[Barack Obama's acceptance of the nomination for President of the United States at the Democratic National Convention]
“The establishment of democracy on the American continent was scarcely as radical a break with the past as was the necessity, which Americans faced, of broadening this concept to include Black men.”
-James Baldwin
My Brother KC over at TheCheddarbox already spoke on this a bit, but I had to pay homage to the historical day that took place recently.
I was flipping through the channels on Thursday, on my way to CNN when I discovered that BET would be broadcasting live from the Democratic National Convention with Jeff Johnson (host of “The Truth with Jeff Johnson”). While Aaron McGruder’s “The Boondocks” has pointed out to me, the myriad ways in which BET is actually “Black, EVIL Television,” coupled with Rocsi and Terrance consistently stating: “THAT’S A GOOD LOOK!” no matter how TURRIBLE the “look” is on “106&Park,” I found this coverage to be pretty f*cking fantabulous when compared to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer (is it jus me or does that sound like the name of a Gestapo Policeman who came to arrest/murder Anne Frank? =T ).
Thursday night’s BET coverage of the DNC included: “The Dream: 45 Years Later,” an inside look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic speech of August 28, 1963 and “his” dream exactly 45 years later as it relates to the 2008’s presidential race and this defining moment in history as Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States of America.
Best of all of this in my own opinion, was Jeff Johnson. He had a way of being extremely authentic in his feelings and reminding people how historic of a night this was not only for Black people, but for Amerika and the world at large. At the same time, he never spoke of Obama as some “savior,” sent to cure racism/oppression and reminded the viewers at home to hold anyone elected President responsible for their actions and decisions. He interviewed Democratic politicians of Black/African heritage from all over the country as to their opinions about the night’s events. To me, it was amazingly refreshing to hear something other than a White Amerikan, mainstream voice (even if it was still a “mainstream voice”).
[Johnson, warning: "Don't look for Obama to be a Messiah."]
It needs to be reminded that there were upwards of 85,000 (f*cking) people in Mile High Stadium in Denver, who came to hear this speech(!). It feels hopeful to me to see so many people from different walks of life refusing another 4 years of Black/Brown youth dying in horrific numbers, jobs being lost, illegal war, immigrant discrimination, blatant sexism, homophobia and white supremacy. This could just be a “feeling,” but it “feels” as if white folks are, in larger numbers than ever before, realizing that the concept of what “American” means, doesn’t encapsulate only those who lack pigment. I am not naive and do NOT believe that Obama winning will bring some kind of “post-racial” utopia, but I do see that some of the dreams of those who have fought and died for equity and social justice for SO long, MIGHT be realized come November. What is worrysome is whether or not he will see what he has promised through, or if this historic moment in time goes to sh*t and the only change is the race of our “leader.” I for one, pray it is not the latter. This historic night of course, was held on the 45th anniversarry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”
[Another "memorable speech," given by an Amerikan leader of Black/African heritage, 45 years earlier.]
Standing at the pue panoramic view of the seating / Greeting, I’ve been meaning to do me some letter reading, to the King / He forever breathing, your messages never leaving / Some of your homies, phonies I should say it when I see them / Them sleazy bastards, some greedy pastors, jerks / Some should never be allowed in Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Atlanta / Some people be patient I know this ghetto grammar / But im a street dude normally I just speak rude / Martin Luther, the martyr, the trooper, hate killed him / Noble peace prize winner they duplicate the feelin / As a kid I aint relate really, I was sayin Dreams speech jokingly / Till your world awoken me / First I thought your were passive, soft one who ass kissed / I was young to be honest, I was feelin Mohammed / I aint even know the strength you had to have to march / You was more than just talk you were the first real “Braveheart” / We miss you…
-Nas (“Letter to the King”)
I NEVER GAVE A FLYING 747 F— ABOUT A PRESIDENTIAL RACE WITH LIARS STRESSING OVER PENANCE, HOW THEIR “CHRISTIAN MORALS AND ETHICS,” IMPLORED ‘EM TO SENTANCE CHILDREN THAT THEY’VE NEVER MET TO SIT IN COURT AS DEFENDANTS… PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT “NORMAL” (QUOTE, UN-QUOTE) TO STAY SEALED-IN AND LOCKED, HORRIBLE. HOPE’S NO JOKE. I’LL CELEBRATE ALL NIGHT WHEN BARACK GETS THE TICKET, BUT THE NEXT DAY, BELIEVE I’LL BE HIS HARSHEST OF CRTITCS. DIG IT.
[Bambu & Do.Dat - International Guerilla's Anthem via P.SANI]
I am doing my best to NOT get caught up in OBAMA-Mania, but I have to admit I was feeling small inklings of “hope” the other night. Call me corny, but Michelle Obama is fiercely intelligent and pretty damn beautiful if you ask me. I know a lot of this speech was aimed to target certain folks, ie: ”swing” voters and was supposed to reach out to poor/working-class white people who are still infected by racism (it’s 2008 you ig’nant bastards!), but there was still enough genuine autheniticity to move me a couple inches.
She’s like Jackie O. on steroids (and w/ melanin).
[Pt. 1]
[Pt. 2]
[Pt. 3]
Not unlike Barack, I now know what it is like to be married to an stupendously amazing woman (and I’m mixed race / misunderstood / slightly-confused-but-have-good-intentions =P).
YUP. It’s been hella years since I posted anything. I just wanted to drop a line and say that I have just returned from the Fiji Islands on my honeymoon. Before I left, I married the woman of my dreams, said goodbye to my Bachan the very next day (R.I.P.) and will be starting Graduate School the day after tomorrow. August has been one helluva ride and will live in my memory forever and always.
More to come on all of this, along with pics from the beautiful wedding, reminiscing about my sweet, gangsta-ass Bachan and my recent trip to the South Pacific.
I’ll leave yall with this in case you’re like me and don’t watch much TV and haven’t seen this yet. I’m feeling Weezy-esque right now, in that I’ve never felt such a mixture of being so clear-eyed/focused, while at the same time having my thought patterns strewn about all over the f*cking universe and lost in a Jimi-like, purple-haze. “Are you experienced?”
[YA DIG?!]
Just because I’m losing, doesn’t mean I’m lost…
-Chris Martin (Coldplay)
[Big Boi ft. Mary J. Blige - Something's Gotta Give]
New single by Big Boi (of Outkast) from his forthcoming album, “Sir Luscious Left Foot.” Know about it.
Andre3K is amazing but don’t diss yourself and forget that “Daddy Fat Sacks” (aka) “B-I-G B-O-I will put them knuckles to your eye.”
Something’s GOTTA give,
Senbei
p.s. I know I aint dropped any entries in a bit, but I’m getting married this week and sh*t’s been quite positively 18maynee. Don’t worry, I got sumpin’ stuey in the works. Yes, it’s hella long and about racism…How’d you guess?!?! Shiiiiiet…
