Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
"Its time, time to make a change..." The Winans
Enough fluffy , sweet sentimentality. What the HELL got into Harlem on Memorial Day? How do we get control of our kids again? Snatch them off of the streets one by one and get them involved in something...anything, just get them involved! We have got to rein in the control again. It is my destiny to be able to find a way to reach young people in a meaningful way. I need a place to be able to say to them, "You are welcomed here, come on in. Treat me and this space with the respect deserved and you will be treated in the same." Too often the adage, "Idle hands is the devil's playground.", proves true over and over again. We who benefitted from true community spirit, owe it to today's youth, because they are killing themselves off, and won't be around to teach their offspring ANYTHING! Yes, it is time to make a change, and we are the ones who will do it.
Read, share, teach and learn from each other as we express ourselves in this forum.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Clear Thoughts/Clear Day
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
So glad the weather is finally trying to break. It will be June in just a couple of days, and I finally took off my jacket. The butterflies were born and they bring delight to all who visit our classrooom. Other classes are now anxiously awaiting their own miracles. Visiting Wave Hill allowed me to see and think clearly since the winter doldrums. How beautiful the gardens are! How lovely the fragrant herbs are, they lit up my senses. Living in high anticipation of next week's activities. Our Butterfly Release will take place at Belvedere Castle. We will be sad to see the butterflies leave us, but happy at the same time because they will spread their wings and fly. Others will enjoy their beauty and they will do what nature has intended them to do. Isn't it just grand to be able see and think clearly, giving hope for a brighter future? I don't know about you, but, for me it is!
So glad the weather is finally trying to break. It will be June in just a couple of days, and I finally took off my jacket. The butterflies were born and they bring delight to all who visit our classrooom. Other classes are now anxiously awaiting their own miracles. Visiting Wave Hill allowed me to see and think clearly since the winter doldrums. How beautiful the gardens are! How lovely the fragrant herbs are, they lit up my senses. Living in high anticipation of next week's activities. Our Butterfly Release will take place at Belvedere Castle. We will be sad to see the butterflies leave us, but happy at the same time because they will spread their wings and fly. Others will enjoy their beauty and they will do what nature has intended them to do. Isn't it just grand to be able see and think clearly, giving hope for a brighter future? I don't know about you, but, for me it is!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
And The Beat Goes On
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
"...The last word has not been spoken..." Beah Richards
What do the words 911 is a joke mean to you? I found out yesterday, that unless a crime has already occured, no one will come when evidence that something is askew has been presented. I thought the protection of citizens and their property would fall under the obligations of NYPD and 911 Emergency Service. When I discovered someone had been trespassing and left their personal effects on the window sill that had to climbed up to, I knew 911 would respond. As long as no one entered the premises, being in a place on the property that invades privacy, was NO REASON for them to come. The response was, "Call back after the break-in occurs." Am I serious? Unfortunately, I am! Yes, a large rock was left on the window sill, yes a note with the person's address was left at the scene and other items were purposely left there, but they said, "No crime has taken place." I said to them, "Here is the address of the person who was here, please do a pick up of this unknown person who had no business being here." After the officer was sacastic on the telephone, and I asked her to repeat for clarity, the need for her to be re-trained in NYPD CPR was evident, I cannot believe possible injury or worse has to occur rather than prevention and or methods of determent. I can't understand why random stops and frisks are fine, but when I request help, it doesn't come. Perhaps my e-mail to the mayor and commissioner will answer my questions, but as for now.,, PUBLIC ENEMY IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, 911 IS A JOKE!!!!!!
"...The last word has not been spoken..." Beah Richards
What do the words 911 is a joke mean to you? I found out yesterday, that unless a crime has already occured, no one will come when evidence that something is askew has been presented. I thought the protection of citizens and their property would fall under the obligations of NYPD and 911 Emergency Service. When I discovered someone had been trespassing and left their personal effects on the window sill that had to climbed up to, I knew 911 would respond. As long as no one entered the premises, being in a place on the property that invades privacy, was NO REASON for them to come. The response was, "Call back after the break-in occurs." Am I serious? Unfortunately, I am! Yes, a large rock was left on the window sill, yes a note with the person's address was left at the scene and other items were purposely left there, but they said, "No crime has taken place." I said to them, "Here is the address of the person who was here, please do a pick up of this unknown person who had no business being here." After the officer was sacastic on the telephone, and I asked her to repeat for clarity, the need for her to be re-trained in NYPD CPR was evident, I cannot believe possible injury or worse has to occur rather than prevention and or methods of determent. I can't understand why random stops and frisks are fine, but when I request help, it doesn't come. Perhaps my e-mail to the mayor and commissioner will answer my questions, but as for now.,, PUBLIC ENEMY IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, 911 IS A JOKE!!!!!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Gifted Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
And today... Daddy, Granddad,Uncle Billy, DuBoo DuBoo, Prince Messiah and Ozzie
"I don't wanna 4get the present is a gift..." Alicia Keys
My gift is that I am the Mother of a Beautiful, Black Man.
The Mayor of Philadelphia has demonstrated what New York's mayor hasn't shown enough courage or respect to the community to do. He needs to rethink his thought because it needs reconsideration. New York NEEDS to follow Philly's lead. We can no longer find acceptable random acts of violence against our young men simply because they are out while Black. This Blue on Black crime wave has inflicted such terror in our neighborhoods and has numbed our youth into believing their lives are of no value. HOW VERY WRONG THEY ARE!! How is it our nurturing homes have been displaced and replaced with such a faulty belief? How did we let these negative influences infiltrate and take over? Such subtle command of our streets started right after The Blackout of 1977. Some of y'all really acted up and acted out, and alla us paid the price. The repercussions of that fiasco affect us deeply today. It manifests itself in being followed around in stores or worse yet the demand to surrender your bag upon entry, (I walk out of the store when it is insisted I leave my bag), bullet-proof security windows in neighborhood Chinese take-out restaurants, demand for payments prior to service being rendered, the offer of substandard living conditions, (as if the person making the offer would actually choose to live in those conditions and have the privilege of paying a premium price), needless stops and frisks, demands for ID, confrontational, belittling and baiting behaviors, unprofessional demeanor that in no way reflects the the CPR as so prominently displayed on their vehicles. Other people have noticed the police of this city treat us differently, so they just follow suit.
Our young men have GOT to play their part as well. Pull up your damn pants, put on a belt, stop already with the n word, you are not that word, stop listening to lyrics that tell you your mother, sister and girlfriends are female dogs, they are not, no, you are NOT the next LeBron James, if you were, you would have been discovered already, so take your ass to school or get a trade, stop hannging out in all of the places that make you vulnerable to those who wish to destroy you. Have pride in doing the right thing, help someone else and pay it forward. Lastly, stay grounded in your Higher Power .
On this Memorial Day weekend, my memories are that of the soldiers we have lost to the war on the streets, Black to Black violence, Blue on Black Murder and of course our courageous men and women who have chosen to serve our country to preserve the freedom for any of us to be able to write a piece that is critical, yet is our absolute right as a citizen of this counrty. May God forever bless the service men and women of the USA.
P.S. Big up to Pedro Espada for bringing fresh fruit, vegetables and staples to give away in the neighborhood today. He is celebrating 30 years of his Health Network. Educating and providing is a good beginning to establishing the better eating habits our community should develop.
And today... Daddy, Granddad,Uncle Billy, DuBoo DuBoo, Prince Messiah and Ozzie
"I don't wanna 4get the present is a gift..." Alicia Keys
My gift is that I am the Mother of a Beautiful, Black Man.
The Mayor of Philadelphia has demonstrated what New York's mayor hasn't shown enough courage or respect to the community to do. He needs to rethink his thought because it needs reconsideration. New York NEEDS to follow Philly's lead. We can no longer find acceptable random acts of violence against our young men simply because they are out while Black. This Blue on Black crime wave has inflicted such terror in our neighborhoods and has numbed our youth into believing their lives are of no value. HOW VERY WRONG THEY ARE!! How is it our nurturing homes have been displaced and replaced with such a faulty belief? How did we let these negative influences infiltrate and take over? Such subtle command of our streets started right after The Blackout of 1977. Some of y'all really acted up and acted out, and alla us paid the price. The repercussions of that fiasco affect us deeply today. It manifests itself in being followed around in stores or worse yet the demand to surrender your bag upon entry, (I walk out of the store when it is insisted I leave my bag), bullet-proof security windows in neighborhood Chinese take-out restaurants, demand for payments prior to service being rendered, the offer of substandard living conditions, (as if the person making the offer would actually choose to live in those conditions and have the privilege of paying a premium price), needless stops and frisks, demands for ID, confrontational, belittling and baiting behaviors, unprofessional demeanor that in no way reflects the the CPR as so prominently displayed on their vehicles. Other people have noticed the police of this city treat us differently, so they just follow suit.
Our young men have GOT to play their part as well. Pull up your damn pants, put on a belt, stop already with the n word, you are not that word, stop listening to lyrics that tell you your mother, sister and girlfriends are female dogs, they are not, no, you are NOT the next LeBron James, if you were, you would have been discovered already, so take your ass to school or get a trade, stop hannging out in all of the places that make you vulnerable to those who wish to destroy you. Have pride in doing the right thing, help someone else and pay it forward. Lastly, stay grounded in your Higher Power .
On this Memorial Day weekend, my memories are that of the soldiers we have lost to the war on the streets, Black to Black violence, Blue on Black Murder and of course our courageous men and women who have chosen to serve our country to preserve the freedom for any of us to be able to write a piece that is critical, yet is our absolute right as a citizen of this counrty. May God forever bless the service men and women of the USA.
P.S. Big up to Pedro Espada for bringing fresh fruit, vegetables and staples to give away in the neighborhood today. He is celebrating 30 years of his Health Network. Educating and providing is a good beginning to establishing the better eating habits our community should develop.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thanking God It is Friday, Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
I am looking forward to the long weekend. As I spend more time here on Earth, my body and the effects of gravity, let me know time is surely passing. An ache here and a loss of step there, make me wish I didn't try to grow up so fast. I couldn't wait to FINALLY BE GROWN. Nowadays, it is more like getting GROAN. (LOL) Trust and believe, though, I AM NOT COMPLAINING! I can hardly wait to plan some new experiences for this summer. Contacting Carol Jenkins at her Women's Media Center, (located in the Empire State Building), is one of the first things on my To-Do List. Secondly, I want to affiliate myself with Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project. Both of these projects are worthy of attention.
Next week, I will be adding the Video Bar and some photos, as I experiment with the look of my blog. I do hope you enjoy reading and commenting on what I find interesting or just the random thoughts that float around in my head. If you'd like to make a comment about something entirely different than what I posted, feel free. Be my guest.
I am looking forward to the long weekend. As I spend more time here on Earth, my body and the effects of gravity, let me know time is surely passing. An ache here and a loss of step there, make me wish I didn't try to grow up so fast. I couldn't wait to FINALLY BE GROWN. Nowadays, it is more like getting GROAN. (LOL) Trust and believe, though, I AM NOT COMPLAINING! I can hardly wait to plan some new experiences for this summer. Contacting Carol Jenkins at her Women's Media Center, (located in the Empire State Building), is one of the first things on my To-Do List. Secondly, I want to affiliate myself with Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project. Both of these projects are worthy of attention.
Next week, I will be adding the Video Bar and some photos, as I experiment with the look of my blog. I do hope you enjoy reading and commenting on what I find interesting or just the random thoughts that float around in my head. If you'd like to make a comment about something entirely different than what I posted, feel free. Be my guest.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Bruised Muse/Elated Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
Spirit needs lifting. Allergies, economy, Ted Kennedy...why do I feel so attached to the Kennedys, they don't know who I am, but, they are a very real part of me. I remember, in 1964,while rallying on Claremont Parkway, Bobby Kennedy lifting me up and placing a kiss on my right cheek. So many women were so jealous of that little girl who got kissed by a Kennedy. I remember seeing John-John playing Frisbee with his dog in Central Park. They feel like members of the family. I hope God hears and answers the prayers that Ted not suffer.
Joy does come in the morning. The GUILTY, DIRTY THREE who shot Trent, Joe and killed Sean, are facing departmental charges. Thank you, God for answering my prayer. Now maybe, justice can take its proper course. SOMEBODY should pay for a life taken away so violently and unnecessarily. No Justice, No Peace! Whose Kids? Our Kids! Whose Streets? Our Streets!
Spirit needs lifting. Allergies, economy, Ted Kennedy...why do I feel so attached to the Kennedys, they don't know who I am, but, they are a very real part of me. I remember, in 1964,while rallying on Claremont Parkway, Bobby Kennedy lifting me up and placing a kiss on my right cheek. So many women were so jealous of that little girl who got kissed by a Kennedy. I remember seeing John-John playing Frisbee with his dog in Central Park. They feel like members of the family. I hope God hears and answers the prayers that Ted not suffer.
Joy does come in the morning. The GUILTY, DIRTY THREE who shot Trent, Joe and killed Sean, are facing departmental charges. Thank you, God for answering my prayer. Now maybe, justice can take its proper course. SOMEBODY should pay for a life taken away so violently and unnecessarily. No Justice, No Peace! Whose Kids? Our Kids! Whose Streets? Our Streets!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Metamorphosis and The Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
Change is the only constant. As I observed the tiny caterpillars become large caterpillars, then form their chrysalids and enter the pupa stage that signals the last stage of the metamorphosis that is just before their final stage of transformation of becoming butterflies, I stopped taking so much for granted. In a period of just three short weeks, their entire life cycle will be experienced. Every bit of life will be squeezed into 21 days. They won't waste a bit of their time. When we release them in Central Park next week, they will use their time to experience all the wonders of nature and begin the cycle again. I realize I need to become more like the butterfly and just deal with change and appreciate my surroundings. Find the beauty in what is around me. If a crawling caterpillar can become a soaring butterfly in just 21 days, what can I become if I just agree to experience change?
Change is the only constant. As I observed the tiny caterpillars become large caterpillars, then form their chrysalids and enter the pupa stage that signals the last stage of the metamorphosis that is just before their final stage of transformation of becoming butterflies, I stopped taking so much for granted. In a period of just three short weeks, their entire life cycle will be experienced. Every bit of life will be squeezed into 21 days. They won't waste a bit of their time. When we release them in Central Park next week, they will use their time to experience all the wonders of nature and begin the cycle again. I realize I need to become more like the butterfly and just deal with change and appreciate my surroundings. Find the beauty in what is around me. If a crawling caterpillar can become a soaring butterfly in just 21 days, what can I become if I just agree to experience change?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Pensive Muse
Happy 25th Birthday, Sean Bell, Happy Birthday, Bro. Malcolm!
Last night I tried to post my thoughts, but, I guess I forgot to push the submit button, because nothing posted, maybe it was for the best, giving me enough time to reflect on my thoughts...maybe it was the weather that had me in such a pensive mood...I thought about Sean Bell and how he should have been celebrating his 25th birthday with his wife and daughters...I thought about El Malik El Shabazz who would be celebrating today had violence not erupted on 168th Street...I wonder what he would be doing today...what would we be doing...would we still be going through the same things we are going through now?...I do believe violence is based upon fear of the unknown...ignorance breeds disaster....why can't we just ask the questions that will give us the answers we need...why are people jawboning about Sue Simmons asking her friend and colleague,Chuck Scarborough, "What the eff are you doing?" she thought she was off the air...but, that is the very same question I want to pose to George W. about the economy,(it is in the toilet and going down the drain), the price of food, staples not steaks-- (eggs, bread, fruit, milk, flour, rice, the very things we need to survive, fuel ($4.00 a gallon, I remember when it was 35 cents a gallon) and housing, who can afford to live decently anymore?...with summer just a scant 4 weeks away, why is it 53 degrees outside?...as Marvin asked, "What's Going On?"...all blood that spills colors the streets red... enough is enough...
"We have been telling the people that this is the
Eleventh Hour
Now we must go back and tell the people this is the
Hour"
Alice Walker
Last night I tried to post my thoughts, but, I guess I forgot to push the submit button, because nothing posted, maybe it was for the best, giving me enough time to reflect on my thoughts...maybe it was the weather that had me in such a pensive mood...I thought about Sean Bell and how he should have been celebrating his 25th birthday with his wife and daughters...I thought about El Malik El Shabazz who would be celebrating today had violence not erupted on 168th Street...I wonder what he would be doing today...what would we be doing...would we still be going through the same things we are going through now?...I do believe violence is based upon fear of the unknown...ignorance breeds disaster....why can't we just ask the questions that will give us the answers we need...why are people jawboning about Sue Simmons asking her friend and colleague,Chuck Scarborough, "What the eff are you doing?" she thought she was off the air...but, that is the very same question I want to pose to George W. about the economy,(it is in the toilet and going down the drain), the price of food, staples not steaks-- (eggs, bread, fruit, milk, flour, rice, the very things we need to survive, fuel ($4.00 a gallon, I remember when it was 35 cents a gallon) and housing, who can afford to live decently anymore?...with summer just a scant 4 weeks away, why is it 53 degrees outside?...as Marvin asked, "What's Going On?"...all blood that spills colors the streets red... enough is enough...
"We have been telling the people that this is the
Eleventh Hour
Now we must go back and tell the people this is the
Hour"
Alice Walker
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Not A Confused Muse, Tired Of Being Abused Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Love and Respect
Sean Bell would have turned 25 tomorrow. What a loss of potential greatness. Listening to the roll call of fallen victims of senseless police brutality throughout our nation is indeed a serious wake-up call. During this morning's Action Rally, Rev. cited numerous cases that should have made us all ashamed at the tactics that are used daily against members of our community. The 92 year old woman who was shot 100 times then who almost became the victim of dirty policing by the way of planted evidence is SICKENING!! Thank God there are still some who believe in and wear the badge with dignity and honor as my dad did; these are the ones who will stand up for justice in an unjust system. We have got to stand up for something or we will fall for everything. As James Brown said in Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees!" Come on Black America and throughout the diaspora, GET OFF OF YOUR KNEES!
Sean Bell would have turned 25 tomorrow. What a loss of potential greatness. Listening to the roll call of fallen victims of senseless police brutality throughout our nation is indeed a serious wake-up call. During this morning's Action Rally, Rev. cited numerous cases that should have made us all ashamed at the tactics that are used daily against members of our community. The 92 year old woman who was shot 100 times then who almost became the victim of dirty policing by the way of planted evidence is SICKENING!! Thank God there are still some who believe in and wear the badge with dignity and honor as my dad did; these are the ones who will stand up for justice in an unjust system. We have got to stand up for something or we will fall for everything. As James Brown said in Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees!" Come on Black America and throughout the diaspora, GET OFF OF YOUR KNEES!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Malfuctioning Muse
Dedicated to Sean Bell with Love and Respect
Really, it shouldn't have been that difficult to let you into my world. Some Muses are just technologically impaired...not making a proclamation, just an observation. LOL
Okay, since you can finally find me, whaddya have to say?? Lemme hear from YOU, alla YOU!
Really, it shouldn't have been that difficult to let you into my world. Some Muses are just technologically impaired...not making a proclamation, just an observation. LOL
Okay, since you can finally find me, whaddya have to say?? Lemme hear from YOU, alla YOU!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
More of The Muse's Musings
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell...Respect
Okay, let us send up a collective prayer that Evelyn, or should I say Super Evelyn, the Master Blogger, will be able to rescue me from myself. There is so much energy, so many thoughts and so much time to fill blogging. I want to read ALL of your thoughts and comments. Just share, share, share whatever is on your mind. Waiting, rather impatiently I might add, to hear from you. Super Evelyn, please rescue me from my blogging blockage.
Okay, let us send up a collective prayer that Evelyn, or should I say Super Evelyn, the Master Blogger, will be able to rescue me from myself. There is so much energy, so many thoughts and so much time to fill blogging. I want to read ALL of your thoughts and comments. Just share, share, share whatever is on your mind. Waiting, rather impatiently I might add, to hear from you. Super Evelyn, please rescue me from my blogging blockage.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Technically Challenged Muse
Dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell. ..Respect
Okay, so just how hard is it to give out my blog address? Apparently very, because I haven't done it right yet. I know I'm TheMuse or EuterpeMuse, but which? Perhaps I should have tried something I could remember as opposed to trying to be so darned ethereal. Guess I'll just have to keep trying 'til I get it right and can share my thoughts. When you get through, please share...and if you find out how before I do, please let the rest of us know what you did. :)
Monday, May 12, 2008
More Musings
In memory of Sean Bell
When will it be clear to the world, that NYPD needs to be revamped, retrained, and re-evaluated? Clearly, something has gone horribly wrong, when the highest ranking Af-Am official within the department has to defend his credentials to beat patrolmen who thought he was a fake. This illustrates this racist system within such a diverse society is in need of immediate correction.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Welcome to The Muse's Musings
In memory and respect to Sean Bell.
The very peaceful rally at 1 Police Plaza sent out the message loudly and clearly that we shall never forget. We mothers who are about to celebrate Mother's Day shall always remember Valerie Bell will never again hear her son' s voice. Every time our sons go out into the world, we pray we will see them return safely back to their respective homes. Each and every one of us could potentially be Valerie Bell. It is time to make a change. If not us, then who?