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The Boondocks’ LaMilton Taeshawn Part II

I had to go back to the drawing board on this situation. My initial instinct was to have a WTF reaction – not at The Boondocks’ spoof of the Latarian Milton – but at the boy himself.  After all how many 7-year old children have the absolute nerve to steal grandma’s car and go on an under-age driving rampage AND not be publicly reprimanded by somebody? Not many.

But I realized that within my reaction came a criticism – about my people, this child, and ultimately myself as a parent. Too often I find Black folks blasted in the media for ignorant behavior, and instead of pointing another finger, I want to understand why THIS boy is getting so much face time. Is it because a 7-year old stealing a car is truly something out of this world? Or does Latarian represent something greater? Instead of using Latarian as an example of why and where we must improve as a people, let’s ask ourselves what is it about this boy that makes him commodifiable. After all, if he’s getting face time on TV, he’s getting paid. To dissect this, I must reorient how you view his video footage, so here goes.

First, here is the real news story that introduced us to Latarian Milton in April of 2008:

The first thing that struck me about this video is Latarian’s honesty. From this brief interview we learn there is an issue with mom, grandma is raising him, and there is no mention of Latarian’s father.  Keep all of these factors in mind and keep watching.

Two weeks later:

How did the news find out about this? Did Walmart call the police or is the media stalking Latarian Milton?

Here is another interview with Latarian in June of 2008. Notice his tone and body language, and really listen to what the cop says at the end:

By now Laterian is tired of explaining why he took grandma’s car. It’s such an obvious cry for attention that it doesn’t warrant repeating. Notice how the reporter plays up Latarian’s disregard for the people who he could have hurt that day and how that leads into the cops’  admission of  pressing charges to “get him into the system” because “obviously this is unusual behavior for a 7-year old” and little Latarian needs to be evaluated and treated. I’m wondering, what is Latarian’s fate if at 7 he already has a record and is being labeled as a danger to society?

Flash-forward to an interview done two months later:

Now, Latarian stays in the news, but this time it’s because he’s about to make his Hollywood debut. Are Judge Judy’s ratings that low these days? Notice how the reporter mentions the show’s producers encouraging grandma, Latarian, and the phantom mom to participate. How much of that encouragement do you think came with pictures of dead presidents on it? But again, what is the point of all this? Why? To help Latarian “get a new life, and move on” as he desires? I’m frustrated with grandma because she let those dollar signs speak to her – her smile says it all.

This year, Latarian was launched onto Comedy Central. (Couldn’t embed the link thanks to copyright, but PLEASE click on Comedy Central!)

I’m all in for a good laugh, but really what is the point of this 7-year old boy teaching this grown white man how to do hoodrat stuff? What does that even mean? And when Latarian really does grow up and tries to make a name for himself, will he be able to come out from under the “hoodrat” umbrella? Or do we already believe and accept that this child is not capable of being anything other than just that?

Thankfully Aaron McGruder and the Boondocks team saw something in Latarian, and more importantly in the media representation of Latarian, worth commenting on:

I can get behind what I believe McGruder’s intent is here. It’s pretty ludicrous to mislabel a child as a sociopath when the child is clearly begging for attention, but by doing so you write the child’s future for them. Through one really awful and childish mistake, Latarian spent his 15 minutes as the “hoodrat” representative. His real mistake – stealing the car – seems so small in comparison to him teaching Tosh.0 how to really be a hoodrat two years later. And as for grandma participating in that sketch? No disrespect to the elder, but she could take a lesson from Boondocks’ Grandpa and not spare the rod.

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A Fight at the Beach

I recently turned 19 and in celebration I had a bonfire at Dockweiler beach. About 15 of my closest friends came to celebrate and of course I was joined by a portion of my large family. My little cousins (the oldest being 7 and the youngest 2), my older cousins, aunt, uncle, and even my grandmother attended. Needless to say we were enjoying ourselves in celebration of my 19 years alive and healthy.

My mom’s side of the family is from Belize and my dad’s side is from Mississippi. My family doesn’t play into the stereotypes that exist about black families:  we don’t drinks, gang bang, fight, or smoke. With this being said of course we were completely caught off guard when we heard yelling and screaming while we were playing in the sand. When I turned around I immediately covered my mouth in awe because the sight was heart breaking. There it was a young black male and a young Latino FIGHTING in the middle of the beach. I was stunned! As I watched it felt like my family was fighting each other.

As Blacks and Latinos we are both offered the short end of the stick in America and the last thing we need to do is fight each other. We should work together to be offered the same end of the stick that other people are offered. Black is working together for a common goal. Black is setting a positive remodel for kids to look up to. Black is NOT senseless fighting and unnecessary embarrassment.

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Target Shoppers: Support Black Business!

As I was walking through the toiletry aisles of my local Target, I had to do a double take: on the shelves sat one of my favorite hair products of all time – Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding.

I use to have to send off for Miss Jessie’s products from New York, and luckily I stocked up on my last trip there, but to have it in my local Target is too good to be a true – and a MAJOR business move for the sisters that created the product.

Labeled, “The Best Darn Curl Cream Period”, I can personally endorse this product for natural hair, especially for twists-outs and braid-outs. For naturally curly-haired folks, this product will enhance your natural curls to the fullest, while keeping your hair moisturized and smelling wonderful.

Find Miss Jessie’s products in your local Target stores today!

*Photo by Kesha Lambert

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BE A FATHER…

“Be a father if not why bother son, A boy can make ’em but a man can raise one.”

Wise words by a young rapper at the time, Ed OG (and Da Bulldogs). I wish more men actually listened to the lyrics, while they were boomin in their jeeps.

Today, in the United States, about 40% of babies are born to unmarried women.  Obviously some of those children have fathers in the picture; dedicated, loyal, devoted fathers for whom the lack of a marriage certificate makes no difference in their desire and ability to be enthusiastic parents. (Similarly, there are married fathers who are disinterested and uninvolved parents despite their married status).  But the truth of the matter is that kids need dads.  All the time, not just on Father’s Day.

I, for one, grew up without my father in the house (or in the state for that matter), and as I get older I sometimes wonder if having him around would have made a difference for the better. I love my dad, and have no ill will towards him, and I know he loves me, but we honestly have no real relationship. It’s kinda the “see ya when I see ya” that you may have with a certain friend.  It’s all love when we get together, but other than that he’s on the back burner of my thoughts. Barack Obama didn’t have his father and he is now our President. My best friend growing up had both his parents in the house, and he got into gangs and was in and out of prison. But there are some statistics to support having a “good” father figure around.

Having an active, committed, loving father makes growing up a lot easier: It means a child is less likely to drop out of school, less likely to be poor, less likely to spend time in jail, less likely to commit suicide, and less likely to be sexually active at a young age.  Kids who are close to their dads feel loved and cared for.  They have better self-esteem and a better sense of emotional (and physical) security.  Fathers provide guidance and discipline, are an important male role model, and another caring adult to share the responsibility of parenting.  Growing up with a father makes an enormous difference in the life of a child, and in the life of man.

So take the time to be a dad.  There’s a lot more to it than getting someone pregnant or buying diapers now and then.  And if you aren’t ready to be a dad, which is perfectly okay and understandable – then be a man and use a condom. BIG shout out to all the dads holding it down, and being around, and staying involved in your child’s present as well as future.

Happy Father’s Day.

-Mr.CEO (Dad)

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Black Is… What I Say it Is.

Black is a part of my culture. I am multiracial; both my parents are mixed with black. Mom is black, white and hispanic. Dad is black and white. According to the “One-drop Rule” embedded in our psyche during times of slavery, I am black. These genetics make up my race, and my race is one aspect of my culture. The fact that I have family reunions, enjoy fried chicken and drive with my music bumpin’ has less to do with the color of my skin than it does my cultural experiences. My culture is also defined by my age, family, spirituality, geography, gender and economic status.

Certain people assume that if you are black then you look, think and behave like all other people that look like you. Due to a lack of education, people of all races begin to believe these stereotypes and perpetuate them. There’s an old saying that goes “if you stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything.” People who are not grounded in culture are more likely to buy into the medias depiction of what Black Is.

Black Is a site dedicated to the black experience. We are all black and our perspectives are unique to our experiences. We are from different generations, religions, genders and family backgrounds yet we also have similarities. No sole entity can define what Black Is; you decide what black is to you. Sources like BET, Bossip and other national publications do nothing more than brainwash people into believing what black is to them. My hope is to replace the medias depiction of what Black Is by showcasing the black experience is so much more than poppin’ bottles and booty. Black Is a devoted wife and mother. Black Is a struggling college student. Black Is a loving father. Black Is an aspiring musician. Black Is what I say it is.

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LA Kids: Prince vs. MJ Party

There are some parties in LA that one can’t miss: The Wonderfull Party hosted by DJ Spinna (Stevie Wonder all night long!) and ANY Prince vs. MJ party, although Spinna’s is legendary. I can’t vouch for this DJ, but my blackness requires that I pass the info on. Besides, how can you go wrong with the playlist? This invite just hit my facebook inbox – be there or be assed out!

The Prince versus Michael Party: A Purple Thriller w/ DJ Tendaji Lathan

When: Friday, June 18, 2010 at 8:00pm

Where: Royal/T Art Gallery, 8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

Occasionally, an event of cosmic proportion immerses our collective consciousness. On June 18, as the Summer’s steamy embrace reacquaints us with golden memories, one such event soars toward our galaxy. Gliding across the decades at an agile pace, you’ll be enveloped by the essence of the King of Pop and seduced by His Royal Badness. At the very moment you confront the majestic edifice that is Royal/T (www.royal-t.org), you’ll be enamored with the aura and allure of Celestial beings in your midst.

DJ Tendaji Lathan will be spinning from the extensive collection of danceable hits, collaborations, and covers from Prince and Michael Jackson. This includes Prince produced songs, the Jackson family, and more all night long.

Prolific artistry. Priceless personalities. Michael and His Majesty; partying at the speed of sound…

Brought to you by Darnell Holcomb

Cover Charge is $10 before 10:30PM and $20 thereafter. Upscale attire is required. RSVP to shovision@yahoo.com.

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Closed Doors

As humans, why are we quick to find flaws in any and everything that crosses our paths good or bad? Even worse, why do we wait to realize what we had was good, when it’s already gone? Why is it so hard for us to just enjoy what we have in front of us instead we find ways to make ourselves miserable then complain about it? We need to step back and look at everything in a different lens. Instead of wishes for the love we see on TV, be happy for what you have now because tomorrow isn’t promised. Helen Keller once said “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” And in the end if you are absolutely convinced that whatever you had is better than what you can ever have go for it, just make sure you checked the other door first.

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BLACKis ONLINE: MERC80.COM

I love a good blog. I’m more likely to peruse the pages of blogs for news since, as art is concerned, primetime news is rarely giving face to the issues and people I care most about. And when I discover a blog that showcases something I love and brings critical convo to the table, I’m all in – and I pass it on.

Meet Merc80.com. More about the brother behind the blog later; but for now consider this a resource for good underground artists interviews (especially for us LA kids), smart commentary on this music industry, and big love to good artistry in general.

Check out his most recent entries: interviews with Brook D’Leau and Miss Jack Davey of the bad-ass music duo J*Davey.

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Black Is… Me

I recently finished college and I’m told this is where my life begins. I have the world at my fingertips and can do whatever I put my mind to… I agree with this cliché statement to a degree but as a young Black woman in America, I know better. My “life” began a long time ago– I would say at the age of three. I became a big sister and my mother became a single parent. I had to grow up very quickly. My younger brother became my responsibility when our mom wasn’t at home. I didn’t complain. I understood my new role, and took it on proudly. My story is typical of many African Americans who grew up in single parent homes. I didn’t have time to dream big because I had to act quickly. When our mother was not home, I had to make parental decisions for my brother and I. I wouldn’t put that type of responsibility on any child but I can say that I am a better person for my experiences. Things never came easy for us but our mother never let us see her worry. To say that my life begins now is to throw away all the valuable life lessons of my childhood  and adolescence. These lessons got me where I am today so I refuse to do that. These experiences have helped me to deal with very difficult situations easily. I’ve learned how to “turn those lemons into lemonade” as the popular saying goes. As a people, we have been doing this since we involuntarily set foot on this land.

My story is one of many that make up the Black experience. Each of us handles what life deals us differently. What binds us is our history and culture. Our history is often sugarcoated and hidden. Our culture is often duplicated and seldom acknowledged. We continue to challenge stereotypes and even fall victim to them—but I digress. Black Is, the magazine, is a celebration of our experiences. It is a representation of the complexities that make up our daily lives. My hope is to bring the good, the bad and the ugly while posing questions to make you think and offering correctives to encourage action. What it means to be Black in America pertains to the individual. Black Is overcoming adversity and doubt in the face of struggle. Black Is determination and pride. Black Is beautiful. Black Is me.