You Don't Know Bird

TV one did me a favor and replayed the Trumpet Awards.  If you don’t know what the Trumpet Awards are, I’ll get you familiar. The Trumpet Awards recognize the accomplishments of African Americans. The Trumpet Award Foundation was founded by Xernona Clayton. Xernona has had a successful career in television. She was the souths first black person to have their own television show and has been a leader in civic projects and civil rights activities for several years.

Among the 2009 Honorees were The Tuskegee Airmen, Magic Johnson, Chris Tucker and  Raven-Symone. To be recognized for this prestigious award, you must have inspired others and are consistent in your field and have longevity in it. Each one of these Honorees have done that. Each a household name that has inspired and/or educated a person, all deserving of the recognition. These Honorees join the likes of Justice Thurgood Marshall, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron; Johnnie Cochran, Florence Griffith Joyner, Ray Charles, Cicely Tyson; Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Russell Simmons, Nelson Mandela and Drs. Vance and Vincent Moss.

Sherri Sheppard and Anthony Anderson hosted the ceremony and gave me a breath of fresh air. I’m over the BET Awards and their ‘coonery’ with a splash of musical entertainment. I expect more from a Television Station called Black Entertainment Television. I rather watch us celebrate each other instead of join in with those who consider us inferior, ignorant and classless. It’s funny how ‘we’ want people to stop making fun of us when ‘we’ won’t stop making fun of ‘us’. While you  think it’s all good and the people are laughing with you, they aren’t they are laughing at you. There is a difference.

Make sure you look out for  the 18^th Annual Trumpet Awards. The 2010 Honorees include General William E. Ward, Steve Harvey, Judge Clarence Cooper, Don Jackson, Dr. Farrah Gray; Rev. Jim Holley Ph.D, Rev. and Mrs. Joseph E Lowery, Clarence Otis Jr, John Rogers Jr. and Synthia  Saint James.

I respect Xernona Clayton for her mission to “inspire, educate, stimulate and enlighten human minds”. She dared to be different like many of our leaders and inspirational figures before her. I want more for my kids. I need them to expect more from themselves. I want them to dare to be great! The Trumpet Awards should let everybody know that its more than just ‘making it’ and ‘getting out the ghetto’. Its power in reaching out. Its reward in paying it forward.

Try it!

Thanks to Mel, owner of 65 West- The Hair Show the community received free haircuts between 3p-6p yesterday. Mel is a husband and a father, a young black entrepreneur and community activist.  He is also Emcee in one of my favorite bands Homegrowne.

Mel loves his community and wants nothing but peace and unity flowing through it. His last business- The Sharon was located on 53rd and Western. It gave people in the surrounding area a chance to socialize and enjoy good music and open mic night without having to go to Hollywood. Unfortunately, nearby violence allowed the Police Department and City to force its closure but that didn’t stop Mel. He is purchasing a space for a recording studio downtown and has opened  65-West

I think it was dope of Mel to take 3 hours out of his day and cut for free. Someones parent probably couldn’t afford it. Its no secret that California is in a serious money crisis and it hits the low income, one income and single parent homes the hardest. The increase in unemployment and growing cost are making it hard for people to make ends meet and for single parents something as simple as a hair cut isn’t so simple.  That $15 dollars can go towards food, gas or a bill.

You can always catch a smile on Mels face. He has a fun spirit and is a positive influence and inspiration to anyone he meets. We need more men like him, more fathers like him. I take my hat off to you Mel!

Mel has been cutting hair for about twelve years and has mastered yet another craft. If you need a cut look for him, hes around!

65 West- The Hair Show 6522 Western, Los Angeles

Santana, Ej, Davin and Jordan did exactly what I knew they would do, when they stepped on the football field for the All Conference game last week. They made everybody in attendance know about ‘em! I’m not going to call out any cities but (Carson) coaches were trying to get our boys to leave the Wood. Why you ask?

Jordan and Davin are two defensive powers that aren’t to be messed with. Davin hits you so hard, it sends a wave of ‘ooooohs; in the stands. Not to mention when on offense, Jordan can smash through your defensive line and if you don’t trip him, because you CAN”T tackle him, he’s to the house for the six. Santana is good for blocks as well. As soon as he hikes the ball he’s in your face. There is no getting passed him. Ej is what I like to call Spicy. He’s small but he’s fast. He reads the field and treats it like he owns it. I’ve been witness to him running to the right with nowhere to go and cutting back to his left and up the field for a touchdown.  Who wouldn’t want these kids on their team?

Everything I just explained is what they showcased at the All Conference game. Helping their team mates make plays and creating plays for them. No matter if it was stuffing a hole or opening one. Jordan and Santana had 4 solo tackles and Davin had his name called the majority of the game with his outstanding blocking. The Warriors were the talk of the town. Our All Conference team lost 20-12. The pair of touchdowns came from Ej, an Inglewood Warrior.

I told yall we didn’t mess around! KNOW ABOUT US!

Mad at Kelly, why?  I agree with some saying that he shouldn’t have told the world he wasn’t going to take the Notre Dame job knowing he would end up there. I also agree that the lie is what made this worse than what it really is. Others say he wanted to keep his players focused until the end of the season and that’s why he said no at first.  They have one more game to play coach and on top of that you aren’t leading them onto the field. That’s a big deal. The Bearcats can say they will play with the fire and intensity as always but when you step out on the field with a key piece missing, who knows what will happen. I hope the Bearcats can pull out a win, for their spirits anyway.

What did you expect? Kelly left Central Michigan right before they played in the Motor City Bowl. There is no difference. He builds success and he leaves. His record at Grand Valley, Central Michigan and Cincinnati is what Notre Dame needs and they went after it. Notre Dame did what any struggling team would do. Brian Kelly can’t take the Bearcats any further and I’m sure a pay increase didn’t look to bad either. The Irish did what they thought was best for their Athletic Department and Kelly did what was best for him and his family.

If you’re mad at anybody, be upset with the system that allowed this to happen. I’m sure that Kelly will be taking some of his coaches with him which means more recruiting is at hand for Bearcats AD. While a fuss is being made about the BCS and Bowl Games versus a playoff system, they need to think about implementing a period of time when you can and can’t talk to a coach. This way everyone has a sufficient amount of time to look for and select a coach without anyone having ill feelings towards the other. If it’s no protocol then expect these types of situations to continue to occur.

It’s funny that the coach from Central Michigan is going to take the job at Cincinnati after the Bowl Game. Seems like Déjà Vu. Hopefully the new coach will continue to have a winning season with the Bearcats and the departure of their coach will not hinder them.

Homegrowne is a compelling ensemble of artist who are exceptional in their own right, that assembled together to create L.A.’s most exciting new sound.

With a sound that one reviewer called “Hop Rock Soul,” Homegrowne effortlessly blends rock, rap, and soul, into explosive performances that has Los Angeles audiences cheering and coming back for more. Just as good to look at as they are to hear, the members have style and captivating personalities that come together in a cohesive one of a kind presentation.

With content that is based on community, love, and pride, the South Los Angeles band is a representation of everything you love and loathe about L.A: from the hardcore realities of poverty, drugs and crime; to the glamour, fashion, style, and fun of the fast life.

The visionary and emcee of the group is Mellroz, is an entrepreneur that owns businesses in South L.A. As an artist, he displays extraordinary rap skill comparable to early artist like Rakim, but with a new school swagger and flair that the ladies love and the men respect. He smoothly transitions from song to song with quick comedic interactions with the crowd before they are brought to their feet by the groups entrancing vibe.

Songstress Sunset Brown, is also a community activist, but once she hits the stage she adds just the right amount of sultry sound and sexiness to the band. She has unique voice that been compared to Chaka Khan and a style like Gwen Stefani. In her trademark fishnets and heels she doubles as the bands hype girl, who has held her own in ciphers across the U.S.

The musicians have a delightful blend of influences and expertise. Keys Player Lance-a-lot brings gospel influenced hip hop flavor, phenomenal soul influenced drumming by Mike Dame, topped off with funk inspired sounds and moves by Gajet, the bands bass player.

Homegrowne is not just a band, it’s a new music movement that is on its way to captivate today’s mainstream. Get to know them now, and witness this indescribable show. Homegrowne is the future, and with the coming release of their 1^{st Album, 2010 will be their year.}

I’m proud to announce that 4 players from the OCJAAF Inglewood Warriors are going to play in the All Conference game this Saturday, December 12th.  Ej, Jordan, Davin and Santana are representing a Powerhouse.  The Inglewood Warriors went 9-1; their only loss was to Fountain Valley in the 2nd round of playoffs. Despite being eliminated the Warriors ended up OCJAAF League Champions. These 4 players were extremely instrumental in the Warriors road to the Super Bowl.  Their speed, energy, aggression and  ability to read the field are going to make them an asset to have on the All Conference team. I know they will do great and exceed all expectations.

I’d also like to mention they are respectful, intelligent and smart in school! These kids are not athlete-students but student-athletes

Good Luck Young Warriors.

We don’t mess around. We don’t mess around. We don’t mess around, we just get, get down!

I’ll be short and sweet! Trevor Ariza deserves to be an All Star. He is a humble person and not concerned with being “the man”.  All he wants to do is contribute and make whatever team he is on better. He plays hard on both ends of the court and is always going to give you 100%.  He reminds me of my favorite player Kevin Garnett. He comes to play, bringing nothing but hustle to the court, we all saw that; especially in the NBA Finals when he came up with those BIG steals in the Denver series. You know what would have been if he hadn’t..  I’m just saying.

I know most of you are disappointed he isn’t in purple and gold this year. I am too. That doesn’t mean we can’t vote to send him to the All Star game.  As a Rocket, Trevor is averaging 18pts, 6 rebounds and 4 assist.  He’s young and hungry, even after winning a Championship and it shows!

Vote at http://www.nba.com or text Ariza to 69622.

Each one can be done once daily. Voting is available until 01/22/2010.

You can also follow Trevor on twitter at http://twitter.com/Ta_Iam1

If I were to ask you what your definition of Domestic Violence was, what would your answer be?

Domestic Violence are behaviors that one uses to control another, it’s not only physical assault.  It could be sexual assault, keeping you away from your family and friends, emotional /mental abuse; intimidation and even stalking. No matter what it is, all forms of Domestic Violence are unhealthy and potentially life threatening. Years ago most women thought it was okay for their partner to slap them upside the head a few times as if it showed that he cared. Making excuses for him saying she fell or hit herself…anything but what it was.

 The laws concerning Domestic Violence then were different. If the police were called and no one wanted to press charges, no one was taken to jail, even if there was evidence of abuse. If they were taken to jail, it’s likely that the victim would not testify in court, wasting law enforcements time (another subject) and taxpayer money. Today some women still think its okay for a man to slap them upside the head. These women are using the same excuses that their mothers and grandmothers used before them. The difference is, now you don’t have to press charges. If there is evidence of assault somebody is going to jail and your testimony is not needed.  Say what you want, OJ Simpson abusing Nicole Brown changed the game regarding Domestic Violence. It’s a shame it took that long.  Its people losing their lives to Domestic Violence everyday and sweeping it under the rug is no longer being tolerated.  To me, the worse form of Domestic Violence is the mental/emotional abuse. A black eye is easier to heal.

 Emotional and mental abuse can take the very life out of a person. Low self esteem, depression and suicidal ideation can quickly follow. The people suffering from Domestic Violence have gone from woman, to young girls.  It’s come to a point where men are even being abused. It looks like the young girls are suffering more from mental abuse than physical. The boys tell them that aren’t shit and never will be. They tell them that they are ugly and stupid. I’m sure your parents taught you ‘stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’, that’s not always true. Some people can take the insults people give and not let it affect them and others can’t.  The pressures of the world are enough. Then you have the person who is supposed to be uplifting and supporting to you telling you that you’re a piece of shit. A person putting his/her hands on their partner is unnecessary and could have long term and even permanent effects.  Respect one another. Uplift each other. Good things only can come from that.

Some of you might not like what is going to come next but it’s the truth and often times, the truth hurts. Ladies: If you are having an argument and your partner walks away let him be. Don’t walk up in his face, yelling and screaming pushing and pointing. You’re provoking.  You see it like this and I know you do because I’ve heard women say it before. “He’s a man and men shouldn’t hit woman, he should be strong enough to resist”. To a certain degree you’re right. I see his resistance as him walking away. Not to compare a man to a dog but if you provoke a dog, how long do you think it’s going to take before he bites you? Be respectful to your partners’ space. Don’t put yourself in what could be a dangerous situation.  Don’t you put your hands on him because you’re upset and don’t know how to articulate yourself in a non violent manner. That makes you just as guilty as he would be if he hit you for no reason.

Fellas: Don’t put down your partner, think of your mother or sister being treated that way. Think of the adverse effect it has on the women that are left to raise your children and what their life might be like with a mother suffering from depression or social issues or suicidal.

Parents: Tell your children that you love them, hug them. Tell your daughters they are pretty and smart and will be successful so that it’s not easy for a man to come in and tear their life apart. Tell your boys how to treat a lady and what responsibilities he will have as a man so he doesn’t grow up degrading and controlling but that strong supportive rock and assume the head of the household with pride confidence and trust like he should……All these things matter

 If you or anyone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, please reach out

www.ndvh.org has 24 hour support across 50 states.

Some of us do not make the decision to be a single parent. We start off in a relationship and once the baby is born, it strains the relationship. While kids are a blessing, we must make sure we have the means to take care of these kids we are bringing into the world. It’s true, a baby can bring strain especially to new parents, add the financial stress and it’s almost certain that your relationship will end. Why the negativity? Lets just say that the men today do not have the same moral upbringing as the men before them and the women to do not have the loyalty that the women had before them. Everybody wants to be the chief and as the battle for that position is taking place, focus is lost. As times change the foundation should never. You always build your foundation on love, trust, honesty and will.  The most important people should be your family. For some of us family is all we have. Mom and Dad, stay united, love and respect one another so when your children grow up, they do the same.

If you are a single parent by choice then I say shame on you. Kids deserve two parents not just one. It does something to children when they see their friends with both parents and they only have one. The kids nowadays are very cruel and you never know what they could be saying to your child. Self esteem issues develop from this as well as anger problems or social issues. If you’re a single parent because of death, I give my condolences. I also want to tell you that God has given you nothing you won’t come out of. You will be an inspiration! To my single parents with the other parent behind bars. Tell your children about their mother or father. No need for details unless you are comfortable and they are ready but let them know about their absent parent. It makes a difference. You know the saying ‘Mommas babies, Daddies maybe’? I take my hat off to the fathers that had to assume the Mother role. It’s more and more of you having to deal with the pressure of that each day. Don’t be resentful, embrace the responsibility that has been given to you. Now to the dead beats…you didn’t think I was going to forget about you did you? I’d like to know why you are not in your childs life. Some of you dead beats had an active father in your life and you should want your son or daughter to have the same.  You don’t have the money, spend the time. If you weren’t ready to be a father then you shouldn’t have laid down. Now you’re calling one another baby moms or baby dads, hating each other. No words for the other. Keep a line of communication open, even if it is via text message or grandparent.

Even with the use of protection, it’s still a chance that a child can be conceived so you must be ready to be a parent at all times. 9 times out of 10 you aren’t using protection which makes it even worse and brings up another topic…. Be aware. Talk to your kids. Hug your kids but most importantly love your kids no matter what your parenting situation is. They didn’t ask to be here so stop treating them like they are getting on our nerves when they don’t have anybody in this world but US!

Ive been hearing a lot about the Tiger Woods incident and its sad to say but this is what the majority of relationships have come to. What happened to the 30+ years of marriage without a mention of infidelity? Why are people getting married nowadays? The most important question I have is do people even know what love is? Do they know the sacrifice and commitment it takes to maintain a relationship? I don’t think so. I think we have accepted third parties as part of the norm and that equals a recipe for disaster. Love your family. Respect your commitments!