Since I've last posted I've failed to reach my summer reading goal by two books, written no sort of poetry, or prose, and have thought nothing of the program that I want to start within the next five years. This post isn't a pity post, it's more of a confessional. I've done everything that this blog was supposed to help me not to do. I've become a complacent and ordinary human being. That may be okay with some, but my closest friends and family will not allow that of me and I won't allow that of them. That's just the culture that we have built and maintained since as far back as I can remember. For that, I'm sorry and won't allow it to happen again.
I got the idea for this post while group chatting with a couple of my brothers. One of them challenged us by sending us a picture of him working on his goals. This afternoon he sent us another one that said, "grinding while you sleep." It was 12pm and I wasn't asleep, but I did feel the need to accept his challenge and match it, if not, raise the bar. This is something that we used to do all the time and have gotten away from, but that has to change.
A lot of people may think that I've reached my goals and they aren't wrong for thinking that. I've recently received my diploma and have been teaching (something I've always set out on doing) since September. Yes, that's great *pats self on the back*, but it's also become a problem for me. I've allowed my job to become an excuse instead of using it as motivation to work harder for other goals. Stress and tiredness are real, but they aren't excuses. My teaching career has gotten off to a great start and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, as far as work goes, at this point in my life, but I'm not done. Teaching won't write my book for me and an early literacy program won't just spring from it either. It can be a big help, but it won't mean anything if I'm constantly in a mundane, I'm tired, woe is me sort of mood everyday when I get home from work.
So, this post is to tell you all that I'm back and ready to grind. I'm willing to lose sleep over getting what I want and what I know I'm on this earth to do. I am giving you all permission to call me out, and hold me accountable, if I don't post at least twice a month from here on out. I will also be starting my book very soon, so if I respond with a lame excuse, like being tired from teaching, that has nothing to do with writing/planning for my book, or literacy program, than tell me I'm lame or something insulting to light a fire under my butt again. This past week I've been working on a CNF (creative nonfiction) piece that I would like to share with you all within the next few days. It's transparent and involves things from my life and the life of people that I love that may be tough to read for some, but I had to do it for me. It's probably going to be the longest piece that I share on here for a while, with me starting my book soon, but the posts won't be spaced out months apart like this one and my last.
With that said, everyone keep grinding and remember that one goal being reached doesn't mean all goals are reached. My mom is in her fifties and is getting ready to start writing a book and thinking about going to school, so don't tell me that you can't make things happen! -- that one was for me to be honest. For those that want to keep me accountable, feel free to comment on my posts or email me - see.harris31@gmail.com
-See Harris
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
I Believe In You
We judge cultures, ethnicities, upbringings, etc. We’re born into our circumstances; we don’t choose them. Later, some choose the wrong path, but we don’t encourage them. Why not? We’re all humans and deserve the opportunity to be loved, trusted, great; especially when we are “undeserving.” I’ve been written off before. At times I just needed someone to believe in me. It would’ve changed my life. This is why I believe in people.
I’m from a black, single parent home, raised in a government housing project until we received a housing voucher. Mom built an amazing façade. My sister and I didn’t notice our deprivations until we got scholarships for private school. Us: black, impoverished, hand-me-downs, silver Volvo that had to be jumpstarted. Then we were carless until the Stacks gave us the gold Saturn (God bless them). The list continues. Them: majority white, shiny Beemers, children of lawyers, doctors, etc. It was/is the epitome of k-8 education, but there, I was a statistic. They said I had learning disabilities and issues that they, apparently, didn’t want to deal with. A place that, later, became a safe haven for me decided that I wasn’t worth it. I was different, but at ten I didn’t know how to express that. I needed someone to believe in me.
Expelled in the fifth grade, parents split, poor black kid in a rich, white county. I felt hopeless. At 16, I attended the church I was raised in. I should’ve found hope there, right? I got involved in ministry, changing the lives of others and myself. Rebuilt friendships, made new ones, found mentors, became a mentor. I faced obstacles and didn’t deal with them properly, like most young adults. Instead of refuge, I encountered judgment and condemnation. I grew there, but it’s oxymoronic that I conquered depression, anger and addiction after I left. I believed in and trusted you all, why couldn’t you do the same?
Now, people express their belief in me. Some have been around for my entire life, but were too busy to carry me along. But that’s not what I needed. I needed someone like my grandfather, but closer than a ten-hour drive. I needed my mom to be transparent and prove that scars aren’t handicaps. I needed a school head that didn’t make me feel crazier than the kid who ran away from school every week. I needed mentors to not just fight spiritually, but physically, even when I made it impossible. Because of my experiences, it’s important for me to spread worth. “I believe in you” may never be spoken, but the message will be conveyed. Little black children, I believe in you. Those who are told they aren’t smart because they don’t test well, I believe in you. You are smart. Inner city children, I believe in you. Homeless man, I believe in you. Convicted felon, I believe in you. The person who has never been told that they can, and will, be great; I believe in you.
I’m from a black, single parent home, raised in a government housing project until we received a housing voucher. Mom built an amazing façade. My sister and I didn’t notice our deprivations until we got scholarships for private school. Us: black, impoverished, hand-me-downs, silver Volvo that had to be jumpstarted. Then we were carless until the Stacks gave us the gold Saturn (God bless them). The list continues. Them: majority white, shiny Beemers, children of lawyers, doctors, etc. It was/is the epitome of k-8 education, but there, I was a statistic. They said I had learning disabilities and issues that they, apparently, didn’t want to deal with. A place that, later, became a safe haven for me decided that I wasn’t worth it. I was different, but at ten I didn’t know how to express that. I needed someone to believe in me.
Expelled in the fifth grade, parents split, poor black kid in a rich, white county. I felt hopeless. At 16, I attended the church I was raised in. I should’ve found hope there, right? I got involved in ministry, changing the lives of others and myself. Rebuilt friendships, made new ones, found mentors, became a mentor. I faced obstacles and didn’t deal with them properly, like most young adults. Instead of refuge, I encountered judgment and condemnation. I grew there, but it’s oxymoronic that I conquered depression, anger and addiction after I left. I believed in and trusted you all, why couldn’t you do the same?
Now, people express their belief in me. Some have been around for my entire life, but were too busy to carry me along. But that’s not what I needed. I needed someone like my grandfather, but closer than a ten-hour drive. I needed my mom to be transparent and prove that scars aren’t handicaps. I needed a school head that didn’t make me feel crazier than the kid who ran away from school every week. I needed mentors to not just fight spiritually, but physically, even when I made it impossible. Because of my experiences, it’s important for me to spread worth. “I believe in you” may never be spoken, but the message will be conveyed. Little black children, I believe in you. Those who are told they aren’t smart because they don’t test well, I believe in you. You are smart. Inner city children, I believe in you. Homeless man, I believe in you. Convicted felon, I believe in you. The person who has never been told that they can, and will, be great; I believe in you.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Good Mourning
In life, experiencing heart break, pain, loss, etc. is inevitable. Yesterday marked three years and five months since my grandfather passed away. My grandfather was the most influential man in my life and losing him was a big struggle for me and the rest of my family. Nobody can live forever and not all things are meant to last forever, but when we fall in love with something, or someone, so deeply we tend to forget that. Especially when that person, or thing, is such a huge part of your life and has made you who you are. I remember sitting in a hotel room, the night before my grandfather's funeral, with my sister and cousins and all of us expressing how shocked we were that our grandfather was no longer living. The youngest person in the room was a sophomore in high school, so we were all well aware that people die, but we honestly believed that our grandfather would/could live forever. My mom, a middle aged and educated woman, told me that the idea of her father being immortal wasn't just something that was believed by the younger generations in the family, but she and her siblings felt the same way.
Well, it is possible for people, things and situations to be taken away from us, but continue to live in our lives. The grieving process is the most important step to, not only allow ourselves to heal, but to allow that particular thing to continue living. Many people are told that grieving and mourning is a weakness, especially in the male community, but it is actually a strength. For a while I thought that I had come to terms with my grandfather's death, but on the first and second anniversaries of his death I cried so much that it made me physically weak throughout the day. From January 8, 2012 - January 8, 2014 I only cried four times in general. Those two times, the day my grandfather died and the day of his funeral. That may be a lot for some people, but for me it was a sign that I hadn't truly allowed myself to open up, emotionally, for those two years. Crying, or feeling the need to cry, is a big part of my emotional state of being. I'm not sure why, but when I'm overly happy, sad, mad, or whatever other emotion I may feel, my eyes tend to water up. It's always been like that and for me not to do that meant that something was wrong.
I realized that I wasn't allowing myself to truly deal with the fact that I would never see my grandfather, face to face, in this life again. I realized that I hadn't mourned over his death like I thought I had. I learned that mourning him would not be an easy, one time process and that allowing myself to grieve in the way I needed to grieve was not a one day a year process. It could be a one day a year process if I wanted it to be, but that would only extend the amount of years that I would need to complete it. Last year I realized that I needed to think about my grandfather's life, his death, how I felt when he was alive and how I felt after he died, almost everyday. I also realized that when I do that emotions will start to rise and I needed to allow them to. This was the only way that I was going to fully heal and allow my grandfather's death to become that same influence that his life was. It would be the only way that my grandfather would be able to become alive and active in my life again instead of a tombstone engraved in my mind and heart like a tattoo.
Grieving is different for everyone and can be handled in different ways. Crying, screaming, cursing, etc. are only a few examples of how people heal and allow situations to be freed from their hearts. Some grieving processes take a long time and some may only take a day, but you will only know how long the process is going to take once you allow yourself to start it. There are also devices to help us grieve. If you're an emotional eater and alcohol drinker, or things of that sort, I would recommend staying away from those things during your process because it can only add to your list of things to heal from. Maybe having an alcohol free year would be a better option, or going on a diet. You will also notice that you tend to stop doing things you love when you're internally bruised. Force yourself to start doing those things again while you're grieving. Working out, taking hikes, making music, listening to music, learning, writing, reading, traveling and the list goes on. It may sound weird, but I found that it was better for me to do the activities that I loved by myself. We're always told to get out and do things with others when we're going through things, but if you do things by yourself it allows you to think about the situation that you're currently grieving over while your doing the activities that you love. What does this do? This allows you to start associating the situation with positive aspects of your life again. The same way you did when that person was alive, when you were in that relationship, when you had that job, when you were a top athlete before that injury, etc. It also allows you to find ways to make the situation work in your favor. Then you will see that the person, relationship, or whatever it may be, didn't die, but it transitioned from a physical state to an emotional, spiritual or mental state in order to inspire you in different ways. I worked out, listened to and made music, read and wrote a lot when I finally decided to start my grieving process.
Here's the first poem I wrote at the beginning of my journey:
Good Mourning
Almost two years and it feels like yesterday.
Mom always tells me that you're proud of me, but
I highly doubt that.
They always tell people that die to "Rest In Peace,"
but what about the ones they leave behind?
We sit.
We cry.
We hurt.
We curse God.
What about us?!
I can hardly rest and I don't have much peace.
You always told me to take care of my family.
Mom always tells me that you're proud of me, but
I highly doubt that.
They always tell people that die to "Rest In Peace,"
but what about the ones they leave behind?
We sit.
We cry.
We hurt.
We curse God.
What about us?!
I can hardly rest and I don't have much peace.
You always told me to take care of my family.
To look out for them.
But now who's gonna look out for me?
You know?
Make sure I'm okay?
Send me twenty dollars for good grades?
Im grown. I work.
I didn't need the money, but that's just what you did.
Well, I'm not okay.
My grades have slipped
and I don't feel like myself.
I haven't shed a tear in over a year–
besides the ones that dropped a couple lines back.
I pray... kind of.
I barely ever write anymore.
But now who's gonna look out for me?
You know?
Make sure I'm okay?
Send me twenty dollars for good grades?
Im grown. I work.
I didn't need the money, but that's just what you did.
Well, I'm not okay.
My grades have slipped
and I don't feel like myself.
I haven't shed a tear in over a year–
besides the ones that dropped a couple lines back.
I pray... kind of.
I barely ever write anymore.
I wrote that poem for your 50th wedding anniversary.
Mom-mom cried, you had the biggest smile on your face.
It was then that I thought maybe I had some sort of gift.
Mom-mom cried, you had the biggest smile on your face.
It was then that I thought maybe I had some sort of gift.
Your approval was all I looked for in almost everything I did.
You wouldn't approve of this.
I've let you down.
I've let those down that look up to me.
It's like every lesson and word died with you.
Now, I refuse to let that be true.
You're still here as long as I'm still here.
Im growing.
I'm loving.
I'm learning.
I'm writing.
I'm praying... actually praying.
The tears I held back, held me back.
Legacies die if we don't pick them up.
Not only am in picking yours up, but I'm starting my own.
Head high, chest out...
Just like you taught me.
God first, watch everything fall into place...
Just like you taught me.
Love how I want to be loved...
Just how you taught me.
Almost two whole years.
I can't start this year how I started the last.
Life is tough.
The devil tore me down with what God used to lift me up.
You...
I miss– you.
I thank– you.
I love– you.
Im letting go of– you,
for me.
Now you can be proud of me.
Plus, I know you'll always be there.
You know?
To make sure I'm ok.
Walking right next to God...
Perfectly pressed slacks, a crisp button down shirt.
Precisely trimmed beard and a Kangol hat.
I can rest and have peace
because I finally had a good mourning.
I've let you down.
I've let those down that look up to me.
It's like every lesson and word died with you.
Now, I refuse to let that be true.
You're still here as long as I'm still here.
Im growing.
I'm loving.
I'm learning.
I'm writing.
I'm praying... actually praying.
The tears I held back, held me back.
Legacies die if we don't pick them up.
Not only am in picking yours up, but I'm starting my own.
Head high, chest out...
Just like you taught me.
God first, watch everything fall into place...
Just like you taught me.
Love how I want to be loved...
Just how you taught me.
Almost two whole years.
I can't start this year how I started the last.
Life is tough.
The devil tore me down with what God used to lift me up.
You...
I miss– you.
I thank– you.
I love– you.
Im letting go of– you,
for me.
Now you can be proud of me.
Plus, I know you'll always be there.
You know?
To make sure I'm ok.
Walking right next to God...
Perfectly pressed slacks, a crisp button down shirt.
Precisely trimmed beard and a Kangol hat.
I can rest and have peace
because I finally had a good mourning.
I hope this post reaches whoever it needed to reach. Remember, you may cry during the night, but joy comes in the mo[u]rning.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Common Core Creating Common People
This post will consist of two things. First, I will present an excerpt from a paper that I wrote a couple of years ago and then I will share my thoughts about and experiences with the common core. As an educator and a student, education has become a huge and important part of my life. I hope that this provokes thoughts and ideas in parents, students and educators alike as we remember how important learning is.
Paper excerpt:
Common core is the most recent implementation of the United States education system. It is meant to bring different curricula, from different school systems across the United States, into alignment with one another by following the principles of standards-based education reform. The common core standards are built to help students prepare for a career, as well as higher education. As good as this may seem, these standards are the cause of some of the biggest debates when it comes to the education system. While many systems are happily adopting the new curricula, there are parents and teachers alike who do not think that it is the best idea for the children. The common core standards are quickly becoming widespread across the nation, but they are not really preparing students for their future, or allowing for the diversity of learning that is needed to thrive in ones’ life. Children are taught in such a way that their brains, and thought process, become molded to think similarly instead of having their own beliefs and views. Common core standards teach children how to get to the next level without really learning the same way as they would have in the old systems and are meant to raise graduation and test percentages.
The common core standards are not really helping the children of the United States, but having them conform to a standard mode of learning through technology and other forms of government-lead tools. Learning is something that individuals differ upon. We all know that there are different types of learners. There are auditory learners, visual learners and kinesthetic learners. The common core is essentially taking away the diversity of learning and telling each student that they must learn in the same way as their peers. This is a huge problem because there are some students who cannot just sit, listen and understand instantaneously. There are also those students who need to sit and listen, but are not given the opportunity to do so. Many students are being deprived of learning how they want and what they want. Instead they are being taught to conform to a certain learning style and that only certain information is right.
The common core system is set up to make the country, and its education system, look good, and not really help the children in their future. One of the biggest aims of the common core system is to implement a secular and materialist education (Newman). The common core is a system where each student will graduate with the same views as the next student. It takes away a lot of the power that parents have when it comes to molding their children and implementing certain beliefs. For example, in the health section of common core, students are taught certain health and sexuality skills and must master them before they can continue. It teaches children different sexual standards and why they are all ok. Children are also taught that gender is not biological, but is decided by a person and by the government. The government’s view on gender is the only view on gender (Newman). Children are being molded to the point that the future of the American society will look exactly how the government wants it to look. It is absolutely imparative to teach diversity and acceptance, but there is something wrong with teaching a child how to think and learn for the rest of their lives, especially when the parents are not involved.
Common core is all about knowing the system and conforming your ways to match others. Growing up I have heard that if you simply know the system, you can get by. I heard this, but was never taught how to do it because the adults around me wanted me to learn things for myself and gain true knowledge and experience. It seems that the common core system is not only telling children that they can get by if they know the system, it is giving them the system. In high school, my friends and I would always try to figure out our teachers because if we figured out our teachers it would be easier to pass their classes. Figure out how their tests are set up and if there is a certain way to pass without studying we would do that. Common core does not encourage students to study and learn in their own fashion. Students are no longer going home to study math, English or science, they are going home to study the system because they know that if they learn the system they can get by. Students are not learning with this new system, students are being molded and built into regular common knowledge robots that will simply fall into place where they are “meant to be”. If the government can control, and mold, the young minds of the future, then they will, no doubt, control everything that we love about this “free world.”
Common core is the most recent implementation of the United States education system. It is meant to bring different curricula, from different school systems across the United States, into alignment with one another by following the principles of standards-based education reform. The common core standards are built to help students prepare for a career, as well as higher education. As good as this may seem, these standards are the cause of some of the biggest debates when it comes to the education system. While many systems are happily adopting the new curricula, there are parents and teachers alike who do not think that it is the best idea for the children. The common core standards are quickly becoming widespread across the nation, but they are not really preparing students for their future, or allowing for the diversity of learning that is needed to thrive in ones’ life. Children are taught in such a way that their brains, and thought process, become molded to think similarly instead of having their own beliefs and views. Common core standards teach children how to get to the next level without really learning the same way as they would have in the old systems and are meant to raise graduation and test percentages.
The common core standards are not really helping the children of the United States, but having them conform to a standard mode of learning through technology and other forms of government-lead tools. Learning is something that individuals differ upon. We all know that there are different types of learners. There are auditory learners, visual learners and kinesthetic learners. The common core is essentially taking away the diversity of learning and telling each student that they must learn in the same way as their peers. This is a huge problem because there are some students who cannot just sit, listen and understand instantaneously. There are also those students who need to sit and listen, but are not given the opportunity to do so. Many students are being deprived of learning how they want and what they want. Instead they are being taught to conform to a certain learning style and that only certain information is right.
The common core system is set up to make the country, and its education system, look good, and not really help the children in their future. One of the biggest aims of the common core system is to implement a secular and materialist education (Newman). The common core is a system where each student will graduate with the same views as the next student. It takes away a lot of the power that parents have when it comes to molding their children and implementing certain beliefs. For example, in the health section of common core, students are taught certain health and sexuality skills and must master them before they can continue. It teaches children different sexual standards and why they are all ok. Children are also taught that gender is not biological, but is decided by a person and by the government. The government’s view on gender is the only view on gender (Newman). Children are being molded to the point that the future of the American society will look exactly how the government wants it to look. It is absolutely imparative to teach diversity and acceptance, but there is something wrong with teaching a child how to think and learn for the rest of their lives, especially when the parents are not involved.
Common core is all about knowing the system and conforming your ways to match others. Growing up I have heard that if you simply know the system, you can get by. I heard this, but was never taught how to do it because the adults around me wanted me to learn things for myself and gain true knowledge and experience. It seems that the common core system is not only telling children that they can get by if they know the system, it is giving them the system. In high school, my friends and I would always try to figure out our teachers because if we figured out our teachers it would be easier to pass their classes. Figure out how their tests are set up and if there is a certain way to pass without studying we would do that. Common core does not encourage students to study and learn in their own fashion. Students are no longer going home to study math, English or science, they are going home to study the system because they know that if they learn the system they can get by. Students are not learning with this new system, students are being molded and built into regular common knowledge robots that will simply fall into place where they are “meant to be”. If the government can control, and mold, the young minds of the future, then they will, no doubt, control everything that we love about this “free world.”
Thoughts and Experiences:
For the past two years I have worked in a Baltimore City Public School and it was one of the toughest experiences that I have had, so far, as an educator. In my first year at the school I was in a fifth grade math classroom. As an English major, math is not my strong suit, but I figured that I would be able to help ten and eleven year olds with elementary mathematics. Well, I was wrong. On the first day, the teacher that I was working with advised me that I would have to learn basic math all over again in order to be affective in the classroom. She also told me to try not to get frustrated because she sure was, during the summer, as she was prepairing to introduce the new curriculum to the students. Throughout the year I witnessed smart students struggle as they tried to adapt to a system that did not match their learning styles. Some students caught on quickly, but I adamantly worked with students that did not catch on as we attempted to learn the material together. This past year, I was privilaged to work with some of the smartest, and cutest, five and six year olds in America. Everything seemed to function in the way a kindrrgarten class should. The classroom was colorful and vibrant which invited the students to learn in exciting ways. The teacher went over basic learning skills; numbers, letters, how to write their names and words, etc. I enjoyed seeing the children grow as students and as people. I loved everything about it until we got to late September/early October and the teacher asked me to assist her in testing the students. I gave her a puzzled look and said, "test the students?" I was not tested in kindergarten. With a disappointed look on her face, she expressed her frustration and told me that they had to test the students to track their progress as well as the teacher's performance. As we all know, there are kindergartners that are full of character and love to share their knowledge, such as my younger brother, and then there are those who freeze under pressure, some seem to forget their own name and there are even those that forget how to speak all together. Not only are a lot of these young children shy, but some develop test anxiety at a young age like I did. As a matter of fact, I still struggle with tests because my mind tends to go completely blank under pressure, especially in a school setting. Because of these key factors, a few children may have to be held back at the end of this school year even if they are as smart as, or even smarter than, the children that will advance to the first grade.
Earlier this week I had a working interview at the Free School of Albany, New York. When one walks into the Free School it may seem slightly chaotic. At certain points in the day there are students walking around the building doing, what looks like, whatever they want to do. What is actually taking place, as students, from pre-k to eigth grade, are moving from room to room, is a freedom to learn what they want and how they want. Still sounds chaotic right? Well, during these times, the students are given options by the teachers and the students are well aware that they are not allowed to be stagnant. Whether the students are playing with other students and working on their social skills, doing art projects and working on their creative skills, or working on their academic skills, they are learning non stop and becoming well rounded citizens while also proving that they are some of the smartest young students that one will ever encounter. I fell in love with this school and hope to get an offer for many reasons. But one of the main reasons was because it reminded me of my few years at Green Acres School in Rockville, Maryland. At Green Acres I was able to enjoy my academic environment because I was given the freedom to learn how I was meant to learn, become a well rounded and open minded person, and take advantage of the array of great teachers and resources that the school made available.
I would advise parents to enroll their students into such schools. Some can be quite pricey, but scholarships are not just available for college students (that is how my sister and I were able to attend Green Acres) and there are schools, such as the Free School, that have income based tuition. If you want to keep your children in schools that run on the core curriculum, know that they are, sadly, being made into drones that are taught to spit out what they "learned" at the drop of a hat. It is important that you teach your students, that are in core curriculum schools, how to be open minded, well rounded, socially aware human beings because they are not always given that in those schools. To educators that teach in such schools, remember that not all students learn the same and that just because little Zachary can give you the answers that the system calls for, it does not mean that he is truly learning. Find new and fun ways to teach the students that will help them to keep their minds off of things such as assessments and other situations that may make them feel uncomfortable as a student. I sure wish that I had more teachers like that when I attended public school and even now, as a college student.
For the past two years I have worked in a Baltimore City Public School and it was one of the toughest experiences that I have had, so far, as an educator. In my first year at the school I was in a fifth grade math classroom. As an English major, math is not my strong suit, but I figured that I would be able to help ten and eleven year olds with elementary mathematics. Well, I was wrong. On the first day, the teacher that I was working with advised me that I would have to learn basic math all over again in order to be affective in the classroom. She also told me to try not to get frustrated because she sure was, during the summer, as she was prepairing to introduce the new curriculum to the students. Throughout the year I witnessed smart students struggle as they tried to adapt to a system that did not match their learning styles. Some students caught on quickly, but I adamantly worked with students that did not catch on as we attempted to learn the material together. This past year, I was privilaged to work with some of the smartest, and cutest, five and six year olds in America. Everything seemed to function in the way a kindrrgarten class should. The classroom was colorful and vibrant which invited the students to learn in exciting ways. The teacher went over basic learning skills; numbers, letters, how to write their names and words, etc. I enjoyed seeing the children grow as students and as people. I loved everything about it until we got to late September/early October and the teacher asked me to assist her in testing the students. I gave her a puzzled look and said, "test the students?" I was not tested in kindergarten. With a disappointed look on her face, she expressed her frustration and told me that they had to test the students to track their progress as well as the teacher's performance. As we all know, there are kindergartners that are full of character and love to share their knowledge, such as my younger brother, and then there are those who freeze under pressure, some seem to forget their own name and there are even those that forget how to speak all together. Not only are a lot of these young children shy, but some develop test anxiety at a young age like I did. As a matter of fact, I still struggle with tests because my mind tends to go completely blank under pressure, especially in a school setting. Because of these key factors, a few children may have to be held back at the end of this school year even if they are as smart as, or even smarter than, the children that will advance to the first grade.
Earlier this week I had a working interview at the Free School of Albany, New York. When one walks into the Free School it may seem slightly chaotic. At certain points in the day there are students walking around the building doing, what looks like, whatever they want to do. What is actually taking place, as students, from pre-k to eigth grade, are moving from room to room, is a freedom to learn what they want and how they want. Still sounds chaotic right? Well, during these times, the students are given options by the teachers and the students are well aware that they are not allowed to be stagnant. Whether the students are playing with other students and working on their social skills, doing art projects and working on their creative skills, or working on their academic skills, they are learning non stop and becoming well rounded citizens while also proving that they are some of the smartest young students that one will ever encounter. I fell in love with this school and hope to get an offer for many reasons. But one of the main reasons was because it reminded me of my few years at Green Acres School in Rockville, Maryland. At Green Acres I was able to enjoy my academic environment because I was given the freedom to learn how I was meant to learn, become a well rounded and open minded person, and take advantage of the array of great teachers and resources that the school made available.
I would advise parents to enroll their students into such schools. Some can be quite pricey, but scholarships are not just available for college students (that is how my sister and I were able to attend Green Acres) and there are schools, such as the Free School, that have income based tuition. If you want to keep your children in schools that run on the core curriculum, know that they are, sadly, being made into drones that are taught to spit out what they "learned" at the drop of a hat. It is important that you teach your students, that are in core curriculum schools, how to be open minded, well rounded, socially aware human beings because they are not always given that in those schools. To educators that teach in such schools, remember that not all students learn the same and that just because little Zachary can give you the answers that the system calls for, it does not mean that he is truly learning. Find new and fun ways to teach the students that will help them to keep their minds off of things such as assessments and other situations that may make them feel uncomfortable as a student. I sure wish that I had more teachers like that when I attended public school and even now, as a college student.
Friday, May 8, 2015
"Good Vibrations"
I was not going to post this week, because of the stress that has been attached to it, but I have decided that it is important for me to connect with you all at least once a week. Like I said, it has been a stressful week and I know that I am not the only one that has weeks that are more hectic than others and just seem like they will never end. At times I tend to take my stress out on the ones that I love most even when they make a gesture to help take some of that stress away. You know, the typical, "If there's anything I can do let me know" and things of that nature. I have come to realize that there are actually people who would willingly take all of your burdens and take them on themselves if it was possible. Those people do not deserve the snarky remarks that we tend to give them. I have realized that we take things out on those that we know will never leave our side. What if, one day, all of the people that we knew had unconditional love towards us got fed up with our attitudes and smart comments, told us off and left, never planning on seeing or speaking to us again? We would most likely feel lonely, lost and unaware of how we were going to possibly continue living without them. In this simple post I just wanted to remind everyone that we should never take for granted those that would literally give their lives for us. We should start to imagine how we feel when they treat us in such ways. If both parties thought that way the amount of pointless arguments and lost time to unnecessary attitudes would digress. Remember, tough times come to us all and many of us are much more fortunate than others; monetarily, physically, mentally, etc. Allow those that love you to help you in your time of need. Try to stay level headed and remember that "this too shall pass."
I also want to send special encouragement to college students. Finals are either over (lucky :p), just about over, or just about to start. Finals have played a major role in my stress levels the past few weeks and it is tough to look at them in a positive manner, but think of it this way... Yes, finals week(s) feels like hell on earth, but we made it to finals successfully and the break that we have longed for for the past nine-ten months is finally right around the corner. It is time to show these pointless tests and excruciating papers that they do not control us, although they have recently taken complete ownership of our sleep schedules.
One last thing... Seniors, we made it! It took some of us, what feels like, forever, some four years and some only three. The amount of time it took does not matter, just that we reached the finish line. Just to think, I was out of school, and not planning on returning, a few years ago and now I am getting ready to graduate. I know I am not the only one, so whether you are 21 or 81, CONGRATULATIONS! I have a few courses to complete in the summer, but come August I will have reached that milestone with you all.
One more last thing... A huge special shout out to all of the black male graduates. We represent the lowest percentage of college graduates in the United States and, most likely, the world. When we walk across that stage we are making history. Remember that, take it to heart and represent the few that have made it this far with pride and dignity.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Holy Bible, Galatians 6:9).
~Good Vibrations~
I also want to send special encouragement to college students. Finals are either over (lucky :p), just about over, or just about to start. Finals have played a major role in my stress levels the past few weeks and it is tough to look at them in a positive manner, but think of it this way... Yes, finals week(s) feels like hell on earth, but we made it to finals successfully and the break that we have longed for for the past nine-ten months is finally right around the corner. It is time to show these pointless tests and excruciating papers that they do not control us, although they have recently taken complete ownership of our sleep schedules.
One last thing... Seniors, we made it! It took some of us, what feels like, forever, some four years and some only three. The amount of time it took does not matter, just that we reached the finish line. Just to think, I was out of school, and not planning on returning, a few years ago and now I am getting ready to graduate. I know I am not the only one, so whether you are 21 or 81, CONGRATULATIONS! I have a few courses to complete in the summer, but come August I will have reached that milestone with you all.
One more last thing... A huge special shout out to all of the black male graduates. We represent the lowest percentage of college graduates in the United States and, most likely, the world. When we walk across that stage we are making history. Remember that, take it to heart and represent the few that have made it this far with pride and dignity.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Holy Bible, Galatians 6:9).
~Good Vibrations~
Friday, May 1, 2015
One Cause, Many Colors
I wasn't going to post for the rest of this week, but I was provided with the opportunity to get to know someone today who put a few things back into perspective for me and he's not even aware of it. I just want to share a very small piece of this story because I think it's very important and could benefit someone as it did me. This man's name is Ray. Ray is a 29 year old white male from Howard County, Maryland that works where I work on the weekends. Ray is fairly new to the company and, this being my third week back on the job since August, 2014, today was only my second time meeting him. When I learned that I would be working with Ray the first thought that came to my head was, "the last thing I want to do during times like these is work ten plus hours with a guy like this." You see, Ray looks like a "typical hick", big beard, sort of a country twang in his voice and looks like he chain smokes marlboros and when he's not smoking those he probably has a pound of grizzly in every crevice of his jaw line, and, like many of us do, I immediately judged him on his appearance. Being a black man in America I try my hardest to never do that to people, but, to be honest, my emotions have been taking a hold of me and outweighing my usual actions and thoughts.
It turns out that Ray has lived in Baltimore City for the past ten years and not in a "nice" area such as Federal Hill or Fells Point. Not only has Ray been in Baltimore for ten years, but he's had a rough time in the city. From living in over ten different places and homelessness to resorting to crime and violence just to try to make ends meet, it has not been a white picket fence story for Ray. Ray has since changed things around a little for himself through hard work and dedication. He and his fiancé can now afford to move to a nice area in the county, but the city has become a part of him and is where he plans on staying for a while.
While working, I figured that I could get along with this guy, but when the topic of the Baltimore "riots" came up I held my breath to prepare for what was going to come out of his mouth. To my surprise, Ray only had positive things to say about the situation. He spoke a lot about the oppression of blacks and minorities across America and how the movement that we are seeing take place is nothing new, it's just not always in our face the way it was in 1968, the way it was in Ferguson not too long ago and the way it is now in Baltimore. It was crazy to hear that coming from him because I was just thinking that same thing yesterday and how the Civil Rights Movement actually started in the underground railroad and probably before that. When we heard about the policemen getting charged in regards to the Freddie Gray situation, Ray started banging on the steering wheel and yelling, "YES, IT'S ABOUT TIME! THAT'S ONE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION." I promise that this man sounded more excited than if Rosa Parks were still alive and heard the news. Ray also used "we" a lot, when referring to the current situation in Baltimore, and, at first, it made me upset because I thought that he had no clue what "we" go through.
Ray acknowledged the fact that, even though he's had some rough times, he will never know what it's like to be black in America, but understands and is empathetic towards our everyday tribulations. Working with Ray today reminded me that this movement is not about black vs. white, or officers vs. the people, but it's about those that want what's right to finally start taking place and for America to truly be the land of the free. Ray reminded me that there are people that help me to keep my back straight, when I'm feeling the weight of being black in America, that aren't even black. Ray reminded me that the face of my enemies are not always white and that the face of my allies are not always black. Ray's excitement and passion for the movement that was started so long ago has inspired me to take my passion to the next level. This 29 year old white man from hicktown USA is not my oppressor, but he is my brother and I have so many others like him in my life that I am thankful for. Ray, thank you so much for keeping my hope in humanity alive and reminding me that color is not a barrier, but another opportunity to show the naysayers that our demands and wants are possible to reach. He also reminded me that there are white people that understand what I mean when I stand with my head held high and hold my right fist in the air. They understand that I'm not anti-white, but I'm conveying an important message of pride, power and strength to a people that need to know that they are worth more than they are portrayed to be. Thank you for being a pillar in Baltimore as WE continue OUR fight and set out to see OUR needs and OUR wants met. I just met you today, but you will forever and always be my brother.
By the way, if you got a free pulled pork sandwich, while walking during Wednesday's protest, from some tall skinny white boy with a beard, that was Ray. Also, if you get free snacks tomorrow at the rally that is supposed to take place in Baltimore from some white punk rocker looking guy, that's Ray's friend and Ray and I gave him those snacks to pass out because we'll be at work all day.
~Blessings~
It turns out that Ray has lived in Baltimore City for the past ten years and not in a "nice" area such as Federal Hill or Fells Point. Not only has Ray been in Baltimore for ten years, but he's had a rough time in the city. From living in over ten different places and homelessness to resorting to crime and violence just to try to make ends meet, it has not been a white picket fence story for Ray. Ray has since changed things around a little for himself through hard work and dedication. He and his fiancé can now afford to move to a nice area in the county, but the city has become a part of him and is where he plans on staying for a while.
While working, I figured that I could get along with this guy, but when the topic of the Baltimore "riots" came up I held my breath to prepare for what was going to come out of his mouth. To my surprise, Ray only had positive things to say about the situation. He spoke a lot about the oppression of blacks and minorities across America and how the movement that we are seeing take place is nothing new, it's just not always in our face the way it was in 1968, the way it was in Ferguson not too long ago and the way it is now in Baltimore. It was crazy to hear that coming from him because I was just thinking that same thing yesterday and how the Civil Rights Movement actually started in the underground railroad and probably before that. When we heard about the policemen getting charged in regards to the Freddie Gray situation, Ray started banging on the steering wheel and yelling, "YES, IT'S ABOUT TIME! THAT'S ONE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION." I promise that this man sounded more excited than if Rosa Parks were still alive and heard the news. Ray also used "we" a lot, when referring to the current situation in Baltimore, and, at first, it made me upset because I thought that he had no clue what "we" go through.
Ray acknowledged the fact that, even though he's had some rough times, he will never know what it's like to be black in America, but understands and is empathetic towards our everyday tribulations. Working with Ray today reminded me that this movement is not about black vs. white, or officers vs. the people, but it's about those that want what's right to finally start taking place and for America to truly be the land of the free. Ray reminded me that there are people that help me to keep my back straight, when I'm feeling the weight of being black in America, that aren't even black. Ray reminded me that the face of my enemies are not always white and that the face of my allies are not always black. Ray's excitement and passion for the movement that was started so long ago has inspired me to take my passion to the next level. This 29 year old white man from hicktown USA is not my oppressor, but he is my brother and I have so many others like him in my life that I am thankful for. Ray, thank you so much for keeping my hope in humanity alive and reminding me that color is not a barrier, but another opportunity to show the naysayers that our demands and wants are possible to reach. He also reminded me that there are white people that understand what I mean when I stand with my head held high and hold my right fist in the air. They understand that I'm not anti-white, but I'm conveying an important message of pride, power and strength to a people that need to know that they are worth more than they are portrayed to be. Thank you for being a pillar in Baltimore as WE continue OUR fight and set out to see OUR needs and OUR wants met. I just met you today, but you will forever and always be my brother.
By the way, if you got a free pulled pork sandwich, while walking during Wednesday's protest, from some tall skinny white boy with a beard, that was Ray. Also, if you get free snacks tomorrow at the rally that is supposed to take place in Baltimore from some white punk rocker looking guy, that's Ray's friend and Ray and I gave him those snacks to pass out because we'll be at work all day.
~Blessings~
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Recent Events In Baltimore, Maryland
I would like to dedicate this post to the family and close friends of Freddie Gray. It is always hard to lose someone that is close to your heart, no matter the events that lead to their death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all...
The Death of Freddie Gray (4/12/15-4/19/15):
Seeing, reading and hearing, in the media, about the death of a young black man is never easy for me, no matter the events that lead to their death. Whether or not I am aware or unaware of the absolute truth does not make it easier. It does not matter if his actions or the actions of others caused him to lose his life, the end result is what fuels my fire—the death of a young black man.
We do not know, and will probably never know, the full story, without falsity, behind the death of Freddie Gray. The fact of the matter is that his death could have been easily prevented. I am clueless to what Freddie did to end up in a cat and mouse chase with Baltimore Police and I am not supporting his actions in running from them while they were doing their job, but I am also against police abusing their authority in situations that may cause them to lose their composure. I have worked since I was 13 years old and I know how frustrating it can be when someone makes your job difficult, but I also know that as an employee it is my responsibility to remain professional. Recently, many police officers have been in the media for getting too hot headed and simply being unprofessional. Freddie Gray's injuries are what caused his death and those injuries could have been attended to much earlier if the officers were being professional throughout the entirety of the situation. When a human being is pleading for medical attention they should not be ignored, no matter what said human has done. Freddie Gray should have received medical attention at the scene of his detainment, before he was placed in the police van. Not only that, but he should not have been treated the way he was after his arrest. The actions that occurred post arrest undoubtably caused his injuries to escalate.
This morning I read in an article that Freddie Gray was not the first victim of careless handling by Baltimore Police. I read that Baltimore Police are actually notorious for giving "rough rides" where they do not put seat belts on the people that they have taken custody of. There was a man by the name of Donde Johnson that died, in 2005, from a spinal fracture after a "rough ride" with Baltimore Police. The deaths of both Johnson and Gray could have been avoided if the police were doing their jobs correctly and respectfully. I am not saying that all police officers in Baltimore go about their days in such a manner, but things need to change.
Baltimore Protests in Response to the Death of Freddie Gray (4/25/15):
The protests that took place yesterday were very much needed. It is important that the black community in America makes it known that we will not sit back and allow people to treat us as if we are still, although we know that we never were, second class citizens. I am glad that protests such as yesterday's take place and that government officials allow them to happen. There were a lot of positive signs, speeches and actions that took place that I am sure were heard and taken into consideration. It is also great to see people of many colors and races joining forces for a good cause. Many of these things were not seen because of the media's cravings to distribute negativity to the public for the purpose of gaining viewers. I would not have known about the positive aspects of yesterday's happenings if it was not for word of mouth and social media. I wanted to take part in helping make a difference, but could not due to prior engagements. Founding fathers of the civil rights movement proudly look down on the recent protests of the past few years whether they be for racial, social or sexual injustice. We are not all equal and we should not all be treated the same, but we are all human beings that obtain the same rights and when that line is crossed, and nothing is done about it, attention should be brought to the situation. What I mean by everyone not being equal and not being treated the same is that we do not all have the same background that would put us on equal playing fields or call for us to be treated as if we were. We come from different cultures, races, sexual orientations, etc. A Korean surgeon from Orange County is not equal to a Hispanic man that migrated from Honduras to better himself. Also, we should not treat a child with autism the same way that we would treat a high functioning child at the top of his or her class. Those that say people should not protest and that protesting is stupid are most likely privileged and have never had to deal with being treated unfairly in a country that claims to be open to all races, cultures and walks of life. I want you to know that your ignorance is not necessarily your fault, but due to your ignorance you should not speak on such situations because of your lack of knowledge and unwillingness to gain knowledge about the historical and present struggles that many minorities have had to go through in America. So, to those that take action in protesting, or whatever it may be, I am proud of you and am proud to stand next to you all, literally and figuratively, as we continue on our journey for peace and equality. For those on the opposite side, I want you to know that we will not stop until we are truly heard. Everyone else, either educate yourself and stand for something, or simply refrain from voicing your voiceless opinions.
Violence That Stemmed From the Protests in Baltimore (4/25/15):
Although I was not able to attend the protests that took place earlier in the day, I did end up downtown for an impromptu visit to Camden Yards. Our timing was quite impeccable because we slipped into the city right after the climax of the turmoil that was taking place and left the game right before the local government declared the area a war zone, shut down all of the local businesses and denied fans an exit from the stadium. While walking to the stadium there was broken glass all over the streets and sidewalks due to small businesses being damaged during the outbreak. I was imagining what it was like just moments before we were there. As I passed by Sliders, a bar right across from Camden Yards that I once visited on a previous occasion, I saw the frustration on the faces of the employees while they were cleaning up broken glass. While in the stadium, I was looking at stories and videos of the violence that took place and it was worse than I imagined it to be.
Trust me, I understand the anger and frustration that is built up when it comes to injustice, but there are better ways to express such feelings. Even Mr. Malcolm X had second thoughts on his "by any means necessary" philosophy after his enlightening visit to Mecca. I believe that if he had the chance to put his new ideology into practice that he would have made an even greater impact on the civil rights movement than he previously had. I am not taking anything away from the great legacy of our late brother, but some of his tactics did not reflect the message that the black community was trying to spread at that time and even the message that we are still trying to spread today. No, protests do not always work and yes, I agree that, at times, more pressure needs to be applied in order for our message to be heard, but violence is not something that can be heard. The only response to violence is more violence and when we are done destroying small business and the property of those that have nothing to do with the situation we are left with more blacks in jail, more blacks dead, police acting as if they instantly enlisted into the marines and a message that has been drowned out by the sounds of exploding cars, shattering glass and the screams of innocent bystanders. If we react with hatred we will only be hated more. Have we not seen the posts on social media of people flipping the script, pointing the blame on us and acting as if the situation is completely one sided? I know that I have seen the true colors of people that I once called friends due to these events. I am glad that those colors have been revealed, but I wish that they were revealed under different circumstances.
We are all familiar with the white men that ride horses and wear white hoods, whether it be from stories, or through first hand experience, that reap havoc on minorities. Their tactics are violent riots, burnings of minority owned businesses, etc. When we resort to violence in our actions, what makes us any better than them? When we end up hurting and ruining people's lives, what makes us better than them? Yes, we have a valid reason, unlike them, but our actions are no different. The least that we can do is respect the families of those that have lost their loved ones when they ask us not to respond with violence. The cases of Trayvon, Mike and Eric were not swayed by the violent outbreaks of the black community and neither will Freddie's. When we want to fight, we should fight with our minds, for those are the most powerful weapons that God has equipped us with. More of the black community needs to take action in becoming part of, creating and living out the dreams that our ancestors envisioned. Malcolm X was right when he said, "by any means necessary," but if he was alive today, I am sure that he would say violence is not a necessary means.
Reference:
Jonsson, Patrik. "Protesters' Vow: 'Shut Down' Baltimore over Freddie Gray Killing." The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Apr. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2015/0425/Protesters-vow-Shut-down-Baltimore-over-Freddie-Gray-killing-video.
The Death of Freddie Gray (4/12/15-4/19/15):
Seeing, reading and hearing, in the media, about the death of a young black man is never easy for me, no matter the events that lead to their death. Whether or not I am aware or unaware of the absolute truth does not make it easier. It does not matter if his actions or the actions of others caused him to lose his life, the end result is what fuels my fire—the death of a young black man.
We do not know, and will probably never know, the full story, without falsity, behind the death of Freddie Gray. The fact of the matter is that his death could have been easily prevented. I am clueless to what Freddie did to end up in a cat and mouse chase with Baltimore Police and I am not supporting his actions in running from them while they were doing their job, but I am also against police abusing their authority in situations that may cause them to lose their composure. I have worked since I was 13 years old and I know how frustrating it can be when someone makes your job difficult, but I also know that as an employee it is my responsibility to remain professional. Recently, many police officers have been in the media for getting too hot headed and simply being unprofessional. Freddie Gray's injuries are what caused his death and those injuries could have been attended to much earlier if the officers were being professional throughout the entirety of the situation. When a human being is pleading for medical attention they should not be ignored, no matter what said human has done. Freddie Gray should have received medical attention at the scene of his detainment, before he was placed in the police van. Not only that, but he should not have been treated the way he was after his arrest. The actions that occurred post arrest undoubtably caused his injuries to escalate.
This morning I read in an article that Freddie Gray was not the first victim of careless handling by Baltimore Police. I read that Baltimore Police are actually notorious for giving "rough rides" where they do not put seat belts on the people that they have taken custody of. There was a man by the name of Donde Johnson that died, in 2005, from a spinal fracture after a "rough ride" with Baltimore Police. The deaths of both Johnson and Gray could have been avoided if the police were doing their jobs correctly and respectfully. I am not saying that all police officers in Baltimore go about their days in such a manner, but things need to change.
Baltimore Protests in Response to the Death of Freddie Gray (4/25/15):
The protests that took place yesterday were very much needed. It is important that the black community in America makes it known that we will not sit back and allow people to treat us as if we are still, although we know that we never were, second class citizens. I am glad that protests such as yesterday's take place and that government officials allow them to happen. There were a lot of positive signs, speeches and actions that took place that I am sure were heard and taken into consideration. It is also great to see people of many colors and races joining forces for a good cause. Many of these things were not seen because of the media's cravings to distribute negativity to the public for the purpose of gaining viewers. I would not have known about the positive aspects of yesterday's happenings if it was not for word of mouth and social media. I wanted to take part in helping make a difference, but could not due to prior engagements. Founding fathers of the civil rights movement proudly look down on the recent protests of the past few years whether they be for racial, social or sexual injustice. We are not all equal and we should not all be treated the same, but we are all human beings that obtain the same rights and when that line is crossed, and nothing is done about it, attention should be brought to the situation. What I mean by everyone not being equal and not being treated the same is that we do not all have the same background that would put us on equal playing fields or call for us to be treated as if we were. We come from different cultures, races, sexual orientations, etc. A Korean surgeon from Orange County is not equal to a Hispanic man that migrated from Honduras to better himself. Also, we should not treat a child with autism the same way that we would treat a high functioning child at the top of his or her class. Those that say people should not protest and that protesting is stupid are most likely privileged and have never had to deal with being treated unfairly in a country that claims to be open to all races, cultures and walks of life. I want you to know that your ignorance is not necessarily your fault, but due to your ignorance you should not speak on such situations because of your lack of knowledge and unwillingness to gain knowledge about the historical and present struggles that many minorities have had to go through in America. So, to those that take action in protesting, or whatever it may be, I am proud of you and am proud to stand next to you all, literally and figuratively, as we continue on our journey for peace and equality. For those on the opposite side, I want you to know that we will not stop until we are truly heard. Everyone else, either educate yourself and stand for something, or simply refrain from voicing your voiceless opinions.
Violence That Stemmed From the Protests in Baltimore (4/25/15):
Although I was not able to attend the protests that took place earlier in the day, I did end up downtown for an impromptu visit to Camden Yards. Our timing was quite impeccable because we slipped into the city right after the climax of the turmoil that was taking place and left the game right before the local government declared the area a war zone, shut down all of the local businesses and denied fans an exit from the stadium. While walking to the stadium there was broken glass all over the streets and sidewalks due to small businesses being damaged during the outbreak. I was imagining what it was like just moments before we were there. As I passed by Sliders, a bar right across from Camden Yards that I once visited on a previous occasion, I saw the frustration on the faces of the employees while they were cleaning up broken glass. While in the stadium, I was looking at stories and videos of the violence that took place and it was worse than I imagined it to be.
Trust me, I understand the anger and frustration that is built up when it comes to injustice, but there are better ways to express such feelings. Even Mr. Malcolm X had second thoughts on his "by any means necessary" philosophy after his enlightening visit to Mecca. I believe that if he had the chance to put his new ideology into practice that he would have made an even greater impact on the civil rights movement than he previously had. I am not taking anything away from the great legacy of our late brother, but some of his tactics did not reflect the message that the black community was trying to spread at that time and even the message that we are still trying to spread today. No, protests do not always work and yes, I agree that, at times, more pressure needs to be applied in order for our message to be heard, but violence is not something that can be heard. The only response to violence is more violence and when we are done destroying small business and the property of those that have nothing to do with the situation we are left with more blacks in jail, more blacks dead, police acting as if they instantly enlisted into the marines and a message that has been drowned out by the sounds of exploding cars, shattering glass and the screams of innocent bystanders. If we react with hatred we will only be hated more. Have we not seen the posts on social media of people flipping the script, pointing the blame on us and acting as if the situation is completely one sided? I know that I have seen the true colors of people that I once called friends due to these events. I am glad that those colors have been revealed, but I wish that they were revealed under different circumstances.
We are all familiar with the white men that ride horses and wear white hoods, whether it be from stories, or through first hand experience, that reap havoc on minorities. Their tactics are violent riots, burnings of minority owned businesses, etc. When we resort to violence in our actions, what makes us any better than them? When we end up hurting and ruining people's lives, what makes us better than them? Yes, we have a valid reason, unlike them, but our actions are no different. The least that we can do is respect the families of those that have lost their loved ones when they ask us not to respond with violence. The cases of Trayvon, Mike and Eric were not swayed by the violent outbreaks of the black community and neither will Freddie's. When we want to fight, we should fight with our minds, for those are the most powerful weapons that God has equipped us with. More of the black community needs to take action in becoming part of, creating and living out the dreams that our ancestors envisioned. Malcolm X was right when he said, "by any means necessary," but if he was alive today, I am sure that he would say violence is not a necessary means.
Reference:
Jonsson, Patrik. "Protesters' Vow: 'Shut Down' Baltimore over Freddie Gray Killing." The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Apr. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2015/0425/Protesters-vow-Shut-down-Baltimore-over-Freddie-Gray-killing-video.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Doing Not Dreaming
To whom it may concern,
I hope this letter reaches you well. I am pleased to welcome you to my very first blog. My name is Christian Harris and I have wanted to do this for a long time, but never got around to doing so. I'll be honest, I've been too lazy to do it. I have come to realize that I set my mind on things that really interest me, are obtainable, doable and I can excel in, but never get around to doing them for some reason or another; usually an excuse that should not take me away from accomplishing what I want to accomplish. I dreamed a lot, but often found myself going with the everyday flow of my life. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with that, but when you have aspirations that supersede those in which you are participating in currently, there is no room for normalcy. Everyday has to be another step in the direction that you see yourself in the future; near and distant.
This blog is not for dreamers, but doers and those that want to become doers. The goal of this blog is to try to encourage, uplift, challenge, inspire and question the doers, thinkers, intellectuals, the religious, non-religious, educated, rich, poor, black, white, heterosexuals, homosexuals, racists, sexists, homophobics, etc. Essentially, this blog is for me, but if those previously listed would like to join me on this journey I would love to have you all. The idea here is to unify and strengthen the human race as a whole. There will be some things on here that will not sit well with everyone, including myself, but sometimes we need to feel uncomfortable in order to realize that we do need to change. I will touch on social issues, education, faith and anything else that may come to mind.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, but he was not a dreamer. Dreamers never wake up and they never reach their goals because they are too busy sleeping and dreaming. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a doer that had dreams. There is nothing wrong with having dreams. When you have a dream you know you have that dream because you wake up from your slumber. If you are constantly dreaming then you have probably found yourself in a functioning coma. I literally just made that phrase up (lol), but a functioning coma is when one can hear, see and even feel the things around them, but are too busy sleeping to even want to wake up and become involved in the things that they truly want to be involved in. Sleepers/functioning coma patients can work, go to school, play sports and the like, but they will always be dreamers. I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream with us, one that he was actively pursuing, not only because it had the potential to be ground shaking/breaking and world changing, but because he knew that there were dreamers out there who needed a push in order to wake up and start doing.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Best,
Christian Harris
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