Rebellious Sacrifice

Egos are deadly. Toxic. Destructive. Al has a big one and Tavis has a gigantic one! Both men are good at what they do. Al is the last of the Frontline Go Getters and Tavis is still evolving. Tavis actually despite popular opinion has worked hard to help black people get to where they need to be: Over the Hump. His State of the Black Union ran its course thus the reason he “abandoned” it. I don’t too much plan him. He did his part. He re-started the dialogue. Challenged us to address our self-induced problems and encouraged us to defeat the American system-generated barriers. Al speaks the conscious of countless blacks. He is relentless in his efforts. Tough in his approach – more than likely not ‘bought’. Owned by an unseen force. He is criticized by many – but no one can take away from what he has done and doing. Unfortunately, both black men are now doing what The Powers can appreciate: Division Sadly, the beef is really over differences of opinion pertaining to President Barack Obam...

I shall not forget this man. I shall not move away from his truth. He was one of the first men I learn to respect. The first book I read was his autobiography. As a matter of fact, I did not read this FIRST book until I was a sophomore at High Point University. Malcolm X, no matter where we 'stand' in our psyche, speaks our soul. Many of us have moved away from that place: The Authentic Self . Living a double life that keeps us ashamed of our reflections. Our authenticity is REBELLION . We did not come to the shores of this dreadful place peacefully. Some were brave enough to kill themselves to avoid what many of us (New Blacks) have endured. After experiencing what we have suffered I am thankful we 'came through'. But, I do not have any ill words for those who stood on Devil's Bridge in Antigua, and threw themselves in the rough waters of the Atlantic with hopes to meet The Creator via suicide. I honor these suicides because those Africans trusted their 'gut...

I am so thankful for the struggle I witnessed and experienced growing up. Wondering if the light bill would be paid. The constant disconnection of telephone service. The water getting turned off. Having to open up the stove's oven to heat the two bedroom rented homed that housed five adults and three children. Eating the same meals (healthy) every week e.g. liver, rice, onions, and gravy on Tuesday. Enduring the barrage of jokes because the Chevy Nova we rode in did not have a muffler for the longest time. Having to share Levi jeans with my brother. I can go on. As I typed I got sentimental. I did not tear-up because I have regrets or have psychological troubles with my poverty infected past. Nope. Not at all! I am happy. Content. Because I know what struggle is and can be. I know how to adapt while many basically lose it. Go crazy as a result of the poor economy and received rejection letters for employment. Life is tough for so many. I will not begin to draw comparisons to the li...