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;)

 

BadLuck.

The Peace with 2 Collection

Peacemaker #7 – The Slim Blaque.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

Trust.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

The Peace with 2 Collection Vol. #6

The Peace!…with 2 Collection.

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;)

2 The Fallen.

I’m not sure how 2 express myself regarding something that’s been affecting me lately…ok. There are times when I think about my past life. The excursions, poor choices, triumphs, failures, escapades & all those other things.

Along with meeting people who have since became great friends, acquaintances & sorts, I’m truly blessed. Able 2 elude the madness that plague the city streets of Chicago while living smack dead in the middle of it all is a testament in itself.

Lately, I’ve been sorta coping with being 45, while those I knew & loved passed on. Death is something we usually try 2 avoid cause honestly folks life is better & no one is looking 2 transition anywhere….well most.. 

But dayum, wish I could push that rewind button….just a few years so I could say whaddup 2 a few. Sister Vivian who was my running buddy for years & truly appreciated for those “Den” days. Mike, Wayne, Shannon…(just way 2 many)…

We even lost Micheal Jackson & Prince in the same lifetime….really?

Always felt as if they’ll live forever man!

Dealing with this imminent fact that death is real & we all have a date forces me 2 see life through a much deeper scope.

Just gotta make it right now & leave the simple things behind for it matters none.

Much respect 2 The Fallen. Never 2 be forgotten.

 

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)

OldStuff.

Peace!…with 2 fingers;)