Fighing a Mammoth

I woke up this morning as many mornings with an acute awareness of the condition of my people and how there is so much work that needs to be done. I realize that it is so systemic that the wake up call to action is needed now and requires much work, dedication, and diligence. There are many things I could discuss but there are several major factors that I see as consistent themes within our communities that require swift and consistent action.
 1. The continued acts of genocide against our people by police. We need to bring charges against the police and continue to highlight the injustice in every form and way possible. Struggle does not occur without a fight.
2. Building our communities economically; we must control our money, spend with our own, and be deliberate about it.
3. We must continue to speak and bring the truth to those who are asleep. We know we cannot save everyone but, we will do a disservice if we do not reveal the truth.
4. We must challenge the corporations to treat us fairly or withhold profits. Our communities are the biggest consumer.
5. We must know our power. If we weren't a threat, why would we continue to be killed? We are the original Man.
Lastly, we must love. We must love each other, through the ignorance, through the violence, through the pain. Our sisters and brothers need us so much-us who continue to fight, us who are revolutionary. Huey Newton once said "A revolutionary is a doomed man". We know and understand. But, it is my sincerest belief that we are at the cusp of a great tide of change and restoration. We must stand and stand strong!

I Have Been Chosen

I realized today that maybe I am not as in control as I may believe. I am a mother, was a wife, am a writer, an entrepreneur, I am a fighter. But , how many of the roles did I truly choose? Initially, I thought my life as "Lioness" was one that I took on my own, that I had chosen as I matured in my life. But, as I sit here in reflection,  I determine that "Lioness" and the path of the Lioness chose me. I have not had a charmed life and that in itself does not make me unique. What does make me unique is that I have not allowed hard times and oppression to warp me into a bitter person with total disdain for life. I am quite the contrary. I find the silver lining in every cloud and I love people to a fault, even after having experienced so much loss and heartbreak in my own life. I now am almost obsessed with fighting against injustices in life, sometimes to a fault. But, it is always about balance. I have to take care of me as well. But the fight is never-ending, I just need to be here to fight another day.
In reflecting on my present life, I also realized that the Universe has brought certain people into my life, fighters like myself, who are my support system. They are awesome people and I am blessed beyond measure to be able to be connected with them. We are all focused on changing the lives of generations to come, one small battle at a time.
And that is why I know I was chosen for this place and position in life. Hardly any of these people are close to me in proximity and many I have never physically met, yet we are close as family could be and fiercely protective of one another. They need me and I need them--bottom line. I am "The Tru Lioness" and they respect the warrior in me. And I must live up to who she is.


Peace & Love,
Andre'a

Complacency--One of Our True Enemies

I am one who has fought all my life. I have had to fight poverty, I have had to fight statistics, I have had to even fight homelessness. Now, I fight for change--each and every day of my life. The older I become, the more I have noticed that I am now more observant of people and what I have noted to be a consistent pattern within the black community is complacency. Complacency is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as "self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies". And within our communities, our have been born into complacency that is generational. They are asleep and some refuse to be awakened and become irritated when confronted with the truth and severity of our condition. We, the descendants of stolen people , who were deprived our basic human rights, and continue to be oppressed by the machinations of a nation built upon the backs of our ancestors. The Willie Lynch syndrome, a psychological warfare, continues to be waged and large numbers of our people, are willing participants. They purchase millions of dollars in retail and services with companies that were financed with slave money and who continue to mistreat our people (i.e. Wal-Mart).
Then, there is the subset of people who talk a good game but take absolutely no action. With the growing popularity of the internet and social media, we have individuals that boast to be revolutionaries, always talking about what our community needs, but they never are present. They live on 1000 Facebook Avenue and never venture beyond the virtual corridors and neighborhoods and step off the porch. They remind me of a dog owned by one of grandmother's friend. To hear his bark, you would think he had heart and that he had to be tied but, truth be told he was a sissy and was not even tied down  (his bark was always bigger than his bite)! I have absolute no patience for that type of inactivity. It is my hope that for us that are awake that we continue to come forth and make a difference. Let's leave this place in a better condition than it was when we were brought into it. 

Peace & Blessings,
Andre'a "The Lioness"

United We Stand

Another son taken. Another shooting in Missouri. Several weeks ago, a dear friend and comrade of mine posted that every 28 hours, a black person is murdered by the police and the vast majority of those who die are black men. Now yet another victim, an 18 year old father was killed by an off-duty police officer. The officers of course claim he had a gun but witnesses to the shooting said he only had a sandwich. A sandwich. So, not only will a pack of Skittles, hoodie, tea, and being in “the wrong neighborhood” even though your father resided in the area, but a sandwich can be mistaken for a gun, a “loosey” cigarette is deemed resisting arrest, you can be tasered for not identifying yourself, even though you are a passenger in a vehicle, and also shot for walking in the street. You have to question yourself as to what you as a black person can do. Must we become hostage in our homes and choose not to venture out because we may be shoot under the cloak of ridiculous suspicion and absolute and total hatred for your skin color.

What a difficult life it is to be black! To live in a world that sees you as ugly, inconvenient, ignorant, threatening, and most of all –unworthy. Yet, the world desires to be us and often steal our culture through cultural appropriation. And then there are those of us who choose to remain passive, who are either totally blind to the reality of life or have chosen “not to get involved” because fear holds them captive. It is sad that so many of our brothers and sisters seem not to “get it” and do not think that we need change.

Then there is me and my “family”. We are fighters. We are set to act and we do not and will not stop. Even as I type this, my adrenaline runs high because I know the stuff we are made of. We march, we boycott, we protest, we educate, we stimulate, we are united and it is scaring people. We have joined together and we are solidly standing and looking the face of our oppressors in the eye. We never tire when it comes to the liberation of our people. Join us in the fight! Everyone has a role to play and each of you are very important to this struggle.

Unite. Organize. Deploy.

Peace & Blessings,

Andre’a

Acts of Defeat

They burned down Michael Brown's memorial today and before I became enraged, I felt myself become tickled. Why you ask? Because one thing I know from experience is when someone is defeated, they will seek to do anything to gain attention or some footing. Black people are becoming more and more organized and unified and with that comes change but also a threat to the powers that be. Oppressive forces that have worked in this country for many years are feeling the shift of impending change and with that they throw a tantrum. It is like a child who is told no. They fall to the floor, kicking and screaming, wanting to get their way. This is the action of the oppressors is one of a coward. They do not want to confront the truth, they desire for us to forget the fallen youth, but we will not. We are fighting and organizing every day. We are progressing. We are about to change the face of Black America and they see it! We are coming! And we are growing larger everyday!

Thoughts of a Lioness: Where in the World?

Thoughts of a Lioness: Where in the World?: I have been thinking a lot lately about what my place is in this world. I have always that we who are here, are here for a purpose. No life...

Where in the World?

I have been thinking a lot lately about what my place is in this world. I have always that we who are here, are here for a purpose. No life is created and brought forth in the world in vain. I also believe that each of us has a specific purpose in the world and we owe it to the world to bring forth our gift. So, what is my contribution to the world? What am I here to accomplish? I believe that it is not one single thing but rather a succession of gifts I am to give. I know the person I am today is not who I was last year as I have grown more and I am sure I will continue to change as I allow and accept things and continue to have experiences. I am often victim of my own stubbornness to succeed and to do many different things at once. I am admittedly slightly OCD and certainly a multi-tasker by default, finding solace in work, whether things I enjoy, such as writing, and also at my place of employment.  I have determined though that at this point in time, I need to focus on my passions only. The struggle of those with “sun-kissed skin” as Mama Taye so eloquently describes us of darker complexion and also being the best writer/poetess I can possibly be. These two areas of my life bring me the greatest level of satisfaction. So, as the beloved Maya Angelou once said ““You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”

One Love,

Andre’a “The Lioness”

RIP to the Young Brothers & Sisters

The violence that exists within the community is sickening to me. We live in a time in which money is hard to come by, where “that’s not my business” is the mentality, and  peace is even harder to find. The people that should be working together to improve things are the perpetrators. You are brothers and sisters, bonded by time and blood. I feel nothing but sorrow at the news of another young one being killed but, I am never going to give up hope that we can be and do better. I know it may be nearly impossible, but we can make things better by holding each other accountable. I personally can’t support anyone that sees wrong and won’t do anything about it. No, I am not your sister if you don’t love your people. We have time and attention for everything but when these things happen, everyone is sad but you see wrong going on every day and it’s always ok until it affects you. It’s not. We need to destroy and rebuild!

Make public servants work, if you see someone breaking in a house, call the cops, if you hear a gun go off, call them. Go to meetings. Do something other than shake your head and saying it’s a shame. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Talk to our young people. Let them know they are loved. Let them know they are needed. Let them know you care. Stop trying to be their friends. You need to maintain a level of respect with them and stop turning a blind eye to what they do or have done wrong. No the mentality that exists is not totally on our shoulders but we are the only ones that can change our condition. Wake up! RIP to the lost lives in the streets! Stop the violence!

I am a Fighter!

As I sit and think about all the events that have gone on this past week, I cannot help but to feel a sense of despair and pain. Our men are being murdered by those who have been hired and trained to protect and serve our communities. It grieves me deeply while watching the images of our people crying, yelling, marching, protesting, and at the end of the day—searching for help in a country that has not been of any assistance to them. It grieves me that our people have not come any further than in the days of old, in which Jim Crow reigned and we were terrorized by the deep melanin tones of our skin.

But, to add insult to injury, we have become desensitized to these types of tragedies. The term “black on black crime” seeps out of the pores of the very individuals that have been disenfranchised and oppressed for the greater part of 400 years , here in the assumed “land of the free, home of the brave”. Meanwhile, the perpetrators continue to live freely and the killings continue. From Ferguson, to Detroit, to Florida, New York, to California—our men continue to perish. The value placed on the life of our sisters and brothers is extremely undervalued. Some people in this country place more importance in the abuse of animals than their black neighbor. And to add to it, the mentality of “well we kill each other so we shouldn’t be upset”, continues to permeate the atmosphere and we have taken a backseat to eh issue at hand. People actually think that because there are crimes in our communities that  surely we should not feel any remorse at the deaths of Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, and the countless others . This ideal is the most atrocious thing I have heard during this entire ordeal.

It is my belief that each life, no matter how insignificant to those who murder and maim , was ordained and intended to be lived. The Most High has no respect of persons and if he had not intended for that individual to live, He would not have breathed life into that person. So, what are we to do in a world in which the police or your brother decides to murder?

We are to fight. Not with guns, not with words, but with love, patience, and most of all, solidarity and intelligence. The fight we are fighting never ended. The Golden Age of the Civil Rights movement, the conscious awakening in the 80’s and 92’s was replaced by complacency. Instead of us continuing to ensure that our people had a chance, we began to become gossipers and observers instead of doers. We are losing the fight. It is time for us to stand united and speak our against injustice and oppressive tactics that have plaqued us for so long.

I am fighting . I am fighting every day. It is my deepest desire to leave this world in a better condition than when I entered. There are many of us who feel as deeply and as passionately as I do. There are more than the world realizes. We are fighting, we are protesting, we are marching, we are boycotting. We will be heard! We will not stop! We are growing and organizing more and more every day so watch out. We are coming!!

“It takes consistent resistance to effect substantial change!”

 -Andre’a “The Lioness”

Life of a Lioness

I have begun studying the life of lions, in particular the she-lion or the lioness. It seems that the more I carry the name “The Lioness”, I am understanding why this name seems to follow and grow on me. Here are a few fun but important facts about the lioness and her life:

1.       They live longer than their male counterparts

2.       The pride or group of lions have a dozen or so lionesses in the pride and they hunt together and help raise their cubs together

3.       The lionesses are successful hunters and use an approach of teamwork to stalk and capture prey

4.       They are very protective of the family and are wary of outside “non-familial” lionesses.

 

In reading about the lionesses, I identified many of these attributes within myself. I truly believe in sisterhood and working together towards a common goal. I often tell people that I don’t have friends; I have family members. I definitely am protective of my family as well as my bonus family members and their children. I view them as my own children and love them all.

My study of lions has helped me identify three key characteristics that we all need to survive in the world today—courage, strength, and unity. Courage grows and develops your strength and unity multiplies it. If we unify for a common goal, we can strike a mighty blow. It is my hope that you will join me in my #weareconquerors movement. More things to come for my Lions & Lionesses!! We are taking over!

 

One Love,

Andre’a

Love

There is so much turmoil and trouble in the world. I sat on the side of my bed this morning and watched the multiple stories of hurricanes forming, massive hacking attacks, wars, tour bus accidents in Times Square, Ebola outbreaks on the mother continent and my soul was immediately troubled. I shook my head but then I prayed. I prayed for the Most High to give comfort to those who are hurting, solace for those who have experienced loss, calm to the seas, and healing to those afflicted. I did not work today and had every intention of laying around and enjoying the comfort of doing “absolutely nothing’, but then I watched the news. I could not go back to bed. Times are changing in this world and we all are a part of the shift. I will not give up hope that we as humans can improve. We were created from love in the mind of God. God is love and we were created in His image. Love will prevail because love conquers all.

Peace & Blessings,

A

John 16:33—“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Connect with me on my website nappymommie.wix.com/lioness. You can also find me on Twitter @Lovelylocs81 and Facebook (Andrea Lioness DeBerry).

Exciting Times!

Oh my, I have been such a busy woman! I finished up my collaboration poetry book with my partner in rhyme Mr. Fly Ty Unchained. It is called "Locs, Life, & Love: The Knotty Chroniclez. We are currently working on our sequel and I am working on a separate individual work based on some of my life experiences. I have also created a website that will allow me to connect with my audience, as well as those that may not know who I am on a more regular basis. I am working on solidifying my brand as The Lioness. I want to empower people to believe in themselves, their dreams, and abilities-- to see themselves as conquerors. So, for those of you that read this blog, please go and visit my "starter" website and tell me what you think. I can be found at nappymommie.wix.com/lioness.
I look forward to "seeing" you all!

Much Love, Peace, & Blessings,

Andrea "The Lioness"

Stand Still

Writing has become a true outlet for me. It allows me to cry between the lines, to ease pain deep in the crevices of my heart and psyche. It allows me to vent my frustrations at failing systems and injustices; to memorialize idols that have passed; to express my opinions freely.

I have been going through a very difficult time the last few days and haven’t said what’s really on my heart. I love my children past the moon however, what do you do when your love is not enough? What do you do when all your hard work seems to be getting dashed back into your face? My soon-to-be 17 year old son has run away from home. The mere typing of those words gashes my heart and pierces my side. He left in the early morning of July 5^th and hasn’t called me or come back. A police report has been completed and his young face is now splashed on the CMPD website for officers to see. He has chosen to exert his independence and to in so many words let me know that he thinks he is a man.

I am deeply hurt by what my child has done. At first, I was frantic, crying for hours, and barely able to function. Now, I feel quite numb to be honest. It is very difficult not to imagine the worse when you haven’t seen your child in several days. But, I hear a small, still voice say “Just be still.” “If you train a child in the way that they should go, they will not depart from it.” I have trained my children, all six of them. And I will continue to impart wisdom to them as they continue to mature into the individuals that they were destined to become. I know my son is at a pivotal moment in his life, when he is trying to find his way in the world. I have taught him about the streets and how unloving the streets really are. My son will have to find out for himself what the “street” is really all about. I am praying—constantly for his safety and return. However, sometimes the best lessons are learned without parental interference. Yes, I am hurting but I will continue to live and be mother to the children that still remain under my watchful eye. It’s only a matter of time before this tough time will come to an end. He will be found one day and then hopefully he will understand the lessons I have tried to teach. I am not chasing him. My son has to find his way…..

 

"A mother is someone who dreams great dreams for you, but then she lets you chase the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same." Author Unknown

 

One Love,

A

Time for Action

The landscape and culture of the country of the US is returning to a state of blatant discrimination and systemic injustice. The proof of the return of such Jim Crow and segregation-type ideology is being reported on daily, but not on our daily news. We have to seek out the stories, as they are swept under the rug. For those of us that are affected, us that are Africans living in the rugged terrain of America, these stories must be told and we must fight against injustice and for our rights.

I was appalled when I read the story of the 73 year old man in Massachusetts who was jailed for contempt after not being able to pay a debt for $508. His wife is seriously ill and in the hospital and they live on a fixed income. He was still placed in debtors’ jail after the judge found him in contempt for not having the money. Then, there is the video of a white man demanding a black woman to get to the back of the bus and give up her seat to him while they both traveled on a Brooklyn bus. How about the significant changes to the Voting Rights Act.  The high court struck down Section 4 of the act, which establishes a formula to identify portions of the country where changes to elections must be approved by the Department of Justice. The purpose of that section was to ensure that minority voters were allowed to vote without impediment. And as soon as that section of the act was changed, Texas , NC, and other southern states that were known for imposing practices to impede minorities from voting, such as poll tests, have changed their requirements for voters. There has also been a resurgence of the KKK holding rallies and making threats, similar to what they did during Jim Crow.

Now, be advised, the incidences are not few and far between and are occurring at such a rapid pace that it is difficult to keep up with them all. And the time has come to stop talking. It is time for action, of an affirmative nature , to address and extinguish the seed of the such discrimination and hatred. The communities must unite to first identify and then stand against those who seek to hold us down.

I can see that taking to the streets will become more prevalent. We must protest these abuses. We must let it be known that we will not allow our people to be treated as second class citizens. We must strengthen our communities and become self-sufficient. We must raise our voices. Let them know that these incidences have not fallen on deaf ears nor to blind eyes. Protest marches and rallies have their place. Now, it is my belief that  we must dig deeper within ourselves and see  our power. It lies within our souls and runs along with the blood of our ancestors pulsating through our veins. It is time for the leaders in our communities to stand up boldly in the face of this beast. Brothers and sisters, exercise discretion in your support of those that seek to hold up down. Remember the whole Louis Vuitton ordeal.  Pay attention to the trends and most of all—remain conscious!

 

 

One Love,

A

Excitement in the Air

I am so ecstatic! My first book was released today. It is a collaborative poetry book featuring my comrade FlyTy Unchained and myself. This book is comprised of poems spoken from a female and male perspective. The topics range from love, longing, sex, even tough topics such as abortion. It is truly an experience and it was such a blessing to my life to have completed such an awesome work. It is my hope that this book be spread to the masses and touches many lives. So, I hope that you will take this journey with us!

Just click the link below:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/fly-ty-unchained/locs-life-and-love-the-knotty-chroniclez-by-andr%C3%A9a-deberry-fly-ty-unchained/paperback/product-21693134.html


Peace & Blessings,
Andre'a

New Endeavors

It has been a while since I blogged and for good reason. I have been supremely busy, which for me, is great. And I have taken the plunge and am working on my first book. I learned a few things since I began. First of all, writing a book is truly a process, especially the type of book I am writing. My book is an autobiography but not in the traditional sense of Andréa Danielle DeBerry was born March 15^th, 1981, blah, blah, blah. My book will be periods of times in my life, sectioned into smaller sections. The reason I decided to structure it this way is because there were some pivotal periods of time in my life that I need to share with others. I feel deep down that this book is going to be life-changing for me and life-saving for those that read it. I know that this book was destined to happen. I had a loved one ask me yesterday why was I writing the book and what was its purpose. At first I wanted to get angry but then I remembered something about having vision. People , even those closest to us, will not understand the vision or why we have chosen to endeavor  such things. I do not hold this against those who do not understand, it’s not their vision—it is mine. So, for now, I am working diligently on this work of mine. There have been tears shed, frustrating moments, and times in which I just did not want to write but I am continuing on my path and praying that God continue to guide and direct me. I am setting  a deadline of December 31^st for this first work to be completed. I will update you guys on the progress!

One Love,

Andréa

“The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious."

— John Scully

Missing Maya

The world has lost a jewel in the death of Dr. Maya Angelou. She was an activist, a poet, an intellectual, an inspiration, a mother, sister, friend, and

daughter. She epitomized the quintessential artist; a beautiful, intelligent, black woman—someone I personally idolized for her abilities. The first time I read the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, I was a young girl who loved to read, as Maya had often said she did. My very soul was stirred by her sharing in her life and as a consequence of my reading that book, I continued to seek out her work. Her poems were sometimes sweet as honey, as raw and gritty as a city street, or as lighted-hearted as children at play. Reading her works inspired me to continue to work at my craft and give me hope that maybe one day something that I have written or said will change a life as she had changed mine so many years before. Maya Angelou was one of the voices of a generation that has gone on to glory and though we sorrow in her passing we rejoice in her living. Her words breathe life into dead situations and provide a voice to the forgotten. I love her and all she has given to the world. I am so glad and blessed that she found her voice and made the decision to share her voice with the rest of us.

 Rest in Peace Maya Angelou! You truly will be missed and surely never forgotten!

Support Your Community

Over the years, I have read many works on the topic of Black Wall Street and I am one of the few who actually seeks to support black owned business. Although there were more than one of these "wall streets" in the US in the 1920's-1940's, the one in which I have studied the most is the one that existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is a fact that one of the reasons the people there were so wealthy was because of the length of time that it took for the dollar to leave the community. It circulated over 100 times before it left the black community. My people have lack because we refuse to learn our history and apply the lessons of those who have come before us. We often repeat negative history but we do also have the ability to repeat positive history also, it only takes conscious effort. I hear people say that they give black businesses a chance, but often are not happy with the goods or service. Well, they are your brother, they are your sister, pull them to the side and tell them with love what you did like about what they provided, then provide them with constructive criticism, but do not stop supporting them. We need to unify. It is not a racial thing, it is a pride and a love thing. There is no way that I can help any other groups, until I take care of home first.

One Love,
A

Sunshine and Good Mood

It is funny the way the weather effects my mood. If it is sunny, I tend to feel extra happy and joyful. It is no secret to those who know me best that I have a very positive and "sunny" attitude. With the warmer weather comes the opportunity to go outside and make memories. Living moments is what life is all about. Yes I have to work full-time in order to properly care for my family and maintain my obligations. But my job is not my life. Yes I enjoy watching the Knicks play on my TV and listening to music on my IPhone but my possessions are not my life. Material possessions will inevitably come and go but memories are lasting. Often we attempt to fill the empty spaces of our life with material things but what do you have when they are gone? Buying more and more things will provide you with a temporary satisfaction but what we all desire is enduring joy. When you die, will people remember that yellow leather Michael Kors bag or the way you made them feel when they went to your house for a cookout. If and when we grow old, will we remember the flat screen TV we purchased 30 years prior or will we remember the way our spouse looked into our eyes when we spent a day at the beach with our children. Live your life! Go outside, enjoy your family and friends, and make memories. They will thank you for it!

One Love,
Andre'a

Maher's Moment

Well, it is time for me to add my two cents and you all know how I like to do that! There has been uproar over Bill Maher’s twitter assertion that March Madness is “a stirring reminder of what America was founded on: making tons of money off the labor of unpaid black people”.  What is the problem with the statement and why are people hot under the collars? Well, first of all, those individuals that profit off the games, etc. do not want the truth to be known. God forbid we actually become conscious of reality and begin to pull away our support. The guys work tremendously hard and do not earn one red cent. Number two, the college years of playing allow for those players to be showcased in a way that could potentially change their lives forever, for instance, many of our now NBA superstars (Carmelo Anthony, Dewayne Wade, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kemba Walker, etc.) were once players in March Madness. Lastly, whether the players are motivated by exposure and hopes of being in the NBA draft or not, no one makes them play. Yes, people are profiting and have done so for years, but the stark difference in this situation is that it is not forced. No one is threatening their lives (that we are aware of ). Maher makes a valid point. The NCAA makes a millions if not billions of dollars off the blood, sweat, tears, (and ticket sales) of these athletes. According to Department of Education, men and women sports generated $12.6 billion in 2011. Which brings me back to the point—was Maher wrong in his conclusion? I think in the broad overview of the situation, he was right. But, are we not all partaking in the “exploitation”?  There are much more sinister events and injustices occurring daily and for us to give so much attention to Maher and what he says are a waste of time and energy. Maher is doing what he does best-speaking his mind. There is much to be concerned about but this is not it. What about those working on the new age plantation AKA prison? What about our youth who are locked up at ages as young as 12 with grown men only to be abused and scarred for life? What about the gun violence that continues to ravish our communities? What about the lack of pride in our women? What about the poor educational infrastructure? Is this worth an argument? You make the call.

One Love,

Andréa

Marissa Alexander-- Miscarriage of Justice

Marissa Alexander and I have a lot in common. We are both of the same age (I will be 33 in a week and a half); we are both mothers; we both had abusive husbands; we are both black. But there is one huge difference between Marisa and I—I am not facing 60 years in prison for firing a warning shot at my would-b e attacker husband. But I could have been. Florida is no place to be for an African American. One either side of the law, whether we are the aggressor, as Zimmerman claimed Trayvon Martin was, or the victim, as Marisa had been as she was attempting to protect herself and her children—Florida views us as guilty.

Many people do not know the details of the case. Marissa had just given birth and her husband was threatening to kill her. He was physical with her and she did not shoot at him. She shot into a wall to make him flee. Now, I do not know about the next woman but after giving birth , your body is going through so many changes. You are exhausted, your bodily functions are trying to return to normal, you are bleeding, and you are having to adjust to not being pregnant anymore. Now imagine someone pushing, hitting, and threatening you after you’ve performed a miracle of God. There is no way that an individual of sound mind can look at the events of the case and not say that Marissa was under duress and that her actions were warranted.

Some people say she should have called the authorities. But, sometimes the authorities are not your friend. Would they have taken her seriously or just thought it was some lovers spat? I am praying for Marissa and all the other unjustly prosecuted individuals in this country. What chance do we have when this double judicial standard is allowed to continue? My fear is that other states with similar laws as Florida will begin to initiate similar actions against our people to add to the already fattened pockets of the prison industry. The plantations still exist but the “fields” are the prison compounds and the labor and abuse is legal. Shame on those who seek to steal the life of this vibrant young woman and mother. Shame on the state of Florida for continually seeking to destroy the lives of the black man and woman. Shame on the prosecutor seeking to sentence her to 60 years. And most of all, shame on those who chose to keep their mouths, eyes, and ears closed to the real issues of this world. Just because you state “Speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil” , doesn’t mean that evil no longer exists—that’s what evil wants you to do!

One Love,

A

Life

Life is a funny thing. Sometimes you think you have it all figured out. You know what you want to do, who you want to be with, how you see things playing out. And then it happens. You wake up and realize that the life that you thought you wanted is not what you want at all. You realize that you are not the same and therefore your needs and desires have changed. What do you do and how do you handle it? I do not have the answer but I do know that when I have followed my first mind, I always had a more favorable outcome. Over the past few years, my life has been one big whirlwind, trial after trial with glimpses of hope and small triumphs along the way. I likened my life to a wilderness that I was caught in. Initially I fought with every ounce, but one day I decided to stop fighting and to simply be patient and take one day and step at a time. I felt such a sense of peace within from focusing on the task at hand and not allowing myself to be consumed with issues that were out of my control.

If you know anything about hurricanes, then you are aware that the eye of the storm is the calmest. But you may not know that the eye feeds the storm, acting as a vortex, and as long as it feeds the storm, the conditions persist. I was living within the calm of the eye but in doing so, was feeding the storm of my life. When debtors called, I let the call go to voicemail. I isolated myself from others so as not to have to answer questions about “what was going on”. I ignored my heart—I was hurting but I was too stubborn to admit it. I felt rage if I cried, my tears reminders of the pain I felt deep within. So, I did the impossible—I went into the storm and submerged myself into the tumult. I opened my eyes wide and analyzed my situation and realized that either the storm would kill me or it would strengthen me. I have experienced a level of peace and an increase of strength by allowing myself to let go that I know I will never be the same again. And it is my belief that since I left the eye, the storm in my life lost strength and is dissipating.

 In my life, I have experienced great loss, loss so heart wrenching that there were times when I wanted to end it all but the Most High had a plan for my life as He does everyone else. He and He alone is responsible for my triumphs and successes. I look at the lives of other people in my life, friends and family and associates near and far and it has become so clear to me just how connected we are and how our lives are intertwined. I realized the true meaning of testimony and know that others are better of my will.  My outlook on life has changed dramatically over the past year. I view the world on a much deeper level. Life and time are precious commodities and we must not waste them because we will never get it back. Life is fleeting and time waits for no man. I now know that I do matter and life is a thing to savor. When I eat, I am aware of each flavor; when I hold my children close, I cherish each heartbeat and word they say; when I look into the mirror, I see a full-grown woman. I love her. She is not perfect but she is a work in progress. She aspires to greatness. She is me.

One Love,

Andréa