Faith in Action

…but he was killed by staffers at the Bowling Brook School. After six guards suffocated him in a face down position until he asphyxiated, they threw him in the snow thinking that the cold would revive him. They waited 41 minutes before calling 911.

No one has been charged with anything related to Isaiah’s death. This is, in fact, state-sanctioned murder. Execution without trial, jury, or the due process of law. Execution without a last meal. A final phone call. A final family visit. A final meeting with his daughter.

As Dr. Joy Leary would say, they removed the dissonance that would naturally erupt in any human’s soul by making Isaiah non-human. For if he were human, then outcry would be heard from all quarter’s of humanity. If he were human, mothers would be moved with compassion to advocate alongside Isaiah’s couragous mother, Felicia. If he were human, his murderers would be arrested and charged. If he were human, other human beings would give a damn about what happened and wouldn’t rest until all children were protected, loved, and nourished in ways that would help facilitate the realization of their fullest potential.

But they’ve made Isaiah a non-human. A thing. A monster. An object. Just another poor Black boy from a poor Black family who made some mistakes and probably got what he deserved.

Though the Department of Juvenile Services had oversight of this youth correctional facility, even they have escaped accountability.

Isaiah was murdered by those who were responsible for his safety.

In this sad and tragic case, the Empire of Maryland has decided, rehabilitation looks like death.

Happy Birthday, Isaiah.

Teen Summit is back on BET! Well, not really, but that’s what it looked like last night. Rapper T.I.P., the self proclaimed “King of the South”, was on a real humble tip - introspective deep thinking and all that as he talked to Toure’ about his recent troubles with the law and upcoming 1 year jail time for having unregistered machine guns and being a felon in the possession of firearms. Before he hits the jail cell though he has to spend 1,000 hours talking to youth about the “pitfalls of guns, gangs, and drugs.” T.I. copped a plea deal because he was about to do some MAJOR time. Rappers are going to jail these days. Ya’ll betta clean it up. Those corporations will back you as long as you pimp your people with your lyrical poison, but the minute you slip up - those commercial deals are gone! T.I. rounded out the “public service announcement” by giving a shout out to God and sharing how this whole experience I.E. - hitting rock bottom, doing jail time, and not seeing his wife and 5 children for a year has brought him closer to The Almighty. Let’s pray that his music reflects his revelation upon his release.

Not only did T.I. do some community service with the interview, but I’m sure it was an attempt by BET to get some positive imaging as well. “Black Evil Television” is reeling as people across the nation are saying “Enough is Enough!” [DID YOU CALL Proctor & Gamble YET?] Bloggers are having a field day with CEO of BET, Debra Lee, and President of Entertainment, Reggie Hudlin as a report by the Parents Television Council confirmed what many of us already knew. BET broadcasts instances of sex, violence, profanity, and/or obscenities every 38 seconds! Debbie & Reggie -these two “leading Blacks” are still attempting to justify the objectification of women, glorifying of violence, and debasing of Black Culture by basically saying, “We just play the videos, we don’t make them” which is the equivalent of drug dealers on North Avenue saying, “We just sell crack, we don’t fly it over here.” We ain’t buying it, Debra. You and all the other capitalistic opportunists who work for you are culpable in the destruction of your own people, but at least ya’ll keep us on beat as we dance to the tune of our own demise.

BY THE WAY - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FOLKS…WATCH THE TWO BANNED EPISODES OF THE BOONDOCKS CARTOON ABOUT BET! Episode 1 and Episode 2 are here. Watch it fast before “they” pull it. Youtube has already banned it. In the words of The Joker, “THEY CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!” Thanks Common Sense.

Next - and this will be very quick because I’m sure they’re watching me too….

I have a sneaky suspicion that the so-called “DC Madam,” Deborah Palfrey did NOT commit suicide. I do not think it is ironic that early last year, one of the female escorts who worked for Palfrey’s escort service was also found dead by hanging and the official report was that she committed suicide. Now Palfrey commits suicide by hanging as well! When she gave indications to those around her that she was being followed and that there was a contract out on her life! Sorry - in the words of Jay-Z: “I don’t believe you. You need more people!” Palfrey must have had some major dirt on some politicos in Washington. They needed her to enter the bright white light quick.

IN LOCAL NEWS:

I have to speak at a Baltimore City High School today and I don’t feel like giving the white-washed, prepackaged, nicely manufactured speech. I’m tired. They need the truth. The “Sunday School” speech I.E. stay in school, don’t you be no fool, learn the golden rule, just say no and don’t have sex just isn’t working. About 100 students will be packed in a room for about 45 minutes to listen to me. The least I can do is tell them the truth.

THE TRUTH:

I’m sure other things will come out as well. I may get kicked out of the school, but hey - they need an adult to confirm what they already feel and know deep down on the inside. They may not be able to articulate it, but they know it.

In case “they” read this too and their worry prompts them to make plans for me, let me give my DC Madam Disclaimer:

I HAVE NO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS - NO REASON TO COMMIT SUICIDE - I AM LOVING MY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS - PASTOR SANDERS TOLD ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE THAT IF PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE THEY GO STRAIGHT TO HELL AND I DON’T WANT TO GO TO HELL - I HAVE PLANS FOR TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY AND THE NEXT - I GET PAID NEXT WEEK - TOO MANY OF MY PEOPLE WERE HANGED I WOULD NEVER END MY LIFE WITH A NOOSE, A BULLET, A KNIFE, AN OVERDOSE, OR A JUMP OFF OF A BRIDGE!

Now if something happens and I’m not around anymore and the official report says I committed suicide - ya’ll betta raise all kinds of trouble to find the truth. Don’t let me go out like that. Make ‘em pay or they’ll come for you next!

Six years ago I proudly walked across the stage of Morgan State University with psychology degree securely in hand.

Six years later I’m returning to Morgan State University’s Graduation Stage, but this time as a participant in the 132nd Commencement Exercises. I will be offering the Invocation and Benediction for this grand occasion on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

I am deeply honored to share in the celebration and life transition of thousands of my fellow Bears. Morgan State was indeed a gateway to opportunity and a stairway to excellence for me. I learned so much about myself, my culture, and my people. I will always champion an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for African American students over any “Ivy League” school. Only a HBCU can give an African American college level student the type of grounding that is needed to attain levels of academic superiority with mastery of cultural understanding (knowledge of self).

I owe Morgan State University so much (not financially though - thank God for that academic scholarship. I had so much scholarship money they were paying me to go to school!). The least I can do is come back and lead my Morgan family in prayer and offer a final blessing.