Quote of the day…

While watching PBS documentaries just about all day long, this is a quote that struck me the most: “It’s easier to build a monument than a movement.” It was in reference to the various civil rights leaders that were slain during 1968. Essentially referring to how people are more inclined to praise and jump on the bandwagon of a leader once they are gone, yet while that leader is in the present and in the flesh, no one is chomping at the bit to do the work. Very poignant. In the midst of Black History month, in which 30 second shorts give us glimpses as to how African-Americans helped in providing a frame for this wonderful nation; I wonder, is this what those leaders fought for? It’s unfortunate that these documentaries aren’t infused into mainstream networks. Instead of being conscious of our histories so that we won’t be doomed to repeat it, our eyes are constantly glued to shows like “Desperate Housewives” to see who will be the first to don the first size -1 dress. Ok I’m hella exaggerating, but you get my point. As the years go by and we lose more and more of the leaders that struggled tooth and nail for equality and justice for all, I hope that people not only take a moment to celebrate that person’s life, but to stop and think about what the next steps will be in carrying on that mission and actually doing it.

Well keep it real why don’t you?!?!

"I never forget what my grandfather told me: There are two kind of people in life: the doer and the loser. Which one are you?" – Tom Vu, late night infomercial king

Have you ever had one of those moments where you weren’t sure if the advice someone was giving you was constructive or a fat ass slap in the face? That shit happened to me not to long ago, and it was on advice I didn’t really even ask for! Shizer. It’s funny, we always use that old adage that you never know a man/woman unless you walk a mile in his/her shoes, but that shit is so real. I’ve been thinking about the fine line between being hopeful and ambitious, yet at the same time being conscious of not deluding yourself and being realistic. It’s all a winding conundrum with pseudo moments of clarity and finality. Bah! So what are your thoughts?

Flashbacks…

My bro and I were watching videos the other day, and Kirk Franklin has this new song that samples an old school track. I’m blanking on the name of his song and the old school jam, but it was funny how that instance jogged back memories. My bro and I were laughing because we used to watch Vacation Video on PBS, and during the break between shows, they would show freeze frames of random kids being “active” – like kicking a kick ball, swinging on monkey bars, and doing some weird ass stretches and whatnot, all with the backdrop of funk music. My bro and I laughed even more when he mentioned that fact that we wanted to buy the vacation video activity book, but we couldn’t afford it. Well, we laughed momentarily at that. That shit was only $10, but it was $10 we didn’t have. Interesting. On Comcast, they have been playing this PSA asking people to donate clothes and such to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. I remember when I was a kid, we used to go to the center on San Leandro Ave. in East Oakland to get clothes and toys. We spend what felt like hours in there trying to get the good finds and such. I think one time I prolly thought to myself “man, I hope none of my friends see me in here.” But that was about only one time – I guess the fact that we were buying things from a salvation center didn’t really matter so much. Early on, my siblings and I learned the big difference between needs and wants. Like we didn’t need that damn Vacation Video booklet, as much as we needed to eat and have clothes on our backs. It’s funny how these memories come back full circle at the right time. And that we can have a little light hearted laughter about it, but still being cognizant of the fact that the experience had a much deeper meaning.
On a Super Bowl note, I’m pulling for the Steelers. Make Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw proud! =)