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“Passion From Pain”

Turned my pain into passion,

Wounds once open, now healed with flames.

I wear my scars from the self-inflicted pain as a badge of honor,

Proof that I fell, proof that I rose, proof that I survived the rain.

I wouldn’t have come this far if it wasn’t for the struggle,

For every heartbreak carved a lesson deep in my skin.

My family hurt me more than anybody,

Their silence echoed louder than the world’s din.

My cousin and I haven’t spoken in a while,

No love lost, but I wish she’d pick up the phone and dial.

The distance between us, a canyon formed from pride,

Yet I still hope for the day we stand side by side.

But I rose above the bullshit,

Built a home from shattered dreams and despair.

With hands toughened by grief,

I turned my pain into passion,

And found power where others found fear.

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This is perfect

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“My words will penetrate and touch your soul poetically, making your mind wander.”-M. Fuller

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“The Enlightenment Specter: The Persistence of Superstition in Enlightenment Thought”

            In the literary and philosophical works of the period, ghosts and other supernatural elements were not merely remnants of a bygone era but were engaged in complex ways that reflected the limits of Enlightenment rationalism. For instance, while Voltaire mocked the credulity of those who believed in ghosts, his satire itself suggests an awareness of the deep roots these beliefs held in human consciousness. Similarly, G.E. Lessing, in Hamburg Dramatugy, questions whether the Enlightenment truly eradicated beliefs in ghosts or merely transformed it into a different kind of discourse, one that recognized the metaphorical and dramatic power of such supernatural figures even as it denied their literal existence. This ongoing dialogue between reason and superstition during the Enlightenment raises critical questions about the movement’s success in fully realizing its rationalist ideas.

            This paper will argue that the ghostly figures and supernatural themes in Enlightenment literature and philosophy reveal the limitations of the era’s rationalist ambitions. By examining key texts from Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Lessing, the study will demonstrate that the Enlightenment’s attempt to eradicate superstition was not entirely successful. Instead, these supernatural elements were reinterpreted and engaged in ways that reflect the continuing struggle between rationality and the irrational, the natural and the supernatural. This paradox not only highlights the incomplete triumph of Enlightenment rationalism but also suggests that the movement’s legacy is more complex than a simple victory of reason over superstition.

            The Enlightenment era, often celebrated as the Age of Reason, marked a profound shift in Western thought, emphasizing rationality, science, and skepticism toward traditional beliefs. However, despite this period’s rationalist ideals, literature and theater from this time continued to be deeply infused with supernatural themes, revealing and enduring conflict between reason and the mystical. This tension is evident in the persistence of witches, ghosts and miracles in cultural narratives, suggesting that the human imagination still craved what reason could not explain. As explored in the provided scholarly texts, even in an age that prized empirical knowledge, there was a fascination with the non-rational-those elements of life that defied logical explanation yet resonated deeply with the collective psyche. The challenge, as Foucault noted, was “how to story with reason what we have diagnosed,” reconciling this enduring attachment to the supernatural with the new rationalist worldview. Theater served as a space where these conflicting elements could coexist, offering audiences both a rational critique of superstition and a space to explore their lingering belief in the miraculous. Thus, the Enlightenment’s struggle to completely eradicate supernatural beliefs highlights the limitations of a purely rational approach to understanding human experience. The enduring presence of these themes in literature and theater emphasizes the idea that, even in an age of reason, there remains a cultural and psychological need for the mysterious and unexplained. This paper will explore the depths of this tension between rationalism and the supernatural in Enlightenment literature, demonstrating that the battle between reason and mysticism was far from resolved during this transformative period (Johnson, Odai).

            This scholarly journal excerpts highlight several key concepts that are crucial to understanding the intersection of rationalism and the supernatural in literature. Madness, as discussed by Foucault, is not merely a clinical condition but a cultural construct used to describe experiences and beliefs that deviate from rational norms. The supernatural, in this context, refers to the array of phenomena-such as ghosts, witches, and miracles, that exist outside the realm of rational explanation but were deeply ingrained in cultural and religious traditions. Non-rational elements include those aspects of human experience that cannot be fully understood or contained by logic or reason, yet persist in cultural practices, such as theater. The irrational, as depicted in the journal, involves behaviors and beliefs that defy logical explanation, often rooted in ancient traditions and superstitions that persisted even during the Enlightenment. The concept of theatre is particularly important as it was a space where the tension between reason and the supernatural played out, allowing audiences to explore these conflicting elements. Miracle plays and other supernatural-themed performances served as a reminder of the cultural power of the irrational, even as society increasingly embraced rationalism. These definitions, drawn from the scholarly journal, provide a foundation for analyzing how Enlightenment literature grapples with the coexistence of rational thought and enduring belief in the supernatural.

            In their pursuit of rationality, Enlightenment thinkers often sought to eradicate irrational or supernatural elements from historical narratives, a process referred to as “Tabulation” in scholarly discourse. This method involved systematically removing or marginalizing mystical and non-scientific explanations from the historical record. As White describes, “Tabulation would be the made-up word to speak for a made-up body of material, like miracle culture in the medieval annals” (White). Such practices were indicative of the Enlightenment’s broader commitment to reason and empirical evidence, which often led to the disenchantment of the past. This systematic exclusion “deported the nonrational, the supernatural, and represented a remapping of history” (White), further narrowing the scope of acceptable historical narratives to those aligned with rationalist ideals. Consequently, this exclusion emphasizes the era’s profound shift in Western thought, where traditional beliefs were increasingly viewed with skepticism and relegated to the realm of myth and superstition. The Enlightenment not only redefined intellectual landscapes but also altered the way history itself was understood and recorded.

            Despite the Enlightenment’s strong emphasis on reason and skepticism, the period did not entirely eradicate the belief in miracles, as these beliefs were deeply embedded in religious practices and cultural traditions. As the text notes, “Staging miracles is at the core of medieval drama, because archiving miracles was at the core of Christianity” (Haas). This suggests that even during an era dominated by rational thought, the Church continued to use miracles as a means of reinforcing faith among believers. The persistence of these practices, which “remained part of the arsenal of the Church since its inception,” highlights the enduring power of religious tradition in the face of new rationalist ideologies (Haas). Furthermore, the passage references how the process of beatification by the Vatican, which involves rigorous vetting, emphasizes the Church’s efforts to balance reason with faith. This balance is critical to understanding the complexities of Enlightenment thought, where, as Hume noted, miracles may be seen as a “violation of the laws of nature” but were still acknowledged and even thrived in certain religious contexts (Haas). Thus, the Enlightenment era was marked not only by the rise of rationalism but also by the persistence and adaptation of older beliefs in the miraculous, illustrating the era’s intellectual and cultural diversity.

            In conclusion, while the Enlightenment is often acclaimed as the pinnacle of reason and the rejection of superstition, the period’s enduring fascination with the supernatural highlights a persistent tension within Enlightenment thought. As explored, this era was marked by a complex interplay between the emerging rationalist ideologies and the deep-seated beliefs in miracles and the supernatural that continued to captivate the human imagination. The scholarly journal discussed earlier illustrates how the Church’s continued practice of staging and verifying miracles during the Enlightenment serves as a compelling example of this paradox. This persistence of supernatural belief, even in an age of reason, emphasizes the idea that Enlightenment thought was not a uniform movement but rather a multifaceted intellectual era that allowed for the coexistence of rational inquiry and older, more mystical traditions. Through this exploration, it becomes evident that the Enlightenment, while transformative, was also a period where reason and superstition intertwined, reflecting the complexity of human belief and the enduring power of the supernatural in the face of rational thought.

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So as of recently I read a passage by one of my favorite author's/writer's Edgar Allen Poe. I was rather intrigued by the narrator's chilling account in "The Tell Tale Heart, "How he committed murder and tried to hide it from the police. The way Poe captures the narrator's obsessive fixation on the old man's eye, and his attempt to prove his sanity even as he descends into madness, is both fascinating and unsettling. I found myself deeply engaged in writing a summary of the passage for my English class, as it highlights the narrator's meticulous planning and the ultimate unraveling of his mind under the weight of his guilt. Poe's ability to create such an intense psychological tension in just a few pages is absolutely, utterly remarkable. So have a listen:

“The Tell-Tale Heart; A Study of Guilt and Madness”

In Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator, who adamantly insists on his sanity reveals a heightened sensitivity to sound and an obsessive fixation on the old man’s “vulture eye.” This irrational obsession drives him to meticulously plan and execute the murder, convinced that his careful deliberation is proof of his mental clarity rather than madness and taking pride in his cunning and moving as cautiously as a watch’s minute hand. He carefully opens a small crevice in his lantern to focus a dim ray of light on the eye, growing increasingly agitated by the sound of the old man’s heartbeat. The narrator, consumed by fear and anxiety, ultimately leaps into the room and kills the old man, silencing the heartbeat that tormented him. After the deed is done, he feels a sense of relief, confident that the old man’s eye will trouble him no more. The narrator painstakingly dismembers the old man’s body, hides the remains beneath the floorboards, fully convinced that his actions will go undetected. When the police arrive to investigate a reported shriek, the narrator initially remains profoundly confident and calmly leads them through the house. However, as they sit and chat, he becomes increasingly paranoid, imagining the sound of the old man’s heartbeat growing louder. Unable to endure the noise any longer, the narrator’s guilt overwhelms him, and he confesses the crime and reveals the hidden body to the officers.

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Argumentative Essay: The Case Against Lifetime Appointments for Supreme Court Justices

            The lifetime appointment of Supreme Court Justices raises significant concerns about accountability, adaptability, and balanced judicial power in modern democracy. The issue has sparked considerable debate: should Supreme Court Justices continue to have lifetime appointments. The Supreme Court Justices are judges who are responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making decisions on important legal issues. Unlike the executive and legislative branches, which are elected by the people, Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by Senate. Article 3 of the Constitution grants Congress discretion in organizing the federal court system and allows Justices to serve for life unless they retire, pass away or are impeached (The White House). This essay explores the implications of lifetime appointments and argues for the need to reevaluate this practice in today’s context.

The history of Supreme Court justices in the United States dates to the establishment of the Supreme Court by the Judiciary Act of 1789 (Roos, Dave). The Supreme Court has the highest history in the land and holds significant authority in interpreting the Constitution. The number of Supreme Court Justices has varied over time; there have been as few as six, but has been fixed at nine, with one Chief justice since 1869 (The White House). The first justices were appointed by President George Washington, with John Jay being the first Chief justice. Other appointments that played a crucial role in establishing the legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court included John Blair Jr., known for his principle of judicial review, William Crushing, the most experienced jurist of Washington’s appointees, James Wilson, a signer of both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, known for his forceful opposition towards the Jay Treaty, John Rutledge, Robert Harrison, and aide-de camp and military secretary to Washington (Roos, Dave). These appointments were foundational in shaping the early role and authority of the Supreme Court, setting examples and guiding the interpretation of the Constitution.

            The landmark Supreme Court cases Plessy v. Fergusson (1896) and Dred v. Sanford (1857) are infamous for their roles in perpetuating racial injustice and inequality in the United States (Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896 & Dred Scott v. Sanford,1857). In Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court established the doctrine of “separate but equal” into American jurisprudence, legitimizing state laws that established racial segregation. This ruling upheld Louisiana’s law requiring segregated railroad cars, asserting that separate facilities for blacks and whites were constitutional if they were equal. This decision effectively institutionalized racial discrimination, fostering an environment of inequality under the appearance of legality. The opinion claimed that the opinion did not imply the inferiority of African Americans but rather was a reasonable exercise of state power to promote good (Pressy v. Fergusson,1896). However, Justan Harlan’s opposition highlighted the inherent misconception in this reasoning \by stating that the Constitution is “color blind” and does not tolerate classes among citizens, thus foreshadowing the eventual repudiation of segregation in (1954).

            Likewise, the decision in Dred v. Scott further illustrates the Supreme Court’s complicity in perpetuating racial injustice. The Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be considered citizens of the United States and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. The decision declared that slaves were property, and that the federal government had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories acquired after the creation of the United States (Dred v. Sanford,1857). This ruling not only invalidated the Missouri Compromise but also striped African Americans of any claim to citizenship and legal protection. Chief justice Taney’s opinion held that people of African American decent were not intended to be included under the term “citizens” in the Constitution and thus no rights which the white man was bound to respect. The decision intensified sectional tensions and pushed the nation closer to civil war.

            Both Plessy and Dred Scott reflect a period in American history where the highest court in the land upheld and legitimized systemic racism through its rulings. These decisions reveal how legal interpretations can reinforce social hierarchies and institutionalize discrimination, impacting generations of African Americans. The judiciary’s failure to protect the rights of African Americans in these landmark cases underscores the critical role of the courts in either perpetuating or dismantling racial inequality.

            While the Plessy v. Fergusson (1896) and Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) decisions are indicative of the Supreme Court’s role in sustaining racial discrimination, it is important to consider the historical and legal context in which these rulings were made. The Plessy decision, for instance, was based on prevailing societal norms and legal principles of the time, which saw segregation to maintain public order and harmony in a deeply divided attempt to balance state rights a social stability without overly challenging the status quo. Additionally, the Dred Scott decision, although flagrant by modern standards, was grounded in the legal and constitutional framework of the antebellum period. Chief justice Taney’s opinion, which denied citizenship to African Americans, was based on a strict interpretation of the Constitution as it was written and understood in the late 18th century. The ruling sought to preserve the Union by avoiding further sectional conflict over the issue of slavery. Moreover, these decisions laid the groundwork for future legal challenges and reforms. The backlash and moral outrage they generated contributed to the growing abolitionist movement and ultimately the Civil War, which led to the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments that abolished slavery and established equal protection under the law. Therefore, while deeply flawed these rulings can be seen as a part of a broader legal and social evolution towards justice and equality in the United States.

            In conclusion, the practice of lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices is increasingly misaligned with the principles of accountability, adaptability, and balanced power. By introducing term limits, we can ultimately foster a judiciary that is more responsive to the needs of contemporary society, while still safeguarding the essential independence of the judicial branch. It is time to rethink this outdated tradition and embrace a more effective and liberal approach to appointing Supreme Court justices.

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“Unwavering Love” (Momma)

I love you beyond words and life itself

You’ve always put me before yourself

You’ve always had my front, my back, and my side,

Not once have I ever had to question where your loyalty lies,

Your love, a beacon, forever my guide,

In your embrace, I always find safety,

Through every storm and every tide,

You’ve been my anchor, steadfast and mighty.

Your sacrifices, countless and profound,

Your wisdom, a treasure I’ve cherished,

In your presence, my heart’s refuge is found,

Without you, I’d be lost and diminished.

For all the times you’ve dried my tears,

And filled my world with endless light,

I thank you, Mom, for all these years,

Your love has made my spirit take flight.

I love you beyond words and life itself,

You’ve always put me before yourself.

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“Resilient Pheonix”

To those that were anticipating, plotting, and praying for my downfall; know that I still “RISE!”

I rose above the ashes like a Pheonix,

Spread out my broken wings; and recognized my strength & endurance,

Turned my scars into stars,

Kissed my wounds and turned them into wisdom,

Broke free from bondage,

And now,I soar higher than ever before, unstoppable and resilient.

Drops mic 🎤….

True words spoken from a poet; please respect my artistry; I’m sensitive about my s**t y’all- 🫰

-Mimi “The Writer, The Poet”

More coming soon to a stage near you…

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You may roll past this post, you may possibly keep scrolling but to tell you the absolute truth I simply DO NOT CARE! This is not intended to offend anyone. However if you take offense that is a personal problem. July 6, 2024 Sonya Massey was murdered at the hands of law enforcement office Sean Grayson in Springfield, Illinois. Sandra Brand was found hung in a jail cell July 13,2015 in Waller County Texas after being arrested during a traffic stop. Sandra Bland is from Naperville, Illinois while Sonya Massey is from Springfield Illinois. Sandra Bland was born February 7, 1987, Sonya Massey was born February 12,1988. Both Sandra Bland and although not confirmed Sonya Massey had a pre-existing mental disorder.

Not only that, but let me also add that this incident took place on July 6, 2024. I didn’t see any released media footage until July 20, 2024. Sean Grayson was indicted on charges of first-degree murder on July 17, 2024. We were not made aware of this incident, and it didn’t even reach media outlets until two weeks after it occurred. I’m puzzled and confused as to why we weren’t informed of this as promptly as we are about Kamala Harris being an electoral candidate or Donald Trump’s candidacy during the presidential election. Or about celebrity gossip, NFL and NBA game stats, and so forth. OH! That’s simply because we’re an afterthought. Our lives aren’t of great significance to these politicians and people in positions of power. Our lives don’t matter, and they never did.

I’m TIRED of being an afterthought, I’m TIRED of my community being a disappointment to me, I’m TIRED of not being accepted by my community. I’m TIRED of not receiving an abundance of LOVE and support from my community. I’m TIRED of not seeing CHANGE, REAL change being the focal point and being implemented. I’m TIRED of my race being a threat to modern day society. I’m TIRED of the public scrutiny. I’m TIRED of us being the statistic or the leading cause of death in terms of Diabetes, high blood pressure, AIDs (which they created), Cancer and so forth. I am TIRED of being TIRED of the same old S**T! Time and time again I have to hear about or read the same story over and over again and it’s no longer a figment of my imagination. This is OUR reality. Life as we know it is unjust and oversimplified. How much longer may we endure this before real change finally comes?

*drops mic 🎤…

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Implementing Change:

I hope this post is received in the spirit it is intended, and that no one takes offense. If we truly want to see real change, we must be the change ourselves. Chanting, reposting videos, and sharing photos will not bring about the change we need. We have done this countless times for nearly decades, following the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, George Floyd, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Alton Sterling, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many more innocent Black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement.

This time, I propose that we take action by showing up at the courthouse on the day Deputy Sean Grayson is prosecuted for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in Springfield, Illinois. We need to stand together, unified as one, regardless of color, race, or religion. Together, we must demand justice, police reform, and accountability for Sonya Massey and all the other lives taken.

That is how we implement real change. Regardless of race or gender, we are all the same—we all bleed the same. This is exactly how Malcolm X intended for us to enact change. Malcolm was prepared to fight for what he believed in, regardless of the outcome. He stood for something and refused to fall for anything.

So, I ask my brothers and sisters to stand with me as I am ready to fight. You can either stand with me, or I will stand alone. I am not going to be a follower; I am going to take the lead and stand firm in this cause.

“Justice well served is justice for ALL!”

“You can’t separate PEACE from FREEDOM because NO ONE can be at PEACE unless he has Freedom”-Malcolm X

“Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice EVERYWHERE”- Dr. Martin Luther King

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Sonya Massey July 6, 2024:

We should all take a stance in not only commemorating the memory of Sonya Massey but also recognizing the painful reminder of the tragic death of Sandra Bland. Both of these women suffered from systemic injustices that continue to plague our society. It’s crucial that we join forces to honor their memories, not just through marches and social media posts, but by saying their names more than once and keeping their stories alive in our hearts and minds.

From a political standpoint, we need to take a real and unified stance, ensuring that our voices are heard in the most impactful way, just as Malcolm X did. It’s time for us to demand meaningful changes in policy and law enforcement practices. By coming together and pushing for accountability and reform, we can work towards a society where the rights and lives of all individuals, regardless of their race, are respected and protected. Let us channel our grief and anger into action, advocating for justice and equality for all.

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Your country? How came it yours? Before the Pilgrims landed we were here. Here we have brought our three gifts and mingled them with yours: a gift of story and song—soft, stirring melody in an ill-harmonized and unmelodious land; the gift of sweat and brawn to beat back the wilderness, conquer the soil, and lay the foundations of this vast economic empire two hundred years earlier than your weak hands could have done it; the third, a gift of the Spirit. Around us the history of the land has centred for thrice a hundred years; out of the nation's heart we have called all that was best to throttle and subdue all that was worst; fire and blood, prayer and sacrifice, have billowed over this people, and they have found peace only in the altars of the God of Right. Nor has our gift of the Spirit been merely passive. Actively we have woven ourselves with the very warp and woof of this nation,—we fought their battles, shared their sorrow, mingled our blood with theirs, and generation after generation have pleaded with a headstrong, careless people to despise not Justice, Mercy, and Truth, lest the nation be smitten with a curse. Our song, our toil, our cheer, and warning have been given to this nation in blood-brotherhood. Are not these gifts worth the giving? Is not this work and striving? Would America have been America without her Negro people?

W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk

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“Letter From Birmingham Jail” Essay

In the letter Dr. King also depicts the censorship of the unjust laws, the privilege of peaceful assembly and peaceful protest, which is the First Amendment of the United States Constitution (Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. King). Dr. King also states that he was arrested that Friday for parading without a permit to prevent segregation. That of which is an example of an unjust law due to the fact there is an ordinance in place which requires a permit for a parade but when that ordinance is used to deny citizens the right to protest openly and freely against segregation, is considered unjust. The relevancy that this constitutes is also in retrospect to the violent protest that took place at the US Capitol January 6, 2021. In contrast to the events that had taken place in the official “Letter from Birmingham Jail” which was orchestrated to allow individuals to disobey unjust laws and take direct action to bring social change. The attacks on the US Capital involved violent actions which included breaching security barriers, vandalizing property, physically assaulting law enforcement officers and disrupting a joint session in congress. All of which ultimately distinguishes the difference between peaceful demonstrations, which involve nonviolent expressions of dissent or demands for equality and change.

Dr. King eloquently highlights police brutality as a manifestation of systemic injustice faced by African Americans in the fight for civil rights in his letter. A perfect example of that senseless killings and use of unnecessary excessive force that have taken place today are the deaths of George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor, Manuel “Manny” Ellis, and Tyre Nichols depicted in the New York Times article by writer (D.S. Burch). Burch argues that these untimely deaths have resulted in a mixed bag of verdicts, including convictions, acquittals, and, in one case, a mistrial. Ellis McCain of Aurora, Colorado was placed in a neck restraint, beat, hogtied along with a hoodie placed over his head, and illegally injected with excessive amounts of ketamine by the paramedics. Both George Floyd and Manuel “Manny” Ellis died at the hands of the police pleading that they could not breathe. In George Floyd’s case Minneapolis police officer Dereck Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter charges and sentenced to 22 and a half years. The other three officers were found guilty on various state and federal charges (D.S. Burch.) Only one officer in Breonna Taylor’s case pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. In McCain’s case two paramedics were convicted, yet two police officers were acquitted of all charges, and one returned to the force. All these cases with law enforcement officers resulted in some convictions, yet come cases are still unresolved due to an acquittal or mistrial resulting in no justice served at all for the African American community collectively as a whole.

Racial prejudice is something that still exists today, and Dr. King addresses the systemic barriers in particular places like Alabama where African Americans faced discrimination which prohibited their right to vote. A concise example of this is the Riverfront Brawl that took place in Montgomery, Alabama. Damien Pickett, an African American co-captain was the involved in the incident and he was confronted by several other white men in a heated exchange that quickly escalated (Jones 5). The argument in this article is that several experts, pundits, users may possibly consider this incident a hate crime, while others may consider it a racial divide, or simply have nothing to do with race at all (Jones 2). Steven L. Reed, Montgomery’s first Black mayor, had two completely different perspectives on this subject matter. He strongly believed in our justice system but felt as though this level of violence should not go unrestrained. (Jones 3). Derryn Moten was a professor of American History, and he completely rejected the idea that race played any significant role (Jones 7). Lastly, Christina Ferraz, public relations consultant firmly believed that public officials in positions of power shouldn’t make statements about violent incidents related to the Riverfront Brawl or civil unrest (Jones 6). All of these statements conclude that arguably there are many different opinions and assumptions in terms of whether or not race was involved, or this incident was considered a hate crime.

In conclusion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" remains profoundly relevant today, particularly in its exploration of just and unjust laws, its recognition of not being able to enact the right of peaceful assembly and peaceful protest, police brutality and racial prejudice which still exist today. Dr. King emphasized the significance of civil disobedience, non-violent protest, and the pursuit of justice as a crucial step towards achieving equality and justice in America, illustrating the necessity of dismantling institutionalized racism to uphold the nation’s moral and constitutional values. Dr. King's insightful distinction between just and unjust laws provides a moral framework for evaluating current legislation and social practices, urging us to challenge those that perpetuate inequality. Furthermore, Dr. King's insistence on the moral necessity for the oppressed to demand their rights continues to resonate, inspiring ongoing movements for justice and equality. His letter serves as a timeless call to action, reminding us of the imperative to confront injustice with courage and to advocate for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

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Baby Mama

3 months pregnant and a heart so full of joy, it bought warmth to my heart that I was going to give life to a human life form, a baby girl,

Yet in the shadows of his absence I found strength, a void where safety should reside, his absence made me question what it truly meant to feel protected,

Through sleepless nights and endless days, the devotion of a mother blooms in myriad ways, she nurtures dreams with tender care, a true portrait of resilience oh so rare,

With laughter ringing, hearts entwined, she paints life's canvas, undefined. In her arms, a haven, warm and true, a sanctuary for me and you.

To baby mama's, courageous and kind, your love is melodic, pure and refined. In every heartbeat, your spirit sings, a true testament to the joy motherhood brings,

So, here's to you, with an abundance of love and grace. True heroines of life's embrace. In every triumph, big or small, you're cherished, admired and loved in each and every way,

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“I have wanted to kill myself a thousand times, but somehow I am still in love with life.”-Voltaire

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Shattered Reflections: Lover's Who Changed

At the age of 16 I had my first experience with a woman,

Knowingly I started having a sexual attraction to woman at the tender age of 6,

I went from playing house to having a girlfriend,

Openly suffering from mommy and daddy issues,

Broken, battered and abused,

I looked for a woman to heal all my wounds,

And mend my broken heart,

Only to find out that a woman would ultimately hurt me more than a fucking man,

Markita wants to be Mark,

While Crystal wants be Christopher,

I loved the women by my side,

The gentle tender grace, yet yearning for a different kind of space,

No matter how many countless times I whispered their beauty into the winds of our night, it was never enough to anchor them from sailing toward the horizon of their true selves as men,

I defend your right to find you, to become who you must be, yet in the shadow of your changes there's a wound you left in me,

In the dance of transformation, we both seemingly lost and found our way, as you stepped into your new dawn, I faced the end of our shared days,

So, here's to shifting shadows and changing tides, to love that simply couldn't last, to the women who became men, and to memories now past,

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Cydney Rose Zariah Autism Coming Out Day

Today, July 12,2024, I found out from my daughter’s school psychologist that she had been clinically diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. I have been silent because as a single parent this is what is something I’ve been battling with for months. Coupled with maintaining employment and being a full time student at CSM. I have had to attend several meetings,phone calls and appointments for testing for my daughter in order to get her clinically diagnosed. All while juggling REAL LIFE occurrences. I’ve spoken about it publicly and I’ve also created a group dedicated to single mothers like myself experiencing the same exact thing. I applaud myself for withstanding the storm and pushing through during a time of adversity. I still place one foot in front of the other and I keep going. Most importantly I thank GOD and my support system being my momma,my best friend Candice, my home girl Dollshana and a few others. 

During this entire process there were times where I felt as though I truly had NO ONE! I opened up about my struggles of parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder a few months back in front of a church congregation. I received an outpour of support and understanding and I am forever grateful for that. This has not been an easy road to travel alone but it’s been worth it to ensure that my baby has all the support she needs in order to be successful. I will do anything and everything for my daughter Cydney as long as there is breath in my body. 

With the preexisting condition of having Autism Spectrum Disorder  a child may or may not interact with peers. They generally struggle to make eye contact, interpret body language and emotions, understand figures of speech “social cues,” and they may simply walk away from conversations that don’t involve their favorite topics or interests. They exhibit repetitive behaviors and social impairments in social interactions and communication. No cure openly exists for ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. While the genetics of Autism are complex scientist have narrowed down studies and shown that genetically men are more common to carry the genetic genome rather than woman. Also in the US about 4 in 100 boys and  1 in 100 girls are likely to have autism. 

Unlike ASD being a neurological and developmental disorder. ADHD (Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder) is a type of neurological called a developmental disorder. It affects the brain and nervous system, like most neurological disorders but also affects brain development. ADHD is also presumed to be present at birth. The CDC states that normally signs of Autism develop between 12-24 months. However babies can show signs as early as 9 months old. People with ADHD struggle with impulsiveness,restlessness and difficulty paying attention. 

With all this being said and gaining more knowledge on my child’s diagnosis. Although I’ve struggled as a mother with understanding “Why?” or often times blaming myself. I am at peace knowing my child has been thoroughly diagnosed. This is only the beginning of the journey ahead. Nonetheless I am ready for whatever is to come. Thanks to those who have been supportive, understanding and patient during this time. It’s greatly appreciated.

God Bless,

Mimi xoxo