Wise Ol' Owls...

Listening to these old guys "drop jewels" is a pleasure to me...



Check out a shorter video clip from a 1963 Dick Gregory interview as well.

OuttaBoundz
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Washington DC Hip Hop Teach-In

DON’T MISS OUT ON AN UNPRECEDENTED GATHERING OF HIP-HOP ARTISTS, SCHOLARS AND GRASSROOTS ORGANIZERS, REGISTRATION FOR WORDS BEATS & LIFE, INC.’S REMIXING THE ART OF SOCIAL CHANGE: A HIP-HOP APPROACH TEACH-IN (JUNE 12-14, 2009 IN WASHINGTON, D.C.) IS ONLY $15 UNTIL MAY 1ST (THIS FRIDAY!).

REGISTER TODAY AT: http://www.wblinc.org/remix.html


Definition of the Field:

Our “field” is made up of organizations and individuals that use hip-hop culture to promote social change.

WHAT IS THE TEACH-IN? A BRIEF HISTORY

The Remixing the Art of Social Change: A Hip-Hop Approach teach-in is designed to outline the tools and resources necessary to develop curriculum, programs, and work (artistic and scholarly) based on hip-hop culture. The teach-in will also address how to retain and attract high caliber hip-hop artists and build sustainable organizations.

Our field is made up of organizations that use hip-hop culture to promote social change and push the envelope of what hip-hop culture can produce artistically, academically, politically and socially. The presenters at Remixing the Art of Social Change are the artists and educators who never gave up on hip-hop and are still actively working through it to promote love, peace, unity and having fun. The teach-in is for people who move beyond hip-hop as a purely aesthetic art and see it as a vehicle to build organizations and to educate youth and families along with their communities through the arts.

OuttaBoundz
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Gift to the Graduates!

Because this is Graduation Season, ghettoGEEKS would like to present all those persons receiving degrees and diplomas a gift of inspiration. You will find an Autobiographical Sketch below. This particular sketch was written by Dr. eRiC Durham as a graduate school application requirement. Though it is based on his biography, hopefully it can provide YOU with inspiration during this time of flux, insecurity, and change. The world is yours, Graduates! Go get 'em!

“If you fall down seven times, get up eight.”

In the beginning, my parents were my teachers. My mother and my father seemed to be awesome banks of wisdom, direction, love, and protection. I can remember receiving my first reading lessons from my mother, and learning to ride a bicycle from my father. For an extended period of time, I relied on their expertise to guide me through unfamiliar situations. Because their lessons proved to be effective tools, I logged them into my ‘personal utilization reservoir’. As I matured, it was not my parents that offered direct knowledge as it was the experiences I shared with other people. I learned from people with honest intent just as I did from those whose intentions were somewhat malicious. In essence, my learning style changed. Unlike the open sharing I received as a child, information was no longer freely given. I found myself rather active in researching the information necessary for me to pursue a certain goal. Win, lose, or draw; the actual labor I invest in reaching a goal is what proves to be monumental in the end.

This autobiographical sketch will focus on my transition from a ‘parental pupil’ to an ‘experiential pupil’. The difference between the both is learning styles. Those students in the ‘parental pupil’ stage are learning by lecture, direct instruction, and regurgitation. Those in the ‘experiential pupil’ stage are learning from direct experience with a particular subject. These students are not studying someone’s interpretation of a particular object; these students are collecting, processing, and analyzing that particular object first-hand. Through a brief autobiographical narrative, I will illustrate my transition from ‘parental pupil’ to ‘experiential pupil’. This narrative focuses on my matriculation from high school to college. It was through this particular experience that I learned about faith, courage, fear, and determination for myself.

Texas A&M University: Fall 1995. It did not take long to notice that bicycling was a common mode of transportation on campus among the student population. My parents liked the idea of biking and they decided to purchase a bicycle for me as a gift. They thought it would be convenient for me to use for transportation to class, the grocery store, and any functions I might attend. Little did they know, I had my own purpose.

I had been at Texas A&M University for three days. It was the week dormitories were opening for the early comers; classes were to begin the following week. My plan was to be settled before all the students begin to flock the bookstores, registrar’s office, and financial aid buildings. However, I was not enjoying myself at all. There would be no problem getting to my classes on the first day because I had walked my class route 20 times. I repeatedly tried to strike up conversations with different people only to feel like a dunce when they seem the least bit interested in me. This place bared no resemblance to home, and I was in a deep state of sadness.

It was Wednesday morning, August 23, 1995 when I decided that I could no longer stay at this place. It was obviously not the place for me. I felt tremendous culture shock; I was miles away from home; I had not met anyone that struck me as appealing; and was I tired of trying to assimilate. I felt that Texas A&M was a worthless cause. After finishing a quaint breakfast at McDonald’s, I rode my bicycle back to my dorm room and commenced to load my backpack with sweatpants and t-shirts. After saying a prayer, I jumped on my bicycle and started to ride home…never to return. With my eyes full of tears and my heart racing uncontrollably, all I could focus on was hugging my mother. I pedaled and pedaled and pedaled. I kept praying, talking to myself, talking to God, talking to myself, talking to God, crying, pumping, thinking, sweating, and praying. I was confused, scared, angry, excited, and nervous. All I knew how to do consistently that day was ride my bicycle. So, that is what I did for eleven hours (88 miles). I rode my bicycle.

The thoughts that entertained my mind that day are indescribable. No one was on the road with me. No one was there to offer suggestion. No one was able to ease my fear of the future. I was on the road by myself. Even though I had no one there to offer direction, I did locate a sense of peace. I had plenty of time and space to think. I had the beautiful countryside to view and smell. I had the opportunity to get extremely personal with myself. Yes, I went through aches and pains, both physical and emotional, but I was able to make a sound decision. Through this intimate experience in soul-searching, a huge amount of growth was final product.

I am in agreement with the adage, “Life is like a bowl of cherries.” However, I also believe that some of the cherries are sweet while others are sour. If we yearn to understand why certain cherries are sour whiles others are sweet, then we begin to truly develop the perseverance necessary to maximize our potential. I have learned to appreciate the bitter periods in life; for they are training grounds that strengthen me for future endeavors.
OuttaBoundz
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Whatcha Think?

OuttaBoundz
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Hip-Hop Art or Misogyny?

Art or Misogyny? ghettoGEEKS need to hear from you!

OuttaBoundz
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com

Reaction on Race

This piece was written late last year as my reaction to a class project in a communication course I instructed @ Loyola College in Maryland. I felt a bit nostalgic...and wanted to share my memory of our class discussion. Enjoy...

Greetings GoodPeople,

I send you this message today after much contemplation and observation. The United States of America has done something that I NEVER thought I would live to see. I say this because my current contemplation and observation is a direct result of the election of Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States of America. I, for one, thought this achievement was near impossible. [Because I was wrong, there is tremendous lesson in this event.] As I write this letter to you, the trees outside my apartment are decorated with bright autumn reds, oranges, and yellows...a natural sign of CHANGE. Like the trees, I and my country, are moving through a change as well.

I study Human Communication (Rhetoric), Culture, Politics, Race, and Power. I've also learned a substantial amount about Mass Media in the year 2008. I currently instruct an Introductory course on Mass Media at Loyola College in Maryland. My students submit four "reaction" papers during the period of a semester. These papers serve multiple functions, but above all, it allows them the freedom of expression. They receive the opportunity argue, extend, discredit, or agree with any material they feel is pertinent to material discussed in class. Though these assignments are usually submitted to ME, in the spirit of CHANGE, I am submitting a "reaction" paper to THEM (and anyone else in the world who reads these words).

This "reaction" paper is submitted in response to our inter-racial/inter-cultural discussions on Thursday, October 30th and Thursday, November 7th. My thoughts are as follows:

October 30th

Students within the Mass Media communication course I instruct at Loyola College in Maryland presented PetriDish to a group of media/cultural practitioners of whom I met during my tenure at Morgan State University. PetriDish is a blogspot that the class is constructing as a Final Semester Project. Its general bend is one of culture; more specifically the culture of Baltimore City, Maryland. For those who may not know, Loyola College is predominantly White and Morgan State University if predominantly Black. (These institutions are approximately 2 miles from each other.)

That initial meeting (October 30th) was, to my chagrin, an incomplete and unbalanced dialogue on race and culture...which also seemed to lack a clear structure or goal. As one who has conducted my share of inter-racial conversations on race, I DID notice some familiar patterns. My general assessments are as follows: 1.) Blacks speak with much more intensity and fervor on issues of race; 2.) Whites listen with more intensity and fervor on issues of race.

I was already familiar with these aforementioned observations, so consequently, we had to hold another meeting in hopes of gaining a greater understanding of such a pervasive yet elusive issue (race may very well be the ultimate paradox).

November 7th

Yesterday, November 7th, we came back together to "finish" our discussion on race and culture. Believing it beneficial to introduce a theoretical construct that could "guide" the conversation, we began our conversation familiarizing ourselves with scholarly notions of Black Rage (Gladney, 1995; Henderson, 1996; West, 1994) and White Guilt (Lewis, 2006; McCarthy, 1998; Steele, 2006). After gaining an understanding of these two notions, and more importantly, understanding how they "cooperatively" act as impediments to "Buberian" dialogue between races....we seemed more able to move in a progressive direction on the subject. I observed in this particular meeting that my two earlier observations can be challenged due to my 1.)observation of Whites speaking with more fervor and intensity about their observations and worldview, and 2.) witnessing Blacks listen with a bit more interest and curiosity regarding Whiteness. I also witnessed and participated in Blacks and Whites disagreeing on key/critical issues INTRAracially...which I believe takes a large dose of courage and fortitude; considering our racial history.

Important Notes:

1.) Participants in these conversations were between the ages of 18-30 years. At 30 years, I was the oldest in the room.
2.) I don't subscribe to the sentiment often heard in the Mass Media that purports notions that the youth have little or NO problem with race. I do believe, however, if we are diligent and honest with our approaches to race we can make significant positive changes.
3.) I believe we are all aware that these conversations aren't the most comfortable, so "Kudos" to all those that were present and active in the conversation. I have no doubt you're a BETTER person for it.

Unresolved Questions

1.) Was intra-continental African slavery of the same type as American chattel slavery; in reference to humanity and brutality, of course?

2.) Is the term "oppression" over-used by Blacks as an excuse for non-performance OR are there active/contemporary mechanisms of oppression at work in society which constrain Black freedoms?

During the time I've taken to submit this blog, I've watched the first press conference held by President-elect Barack Obama. I must say, I have the distinct feeling America, as a nation, made the correct choice...and I have little doubt we'll all be the better for it. The sun is now setting on the wonderful array of Autumn colors outside my window. Just as the autumn leaves and the setting sun have shown me today, CHANGE is natural...CHANGE is good.

Before Barack, there was Tupac [Excerpt]

How hypocritical is Liberty?
That blind bitch ain’t never did shit for me.
My history full of caskets and scars
My own black nation at war…whole family behind bars.
(Shakur, Letter to President, 1997)

Unlike empathetic understanding, which directs communicative energy on an audience outside of the inner-city, many of Tupac’s messages were directed at his community. These messages, directed at the community, are manifestations of the value of communalism. These types of messages were given in the form of lessons, encouragement, and beneficial advice through strenuous situations. Foster (1971) defines communalism, as it applies to African American referent, as the “relationship of the individual to the group in the larger quest for survival and the ultimate goal of social order” (p. 12). In many instances, this quest for survival and social order requires critiquing and criticizing the established order. By critiquing the established order, one highlights discrepancies in resources or treatment as it pertains to their group, therefore displaying communalism. This form of communalism is the basis for the small excerpt that introduces this section; the suggestion here is that the American value of liberty is hypocritical when related to the African American experience.
Tupac achieves communalism through the use of three general methods which include (1) assuming a pedagogical stance in relation to his audience, (2) making appeals for his young constituents to establish independence, and (3) direct confrontation with the agents of oppression, which in most cases, are the police. In his methodological approach to exercising communalism, Tupac assumes the role of a teacher and demonstrates qualities similar to that of a communal leader.

Go to Amazon.com and pick up your copy of Before Barack, there was Tupac! today!

4/20/2009

Pirates, Skullz, and Bones.....

PIRATES, SKULLZ, AND BONES....

This past week was one full of attention placed on a subject typically associated the 1700s.....Piracy! And we're not talkin' lifting music from your favorite P2P site, either. We're talkin' about REAL LIVE pirates in small speedy boats assuming control of much larger vessels loaded with millions of dollars in "1st World" goodies. President Obama gives the "OK" for the Navy's use force. Three pirates die. Captain Richard Phillips is freed. One pirate [16 years old] is one his way to the United States to face the consequences of his crime. A threatened American life was saved. President Obama passes another national security test. The right-wing still grumbles.

While having flashbacks 17th and 18th century versions of Long John Silver and Captain Hook, I couldn't help but have flashbacks that are only 46 years old. 1963. Frantz Fanon. The Wretched of the Earth. The Somali pirate situation is The Wretched of the Earth in actual form. Keeping in mind, Fanon (1963) presupposes that an oppressed population of people are consistently concentrating on the acquisition of "Bread and Land." In other words, the poor and disenfranchised are generally obsessed with survival. No surprise. The history of Somali demonstrates an extreme lack of any central power led by those peoples indigenous to region. Over the years, the Italians, British, and French have all had their hands in Somalia (Wiki, 2009). Currently, there are three major groups vying for control of the country. In short, Somalia falls within the category of the world's developing nation. (But, developing may be too strong a word.) It is UTTER disarray! As any group of people who are trying to live, survive, and enjoy the comforts of full and complete humanity, they must begin with the acquisition of "Bread and Land." To do this, they have taken advantage of their geographic location on the Horn of Africa; and started going "fishing." Highway robbery on the seas! Piracy! As Richard Pithouse (2003) explains, liberation is associated with a certain type of humanism that is gained when the oppressed rise up against hegemony (Pithouse, 2003). The Somali rise against hegemony (US, Britain, any country who uses these ship lanes) is, of course, criminal. ...and now we'll continue to follow the story. I'm sure we'll gain a lot of information surrounding the captured pirate.

STICKS AND STONES...

And the United States no longer tortures...or do we? Well, President Obama has allowed light to be shined on years of "Bush secrets" on torture. But, Obama does not seem ready to allow for further examination, official acknowledgment, and subsequent prosecution. Obama is holdin' his foot on the brake. Now, I understand the political reasons for doing so...but...I have to side with Keith Olbermann on this one. YOU'VE GOT TO SET A PRECEDENT ON THIS ONE, BARACK! ...I mean, we should all understand and realize that violence has played an important role is world history and continues to play an important role in contemporary global society. TRUE WORD. So President Obama, please stay dedicated to the intent of bringing attention to these "Bush League" war crimes. (Cheney has been too intent of discrediting the president for it to be about nothing...let us hear him now explain why and how torture during the Bush administration.) Maybe we'll then understand more clearly why, though they were extremely dedicated to making the world safer a place, they never achieved that goal, either.

...AND WEED IN BONGS...

Mexico and Drugs. It's a big deal. But, the latest bit of good news in this story deals with the fact that as a result of Obama's visit, Border Patrol is NOW checking for GUNS and CASH going SOUTHBOUND in to Mexico. I wonder how Lou Dobbs feels... Do you think this might solve the problem, Lou? Please tell me how this is another way Obama is seeking to blame America for the violence... We [Americans] want the drugs...and the Mexican drug cartels want [need] the guns to protect business interests. Simple business-social problem. There is also a simple business-social solution. In fact, there may be several simple solutions....beginning with the legalization of lesser drugs [if not all drugs] and the serious/sincere regulation and enforcement of the laws subsequent this policy change. This action may lead to significant decrease on the prison/jail rosters...which why I think it hasn't been done thus far.

Alex Jones comments on Barack Obama

I've just heard of this guy....he seems a bit confused...and VERY mad! But, I also believe his rhetoric in the clip below is toned down. He hasn't sad EVERYTHING he wanted to say...so I can only imagine what ALL his feelings are.



What do you think?

Knowledge (still) Reigns Supreme!

Michelle & Momz

Check out next month's Essence! Holla!

Before Barack, there was Tupac!

Due to increasing social relevance, the messages contained within rap music are instruments that possess information that allows for a better understanding of the communicative culture of those who produce this music. Tupac Shakur is selected as the focus of this study because he personifies the connection between oppression/paranoia and rap music as a cultural expression. Utilizing a textual analysis, this study aims to tease out manifestations of Afrocentricity within the lyrical component of Shakur's Me Against the World. The dire need to produce research that is both congruent to and supportive of the fundamental connection between communication and culture is the fundamental basis for this study. Rap music, a derivative of African culture, is concrete proof of the need for critical research geared toward understanding the intricate interplay between communication and culture. Through the thorough analysis of his lyrics, as performed in this study, our understanding of both rap music's cultural relevance and Tupac Shakur's influence will definitely be broadened. GO GET Dr. eRiC Durham's Before Barack, there was Tupac!: Manifestations of Afrocentricity within the Lyrcial Component of Tupac Shakur!


CLICK ON TITLE OF THIS POST...AND BUY A COPY OF THE BOOK TODAY...PERFECT "RECESSION" GIFT FOR YOU OR A FRIEND! GO TELL SOMEBODY!

"The Garden" A Movie

CLICK ON THE GREEN TITLE ABOVE...AND THEN VIEW "THE GARDEN" MOVIE! Only a TWO-Minute Trailer! Check it out!

http://soulcialcircle.blogspot.com/ or scroll down a click on "The Social Circle" on the OuttaBoundz BlogRoll!

What's happenin' in Los Angeles is closer to home than you might think....

Obama (in Prague) in Europe

I heard word that some Asian countries are utilizing President Obama's speeches as tools by which to learn English. That, in itself, is a testament to MUCH of the socio-cultural history that America hasn't necessarily dealt with domestically. But, I'd just like to highlight the fact that President Obama utilizes cultural intelligence to communicate to audiences that have been historically "difficult" to engage. I've noticed Obama build bridges of understanding through various communication strategies including pronunciation, recognition, respect for history, and knowledge of the politics and histories of various peoples. We have President whose an excellent Intercultural Communication specialist. I think Americans benefit from such a leader.

KING Magazine is SHUTTING ITS DOORS!

A moment of silence Fellaz....

A Journalistic Jewel is now fading into the SunSet. This RECESSION has definitely turned into a DEPRESSION! {tear}

To celebrate the good times, The Urban Daily is showcasing the Top 10 KING Covers. Check 'em out!


http://theurbandaily.blackplanet.com/news/gallery-the-top-10-king-magazine-covers/

Sermonic Rhetoric...'Hood Style!

Prayer Conditioner


Captured by Austin "A. Dub" Ward of Baltimore City, Maryland. You can find him 24 hours/ 7 dayz a week at: http://www.myspace.com/adubproduction

READ THIS NOW!

ghettoGEEKS Collabo with Maja Prophetz Records [Dallas, Tx]

Untitled Track/Verse on WeNeedBeatz Mixtape, vol. 1

Ain't no SECRET, we SPEAK IT...
ghettoGEEKS be down for PROFIT [PROPHET]
STILL
BUILD
REAL
while we stay on TOPIC!
Pop. Lock. and Drop It. {mimic the song}
DROP WHAT, MAYNE?!
Drop off the "keyz" to the muhphukin' game!
Know what I'm sayin'?
Or need I explain?
I'm a product of America!
This shit in my veins!
And my Sister's names Erika...
And, yeah, she Insane...
And I STILL bump 'Pac,
so I STILL Bring Pain!
I make it Rain!......RAIN {whisper}
But I ain't talkin' 'bout no DOLLARS!
I'm talkin' 'bout the THOUGHTS from the MINDS of these SCHOLARS!
Uhhh....Uhhh... {mimic sexual sounds}
Don't HOLLA!
Just tell me how it TASTE,
when I
leave....
these....
Nutz.....
Upon your FACE...

---The GoodDoctor, ghettoGEEKS, circa 2008.