27 Nov 08 - WOD

Thank-Full

I woke up early this morning with a feeling of Joy in my heart. First and foremost, I'm thankful for my extended family which accepts me for exactly the man that I am. In all honesty, I'm a far cry from perfect... in fact sometimes, I'm a real "piece of work". Those who know me most intimately, are familiar with the mAnY complex working parts of my personality, and quite frankly... if I know y'all like I think I do, you wouldn't want me any other way. Additionally, I am grateful for friends who allow me to vent and provide much appreciated guidance and advice in times of distress. As my audience, you all serve as much more that just listening ears. In fact, at times, y'all are the shoulder that a brotha needs to lean on. You guys never disappoint me. I thank God for each of you. Know that on today and everyday ... I value and respect your honest, insightful, genuine feedback. In a world filled with phony, pretentious, opportunistic folk it does my heart well to know that I've developed a close knit group of grounded "give it to me straight with no chasers" loved ones. You dudes rAwK, maaaan. Happy Thanksgiving beloved.

Corey R.

5 Nov 08 - WOD

"Back on the map"

In the twilight of the most significant & monumental African American accomplishment in the history of the United States, I can't help but feel elated. Brotha Barack Obama has achieved the unthinkable. He has torn down the very walls that racial hatred and injust pseudo-tyrannical rulers of the past have constructed. He has transcended all of our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. He has captivated the minds, hearts, and will of a vast array of people (both foreign and native). Mr. Obama dared to fight the forbidden battle and I'll be damned if he didn't come out the VICTOR. Although bigger fish lay yet to be fried for our friend, our champion, our brother... let's all join in celebration for such a courageous, integrity filled, non "player hater", stick to the facts, CHANGE inspired presidential campaign.

I told my son back when Obama and Clinton were elected as democratic nominees that White America would NEVER place a brotha behind the helm. I have to admit, I was still a little leery even after Barack disposed of Hillary. I can honestly say that I've never been happier to have to "eat crow" than I am at this very moment. Not that I'm a pessimist but incidences such as a blotched Hurricane Katrina rescue effort and the mishandled Jena 6 court proceedings have conditioned me to operate under the mindset that White citizens of the U.S. would never support a Negro candidate. I fully expected my white counterparts to repeat the historic trend of publicly supporting the brotha but then catching "convenient amnesia" when they showed up to the voting polls. Well I'm happy to say that this year's election has altered my former logic because CLEARLY, Caucasian America showed overwhelming support of brotha Barack in the booth, last night.

I never imagined that Barack could outright win in states like Iowa and Ohio. In my opinion, the Good Ole Boys of America didn't care enough about "US" as a people to elect one of our kinfolk to the most prestigious position in the American political sector. The outcome of the election has revealed the first glimmer of HOPE for our nation, in quite some time. Lawd knows I could personally use a perspective overhaul. Over the past four years, I lost my sense of patriotism. The playing of the national anthem at professional athletic events no longer inspired me (except during the 2008 Olympics). The two aforementioned heinous instances in Louisiana helped to promote inner feelings of disconnect. I had begun to feel more like I was a citizen of the "Un-United" States of America.

Last night's surprising chain of events has re-ignited an internal fire deep within me. I am proud to say that America has FINALLY risen to the occasion. As a member of a minority race, I recognize that there is no way African Americans alone could have single-handedly propelled Senator Obama into the Presidential seat. This miraculous feat was brought to fruition as a result of a supporting cast comprised of black, white, Hispanic, and Asian voters alike. For the first time in very long time, "Our country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty".

On today, the American citizens in general have a great deal to celebrate. African American folk have much to rejoice over; although none more than my line brothers Keith, Damon, Eric, Harvey, and Samuel. You see, last night truly marked a momentous occasion for these five brothas. Not simply because WE now have a black President but rather and instead because for the first time in over a decade, Barack Obama has officially made it COOL to be a light-skinned brotha. I know I wasn't supposed to say this today but uh rah... BOO YAAAAH!!! What? Barack has a sense of humor, too. lighten up...

Corey R.

3 Nov 08 - WOD

Horseshoes & hand grenades just won't suffice!

So on the eve of election Tuesday, I'm full of mixed emotions. Prayerful that my boy Barack will reign supreme in the polls tomorrow. Suspicious that "da system" will pull a whammy on our azzes tho. Hopeful that if by chance Obama should happen to be elected the next President of the United States ... his family's safety will not be jeopardized. Anxious that "A Change" will finally catapult my brethren into an unexplored stratosphere. Optimistic that perhaps for once, those young brothers who society has been deemed "hopeless" will be motivated to dream BIGGER. I am so excited about the possibility for my son, my brothers, myself to feel empowered that we also possess the "STUFF" required to become, accomplish, & attain more than we've previously imagined possible. So much is riding on the outcome of tomorrow's election. I don't know about y'all but I'll never be satisfied with the feeling that our people have "come this far" or "gotten this close" ... the close factor only counts with hand grenades and in the game of horseshoes. If Barack Obama, You and I don't win this election, this may very well mark the last time I ever visit the voting polls. Don't be misled, good people. Y'all better know that if the numbers don't pan out, after the American citizens have had an opportunity to witness the debates and carefully assess both candidates, it means that "da system" was rigged. Barack has done all he can, the ball is in our court now y'all. Meet me at the polls tomorrow, beloved.

Corey R.