Tag: Urbanization

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

@PNBRock Shot and Killed at Roscoes in South LA During Robbery

Culture News

Real name Rakim Allen, PnB was transported to the hospital at 1:59 PM and pronounced dead after being involved in a robbery at 1:15 PM at the famous eatery Roscoes Chicken 🍗 and Waffles 🧇 located on Main Street and Manchester Avenue where he was dining with his girlfriend who’d posted a location tagged photo on Instagram allegedly an hour before the assault according to a law enforcement captain in Los Angeles, by the name of Kelly Muniz (Los Angeles Times; Draughorne & Winton).

It was a video posted of the artist laying in a pool of blood by a witness, and a witness also said that the suspect approached PnB while he was dining. This happen earlier today, Monday afternoon.

PnB and his girlfriend; and location tagged photo

It was reported that the suspect waved a gun inside the restaurant and demanded items from PnB, sources said he was targeted for his jewelry, he then shot him and ran out the side door to a getaway car 🚙 and then fled the scene. It is unclear how the assailant got the location but it is assumed that it could have been from his girlfriend’s post, a patron or a employer.

If you’re at a certain status or you wear expensive items be sure you have standard rules of engagement, carry protection, and make sure you travel safe. You never know what could happen. It’s unfortunate that this happen to PnB, he would have been 31 December 9 of this year.

I send my condolences 💐 to his family and loved 🥰 ones.

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.

‘Community Partners’ Give Back Right Before School Starts

Community, Culture News, Inspiration

Chicago, IL- Invited by Ta’Rhonda Jones, one of the presenters, who collaborated with Neighborhood Heroes, R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood), Imagine Englewood If…, Project Hood, Kingdom Avenue, Teamwork Englewood, Ladies of Virtue, Alderwoman Coleman of the 16th Ward, Growing Home, Rebecca Zellview, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), 28 To Brush Dental Studio, Oak Street Health, U.S. Army, Community Policing, Cook County Illinois, Project Exploration STEAM, and VOA Illinois.

They provided Italian Fiesta Pizza for the Volunteer Staff; who passed out basketballs, essentials such as soaps, facial cleansers, food items; and non essentials such as backpacks, haircuts, COVID TESTING; and more. Supplies were distributed on a first come serve basis, rain or shine, located on 60th Halsted to help make the remote learning process easier for the families in Englewood and greater Chicago area.

Credit: Cortez Carter of “A Carter Agency”, Video Journalist

The Connect

I connected with Martin “Crime Chaser” Johnson, Lamon Reccord, Kevin Freeman, Joseph Williams and I met some new community associates and I look forward to seeing the work they do in the community and beyond, check back for updates.

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.

Rapper “Pop Smoke” Dead at 20.

Culture News

Rapper Killed In a Alleged Home Invasion ‼️

Bashar Barakah Jackson, known professionally as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper and songwriter whom home was invaded by two men with hoodies who fired multiple shots critically wounding Pop Smoke, as it was reported by TMZ. He was signed to Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records and released his first single “Welcome to the Party” in April 2019.

According to TMZ, this incident happened around 4:30 AM in the Hollywood Hills and he was rushed by Ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead. His home was believed to be rented, and was owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Teddi Mellencamp‘s husband, Edwin Arroyave who owns several homes in LA.

One suspect was handcuffed but later released as he was determined not be involved. No one has been caught or identified; as far as we know according to TMZ. Unidentifiable source says his brother is one of the main suspects, allegedly.

Rest In Peace Pop.

Featured Image Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Updated Story

Mike Dee, Pop’s Brother speaks out against the allegations from speculators and “public investigators”.

Pop Smoke 💨 murder also appears to be a target according to TMZ’s recent report as they share information supported by the surveillance footage.

“… you see 4 men approach the home at around 4:30 AM and sneak around back. A couple minutes pass before 3 of the 4 walk back up the side of the home to the front. The 4th apparently walked in the backdoor but no camera was trained on it. The next time you see the man, he exits through the front door of the house.”

It was reported that it was multiple shots fired inside the home only to have struck Pop Smoke according to the evidence provided to TMZ, there were no other victims.

Continue reading “Rapper “Pop Smoke” Dead at 20.” →

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.

Mapping Global Media and Contra-Flow: Discussion

Culture News, Scholarly Works

What is the global media landscape? How has it evolved over the past decades? What role has UNESCO played in the shaping of the global media landscape?

The global media landscape is the digital technology and aesthetics of the flow of media. It has evolved over the last decade by allowing the global and contra-flow of media to flow in different directions (export and import). This allows those who didn’t have access to other nations or target audience to expand their base or reach a larger audience. The UNESCO role, which is the mediator, has shaped the global media landscape. It helps to report information to the key players involved providing them with education for a better understanding of culture scientifically. I think that this allows all parties involved to make better decisions when it comes to the trading of communication and media commodities.

Who are the major media players (companies and countries)? What is meant by ‘subaltern’ contra-flows? Are these anti-hegemonic or pro-American? Why?

The major media players in terms of countries is United States, Europe, and Asia. The major media company players are CNN (US), ESPN (US),  Disney (US), Discovery (US), Hollywood (US), Google (US), BBC (Europe), CNBC (US), Wall Street Journal (US), Japanese Animation (Japan), etc.( Thussu, 12).

What is meant by “subaltern Contra-flows”, is an sub-alternate flow that flows culture from one place to another by a constituent from another region (Thussu,11-13) . For example, there are two  types of Contra-Flows: Transnational and Geo Cultural  (Thussu,12) . Transnational is a subaltern flow that consist of multi-vocal, multimedia, and multi-directional flows (Thussu,11-13).

According to the text, Thussu states that global media traffic isn’t just one way, even with the US at core. I think that this shows that the subaltern flows is anti-hegemonic even though they may be hybridized (Thussu,18-21). The goals of these subaltern flows is to create a flow that counters the dominant flows, giving the world audience a different perspective of culture and creativity (Thussu, 10-13).

I do not own the copyrights to this image
I do not own the copyrights to the image

“Black” Group Therapy with the Squad *Update (3 New Episodes)

Community, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Chicago– Tuesday, January 22, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my peers to converse about social issues that are centered to the culture. Our culture. I came in late but I was happy to slide in and contribute to the conversation.

I’ll be back soon with everyone’s name and social media info, one day! Enjoy and feel free to share your comments, and share! Don’t forget to subscribe and check out the current episodes below! I’m in Episode 3 too.

Welcome to Black Group Therapy

Episode 1

Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

@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!!