"Cry Freedom!" Haiti...

Yele Haiti!

Tuesday - Haiti changed forever. A cataclysmic earthquake rumbled the earth beneath the People of Haiti, causing deaths in the hundreds of thousands. This number is expected to increase rapidly with the clearing of debris and the difficult task of getting supplies to them.  People all over the world put aside their political/religious views of Haiti and helped with donations such as clothes, canned foods, medicines, time from medical practitioners, and monetary contributions. What individuals fail to realize is that the people of Haiti have been crying out for help for decades. It has been mentioned multiple times across the headlines of a "curse" placed on the Haitians that began in the early 1800s during their rebellion. Many view what happened to them on Tuesday was that of the infamous curse. Whatever their past as a nation was then does not and cannot overshadow their cry for help now. We [American's] do not move unless we are in a state of panic or chaos. It should not take an event of this magnitude in order for us to lend a hand. Our perceptions of other people has been skewed by our Americanized way of thinking -- if it doesn't happen to us, it doesn't happen at all. The "Yele Haiti" cell phone campaign has raised over 3 million dollars since the start of the program and has the potential to make so much more. If you have not helped yet, I challenge  you to do so immediately. If you have thank you, but your work is not done. Encourage someone else that you know to donate ANYTHING. Help your fellow MAN.

Abbra Cadabbra... the Black Man's gone!

This is not a "new" topic... but it seems to be more and more prevalent in our generation than ever. The rise of the "independent-black-woman" and the fall of the "black-relationship". As I pursue more in life (exposure, higher-education, career, etc.) it is only natural that my expectations and standards rise also. In a relationship, I believe that both individuals involved hold the responsibility to challenge each other whether that be mentally, spiritually, emotionally or physically. Today, a strong dependency/laziness has taken the place of the very essence of which stimulates a relationship......work! Challenge itself is work, working to be better, working to progress.

Yes this blog is biased, hell.... I'm a woman. From that perspective I can say that I personally would have rather stayed single than to lower my standards and settle. There are women who just think the solution is to date outside her race (long pause).

It is not where you been but where you are going and if your satisfied with mediocrity, we are just not compatible. Success in relationships are perceived as an intimidating factor rather than a motivating one. With this being said, an "independent-black-woman" has to learn how to balance supporting her leading man while maintaining her own. Now I can put the blame on the Black Woman not properly understanding her role in a relationship to the lack of male presence in her life.... but its a blog not a debate... I will, however, say that the media has played both a significant and detrimental role.

What's a girl to do...?

We can all agree that typical expectations for a Black Man is to be college-educated, financially stable, and well-groomed...... as this was exactly what I wanted. I got it but learned, what I needed derived from a much deeper place with a man than the surface (and pockets). So I leave you with this in mind...

Is our expectations set to high?
Is the Black Man not doing enough?
Is pride the key factor in this issue?
Who's to blame?
What's the solution?

Lost in Translation...

Many of you may have noticed the increase of opinions/statements here on the web.  It has all been a part of what I now know is the search for who I am. Though the journey is still being paved and traveled I do have a good sense of who I am as a young black woman. I have come to the realization that I am an emotional and affectionate being. I love to express myself in any form, whether that is singing, writing or dancing. I know what I can tolerate, what I can do without and have learned to enjoy my own company. I have embraced my grey matter for it helps me cope with my past, live in the moment and dream big for the future. The purpose for this blog is to encourage others who have not yet figured out who they are or have lost themselves in the process. What I have noticed with my situation and those alike is that we sometimes “lose” ourselves in relationships in all forms {people}, our jobs {surroundings}, or just life in general {circumstance}.  I have too made the mistake of losing myself in people, trying to define who I am as a person in the interactions of others. The only thing that will come from this is disappointment and misinterpretations. Think of it this way – we are all different in all aspects of our lives for a purpose. Why would you try to find out who you are through someone else? My personal experience comes from the relationships I have formed. As I continue to grow I am now being re-educated on an “old” subject…. love…..  which has shown me a new appreciation for someone else and more importantly, our differences. Don’t be confined by society’s ideology. Go outside the box and challenge yourself on a daily basis. MOVE!