I am not sure if many or any of you read the book written by Dr. Carter G. Woodson entitled, "The MisEducated Negro". Which questions 'Has the Negro been miseducated?'. The poignant words of Woodson still resonate in the African American communities through the United States. I'm not going to focus this topic on the book, however, I will discuss briefly the unbelievable illiteracy issues in the African American culture.
After being a faithful member of the social network, Facebook, for over six years I've grown to understand that the illiteracy rates are at an all time high. (Check out a few statuses from your friends list.) Especially, throughout the public schools system. The value of an education is not taken seriously and seems to be disregarded amongst my peers and many others in various age brackets. Looking at statistics is one thing, but viewing reality is another. The thoughts of young African Americans not taking the educational system serious devastates me. As an young adult I have witnessed on several accounts kids skipping school, leaving school early to hang out with their friends, destroy their brain cells with drug use, and asleep while sitting in class.
A few years back at a local public school on the west side of Chicago, I sat amongst a group of "educators". Neither of them were giving a lesson. At the time the students were supposed to be preparing for an upcoming state exam. They all sat gossiping about fellow co-workers and some students. One even blatantly stated, "I'm calling off tomorrow, I don't care about this fucking test. They can all fail for all I care." *I could not believe what I had just heard. I not only felt sympathy for the students, but, also for the public school system as a whole. I could not help but wonder, how many other educators are just there for the money?.
There was a time when our ancestors fought to attend school and some marched for an equality in education. Many had to secretly be taught how to read and write behind closed doors so their masters would not find out. Now present day its a different story. Students are unable to structure a sentence using proper grammar. Taking Pre-Calculus is considered an honors class. Students do not respect, nor, obey their teachers and other school staff. Parents are not actively involved in their child's education. Money is spent on the beautification of the campus and sports, instead on textbooks and other necessary supplies. Test scores are significantly lower than students of other cultures.
Whose to blame for the high illiteracy issues? I personally would blame everyone; parents, students, and the educators. These kids are our future and will be running the world and caring for us one day. Will you step up and help them out or will you sit back and watch them fail at life?
*Note: As an result of the schools low test score, all administrative staff and all teachers were relieved of there duties. The public school board hired all new educators; from the principal down to new P.E. teachers.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sister Grenades
We, The Sister Grenades, know you guys have been missing us. We miss writing for you; our readers. As life and other successful accomplishments have been happening in our lives we have been secretly preparing a few good reads for the coming weeks ahead. We appreciate all of your love and support. We even enjoy the negative feedback we've received as well. In the words of Hugh Prather, "Negative feedback is better than none. I would rather have a man hate me than over look me. As long as he hates me I make a differences."
We know that we're doing something good, according to our statistics.
In the coming weeks be looking forward to:
• The College Days
• Dear Sister Grenades Column
• FB Drama Revealed and more...
We know that we're doing something good, according to our statistics.
In the coming weeks be looking forward to:
• The College Days
• Dear Sister Grenades Column
• FB Drama Revealed and more...
Monday, March 21, 2011
8 Ways to Know You're Being Used
8. Self-Esteem Booster
Maybe your the plus-size friend in the group or even the not so pretty one. But you have the confidence of a super model. However your cute pretty friends grabs you as a go along for every mission ... not because your good friends, but because she stands out. Everyone notices her before you. Then you find yourself in the awkward situation were she's cracking jokes about you later to cover it up with the "I'm just playing" line.
7. Image
Men and women, both, choose beauty over brains, but someone individuals are too stupid to realize it. You're pretty enough to walk the carpet with, but you are told to be quiet and look to part.
6. Best Kept Secret
So you are not known amongst his family and friends. You are just as real as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Everyone in your circles has met him, but you cannot say the least in reference to him.
5. Other Chicks
What is this a polygamy camp? He only spends a small amount of time with you or can only visit you late at night. You've heard through the grapevine that you are just one of many. You are possibly sticking around because you love him, have a child(ren) with him, or you figure since you guy have been dating for years you might as well stay committed.
4. Control
Some men like to be in control. they will find the weakest chick and run over her.
3. Rebound
So you had him once and now you have him every now and again. In between he's in relationships with other women and when those fail who do he go to? You. Because you're the one he can always count on right? hmph!
2. Sex
Ever heard a guy ask if you guys can be just 'friends' with benefits? Or 'my girl don't know what she is doing in the bedroom so I can to you to fulfill my satisfaction'. Yes, these are things my peers tell me about the guys they are sleeping with.
1. MONEY
For the love of money, what people won't do? Their only friends with you because you have the funds to pay for everything. S/He's only dating or sleeping with you because you can help him/her buy a new whip.
Maybe you can SOUND OFF and answer these questions for us ... Are you being used? Do you know someone that's being used and too naive to notice it?
Maybe your the plus-size friend in the group or even the not so pretty one. But you have the confidence of a super model. However your cute pretty friends grabs you as a go along for every mission ... not because your good friends, but because she stands out. Everyone notices her before you. Then you find yourself in the awkward situation were she's cracking jokes about you later to cover it up with the "I'm just playing" line.
7. Image
Men and women, both, choose beauty over brains, but someone individuals are too stupid to realize it. You're pretty enough to walk the carpet with, but you are told to be quiet and look to part.
6. Best Kept Secret
So you are not known amongst his family and friends. You are just as real as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Everyone in your circles has met him, but you cannot say the least in reference to him.
5. Other Chicks
What is this a polygamy camp? He only spends a small amount of time with you or can only visit you late at night. You've heard through the grapevine that you are just one of many. You are possibly sticking around because you love him, have a child(ren) with him, or you figure since you guy have been dating for years you might as well stay committed.
4. Control
Some men like to be in control. they will find the weakest chick and run over her.
3. Rebound
So you had him once and now you have him every now and again. In between he's in relationships with other women and when those fail who do he go to? You. Because you're the one he can always count on right? hmph!
2. Sex
Ever heard a guy ask if you guys can be just 'friends' with benefits? Or 'my girl don't know what she is doing in the bedroom so I can to you to fulfill my satisfaction'. Yes, these are things my peers tell me about the guys they are sleeping with.
1. MONEY
For the love of money, what people won't do? Their only friends with you because you have the funds to pay for everything. S/He's only dating or sleeping with you because you can help him/her buy a new whip.
Maybe you can SOUND OFF and answer these questions for us ... Are you being used? Do you know someone that's being used and too naive to notice it?
"A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf." Unknown
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Holy Bible
Last year in the month of October I made the decision to challenge myself by reading the Bible within one year. No one else, just me, myself and I. I figured hey if I can sit and read a black author written book within one hour, then I can read and study the Holy Bible in less than one year.
Before getting started my thoughts were positive ones. Well, except one; I knew I had to keep an open mind because this book was still written by man. Not only that, it has been translated and interpreted so many times. What I mean by that is the mere fact that most languages cannot be translated completely into another (mainly American English). I have never heard of any negative things about the book. And that is what lead me to strong curiosity about one of the most controversial books in the world.
So after finally opening the book and getting deep into the book of Genesis, I had to stop numerous times because I was in great disbelief at what I was reading. The disbelief lead to a lot of questions. So I called my daddy a few times and he helped me to better understand what I was reading and why. Once finishing the good ol' book of Genesis, I searched through the preface and the entire back portion of the Bible seeking some type of DISCLAIMER. I can tell you that I definitely was not ready for what I was and still am reading.
Reading the Holy Bible is like watching a lifetime movie. There is so much drama and suspense. Sometimes I do not know if I should turn the page or close the book completely. I must admit at one point I did close the book, but then it hit me ... there is a reason why I need to continue reading it. I am gaining so must insight on how life and various cultures were back then. Everything that is written in the Old Testament is like dejavu. We all see it happening right now in present day. I am serious, everything from adultery to incest, slavery to genocide, voyeurism to rape and I can go on.
I personally would recommend everyone to develop and participate in a one year reading plan. There are a lot of churches doing this. Although, there is so much drama and questionable controversy it is a great read. However, I would not recommend children reading the Holy Bible, until they are capable of fully understanding what they are reading.
Monday, March 14, 2011
He Put a Ring On It
Back in October 2008 singer/songwriter Beyonce introduced the world to her hit track Put a Ring on it. Everyone, including men, was grooving to the tune ... If he Liked it, Then he Should Have Put a Ring on it. She gave people the idea that if he wanted the woman to stick around then he should placed a ring her hand. After that we've found so many couples on FB getting either engaged or jumping the broom.
But what happens when that ring isn't all it's cracked up to be?. So he placed the ring on your hand. Later you set a date and the wedding planning begins. He was and still is charming and the most respectful human being you ever met. The big day finally arrives and you guys had the best 7 day honeymoon vacation ever. The entire time you tell yourself it's just too good to be true. He's everything you ever wanted.
The vacation is over and you merge from two separate households into one. Within months that ring begins to become over bearing and much more than you can handle. That ring provider turns out not to be the same man he presented himself prior to nuptials. The ring provider is abusive; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, he is the same man the vowed to never hit or beat on you, nor, mistreat you. He places bruises on you in areas no one will ever see. In the public eye he portrays himself as someone other than the one you lay in bed with at night. So you fear that no one will believe you, not even your children.
Do you stay because you fear for your life? Or do you stay because you have a ring on?
Having a ring doesn't make you a woman, nor does it provide happiness. Real LOVE should never hurt you physically, verbally, mentally, or emotionally.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)
But what happens when that ring isn't all it's cracked up to be?. So he placed the ring on your hand. Later you set a date and the wedding planning begins. He was and still is charming and the most respectful human being you ever met. The big day finally arrives and you guys had the best 7 day honeymoon vacation ever. The entire time you tell yourself it's just too good to be true. He's everything you ever wanted.
The vacation is over and you merge from two separate households into one. Within months that ring begins to become over bearing and much more than you can handle. That ring provider turns out not to be the same man he presented himself prior to nuptials. The ring provider is abusive; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, he is the same man the vowed to never hit or beat on you, nor, mistreat you. He places bruises on you in areas no one will ever see. In the public eye he portrays himself as someone other than the one you lay in bed with at night. So you fear that no one will believe you, not even your children.
Do you stay because you fear for your life? Or do you stay because you have a ring on?
Having a ring doesn't make you a woman, nor does it provide happiness. Real LOVE should never hurt you physically, verbally, mentally, or emotionally.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Dedication to Our Favorite Girl
On this day back in 1968 God blessed the world with the most fabulous gift ever; our Mom (Mother Grenade). Today is her special day and we wanted to dedicate a poem to Our Favorite Girl.
I celebrate you being you,
my extraordinary mother.
You have made such a difference,
created so much good in my life!
I celebrate your smart mothering,
your clever, creative methods
of gently molding your beloved child
into your vision of me:
a strong, capable adult,
an unselfish person of good character.
I celebrate your boundless
physical and emotional energy...
loving me, leading me, supporting me,
lifting me when I fall.
On your birthday, Mom,
I celebrate the best thing about my life...
having you as my mother.
We just wanted to honor her for the woman she is today. Thank You Mother Grenade and most of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Is the Blood on my Hands?
A few years back I used to be cool with a group chicks who were raised under the Protestant Christian faith. After hanging with them a few times I later grew to learned that they were some very promiscuous beings. What tripped me out is the fact that their parents were super religious and sung joyfully for the Lord. Anyways back to them ... these chicks were getting pregnant left and right, but would immediately abort the fetus because they didn't want their parents to find out.
Well, one of the chicks got pregnant by her then boyfriend and decided to abort the fetus because she felt that if she kept the baby she wouldn't be able to go off to college. Although, the then boyfriend wanted her to keep the baby she still went behind his back and did it anyway. She needed someone to go with her and so I did - for moral support. I was being a 'friend' and as much as I am against abortions she needed someone to be there.
All while heading there and even the evening before I did my best to discourage her from doing so. It didn't work and after hours of sitting in the waiting room at a Plan Parent Hood it dawn on me that since I was there supporting her that I am just as guilty as she.
The thoughts of it destroyed me on the inside. I felt as if I was the murderer. I cried for days and later seek counseling from my pastor. During the session I reminder him of the story of Judas when he sold Christ (silly me because he knew the Bible very well) for a few pieces of silver. I explained to him in great detail that my heart was overwhelmed with pain and grief. And I wasn't sure of how to deal with it. He informed me that the blood was NOT on my hands. She along with the doctors, who performed the operation, will have to go before the judge, our lord and savior, for what they have done. He reassured me that I was being just that a 'friend', even though it went against my beliefs, religion, and morals.
Up until that day I ask God to forgive me for even being there in that waiting room. I never thought that that would haunt me as much as it did. I've always heard stories of people who've had it done; many regret it and others are happy about their decision. I personally have always been a pro-life supporter. I believe there is no need to abort the life of someone who did not ask to be created. I look at it like this hey my mom gave me the opportunity to breathe and I will do the same once God blesses me with a few little ones.
I sometimes wonder if my former 'friend' think about it. Do she know that her child could have grown to become a future president, a renowned doctor, a scientist to discover the cure for HIV/AIDS, or billionaire. This world is full of opportunities.
*******************************************************
I am pro-choice. I believe that a woman has the right to choose whether or not she wants to carry a child, give birth, then raise a child. This is not an easy job seeing that I have carried two children. There is a lot to think about in the process of having a baby . Not all women just sleep around and then don't want to take care of the consequences. Some woman actually take the necessary precautions not to get pregnant and whether due to failure of birth control or rape the woman becomes pregnant with a child they do not want.
Now going and getting an abortion knowing full well that when you were in bed enjoying yourself ... no one was protected ... and no one even mentioned protection. That's a messed up reason for aborting a child.
On the other hand, I am also pro-choice because of the fact that some women themselves sometimes have to chose as I once have to either carry the fetus or abort it for their own health. Though I chose to keep my child and deal with the constant doctors appointments, bed-rest and everything else that came along with my child.
However other women may not be that strong or have the health to really carry the baby and their only result is death or abortion. Why would it be ok for any one to tell a woman that choosing herself over the fetus she is carrying is wrong?
Whatever the reason for any woman choosing to abort her child is her own reason; whether for health reasons or even petty reasons it is and should be her own. In the end she will have to deal with the grief or consequence on her own no matter emotional or spiritual. No one or law should be able to dictate a woman's choice to the happenings of her own body.
We know that this is a touchy topic, but what are your thoughts on this situation? Have you ever had an abortion? If so, does it still cross your mind? Do you regret it or are you happy or should I say satisfied with you decision?
Well, one of the chicks got pregnant by her then boyfriend and decided to abort the fetus because she felt that if she kept the baby she wouldn't be able to go off to college. Although, the then boyfriend wanted her to keep the baby she still went behind his back and did it anyway. She needed someone to go with her and so I did - for moral support. I was being a 'friend' and as much as I am against abortions she needed someone to be there.
All while heading there and even the evening before I did my best to discourage her from doing so. It didn't work and after hours of sitting in the waiting room at a Plan Parent Hood it dawn on me that since I was there supporting her that I am just as guilty as she.
The thoughts of it destroyed me on the inside. I felt as if I was the murderer. I cried for days and later seek counseling from my pastor. During the session I reminder him of the story of Judas when he sold Christ (silly me because he knew the Bible very well) for a few pieces of silver. I explained to him in great detail that my heart was overwhelmed with pain and grief. And I wasn't sure of how to deal with it. He informed me that the blood was NOT on my hands. She along with the doctors, who performed the operation, will have to go before the judge, our lord and savior, for what they have done. He reassured me that I was being just that a 'friend', even though it went against my beliefs, religion, and morals.
Up until that day I ask God to forgive me for even being there in that waiting room. I never thought that that would haunt me as much as it did. I've always heard stories of people who've had it done; many regret it and others are happy about their decision. I personally have always been a pro-life supporter. I believe there is no need to abort the life of someone who did not ask to be created. I look at it like this hey my mom gave me the opportunity to breathe and I will do the same once God blesses me with a few little ones.
I sometimes wonder if my former 'friend' think about it. Do she know that her child could have grown to become a future president, a renowned doctor, a scientist to discover the cure for HIV/AIDS, or billionaire. This world is full of opportunities.
*******************************************************
I am pro-choice. I believe that a woman has the right to choose whether or not she wants to carry a child, give birth, then raise a child. This is not an easy job seeing that I have carried two children. There is a lot to think about in the process of having a baby . Not all women just sleep around and then don't want to take care of the consequences. Some woman actually take the necessary precautions not to get pregnant and whether due to failure of birth control or rape the woman becomes pregnant with a child they do not want.
Now going and getting an abortion knowing full well that when you were in bed enjoying yourself ... no one was protected ... and no one even mentioned protection. That's a messed up reason for aborting a child.
On the other hand, I am also pro-choice because of the fact that some women themselves sometimes have to chose as I once have to either carry the fetus or abort it for their own health. Though I chose to keep my child and deal with the constant doctors appointments, bed-rest and everything else that came along with my child.
However other women may not be that strong or have the health to really carry the baby and their only result is death or abortion. Why would it be ok for any one to tell a woman that choosing herself over the fetus she is carrying is wrong?
Whatever the reason for any woman choosing to abort her child is her own reason; whether for health reasons or even petty reasons it is and should be her own. In the end she will have to deal with the grief or consequence on her own no matter emotional or spiritual. No one or law should be able to dictate a woman's choice to the happenings of her own body.
We know that this is a touchy topic, but what are your thoughts on this situation? Have you ever had an abortion? If so, does it still cross your mind? Do you regret it or are you happy or should I say satisfied with you decision?
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