Tag Archives: #socialjustice

Community, Current

BACK 2 SCHOOL 2018

 

It’s about that time of the year again. Although my personal projects are mounting up, I feel compelled to speak about some of the social issues that continue to contribute to injustice in our communities. I believe that in the true spirit ‘Humanities Heart,’ not only are we responsible to speak up for ourselves, but we must also speak up for the future of urban infrastructure, and our responsibility to create sustainability through our culture.

First of all I must speak about some of the positive events I was able to be apart of this summer, such as Juneteenth with Dr. Barber and Dr. Forbes. Dr. Barber reminded us that many of us are, NOT GETTING THE MEMO! I also attended another graduation with Omar Freilla and Green Worker Cooperatives. I felt exhilarated, as I witnessed another group of entrepreneurs prepare to build from the inside to create change on the outside. I also attended a seminar hosted by Chris Edmin and Teachers College, Columbia University. As I witnessed these young people combine hip-hop and science, I sat in the auditorium both inspired and amazed. I believe that an event like this captures the true essence of creativity, which eventually will conceive progressive growth throughout our communities.

These are a few events that come time mind as I search for motivation in the mist of current disparities. Situations like the Brooklyn nail salon incident, the Dashawn McGrier beat down, and the unfortunate fate of Kalief Browder, have me in a state of uncertainty, wondering about the safety my friends and family. I not sure if it’s normal to feel this way, but I hope that we are moving closer to the solutions rather than agitating the problems.

 

Send me your replies; OUR VOICES ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!

Community, Current

GUNS AND ROSES DUDE

What’s up People,

 

As we settle into a new semester, I am concerned about what I see going on in our country. Most notable the tragedy that just occurred in Las Vegas, where many people lost their lives for no apparent reason. How do we begin to approach general safety issues? Do we need more conversations about policy change to spread awareness in regard to gun control? Should an individual have the right to purchase a gun for safety?

 

As I think about this issue, I realize that urban communities are usually targeted in these conversations; but rarely do we hear about mass shootings occurring in our inner cities.  Although it’s true that urban communities facilitate gang violence, never have we heard of people just killing other people without rhyme or reason. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers! But I believe it’s important to challenge each other and our government to revisit our gun laws for general safety. We must continue to work for a solution to gun violence, and it shouldn’t take a mass shooting or two people shooting it out on the South Side of Chicago for us to wake up, and work to prevent senseless violence.

 

Peace & Blessings,

 

Jeff

 

Community, Current

WAS COLIN BLACKBALLED?

Hey Beautiful People,

 

I hope your summer was remarkable. Things have heated up since I last posted in regards to social justice. What stands out is the Colin Kapernick situation. This man is still unemployed, and it seems that the owners want nothing to do with him. If we look at the statistics, Kapernick seems to have a lot to offer an NFL team. How can we justify a league that punishes a man for standing up for his believes? Many say he was blackballed! What do you think?

 

As a black man in America, I believe that this brother might not ever work in the NFL again. I also believe that this is a great example of the injustices that continue to infect our communities. It might not seem to be important to some, but we must raise our voices against this this type corporate dominance. We have to attack these organizations by boycotting the NFL! This is the only way to gain respect, as we confirm our relevance to the league. I know for many, boycotting is impossible, but for those who can, please do, let’s work to take a stand against blatant injustice.

 

Peace & Blessing,

Jeff

 

 

Pledge here:

 

Community, Current, Music

Back 2 School Mix

2 Comments

 

Hey Y’all,

As we come to the end of another summer, I decided to put together a Back 2 School Mix for motivation and therapy.  I hope that you dig this mix, please send feedback.  This music is our historical soundtrack; I truly believe that if we take a microscopic look at the origin of this music, we will find our future collectively.

Unfortunately, we found out this weekend that one of our great activist/comedians went home to Rest in Power.  In my humble opinion, Dick Gregory was a man that lived his life in service to urban communities through out the world.  Ultimately, he is a great example of the type of discipline and courage it takes to challenge a system that continues to fail the citizens of our grassroots society.

Peace & Blessings,
Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

Community

Can we obtain Social Justice through Soul Food?

Gallery 2 Comments

In a world where people are constantly concerned about their diets, Michael Twitty is examining social justice through food. Twitty a culinary historian, based in Washington D.C., suggests that we preserve the heritage, of what most of us refer to as, “Soul Food.” Twitty investigates the battered past of his ancestors, and how food played a significant role in African American history. Until I viewed this brothas presentation I had never considered the importance of the food that I was raised on. Check out Twitty’s view on food culture, you may never look at a pork chop the same way again.

 

 

Peace!