when you move, we move

All teacher protests STOPPED as our collective world imploded with a global pandemic and now protests against racial injustice. The same issues within our educational indoctrination system, however, remain to be solved. By now, most American parents, after assuming the critical role of “substitute teacher”, not only appreciate teachers but they have also gained some practical experience, understanding and wisdom about their work challenges. Recent events have only magnified the disparities and issues within the educational indoctrination system including safety concerns for students (viruses/germs, guns, bullying etc), best practices (traditional and online) and a need for an “inclusive” curriculum, test scores and graduation rates, and teacher recruitment / retention (training, salaries, and benefits). More than ever, we will need strong, healthy and effective school systems to help us to regain some normalcy for our children. We also have to review the unstated, informal education children receive since this “hidden curriculum” helps to indoctrinate innocent, young minds into adulthood.

“A system that protects me but might not protect my daughter — or any other man, woman or child in our country based on skin color – is intolerable. We need to progress beyond sympathy and good intentions to laws and policies that actually address structural racism and impunity. Ending abuses in policing is just the start. It goes far beyond that, to all aspects of society, from our education system to our politics.”

Angelina Jolie – – Actress, Humanitarian, Mother

Our teachers have been validated and exalted by the most honest, precious stakeholders in the equation – – the children. Students miss you. Students love you. Students need you. Our “substitute teacher” parents have done a commendable job but our teaching professionals are needed to take over the reigns once again. Teachers are the undisputed, pied pipers who can collectively set the tone for not only educating but helping young leaners to understand and make sense of recent events in this country and the world. But, they need our help and support too! We need to reform the educational indoctrination system into one that will not only benefit the students but also transform our country’s commitment to its workforce and what it means to be called EDUCATED. America’s transformation must begin with teachers receiving treatment commiserate with other modern countries who have demonstrated that commitment in the areas of both compensation and public prestige.

Image by WikiImages from Pixabay 
Thank you Mr. R. Angeli, my beloved pied piper, for providing a sense of community. 
You lead a bunch of misfit, nerds like me towards enlightenment (free-thinking rebels).

Anyone who has ever participated on a team or group activity knows what it means to have a crew backing you up. It can mean winning or losing and requires both trust and loyalty. You each must know your strengths and weaknesses and how best to capitalize on them to achieve the goal. Just like the NBA championship Chicago Bulls basketball team, when a star player moves – – everyone must move into position – – just like that  – – in order for them to win the trophy (ask Air Jordan). This same approach is needed in developing a plan for changing the educational indoctrination system. If we can agree, all interested parties (unions, administrators, teachers, educators/historians, health professionals, parents, students, taxpayers etc.) must stand up to help and move into position. The national teacher protests have stopped but that doesn’t mean the planning, plotting and strategizing should stop as the clean slate of opportunity awaits. Nothing happens without hard work, energy and effort. So, when the school doors open across the country, all educators, teachers, and students will return but hopefully into a better educational indoctrination system than when the doors closed. Get ready. Get set. Go!

Every student needs a Mr. Angeli (Master Teacher – sage/leader/coach)

¿no es encantadora?

Dominican models are taking over. These Afro-Latinas – – androgynous and multiracial beauties – – are flooding the fashion runways. These girls are heralding a sea change of sorts on the catwalks. This should come as no surprise since the rigid standards of beauty have been forced to change in recent years. The cycle will change even more . . . rising to include the beauty standards of ALL woman. Perhaps we should thank Kim Kardashian for appropriating black beauty. The very attributes she favors in us are the very features we were taught to hate about ourselves. She may have seemingly helped to usher in a new era for young black girls. No hate . . . just appreciating her appreciating us.

The difference in these new models, however, is their bare, raw un-glamorized Kardashian appearance. We actually see the real features of the models – – not just some fantasy image. What does this say? For me, it says “isn’t she lovely” just as life intended her to be as the day she was born – – powerfully strong and free. Let’s hope the inside beauty matches the outside. There is nothing more amazing than a loving soul – – balanced in mind, body and spirit – – with brains and beauty.



The New Generation of Dominican Models Redefining Beauty …
www.nytimes.com › interactive › 2020/04/13 › t-magazine

Check out the Battle At Versailles – 1973, an incredible documentary, showcasing the greatness of both American designers and the black beauties who graced the runway.

Jesus and the Black Body

Arms and legs of burnished bronze

Carried our sorrows

Saved us from sin

Oppressed and afflicted

Despised and rejected

Betrayed by one

Tortured by all

“Crucify him” they yelled

Thorns in his head

Welts on his back

Mocked and beaten

Marred and disfigured

No longer human

Lamb to the slaughter

Nailed to the cross

Took up our infirmities

Pierced for our iniquities

Water and blood

By whose stripes we are healed

Died like a criminal

Committed no crime



Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Christ crucified

Cried out in pain

Poured out his life

Gave up his spirit

Body goes silent

He can’t breathe

Beautiful black bodies

Drowning in sorrow

From America’s sin

Oppressed and afflicted

Despised and rejected

Betrayed by the system

Tortured by the badge

“Get down” they yell

Bullets in our back

Knees on our necks

Mocked and beaten

Marred and disfigured

We are still human

Ahmaud Arbery,  Breonna Taylor, George Floyd

Lambs to the slaughter

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Nailed in a coffin

America’s racist infirmities

Killed for its inequities

Water and blood

By whose stripes are we healed?

Dying like criminals

“Hands up, don’t shoot”

Black bodies tormented

Crying out in pain

Life pouring out

Diminishing our spirit

Bodies go silent

We can’t breathe

Written By Linda Wiggins-Chavis

Rotten Apples

Developing a MASTER PLAN to rebuild “The United States of America” requires one to suspend preconceived ideas and views so that we can see what does and does not work. All people are not the same within a country, city, ethnic group, or even family. Everyone will obviously have different views on the subject. The MASTER PLAN to rebuild the USA can not be based upon feelings or emotion, but it should flow from a collective commitment to generate the best ideas and solutions to current problems. One, twenty, thirty, or fifty etc. rotten apples within a group, movement, or organization does not mean the entire group, movement or organization have no value even with an imperfect formation. The MASTER PLAN must also be founded on logic and ideas to “root out” and address any systemic issues without inadvertently creating new ones. People are justifiably hurt and angry but we have to “get out of our feelings” America! For example, our collective righteous indication and anger is warranted pertaining to police brutality  – – and should be acknowledged by all – – but rational heads must also prevail when developing the MASTER PLAN to fix the overall system. 

Photo by Ben Mater on Unsplash
False Flag: an attack or other hostile action that obscures the identity of the participants carrying out the action while implicating another group or nation as the perpetrator (often used attributively).

The recent nonviolent protests about police misconduct and racism are a necessary component for change. It is very saddening to realize that the civil rights movement and the efforts of my mother’s generation moved the “ferris wheel of equality” only so far. The United States of America was founded on the principles of civil disobedience and the  “give me liberty or give me death” manta. Systemic changes do not happen without hard work, energy and effort. It should also be noted that rioting, looting or attacking law enforcement is not okay either as pallets of bricks are being left, mysteriously, in the middle of protest routes (ever heard of a false flag). Everyone knows that the average American, nonviolent protestor is not bringing these brick pallets along with their water bottles and back packs. Something has definitely been said! Let’s review and state the obvious:

Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash
THINK FIRST. DON’T FALL FOR THE 
MENTAL TRAPS OR FALSE FLAGS.
Some rotten apples don’t spoil the whole bunch.
  • Not all protestors are rioting and looting. 
  • Not all cops are racist or intend to kill black people.
  • Not all black people are criminal or violent. 
  • Not all whites are racist and discriminatory.
  • Not all Democrats are pro-minority.
  • Not all Republicans are anti-minority.
  • Not all whites intentionally use their “privilege” to their advantage. 
  • Not all black people are supportive or “on board” with this protest movement.

When we focus on the end game, MASTER PLAN, all absolute, superficial labels will matter less and less. Do not fall for the potential political traps being set and please take off the rose tinted glasses. President Johnson (LBJ), for example, passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and addressed issues of racial inequality. At the time, this may have seemed surprising, even unlikely, coming from a Texas southerner. There can be no doubt that the President did not escape white indoctrination as a youth but he clearly had a personality and ability to recognize when pragmatism was required. In my opinion, it wasn’t necessary for him to feel “black pain” (which isn’t possible) as much as it was important for him having empathy and a high regard and commitment to this country and the Constitution. He wanted to hold “US” together. Whether President Johnson’s choice to “do the right thing” was genuine or “ego driven” becomes irrelevant because he made the right ethical decision. Our current president seemingly does not possess the compassion nor moral fiber to make similar decisions across the board. His “unique” value system does not place the virtue of empathy or appearances in high regard … unless the criminal justice reform issues are being presented by Kim and Kanye (pause). It is also important to remember that racism is quite insidious – – not everyone will self identify. Whether Democrat or Republican, actions and policies speak much louder than words (we feel your pain) or appearances (wearing Ghanaian kente cloth during a press conference). 

Photo by George Huffman on Unsplash
“Every brother ain’t a brother just because of color.”
Chuck D – Public Enemy
Let’s go apple picking and develop the Master Plan.

Personally, I can work with most anyone as long as they have a similar agenda. Republican or Democrat, black or white, man or woman, gay, straight, northerner, southerner, tall, short, morning person or night owl, Capricorn or Cancer … I’m “down” (colloquialism for willing to support or collaborate) with whomever has the best plan for ALL humans to live the American dream – – particularly black people and others who have been denied equal access and opportunity. Again, my tribe or selected family is comprised of individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, ages, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations (including atheist). The common thread that binds us is the love and respect that we have for each other, humanity and an appreciation for free thought. Our debates can get heated – –  we often agree to disagree (ok, not always). Sometimes, our shadow personas appear triggering us to elevate our voices with me being the guilty party dropping the F-bomb depending on the topic. There still is a willingness to listen with empathy, respect and usually an opportunity to learn something of value from one another. We also find common ground in the most unusual ways.

Photo by Ilya on Unsplash
Understand History. This cycle is coming up again to be cleared.
The issues on the ferris wheel go round and round, all through the town.”

For these reasons, I encourage everyone to calm down with the rhetoric and absolute propaganda. We have an opportunity to e-x-p-a-n-d upon this great American experiment as outlined in the Constitution. Remember apples come in a variety of colors, types and origins. Some are sweet and delicious. Some are still a little green and bitter. Others may fall and ripen over time. We are definitely seeing America’s underbelly – – as some bad, rotten apples continue to unveil themselves – – but this is not the entire bushel or orchard. Perhaps this time, we, the people, will be able to create an even more “perfect union” once the entire orchard has been inspected and pruned.

Understand History. This cycle is coming up again to be cleared.

Protest

To sin by silence, when we should protest,

Makes cowards out of men. The human race

Has climbed on protest. Had no voice been raised

Against injustice, ignorance, and lust,

The inquisition yet would serve the law,

And guillotines decide our least disputes.

The few who dare, must speak and speak again

To right the wrongs of many. Speech, thank God,

No vested power in this great day and land

Can gag or throttle. Press and voice may cry

Loud disapproval of existing ills;

May criticise oppression and condemn

The lawlessness of wealth-protecting laws

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
American voices demanding change screams loudly in 2020.
Understand History. This cycle is coming up again to be cleared.

That let the children and childbearers toil

To purchase ease for idle millionaires.

Therefore I do protest against the boast

Of independence in this mighty land.

Call no chain strong, which holds one rusted link.

Call no land free, that holds one fettered slave.

Until the manacled slim wrists of babes

Are loosed to toss in childish sport and glee,

Until the mother bears no burden, save

The precious one beneath her heart, until

God’s soil is rescued from the clutch of greed

And given back to labor, let no man

Call this the land of freedom.

Written By Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1850-1919

America Unveiled

Everyone recognizes the critical time Americans are living under at this very moment. Our country’s real shadow underbelly has been “unveiled” for the world to see. As countless black people have been killed during encounters with some individuals performing vigilante justice or at the hands of some in law enforcement charged with the task to protect and serve ALL of America’s citizenry, the world has watched with profound sadness, anger and horror. Some may not fully believe the issues being presented. Some may disagree with the mass demonstrations and protests happening in many cities. Some even act as if only one side is at fault. No one disagrees with the fact that “something painfully awful has been said” in this great country. It is glaringly obvious.

How to fix the problem is where the argument ensues. Your views may differ from mine or a neighbor but they both can still have some areas of common ground and validity. We have all made contributions to America’s legacy. We are all stakeholders in America’s future. The Constitution and our founding father’s ideas for America were based upon the principles granting some citizens the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Through the years, black people have fought and died for the right to be treated commiserate to other Americans. Proverbs 29:18 states, “Without vision, the people will perish”. This biblical statement resonates even more poignantly today as we grapple with how to guarantee the Constitutional promise in a climate where there is no united vision. Is it possible to reimagine and rebuild our nation into – – The United States Of America – – as originally envisioned? You cannot rebuild on a faulty foundation being a divided country. It will crumble eventually – – and it has seemingly happened in my lifetime.

Photo by Jeff Burak on Unsplash
Unveiling America – – The Beautiful Experiment

All of our politicians and political parties are at fault. All of our leadership is at fault. All of “US” are at fault. Why? For not being courageous enough to look at the “virus” within our society including the indoctrination systems and telling the absolute truth about them. We also did not develop a sustainable plan of action to cure the “virus” once and for all. It’s time to put on our collective big girl and big boy pants. No more saying what we want to hear, sugar coating the truth and making false promises. It just doesn’t work. Nothing is permanently changed without hard work, energy and effort. So  – – what is the plan? Who is developing the strategies to address systemic changes to our indoctrination systems? I hear crickets so far. Is it time to call “Olivia Pope on Speed Dial”?

If I ruled the world, I would begin with a few ideas to cut through the BS. Shining a bright light clears away the darkness. This month we will unveil potential strategies, solutions, ideas and tactics to help change the current narrative. Lets wipe the slate clean in the war room (hearts, minds, communities and government) and plan, plot strategize a brighter future for America. I’m calling all lawyers, sororities, fraternities, educators, artists, medical personnel, advocates, small businesses and corporations, human rights organizations, essential workers, mothers, fathers and elders etc. Everyone has a role to play in this 3ACT. Our young people are crying out for justice and protesting to our shame. It is time to draw up a MASTER PLAN so that our children and their children have the future we promised but did not deliver in our life time (at least not yet)

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Clean the slate and let’s work on the MASTER PLAN.

If I ruled the world, more people would probably “feel some kinda way” which is a black colloquialism for “being upset” because I would and could not blow smoke up anyone’s a** or “arse” (using the British word). The truth hurts but it can be healing. If given time, it will sober you into balance and wisdom. No more rose colored glasses. We need clear sight for clear visionary ideas for a clear agenda to rebuild The United States of America.

America will rise up again. 
Will you please help?

I’m ready to rule with collaboration, compromise and leadership. Will you join me in developing and debating the plan of all plans. It requires action beyond marching. It requires strategy, legislation, education, vision and heart to elevate our common humanity as the central focal point – – allowing “IT” to be more important than racism and tribalism. We have to execute this plan of all plans to achieve the desired end. Change is never easy. Some will lose power and influence but the biblical sentiment (Matthew 12:26), “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” says it all.

If I ruled the world, my starting point would begin with deconstructing every indoctrination system on the board and developing a MASTER PLAN based upon a vision for where we hope to be in the future. It will take years to see the results – – just like it took years for American ideals to be dismantled. After unveiling our country’s dirty little secrets and shame, America’s slate is being wiped clean. Pick up your writing boards and chalk . . . get ready to work. 

If we ruled the world . . . 

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The free bird leaps

on the back of the wind

and floats downstream

till the current ends

and dips his wings

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and

his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

Photo by Uta Scholl on Unsplash
America’s issues unveiled globally.

The caged bird sings

with fearful trill

of the things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill 

for the caged bird

sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn

and he names the sky his own.

Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash
Black. White. Asian. Indian – – HUMAN.
All caged. Eyes open now.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
We can and will one day sing together in harmony.


Written by Maya Angelou

Pretty Black Girl Shadow PSA

I’ve been going though some major challenges or “ish” whichever you prefer to call it. You would never know it in my blog posts or looking at me (except if you catch me ready to drop the F-bomb). My meltdowns usually happen in private. I work in silence when pushed against the wall – – persevering using ghostly movements to get the job done. In the heat of the frying pan, however, my shadow self appeared. Check her out – – flawed but divinely human and real exposing the underbelly of my authentic self. In case you wondered, I know my faults better than anyone. My shadow self switches between defense and offense if any situation warrants it (triggered by stress, righteous indication or plain old b*tchiness). TrUth be told, I’m very opinionated and not necessarily right in all my actions. Yet, I’m still under divine construction – a beautifully, complex work in progress. 

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MY shadow SELF 

I am who I say I am

I am transparent enough for you to know the real, authentic me – – including my shadow – – and sense my energy.  Please believe me – – I mean what I say and I say what I mean. My choosing to advocate that everyone express their inner “namaste” high vibrational energy should not fool you about me (kindness is not a weakness nor an indication of personal perfection). Exposing my shadow traits also does not negate my overall blogging message. I am striving for the IDEAL version of my divine self. Even in my worst behavior, I am still being trUthful in expressing my honest feelings as a human (anger, disappointment, fearful, coldhearted, etc). Trust me – – all women have the capacity within to act out from their lower, vibrational character.

So – – I’m taking a moment to plan, plot and strategize my next steps and reclaim my personal balance in mind, body and spirit. After the release of my raw, low vibrational energy and seeking forgiveness from others and myself, my slate has been cleared to relook, release, rethink and reimagine everything once again. I am flawed and human just like you. No better or worse. It is time to raise the vibration once again.

This fabulous woman was once married to the great NAS. I could not resist the video.

Our inner “bossy” is needed at times but one still has to learn when and where to release the energy. 

I’ll Rise Up Again. Will you join me?

ta·bu·la ra·sa

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

The word “tabula rasa” is Latin, literally meaning  “scraped tablet”, denoting a tablet with the writing erased and an absence of preconceived ideas or predetermined goals – – a clean slate.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

A major cycle is completing with a new beginning – – clean slate – – on the horizon. I’m ready for it. Are you?