WOULD YOU SAVE A SOUL?

There is so much happening in my life that no one will ever fully know. If you ask me about it, I will lie. If you think you know, you probably do not. But it is there, and it hurts.

I remember the day I first got the new Gnarls Barkley album, The Odd Couple. I was excited, eager, curious. I pressed play and let it ride. When it reached track two, “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul,” I stopped. And I stayed there. For days. I played that one song over and over again. It wrapped itself around me. It did not just speak to me, it understood me.

It made me think about writing. I did not.
It made me think about speaking. I stayed silent.
So I just listened.

Today, someone sent me the video for that very song. And somehow, it moved me all over again. Just like the first time. Maybe even more.

It made me think about writing.
It made me think about speaking.
I will not.

But I will share this with you. Because maybe, without words, you will still hear me.

Who's Gonna Save My Soul

FINALLY...

MY THOUGHTS

Someone asked me today what I thought about last night’s primary victory, the one that marked Barack Obama as the presumptive nominee for President of the United States. The question came after I asked him and another friend to step away from a heated argument they were having about the significance or supposed lack of what had just happened.

This was my response:

I am, without question, the biggest cynic most of you will ever meet. And honestly, I am still uneasy about the way the media continues to refer to Obama as a “Black man,” as if the one drop rule is still the standard we live by. Earlier this year, I made a conscious decision to keep those feelings to myself. For a number of reasons I will not unpack right now.

But I have to admit, this morning something shifted in me.

It took some time for the weight of it all to register, but once it did, I was surprised by how deeply it moved me. Even through all my skepticism and reluctance to be swept up in national emotion, I could not deny what I felt. I was proud. Proud of this moment. Proud of what it means.

I know there is still a long road ahead. I am not naive about that. But today, I am choosing to stand in this moment. I am choosing to feel the soft patch of grass beneath my feet, to breathe in the clarity of this sky above my head, and to let it all be what it is, a piece of history that belongs to all of us.

This is not the finish line. But it is a step in a direction many of us never grew up believing was possible.

Today is ours. Let us hold it. Let us feel it. Let us live it.

Great qoute from PostBourgie

“every cynic was once a wounded optimist who still secretly longs that he/she will be proven wrong.”

Only November will tell how I’ll see the cup from now on.

REPOST: SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT

This weekend, while at a house party that, as always, promised good vibes, I found myself outside chatting with friends. Somehow, the conversation turned to She’s Gotta Have It, which led me to recall the “A.S.S.” survey I had reposted here last year and the wide range of reactions it sparked. Since it’s been on my mind and I haven’t written anything new, I’ve decided to share it again. Enjoy.

Recently, I came across a survey that Spike Lee reportedly gave to several women to help shape the character who would become Nola Darling in She’s Gotta Have It from Che Grand. As I read through the questions, I grew curious about what the answers might look like more than two decades after the film’s original release, and the survey that inspired such a provocative character at the time.

This is where you, my loyal, beautiful, intelligent, and open-minded female readers and friends, come in. And yes, I'm greasing you up, but I mean every word. So, if you feel comfortable, I invite you to take the survey. And if you prefer to keep your answers private, you are welcome to share them anonymously as a commenter on my blog.

Continue reading

here

NOTE: The last time I posted this blog it lead to some controversy and not everyone was happy with my post (to say the least). If this offends you, I apologize in advance.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN - DANCE AFRICA IS HERE!!!!

One of the most beautiful gatherings of black people, food, music, art, woman, and great vibes each year. Also a wonderful beginning to the unofficial start of summer. See you in the streets.



http://www.bam.org/events/08AFRI/08AFRI_bazaar.aspx

Sat, May 24, 12noon—10pm
Sun, May 25, 12noon—8pm
Mon, May 26, 12noon—7pm

Over 250 vendors from around the world converge on the streets surrounding BAM, transforming the neighborhood into a global marketplace offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion. Rain or shine!

As part of the festivities, BAM presents a live showcase of roaming drummers, dancers, and stilt walkers inspired by the spirit of Africa.

I SEE PISS COMING I MOVE!

SHE SAW PISS COMING SHE STAYED!

I RESPECT THIS!

GVG
~when keeping it real goes right~