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

Sad... Desperate... and a Bore

Im beyond glad that I found this post on YouTube.com because I definitely missed the live performance on E!. And exactly as I predicted Holliday looks desperate and sad. And it wasn't even her best performance of this song.. all I can hear is AND YOU AND YOU ugh shush ho!! I mean damn Jen you let E! play the shit out your ass. I mean the place you on top of what looks like an abandoned building... half a block away from the red carpet and was like bitch sing.

The saddest moment had to be when she turns to the red carpet... and belts out I'm not goin... you sure weren't going cause you didn't have a ticket or an invite to the show (Damn doesnt that sound familiar). This was probably the final nail in that coffin of her career.

Hopefully she made it off that building to see a real performance. JHud, Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose (my favorite), and Keith Robinson (baby!! could get it) were the only part of that entire show that was alive. The 4 gave a great perfomance staged by Bill Condon himself. I was happy to see JHud force Beyonce to finally sing Listen. Because we all know that Grammy performance was a snooze. And all of that for them to loose to the lesbo and her boring earth song... had me thinking back to the 86 Oscars when Color Purple was dissed as well... Oh well I guess I will be appeased with the 2 awards we were given.

Overall the show was a bore... if it wasn't for DVR, I would have missed JHud's acceptance speech because me and my friend had both dozed off after Eddie lost. But many congrats to JHud and Forrest for winning!!

My Birthday Wishlist

Well today is February 20th... and you officially have a little less than 2 months to get your gifts together for my birthday on April 18th. In case you are at a total lost of what to get me let me help you out.

1. Ipod (mine broke... wont turn on at all anymore.... and now I am singing "Lost Without You")
**update 3.15.2007: I got a new one so we can remove this off the list**

2. a new bottle of cologne {since the bastard broke into my house and stole all of my scents, (refer to the link and beware of scandelous bastards) I have only been able to replace two of them... 7 days, 7 scents... so I need 5 more} **update 3.22.2007: I now have 3 bottles... so 4 to go keep them coming!!**

3. an oil change (Tero is needs her own form of colonic LOL) **update 3.15.2007: taken cared of... now a good wash and wax is needed**

4. the Dsquared Striped Knit Polo (just because)

5. a 42 inch LCD TV for the living room.

6. a Romare Bearden lithograph for the living room.

7. new shoes... doesn't matter which ones I just like shoes (size 12!!)

8. a new book... I need something to read.

9. Rock & Republic Henley Bootcut Jeans... just because they fit just riggggggggggght.

10. Gift certificates from Best Buy, Borders or Saks so I can get any of the above :-)

Random Thoughts this Tuesday Morning...

1. I am glad I burned someone else's copy of Beyonce's B-Day album... seeing she is doing an Usher and rereleasing the CD but this time the rerelease will have videos for each song on the album.

2. Isn't it sad when the MTV Awards and the BET Awards have better performances than the Grammy's... was I the only one that switched to watch Desperate Housewives even though I was TIVOing it for later.

3. Why do I keep getting approached by unattractive homos after my training sessions I conduct for work? Is there any place in Atlanta safe from the gays?

4. Why is someone throwing me under a bus making me seem like a dog on their blog... when they are doing the same 'unXclusive' actions?

5. Does anyone want to give me a buddy pass or 15000 Delta Skymiles so I can go to Santo Domingo for Memorial Day weekend?

6. Will Luda get over Oprah not being pressed over him or any other hip hop artist? It is like dude who gives a fu*k, its her show if you don't like it you go get your own Emmy award winning show.

7. Why is it everyone wants to start a nonprofit but no one wants to do the damn work? And why do they assume I am going to write their proposal, do the research, and write their evaluations? (Sorry annoying morning at work already)

8. Looks like NeYo has yet another hit on his hands... I am definitely feeling his new single, Because of You.

9. hmmm Johnta Austin's debut album, Ocean Drive, pushed back yet again... maybe the new Grammy win will help him out a little.

10. O how do I love me some Diet Cherry Coke...

Maxwell's New Single

Tomorrow, Maxwell will release his new single, Fistfull of Tears, from his upcoming album Black Summer's Night tomorrow on his Myspace page

www.myspace.com/maxwell

Yet Another Church Experience...

Well the Atlanta Church Tour is kicking into high speed. As you know me and my good friend Julian Mugler have been on a search for a church that moves our spirits, feeds our souls, and uplifts us to the next level. Well this Sunday the tour stopped at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church.

Now I had attended Beulah back in my early Atlanta days and once before since moving back. It is great to see the dream of the church and of Jerry D. Black come true. Back in my early ATL days... Beulah had moved out of its old church and into a temporary 1200 seat store front facility while the new church was being built. Now Beulah is a 3000 plus seat sanctuary with a community center attached. Nice job.

Well for some reason me and Julian happen to choose the church of the week when something is going on... unbeknown to us. This Sunday just happened to be the pastor's 15th Anniversary. Growing up in the church where my grandfather was minister, I don't think I ever remember an anniversary being so elaborate and at times ostentatious. When we first walked in we were handed a white handkerchief and a program book... we both gave a look of what the hell is this for?? Only to come to find out that everyone was given one to wave in the air like a pom pom when Black walked in... extra.

In the midst of the service that did not follow the program... we were told by the guest speaker from Detroit that during the love offering no one should give less than $15, to which he referred that as a bronze token... add a zero then you are gold... add two zeros then you giving Platinum. (It annoyed me to no end... as everyone who was sitting around me heard... but who are you to come from out of town into someone else's church and say what the members should be giving. Do you know what is going on in my life to say that my $5 isn't good enough?) We then sat through every ministry delivering their gifts to the pastor and his wife (who was rockin one ol hat let me tell you!!).

I have heard Black preach several times before and was quite disappointed that I didn't get to hear him... because the Detroit pastor was ok but he wasn't giving me what I needed or moving my spirit. However it was my first time seeing Jerry Black Jr. (umm hmmm How You Doin') as he led the choir in Total Praise... which was too short for me cause they were definitely giving me what I needed. Beulah's choir and music ministry was definitely on point. This was the first church so far where the musicians complimented the choir instead of over powering them. We were even treated to a surprise song by Lashaun Pace... who of course promoted her new album that is "in stores now".

Although the service was quite long and extra since it was the anniversary... it was definitely enough for us to want to return soon. Next stop is Elizabeth Baptist.

Simple Perfection

Anyone that knows me, knows I love Jill Scott. I have been to the Sugar Water Festival tour to see her and the ladies both years. Before she hit it big, Jill use to come to DC and perform and I must have seen her 3 times, not including the taping of her live CD. So I think that makes a total of 6 live performances. And every time... every show is different. She is a true artist, musician, and performer.

Anyway her new CD is out in stores now and once again Jill Scott Collaborations. Fourteen collaborations with everyone from Mos Def to Common to Will Smith to Kirk Franklin. I am definitely loving this especially the song with Lupe Fiasco. If you haven't checked it out I definitely recommend it.

WHAT?!??!! it is only Thursday!!

Damn… I woke up today with the sun gleaming in my window (Damn I should have closed those curtains before I went to bed) trying to convince myself that it was Saturday morning… I tried recounting the days in my head… looking at the clock four times… and finally turning on the TV as Matt Lauer reminded me “This is Today, Thursday, February 8th, 2007.” Damn not even Friday… its only Thursday… can a brutha get a break please.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate my job. I am just bored with my job… I am not being challenged and I am not as busy as I like to be. I want a job that I am humping nonstop from when I walk in till when I look up at the clock and see its almost 5pm. (any HR or PR people in the ATL get at me!!) I think a lot of people are looking at their careers and asking themselves what is next. I know at least my friends Gee and BeeFree have blogged about it recently. Fridays have quickly become my favorite day of the week… because it marks the end of the work week and the beginning of the weekend. (Saturday nights are the worse because I know yet the weekend is almost over)

So what is next? Where do I go from here? What is my next step? I don’t know for sure but I do know I will be thinking about this seriously over the next few weeks and will start making plans to accomplish those goals.