X-Man.

Growing up in the inner city of Chicago with gangs,
violence & hopelessness, there wasn’t much 2 look
up 2 on the positive spectrum.

Options were extremely limited while diligently
searching for something truly impactful until one day
getting my hands on a small paperback
Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
at a local thrift store….

A thrift store. Really? Out of all places. (lol)…

things surely happens the strangest of ways & of course a reason;)

This is a period when things began 2 open up with the ambition 2 read about history, culture & identity. Amazed at how such a book about a young man with a troubled past while facing the odds during the 1960’s could have such a massive impaction the world.

One thing that stood out about Malcolm was his motivation 2 teach self while incarcerated making him one of our prolific thinkers of that time.

X-man. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

If he could achieve such a task,
then what’s my excuse?

From that point, life drastically changed knowing despite
the condition in which lived, perseverance
with a bold fearless approach would
pay off 2 be so much more.

Knowing this, it become my duty
& responsibility 2 ensure that his life is remembered with a greater appreciation.

Hmmph…I wonder how would things be today
if someone like him ever existed for he wasn’t
just any ordinary man….he was..
X-man.

(Yep!)…

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Betta.

There’s been many social changes since The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s with the struggle for human equality but remains difficult 2 comprehend how another person can ever claim superiority over another.

The audacity.

Fast forward to 2016 where rights remain violated due to the color of a person’s skin, gender & faith.

Seriously?

This is why I see an importance of keeping this particular segment of history alive & brought to the forefront.

With the recent pulse of bold ignorance exhibited by insecure grumpy men young & old, the sacrifices of those before me who laid their lives on the line cannot & will not be dismissed.

Betta. (1955-1965) from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

Despite the dangers during that period, peaceful demonstration displayed the power of the human spirit & exposed the foul attitudes of those who oppose.

Regardless, heads remain high….

Sprayed with high powered water hoses, beaten with police batons, mauled by dogs, even killed clearly shows the true face of injustice that continues 2 this very day.

So ask yourself, are you part of the solution or part of the problem?

C’mon man!!

Why should we even have to explain such a basic life principle that should be considered common decency?

History has the tendency to repeat itself but is our responsibility 2 prevent such painful events from reoccurring.

So now is the time for all of us 2 do “betta” yall.

Here is the first installment of a series explaining the relevance of that time & what it means 2 be me.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

RedBank.

I’ve never really had a chance 2
appreciate the sights around
the block so decided 2 stroll
through the RedBank.Since the day is nice why not enjoy it….right?

First off, made my way through
the central gym then
over 2 the local community center
& convience store where I’ve never laid a foot.
(no reason, just haven’t.)

RedBank. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

Seems pretty ordinary, nothing special but with the trusty Canon
maybe…just maybe I could find a way 2 capture something kinda cool.

This is really a far, far cry from Chicago’s
touch but no matter how common,
bringing it all together
seems worth the effort…
…besides, I “adapted” way 2 often as a shorty so this is nothing new;)

Sharing the perspective is what
it’s all about even here in this place we call
REDBANK.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

 

RebelHeart.

Off again on another one of
those random Tammy moments.
This time we end up on a camping excursion
with kayaks & all.

RebelHeart. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

Large bodies of water over 10 feet
makes me nervous so keeping
it on dry land is the very
best option here…besides, who else could shoot the video?
(lol whatever).

Taking this trip was more so for
Miss Tammy who needed some much
needed time away from the noise.

Funny 2 say, this particular spot is
known for weekend parties,
speed boats, beer & thangs so
quiet was occasional.

Regardless, it did the trick….

for now….

Peace!….with 2 fingers;)

Brandnew.

Time for an early start
with lots 2 do…
Ugghhh…

Saturdays are usually my lazy day
& much rather sit & watch a game or 2.

Time 2 play parent as Khalid & I go
for that bi-weekly cut @ local spot
“Cordells”.

unfortunately doors aren’t open…again.
Dayum!…C’mon MAN!

“Yo dad, how about some Little Ceasers.”
You see, pizza has become the common gourmet for Khalid
& fails 2 appreciate Pop’s cookin’.

In retrospect, seems like no one ever did.
Well at least I try.

This happens 2 also be the big day
when Lady Tammy picks up
her “Brandnew” ride.
A Ford Escape.
(see how I put that together?;)

Came along for the ride & thought
It’ll be cool 2 once again, as usual, bring
along the trusty Canon.

Whatever that brings a smile
2 Lady Tam’s face has a
right 2 be captured.

ya think?

Oh yeah!…let’s ride.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Thinkabout.

I couldn’t ask for anything better when it comes down 2 son Khalid. Over the years, people have shared personal horrid stories about the trails & tribulations of raising a 16 year old  but thus far on this end, I’m set…

So I like 2 think.

I can remember when I was 16 when everything was confusing but still I believed I knew it all. Poor choices were made & petty matters were more difficult than they had 2 be…so looking at it from that perspective, yeah, we’re good.

I know young people need 2 have a choice all for the sake of personal empowerment but remember I’ll always be dad.

Readily available 2 teach you about the things you’re not so sure about even if I don’t even know myself,  protect you from the ills of this sometimes nasty world & just be THERE….there’s certainly a whole lot going on in theses times so it’s probably best 2 be that way. Would you think?

Thinkaboutit.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Roots.

Finally made it back 2 the good ole’ Chi after only a 2 hour flight & a nifty rental.

Whew!…..so what’s first.

Mama as always worry about the smallest of things but love her anyways.

Some things will never change;/
Over the years I’ve looked at her as my personal example of strength & resilience, enduring numerous bouts & coming out stronger on the other side.

One thing I’ve noticed, brotha Reggie has 2 always come for the ride no matter & that’s cool.
lol…that’s just what family do.

Been nearly 4 years so there’s some catching up 2 do…
just not until 4 in the morning…..Reggie….please;)

These here are ROOTS from which I come & wouldn’t had it any other way…

Let’s pray on it!…
Like MAMA always do on Sunday mornings….SHOUT!!!
(lol)

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Game.

It’s about time for that much anticipated
return back 2 hometown Chicago.
This is much deeper than just showing my face but more of
an opportunity 2 tie up lose ends & make things better than before.

It’s nothing like sharing time with those closest & just letting them know you love them

unconditionally no matter the difference.

I guess it’s time 2 share my family with the trusty Canon.
Hmmm…..this should be interesting.

First I gotta take this trip from sunny Maine 2 Logan airport in Boston.
Just for the record, I’m not a big fan of flying anywhere.

The idea of falling 6,000 feet from the sky in a metal can kinda freaks me out…as it should anybody.

Ugh!…

Ok…ok..ready?

Let’s go!

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Second in 2.

I find the greatest joy when able 2 capture monumental moments & experiences of others especially with family.

It’s amazing how time flies & would pass you right by if you’re not paying attention.

Today is nephew Kenny’s prom night…(well let him tell it, his 2nd in 2 weeks)…like they say, if you got it, you got it.

Next stop….

C.O.L.L.E.G.E.

You go my man:)

Thanks big brotha Reggie for capturing the experience & being the beautiful nuisance that you are.

I say that with lots of love & understanding.

Always fun.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Dreamers.

In times of hopelessness & despair there’s a certain need for Dreams.

Not just a Dream 2 Dream but rather a Dream 2 live.

As I’ve always mentioned, living your life like there’s no tomorrow & creating the most of every single situation makes it all worth the while….not matter.

It’s surely best 2 put forth the effort & live with the outcome rather than not try at all.

I was once told that acts of denial, rejection, criticism or simply being told NO has never killed a single soul.

Not one.

Life’s a lesson with each one perfectly placed 2 prepare you for the next starting first with a single Dream.

Yep!…a Dream.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)