Before I get started I would like to take a moment to thank all of my peers for voting and stating your position. It is our responsibility to help define our future, instead of sitting back and allowing our elders to be the only voice heard. Furthermore, I want to say that I do not intend to offend anyone and if I do, I’m sorry. This will not be a long note and I will not fill it with fluff and meaningless information, so here we go. The following is a list(short list) of the things I won’t do regarding the recent outcome of the 2008 presidential election.

1. I WILL NOT boast and brag. Though there is an extraordinary amount of pride and triumph that fills my spirit (feelings for my parents and grandparents that I can’t even describe) because Obama’s victory, it is not my responsibility to run around as if I am any better than the next person. Yes African-Americans/Black People often times start in a hole, and once again, we have proven that kicking us, beating us, and even killing us is/was not enough to kill the spirit as strong as ours. Period.

2. I WILL NOT argue with McCain supports about the negative impact they believe President-Elect Obama will have on our economy, education system, energy policies, foreign policies, or any other issues. At this point we all, especially Christians, should CONTINUE to pray for our leadership regardless of their color. Furthermore we should all stay centered and work to find ways to make our local communities, including our families and homes, safer, smarter, more accountable and more politically sound. Period.

3. I WILL NOT let you take my joy. I am proud that for the 3rd presidential election I have been a part of, I can stand up and say that my choice actually won (I would continue to vote regardless of the outcome, so do not be discouraged if your candidate didn’t win). My first voting experience was not a pleasant one, and the second wasn’t any better, so I will not let ANYONE take this moment away from me. If you try, I WILL take it personal. Period.

4. Finally, I WILL NOT be satisfied. For African Americans and Blacks, Barack Obama’s election is not the finish line, rather a milestone. I will admit that this a huge milestone, but not the last. With that said I will say this. As a black man I will continue to hold ALL men responsible for their actions, and for black men you officially have NO excuses. Let’s focus on supporting one another,investing in one another, including Obama, and work to get our families, homes, and communities back in order. Obama can’t do it alone. Period.

I could go on, and on, but I just wanted to take a moment to define my intentions so that I can set the record straight and establish a line of expectation. With the line now drawn, I’ll say these final words. If; I ignore you when you attempt to argue, defend my joy when you attempt to take it, continue to support my friends, neighbors and family in the failures and success or shake my head in disappointment when you(Men of ANY color) let our families, neighborhoods or communities down, know this. You have been told. This election means more to this country than many can fathom, and the major issues that plague our country right now, have NOTHING to do with color. We are all citizens of this country and WE should stand up and act like it, and it all starts with self. Period.

Be blessed, I love you, and thanks for tuning in.

In other news, this is the best birthday I’ve ever had, because I’ve been blessed to experience it with you in my life.

-Justin

I would like to say congratulations to my friends Chris and Sydney as they were recently engaged and are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of their lives. NO not marriage, planning the wedding! LOL!

Anyway I will check back in soon with a little more umph… sorry to leave you hanging.

To the newlyweds I would like to say congratulations. I know God will fill your lives with an abundance of blessings. I also want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a special occasion. We all enjoyed ourselves and it felt good to be a part of something that meant so much to so many people. We laughed, we cried, we danced, and we danced some more. I pray that you have a safe and relaxing honeymoon, and we all can’t wait for your return.

Be Blessed, and again congratulations!
-J.

I just wanted to share something with you, as you make that transition from “Job A” to “Job B,” or move into a relationship where you feel equal and treated as part of whole. This was written by a good friend of mine, who wanted to share a few words about relationships, purpose and the pursuit of your passion. Read on and tell me what you think.

In life, business and relationships your greatest asset is vision.

Your biggest liability is Doubt.

Doubt is conquered by taking the steps that your vision has brought you to.
Many times I’ve felt like being busy was the most important things to do and the key to success.

Conversations would begin with the question “what’s up man? What’s going on?”

And I would always answer, “man staying busy just making it happen”. I thought that’s what made a person successful. One day I asked myself the question, “what is it to be busy if you’re not working toward your purpose?” I knew then that being consumed with the “hustler” mentality was not bringing me personal fulfillment, which is true success. All it did was earn the validation that I sought from my peers. Many times people can be so busy performing for the world that they don’t take the time to see the vision that God has deposited into their spirit. Success in relationships, business, life etc. can be simple. Seek the vision, sketch the blueprint and follow through. I use to always hear wealthy men say “the key to a great business is a great business plan.” Your vision is that business plan; use it. Faith is your strongest tool and “follow through” is the best strategy.

-L. Norsworthy

What do you think? Are you implementing your business plan with the right tools, are you executing your divine strategy?

I want to say congratulations to one of my best friends as he and his wife celebrates their brand new arrival. Ladies and gentlemen say hello to Tyler Alexander. PW:taw08

On the lighter side of things I did get a chance to see Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna and N.E.R.D. this past weekend and I can honestly say that the show was spectacular. Lupe brought the swag, and Rihanna was pretty (of course), N.E.R.D rocked the house and probably got some new fans, and of course there is Mr. West. Kanye’s gift was a dazzling one-man-show, with a single cameo from Lupe, that told a very creative and imaginative story. His performance was theatrical to say the least, as he told the story of space traveler and his quest to get home. His journey took you through space and time as he presented the best of the best, performing songs from all three albums. The thing that touched me the most however, was his tribute to his Mother that fit seamlessly into the show just how much energy and emotion he puts into his music and craft. Regardless of what the press and media may say, Mr. West you get an A+ from me. Bravo!

Oh and before I forget I must tell you that the concert was star-studded. It was clear that some of Kanye’s colleagues are fans as well as; Mary J, Musiq, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Jermaine Dupri, Chaka Zulu, and the great Quincy Jones were all there to see the show. I was told there was others, but it’s clear that everyone was there to see Kanye.

Well that’s it for now and my apologizes on the delay. I hope that everyone is doing well and if you went to the concert and want to share pics, please send them along and I will post them here.

Peace,
Justin

Be Blessed!

*Updated 2/24/2008
You can now register for e101 by clicking the link below.
http://bbigonline.com/ignite/events/e101

Please listen, as I have a few things to say. I know that we have done you little justice, and to be honest we have fallen short of your expectation, and have even questioned your purpose. We have degraded ourselves, and abandoned our beliefs. We have made attempts to make ourselves better, but the truth is we have created more ways to poison ourselves than to uplift ourselves. Furthermore, we are poisoning our communities and have left little for those that will come after us. I am sorry, but I would like to take this opportunity to recommit myself to you, and my community.

I promise to search for my identity that was stripped away hundreds of years ago. I promise to dismiss the stereotypes that have precluded me, and rise up beyond the voids of yesteryear. I promise to not allow the gap between my elders and my generation to increase. I promise to not settle for what society deems to be the path of a black man. I promise to respect; myself, black women, my elders, and my community. I promise to embrace Black History Month, and to use it as an opportunity to learn more about my heritage, my history, my beliefs, my identity and the legacy you left me, so long ago. To Black History Month and those that came before me, this is my vow to you.

Love,
Justin Dawkins