"There shall be no solution to this race problem until you, yourselves, strike the blow for liberty." — Marcus Garvey

"Men search the pages of history for solutions, for precedents, but there are none. This, then, is the ultimate challenge. Where are we to look for our survival, for the answers to the questions which have never before been posed? We must look, first, to Almighty God, Who has raised man above the animals and endowed him with intelligence and reason. We must put our faith in Him, that He will not desert us or permit us to destroy humanity, which He created in His image. And we must look into ourselves, into the depth of our souls. We must become something we have never been and for which our education and experience and environment have ill-prepared us. We must become bigger than we have been, more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook. We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community."~His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I 1963 Speech to the UN

The quote above comes from the same speech as the more well known quote that Bob Marley made into the song "War." It is just as true and relevant today as it was over 50 years ago when Emperor Haile Selassie made the speech. I had to seek out His Majesty's words to try to quell the rage building inside of me due to the circumstances America finds itself in today. But let's face it, hatred and bigotry is swelling around the world.

I was thinking yesterday that if my grandmother, who marched with Dr. King, was alive today, her head and heart would be reeling with despair and disbelief from this deja vu, this flashback to a time long before I was born. She would probably feel like she failed her great grand baby by not making sure the job was complete. But I would have to tell her that she and her generation can't take on the blame because laws change circumstances not hearts and minds.

Today, this father's day, there are offspring mourning their fathers rather than celebrating them. There is a church in Charleston, SC who instead of celebrating and revering fatherhood, is praying for solace, comfort, peace, and protection because we as a race, the human race, have failed to "become bigger than we have been, more courageous, greater in spirit and larger in outlook." Because of our failure (not just our ancestors') racism is not only still alive, but regaining the strength of Dr. King's days. You disagree? Let me illustrate:

The Emanuel African American Episcopal Church Massacre

 Not a Gun Control Issue

President Obama and other gun control proponents would have you believe that this tragedy would have been averted had we had better gun control laws. Although I agree, we need better gun control laws,  this was not some "mentally unstable" individual with unknown motives who committed a mass shooting because he had access to a gun. This was a racially motivated attack on black people. The shooter himself said it. In 1963, the weapon of choice was fire bombs. But I believe that Mr. President didn't feel he could make this admission because after all, he's the president of the racists too.

Not an "Attack on Christianity"

So in this day, we are so familiar with the diversion tactics of those who push their own agendas and ideologies rather than stand for right. There are "news" agencies claiming that that youth was declaring war on Christianity. But he shot up a black church because black people were in it. The shooter himself said it.

Not a New Thing

In Birmingham, Alabama: It, too, was a racist attack that used a bomb on the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing four black girls on a Sunday in 1963. Protests have been flooding the streets in the last couple of years over police violence against blacks, yet, a senator, who is old enough to remember the 1963 bombing, has the gall to say it is "unfathomable" that someone would do this. He knows as well as I do that racists ideology is still being taught and upheld...the presence of the confederate flag at the capitol building in South Carolina should be evidence enough.

The Cause of My Rage

Many of you may have no real concept of what it is like to live as a black person in America...especially as a black woman. Let me give you a tiny glimpse:

• Trust: Bob Marley said, "Man to man is so unjust. Ya don't know who to trust." Imagine knowing that you are surrounded by at least 5 types of people but not always knowing which they are: 1. People who admit they don't like you because you're black 2. People who don't like you because you're black but don't admit it 3. People who don't realize they don't like you because you're black and thus keep their feet in their mouths 4. People who don't like certain aspects about your "blackness" 5. Those who sincerely like you as you are

• Abandonment : I have many friends and acquaintances whom I know are good, caring people who are all for equal rights and justice. Yet, when events like the Charleston Massacre happens (in fact, especially this event) they go silent. I see no posts, save for condolences, about the event and I hear no outrage from them. Mind you, there are those who are eternal warriors for justice and I am thankful for them. But to some of my non-black acquaintances, are you aware how something like this effects your black friends? Are you aware how one word of solidarity from you would comfort us? And please realize, some of the 5 types of people I mentioned above are black too. And some of you go silent as well. Do you really believe we have "overcome"? Do you think this is "the mountain top"? And no one steps up as a leader. I would, but I've only got 12 followers on this blog, I clearly can't garner support.

• Fear : I don't fear for my own life, but I have a bit of fear for these young people behind me who don't know their history nor do many of them have a true knowledge or understanding of what's going on today and the significance of it. Those who do, fight back, but they do so in a way that is unsafe for them because they have no guidance or leadership. Some of those 5 types of black people blame their "insolence" for their unfair treatment, when they should thank them for reminding them that they too should stand up for their rights.

• Pain: It pains me to see injustices and wickedness thrive unabated. There are good people in the world, many of them are white, and police officers. But when will they stand up for good? All who don't stand up are to blame as much as the oppressors. "our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community." I also have to endure the pain of rejection from all men because the black woman is treated like the wretches of society. I endure stereotypes perpetuated by media and my own people, I endure the curiosity of those who ask me questions like I'm a creature from outer space. But mostly, I endure the pain of having to watch atrocities occur knowing nothing will be done to change it.

These are just a few sources of the rage building inside of me. The mental anguish of knowing I can't stop these things on my own is exhausting. I'm a rasta woman, and yes, we are about peace and love, but we are also about equal rights and justice. So, I'll leave you with the most famous quote from His Imperial Majesty's speech as food for thought:

"On the question of racial discrimination, the Addis Ababa Conference taught, to those who will learn, this further lesson: That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil."

~His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I 1963 Speech to the UN

Tell the Children the Truth

I've waited to make this post, waited until I had something thoughtful and/or compelling to say about the events and the reactions to them that are occurring in the U.S. I am, of course referring to the two grand jury decisions to not indict the murderers of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. I still haven't formulated the perfect thought, mostly because my brain is in a haze and my emotions are swirling like a funnel cloud.I've read many articles that better articulate what I would like to say, but there are some points that haven't been mentioned. 

I work around black children, men and women in an educational situation daily. I see young black boys dutifully doing their homework with hopes of a promising future, loving parents checking in on their behavior when they pick them up, and intelligent caring men organizing activities that will shape young minds. What I don't see or rather hear is a discussion about racism in America, police violence or the protests that have followed.

Any educational institution that is not ensuring that its students are informed, having thoughtful conversations, or at the very least have a safe, positive forum in which to express themselves is doing the students, this country, and our future a huge disservice. Anyone who cannot see that this country is at a crossroads, a critical juncture not seen in this country since the civil rights era, is seriously deluded or has his/her head in the sand.

We are in the midst of another big civil rights movement. Civil rights movements are occurring all of the time, but this one is on a grander scale, like the one that happened in the 50's and 60's. The difference this time is that Americans of all races are deeply entrenched in the fight, and they have support from all over the world. This is no longer a black issue, it is a human rights issue.

Young people, hopefully, have much more of the future in front of them and should therefore have their eyes open as they witness this shift. They should have a say and be informed enough to express themselves. Humans never want to upset children with the truth. They've invented Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy and a slew of Disney characters in order to delay reality for as long as possible. Perhaps we should stop looking at reality as a negative. 

Telling the children the truth about what's going on in America right now is an opportunity to teach compassion, foster empathy, and enable them to begin to think critically. It will also, of course, prepare them.  The thought that stays in the forefront of my mind is that too many people are unable to put themselves in another's shoes and imagine their pain. This,in turn, inhibits compassion. What will become of this world without compassion? The only thing I can see happening is a complete disregard for life...hmmm, seems like we're there.

Bring the children in on this conversation because this is happening to them too. This is their past, present, and future. I'm telling you I have talked to some thoughtful youth who could teach us all a great deal. Tell the children the truth.

Queen in Retrograde

I woke up in a fantastic mood this morning. I was refreshed. I had a stimulating conversation with a co-worker before I started work, and I finally dressed in the right combination of layers for the transition from early morning freeze to afternoon Indian Summer. But around 9:25, old Merc started moving backwards...and took me with him! All day today, I had to restart projects I have been working on for the past week. I seemed to be in high demand from everyone, and there was, of course, the daily afternoon extremely amateur metal concert.

But I did not lose hope. I played my uplifting music and I decided to deploy one of my secret emergency weapons. I knew if I could ingest some form of hot, salty, fried potato product, I could make it through the day. An angel volunteered to fetch some for me and the anticipation of sweet (salty) relief washed over me. The day looked brighter as I saw her return with bags in her hands. But then she uttered words that sounded like a foreign language to me, "they were all out." That's when I knew. I didn't even have to do an internet search. Mercury is in retrograde. 

RETROGRADE: Moving backward; having a backward motion or direction; retiring or retreating.
2. inverse or reversed, as order.
Astronomy
a.
moving in an orbit in the direction opposite to that of the earth in its revolution around the sun.
b.
appearing to move on the celestial sphere in the direction opposite to the natural order of the signs of the zodiac, or from east to west.

I had to look up retrograde to see exactly what was happening to me today. I don't claim to understand all of the astrology aspects of the word, but once someone told me that all of the things that were out of wack some days were a result of Mercury being in retrograde, every time I have a day like today I assume that is the cause (today I guessed correctly). 

It doesn't seem to matter if I know it's coming or not, or if I have explicit details as to what it means. I always feel powerless against it and just settle in for the ride. Apparently, the retrograde being in Scorpio means diving inward to discover my "dark side" and hidden secrets. But I don't even have the strength to deal with all of that. So I just kept moving backwards in order to move forward. I'm a forward ever backward never kind of queen, so this was very uncomfortable for me. But as I learned today, sometimes the universe has its own way of telling you to do a better job.

I pulled out my tried and true weapon, a much healthier choice, brother Bob. I played Bob Marley's Three Little Birds three times back to back and then just listened to a Bob Marley medley for the rest of the day. I reached out to a friend who ALWAYS makes me smile, and I did. On the way home, I stopped by the grocery store and found a vegan gluten free dark chocolate cookie (more like a brownie) and it was AWEsooommmme! So retrograde that Mercury! A hot shower, a cup of tea, and a new start tomorrow. I give thanks. Forward ever. Blessings.

Travel Wide...and drink the kool-aid: Groundation

Bob Marley said, "If you're not living good, travel wide." Living good for me means great live music, so I hit the road yesterday morning for an eight hour drive to see, yes, Groundation play in Solana Beach, CA at the Belly Up. I made good time, of course, until I hit L.A. during rush hour (things I DON'T miss about L.A.). My eight hour drive then turned into 10. My joints seemed to be locked into one position, I was hungry, and all of the red lights in front of me made me want to scream. But Bob Marley was singing "Don't worry about a thing...cause every little thing is gonna be alright." (Bob is great road trip music), and I knew it would all be worth it.


The concert was sold out and the energy was high. I met other Groundation fans who used the same words I always use when talking about the group and Harrison Stafford. It was comforting to know I wasn't the only one who "drank the kool-aid." If you let it, good music will get under your skin....great music will get into your spirit. That's the "kool-aid" I'm referring to. Groundation fans always seem to be just like their music, full of love, peace seeking, and aware of our oneness. I always make new friends at their shows.


The band seemed to have even more joyful energy and eagerness to please the crowd. It must be the beautiful southern California sun and surf...the beach was blocks away.  No two shows are ever the same with Groundation which is why I try to see as many as possible. They really could phone a performance in and still put on a great show, but I have yet to see that happen. These musicians just seem to keep getting better and more excited about their craft.


When I grow up, I want to be Kim Pommell and Kerry Ann Morgan (Kerry Starr). These queens are fierce. They move with such energy, style, and precision, and then deliver soulful sounds without being out of breath. They make it look easy, but trust me, it isn't...I've tried to keep up with them.  The two of them do the I-threes proud in these tributes. Their voices are perfect for Bob's songs.


I was sure my brain would be mush by the end of the show because the solos were blowing my mind. If the drums are the engine that drives a band, last night Te Kanawa "Rufus" Haereiti took Groundation on the Autobahn. Kelsey Howard continues to amaze me on the trombone. I'll admit, I always saw the trombone as a two note instrument useful only in marching bands and orchestras. Mr. Howard keeps proving me wrong by showing me all of the different stories, moods, and emotions the trombone has. Harrison Stafford is anointed. He's talented, soulful, and believe it or not, the coolest man I know. I'm not just referring to how nice he is, I'm talking about charisma and style...the "it" factor...he doesn't try, and you may not be able to tell by looking at him, but he has it.


 I'm so happy I made the journey to see this show. I'm going to keep drinking this "kool-aid" because it brings me euphoria, peace, love, and new experiences. There's no spaceships, special clothing, secret handshakes, or passwords...just great conscious music. Bob Marley was right, "you gotta, travel wide." Take the journey with me, happiness awaits. Peace, blessings and music.

Groundation + Bob Marley=Home

I've spoken often about the power of music, and I will again today. Most of you know my love for Groundation's music, however, I've only hinted about my love for Bob Marley and his music. I experienced a shift in my life when I began listening to Bob's music. My perspective about myself, the world, and humanity changed in such a way that my consciousness was elevated. Before that time, my spirit seemed to sit in limbo on a never ending search for truth. Bob's music revealed the path my spirit was to take and I've not looked back.

Groundation seemed to pull me out of a ditch on that road and gave me a gentle push towards the throne. So as you can imagine, a concert with Groundation playing Bob Marley's songs is like a homecoming for me. They say home is where the heart is. February 2, 2012 at the New Parish in Oakland, CA, Groundation welcomed me with open arms.

I met some new friends from my World Music Lovers group and everyone seemed excited to hear the band play, most for the first time. We staked out a prime spot in the front (ok I staked out the spot...that's the only way I do concerts) and warmed up to the funky roots Dj Jaques was spinning. When the band walked on stage, I felt like I was seeing old friends I hadn't seen in a while. The beauty of going to a Groundation concert is that you know you're always going to get a great show, and that was comforting.

I was pleased to hear them play many of Bob's songs that most artists seem to either forget about or shy away from in their tributes  like "Screw Face," "Caution," "She's Gone," "One Drop," and "One Love," (the original ska version). Bob Marley has a wealth of great songs and Groundation's well trained and incredibly talented musicians are able to take those songs to new heights. At a Groundation concert, one is treated with delicious mindblowing solos from the band. I love it because you can feel their passion. One of my new friends told me, "I didn't realize how sexy the trombone was until tonight." I can see how that strange instrument could be looked upon as sensual with the sliding and delicate hand and lip placement...but I think it's the fervor with which Kelsey Howard plays the instrument that evoked such a feeling within the young lady.

The band played two sets which was a treat for me. I danced hard, sang along, and loved every second of it. My new friends were also very impressed, not only by the musicianship of the band, but also by how personable they were as some of them came and met with the audience after the show. It was a great night...wait till you hear about the next night. Peace,  blessings, and music.

Groundation: The Prequal

I'm getting excited as my "reunion" with Groundation (my favorite roots reggae band...if you didn't know) is coming up in seven days. I know I've mentioned them a lot in my blogs, but it's because their music has had a profound effect on my life. I can't really say that about many artists' music. I will say that their music's effect  on me was akin to Bob Marley's.

Groundation fell into my lap out of nowhere. I had only heard one song, "Groundation Chant," on my Bob Marley station on Pandora.  The first thing that got my attention was the one two beat of the drum that I've heard so often at Nyahbinghi* gatherings. Then I heard the words "Please believe me when I say, there will come a day when everyone shall see unification." Now, I tell you, at this particular point in my life, I felt like everyone around me was bent on separating and distancing themselves from one another, so they had me at "unification." This is conscious music that uplifts...a rare commodity these days.

A few months later, I saw them for the first time at the Raggamuffin Festival, which is a Bob Marley celebration in the Los Angeles area. I admit, I was a little skeptical at first because I had only heard the one song, and not everyone can do Bob Marley justice. Those of you who are Bob Marley fans know that there is nothing worse than someone destroying one of his songs. Nevertheless, I was front and center ready to give them a chance. I was encouraged (and impressed) when I saw Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace sitting on drums. Mr. Wallace has played with many of the great reggae artists and was in the movie "Rockers."

Mr. Wallace boosted my confidence in the group, but they still had to play Bob's music. I was surprised (and relieved) at the musicianship of the band. The music was as tight and clean as a recording. Harrison Stafford delivered the tunes in his own personal style without muddying up the original sound. You see, that's where many artists go wrong when singing Bob Marley's songs. They want to put so much of their own personal touch that the songs don't sound the same...or the musicians just don't play very well. The only disappointment of the performance was that it was too short. It was, however, a festival with other artists still to perform including Bob Marley's son Stephen.

It will be a treat to be able to hear Groundation perform more of The Legend's songs, and some of their own, including songs from their album to be released in March. I love being able to chill with this great group of people...but the music is the thing. It's like I'm plugging myself in and I'm fully charged and renewed when I leave. I'm going to try to blog after each show. Perhaps Mr. Stafford will even bless me with a short interview? (Are you reading this Harrison? Someone forward this to him please) If you're in northern or southern California, I hope you decide to see a show so you can experience what I'm trying to express. You can see the schedule here. For those of you wondering, no, I don't work for them...yet.  More to come...Love, light, and

music.

*A Rastafari spiritual gathering with drumming and chanting

Music: Rx for Happiness

Considering the economic downturns around the world, unemployment rates, poverty, hunger, corporate and government corruption, and violent and senseless crimes, it's no wonder many find themselves reaching for a prescription to ease their woes. Prescriptions, however, come with their own set of issues such as a dozen side effects and the risk of addiction. There is one prescription whose only side effect is an improved mental, and physical state; music. I've been reading a lot of studies written about the effects music has on the brain and the body, and these studies have found some amazing things.

I wrote briefly in a previous post about how music increases intelligence, i.e.  reading and literacy skills, spatial-temporal reasoning, mathematical abilities, emotional intelligence, and it even improves memory and concentration. (Musicians  really should be the smartest people on earth). Studies have also found that music is effective in pain therapy, slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, speeding post stroke recovery, and even boosting immunity. I'll go into those studies more in another post. Today I would like to concentrate on the effects music has on one's mood and mental status.

We've all used music to relax and sometimes to fall asleep. The reason this works is because relaxing music reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, decreases anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate and may have positive effects on sleep via muscle relaxation and distraction from thoughts.*  For this reason, using music to reduce stress is a valid and useful tactic. Slow classical music has been proven to reduce stress, even on newborns.* One can play it in the background while performing other tasks, and it will still work. It's not just classical music that does this. Any relaxing music can relax your muscles, including your brain. Using music while doing yoga, guided imagery, or just soaking in the tub will aid in the relaxation process. Upbeat music can also help reduce stress by making you feel more positive and optimistic. Researchers have also found that music can decrease the amount of cortisol, a stress-related hormone produced by the body in response to stress.*

Many cultures have and do use music as a part of the healing process.  In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and medicine.  Healing mantras, chants, and incantations have ancient origins and are seen throughout history and in every major world culture-- Hinduism, Muslim, Judaism, Native American, Polynesian, Asian, Sufi, etc. The power of chant involves bridging the two worlds of humanity and eternity (spirituality.)** The mind, body, and spirit connection is a powerful one.  It makes sense, then, to connect to the spirit (which  is where music comes from) to heal the mind. 

I am not saying anything you didn't already know. Many people say music lifts their spirits. But now you know that not only does it help without the negative side effects of MAOI anti-depressants, it actually improves your physical health! Modern research has confirmed music's therapeutic influence on the psyche. They've even identified  bright, cheerful music (e.g. Mozart, Vivaldi, bluegrass, Klezmer, Salsa, reggae)* is the most obvious prescription for the blues. So instead of going for the Prozac next time you're depressed, why not play some Bob Marley. Love, light, and music.

*http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/music.shtml

**http://www.healingmusic.org/Main/What_Is_Healing.htm

Come Together

There are so many ways and reasons we separate ourselves from one another it's quite sad, tragic even. We use race, ethnicity, religion, age, income, education, height, weight, looks, celebrity, power, status even geographical location as reasons to separate ourselves. There is enough that is unique about all of us to make us special so we don't need to divide ourselves into categories. We are ONE. I hear enough people talking about recognizing our oneness, but I see very few of them actually behaving as though they believe it. Rapper Chubb Rock once had a song called "Treat 'Em Right" where he said, "sign an autograph you might make a new friend." He was talking about artists/celebrities giving time and respect to their fans who made them popular, but I think this could apply to everyone. Signing an autograph = giving people a chance to show you how great they are because you might make a new friend.

All of those things I listed above that we use as reasons to separate are just parts of a person's story, and some of it may not even be accurate. There could be a lifelong connection that you would cherish with that person you've chosen to ignore, exclude, and judge. I see it, and experience it far too often. No one knows the capacity of a person's heart and mind until one takes the time to find out. I've been judged in one glance. They see a woman of African decent with dreadlocks dressed humbly, rate my looks and guess at my age and already they have a profile of me. Most of the time people are wrong. I've dated men that people couldn't see why I was attracted to them (mostly because they thought they knew my "type") I told them to talk to them, you'll see what I see. On these social sites, "celebrities" never respond to their adoring fans who buy their music or see their movies or read their books. I've worked around "celebrities" before, they're just people. CEOs and other wealthy or so called powerful people put themselves on pedestals to separate themselves from "regular" people. Bob Marley once sang "The biggest man  you ever did see was just a baby."

We miss out on a lot when we divide ourselves. Challenges and struggles could be easier, there could be more joy, compassion, and understanding. But we build these walls out of fear. What is it that we fear? Rejection? Heartache? Maybe we just fear having to be kind because that's too much work and takes too much time. Separation causes isolation and alienation which leads to loneliness and despair. Isn't there enough in this world causing that without adding to it?  It's time we come together and get through life together as ONE in deed and not just in words. "So pull out your pen, sign an autograph you might make a new friend." ~Chubb Rock.  LOVE and Light

Make Way for a Positive Day

Holidays always make me think of the lonely, poor, and downtrodden. It may sound dark, but all of the excess, the gifts, the food, the decorations, makes me wonder what people who have no family or friends, or who can't afford the overpriced goods are doing. I know for some, it's difficult to watch all of the good cheer when life is so challenging for them. Staying positive in the face of trials can seem impossible, but this is exactly when we need to kick the positive vibrations up a few notches.

Think of the universe as the ocean. There are waves coming in and out, up and down. Some waves are surf able, some are barely noticeable ripples. But waves have crests (peaks) and valleys, and they keep moving. But what causes waves? Wind. The size of the wave depends on the velocity of the wind. Think of our energy as the wind. Positive energy is like increased wind speed. So the more positive your energy, the bigger your crest will be. When we're in the valleys of life, we just need to increase our positivity to get out. I know some of you think this is a bunch of new age nonsense, but it's just a metaphor for something I have found to be true.

How does one increase positivity when everything seems to be going wrong? You've heard it before, gratitude. I think when most people hear this, they think, I'm thankful for what I have, but I'm not more positive. If you take the time to actually sit and make a list of everything for which you have to be grateful, even the barely noticeable ripples, you'd be surprised how quickly a smile will appear on your face. For instance, if I just look at a picture of my nephew, it brings me joy. I think of the fun times we have together and the sweet and precocious things he says, and I'm almost laughing! The process of listing every little thing, makes us really think about all of the good and positive things and people in our lives.

Taking time to do things that make us feel good or bring us joy is a must. As you know, music does that for me. Music is so powerful it's mystical. It increases brain function, it causes the body to move (at least for me), and it can often change your mood, thoughts, and outlook. There are even certain tones that can change brainwaves! Music is a gift, it definitely goes on my list. Writing also helps me. I may not be the best writer, but I tend to express myself better in writing, and it helps me change negative energy into positive. When I write this blog, I try my best to be positive, so it forces me to find a positive way to express whatever negative thoughts I may be having. Writing, then, becomes therapy.

One of the biggest ways to gain positivity is to take the focus off of ourselves, and put it on others. When you realize there are those much worse off than you all around the world, you should be grateful. Once you decide to try to help make life even the tiniest bit better for someone else, positive energy returns because you are fulfilling your purpose here on earth, to serve your brothers and sisters. Have I told you before that we're all connected? Helping others, then, is helping yourself. I encourage everyone to remember the lonely, poor, and downtrodden, everyday, but especially during the holidays, even if you are one of them yourself. We're in this together. Love, light, and positive energy.

Stand up for your Rights

Sometimes I get angry at the injustice going on in the world, but other times I just get sad. I get sad because of the inaction that goes on despite the injustices. I can't even say that people only care if it effects them because many people don't even care then. Whatever happened to the days of Dr. Martin Luther King when people marched, protested, staged sit ins, were willing to get hosed and arrested for equal rights and justice?

 

Have we overcome? There's no reason, and I mean no reason there should be a homeless or hungry individual in America. Yet there are, and in numbers that could rival so-called developing countries. This country has the capability to help feed and house people in other countries, and we should, but we can't even take care of our own. Yes, I say we, because I have yet to give my very best effort. People in this country tend to be greedy and stingy. But we sit back and do nothing, even as we feed our children our helping of rice and beans so their bellies will stop growling. Where is your fight?

And what about our littlest victims? What of the children? Will no one stand up and speak for them? Facebook right now has people posting their favorite cartoon pictures as a "protest" against violence against children. And how will that stop violence against children? So many people just popped their favorite cartoons up and all they were talking about was how much they loved to watch them. Some people didn't even know why they put it up there. But when I created a petition aimed at getting stronger punishment for child abusers, only one person signed. One day I got an email for a petition to bring back the old Myspace. I immediately went to the site as soon as I got the email to see how many people had signed and there were over a million. My petition for children has four. None from Myspace members. Will you not fight for the children?

I hear people complain about security checks at the airport, well no one said anything when they were first implemented, where did you think relinquishing your rights to privacy and against illegal search and seizure would lead? Now, you may have to watch your wife or daughter get violated just to go on vacation.

I know some people don't believe changing a law, or a law at all will help. Their solution is to talk about how society must change in order for injustice to stop. Well, we are society and perhaps the change we need is from inaction to action. If you don't think my idea will work, that's fine, I'm not married to it, but give me an alternate solution. Let's not just sit and reason on it with no solution. Talk is cheap, you'd better get up and stand up for your rights. My Father the Mighty King told me, "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.”(H.I.M. Haile Selassie I). "He who stands for nothing will fall for anything." (Malcolm X)

Play I some music

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain," "Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand," "Music is the Most High." What Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, and Harrison Stafford expressed in these quotes from their songs is that music has an immeasurable power to stimulate, motivate, elevate, and generate positive vibrations within one's soul. I can't say enough about the power of music, at least in my life. I can recall what I was doing, what the fashions and slangs were, how I was feeling at any given time in my life, just from hearing a song. I often equate certain times in my life with the music I was listening to at that time. I have also experienced life changing personal transformations because of music.

When I first got to college, my roommate was a dark moody and brainy junior who wore all black and who loved Siouxsie and the Banshees. I was very intimidated by her. She asked me if I liked Siouxsie and the Banshees and I said yes. All of a sudden her face lit up and her mood was bright and she became my personal cultural attache, introducing me to everyone, giving me the lay of the land and survival tips. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I had never heard of the band, but I think she figured it out after a while. But having music in common was enough to break down walls and fuse a friendship.


Bob Marley's music changed my life forever. His lyrics, soul, and passion inspired me to seek what gave him such peace, faith and strength. That is how my Father the Mighty King found me. Bob's music always enlivens my spirit. I realized a few years ago, that when I am stressed I start singing "Three Little Birds" and when I'm really stressed, I unconsciously hum it. I found that out when people would start singing along as I hummed. I was listening to Bob Marley when I realized the truth about my destiny to be a queen.


Stevie Wonder's music reminds me of family, and Michael Jackson, well his music represented my childhood. This new part of my life is marked by, of course, Groundation. Not since Bob Marley has music had such an effect on my life, and that is saying a lot! Their music has renewed my spirit and strengthened my faith. I have had a rough year and Groundation not only got me through it, but above it. Give thanks Groundation.

Maya Angelou once said "Music was my refuge.  I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." (Gather Together in my Name)  We've all run to music for comfort at some point in time in our lives, like after a break up or the loss of a love one. We use songs to express ourselves to loved ones when we can't seem to find the right words. Musicians are blessed that way. Gustav Mahler once said, "If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music." Great music sometimes doesn't even need lyrics, the notes themselves speak. That's why I love the piano so much, it tells a story all by itself.

Oliver Wendell Holmes said of music, "Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons.  You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body." Friedrich Nietzsche said, "Without music, life would be a mistake." I don't know if would be a mistake, but it would certainly be less pleasant, and a lot tougher to navigate. But for me, Groundation hit the nail on the head, "Music will always rescue me." Give thanks to all the players of music.