The Return

Hey Good People!

I've been away for a while. I didn't expect to be gone for so long. Summer 2011 is here, so needless to say I've been busy trying to juggle practical matters while attempting to have a little fun in between.

I'll be back with a longer post and to announce the topic of discussion for this month. Hopefully I'll squeeze in an event at some point too. Stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, check out this hilarious but very sweet poem by Shanelle Gabriel.
If you've ever dated somebody who gets on your last nerve but you can't imagine living without
this one is for you. Let's Elevate?

Why I Love You

by Shanelle Gabriel

Powerful words

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Just when I think I've read everything about Martin Luther King Jr. I find something else that inspires me all over again. Such a powerful soul. I don't have much to say this time. I'll leave you guys with this video of one of my favorite songs by The Great Duke and Coltrane.

Until Next time.. let's Elevate?




Song by Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
"In a Sentimental Mood"

Love and other Drugs

I like Valentine's Day. Some people say it's just a Capitalist Holiday where people go out and buy silly gifts and say the things they should be saying all year round. Yes, that may be true but what about reclaiming the holiday/or time as a chance to reconnect with yourself or your God?

Why can't we all just spend the day telling ourselves how much we love who we are and how far we've come? Buy ourselves some flowers or maybe even do something kind for a stranger. There's so many ways we can use this day and make it positive.

Just saying.... instead of having the blues about not having the perfect date or gift, remember that you are enough. You are not alone and you are loved. Embrace yourself today. (Okay stopping now before I break out into a verse of Michael Jackson's "Heal The World." I can feel it coming on)

and for those of you who will be entertaining ahem.. "guest" tonight, this video is for you


Floetry - "Fantasize"









Enjoy, Play safe, and please... let's Elevate.

Meet Farrah Gray

Who is Farrah Gray? Well according to his official biography

"Dr. Farrah Gray was named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine. Ebony Magazine recognized him as an entrepreneurial icon, business mogul and best-selling author. Raised in the impoverished South side of Chicago, Dr. Gray defied the odds and became a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. At the age of 21, he received an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters from Allen University. This was in recognition of his ingenious economic mind and distinguished commitment to the development of values such as leadership, integrity and scholarship. In his rise from poverty to national and international prominence as an entrepreneurial icon and pre-eminent power speaker, Dr. Gray has inspired millions around the world. At the age of 26, he has achieved more than many achieve in a lifetime."

Oh and to top it all off he's young Black man! You see my point is to show you (those of you who are struggling with what you can not do because of the color of your skin or the conditions you were raised in) that you can do anything you put your mind to. Seriously, anything you can dream, you can have it. It's never too late to create history and it does not matter where your story begins. You determine how it will end. Just ask Farrah!

If you want to know more about him
Check out this video




It is my sincere hope that after you watch his interviews it will inspire you to shoot for the stars, challenge you to accomplish more, and give you hope for the future. Happy Black History Month!

And Please let's continue Elevate.

Black History Month

It's that time again. Time to pause and think about the contributions that African Americans/People of Color have offered to the world. Instead of going on and on (like I usually do) about the unsung heroes that "keep the dream alive" I've decided that each week I will feature a young person who is doing just that. I believe the children really are our future and the more we encourage and lift them up it will begin to act as a domino effect in our communities. I believe if we use these media platforms to give them attention and praise for the RIGHT reasons the more they will continue to do the very thing that makes us so proud. Not only that, it will also give their peers an example and an alternative to the lifestyles and reality that so many of us have to deal with every day. Yes it's hard but there is hope and sometimes hope is found in the unlikeliest of places.

In the meantime check out this poem called

"A Black American"
by Smokey Robinson




Let's Elevate?

Open Mic Night!

[update] Sorry guys. The event did not happen on the Feb. 10th due to a conflict with my real life schedule. I will be hosting one very soon. And yes I do realize I put the wrong date on the flyer. (LOL Whoops) What can I say? It was just a bad night for me. To everybody who messaged me wondering what the heck happened, I apologize.

Thanks for your support!
Vertigo

Let's talk

Let's have an open discussion about dealing with deception in our lives. This includes both within relationships and the little white lies told in day to day interactions. I'm positive this topic will strike a nerve with those of us who have encountered it on a larger scale and have seen lies and betrayal destroy our lives in second life and real life as well. Also it will be interesting to talk about whether all lies (those that are said or left unsaid) are created equal.

Join us for an evening that will shed light on all the dark places most people like to keep hidden. Be sure to leave your masks and preconceived notions about social dialogues at home. Can't wait to see you there!


Let's Elevate?


"WE WEAR THE MASK"
BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR
recited by Keith Walker