The List

The List:

Reading 
"Why I stayed in Boston"
Has Boston moved beyond its racially turbulent past? We asked five minority leaders why they decided to build their lives here. They offered reflections that took on more urgency following last week’s racist tweets directed at a black hockey player.

Watching 
"The Price of Ambition" 
http://poapilot.tumblr.com/TheCast

Listening 
Bridget Kelly
"Stranger to Love"

 Thinking about even more ... Commencement

Hopefully I successfully complete these exams so I can get that master's!

Ciao for now!

When will it end?

Whenever I read a headline like "Brooklyn teen busted in beating death of girlfriend’s 23-month-old baby," I literally think to myself, oh but when will it end?

When will children be protected by those who should love them most, and care for them the best?

When I was a writer for TheGrio.com, NBC News' African-American oriented news site I literally wrote an article entitled, "How to know it's safe for a boyfriend to watch the kids."

If there was anyone more taken aback by the fact that such an article needed to be written it was probably me. Maybe it's the part of me who loves kids that is instinctively saddened and outraged, maybe it's the fact that I'm a former childcare provider, I'd like to think that it's my human instinct of compassion which makes me care so much.

Then I think to the little Mya Carr who was allegedly beaten to death by her own father for as the media reported "soiling herself."

There are so many children in need of protection, in need of defending, and obviously therefore devoid of the love and care you'd expect would nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits.

As Yolanda Adams once sang, "What about the children?"

I promise not to let you down

Looking at the bio I have for a site I'm the contributing editor of made me think of my third grade teacher Mrs. Chestine Ray.

I remember once hearing her say of me to another teacher, "That boy is going to be somebody one day."

It's people like Mrs. Ray {may she rest in peace} and all my teachers and of course my family that every day I say "I promise not to let you down."

As was said in one of my favorite movies "The Great Debaters", "We do what we have to do in order to do what we want to do."

Esperanza Spalding & Algebra Blessett - Black Gold Official Video

Some need to learn to "Do what's right"

@USAirways should be ashamed of it’s “refund policy”

US Airways just posted a $95 million third quarter profit yet refuses to offer a $4,200 refund to my friend Lynn McKain (US-11MCKAIN-L86L06 - T1W) despite proof from her oncologist that her now incurable breast cancer has returned. As a consumer I find the airlines behavior insensitive, & disrespectful. So much for customers first and their alleged vow “The safety and satisfaction of our customers is a top priority for our airline.”

"5 From 30"

A few months ago I was talking to my friend D and he asked how old I was at that moment. At the time I was 24, months away from today, the day when I turn 25. He said oh you're "5 from 30." Instantly I felt old and I panicked. I think inside myself I thought will I hit my target {whatever it is}, are things going as planned, am I on the right time track?

The target, the plan, the time track, where exactly I'm headed I was unsure of, and it's not much clearer today. For the last ten months I've been employed by the top television news division in the United States, and arguably in the world. For anyone in my chosen career field it is the ultimate position to be in. I regularly talk with network producers, correspondents, and executives reporting some of the most important stories of today. Many days I'm fortunate enough to assist in the news gathering for pretty important broadcasts. I have had a front row seat to history.

In about a months time I'm giving it up though. I'm walking away from my job in order to get a master's degree I'm still figuring out how to afford. In my heart against all logic, defying rhyme and reason, I felt the risk was one worth taking. Just last weekend I stood in my New York city apartment and thought to myself, what in the hell have I done? Have I sabotaged my career, ruined potential professional relationships? Have I ended a great ending by hard stopping a great beginning?

Then today I read this , which reinforced so many things I've read recently words of wisdom from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to veteran journalist Belva Davis. Patrick's book "A Reason to Believe" reminded me I needed but one reason to believe. Davis' book "Never In My Wildest Dreams" summed up the past 10 months, except I did dream it. Three years ago on a trip to NYC I walked over to the building where I now work, looked up and said I'm going to work there one day, and it came to pass. 10 months ago I moved to NYC with an air mattress, a duffel bag, and a back pack and I've survived.

So I will continue to believe as one anchorwoman told me on one of my first days, "I will be great."

I will get back to this place, or I will get to a place that is all the better or right for me.

Besides I'm just "5 from 30" with hopefully a lot more time to go.

What Happens Next?

I was watching the end of the women's basketball game when my high school friend Brittany beasted it. I was looking up her school Notre Dame and came across a site which celebrates African-Americans who attended the school.

I then came across the commencement speech by Katie Washington who last spring was celebrated for being the first African-American valedictorian in her school's history.

Part of her speech resonated with me as I continue to confront the realities of being a grown up.

She asked in part, "What happens after the applause stops? The spotlight fades, the crowd clears, and there are moments of complete silence. While applause is accompanied by feelings of safety and security, this silence can bring vulnerability and uneasiness."

I must now wonder not just what happens but what I will do. Throughout my life and career my accomplishments have often been celebrated and I've labored on, but sometimes there are let downs as you climb and climb and climb. Out of the silence hopefully will be born a plan, and more dreams. Yes, hopefully I will continue to dream.