Staying Present or Living in the Past...

Hey Mars,

     I'm just sitting back very comfy, in my bed, been up for a while on the computer. Here's the latest, Denzel Washington, our brothah, went to visit some troops in San Antonio, Texas. While there he was given the opportunity to do two things: first, visit sick troopers and next, write a check to build another place of housing for their visiting families. Remember he was just visiting with no intention of giving, he's no show off.

     I guess we would of never heard about this especially since its shames American government for their financial lack and inadequate amount housing for the visiting families of our sick troopers. And it was not a "real" hollywood actor like Tom Cruise. We take our hats off to Mr. Washington. Of course he's not doing it for show, if you know his record, he does this quite often. Mount Vernon, his home town, recieves a lot of financial support from him.
     I was also doing some history looks at the "founding fathers" of Hip Hop. DJ Kool Herc, is in the hospital, not sure of the date but he has no medical insurance. DJ Primier, on his blog, was sending out requests for donations.

DJ Kool Herc

     My opinion is this, especially after listening to his speech, which he appears angry at times. He got shot or stabbed back in the day and left the scene. So while he was gone, others came up, like Grandmaster Flash, DJ Junebug, DJ Hollywood and they soared aka became very popular. However, in Herc's absence, they were deemed as founders and not him. So Herc has appeared to spend the remainder of these last 30+ years trying to redeem his name as the "Father of Hip Hop", so sad. He thought that was more important than seeking out real employment with medical benefits and a pension.
     Boring some of you perhaps but its really important to stay present and not live in the past. Life goes on...both of these brothers came from humble beginnings. Denzel spent his youth in Mt. Vernon going to school and being raised by his mother. He pursued an acting career and moved to hollywood, he made folks happy. Herc grew up in Jamaica then Harlem, went to school and became a lover of music. He threw parties and made folks happy.  The difference is while they both were entrepurnuers, one didn't think that one day he would get old without  thinking nor saving for his future welfare.
     This is most of the Rap industries pioneers stories. Yea, while their speeches are positive and up lifting, they're still  fighting against a new milienium of easily swayed, bought and sold demographic of followers. Such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay Z and the list goes on. These guys make a lot of money and there's nothing positive about them or their raps.
     This is why, as a people, we need to be present, positive and focus on what our sons watch, what music they listen too and ultimately determines who their mimicking. Because it's not Denzel, instead our sons are wearing their pants down low, like Lil Wayne. The image of positive role models is who our sons should look up too not those that bring about the demise of black men. Worshipping idols are an abomination to God, this is why our sons are falling.
     If you know God, introduce Him to your son(s). He's the ultimate positive role model!

Stay present mothers, stay focus...
Jerri of Mars