Tag: Inspiration

Striving for and Maintaining Unity in the Family, Nation, and Race of Humanity, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Community, Culture News, Heritage-History, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives

Habari Gani Family

It’s day 2 of Kwanzaa and we’re moving in a better direction for Umoja (Unity) and Kujichagulia (Self-Determinatiton). I know I am. Since the new moon in Capricorn I’ve just been on some new news. I respect the perspectives and opinions of others but they do not have to define who I am nor do their realization or acceptance of the meaning of a word or how they think a story should be told. I’ve learned to save space to share their ideas too. It doesn’t make anything right or wrong but the main goal is, to tell the truth. All people can live by the principles of Kwanzaa which is what I love ❤️ and we can build on this foundation to create a better condition because life isn’t a joke right now, and we need to consider building community as serious business. We can’t talk about reparations without repatriation and building for ourselves. I’m not failing to tell the story the way it should be. I honor my ancestors and want to create relationships that represent the truth of power and true power. We will unite politically, culturally, and economically.

Credit: Cecile Johnson
Credit: Cecile Johnson, CEO & Founder of The African Development Plan

We are celebrating the present, our future, and the past in merriment. We’re on the road to decolonization and self-determination as a family, nation, and people. It’s a great time to be living and practicing Sankofa. The path to self-determination has to be a true, consistent, and persistent one. It can’t just be doing festive times or when one is being killed in the streets or harassed by the police or even lied to by politicians and the governments. It must be and will be a way of life and come about during reflection of who we, who’s we are, and where we are to know what our path to development looks like. We’re more than entertainers, athletes, influencers, workers, and blacks or whatever you subscribe to. We are living beings having a human experience and we’re here to develop humanity’s consciousness.

We’re Growing Through Genocide

Credit: Cecile Johnson

Fetch What is at Risk of Being Left Behind

Sankofa is learning from the past, not forgetting our history and heritage. We have to communicate with each other what we know, our perspectives, and our insights. To inform the present and the future we must know the past truths, lies, and reality. My history and heritage has a large chunk of slavery, war, and people being misnomered. I will not turn the cheek to that nor act like it’s not part of what I have inherited as a descendant of my ancestors and elders. It will not be lost nor forgotten but used to determine solutions to problems and evolve our way of life. We are aborigines and we need to determine our status and stand on our rights. We must fetch what is at risk of being lost and asking questions not only to get answers but to remedy them. There’s always new learning as we move and discover what was left behind.

My Stance

I’m riding with mine, my people, and urbanely correcting what is wrong or misunderstood. I am not asking for permission to support anyone who may be taking their stance when it relates to who we are as a people that seem to be nationless when we are not. I am claiming my identity and inserting it. It’s not up for debate or to be questioned. I am lessening distractions and moving in truth while I’m here on earth.

I’m working on a level of diplomacy where I can accept the perspectives, opinions, and insights of others without allowing them to change who I am, how I’ve chosen to self-identify and determine how I express myself, I will not come off my throne to please others nor demean them for how they choose to see things. That is the true power of self-determination when acting based on ethics, ethnicity, and value.

Same time this shit is bigger than me. It’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than us but it’s us against everybody if I choose. And I choose.

Credit: Cecile Johnson

Remember and be encouraged that we are one people

Cecile Johnson

Benny The Butcher In Chicago, Live at Promontory: Tana Talk 4

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

This is a developing story, I have more to share.

Mr. Butcher is now added to my list of street artists, thanks to Covert Operations. His storytelling is impeccable. Once I saw my cousins, Charles and Paris in the mix, I knew that he had to be something decent but I had no clue he was going to be something this valuable to hip hop culture. Not that I was even expecting anything less because my people have good taste in music and culture, but just like the old head said. “Would you rather have one Maybach or 5 Acuras? He was framing the context of quality music from conception to modern flowing art. I wasn’t aware of who he was but I know now.

Press Associate Kash Photography of New York

“The concert atmosphere was lit. He could have done more songs”

Benny The Butcher Guest

I enjoyed the hip-hop enthusiast vibes and the game from a mid-range perspective. First day back outside, and this gives me clarity of the beats I need to be on for reviews, interviews, and media mixing.

The opening talent was solid, Enos and King Drive is whom I remember. I missed a few artists performing, but I did meet some artists backstage that was graceful, Corey St.Rose & Kid Flvsh. The event was sold out three days before the live show, with guests filling the venue from wall to wall. To walk to the bar was a tour, bumping into fellow peers and natives of the culture.

I look forward to seeing more of Benny The Butcher in the city. If you’re looking for high-end urban culture subscribe to Covert Operations for events, booking, and management. First time in Chicago? Need a social place? The Promontory is a good choice for established social services and food in the heart of the Chicago Culture. 

Parent Threatens to Bring Fully Loaded Gun Over Mask Mandates

Culture News

Amelia King of Virginia, 42, is accused of making an oral threat on school property after she was cut off during a public comment section of the Page County public school board meeting Thursday, the Luray Police Department said in a statement (Stelloh, NBC News).

King has been charged, and was arrested Friday then later released on 5,000 bond. She also issued an apology stating that she was “only figuratively speaking”. Yea right.

To hear her statement in full please watch video.

Sagacity: The Sacred Practice of Sage Burning

Community, Culture News, Health and Wellness, Heritage-History, Lifestyle

It is wise to know where your practices come from and to have deep insight into how they not only impact you, but the world. Sage comes in more than 900 species, according to Southern Living. It is a medicinal plant used in culinary and spiritual practices. It was once considered a medicinal cure-all, and can still be used to cure many dis-eases. The plant and the uses of it has become a trendy wellness practice. It is very important to know where this trend derived from and to protect the tradition by having a clear understanding of the practice to work effectively with indigenous peoples and Mother Nature.

The practice of burning sage is culturally sensitive to indigenous peoples but it’s something that we should also consider the agriculture process of and how it effects the environment.

Sage burning also known as smudging, is used for purifying and cleansing the spirit of negative energy in the home, room, or body, helping to maintain a satisfactory aura. The term smudging comes from indigenous tribes, commonly, in North America. A good question is, do they practice this medicine in other cultures, if so, where and what are they called ?

Bustle’s Nyla Burton, said “when non-native people burn sage to “smudge” their homes or other spaces, it can minimize the cultural importance of this ritual, and have a negative impact on how the herbs are grown. Instead, advocates say non-native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. There are lots of ways to achieve the benefits of smudging by using more ethical practices, terminology, and materials.”

Definition of Smudging

“Sacred smoke from burning medicinal or sacred plants, a traditional ceremony for purifying and cleansing soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.”

The Four Elements

  • Traditionally, a shell is used as a container representing water the first element
  • Four sacred plants that are gifts from mother earth represent the second element, earth.
    • Cedar
    • Sage
    • Sweetgrass
    • Tobacco
  • Lighting of the sacred plants produces the third element, fire.
  • Smoke from the fire produces the fourth element, air.

To learn more about working effectively with Indigenous Peoples visit Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc. for more.

It is better to light the plant with a match then a gas lighter. You can burn both the leaves and the stems before wavering over the subject by hand or with a feather,traditionally natives use eagle feathers. The person being smudge can pull the smoke towards them to inhale softly. When finished the ashes are then returned to mother earth, for which this is where the gifts came from. It is said and believed that the ashes absorbs the negative thoughts and feelings.

Sources

When You Have Heroes as Friends: @SaintTheGoodBoy & Jesse James Saves the Day

Community, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Friday, September 7, 2018 King James (Jesse Stringer) and Saint “The Good Boy” (Lennell Davis) was looking for a party during after hours when they approached 79th Phillips and seen a building on fire.

I was told by a source that The Chicago Fire Department was on location and did not immediately respond to the fire. That’s what sparked both guys to go into the building on a rescue mission. Source reported that Jesse asked the Fire Fighters what were they waiting on to go into the building and one of the Fire Fighters responded by allegedly telling him to “go ahead and go in”.

I received a call from Saint shortly after they finished the rescue. For more information on the story, click link here, to get CBS2 Chicago’s account. They awkwardly produced their story deliberately stating that the The Chicago Fire Department’s Fire Fighters immediately responded, when I was told by a source, who was present, that they did not.

Nonetheless, it’s great to know that I have great friends/humans around who will sacrifice to ensure the well being of others. They could have kept riding and assumed that because the Chicago Fire Department was present they would take care of it. This is a good example of leadership and being an active citizen.

Chicago’s Legend in Making @FBG_DUCK Has Self-Confessed Chicago’s Legends

Culture News

FBG Duck, a Chicago Musical Illustrator, published a video recorded by Money Strong TV on his channel two days ago on Dec. 7, 2019; and with the apparent loss of legends from the City of Chicago, who are without a doubt gone too soon because of various tragic situations; he proclaims their affects in and on culture. In his illustrated story he mentions Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez. With the current loss of another great Chicago Legend Juice Wrld; and Famous Dex being recently hospitalized to recover from seizures, there is no concrete word if he has been released, there is much to be concerned about.

The murder and drug epidemic of Chicago has depreciated the circulation of producers in culture from the city, putting the ideas out there to be mocked by upcoming or lurking seasoned artist to develop from other markets. Every artist mentioned has a different level of success, impact, trade, and skill that contributed to the identity of who Chicago is in the urban culture world. A legend is someone who creates or develops a traditional story, who taps into their genius, and sculps a path for others to follow or to observe only to be influenced by their impact. No matter how well known the legend is globally, it can be very well known in pockets or wide areas to be proclaimed a legend.

Watch FBG Duck Declare Chicago Legends.

Subscribe to FBG Duck’s channel for more content.

This brings attention to the social issues that we need to solve in Chicago, and beyond, that deal ultimately with poverty, civic engagement, health, and the brotherhood of humanity. His piece of art pushes towards conversations that need to be had to better our community and restore unity between the gangs or just those who are conflicted and need to heal in order to let go of past conflicts or traumas. In the words of FBG Duck, “just to show yourself a better you”, is worth the participation in helping leaders like him carry messages like this far and wide in the diaspora to help appreciate the progress made in the culture.

I’d like to send love and light to all of the families of our lost and slain ones, even those we lost to non violent tragic situations because we are all still suffering from a bigger issue. Our health, wealth, and our mind state suffers or take constant hits (Urban Dark Hue Beings) because we are in a constant state of oppression while walking dead. We must prescribe a remedy to our ignorance, discipline ourselves, and love one another because the world is depending on it. We are depending on it. You existence is dependent on it.

We don’t die we multiply, so rest peacefully Juice Wrld , Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez . We love and wish you all where still among us but we will continue to push y(our) energy, that will never be destroyed, into the world with love.

Entrepreneurship is the New Crack, Need Help Curbing the Bad Habits? Here’s a Dose of Inspiration.

Culture News, Health and Wellness, Inspiration

I just want to inspire the next person or living being that’s in similar shoes as me. I’ve been going through entrepreneur sickness. You ever been so overwhelmed with opportunities, potential, and prospects that you don’t know where to start? That’s me right now, and helping everyone else settle.

It’s all about the checking of the ego and centering yourself in moods like this because they can possibly drive you to depression or into quick decision making without research and clarity, which will later cause stress. I just recently broke out in hives and I couldn’t figure out where they’d come from. I tracked all the food I ate for the day, and hadn’t eaten anything that was unusual to me. I was then told by a friend that as you get older your body changes which is true but in my current case it’s just not true.

Endurance pierces marble.

North Africa Proverb

So I called my OG (for my foreign people this is my mom), and she informed me that her and my grandmother use to get them from stress; then she told me to get some rest, so I did. I took a camping trip that kind of changed my life and was well needed. It helped me to ground myself and in the midst of my breakout I discovered a natural treatment to relieve the added on stress of the hives. African Black Soap changed my life and so did the company I had on the trip.

Caution comes from God and haste from the devil.

Bantu African Proverb

I learned that all it takes is for you to take small steps and let things go. See as an Aries I hold on to things a little bit longer than I should and I am hard on myself more so than others. This trip helped me reflect on my life for the last 8 years and identify what’s important to me and my passion. Family is important to me and business is never personal, it’s logically based in equity and trust but equally important. Sometimes you could be doing the right things but just be in need of someone you can trust to bounce ideas off of. That’s why people who aren’t a shame to admit they need help seek counsel from therapist, consultants, friends or family. Be cautious and use discernment when navigating as an entrepreneur or simply, in life period. Take your time, don’t let it beat you and control it.

@DJNEPHETS is a Hometown Hero, check out his latest social mission.

Culture News

I need everyone who reads this post to share it in support of Dj Nehpets.

He’s campaigning to bring awareness to Jukivist in Chicago and we need your help.

Jukivist is a state of mind. It’s an attitude towards life and how you respond to external situations, plus a lifestyle to live by to create harmony in the community.

We all understand that as people we can be tribal and find people who are like us.

Basically he’s saying that we all are one mind that think and move in love. And that’s what Jukivisim or Jukivist is about. Moving and speaking in love together.

Join DJ Nephets as he helps others create the change in our city by joining your great mind and spirit to build and grow together in harmony, the jukivist way!!

Happy 5th Anniversary ‼️ To BK From WordPress 😊 : How does this make me feel ⁉️💞 #BitterSweet

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Personal Perspectives, What's Good?

It’s amazing because it’s a reflection of how consistent I have been in developing my quality of communication and media. And to think I’ve been hard on my self because I’ve been thinking that I haven’t been consistent.

I’ve come a long way ‼️ and I have ways to go but this milestone reminds me that I can overcome anything. Throughout these last 5 years, I’ve floated through the industry crafting, drafting, and developing my lane. This year I’ve finally chosen a specialty: LAW , ETHICS, and ACTS. 

After playing almost every position in the Field. I am now using all of my tools and knowledge acquired to further run 🏃🏾‍♀️ my race, as Nipsey Hussle says “Marathon”, because I’m more into victory laps. At some point the race will end but the marathon continues.

I am Self-Published, Director, CTO 👩🏾‍💼, Editor, Scholar 👩🏾‍🏫, Producer, Creative, Communication and Media Specialist, and everything else I intend on being in the future.

BIG thanks to all those who have, will, and do support me during my venture. It’s been a long 6 years in finding self. And I’m grateful to have shared it with you.

I dedicate this celebration to Jaymo and , a close relative who was shot and killed today on the Southside of Chicago, including the other young man who was shot & killed. I will not mention his name in respect of his family and to give them their privacy. 

This is why my mission is important because quality in using our (my) voice will bring change to our environment especially if we do it in quantity.

I love you all forever and you did not leave in vain. All angels 👼🏾 memories will live forever through us & our legacy.

Happy 5th Anniversary to me‼️🇲🇦🍾🥃🍷🍸🍹 Thanks for having meWordpress.

Fall Equinox 🍁 🍂🐿#TrapWitch 💩 💯 #FULLMoon 🌕 ✨ #MAJORSHIFT #LetsGetIt #MaximizeYourEnergy

Culture News, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, What's Good?

Wednesday, I was talking about how I was procrastinating and 💩. 😂 but what I didn’t know in that world 🗺 (because I live in my own 🌍 too) was that I’m aligning with this full moon 🌕 in Aries 🐑. What a great way to slide into the Fall during this equinox (September 22, and I watched this video September 21).

Equinox, the Sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west
I do not own the copyrights to this image. Photo Credit: Haiti Observer

Want to know more about the Autumnal Equinox?  

After I did some reflective thinking 🤔 💭, and watching Tatiana Skroskis, The Trap Witch, video; I am very grateful to be aligned with what is naturally taking place.

She’s an intercessor and intuitive healer who gives insight on the general energy of the cosmos. I just got in-tune with her, and as a reflection of my sister, I find no coincidence in her referral to me from the universe. She just popped up in my YouTube feed, watched one video, and now I am apart of her flow.

 

Be Better, Not Be Bitter; not be feeling sorry for yourself…….Fear is not an option right now.    ~ The Trap Witch 

I’ve been seeing cockroaches all summer, nbs (no bullshit). I’m very much into animal, plants, and living being totems. I have faith that the universe is always communicating with me. Getting ready to go through this last quarter, I agree with her that the last 3 quarters have prepared me for what’s to come.

I’ve been so amazed and grateful for my advancement, that I know I am achieving more. I’ve been feeling this and I am more confident now that I have the skills I was looking to partner with others for; I don’t have to wait anymore. I am making progress, even through my struggles, because I am logically thinking (mathematically); I am persistent with my actions.

I am not afraid to go back to the drawing board anymore. I use to not do as well as I planned on certain projects, and would fall off the map or be inconsistent. Now I realized that in order to grow I must be free-spirited (consistently) in my creative efforts. That’s what makes me different; is how I express self while setting my spirit free.

I trust my self. I am ready for what I asked the universe for. I am being rewarded this harvest for the seeds that I have planted.

Nothing that’s for you will ever miss you but you’ll miss it if you’re not bold enough to go after it. ~ The Trap Witch

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