Frenchie Davis -Keeps Moving Forward

Not a great deal to talk about today. I got a call from my frat telling me about the premier of the new movie This Christmas with Loretta Divine, Delroy Lindo and Chris Brown. It is directed by Rob Hardy (A FAMU Grad - one time for the hill).

I'll let you know how it goes. Check the picture of me and my homee Jason with American Idol contestant turned Broadway Star Frenchie Davis after a performace in Philadelphia. Her voice was amazing and she is as beautiful as she is talented.

If you ever get to see her live check her out. I was like Jennifer who? LOL. Nevertheless, ENJOY!

I Need to Wrirte . . . . No Really I Need to Write

So I have not blogged in quite a while and you have all gotten on me for that. I will try to do better. One of the reasons is that there are some things that I want to talk about and some things I wish to remain personal. I am working on being able to share more but its like I just gotta have something that is just mine!

First, I gotta say much love my Aunt Sam and Cuz Thumper. The both celebrated birthdays in the last few days. I really wish I could be with them but I will just have to wait until I see them for the holidays.

Aright, I’m sure I will be more substantive issues in my future writings. For now enjoy this poem and a pic of me doing my Halloween thing! Don't forget to check back soon.

Rahman

Feelings
My feelings are proud
Not to be displaced by a mere thought of lexicon
They are my feelings and to me they are my power
I take necessary precautions-
I guard with caution -
Moving not with compulsion I stir my soul
Black pot of power
Boiling and bubbling, holding my past, my present, my destiny
I refuse to hide my feelings
They are foundation for my character
See my feelings,
Feel my feelings
Know you have no power there
For they are my feelings...

--Rahman Johnson, 2003

BET is Back on Track

So I am just getting over having an extraction of one of my teeth. I had lost hearing in my left ear and had an appointment with an ENT for tubes in the ear. I really forgot how much the teeth are integrated in the whole physiology of the body. Nevertheless, the got the tooth out and I am taking pain killers and of course antibiotics. I am in hopes that my hearing will come back soon. I am not trying to have to learn sign language!

Today I just had to spend a minute on BET. Have worked for the network in the past, I had been outspoken in criticism about the lack of “good” programming for all African Americans. I was so happy when Cathy Hughes brought TV One on the scene. Finally, someone brought sophisticated topical programming to the scene for people of color. Not to put down Willie Gary’s MBN Network but TV One was everywhere. They were really a viable option.

Then out of now where and under some great new leadership, BET is remaking itself with morethan just booty shaking videos and people who can’t speak correct English. [Do you remember that Psychic Line Commercial with the lady that says, “I think someone put roots on me”?! But I digress]

First, I have to admit I have Hell Date on TiVo and watch almost every episode (my friends Dahali and Mario are reoccurring characters). And today I happened to watch the new American Idol-esque show Sunday Best hosted by Kirk Franklin and then it was followed by Exalted the Juanita Bynum story. It was so riveting that I didn’t change the channel once. I event called my mother who to my surprise had already seen Exalted and told me to call her when it ended.

Now even though as a former television personality and producer, I look at some shows (like the new games show, Hell Date and We’ve Got to Do Better [formerly Hot Ghetto Mess]) and see some definite changes that I would make, it is still a far cry from yesteryear.

BET – you are definitely on the right track. You are doing what I truly believe that Bob and Shelia Johnson had in mind when they mad3 the decision to found the network. You are showing “all” the images of our people both positive and negative. When you named Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment who knew that he would jump start things like this.

Now Meet the Faith is on Hosted by Ian Smith and the topics look interesting. Too bad it took another game in town for BET to step their game up. Finally, I feel like I have two great networks and that they represent me!

Musical Genius Erykah Badu -- I Miss Her

Erykah Badu Changed My Life

She is indeed the Love of My Life.

I remember the first time that I heard an Erykah Badu song. It was On& On and I was in the studio (I was a radio jock at the time) and listening to new artists. I remember thinking here is someone else trying to be creative with the spelling of their name. I pressed play and out of the speakers poured a sound that was new and different but reminiscent of a time that I had never experienced.

From day one I was hooked.

It is like her rhymes were so unlike anything that I had ever heard it was truly a love affair. Granted I was not trying to fall in love with her. Whatever she got between her legs sends niggaz wild! Look at Andre Benjamin – after Badu he went from Dro and Lacks to blond wigs and turbans. Or Common once she finished with him – the brother was rocking shawls and crochet pants! Yea, Mama’s Gun is strong and serious but I love her none the less.

When I am traveling, when I am reading, when I am writing, when I am working out – she takes me on Worldwide Journey Underground. From introducing me to N’dambi to helping me discover deeper parts of myself, for me Badu had always been there.

I enjoy her holistic philosophy and in many ways think that she challenges convention to ensure that at the basis of it all – WE LEARN! I may not be ready to ride to the “Mother Ship” with her but I am ready to ride with Badu. You can never create another earthy diva like her. Never!

She is a chick that is down for her man. A chick that knows LIGHT is the only cure for darkness. I have been working on a poem about her for sometime but every time I am ready to reveal it – another thought comes. So I’ll share it when the time is right

Take a day and join me on the journey! Ingest Baduism and understand that the mission of this sister is more than music. It’s the words that identify her passion. After Revolution – there must be Peace. Only then can you really take control.

Light,
RAHMAN

Incorporated: On The Set

Hey, Hey, Hey!
So as you know I LOVE my job – you know being an actor and all. I know that one day I will be able to do this full-full time.

Anyway, I am currently working on the newest project here in Philadelphia called Incorporated. It is directed by up and coming director Michael Johnson. Who I must admit knows how to get a great performance out of actors and he did his undergrad work at Hampton University. You can’t hate a man from an HBCU!

I was the first one on set since this day my make up was pretty extensive since I was to be beaten to a pulp and my head was to be sawed off. Let me back up. The movie is about the Philadelphia Black Mafia. This was a ruthless group of African-American men who ruled the black underworld in the northeast during the mid-to-late 1960’s. These guys were the premier numbers runners, drug pushers and all around enforcers of the criminal activities in the area. This is their story.

I play James Foxx, one of the members of the collective.

Anyway during the filming the weather was very cooperative. Since this was my day for getting beat down, all I had on was a tank top tee shirt. That was both the good and bad part. Good because, I was able to stay cool but bad because I couldn’t wear any protective gear. The other part is that since we were doing close-ups, I had no stunt double. RIGHT! I got the crap kicked out of me! All the falls, I took em! I even have the bruises to show for it!

Although, I was “there” in the scene – as most actors do I had to rely on my performance since the opportunity didn’t exist to check playback. The crew was very complementary and I was truly working with a “band of brothers”. The enforcers, played by Atif Lanier and Nakia Dillard and the boss Franklin Ojeda Smith, were pros that gave me what I needed to work with. Mr. Smith was probably one of the most dynamic men I had ever met.

When he arrived the joke started out about his hands. The script called for him to “pimp slap” me in the face. Well of course I took a look at his hands and my first words were, “Man you got some big hands – Oh hell naw”! We had a good laugh and connected nevertheless. In our conversation, I discovered that he was also a cancer survivor, a former educator and that one of his sons was my frat brother. To sum it up even further – he was also boule’! For lack of a better term he was in the very least distinguished and supremely talented.

We were able to get some great shots and have a few more days of shooting ahead. I love quickly developing a family on set. It already feels right. It’s just a matter of time before I am doing this every day. That’s something that I can’t wait to do.

What the Hell Was He Thinking?

So somebody please tell me what the hell is wrong with O.J. Simpson. I mean what was he thinking?

When I looked up and saw him on CNN (you know they are everywhere all the time), I knew that this had to be some sort of a joke.

I guess not.

I’m thinking O.J. was receiving a pretty hefty NFL pension, he does not have to spend the rest of his life in jail and he relaxes at a pretty palatial estate in Florida.

Yet, according to the news reports that I have read, Simpson allegedly burst into a hotel room to take back some of the sports memorabilia that belonged to him.

WHY?

First, after the 33 million dollar judgment that exists against him from the Goldman Estate almost any money that he collects outside of his pension goes to the Goldman Family. What the hell does he need to look at some trophies for anyway? I mean there are dozens of photos all over of him receiving every award that he has gotten. Look at those.

Some people are just stuck on stupid!

OK O.J., so you felt the people took your property? Then call the police. Do you not realize that you are probably one of the most hated men in America? Does it not dawn on you that many people feel as though you got off and that they are looking for a way to bring you to justice? Nevertheless, you just play right into the hands of those same people.

It’s like you have a wish to be right back where you were thirteen years ago. Seated in front of a judge defending yourself! You could have easily held dual citizenship with another country and keep under the radar, assisted in the raising of your children and tried to live out the rest of your life in comfort and anonymity. I guess that NOT being the center of attention was just too much for you.

Just like with Michael Vick, I feel that even though this is a crime, the punishment may have been a bit too harsh. Nevertheless, you had no business there and now you have to pay the price.

I will never stop admiring the OJ that made magic on the field!

I will always laugh at all the Naked Gun movies!

Yet, I will always scratch my head with some of the stuff that you do and just wonder, “What the hell was he thinking?”

The Charlie Mack Celebrity Weekend

I have been trying to get on and blog for a sec but things have been majorly hectic. First, I feel as though I should be featured in one of my favorite blogs YBF! I did the whole red carpet thing and of course had the ensemble together to make it hot!

The event was held at Miss Tootsies’ in Philadelphia on uber trendy South Street. It was the Charlie Mack Celebrity Party for Peace. For those who don’t know, Charlie Mack is Will Smith’s best friend and former manager. He is known for his generosity and love for the community and through this event he gives thousands of dollars to local charities each year. With Philadelphia leading the country in murders, this was a chance to get some of the top names in sports and entertainment to take a stand. I was happy to take part.

The event featured Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Mo’Nique, Rahiem Brock and Dwayne Martin. There were also many other actors and athletes there but the biggest of the evening had to be Rush Hour Star and Comedian Chris Tucker. Charlie grabbed me up when I arrived and made me walk the red carpet with him and Chris. I had done the red carpet thing before – but never with a member of the 20-million-a-movie club. I think that this is just God’s way of letting me know that the BIG stuff is just around the corner.

I had a chance to kick it with Adetukunbo one of the most

beautiful models on the planet. Indeed it was all an experience.

By the way, if you are ever in Philadelphia, check out Miss Tootsies’. The owner Kevin is really c

ool and the manager Rian, makes everyone feel right at home.

I still have to get to my post about falling for someone too quickly but for now enjoy the pics and look forward to the outing with Nicole, Thais Stunna and I.

By the way, I am at the hospital with Stunna. He was bitten by a spider while

we were moving event equipment. We have been here about three hours now so hopefully they will get to him soon. Keep my little cuz in your prayers.

Light!

Friday the 13th is Finally Gone

I am so happy to be done with Friday the 13th unit I don’t know what to do. It was so bad by the end of the day I had to take a few Happy Campers “my herbal mood enhancer” to deal.

At the last minute I got the call that I was to go to the movie set for my last day of shooting. So I went about booking travel and re-arranging my schedule to be there. There really is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this project so I am really trying to my best. That coupled with the fact that my frat is having our bi-annual KONCLAVE in Minneapolis. Also the Charlie Mack celebrity weekend kicks off in Philadelphia and my main marketing client is the sponsor. This is finally coupled with the fact that the area Greek Picnic is this weekend as well. I just couldn’t do it all but it is nice to be in demand.

My NY trip was pretty uneventful, until on the trip my phone went dead and they couldn’t get in touch with me. I did not have the number for the assistant director and so they didn’t know where I was. Needless to say, they shot the scenes around me without me being there. All the while I was stuck in the horrendous hell that is New York traffic. Usually on most productions, they send a car for you and you can plan out how things are going to work. I was not so lucky here.

In fact they were upset with me, though I was the one sitting in traffic. I guess that this will be one more story to tell as I travel this acting road. I know that it can only get better from here.

Once I finally made it back to Philadelphia, I had to drop by a local event at The Corner Pocket and get set up for the celebrity event at Miss Tootsies. I plan on trying to get a little rest today but as I lock out of my window, the sun is creeping over the horizon. Oh well!

The lesson for today, “Let me love you for who you are as opposed to who you aren’t”. Mad shouts to my girl Lisa from VA! She just jumped on the blog and showed me some love. Got head to VA soon to check that out. I still owe a post on Babylon Sisters but first. Is it really possible to care deeply (almost love) someone after just a few days? Well discuss that soon!

Until then . . .

Peace and Light!

Hang Wit My Frat

So this weekend the company did a concert at Shampoo with Fat Joe, Tony Sunshine and the Terror Squad. Pretty hot talent huh?

I have some pics from the whole thing. I will more than likely put them up once I can sort through them. The good thing was that I actually hung out with one of my fraternity brothers – Smooth B. He is the man! I met him through his cousin here in Philadelphia. He has really been a big help. Ima try to get him on staff to join the team. I hope we can make this work.

I also still have to do a post on Babylon Sisters. It was such a great read. I'ma get on it next.

So, the show was hot but you know what I can't get out of my mind? How can you fall from someone in two days? See, the last think that I wanted to do while I was here in Philadelphia was to find a little lady to hook up or hang out with. Truthfully, I had not planned on being here that long but you know when fate intervenes you have to allow yourself to just exist.

As far as the office, you know things have really gotten better. I have been able to manage and run things now that stunna is here. You never really realize how much one person and their persona can change the day and allow you to be the you that you know you can be. I so appreciate Stunna for that.

As I sign off, I am trying to find my way to Minneapolis for the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated bi-annual convention. I have to work but hopefully I will be able to get away and get up there with the frat and make it happen. I'll keep you posted.

Until then . . . .

 

"The Secret" Cures Cancer / 7-7-7 PERFECTION!

I am sitting here chillin with John Coltrane and a cup of tea enjoying Philadelphia with a definite story to tell. I was on an airplane this morning and just finished reading the Pearl Cleage novel Babylon Sisters. After her poem "We Speak Your Names" and of course "Flyin' West" (a great play), I have become a huge Pearl Cleage fan. My thoughts on the book will probably be reserved for tomorrow.

There is a lot going on here tonight. I am sponsoring a concert with Fat Joe, Terror Squad and Tony Sunshine. A lot of Reggaeton and all the Latin Fellaz and Females will make Club Shampoo LIVE. I must get ready for an eventful day but I felt obliged to share this.

About two weeks ago I was in a small neighborhood bar in Philadelphia. As a part of handing marketing, often I go out to solicit feedback from consumers and just "buy the bar". For those that don't know the speak, that means that I buy drinks for those people in the club hanging out as a courtesy for their time during our engagement process. During this night I met a lady who was pretty blasted. Of course being the guy that I am I engaged her in conversation. We talked for a few moments and we immediately became comfortable with each other.

One thing led to another and she told me that the reason that she was there drinking was that she had just been to the doctor that day and he told her the cancer was back.

"I am just getting over breast cancer and chemotherapy", she said sadly. I was wondering how she could be sad when she beat cancer.

"See these tits?", she questioned.

"They aren't real".

When we finished talking I learned that she was a survivor of about a year and a half and that she had a double mastectomy. Her new breasts looked amazing. And that she was the mother of a beautiful young adult daughter. I felt like we had a connection and that we had known each other for years.

"The reason I'm getting drunk tonight, is because the doctor told me earlier today that the cancer was back".

Now I am not usually one for the self-help mumbo jumbo but if you know me you know I read the bible constantly and truly believe in "The Secret". The Secret is a book and DVD by Rhonda Byrne. It is something I have lived my life by for as far back as I can remember. It simply puts into words – The Law of Attraction. SO YOU THINK . . . SO IT IS!

Knowing this concept and with my faith in God I began to tell the lady that she was not convicted by the sentence that doctor had given her. If she thought properly and changed her way of thinking then she could indeed beat this thing. Having been much worse off than she, I know the power of prayer and belief.

As I told her about it she kept insisting that she had felt the knot of cancer in her chest and tried to get me to put my hand there. "NO!", I told her immediately. I couldn't touch what was not there! I urged her during our brief talk to just say with me, "THERE IS NO CANCER". She kept telling me there was and trying to get me to touch it but eventually, I broke though.

"OH, there IS no cancer"!

She finally got it and her friends gathered around and in a bar in the middle of the night we lifted a prayer for her continued healing. I know it seems strange praying with drunk people in a club – but you never know where God will do his thing.

Stunna was there with me and by the time that we left everyone in the club was chanting, "There is no cancer!"I made her promise me that every day at least seven times a day she would remind herself aloud that there was no cancer.

Well the kicker to the story is that "she" sent me an email to say that when she went to the doctor yesterday to make a decision on her options, there was no decision to be made. The lump was gone! That's' right the email said that there was no explanation, the lump was gone and she was cancer free!

It was fitting that I got this news on 7-7-7! Today is a day of completion and I believe that there was a reason that I was able to help this lady begin her journey to healing. In the most basic level, through helping her I helped myself.

Cargo Shorts: The Me That I Am -- OK?

Aright so I am sitting at the office this afternoon. I am finally able to enjoy some quiet. My office is very busy and bustling but there have been some personnel changes and things are starting to just become more fluid. Often people can bring an aura with them when they come into a situation and even though we think positively sometimes we need others around us to amplify what is there.

I am listening to Busta Rhymes New York ^*&&$# -- it is the deal. I guess that I have recently been into the NYC thing. Nowhamean!!!

Well another young lady that works in the office today had a couple of issues in her life coupled with the fact that some people had touched things on her desk. Well it just so happened that I received the brunt of her wrath. I mean she went on and on and even though I wasn’t the one who did what she said, I caught it. After a few minutes I asked her to step out of the office and we discussed the situation in a rather heated manner. I tried to be cool in the office but couldn’t so I had to “go there” just so we could discuss the issue with civility. I guess sometimes it just takes that to handle business. I really like the young lady so it was done once it was over but sometimes working in an office full of ladies can be challenging. Luckily I was allowed to hire a brother who knows my style and how to deal professionally. “Stunna” is also a pro. He was there early this morning and he was on it! But I didn’t expect anything less.

Oh yea, I bought some cargo shorts yesterday and rocked them with a pair of Adidas’. Man why didn’t I get the memo before now that cargo shorts were hot like that! I got them a little bigger than my actual size and figured that I would try them out – I am in love. I wish I could wear them year round. Is this a new period for me? Am I going from upscale casual to grunge? Hummmm?

OK on the philosophical tip – Does being the me that I am, mean that I will never change? You know change is always good and necessary. [Song change Corinne Bailey Rae – Enchantment] Hopefully, the man that I am today is not the man that I was on yesterday and prayerfully, I will not be the same man tomorrow. The reason I ask this is that I recently had a conversation with someone to which I explained that one of the reasons that though I know a lot of people, I usually abstain from establishing a lot of majorly close relationships because the closer that people are to you – the easier they can hurt you. Don’t get it twisted, I’m not around being a hermit but you have to be judicious about who you allow into your circle. You know what my friend offered me a piece of advice recently, “Show some sincerity”. I was initially taken aback by the statement. But after quizzing my friend, basically he was saying allow yourself to be vulnerable.

I am sincere, passionate and considerate. Sometimes to a fault. But he was right sometimes I spend so much time shielding myself from everyone that miss who is really there for me. As an actor – I use that emotion for my characters. The hurt or loneliness or vulnerability, I use to bring characters to life. Nevertheless, I suppose that it makes me the individual miss out on some things.

I appreciate that advice. Sometimes it is good to experience the hurt just so that you can be ready to identify the good things when they come along. Keep bangin’! I got some realness coming, so stay tuned.

Back Again for the Fourth Time

So here it is. Another one of those blogs that say, I am back. I cannot begin to tell you that I hate doing that kind of stuff. So I will try to make some time in each and every day to write. If for nothing else, it's therapeutic for me. See – ya'll my therapist and didn't even know!

I am here in Philadelphia for a few days sipping a cup of Acai Zinger Herbal tea and listening to Music Choice – it is a poetry set with Keseema Kalifa and it with the tea is definitely hitting the spot.

Yesterday, we continued filming on the Wendy Williams Movie Queen of Media. Yea I know you probably have forgotten by now. I almost did! I play her dad Mr. Williams. Of course the dad to young Wendy. Since when did I look old enough to play the father of a college student? Oh well, I still look good don't I? Huh – answer me! LOL.

The movie was shooting in Staten Island, New York at Wagner College. It was my first time ever in Staten Island but the trip was a pretty cool experience. The staff was nice and professional and I was able to get one of my frat brothers to take the drive with me. He used to live on Staten Island so that made things pretty easy getting there.

I arrived shot my scenes and they even made my boy one of the extras. It was pretty cool all in all. Of course I'll leave the juicy on set stuff to come later. Yea, you gotta tune in.

On the way back, I stopped by the AT&T store to pick up the new I-phone. The guy at the store told me that my Blackjack had everything I needed so say with that and my 80GIG I-Pod. Cool with me!

The most interesting thing about the day I think was hanging out with my frat. I put on the pledge CD and we ended up reminiscing and singing pledge songs all the way back. How's that for a road trip?

The night ended with an event back in Philadelphia at Grape Street Pub. I was one of the sponsors so I had to go make an appearance. Little did I know I would be upstaged by Sir Charles Barkley! Nah, he was in the house enjoying himself and it was just a mad cool time. I forgot that Sir Charles was in the area. Maybe I should have challenged him to a game of one on one.

Nah. I think I was right to leave well enough alone!

VA Tech Shooter - We Need To Know

We need to see the photos and the tape. We need to see the writings. We need to see what mad the mad man who he was. Don’t hold back!

For the past few days blogs, news services and people have been saying that the tape from the Virginia Tech Shooter Cho Seung-Hui should not have been released and shown by NBC. I feel just the opposite. I understand the thoughts of the families of the victims and other students of the university but I feel that the world has a right to see and know.

Truly, as much information as we can get – no one can ever figure out why he did what he did. However, that video and his writings give some sort of insight so that some type of answer can be provided.

Instead of being upset with news services about distribution of the tape NBC needs to be applauded for ensuring that the public has as much information as possible so that we can hopefully reach out and prevent something like this from happening in the future.

Even deeper, think about this after killing two people, Seung-Hui was able to cross a busy intersection and send an air mail package before going on to kill thirty more people. Where was security? Where were the police? How did he kill two people and just calmly walk over to the Post Office? Those authorities are the ones who need to be questioned. Even after Nikki Giovanni, other professors and mental health professionals documented the instability of Cho, no one made a move to remove him or dig deeper.

Of course this was just an accident and a tragedy. We all want answers and want to find a way to justify what was done. But at its essence this was unjustifiable. We can’t find a way to explain his rational or thoughts. We can only believe that is his infinite wisdom, God had allowed those who died to serve a purpose. From listening to the stories of each of the victims to the wake up call that came from the rampage – weather we understand it or not this event had a purpose.

Instead of beating on the media, let’s pray and remember the victims of this awful tragedy.

Irreplaceable

Not a lot on the horizon here, just got to gripe a bit. I am still in the Northeast and it seems like it is going to snow here every day. I mean I just look out the window and it snows. It helps that I am in a high rise and I can enjoy it from there but driving in it is an entirely different story.

In fact I am still learning walking in the snow. I have pretty much mastered that task until yesterday. I was walking to my car and came upon some black ice. You know I almost busted my behind but I was super quick caught it and kept going. It’s all good though.

Oh yea, pet peeve with Philadelphia. I am a real purist, so if something is a rose – call it a rose. Why does every one here call it Philadelphia - Philly? I personally like the name Philadelphia sometimes when calling it Philly I feel that it disrespects the name and its meaning. Well enough about that. I will have to vent on my feelings about some of the people here later.

Nevertheless, check out this recent poem or spoken word joint I wrote. I thought about calling it Beyonce’ but for now it is known as Irreplaceable – A True Love Tale. Let me know what you think.


IRREPLACEABLE
You called me today
Saying your usual things acting your usual way and you said, “I love you”

Should have known when I heard the words that they were loaded.
Real.
But loaded nonetheless.

Loaded with emotions of caring and loving and feeling and not knowing quite where these emotions belong – we proceeded.
I was in a special moment when you called me today.
Seeing your number flash across my caller ID – took me to time that we had shared before. I remembered those moments. For then our ecstasy transcended four lifetimes!

I mean the thought of you and what you said was so real I had to call my ex.
The first and true love my life,
Had to tell her,
Had to let her know,
Had to warn her – watch your back!
There was another out there
Another who could surpass her emotion another who could spin feelings out of nothing.
See only she could understand how I feel right now.
Our relationship allowed it, and I took advantage of the privilege. You walked it out, I talked it out

The rest of our conversation was a blur,
I mean really we weren’t together, never made a commitment – but for me it was unspoken love you knew how I felt and I was all about letting it be.
What ever I could do to be there for and with you, I was down
Regardless of the circumstance, you knew I had ya back
Now the question is, will you take advantage of that?

So after a few moments of conversation, finally the words tumbled forth, “So if I messed with someone else, would you be mad?”
I know I am always on the road and I am not always there – but in the end I’m always THERE
I mean what could I say to that, you have to be the arbiter of your actions.
I can’t make you do more or less than you want to do.
So after a moment . . . . . .
after the smoke cleared and the pre-tears returned to the deep part of my tear ducts.
After my heart jumped and dropped and skipped and I caught my breath,
after I checked myself to see what was wrong with me
After I considered being “regular” and just hanging around just to be with you
After wondering if I flew there right now to look you in your eyes would things be a little different
After I reassured myself that I was ok.
After I thought about putting in a little extra time at the gym so I could get just a little bit tighter
After all that – I said simply NO.
I let you know that I thought that we were deeper than that and that regardless of what happens with us I am there for you.
But I can not play second chair
I have to be the me that I am and love you from afar,
it’ll hurt me to see you with him
Still I’ll love you, though you’ll grow to see that truly me
Well, I am irreplaceable.

In Search of a Good Cut

Well as any African American man knows, wherever you travel for an extended period of time – finding a good barber is important. So since I had been on the ground in Philadelphia, I had been on the lookout for a great barbershop.

When I was younger, I remember my barber Hakim was from Philadelphia and all he could talk about was the famous “Philly Fade”.

So here I was in the home of the fade (so to speak) in search of a good haircut. I had been asking around for weeks and everyone had a different opinion of who was best and where to go. The interesting thing here is that Asian-Americans had even gotten in on the action. As much as I have traveled, I had not been to or seen a Korean or Vietnamese Barber Shop for Black Folk but in Philadelphia one was there. I was quite interested to see how a cut would turn out but after thinking about it for about a minute I decided to be adventurous some other time.

Well, after trolling around online and asking, I finally came up with a shop called Pretty Boyzz. Now I am sure that you may think that the name attracted me because I am a Kappa but I was attracted because it seemed well put together. So I decided to go.

First the shop was a good 20-30 minutes from where I was staying in a predominantly affluent African-American area called Mount Airy. I took the drive passing briefly passing Temple University. It brought back some memories of college and the thought that I need to go back to school. In some ways I really miss formal education.

Anyway, when I arrived at the shop I was able to park right in front of the door. I was serviced by the first barber there who took my jacket and explained that the procedure was to wash the hair of each client before the hair service. OK, I thought I can get into this. So he is washing away and scrubbing for quite a while and finally after I am almost asleep he wakes me to get my cut.

Now the cut was pretty good but the interesting thing was not the cut but the fact that he was so gentle with my head, I didn’t know weather he was making love to my head or cutting it! Usually (as brothers know) when you get a cut, barbers grab your head and almost give you whiplash! That’s just what I am used to. But dude took his take and faded every corner of my hair. Go figure!

Nevertheless, I got my first Philadelphia cut and I am mostly satisfied. I know that I am only here for a short period of time but you know a brother has to be tight wherever he is. Cause where I am – is where the party’s at!!

Oprah's Leadership Academy - I See The Dream

I am so full right now. I am full of life and love and of appreciation of everything that I have and every experience that I have employed.

I have just finished watching the ABC Special about the opening of Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and I cannot tell you how many times that I cried. I cried tears of joy and happiness for each and every young girl that was there. I cried for those that were not able to attend the school. I cried for those that could not cry. But most of all I cried for all of the students right here in America who did not have the wherewithal to appreciate such a gift as education.

A few years ago, a friend of my mother was selected as a Fulbright Fellow and spent several years teaching in Zimbabwe. Having been a veteran teacher in the United States her experience with the sons and daughters of Africa was unique to say the least. I remember her saying that when she walked into the room to teach the class that the students would already be there waiting and would stand at their seats until she gave them leave to sit. They would refer to her as honored professor. There was no such thing as back talk or disciplinary action and these students didn’t have to worry about dress code violations because they all wore uniforms. It was euphoria for a teacher and these students were ready and willing to learn.

She then returned to the United States and tried to teach again. It was true culture shock. The title honored professor was replaced by “bitch”. Students dressed properly turned into young ladies looking more prepared for a rap video that for learning. Instead of coming in eager, students acted as if they were doing her a favor coming to class. Definitely, it was culture shock. The students in Zimbabwe were thirsting for knowledge and the students here were not.

Since Oprah opened her school, I have heard comments like why didn’t she give that money to an American school or open an academy here. I can answer that. The truth is most American students probably wouldn’t appreciate it. Not all students of course. I am sure that there are those that would benefit and appreciate Oprah’s generosity. But there are other programs in place here. How many American students these days have to walk miles and travel hours just to get to school? Then take the trek back home to take care of household duties and younger siblings all while maintaining an exceptional grade point average. NONE! This is why in some ways education is more important to people who have to work much harder for it.

As an actor and a journalist, I appreciate the careers that all of the young ladies have chosen. I appreciate all that Oprah has done and it has inspired me to make sure that African and African-American boys everywhere understand their responsibilities and have opportunities to realize their potential.

Commune

I was really reading some of the things that I have written and this was something that inspired me to love me even more. Take the time to commune with you. I guess that today is one of those days that I need to just fold into myself and rely on the strength that I know is there.
Enjoy!





Most things I do by myself,
Because myself understands me.
Only in the solace of my time, can I be assured that all I utter is the truth.
I commune
With me from morning ‘til noon
And as the day progresses society consumes.
A mere whisper and a frolic in the dust of redemption
Gives flight to infinite possibilities,
So I commune with me . . . .

Back to the World!

Hello Blogworld! I am back! It has been so long since I have had a chance to share my life and experiences and you know what, I missed it way more than I thought that I would.

All of the emails and calls are appreciated. Now, I am raring to go with so much to talk about. So here goes.

First, even though I am an actor and actually manage to work on the regular – I still need a “real” job. So I have been a marketing and promotions consultant for some time now. Well the company that I have been consulting with for some time has asked me to handle operations in Philadelphia to get the market up to speed. Of course that was not in my plans but you have to go where God leads and it seems as though all roads are leading to PA. It is only a temporary special assignment so I will be traveling to Florida and LA frequently. I am sure that those jaunts will be filled with so many things to write about.

I am so ready for 2007! Ready to a fault I think. Look at the number this year holds the date 7/7/7! That is completion, if I do say so myself. That is why this year is about stepping into destiny! Last year was about being taught and prepared and this year is about action.

Each year I send out a New Year’s Letter at the beginning of the year as my personal tradition. I think that each one of us needs our own traditions so that we can leave our mark on society. My letter this year spoke of the destiny that is prepared for us. It’s only up to us to make the difference. I accept the challenge.

This year I have also started dating again. It’s not that I had really stopped before but I really have focused so much time on my career until dating really fell by the wayside. It’s like I woke up one morning and I was thirty! I don’t wont to end up at forty-five with a two year old child to my credit. I can almost hear the conversation now. “Daddy I want to go outside and play ball”. “Ball, man call one of ya cousins my knees hurt”! Seriously, I don’t care how old I am – I know I would make a great father. But if I don’t start developing some serious roots soon – then that will be me.

Anyway, from the Obama and Clinton Presidential bids to Forrest Whittaker and fashion trends – I plan to report comment and just plain blog. Thank you for inspiring me. I look forward to hearing all that you have to say. Still, the Me that I AM!!