It isn't all about blunts

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...In fact, don't bring that shit around me. Ever.

While most pot-smokers took time to smoke a joint just like any-other day in the year, my group gathered to do some community improvement on 4/20 -- also known as Youth Service day, along with it's shared holiday to 4:20.

I'm part of two very powerful factions of my high-school and am as involved as I permit myself to be --which is frequently. I'll elaborate later. Cleaning a yard for a limited mum in suburbia has more details to spare than meets the eye. And she's more than just 'limited' to be correct. 'Extraordinary' would be the adjective to place on her journey and as to why she was the lucky choice for our task. We had the blast of being surrounded with one another and to work efficaciously for service day.

#pow.

more to come soon...

There is a Difference

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Audacity is respected; presumptuousness and/or arrogance rather, is loathed. The fear of approaching a woman or young woman should never be excused as fear of being "audacious" and "rude". Neither should arrogance be substituted to conceal your 'fear' and/or insecurities.

Do not let my presence inhibit you because your's does no such thing to me. The 'click' of my stilettos should not silence your words nor seal your lips. Do not let the coils of my mane block your ray of shine that beams from the depths of your lips. Allow my natural scent of strength and delicacy, mixed with cocoa and pineapples to be the fragrance you acknowledge and not degrade your pride nor persuade you to take advantage. And I am not encouraging the force of your hand nor vile of your words to be the lash on my tender skin to put me in place; to remind us that we are anatomically different, because if your inclination has tempted you to ever do such, there is a new fear to have be had.

It is the labyrinth of my mind to glance at; perhaps that separates us significantly, for the better, yet unites. 

Respect the naivete because there is room in me to learn despite all that I've garnered under this blue sun; cherish my abundance because I have ventured for more in this life during these last seventeen years. I am young but not blind. The phantom of 'fear' does not encapsulate my vision nor desires. There is no manipulation to be had in my atmosphere. I am audacious and there is a difference

-Nebby. 

I'm just going to laugh at this.

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Normally, I would give a well documented 'reading' as they say, about this commercial for good, bad or indifferent. Yes, it's obvious. The stereotype, the passion she has in singing about chicken, the Mary J. Blige signature dance, oh and the two million dollar check the hip-hop-soul queen received is all something to talk about. But I just feel like laughing and singing along and enjoying the parodies accompanied since this went viral. Honestly, I find no defamation in this commercial on behalf of myself nor my people of color -- well, the world's people of color. That's just one stereotype and it's a stereotype for a reason. 

Yandy Smith, from Love and Hip-hop, by far has the best rendition of the shady tune.

 "Yandy J. Blige!" Love it.

Tumblr and Interracial perspective

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It's been a while; don't get me started. But sometimes people take a hiatus because of happiness and transition more than depression and inconsistency. I happen to reflect that and I have a few things in store, both internally and externally of this blog. The green-light is still on for this show.

Anyway,

Tumblr is a massive and rapidly developing spot for communication and social networking -- one that most would volunteer to be apart of especially if they have a voice; for one, it's about blogging and it serves the purpose of efficient blogging and reblogging of photos, info and other topics to keep you abreast. It's all choice, really: you can be a spectator or ring-leader, either way inspiration is always in fruition throughout the seasons. As seen in invasive trafficking sites, i.e. Facebook, Myspace and sometimes Twitter, the subject of your life and how much you reveal can get you in trouble, stalked or harassed if you don't manage well. You're basically treading on a tight-rope, which sucks.

Tumblr is pretty awesome, as aforementioned and one of the 'cautious' tools available happens to be an ask box, where you're at the expense of being asked anything according to how you program and filter your settings (i.e. anonymous and non-anonymous). I get a few good questions every blue moon.

Here's one that I felt was really more of a statement based on the photos I sometimes reblog of interracial couples. But as you can see, I give lengthy responses. I just felt this needed to be heard.

i liked those bi racial couple photos as well. just goes to show you that different ethnic groups and cultures are coming together and arent afraid to love each other. and thats a beautiful thing. you know as time goes on, minds get stronger and break down all the racial barriers so its a beautiful thing :)

- my response:
 this is going to be long...bare with me.

I truly admire love; and many experiences in my life have shaped my perspective as I've already explained to you. As a young woman of color, I identify with other women, especially of color, particularly on society, hair, politics and relationships (both intimate and social) to name a few. When I see interracial pairings of bw and [insert race] men and/or women I empathize because I know the offense immediately notices the color of that courtship versus two people loving one another. I know how that feels. But at least most are honest about what they see; I see color too, but it shouldn't be the sole basis that most judge that couple on. It isn't fair. But I also notice a triple standard. You can't be a couple who is admried from that general stand point, you're rare because you're interracial, or that you're a black woman and that it's typical for the latter to date outside of the race than you are, and if you do, he only wants sex; it's a fetish. It's bulls-- to be frank. As a developing journalist, I naturally study things pensively and intently, but I'm finding that one doesn't even need to reflect those qualities to notice that television and media is very comfortable with broadcasting black men and other races versus black women and other races. 

And this stems back historically from the Scottsboro trials, where black men where killed for even looking at white women, to now that's becoming socially approved as the normality and exception. Why ostracize a person for loving/liking another, yet praise and except the latter of that race/ethic-group for their choice? It's male superiority. There are more stares when a black women is seen with a white man or a non black man generally because it's still taboo. Systematically, and I hate to generalize because I'm not apart of this stat., most black women are preached to reflect fealty to the men of their race; meaning not to stray and chose different partners and are plastered with stereotypes (i.e. mammie archetypes and angry black woman syndrome & other fictitious lies) as an incentive as to why other men would not be attracted to us -- which explains the stares that black women receive when they do date outside their race. Here in the US. Color is a concept developed by Americans of the past and has a different meaning externally in the world (with exceptions to color complexes in ethic groups) yet this definition is consistent and still has longevity. It's really ignorance. Love is love and I relate to those pictures in a plethora of ways. 

Long; I know.

Beyond 28 days pt2

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      Black history month has always been bitter-sweet in opinion. I'm glad to be apart of history simply because I am human and capable of so much, and black history too; simply because I get to marvel and enjoy the feats that my indirect predecessors have championed before I was even imagined in my mother's mind. But, what good is any history if you're not making your own? I vex at the fact that Dr. Carter G. Woodson's actions have been warped and consequentially condensed a group of people's history into 28 days that hardly is recognized in schools and major areas of education and socialization.

      If you can think back to scholastic reads that your teacher would pass out, maybe you could also remember the particular issue featuring Dr King and (his)tory. I'm not sure if I possess the physical copy in my childhood archives, but the feel, illustration and detail is embedded and currently exists in my mind. For a long time (until) middle school, Dr King was the only face that I could practically name and think of for Black history month. That was especially attributed by the fact that my school curriculum only approached his name because our textbooks has a tiny excerpt about him redundantly. But the topic rendered to be taboo, therefore it was a territory not to be touched. 

        Most people find hostility in addressing Black History because of how secular it appears to be. But Black history is American history and Worldwide history and I cannot preach that enough. I state that not because I want to generalize the topic and beauty of my Black history; I want to make clear that just because our textbooks lack the plethora of raw and honest history that the foundation of this nation stands on, does not mean that it's an excuse not to investigate and further our curiosity about the people who make up this nation. There is no face nor homogeneous genetic that can identify this country and it's people. We range and that is truly what history is to me. A range. A valiance. And excuse my bias, but I find those who possess a difference in this world to be most stunning and interesting. 

        Each day, I gravitate farther from that moment when Dr. King was the only representation for Black history, but not for negative reasons. There is a reason why his legacy isso important and why he's the first name referenced. MLK solidifies history and why this nation and world is not monolithic, but (his)tory is not the only significant one. I rejoice at the fact that others like Angela Davis, Ntozake Shange, Celia Cruz, Latravia Nelson, Anne Lamott and women like my mother and mentors are people I can reference as a reflection of Black history. And they are in no way, shape nor form alike. They define and illustrate (her)story. 

       I see Black history in the Spanish, English, Dutch and French speaking nations of the Caribbean to the Aboriginals of Australia, Europe, Asia and beyond; none of the aforementioned could ever be condensed into 28 and sometimes 29 days; so why are we still trying to do that? My history has been going on for 17 healthy years and with the abundance that have taken place, I dare someone to try and condense me. No other race has been treated like this and it's time we go beyond the ceiling bestowed. If being black and celebrated for one month is all that is stipulated, than I don't want to be apart of that. I refuse. 

          This Black history year has been important to me because I don't have to dig deep into my library any longer. It's right there in the mirror and as long as I live and strive that is the only history that is important.

Happy Black history all year long.

-Sincerely, A.Neblett, author of Under Le Bleu Sun. 

         

Beyond 28 days.

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I'm a bad blogstress; and no, not in the colloquial connotation of "bad". I've just been doing everything but nothing and advancing for the future. We could go into detail on every little occurrence, but that doesn't intrigue me and is far too simple. I will hint that I'm always working on a project; and I like to keep it that way. So, this month was and is no different. My town is 80% white and then there's me and ten other (beautiful) faces of color. Not much representation. Over the years, I've noticed that the curriculum, textbooks and discussions avoid the presence of Black history, which is American history. If we're going to teach history, teach all of it. I know more about Europe than most places and I'm based in the USA frontier. 

And can I also state that just because we're taught about slavery and (maybe) Dr. MLK does not mean that the deed is done? Point and case:

A few weeks ago, my teacher told me of an instance in a classroom. Apparently, another teacher was informing her students that she would see them Tuesday instead of Monday. When the student asked "Why", she informed them that it was MLK day Monday. (Now, mind you, I sometimes forget when that day approaches with all the hysteria around me). The student then genuinely asks "Who is Martin Luther King Jr?".

What in all of the f*cks is going on?!

Even Black History month doesn't garner any recognition. Hell, the only thing that most students my age focus on this month is winter recess. Black history is not only President Obama, Oprah, Dr. Maya Angelou or Rosa Parks. Chimamanda Adichie and Brianna McCarthy rightfully hold their spots in history as well and it's important to inform the population about those figures as much as we do John Locke and good ole' Christopher Columbus.    

A few weeks ago I was at one of my colleges of choice (did I mention that I've been accepted so far to all the schools that I've applied to?) Sarah Lawrence. As I walked in, an interesting case greeted me and held my attention for quite sometime:

Fancy, huh? SLC has a 25% black population, which is a significant number for a non-HBCU, and the fact that they took initiative is stunning to me. They had similar displays around the building, but these inspired and spoke to me and so I decided to create my own, which explains the photo above and below. My school displays held nothing but dust in a few of them, so I filled the vacancy up with anything but fluff. Each and every woman featured held a level of power that should be recognized and is reflective of black history beyond 28 days.

Mind, you, I may tweak this display here and there, but this is another my testament to my dreams coming true and doing all that I want to in this lifetime. And I shall improve and a dream harder, brighter and deeper. Always. 

One tribe: an exhibit.

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Life is a practice; but I've been weathered of recent. So I rejuvenated and healed up with the best medication: inspiration. The greatest feeling of a mid-week release was ultimately timely. Good people and the art of One Tribe. (The images on the wall was taken by William C. Clyde, photographer and CW post student)

 The artist and his thesis:

You know what is so beautiful about this theme of One Tribe? The nonconformity, the unity, the different colors of skins and tribal makeup. It's was a fearless and accurate approach.

^this was my favorite of the night. Stunning...

On the other half of the exhibit was another student, whose name and identity is unknown due to the fact that I did not meet he or she. But the beauty is equally powerful and important.

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So plenty has consumed my life as of recent, which has been mostly positive and empowering, with some discovery plus reacquainting myself with people and things of the past. I must say, last week alone was a confirmation due to a special conjure of passion, path and soul, which indicated a future ahead that is most humbling. I welcome it and I feel blessed, especially in this frame of mind and all-melanin-everything-silhouette. I also got a chance to experiment with my camera and all it's technicalities (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) thanks to a nice teacher and I must say I'm adoring the MASP section. As for the rest of the dial...girl bye.

In addition, a special friend whose been supplying my little library, heart and mind with great reads, love and knowledge recently picked up a magazine, Artful Blogging, that has a near 360 on this sphere of the internet. New knowledge of dslr + beautiful pics+good mood, well you already know...

 Tis. All.

Press Play: breast Cancer walk @ Jones Beach.

On Sunday (10/17) I had the privilege of attending The American Cancer society's Breast Cancer 5k walk @ Jones Beach State Park. It was so lovely and unifying to stand among all creeds, survivors and  the pride for life and forwarding towards new technology and a possible cure for Breast Cancer.

The weather was manifique as was the electricity in the crowd and I'm blessed to have been apart of something so powerful. And on that note, I want to encourage my (transient) readers, young and wise to get a mammogram, participate in local walks for cures and spread the message. 

Yes, that's senator Charles Schumer [D-NY]. If you peep the archives or the post prior, you can make an almost perceptive guess that politics tickle my fancy. And yes, I was super nerdy and spazzed, to say the least to find a delightful surprise like him buried in the crowd, extending high fives to all any that participated in this walk.

 Tis.All.
Bisou,Besos.

The Godfather of Pizza and the 99%

I take notice when any candidate of color enters a political race of this nation, especially the party they support and whether there is any exchange between the two. This isn't my prejudice; it's the obvious that I refuse to ignore. It may create bias but that's inevitable in this field or any field in general. Want an example? Here's the equation: Take Republican + black male + (successful) pizza Godfather and you get Herman Cain. Bingo.

Now with that combination, you know that you're inclined for backlash from all aspects. The fact that his political party probably has more confidence in Perry or Romney than himself and that he's a black republican, which is atypical compared to the path that most people of color vote in (there possibly goes his major vote) is grounds for malice and scrutiny. However, that combination does bring the media around. Once you delayer this aesthetic, all you care to hear is whether he's a puppet, stereotype or kiss-ass of his political group; and race wise, whether he's an "uncle tom" or leader. Let's keep it real. 

Also, Cain is in the same position that the current commander in chief was and will constantly be examined on the scale of President Obama, from his early campaign days to his win. Cain will particularly have to surpass the amazement of what we witnessed in 08 & beyond considering his factors, and thus far I see no cigar.  Cain falls into his own category of "donkey", and no, not Democratic donkey; he's been really foggy as to where he would guide this nation's direction. Decreasing the size of edicts and bills won't make me feel confident that my nation has my objective at heart, nor will 9-9-9. He hasn't been too "hot" with his supplemented commentary about the "Occupy Wall Street Movement" either.

“Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks. If you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself.” -Herman Cain,

It's safe to say that Wall street and big banks serve as huge corporations, no? And in lieu of profanity, they've also been shady and careless. So naturally, we go into the nation's account of  "0" and bail out Wall street or some other corporation...again. Now, what happens if a small business or small corporation like Herman's has the same characteristics? Where's their bail out? So, the small businesses continue to collapse as they are now and there goes 500,000-1,000,000 jobs. If we have a bunch of small businesses defaulting and closing how the hell do you expect job availability? How do you expect circulation and investment? Wall Street get's scared,  pouts and get's 8.6 billion, promises to invest and doesn't; while schools are closing, health-care is still unaffordable and necessary corporations, aka small businesses get no forbearance? 

We're told from adolescence that in order to independently provide a future for ourselves education is key, and it never ceases after grade school. So when we take out loans and acquire bachelors, masters, PH.ds and other doctorates the students and qualified are generally supposed to be in good standing. They're entitled to  a shot at the top. Well currently, you spend about two houses worth of education and then corporations decide to keep their pay roll at minimum, and small businesses are becoming non-existent, which equates to no job opportunities for the striving, qualified or educated. Yeah, even having a masters equates to zero chances at even flipping a burger.

But it's still our fault, right Hermain?

This furthermore ensures my confidence that this potential presidential nominee, Cain, has the majority and movement of this nation as his objective. Can you sense my sarcasm? Hell, I haven't even heard my own President address this issue with action, but at least there's no blame. I'm one of hundreds of thousands that are graduating in June; I will go to college but I know that I'm more than 99% susceptible to being educated and unemployed. If nothing is done in 6-8 months, where does that leave the pioneers of the future, or those currently in the present?

There is no jealously at those residing and employed on Wall Street;  If you've rightfully earned your keeps and 6-7 figures, no one is trying to rob you as the nation's population has been. We're all trying to accomplish our own. This movement is frustration and a reaction to the current moratorium on jobs and I believe many aren't striving to comprehend this massive incentive. It's robbery and neglect on behalf of  the activity of big corporations and the government. Many will argue that we use everything that is generally made by corporations; however most of them aren't even American (their goes economic circulation). Big Corporations have power beyond their realms.

I have the option if I want to invest in a U.S. product made by an U.S. corp. But where is the line drawn when theses corps become lobbyists and contribute to running this nation into the direction that it is in?  Politicians of all creeds and parties have no real motives or vigor to what they desire to prevail; most are pushing bills that they don't care about just as long as they can keep their private jets and Maybachs. Our objectives aren't heard and to those who are legitimately attached to this movement with nonviolence, I salute you. Politicians were originally our vehicles; our president was the person who enforced our voices. I did not elect a corporation into congress nor as president.

Something enormously is in effect to change this nation, especially when J.P. Morgan pays the NYPD 4.6 million dollars, the biggest donation ever to "deal" with protesters, as well to furnish the NYPD security and technological departments.