iamhowardbrown

[iamhowardbrown]

[iamhowardbrown]

My VP looks like ME!

My VP looks like ME!

Look at my eyes cant you see.

These tones this attitude isn’t hype, see.

Ive been wanting and waiting for you, and you to see me.

See me!

My baby sister is having a baby girl,

and

i'm so grateful she gets to be born in this world…

So for her next 4 years ill shed tears.

Because

Baby girl gets to be herself in this world…

Its been a long time coming

Damn i wish Grandma could have seen this coming,

I wish my mom could've seen this too,

But baby boo, the VP looks just like YOU

And me too

And her, and HER, AND her too.

The best part is,

It could be YOU!

So don't forget you are YOU,

But all this means, it the future is brand new.

Ill be watching you, and standing by

Because your VP just broke the SKY!!!

[iamhowardbrown]

Period. end of SENTENCE.

Period full stop. That's the end of a sentence or the end of HER sentence.

 When women come together to solve a problem

there is nothing they cant overcome.

Period Period Period

The Period of time that elapses,

that men don't appreciate that we don't appreciate

how about we put a Period. at that.

WE make it seem like a life sentence that lasts a few days,

 oh! God forbid it lasts longer

Women are STRONGER

Period. end of sentence

Even without the period, women have to walk the walk, talk the talk, dress the dress.

Period Period Period

For the longest period of time, all they heard was the end of a sentence

from A man, or A  Wo-man, telling them what to say, do or how to be.

well, end that sentence with a period.

Let them be who they will be!

Period Period Period.

Oh, and if you need more time to think it over,

let me give you a PERIOD to think.

riiight?

because, thats all you need, isn't that what we all need. Period

Wouldnt that be sweet and fair

oh you'd like that

well how about this

END OF SENTENCE. Period

you'll get your choice when they get theirs! 

[iamhowardbrown]

The Notorious RBG

RBG

What is Ruth Bader Ginsburgs global legacy for girls?

Ruth Bader Ginsburgs global legacy had had a global impact for girls because she reached one of the highest levels in the justice system achievable. Its so impactful because for many years women weren't even allowed in the courtroom let alone to become lawyers or judges. She has set an example for little girls around the world with her career accomplishments and out-spokeness. In addition to that she showed perseverance and tenacity particularly during her final years. 

Why did she get the nickname “The Notorious RBG”?

A law student coined Ginsburg as the Notorious RBG for her work in civil rights law. This has had an impact on how shes been memorialized. Much like the Biggie Smalls Ginsburg had an impact on the way people view minorities. Not only is she from Brooklyn, she had to overcome her own social injustices as a Jewish woman. Biggie changed his life by putting thought to paper and creating music and Ginsburg transformed the way we view the justice system and the potential it has to have a lasting impact. Coupled with law she became a social media icon nearly rock star status with he influence in social justice. The idea of playing a prominent role in the world simply performing your duties, all while doing something your passionate about speaks volumes. She did both and dedicated so much of her work to helping change the lives of so many. Over the last few years she has made strides in opening the hearts and minds of many and much like Biggie the most noticeably impactful strides for younger generations was in some of their final years, and in her case thanks to social media. When people began to take notice and are left feeling inspired then you know you've made a difference. 

[iamhowardbrown]

i am greta

I Am Greta "I don't care about being popular. I care about climate justice." Please comment on this quote by Greta. How does it differ from the priorities of many teens? Do you see any irony in how popular Greta has become worldwide? This Quote by Greta is intriguing because she is not looking for empathy for herself, yet empathy for the planet. Many teens today are growing up in a world where narcissism is socially acceptable among all ages. Many people try very hard to share their life views with the world in hopes of some grand recognition or payout. Almost to the point where it is abnormal to not post about your life. In fact to the point that you have no life if your not posting in some sort of way. Many people are falling in to the’ look at me look at me’ ‘look what i can do’ category of life and just desire to be seen. Although this has positive qualities in some instances like during a quarantine, it is the reverse for someone like Greta. Whereas shes saying listen to my words and think about your actions. She has become no more popular than any activist making strides. She just happens to be young. Did you attend the #ClimateStrike just one year ago in Foley Square in NYC? If yes, what was your experience first hand? If you tuned in virtually were you surprised how many people across the world were galvanized by her message? I did not tune in or attend the climate strike. Personally I work every day to reduce my carbon footprint. I also express the same passion to my peers and encourage them to do so. I feel that many of the strikes and protests that are happening around the world are designed for a different audience and have been effective. The youth are often forced to sit by and watch as adults put in the backbreaking gut-wrenching work. It is phenomenal that a young girl not even of voting age can inspire so many to pay more attention to something they should already be doing. I love that people have recognized her worlds and are rallying together in an effort to create a larger voice around climate justice as well as social justice as a whole. Most people don't realize the impact of climate change, or the importance of bees and pollination and these are issues that shouldn't make us uncomfortable yet more curious about how we can live differently together. Greta is doing that by the impact she's having on the youth of the world. Why do you think a girl with Asperger's syndrome has inspired a generation of young people to rise up for climate? It's easy to sit by and watch. Its always harder to get out and do something and i think that Greta is helping people wake up. Particularly when it comes to the current youth generations who are spoiled and lazy. She is classified as having a syndrome yet does not let that define her. There are many youths in standard good health who are slowly realizing that they have no excuse and should be doing more. She is also showing how important it is to apply yourself to what you believe in and is reminding people that if you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything. I believe that many youths have been waiting for a superhero/heroin type of figure or an underdog if you will to actually have an impact so they can see that confidence is a state of mind and that coupled with the accessibility of media and narcissistic culture has ushered in a passive-aggressive guilt trip era. Almost to the point your not cool if your not doing something about the issues we face. Its almost as if Greta has made the challenge to everyone to take your pick whether it be climate change or injustice around the world, if your not constantly educating yourself and acting then you may not be as cool as you think you are. Do you think the pandemic has dampened or amplified the climate situation? How can we innovate beyond the limitations imposed by the pandemic to create new strategies for activism? Please provide specific examples. I do feel the pandemic has affected climate change. For a while, there were fewer people traveling, which in turn reduced pollution from the burning of fuels. Factories were closed etc., I would like to think that had some environmental impact although I'm not certain. Additionally, it reduced surface pollution as well because people were managing their garbage from home, and most likely creating less waste globally due to the lack of availability to goods. We shifted online which I believe affected tree farming and paper production, however brief it was id also like to believe this had some impact of some sort. The same goes for water pollution, less people in the water or on beaches should have had some impact even if minuscule. This Pandemic has created a new platform for digital activism. Whereas more people are reading and creating messages that can be seen around the world and taking time to look closely at global issues and personal behavior choices that can have a more positive and efficient impact. "...if a few girls can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school for a few weeks, imagine what we could do together if we wanted to." --Greta Thunberg, 2018  What are your thoughts on this quote? I absolutely agree. There is strength in numbers.  That is a known fact, and that it can be used for good or bad. Women are finally catching the rhythm of social recognition. This is past due, and it has been to often the women who have the most positive impacts are overshadowed by anything you can think of. To that fact the idea of the issue becomes more important than gender I suppose, however, I feel it is also a common thread in social history that not all women get along. I feel that its past time to undo this reality for some and misconceptions for others because it does affect how we get things done. Yes, we must all work together, but an organized group of women young or old can have major impacts on how the world responds to an issue. I think this quite by Greta is important because it points out the fact that we will easily pay attention to something simple like education but not the planet. It is important for girls to go to school especially after such a long history of oppression related to education and all the women that suffered for trying to learn. I also feel the fact of the matter is girls need to stand by one another and lead the world into the next phase problem solving and troubleshooting, and Greta is challenging girls to imagine what that could be and to not be afraid to be more than they are expected to be. Choose one favorite quote from the "Our House is on Fire" speech included in No One is Too Small to Make a Difference and comment. Why do you think this speech inspired so many memes? Find a meme to include on your blog. No one is too small to make a difference. “Greta Thunberg is the Spark but we are the Wildfire.” this quote reminds me of the impact of what's going on now with wildfires in actuality. Then if you couple that with metaphor look how many people's lives have drastically been impacted, look at how bad the air is, look at how widespread the damages are. This idea or metaphor is the level of impact we can have if we work together to start focusing all efforts on saving the planet. It is true government and big oil are a leading cause, but it's only because we allow them to be. We arent striking fuel-based cars, and machines. We aren't limiting our elected officials to those who only have plans to save the world. It is up to us to make the choice to raise our standard for the global quality of living. The rich and the poor will perish all the same if the world goes to shit. There will be no rich if there's no one to do the work that puts them in the high chair, and greed will soon be overshadowed by the desire to sustain basic needs for survival. No one is too big to make a difference either. It's just a matter of making the choice to do something. There were so many memes because we live in a time where humor is interchangeable with sarcasm and naivety. These issues are not funny however if making a joke about it brings awareness and change then maybe it should be welcomed, however, I don't feel that it should be at the expense of someone or something sad. “Greta Thunberg is the spark but we are the wildfire.”--Naomi Klein. Please comment. Has Greta's activism lit a fire inside you? What actions have you been inspired to take? How have your habits changed? I would say Greta has lit a fire in me too when it comes to activism, making me want to get out to some of the protests to take more photography if I ever get a chance to. I am proud of what she's doing and very happy about it. When I was 16 I was a freshman at Parsons and had no interest in activism, yet now, I definitely feel more passionate about climate change and take action every day even with the simplest tasks. I also believe I experience the effects of climate change every day as well. So it's important to me that young people keep making strides, working together, and sharing awareness. Teen Girls are Leading Climate Strikes Helping to Change the Face of Environmentalism

(Washington Post) "“We have a new wave of contention in society that’s being led by women. … And the youth climate movement is leading this generational shift." 46% of girls consider climate issues extremely important compared to 23% of boys. Why do you think this gender disparity exists? Why are girls stepping up to helm the movement? Varshini Prakash is a 26-year-old activist and the co-founder of the Sunrise Movement. They are facilitating conversations with lawmakers like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senator Diane Feinstein to take the lead on saving the planet and influencing political change that will support this effort. Varshini was exposed to the impacts of climate change at age 11 and by the time she was in college she was already involved in activism. With support from elected officials like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, she has been able to expand her voice on issues and become an even bigger role model. This is great for influencing other women and young girls to be active and vocal. When you see someone that looks like you doing something and making a difference, that can have a huge impact on the choices you make in some cases. I believe society is getting more in the habit of glorifying heroins across the world and particularly as it relates to social injustice. I believe that this trend of recognition will do the world a lot of good by undoing the warped barbie images that have long been portrayed and used to facilitate control. On the other hand, when it comes to boys it is often the case where there are so many male figures, whether it be in public policy, sports, media, or service, that get recognition for the most minuscule of deeds that it clouds the idea of what should be recognized or what is ‘doing good’, and this has been the case for many years. For instance, men work hard and get dirty, women do the dirty work and stay behind, this has been a reality for many generations. Although much has changed I feel boys are taking a back seat in many cases simply because they are not raised to make noise. Whereas women's voices have been repressed for so long that shouting and speaking out is an understatement. Therefore the call to action is inherent in women of today with more figures in the light and leading the conversation, there is an opportunity to be involved that didn't exist for many years on this level. I also feel that it's important for us to unassign the gender association when it comes to fighting for the planet compared to fighting for national security, they are one and the same. Fighting for the planet has to become a ‘tough guy/gal’ thing, and killing people should/could be viewed as weak. We need each other to persevere and it's only these types of disparities that will hold us back from saving the world.

[iamhowardbrown]

BLM Discussion from NY times article

How has the recent Black Lives Matter Protest movement impacted you?

-          One major impact I’ve noticed the most is the way people interact with me. I think the awareness has reached so many individuals and has made them self aware of the stereotypes and labels that have been put upon people and have played a key role in the changes in behaviors and assumptions.  

Have you participated in a march or rally? If yes, what was your experience?

-          Yes I have. I have worked with non profits, on the side lines helping to provide snacks and masks to local activists

Which of the girls profiled in the article resonated with you the most?

-          Each of the girls in this article are doing great things. Brianna Chandler resonated with me. Education is the key to change in any form and I’m moved by this young woman and her work to bring about awareness of racial justice using technology.

Chose a key quote and comment on it. Does it inspire you to action?

-          “ I think that educating people is essential to movement building” – Brianna Chandler

This Quote reminds me of my feelings when I ran for city council in DC at age 21. My platform was based on inspiring youth and reforming the school system to increase attendance and decrease the drop-out rate in the poorest communities.

Given that there are so many young leaders rising up to take the helm in their communities, how does this differ from historic protest movements?

-          I feel that young people taking the helm is actually the unique thread that binds the BLM movement to qualities of the civil rights movement/era. Many of the leaders we youth and/or students. The younger generations have often been the pinnacle for social change because of their attitudes and desire to make a difference. I feel this time around unlike like before the privilege and flexibility that youth possess allow them the freedom to take time to be heard and seen. A major difference is the safety factor when compared to marches and rally in the 60’s. People of all cultures can work together openly to make a stand against the injustices in the world. In addition to that with so many mediums for communication they are able to reach further faster and have a global impact. This movement has brought about awareness and has opened the eyes of many who have taken social injustices for granted.  

[iamhowardbrown]

Girl

Gifted Inspiring Riveting Lovely

 When I think of the word girl I think of all the women in my life who have inspired me to be the man I am today. I think of warmth, love and care.

When I think of the word girl, im reminded of tenacity and determination.

When I think of the word Girl I feel blessed to be alive

When I think of the word girl, im remember the leaders, trailblazers, risk takers and innovators that are due more credit than they often are given

Girls girls girls girls , girls I do adore.  The other half of my existence. The origin of humanity. Where would we be without girls. What would we be without girls.

Mothers, sisters, women, daughters, friends, allies. 

Loyal, True, Home

[iamhowardbrown]

enchanting rain from Howard Brown with music by Bazzi on Vimeo.

[iamhowardbrown]

Inspired By William Eggleston

[iamhowardbrown]

[iamhowardbrown]

chivalry isnt dead

[iamhowardbrown]

Virginia is for lovers

In a world filled with pain, crisis and political drama at every turn, click or swipe it's important to remember what heals us and brings us closer. To feel loved is to be loving. To give love is to appreciate those moments and take every opportunity to be ‘love’ itself and let all the warm and gooey goodness run through you. With the simple act of kindness, a gentle touch, a kiss, a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on passion and love manifest in subtle moments that we often take for granted. In this bouquet of color and texture we see that chivalry and romance can be found within and all around us. These images were taken in cities across Virginia featuring local resident couples showcasing their passion for romance. This series is a journey down that cozy road encapsulating the hallmark moments that memories are made of, the steamy nights that lead to sunrise and the nuances that thrive in the heart of love novels. Lets work toward healing ourselves and the world with love.

Reveal, react, remember, relive, reflect. Romance! Virginia is for lovers.

A photo essay BY:

Howard Brown

[iamhowardbrown]

[iamhowardbrown]

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[iamhowardbrown]