GodS MORNING!

MONDAY was Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Born Day. I didn’t post a blog because I spent the ENTIRE day in deep reflection and contemplation. Since I didn’t post a blog, I know you know that the last posted homework rolled over to yesterday and subsequent days. You have had more than enough work days and a weekend to ideate and complete the same homework assignment. Your homework should be ready to be turned in. This is your last warning. Stand by to await instruction.

Intermittently over the past few days, I’ve crawled into a WonderLandHole, CurledUp, and SnuggledComfortedMyself. I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER. I TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST THEN I TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF MY QUEENDOM.

Rev. Dr. King was born January 15, 1929. He would have been 91 years old if he had not been assassinated on April 4, 1968. Significant controversy remains surrounding his death. In 2004, Reverend Jesse Jackson SR. stated:

The fact is there were saboteurs to disrupt the march. And within our own organization, we found a very key person who was on the government payroll. So infiltration within, saboteurs from without and the press attacks. … I will never believe that James Earl Ray had the motive, the money and the mobility to have done it himself. Our government was very involved in setting the stage for and I think the escape route for James Earl Ray.

A persons’ BORNday says a lot about them. I was born on Feb 23rd which is W.E.B. DuBois’ birthday and annual finale day for the Nation of Islam’s Saviours Day conference. Saviours’ Day is a holiday of the Nation of Islam commemorating the birth of its founder, Master Wallace Fard Muhammad (W. D. Fard), officially stated to be February 26, 1877. February 23rd is a big deal because it’s the final day and Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan always delivers a dynamic and powerful finale.

Growing up learning about Black History Month ICONS and attending NAACP event with my social butterfly, maternal grandmother, I identified that I had the same Bday as WEB. In learning more about his life and philosophies, I knew that I was the Talented Tenth he spoke of and I happily settled into my responsibility of educating and enlightening myself, building leadership skills, and fortifying my backbone.

It wasn’t until Northwestern freshman year that I learned my birthday falls on the Nation Of Islam’s Saviours’ Day Conference finale. A theology grad student and undergrad from Gary, IN who were roommates off campus had adopted me as their little sister. They invited me to go with them as my birthday present to Saviours’ Day to see Farrakhan speak but I refused. I wanted to do something fun on my Bday with my two college girlfriends or maybe I was dating some guy. I assumed someone would plan something fun for me. I don’t remember the particulars, but I remember laying on my pink extra-long twin bed sheets alone and bored. I remember thinking…I should have gone to Saviours’ Day to hear Farrakhan speak who I didn’t know much about. For the next three years, they invited me to Saviours’ Day and I always refused and then regretted it. Having a dead of winter birthday is challenging.  I don’t remember having any fun birthday celebrations at Northwestern where its extra cold being right on Lake Michigan. Every thing and one is frozen, miserable, and cranky. Planning and then going outside to do something for my birthday is very low on totem pole and so easy to forget and dismiss. Having a winter birthday often feels like having no birthday at all. You just add a year to your age, bundle up, and keep it moving. #WinterBabyBlues #MyFirstWorldProblems

You can tell a lot about a person from their birthday. In my illustrious dating career, I have snagged some choice and interesting fish to match my personality as a premium and interesting girl. Remember, I happily settled into my role as DuBois’ Talented Tenth at an early age. I went on my first date in 8th grade. We took the bus to the movies to see Boomerage. He laughed hard at everything. I had no idea what was going on in the movie but it was obvious that he was way more knowledgeable about the sex stuff than I was. He really liked me, but I thought the whole thing was weird and I was confused on why Eddies’ toes stuck up in the bed and why that was soooo funny. After the movie, we went to the toy store in the Ford City Mall so I could buy packs of Beauty and the Beast trading cards. I was so close to completing my collection. We both knew we were a mismatch so we easily, quickly, and quietly returned to just being friends.

Having to traverse from 80th and Constance on the SouthSide to Whitney Young Magnet High School on the WestSideStrongSide #SafetyFirst, helped me mature considerably. I’ve always marched to my own beat, but I love to laugh and make others laugh. Other girls usually think I’m weird so my circle of associates was mainly the fellas. Yes, I’m one of those girls who has mostly male friends. Guys can handle my biting sarcasm and I enjoy hearing their uniquely male perspectives on life. In high school, I ended up dating not one…but two guys with January 15 birthdays.

My first January 15 BORNbaby was in my sophomore year. He was a tall, light-skinned, goofy freshman crushing on my hard. I said I mostly have a cadre of male friends, but for time-to-time, I will align with one or two females who have a similar sense of humor. We’ll kick it hard; being close for years and then something will happen (sometimes I know exactly what happened and sometimes I don’t) and that relationship will end. My “best female girlfriend” at the time would roast this freshman royally and shamelessly subtly preying and laughing at his growing affection for me. He was the first person to stick in my mind that January 15 was King’s birthday so I should never forget his birthday. He was goofy, but super sweet and you gotta admit…the kid had good taste. The most interesting things about this Hyde Park baby was that his father was a Civil Rights Attorney with the NAACP and he was the first person I knew who attended Mosque Maryam highly recommending I go. He had a car and would occasionally drive me to lunch. On Valentine’s Day, he delivered 11 pink roses to my door. Flattered by his persistent courted, I started to see him in a new light. Unbeknownst to me, he was courting me while another was chasing him. She gave him access to her jewel and he told me my kisses were too wet. We soured and he enfolded himself in her bosom. I momentarily mourned what I now had wanted yet lost. But as a student under the tutorship of the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon, I ultimately concluded the universe had decided and I would continue on my solo scholarly sojourn. They were both light and tall. I saw from the bus stop as he drove her home every day as he should. I fix my posture, busied my eyes with distraction, and let the feelings wane. No harm. No foul. I get a call one day…Your boy is in JAIL! WHAT? He’s so goofy. For what bogus police racism? NO…it’s serious. He and his HP crew jacked a car and got caught. WHAT? I thanked the universe that he was not my problem and went back to studying. Different versions swirled around. He returned to school eventually but the rest did not. I was curious…yes nosey…ultimately my compassion directed me. I reached out to him to let him know I was still his friend and praying for him. Surprisingly he unburdened himself to me. Yes they had done it. Yes they were caught. But he was freed on a technicality. When arrested, he told the police his father was a lawyer but they continued to question him. Hound him and the others. When his father got to the station, his lawyer hat flipped on. The police violated his rights so they had to release him. The others not so lucky. The guilt was heavy. My compassion turned to rage. I couldn’t nor wouldn’t hold my tongue. You have a car. Why did you try to steal someone’s car? No good answer. Are you just bored? Stupid? Fucking goofy? The conversation ended that he needed to grow the fuck up and even though I’m pissed I’m still your friend you fucking idiot. He ended up marrying a different classmate and seems happily familied. Alls Well.

My second January 15 BORNbaby was junior year. We met at a party. He was tall, light skinned, broad shoulders, smooth, and funny. But he lived in the far blackfight suburbs of Olympia Fields. His family ran a precious hair care business and their Luster shined bright behind the gated community of MayneGate. Dont remember ever going to his house. His Southern crew loved hanging in the city so they would drop him at my house. I fell hard seduced by the softest lips surprised that distance only increased our attraction. He challenged me with word play, confusing stories, and sophisticated tales. We talked all night and I struggled to fill the air with worth words. His kisses made me tingle. We whispered on the landline with the refrigerator as our soundtrak. He asked for more. I initially was grossed out with his mouthy suggestion but upon further consideration realized I could be open to something more. Our undoing was Baby bell phone math. My parents raged when they saw the phone bill. Long distance love would have to flourish without lengthy conversations. It did not. We did not. But we would run into each other occasionally. Him smile and easy laugh always warmed my heart. I heard you got married and had a family. Then he died. I discovered this in passing and didn’t do the research to fully verify. I don’t want to know. (I wrote this blog on Monday and couldn’t post it. I now know why. I had to confirm if Precious was passed on. I found a post from his sister who I don’t know and have never met. Apologies for posting your FB post without your permission. I pray this is okay. Let me know I you want the post deleted.)

So every January 15th, I think of King’s Birthday and his LEGACY of SERVICE.

I’m moving slow this week and hope Black Chicago is also. This is time for reflection and healing. Call the names of the ancestors.  Tell the funniest signature tales. Black Chicago is on RonaLockdown. Enjoy the down time. You should be well rested. Lets start waking up. The weekend will be litAF…Juneteenth will FINALLY GET A PROPER CELEBRATION AND WE MUST HONOR OUR DADDYKINGS. STEAK AND EGGS…FRANKS RED HOT FOR ALL…I’MA DADDYS GIRL…LOVEMYDADDYCAKES!

FIREWORKS, JUNETEENTH, DADDYSDAY…ENJOY THE WEEKEND CAUSE NEXT WEEK WE GRIND ON THIS NATION BUILDING.

Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/18/20):

1. What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
2. What three things are you planning for today?
3. What three things are you preparing today?

WAIT…Did I hear you say…HEY…Today’s assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It’s the same. Why…you ask? Well, did you do yesterday’s assignments? No…and there’s your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.

I will add this bonus assignment:

GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK

Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I’m raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I’ve included information about PushBlack below.

PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:

We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.

We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.

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With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout

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In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!

Now back to the program:

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