The Rapper Sort Of Got One Right

Where I'm from, the people are the....flaky-est. 

This is the area where it's not official unless it's seen on television.  And if the product, politician, athlete, or entertainer is from here; then it/he/she must be seen on television in another state to label it/he/she official.  For the most part, trends aren't made in the African-American communities in Richmond; instead they are copied from other larger, more glamorously-perceived African-American communities across the nation.  Particularly in the Richmond hip-hop scene; where from 1980-1993 East Coast culture was Richmond.  Then Master P dropped a couple years later and we were all bouncing and talking with a little more country twang.  No one will say this...but we generally are followers; so it's no surprise that the Drake ft. Lil Wayne and Tyga track Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) has spawned yet another hip-hop slogan for our teenagers, young adults, and even some 30-somethings to live by.  But you know what, this time it might benefit you to actually listen.

Hand Selected

It sounds very inspiring, and it makes for a great t-shirt slogan, but failure definitely is an option.  As a matter of fact, it's in the top two options that a person has when they set out to accomplish anything.  This notion explains the disproportionate numbers regarding the school drop-out rate, joblessness, and the ever increasing American prison population.  Even your most successful [enter dream occupation here] will proudly speak of the number of rejections he or she has encountered before experiencing the desired success.  So I hate to be the bearer of real news but unfortunately, all of us will fail at something.  Also, the percentage of us who will fail at something we believe that we cannot, must not fail at is rather high.  How can this be remedied?  And if it can't, how can a come back happen?

What's Missing From the New Civil Rights Movement - The Boycott

I can see it now.  At the end-of-the-first-quarter meeting at Mars, Inc., the CEO, with all of his regional directors, accountants, and no media gathered at the long table will say something like this:

"Even though this occurred as a result of a tragic event, we have experienced record highs in sales of our original Skittles product.  Good job, team!"

Of course, he (used figuratively) will give himself a big raise, take a trip to the West Indies, and give his directors a little bit too.  And on the vacation, he and the regional director for the southeast will chop up ways to keep churches across the nation buying Skittles...keep getting to the money.

What's Missing From the New Civil Rights Movement - Civil Disobedience

2012 A.D. - March 12 - Richmond - Confederate States of America

During prolonged deliberation about the controversial "Ultrasound Bill", individuals of various backgrounds, races, and religions protested the move; angry over the fact that the Commonwealth of Virginia was so insensitive to control one of the most intimate and unfortunate procedures a woman could ever encounter.  Unfortunately, the Commonwealth did not concern themselves with such a position, and ordered Virginia law enforcement to carry seven of the protesters off of the Capitol steps and to jail.  The 'man' coerced, warned, and pulled and shackled them to the Fairfield Way.  A throwback.

Surpassed Enough

Demarcus dragged himself with his arms across the bloody linoleum floor to attempt to comfort his screaming infant son.  A few seconds earlier he was prevented from running to him because he couldn't feel his legs.  The prior intruder more than likely was the cause of the loss, but Demarcus hoped his body was temporarily paralyzed from the gun blast.  Unfortunately he was sadly mistaken.  While he was able to protect his first born from getting injured, and to console him after the derelict kicked the door or his apartment open and shot his pistol four times before fleeing, he wasn't able to restore the strength his legs once possessed. 

At the hospital waiting room the aunt who raised him nearly fainted as the doctor reported the news. His two younger cousins clinched their fists in anger and raised their voices; shouting curses about Demarcus' sons' mother; who they determined ordered a hit on him.  Meanwhile, Demarcus laid silent and peaceful.  After the commotion receded, his sister asked him "what you gonna do now?"

Demarcus, a 5 month Christian convert, lifted his heavy eyelids and said, "I still have my life, and Christ has already done more than enough."

His cousins smirked as his sister and aunt exhaled with disgust...