is that we rarely give women of color the necessary due credit in the history books. Already the narrative, is one of consistent patriarchy lead melody of how well thought out Mayor Jim Strickland planned. Of how the great Mayor pulled this detailed strategic plans with a small few to launch Memphis past its racist history just in time for MLK50.  I am thankful that he and administration finally heard the logic of Bradley Watkins who suggested the sell to a private entity on Facebook in August! The narrative will not give Bradley Watkins credit but we heard your voice.
 
The truth is a brave woman took a step directly to confront injustice. She did not waiver. She did not cease. How do I know? I saw it. I was there the day that a racist attempted to follow her home to harass or worse kill her. I was there when they threatened her life, insulted her, and harassed her online. I was there as men followed and organized with her. 

The narrative is Tami Sawyer lead us…
 
Yes, there were men: Rev. Earle Fisher of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church leading clergy and the spirit of men and Keedran Franklin leading the heart of the streets with the Memphis Coalition of Concerned Citizens and C-3 Land Cooperative.  Long-term Civil Rights activists: Mr. Harris and Mr. Bailey lighting a fire under efforts.
 
Yes, there were even more women as well: Shahidah Jones at the front lines constantly funding, strategizing #BlackLivesMatter, and think tanking.  Beautiful melanin, non-melanin, and allies all gathered to oppose the visual promotion of a murdering, violent, slave trader, traitor to the United States of America, and one of the founding leaders of one of the largest hate groups of all time-the Klu Klux Klan: Nathan Bedford Forrest. But this isn’t about him or his ally Jefferson Davis who is also taking that trip down from his racist throne. This is about the people who were consistently there everyday- in the trenches.

They fought. They struggled. This win is not about the cute narrative that the news will create about the strong leadership of administration, the brain trusts of legal experts, or the spin that the narrative will take.  We are used to our names not appearing next to the right or good of history but we fight anyway!

The narrative is about the direction, resiliency, grit, wit and fortitude to collect, unify, and serve Memphis from the people by the people and for the people. This is about the people.  It is a profound reminder that when the people collectively decide to refuse to accept the foolishness of injustice then justice must and has to occur.
 
So let this be a reminder that today, I can lesson plan for my scholars. I can look them in the eyes. I can tell them how their letters helped, how when we researched and we protested diligently- it helped. I can tell them that signing the petitions provided an outlet for us to be heard.
 
Love and the consistent focus lead to the taking down of arrogantly racist voices that thought they could hide behind good ole boy laws and back door deals to keep us confused and quiet. The change that was accomplished today is a stepping-stone towards a greater good for us to be loud and proud of progress.
 
When Tami Sawyer was asked tonight why, she stated, “We make the change for the people.”
 
This statue falling is a moment to see the results of years of work. #Take’emDown901 movement that Tami Sawyer lead. That is the narrative! The mayor did not march down Union in 100-degree weather. Tami Sawyer did. The mayor did not give speech after speech in the summer. Tami Sawyer did. The mayor did not vomit, require water, body broken and shaking, voice tired and breaking- still march up the statue steps and speak because we needed her leadership…but Tami Sawyer did.
 
When asked…how do I know? I saw it. I offered her water. I asked her what she needed. I followed her as she lead. This is monumental because throughout our history as Freedom fighters we omit the women. We take the glory and leave the women to sew up our shiny suits. But this shiny suit or dress whichever she chooses to wear belongs to Tami Sawyer.

Why do I keep repeating her name? I want you to know it so that the narrative can’t get changed.
 
The narrative is always illustrated to show the strength of the man and the woman gets placed in the background.  Not this time. The woman gets placed on the side of history as a cute footnote to be added if necessary. Not this time- not on my watch. I have a responsibility as a poet to record this history. So before this narrative gets changed any further.

Let us agree on one thing tonight. We were lead by the power of a woman of color who loved us more than we loved her at times.

The narrative is about equality and human rights. It is about civil rights and the right for me as a man to be able to walk through a park and not be reminded of the horrors of a racist past. Let the narrative reflect that I am proud and thankful to have served under Tami Sawyer. As a poet and writer it is my duty to capture the narrative. Today Memphis, we owe this woman and so many more that have lead movements like her, before her and that will lead after her: our appreciation, respect, and love. We thank-you sister for all that you did to lead us. Tonight, we changed #Take’emDown901 to #Took’emDown901. The statues fell and this is the narrative of a woman who led Memphis into a better future by refusing to let injustice stand before her.

Her name is Tami Sawyer and don't you ever forget the narrative. 

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Me: Urban Thoughts At #Take'EmDown901 Rally on Security Detail
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#Took'EmDown901
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ISSA SNACK

11/28/2017

3 Comments

 
So let me get this right, #IssaSnack?

According to Dictionary.com,  a snack is a noun that is one of three following definitions:
1. a small portion of food or drink or a light meal, especially one eaten between regular meals.
2. a share or portion.
3. Australian Slang for something easily done.

Do you ladies truly want to be a snack?  

Do you truly want to be an item that is just something to do in-between your mate's true love and their exes? We are so quick in this dating age to be used and discarded. We have made it acceptable behavior to Netflix and chill with the intent to just hit and quit. When we lessen our value to the expected outcome then we become snacks. We become easily attained and easier to consume then intended to be discarded in the trash bin of dating waste. I am not slut shaming by any means. I know in all things we have free will and choice to sleep with who we wish but if you act in a manner then be sure of the consequences and the following issues that follow. Don't go buy a hamburger and expect it to taste like a filet mignon with a side of shrimp.  Don't cry with Little Ant or Mac Mark gets locked up or has two side chicks with babies. He told you from the start and showed you from the first conversation that he thought you were a snack.

A portion?

Don't confuse being a willing portion to being a side portion. Nowadays, the black community is embracing the polyamorous or (Poly Lifestyle). It is nothing new.  Do a quick history check and you will see most countries and religions even Christianity embraced the Poly lifestyle. many of God's best warriors and men had multiple wives.  I can go into that but that is a whole other blog. Maybe if I get a few requests I will elaborate but I digress.  A willing portion is a choice to be an addition to and a main attraction. A snack is an easily consumed and quickly discarded option often with no nutritional value. What am I saying? Stop being a snack or a whole meal and wondering why your relationships are coming up short? Your expectations are too small. I want my woman to be a whole farm, a supermarket chain, a never ending waterfall that brings me life. 

Easily done?

More than 25% of your encounters (and that is an extremely high number)...should not be easily attained flings. One, it just isn't healthy! Have you seen the STD rates in Memphis lately or the nation? Scary stuff, indeed. Second, your body is not a playground for you to litter on. Stop accepting boys and trying to turn them into men. Gathering spirits in your yoni like a cemetery and wondering why you can't give birth to your dreams. You aren't a mother raising a grade school child packing snacks to occupy their time.

So why are you treating yourself as one? Three, domestic violence is a real thing. People think that domestic violence is hitting or almost dying. It is that but it is also allowing the mental degradation of yourself to become normal. It's the lessening of your worth to you accepting him calling you a "Bitch" or a "Whore" while he drives your car, eats your food, pays his bills with your money, and disrespects your living space. Domestic violence is the violence that we allow others to inflict on us because we only see ourselves as small cheap items that are not valuable. We make excuses about how good they treat us during the short time that they respect snack time. We make excuses because no one wants to admit that the cute saying is actually how they truly feel about themselves.

So naw...I'm good on being a snack and I know that it's only a term; however, for a poet with a daughter. Words matter and my daughter- I don't ever want her to grow up thinking that she's a snack.


LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE- Speak Life Intentionally,

-Urban Thoughts

#UrbanThoughtsPoetry
#NawIssaNotASnack

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3 Comments

POETRY VS. HIP-HOP: WHICH SIDE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

11/24/2017

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It all started with words...

Before the beat, before the egos, the money or the fame. It all started with words. Poetry and the art of being a storyteller or griot goes back centuries to the beginning of time where humans began to portray their intelligence, emotion and energy through language. Language and poetry evolved into Hip-Hop over a course of time. Beats, melodies, singing were added to an art form that provoked thought. The new combination drew fans from around the world. Now Hip-hop and Poetry are world wide phenoms that produce some of our most brilliant stars. On November 24, 2017, The originators of a worldwide tour Internationally acclaimed Poet Queen Sheba and One of the hottest DJ's in the game DJ Knodat bring the worldwide tour: Poetry Vs. Hip-Hop to Memphis.

What is Poetry VS. Hip-hop?

Music. Culture. Poetry. Love. Energy.  DJ Knodat spins hot tracks. The Queen takes her throne and battles the MC leader and the battles are born. 5 Poets battle 5 Hip-hop stars in an effort to show both love and respect for their craft and their counterparts. The crowd will choose the winner. The audience wins from a spectacular show that showcases local talent. 

MERCHANDISE will be sold...FOOD and BEVERAGES are available. Tickets are available online until 5 P.M. CLICK HERE: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-vs-hip-hop-memphis-round-ii-featuring-britne-dionne-tyke-t-tickets-38634637240?aff=blackfridaymedia&afu=70625204855 . Support me and come out to a great show. I can't wait to perform and see all of my THINKERS there!

​
CLICK TO PURCHASE SHOW TICKETS
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FOR BERNAL SMITH, II: "Angel WORK"

10/26/2017

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For Bernal Smith II: “Angel Work”

"On Pain"
 By: Kahlil Gibran

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.”


Well I don’t want to understand this pain of you leaving brother. I honestly feel as if- maybe you just had an even greater work to do! Maybe you needed a more angelic form and powers of light to get it all done. Maybe it was your way of increasing the capacity of your heart to do even more even if we thought you were doing more than enough. This line of thinking is the only rationale point of view that I can draw myself to because my selfishness doesn’t want to understand this pain.


 Bernal E. Smith, II, was a fellow proud fraternity brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., avid journalist, strong editor, incredible leader, fair businessman, unflinching activist, outstanding father, mentor of many, and valued friend. He had an unwavering faith in Memphis to be better. He had a deep love of the black community, as a father would love a child. At times, I would sit back and just take notes on how he made everyone believe that he was their best friend. He had a profound ability to connect people and then to move them in a direction.
 
Personally, Bernal offered publication for so many of my events, needs as an educator, and consistently supported me financially and in spirit. He believed in the arts and the need for artists to use their platform to speak up about injustice. When I won the 2015 Spoken Word Artist of the Year award at The Best In Black Award, I was so humbled to see that so many were moved to vote for me. I did not know at that time how much the award would mean to my career. I also did not know how much Bernal would become a big brother to me, taking me under his wing while guiding me on how to write effective material to acquire funding for some of my educational goals in the classroom. My bookings went up 325%. I was overwhelmed with request and speaking engagements. I was receiving “Yes” calls for funding. It was an amazing year.
 
I called Bernal and told him that I had to give back some how. I volunteered to speak at the Woman’s banquet then I wrote a few freelance articles. One article about Sandra Bland went viral and I was blessed again. I vowed to Bernal to work even harder to be responsible for me holding this award. I guess it worked. In 2016, I won the Spoken Word Artist of the Year award at The Best In Black Award. My booking price quadrupled and I found myself traveling the nation again.
 
 Bernal, asked me how I felt to repeat. I said, honestly. I’m afraid. I want to be a role model for poets in Memphis. I don’t know if I can bare any more gigs or what this award brings. Behind the curtain, we had a conversation about the Arts, Memphis, Purpose, and about trying to go for a three peat in 2017. He encouraged me. He said, brother you have won by one of the biggest margins in the two years almost 5 times the votes of my nearest colleague. He asked, “What was my secret to moving people?”
 
 I told him, “I just pray and meditate before each poem.” He said, “I does the same before each meeting.” We agreed to try to do more together to move our community and use our voices. We did. In 2017, I asked for him to take me off the ballot. Not out of arrogance or out of unappreciation but because I wanted another poet to experience the beauty of what his vision was: allowing people of color to expand their brand, be applauded for their work, and to acknowledge the greatness that we in Memphis have created.  He understood and granted my request but under one condition- He wanted me to write more topics about black fathers. I agreed.
 
​ In 2017, Yolanda “Quiet Storm” Gates won. I can only pray her blessings are half or doubled of what mine were. Why am I speaking of myself in an article about Bernal? Simple. Because Bernal single-handedly is responsible for boosting, creating, or opening avenues for average people to be awesome people. He was an amazing man of faith and vision that could see the very best in people. He weathered attacks and never bowed to pressure to just go with the status quo. He led with love and care for all. That is why our hearts hurt. I need you to know the affect of just one of the lives that he touched. I wanted to put in the medium that he adored which is print the magnitude of what we all lost. The magnitude rippled throughout our community so we mourn. We grieve. We question or at least I question, can I continue to be as great without such a wonderful catalyst and mentor? I need you to understand who Bernal Smith II was (and is) in his current state of transferred energy.
 
“And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.”

 
 We are all in the “winters of our grief.”  We will cry many tears but you are not alone: family, TSD staff, writers, artists, Black people, White people, People of color and non-color, All people, Memphis and this world. We will cry as we all take notice of the many lives that one man touched. I don’t claim to be the absolute best friend. There are so many before me: his wife and family, his Tri-State family, some of the elder Alpha’s and so many in this community because Bernal loved us all and made us all his family.
 
“And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.”
 
 This pain will heal one day. How? Time, I guess or we can do as Bernal did and work.  It won’t be easy but it will heal by working like he would have. We have an obligation that Bernal II realized when his father passed. I asked him when his father passed, “What now?” His only response was, “I have to be more and work smarter to ensure legacy.” The only way to heal is to work.

We have to work harder and smarter now to keep Tri-State blossoming, the Best In Black Awards prospering while reaching to provide avenues and outlets for our community. We have a responsibility to grow Black business and love each other while doing this work. We have a moral obligation to repay all that Bernal II gave us in a direct and intentional effort to be a family. It will take all of us all excelling in our individual lanes of expertise but now is not the time to ball up. It is the time to show the resiliency and the passion that Bernal II would want us to show.

 
It is in this work that we will remember. It is in this work that we will heal.
 
 Personally, I will work brother! I owe it to you Mr. Smith for all that you have done for this community and my immediate family. I vow to do what I can for the Arts, Poetry in Memphis and as a freelance writer to use my platform. It is the least I can do to honor who and what you stood for. 

Tell God that we are thankful that He shared an angel with us. You said it best in our last conversation. You said, "Our community has to love when hurt."  So know that we love you brother, I love you brother, and we are so proud of what you accomplished. So take some time to rest a bit, Bernal Smith II, but I know aren't going to. You are already trying to zip around this whole universe right now: working, inspiring, being you but please get a little rest my friend, you deserve it for a job well done and a Black Life that Mattered so much to so many.
 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(To Bernal, You loved my poetry so here’s my last poem to you brother.)
 
Stardust by Urban Thoughts
 
They say the fallen, fall-
but I do not believe that.
You were to Giant to fall
so I believe you rose,
 
Back into the sky where the stars are-
you are just lighting the way for us to find you again.
Back into Heaven, where the Angels are-
they are gathering round the black star to see how he shines.
 
While you request to keep working in our dreams and visions
whispering-giving us inspiration and the courage to continue.
We will see you chuckle in the wind and bellow orders out the invisible thunder
these moments will remind us how to lead and better when too be humble enough to follow.

We will love, fight, struggle, and be brilliant, and be progress-
Until it is our time, to be beautiful enough to become stardust.


-Timothy "Urban Thoughts" Moore
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Please share so that the legacy of Bernal Smith, II can be seen. He was my friend and I miss him.


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    Urban Thoughts: Writer. Father. Music Lover.  Culture Observer. Poetry Creator. Protector of Women. Gentlemen. Scholar. Brother. Risk Taker. Truth Speaker. Teacher.

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