To Be Afrikan By Marimba Ani

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The article "To Be Afrikan" by Marimba Ani can help aid us to realization that we are an Afrikan people and help uncover our roots. Many African-Americans believe our roots began in the period of slavery and remain oblivious to our African culture and tradition. In this essay I will answer the question, What does it mean to be Afrikan?

According to Marimba Ani we loss all real since of culture and tradition of our roots during slavery, due to the process of dehumanization. Dehumanization is a psychological process by which opponents view each other as less than human and thus not deserving of moral consideration. During slavery they refered to Africans as 3/5 of a human because we had no nationality or names. Europeans were merely trying to strip us of our roots and succeeded. They tore us of from the tree by which our roots were connected and hat left us with a false identity.

As a result of dehumanization, African-Americans act upon the stereotypes that are said about our race. We believe that we are ignorant, have no knowledge, and no common sense. But, that is all a lie, we are scholors, archictectures, and mathmatitions. Our ancestors built the Great Pyramids and created the first calender, this is what it is to be Afrikan and this is who we are.

What does it mean to be Afrikan? Well, I can sum the answer up in one word "Art". We are the art of the world. Our tradtion, culture, values, and beliefs are practiced by the world. When I say "art" I define it as the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.

In Conclusion, The answer to the question, What does it mean to be Afrikan is "art". I have learned a lot from Marimba Ani just by reading an article and I believe she is correct. Afrikan is aesthetic and that is all it ever will be. This is what it means to be Afrikan.

Evolution Of Black Music

The Youth today don't often times realize the "copy-cats" our people stood off against in the music industry of yesterday. I will examine the evolution of black music, frauds,and music presently.

The art of music started with Africans in Africa. During the period of the slave trade Africans gradually lost their since of culture leading to the development of Field songs. Field songs eventually became gospel or race music. After, gospel became blues since slaves had a better use of instruments. Blues was then heard by the European ears and was called "Rock and Roll". It was from these songs African-American people got R&B, and Rap music.

Etta James, James Brown,Ray Charles,Marvin Gaye, and Big Mama Thorton were artist of the past and some of the greatest. They all also have something in common, all of the artists were victims of fraud from the European music industry. For example, the song "Tutti Frutti" was stolen from African-American artist Little Richard and sung by Elvis Presley,which he received credit for.

Presently, music doesn't even have music anymore and is pointless. In the past, African-American people had something to sing about and it always had a message. Today, the so called "artist" are making a fool of what African-Americans use to stand for. The "artist" today are probably the most despicable artist of all time.

In Conclusion, African-American music drastically evolved from good to Bad. People of the world need to learn the truth about "Black Music" and learn something from it. Thus, clearing the vision of all that portray African-Americans as dumb and ignorant.
- Asanti Sana

In Defense Of Pirates

Monday, April 27, 2009

The views of this journalist are different from others in mainstream media becauise, Kilkenney is in defense of the so caled ''pirates''. Kilkenney is not in the viewpoint of the mainstream media, via the U.S. government. Kilkenney is examining and sharing the problems that are occuring in Somalia. Kilkenney calls them ''Coast Guards'' and mainstream media calls them ''Somalian Pirates''.

My view of the ''Somali Piirates'' are that,they have every right to do what they are doing. Their food sources are being dominated by the west and thier waters being poisoned. I believe, their country is in desperate need of food and money. So, they have to do what is necessary for the survival of their country,home,resources,and families. I agree with the article,although hostage-taking isn't necessary.

Understanding Stress

Stress is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Stress causes people to act in a manner in which they are usually angry,scared, or depressed about one thing or another. People dealing with stress can handle it in many different ways. But, are either positive or negative ways of dealing with it. Stress is very complex in the development of a child to an adolecent.

People who are stressed are usually anry,scared, or depressed. An example of someone that is angry because of stress intentionally or sometimes unintentionally have a negative atitude and vibe that they give off. They become bullies or just violet,offensive,and defensive. The people that are scared because of stressed can be paranoid and just very fearful. People that are depressed because of stress are usually mentally and emotionally unstable and those are the people that end up hurting themselves.

There are 100s of ways to deal with stress and they are either positive or negative. Examples on positive ways of dealing with stress is having just someone to talk to, or having something as simple as a stress ball. This way you can't hurt yourself or anyone around you. Examples of negative ways of dealing with stress are hurting yourself or somebody in the release of your stress. This can negatively effect you in the future.

Srtess is complex in the development of a child to an adolencent because it usually determines the way a person acts. Someone that you see that is constantly yelling and screaming, being violent or just rude are under stress,negatively. These people never had an alternative way of dealing with stress beside being negatively. Or, stress can help a person better themselves and can help them in the future. They can be inspired positively and help inspire others.

In conclusion,stress causes people to act in a manner in which they are angry,scared, or depressed about something. People dealing with stress can handle it in many different ways. But, are either positive or negative ways of dealing with it. Stress is very complex in the development of a child to an adolecent.

Talking Eqaulity

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

I think the article "Talking Eqaulity" acknowleges the fact that Caucasion and Asian students are surpassing students that are African-American and Latino academically. The article states that the percentages of Asian and White students are more than doubled when in the issue of advanced placement classes and High school population. These diffences in the School Board is called the "Achievment Gap". The gap the School Board wants to close, but needs the help of black and latino students. Although, there are other problems such as schools not having a lot of of teachers of good quality, and not having textbooks to take home. But I basically think it is up to black and latino students to fill the gap in academics.

Anti-Colonial Leader

The Anti-Colonial Leader I'm researching was Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta was a Kenyan statesman and the dominant figure in the development of African nationalism in East Africa. His long career in public life made him the undisputed leader of the African people of Kenya in their struggle for independence. Kenyatta was born October 20, 1891 (the birth date is ununsure; other sources might say 1890, 1893, or 1897), in Ngenda, Kiambu District, British East Africa Protectorate. Which is now Kenya. Kenyatta took the name Johnstone Kamau,in 1914. He was later known as Jomo Kenyatta. Jomo attended University College,in London and studied in Moscow. Kenyatta was a postgraduate studying anthropology,in London School of Economics,in 1937. Kenyatta was a christian. Kenyatta was a Store clerk and water works maintenance employee for Nairobi Municipality,from 1921-26. He was also a Kikuyu Central Association, secretary,starting 1928-40. In addition,a KCA representative in England intermittently between 1929 and 1945. He also worked as a teacher, farm laborer, and lecturer, co-organizer of 5th Pan-African Congress,Independent Teachers' College vice principal, president of Kenya African Union party.
Kenyatta was later imprisoned by British Government for alleged role in Mau Mau terrorism,from 1953-61,and most importantly became president of Kenya, December 12, 1964 to August 22, 1978.
Kenyatta made his opinion on the murder clear: he warned that further opposition would bring further bloodshed after A courageous and popular politician named Josiah Kariuki began to speak out against the corruption surrounding the aged president. "Kenya does not need ten millionaires and ten million beggars," he declared in a speech quoted by the London Times in 1975. Soon afterwards, Kariuki was kidnapped from the Nairobi Hilton, tortured, and murdered, his body lying unclaimed in a mortuary for a long time before one of his wives identified it.
Jomo Kenyatta died in his sleep on August 22, 1978,on Mombasa, Kenya. Vice President Daniel arap Moi, gained control of the government. Kenyatta still holds the title of "the father of Kenyan independence" and a figure for the battle to promote black rule and throughout Africa. Kenyatta wrote books like "Facing Mount Kenya" (1938), "My people of Kikuyu and the life of Chief Wangombe"(1944),"Suffering Without Bitterness" (biography 1968),"Kenya: The land of conflict" (1971),and
"The challenge of Uhuru;: The progress of Kenya, 1968 to 1970" (1971).

The Black Caucus

The Black Caucus is an African-American organization made the office of congress. The African-Americans in the group are not fully African. with many other types of. The caucus was established in 1969.Founders include: Shirley Chisholm, Bill Clay Sr.,John Conyers,and George W. Collins.It was not the Congressional Black Caucus until, 1971.
The Black Caucus nows has 42 members. Congress members are the only people that can become a member of the organization. There are no Cacausion members in the caucus because it's rules are that you have to be of African ethnicity The Leader of the organization is Barbara Lee.
Obama's meeting with the blcak caucus most likely was not one of giggles and laughter, but one of a more serious nature. The meeting was about the cuts they had in their organization. The group loss billions on certain issues because of the new stimulus bill. The meeting also examined issues that the caucus would like to hear Obama speak more about.
The caucus wanted Obama to hire more minorities to federal jobs and help minority jobs get government contracts. The Caucus also,wanted Obama to improve the education in communities that are of poor quality. The Caucus then,wanted Obama to plan a health care for the minorities.
I think that Obama is going to have a good relationship with The Black Caucus as long as he meets their needs. But,if Obama ignores their wants he will have a negative relationship with the Black Caucus.

President Obama's Stimulus Package

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama, keen to get his economic program rolling, met Friday with top Democrat and Republican leaders and said Congress appears "on target" to approve a massive new stimulus package by Feb. 16.


1. The Stimulus Package is a bill that was passed to get the U.S. out of economic recession and keep the nation out of a depression. The stimulus package is necessary, simply because it will allow the citizens of U.S. to be put back to work and save energy. A recession is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. A depression is a severe despondency and dejection, typically felt over a period of time and accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. This is what a the Stimulus Package is used for.

2.One agreement for both sides of the government was that some people expect to lose a trillion dollars worth of demand this yearthe year after. The Democrats disagreed that the stimulus package wasn't using enough money. The republicans thought it was just a spending bill. These are some agreements and disagreements on the Stimulus Package.

3. The spending details of the Economic Package is that the government has $275 billion in Tax Cuts. The house Democrats also want to roll out details of an $825 billion economic stimulus package to fight depression. The Two-Year package calls for a $550 billion in spending. $90 billion goes towards increasing the "federal share of Medicaid payments". In addition, $79 billion goes toward helping states avoid cutbacks in educatiuon and other service. These are some spendin details of the Economic package.

4. Some other areas of the Package that President Obama discussed in both speeches was to reduce energy usage, saving the government energy,and giving about 3.3 million jobs for people out of work.

5. I believe the Stimulus package will have a positive affect on African-Americans of the U.S. This is so because, of President Obama's plans to put citizens of this nation back to work. That plan alone will help african-Americans. For example, everyone has or knows a family member that has been layed-off. This is how I think the Stimulus package will benefit African-Americans.

Parental Comment

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hello, I am Claudette Riley, Michael Young's Mother. I have viewed the blog and Learned a few things from his blog. I see nothing wrong with his blog besides a few grammar mistakes. I have also viewed other blogs and compare them to Michael's. I have seen a select number of them and have to say they are extremely impressive.
- Have A nice Day!!

New Teacher

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Peace, Love,and Power, my name is Michael Young. I'm in the 8th grade, and I enjoy learning. I am looking forward to meeting you mothura/mothuri. The point of this essay is to inform you on how I learn, What I've learned in Social Studies,and how a little freetime should be implied if earned.

To begin, students learn in different ways, I particularly by audio and visual teaching. I find hearing things eay because I have a good memory(for now). The same rule applies for visual learning. I do learn by reading something,occasionally. I believe, this information is helpul to you.

Next, we've learned a variety o thing in social studies. Our former social studies teacher taught us about "The 3 Great West African Empires". We learned "The 3 Great West Arican Empires" were The empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. In addition, we discussed how Christopher Columbus didn't discover the "New World" but died thinking he had found a faster trade route to India. We also discuss how he treated the Indians.

Finally, if earned freetime should be available to the student body. I like to learn,but freetime is good sometimes. I don' t need freetime but it would be nice. Freetime could be something as simple as talking or us using the computer lab downstairs. Freetime could help the teachegrs grade papers and the students socialize.

In conclusion, I learn by hearing and seeing. We've learned a variety of things in Social Studies. Next, freetime would be nice if earned. Finally, I look forward to meeting you and hope we have a good year together.

Obama Policies

This image shows Obama in a metting with his governors

Prepare All our Children for the 21st Century Economy:

-Make Math and Science Education a National Priority: Recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. Work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels.

Opinion: I agree with this policy, I think Obama should go forth with this policy. It would help us as African-Americans become science and math literate. This policy would give children of every ethnic group to learn at the same level and from more professional teachers.

Education:

-Reform No Child Left Behind: Obama and Biden will reform NCLB, which starts by funding the law. Obama and Biden believe teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. They will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama and Biden will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them.

Opinion: I do not agree with the no child left behind policy. This policy helps children who are "knuckle-heads" pass with flying colors. Which will eventually catch up with them. I believe that teachers should prepare students for standardized testing.

Critical Analaysis of Music

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Notorious B.I.G. -Mo Money Mo Problems:

Critical Analaysis: I think this song is influenceful to the people of that time and probally to the people of this time still. The song is inferring that because he gets a lot of money the more people start to "hate on him". In the song B.I.G. also mentions pimps woman who are prostitutes. Biggie was a enormously large negative influence on children and adults as well. This is what I think of the song.




"Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco

chorus:
if you are what you say you are,
a superstar,
then have no fear, the cameras here and the microphones
and they wanna know oh oh oh yea.

verse1:
yea uh a fresh cool young lupe trying cash his microphone check 2-1-2,
wanna believe my own hype but its too untrue
the world brought me to my knees, what have you brung you
did you improve on yo design did you do somethin new
well yo name aint on guest list who brung you, you
the more famous person you come through
and the sexy lady next to you, you come to
and then the hitman standin outside of heaven waitin for
god to come and get me im to uncool unschooled to the rules
and too gum shoe to much of a new comer and to uncool
like shadow in the vail i battle wit they wails so i need a holiday
like lady who sung you go back whatever you did you undo
heavy is heaven, the devil owe me two tons too.

chorus:
if you are what you say you are, a superstar
then have no fear the cameras here and the microphones
and they wanna know oh oh oh yea.

verse2:
and you better wear ya shades the spotlights here can burn holes
through the stage down through the basement past the indian graves
where the dinosaurs laid and out through china and nearly misses the airliners
magnify times five this pointed at the rama ricka shays off the moon
sets the forest to blaze. now thats important to say cause even wit all dat
most of us dont want it to fade. we want it to brave meaning we want it to grow
meanin we want to stay like the governor call and told to em to wait unstrapped from the chair put em back in its cage.the audience aint phased and they aint gon clap and they aint gon praise they want everything back that they paid cuz the've been waitn since ten to see the lights get dim.

chorus:
if you are what you say you are,
a superstar,
then have no fear the crowd is here and the
lights are on and they wanna show oh oh oh yea.

verse3:
so showfer showfer come and take me away cuz ive been standin in
this line for like five whole days. me and security aint gettin along
and when i got to the front they told me all a the tickets were gone so just take me
home where moon is mellow where roses are grown and the nims are yellow and the light bulbs
around my mirror dont flicker everybody gets a nice autographed picture one for you and one for ya sister who had to work tonight but is avid listner every songs a favorite song and mikes dont feedback all the reviewers say you need to go and see that and every body claps cuz everybody is pleased and then they all take the stage and start performn for me like haha haha ha haha haha ha.

chorus:
if you are what you say you are,
a superstar, then have no fear the cameras here
and the microphones,
and they wanna know oh oh oh oh yea.
if you are .....
what you say.. you are....
then have no fear...



Critical Analysis: Fiasco is looking at his life and seeing all these new friends are treating him like something he's not. Fiasco has chosen not to accept the lie. He shows humility in a part of the song where he raps about why he can't get into a club. He keeps a realistic perception of himself throughout the song. This is what I respect about Lupe. I like that Lupe Fiasco raps about the problems of popularity while admitting that he wants to be famous. All together the song is pretty positive and should encourage people to be honest with yourselves.

Opening Ceremony

Friday, January 16, 2009

While,attending the Opening Ceremony my virtue was patience,to my knowledge. Patience was another word for my virtue of "study",and I have held dear to my virtue by studying more.

During the "Walk of Faith" my Godmother told me that she knew I was special and knew that I was an intelligent young man. Those words stuck with me.

I remember, walking into the auditorium and seeing a room full of white. I also remember, sitting with M. Mukasa eating and talking. Opening Ceremony was a great experience.