Seventy. LXIX.

Happy early 70th Birthday Angel Mama!!!!!!!

4/2/1946 - 6/20/2014

My Black History: Day 18.

Welcome to my Black Present...

The night before last I finished watching a documentary on DJ Quik. TV One showcases some of the best documentaries on Black celebrities who haven't received the acclaim they deserve. Unsung, hands-down, educates me so much about many of the artists I'm a fan of.

It includes credible interviews/commentary from their family members, colleagues and close friends. I learn about their upbringing, their influences, some secrets and detailed insights about them as ordinary people. How they became stars isn't the primary focus, but of course, how they began their road to celebrity isn't omitted.

Unsung is one of my other favorite shows to record then catch up to watch when I find the time to sit still long enough "to do" so. 

#BlackEntertainmentResource

My Black History: Day 11.

It's said, that children mimic their parents behavior. Well, I definitely did with the status that my family makeup represents. Single Black mothers with two children from two different men. 

Easily categorized as just a statistic, but I know we're so much more than just "that." 

Mama and her two kids.

Me and mine.

We are GODs gifts and life is a gift HE gave to us!!!

My Black History: Day 10.

I'm so glad that I didn't miss "this" moment with my mother. It was her retirement party at work.

I certainly miss her physical presence now...

Thank you LORD for blessing me with a mother who did her best raising me and my brother!!!

 Kiss him for me. 

My Black History: Day 8.

Remembering... 

To simply take a moment.






Present.

My Black History: Day 6.

Today, I'm remembering those who've influenced me most, but have gone on to glory.

My Black History: In Memoriam

Granny (My mama's mom) - I was only able to spend 7-years with you before you were called, but I'm forever grateful for the sweet memories, that just don't leave my mind and heart.

Mrs. Smith (6th grade gifted/choir teacher) - I know that love exists in the hood and not everyone stereotypes because you allowed me to be the person GOD designed me to be without judgement.

Spook (My big brother) - I believe in myself and my abilities because you reminded me, that I'm important.

Kristen (My classmate from Pasadena City College) - I can laugh at time because of you. I only knew you for a short period, but you shared some special moments and insights about family with me, that I'll cherish forever.

Mrs. Mary & Jimbo Swift (Caretakers of my eldest daughter/substitute parents) - I was able to pursue my goals of completing college because the two of you allowed me the break from time, that I needed as a young, single-parent trying to build a stable foundation for my little family.

Ma (My biological mother) - I possess the strength you instilled within me and I maintain because you taught me how to survive.

These seven individuals made a huge impact on my life. I remember them everyday. I will forever treasure the stories of our lives together and continue to honor you with thoughtful action. May all of your souls continue to rest peacefully with our Lord, Savior and Father!!!

#MyRockAngels4Life

My Black History: Day 3.

Without a Black History month too many of us wouldn't have any idea about the challenges our ancestors faced and how hard they fought to be treated with dignity living here in America. We would have no pride in our culture because it would've been rewritten completely. Totally.

The watered down lessons taught during our childhood continues to be exposed and quickly via the rapid information highway online, which we know as the world wide web. The Internet.

The truth can be found when it's properly sought, but lies can be taught as truth and an ignorant mind will accept "it" at surface value.

I recently signed a petition on Change.org created by a high school student whom was offended that he wasn't taught the truth about Native American history in the 4th grade when the information was first presented to him. He said, that it was unfair being lied to then, when some truth would eventually be revealed as part of the high school curriculum. He found it insulting and took action by creating the petition.

Look at the state of current affairs regarding the vast differences in culture present in our society.

There is, and has been one too many factual Black History lessons omitted/misinterpreted during grade school years along with the lack of effective communication within the household and between family members. If Black History month didn't exist, there'd be an entire ethnic group of people who would view themselves as someone else.

Like an African-American, for example. Our ancestors didn't accept slavery forever. We will not accept identifier-labels and stereotypes forever, either.

Knowing what we've been through and where we were, better helps us to appreciate where we are and to realize, what more we can be doing to reach higher heights. Individually and together!

Friday: Last "thing."

I'm strengthened by my friend's strength. She had so many "things to do" with the preparations for honoring her daughter Destoney's life in a memorable and heartfelt manner. Well done Alisa.

We wrote birthday/graduation messages on balloons and released them into the beautiful blue sky for a precious Angel.

"This" beautiful tree underneath GODs wonderful glow sits over her burial site.

THANK YOU JESUS!!!