Sunday, February 27, 2011

Black In the Box Vol. 3: Hip Hop...the New Pulse of Our Struggle

“The flow isn’t like time, it’s like life. It’s like a heartbeat or the way you breathe. But every life has to find its own flow.”

Jay-Z

Hotep,

I’m enjoying Jay-Z’s latest literary expression, “Decoded.” The 5th of my top 5 greatest MC’s of all time, Jay-Z has stepped into the classroom and blessed us with a learning tool. But, for your MannofStat, “Decoded” has also been a pleasant reminder of my early days as a Hip Hop head. Feel me?

For the last 10 months, I’ve transfused the Hip Hop that flows through my veins to the masses. Hip Hop is the blueprint of my expression. It’s the manifestation of my soul, but this blog also reveals how this refined culture of expression was used against me in a court of law, Racial Justice, 7/19/10 (http://word2themasses.blogspot.com/2010/07/racial-justice.html). I can’t help but wonder what the outcome of my trial would’ve been had the Blastmaster, KRS-ONE been residing as my judge. Rakim and Kool G Rap should have been amongst the jurors of my peers. And, I know ineffective assistance of counsel wouldn’t have been an issue if my defense team consisted of Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z. Ya heard?

I now introduce you to an aspiring novelist, ready and willing to breathe his expression on the masses. We know him as “Bucktown,” the author of “Immortal After Death.” The masses have yet to experience it, but inside the box, it’s an epic literary work. Word is bond.

A true Hip Hop historian, Bucktown will take us back to the true essence of Hip Hop, instilling a sense of pride inside of any head that’s nodded to the pulse of Hip Hop. Bucktown, step up to the mic and breathe.

MannofStat



Hip Hop...the New Pulse of Our Struggle

It was the summer of 1983, “Sucker MCs” by Run DMC was in heavy rotation on the radio. Hip Hop music was a relatively new thing. Up until then, and even for some years afterward, many people believed it was just a fad that would eventually fade. The music was uncultured and unconventional. It was called ghetto music…Black music. Hip Hop music defied the norm of mainstream music. It was black people speaking rhythmically to music. No, it won’t last. That’s what was said, but on the contrary, 1983 was the year Hip Hop firmly established itself as not only as a genre of music, but also a culture that would become the standard bearer of both music and life.

It is said that art imitates life. Well, created by young black men, Hip Hop became the vehicle they and others like them, used to express themselves personally, intellectually and politically. Like James Brown’s “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud,” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on,” Hip Hop music became the voice of reason, motivation and discontent for Black America. The torch in the struggle for true liberation and equality for the black race was taken up by generation X with songs like “The Message,” by Melle Mel that illustrated the struggles of a black man living in the ghetto, Queen Latifah and Monie Love with “Ladies First” enlightening black females of their worth and inspiring them to value that, and KRS-ONE, Ms. Melody, Heavy D, Dougie Fresh, Just-Ice, D-Nice, Public Enemy, Stetsasonic and others admonishing us about our genocidal behavior with “Self Destruction.”

Black History Month is the time of year that we officially acknowledge the struggle our race has been through and is still going through. Hip Hop music is a part of that struggle. In fact, in my opinion, Hip Hop is the pulse of our struggle. For me, it is synonymous with Black History Month in respect to their significance. Because of Hip Hop music, black women feel motivated to keep their heads up and persevere and we as a people are beginning to recognize our power. Black power!

Peace,

Bucktown
Copyright © 2011 by Rodney Taylor

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Black In the Box Vol. 2: The Black Family's Commitment is Legendary

Hotep,

Welcome to the second installment of “Black In the Box.” Last week was a special Valentine’s Day dedication to my parents. Their love is real and worthy of acknowledgement. Na mean? Besides, the blogosphere could use a week of recovery after Mr. Blue’s eloquently powerful expression. He most definitely dropped some jewels with that piece. You’ve got my high beams on Mr. Blue! Real talk.

This next expression is coming from my man ‘Bigg Dogg.’ A mere teenager when he came to the row in 1994. This brother is adamant about not allowing his present circumstance to dictate his growth as a man. A rare breed indeed, but that’s what’s up!!

A true bondservant of God, Bigg Dogg uses his faith as binoculars to clearly see that he’s more than equipped to overcome any adversity he may face in the future. He is the epitome of the term “a diamond in the rough.” Allow his spirituality to help you understand his vision. Your MannofStat has left the building.

The stage is yours Bigg Dogg.

MannofStat

The Black Family’s Commitment is Legendary


As a spiritual being created in the image of my Creator, I pay homage to Rev. Dr. James H. Grant for Black History Month. You see, during my perilous journey here on North Carolina’s death row, he has encouraged me to keep my mind and faith intact. When I think of Black History Month, the term ‘family’ comes to mind. From slavery times, through the Civil Rights Movement and up to my present existence, no matter what struggles, obstacles or barriers we may face, families face them together, with courage, faith, heartaches and sincere love.

I’ve witnessed my dad go to jail, transform his life and now serve as a leading pastor at his church. His own walk of faith has led me to grow stronger spiritually and to never give up hope. Like so many other families who have gone through adversity, we seem to always overcome it and move forward with our heads held high.

Since my arrival on North Carolina’s death row in 1994, there have been 37 executions, the last one being August 2006. From court appointed lawyers, biased jury selections (not of my peers) and politically motivated attorneys who use defendants as stepping stones to further their careers, it was inevitable that I’d receive an unfair trial. But, from the fire that lies deep within the pit of my soul, a fire that cries out for freedom, one that has been passed down to me through my ancestors, I refuse to relinquish the flame!

They say time is of the essence. Being on death row has opened my eyes to the preciousness of life, time and family. Not only during Black History Month, but the other eleven months of the year as well, I celebrate the bond of family. During the most difficult adverse storms in life, a strong family can carry man or woman through it.

For this Black History Month of 2011, I encourage all families to continue to fight for freedom, justice, equality and the pursuit of happiness.

Making dreams reality…

Changing the present for a better future…

Empowering all communities for generations to come…

Life is a struggle, but we must never quit, lose focus or succumb to ignorance in this nation.

Peace and Blessings

Bigg Dogg
Copyright © 2011 by Chris Gregory

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Mural of Love

Hotep,

Ever since 2008, the portrait of ‘Black Love’ has been the pairing of President Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle, a beautiful couple indeed. As far as living in the White House, they’re the first of their kind. Na mean?

The ‘Black Love’ that now occupies the residence of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is genuine. It’s historical and also potentially contagious. I see it for what it really is, because I know this kind of love. You see, I’m a star witness to this same genuine, historical and contagious type of love. Word is bond.

My parents have exhibited this form of love for nearly 40 years. Holding hands. Kissing in public. Dancing to the oldies on Sunday night. Doing everything together. Their union is my muse for commitment. Their loyalty to each other is the glue that mends my family circle. I’ve watched their love grow throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. When I see them now, they still carry on like that same young couple I remember from the 70’s. Real talk.

My Moms and Pops are well into their golden years now, but the undying love they share projects a youthful aura that demands an inquiring gesture from anyone who dreams of having that picture-perfect love. Feel me?

I’m sure my moms would be the first to say that falling in love is easy, but making a relationship work requires diligence, patience and commitment. When I was 16, my mom picked up the phone while I was saying: “I love you,” to my girlfriend. I can hear her response as if I was still holding that phone to my ear. “Leroy, I need to use the phone.” Now my girlfriend actually thought my moms needed to use the phone, but I knew better. Those words were code for: “Get off the phone, because we need to talk.”

She tried to school me on the true meaning of loving someone. She told me that love wasn’t a toy. In so many words, she explained to me how love could hurt you if the feelings weren’t mutual. I learned eventually, the hard way of course, but the lesson was learned all the same. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to express to my moms how much her lesson has meant to me. I get it now Moms.

The Obamas may be the portrait of ‘Black Love,’ but I’ve been exposed to a mural of ‘Black Love’ as far back as I can remember. Moms and Pops, thanks for the memories. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Live Well,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Black In the Box Vol. 1: Being Black is an Everyday Celebration

Hotep,

Black History Month is a time for introspection. Evaluating the goodness of your deeds and contemplating your future contributions to society. The month of February should be used as a replenishment station, not a holiday or commercial celebration. Because, the fact is, we should be practicing introspection on a daily basis. Feel me?

I’m a person who acknowledges the past, to understand my current situation. Then I’ll grasp the opportunities before me to change the situation for the betterment of myself and all of those around me. Word is bond.

I now welcome you to a special segment of Word to the Masses called, “Black In the Box.” Similar to Jack In the Box, but different. There will be no painted faced jester to pop out and surprise you when you turn the handle of this box. Knowledge, dedication and a deeply rooted sense of spirituality is what lies beneath the lid of “Black In the Box.” Ya heard?

This will be the first of three installments. So, allow me to begin turning the handle. The realness of my man, Mr. Blue is now upon us.

MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann



Being Black is an Everyday Celebration

The month of February is an observance of black history and it’s cool for other ethnic groups to use this time to reflect upon the history of blacks in America. However, for Americans of African descent to use this time to reflect upon their own history and culture and not do so at other times is tragic.

Historically, every advancement by African Americans has been met by a political backlash. The Emancipation Proclamation was followed by the “Black Codes,” laws effectively reducing African Americans to non-citizens mainly in the south during the Jim Crow Era, forcing blacks into a peonage system of slave labor. This is one of the darkest periods of American history seldom talked about following what was supposed to be one of its brightest. This system lasted more than 60 years after slavery was supposed to be abolished.

The civil rights movement and the legislative gains made therein was immediately followed by the assassination of its leaders, a massive increase of lethal narcotics in African American communities, the beginning of the prison industrial complex and the literal disintegration of the black family.

The United States incarcerates more people than anywhere else in the world. Black people make up roughly 10 percent of the population but comprise roughly 70 percent of the prison population; and yet prisons are still being built.

The question Americans, especially those of African descent need to ask is why these prisons are being built, especially when the national economy is in dire straits and most states are nearly bankrupt. And for whom are these prisons being built? But, the answers to these questions are painfully obvious. It is critical for black people to be politically active or become political causalities. Every day is an opportunity to make history; and if you are an American of African descent – everyday is a celebration of black history and black culture. Don’t just celebrate it from the sidelines – get in the game and be active; participate.

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2011 by Paul Brown