We moved quickly, arriving at the front of the Mall packed like sardines.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
How much does it cost to be a part of history...
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Senseless....
Plagued by deceit, destruction and death, it isn't something I can stomach every day. Since the year started, I've been getting my news sporadically, some of it has been good, and some of it bad. Israel is bombing the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of civilians in the process. Sasha and Malia go off to their new school...
Two nights ago was the start of it.
A 65 year old man critically injured in a hit and run accident is still fighting for his life, three weeks later. His son is speaking out. You can see his pain. Willie McCargo was on his way to get a haircut for his nephew’s funeral. A 14 year old boy gunned down while delivering fruit to an elderly neighbor. How much tragedy can one family have to face, I wonder. Mr. McCargo had tire tracks on his shirt. "An animal deserves more respect than my father was given.." says his son. The police don't have any leads... (http://www.wbaltv.com/news/18428540/detail.html?rss=bal&psp=news)
Today, a facebook friend asked if I was attending the funeral of someone that went to my high school. I asked how he died... shot. I did a quick search.
"Family of Baltimore's First Murder Victim Speaks"
Mario Williams, 31, is killed while escorting a drunk patron out of Rumors Bar & Grill, an establishment in East Baltimore that he bought with his girlfriend a year ago. They were celebrating one year in a community which they'd already begun to support by holding back-to-school drives, toy drives, and giving away turkeys for the holidays. Apparently, a member of the community took it upon themselves to say thank you with a bullet to the back of the head. (http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/mario-williams-murder-east-baltimore-rumors-1s/aeaIPVASW0-d1tMsceaidQ.cspx?rss=702)
I left local news and went national. The big story is the Oakland police shooting and the riots. In the age of cell phone cameras and streaming video... you would think...
I had to see for myself. Could it be? A cop shoots a man laying face down in a subway station in front of dozens of witnesses... There's something else to the story right... no. Not really. Oscar Grant was murdered on New Year's morning. 22 year old Oscar Grant, member of Palma Ceia Baptist Church since a child, choir member, part of the church's Royal Ambassador Program, protective younger brother, proud father.. shot in the back while another officer's knee was nestled in his neck. This isn't just an allegation. There's clear video. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idJAr6NUy3E&feature=related). A week later, no charges have been filed and the officer has resigned.
Yes, I’m angry. And hurt.
Black on Black...
Police involved Shootings
In my circle of friends we wonder aloud. "What's wrong with people?" It's a way of life we think we're removed from... this is what happens when life is given little regard. No value. The question is, can you ever truly be removed from it? You're educated, have a career, friends, maybe more. But you also want to go out, have a nice time. Be social. Baltimore's almost in double digit murders and it's only the 8th day of January.
In 12 days, the first black president will be sworn into office. So many of us have such high hopes. I'm not at all saying that things won't change. I do believe that our society will improve. But there is a state of mind that needs to change first. A sense of pride needs to be born (or reborn) into a portion of people that have lost it. We have more than enough history to learn from and build on. We have to be better, but to get better we must see the value in ourselves and our fellow man.
There has got to be a way...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Rise and Shine for 2009
As this is the first blog of the New Year, I was hoping to come up with something insightful and thought provoking. Often times, blogs of that nature are born of hurt, agony or disappointment. I made a personal vow to leave as much of these ill feelings in 2008, and to be honest, I think I can do it.
2008 was a difficult year. There was a point when I'd lost a lot of myself. I was surrounded with negative energy, and I allowed negative thoughts to take over my days. I wasn't happy. My mother has always said that I have the ability to change my frame of mind, my outlook. I just have to make the decision to do it. Well, I started the process of purging those people and things that were not adding value to my life, and that made a tremendous difference. I then took a look at myself, and my life, and made some decisions and commitments to the things that I want.
I have faith that 2009 is going to be a special year. I mean, already PITT has earned a #1 ranking in both polls for the first time in 101 seasons and the Ravens are winning playoff games! Seriously though (even though that was pretty serious), I still feel that God has wonderful things in store for me. Professionally I have grand ideas I think are actionable... I will finally get a business going. I'm re-bonding with my cousins and my brother... To my surprise and delight, I'm going to be an aunt! My father is expressing himself and our relationship is flourishing. My mother and I are coexisting and still remain as close as ever. I'm blessed with great friends and a supportive family. I have a significant other that I think is wonderful...
We all know the sayings about life.
- Life is short
- Life is what you make it
- Life is like a box of chocolates
As easy as it is to laugh it off and push it aside to focus on the serious matters of paying bills, waking up for work and handling our obligations... life IS short. It IS what we make it, and it's true, you never know what you're going to get.
I want to live the best life that I can. I have aspirations and I want to see them take shape. I'm full of love and I want to share it. I plan to LIVE. I hope you do too.