Uptown Notes

Over a year ago, controversy over the Kahlil Gibran International Academy unfolded, if you don’t know who Kahlil Gibran was stop reading and click here – yeah, he’s that important, in Brooklyn. The visible battle over the mission of the school, its practices, and its leadership put the academy in the national spotlight for discussions of ethnicity, language, religion and identity. But soon, this spotlight faded and many have forgotten that the school still is in operation. Colorlines runs a great web article by Seth Wessler entitled, “Silenced in the classroom” on what is happening with the school now.

Over the past week, the media and everyone who could jump on the bandwagon of wagging fingers, frowned brows, and […]

So I’m often frustrated by what plays on the radio… well actually I don’t even listen to the radio so […]

While most folks will look at the election of Obama as act of racial transcendence, in reality, it represents one of the most sophisticated, yet grounded electoral campaigns in modern history. Having working with the Democratic party in the past, I can imagine the transition to the Obama model of organizing wasn’t without bumps and imperfections, but the end result was powerful. Despite Guiliani and Palin smearing (and this was indeed a smear to them) community organizers, the Obama campaign embrassed these everyday folks with a deep commitment for community development and change. While many of us contributed in our own ways to the campaign, I am forever impressed and indebted to the brave folks who went to organizing for the Obama Campaign fulltime. I’m thinking particular of folks who gave up steady jobs for the prospect of a campaign that was often counted out before he began. My hat is off to the folks I know personally who made that sacrifice and brought the victory home…

A declaration and dedication to Michelle Obama by Celli Pitt “Sisters and Brothers, the true gift of this election is validation and vindication of Black Womanhood!!
Everyone take note:

Barack has done himself and us a great service by marrying Michelle Obama.
Thank you Michelle for being strong and not diluting your strength.
Thank you Michelle for being highly intelligent and not dumbing down yourself.
Thank you for not starving yourself and not lipo’ing your curves away to fit “standards” that are not authentically yours.
Thank you Michelle for helping to make a great Man Greater.
Thank you Michelle for showing us that intelligence is the True Sexy– bling and oiled biceps can’t compete!
Thank you Michelle for speaking your mind and not allowing that ugly “bitch/angry black woman” label to fertilize itself– thanks for killing it on the vine.” Read the whole post for more!

Soulja Boy recently wanted to give a “Shout out to the slave masters. Without them, we’d still be in Africa! We wouldn’t be able to get this ice and tattoos.” I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t guess what I’m thinking. Check it as I weigh in on youth, history, and Hip-Hop.

Today, many folks are wearing red to raise awareness about domestic violence. A little while ago, I posted a commentary […]

New video entitled “Put the pressure on em” by Killer Mike and Ice Cube… this is political Hip-Hop

Bryron Hurt has quickly become one of my favorite documentary makers. I was first introduced to his work by Hip-Hop: […]