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Millennial Flaws

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We live in a society that pushes perfection in such an imperfect world. It seems as if many millennials believe more in the lies they tell themselves to fit in than in the beauty of their true flaws.

Truth is we all have flaws and insecurities that we are forced to deal with every day. Some flaws are more noticeable than others. Some flaws aren’t visible to the human eye. Either way flaws are flaws until you learn to love them completely, you will develop self hatred.

It seems that our generation is more concerned about what everyone else is going to think of them instead of being content with their true self—knowing oneself. And honestly, in my opinion I believe that’s where are biggest problem lies.

The mirror becomes a scary place because we may not like the things we see. We may not like our shape, skin complexion, teeth, or natural hair. So every time we look in the mirror, the reflection that stares at us becomes a stranger. We begin to care less about ourselves because we don’t necessarily love what we see.

But what would happen if we took the time to really love on ourselves? And I don’t mean just catering to our outward appearance. I mean what if we really learned how to love ourselves and every flaw inside of us.

Sounds a lot more easier said than done but what if we took the time to get to know the real us? It may sound complex but it’s so necessary. It can be a bit intimidating to some but well worth it.

I often think of how powerful we, as a people, would be if more of us were dedicated to self improvement. Perfection is far fetched for human nature, but progression simply takes action.

Getting to know you is a process. In fact, it’s a constant journey. Everyday you are evolving. But the question is are you evolving into something that you want to be or are you evolving in the wrong direction?

Only you have the answer and only you are in control. It’s up to you to begin the process of self love and it starts with taking the time to know yourself.

If you were asked to name 10 things you love about yourself, how long would it take you? Do you know your inner strengths as well as your weaknesses? What are the things that you don’t like about yourself and how can you change it, if possible.

The things that we cannot change we must accept. It’s imperative to love those things as well because they make you authentically you. When you choose not to accept what is, you unconsciously begin to hate yourself. Self hatred looks good in designer to some but in reality, you can’t hide from yourself.

Your focus should always be becoming your best self. Maximizing you should be your top priority. Once you make the decision to be honest and becoming better each and every day, YOU CANNOT LOSE.

-LaShawnda S. Wilkins (@speaklifeshawnie)

Young Legend: Bianca Williams Mission to Inspire Young Girls Just Like Her

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Twenty-seven year old Entrepreneur, Bianca Williams, is a young legend in the making. She’s Milwaukee born and raised in the inner city. Growing up for her wasn’t an easy task. At a young age she found herself dancing for money to make ends meet. She stayed in the game for 8 years but once she had enough she desired a change within.

In 2015, Williams became the CEO of A Cry For Help Foundation. Her mission is to help many people who are in need but she caters to young women that remind her of herself. She provides a variety of resources for the community such as housing, clothes, food, and even job trainings.

But her great works don’t stop there. She is owner of many businesses including real-estate, a hair salon, day cares, a convenient store, property maintenance, and even a construction company. Bianca just held her first job fair this week and it was a complete success. She and her team hired 13 applicants on spot.

“I’m so happy to know that 13 different families will now have an income that will take care of their home,” Bianca says.

With much ambition, Bianca serves our community in so many ways. She is the voice of the Stop the Stollies campaign and also has a huge heart for getting young girls off the streets. Human trafficking awareness is important to her. She feels she can relate to the girls because she sees a bit of the old her inside of them.

Reaching our community is a priority of Bianca’s. She believes that with unity we could grow.

Although her story is exceedingly touching, her journey as an entrepreneur has been far from easy. She has had ups and downs like anyone else but she consistently turns her negatives into positives. During the times where she felt the lack of support, she transitioned it into the fuel she needed to keep going. Instead of looking for a hero she became the support that she needed to become her own.

Bianca Williams is surely on the path of success in a major way and she wants to take her city with her. Her plans aren’t to just be an example and leave a legacy for her children. She is determined to make a change and encourage everyone who wants to see a difference. She wants others to know if she can get out of the street lifestyle, so can they.

I couldn’t thank Bianca enough for her grind, passion, and work for our city. She is truly on her way.

-LaShawnda S. Wilkins (@speaklifeshawnie)

Black Men Don’t Jump: Presented by Dr Ramel Smith

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Spiderman, Batman, Black Panther along with so many heroes are household names. We love their super powers, story lines, cool gadgets and most of all the costumes. The three that were mentioned have that in common, with the most notable part of the costume being the mask. It allows them to be two people at once, without risking someone seeing them for what they really are. Although a cartoon, the concept of a mask translates into something far deeper in meaning in real life. Individuals, who are dealing with depression, typically cover it up with smile, as a defense mechanism.  That mask is more common than one may think.

According to blackdoctor.com, more than 5 million men suffer from depression each year. As it relates to Milwaukee, Wisconsin is ranked in the top 15 of states with high depression rates. Milwaukee is also ranked as the worse place for an African American man.

With those statistics in mind, Dr Ramel Smith started a mental health clinic, Blaquemith.  The name  perfectly illustrates his hands on work within the African American community. As a licensed therapist, Professor, Author and Activist, Smith has worked to combat issues faced in the community head-on, his most recent effort being the Black Men Don’t Jump mental health seminar, which took place November 8that the downtown campus of MATC. The event which was free saw over 100 attendees of all ethnicities and ages. Covering topics such as; identifying depression and resources for those who may be suffering from it, the event was full of substance.

“I never though a person sleeping too much or too little was a sign of depression” one attendee said responding to the topic of depression signs. Indeed lack of sleep or too much is a sign of depression along with anger, sexual performance anxiety, loss of focus etc to name a few of the overlooked symptoms.

“I can not express myself without being called soft” a man explained referring to his upbringing as an African American man. It has been a social stigma for years that talking bout what ails you is sign of weakness among black men, but until we allow each other to take our mask off we will continue to try to be superheroes

by Joshua Thomas

The Annual Give Your Heart Away Concert: A D’Aych Music Initiative

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“I’m living my best life, yeah yeah” words by Chicago native Chance the Rapper, in the hit song, I’m living my best life featuring fellow superstar Cardi B. A household name, he erupted onto the music scene in 2013 after the release of his second mixtape. Proving he is more than a musician; he raised 2.2 million in funding for Chicago schools in 2017, and continues to do community work. It is not uncommon for a star to give millions back to their hometown and receive recognition, but what about artist who have not made it to that status? Local Christian hip-hop artist D’Aych shows you do not have to make millions to make a huge difference.

According to statistics gathered by census.gov, Milwaukee is the 3rd poorest city among bigger cities in America. Subsequently, there are close to 2,000 individuals who are homeless, with so many others just one lost paycheck away from being homeless as well.

D’Aych, born Daniel Harris, saw a need to help the less fortunate, thus the Give Your Heart Away concert was born. Harris has always had a heart for helping people, knowing early on that he wanted to provide healing through music.

“I was blessed to be born into a musically inclined family so music has always been a part of my life,” Said Harris. He went onto give a timeline of his community involvement.

“I have been working in the community consistently since 2008. I have always been a part of community events however; I have been doing my own D’Aych music initiatives since 2009.”

The Give Your Heart Away Concert is an event in which Harris and his band, and other local musicians will perform for free, in exchange for donated items for the homeless. The 10thinstallment of the event was inspired by Harris experienced homelessness, after his family went through a house fire back in 2003.

The event will be held on November 17th, at the total life center located at 6103 W capitol Drive, starting at 6:00pm. We all have experienced hardships, but let us do as Chance to rapper said and “ turn our L’s into lessons,” by coming out and showing support for Mr. Harris, the man with the million dollar heart.

by Joshua Thomas

The Importance of the Black Vote: A Conversation with Alderman Cavalier Johnson

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A failing heart; hypothetically speaking you find out that you need a heart transplant. You enter surgery only to find out that Doctor Strange and his/her assistants have no experience, they were simply licensed, because not enough people bothered to oppose the fact. Imagine going into your favorite restaurant, only to find out that the establishment has been sold, to an owner with no knowledge of the food business.  The staffs cooks have never cooked a day in their life. Fictional situations and God forbid any real heath problems befall anyone, but these scenarios represent the current Presidents entry into the Whitehouse. With no political experiences he was named the 45th leader of the free world that some say, was largely due to the lack of voting amongst the African American population in some states like Wisconsin.

On October 30thin front of city hall in Milwaukee, Alderman Johnson along with Common council President Ashanti Hamilton encouraged voter participation amongst the African American community. Representative David Bowen was among other Black elected officials speaking at the press conference. I was able to catch up with Alderman Cavalier Johnson, to speak about his motivation for the presser.

“We want to get out and show the importance of the black vote, we have to put our boots to the ground and do our part,” said Johnson who then referenced the recent election in Alabama.”

“Look what happened there, because black women got out and voted, they got the first African American senator in 20 years.”

Johnson was speaking about Senator Doug Jones, who defeated Roy Moore back in 2017.

If you are not convinced on the power of the black vote, consider this; Johnson provided the statistics from the 2016 presidential election, in contrast to 2012.

“There were approximately 40,000 less voters amongst African Americans than there were in 2012.”

Translation, Trump won Wisconsin by an estimated 20,000 votes.

If not for the braved people who died, suffered for our right to vote, do it to prevent another candidate to walk into an undeserving position.

by Joshua Thomas

Historian Elizabeth Hinton and Curtis L. Carter Speak Out

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Historian Elizabeth Hinton is an incredible asset to our nation. She is not only an American Historian, she is an associate professor in the Departments of History and African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Her research focuses on the persistence of poverty and racial inequality in the twentieth-century United States.

Elizabeth’s current scholarship considers

the transformation of domestic social programs as well as urban policing after the Civil Rights Movement. Her book, From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America, named among the New York Times’s 100 notable books of 2016, Hinton examines the implementation of federal law enforcement programs beginning in the mid-1960s that laid the ground-work for

the mass incarceration of American citizens.

On Thursday, November 1st the Milwaukee Art Museum held an Art and Social Change Lecture with Curtis L. Carter, at Marquette’s Weasler Auditorium. There, Elizabeth and Curtis had a deep conversation. They talked about police brutality awareness, injustices, and what we can do as a community to begin to tackle this issue.

Elizabeth brought us back to 1964 where much of the police brutality started. She mentioned a 15 year old, black, unarmed boy who was shot down by police and how history continued to repeat itself there after. We see these acts of racism today and the question is what can we do? Where do we start?

She described urbanized space criminalization and how that plays such a role in the issues at hand. For instance, there was a 7 year old black boy arrested for “trespassing” on his school’s playground after school hours. Elizabeth explains how doing such things make it hard for people in the urban community to believe that great things will happen to them. Instead of people growing up knowing they have opportunities, they feel targeted and essentially believe that if they’re going to get picked on by the police, they might as well give them a reason.

This conversation hit home for me because we see these situations happen all the time. We see injustices happen in our communities daily. Everyday kid’s mentalities are impacted due to the things they see happen to innocent people. They see dehumanization and subconsciously they grow up with the effects of it.

During the conversation, Elizabeth also made the point of policing and how the definition of it changes contingent upon the area. For an example in many suburban areas, officials police the neighborhood to protect it. Meanwhile in a many urban areas policing is waiting around for criminals to do wrong.

Hinton’s points are non argumentative, in my opinion. There are so many issues that need to be discussed. So much work to be done. She says that our strongpoints, as a community, need to be in re-entry programs and believing in a second chance. We have to learn how to support those coming home from prison and we all have to be willing to help.

It’s clear that there’s lots of work to be done and because of that, I am appreciative of Author and Historian Elizabeth Hinton’s phenomenal works. With more conversation and awareness, more displays of injustices, and more knowledge about the system itself, we can make a change.

Thank you.

-LaShawnda S. Wilkins (@speaklifeshawnie)

The Battle Within

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The greatest gift we are blessed with every day that we wake up is the gift of choice. We have the ability to choose to have a great day and the ability to have a bad one. We have the choice to eat healthy and the choice to contain fatty or unhealthy foods. When we get into relationships, we choose the person we commit to. Even the people we hang around are there by choice.

But just because we have that choice, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to choose. As humans, we make mistakes all the time. There are times where we make bad decisions. The issue comes when we neglect the fact that we have a choice. The moment we unconsciously decide that we are going to give up our power, we then choose to be miserable.

Misery happens by default. It happens when you do not have drive. It happens when you give up on wanting more for yourself.    Settling is one of the biggest forms of misery because you dedicate yourself to something, knowing that it doesn’t meet the standard that you mentally created. Therefore, you agree to things without satisfaction. As a result, typically, you become angry more easily. You become tired more often. It feels as if you lack energy on the daily. You begin to do things with vague intentions and you neglect self-love, ultimately creating a multitude of issues in many areas of your life.

Not only is misery a lifestyle, it’s a form of thinking. You work jobs for money instead of working to gain skills in a field that interest you. You spend more money on yourself than time. When you’re miserable you barely set goals. You’re okay with being content, rather than being happy. It’s “normal” to trade how you feel for how others will feel. Giving up always seems like the better route when it comes to challenges and self-control is non-existent.

Often times when you’re miserable instead of keeping people around you that build you up, you choose to spend time with those that make you feel good. You stay in toxic relationships only to avoid loneliness. Even if you argue and fight with your mate every day, you stay around. You spend time with people only to fill a void or to support a habit. The people around you don’t have much of a purpose. They laugh at your dreams and tell you what they don’t believe you can accomplish. They allow you to make bad decisions because it doesn’t affect them.

When you have a miserable mindset, you make many decisions solely based off emotions. If you don’t want to do something, you won’t. It’s always about how you feel. Because of that, you often start things without finishing them. You continuously say that you want things that you aren’t willing to work for. You create excuses all the time. Blaming everyone else for everything that happens in your life seems like the best thing to do. There is no accountability. Until you realize that you are tired of being miserable, you will continue to be.

In other words, misery drives happiness. Once you get to the point of not wanting to live life the way you’re used to, you change. It is about making the choice to change your mindset. Instead of allowing life to push you around, you learn to take control. You plan your days and write out your goals. You spend time with yourself to get to know you better. When you wake up you have a routine that you abide by daily.

The conscious mind is the only way to create happiness. It’s not just an emotion. It’s not just a mood. Creating happiness has a lot to do with knowing who you are. If you don’t know what makes you happy, you can’t create happiness. You won’t know unless you take the time out to get to know you.

Happy people don’t work just for the money. When you’re happy, you work in a field that interest you and work diligently to gain new skills. What you want out of life matters more than your current situation.  Therefore, often times you sacrifice the things you love for a better cause. But in order to do this you have to have a great deal of self-discipline.

Happiness can be very challenging but, no matter what, you have to push yourself. Unlike misery, you don’t make decisions based off how you feel. You make decisions based off what needs to happen. You don’t put yourself down, accepting any and everything. You set standards. You understand that not everyone is worth your time nor does everyone deserve it.

When you’re happy you surround yourself with good people. You make sure that you have a circle full of people that genuinely love you. You ensure that the people you spend your time with truly respect you and encourage you to be great. You value your time because you know that you only live once.

Choosing to be miserable or choosing to be happy is up to you. You have to make the decision whether you are satisfied with where you are now or whether you want change. Both lifestyles form the direction of your future. Misery is hard but it’s also convenient. Happiness is challenging but a lot less stressful. Through either lifestyle, you learn. Sometimes it’s through experience. Other times through wisdom and research. An optimistic mindset will go a lot further than a pessimist does.

-LaShawnda S. Wilkins (@speaklifeshawnie)

President Obama speaks at North Division High school

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The number 44 has a very specific meaning in numerology.  According to numerologists, 44 is related to business, specifically business that correlates building for the future benefit of generations. In the United States of America, there have been 45 presidents in the nation’s history. Currently at number 45 Trump holds the title, but it was his predecessor “number 44,” also known as President Barack H Obama who still holds the heart of so many Americans. Throughout his presidency, he certainly demonstrated the characteristics associated with the number he represents, as well as a stellar speech presenter which he had on display here in Milwaukee.

President Obama visited North Division High on Friday afternoon to speak in support of local Democrats. Incumbent Tammy Baldwin who’s senate seat is up for reelection, Tony Evers running for Governor, with Mandela Barnes running for Lieutenant among others.

Obama encouraged attendees to vote with statements such as, “until we start getting better about calling a lie or lie, the only check we have on this behavior is you and your vote.” He was referencing inaccurate and fear driven reporting some media outlets practice.

“It shouldn’t be democratic or republic to say we threaten the freedom of the speech just because we do not like what they say or write about you.” Said Obama who goes on to say,

“Obviously I really think you should vote for democrats, because our policies will actually make a positive difference in people’s lives and we actually do fight for the little guy,”

President Obama giving further support of the Democratic Party, with over 1,000 attendees came out to hear the former President speak. Referencing his famous mantra, Obama ended his speech by saying, “if you vote for these Democrats, hope and change will begin to happen.” The crowd erupted as he took his exit then posing with the Democratic candidates. At the beginning of the speech a woman yelled “I love you” he replied classic Barack fashion with smooth demeanor saying, “I love you too.” From all of his supporters we say thank you number 44.

by Joshua Thomas

10th Annual Film Festival Comes to Milwaukee

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Wakanda forever! One of the more memorable phrases from the box office smash hit Black Panther.  The film became the 10thhighest grossing film of all time, and the third highest in the U.S. box office. Directed by Ryan Coogler, it became the 2ndhighest grossing movie by an African American filmmaker. Holding the top spot is F. Gary Gray, who directed the most recent installment of the Fast and Furious franchise Fate of the Furious. With budgets of 200 million and beyond, the two films well exceeded both profit goals, and the average film making budget of approximately 100 million dollars.

In contrast, Independent films spend an average of 750 thousand dollars on films total.  While on the rise, the number of independent filmmakers are still small, with the number African American creators being even less common.

The Milwaukee 10thannual film festival took place on October 18th running until  November 1st. The event highlights independent film makers of all genres and ethnic representation. A group called Black Lens Milwaukee focuses on films made by African Americans in an effort to bring more exposure to up and coming film makers.

There were a number of films being played; I had to liberty to see one titled, a boy. a girl, a dream. The film featured the hit series Power star Omari Hardwick, and talented actress Megan Good who has appeared in numerous movies and television shows. Hardwick played a graduate of USC named Cass, who was at a crossroads in his professional life.

Resorting to a life of club promotion, he quickly gets lost in Los Angeles night life becoming a heavy drinker. He then meets Frida (played by Good) and they instantly feel chemistry. Going through emotions of self doubt, confused romanticism, and happiness to name a few, the story quickly takes you on a heart pounding emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Created by Qasim Basir the film showcased both the talents of the actors and Basir a must see film for any one who has ever experienced a place of stagnation in their personal or professional life.

by Joshua Thomas

 

Keep Fighting Millennials

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Have you ever been in a situation that made you feel like it’s everyone’s fault but yours? Have you ever talked yourself into believing that you truly tried your best and you were free from the blame? Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t keep? Have you ever said to yourself, “I would never do something like that,” only to find yourself in that exact scenario?

Speechless. And there you were with nothing to say. No excuse to justify the damage that has been done. The only feeling there is, is the one that seems not to exist. Numb. But then numb turns to bitter. Bitter turns to non-existent. Once reality sets in the question then becomes concern.

Why did this happen? Why did things go the way that it did? Why does life seem to toss you around as if you’re a piece of paper stuck in the midst of a tornado? Around and around you go. Nothing seems to go as planned. You’re ready to give up because life just isn’t what you want it to be.

Reality of it is, it may your fault and unless you can accept that, you cannot effectively move forward. Until you can look yourself in the eye after all the pain and say, “I contributed to this storm,” you will not move forward.

Overcoming is about taking responsibility. It’s about having enough courage to stop the pointing and instead taking the blame. Unless you are willing to be honest with yourself about who you are and the mistakes you’ve made, you aren’t willing to grow. You are holding back your own destiny. You are slowing down your own success.

Everyone goes through hard times. Everyone makes mistakes. That’s what life’s about. Without problems and downfalls there would be no greatness; for what would separate the two? Don’t force yourself to believe that you’re perfect. Don’t force yourself to believe you will ever be. You won’t. But through perseverance and grit you will be phenomenal.

Through your consistency, you will win your battles. Every day you will learn more and more. You will gain much knowledge, much strength, and lots of wisdom. You will get through better than ever as long as you believe it. Know that if you never give up, you will never lose. Choose to go out with a fight. This storm might have the ability to beat you up, but it does not have the capability to kill you.

Go Millennials Go!

-LaShawnda S. Wilkins (@speaklifeshawnie)