Why R. Kelly Needs to Go to Court...

Back into 2003, Genarlow Wilson, a former high school football star who became a national symbol for the extremes of getting tough on sex offenders, was sentenced to 10 years in jail from receiving oral sex from a 15 year old when he was only 17. Well yesterday a judge ordered Wilson to be released and called his mandatory 10-year sentence for consensual teen sex and his future listing on the child sex offender list "a grave miscarriage of justice." Wilson, the once homecoming king of his school, has served more than two years of a mandatory 10-year sentence for aggravated child molestation, was captured on videotape having consensual oral sex with the 15-year-old girl in 2003. (sound familiar)

Unfortunately for Genarlow and his family and friends, Georgia's attorney general announced he would appeal, a move that will keep the honor student behind bars for now and possibly for a few more months.

Since his imprisonment, his family and supporters have had a new law passed called the "Romeo and Juliet" law. This new Georgia law would have allowed him to avoid the sex offender registry and only face one year of jail time. While some supporters, including former President Jimmy Carter, have said it raised questions about race and the criminal justice system. Opponents of Wilson's release said it could open a floodgate for other cases. Georgia prisons currently hold 189 inmates who were sentenced for aggravated child molestation when they were 21 or younger. Of those, 56 percent were white and 44 percent black, state figures show.

"If this court or any court cannot recognize the injustice of what has occurred here, then our court system has lost sight of the goal our judicial system has always strived to accomplish ... justice being served in a fair and equal manner,"Judge Thomas H. Wilson wrote, who is no relation to Genarlow Wilson.

While Genarlow has spent 2 years for being a minor having sex with a minor, our dear friend R. Pissy celebrates 5 years of being free last week. It was five years ago today that a Cook County grand jury indicted R&B superstar R. Kelly on 21 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself engaging in sex acts with an underage girl. The girl, who allegedly was 14 years old when the tape of her and Kelly was made, will celebrate her 23rd birthday in September. In those 5 years, Michael Jackson was charged, tried and acquitted of child molestation charges; Martha Stewart was charged, tried, convicted and served her sentence; and Lil Kim also was convicted, served her sentence and shot a reality TV show about her ordeal for BET.

"It's ridiculous that it has taken five years to get to trial," said New England School of Law Professor Wendy Murphy. "There's no excuse for it. But this is a tried-and-true tactic when it comes to sex-crimes cases: 'victory by delay.' Witnesses end up moving away. They die. You tend to see a lot of delays for defendants who are wealthy. You don't tend to see a lot of delays when the defendant is a poor kid from the inner city."

Too bad for the Genarlow Wilsons of the world because there is truly two judicial systems in the world.

Friends vs. Acquaintances

So as I was leaving the gym the other day, looking for my gym in the parking deck (how I forgot where I parked it at just a few hours earlier, I can't explain), I was approached by this mid 20s female and was like aren't you Chris' friend. She then jogged my memory and reminded me that we had met at a dinner party a couple months ago and then went into 20 questions about how Chris was doing. I had to stop her because, while me and Chris are cool we were only acquaintances and have only hung out a few times.

So I had lunch last week with two of the few black people that work in my building and the topic of friendships came up. After listening to their stories... I asked a simple question that made everyone go quiet for a few minutes. Are these people we are discussing friends or acquaintances?

I must say that I tend to use the word very loosely... but I know and recognize the real meaning. And for me there are three levels of friendship: Friend, Confidant, and Acquaintance. Now an acquaintance is someone you hang out with from time to time. They are often confused with friends cause you are often seen out and about together. A confidant is a step up from an acquaintance, not only do you hang out with this person but you actually share more of yourself, your secrets, and your aspirations with this person. And of course a friend is the top tier of friendship. For me a friend has no restrictions on the length of time that you know them, but it is more about not only knowing me and my secrets, not only being someone I enjoy hanging out with, but also it is about being someone you can depend on and whose opinion I seek out and trust. For me a friend compliments what I lack and not only sees what I need before I ask, but offers to help me meet that need.

I have had very few friends in my life time. Some confidants. And endless number of acquaintances. Here in Atlanta... I only have two friends (there were 3 but such is life). There is my girl, Tracee, that I have known since freshman year at Auburn and Damian, who I have known since my first summer living in DC. I have a couple confidants (with Larry being my favorite LOL).

I know you have read throughout the two years this blog has been around about a few people I have hung out with that are no longer around... those were acquaintances and for me those are the ones you often either outgrow quickly or your time together just seems to dwindle for other reasons in life. While I usually enjoy the company of the acquaintances when they are gone there is usually no heartache or missing. It is one of those situations where you enjoy it while it lasts and move on afterwards. Now friends are the only ones I truly have ever miss, I think you share so much of yourselves it is like loosing a part of yourself when they are gone. But I guess you take what you can learn from that person and your experiences together and let that make you a better person and eventually move on.

So what are you a friend or an acquaintance?

Another Church Experience...

I know I haven't blogged recently about my church experiences but don't take that as me being a total heathen. Since first blogging about my experience at Elizabeth Baptist Church in the Cascades area of Atlanta, I have been attending faithfully. And telling all of my friends about how moving and spiritually uplifting the services have been for me.

Unlike some ministers, Pastor Craig Oliver delivers his message in a bible study format. He tends to pull the message from one chapter instead of how others crisscross the bible piecing together verses from one book to the next to fit the message they are trying to deliver. Over the past two Sundays, four friends have attended with me and all have agreed to return the next week with me. And each time the message has moved my friends to tears. Don't you just love it when the message hits you!!

Two weeks ago while the Pastor was ministering in California, Elizabeth featured a early 20something speaker who attends the church. Being new to EBC I can't remember his name but it was good to see the church embrace their younger members and allow them to use their gifts. By the way his message was just as powerful as Oliver's usually are.

The church has three services on Sunday, 7:30am, 9:30am and one at 12noon. While my church tour of Atlanta hasn't ended... I am definitely going to pause and continue to enjoy Elizabeth a little while longer.

His Story is 2

So His Story is turning 2 years old today. From DC and now from ATL... from the pages of the Southern Voice to the CoCoDorm website... my writings, my thoughts, my life... my HisStory have been shared with many. The Google Analytics of this site still seem to amaze me. But in honor of 2 years here are some of my favorite posts:

From June 2005... Romance is Dead
From September 2005... Katrina... 3 days Later
From December 2005... Premonition or a Dream

From March 2006... Why Are You Still Single
From June 2006... The List
From August 2006... Must I Date Your Friend Too
(cause this one is still causing friction)

From December 2006... Lessons Learned
(a must read if you haven't... especially if you are in ATL)

From January 2007... Another Great Weekend
From March 2007... Another MLK Month has Come and Gone

Random Thoughts on Celebs...

Why is Ray J still relevant? I mean even his once super popstar sister barely makes the news with her manslaughter and civil cases. But this irrelevant boy who hasn't had a musical hit in years... if ever... and awful acting helped end that even more awful UPN show. But out of desperation of maintaining a public image he releases a sex tape with Hilton wannabe Kim K (who is now supposedly dating LaMike... you know her Armanian father is loosing his mind) and makes public appearances with Whitney... and all of sudden he is everywhere. Please sit down.


Guess who??? Yep that is Schatar Taylor aka Hottie from VH1's 'Charm School' and 'Flavor of Love.'

Angela Bassett has to be one of my favorite actresses ever. I am still pissed that Halle got an Oscar before she did, no slight to Halle cause I love her too but Angie is just a better actress. Not only talented but absolutely gorgeous as well. I am definitely looking forward to her new movies, Gospel Hill and Touissant. She never gets the acclaim she deserves.

Why are people up in arms so much about the Eddie Murphy baby momma drama when all he said was that he wanted a paternity test.

Did anyone really believe Akon was 25? When I saw this in Rolling Stone... I laughed. I mean I know people lie about their age but could his people at least come up with something believable? Too bad his child humping antics (which I still do not think is his fault) brought about his prison records which show he is well into his 30s.

In totally true utter nonsense... Shar Jackson gets a tv show based on being Kevin Federwho's ex?!?! Are you fucking serious? I mean Shar use what you got to get what you need but based on being a nobody's ex?

Even though Nick Cannon got the Breakthrough Award in Cannes last week... I think it should have gone to Queen Latifah. This woman has evolved so much in front of our eyes. From U.N.I.T.Y. to the Dana Owens Album... from House Party 2 to Hairspray... she has definitely crafter her career and image well.

Why hasn't R Pissy gone to court yet? Everytime I hear him on my radio it begins to annoy me. Whether he gets off or goes to jail... I could careless. I just want him to have his day in court immediately.

You all know I love Oprah... God knows I do... but this picture is... well has left me speechless.

Don't Ask... Don't Tell

I haven't donated blood since I was a senior in college (which was just a couple of years ago... honest). So it came as quite a surprise this morning as I was doing my daily reading of the Post, Times, and CNN News, to find out that homosexuals have been banned from giving blood since 1983.

Regardless of your HIV and other STD status, the FDA does not allow men who have ever had a sexual encounter with another man to donate blood, saying they are at increased risk of infection by HIV that can be transmitted to others by blood transfusion. Although the Red Cross and two other blood groups criticized the policy as "medically and scientifically unwarranted" and offered the solution of waiting at least one year since their last homosexual encounter, the Food and Drug Administration continues to uphold their decision. In March 2006, the three groups told the FDA that new and improved tests, which can detect HIV-positive donors within just 10 to 21 days of infection, make the lifetime ban unnecessary.

This was all a shock to me because I have been asked to donate several times and have never been asked if I was homosexual. The last time I did donate blood... that was never asked nor did I see it on any form I filled out.

While critics of the policy said it bars potential healthy donors and is discriminatory, the FDA admits the policy defers many healthy donors but rejects the suggestion that it discriminates against gays.

According to CDC estimates, heterosexual contact led to about one third of new AIDS diagnoses and one third of new HIV diagnoses in 2005. I totally agree that there should be some safety precautions taken... but isn't and shouldn't all blood regardless of who it comes from tested before it is given out?

American Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines

Compared to my past, there is very little on TV that I watch on a regular basis. And most of the shows I watch only come on for part of a season like Prison Break and Project Runway. But each week there are two shows that I have to see with out interruption from phone calls or IMs... and those are Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.

I rarely blog or write about TV but after watching last night's Desperate Hos I just couldn't resist. The season finale had to be the best show of the entire season. Of course there were a few yawns... this season still doesn't compare to the first two. The whole Mike and and Susan getting married... yawn. The return of Bree with that new story line surrounding her hoish daughter and the baby, reminded me of something that my Aunt Marie would probably do. The lies, the lust, the sex between Victor, Gabby, and Carlos.... And the final sweet justice for that conniving Edie was just not what I was expecting at all.

This episode was like wow to me... did you see it?

Poor little Jennifer

"DREAMGIRLS is a fascinating look inside the 60’s music industry. Jennifer Holliday reprises her Tony Award-winning role as Effie, the troubled star of a legendary female singing group in Michael Bennett’s dazzling, highly-charged musical about the cost of fame. Filled with showbiz glitz and glamour, romance and heartbreak, the musical features songs such as “Dreamgirls,” “I am Changing,” “I Miss You Old Friend” and Effie’s signature song, “And I’m telling You I’m Not Going.” - taken from the National Black Arts Festival website


Yes the 47yo has been is going to play an 18 - mid 20yo this July at the National Black Arts Festival... discuss amongst yourselves For more click here.

The Culture of Boys

Last night a date and myself ventured over to Landmark Midtown Cinemas to see Q. Allen Brocka's Boy Culture film that I had been reading about for the past few months. Usually these white washed dramas do not interest me but everyone knows I am in love with Darryl Stephen's lips and will do just about anything to see them again. (especially now that Logo sent Noah's Arc apackin'... has anyone heard anything about the alleged movie yet???) Anyway back to Darryl's lips... I mean Boy Culture.

The movie is the candid confession of "X" played by Derek Magyar, a quite successful male escort. After several years of escorting, "X" gets romantically entangled with his two very different roommates and a reclusive elderly client. While one roommate is trying not to fall for "X", the other is doing everything... to get him (and when I say everything wait till you see the bedroom scene... hilarious) However before the old man will agree to sex, he tells an unsetting love story spanning fifty years over a number of dates paying after each one. He also refuses to sleep with the escort he is paying until he actually desires the old geezer. In the process daring "X" to try feeling emotions which he hasn't felt in years and teaching him about pursuing love with one of his roommates.

The movie is very gay film festival... indy feeling. However there were some interesting performances throughout the 90 minute film. Unfortunately the acting of Jonathon Trent, who plays one of the roommates, was not one of them for me and was rather blah. (But then again I haven't been around any twinkish boys since I worked at the Kennedy Center so it might have been right on) The emotional turmoil that Magyar goes through is believable and delivered quite well. And Darryl brings a masculine and real persona to his character, Andrew. Quite a different role from Noah... and quite good to see that he can play other type of roles.

Overall the movie provides quite a few laughs. And you may notice parts of yourself in some of the characters or at least vibe with some of their experiences. Not a must see... but definitely something you can do one evening or Saturday afternoon.

Dinner with Luda

So last night I was the guest of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation at the 4th Annual Ludacris Foundation Benefit Dinner here in Atlanta. The dinner was followed by a Casino Night After-Party.

Contrary to the one sided image of hip hop that the media portrays, The Ludacris Foundation provides a complete approach when it comes to community service by not only providing monetary support, appearances but also by donating time in the communities. Since 2001, The Ludacris Foundation has donated financial support to grassroots organizations that work to help youth, as well as invested 7,000 hours in devoted service to young people across the nation. The many programs in support of the Foundation have impacted over 7000 lives.

I remember back in the day when Chris Bridges was on Hot 107.9 rapping for the promos and djing in the evening. It is great to see his career actually unfold and develop, and at the same time he hasn't forgotten his community along the way. He definitely needs to be recognized for his diligent work with youth and the community, especially when so many celebs are starting foundations as tax shelters and not really doing much work.

With all the hard work that the foundation has been doing, it is unfortunate that last night's event didn't live up to the price tag. As a special event consultant, I always walk in looking at events to see what ideas and lessons I can walk away with. The lesson here was Roberta Sheilds, President of the Foundation and Luda's mom, needs to fire their event planner. The theme for the evening was Karma (for the literal translation and being Luda's daughters name). However the theme which should have been carried throughout the event was left merely at the hostess in robes that were supposed to be kimonos and an Asian musician playing a guitarlike instrument as people moved from the reception to the dinner. The silent auction lots were still being displayed as we milled around the reception surrounded with black drape. The food was not Asian inspired... and undercooked. The comedy of Bruce Bruce was long, boring, and unoriginal. The two no name acts were... well lets just say I see why they are no names. Bobby Valentino was a disappointment as well. He came out and apologized for his recent single not being appropriate, and instead did a Babyface cover. Hard to believe that he doesn't have one song on his new album that wasn't about sex, drugs, or some other nonsense. (Did I mention he is short as HELL... 5'5" at most). And the choice of the Apparel Mart as a venue was not quite well thought out.

The Foundation honored Bishop Eddie Long, Radio One maven Cathy Hughes (so underwhelming to be so wealthy) , and Hip Hop Icon and Mogul Russell Simmons for their work in the community and success in their industry. Not only were those three in attendance but Star Jones and Al "How You Doin" Reynolds; Alonzo and Tracey Mourning; CeeLo or Gnarles Barkley or whomever he is this month; Kevin Lyles (very personable... I like him) ; Ben Chavis; Chingy and several others that I just can't think of right now.

Overall the event was to raise money for the foundation and to uplift people that are doing good work so for that I enjoyed it... but please fire your event manager because they did a disservice to all the good work your organization is doing.

Random Thoughts

I wonder how much more will Bush fuck up this country before his time is up.

Now that the Dems are back in power… I notice my friends that have been working as consultants in Iraq for the past few years are making their plans to return by the end of the year.

So now that the Innocence Project has cleared 200 people from death row that were wrongly convicted… don’t you think we should really reexamine our judicial system.

Seeing that R. Pissy is still walking around free… don’t you think we should really reexamine our judicial system.

I hate when grown ass people can't own up to their mistakes. So now that Paris is on her way to jail (sure mommy Hilton is a lil unhappy about that) she is blaming (and has since fired and rehired) her publicist for not explaining the terms of her probation to her. First the silly ho should learn for legal matters talk to an attorney not a PR person. And second she should be firing her attorney not her publicist because if Kimora Lee, Snoop Dog can get off without seeing any jail time for drugs and guns... a little DUI should have been a breeze.

Who will get the last laugh Imus, CBS, or Al and Jesse… although Imus was only 4 months into his 5 year contract when he was fired, he is now suing for the rest of his $40million contract.

I am hoping that Oprah and the Color Purple make a stop in Atlanta… before her plans on taking the trip to South Africa. I saw it back in 2005 right after it opened and wouldn’t mind seeing it again with the new cast additions.

What brilliant person decided on the three editions of Dreamgirls DVD. There is the (1) just the movie version; (2) movie with a good ole punk dance cd; and (3) movie with bonus feature dvd… but yet no option to get the DVD, bonus feature dvd, and CD all together. And they wonder why people copy and download music!!

For awhile I have had a jaded view of death… it is a part of life and everyone will experience it. But since my maternal grandparents have began distributing their assets and making their wishes known, I am kind of becoming more afraid of death.

How upset am I that Janet Jackson has made 2 appearances at the Jungle night club that sits right across a creek from my 2nd floor balcony… and I DIDN’T KNOW!!

Speaking of... Janet, Jilly from Philly and Medea…guess we will have to wait till October to see this.

Can someone please slap the shit out of Beyonce and tell her to NEVER, EVER do this again. CLICK HERE.

Ok I am over the whole Cocodorm story... that was last week's topic of discussion lets move on to the next.

We are well into the second quarter of the new year… have you made efforts to make this year better than the last.

To think I created this blog just to be able to post what was in my thoughts, things I thought were interesting, and what was going on in my life. In the past 2 days since posting the link to NBC 6 news story on CocoDorm and Flavalife I have been told by a friend that I was “irresponsible”… the Cocodorm website says I am a “self-proclaimed black gay leader”… and in an email I have been denounced as "starting and spreading vicious untruths" about their organization. If you take 15 seconds and read what I posted on Tuesday the only thing you will see is:

1. A humorous jab at the boys of Cocodorm as “can’t get it up”… anyone that has seen any of their work knows a lot of times the boys in the videos have quite a hard time staying erect… as an owner of several bootleg copies of Flavalife videos and downloads I can attest to this.
2. You will see two links one to the very annoying and dragging preview of the news story and another to the actual news clip.
3. The third thing you see is a link to the Cocodorm website, expressing their response to the entire situation. Which contains a jab at me and HisStory. As well as a jab back at their attempt at a press release.

As you see unlike others that were targeted on their website, I not only posted the NBC 6 side but also the Cocodorm side. Also unlike others I never made a long soliloquy about the detriments of unprotected sex, the Chicago Health Department or how the website/organization should be shut down. As for being irresponsible, I have been quite responsible by posting both sides and not altering or moderating any comments posted. Some may need to be reminded this is a personal blog… there are no ads or claims to be a part of the media, so I have no duty to anyone to be “responsible”.

As for the comments section I have never moderated comments on my blog, not even when they have been negative about me. We can not control what others say but yet we can express our own opinions and hope our side of the situation is seen. I am actually happy that several past and present Cocodorm models have posted comments expressing their stance and defending their organization and would be quite happy to hear from the owner of Flavalife. Last night one of my very own comments was pointed out to me as being negative and bashing. And to that I say please read my entire comment.

"While I personally have no idea why anyone would want to do porn or be on a live web show, I believe it is their decision to do that and respect that decision."

While I do feel I was wrongly targeted on their website as “denouncing the CocoDorm and the models, implying that our models have STD's and are practicing unsafe Sex.” I have never claimed or even remotely had the desire to be a "gay black leader". Like I have said before this is my space on the web and I feel that if and when I do decide to post my thoughts on the situation… it will be just that my thoughts, which I believe I am entitled to.

And for full disclosure I own several bootleg copies of the Dorm Life and Raw Thugs series. And I once subscribed to Cocodorm.com and Thugboys.com for one month each.

Cocodorm at it Again

Well the can't get it up boys of Cocodorm are in the news again... didn't take long after they were banished from Chicago to make the local news in South Florida with this news story, The House Next Door

NBC 6 South Florida News Story

(Please note the first 2 minutes are quite painful...

but it is the last 30 seconds of the clip you need to see)

Update: Click here for the entire News Story

Update: View Cocodorm's response In their defense "Cmack, Alex Flex and Breion secured over a half a dozen signatures on a petition from neighbors in support of CocoDorm." So 7 neighbors want them around!! They really need to hire a PR person before they start releasing press releases.

Past Blogs:

Oh my.... Cocodorm

Cocodorm/Flava Life owner in the news yet again...

So what’s new in my life…

I have definitely been on the grind as far as a new job. Two weeks before my birthday I said a prayer and asked for some form of direction, to my utter disbelief the next morning I woke up knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to use my several years of nonprofit and fundraising experience to assist individuals and companies decide where to do their philanthropic endeavors. So I have been meeting and talking with people working in Community Affairs and Corporate Responsibility… I am not only praying and hoping but putting in some work to make this my reality.

I have also recently been working with a local celebrity and his foundation. I always thought that most people set up foundations as a tax shelter for their money, but recently at a golf clinic for kids I was able to see his real passion and drive for what he does. That alone made my commitment to the organization worth while.

Since the truck has been paid for the upkeep and maintenance has been kicking my ass. New tires, alignments, new air bag modules… it is like my car note didn’t go away and got a little more expensive. I think I will be leasing the E320.

Two good friends will be moving down in the next few weeks… one from the DC area and the other formerly of DC but now living in NY. I am glad my friendship base here in Atlanta can expand with familiar people.

As for the love life… I can’t really complain. I mean I could but I won’t cause it is what it is. To be single and in a major city allows so many possibilities. And I will say it has been quite interesting lately. There was one guy a student at Clark… nuff said real nice guy but toooooo young. Then there is a blast from my past… a friend from New Orleans that I have known for about 3 or 4 years, but I don’t think he is ready for anything serious, so we will continue to hang out as friends. Then yesterday there was a late afternoon date with a guy I met while out. I never really gave him much thought, seeing I became familiar with him when he was kicking it with another ATL blogger. Being he wasn't my usual type, he wasn't what I expected a really nice guy that had decent conversation and he seemed to understand the "only child, spoiled" syndrome I suffer from. But most surprising is I met a guy while out and about, what was meant to be just friends has developed into me really liking this guy. For the most he is intelligent, funny, artistic, deep, and o so attractive, however I am sure he has some issues as we all do. How do you tell a friend he could be a date without making things feel weird.

After a recent conversation with Dominican, two unecessary emails, and a couple of comments... I felt the need to repost this.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Big Brother is watching...
I never really pay attention to the statistics of visitors to my page but this week I have found out that more people are visiting my page and reading my thoughts than I would have imagined. Earlier this week I got a Yahoo IM from a friend of a friend... who commented on a recent post I had made. This totally took me by shock, because I would have never assumed that he even knew I had a blog.

Then today my bestfriend back in DC calls me to inform me someone was asking about comments to my blog and also inquiring why there are no pictures of him from the White Attire Affair. This too took me by shock. I had told him awhile back that I blogged but I never knew he would read it or even the person that called him about it.

The first thing that came to mind was.... O shit what have I been blogging about. Well at first thought, I was at ease because I always change the names of most of the people I blog about to protect their privacy. Then I remembered the original reason of why I started this blog... as somewhat of an extension to my personal journals. Like the title of the blog says this is about my writings, my thoughts, my life... so now I must make a conscious effort not to censor my postings knowing that my readership extends far beyond what I originally imagined.

And to those I know if you ever read something that moves you in some way, there is always the comments section... but just remember my writings... my thoughts, my life... my HisStory

Please Not Again...

So the negroidian nonsense is back... in less time it took for Tiffany Patterson aka New York to apply those awful fake eyelashes, she is back with I Want My 3 Minutes of Fame Love New York 2 with those two bowling balls sitting on her chest.

And just in case you didn't think the participants were gay enough on the first series... the I Love New York 2 website is allowing people to post their photo and collect votes "The top five misters with the most votes will be vying for New York's affection on television in I Love New York 2." But the gag is look at the top 5 so far!!

Unfortunately I didn't watch the entire series just the first episode and a few minutes of the series reunion... but seeing I know a couple of the top contenders on this website, I may have to start watching this time around if they get on.

Was that a boy?

Every Sunday when the weather is nice... the gays flock to Piedmont Park in the heart of Midtown Atlanta for an afternoon in the park. The parade of people usually begins mid afternoon and continues till nightfall. Every Sunday you can expect to see the unexpected... whether it is Ms Sophia from V103 sans wig and dress... to the dude with the 5 dogs wearing sunglasses (if you know this guy please tell him that shit is corny and played as it was several years ago when he first started doing it)... to the sexy bodies (and some not as but still) blading their way past you... And then you have your spectators, commentators, and guest judges that take posts along the winding path, watching, cackling, and cruising as the people mill about.

I have been visiting Piedmont Park for longer than I would care to think about right now and boy has it changed. Piedmont use to be the gathering place after church and dinner right before you beat it downtown to hit the Palace for a early evening of dancing and drinks. The parade was a lot simpler then... you had your masculine gays, the queens, the lesbos, and the transgenders. But now trying to figure who is what and what is who has become so difficult that I am thinking of starting my own tv game show.



One friend suggested that the blurring of gender identity is a good thing... I have failed to see his argument. I think it is quite sad to see that most young gays are confusing sexual identity with gender roles. I often think that most young gays have a construed idea of what is being gay by the lack of realistic gay images in the media and their lives. The media is an extremely powerful tool - television, radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising and more so now the internet not only have the capacity to educate, inform, include and challenge millions of individuals; but for many people, this media provides their first images of gay sexuality. It has the ability to provide all people with positive role models, and can help them realise they are not alone. However, the media can also be damaging to gay people, reinforcing and perpetuating negative stereotypes.


How often do you see a real depiction of gay life and gay people on tv? And how often do you see the over the top, fem queen characters that are usually doing hair, snapping fingers, or the gay sidekick? I think it is these images that are causing a mild form of gender identity disorder in today's youth. I am by no means saying I have a problem with fem boys or butch girls. I have a problem with people thinking that is what it is to be gay. And I think a lot of young gays have a huge misconspetion of what is gender identity and what is sexual identity.


Yesterday, as we sat and watched the parade go by, one friend turned to another and asked was that a guy or a girl... "adam apple, thats a boy,"he replied. Which led to my question, "Do they come in boy anymore?"

Weekend Wrapup

So this weekend was a usual weekend for me... random things going on and not enough sleep and rest. As I sit here at my desk this Monday afternoon the only thing I can think of is... a 2 hour nap under my ceiling fan on low with the black curtains pulled tightly shut to hide the sun.

Friday was a postponed birthday night out on the town. Since I spent my actual birthday with my mother, me and my good friend ventured out to Towers night club for several rounds of drinks and a little people watching. The club was very blah but when you are in the company of good friends and Grey Goose all goes well.

Saturday was spent on the Charlie Yates Golf Course with the Ryan Cameron Foundation (for the nonATL people Ryan is a local radio host on V103) at their annual Youth Golf Clinic. A colleague got me involved with the RCF a few months ago and this was my first community service event with them. It was good to see the celebrity and local business people taking the time to go out on the course with kids and truly enjoy it. But to see Ryan and his wife Kysha really enjoy this work, made my volunteering worthwhile.
By the end of the day my allergies and the sun had gotten the best of me and the highlight of my Saturday evening was an 1130 trip to WalMart (have I ever discussed how much I hate WalMart) with my friend and neighbor, Roddy.

By Sunday morning I was still feeling the affects of my grass allergies and the sun and was not up to getting up for church so I laid in bed until the afternoon when me and Roddy went out to the park for volleyball and people watching. We only ventured a few steps into the park until we decided that this was a little too much for us today. The gender confusion among young black gays is quite sad. The young boys are walking around in girl clothes and arched eyebrows, as the young lesbians look more and more like boys and hiphop stars. I remember walking around this same park 8 years ago and it was nothing like it is now... makes me wonder where we will be in another 8 years.
Sunday evening we ventured out to Attraxxtions, a relatively new night spot for Sundays. While the crowd was blah... the music was awful... but the drinks were free all night so we stayed for awhile... before beating our feet home in time to watch Desperate Housewives on DVR before bed.... damn I love that Eva Longoria.

Hopefully this weekend I can finally make it to Six Flags and get plenty of sleep!!

Happy Birthday to Me

Because you think I don't know you read this... but I really do, this is for you

NeYo's Leaving Tonight featuring Jennifer Hudson

off his new CD, Because of You

Don Imus SHOULD NOT be Fired!!

Just as to be expected anything that will give our so called Black leaders a few moments of national attention will be blown way out of proportion as they usually have such a talent of doing.

But let me start by saying do I appreciate Don Imus's comments? No not at all.
Will I listen to the Don Imus show? Never have, never will.
Were his comments racist? Yeah but who hasn't made a racist comment and this wasn't his first time airing his views on his show, so why now all the hype.

Sharpton and other's call for Imus to be fired from his CBS Radio show, Imus in the Morning, is nothing more than violating his First Amendment Right to free speech. I think people are misdirecting their anger at his comments and instead of asking for Imus to be fired we should turn our action to his supporters.

If you watch or listen to this show and are enraged by his comments you should tell CBS Radio that this is not the programming we want to see or hear, and as long as this is on the air we will not be listening or watching this.

We should go to the sponsors of his program and let them know that this behavior is not what we want to support, so in turn we will not buying your products as long as you are a sponsor of this show.

I say hurt people where it hurts the most in their wallets, not by trying to restrict their constitutional rights.

Update Wednesday, 2:12pm: Proctor & Gamble and Staples have both pulled their sponsorship of the show.
Wednesday, 3:15pm: Don Imus's Frequent Guests Face A Moral Dilemma
Thursday, 8:10am MSNBC dumps Imus' showAdvertisers' pullout over racial remarks prompts cancellation

7 days until...

... My Birthday. It is no surprise to me but this year I am feeling kinda "blah... its just another day". Usually I would be back in DC celebrating my birthday with my friend Rey... but boy have things changed so drastically... in less than a year.

Anyway the birthday is approaching and while all I really want is good health, a good job, and less bills... I thought I'd repost this earlier post for the humor.

My Birthday Wish List:

http://hisstory1.blogspot.com/2007/02/my-birthday-wishlist.html

Random Questions...

? Ok so last week I did a post about the best sex… and this weekend some friends and myself were sitting around and the question was asked… what percentage of the sex you have had would you classify as good sex? After several minutes of deep thought and others had expressed their percentages… I came up with mine.

Have you ever met that person at the club, house party or online, decided to hook up and then on your way home afterwards did you have that feeling that 'damn I could have jacked off and been more satisfied'? Well after getting home from brunch this past Sunday my intentions were to take a nap and then get up and hang out with some friends. Well before I could get to sleep the stripper I met a few weeks ago when LB was visiting called and wanted to come through. For about 15 seconds I played the naïve role and made myself think that he was just coming over to hang out… well less than 10 minutes into his visit he had engulfed my manhood and of course one thing led to another… the entire time in my mind I was thinking, “I don’t want to do this.” Nothing against him because the boy is on point but I just wasn’t feeling this random sexual endeavor with this stranger I have only had such limited interaction with. Needless to say nothing happened… and I’m pretty sure I won’t be hearing from him again.

?? So everyone is up in arms, once again. This time syndicated talk-radio personality Don Imus has been forced to apologize Friday for calling members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos" during a segment last week in his "Imus in the Morning" show. During this show, Imus and his producer and on-air sidekick, Bernard McGuirk, went on to further comment on the two teams, referring to Spike Lee’s film School Daze calling them "jigaboos and wannabees." Now, our self appointed black leaders, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are calling for his immediate dismissal.

Now after the Hardaway comment, Isaiah Washington's comments and the most recent comments of Michael Ray Richardson, are we really shocked that some old country ass white man, who has made his mark in the radio talk show circuit by saying anything that comes to his mind, made these comments? I mean why not when he called Obama, "the colored fellow" or after his several critiques of Maya Angelou. Personally I am more shocked that he has even seen School Daze.

??? So fellow Auburn alum, Ryan Lee of the SoVo, wrote an article last week about Atlanta club promoters and Clik magazine editor, in a battle for the Memorial Day crowds in MIAMI!!! I mean seriously, out of the thousands that are going to flock to Miami this upcoming Memorial Day... isn't there enough business to go around?

In the article Powell is quoted as saying, “They have allowed a white man, Art Mann, to try to destroy a successful black man, me — a person that's been a strong positive influence for the black gay community,” Powell wrote in an email. “It’s clear that this is not a business move on their part, but rather one of malice and envy.” So I ask, can only our own people pimp us during pride weeekends and charge us $25 and up to enter the same club, dance to the same beats, drink the same alcohol that only costs us $10 on a regular weekend?

I mean I'm just asking...

Yet Another 2 Church Experiences...

Sunday before last the church tour continued and I had the opportunity to visit yet another church here in Atlanta area. This time I attended alone since my tour partner, Julian Mugler, was unable to attend with me. Elizabeth Baptist Church had been on my list of those to visit for awhile, but while hanging out the Saturday night before, I met a couple of people that actually attend the church and had nothing but good things to say. So after a long night of partying… I got myself up and ventured out to Cascades for a little spiritual upliftment.

Elizabeth Baptist sits right off Cascades Road right past where the 4 lane becomes a 2 lane, quite unfortunate because the amount of traffic coming in and out on Sunday mornings can be quite daunting. After being ushered into my parking space and entering the sanctuary I found a seat next to this woman who insisted on telling me that she was saving the seat for her daughter but she just realized that her daughter went to the earlier service. As if it was right on cue at 930am the Praise & Worship team began the service which was filled with good singing and needed scripture. A youthful pastor Craig Oliver Sr. delivered an ‘on time’ scripture filled message about financial stability. The service was definitely what I was use to, structured and orderly but at the same time flowed consistently. This is the first time since visiting the different churches here that I was reminded of my Metropolitan Baptist of DC. I will definitely be back visiting this church again.

Now the original plan was for me to visit Elizabeth again this Sunday, however, Julian and others had opted to attend New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist, (reference this post for more details) so I decided to attend with them. I had shunned offers to attend Eddie Long’s “Look I Can Fill the Georgia Dome” service as well as a couple of others but by 1:30pm on Easter Sunday I was wishing I hadn’t. The very ‘extra’ service began with as much fanfare and praise as it has the other 2 times I had been to this church. Like I commented before the choir was on point but the musicians over power them and leave you struggling to figure out what exactly are they singing. At about 1220pm I looked at Julian and whispered… there will be no sermon, which was returned by a mixed look of disbelief and disgust, both of the feelings I was sharing at that moment. When the pastor finally made his entrance and continued the hour and 20 minute song fest for another 20 minutes… with a short break for collection. The songfest continued and next thing you know the invitation to discipleship was extended.

Now I truly believe that things should be done in decency and in order, and while I need to hear the uplifting songs… I need to hear the message as well. I was quite disappointed to hear from a friend that attends that this isn’t the first time there has been no message. Julian later summed it up beautifully over brunch with friends… “just like I need to hear music when I go to a club, I need to hear a message when I go to church.” I think that was my last visit to New Beginning.

Where Do Broken Stars Go??

They are selling thousands of records, selling out arenas, and performing on the Grammys, Oscars or some globally televised awards show. And then it happens… one gets greedy or thinks that their voice is more talented than what it actually is and in a matter of weeks they become yesterday’s news. Then what happens… where do broke stars go?

Well like Whitney asks, they often find their way home. I have seen it over and over again but most recently in the Sister2Sister article about LeLee of SWV. In the article she states that she was "destitute" after the group broke up in 1998 and how she would "go to gay clubs and meet girls just to have someplace to sleep." Does that mean LeLee is gay or just gay for pay. Well her response to all of us who are curious for some odd reason (I mean really who the hell is she and who cares) on her MySpace page states “PS. The media is really concerned about who I'm f@&#in. Is she gay or what? To satisfy everyone's curiosity who is interested please go to www.kissmyass.com." Oh well guess we will just have to use our imaginations.

Black Gay club promoters are always bringing second rate, use to be stars to perform to the same clubs they would have and never did visit when they stars were rising. DC based promoter Darryl Wilson of 202DC.com has brought countless of these once celebrities to his nightly parties including Tweet, Lil Mo, Remy Ma, Mr. Cheeks, and even SWV themselves. Just this past February, Chante Moore and her husband Kenny Lattimore were performing at the Red Chair here in Atlanta.

Will JHud make an appearance at an XtremeEntertainment event now that she has an Oscar, like she did right here in Midtown Atlanta not long after her untimely dismissal from Idol?

And we all know if these stars don’t make it in the secular world, the other logical place for them to run to is the church. There are some celebs that have always lived their lives on the straight and narrow, like AC Green, while others decided to turn to God after escaping destructive lifestyles or realizing that may be their only source of income. Years after Coko’s solo release “Hot Coko’ flopped, she joined Fred Hammond's "Free To Worship" tour along with Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore. Performing at churches all over the country including Elizabeth Baptist right here in Atlanta last week. Kelly Price, MC Hammer and Peebles are only a few others that have ran to the pulpit after their musical careers went down the toilet. Now even Angie Stone is joining the Sisters In The Spirit 2007 Tour... quoted as a a concert with "the hottest in gospel artists with a twist of R&B."

So we see that it isn't uncommon for former celebrities to recapture their glory with admissions of tawdry transgressions and hidden truths or by running to the nearest pulpit and screaming, "Oh How I Love Jesus"!! But I ask where was sall this love and candidness when you were on top of the BillBoard charts? And what does this say about our community and world?

To me this could be either two things... one the artist is just recognizing this may be their only source of income... or just like the reasons behind the whole DL nonsense, the lack of tolerance and acceptance in our community is making these artist hide who they are so they have a chance to make it in the entertainment industry?

Do you think Tevin Campbell would have sold so many records back in the day if everyone knew he was gay?

The Best Sex...

So it was 9:15am yesterday morning and I had just sat down at my desk with my croissant and orange juice and signed on to yahoo, you know my usual routine. Now usually this routine continues with me reading the Washington Post and skimming the New York Times, completely ignoring any phone calls and mustering up a grunt or two to the greetings from my coworkers. For some reason it didn’t take my coworkers back in DC that long to realize I don’t like being bothered till after 10am.

Well this morning started off quite different. My croissant and orange juice were joined by a Yahoo IM from a friend in London asking, “What was the best sex you have ever had?” Now usually I would have replied it is too early in the morning to get started in this way but seeing I had just masturbated this morning… thinking damn I haven’t had any good sex in awhile… let alone sex at all. And it got me thinking to what exactly was the best sex I have ever had…

Was it the time me and this guy that I briefly knew… left the dance floor at the now defunk night spot in DC called the Abyss in a sweaty, horned up craze and had sex outside under a tree on a misty Friday night in Southwest DC (which now explains why to my friends who have seen condoms in my glove compartment) …

Or was it the time a brunch for four turned buttering some buns into an entire new experience…

After a few minutes of thought (unfortunately those were the only highlights of the 10 years I have been having sex) it came to me. While back at Auburn during one of me and Mr. D’s off again times… I had a visit from a friend who was attending Alabama A&M, we had known each other for about a year and had flirted with each other quite often. The first night of his two day visit was uneventful other than dinner and movies and just hanging out around the house. His visit came at a time when I was working the 10pm to 6am shift for a local hotel, so as I returned home the next morning I was surprised to see him up so early. He kissed me as soon as I had walked in the door… we showered together which led to a day long of passion and love. From 6:30am when I got home till 7pm when it was time for him to go, we had the hottest sex all over my bedroom. From the shower… to the king size bed… to the couch in the sitting area. I don’t think I have ever had that much passion with one person that made me want to go through an entire box of condoms… to the point where your orgasm only produces shakes and moans because there is nothing more inside to cum out. That was the best sex I had ever had and that was over 7 years ago, when I was still a novice. He was only my 2nd sexual partner… not that I am about to go into numbers now but lets just say it makes me think of all I have wasted between now and then…

When will great sex go from a distant memory to my current reality?

One of Twenty

Last week, Southern Voice began a two-part series profiling 20 young gay leaders taking the city into the next generation, as part of the newspaper’s leap into its 20th year. This week, we introduce the rest of the best, ranging from a transgender rights attorney to an eclectic performer whose unique style is a hit within the local gay entertainment field. Among this 20 is my friend, Craig Stewart, whose play A Day In the Life made a triumphant return to Atlanta. Oh yeah, I myself was featured as one of twenty....

Meet the next generation of gay Atlanta:

City’s new leaders make their marks in unique ways

Another Church Experience...

I have been so caught up in life that I haven't done what I need to for my spiritual growth. Me and my friend Julian, haven't been to church the past couple of weeks due to either travel, out of town guests, or just pure laziness.

However The New York Times has an article today entitled, For Some Black Pastors, Accepting Gay Members Means Losing Others, which makes mention of two of the churches I have visited here in Atlanta. Check it out!!

Are You Proud?

Well of course a movie about a swim team from Philadelphia is not what got me to go to Phipps Plaza at 11am on a Sunday morning… but instead it was the thought of seeing Kevin L. Phillips, Nate Parker, Terrance Howard, Brandon Phobbs and of course Evan Ross (exhales) wet and in speedos.

Now, in Pride, set in Philadelphia in 1974, Terrance Howard takes on the role of the inspirational tough-love athletic coaches, that commands and inspires in a soft-spoken, demure way. Howard plays Jim Ellis, a former competitive swimmer who is now unemployed, he accepts the job of packing up a dilapidated community center operated by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. This immediately causes some friction between him and a bitter, protective janitor named Elston, Bernie Mac, who has worked there since it was opened. As the city takes down the basketball hoops, Ellis invites a group of teens who have nowhere else to go inside to swim until the center is officially closed. Seeing talent in the teens, he takes the street ballers to swim competitors in an hour and a half. The movie is very predictable with no climax, as most “Based on a True Stories” are, but the images of Phillips in a speedo and the acting, for the most, is what saved this movie from being a bore. And in the end it does leave you questioning your own pride in your community and yourself.

Great movie no, good movie yes. You already know the outcome of the swim team just enjoy the dialogue and the sites along the way.

Doing the Same thing and Expecting Different Results...

Something really disturbed me on my drive into work this morning. Michael Eric Dyson was on The Frank Ski show on V103 talking about his new book, Debating Race. In this talk they began discussing whether or not black people would vote for Senator Barrack Obama in 2008 for President. This one caller called and basically said that we should not support Obama because white Americans will come out in droves to prevent a black man from becoming President and black people unfortunately will not get out to vote. She went on to state that the money that is going to his campaign would be better served focusing on issues in our community. While Michael and Frank unsuccessfully attempted to correct this misinformed thinking... I quickly plugged in my ipod and reminded myself this is only one reason why I rarely listen to the radio.

All morning this has been on my mind. How in the hell could any remotely intelligent person seriously think like this? I thought back to the small portion of Michael’s response that I did listen to which included a reference to the Bus Boycott struggle led by MLK and Rosa Parks. What would have happened if they thought back then that no matter what they did nothing would ever change?

It is the mentality of ignorant (yeah I can call her ignorant because its my blog not the Post, AJC, or SoVo) people like that, who refuse to stand up in what they believe in and take what they want and deserve that will keep a minority out of the office, will keep gay marriage banned, and will keep Dannielynn away from Larry Birkhead.

Now I am not ranting on whether or not she should support Obama, just because he is black, but I am ranting on her illogical and twisted thinking, that seems to be prevalent in our black and in our gay communities. I myself haven’t even began researching Obama’s, McCain’s, Clinton’s or anyone else’s viewpoints and stance on the issues. But I refuse to discount Obama’s chances, just because he is black. And even if his chances were slim to none and I believed in him as a candidate I would still vote for him. I mean I did vote for Kerry last go around.

And with that said… take your kids, nephews, and young cousins with you so they can be a part of the process. And encourage others who can... to do. VOTE OR DIE!!!

I Need a New Book to Read...

I try to read at at least one maybe two books a month. But my last trip to Outwrite and Borders produced nothing I was extremely interested in reading. The past two books, Not in My Family by Gil Robertson and The Senator and the Socialite: The True Story of America's First Black Dynasty by Lawrence Otis Graham, have been a little heavy, but interesting at the same time.

So until I can get DLB's Books are Sexy campaign to the ATL or my girl Oprah's club... I will be soliciting your ideas for the next literary masterpiece for me to devour.

My bookcase has everything from Colin Powell's bio to all of E. Lynn's novels to E. Franklin Frazier's look at the bourgeoisie to Andre Leon Talley's ALT.

A Day in the Life

http://www.adayinthelifeplay.com/

I had the opportunity to see Craig's play last night. It was not only thought provoking but it was very funny and entertaining. If you are in the Atlanta area you should definitely check this out!

I Think I Hate My BET

For as long as I can remember I have always hated BET. I have hated their over abundance of negroidian video shows... their infomercials on the weekends... the endless reruns of the Jamie Fox Show & the Parkers... and most of all their lack of original programming. I mean seriously I can't even tell you anything about their regular lineup because there is not one show I watch on a regular on that network... hell until two days ago I didn't even know what the channel number was. I often wondered how the hell Robert Johnson became a billionaire off that nonsense.

Well he did and Viacom paid $3 billion for the network a few years ago. And finally they are putting something into their investment.

More Money, Less Booty For BET: Viacom to Bulk Up Network's Budget For New
Shows
By Frank Ahrens Washington Post Staff Friday, March 16, 2007; C01

Will this mark the beginning of a new era for BET? Will there really be a noticeable change?

Random Thoughts this Tuesday Morning...

1. ... 79 degrees already in Atlanta... I really do not miss the long winters of DC. I swear the winter season here in Atlanta lasted for all of a month.

2. ... why does it seem that everyone is leaving DC to move to Atlanta. In the past 2 months three additional people have let me know of their future plans. And to all of them make sure you have a secure job first cause the employment market is nothing like DC!!

3. ... after spending this past weekend in DC, I realize once again the only thing I miss are my few friends left there and my church.

4. ... why do people email me their comments on my blog instead of just posting them on here?

5. ... After that stunt Michael Knight pulled on the season finale of Project Runway… will he really Rip the Runway, tomorrow on BET?

6. ... Why is WBLS, the only African American owned and operated radio station in NYC, so damn negroidian? Get that streaming radio shit together!! Always jacking up my Wendy Williams Experience!

7. ... a year after that damn Lloyd song "You" hit the airwaves in Atlanta... this fool is finally releasing a cd. And how is this song just now making the charts?? I mean he was shouting this "long hair don't care" song last summer for the punks at Atlanta Live.

8. ... why am I not mad yet about March Madness... it ain't moving me like it usually does.

9. ... can someone explain to me the whole Pussycat Doll show? I mean none of them hos do anything except Nicole Schwarsreagagaefearegeraknferer, so what is the point?

10. ... with the rerelease of Bday... I guess my hopes for Beyonce to take a long, relaxing vacation away on some deserted island away from the media won't be happening. Damn what I wouldn't do for a week of no news stories about her. Just one.

Akon Unknowingly Pins Gay Marriage Anthem

I had just got back in town this morning and as I was leaving the airport this morning, I heard Akon's new single, Don't Matter, off his 2006 Konvict album. If you haven't heard the song... I am sure you will. Especially since I am predicting it to be the new theme song for the gay marriage movement... the lyrics are below as well as a link to the song.

http://www.akononline.com/

"Don't Matter"

Konvict Konvict
Oh
Ohoohwooe
Oooh
Ooohhwooe

Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we gon' fight
Oh yes we gon' fight
Believe we gon' fight
We gon' fight
Fight for our right to love yeah
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you

Nobody wanna see us together
Nobody thought we'd last forever
I feel I'm hopin' and prayin'
Things between us don't get better
Men steady comin' after you
Women steady comin' after me
Seem like everybody wanna go for self
And don't wanna respect boundaries
Tellin' you all those lies
Just to get on your side
But I must admit there was a couple secrets
I held inside
But just know that I tried
To always apologize
And I'ma have you first always in my heart
To keep you satisfied

Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we gon' fight
Oh yes we gon' fight
Believe we gon' fight
We gon' fight
Fight for our right to love yeah
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you

Got every right to wanna leave
Got every right to wanna go
Got every right to hit the road
And never talk to me no more
You don't even have to call
Even check for me at all
Because the way I been actin' lately
Has been off the wall
Especially toward you
Puttin' girls before you
And they watchin' everything I been doin'
Just to hurt you
Most of it just ain't you
Ain't true
And they won't show you
How much of a queen you are to me
And why I love you baby

Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we gon' fight
Oh yes we gon' fight
Believe we gon' fight
We gon' fight
Fight for our right to love yeah
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you

Oh oh oh oh oh
Cause I got you
Cause I got you
Ooooh
Cause I got you babe
Cause I got you

Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we gon' fight
Oh yes we gon' fight
Believe we gon' fight
We gon' fight
Fight for our right to love yeah
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we gon' fight
Oh yes we gon' fight
Believe we gon' fight
We gon' fight
Fight for our right to love yeah
Nobody wanna see us together
But it don't matter no
Cause I got you

Yet Another MLK Month has come and gone...

Well yet another Black History month has drawnto a close with about as much fanfare as I heard about Women’s History Month. I had a brief conversation with my 8yo nephew this past weekend and asked him about what he was learning in school this month. (He attends the same elementary school I once attended and my once 5th grade teacher is now the principal and is a strong, beautiful, brilliant black woman) As soon as the words went out of my mouth I wanted to draw them back in because I knew I didn’t really want to hear the answer. He went on to tell me about Rosa Parks and… Martin Luther King…

While reading the AJC (I really do miss the Washington Post and every time I visit the AJC website it becomes even more apparent) but anyway I digress… while reading the AJC several times this month I saw article after article on Martin Luther King… Martin Luther King Streets… the multimillion dollar Martin Luther King papers…

While visiting Victory church a few weeks ago, the pastor mentioned a black history trip for the youth of the congregation. They were taking a one day bus trip to Montgomery to visit where “Martin and Rosa started the movement” ...

Attention Attention my fellow Americans!!!

BLACK HISTORY IS MORE THAN MARTIN LUTHER KING JR While I honor and appreciate the achievements and the struggle of Dr. King I am so tired of hearing of him as the source of all of our "rich" Black History. I guess working a few blocks from the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Historic Auburn Avenue doesn't help much either. You can add Rosa, Medgar, brother Malcom to that list as well. Our history didn’t begin or end with these noble people. And it is time that we make household names of

L Douglas Wilder and Deval Patrick
The First and Second Elected Black U.S. Governors

Ralph J. Bunche
The First Black Nobel Peace Prize Winner

(yep someone won before MLK... imagine that)

Guion Bluford
The First Black Astronaut to fly in Space

Julian Bond
Chairman of the NAACP

Toussaint L’Ouverture
Led Haiti to being the First Black Republic

Oprah Winfrey
The First Black Woman Television host and 2nd Black Billionaire
(you know damn well I wasn’t gonna let this slide without mentioning my girl)

Tiger Woods
The First Black National Golf Champion

(although it happened in GA... nope it wasn't MLK either!!)

Free & Clear

Such a milestone in my life... last Wednesday, I paid off my truck several months early. So it is officially mine... free & clear!!

Just a personal moment I am having!!

My Final Words on the Jens

To my dear Cocoa and the others that have commented and emailed me...

I am so tired of people acting like Jennifer Holliday turned water into wine. She did no more than what any other talented actress would have done with the Effie role. And Holliday is NOT the reason Hudson, as you say, “is a blip on our DVRs”. Hudson is what she is because she has talent and favor from God. She did exactly what Jen Holliday did 20 years ago she made the role memorable. And in another 20 years when Dreamgirls is done again... it will be the talent of whomever plays Effie that makes whomever she is relevant not what others have done before.

Yes Holliday originated the role and did a damn good job in it but she doesn't own it and no one owes her shit. No one person opened the doors for the rest of the world... if Nell Carter would have played Effie, we would still be here today. Jennifer Holliday got her Tony and her acknowledgement. And regardless of what she said before or after... her performance was an act of desperation. Only a desperate woman would be stuck on an abandoned building with as you say "40mph winds blowin down" her throat, singing the one and only song everyone knows you for... as she turned and looked at the red carpet from afar. I am sure Mary, Beyonce, Jill, even Whitney, or anyone artist would have rejected such a disgraceful offer.

And regardless if JHud does nothing more from this point on she will have a blockbuster film, countless film critic awards, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for her shelf. And as our dear Clay Cane says she can go back to being Jennifer "Singing on Gay Cruises for Jesus" Hudson performing at punk functions hosted by The Lions Den here in Atlanta like she has done before Dreamgirls.... wait, maybe she should thank Holliday for paving that road too.

C. B.W.

Dreamgirls Oscar Performance