​

​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.

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.

“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. 

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

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!

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Dear Rapists and Apologists,

My daughter Asha asked me, "Daddy what is #MeToo about?" I told her that #MeToo is a movement to draw awareness towards sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape of people- specifically but not limited to women. I told her that men and women get raped everyday. I told her that men and women assault others everyday. I told her that #MeToo is primarily an effort to draw attention to the ugly #RapeCulture that is driving music, movies, and society. I told Asha, that the #MeToo movement is not just a pretty hashtag but a request started by an African-American woman (who started the movement) as a direct statement to oust rape culture and the supporting apologists that contribute to rape and assault. I told her that 1 out of 4 of her friends will most likely be raped or assaulted in their lifetime. I told her that there is often a sense of shame for rape victims to come forward because of people do not believe them and treat them as suspects and not victims before doing due research or investigation. I told her people will slut shame, grab, molest, unwanted caress, and forcibly violate bodies because they dress a certain way. I told her that men specifically have a duty to protect all women and all beings on this earth. I told her that action of protection is different from a man being controlling. I told her love is not sexist or gender assumptions.  I told her that we have to teach men and people NOT TO RAPE; instead of promoting, misogynistic theorems on how woman and people SHOULD not be raped.  

I told her that I pray for her each day and night that she is not 1 of the 4. I told her this is why I taught you how to throw a jab, a straight, and a groin kick. I told her this is why I taught you how to escape rope.  I told Asha, this is why I bought her mace and will buy her a gun when she is legal to carry. I told her that I wish I didn't have, too. I told her that I don't want her to ever have to post #MeToo. I told her to question why so many young ladies of all ages can see the all Victims but never any of the Offenders posting messages!

I told her #MeToo should make men want to post that they understand. More men should post in support but that a lot of men have embraced unapologetically a culture of indulging in this American misogynistic, euro-centric patriarchy of a society that would rather excuse the actions of rapist as: young males under hormones, or accidents, or too close to call. Some men would rather have it excused as funny jokes and memes, or as statements by rappers for how women should get signed- i.e. Rick Ross (Rape culture-type statements that we endorse by buying his music.)  But where are my brothers? I know that it is a fine line. We don't want to detract from the movement by posting #MeToo as well. I have seen a few women angry at those that do. The triggers are strong and the overwhelming silence of our men is disheartening and only enforces that our women are not protected but hunted.

I sincerely don't want women or female gender identifying to feel as if I am taking light the movement by posting #MeToo. Even though, I know a few men that were raped well outside of prison walls in communities that we call ours. I once had a student call me. When I visited him at his home after the call there were police cars and officers supporting him as they carried his body in. He sat silently on the edge of  his front porch. He told me of how three grown men beat, robbed, then raped him finally sodomized him with a broom handle. I asked him why he called me first instead of his family? He said they were going to ask him to pray for healing. He said that I would know how to press charges, go to police, speak out, and take action. He said that he will pray later but he needed to "Do" now. So I know that #MeToo is about men, also. 

I also know that #BeardGameMatters illustrates how a double standard does exist where women can make crude, sexually aggressive statements, and promote similar culture. I have also have seen in clubs where women grab handfuls of mens private or how Kevin Gates assaulted a woman after she grabbed his genitalia. This example of Kevin Gates is inflammatory- I know...because a man should not kick a woman but it is a high profile case that illustrates clearly that men are sexually assaulted and harassed as well.

We laugh it off. We joke at the unwanted grabs. We poke fun at each others hurt. We allow others to violate safe spaces and out others. We throw around jokes of ugly words identifying things or actions as: gay, bitch, nigger, or rape. Take it. Take whatever, however and be grateful. Well, how? How do we stand so grateful of a society that promotes rape culture and rewards rapists. I ask my men who stand by our ladies to love them, protect them, offer an ear and listen to their truths and stories without judgement so you can see how to help repair the damage. I challenge each man that reads this to use the hashtag #RealMenAsk. Or create your own to show that we are listening and more than listening that we are willing to join in the fight against rape culture. 

This blog is for my daughter. If ever- Then I will believe and fight for you because a Real Man should Ask: What have you been through? How can I love you? How can I be love to you? Can I be with you? They should understand your answers and listen and stop if there is ever a "No." So Asha, this blog is for you...thank-you for questioning your father and helping me be accountable to this community. Gentleman- #RealMenAsk what are you willing to do to protect our community? Ask or will you stay silent and assume?
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Sincerely,
Urban Thoughts

#RealMenASK

​“Black men struggle with masculinity so much. The idea that we must always be strong really presses us all down - it keeps us from growing.” -Donald Glover
 
Dear Black Men,
 
         Donald Glover once wrote that, “Black men struggle with masculinity so much. The idea that we must always be strong really presses us all down - it keeps us from growing.” This quote played in my head when “Moonlight” won the Oscar. Too often in a black males life our masculinity has been defined by being “not gay.” Don’t play with Barbie dolls, cook food in the kitchen, clean just enough to be-clean, and the most damaging “Don’t Cry- Man Up.” As if men are incapable of crying, we were supposed to never shed a tear. I cried at Moonlight. It is a magnificent film of conflict, triumph, self-discovery, blackness, and masculinity.
In the African-American community we often struggle with being accepted and having equal rights yet we chastise and ostracize African-American homosexual males while glorifying homosexual females. The thoughts of a threesome with girls that love girls has become a sensational media image in television, radio, and movies that we consume. Simultaneously we continue to create running jokes of ‘that’s gay.” As if being Gay was some type of weakness or some type of kryptonite that if black males were around it too long we would instaneously die.

      I’ve always thought of myself as an open-minded individual. I’ve always considered myself masculine and heterosexual; however, during Moonlight my own biases came forward. I had gone with a thought that it was a coming-to-age story of a young boy turned drug dealer turned man. As the story progressed, I found myself uncomfortable. I started to realize that my own biasness were coming out and I wanted to get up and walk out. This was “Gay” and the societal image of I am a straight man-I can’t be in here watching this came up. It smelled like acidic vomit the stench of my hypocrisy that I teach kids everyday to love each other, respect each other, and to accept others differences. Now when the teacher is tested, I was failing. I sat down. I rooted myself to finish the movie to become what I wish of my students courageous in the face of adversity.

     The acting and storyline kept me there wanting to understand why I was so bothered. As the movie progressed, I found myself in a battle of sympathy versus empathy. As a heterosexual black male, I could sympathize with the struggle of identity and being physically assaulted. I was jumped once in a rival school after a game. The feelings of anger, vengeance, fear and vulnerability are real. The next week, I remember feeling alone as often I was alone in classrooms labeled gifted. Labeled with the highest I.Q. in the schools, I became a Guinea pig of sorts in honors classes, clue, and special classes where I was the only black boy. I was a current day popular minstrel show for school administration to show off, “Oooooh look at the black boy think and dance” while greeting strangers for the school.

     As the movie went on, tears welled in my eyes, I could not feel empathy because I am not a homosexual male with the triple burden of being black, American, and homosexual. I will never truly feel that conflict of just wanting your own family of blackness to love you. Moonlight establishes this burden so eloquently in this film because it makes you see for just an instance how dangerous being black and gay is. Yet still, I could feel myself trying to disconnect or at least look away from the screen during certain scenes. I started to hurt for Chiron “Little” as he struggled through poverty. The only difference between me and Little was that my mother and father loved me so much that I was never truly conscious of how poor we were until I was much older in high school noticing the difference of our clothes to our neighbors name brands.

     As Chiron grew up learning to adapt and blend, I understood my journey that took me on a road similar to the prodigal son paradigm in which I took to the streets for my gold that I thought I deserved. Vowing never to be poor again, I set out on a course to blend and adapt to become tougher to fill in with the boys in my high school and younger years in college. The deeds of my youth were many and I’m not proud of them or the consequences. I understand death too well from watching friend shot and killed to attempted and successful suicides.

     Finally Chiron “Black”, shows the love, forgiveness of self and others, redemption and knowledge that comes with finally realizing who and what you are. It was then I wept. Some of my best friends are gay. They are honest, loving and some of the best poets I know and yet I let society choose for me how I position them in relation to me in public. Today, I unpacked the embedded biases of my youth to grow up. Moonlight is a beautiful film. It does not question masculinity any more than being gay makes you less of a man. What Moonlight manages is to force you to come to terms with what your internal ideas of masculinity are.
​
     I am proud to say that I understand that I have some biases in me that need working on to allow me to mature as a man. There is a necessity in life to mature. We can not stay the same in boyish thinking that our masculinity is tied to our external sex organs alone. That we as a black male in this society must be tough robotic creatures to bare the brunt of pain without shedding a tear or admitting that we need love. We all deserve love. We all deserve to understand that someone else’s choices are theirs alone to have the right to choose to define their own masculinity. I stand firm in my belief that this movie is a must see for black males to move past gay bashing, homophobic jokes and quips, and to restore what true masculinity is and should be. Masculinity and the growing up of a black male should be based in the maturity to stand firm in who you are and not the fear of what others will perceive you to be while protecting the rights of all around us to do the exact same in their journey through this world.

​     To my gay friends, frat bothers, neighbors, sport stars, poets and all those who hide in plain sight out of fear: I truly hope the day comes when movies like this are no longer needed to cause reflection of these biases we hold as a nation. Until then grab a friend, be uncomfortable, and come out more male then when you went in not because you are transformed but because you are willing to transcend the limitations of what this society wants us to be: animals with no soul. We are strong. We are black. We need each other to fight this European hierarchy of oppression towards our black male image in media. We all are men and I will no longer use “gay” as a joke to prove my own masculinity when most gays are more male than some that won’t mature ever will become.
 
Sincerely,
A Black Man