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