Behind the Scenes with the Obamas - November 4, 2008
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Obama's Song by The BlackQueen of ChiTown
OBAMA’S SONG
By: The Black Queen
© November 8, 2008
For those that worked the plantations from dawn to late day
For all those young Black men killed on Emmet Till highway -
CHI's brothas on 71st got reasons to hold their heads up high
OBAMA'S proven that the limit is the sky
40 acres and a mule wasn't honored, but this is a step towards settling the score
Soul Brother Number 1 has become number 44!
America's Commander-in-Chief, Kenya's rising son
History made though we thought it could never be done
Beacon of light for Africans worldwide, but
Especially for Blacks on Chicago's South Side
Who praise Jesus, God, Allah and Jehovah
For victory in the struggle...now over
Waking up with new hope, new dreams of a new day
Remembering our ancestors that have paved the way
This is for Langston whose rivers ran deep in our motherland across the sea
It’s for the dreams deferred until we let America be
We, too, can now sing America and dance our weary blues away
With our genius child, Obama, destined to lead the way
Up you mighty race! – the proclamation Marcus made
To connect us back to where we dwelled before we were slaves
Africa for the Africans – a reasonable plea
Today Obama is our bridge across 9000 miles of sea
As he carries America’s burdens on shoulders broad
We stand at his back, side and to the right of God
We hold him up like mighty bookends against sea’s crashing foam
We are his people, not his burden, his rock, his backbone
This victory is for all our slain warriors and intellectuals of the past
Let November 4, 2008 serve as vindication…equality at last
Let this be for those who heeded David Walker’s appeal
And for Martin who didn’t get here with us but now his dream is real
In Obama I see the benefits of education and what W.E.B. meant
When he spoke of the power of intellectualism and the talented tenth
As the means for our peoples’ rise in the land of the free
The same one written of in the poems of sisters like, Frances Harper & Phyllis Wheatley
I see Malcolm Little being warned against having big dreams
I see brothas dying on CHI streets as America bursts at the seams
I see Sojourner pleading to be seen as a woman worthy of humanity
I see young sistas’ sacrificing their dignity for insanity
I see a dying people now seeing their worth
On the day when the meek inherited the earth,
The last has become first – so ends the long summer of our discontent
Now that America has elected its first Black president
Thank you, Mr. President, for helping us to realize
That all things are possible if you just keep your eyes on the prize
By: The Black Queen
© November 8, 2008
For those that worked the plantations from dawn to late day
For all those young Black men killed on Emmet Till highway -
CHI's brothas on 71st got reasons to hold their heads up high
OBAMA'S proven that the limit is the sky
40 acres and a mule wasn't honored, but this is a step towards settling the score
Soul Brother Number 1 has become number 44!
America's Commander-in-Chief, Kenya's rising son
History made though we thought it could never be done
Beacon of light for Africans worldwide, but
Especially for Blacks on Chicago's South Side
Who praise Jesus, God, Allah and Jehovah
For victory in the struggle...now over
Waking up with new hope, new dreams of a new day
Remembering our ancestors that have paved the way
This is for Langston whose rivers ran deep in our motherland across the sea
It’s for the dreams deferred until we let America be
We, too, can now sing America and dance our weary blues away
With our genius child, Obama, destined to lead the way
Up you mighty race! – the proclamation Marcus made
To connect us back to where we dwelled before we were slaves
Africa for the Africans – a reasonable plea
Today Obama is our bridge across 9000 miles of sea
As he carries America’s burdens on shoulders broad
We stand at his back, side and to the right of God
We hold him up like mighty bookends against sea’s crashing foam
We are his people, not his burden, his rock, his backbone
This victory is for all our slain warriors and intellectuals of the past
Let November 4, 2008 serve as vindication…equality at last
Let this be for those who heeded David Walker’s appeal
And for Martin who didn’t get here with us but now his dream is real
In Obama I see the benefits of education and what W.E.B. meant
When he spoke of the power of intellectualism and the talented tenth
As the means for our peoples’ rise in the land of the free
The same one written of in the poems of sisters like, Frances Harper & Phyllis Wheatley
I see Malcolm Little being warned against having big dreams
I see brothas dying on CHI streets as America bursts at the seams
I see Sojourner pleading to be seen as a woman worthy of humanity
I see young sistas’ sacrificing their dignity for insanity
I see a dying people now seeing their worth
On the day when the meek inherited the earth,
The last has become first – so ends the long summer of our discontent
Now that America has elected its first Black president
Thank you, Mr. President, for helping us to realize
That all things are possible if you just keep your eyes on the prize
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Vancouver for one (July 29-Aug 2)
I think for me Vancouver held none of the comforts of Toronto. It felt cold - literally and figuratively. The torrential weather (mudslides near Whistler). The Asian gang murder plot. The decapitation of a human being on a bus headed to Vancouver. It was not what I went looking for. I did, however, find kinship with Jeff my First Nations tour guide/driver from Vancouver to Victoria (Vancouver Island). We chatted a bit about the indigenous of America and those of BC. I was disturbed to find that their oppression existed well into the 1960's and 1970's and their struggles to move up from what can essentially be described as "reservation land" still rages on today. It seems that the Imperialist vision, like the capitalist one, is difficult to shake.The sun never sets on the British Empire, it was once said, apparently that includes modern day British Columbia as well.
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008
I'm finally going home! This has been the longest week ever! The summer has been eventful and nice; although, I do admit that it feels/felt incomplete without my annual trip to Ontario. Better luck next summer I guess.
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008
I'm finally going home! This has been the longest week ever! The summer has been eventful and nice; although, I do admit that it feels/felt incomplete without my annual trip to Ontario. Better luck next summer I guess.
Vancouver with J & J...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Entering Canada from the west coast of the United States means encountering this arched pedestal in what's called the Peace Park. The ridiculous part is that the customs line is so long that folks have time to get out, go to the restroom, take pictures around the park and then, get back in the car to pass inspection - Why are you entering Canada? How long are you staying? Blah, blah, blah. Passports are given back to you and then, you're on your way - goodbye Vancouver, WA and hello Vancouver, BC! The drive from Seattle area was about 3 hours, I think and getting from the border to downtown Vancouver was like 40 minutes.
Our spot, the Rosedale on Robson Street was nice. It took a minute to find it - cause one side of the street said "Hamilton" (the street we were looking for) and the other side said something else. It was a 2bdr condo with a pullout queen sofa, 2 tvs, cable, a dvd (good for Johari to watch "Happy Feet" every night) and a kitchenette area. The view from my bedroom was awesome - floor to ceiling windows revealed the great architecture of the public library. Johari and I quickly broke the place in - jumping up and down on the bed!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We grabbed some groceries adn then headed to Stanley Park. Stanley Park was amazing. I was a little loopy though cause I wasn't feeling well, but I took a tylenol and held out like a trooper. There's something therapeutic about nature....being surrounded by plants, birds and trees...walking the grounds that First Nations (indigenous Canadians) first tread upon. I don't think I've ever seen trees as big as those in real life. As a child I'd read about the redwoods in California or as an adult saw the fictional trees of Lord of the Rings, but I was never up close and personal. They almost looked prehistoric...maybe some of them were. Along one path there were some exposed stumps where trees had decayed and been cut down...I ran my fingers across the rings and remembered that scene in Roots: The Next Generation where they used a tree stump to mark the generations of their family back to slavery. It was moving.
Later, we came upon a clearing that led to the famous totem poles of Stanley Park. It was like the opening to paradise! These majestic structures told of native struggles and experiences to worldwide visitors! The walk along the water (covering the perimeter of the park) offered wonderful views of the mountains and the city, but also called to mind the San Francisco Bay area, but also reminded me of the moutain top views in Montreal or the views from the elevations along the Niagara River. It left me with a distinct impression that Vancouver is like a cross between California, Seattle and England. It is a diverse city with what appeared to be an Asian and European dominated population. The rainy cloudy days were a throwback to Washington and parts of Europe. The Aussie and British accents and restaurant offerings made it clear why this is called BRITISH Columbia.
Entering Canada from the west coast of the United States means encountering this arched pedestal in what's called the Peace Park. The ridiculous part is that the customs line is so long that folks have time to get out, go to the restroom, take pictures around the park and then, get back in the car to pass inspection - Why are you entering Canada? How long are you staying? Blah, blah, blah. Passports are given back to you and then, you're on your way - goodbye Vancouver, WA and hello Vancouver, BC! The drive from Seattle area was about 3 hours, I think and getting from the border to downtown Vancouver was like 40 minutes.
Our spot, the Rosedale on Robson Street was nice. It took a minute to find it - cause one side of the street said "Hamilton" (the street we were looking for) and the other side said something else. It was a 2bdr condo with a pullout queen sofa, 2 tvs, cable, a dvd (good for Johari to watch "Happy Feet" every night) and a kitchenette area. The view from my bedroom was awesome - floor to ceiling windows revealed the great architecture of the public library. Johari and I quickly broke the place in - jumping up and down on the bed!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We grabbed some groceries adn then headed to Stanley Park. Stanley Park was amazing. I was a little loopy though cause I wasn't feeling well, but I took a tylenol and held out like a trooper. There's something therapeutic about nature....being surrounded by plants, birds and trees...walking the grounds that First Nations (indigenous Canadians) first tread upon. I don't think I've ever seen trees as big as those in real life. As a child I'd read about the redwoods in California or as an adult saw the fictional trees of Lord of the Rings, but I was never up close and personal. They almost looked prehistoric...maybe some of them were. Along one path there were some exposed stumps where trees had decayed and been cut down...I ran my fingers across the rings and remembered that scene in Roots: The Next Generation where they used a tree stump to mark the generations of their family back to slavery. It was moving.
Later, we came upon a clearing that led to the famous totem poles of Stanley Park. It was like the opening to paradise! These majestic structures told of native struggles and experiences to worldwide visitors! The walk along the water (covering the perimeter of the park) offered wonderful views of the mountains and the city, but also called to mind the San Francisco Bay area, but also reminded me of the moutain top views in Montreal or the views from the elevations along the Niagara River. It left me with a distinct impression that Vancouver is like a cross between California, Seattle and England. It is a diverse city with what appeared to be an Asian and European dominated population. The rainy cloudy days were a throwback to Washington and parts of Europe. The Aussie and British accents and restaurant offerings made it clear why this is called BRITISH Columbia.
I was a lazy bum tonight...content with watching "16" (the Canadian cartoon I'm addicted to...it plays on their version of the Cartoon Netwwork). Last year, I became addicted to that, Robot Chicken (American cartoon) and this other Canadian cartoon that no longer comes on. Johari and Jill had other plans. Johari was happy to model her new swimsuit she was about to try out downstairs. When she got back it was time for a bath, a little scaring game with me and then, Happy Feet.
Monday, July 28, 2008
I was a little homesick again today...a symptom I don't believe would occur in Ontario. Even when it was rainy there, I was disappointed but not ready to go home! The feel is different here...colder, less welcoming than Ontario. Idk if it's a colder, American feel or a cold European feel. It's not as cold as Montreal though...that might be impossible...you could cut the racism with a knife it was so thick out there! The weather is a downer...I am told that it was hot for 3 weeks before I got here and it's gonna be hot after I leave! Great! I hope the week gets better and that Victoria will offer relief from the humdrum of BC...although shopping may cheer me up, too.
July 24-26, 2008 - Seattle
St. Edwards Summer Concert in the Park/Bashyr University was really quaint. Jill warned that we would not be seeing a cool reggae band as her and her friend had seen before, but the rock band was okay. The park was filled with families and although I was obviously supposed to bring my own food (as there were only 2 food options), the kettle corn was worth fighting over...as toddlers did that evening! The playground here is amazing...as, apparently all their playgrounds are! It's kind of difficult to not have a great time with all the things to do and having a natural setting makes it aesthetically pleasing as well. Seattle's northern suburban surroundings are definitely for outsdoorsy families.
Pike's Place was like an overcrowded Navy Pier (Chicago), but with farmer's/seafood market flair. The were tons of fresh produce, fish and flower stands, as expected from the Food Network overview I saw, but to my surprise there were also fresh preserves (jams, jellies, honey and the most incredible blueberry syrup) stands. Johari liked the free samples almost as much as I did, but the book stores, clothing stands, ethnic novelty and candy shops were also a draw. Stopping at the roasted corn stand took me back to Partigras in Toronto's Distillery District.
Seattle Premium Outlets didn't disappoint. If you're an outlet mall enthusiast this is the place to shop in Seattle. There was another area we went to prior to that that was a lot more posh...out of my price range but it had a Jamba Juice and I was great with that.
All in all the best part of my Seattle time was bonding with Jill and Johari and their friends and family. They are delightful. Johari is a truly creative soul...her little jokes and antics made me feel better when the stresses of home were weighing down on my mind. Her joy brought me joy. Thanks, Lil Dawa! :-)
Pike's Place was like an overcrowded Navy Pier (Chicago), but with farmer's/seafood market flair. The were tons of fresh produce, fish and flower stands, as expected from the Food Network overview I saw, but to my surprise there were also fresh preserves (jams, jellies, honey and the most incredible blueberry syrup) stands. Johari liked the free samples almost as much as I did, but the book stores, clothing stands, ethnic novelty and candy shops were also a draw. Stopping at the roasted corn stand took me back to Partigras in Toronto's Distillery District.
Seattle Premium Outlets didn't disappoint. If you're an outlet mall enthusiast this is the place to shop in Seattle. There was another area we went to prior to that that was a lot more posh...out of my price range but it had a Jamba Juice and I was great with that.
All in all the best part of my Seattle time was bonding with Jill and Johari and their friends and family. They are delightful. Johari is a truly creative soul...her little jokes and antics made me feel better when the stresses of home were weighing down on my mind. Her joy brought me joy. Thanks, Lil Dawa! :-)
Witnessing History & Facing History - August 28, 2008
53 years ago today, Emmett Till was kidnapped and lynched in Money, Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman. Till served as "a final straw", as an impetus for the Civil Rights Movement. It was time for a change - 145 years after the Emancipation. It was time for the masses to rise up.
45 years ago today, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the mall professed his dream to America and the world. His dream was for a society in which people of all nationalities, ethnic groups and classes could work together towards the building of a non-violent, productive democracy.
40 years ago today, Rev. Channing Phillips was the first African American to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the United States by a major political party. Channing was a Civil Rights leader from Brooklyn.
3 years ago today, the world watched in horror as Mother Nature wreaked havoc on Louisiana and Mississippi. We wept at the way in which human beings were left to rot like animals in blazing heat and poisonous waters. Hope and faith is what brings the disenfranchised back into the American fold.
Tonight, a multi-racial/multi-ethnic, a truly African American man accepted his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the office of President of the United States. Here, on Chicago's south side, where the Obamas have spent years in community service, a warmth and glow has swept over the faces of the people.
This week, I've watched South Siders greet each other with smiles and joy...a new sense of hope and pride that is instilled in us because of the likelihood that one of our own will occupy the Oval Office. There is a silent longing in the eyes of my people. There is a burning desire for revolution, for change.
Some years ago, hope was put in the late Mayor Harold Washington on a local level and with Jesse Jackson on a national level. We didn't see then that the foundations were being laid for greatness to come.
No matter what the results of the November election, history has been made this year. People of varying backgrounds danced and rejoiced in Denver all week. As the fireworks lit up the Invesco stadium, as Democrats cheered, an African American family is embraced by a White family and they are all embraced by the world. It is truly a moment Dr. King would be proud of. In a political sense, "The Dream" has been reached!
45 years ago today, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the mall professed his dream to America and the world. His dream was for a society in which people of all nationalities, ethnic groups and classes could work together towards the building of a non-violent, productive democracy.
40 years ago today, Rev. Channing Phillips was the first African American to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the United States by a major political party. Channing was a Civil Rights leader from Brooklyn.
3 years ago today, the world watched in horror as Mother Nature wreaked havoc on Louisiana and Mississippi. We wept at the way in which human beings were left to rot like animals in blazing heat and poisonous waters. Hope and faith is what brings the disenfranchised back into the American fold.
Tonight, a multi-racial/multi-ethnic, a truly African American man accepted his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the office of President of the United States. Here, on Chicago's south side, where the Obamas have spent years in community service, a warmth and glow has swept over the faces of the people.
This week, I've watched South Siders greet each other with smiles and joy...a new sense of hope and pride that is instilled in us because of the likelihood that one of our own will occupy the Oval Office. There is a silent longing in the eyes of my people. There is a burning desire for revolution, for change.
Some years ago, hope was put in the late Mayor Harold Washington on a local level and with Jesse Jackson on a national level. We didn't see then that the foundations were being laid for greatness to come.
No matter what the results of the November election, history has been made this year. People of varying backgrounds danced and rejoiced in Denver all week. As the fireworks lit up the Invesco stadium, as Democrats cheered, an African American family is embraced by a White family and they are all embraced by the world. It is truly a moment Dr. King would be proud of. In a political sense, "The Dream" has been reached!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Work in Progress...
Okay so if you're here you notice that only the pics are uploaded for now. Gradually, over the next week or so I hope to have time to make entry updates. This will afford me the opportunity to reminisce over the time that is now gone and to decide what to share and what not to share.
Have a great fall!
Have a great fall!
Family Ties - Summer '08
This was definitely a summer of family starting with Uncle Al's b-day in May. Continuing through to the annual KL birthday celebrations. I have to add in the family days at the Taste of Chicago this year - mom did Chaka concert with cousin Val...me, mom and Val did the Stevie concert, which was ridiculously and dangerously crowded but cool to be outside. To me it was like watching him on tv at a block party. I just kicked back in my chair, read Warriors Don't Cry and listened to Stevie sing.
The big deal...the big plan of the summer was welcoming the down South fam...something that hadn't happened for like 10-15 years! It was something I think that Mama Nora would've wanted and that was the idea 2 years ago when the plan was proposed - "you guys always came south to see Mama Nora and us...now it's our turn to come see you." I was glad to hear that cause in all honesty I don't know how often I would keep going there...I didn't go as often as I should anyway - something I have come to regret and have to live with but I def would limit it now. So, anyway 4th of July weekend it was on! I think they came in on Thursday and left on Monday night.
Niecy, Erika, Ciara, Sean, Doris, Wayne, Dee, "Teacake" and Eva were the guests. Eva, Teacake and Doris stayed with mom for most of the time and with Al on Sunday night (Teacake stayed with me). Erika, Sean, Niecy and Ciara would room with me (the bedrooms, 2 twin air mattresses and queen airmattress got their use that weekend) and Dee and Wayne were between Jeff and Al's. Upon their arrival, we all convened at Al's for a long time...Tina and Willie brought the kids over, too. At first they didn't seem to click..but after awhile Chante, Crystal and Ciara were buddies and Ciara even spent the night with them.
The Real Men Cook...Moore style was planned for Saturday. So, plans had to be made for Friday, Sunday and Monday. I considered the festival in Washington park, but that is so expensive that we opted out. Instead we ended up going to Ford City Mall (in picking up Ciara we also picked up Chante, Crystal and Deja - our mall journey was interesting and fun), shopping up on Fullerton (TJ Maxx, Old Navy, B&BW, Marshalls upon their request - on Monday), eating dinner at mom's one night, going out on a downtown tour (several Walgreens for Chicago souvenirs and then, Sears Tower...Sean jumped up and down with excitement). Mom had occupied much of the time with Doris and Eva in their own shopping excursions. I had to make sure that they had Chicago classics - Giordano's with Jamba on their last day and JuiceHarold's Chicken Shack on Beach day.
The best day for me was 31st beach day. I haven't been to a Chicago beach other than with YDub kids during orientation weeks the last few years. Sean was surprised to learn that Chicago had a beach. So, we got ready and piled in their suburban and I first showed them Rainbow Beach by me and then, drove south to Al's to pick up Wayne before heading north to mom's to pick up Teacake. So after that, naturally, 31st beach was the best option. Morgan and Kyree met us up there (she'd agreed to be gone part of the weekend to allow space for the fam). Erika called Tina and her and Willie brought the kids up there. It was great. We found a parking spot and I pulled out the dolly to grab our beach gear - folding chairs, blankets, table, cooler stuffed with goodies, bags of snacks and a little radio. It was a beautiful clear day on lake michigan. the water was cold at first but soon felt warmer. I splashed a bit with all the kids, but mainly spent my time with Teacake - what a delight! Toddlers are the greatest joy in the world! At the end of our time, we headed to Harold's.
Their last day went quickly - Uncle Al dropped off Eva and Doris to my house. I took Erika by the AKA headquarters where her and Niecy got a nice tour and gift bag. We then headed north to do some shopping at stores they'd asked about. Much to Al's chagrin they didn't get going until like 6 or 7pm. He ended up meeting them at Pullman to get them going down the highway. It was agreed that this needs to be a 2-year thing so that the kids can keep in touch with each other.
The big deal...the big plan of the summer was welcoming the down South fam...something that hadn't happened for like 10-15 years! It was something I think that Mama Nora would've wanted and that was the idea 2 years ago when the plan was proposed - "you guys always came south to see Mama Nora and us...now it's our turn to come see you." I was glad to hear that cause in all honesty I don't know how often I would keep going there...I didn't go as often as I should anyway - something I have come to regret and have to live with but I def would limit it now. So, anyway 4th of July weekend it was on! I think they came in on Thursday and left on Monday night.
Niecy, Erika, Ciara, Sean, Doris, Wayne, Dee, "Teacake" and Eva were the guests. Eva, Teacake and Doris stayed with mom for most of the time and with Al on Sunday night (Teacake stayed with me). Erika, Sean, Niecy and Ciara would room with me (the bedrooms, 2 twin air mattresses and queen airmattress got their use that weekend) and Dee and Wayne were between Jeff and Al's. Upon their arrival, we all convened at Al's for a long time...Tina and Willie brought the kids over, too. At first they didn't seem to click..but after awhile Chante, Crystal and Ciara were buddies and Ciara even spent the night with them.
The Real Men Cook...Moore style was planned for Saturday. So, plans had to be made for Friday, Sunday and Monday. I considered the festival in Washington park, but that is so expensive that we opted out. Instead we ended up going to Ford City Mall (in picking up Ciara we also picked up Chante, Crystal and Deja - our mall journey was interesting and fun), shopping up on Fullerton (TJ Maxx, Old Navy, B&BW, Marshalls upon their request - on Monday), eating dinner at mom's one night, going out on a downtown tour (several Walgreens for Chicago souvenirs and then, Sears Tower...Sean jumped up and down with excitement). Mom had occupied much of the time with Doris and Eva in their own shopping excursions. I had to make sure that they had Chicago classics - Giordano's with Jamba on their last day and JuiceHarold's Chicken Shack on Beach day.
The best day for me was 31st beach day. I haven't been to a Chicago beach other than with YDub kids during orientation weeks the last few years. Sean was surprised to learn that Chicago had a beach. So, we got ready and piled in their suburban and I first showed them Rainbow Beach by me and then, drove south to Al's to pick up Wayne before heading north to mom's to pick up Teacake. So after that, naturally, 31st beach was the best option. Morgan and Kyree met us up there (she'd agreed to be gone part of the weekend to allow space for the fam). Erika called Tina and her and Willie brought the kids up there. It was great. We found a parking spot and I pulled out the dolly to grab our beach gear - folding chairs, blankets, table, cooler stuffed with goodies, bags of snacks and a little radio. It was a beautiful clear day on lake michigan. the water was cold at first but soon felt warmer. I splashed a bit with all the kids, but mainly spent my time with Teacake - what a delight! Toddlers are the greatest joy in the world! At the end of our time, we headed to Harold's.
Their last day went quickly - Uncle Al dropped off Eva and Doris to my house. I took Erika by the AKA headquarters where her and Niecy got a nice tour and gift bag. We then headed north to do some shopping at stores they'd asked about. Much to Al's chagrin they didn't get going until like 6 or 7pm. He ended up meeting them at Pullman to get them going down the highway. It was agreed that this needs to be a 2-year thing so that the kids can keep in touch with each other.
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