New Wix Site for HAVOC

Check out the HAVOC Wix site and the programs we have coming up!!!! It's still under construction and new updates are being added daily.

Destroy/Rebuild: AUC Unity

      The Atlanta University Center also known as the AUC is the largest consortium of Historically Black Colleges and University (haha) in the nation. Schools included are Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Morris Brown College. Unfortunately Morris Brown better known as Mo B lost their accreditation in the Fall of 2002 and has suffered tremendously since. The sad part about Morris Brown is they were immediately shunned from the AUC and the United Negro College Fund terminated its support as well. In times of need HBCU's should stick together and not back away from the problem. Morris Brown has a rich history and is the only HBCU that was founded by former slaves affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a graduate of Clark Atlanta University it is disgraceful to know that we are not helping our fellow AUC institution member.
       This question automatically pops into my head: With all the "rich" African Americans living in the Atlanta area why can't they donate money to help the cause? If we are serious about restoring the legacy of HBCU's and keeping them relevant then we should start with one that was founded by our ancestors and one that is struggling greatly. Morehouse and Spelman alone receive enough grants and donations to give abundantly to Morris Brown. Why does this school continue to struggle when there are plenty of people/institutions that can give back? Currently the school has a $22 million long term debt that needs to be taken care of a $5 short term debt. The school has reached out to alumni, churches and other suppoorters to raise $40,000 toward the overdue bill. In March of 2009 students, teachers and alumni took to the street and phones to raise $150,000 to prevent water services from being cut off.
       Unfortunately Morris Brown isn't the only school that has lost their accreditation and are trying to rebuild. Schools such as FAMU and Texas Southern University were placed under probation in the past two years due to finacial issues. The inevitable question has been raised...Are HBCU's still relevant?

Something Is Missing

Always have been a fan of Brandy so when I heard this on her Human album there was an instant obsession with the track. How many times have we felt like something was missing? Know where you are supposed to be but having trouble getting there? Brandy vocals are insane on this record!!! Listen to the lyrics carefully...feels like I'm on a long journey going in circles..

What's More Important the Message or the Messenger?

      Sooooooooo Bishop Eddie Long...pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga was recently accused of coercing young men into having sexual relations with him. I don't really care too much about the specifics of the story because that is between him and the God he serves. However I do believe there is a greater issue that needs to be handled. Such as children who are continuously taken advantage of by those in power.  Another issue is that too many are getting caught up in the "that's why I don't believe in all that church stuff anyway". But people like that were never going to church for the right reasons anyway. If a homeless person was screaming at you saying watch out for that car coming, what would you do? Would you be too busy telling them to move or would you hear what they were really saying...
      Secondly, look at the R. Kelly trial. Thousands of people stood by his side when he was accused of having sexual relations with underaged girls, and it was caught on tape. Who will speak for the children who are forced to live with the harsh reality of what is taking place and having no one to talk with. Too often in the African American community we want to defend those who we feel have been leaders when not truly seeing them for who they are. Everyone has imperfections and those who support those imperfections rather than seeking help for the accused are apart of the problem as well. So far I have heard the majority of Bishop Eddie Long supporters say "pray for the Bishop and his family". What about the young men who came forward about what has happened? Are we not human and does everyone not deserve prayer? Thousands possibly millions of children are sexually abused a year but don't have the courage to step forward because they are afraid.
      While it is important to heed what the message is let us pay attention to who is delivering the message as well.  God uses people as a vessel, in this case the young men and Eddie Long can both be seen as messengers. Perhaps this story will bring about greater revelations about what takes place at this particular church. Let's be honest, this isn't Eddie Longs first time under investigation for wrong doing at New Birth, but this one is possibly the one that will cause his demise.

This is how Cadillac Kimberly feels:


Jamal Parris speaks out

I Just Wanna Be A Kid

        What happened to the days of children running around the neighborhood, sitting on the stoop eating seeds and playing tag? Some days I wish I could be a kid again...you know that carelessness that was evident. Not worrying about what bills to pay, working and buying gifts. LOL. All of us have been subjected to the beauty pageants on television that showcase 5-10 year olds living out their parents dreams, but what about the child? Now we all have assumed and speculated that because of the lack of childhood that Michael Jackson was subject to, he turned out to be a little touched. By touched I mean, sleeping in the bed with young boys, having an amusement park/safari in his backyard (you know things that some of you say you wouldn't do).  Can you imagine growing up and not being able to talk to children your age, participate in the neighborhood double dutch tournament or running home to watch your favorite cartoon before homework time. I can't
       Something has to be said about these parents who never had the opportunity to live their life so they instill that career in the child at a young age. Children are being robbed of their innocence and forced to live in a world that can be very cruel to them. Once these children become adults what happens to them? They start realizing that they have some catching up to do, something is missing. There is a void that hasn't been filled, but they turn to others because then they will be judged. The same people who placed them on this pedestal will not waste one second at condemning them for wanting something they never had. Britney Spears is a prime example of youth in Hollywood gone bad. Started out in the Mickey Mouse club ending up driving with her son in her lap and no seatbelt on. I mean really, these people need mental help! There should be some program that follows children who are thrown into the limelight and have to deal with the harsh reality of maturing in the "real" world.
       Then there is Willow Smith who recently released her new single Whip My Hair. C'mon son. Willow is nine years old, and I have a hard time believing she told her parents she wanted to remake that song. Remember Macauley Culkin? Watch that video and you will see that Birds of A Feather truly Flock Together! Why do some parents rush their children to be great instead of just letting them live? But who are we to judge...

I'm Just Saying Chronicles

A friend of mine tagged me in this note on Facebook and I thought I would share. Besides don't we all wonder these same things?

. Why should anyone give a TWO week notice when they don't give you TWO weeks when they fire you? I'm just saying...




2. Why would you distribute products that give a disclaimer that it has been linked to giving people in California Cancer? I'm just saying...



3. Why would you tell a female to Google you and the list of jails you've been in comes up? I'm just saying...



4. Why pour filtered water over unfiltered ice? I'm just saying...



5. Why drive on 'Parkways' and park on 'Driveways'....I'm just saying



6. (The greatest wonder to me thanks to my Comp) Why is 'W' double U and not double V? I'm just saying



7. When is it okay to talk to people any old kind of way!? I'm just saying



8. Why call an apartment complex and ask them, "Eh, ya'll got some apartments?" WTF...I'm just saying.



9. Why is that if it's on FB then it MUST be true! I'm just saying...



10. Who said it takes 8 hours of my life each day to work to keep someone elses dream alive? I'm just saying....




Thanks Adelia!

Your (Inner) Circle

Some statements from Willie Taylor that I know someone needs to hear

Each friend in your life has a purpose. Some friends are temporary, others are for a lifetime. When God takes you to another level some of those friends (short/long term) can't go. It just isn't their turn. If I am flying and you are walking then there is a problem. Birds of a feather flock together!!! Not saying you totally forgot that person, but don't allow their immaturity to stunt your growth! <----- previously said by millions of people before but well put together!

A Moment in Time: September 15, 1963

September 15, 1963. "It could have been a regular day in the life of Americans everywhere.  Instead it became a day that would change their lives without mercy". Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins were four innocent children attending Sunday school when a bomb went off at 10 in the morning and the lives that awaited them were destroyed. Why would anyone want to bomb a church of all places? Sad to say this wouldn't be the first church bombing or the last, but why?

     There has to be something deeply rooted in the souls of these individuals that causes them to destroy the foundation and mutual ground between man and God.  The church serves as a place of not only spiritual renewal, but during that era is was also the base of operations for tired African Americans. Those who had to sit at the back of the bus, enter through the rear just to see a film, drinking from "colored" water fountains and explaining to their children why they couldn't eat at lunch counters.

       You see the church became just more than fellowship and praise, rather than sit at home and complain people would go to church and worship, get all of their worries out. Beyond going solely to hear the word, tithe, communion and enjoy the rest of the day, some even organized in churches and would gather with extended family in the "sanctuary".  The day of the bombing was a special day called Young Day and it was filled to capacity. More than 400 people were inside and 80 of those were children The bombing came at a time when desgregation in schools began to rise and many speculated that was the reason for the act. The bomb was set to explode in an empty basement, however the wall blew out near a room filled with children.

         The Civil Rights Era in America has to be one of the worst times in history. Main reason being it is the only recorded time of devastation and cruelty that has happened on American soil. Human beings were losing their lives based on the color of their skin. What did these four girls do to anyone that would have caused retaliation on this level? How can people hate an entire group based on what they look like, who have done nothing to harm or endanger those around them...where do these ignorant attitudes stem from? I only pray that whatever the future holds we do not repeat history and can learn to love one another [irregardless] of what they look like. Besides doesn't America preach freedom...

        "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain uninalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness...."

Civil Rights: A Dark Day

Sleeping With Our Eyes Open

How is it that the words to this song still remain relevant? This song was written and released over 30 years ago and yet we still find ourselves in the same situation. When will it be time to wake up...hopefully before it is too late

Why Do We Need Religion if We Believe in God?

Is this really what it's coming to? A Qur'an burning day? I feel stupid for even giving this man energy by talking about it. Terry Jones pastor of Dove World Outreach Center is holding a Qur'an burning day on 9-11. Supposedly it's apart of his plan to continue his fight against Islam. What about the troops in Afghanistan whose lives will be at risk because of this idiots actions? If he is a "Christian" then what part of his religion talks about burning books and inflicting ignorant views on other people?

Is there nothing that can be done to stop his foolishness? Secretary of State Hilary Clinton advises Jones not to continue on with his act because it is disrespectful and disgraceful, but is that all. You mean to tell me the United States of America will allow this ignorant individual to blatantly anger the Islamic community? Doesn't that spell out W A R on American soil?

"If this occurs then it is ANOTHER fire that you should truly be concerned about"   - Lupe Fiasco

Here's the article

Interesting article...Very interesting

Ten Things I Don't Understand About Black People

*Sighs* When will this end? The comments may even be a little worse than the actual column.

Female MC's: What happened to them

Everyone give a round of applause to BET for finally showing something worth watching!!! My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip Hop is BET's first original documentary and takes a lot at the origin of female rappers and the progress they have made. Rather than focus on the negative aspect that the ladies have taken on, the documentary looked at each individual artist and focused on the future of hip hop.

Artists like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Yo Yo and Roxanne Shante have paved the way for Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliot, Lil Kim and even Lauryn Hill.  But what have these new artists learned? The documentary even looks at the sexualization of female MC's and what it takes to succeed in the rap game. However, I would have preferred to see the transition that has taken place between then and now. Meaning female MCs in the 90's were not using sex to sell their records nor were their songs filled with sexually explicit lyrics. Take a look at Queen Latifah for example. One of her #1 records is U-N-I-T-Y, the verse alone talks about women being disrespected and called a "bitch". The second verse goes into domestic abuse and learning to walk away from that relationship. That song had such a powerful message and solidified Latifah's position in the game.

Ice Cube was interviewed for the documentary and he said "Females need to focus more on rapping. When they start focus too much on their image, they fall off". Couldn't have said it better. Females constantly complain about the way men treat them or how they are viewed, but what type of image are they portraying? How do we go from MC Lyte to Lil Kim...where did we lose focus in the music and started worrying sex? Take a really close look at the way in which female artists dress now. Lady Gaga goes out the house half naked each time and people love it. Do you even care what she is talking about or are we too caught up in her outfit?

To me being an MC goes beyond rapping and selling albums. You want to paint a story, become an artist and deliver words of knowledge to the masses. Now I may be wrong but music USED to do that and more. Now all they wanna do is kill, sell drugs and rap about how big their chests are (females). One female artist that tried to bring the true essence of being an artist is Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill infused rapping, singing and beauty into music. She wasn't talking about walking around naked or how she can make a sprite can disappear in her mouth (Lil Kim). Her lyrics were more like:

Now, now how come your talk turn cold
Gained the whole world for the price of your soul
Tryin' to grab hold of what you can't control
Now you're all floss, what a sight to behold
Wisdom is better than silver and gold
I was hopeless now I'm on Hope road
Every man want to act like he's exempt
When him need to get down on his knees and repent
Can't slick talk on the day of judgment
Your movement's similar to a serpent
Tried to play straight, how your whole style bent?
Consequence is no coincidence
Hypocrites always want to play innocent
Always want to take it to the full out extent
Always want to make it seem like good intent
Never want to face it when it's time for punishment
I know that you don't wanna hear my opinion
But there come many paths and you must choose one
And if you don't change then the rain soon come
See you might win some but you just lost one


Now look at Lil Kim lyrics...tell me we aren't lost:
The moral of the story is this
You aint lickin' this, you aint stickin' this
And I got witnesses, ask any nigga I been with
They aint hit shit till they stuck they tongue in this
I aint with that frontin' shit
I got my own Benz, I got my own ends, immediate friends
Me and my girls rock worlds, some big niggas
Fuck for car keys, and double digit figures
Good dick I cherish, I could be blunt
I treat it like it's precious, I aint gonna front
For limp dick niggas, that's frontin' like they willy
Suck my pussy till they kill me, you feel me?


Where is this generation of future female MC's headed and can we recover from the explicit lyrics to move back into that period of consciousness and upliftment. Besides isn't that what music is for? If I wanted to be hear about your bedroom skills I would watch a porno. And if I cared about you being the baddest bitch (Trina) I would watch Cat Woman. Thanks but no thanks. Get back to the true nature, the origin then talk to me about what you have accomplished. Until then UPS IS HIRING!

What happens when we DESTROY? #1

What does it mean to destroy something? To put an end to, extinguish; to kill or slay.


How many times have we watched things/people around us being destroyed? Whether it be through media, institutionalized acts or by word of mouth, destruction is happening all around us. Often we notice the destruction taking place but never say anything or we say (hey!) it's not happening to me. People across the globe have faced destruction and no one to speak out for them and say it is finally time to REBUILD.


How have people in urban communities been destroyed?

1. Language

2. Housing

3. Education

4. Media coverage


LANGUAGE
How has language destroyed us? What type of language do we use when we talk to each other?Which words do we use when describing other races? Think about it...and no Ebonics doesn't count. What is one way to confuse a people and have them lost forever? Take away their native language and you take away their culture. How do we refer to one another...negative terms have become so acceptable today we don't know what's right anymore. This new generation that continues to produce children at even younger ages no longer show the same level of respect when talking to their children. People of every race continuously tear each other down with the way we communicate.

In the previous paragraph I said native language. Let's elaborate on that. Native language meaning not only the language that is true to your culture but what brings your community together. Too often we get caught up in the stereotypical destruction placed upon us that we try to become something we are not. Language has been destroyed so much that often people are accused of trying to speak proper, or talking like a certain people. How do those people talk and why is that the standard?

One of the more serious points when describing the destruction of language is the family structure. It's saddening to see a mother use foul language and talk reckless in front of her child. The most frightening part about that is the child will grow up thinking it is acceptable to speak to others that way. Then the child will be labeled because the words they use will place them in a box. Ebonics can also be considered as a part of the language in urban places that has been destroyed. Some frown upon the mention of Ebonics as an official language but I see no problem with it. Ebonics speaks to the formation of the African person in America. Stripped of everything so you are forced to create your own language and culture.

Unfortunately the language we have used has contributed to the downfall of such great people. We call each other bitches and niggas. Not to mention how we ridicule other races and stereotype them by the language in which they speak.Why is that acceptable? And for those that say I don't say things to be mean, then you are apart of the problem as well. Let's stop disassociating ourselves and start to participate and act as one unit to move forward.

Never Let Me Down

Read the lyrics carefully. Very Inspiring. I love this verse particularly. When it comes to being true at least true to me...one thing I found one thing I found I know you'll never let me down. Imagine if we all felt this way, imagine what we could be. Imagine.

"We are all here for a reason on a particular path
You don't need a curriculum to know that you are part of the math
Cats think I'm delirious, but I'm so damn serious
That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world
I'm trying to make it better for these little boys and girls
I'm not just another individual, my spirit is a part of this
That's why I get spiritual, but I get my hymns from Him
So it's not me, it's He that's lyrical
I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven-sent instrument
My rhythmatic regimen navigates melodic notes for your soul and your mental
That's why I'm instrumental
Vibrations is what I'm into
Yeah, I need my loot by rent day
But that is not what gives me the heart of Kunte Kinte
I'm tryina give us "us free" like Cinque
I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
Determination, dedication, motivation
I'm talking to you, my many inspirations
When I say I can't, let you or self down
If I were of the highest cliff, on the highest riff
And you slipped off the side and clinched on to your life in my grip
I would never, ever let you down
And when these words are found
Let it been known that God's penmanship has been signed with a language called love
That's why my breath is felt by the deaf
And why my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
I, too, dream in color and in rhyme
So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
Cuz whenever I open my heart, my soul, or my mouth
A touch of God reigns out"

-J. Ivy

Here is the song if you would like to listen: Kanye West - Never Let Me Down

Is It Friday Yet?

For those of you waiting until Friday comes...
Sometimes I think people go to work on Friday just to countdown to 5:00 so they can clock out!
The work week has been long and stressful. Co-workers have pushed you to that point of (well you know what they did). Just a couple of songs to make you push a little harder and think of better days to come...

Yolanda Adams - Still I Rise

Sounds of Blackness - Hold On (Change Is Coming)

And finally Friday arrives listen to this and smile for the rest of the day!

The Pointer Sisters - I'm So Excited

Higher Learning

I am starting to read more and more and always looking for mind stimulating books that will allow me to expand on my level of knowledge and continue to share with others. If enough of people are interested there may be a book club in the works...

Here are some recent books that I have read:

Nell Irvin Painter: The History of White People I am currently reading this one and will have a summary when I am done. So far so good.

Beverly Daniel Tatum: "Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in The Cafeteria". This book explains the beginning stages of racial identity and breaks down the differences in racial terms.

August Meier and Elliot Rudwick: From Plantation to Ghetto . JUST READ IT

T.I. vs. Paris Hilton

T.I. and Tiny were arrested in L.A. last night for possession (of what). Paris Hilton was arrested for possesion of cocaine. T.I. was recently released from prison serving time for being a convicted felon and was arrested on Federal weapon charges. Despite the fact that he vowed to be a changed person and determined to do something positive with the second chance that God gave him, he apparently had a change of heart.

Several news stories are adding details as the hours go by but no one knows the specific details about why he and Tiny were arrested. But then again, should anyway care? Once you change your lifestyle and elevate out of your current negative condition your frame of mind has to also change. You can no longer engage in those same "hood/ghetto" activities and expected to be looked at as a role model. It is similar to the OJ Simpson case. OJ was acquitted of all charges in two murder cases and ends up finally going to jail for being a thief. How stupid must one be? T.I. did a little less than a year for a Federal offense but may end up doing more time for pills that resembled ecstasy.

Back to the issue at hand. Why is that when a person of color commits a crime the sentence they receive is much harsher than their peach counterparts. Isn't cocaine a much harder drug than ecstasy? Something isn't right about this judicial system. Since when do we give a pass for cocaine? How much POWER does one need to have to get away with certain crimes? Not to mention once the news gets involved it will turn into an even bigger fiasco taking away from more important issues like what's going on in Pakistan. Sometimes you have to be smart enough to know that once you've "made a mistake" people will look for you to slip up again. Especially being a rapper with a troubled past.

Stop giving the masses a reason to doubt your full and honest potential. Be better than you once were and really learn from your mistakes. Now Paris Hilton on the other hand, smh but it seems as if she will get away with whatever. Look at Lindsay Lohan. But if you choose to be a robot and follow the crowd then you would only be concerned with him having the drug instead of the turnout.