Senior “Tom” Citizen vs. New “Pat” Swing by Klassy K

/ klassyksportskorner / Leave a comment

Senior “Tom” Citizen vs. New “Pat” Swing by Klassy K

Home Skillets! It is about that time for us to say that Super Bowl LV will be on Sunday. I know you probably thought I would start rapping the lyrics of “Jam Master Jay” song by Run DMC, but I cannot do so due to copyright infringement. The Super Bowl showdown between the senior citizen quarterback vs. 90’s New Jack Swing quarterback is about to battle for the Super Bowl Championship, which is this Sunday, February 7, 2021, aired on CBS.

So, let me tell y’all a little about Tom Brady, a college quarterback for the University of Michigan, drafted by the New England Patriots in the 6th round in 2000 and won 6 Super Bowl rings. It makes me wonder why the Detroit Lions owners passed over him in the draft back in 2000. Just think he could have been a Detroit Lions. What makes it also bad, some of the other teams passed him up as well. I bet you those teams probably regret it too. Now Brady was under scrutiny in the past for being a Trump Supporter. People did not like him for that, just like they do not like Colin Kaepernick. The only difference is, well, you already know.

Tom Brady is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, living in the sunshine state with his beautiful wife and kids. Of course, he is rich, living the American dream, and even though he is the oldest quarterback in history to be in his 7th Super Bowl, Brady, as you can see, still got that A-game. As you already know, Brady left the New England Patriots last year when he was a free agent. Of course, the New England Patriots wanted him to stay, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted him so bad that they paid him 50 million dollars for a 2-year contract. Oh, and a $50 million signing bonus. Like I said, the American dream. Now the 43-year-old Buccaneer Tom Brady and 25-year-old Pat Mahomes II Chief, old vs. new, senior citizen vs. New Jack or Pat, will be getting their quarterbacking on in Tampa Bay, FL.

Now Pat Mahomes II may be young but is not new to being a champion. As many of you know, he will be defending his championship title this Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, 20-31 at last year’s Super Bowl LIV. You would think he would be the youngest ever quarterback to win a Super Bowl Championship, right? But he is not. Now maybe the first black or bi-racial quarterback, but not the first. Pat Mahomes II played college football and college baseball for Texas Tech and then later quit in his junior year to enter the NFL, and guess what? He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2017. I hope he retires in Kansas City as a Chief and be true to da game, unlike Matt Stafford that recently left the Detroit Lions franchise to go to Los Angeles Rams.

The Ford owners paid that chump $100 million, and the Lions never made it to the Super Bowl, oh well. In exchange for the trade, Detroit Lions got two future three draft picks, including a 2021 and 3rd round picks. Really? Like I stated in my previous sports blog, I knew Matt was going to leave, and the franchise should have drafted Tua Tagovailoa in last year’s draft, but again oh well. The Detroit Lions franchise has a new manager and head coach; I just hope they use these 2021 and future draft picks wisely because the Detroit Lions would forever be the Loser Lions.

Please continue to stay safe, home skillets. This Coronavirus will not be going away anytime soon. I know sports entertainment is trying to enforce mask and social distancing restrictions, but I do not see how sports would apply? Football, hockey, wrestling, basketball, etc., players play in close contact with one another, not wearing masks or social distancing for that matter. And did you know that the All-star game is set for next month on March 7th? I hope the players’ uniforms have disposable hand sanitizer wipes on them. LOL.

– Klassy K’s Sports Korner: A contributor writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

Advertisement

2021: It’s About to Go Down! Not Literally Speaking! by Klassy K

/ klassyksportskorner / 1 Comment

2021: It’s About to Go Down! Not Literally Speaking! by Klassy K

Home Skillets! Happy New Year to all of you. Yeah, I know it has been a minute, but I know you can probably understand why. With 45’s followers trying to attempt to shut down the government not to certify President Biden’s win, they decided to start a ‘revolution,’ but some ended up getting arrested and killed. It’s a disgrace to our democracy, to say the least, but I guess I was trying to figure out what were they trying to accomplish?

Maybe you can feel me in Home Skillets because I often wonder whether it was an “inside” job to try to stall the certification of the electoral votes. Well, guess what, their antics did not work. On Wednesday, we all witnessed greatness and history, and I am so happy that my children and I could see it. I wish my father were here, but I know he was looking down from above and smiling, saying, “This is how you make America GREAT again.” I agree, Dad.

Now that the inauguration has come and gone, some of us showed respect to the First Madame Vice President, Mrs. Kamala Harris, by wearing “pearls” and “Converses.” I thought that was really creative! Women, girls, and young ladies from all over the world witnessed a bi-racial African American and Asian woman sworn in, and if that alone does not give you chills of excitement, then you’re a hater! Just kidding! I cried a little because I never thought that this day would ever come, but I am a living witness that “her” story will go down in history. Now I must throw in there that she is an HBCU graduate (Howard University) and a member of the first African American sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha, founded at Howard University. I think First looks good on Kamala, wouldn’t you agree?

2020 was an awful year, and I hope that 2021 will be WAP (Worthy and Prosperous)! Gotcha! People died, 45 lied, racial injustice, people unemployed, businesses shut down due to the coronavirus, Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia, Pistons record continues to suck, which is now 3-11, and the Red Wings are still trying to find their leader in Captain Dylan Larkin.

The good news is the Detroit Lions have hired new head coach Dan Campbell who is already being scrutinized for saying some “anti-gay” remarks back in college. Really? Why does the media always try to dig up some controversy from back when cassette players were the only thing we could listen to music back in the day? I hope Dan doesn’t coach the way he played when he was on the Detroit Lions. The Lions also hired a new general manager Brad Holmes. Home Skillets he fine, only 41 years old, African American male and a tall glass of hot cocoa. Sorry, ya’ll he married and with children. I know got ya’ll all hot and bothered, and then I rain on ya’ll parade.

I will be optimistic about 2021 Home Skillets, hoping that President Joseph Biden Jr. keeps his campaign promises. Trust me, I have them archived, and I am prepared to remind him that Sallie Mae is waiting by the phone, and all they need in writing is permission to delete all Americans’ student loans. Well, except those who still believe that 45 would get four more years and will never claim President Biden as their president, let them suffer! I’m not going to lie.

I hope President Biden would hurry up and send that $1,400 expeditiously! To all the 46 haters that don’t want anything from our 46th President Biden and 1st Madame V.P Harris, please return that money to sender, the Department of Treasury. Better yet, you can give it to someone that would greatly appreciate it. Stay safe!

-Klassy K’s Sports Korner: a contributing writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

2020, The Grief and Broken Heart You Have Given to Me

/ Chellyz View / 2 Comments
Granny and Me in 2017

2020, The Grief and Broken Heart You Have Given to Me by Chellyz View_

– Granny this is dedicated to you

No matter how much you try to convince yourself you will be strong as you watch a loved one transition from their earthly form to evolving into a spiritual being, it isn’t easy. At some point, my family and I knew we couldn’t be selfish because we wanted her to stay. During one of my last visits, I whispered in her ear and assured Granny that we would be alright because we didn’t want her to suffer anymore. A couple of weeks before she left us, her last prayer was, “Father, take me to the Heavens,” with her hands lifted to the sky.

On November 15, 2020, at 2:13 pm, on a cold and windy day, my Granny took her last breath, tiptoed out of her bedroom of 62 years, and peacefully walked into Heaven. I know she was welcomed by the Heavenly Father, ancestors, and many individuals she missed so dearly.

One and a half years old with my Granny

I don’t know about you, but 2020 broke my heart and, at times, my spirit more than ever. There have been other years where I have faced heartache and pain, but this year’s rounds of ups and downs have been more severe. Thanksgiving was very different this year. We didn’t have Granny, but we had each other. My family is small, but we have big hearts. This holiday taught me the importance of what courage and love from family truly meant though we may not always agree. We understood without a doubt that we can lean on each other. We smiled, laughed, danced, cried, and created new beautiful memories despite our sadness. I know Granny is proud of us!

First Family Thanksgiving without Granny 2020

Grief is very draining, and it can deplete every bit of you. It was challenging to grieve during this pandemic. Only so many people could attend the funeral and no risk of having a repass because we wanted to be cautious. As a grieving heart begins to heal, there will be those painful times when things seem so heavy. A challenging moment occurred while I was trying to find a song for Granny’s slide show. It was dark outside, and the tears began to flow while playing a rendition of “Grandma’s Hands.” Suddenly, the sun peaked through my window for a quick second. It felt as if Granny stopped by and hugged me right then, and I felt a sense of peace and thankfulness.

I must admit one of the most important lessons I learned this year is to be grateful for every minute. Family members, friends, legends, and famous people have been leaving this Earth in record numbers; it seems this year. Show appreciation to those you love before it’s too late. Try to forgive others and ask others to forgive you. However, if the efforts of resolving old wounds and binding broken relationships go awry, then it is time to let things go.

I know you heard this a thousand times (probably in a previous post), but life is too short to hold on to bitterness and anger. Life is too precious to hang on to people who keep reminding you of who or what you used to be. You know the ones who don’t know how to let go of the past. The present time is waiting for you to live life to the fullest with your presence even while navigating through grief!

Granny at her 70th Birthday Party

We are moving closer to a new year. I can’t promise you that soon as the clock strikes midnight in 2021, everything will be perfect. So, don’t wait for 2021 to find peace. Find it now. Be grateful now. Search for what can heal you now. Grow through this now. Learn to find a moment every day to practice thankfulness now.

It’s ok not to be strong all the time. Please know it is alright to lean on others that can help you. Reach out to someone now. Take care of yourself now. Look to the Holy Father to help you renew your strength now. 2020, you might have broken my heart in so many pieces, but step to the side while I welcome Love, Peace, and Happiness. I know with time time my grieving heart will slowly mend!

-Let your heart be full of new ventures that will lead you to the possibilities of limitless conversations!

Jeff Lorber featuring Eric Benet. “Grandma’s Hands.” He Had a Hat, Blue Note Records, 2007.

Featured

You’re FIRED by Klassy K

Featured / bopctwn / Leave a comment

You’re FIRED! by Klassy K

Home Skillets! What is up? I hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday. Last year, we weren’t even thinking about that statement as far as being “safe.” Now, we have to mean it literally. The entire Thanksgiving and probably the rest of the holidays would likely consist of that along with limited family members, checking temperatures at the door, wearing a facemask, gloves, hazmat suits, using hand sanitizers, people eating outside or in the garage. Hey, it may sound crazy, but who knew this would be part of the norm.

Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without watching football; yeah, we eat, maybe drink, but watching football is like the icing on the cake. Getting the family together, well now, you’ll have to be in different rooms while wearing a mask while watching the game. If that is not somewhat uncomfortable, what’s worse is when your team loses. You already know where I am going; the Lions got STOMPED, 25-41. They lost against the Houston Texans, a team that has lost as many games as the Lions

Do you know what I think home skillets? When football teams know that they are playing against the Lions, they probably tell themselves, “it’s like practice,” so let’s go in and have some fun while getting paid at the same time. I’m just saying! So far, the Lions has only won four games this season with a .364 percentile. That’s below the mark to even be a contender in the playoffs.

I know you are like me; the Lions SUCK, and why isn’t the Ford family doing ANYTHING about it! I mean, don’t they get tired of the excuses from both coach and players?! I saw a meme the other day. It had a picture of Matt Patricia, and the caption said, “If a coach was 2020.” Home skillets, OMG! I couldn’t believe it, but where is the lie, though? I mean, Matt Patricia was a defensive coordinator for New England Patriots, but what people don’t understand is that they had Tom Brady, a superstar quarterback from the University of Michigan. We got dreary old 30 something, $100 million overpriced, injured prone, and ungrateful wife Kelly who made a video ranting about our Governor Whitmer’s partial shutdown. Make all the excuses in the world; you guessed it, our quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Why didn’t the owners pick a young, hungry quarterback in the NFL draft? One would never know why? Matthew will probably retire in a few years, and guess what? The owners will have to rush to hire a limited experience been around and never won a championship quarterback. In other words, back to square one.

After three years of being the head coach for the Detroit Lions, Matt Patricia was finally FIRED! “Hit the road Matt and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more, hit the road Matt and don’t ya come back no more, whatcha say!” So, take your overweight, middle-aged, pencil loving wearing, bear looking beard outta here! He tried, and the owners were fed up, but that’s what you get when you hired general manager Bob Quinn, and he brought in his own coach.

Hey, they fired Jim Caldwell with little notice, and at least he improved the Lions record. If memory serves me correctly, the Lions made it to the playoffs. Now it’s scramble time to hire both a new general manager and a coach. Well, I hope the owners take their time this time because guess what? The Lions will always be the team that never won an NFL championship.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate this article to Mrs. Dawson, the owner of A Heart Full of Conversations LLC. She recently lost her grandmother. Send your prayers home skillets, cause we all could use some love.

-Klassy K’s Sports Korner: a contributing writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

Sore Losers or Just Losers by Klassy K

/ bopctwn / Leave a comment

Home Skillets! We did it; the election is FINALLY over and I don’t know about you, but I could not sleep on election night. I just knew that Biden lost when 45 announced that he “won” because there were so many “red states,” and it’s no way Biden could “catch up.” Well, he must not know my God; all I can say is WON’T HE DO IT!

Biden won both popular and electoral votes, turned red states to blue states, and created history as Kamala Harris is our FIRST African American Female Vice president.  I am so proud.  I wish that another 250,000 people could have witnessed history, but unfortunately, they all died from the Coronavirus. I don’t even want to touch on the fact that the police have killed so many African Americans, and they too were not able to vote, so this victory is for them.

Now that Biden has been elected as our 46th President of the United States, you would think that 45 would have just accepted it, conceded, and congratulated President Joe Biden.  Naw, he is barricading himself in the White House because he is a sore loser. It is a shame that a grown man is acting like a child. I guess he and his son Barron is around the same age. Now he has his lawyers, including Giuliani, the former governor of New York, as one of these legal representatives suing the states that 45 lost due to “voter fraud.” I can’t make this shyt up.

Voter fraud? Really dude? What is so bad, they are trying to locate “evidence” to support that.  Guess what home skillets? They can’t find any! So, guess what they are doing? Offering 1 million dollars for anyone who can prove it. 

So, in other words, they can’t find any. Why not make someone else do it for them? That’s like me saying, “Hey, the Lions lost two in a row within the last two weeks. So I’ll pay the referees to reverse their calls, as the opposing team scores a touchdown. Say that they scored it for the Lions, and makeup rules to go in the Lions favor.” You get the point. Does it sound absolutely crazy?

What is true is that Biden won fair and square, just like when Michigan State beat the University of Michigan back in October.  Sweet victory!  If you did not know, Michigan State’s football coach is a black man. I’m not trying to make it a big deal, but U of M lost, and you know what? They took the L.

What I don’t understand is why 45 can’t follow suit? Yeah, his Trumpalumps are screaming “count the legal votes,” “count the votes,” “count ALL the votes,” Which one is it? I can scream *clear throats* ALL VOTES MATTER! Then shouting Biden is going to jail, I guess like Hillary? Hillary did win the popular votes but lost the electoral votes back in 2016, but guess what she took the L and kept it moving.

Al Gore should have won the Presidential election back in 2000, and everyone just knew he was going to win but lost to George Bush. Yeah, Gore wanted a recount in Florida because he was in the lead, but what people may not know is that John “Jeb” Bush, George’s brother was governor at that time. I’m not saying that George Bush stole the election, but doesn’t it make you go hmmm?

People are trying to compare this to the current election, but even with the recount.  Guess what? George Bush STILL became President. Once again, Al Gore took the L and also kept it moving. So, why can’t 45 just put on his big boy pants and concede?

Currently, Biden has 290 electoral votes to 45’s 217. All Biden needed was 270. Plus, Georgia and Florida are still counting ballots, but I guess over 100,000 or even 1 million votes were all illegal votes, or dead votes or? Home skillets, I will leave this question, if there is actually “voter fraud,” then how come Mitch McConnell and Lindsay Graham retained their seat?

– Klassy K’s Sports Korner: A contributor writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

Remotely stung while being at Home by Chellyz View

/ Chellyz View / 1 Comment

Earlier this year I wrote an article about 2020 being Canceled.  Yep, that was my buzzword.  However, I have a new word that is buzzing around like a busy bumble bee in my home and it stung me.  “Remotely.”

I’m working remotely from home.  My children are learning remotely from home.  I’m podcasting remotely from home.  Outraged about social injustices while watching the television remotely from home. Grieving about the violence in the hood or losing another legend as I scroll through social media while remotely at home. Overwhelmed with everything while adjusting to the abnormalities of 2020 as I sip on tea because I’m remotely dealing with the bulls@&# while being at home. “Remotely.” “Remotely.” “Remotely.” Ouch!

Earlier this year, I wrote an article about how being at home wasn’t that bad for me since I am an introvert at least 75% of the time. However, I also stressed that everybody that is remotely at home ain’t safe. Many adults and children are dealing with some heavy “ish” during this pandemic. Lord knows I am continuously praying for those and always trying to provide resources to help others and even myself at times.

Since this “remotely” situation has been going on, I feel the stinging sensation piercing through my body. The side effects included feeling tired and drained. One of my children is adjusting fairly well and maintaining a decent grade point average though they yell at the computer screen from time to time. The other child is walking on thin ice, and I don’t want them to fall and sink. At one point, I totally removed myself from the daily activities of everything because I just couldn’t deal or cope with it. That’s when this circumstance of being remotely at home started to feel painful.

Eventually, I had to recognize it was imperative to make ongoing efforts to find and maintain balance in my household. I’m learning to take small doses of the hardships of life instead of trying to digest big chunks of info at one time. Some days are good while other days feel like carrying a load of garbage. Ewwwww the Funk!

My heart goes out to parents who have more than two children in different grade levels while juggling multiple responsibilities. I try not to complain too much because many parents don’t have the option of working remotely at home while monitoring their child(ren) progress. They have the added stress of finding a reliable babysitter to help their child navigate through this learning from home situation.

So, there are times when I “mask up” and get in my car to change the scenery. There are times when I stand by the window watching nature as leaves on the trees transition from green to bright red or orange to eventually, they’re no longer visible. There are times when I lock myself in the bathroom to have a sacred space to meditate and get away from the busyness of life. There are times when I turn on the music loud and have my dance party even though my rhythm might be a little unsteady. There are times when I grab my mat and find peace while practicing Yoga.

If you have been stung by the plights of 2020, I encourage you to find a support group, call a friend, locate resources, or remotely remove yourself for a few moments to recover and heal.

-Let your heart be full of new ventures that will lead you to the possibilities of limitless conversations!

What is the future of Detroit’s sports entertainment or the future period? By Klassy K

/ klassyksportskorner / Leave a comment

Home skillets! What’s hatin’?! I hope you and your family are doing well and keeping safe during this pandemic. So much is going on in the world and it doesn’t seem to get better. From Emmett Till to Breonna Taylor, which happened to occur on the same day, justice was not served. We are not surprised that no charges were made or arrests for that matter. Therefore, no one will be held accountable for the tragedies that occurred. I am so disappointed in the judicial system and the “so-called” laws in place. It just doesn’t seem to include black people. Since the day of time, blacks were never given a fair trial, justice, or “equal opportunities,” etc. 

We always ask ourselves, “What did we do to deserve such unfair practices?” We still must ask ourselves that question, but it is not our fault that white people and police officers have a problem with us. We need to stop thinking that it is “us,” and really, it’s “them” with the problem. I’m so sick of hearing about the victim had a criminal record, or that person had a gun, really it was a cell phone, or that person looked suspicious, or something simple as that person looked at me the wrong way. So, “I abused my authority by killing them.”

Unfortunately, innocent black people are being murdered; it seems like every other week, harassed, discriminated against, etc. because white people and police officers have a “problem” with us. You know what they want, meaning the police and predominantly white people? Control, submission, and superiority. Reminds you of slavery, doesn’t it? The past four years have been the worst of my life, and it’s a shame that I have to tell my children about racism in 2020 and maybe called a “nigga” or “driving while black” when a police officer pulls them over for no reason. 

 I put all the blame on 45. Some of y’all already know who that is, whether “it’s” your president or not. The “stand back and stand by” will not denounce his white supremacy connection. He yells out fake news every time the truth is released, lies, promotes violence, exhibits narcissist behavior, and so much more. I don’t even want to get into it. You get the idea. We are tired of it, and deserve change now! Black, brown, people including decent white people, have lost a loved one for shouting “Black Lives Matter.” Covid-19, police brutality, and the “proud boys” are killing innocent people, including white people.

Celebrities and athletes are paying attention to the travesties of what is going on in America. They want change just like the rest of us. Athletes are showing their support by having their jerseys displaying social change. Celebrities are using their platform by speaking out via social media or television, etc. Everyone is affected somehow, and we all ask ourselves, “Will it ever end”? Yeah, when the earth has had enough, and judgment day will decide rather you are going to heaven or hell?  

The only thing that can somehow bring comfort is watching sports, television, being with friends and family, or whatever brings you enjoyment. Just try to enjoy your life as much as you can, because tomorrow, as you know, is not promising!

Speaking of sports entertainment, the Lions has only won one game this season out of 4, which is the worst in NFL history. The Red Wings had a virtual draft and had the number 4 picked and the chosen guard is Jan Bednar. The NBA Finals were this past Sunday, October 11th. The Lakers won against Miami Heat, which I called out. Tigers general manager Ron Gardenhire quit back in September, and the Pistons are still trying to figure out how to build the team around Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. So, what is the future of Detroit’s sports entertainment? Probably a question that the owners can answer or the general manager for that matter.  

– Klassy K’s Sports Korner: A contributor writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

I’m about to! By Chellyz View

/ Chellyz View / 6 Comments

I don’t know about you, but 2020 has me feeling, “Cray, Cray.” Not sure if people still use that phrase, but who cares! Hell, that’s how I feel! I have dealt with fear, frustration, confusion, gratefulness, thankfulness, sadness,  and unpreparedness. Well, I think you get the picture. Many emotions have invaded my body and mind to the point where I felt I needed to walk around with a do not trespass sign on my forehead. With everything that is going on I am learning how to navigate through these overwhelming amount of feelings.

If I am uncertain about anything, one thing is for sure; I have decided to adopt a phrase my children state often. Usually, when I ask them to complete a task or chore, their response in the abbreviated edition is, “I’m bout to.” Well, that is what I have decided to do. “I am about to” embrace this life like never before.

Though COVID-19 is still out there lurking in every corner of our lives, and ready to snatch the next victim, I can’t live in fear. I stay prayed up, masked up, and try to be as cautious as I can. This year, I have witnessed individuals who were too young personally and from afar leave this Earth before reaching half a century. Before I know it, if the Holy Spirit allows, I will be approaching that AARP stage. With that being said, I’m about to live each day with a purpose, plan, and peacefulness, as I have never experienced before.

On that note….

I am about to uninvite myself to arguments that take up my energy.

I am about to use my voice to advocate for myself. No, that doesn’t mean I am the angry black woman.

I am about to scream or curse as deemed appropriate to help me release tension.

I am about to finish projects that have been placed on my heart to complete before the end of the year.

I am about to become more disciplined to complete a certification I have been lazy about.

I am about to create my happiness when those around me disappoint me.

I am about to push depression to the side when it tries to consume my soul and accept help when needed to have a healthier mindset.

I am about to let others know their emergency doesn’t become my emergency, but I will offer the necessary resources when available to help them become self-sufficient.

I am about to love myself more.

I am about to make it clear others will not stress me out.

I am about to say no when I want to without guilt.

I am about to shed the unnecessary weight be it related to pounds or people that holds me down.

I am about to take risks when doubt tries to step on my toes and keeps me from pursuing my dreams.

I am about to accept accountability for my misjudgments and mistakes and continue to grow, heal, and move on.

I am about to stay encouraged when the enemy wants me to remain defeated.

I am about to get my finances in order.

I am about to focus on what is ahead of me instead of what has passed.

I am about to live my life to the fullest based on my terms.

I am about to walk with confidence when low self-esteem tries to persuade me that I am not good enough.

I am about to cry when I need to, laugh when I want to, and relax when I must.

I am about to stop talking about what I need to do and just put forth the effort to make things happen.

I am about to trust in the Holy Spirit more.

I am about to increase my faith and spiritual life.

I will add to this list if need be. Not one moment is promised to us. So, I am about to do what I need to do for my sanity. What about you? 

-Let your heart be full of new ventures that will lead you to the possibilities of limitless conversations!

“Our Treasure” by Butch Ford

/ dabutcha08 / 1 Comment
Chadwick Boseman

“Our Treasure” by Butch Ford

It was 6 am Saturday, August 29, 2020…and the news of the sudden passing of Chadwick Boseman essentially shook me to my core.  It felt like a family member was taken away.  At 43 years young, he made his mark in the African American culture in so many ways. 

He portrayed the iconic roles of Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, and my favorite…the convincing and believable King T’Challa in Marvel’s’ The Black Panther. He made us beam with pride as he gave children of color a superhero we would identify with and be proud of.  He brought the fictitious Wakanda to life and into our hearts and culture.  He had everyone doing the handshake greeting, followed by the arms crossing the chest.

As a black man, 2020 has knocked me to my knees more times then I care to discuss.  From the pandemic to the current administration and the clown-like antics of the arch-enemy/villain #45 and his divisive underhanded, racist agenda. It’s a day to day struggle just having to wake up and face the day’s ills as a black man in Trump’s America. 

As that kid who wanted to be a superhero from age four or five…I wish I had the lightning-fast speed of The Black Panther, to outrun the bullshit I’m faced with daily. It’s difficult waking up black in a country that doesn’t value or respect me and having the strength, endurance, and durability to carry an entire race on my back as we fight for justice & equality. I wish I could possess the power of his suit (with Vibranium weaved into the fabric) and absorb kinetic energy or energy in motion to use when the weight of the world is on my shoulders daily.

The point I’m making is, Mr. Boseman is yet another jewel our community has lost way too soon.  He touched so many lives at such a young age with his talent.  And he’ll be remembered and treasured for his excellence in the way he portrayed some of our greatest heroes.  We will forever carry you in our hearts and souls, young brother.

Although we’re mourning and may disagree, I guess your work here was done.  Rest peacefully. Wakanda Forever!

-Butch Ford

“A Vicious Cycle” by Butch Ford

/ dabutcha08 / Leave a comment

“A Vicious Cycle” by Butch Ford

I read a post a few months ago, and it read, “If we kill US & if they kill US.  There will no more US.”  That resonated in my spirit, and my soul couldn’t rest.  It inspired me to write about it.  Then you factor in the lives lost to COVID-19, and the lady who posted it was right.  We’re becoming the next endangered species.  I’m appalled, outraged, deeply concerned, and morally defeated.

In broad daylight, Minnesota resident George Floyd, yet another unarmed black man senselessly lost his life to four Minneapolis Police Department officers.  Breona Taylor was slain in her own home during a “no-knock” search warrant executed by the Louisville, Kentucky Police.  And there are several other similar cases too numerous to mention.

Our country has a serious problem, and it’s time to address it.  It’s 2020, and the same social injustices that my grandparents fought about and against 60+ years ago still exist today.  People have had enough.  It’s time for a change.  But where do we start?  The hatred is so deeply rooted in the fabric of America.  Only now, it’s blatant and extremely obvious…plus highly visible to anyone who cares to pay attention.  But we are fighting a losing battle?

The one bright spot in all of this is, several other ethnic groups are protesting and standing alongside African Americans in our fight for equality, this time.  It’s pleasing, and it shows that we aren’t in this battle alone.  Some things have changed since the Civil Rights Movement in the ’60s, and there are still good people in our country. 

My biggest concern is the heinous and senseless black on black crime…we’ll get into that topic later.  But make no mistake about it.  It’s time to stop the mistreatment of minorities and end all racial discrimination once and for all.  We should all be outraged and should demand systematic reform.  What are your thoughts?