Where Are You?

1st I want to start by saying forgive me Penn State Legal Students for using your picture for my blog but I wanted to illustrate that there are Black Professionals in our communities in every state.

Where are you?

There are many aspiring and seasoned Black Legal Professionals in Legal, Political and many other fields that have influence and knowledge.  It is so disappointing to me that there is not a collaborative thought our conscious that exists in our community.  I know that groups take some work to get started and to create a mission and it takes work to come up with a satisfactory vision that all in the group agree on.  But where are you and what are you thinking about the countless known and unknown incidences that are killing Black men in this country.

My opinion is to use the K.I.S.S theory.  Keep it simple stupid.  If we were able to do this and garner a larger voice in our society then I am certain that decisions in cases such as the Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and a host of other cases would not end so tragically.

Why are our professionals sitting back and just watching cases like this unfold from the comfort their televisions, smart phones and other devices that keep us far from taking any action.

I agree with a quote of Thomas Jefferson's that says: "I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical."

Another quote from him:

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

I am not suggesting that we should revolt in the times of old.  However, I am suggesting that we have gained much knowledge of the processes in the Legal and Political landscapes. Thus should use that knowledge to come together and revolt in a brand new and sustainable way.

I am sickened by the ease at which our legal systems have victimized Black men.  I'm disgusted to see the unnecessary deaths and injustices that have occurred agains us.  

My last words are:  Where are you, we need you!?!?!

The 3rd Annual Literary Soul Symposium

Have you heard of these Authors?

Rev. Alfreda Lanoix 
Dr. Daniel Black 
Lee Hayes 
Frederick Smith
E'Yama Matturi
Dontá Morrison
Armani Williams

If not click on their links to find out more about them and their books.  

Why not do one better and meet them in person at the 3rd Annual Literary Soul Symposium, September 19th thru 21st in Los Angeles!

Click on the logo for more information.

Do you know how important you are?

Do you know how important you are?

Do you know that our people slept laying spoon fashion in the filthy hatches of slave ships

in their own and in each other’s excrement and in their urine

and menstrual flow so that you could live

200 years later?

Do you know that?

Do you know that our people stood on auction blocks

So that you could live?

When is the last time someone told you how important you are?

Maya Angelou to Tupac Shakur on the set of Poetic Justice. She repeated this story to Dave Chappelle during the taping of  the show Iconoclasts on the Sundance Channel, where she and he sat and talked.

that's all i can say

I know I haven't blogged in awhile.  But right now this is all I can think to do.  I need to express this.

I went to a young couple's wedding last weekend.  I know we've all been to many.  However, this wedding was very special.  The young bride was pregnant and the young groom so proud and honored to be marrying his best friend.  You see this couple have known each other since they were children.  They lived right next door to each other all while they grew up and grew in love with each other.

I must say that this was one of the best weddings that I have been to in a while.  There was such love all around.  Everyone was filled with joy.  I know it sounds corny to say but I was actually experiencing joy all around me.  Then the dancing started and the floor was filled with everyone just simply having a great time with family, friends, and new acquaintances.  It was really a special wedding.

As we were leaving the reception the young bride was seated with her feet up and her mother, mother-in-law and close girlfriends surrounding her rubbing her feet and making her feel comfortable.  The wedding and excitement must have been stressful on her body.

Fast forward to today.  I get a text message telling me to pray for the couple as she is in the hospital with a condition called Non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis (sort of like a fetal heart attack).  The mortality rate is 60-90%.  It's a rare condition that occurs in 1-2000 births.

40 minutes later another text that the baby no longer has a heartbeat.  The mother's health is in danger.  The baby will be aborted and the doctors will be working on the mother.

I am praying for a positive outcome for the mother.  My thoughts  and prayers are with this young couple and their families.

I just don't know what to say right now…I don't know what I'll say later…What does this mean?  The outpouring of love that will be bestowed upon this couple will be enormous.  I do hope that they will recover from this tragedy mentally healthy from the healing of all of our love.

that's all i can say

Experience the Intellectual Side of Brothers

Hello All,

This organization needs your support!

This was a great event last year and looks to become increasingly better.  With its small grassroots beginning and the brainchild of a couple of black sgl book clubs that didn't feel they would be represented in a more mainstream Black book conference, you will surely find value in what they are offering.
Check out the website below for more details.  If you can't attend and simply would like to lend your support by donating ..click the donation link.

The main theme of the this years Literary Soul Symposium (LSS) is “Living Authentically: Developing Extraordinary Characters” followed by relevant sub themes that cover a wide range of developmental issues and challenges.  This theme sends a very personal message throughout the GLBTQ Community that loving oneself  while unapologetically developing your own character is essential in the journey called life. 

 2013 2nd Annual Literary Soul Symposium

Donate to the Literary Soul Symposium

Trayvon Martin & Fruitvale

I have no words.

Oh Happy Day and What Cha Gonna Do For Me

Oh Happy Day!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had a colonoscopy and polyps were found.  Just 2.

When polyps are found, they are removed and then perform a biopsy to check for cancer.  I am soo happy to say that no cancer was found.

Not only am I happy because I don't have cancer!  I'm happy because I don't think I could take an additional piece of news that is not favorable at this time in my life.

Now I'm happy in my relationship but work life has been anything but happiness for me.



Last week an announcement was made to our department that there would be restructuring of our organization.  Now everybody knows what that means.  Yep!  Layoffs!

We were told that once we left the department meeting that we would have an invitation to a meeting with our management that would tell us what the new organization would be.

Sure enough as soon as we got back to our desks there were meeting appointments.  I always look to see who else is invited to meetings that are sent to me.  Low and behold there were only about 10 people on my list.  I went to the meeting in one of our conference rooms on a different floor from where I sit.

When walking into the room what I observed was the following:

• 2 other employees already seated in the u-shaped set up conference room
• Boxes of kleenex on the table
• An HR representative on the left side of the room
• Our VP at the front of the U-shaped table set up sitting on the desk with a piece of paper in his hand.

Nothing was said to us except "Hello".   Then the VP announced that we would get started in a few more minutes while those dialing into the meeting phoned in.  (Can't believe they did this by phone.)  Anyway, the VP announced that he wanted to read a statement because he felt it was very important that he didn't miss anything and that we heard al the details.  I'm thinking to myself do you think we don't know what this is about simply because of the boxes of kleenex on the table dumb ass??

Can't remember exactly how it was read, but ultimately the message was that we will not be a part of the new organization and that we have a sheet with another appointment on it so that HR can explain to you what your severance package will be commencing in 2 months.

I'm riddled with multiple emotions…none of which involve tears.  I'm happy and scared.  Happy because I've been so disgusted by the direction of the company and my group.  Scared because I am unsure of what the future holds for me.  The hardest part of this whole thing is the amount of work that they are asking me to do to support the efforts of outsourcing my job to …yes you guessed it…to a company in India!  So I'm asking the universe..

What Cha Gonna Do For Me?????

Jai Cristiano Designer Shoes

Hello All,

It's been awhile since I've posted.  Ugggh don't even want to go into the reason why.  I'll just leave it at Corporate America!

That's not the reason for my post today.  Today I'd like to introduce you to a women's shoe designer.

Jai Cristiano
shoes are bejeweled with Swarovski Crystals.  If you didn't know, Swarovski creates crystal glass that lets light refract in a rainbow spectrum.  They are extremely famous for the quality of their work.    

Check him out and if you know any Diva's that want those one of a kind type of shoe send them to Jai Cristiano!
Hope all is well with everyone.

Ain't Nobody Got Time for Dat!

I've been having a lot of hard days at work lately.  Sweet Brown expresses my sentiment quite nicely.  There are things happening in corporate america that are quite underhanded just to make a dollar when in reality there isn't a dollar to make.
If you are of a certain age or complexion beware.  I'm just saying.  

I've gotta make a change…I just don't have time for this anymore!

What's Changed?

Though the colored man is no longer subject to barter and sale, he is surrounded by an adverse settlement which fetters all his movements.  In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress.  If he comes in ignorance, rags and wretchedness he conforms to the popular belief of his character, and in that character he is welcome; but if he shall come as a gentleman, a scholar and a statesman, he is hailed as impudence.  In one case he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to pride and provokes malice.

Fredrick Douglass

September 25, 1883

129 years and what's changed?

A Different Kinda Story

This is a young African brother who is now living in America (name Mabasa) and aspiring to shoot a feature film.

Check out his blog for more details:  Tryone and Randy 

Black GLBT Book Clubs Band Together

Something is brewing in Houston, Texas.

A group of Black Book Clubs, 4 to be exact, decided that they didn't want to attend the National Black Book Festival because the events, authors and activities that take place at this event would probably not cater to their needs or life.  The Book Club's home locations are in 4 different cities,  Dallas, DC, Houston and Los Angeles.

Together they have decided to create their own Literary Soul Symposium that will take place in Houston, Tx the weekend of September 21, 2012.

Here is a link to the registration page where you can find information about the event and register if you're interested in attending.  2012 Inaugural Literary Soul Symposium.  You can also find them on Facebook by searching for Literary Soul Symposium.

This is their inaugural event and they hope to gain interest from the Black GLBT community across the country to create a tradition that celebrates Black GLBT authors and our lives.  Look for intelligent conversations and meeting new people with an interest in reading.

If you can't attend this event it will be in a city near you in the coming years.

I'll be there and hope to see some of you as well!

Amazing

I happened to go on to Anderson Coopers webpage and found D Westry that was on his show.  Now you probably know how much I love art…and if you don't I'm telling you that I do..lol  this guy is amazing…check out this youtube video.

Kina's Album Project

Hello All,

Haven't posted in awhile.  Been really busy with work a Literary Symposium and work!  Just want to let you know that Kina Cosper is putting together and independent Album project.  See the details below and how you can help.

Hello Friends, Family and Supporters!!!

I'm doing a new record!!!!!!!! ....And I need your help!!!!! 

As excited as I am about being an artist in 2012 and getting back out there, the costs of being an independent artist are crazy!!!!! So, I decided to start an Indiegogo campaign. This is when supporters go to indiegogo.com/newkinamusic and make a donation to help me with the costs of finishing my new project. 

On my indiegogo page, you'll watch a video about my cause. I'll tell you more about the record and what it's about. Hopefully you'll feel inspired to make a contribution. You'll see an even more detailed description of what I need you to help me with. Also, you'll see what perks I offer you for your donations!!! 

I'll be adding new updates daily and/or weekly of performances new pictures and information so you can watch the progress of my project. Funds are available to me at the end of this campaign, which is August 29th, 2012.

It's been a long road getting here. I've had great loss both personal and professional. I've also had great opportunities in my past. Unfortunately, most came at a time when I hadn't reached the level of self love necessary to believe I deserved them and to receive them. I made it through though. It's a new day now, and I need your help.

Self love and empowerment are a constant theme in my life, and a constant theme in my songwriting. I understand now that my calling is to help inspire people and to help them to also see their better selves. This record is about that and also just about LOVE, enjoying one another and having a good time. I can't wait to share it with you!!!!!!

So, I'm asking that you go and donate to my project now. Today. 

Any help you give will be greatly appreciated. TO DONATE please go to:indiegogo.com/newkinamusic

Also, I know everyone is not able to give as much, but you can still help by spreading the word. 

THANK YOU!!!!!

kina!

youtube.com/cosperkina

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace is a book by Daniel Black.  I assure you, you will enjoy reading this book.  That is if you like to read.  I really want to tell you all about this book but I'm not because if you're reading this post I want you to actually read it.  This is a very different story I'll tell you that and the story surrounds the character Perfect.  Perfect was born a boy but because his mother wanted a girl so badly she raised her boy child as a girl until the time she…uh he was 8 years old.

Take special note of the names of the characters and see if you can figure out their double meaning.

Stranded in the Motor City - Documentary

In 2010 the Movie Stranded in the Motor City Directed by Dwayne Barnes was screened here in Los Angeles.  You might remember me posting it about it and the interview I did with him.  (If not you can click on the link above.)  Now you can watch the full length movie online at the link below.


Stranded in the Motor City

Make a comment if you like.  Dwayne reads my blog and I'm sure he would enjoy seeing what you have to say.

Kina - For All the Times

I had the shear pleasure of being invited to Kina's one woman show this evening.  I've known Kina for awhile so this was a no brainer for me that I must be at this show.  I was excited to attend.  So excited that I thought the show was a day earlier than it actually was.  No I didn't go to the theater Saturday.  Thank goodness!  It is almost midnight and I had to get this out while the feeling was still simmering inside me.

You may remember Kina from the group Brownstone and her solo career.

She was on hiatus for awhile and this was a performance that myself and her friends have been waiting for!

It was a one woman show where she dramatically, comedically and stoically detailed her life's journey thus far.  Yes she sang during the show too.  Of course she would, she's a singer.  Not only is she a singer she is a performer. To top it off her characterizations of herself as a child opened your eyes to the beautiful little girl from Detroit.  Add Actress to the slashes behind her name!!

Her timing in telling her story was on point!  If anyone sat in that audience and didn't feel every single word and note that was melodically released from her lips, then there was something the hell wrong with them.  The only way that would have been humanly possible is if, you've never known elation, sadness, confusion, success or empathy.

Have you ever been to a performance and once it was over you felt like … I gotta do something with my life!  Well that was what I experienced tonight.

Thank you for letting me be apart of the audience Kina!!!  I'm looking forward to supporting you in all that you do and waiting anxiously to see what you have in store for the WORLD next!

Corporate Slavery

It's happening and it's not as subtle as it used to be.  It's just more calculated.  It came on quickly. I can tell it's something that happens in the rooms where we are not invited.  It happens when we walk away from out desks.

 I gotta think about this.  I gotta think what to do.  I gotta think…

They are after me now.  I gotta think.

Why are Black people  letting this happen again?  Didn't our leaders of the past work themselves to death and were killed so that we wouldn't have to change who we are?  Weren't we good enough just the way we were?  What happen to cause us to change our demeanor and the way that we speak just because we walked into that Corporate office?  Hmmm reminds me of Slavery Days when we pasted big smiles on our faces and and held our heads a little low so that we weren't looking them straight in the eyes.

Comments like, "You're very passionate" are not compliments.  "You're emotional" is just another way of saying that you are unstable.  "The way you say things can be viewed as offensive." In other words I don't like you being direct.

Now that that's been drilled into you over and over again the comments are:   You're not engaged, You don't seem happy, Do you think you're being a team player?

Black people….what do you think you need to do?  Many of you don't know because the leaders that fought and died for our equality didn't teach you how what the fight was really all about.  Didn't teach you that we have strength that could sustain us for hundreds of years.  Don't think just because you're educated that your accepted.  Don't think because of civil rights and diversity initiatives that you are save. The world is getting smaller and Black people need to realize that.

The jobs that we fought for are now being done by consultants from foreign countries and sometimes completely moved to other countries.  Think about the the calls you make to customer service.  Most times you're not getting someone in Idaho but in India or the Philippines.

We gotta think..what's going to sustain us?   Not the handouts of Diversity programs that do not sustain those it employes.  We gotta think….what's our next move?

Sparkle

I can't wait to see this movie!  

I hope it will hold up well against the original.  From the looks of the woman playing Sista.  I don't know if she can hold a candle to Lonnette McKee. Yes I'm a little partial…I love Lonnette!!!!

FINDING AND KEEPING A LIFE PARTNER

Golden rules for finding your life partner 

 
 When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%,  it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to
 finding Mr./Miss. Right! 
 If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love"; I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love.

 Though this may sound "not politically correct", there' s a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then 
the love will com e. Let me say it again:

 "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone"; You need a lot more!!!

 Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

 QUESTION ..1: Do we share a common life purpose?

 Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You 
need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

 Two things can happen in a marriage:

 (1) You can grow together, or
 (2) You can grow apart.

 50% of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what t you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.

 QUESTION ..2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

 This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship.
 Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished" ; or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague's of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

 QUESTION..3: Is he/she a mensch?

 A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions.
 Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis?
 Are they serious about improving themselves?
 A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the right ";.So ask about your Significant other What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic?
 Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.

 There are essentially two types of people in the world:
 (1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and
 (2) People who are dedicated to seeking comfort.
 Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing.
 You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

 QUESTION..4: How does he/she treat other people?

 The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.  Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they
 wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following:

 How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc. ..
 How do they treat their parents and siblings?
 Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything;
 Can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.





 QUESTION ..5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

 Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve"; them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the  worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then  you are not ready to marry them.

 In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous.  The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart.

 It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, 
You don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.

 Another perspective. ....

 There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance....

 It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships. 
Observe the relationships around you.
 Pay attention... . 
 Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know, or appreciate you?

 The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

 An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye"; Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.

 Do you bring out the best in each other?
 Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?
 What do you bring to the relationship?
 Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?

 You can't take someone to the altar to alter them.
 You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.

 If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life"; you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.

 WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG ARE:
 1. TRUST
 2. COMMUNICATION
 3. INTIMACY
 4. A SENSE OF HUMOR
 5. SHARING TASKS
 6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN
 7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,
 8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS
 9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE
 10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT