Life: An Endless Journey

“When I was young: I read a lot, I wrote poetry. I would’ve been a totally different person had I not been exposed to these things…”

Why, hello Tumbler! How have you been? It’s been a while since we’ve hooked up, huh? Well, I just wanted to let you know my life is just a lil bit more crazy than it was previously. AS if that were possible, right? Hah. At this moment in time, I just want to say what’s on my mind. WARNING: I never think of just one thought at a time, so it might not make sense…

   It’s crazy how people take their lives and certain situations that are available to them for granted. And I can say that because I’ve done it. People also don’t realize the kind of pressure that is just floating around for others to absorb and deal with. Pressure to look a certain way, act with a certain swag, speak with a certain tongue…this shit is absurd. Why can’t people just be accepted for being different? We have all these people out here in the world now claiming to be different but doing the exact same shit that everyone else is doing. I.E. keeping up with trends in music/fashion, working but not necessarily to better oneself…

It has been said a million times and I will say it again. Education is the key to success in this world. Talkan lyke di3 will get you NOWHERE. Even some of the greatest rappers spent some time or even graduated from prestigious universities. 

I try not to judge other people because I am not perfect; however, if people come at me, I will respond. I will “tell ya about yaself.” Not necessarily in a physical way, but you will be hearing from me.

I love who I am. I know who I am. But I don’t know who I will become. Regardless, a lot of individuals my age don’t know any of the three aforementioned criteria. We have suburban folks pretending to be poor or middle class because it’s the “in” thing to do and vice versa. Blacks killing blacks for “respect.” Young black men at that! How can you earn respect from another person or group by taking an innocent life? No one on this Earth deserves to die like that. Did you know that 1 out of every 4 young black male between the ages of 15-23 will see more time in jail or in court than with their families? How do you think that makes you look? As an individual, as a family member. What about your ancestors? I don’t know about you, but my ancestors were SLAVES! I don’t have time to make a negative statement for my race or gender; I must succeed. It’s not an option for me. It shouldn’t be an option for anyone.

How are you going to come at me with your college degree when I make more money than you as an undergrad? You should feel sickened and ashamed that you wasted your time and the time of your educators by not using your diploma or continuing your education.

Yes, sir. I listen to what is known as urban music’ “loud as hail” too. Yes, I am from the hood. Are you going to judge me? Do I sound like an uneducated individual? Do I speak as though my mother and father spent their time and effort on me for no reason? Have you seen my academic records through the years? These are just questions, feel free to answer them if you wish

I think a lot about music, writers, movies, etc. I tend to focus on African-American writers such as Toni Morrison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, W.E.B. DuBois, Alex Haley, Maya Angelou, etc…mostly, because that’s what I’ve grown up with. I grew up listening to Gladys Knight and the Pips, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the O’Jays, Minnie Ripperton, etc. I’ve seen and can appreciate The Color Purple, Tyler Perry’s movies and plays, Boyz N Da Hood, all of the Fridays, etc. I know my cultures history (well enough than most) and I realize I am a part of its future. My father used to always tell me, even as a little girl, you can’t know your future unless you know your past. And there’s so much for me to learn still. I haven’t even made a dent in all there is to know; however, I feel like I know enough now to teach others who have been left in the dark. 

I don’t know where I’m going with all of this, but I know I am tired. So, until we meet again Tumblr :)