For starters the welcoming of 2009 has been interestingly brimmed with wonder and cheer. With the zooming of January's wintry mix, it seems as though it passed by in the blink of an eye.
The last time I posted, I made mention about traveling to South Africa
for a six week journey. By the way, I am still waiting to hear back from the selection committee. However, my completed and submitted application has left me feeling some-what promising.
The inauguration of Barack Obama was most exciting and memorable for
the month of January. His speech was poetically energizing and it left
me feeling hopeful for the future of this country. There were well over
one and a half million people in attendance, WOW!. In awe and disbelief, I
was glued to my television set as he was sworn into office. Speaking of
Barack Obama, Mr. Right sent me his commentary addressing some of the
many issues that he feels Barack should address in order to strenghten
America's Black economic crisis (below I have included my response to
his commentary, please accept my apology; I don’t think it would be very ethical to post his commentary w/o his consent).
“How wonderful it is to know that you respect (or even value) my
opinion whether I agree or disagree with you. In saying that, overall
your article was very sharp and insightful. However, in reading it I
have to admit I totally forgot the question (not saying it was not a
good title/question); Justifiably, I was engrossed with my own thoughts
and objections as I read yours. Hopefully, that was one aspiration for
writing the piece (to get people thinking for themselves).
I was almost convinced that there was no such thing as "Black America,"
( B.O: "there is only one America, the United States of America"),anyhow
just by reading the newspaper, watching television and working in a
predominantly white environment requires me to rethink that notion.
To the case in point. Personally, making a laundry list of the many
things Mr. Obama should/could address would be an awfully long list. In
a real sense, A.A men and women must first be held accountable for their
own success(es) and failures. It would be foolish of one to think that
just because you voted for Barack he should adhere to the numerous
problems faced in the A.A community. Personally, I do not think he
will/can address the "overaching problems" Black people in America face.
As you stated in your article, Barack is a symbol of inspiration for
black people, and it in itself should be a starting point for A.A. I am
in no way suggesting that we should not hold Barack accountable in the
aid of reforming the state of black America, simply put; the man has the
weight of the world on his shoulders. A new philosophy must be adopted
in the minds of the my people, one with patience, unity, tolerance and
how 'bout some understanding!
I can only elaborate on the topics/issues in which I am most familiar,
so I trust that you have thoroughly researched and given much thought to
all others. Nonetheless, I have reservations about the charter schools (
with good reason) and FBI appointments, (mixed feelings...I think you
were a little biased).
February for me has been a time of enlightenment and rumination
spending much of my free time reading and critiquing some of my favorite
authors as well as being introduced to some new talents. Halfprice
Books bookstore has been an absolute treasure trove of great novels that
have allowed my library to grow extensively. Also, my collection of J.
California Cooper's novels, she being my favorite mostly due to the
fact that we have very similar writing styles (reachable and personable)
is nearing completion.
Valentines day was incredible and one of the best I've had in a long
time; Mr. You Know Who made for an enchanting evening filled with lots
of surprises.... Gifts of chocolate and body creams & fragrances from
one of my favorite novelty shops; Fine dining at a Japanese
restaurant, Bennehanna's (magnificent food and display), a play ( The
Man who Saved New Orleans) and to end the night with some music and
dancing.
I am currently reading The Future of the Race by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. It is a very interesting and inspiring read. I will post more thoughts about this book when I have completed it.
Other books on the back burner are Knowing by Rosalyn McMillian , As I Am by E. Lynn Harris, and How to be an Nigerian by Peter Enhaoro.
