Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR

Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR

Sunday, November 30, 2008

DETROIT RAPPER ISN'T PRACTICING WHAT HE PREACHES ABOUT RESPECT

This past summer, Detroit-based rapper and entreprenuer Trick Trick had helped break up a fight that invovled rapper Yung Berg, and when he was interviewed, he said that the Chicago-Based rapper, who was in hot heat for dissing dark-skinned females and for dissing the famous Motown city was a 'disresepctful individual' and that the world would be a better place if everybody would have respect for each other (See YOUNG RAPPER WROTE BAD CHECK THAT HIS ASS COULDN'T CASH-August 28, 2008).
Well it seems that the rapper isn't praticing what he preached four months ago because he recently disrespected Gays by saying that he doesn't want any Gays buying his latest CD.
“I’ma go on the record right now with this. Homosexuals are probably not gonna like this album,” the rapper revealed to AllHipHop.com. “I don’t want your f**got money any goddamn way. I don’t like it [homosexuality]. Carry that s**t somewhere else.”
He also recorded a song that expresses his disapproval for same-sex couples, attacking Actresses and talk-show hostess Rosie O'Donnel and Ellen Degenneres calling them dyke bitches and planning on having a missle crash their cruise ship that O'Dowell rides with her partner and children every year, but he gets out of hand on the topic of same-sex adoption, Trick Trick adamantly spits that “He goes both ways/Either way he’s gay/Ain’t no other way to say/He’s a f**king faggot so I’m lettin’ off my AK/Bust ‘em in his forehead/He ain’t worth lettin’ live/A man and man shouldn’t raise another man’s kids!”
He isn't the first rapper to record homophobic songs; his musical collaborator Emeniem recorded songs that offened the Gay community, but things changed, when he performed his hit "Stan" with Elton John on the 2001 Grammy Awards, but what got me pissed off was how Trick Trick was talking about people needing to show respect for each other, but yet not only talks about his hatred of Gays, but he does songs about killing them. Talk about being a fucking hyprcorite!!! How the fuck this nigga is going to be talking about respect, but yet he had the audacity to disrespect a group of people who are play a major role in the entertainment industry by promoting and dressing these stars? Talk about calling the kettle Black!! How the hell was he gonna know if Gay people would buy his shit? Have people screened at the record stores? Be for real; all Gays guys don't be snapping and swtiching, and not all Lesbians by bopping and nodding their heads either so he needs to grow up and stop promoting mixed messages. One mintue he's complaining about how Yung Berg being a disrespectful individaul, but yet tells people who can purchase and listen to his music, which advocates violence, hatred and ignorance? Since he don't want any of Gay people's money, I won't have any problem not purchasing to his music. Shit, I'll do something even better; I won't even download his shit either. Instead I'll continue to support artists like Nona Hendryx, Shorty Roc, Jesse-0, Bry'Nt, Nhjoi, Baron, Kin, God-Des, Boy George, Melissa Ethridge, Anye Elite Q-Boyand all the other openly Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual singers, rappers and performers, who has the heart, guts and strength to be who they are without compromising their orientation for mainstream success as well as hetrosexual and Gay-friendly artists like Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Cher, Salt-N-Pepa, Malik Yoba, Mary Wilson, Kelly Rowland, Pink, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Barbra Striesand and T-Boz.

Songs played and inspried for this blog

Tipsy (Freestyle)
Nigga Please
This Is My Quest
Pandemoneium
Performed by Shorty Roc

Not Your Average
Performed by Johnny Dangerous

Debate
Performed by Johnny Dangerous with God-Des and Lisa G.

Brand New
Shit You Like
Performed by Bry'nt

They Love It
Performed by Anye Elite

Step To This
Performed by Jesse-0

Doing My Thang
Performed by Nhjoi

System
Performed by LaBelle

Monday, November 24, 2008

MY CHAT WITH OPEN PREACHER


For many decades, many churches had been a place for people to hear the word of God, develop their vocal skills by singing in the choir, and a place to gain spiritual knowledge and healing. Sadly it’s also a place, where many members and Gays have felt judge for not dressing to their standards of wearing fancy and expensive designer suits, and for being attracted to the same sex, while the same members and preachers take part in the actions they strongly and bluntly preach against.
Well Apostle/Reverend Taruius J. Franklin is making a difference and going against the traditions by being true to himself and ministering and people of all genders and backgrounds without being selective of one’s outer appearance and orientation.
Born in California, Franklin grew up with a strong spiritual background, courtesy of his parents and Grandfather being Bishops and Preachers, who taught him the bible and importance of serving God. He was even ordained a pastor during his teen years, but like many people raised in the church, he ignored his calling due to battles with his sexuality and hypocritical non-loving behavior of many of the members, and opted to chose a career as a singer and later ran an adult entertainment company and escort service, where led to engaging in sex and drugs that led him to his death bed. God and his late father saw that he had the opportunity to make a difference in the world, so he surrendered to God and chose to be open about his sexuality on BET Live with Travis Smiley in 2000 and forming his own ministry The Agape Community Center in Atlanta Georgia, a church that is open to people regardless of race, creed and sexual orientation.
“This is not a Gay Church” he says.
“It’s a church for everybody. You’re gonna see people with suits, and you’re gonna see people in du-rags, sagging jeans, white tee’s and ice.”
I met Franklin on Black Gay Chat, and after he accepted my request to be a friend, he posted a comment about his church, and after I learned he was the pastor, I peeped the church’s site and was surprised to learn that not only was he the pastor, he’s also a great singer with a seven octave range who can sing his butt off and rocks fitted caps, du-rags, baggy jeans and timbs. After I requested an interview with him we spoke the following day, and I was captivated by his love of God, his realness, sense of humor, inner strength and business-like manner and we agreed to conduct the interview which was unexpectedly delayed due to me passing out from exhaustion and the heat in my apartment, which is a blessing to have at times. We were able to reschedule the interview for the following week, where Franklin spoke about God, music, his love of urban attire, and what types of person tickles his fancy.

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FORM YOUR OWN CHURCH
A: First of all, I had a calling to that. I ran from that call for years until this year and it’s affirming, meaning that regardless of one’s sexual orientation, we’re also radically inclusive, including everybody who has a jaded past. Also, we’re not a traditional church, meaning you don’t have to come with a suit and tie. If you come with a suit and tie, than that’s fine, but me myself, I wear timberlands, jeans and white Tees. It’s just simply a church for people regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The bible says that those who worship him, must worship him in truth, so you’ll have to be real with yourself and who you are, and once you understand that, you’ll be God’s child. No matter what anybody says about you. There were two different experiences I had when I was six. I was six years old and I had went to Love Center Church and I remember took me; it was me and my mother, and I it was a Black Transgender woman; she sat down next to me and I knew that wasn’t a dude because she didn’t look real soft. She was hard looking. We had got up during the middle of the service and left. My mother was really uncomfortable and she never went back even though I joined when I was eighteen, I went back. Another episode when I was six years old, the singer Sylvester, God rest his soul. There was a church in Oakland California; a very known church back them and Andre Crouch was real big back then, and Shirley Caesar was coming for a concert at the church and their flight was delayed, and they (the concert promoters and audience) to prolong the concert. Well Sylvester went up to the podium and said “Praise the Lord” and what I do remember is that everybody talked about him and I knew he was a man dressed like a woman. He went to hug the pastor and she would not hug him and everybody said something about it. Even at six years old, I knew that was wrong and that everybody should have been embraced. You don’t reject anybody in church! That was always imprinted in my mind and I said ‘when I get older and get a church of my own, it would be a church where everybody will be accepted. It would be affirming and inclusive; at six years old I knew it was wrong. The bible says whoever will let them come. It doesn’t say with the exception of you can’t come. That I can’t come. It says whoever; the gay people are so whoever can come. The Lesbians, Black White, Straight, Bisexual, non-sexual. That’s what God says. Not what Man says. Not what your Bishop says. Nor what Pastor so and so who don’t like certain people and certain group says. It upset me as a six year old little boy; I didn’t know what Gay meant; all I know was that this man was dressed as a woman and he went up to the pulpit to say words and they talked about him so bad and the pastor wouldn’t hug him and I didn’t know who Sylvester was until I became a teenager and shortly he died.

Q: I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A STRONG SPIRITUAL BACKGROUND AND FOUNDATION. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
A: I was always raised in the church since I was little. My father was an Arch-Bishop. My mother is a Pastor. My grandfather was a Bishop. That’s how I was raised. The bible says train the child the way they should go and when they’re older they won’t depart from it. It’s always been in me. I love the Lord with all my fiber. I don’t compromise my love for God or my spirituality. I’m not a religious person. I’m a spiritual person.

Q: WE KNOW THAT MANY CHURCHES AND LEADERS ALWAYS CONDEM PEOPLE FOR THEIR ORIENTATION, YET THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE SAME THINGS THEY PREACH AGAINST. HOW HARD IT WAS IT FOR YOU TO COPE WITH YOUR SEXUALITY BEING THAT YOU WERE RAISED BY TWO PREACHERS
A: That’s a two-part question. Not just Black churches. Churches period. There’s a contradiction that’s straight across the board, and this is the season of change. Even when Obama takes office in January, it’s equality for everybody now. It’s gonna take some time, but regardless of your race or sexual orientation, there is no excuse for anybody to live underneath your full potential.
Aside from my parents, my father, before he died, we had several conversations, even up until the week of his death; it was very clear about my sexual orientation. My mother has a hard time with it, but she’s still my mama. I have a real stand on bisexuality and on most metro sexual people, because just as heterosexual people who hate on Gay people, there are Gay people who hate on bisexual people because they’re supposedly confused, and what’s really sad is that there’s a lot of Gay people hating on Gay people. You have to come to peace about yourself and it’s not about your momma and your daddy, and it’s no disrespect to your parents, but if your earthly parents don’t support you, the bible says that I will take you up. God has claims to all his children.

Q: I ALSO READ IN YOUR BIO THAT YOU USED TO RUN AN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND ESCORTING SERVICE. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO WORK IN THAT FIELD AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT NOW?
A: Real simple, When I ran from my call, I was doing everything that I wanted to do; from running an adult entertainment company and escorting service. Selling drugs, using drugs. Having sex with all types of people. That’s the life. Also been in entertainment for 15 years. I’m 35 now. I had partied with and sang with the most and least known celebrities. Sex, drugs and music. That’s the lifestyle of the quote-on-quote entertainment world. I completely left the ministry at 25, and at 30, that’s when I started using drugs; doing all kinds of stuff. I no longer run that now. Just the webpage and agency for singers, models, fashion designers, lip-synch models, writers

Q: WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT THAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RENEW YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR SEXUALITY?
A: I came out the closet on B.E.T. Live with Travis Smiley in 2000. Myself, Bishop Randy Cheeks, and Mark Tuggle from G.M.A.D. The topic was ‘Invisible Lives about Black Gay Men’
Even before then in the 90’s, I was still singing at Gay and Straight clubs, doing some panel conferences, to speak on the behalf of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Questioning community. The turning point in my life to renew my relationship with God I had a call all my life. There was no way I can preach and bash Gay people on the low which you see everybody do. I’ve always been a blunt and real person who don’t play games and lie.
I was raised in Holiness; there is on grey area. God dealt with me himself and told me to open the church. I’m not renewing my relationship with God. I surrendered myself totally to God. My father’s death last year. I had kidney failure. Here I am in the hospital in Atlanta dying and my father was in the hospital in California dying. My mother and my partner at the time was at my bedside, and my father called me and told me that I needed to surrender and God was going to heal me. I was on dialysis three times a week and God had took me off of dialysis, which is something unheard of.
I did every kind of drugs. Cocaine, Crack, Weed. I tried to take my life over the course of four years. I was hit by a car that was in a police car. God had kept me from death.

Q: I REMEMBERING WATCHING THAT BET EPISODE TWICE. WHAT WAS IT LIKE COMING OUT ON NATIONAL TELEVISION?
A: I was the first masculine thuggish dude if you remember that show-that set a standard. Every time you seen a male or bisexual on T.V., it’s always been a drag queen, a Transgender or a real feminine man. So I take pride in that finally there was somebody who was masculine and out that has high moral standards and integrity about himself. I took it as an honor and we’re gonna put it on You Tube and My Space so the new kids that’s out who never seen the show. That they don’t even know were Homo Thug came from. Me. When shows like “Noah’s Arc“ and “In the Closet” that shows Gays in a positive light, it stands on my shoulders, it stands on Mark Tuggle’s shoulders, Cleo’s shoulders, Bishop Zachary Jones’ and many others to name of few.

Q: I ADMIRE YOUR STRENGHT, ATTIRE, SINGING VOICE-YOU CAN SING YOUR BUTT OFF-AND SENSE OF HUMOR. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AS OPPOSED TO SO-CALLED TRADITIONS WHERE PASTORS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE UPPITY, WEARING EXPENSIVE SUITS AND NOT RELATABLE TO URBAN PEOPLE?
A: Cuz I’m true to myself. Like Patti LaBelle said ‘what you see is what you get.’ I stand by that everyday. Humorous, I like to laugh. I like to be happy. I don’t like drama, negativity or extra, you know what I’m saying? Life is too short; you’re gonna have challenges. You can laugh at your challenges. I’ve been singing since I was born and I was told I can sing up to seven octaves, which is unheard of for a male. Me, I can sing baritone to contralto without even blinking.
I’m a very masculine dude and I like urban wear. I like Echo, Sean John. I wear that daily. I wear that when I preach.
My strength comes from life, God. Just life. No way you can live 35 years been through what I’ve been through and be a weak person. A lot of times, it intimidates people. I have a job to do; don’t trip on that. I have a job to do. I take that very humbly and very seriously. The bible says whoever so will let them come. You’re gonna see people with suits. You’re gonna see people in du-rags, and hats in the church. You’re gonna see sagging jeans, white tees and ice.
Suits and ties are cool. If that’s how you were raised, but respect urban wear.

Q: I ALSO ADMIRE THE WORK YOU DO IN THE AIDS COMMUNITY. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO BRING COMFORT TO THOSE WHO ARE INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE?
A: There are people in my membership who are HIV positive. There are people who have full-blown A.I.D.S. These are still God’s people.

Q: YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU’RE FORMING YOUR OWN RECORD LABEL. DO U PLAN ON SIGNING TALENTED OPENLY GAY ARTISTS AS WELL AS HETEROS?
A: Everybody. Signing everybody who has true talent. Pure talent. Pure talent is something that’s not learned. That’s nice, but there’s some people like myself that can just come out effortless, stand and deliver and blow you off the seat, under the seat, under the carpet, under the floor. Pure talent you have to be teachable. No Divas. No Prima Donnas. You’ve got to put your time in.

Q: YOU’VE ALSO MENTIONED ABOUT GOING THROUGH MANY CHALLENGING TIMES. DO YOU PLAN ON WRITING A BOOK ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES AND IF YOUR BOOK WAS TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU?
A: I have personally talked to E. Lynn Harris quite a lot. There’s a gentleman who was in Atlanta, but we spoke a few weeks ago; he’s in New York. His name is Jerry Headley. Several times, I started writing my book and stopped, but with the help of therapy, it will be an ongoing and I think it will be healthy for everybody and as far as who could play me, I think about that everyday who would play me has to be real. The movie is gonna be in your face. Whoever he is has to be a real flexible actor. Flexable meaning to cover every aspect of my life from birth until that point and has to be believable. I really like for it to be a Broadway play the way they did “The Color Purple.”

Q: WITH ALL THE FITTED CAPS AND DU-RAGS YOU WEAR, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO HAVE QUALITY TIME WITH YOURSELF, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL LIFE? WHAT KIND OF GUYS CAPTURES YOUR ATTENTION AND HOW DOES FEMALES REACT WHEN THEY LEARN YOU’RE GAY?
A: Actually, I’m metro-sexual. Metro-sexual meaning I’m attracted to whoever I’m attracted too. So I’m not just gay. My quality time, I have a Godson; his name is Jonathan Mitchell. He’s 22 going on 23 and he’s been very successful. He has his own web page design and he’s he is a Gay activist like his dad. Time with myself, I’m a You Tube freak. I like to chill at the crib and I’m a spontaneous dude. Never boring. Sometimes God has me to myself to study and pray which with me being from California, I meet God is the water and the ocean. There’s no beaches or Oceans in Atlanta. When I go to South Beach, I actually used to live there for a short period of time. The type of person I’m attracted to as far as males are thuggish redbone, pretty, pretty boys. Females, you have on point, point, point, point, point (both laugh). I met Halle Berry and I was in awe. I’ve been around a lot of celebrities, and it’s rare. The only other person I’ve been in awe with was Patti LaBelle; I met her in person and kissed her hand at her book signing for “Don’t Stop the Blessing.”
I just like a person who has to be spiritual and have to love God. The first thing that comes out my mouth is what church you go to and do you believe in God? As for the females, they do trip. I have females who like me; Lesbians who like me. A lot of different people. It’s a trip when they see me rock the baggy jeans.
There are a lot of celebrities and females who are tying to make me straight. I done poked enough female couchie and dude couchie (I laugh) to last me a life time. I’m good with myself and I’m cool with my life. As for my private life, I’m a private person. Event though I’m a public person, I like to have my privacy. I get a lot of dudes saying they wanna be the first husband and the first lady. This is not a gay church/ This is a church for everybody and when I get married for real, the whole world is gonna know. I am single, period.

Q: HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU’RE MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE GAY AND CHURCH COMMUNITY?
A: As I said earlier, I just mentioned all those people who are standing on our shoulders. The fight continues. Pray for our leaders. We need your prayers. We need your prayers. I appreciate your prayers. We need support from both the Gay and straight community.

Q: IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD AN ALBUM WITH ANY ARITIST, WHO IT WOULD BE?
A: Patti LaBelle, Rachelle, Ferrell, Chaka Khan, Vicki Winans, my Godfather Daryl Cooley. I love that singing fool, I love him very much. Pastor Rantz Allen, Tweet, Bilal, Prince. Just various artists.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO SERVE GOD, BUT HAS ISSUES WITH THEIR SEXUALITY?
A: Love God. Love yourself. Stop judging yourself. God never Judges. Be true with who you are.
That’s the greatest commandment. To love thy neighbor as thy self. Live by that daily.

Friday, November 21, 2008

BEGINNING TO ENJOY LIFE

As I was getting my dance on last night, I had a great moment when a tall sexy fella wearing a fitted cap, sweat-shirt, jeans and Nike sneakers (I have a weakness for men who rocks Nikeys and timberlands) started dancing with me and for some strange reason, I didn't shy away.
Years ago, I would have been shy (I'm still am shy), but I decided to let my hair down and have a good time without feeling any ounce of guilt.
As I posted several times, I was a member of a chruch (which I call a cult) where they had members follow stupid rules and regulations, such as only attending their service and having members believe that they were the only true church who takes God's word seriously and who's going to Heaven. They also had us date within the confides of the organization to prevent the sisters from leaving and they had us attend many services and events to prevent us from straying as well as preventing members from giving into sex and masturbation. Oh yes, they was totally against sex outside of marriage and self-pleasure; they used to say that masturbation was unclean, disgusting, sinful and keeps one seperated from God.
It seemed that most of the time I was asked about my purity and if I was depressed, I was accused of lusting and masturbation, which I've done several times despite doing all things to prevent myself from doing so, including asking my Psychitrist to increase the dosage of my anti-depression medicines.
They put some much emphasis on purity it was fucking phatetic;
Once me and couple of other members had celebrated New Years at a former member's house, who suggested that we stay the night at her house so we wouldn't have to wait a long time for the train to come. We were like cool; the sisters slept in her room, while we slept in the living room, and a few hours later, my former mentor was on the phone with his mentor, who had a hissy fit about us staying over her house overnight. I'm don't remember what he was told word from word, but it was to the affect of the men not taking lead, and not being Christlike, saying that Satan could have gotten a hold of the section and we could have had sexual flings that night and we should have left them sisters there.
I laugh about that incident because the reasons were stupid.
First of all, it was mad brick that night, and being that the train was running shuttle, it would have taken us about 3 or more hours to get home (especially for the guys who lived in Brooklyn).
I had no issues because there were about two occasions, where I spend the night with a group of females and nothing sexually happen, and I was grateful that someone had consideration to allow us a place to stay instead of waiting in the cold for two trains.
Another event that I've been laughing about is the time when my former bible talk leader copped an attitude for attending my friend's 25 birthday party. One Friday, we were out trying to convert people and he wanted to know my plans for the next day.
"I'm going to my friend who left the church birthday party" I told him
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked me angrily.
"I wish you would have told me earlier so I could have spoken to J and see if it was OK for you to go."
I was shocked. He wish I would have told him earlier so he could get approval from our pastor who was 24 years old at the time. Then on Monday, he started telling me I wasn't wise and showed me a scripture talking about bad company corrupts go character
and he wanted a full report of what happened
I told him what he needed to know, and he wanted to know what made me decided to go to his party and did I ask his mother was there gonna be any alcohol there.
I couldn't beleive that incident. Getting approval from the pastor about me attending a good friend of mines party and judging his guests. People he never even knew and vice-versa.
Back to the sex topics, they would do everything to prevent us from having sexual thoughts, and not playing certain songs at parties (when they threw parties, they made sure they played the edited versions of the songs; one leader wouldn't let me play Monica and Usher's version of Midnight Star's 1983 classic "Slow Jam" though some females requested to hear the song.
That was one of the many reasons I left that place to grow and be comfortable with who I am, and though I'm still making progress, I'm doing a good job going out to parties and shaking my groove thang by myself and/or with people who show interest without any guilt or shame.
As long as I respect myself and others, I'll be good to go

Songs played during this post

Superlover
Performed by LaBelle
Written by Nona Hendryx, Patti LaBelle and Sarah Dash
Produced by Lenny Kravitz
2009 Verve Records

System
Performed by LaBelle
Written by Nona Hendryx
Produced by Lenny Kravitz
2008 Verve Records

Jumpin', Jumpin'
Performed by Destiny's Child
Written by Beyonce Knowles, Chad Elliot-Rufus Moore
Produced by Chad Elliot and Beyonce Knowles
1999 Columbia Records
Lineup" Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Le-Toya Luckett-La-Tavia Roberson

KIDS TURNED OUT FOR BEYONCE'S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY WHILE ONLY 3 RECEIVED PRIZES

Late yesterday afternoon, I was asked by DJ Baker if I was free to attend a party last night to celebrate the release of former Destiny's Child lead singer Beyonce Knowles, and I was like yes.
Afrer taking a nap, and listening to the original line-up's last hit "Jumpin' Jumpin'" I hopped in the shower, ironed my clothes, I had to look nice that night and headed into the city for the main event.
When I arrived, there were people sitting around, talking, networking and dancing, and by the next hour, one of the promoters announced that they were going to be giving away copies of Ms. Carter's latest release "I Am Sasha...Fierce" and they only gave away like 2 copies as well as a copy of her DVD.
As a person who's volunteered and attened many album release parties, it would have been nice had they gave away some promotional items like copies of the single and posters (which I took as a parting gift)
Other aspects of the party; they DJ played a nice mixture of music, including a extended rap version of her current single "Single Ladies Put A Ring On It" and a remix of her top charting 2003 hit "Crazy In Love" (The reason why I said an extended rap version is because the version had the same beat and featured a female rapper spitting a few verses on the song, while the remix had a totally different beat than the original version), but he should have played the extended version of "Get Me Bodied." There are a few of us who love Beyonce while there are many who are Beyonced out, but that's one song that must be played in it's entirely.
I had a great time (espcially when one of the party throwers danced with my despite my having to use my cane due to my knee acting up again and giving me a kiss) and I'm looking forward to attending more parties where hopefully they will be more promotional items.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

NEW CHURCH TO INCLUDE ALL




My interview with the Pastor will be posted soon

Monday, November 17, 2008

BEING NOMIATED IS A HONOR

Since I was a kid, I would always watch many award shows and dream about being at one and waiting to see if I would win in the category I was nominated for. This past weekend, I finally had the experience when I attened the Velocity Magazine Awards in Washingotn DC, where I sat and wondered if DJ Baker, the host of DA DOO Dirty show, who I assit and do research for would win and call me and his lover Eric J. Parker on stage to share in the victory. It didn't happen. We lost to another online radio host, and though we lost, I was happy to have the experience of being at an awards show and being nominted, but like Patti wrote in her 1996 autobiography "Don't Block The Blessings," losing ain't fun.
I could be better about it, but I'm not, because being at the show taught me the value of hard work and acheiving your dreams no matter what obstacles are thrown in your way, and that's one reason why I have respect for the show (though the producer should have made sure our hotel accomodations were taken care of more properly and that we were given ample notice about the dress code requierments at the club where the afterparty took place; he did however made sure we got into a better hotel though which compensates for the loss, and he had some hot talent perform with the exception of the VH1 lady perform).
As I writing this particular post, fixing a pot of turkey vegetable soup and listening to LaBelle's reunion album (Yes bitches, I'm an fan of old school/classic sould music), I just had some thought of how people with talent and gifts who don't always get the recognition that they deserve until much later in life and sadly sometimes when they die, and I recall when participating in essay contests at my former church when I was a teen. The first time I particiapted, I came in first place, but then they had to do a recount and I wound up being in second place. Alot of people were saying it was unfair, but I didn't care. I was happy to win. The last time I competed, not only did I win first place, but I won a 200 scholarship, and everybody was happy that I finally got my due.

SONGS PLAYED FOR THIS POST

ROLL OUT PERFORMED BY LABELLE
WRITTEN BY WYCLEF JEAN, JERRY, NONA HENDRYX, PATTI LABELLE, SARAH DASH
PRODUCED BY WYCLEF JEAN

SUPERLOVER PERFORMED BY LABELLE
WRITTEN BY NONA HENDRY, PATTI LABELLE, SARAH DASH
PRODUCED BY LENNY KRAVITZ

SYSTEM PERFORMED BY LABELLE
WRITTEN BY NONA HENDRYX
PRODUCED BY LENNY KRAVITZ

FEELS LIKE FASHION
PERFORMED, WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY BARON

THROW IT ON ME
PERFORMED BY BARON AND BLACKBIRD
WRITTEN BY BARON AND BLACKBIRD
PRODUCED BY BARON

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

IF I WERE TO MEET THE NEW COMMANDER AND CHIEF AND FIRST LADY

While I was working on the previous blog, I began to think what it would be like if I given the opportunity to meet with Obama and his family at their new residence. What would I do and what would I speak about?

I would be in awe because it would be my first time in the White House and I would be somewhat star-struck meeting the President face-to-face, but I would eventually get over it and treat them with respect and speak about issues that are on my heart

1. Providing housing for low-income families and people with disabilities.
With the ecomony in it's current condition (thanks to his soon to be former tenant spending it on a stupid ass war which needs to end), many people are forced to work two or more jobs to provide a roof over their heads and floors on their feet (see Mr. Cosby, nobody pays over 500 dollars for a pair of sneakers), and most of the time people are a pay check away from being evicted. Nobody has the right to be homeless, and there should be homes provided for everybody to have a place to lay their heads instead of laying them on stone pillows.

B. There are many people living with disabilites who also find themselves finding housing and landlords who are willing to accept those relying on programs such as HASA, SSI, Section 8 and Pensions and if they do, they are more willing to accept programs that pays the full amount as opposed to take those who pay partial rent, due to the bad apples who refuses to pay their share. The ones who are responsible shouldn't have to suffer, and they should be able to have a place to live without having to go through hassles just to find a decent place to live.

2. Giving the veterans their proper benefits. Many people have enlisted in the military to fight many senseless wars, but when they return back to the US, many find it hard to re-adjust to life as a regular civilian, and they're given a choice of what benefits they can receive. Especially those who are forced to retire due to physical and mental health issues. They should be giving both SSI and their military benefits since they risked their lives to fight and return with scars that may or may not be healed.

3. Gay rights. Gays and Lesbians have been helping many people in the world of entertainment and politics for years, and they shouldn't be mistreated or not given the same health benefits and rights the hetero folks got. Especially not being to visit a loved one in the hospital who may be estranged and/or disowned from their biological families because of their orientation.


4. More funding for inner-city programs. If you don't like to see kids robbing and killing, provide a place for them go.

5. Affordable health care.

Those are the things I would speak to Obama about in a nice, mature and intelligent way.

PAINT THE WHITEHOUSE BLACK: OBAMA MAKES HISTORY




“It’s the answer that’s led those who’s been told for long you to by so many to be cynical, and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arch of history and venture once more towards a better day. But tonight, because of what we did on this day. In this election, change has come in America.”

When I heard that Obama made history, I jumped out of my bed, and gave him a standing ovation while I played Michael Jackson‘s 1996 single “HIStory“ followed by Josie & The Pussycat‘s classic “You Come A Long Way Baby“ and George Clinton‘s classic “Paint The White House Black.”
“He did it!” I yelled as Peter Jennings announced this moment in history.
Barack Obama is one truly blessed man; who ever would have thought that this man of African descent who was raised by various relatives including his late mother and grandmother, who died three days ago, would be make history by becoming the first Black President of The United States of America?
His recent victory shows that Black people are capable of doing things and having positive influences over people, and the way he conducted himself during the debates and campaign, he showed the world how far Blacks have come. From being slaves, and fighting for equality including the right to vote, attend college and to have nice jobs, and now the white house has its first Black family.

How does this makes me feel? It makes me feel great to be a part of history again; the first time I voted was back in 1989, when former Manhattan President David Dinkins was running to be the first Black Mayor of New York, and I was glad to been one of many New Yorkers who had helped him achieve his victory. 19 years later, I participated in helping elect another Black man into office, and after hearing his speech, it made me be proud to be a Black Gay/SGL men, as well as make me realize that I can achieve anything despite the obstacles that may be thrown in my path.

My thoughts on Obama’s speech, he conducted himself with class, dignity, integrity, and humility. Especially when he acknowledged his former opponent John Mc Cain, who congratulated him on his victor, and quoted speeches from the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Senator Mc Cain fought long and hard for this campaign and he had fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves” the newly elected President said during his speech in Chicago.

I also loved he showed his love and gratitude towards his wife Michelle, and his daughters who he plans on giving them a puppy as a gift for his victor, which shows that there are Black men who cares about their family, and hopefully the media will start focusing on the men who are involved with their children’s lives, whether or not they’re not in relationship with the mothers of their children.

As I played the audio tape of his speech, I began to reflect on how one of my female friends had problems deciding on who she should vote for; Obama because of he was Black and Hillary because of her gender. She decided to vote for Obama as well as other Black females who I’ve spoken to about the elections.
“I love Hilliary, but I don’t want her blowing up the world because she’s having a bad day” one author said.

There was one friend who at first refused to vote, because he felt that nothing was going to be done, but when we spoke, I was surprised to learn that he decided to be part of the solution by registering to vote.
“I’m gonna vote” he told me as we spoke Monday morning.

Another thing that I was impressed with was the amount of people who came out to vote, and as long as I’ve been voting, I’ve never waited a long period of time to vote. My time on line was approximately 45 minutes, but the touching part was seeing a homeless man vote in February, which impressed the staff who was working that day, and while some complained about his body odor, one lady wasn’t impressed.
“At least he came out to vote” she said.

I’m just overcome with happiness, and I’m glad that The White House is gonna be painted Black and it’s time for the world to stand up and bow to the world’s first (and hopefully not last) Black President Barach Obama and the first Black First Lady Michelle.

Songs played during this post and celebration

HIStory
Performed by Michael Jackson
Written by Michael Jackson-James Harris III-Terry Lewis
Produced by Michael Jackson for MJJ Productions, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions
1995 Epic/MJJ Records

I Know You Come Along Way
Performed by Josie & The Pussycats
1970 Captial Records

Paint The Whitehouse Black
Performed by George Clinton with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Yo-Yo, Flava Flave and Kam
1993 Paisley Park Records.