Showing posts with label inauguration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inauguration. Show all posts
City Or Country?

Is there a "better" place to grow up--city vs country--urban vs rural? I was born in the city--Washington, D of C. There was always someplace to go, someone to see, something to do.

I visited the country often. I spent entire summers in the country. But the whole time that I was there, I longed for the city. Not only was I bored, but I am/was scared of "critters." Not that the country didn't have it's good points. I liked the fresh air, the sound of roosters crowing in the morning, the slower pace. I had never seen cornfields in the city. I would have never seen water pumped from a well in the city. I never tasted North Carolina BBQ until i visited the country.

Instead, I was able to be one of the first riders on DC's subway system. I braved the brutal cold to see Jimmy Carter's inauguration parade. I saw Moses Malone play Urban League basketball the summer before he entered the NBA, straight from high school. I experienced my first musical, Purlie, with Robert Guillaume at the National Theatre.

I'm sure that I missed something by being reared in the big city, but I'm happy with the person that I have become. What about you? Where did you grow up? What are your fondest memories? Did you miss the "other" life?

Your comments--priceless!!

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No More Excuses
Wow, what a day! What a day! I'm thrilled at the possibilities that today's events will bring. But, as always, I'm concerned. I'm concerned that some people have unreasonable expectations. After all, he's still a man, right? He's still mortal, right? He still puts his trousers on one leg at a time, right?

I'm concerned that some folks think that 1 minute after noon today, their lives will change drastically. I'm concerned that when they find out they are expected at work on Wednesday, at the regular time, doing the same work for the same rate of pay, they will be disappointed in the new President. I'm concerned that when they find out that they will still have to pay their bills, as usual, they will become discouraged. He will disappoint us, he will do things we don't agree with. In some ways, he will fail us, but I don't think it will be intentionally. I just think it might be a bit difficult to please every single American every single day. What's good for me might not be good for you.

He's done very well in repeatedly saying that we have a long, tough road ahead of us, but I don't think everyone hears him. We STILL have responsibilities--to ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country. Do not put the weight of the world on this man's shoulders. He uses the word "We" a lot. Who do you think he's talking about? He means US! We have to do our part. No more excuses.

Did you happen to catch Earl Graves, Sr on CNN yesterday? He spoke about there being no more excuses. It was reminiscent of Bill Cosby's controversial "Pound Cake" speech. Mr Graves called out, among others, Black professionals who assert racism while doing mediocre work. He also spoke on young Black men who have been allowed to "embrace the sin of low expectation" It was all I could do to stay seated and not kiss my television screen.

Let's work with the new President. Let's help him with change. And most of all, let's not criticize his efforts. Let's trust that he's doing what's right for us. And let's get involved.

Tuesday's Tips will be Wednesday's Wisdom (just for this week). And in case you didn't guess, it's all about GETTING INVOLVED.

Your comments--priceless!
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Dear Washington, DC: The World is Watching!

I'm a native Washingtonian. DC is my hometown-born and raised. I love that city. From Anacostia to Friendship Heights. From Georgetown to Barry Farms. I embrace it. From Ben's Chili Bowl to Citronelle. From H.D. Woodson to Sidwell Friends. From Fort Totten to Deanwood. From the Tidal Basin to the Frederick Douglas House. From the Carter Barron to Fort Dupont Park.

It's where I was born (Walter Reed). It's where I went to kindergarten(Rudolph Elementary). It's where I went to high school(Coolidge High School). It's where I saw my first play(Pearlie at the National Theatre). It's where I had my first kiss (Haines Point). It's where I had my first job (McDonald's Mazza Gallerie). I LOVE THIS TOWN! I loved it through the riots in the 60s. I loved it through the sorrow of 9/11. I loved it through the terror of the Snipers. My love is unconditional.

But I'm also afraid. I'm afraid that when the cameras start rolling, we'll show off in front of company. That we won't be on our best behavior. That we will embarass ourselves. And that would be tragic. That would take the spotlight off of the historic events.

Let's not conduct ourselves inappropriately. Let's be hospitable to our guests. Let's show them why we are the most powerful city in the world. Let's put on our Big Girl/Boy underwear and sit at the Big People's table. It's never been more important...


Your comments--priceless!
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