New Year Declarations Of A Young African-American Male

Dear World,

Happy New Year!  I’m young and I like living. This morning my Mom cooked eggs and wheat toast, maybe yours did too. I ate the whole thing and asked for seconds. I was hungry shortly thereafter and she gave me a snack to eat while I played with my toys.  My favorite toy is my Star Wars Millennium Falcon ship. I can play with that all day long. However, I have to do my chores, in between reading and writing. My family loves books.  I’m really trying to convince my parents to get me a dog. I want one so bad. Is your son bugging you for a pet too. I love my Mom and Dad, what would I do without them? What would they do without me? We love each other. I need them. They need me.

Today, the clouds have funny shapes. I saw the shape of a star, a dog, a moving mountain and President Obama. No really, take a look at the clouds sometimes and see what kind of shapes you can create. My mind keeps moving all day long, it wanders sometimes too. I imagine all the things I want to do when I grow up. I want to fly a plane. Well first, I want to fly in a plane, I haven’t done that yet, my cousins have, but Dad says I will soon. They support me in everything I do and want to do. If I can’t do it now, they come up with ways to introduce me to certain careers. Like, I want to be a Scientist, so they bought me a lab coat and science kit for my room. I love art, so I have all the tools I need to create clay creations, paintings, drawings and so much more.

Once I flew a kite right next to a boy my age. He was Caucasian-American. I am African-American and our kites both flew in the air.

Did you know that when I cut my finger, I bleed just like your son?
When I eat to much, my tummy sticks out a little, just like your child.

When playing baseball, if the mud is wet, my foot gets stuck in the dirt too.

When I breathe, my chest goes up and down too.

When I smell, I use the same tool as other children, my nose!

When I listen, my ears are the tools that are being used, just like yours!

When I hear music that I like, my feet dance to the rhythms of Hip Hop, Rock, Blues, and Country too!

When I cry, laugh or sing, those sounds escape through my mouth just like yours!

So please understand, when you walk around not quite understanding why we are sad, mad, or upset when a black young male loses his life, that makes no sense. Let me explain. We are upset for the same reasons you are when you lose someone you love. I hate to ask you to imagine this, but what if it were your child?   When I heard about the two young boys lost as sea (they were white) I cried. I wanted to know more about the search, how could it end with them lost? How could they have been allowed to go out on a boat by themselves? I was mad.

What I can’t understand is why you don’t care or have the audacity to think that we should somehow forget the racism that has never ceased? How you actually live without a concern for the fact that there is an obvious conspiracy to snuff out anything that remotely looks like me is baffling. How can you know that my little fingers grow, just like the little fingers on the hands of your little one’s, but someone wants to harm me and you are not concerned?

I just wanted you to know, that I am more like you, than unlike you. I simply want to grow up and be the best human being that I can be, just like your children.  In my family we have people with Bachelor degrees, Masters degrees and Doctorates too.

I know, somebody, some sensationalized news report that focuses on all the negative about my race has convinced you that my people are bad.  With all of your education (some of you) and intelligence (some of you) and religion (most of you) you have to see through these lies.  All of our contributions to society will not be listed in this blog post, but I encourage you to go educate yourself and be enlightened.  We want to continue to be Presidents like Obama, doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, carpenters, pilots, musicians, artists, philanthropist, astronomers and so much more, just like many of our ancestors and fellow citizens. Did you hear that, citizens. We are citizens too! We helped to build this country.

So, as we open our shores to new immigrants, we have been here and want you to understand that we intend to breathe and live side by side with you on this earth, in these cities that are filled with darkness and hatred toward us, despite all of our contributions. This is our earth too.

I just wanted to appeal to you in this letter and ask that the next time you see me in a store, try not to clutch your purse and know that I am shopping just like you. Try not to cross the street, simply because you spotted my beautiful brown skin walking toward you on the sidewalk. That seat on the bus, next to me, is available, sit down. If you have a tool that can witness ill treatment of me at the hands of authority, use it, you could save a child’s life.  Obama was right you know, Trayvon Martin could have been him and we would have missed all of his amazing contributions to America.

However, if you choose to live in that weird world of sensational and self-inflicted inhibitions toward young African-American boys/men, please do me a favor, leave me alone and let me live. Stay in your cocoon. I have people who love me, who want me around. People who look like me, and some who look like you. I love having me around too and I have big things to do in life, as a full contributing member of society. I am a citizen who is being educated, my Mom and Dad, they are going to make sure that I make something of myself with God as the head of our lives. I wish the same for you and yours, don’t be surprised, I mean that sincerely.

Before you go off and tag this under the angry black male category, I will kindly correct you. This is actually a love letter, sent from me to you, because I love me. This is my declaration. Oh and one more thing, (the media won’t tell you) we love our sisters too, so please pay them the same respect. Happy New Year! Thanks for reading my letter.   I’d like to keep this positive letter going and growing, so please share it and at the bottom you can add to it, in the comments section.    #SayItLoud,SayItProud #TrayvonMartin #TamirRice #SandraBland #BlackLivesMatter #…

I am…

Sincerely,

A Proud, Young, African-American Male

A Proud, Young, African-American Male

 

 

Nicole Cabell

 

Your Christmas Presence Matters

Open up any present this holiday with family by your side and what you’ll find is more than just a gift. Have you ever looked at it that way?  If not, now is a great time to start.  At Christmas, people are about the mission of bringing cheer to others through a card, a gift, a gesture and let’s not forget through food. Getting caught up in the ability to give or not, will sometimes make people feel blue during the holiday. However, I want to share with you just how much your presence matters.

Yes, every family has tension between relatives and yours is probably no exception. However, making a decision to be present for those that love you is priceless. You’ll find someone walking around with a selfie stick this holiday.  They’re creating memories that cannot be replaced.  Time is something that you cannot get back.

Aunts and uncles can light up the lives of little nieces and nephews like no other.  That little one’s run, jump and hug is about more than just the lights and festivities. It is a genuine gesture that they are glad to have you in their lives. You’ve brought them joy with comments about their grades, playing a quick game of basketball and holding their hand as they cross the street. The conversations that you have with them means so much.

Cousins are like sisters and brothers in many families. They are usually the ones who were your age growing up, that you did everything with. If you are feeling down, there’s nothing like a precious memory with a cousin to cheer you up.

If you’re that critical one who has something to say about everything and everybody, keep it to yourself. Think about it, negative views about someone else comes from a dark place inside of you. What you’re doing is harboring negativity.  Since no good comes from spreading gossip; why not try to turn that negative into a positive before the year ends? When you see that person that you’re holding these feelings towards, offer them a smile. Even if you don’t get a smile in return, feel good that you’re trying to change the tides of the relationship. When you consider saying something negative, pinch yourself and keep it inside. That positive energy will do you good.

In your presence, family members and friends can just be themselves. They feel safe. It’s where you can be yourself, if you sincerely try. Someone may arrive with a negative attitude, but go on and offer them a smile, instead of the same cold shoulder. You never know what’s going on in their lives. Your smile could start a positive energy chain throughout the event.

Family gatherings are where the smart, tired, weird, happy, lazy, grumpy and yes, hungry characters in every family convene in one place to let their hair down and relax. So go enjoy yourself and spread some holiday cheer.  If you truly can’t make it, call and let them hear your voice.  Time is getting away from us every second of the day.  This holiday make sure that you cherish every moment, because there’s no better time than now.

Have a Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas everyone!

 

I have been told, “You are sitting on gold with that mind and voice of yours.” So I use it to inspire others. Until next time, I’m Nicole Cabell.

NicoleCabell.com

Peter Pan ~ threesixty Theatre (Chicago)

Three Sixty’s presentation of J.M. Barrie’s, “Peter Pan The Show,” 2011 is a whimsically amusing play, full of child-like actors who throw themselves into  each character.

The music helped to carry the drama of each scene and worked wonderfully against some of the rather bizarre moments for various characters.  For example the mermaids swam through the virtual sea that was literally the air above the crowd, against the sounds of a mystical piece that could have easily been borrowed from the Baroque era.  Meanwhile, the pirates came out from every direction of the exit signs behind the 360 seating arrangements to a loud, robust piece that was a perfect match for their menacing attitudes.

Tinker Bell, Tinker Bell, what can one say?  She was an extreme little brat, exactly the kind that we all read about in J. M. Barrie’s book.  She was annoyingly funny and apparently that is what the writer’s desire, because Emily Yetter gave the role all she had.  Tinker Bell and Peter Pan were a perfect pair.  It was clear the crowd loved her, by the bellows of laughter that would come from her frequent antics, or to be quite honest pouting.

Peter Pan was believable too. Ciaran Joyce played the role of Pan well as he displayed the careless spirit of a boy who never wants to grow up, live eternally as an existentialist in a world of fantasy and youth.

Amidst the cast of memorable characters was Wendy who was a convincing mother, especially in moments where you were reminded of her strength when the boys would not listen to her and she had to announce who held the authority.

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The play was an incredible delight to watch as, the aerial performers/actors who played the lead roles, including Wendy’s brothers alternated between the physical stage to the heights of the ‘Sky’.  The imagination of the audience became lost in the illusion of flight thanks to the multi-million dollar, surround image screen projecting revolutionary 3D landscapes that whizzed by.  The aerial feats and acting of the flying performers were timed perfectly as they dove and rose to meet the special effects, as well as interacting with each other. You really believed they were flying.  There were many impressive acts, like the deep-sea diving mermaids. That sequence was well played by the actors who through their performance acted as if they were in actually in the water.  Just when you thought you’ve seen, heard, felt, witnessed it all, the characters just fall (sometimes head first) through the floor and spring into action, as the next set opens up from under the stage ground, lol, literally!!!

There was not a poor performance of the night. From the funny, dastardly pirates and the main villain, the vain, self-engrossed Captain Hook, played by actor Steven Pacey who also  played Mr. Darling, to Tiger Lily’s rather interesting appreciation dance (you have to see it to understand), this play was full of memorable characters.

Threesixty’s presentation of J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan was an excellent family affair full of excitement, drama, humor and creativity. Don’t be like Captain Hook and wait until the clock stops ticking, because then it will be too late. Grab your tickets and go enjoy a wonderful evening. J

“Peter Pan The Show” continues through Aug. 21 at the threesixty Theater at the Tribune Freedom Center along with onsite parking at 700 W. Chicago, $15.00 car.  For more information you can call 888-772-6849.  Groups of 15 or more call Broadway in 1 888-772-6849 7 days a week, 10am-6pm.

Julia Rahn and Flourish Studio -UIC Civic Engagement

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW

Click on the Photo to hear the interview or click here.

In 2007 Dr. Rahn, opened Flourish Studios, a mental health center that integrates various therapeutic efforts and resources under one roof. Flourish Studios emphasizes Positive change through Education, Art, and Resources.

Dr. Julia Rahn is our latest interview in the UIC, Institufe For Policy and Civic Engagement series (IPCE).

She too epitomizes that wonderful spirit of Civic Engagement and we hope that you have been enjoying our series.  If you have not heard the other interviews, please go back and take a listen.  All of them can be found on IPCE’s facebook fan page here.

Thanks for all your listens and prepare again to be Civically Engaged while Chicago Radio host, Nicole Cabell asks Dr. Rahn a few questions.

Director of UIC’s IPCE is Joe Hoereth, Director. of Marketing and Communications, Norma Ramos , Photography/Co-Engineer  Ced Pharaoh and Chicago Radio President/Host Nicole Cabell is conducting the interviews.

UIC Institute on Policy and Civic Engagement: Innovators in Civic Engagement

Benny Montgomery, Constituent Services Representative, has worked for the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 28 years. For the past 14 years, he has been focusing in HIV/AIDS funding for the State of Illinois. In addition to helping the state and the city of Chicago receive various grants, Ben helped to create a lottery ticket where 100% of the net proceeds benefited organizations providing HIV prevention education and services for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Joe Hoereth is Director of UIC’s Institute On Policy and Civic Engagement & Norma Ramos is the Director of Marketing and Communications.

CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW TO BE DIRECTED TO THE CIVIC SOURCE PORTAL AT UIC

Photo By at 360BEYOND.com (Click on Photo to Go To UIC Civic Source)

ONE HOUR TEES – Portrait Of An Artist / Chicago Artist Month Highlight

Less than four hours before an event begins, the flyers are done, the conference room is set, tickets have been sold and the audience is on their way in various cars, planes and trains to get to your event.  Suddenly you remember, I forgot to get T-Shirts with the company logo on it! You make a mad dash to the phone book and nobody can fulfill your request that fast.  Then a little feather falls from the sky, you tickle your nose and look down at the feather on the ground and right next to the feather is a promo card for OneHourTees.com.   OneHourTees is a Custom T-Shirt design company located at 3056 N. Oakley in Chicago.  Chicago Radio took time to get to know what it takes to be one of the industry leaders in the T-Shirt design business and how it all got started.

Ryan, who has a background in Multimedia Communications, started OneHourTees.  With the help of a few friends, he started printing OneHourTees for various school districts and now OneHourTees prints for over 250 schools!  That’s a lot of T-Shirts!  While OneHourTees does not have a motto, they’re the fastest t-shirt printer in Chicago.  Some of their noted big name clients are WGN, Target, T-Mobile, Comcast, Verizon, YMCA, Lingerie Football League, Chicago Police Department to name a few.

What sets OneHourTees apart from the competition?  According to Ryan, “Most companies price t-shirts on quantity, amount of colors or number of letters.  OneHourTees has no limits and only price t-shirts based on turnaround time.” He adds, ”That since we have Direct-to-Garment printers it allows us to print full color images in a matter of 20 seconds.”

Chicago Radio asked, “How do you do deliver t-shirts in one hour?”

“Without giving away my secrets, it’s about as simple as printing a piece of paper out of your home printer. You just load up the image, hit print on the computer and it sends it to the t-shirt machine. Once you load the t-shirt onto the printer you just hit the button and its done in a matter of seconds. Since we are one of the only companies in Chicago that uses this technology, printing t-shirt is much easier for us than it is for most Screen Print shops in Chicago.”

Ryan has a passion for creativity and unique art.  Using t-shirts as a canvas, he enjoys printing customers’ creations and seeing their faces when they see the finished product.  If you have always been artistic and would like to see your ideas, why not wear your art. Contact Ryan at ONEHOURTEES and place your order! Make sure you tell them CHICAGO RADIO referred you!

OneHourTees.com

1-800-481-TEES

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