Is Black Liberation equivalent to Racism?

Liberation defined is:
1. The act of liberating or the state of being liberated.
2. The act or fact of gaining equal rights or full social or economic opportunities for a particular group.

I was listening to a reporter from FOX news today, and when asking a question he stated that pastor Jeremiah Wright was preaching hate, racism, and black liberation. The context in which he stated it among those other terms were as if it were a bad thing. And that is when my mind started going. When, or rather who determined that a black man teaching others to liberate themselves from the confines of their minds or environment is a bad thing. I get angry just thinking about it, because I feel like anyone who tells or encourages people to break away from the limitations others have set upon them is doing something pretty phenomenal. Please don't mistake my opinion, because I am neither condemning or condoning any of Wright's comments....but when the media takes it upon themselves to frown upon "black liberation", it's almost like a slap in the face. As if black people are supposed to just accept their sad state and position in life and be grateful. I say fuck that! I apologize for my crassness, but that is honestly how I feel. Because I believe there are NO LIMITS, except for the one we impose upon ourselves. Not what others think they should be---and that goes for everyone, whether you are black, white, yellow, green or blue.

Just my opinion.

Is it over?

Has anyone ever felt like there was something, or someone that they are missing in life? That is kinda how I feel right now. WAIT!!! No this is not going to be a sad pitty party for me story...but Iwas just reflecting on how I think I missed an opportunity---because of my own...I don't know, insecurity...shyness...imaturity maybe?? I don't even have the energyto get into all of the details, but needless to say I am not feeling too good about myself right now. I feel like I need to just freaking grow up...and yet, Ill be 27 this year...hmmm.

LOL---I don'tknow. We'll see, all may not be lost. That is the optimist in me always hoping for the best.

I guess only time will tell.

Please come soon

OMG....Friday just can't come sooner! Today is Tuesday...tax day to be exact---and the procrastinator that I am finally filed today, (ahhhhh)----the sigh of relief. But I consider it a blessing, hell "I'm not so hung up for money that I could actually wait until the last minute before it comes"....haha, yeah...that's what I tell myself.

So far this week has been one of those weeks where I feel like I am being tested. My patience, my kindness, my tolerance...all simultaneously. What is a girl to do? I'm not so sure, but this lady is going to pray to God that Friday comes soon and very soon. I think I'm going to go and dance my buttocks off at this spot I heard of in H-wood called Sugar. I've never been before, but I passed it one Friday night with my girlfriends and it seemed like fun---I spotted a lot of folk'.

Truth be told I just want to dance...hell I need to release some of this pinned up aggression/tension, and what better way then work my frustrations out on the dance floor. Plus I'll get a workout in, so at least I'll be multi-tasking.

(sigh)....Friday can you come any sooner? (bad grammar I know, but hey---I'm tired).

Procrastination

Damn. Here I go again. I'm supposed to be doing something else right now---writing an article. But of course I am here on my blog typing an entry. LOL---funny thing is, I haven't been here in over a month. Only when I am actually supposed to be doing something else is when I decide to write an entry. Crazy. Anyways, I thought I would take the time to reflect on last week. My girlfriend came into town, (we went to school together), and she visited for a little over a week. I have to say I felt like the worst host ever, cause she couldn't have come at a worser time. I work in TV, and a 3 month strike just ended, so we've been very busy getting productions going. And of course that meant I wasn't able to take of time from work. So needless to say, she spent a lot of time in our (my sister and I) apartment. Which is really sad, considering we live in LA and there is so much to do. But I was just happy because my friend was here. I didn't realize how much I missed her until she got here. Although I have to say, she did read me the riot act one night, and let me know that I've "changed"---and not neccessarily in a good way. I don't know, I listened to her and received what she had to say. I mean, she is my friend who I've known for years---one of my bestfriends---and she of all people would know wht indeed is different about me within the 4 years I've been away from her. Some of the "changes" noted were that I was mean, not spiritually balanced, anxiou and impatient, and just all around negative. I'm not the soft, positve, nice, open, spiritually sound Sheika I once was. I received her criticism, becuase I do feel that she was correct on some points. I must admit I am in a weird place right now. But I somewhat felt that my friends observation....

Open Letter to Tavis Smiley

Hello,
I am writing in response to Mr. Smiley's recent criticism of Barack Obama. I have to say that I listened to Mr. Smiley subtly attack Obama at our church (the City of Refuge) last year when he wasn't able to attend another event of his, and I was very disappointed. I am a young, 26 year old, educated African American woman---and this is the first time that I have been moved to get involved in my country----yes this is because Barack Obama is running. Don't get me wrong, I am just as excited that there is a WOMAN running for office (who has a serious chance of election). But I have to ask this question of Mr. Smiley----is he ready for the change that is going to occur when Obama and Michelle get into the White House? And why would he dare try to rob this man of his chances, or make people second guess whether he is "down enough"? I am so disgusted and turned off by Mr. Smiley's arrogance and total disregard of what Obama and Michelle are trying to achieve in this country. They are not simply concerned about our people, they are concerned about ALL people---how can you bash a man for that. Is that not Christian? Is that not humane----no to mention, Obama's record has proven ten fold that he is looking out for the best interest of his people----his record in Illinois proves that. Please don't misunderstand my rant, my concern is that Mr. Smiley is not seeing the big picture, and attempting to use the same divisive tactics that politicians use to separate and conquer. But I will say, as an EDUCATED young, 26 year old African American female I will not fall for Mr. Smiley's ridiculous outburst for the sake of gaining attention to his event, or relevance for that matter. And I will make sure my less fortunate brothers and sisters do not fall for his shenanigans as well----I am a young person, and WE are who you should be concerned about because WE are going to CHANGE how this country operates. Praise God for Obama and Michelle of reminding us of this, and reinvigorating that energy and belief within us.
All of my sisters will shed tears when we get to see a STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, Sister grace the American public as the First Lady in January 2009. I hope you Mr. Smiley are ready for that.

"Networking"

Last night I went to a "networking" event in Beverly Hills. I use the word networking lightly because from what I observed, it seemed as if there was a lot more scoping and checking out going on, as opposed to meeting and conversing. Now I'll admit, I have a tendency to be a little closed off when I enter a new place. Ok, a LOT closed off. But that's only because I am checking my surroundings, and taking in the environment. Also, I like to people watch! It's probably one of the many entertaining things I've done out here in LA.

The spot was nice and mellow, the scene was another story. Alot of folks of color in the place, which was cool. Also, there were literally more men then women (a rarity out here)---but that didn't mean a damn thing. Two women I was sitting next to made a comment on how the men out here are different then the men they are used to (they are from the South). "This is sad, they are just standing around looking at each other expecting us to approach and start a conversation with them" one of them said.

Unfortunately I couldn't disagree with her because from my observation, everything she was saying was true. Literally three tall, handsome brothas in suits walked into the place and literally strutted through to the back and posed for about and hour before bouncing. The scene played straight like a fashion runway show. They just stood there and talked to each other---I mean, they could've stayed at the office and did that. I caught two other guys at the bar just standing and drinking, and chatting. When a woman came and started talking to one of them, the other one just stood there looking like he didn't know what to do---"should I introduce myself to the other three women around me?, no no they must acknowledge and approach me first!". We never did, and literally 15+ minutes went by and dude was still looking for someone to come and save him.

I have to say, from a woman's perspective, it wasn't very attractive. I like people in general who are assertive, and go after what they want---especially men. Not that I'm saying there is anything wrong with women who approach men, but I prefer not to do that. Because if I do, I feel as a man---you should understand that (in my mind)you've already been downgraded to friend/associate status hence forth...regardless of how FINE you are.

Stupid Things

On Saturday night at about 2 am in the morning, I ran out of gas on the freeway. Possibly the most irresponsible, stupidst thing I've ever done to date. I have never experienced anything like that before. Breaks going bad (check), engine exploding because I failed to have an oil change (check), car accident (check, check & check). But never before have I run out of gas...and let me tell you, there is nothing more embarassing---at 2 am I wanted to call my sister and roomate, but how do you explain to someone at 2 in the morning that you ran out of gas, cause truth be told I was just lazy/in a rush and didn't want to stop and get any. No other excusable reason for my stupidity. Nonetheless, I learned my lesson....my tank will be refilled as soon as it's 1/4 above E. No more waiting for the light to come on, or assuming that extra 30mi. after the light will get me through...uh, uh. I've truly learned my lesson.

Sad, I know, but true.