The Say for the Day | Nov. 12, 2008

I think I need to give a little background info on where "The Say for the Day" originated. On facebook, I use my status as a tool to let people know what I was thinking about at some point during the day. The words are inspired by personal situations, that include my friends, family members, work, ladies of interest, past relationships, etc. You get the point. So here's the first "The Say for the Day."

George Chuck says "in the quest to be with another person, you may never learn who you are when you're alone."

Comments are definitely welcomed.

Pledging is Over... Here comes the hard part

Okay. I was talking with one of my educated and conscious friends earlier today. A please take offense when I say "educated and conscious." Just because you have a high school diploma or college degree does not qualify you as educated and conscious- master's degrees or Ph.D's either. Now that I've clarified that, I'll move on (are you offended)?

My homie's perspective on Obama's victory was different from every other Black person that I had encountered on November 5, 2008. He like many other people didn' vote for Obama, and before you fly off the handle, he didn't vote for McCain either. But all off that is irrelevant to the point I'm trying to make, but it's still entertaining information. My homie's POV (and I paraphrase) is that "Black people are caught up in an euphoric moment- we are on an extreme high. And that my friends is very dangerous."

He feels as if "there's more bad that could come out of Obama's Presidency than good." I know at this point you're frowning (I was too). But he explained that "people, especially Black people, are expecting miracles from this man... and when he's not able to deliver, then what?"

Some of us Black folk and our friends from others races and ethnicities are running around like we've arrived- like because Obama is the President-elect, racism no longer exists. A L-I-E! Racism will not be abated in a day. Obama ran a campaign for 21 months. 24 months ago, we were marching Jena, LA trying to ensure justice would be available to 6 Black boys. Racism is still alive.

Don't get me or my homie wrong. Obama has accomplished something great with the help of the folks who voted for him. That's good. Here's where me and my homie's thoughts converge... Black people have never been this involved in the political process. We have never cared this much about the President of the United States. Barack Obama will be the President of the USA. Now what?

Some people feel like there's a new day ahead. There will only be a new day if we continue to be informed and involved in the happenings of our community and country. I like Obama's slogan- "Yes We Can." But we must switch modes from celebration to re-motivation and mobilization- YES WE WORK! It's time to work y'all! I like McCain's slogan too- "Country First." But I'll make a change to it also. COMMUNITY FIRST!

WE MUST WORK! If not me, then who?

If you voted for Obama and you don't feel responsible for this country, you've officially been put in the stupid friend category. I feel as if I'm responsible for the whole world now. Obama said "we can change the world." I voted for him, now I have to help my Black President Change the World, and I'll do that by working on my COMMUNITY.

Pause and Consider. When pledging a fraternity or sorority, the pledge's focus is pledging and school. Once you crossed, you're responsible for the members of that organization, your chapter. It's not about you anymore.

The campaign is over. Pledging is over. Now the real work begins. You're responsible. Will you just wear the shirt or will you put COMMUNITY FIRST and WORK?

Pledging is over... Here comes the hard part.

What will you do with yours?

Last night DJs, Brand Ambassadors, Sales Reps, Entrepreneurs, Promoters, Label Execs and the like- teamed up, banded together and we showed Jackson what our nightlife could be like on a consistent basis. We showed our community, together anything is possible. We exhibited with out a doubt, "Yes We Can!" The crowd's enthusiasm and participation showed me, "Yes We Can!"

As the night rolled on, the pictures, the video and those documented in them began to say something different. They shouted "Yes We Did!"

Divided we fail.

United we can change not only the face of entertainment, but we can change Jackson, Mississippi. We can make Jackson better. We must not leave it up to the Downtown Jackson Partners or the independent developers.

We must switch our mantra from "Yes We Can" to "Yes We Did" to "Yes We Work!"

Its our responsibility. "My Fellow Americans..." Never have I felt like that stated included me, until now. I feel personally responsible for every citizen living in America, in Mississippi, in Jackson. The President is Black, and its going to take the Black Community to Change this Country, this State, this City.

So, I now pose this question to you- Will you become more informed and stay involved in the political process of your community?

Will you strive to be more socially responsible? 

Barack Obama has done a tremendous amount with his blackness. He has united the American people, the world.

What will you do with yours?

Are you in my book?

I was up, out and headed to vote at 6:15AM. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by smiles. Smiles from people standing in line.  There was already a line building in front of my polling precinct, McWillie Elementary School in Jackson, MS. 

I am so energized by the involvement that the people "living in America" are showing this election season. I documented my progression toward the polling machines by taking photos and posting them on facebook. With status updates and mobile photo uploads, my friends and other facebook users could follow my morning at the polls. Of course, as it was forecasted, I ran into some complications; but that problem was quickly resolved. It was minor. There lines forming on both sides of the school. Can I make a short story even shorter? We all voted!

My name was on the rolls, the poll worker gave me my card, and I cast my vote.

I voted for Barack Obama. My story is one of many in the big book of HISTORY. HIStory is one many in the book of my life. John McCain is even in my book. I think he's an OK dude. George W. Bush is in my book too, unfortunately. 

I wonder if you're in my book?