Seven Principles

Some people celebrate the pagan holiday Christmas while some people celebrate Hanukkah. I feel as though one holiday that is over looked and misunderstood is Kwanzaa. I have only had the opportunity to celebrate Kwanzaa twice in my life but I plan on making it a tradition for my family to celebrate annually especially when I become a parent myself.

So What is Kwanzaa? What is About? Pan-African observance transcending the various nationalities, languages, religions, and political orientations of Black people. Kwanzaa is about history and family it is an African American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, first celebrated December 26, 1966.

Traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1 each day focuses on Nguzo Saba, also known as the Seven Principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits"  Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa.



Purpose of Kwanzaa
The purpose of Kwanzaa seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples. Born out of the whirlwind of social and political changes of the 1960s.

Seven (7) Principles
Unity ( Umoia)
Knowledge of Self ( Kujichagula)
Collective work and responsibility (Ujima)
Cooperative economics (Ujima)
Purpose (Nia)
Creativity (Kuumba)
Faith (Imani)


Toni's Thoughts: Kwanzaa is very important to African American culture and history and African Americans should not be ashamed or afraid to celebrate this holiday.

DMX "Party Up"

Happy birthday to Earl Simmons aka DMX I know the guy has problems but his musical talent is not up for debate because he has skills.

Reading is FUNDAMENTAL

At the moment I am currently reading The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G Woodson he was a  historian, author, founder of Association for the Study of African American Life and History , member of Omega Psi Pi Fraternity Inc., Father of Black History Month, etc. his accomplishments are as long as my arm. The book is powerful and text is relevant to the life of African Americans today. I truly recommend this book to anyone but especially to African Americans. I am learning so much I have been taking extensive notes.
 



 The thesis of Dr. Woodson's book is that African Americans of his time were being culturally indoctrinated, rather than taught, in American schools. This conditioning, he claims, causes African-Americans to become dependent and to seek out inferior places in the greater society of which they are a part. He challenges his readers to become autodidacts and to "do for themselves", regardless of what they were taught:

"History shows that it does not matter who is in power... those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they did in the beginning."

 Carter G Woodson





Excerpt: "The diffculty is that the "educated negro" is compelled to live and move among his own people whom he has been taught to despise. As a rule, therefore, the "educated Negro" prefers to buy his food from a white grocer because he has been taught  that Negro is not clean."

 

Black Jesus

Jacob sold me my first couple pieces
I was killing niggas who misunderstood what diseased did
Spent half a mill on a Ferrari, I could have leased it
Driving Scott Storch’s Bugatti before they released it
Drop The Documentary, rocking khakis with creases
Dope and hip hop, it resurfaced with some leeches
Ten times platinum, now I’m chilling where the beach is
Time to show the world what a motherfücking beast is
Blanca, bullet proof cars in Sri Lanka
12 years old, on his shoulder, a rocket launcher
10 thousand miles away, there’s an owner of a corner store
A white man walks in, spit shining his Audemar
While somewhere in Africa, Jo-Burg and Congo is going to war
Rebels enslaving they own people, digging water or
Get murdered cause that choppa is a carnivore
He found one and stole it, now the village tryna find that boy


The Game "Blood Diamonds" Verse 1





 
One of my favorite rappers is West Coast all star Jayceon Taylor aka "The Game" he just dropped his fifth studio album "Jesus Piece" and I must say it is awesome. I have purchased all of his albums and The Red Album was my least favorite but I still got love for The Game. The album cover has been sparking much controversey with its depiction of Jesus as a Black man wearing a red bandana. I love it his plan makes perfect sense if you like and understand The Game.


What's the concept? Why is it called "Jesus Piece?"
It is very simple there is no spiritual theme but instead there is "Gangster theme"of enjoying life while also having faith in God. He was baptized last year I think it is a possible for a gangster to restore his faith. Not to mention alot of rappers buy diamond  "Jesus Piece" chains.




"You want to believe in God, but you don't want to be criticized and ridiculed by people who think that they're better than you," "I don't want to feel like I can't love God or appreciate Jesus and have to put down that blunt. I want to smoke, maybe shower up, then go to church. Get the word, walk out of church, maybe smoke again, maybe hit up a strip club or two and do me, but I don't want to be ridiculed." The Game


Toni's Thoughts: Every song is banger great lyrical content and great production. The Game and Kendrick Lamar got the West Coast on lock they are Dr. Dre's greatest creations behind Snoop Dogg. Not to mention The Game is handsome but ladies he is off the market he is a family man.

Tamar Braxton Love And War #LoveAndWar

Luke James Make Love to Me New Joint

Guns In America and The Second Amendment

The Second Amendment is apart of the United States Bill of Rights that protect the rights of people to keep and bear arms. It was adopted on December 15, 1791.





What does it state? Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.



Toni's Thoughts: I am a Political Science major so I understand the Bill of Rights, Roe V Wade, Civil Rights of 1964, and many other important documents although I do believe we need some restrictions with our gun laws in the United States. I do not think guns should be banned all together but I do  feel as though  too many people are taking advantage of Second Amendment for the wrong reasons. With the recent school massacres from 1999 until 2012 we have some things to reconsider. I understand some people use guns to hunt but we are not living in the Wild Wild West. Children and school teachers have just lost their lives. If we require paper work and examinations for our citizens to get drivers licenses then there should be some ramifications for obtaining a gun license. People with mental health issues, war veterans, serial killers, some ex-cons are people that should not have guns in their possession.








We are living in a time where you it is not safe to attend a movie theater or for children to attend school. I understand the world can be a dangerous place but is it really necessary to give certain people a chance to shoot up elementary schools and movie theatres. Some people may argue and say guns don't kill people, people kill people. To me that is a bogus statement stop making excuses. If you put the gun in the hands of a crazy person bad things happen. I know we do not live in a perfect world there are some seriously disturbed individuals out there have you seen shows like Criminal Minds and Law & Order. Anyway we still need to make an effort to change things that is all I'm saying.






When I was high school I remember some of my classmates telling me that they held their first guns on hunting trips at the age of four. Think about that for a moment. Why is that being normalized to a child that early I remember sitting in class that day saying WTF out loud. Chris Rock once said " America is the only country in the world where you can go hunting on a full stomach."

Was He in His Right Mind.........The Wrath of Min Yingjun

I'm still sad and angry about the Newton, Connecticut massacure and I'm sad to say more children have been put in harms way under evil. In China 22 children were stabbed as well as an elderly woman.






The attacker, Min Yingjun, 36, was subdued by security guards and taken into custody by the police, said the officer, who declined to give her name, which is customary among Chinese civil servants. Guards have been posted at schools across China after a spate of attacks in recent years.
A Guangshan County hospital administrator said there were no deaths among the nine students admitted to the hospital, although two badly wounded children were transferred to better-equipped hospitals outside the county.
A doctor at Guangshan’s hospital of traditional Chinese medicine said that seven students had been admitted there, but that none were seriously injured.
It was not clear how old the wounded children were, but Chinese primary school students are generally 6 to 11.


This Is Not the First Time?
No motive was given for the attack, which resembled a string of similar assaults against Chinese schoolchildren in 2010 that killed nearly 20 and wounded more than 50. The most recent such attack took place in August, when a man broke into a middle school in the southern city of Nanchang and stabbed two students before fleeing.
Most of the attackers have been mentally disturbed men involved in personal disputes or unable to adjust to the rapid pace of social change in China, underscoring grave weaknesses in the antiquated Chinese medical system’s ability to diagnose and treat psychiatric illness.
In one of the worst attacks, a man described as an unemployed, middle-aged doctor killed eight children with a knife in March 2010 to vent his anger over a thwarted romantic relationship.

Toni's Thoughts: I am very upset to know this has happened once again I'm sure these children did not deserve this and if there is an issue with mental health this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I do not live in China so I admit that I am not aware of all of their social changes but these men need help and they should not take their frustrations out on children.

Children Die, A Nation Cries

On December 14, 2012 a gunman named Adam Lanza killed twenty children and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook elementary in the Sandy Hool village of Newton, Conneticut before committing suicide. This is the second deadliest school shooting in US history, after 2007's Virginia Tech Massacure, second-deadliest attack an American elementary school, after the Bath School diaster in `1927.


What Happened? Voices from the Witnesses

Diane Day, a therapist at the school, was sitting with the principal, a parent and other staff members for a meeting when she heard gunshots.
"At first we heard a bunch of kids scream, and then it was just quiet and all you could hear was the shooting," Ms. Day said.


Principal Dawn Hochsprung and the school psychologist leapt from their seats and ran out to help, Ms. Day said. "They didn't think twice about confronting or seeing what was going on," she said.
Without a lock to secure the door, a teacher at the meeting pressed her body against the door to hold it shut, Ms. Day said. That teacher was shot through the door in the leg and arm. "She was our hero," Ms. Day said.


Carrie Usher, a fourth-grade teacher, said she believed the principal turned on the campus loudspeaker system, which broadcast sounds of "screaming and crying" through the school to warn others. Ms. Hochsprung and the school psychologist, identified as Mary Sherlach, were reported to be among the victims.
Ms. Usher's class, meanwhile, was in the library and they hid in the closet.
"The gunfire was just unbelievable. It felt like it lasted for five minutes," the teacher said. "It wouldn't stop." No one in her class was hurt.


Toni's Thoughts: My heart dropped when a friend of mine told me about the massacure my mother tearfully called me and told me she was glad to hear my voice and she is blessed to have both her son and daughter still here breathing. I work at a childcare facility and immedaitaley I thought about the children I work with and how they have their whole life ahead of them. They look up to me but the ironic thing is they have taught me so much I love to see them smile. We need to wake up something needs to be done about the gun laws in this country point blank period. These children did not bother anyone and love and resepect to the adults that risked their lives to save the surviving children. Children are a gift to the world and I'm sad to know someone was willing to take that away from their family and friends, their community.

2 Termz!!!

"Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have learned from you. And you've made me a better president. With your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do."  President Barack Obama
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quotes+from+Obama+acceptance+speech/7508886/story.html#ix



Last night I cried tears of joy and celebrated with family and friends we made history once again. We have re-elected our first African American President this a victory for so many people but especially Black people in my personal opinion. Our ancestors are smiling down on us right now. Yesterday I voted in my first election because I was only 17 the last time around I am proud to say that I voted and I voted for President Obama.



President Obama is not a lame duck  I don't give a damn what anybody says Donlad Trump, Clint Eastwood, I'm calling out all the haters. Voters don't sleep push your representatives to pass legislation that will benefit you. Please stay enagaed in politics in all elections whether they are Presidental or Primary.

Use Your Voice

Please remember that election day is tomorrow. I am very excited to be voting tomorrow this is the first time in my life I get to vote for the President during the last election I was 17. Like I said once before I can't tell you who you should vote for. I hope you are an informed voter and vote for the candidate that you believe in. Many people fought and died for us to have the right to vote please do not take that lightly many people lost their jobs because they willing to make a huge sacrifice for generations to come.



By the way I am sorry I have  not been releasing any post lately I have been busy doing research papers it is crunch time in the semester. I will try my best to get some made soon. Peace and Love



Toni

Think About It.........

Ludacris - Jingalin (Explicit) New Joint of the Day

  
LL Cool J's classic party anthem "Jinglin Baby" + Project X = Jingalin Baby Ludacris a certified hit I love hit enjoy

Black Dynamites Cartoon - Pilot That Frog Kurtis on Puppet Street

As you all know I did a post about the television series Black Dynamite here is the offical pilot enjoy!

Hold Up Wait A Minute........ HA HA

Disclaimer: I am not telling you who to vote for. Even if we do not see eye to eye  I encourage you to be civic ally engaged.


"Ok Stacy Dash has been married to and dates white men (Republicans I'm assuming) she announce that she is supporting Romney.. She is supporting what supports her.. Why are we mad ?"
Actress/Stand-Up Comedian Sommore





"Wait, did Stacey Dash Really endorse Romney today?! REALLY????! Is she CRA...........??!"
Legendary Actor and More house College Alumni Samuel L. Jackson



"Stacey Dash is NOT clueless. My thoughts on her endorsement of "Money" Mitt Romney."
Russell Simmons




I just couldn't resist discussing this topic its hitting all social media sites  I mean its spreading like wild fire that Actress/Model Stacey Dash is voting for Republican candidate Mitt Romney. This is the United States of America therefore we are all entitled to freedom of speech thanks to our Constitution. Ha ha bull crap there comes a price every time you open your mouth people will often say no other human being has the right to judge you. Break the rose colored glasses that's a damn lie.





What exactly did Stacey Dash say?  Recently in a Piers Morgan interview  Dash said the following:"I chose him not by the color of his skin, but the content of his character." She also went on to say. “They spoke to me, and they seemed authentic and genuine about what they said about this country, about the need for us to be united and move forward."





Stacey Dash is highly upset about the backlash via Twitter I read alot of the tweets I admit some were amusing. Although Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters and many more people have to come to her defense.





Toni's Thoughts: I always seen Stacey as a beautiful and talented actress I mean she is 46 and doesn't look a day over 25. Anyway I admit when I first that she was endorsing Mitt Romney I was pissed although my reasons were valid. I have taken the time to research and analyze his policies and I see that he has no vision. Voting for Mitt Romney would not benefit me in anyway. At the same time Stacey was brave in speaking her mind as Republican VP candidate Paul Ryan told her, although the same she has the right to speak her opinion the same way other people can dislike and bash her because they follow her on Twitter. I mean she said "Vote for Romney, the only choice for your future." Then she poses in a red bikini next to an American Flag. Yeah she has a banging body but that was in poor taste by taking the photo.





I do not expect all Black people in America to vote for Obama but at the same time  for the Black people that are mad at her for this they may have legitimate reasons. As for the question are you better off than you were four years ago? My answer is some ways yes and in other ways no. I do not blame the President for that either.  I knew that when President Obama was elected he would not be able to fix all of our problems in four years the damage that has been done took years to build up. That is the problem with our country people often seek instant gratification they lack respect and understanding for the struggle and challenges that come along the way. People want all the rewards but not want to do the work.


Do you think this is another Uncle Tom moment? Is she the nigger wench that people are saying she is?" Let me know what you think


Here is a link below to follow up on this story

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/election-2012/stacey-dash-draws-mlk-jr-defend-romney-article-1.1178978#ixzz28xqBoZLS

Killer Mike - "Burn"

Awhile back I posted the lyrics to this song this is a personal favorite.

The Game ft. Chris Brown, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa & Lil Wayne - Celebration (O...

What's up world. This is my new joint of the day The Game is back and I really like the Bone Thugs N Harmony sample from "First of Da Month." I don't smoke although this is a good song to cruise in the car with your friends to enjoy your day.

October Flow

 

 

 

Sidney Prescott: You sicks fucks have seen to many movies!

Billy Loomis: Sid, don't blame the movies. The movies don't create psychos, movies make psychos more creative.

 

Scream 1996

 

 

 

I am not a huge fan of the horror film genre but when boredom strikes I will watch some crazy shit with my friends. The only horror film franchise I can watch over and over again is "The Scream Franchise" because it was different it provided humor and sarcasm. Enjoy October guys ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the summer I watch the hit MTV series Teen Wolf with my mom. When it comes to the battle between vampires and werewolves. I like werewolves all day long.

 

 

 

 

I Adorn Miguel

Yeah, body language like piano king,
Allow me to provoce them
Like you sing a melody
Every single stroke babe.
As I kiss your third eye
Bet you are gonna scream.
Only you can be my Kaleidoscope dream.
Kaleidoscope dream (dream dream dream)

"Kaleidoscope Dream" Miguel

I have been anticipating R&B crooner sensation Miguel's new album all year and the wait is finally over I have listened to every song on the album on his website. Let me just say he doesn't miss a beat this album is truly a work of art this is definitely better than his debut album. Miguel has grown as an artist the music is true to the essence of R&B yet it provides refreshing diversity with rock and pop elements. You can hear his beautiful voice on every track. I give them album 5 stars no bullshit. I'm getting paid this week and I'm going to buy this album you should too. Miguel's topics inlcude life, love, and sex but his voice and lyrics deliever with a more smooth and sensual flow.

Miguel I Adorn You and Your Sound

Good Kid Has The Recipe

Nigga why you babysittin only 2 or 3 shots?
I'mma show you how to turn it up a notch
First you get a swimming pool full of liquor,
then you dive in it
Pool full of liquor, then you dive in itI wave a few bottles,
then I watch em all flock all the girls wanna play Baywatch
I got a swimming pool full of liquor and
they dive in it Pool full of liquor I'mma dive in it

Kendrick Lamar "Swimming Pools"

Kendrick Lamar is sleeping with success right now he just won "The Lyricists of the Year" Award at the annal BET Hip Hop Awards and his debut album Good Kid.... M.a.ad City was released earlier this week. Once again Dr. Dre has taken a sensation under his wing then again I guess its only right since Kendrick is also a Compton native. I have been listening to Kendrick's mix tapes and I love his current singles "The Recipe" and "Swimming Pools" this is one rapper who is the real deal. I hope he doesn't get caught up with water downed commercial shit that's out right now.

Keep your eyes on Kendrick Lamar and buy his album you won't regret it.

25 Years Later..... A Different World

I know my parents love me,
Stand behind me come what may.
I know now that I'm ready,
Because I finally heard them say
It's a different world form where you come from.
Here's a chance to make it,
If we focus on our goals.
If you dish it we can take it,
Just remember you've been told
It's a different world form where you come from.
It's a different world form where you come from.


A Different World Theme Song Sung By Aretha Franklin and later Sung By Boyz II Men












Before BET's College Hill franchise premiered showing the lives of African American college students at HBCU's  ( Historically Black College University) fighting and partying. Bill Cosby created " A Different World" a spin-off from The Cosby Show, A Different World essentially the show focused on Denise Huxtable portrayed by actress Lisa Bonet attending her parents alma mater the fictional  Hillman College modeled after Hampton and Howard University but after Lisa Bonet left the show for other ventures and her marriage to then husband Lenny Kravtiz the writers and producers focused more on characters Whitely, Dwayne, Freddie, Ron, Kim, Mr Gaines, the list goes on if you watched the show during its 6 year run or watch the syndicated episodes now.





Why We Loved The Show?  A Different World displayed intelligent African Americans students in a positive light the characters endured real life challenges that many college students deal with on a daily basis. The television show helped inspire many African Americans to attend HBCU's the enrollment at these schools increased during the 6 year run of the show.




The show also made history in 1990 one episode was centered around the topic of HIV/AIDS; it was one of the first network television shows to address the subject. Another notable episode premiered in 1992 called "Love Taps" addressing the issue of domestic violence. The series also depicted  members of BGLO's (Black Greek Letter Organizations) as functional, productive, ambitious students either socializing or seen in the library but also the show included fictional fraternities and sororities such as Kappa Lambda Nu and Alpha Delta Rho. The show launched the careers of Jada Pinkett Smith, Tisha Campbell Martin, Blair Underwood, and countless others. Who could forget those hilarious cat fights between Patti La belle as Dwayne's mother and Diahann Carroll as Whitley's mother?






Toni's Thoughts: I first became exposed the television series at the age of 8 when I would watch re-runs on TBS or Oxygen one of the channels. I remember wanting to attend an HBCU because of the show, their rich history, the notable alumni, and members of my family have attended HBCU's. A Different World was an incredible show and displayed the positive aspects of attending a Black college. I'm almost out of my undergraduate studies and I still regret not attending an a Black college well I guess there is always Graduate School or Law School. We need more shows like this one this is truly what television is missing.



Do you miss A Different World? Would like to see an updated version of the show or something similar?

Legend In The Making...... Happy Birthday

Bills foreign, Swiss Francs
Before I die I want my money in a Swiss Bank
I can see right through these haters - fish tanks
"Swiss Francs" Ryan Leslie




Happy birthday to one of my favorite artists. Mr. Leslie is true to his craft and sings all of his own  music, writes lyrics and produces his own beats. Ryan is a Harvard educated man with swagger for days and he is also a great mentor and prominent in community of Harlem, New York.

Don't Sleep, hosted by T. J. Holmes begins Oct. 1 at 11P/10c on BET

I am so glad that BET going back to basics and allowing a late night talk show that focuses politics, pop culture from our point of view. As I kid I remember staying up late watching Jacquie Reid and Cousin Jeff on BET Nightly News I was really upset when the program was cancelled. Although I feel as T.J. Holmes is the right person to host this show and display intellectual dialogue. As a Political Science major this is something that I am very passionate about.

I- PHi-T aka Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

Disclaimer: I am not a member of BGLO aka Black Greek Letter Organization although I have family and friends that are members. But I also take the time to recognize these organizations because since their inceptions they have produced outstanding layers, politicians, actors, activist, etc. also their civic work helps benefit the African American community. With that being said this blog post is dedicated to the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.





On September 19, 1963 Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. was founded at the campus of Morgan State Univeristy now known as Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland. The organization was founded during the height of the Civil Rights Movement many of the founders participated in sit-ins and various protest in the city of Baltimore. These men were influenced by The Black Panther Party, as well as militant activits such as Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. The tewelve founders of the fraternity are the following:

Albert Hicks

Lonnie Spruill, Jr.

Charles Briscoe

Frank Coakley

John Slade

Barron Willis

Webster Lewis

Charles Brown

Louis Hudnell

Charles Gregory

Elias A. Dorsey

Michael Williams

The founders were  non-traditional students many had served in the military, worked full time while attending classes, and were raising families. Iota Phi Theta is the fastest growing Black faternity in the country.




Prominent Members include: Actor T.C. Carson aka Kyle from Living Single, NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy,Bobby Rush United States Congessman, just to name a few.




At my campus of Western Kentucky University the Eta Rho Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. was chartered on March 11, 2010.

RAY CHARLES - Georgia On My Mind

Happy Birthday to late great musical genius Ray Charles. Today he would have been 82 thank you for  for the wonderful songs that will continue to stand the test of time.

Your Life Depends On It..... Go Vote



Vote or Die Episode of South Park Political Humor

Disclaimer: In the past I might told you who to vote for. For that I apologize and I just want to help educate you how important it is to vote this year.



It's 2012 and we are dealing with some serious changes in the United States once again we are facing another presidential election. In the words of  DAP from School Daze WAKE UP!!!!!




This year the presidential election is crucial to survival as a Political Science major I can honestly say with politics it is always tricky but I will be honest. There are flaws in all political parties as a voter you must learn how to understand why the candidate wants your vote and how their policies can affect as well as possibly benefit you.





So why does voting even matter? First of all voting is apart your civic duty, many people have fought and died for you to have the right to vote, the legislation being passed depends on your voter participation, and last but not least you have no room to complain of you decide not to vote.



Pay Attention to Voter ID Laws here is a link to the website that can help you prepare before election day comes. http://www.nscl.org/legislatures-elections

Become An Educated Voter
1.Learn information about the candidates.
2.  Learn the difference the political parties.
3. Vote in state primaries as well as presidential elections.
4. Learn about the issues the candidates are focusing on and what their plans are.
5. Get to the polls on Election Day

fought and died for you to have this right.