SEEN/HEARD
And The Children Shall Lead Them...

This post is dedicated to the memory
of
Maurice McIver

Almost the entire 8th grade class at Intermediate School 318 in the South Bronx recently refused to take a 180 minute practice test. The diagnostic social studies exam, issued in six different classes, is in preparation for another test next month. This specific test does not, in any way, have an affect on grades.

The students' protest was mostly peaceful; all quietly handed in blank exams. There was a small skirmish involving a teacher who was angry over the protest, but nothing worth going into detail (BTW: none of the kids are going to ask this uptight bonehead to sign their yearbook).

The students even submitted signed petitions with a list of grievances to the principal and the Board of Education. They advise that they are sick of being used as "test dummies."

There are a couple of editorials on this incident. Most concur with something that I have been saying since I graduated high school back in the late '80's. Children in America aren't being taught to "think." They are being "taught to test." The NYC Board of Ed is doing its best to suppress the real issue here and get back to business as usual. That business being paying companies who do not have any stake at all in the community millions of dollars to test our kids on shit they may never, ever use in life.

Last weekend proved deadly in the Big Apple; quite a few teenagers were shot--one even lost his life. Ironically, one of the accused in the deadly incident was on a conditional release stemming from a gun charge last year. Why is it the powers that be are okay with children having illegal weapons but get all igged out about them staging a quiet protest? I'd rather see picket signs and petitions than pistols in our children's hands.

The 8th graders at 318 have taken a stand and I say, "more power to them!"

Axe.

Currently Reading: The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs by Felicia Pride
Currently Listening To: (what else) Fight The Power by Public Enemy, and Jesus Children of America by Sir Stevie Wonder

Links for stories on IS 318:

Bronx 8th Graders Boycott Exam
Civil Disobedience: Bronx 8th Graders Refuse The Test
Apathy Doesn't Live In The Bronx

FILTHY...
...And Yet Artistic

At a recent gathering with about half a dozen intelligent Afro-Americans discussing politics, "how things 'used to be,'" love, life, and playing cut-throat Monopoly, the conversation turned briefly, to sex. And of course, it got quite necessarily smutty. I say necessary because well, no matter how pristine a person's life may be, there is always a dab of smut somewhere. Everybody. Even if it is in their closet, buried under a stack of neatly folded clothes inside of a shoe box.

We happened to be discussing FUBU movies (for us, by us). We agreed that some have been excellent (Life, Get On The Bus, Ray, Dreamgirls) and argued about ones we thought should have gone straight to DVD, if at all. We were at odds on John Singleton's Baby Boy. However, all the women agreed 100% that the scene with Vhing Rhames and AJ Johnson leap frogging across the floor makes the film redeemable. Smut; it unifies, even when divided.

Got me to thinking what movie scenes that were smutty, yet creative and memorable, regardless of whether the film itself was good, or not.

8. She's Gotta Have It: Too many to list and describe here, so I'll just say, "all but one of the scenes where Nola (Tracy Camilla Johns) 'does the do' with one of her three suitors." Ya dig?

7. Jason's Lyric: This classic love story with the semi-happy ending has two scenes that almost make a girl wish she grew up in Houston's Fifth Ward and Alan Payne would come rescue her. Granted both scenes are pretty much the same--mad, passionate love making. Still, there are different circumstances involved with each. Down at the bayou, it is the "first time" for Lyric (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Jason (Alan Payne); homeboy washes her feet--say what? The other tryst occurs after a disagreement, and takes place in the television repair shop where our knight in shining armor works. It is late and there is a thunderstorm; no Teddy Pendergrass or Luther Vandross required.

6. Love Jones: Poetry and jazz. Chicago Stepping and a man with a motorcycle. Love at first sight and sex on the first date. 'Nuff said.

5. Baby Boy: Mama/Juanita (AJ Johnson) has already told her son, Joseph, "you need your own place." But she shows us up close and damn near in 3-D why. Her new man, Melvin (Ving Rhames), an ex-con, has moved in. She and her beau get down with their bad selves, in stereo, as they hop across the floor, making love "froggy style." Putting a little twist on the Pete Rock and CL Smooth tune "They Reminisce Over You," "...Mama's getting freaky in the house!"

4. The Best Man: During his wedding, football superstar Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnutt) is still reeling after learning that his best man, Harper (Taye Diggs) slept with his "virgin" bride, Mia (Monica Calhoun) back in college; visions of Mia and Harper knocking boots (and well) continually flash through Sullivan's mind as he struggles to hold it together at the altar. The graphic, moan-filled scenes bring Sullivan's hypocritical, misogynist, forever-cheating ass to tears.

3. How Stella Got Her Groove Back: This May-December couple has undeniable chemistry. But after bringing her boy toy back to the states with her, the honeymoon slowly dissipates and there is constant friction. One last argument leaves Stella (Angela-always-has-fine-
leading-men-Bassett) and Winston (Taye-should-have-been-MY-
baby-Daddy) on the verge of breaking up. And like all fights there is tension, which builds to the most passionate yet tasteful love making on screen that this viewer had seen in a long time. Director Kevin Rodney Sullivan who made his motion picture debut with HSGHGB, shows us that there is nothing, I mean nothing like making up!

2. The Wood: Aleshia (Malinda Williams) and "Big" Mike (Sean Nelson), are teenagers who have been best friends for a few years. They are also both virgins. Their awkward sexual encounter is touching, funny, and causes you to sigh. Do you remember your first time?

1. Claudine: Our leading lady, Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a mother with six children living on welfare in Harlem during the 1970's. She meets an intelligent, fine-as-all-outdoors garbageman named Rupert (James Earl Jones) out in the 'burbs where she works off the books to supplement her meager welfare check. She hesitantly agrees to go to out with him. The date has a very rocky start. When the two are finally alone, they argue briefly. Suddenly, but not surprisingly, Claudine and Rupert are rocking each other's world like their lives depended on it. This is old school smut, but it is classic and priceless.

Currently Reading: We've Gotta Have It--20 Years of Seeing Black At Movies by Esther Iverem
Currently Listening To: Epiphany by Jill Scott

WHAT YOU SEE, IS WHAT YOU GET...?
Does "Writing" The "Wrongs" Mean I'll Be Broke

It took many years for me to officially become a writer. Writing is something I have always loved and it has been quite some journey getting "here." Along the way, I have done my best to keep my skills honed, writing whenever and wherever I can, even if sometimes it means doing so for free.

Also, along the way, I listened to those who were "doing what they loved." One such person was Tavis Smiley. Mr. Smiley, a Black activist-slash-man of considerable intelligence-slash-radio host-slash-television hot-slash-author, always has tips for improving oneself. The advice to black people to "read stuff other than Jet, Ebony and Essence" was something that struck a chord with me.

As a result, I started watching and became fascinated with "60 Minutes." On the surface, the show is boring. But then I began to dissect some of the stories they ran. Some had a spin on it that I, as a journalist could see right through. A few however, left me wondering: are the shows' producers pro or con on the war, are they part of this country's racial problems or solution, how much longer are they going to subject us to Andy Rooney's commentaries, etc.

Still, yet another question was born: will journalism leave me poor and looking broke down? Sure, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, and a few others always look good. But some of the real hard-hitting reporters, especially the ones on "60 Minutes," look like hell. During the two years that I avidly watched the show, beyond being enlightened, I noticed quite a few things. The late (and great) Brother Ed Bradley who worked almost up until he passed away, was in serious need of dental repair. Leslie Stahl cannot afford contacts or at the very least, a pair of glasses that do not look like she picked them up at the grocery store.

And, while I dig that Andy Rooney loves comfortable shoes, he works for the oldest news show on television. Surely he can afford some new kicks; ones better than the truly dogged out pair he showed America...or can he?

Axe.

Currently Reading: Not a doggone thing!
Currently Listening To: God Bless The Child by David Peaston

BLACK FLIGHT: WHAT I COULDN'T PUT INTO WORDS
(The Mega Mess of the Nuevo Mega-Church)

...this guy, a preacher, quite ironically, said it very articulately. Had a hard time explaining to my religious-to-infinity mother, what, exactly are the issues I have with churches today. I'm no atheist. I possess an indescribable belief in the power of prayer and know first hand that faith does work when it is applied in generous doses.

Still, I am just not very fond of the current state of "church." It has changed; there is less fellowship, more building fund, less holy ghost, more hierarchy.

But as the minister preached, he described the church's recent "Black Flight."

I smiled.

Ah, I knew there was a way to describe the very vivid, tangible abyss that I saw in our neighborhoods.

Guess what happened, in my opinion, is that one day the mega churches gobbled up all of the neighborhood, storefront or community churches. Then with all their newfound energy, the super mutant ninja churches left the 'hood-- burning rubber while driving away in a Mercedes, and moved out to the 'burbs. This black flight, as it were, has left struggling, inner city neighborhoods void of fellowship and spiritual nourishment.

Furthermore, anyone left in the hood--those who just simply cannot seem to get out of that hole, they are no longer viewed valuable to the congregation. With a 5,000-seat edifice with all the extras, it becomes less about Mother Henderson, who has watched you and your siblings grow up, and more about Andrew Jackson and Ben Franklin (ya heard?).

Proof of this theory is apparent at Destiny World Church. Already neatly located in Cobb County, Georgia, right off I-20 in a state of the art facility less than five years old, DWC took the whole "live, work, play" idea to another level. In 2006, DWC decided that in addition to the two Sunday services in Austell, they would also start worshipping in Atlantic Station in the ballroom of the Twelve Hotel. Atlantic Station is the new swanky shopping oasis in the heart of mid-town Atlanta. In an interview back in '06 (Live, Work...And Pray), the pastor claimed this decision was to reach those who "might not want to travel far for their religion." Hmmm...but why not hold those same services in the West End, or East Point? Plenty of folk there, but not nearly as much money. Guess that wouldn't be a good investment...but I digress.

The pastor also asserted that the services would be "convenient." I would say so. See, away from the hood, where people really need God, and neatly tucked away in this "safe" part of town, no one will have to answer the question of why pastor and other church officials drive $40,000 cars and most of the parishioners ride the bus.

And to be real, with all the members, numerous Sunday services and the multitude of extra curricular events going on in Mega Churches, there just isn't any room for real bonding. Nobody knows your name. It is quite possible to go to the same church as someone from your job or even your neighbor from down the street and never speak to them or ever see them.

Yes, the world has become a very crowded place. But I'd much rather go back to the day when your church was within walking distance (or at least a hop and a skip on public transit) and "home away from home." As I discussed this issue with my mother, I posed this query: how can people be expected to work all week, then trudge to a church for Bible study when the church has up and moved out to the boonies?

It is almost like expecting your car to get by on the same amount of gas, although the filling station has been moved very , very far away and one has to travel two to three times the distance just to fill up?

Axe.

Currently Reading: The Message: 100 Life Lessons From Hip-Hops Greatest Songs by Felicia Pride
Currently Listening To: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

SEEN/HEARD
(I Got To Be Me)

"...I'm constantly late. Being on time is for white people."
--Singer Erykah Badu

I would not wait for this heifer if she did not arrive on time for a scheduled meeting; keeping someone waiting is inconsiderate and a sign of disrespect.

Still, I will unashamedly admit, I love this quote and I'm digging Erykah's style. Brutal honesty, although in this case a little self-destructive, is like a breathe of fresh air on a muggy day; welcomed relief from all the "heaviness." When there is bullshit going on, honest answers to tough questions separate the lies from the truth. Ms. Badu lets us know up front: as an African-American, she will not be confined by time (I wonder if how "E" would handle an IRS audit? The IRS doesn't have a lot of real love for us folk these days; just ask gospel singer Yolanda Adams...).

Again, I do not dig blatant tardiness, but respect and appreciate that Ms. Queen Neo-Soul freely expresses herself, even at the risk of sounding a tad racist. Shit, if I was not already impressed by her singing and writing skills before, I would be now.

Do you, girl! I may never interview Miss "Too-Eccentric-For-Her-Own-Damn-Good," or ever get to work with her, nevertheless she handle hers!

Axe.

Currently Reading: We Gotta Have It--20 Years of Seeing Blacks At The Movies by Esther Iverem.
Currently Listening To: Honey by Erykah Badu (but of course!)

SILENT APPROVAL
(The Natural Actions of the Complacent and Confused)

Those who are my skin folk ain't necessarily my kin folk.
--Zora Neale Hurston (1938-1960)

The comment was simple, but simply not acceptable.

Recently discussing the Sean Bell murder case with an African American who did not know the deal. Sean, a brother in NY was shot 50 times by NYPD in the early morning hours in November 2006. He was leaving his bachelor party and due to be married 12 hours later. The three police officers in the case were charged, but alas found not guilty.

While talking about the shock waves the verdict is causing in the black community, this "brother (and I use that term lightly)", suggested that Al Sharpton and the rest of us who are outraged, "need to leave that alone." By "that,"he meant protesting the verdict. I threw my head back, yet said nothing as I looked at this 'bama (he is indeed from heart of Dixie; bomingham, no less).

What he fails to understand is that by keeping quiet during times of injustice, we are saying it is okay--it is okay to drag that man behind a truck until he is dead. It is okay to charge more interest for loans in the 'hood. It is okay to give stiffer penalties for non-white collar crimes. It's okay...

Axe.

Currently Reading: The Message--100 Life Lessons From Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs by Felicia Pride
Currently Listing To: All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix