Just a thought

Hi all! 

Wow, I haven't made a new blog post in three years! Life has thrown me for a loop a time or two, but, like Maya Angelou said, "...still I rise."

So what prompted me to post after a three year hiatus?  

Well, I just finished reading two articles about gator attacks in Florida and the second article really struck me. The article was written in the wake of that horrible Disney resort tragedy a few months ago. I shared the article on Facebook and was going to post the following as well but realized that I wanted to share this observation through a more intimate medium: 

It's sad to say, but I feel like this year, the nation is in mourning. Multiple sects of the population have been affected this year politically, religiously, ethnically, etc. Parts of the world that had been seemingly untouched by tragedy have fallen victim, as well. Ugliness, biases both implicit and explicit, and heightened fears have brought shame to us all, even on other's behalf. The world is hurting. My naive, yet sincere, question is whether or not we can start to put aside our differences and work to heal our wounds?  

I'm Touched by The Real!

Hey Byrds! Happy Labor Day!

I don't know if you all have heard of this talk show The Real or not. It's a daytime talk show that aired on Fox channels in a few cities during the summer in the hopes that it would be picked up in the fall. The hosts are actress Tamera Mowry-Housley, singer Tamar Braxton, comedienne Loni Love, stylist Jeannie Mai, and singer Adrienne Bailon. Did I mention that it is a diverse multiracial cast of women???? Black, Black and White, Vietnamese and Chinese, AND Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian! I LOVE THAT!

The hosts from Left to Right: Jeannie, Loni, Tamera, Adrienne, and Tamar

Picture of (Left to Right) Adrienne, Tamar,and Tamera

I've never watched an episode of this show; just a clip now and then. However, seeing this video was one of the most touching things I've seen in a long time. I've grown up with Tamera (Sister, Sister, Twitches, Seventeen Again) and Adrienne (Cheetah Girls, 3LW) and have learned and connected a lot with Tamar (The Braxtons, Toni Braxton's youngest sister) over the past few months so I had some background into their journeys.
This video was real. Not faking. Not TV. They were saying their truths.

I'd like to note that Tamar is often seen as loud, boisterous, fake (weaves, wigs, eyelashes, plastic surgery), etc. but she didn't get that way just because. Life is tough and life as the youngest sister is NO JOKE. If doing and saying the things she does and altering her natural appearance makes her more ok with herself, then I say YOU GO GIRL! In a Q&A, she's mentioned that she's been dropped from every record label she's ever been signed with. People have told her she should just find a new occupation. Have any of you heard her voice?? I'm a die hard Beyonce` fan, but I recognize talent when it appears. Tamar has a beautiful, beautiful voice. Also, people judge her and say she's a gold digger for being with Vince. They don't take into account the hardships a person goes through in the dating game and if that man came up to her, was respectful while courting her, and made her feel like she was worth it just for being who she was, then you can tend to overlook something as shallow as his physical appearance. In fact, his "imperfections" can grow on you and become what you love the most about him.

He's a teddy bear!

That's a sign of real maturity, so I definitely respect her relationship with Vince. He's a real dude! Like he's legitimately a nice guy. What more can you ask for?

Another quick point, Tamera has gone through all sorts of backlash for marrying Adam Housley because he's White. People have said that it shows that she doesn't accept her Black roots and a whole bunch of other crap like that. Love is love. Point blank period. It doesn't see race.

So often we (Yes, I'M included in that group) judge people for their actions, especially women without knowing them or knowing what they might have been going through. I'm struggling with that but my college years have been a BLUNT wake up call showing me that we are all more alike than not and have our own stories for why we are the way we are. It's so easy for us to talk about someone's hair, who they're dating or how they danced at a party but when it's flipped on us, its somehow different. (It's really not.) I hate to sound preachy, but Jesus really did say it best: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone [at her]." We all make mistakes! Who are we to judge others?

Some things that are making me slow to judge as of late are my own actions these past few years. How can I judge people who do drugs when so many of my peers smoke weed and the teens I mentor are recovering from substance abuse issues? How can I judge women for their actions at parties when I'm no angel either, I just do it classier ??? Yeah, no. It has to go both ways. 

Anyway, I'm off my soap box, but, if you could, just take a little time and watch this heartfelt clip from The Real's last airing.

CAUTION: This video contains LOTS OF TEARS!!! 

My Question to You

I usually don't comment on national cases such as the Martin-Zimmerman trial, but I find that I must say a few words.

Unlike my mother and countless others, I have not been following this case closely whatsoever. What little news I did hear of it was from my mom. People posting varying negative comments on Twitter tonight led me to find out the recent verdict of the trial since my mom hadn't said anything to me yet. Not Guilty. So in short, an armed man can shoot an unarmed 17 year old for walking in the rain? Ok, got it.

.......That was my attempt at sarcasm. I just have a few questions.

In what way do 6 women represent a jury of Trayvon Martin's or George Zimmerman's peers? Why not men and women? How is it self-defense when you (a civilian) get out of your car to pursue a suspected criminal, accuse him of some crime, and then shoot him? Also, when analyzing this 'stand your ground' law, will it also be applicable if a minority woman were to shoot a White man she perceives as a threat to her while walking home from the subway? Or will it only apply vice-versa?

I am worried about the repercussions this will have on our society. Unless the nation effects serious policy changes in the near future, there will be countless consequences, divides, and future murders/massacres. The truth of the matter is if Zimmerman had been found guilty, history would likely have repeated itself.

Quick history lesson: Immediately after the Civil War, the nation entered a period of prosperity for the new-found African Americans in which they became political figures with considerable clout that was called Reconstruction. This only infuriated the defeated Southern Whites who began to persecute Blacks for having more 'freedoms' than they currently had. They did this under the guise of protecting their women from potential Black rapists. Soon afterwards, Reconstruction ended allowing Southern Whites to regain their economic and political footing. They did not, however, forget that time of embarrassment by the Blacks in which their former servants became higher in political standing than themselves. For most of the twentieth century, they put Blacks in such a tremendous choke hold (the Jim Crow era) that they are still recovering from it some 50 years later. Lesson over. The point? If George Zimmerman had been found guilty, the rejoicing of America's minorities, or those sympathetic to Trayvon Martin, would have possibly been the final drop in the pot of hate that has been threatening to boil over ever since a Black man was elected president of the free world. All of the accomplishments that Blacks and other minorities have had might have been set back to a period where we would be tightly under the angered elite's foot. Yes, I know that that is a drastic way to view the consequences of one murder trial, but if life has taught me anything, it is that HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.

Don't despair. This blog is not entirely grim. I realized that while I have an immense passion for work with nations overseas, there is still so much that has to be done in this country if we are to serve as models for others. We have to look at the intricacies involved with this case as well as that of the Michael Dunn-Jordan Davis case. I believe in freedom of speech, but that should not allow for rampant stupidity and insensitivity. A nation where it is legal to string up a dummy representing the president on a noose when everyone knows how offensive this is to African Americans. A nation where a rapper can rap about putting date rape drugs in a woman's drink and it be ok. A nation where a Grammy award winning singer can cause physical harm to his Grammy award winning singer girlfriend and be convicted, but, five years later, win four consecutive Fandemonium awards on the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards. I'm just as guilty of accepting him again even after his horrible crime. As much as I dislike his actions, I can't find it in me to stop liking his music.

Something is wrong with this picture!

That's a problem. Something is clearly wrong in our society. Somewhere down the line, I feel that we have forgotten our values and what we stand for. We need to correct this and verdicts like Zimmerman's. I believe that one way to do this is by reviewing and revising our legislation so that it is TRULY fair and just for ALL. Therefore, I will begin to rework my future plans so that I can effect change within legislation while still pursuing my other interests. My experiences with the Sue Shear Leadership Academy and REACT to FILM have given me outlets and resources to learn how to do just that.

For my friends who see nothing wrong with the Zimmerman verdict, I completely understand and respect your point. To you, it was simply a case of a kid being in the wrong place at the wrong time, race aside. I ask only that you remain sensitive to the feelings of others during this time as everyone is somewhat on edge right now.

The real question that I want to leave you with at the end of this blog is, what will YOU do? Will you complain for a few days then go back to your life or will you vote, pay attention to legislation, and join city councils and neighborhood watches?

It's My Birthday!

Hello you guys!

I know, I know, I know. It's been forever since I've last blogged. What can I say except life has been crazy hectic. I'm taking a sec to blog today because I've just celebrated my birthday. Yep, I'm officially 21 years old. It is BEYOND crazy to be the baby of the family and now be 21. This kind of thing really makes me thankful and reflective about all of my experiences.

Now to the updates. A week after I finished school, I went to UMSL to spend a week with 34 lovely ladies from eight other Missouri schools at the Sue Shear Leadership Institute. We met with women lawyers, judges, politicians, campaign managers, and entrepreneurs throughout the week, had fancy dinners, tons of discussion, and even went to Jefferson City, MO to conduct mock legislation and eat lunch in the governor's mansion. Here are some pictures from that exciting week:

The Truman girls with fellow Truman lady
and the new MO Supreme Court
Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell '80!

At the Women's Club in St. Louis after a Keynote Dinner

In the senate chamber in Jefferson City, MO 

after a mock legislative session

Some of the Shear Fellows and Dr. Dayna Stock 

(fourth from the left) after the graduation

Then, a week later, I went to NYC for three days to attend a leadership conference for a new non-profit I'm working with called REACT to FILM that aims to inspire social change by showing documentaries to various audiences. I met tons of amazing people, directors, and business people. I also was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of living in NYC. We stayed in a small but luxe hotel in Queens, took the subway everyday, went to Chinatown, Little Italy, and Union Square.

With Antonino D'Ambrosio,
director of Let Fury Have the Hour 

The other chapter leaders getting
settled in the conference room

With my roommates.
They're both Chinese; what a coincidence!

Outside of Grand Central Station

Walking to Little Italy for dessert at Ferrara

View from LaGuardia Airport while waiting for my plane back to the Midwest

At the Museum of the Moving Image for screening of How to Make Money Selling Drugs  and a Q&A with the film's producer Adrian Grenier of Entourage fame

REACT to FILM Chapter Leaders and interns, RtF Director of Educational Programs Dahlia Graham (front row, third from left), President and Co-founder Coralie Paul (front row, fourth from left), Director Antonino D'Ambrosio (in the leather jacket)

With the team my amazing boss, Mrs. Angie Brown (in the red jacket)

For the past few weeks, I've been working for AmeriCorps at the 17th Street Summer Fun Camp with some awesome and diverse people. We mentor over 100 children ages 4-16 for five days a week from the wee hours of the morning to the afternoon. I've served with AmeriCorps at this camp for the past three years and I can honestly say that my time here has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Clearly, this has been a whirlwind summer, and it's not over yet. I'll keep you posted!

Life Updates!

Whoo! It's mid-April and you know what that means; the spring semester is almost done.

I realize it has been over a month since I last blogged. Aside from slight writer's block, I've been insanely busy. What with trying to organize events for M.A.P. Association, keeping up with school work, preparing for my upcoming research conference, and spending much needed time with friends, I haven't had time to blog.

To give you guys a quick update, MAP just put on two events this past weekend: the Cultural Rhythms and Cuisines Festival and the Charity Male Date Auction. Both events turned out better than any of us could have expected. The festival was originally supposed to be outside but the weather on Friday was absolutely horrid. Our fingers were freezing as we were decorating with streamers and balloons so we realized that we had to move the party inside. I was so happy with the groups and friends who came and supported us. The highlight for me was probably seeing all of the willing males who got up to learn salsa lessons from one of MAP's presidents.

The auction was AMAZING! The females were bold and the men were charismatic. It made for a great event. MAP Association raised over $100 that we will give to the Christian Community Food Depot here in Kirksville.

Another major area in my life is the Student Research Conference tomorrow. I present in the morning and I'm not so much worried about speaking in public as having something to contribute to research. Does my research contribute to global politics? I sure hope so! My research advisor is confident so I'm sure it will be fine. I'm blogging right now because I want to start de-stressing to allow for a smoother presentation.

After the presentation, my stress levels will be much more stable as everything will be on a downward slope to the summer. Three things have happened recently to keep me motivated. I have been chosen as one of four young women to represent Truman at the 21st Century Sue Shear Leadership Academy. The Academy aims to offer guidance on becoming a leader in public policy and networking opportunities with other scholars. We will spend a week at a university and will also go to the state capital to visit with women-elected officials. Also, through Internships.com, I've been offered an internship with React to Film's College Action Network and will serve as Truman's founding Chapter Leader in the 2013-2014 school year. React to Film seeks to initiate dialogue and social change through film documentaries. Finally, my mom told me about a test option for general undergrad courses through CLEP which will allow me to test out of Bio and Chem. This frees up more time to shadow my dear friend Judge Cruse, study for the GRE, and complete grad school applications.

Really the best thing that happened within the last month is that my big brother (not by blood) Martin came to visit me and my bestie Belen for two weeks after our Spring Break. He and Belen started dating last semester and it has been the best thing since ice cream, chicken, pasta, and TV! Emotional moment, though. Martin is from Germany and was attending Truman during my freshman year. When Martin left us in May 2011, I honestly thought I might not see him again. As an African American girl raised by parents from East St. Louis, I've grown up with the reality that international dreams and aspirations don't really happen when you don't have money. Unless you're a pro athlete, don't expect much. I've shattered most of those expectations, but even I have been subject to the realities of being a lower middle class family can do for you. Still, Martin always said that we would all see each other again and he was right. He and Belen met in the fall while she studied abroad in France and he managed to swing a few weeks in the states to visit with me and other friends from my freshman year. We took many pictures and had a ton of adventures but here are a couple that truly define our friendship.

  2011 2013

'Til next time. Have a great day Byrds!

I Wonder

Hello all,

I know it is late, but I had to share with you all something that is on my mind. Firstly, tomorrow is a snow day so it's perfectly fine for me to stay up. Now that that is out of the way.....I'm watching Pocahontas right now on Netflix, and it is the most surreal experience. Pocahontas was one of my first films as a child. I know it front and back technically and can remember each detail. Still, this is my first time watching it in at least ten years. I always knew that it told the story of America's colonization, and I've heard tell that it is inaccurate in some ways and had biases, wrong facts, and was basically Disney-fied to make it suitable for children. Now that I've taken several classes concerning the colonization of nations and peoples, I find it hard to watch without shedding a tear.

NOTE: By the way, I am speaking quite formally, and that is because I have been watching the British drama series  Downton Abbey, which concerns the aristocracy and lower classes, nonstop for the past couple of days and  find that my writing reflects it.

Anyway, in some of the Englishmen's minds, they were improving the lives of the "savages," as well as their own, by bringing "civilization" to the Americas. However, those in charge knew the truth. They knew that they would enslave through religious servitude the natives of the land and take all of their resources without a thought to how they may feel. As I've mentioned before, my research deals with the effects of colonization on the Americas so I have spent a great deal of time looking into what actually happened and why. It is sad that human nature requires those in a position of power to enslave others whether through actual servitude or by rendering them incapable of independent living through economic manipulations as we see with the U.S. government's part in housing projects, drug abuse, media, the unemployment office, the education system, and biases within the judicial system towards minorities and lower classes. Sometimes I wish we could start all over and do things right, but there will always be someone not content with their life and who will make others suffer.

Examples of this are found everywhere. One such example is in Alexander Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Fernand is rich and powerful but is jealous of the poor yet happy Edmond Dantès, who is engaged to the woman Fernand wants and thus conspires against him to send him to the notorious prison Châteu d'If for life. Another thing I've always related this jealousy/power struggle/discrimination thing with is a Dr. Seuss tale because, of course, Dr. Seuss always knows the right things to say. One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is The Sneetches and Other Stories. This book is about a group called the Sneetches who either do or do not have stars on their bellies. Those with stars act elitist and those without are ostracized. So when a man comes who can add stars to the starless Sneetches for a price, they jump at the chance. This upsets the original starred Sneetches who do not want to be like the others, and they get the man to remove their stars. Soon, no one can remember who originally had stars and who didn't, but they realize that a star does not make someone better or worse than another person. They learn that the character of a person is more important than their physical appearance. I love this story and its message. Discrimination is a nasty thing. I've tried to ignore it, dismiss it, and all of the above, but it is in everything we do. I used to think, what if we were all blind? Then we couldn't discriminate based on the color of one's skin. I soon realized that we would find other things to discriminate like foot steps or the intonation of our voices. 

I know that this is heavy stuff for three in the morning, but, as a young scholar, I ask that you all remember the past and its problems so that we're not shocked by the future. I do believe that history repeats itself, even if you don't. Though we can't colonize whole continents anymore in the traditional sense, please know that there are some of us who are colonizing the masses from a high point, and we must know how to combat this. The solution is in our textbooks, memoirs, and other remnants of the past. All we have to do is look.

One Step Closer!

Hey Byrds,

I just had to tell you guys about my great news. A few minutes ago, I just submitted an abstract to Truman's Student Research Conference Committee. For those of you not involved with research, an abstract is a formal summary of your research paper or essay. My paper is titled Disparities in Collective Land Rights Gains and looks at how some Afro-Latin American groups have obtained land rights and how most have not. It feels so cool to conduct research into a topic that I'm interested in. My research mentor has been a gem in this whole process. You guys should check out her website: Meg Edwards. She is so cool! She just completed her dissertation at the University of New Mexico, has received a Fulbright scholarship to research in Argentina and Ecuador, and is now teaching political science courses here at Truman State University. Basically, she has done everything that I want to do in my life. With people like her in my corner, I can have no choice but to succeed.

I want to give a shout out to my international readers! It warms my heart to see that people are reading my blog in the U.K., Malaysia, Indonesia, and so many others.

Also, if you go to Truman State, you better come out tonight to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Stroll-Off tonight at 7:20 pm in the SUB Down Under! Alpha Phi Alpha's Black and Gold pageant girls will be represented tonight and let me tell you, we are ICE COLD.  All jokes aside, it brings tears to my eyes to do this event with these lovely ladies. I almost didn't do it but the sentimental fool in me realized that there won't be many more chances to do things like this in my undergraduate career. With the Lord's will, I will be a senior next year and then it's off to the real world. So, I just had to learn a few new strolls and represent the group that has helped make me who I am today :)

Wish us luck and have a wonderful Friday!