I’ll Never Understand

In our society, who you align yourself with is just as important as what you believe, your actions, your experience, and where you come from. It’s been said that the people you hang with or conduct business with say a lot about who you are as a person. I guess this couldn’t be any truer than in public office. Many persons have been tarnished by the actions of others. Whether or not those affected had anything to do with what went down, they are guilty by association. I’ll never understand why, especially if it’s over foolishness that they had nothing to do with, or when there is an obvious disconnect between their platform and that of their close colleagues.

It makes no sense to me that people automatically change their opinions of you and your character based upon the beliefs held by people that you know—especially when you’ve expressed the distinctions on more than one occasion. You shouldn’t have to distance yourself from those close to you because of a fiery speech they gave, controversial rhetoric in an article, book, or video clip, or because certain beliefs they have challenge those held by the masses. It seems to me to be more of a problem with the public and less a problem with or for you; or more of a problem for pundits, sideliners, and so-called experts.

People have to learn to accept the unknown, the foreign, and the distinctive. People have to learn to separate individuals from other people, their actions, and their beliefs. Many times these factors are not synonymous. Why should persons be alienated and vilified for actions untaken and words unsaid by them?

Though I’ll never understand this, I hope that people understand the implications, and will hold themselves just as accountable as public figures to a bar that is unrealistically high. ’Cause if you’re going to do it to others, the golden rule says the same should apply to you.

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Maysa - Never Really Ever

via FoxyTunes

Buddah's Question

With the advent of blogging, microblogging (i.e. Twitter), and social networking sites, the way in which we communicate with each other continues to change. My question is - have these tools helped you create or sustain connections with people? Have these tools heightened your ability to stay in touch or pull back from your peers? And have they opened the door for several opportunities to reach or communicate with people who you might not otherwise? Let me know your thoughts.

Hope you all have a great week! Peace!

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Now playing: Van Hunt - Down Here in Hell (With You)
via FoxyTunes

Buddah's Thoughts

1. I was really psyched about seeing Beyonce on tour - until I found out how much the tickets were. I just can't bring myself to pay $100+ for the nosebleed section at the Verizon Center. Plus, I'm in debt payoff mode and saving for new furniture and vacation. I had to prioritize. Looks like Bey will have to wait. I can catch the I AM.... Tour on DVD. I know, I know - it's not the same.... But financial stability (and maintaining it) is more important.
2. My boyfriend and I saw the new X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie Friday night. We loved it! The plot, the acting, the special effects, cinematography - all top notch! I have to admit I thought this was much better than X-Men 3....
3. Well, the media is up to its old tricks again - fear mongering.... And you should already know what I'm referring to when I say.... The coverage of the swine flu. Living in fear - didn't we get tired of this under the Bush Administration? Has anyone learned anything yet? Being afraid is not going to help us get over this pandemic any sooner. We need to be prudent and do our best to safeguard ourselves. We have to be a little smarter about this folks.... And looking to the media is not always the answer....
4. And is there anything else to report on other than Miss California's viewpoints on marriage? It's overkill at this point. Who care? This is America. Everyone can say or feel what they want. The problem comes in when you are browbeating others into thinking, feeling, and believing the same way. I have no problem with her viewpoints. I don't agree with them but it's not stopping me from believing what I believe or how I'm living my life. (See my post On Marriage for more.)
5. There are certain things that shouldn't be discussed at work. Politics, sex, religion, certain aspects of relationships.... I could go on and on. You usually have discussions about this at orientation and get documentation from HR regarding this.... But people do it anyway. You need to however, be very careful because you never know who is listening and who might be offended by what is said regarding any of the topics listed above. Oh the conversations that I've heard - it's mind boggling. Thank god I can tune things out with music.... It's been my saving grace many-a-day.
   
6. It's amazing how deep connections can be between friends. It doesn't matter what happens, the distance between you, how often you see or speak to each other - there's something that just keeps you linked. You can pick up where you left off with ease. You remain each other's constant supporters. I've noticed this so often with my closest friends. It's truly a great thing!
7. I have ongoing issues with mainstream music. I'm not sure when or where everything went amok but very little seems to fascinate me. As I get older, I seem to fall in love more and more with "grown folks music". Music that not only sounds good but has a purpose. It makes you think, feel, laugh, cry, dance.... It's real, never contrived. It doesn't follow trends and isn't derived from some tired, ole formula. It's art. And it's obvious when listening and seeing artists perform that they do it for the love of music and not for the money.
8. I'm looking forward to hearing Chrisette Michele's new album, Epiphany, to be released this Tuesday, May 5th. Her debut was one of 2007's best R&B/Soul releases. And I expect nothing but great music on the new release. I can't stop playing "Epiphany" and "What You Do". And I just heard "Blame It On Me" on Saturday (and that may become a new favorite as well).
9. Can you believe it - Maxwell has new music coming out? The first part of his trilogy BLACKsummers'night will be released on July 7th. The first single "Pretty Wings" is a masterpiece. It's classic Maxwell and a welcomed addition to keep in rotation. It's been 8 years since his last studio album. If "Pretty Wings" is any indication - it'll be well worth the wait.
10. I'm really looking forward to the summer. Being able to catch up on my reading. Hanging out with friends and family. Going to concerts and other events. The beach. Vacation. And spending quality time with my baby.... :)
    
11. After a long break, I'll be heading back to the gym. I paid for a new membership at Bally's this Saturday (great deal by the way - $29.99 a month/no initiation fee). I'll be working out at least 3 days a week. I've lost about 8-10 pounds without working out. It's now time to up the ante. The goal is to be healthier and stronger. Gotta make life changes and stick to them.

Oh well, that's it for me. Got to finish getting ready for the work week. Until next time, peace, love, and many blessings!

Kiss

When our lips met, I felt myself
     leave this place.
I was transcended.
And from the looks of it, you were too.
Something in the way our lips met,
Suggested a deeper feeling between us--
     Something we’re only beginning to experience and explore.
If this serves as an indication of the future,
     it’s going to be explosive.
What brought us together will only continue to grow.

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Kid Cudi - Day 'n' Nite
via FoxyTunes

Time Waits (for No One)

I'll live like forever is now
Because time waits for no one
And tomorrow just may not come 'round
Because time waits for no one
When we're gone
Only love goes on
~ Gloria Estefan, "Time Waits" from Unwrapped (2003)

Hello to all out in blog land! Hope all is fab in your world. It's been so long! I'm good though. Guess you can say I've been on a blog sabbatical. Life has been moving so fast lately and I find myself increasingly busy. At this point, I'm just trying take some time and enjoy breathing. Today was one of those days where I didn't feel like doing anything and that was my mission. Sit back, relax, and reflect....

I have to say that the last 8 or so months have been the happiest I've been in quite some time. My professional life is going well. My work has received quite a bit of praise and I was recently awarded with a merit raise. I was very happy about that. I hope to continue to improve and advance in my current position and whatever opportunities that stem from it.

Personally, my love life has never been better. My boyfriend and I have been together for about 8 months. And it just seems to keep getting better. We can't get enough of each other. We are so very much in love with each other. Life would be so much different without him in it. And I can't see my life without him in it. He's the one! And I am so thankful, so grateful to have the love that I've longed for and searched so hard to find.

I've fallen in love with my friends all over again. They continue to amaze me, push me, inspire me, uplift me, support me, love me... And every chance I get I pay them back in kind. Since so many of my friends are several miles away, we don't get to see each other (sometimes don't get to talk to each other) that often. So the moments we do have whether they be in person, over the phone, text, IM, or email - are cherished. We've all been thru so much. And we've been there for each other thru it all. I couldn't ask for better friends. I thank god for putting them in my life.

And I love my family. As crazy and dysfunctional as it can be, they're my foundation. I can't help but root for them. Even during the bad times. It's unfortunate that we're not as close as we used to be. I continue to pray for the day when the petty b.s. is no more and we all can get back to where things should be. I will always be indebted to them for their love, care, and support - my mother and my grandmother especially. They've been my rocks....

I guess I say all this to say that the events of the last few months have left me in a reflective, introspective mood. These are trying times for everyone. One of my best friend's at work lost her dad on February 13th. My boyfriend lost his grandfather and an uncle on March 13th and an aunt less than a week later. My mother was diagnosed with another form of cancer and had to go into surgery on March 20th. Luckily, she made it through without any complications. Due to her medical history, we still have to keep an eye on everything. And hope and pray that after this go round the cancer doesn't return. All we can do is hope and pray for the best. Play your part and then give it up to God.

Though I realized this before, as I get older it sticks more so now....Life is too short not enjoy it and live it to it's fullest. It can all be gone in a flash. So you've got to give it your all. Love hard. Play hard. Dream big. Go after everything you want. Don't let anything stop you from doing what you've been put on this earth to do. Own it. Own everything (as RuPaul would say....lol!). And I'm going to own everything! As Gloria Estefan sang, time waits for no one. This is our time. We've got to make the best of it.... And on that note, I wish you all well. Enjoy your weekend. Catch up with you later....

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Now playing: Gloria Estefan - Time Waits
via FoxyTunes

Encore Status Entertainment!! Check it Out!

Come celebrate the launch of our website for Encore Status Entertainment!

"New Stream is Main Stream" - that's the slogan for Encore Status Entertainment (ESE). Encore Status Entertainment is an online magazine created to expose the under exposed. We recognize those recording artists, fashion designers, artists, and filmmakers that normally go unseen and give them mainstream attention. On the ESE website, you'll find audio interviews, music reviews, clothing showcases, and much, much more.

Check out the ESE blog and then go over to the ESE website to check out interviews with Loj of NEG (Network Edutainment Group), singing hummingbird Brig Feltus, and female MC/producer Pri the Honeydark, and Greg of Emperial Nation Clothing.

And to celebrate the launch of our website, readers will receive a promotional discount for Emperial Nation clothing! But you've got to check out the website for details.

And remember - "New Stream is Main Stream!"

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!!

I Wanna Thank You

2008 has been a year of change, surprise, madness, happiness, craziness, and resilience. But I made sure I didn't lose myself (or my sanity) in the midst of it all. I found balance. And I couldn't do it alone. I thank the Creator, my family, and friends for being there through it all. I know that if it wasn't for the wonderful support system I've had since the very beginning, I wouldn't be where I am now. Though I may be independent, I know I couldn't do it all alone. I am so thankful, so grateful for my family, my friends, a great relationship, my home, my job, food, clothes and the many others gifts and talents in this life I've been blessed with. I'm so happy to be here to share it with those that I love. I hope to continue sharing, living, loving, and experiencing. And I hope that I can continue to pay forward all of the great things that so many others have done for me. Hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving. Be happy and be safe this holiday weekend. Peace, Love, & Many Blessings!

Love & Life

Hello All! It's been quite a bit of time since I last blogged. Life's been keeping me busy - really busy. So much so that I had to take a step back, chill out for a bit, and re-evaluate things. After the world tour from work (we traveled to six different locations in three weeks in July), I fell ill in early August. All the traveling took a toll on me and I spent a brief period in the hospital and on sick leave from work. It was a combination of exhaustion, stress, and anxiety (which sent my blood pressure through the roof). And this is not a good combination of things to be suffering from. It may seem lightweight but when you think about how your overall health can be impacted - it's not cool.

Looking at the amount of leave I'd accrued vs. what I actually used at work, I noticed that I had not taken off much at all. And in lieu my recent health scare, I figured I needed to rectify that. So whenever I feel I need to take a mental health day - I take it, without hesitation. I realize that end of the day - if you don't take care of yourself, who else will? I've been trying to relax more, chill more, party and socialize more (I've been doing a lot of that lately-LOL!). Just trying to enjoy life more really.

Aside from that, I've been spending time with family and helping out when I can. My mother and my grandmother actually took care of me while I was sick. I was so appreciative and grateful for that. I'd do the same (and have done the same) thing for them. It's the least that I can do for the many things they've done for me over the years. I recently helped them move into a new place back in late September. Due to the issues my mother's been having with her left hip/leg and lower back, she's unable to comfortably do a lot of walking and stair climbing. Her doctor told her she needed to move somewhere that didn't have any stairs. Fortunately, she and my grandmother were able to find a one-level house and everything is good. They've settled quite well into it.

I've also fallen in love.... This thang is for real. So SERIOUS!!!! I'm so happy (or I should say happier). All of the b.s., drama, and games I had to deal with in my previous relationships were the perfect set-up for what I have now. Totally work of The Creator. I can't say thank you enough! When you stop looking - good things do come your way. I do believe I've found my match. He's a beautiful man - inside and out. We feel exactly the same way about each other - and it's been that way seemingly from day one. Another reason to keep smiling.... :)

And I got to see Janet here in DC. Oh.... That show was one of the best shows I've ever seen. She brought the house down. They weren't ready-LOL!! I rocked with Janet for 2.5 hours of non-stop unadulterated entertainment. Say what you will about the Jacksons - but they rise like the phoenix. And regardless of what's going on - they always know how to put on an excellent show. Michael and Janet - two of the most influential and dynamic entertainers to ever grace the stage. Just look at all the reigning kings and queens of the industry now - you can't help but notice the influence Michael and Janet have had on them.

Anyway.... Life is good. Love is good. So many things to be thankful for. Even during the darkest moments.... There's always plenty of light shining when you come out on the other side. We often forget how fortunate we are. It usually takes a life changing event before we realize it.... Until next time... I wish you the best. Get out and vote. This thang is SO SERIOUS! DON'T PLAY!

Traveling, Traveling + 3rd Blogiversary!!!

Greetings! Hope you're somewhere cool - trying to beat the heat. I'm chillin'. Just got back from Dallas. My team is conducting field research for a project and will be traveling for most of this month. Aside from Dallas, we've been to Chicago and Tampa. We'll be going to Phoenix and San Diego next week. I've been to San Diego before (a beautiful place) but I've never been to Phoenix. I'm not sure I'll be able to beat the heat in Phoenix (with 100+ degree temperatures - I can feel my skin burning now - LOL!) but I'll enjoy it as much as our schedule will allow. Though, I am grateful to have a job that affords the opportunities to travel, I must admit - traveling is very exhausting. I feel like I'm going to need a vacation just to recuperate from living out a suitcase these last few weeks. LOL! But it beats being stuck behind a computer in a cubicle everyday. Change of scenery is always a great thing.

And I'm happy to announce BuddahDesmond's Rapture is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this month! I can't believe I've been blogging this long. So much has changed in my life both personally and professionally. And I've written about a range of topics and issues and still have much more to discuss. In honor of this celebration, I'd like to highlight some of my favorite posts over the years. Feel free to take a gander at these and any other posts:

1. The P/H Factor - Phyllis Hyman: Tribute to a Sophisticated Lady
2. I Walked Away
3. 26 Y.O. + Still Learning
4. Politricking
5. H-A-P-P-Y
6. Current Loves (of Music That Is)
7. On Marriage
8. When Hate Kills
9. And Then The Music Slumped
10. Luther Is Love

Other sites to checkout:

1. Pictures and Frames Magazine (I have poetry and music reviews of Chante Moore's Love the Woman and Craig David's Trust Me.)
2. Encore Status (This is the blog for an up-and-coming online magazine of the same name devoted to giving mainstream-like exposure to underground artists, musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers.)
3. Melange - the Encore Status Mixtape, Vol. 1 (Tired of Top 40 radio? Need something new and different? Then Melange may be right for you!)

Until next time.... Peace, Love, & Many Blessings!

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Now playing: Common - Southside (featuring Kanye West)
via FoxyTunes

The P/H Factor - Phyllis Hyman: Tribute to a Sophisticated Lady

Gonna make changes
Gonna make minds aware
Moving together
Willing to share
There's power in the masses
Collectively we can win

~Phyllis Hyman, "Gonna Make Changes", Somewhere In My Lifetime, 1978

I couldn't let this week end without paying tribute to one of my all-time favorite vocalists, the late, great Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 - June 30, 1995). The music industry hasn't been the same since her untimely passing. If you are unfamiliar with her music - do yourself a favor and please check it out. It's a rarity even to this day that someone comes along as gifted and talented as Hyman was. The singer, songwriter, model, actress and businesswoman would've turned 59 this year.

The P/H Factor
 

The angel with the resonant, rich, beautiful voice;

The Goddess of Love,

Commanding the stage like a queen;

Regal, striking, almost intimidating,

Queen of the blues, pop, soul, jazz, and gospel.

A true Sophisticated Lady,

In a class of her own,

In fact, ahead of her time;

Critically acclaimed yet under-recognized,

A mind-blowing woman with many talents

Who never achieved the stardom she truly deserved.

Yet, she is a legend.

Although you're no longer with us in the physical sense,

Your spirit lives on in your music.

Each time one of your songs plays, you are born again.

We relive the joy and wonder in our memories of you.

You touched us deeply

With your songs of love—

About its many facets, the ups and downs, the joys and the pain.

You took us there;

We were with you each step of the way.

With each note on the musical scale

You left us enraptured,

Capturing us in your mesmerizing essence.

You spoke to us and we could definitely relate.

That's why we will never forget you

And the many gifts you gave to the world.

Phyllis Hyman—the woman, the actress, the fashion model, the singer, the songwriter, and the performer:

You will always remain special,

You will always have a place in our hearts,

And a significant place in history.

One of the world's most beautiful women, with one of the greatest vocal instruments,

You are truly appreciated.

You will forever go on.

Phyllis, you were and still are loved.

Phyllis Hyman's music at Amazon

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Phyllis Hyman - Complete Me

via FoxyTunes

Surrender

come to me
let me show you the way to my heart
come with me
let us escape to the place where lovers go to freely
     express their love for each other
stay with me
never let me spend another night alone
lay with me
so that our bodies, souls, and minds can unite as one
let the wonderful beauty of this bond take us where
     it may
let us let go and let love take us away
let us surrender
and give our all to each other with the power of love

~BuddahDesmond

The Love Inside

You can have all the love in the world,
But the love that really counts is the love inside—
The love for self that shines through in each and everything
     you do.
It is only when you can love and accept yourself that you can
     begin to love someone else.
And once this happens,
You will be able to proclaim honestly and passionately,
"I've found true love!"

~ BuddahDesmond

I Walked Away

Slowly surely
I walk away from
self-serving
undeserving
constantly hurting me love
deserting me love
you said, I said, we said
but
~ Jill Scott, "Slowly Surely," Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol. 1, 2000

If you haven't figured out from my previous posts yet, DP and I broke up. After 2 1/2 years, I had to walk away. It wasn't the love that I wanted anymore. It wasn't fulfilling my needs. After putting so much into it, I felt slighted. I felt shortchanged. I felt used. Because I wasn't getting back what I was putting in. The effort, the support, the openness wasn't being reciprocated. So I had to move on. The relationship was over long before it ended. I just had yet to open my eyes wide enough to see it. Though I saddened about our relationship's demise, I was thoroughly relieved. Content that I'd finally let go of what had been bringing me down for some time.

While I prefer to be in a relationship, I can do without the suffering, the heartache, the longing, and the pain. Lately, I've been enjoying the single life. I've been enjoying this time of reflection and introspection. I know that the next time will be quite different. And most of all, I'm going into this next period of life and love with no expectations. That way I don't get my feelings hurt too soon, too fast. And though it's only been a few months, new love seems to be on the horizon again. But I'm taking my time with it. No need to rush it. I'm just letting it flow - slowly, surely, easily, naturally. There's no hurrying love. A hurried love is one that will turn on you. It's one that will let you down. One that you won't be able to depend upon. Can't be having that! LOL! Until next time -- love, peace, and many blessings!

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Now playing: Jill Scott - Slowly Surely
via FoxyTunes

Next Time

After this last go round with love,
I've decided—
Instead of lambasting my ex for the wrong done
     to me,
I'm going to focus on me,
Own up to what I did,
Embrace the mistakes—
My faults,
And figure out just what I need to do,
So that next time I don't end up in the same
     situation.

I need to take this time—
Reflect upon me.
This is my time to rectify, recover, release,
     and regroup,
So that next time—
     I'm ready for love,
     fully and completely.

~ BuddahDesmond

Lost In You

An unknown
A stranger
A new being
that I didn't recognize
something you wished you'd left on the shelf
instead of bringing home with you
This foreigner came in and
changed everything
What I used to be
What I used to do
was usurped
forgotten
discarded
The old me became this new being
And I thought nothing of it in the
beginning
I made excuses for you and your
behavior, the things you said, and
the things you did
It was okay
I thought it was me
I was so lost in you
that I lost me

I eventually saw you, me, us
the situation for all that it
was worth (and not worth)
And I, eventually, grew
tired
I was exhausted from giving so much
And nothing being rightfully reciprocated
I was disgusted
Because I bent over backwards
Was hanging out on a limb
Living on the edge
And it seemed you didn't appreciate it
So the good thoughts began to lessen
I dreaded your calls
I was disgusted with you
But I was more so disgusted
with myself for allowing
this to fester
I was so lost in you
That I forgot who I was

So I had to reclaim what
was rightfully mine
to get back to me
I had to let go
I had to embark on a new personal
journey
to find me again
I had to end it with you
So that I could
start anew with me

~ BuddahDesmond

The End

Sad to say
but our union has come to a pass
At a point we were linked like no other
Joined, one
But something seemingly cosmic
changed the feeling
We lost our rhythm
Fell out of sync
Danced to entirely different beats
Some otherworldly thing
changed our space, our time
Though the love remains
All that should hold it together
unraveled
And we began to diverge....

Me
Left feeling the cold
While you were embraced with warmth
Emotions expressed
You say you do
But your actions fail to show that
you understand or know
Where I reside is a place
you can't seem to get to
I've given you directions
but you still end up lost
The sad part is that
you fail to see it

Maybe when you do
A great shift in thought, feeling,
perspective - a realization
will occur
And at that point
You will see not
only where I went wrong
But where you went wrong
where we both went wrong
And you should be able to move on
Hopefully wiser
Having learned a great lesson
about how to love

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Phyllis Hyman - Souvenirs
via FoxyTunes

26 Y.O. + Still Learning

Wow, it's been a while. You turn around and you find it's been three weeks since your last post. Hope everyone out in blogland is cool. I'm good. Just been busy. Been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting. I recently turned 26 (on February 15th). It was truly one of the best b-day's ever. I was taken out to lunch, had a surprise b-day celebration, and hung out with some friends at a cool bar & lounge in DC. I was tore up (and I mean tore up) for the first time in my life. I had a good time though (and that's all that matters). The tickets for the MJB and Jay-Z concert also went on sale on my b-day. One of my friends luckily scored some the same day and I'll be tagging along. I've never seen either artist live so I'm really excited about it.

Though I'm a year older, I still feel the same. I don't have any qualms or issues with growing older. I embrace it. Seeing those numbers change each year is a blessing. Just being able to get up each day makes me happy. It's as simple as that. Family, friends, good health, job, a home, food, clothes, etc. all make it that much sweeter. At 26, I know there's still more to learn. I'm a student--in this life, for this life--for life. Still so many places to go, so many things to do, so many people to meet. Wherever the journey takes me--that's where I'll be.

Before I head out - please check out Melange, one of the hottest mixtapes online. Brought to you by Encore Status Entertainment (ESE), Melange features a range of music by some of the freshest independent artists around the globe. Tired of top 40 radio? Then Melange may be right for you!

More to come later. Until then.... Peace & Many Blessings!!!




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Now playing: Chaka Khan - Super Life
via FoxyTunes

Politricking

They’re up politricking on the hill,

Taking lobbyists’ dollar bills,

Claiming they keep it real,

When they can’t give us something we can feel.

They make promises they can’t keep,

Forgetting that what they sow, they will reap,

Lyin’ to themselves and others to get a seat,

But when it all falls down the incumbent will get beat.

Your approach is haughty and self-righteous.

You come off cocky, act like you’re the second coming of the Messiah.

So sad—people caught on to bullshit,

Discovered you were only looking out for personal interests.

You’ve got it bad and that ain’t good,

Got the nerve to say you were misunderstood.

You give politics and government a bad name.

Liars, thieves, cheaters, adulterers, and politicians—

People will say they’re all the same.

You’re oblivious to the people you represent;

You act like this is a game when it’s a commitment.

You constantly cut and run and confuse the masses with doublespeak,

While your quest to save moral values has only divided and made us weak.

The time has come,

And the people see you for what you are.

They’re ashamed they let you get this far,

But when the time comes they know exactly what to do:

Find the next best thing and get rid of you.

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Janet Jackson - Feedback

via FoxyTunes

In Lieu of MLK Day 2008

This past Monday marked the celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who gave of himself unselfishly. He devoted his life to the fight for civil rights and equality for all. He led a movement that forever changed American society (and the world). His is a legacy that left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of millions. His current depiction however, seems to have many people believing the "I Have a Dream" speech is the only reason why we honor him.

As many leaders before and after him, King was a complex man. People seem to have forgotten, or they simply don't know, just how much he (and many other civil rights activists) did for us. How hard the battle was. How in the face of adversity he remained steadfast. He was a man with a mission - a calling if you will. He was committed to the cause. Determined to do all that was necessary to bring about change in a society that was plagued (and still is) with social ills. My words here, I admit, even fail to do King justice. But it pains me to see his life and his contributions being whittled down to the "I Have a Dream" speech.

If King were alive, I do wonder what his thoughts would be about our society today. In many ways it seems as if we've turned into what he feared the most - a divided society. The haves and the have-nots. The rich and the poor. The well-educated and the poorly-educated. White and Black. Or White and Everybody Else. The very things he was fighting against are the things that separate us. With all this talk about "change" - let's see which of the current presidential candidates will actually stop talking about it and be about it. Martin Luther King, along with many other activists and leaders of his day, set the tone. If you're going to name drop and throw out the "change rhetoric" then you need back it up with action. Only time will tell if any of the candidates (and any us) truly see the light.

Past, Present, and Future

I often wonder if our ancestors are pleased with our progress.

Looking down on us, would they hold their heads high in praise or bow them 
     down in shame?

Would they feel that everything they fought for was in vain?

Would they feel we are living up to the legacy they’ve left behind?

It’s a valid question, considering the disparities within our community.

There are disconnects between generations and classes,

Between faith and moral values,

Between the revolutionary and the righteous,

Between traditional and unconventional,

Between family and community.

Sometimes it seems like we are ghosts of what we were before.

The shades of greatness remain,

But the people have yet to figure out how to channel its power.

All is not lost, yet not all is fully realized.

I hope that our ancestors have not given up on us, the way we have given up on 
     each other.

I hope they feel that we all can come together to believe and dream and fight to 
     win again,

Because it’s there—

It never left.

We were born to survive in even the bleakest situations.

There’s still time to mobilize.

There’s still hope and faith that we can get it together,

and bring everyone to the same place again.

We just can’t forget about what was.

We can’t forget about who fought the many battles and won.

We can’t forget about our ancestors.

We must think of them

Because they are why we are here,

And why we must go on.

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

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