Analyzing R. Kelly Interview with Gayle King on CBS News

R. Kelly finally breaks his silence following his arrest on sexual abuse charges in an interview with CBS This Morning co-host, Gayle King. Parts of the 80-minute interview have aired and people are choosing sides. Everyone wants to know, “Did R. Kelly Do It?”

R. Kelly is being charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse relating to misconduct with four women, three of whom were underage at the time of their alleged assaults. In January 2019, Lifetime premiered Surviving R. Kelly, a six-part docuseries that detailed the allegations against Kelly. It featured accounts from multiple women who say they escaped Kelly’s “cult” and interviews with some of the women’s parents. Amongst interviews are Jocelyn Savage and Azriel Clary’s parents. Who believe Kelly is holding their daughters against their will or have brainwashed them. Again, Robert Kelly has denied everything.

Below, we have analyzed some red flags and potential behavioral patterns of batterers that stood out during this interview.

RED FLAG #1: R. Kelly says, “Rescue someone that doesn’t need rescuing cause they’re not in my house.” However, a video soon to follow shows him confessing to his relationships with 23-year-old Jocelyn Savage and 21-year-old Azriel Clary. According to their parents, the two young women need to be rescued. The question is, are they in the house or not? If they are in the house willingly, why won’t they talk to their parents?

RED FLAG #2: He’s stated that he doesn’t know what a cult is, which is problematic. If he doesn’t know what a cult is, how can he be sure that he doesn’t have one?

RED FLAG #3: When speaking on the docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly, Kelly says, “Everyone said something bad about me. Nobody said nothing good. They were describing Lucifer.” It is true that the women addressed R. Kelly and Robert as two different people. Most of the women said great things about R. Kelly, and described Robert as Lucifer in the sense that he’s a charismatic charmer that sings his way into people’s hearts. Before delving into Robert’s sexual behaviors, they spoke A LOT about R. Kelly being a sweet and caring man who would give the world to the people around him, but when Robert takes over, it’s scary.

RED FLAG #4: When R. Kelly starts crying, I can’t say that I don’t think he’s hurting. However, I do believe that his tears stem from a different source of pain. Think for a second. Have you ever witnessed a man cry when he realizes something in his life is being taken from him? Most times, men don’t cry because they feel bad. They cry because they’ve been caught or don’t know how to fix the problem. He feels like shit because he is now realizing everything he did in the past and the present is catching up with him. He can’t find an escape route. This is my perception of R. Kelly’s pain.

EXAMPLE: Society for the most part, doesn’t accept underage dating and it’s illegal. In some states, parents can sign their children over to a spouse from the age of sixteen. Also, there are men in certain neighborhoods that prey on younger, more vulnerable women. It makes them seem more manly to have young women chasing after them. If R. Kelly surrounds himself by a crowd of people that encourage his actions, why would he change? At that point, neither the law nor outside opinions matter to him. Who is going to finally stand up and tell R. Kelly, “No”? What consequences will he face? Consider this as you listen to his outbursts.

He uses the words, “ABDUCTED, RAPED, and CHAINED” when describing women that really need help. Again, the women that are in his alleged “cult” are technically not being held against their will, but if the allegations are correct, he has psychologically brainwashed them. They may not be in physical bondage, but they’re definitely in bondage.

RED FLAG #5: I believe that R. Kelly truly thinks his behaviors, minor or extreme, are unproblematic. It’s actually pretty scary to watch/hear because R. Kelly is far from the first who hasn’t comprehended their wrongdoing, nor will he be the last.

He even speaks about arresting himself if his daughters were said to be enduring the same abuse that he’s allegedly guilty of. WHAT??? I can’t! Help him PLEASE!!!

RED FLAG #6: R. Kelly says, “How come it was okay for me to see them until they wasn’t getting no money from me…What kind of a father, what kind of mother would sell their daughter to a man?”

He still doesn’t fully understand what he’s saying. He literally admitted to buying two young women from their parents. If he did purchase these young women, keep in mind that Azriel Clary was 17-year-old when they met. Clary is now 21-years-old and according to Kelly, the two are now in a romantic relationship. If that’s the case, is he expecting people to believe that he waited until she was 18-years-old to legally engage in sexual intercourse with her? If there was no sexual intercourse between the two, was romance a NO altogether? This whole damn scenario is messed up. R. Kelly should not be dating or interested in anyone younger than 21-years-old. He needs help ASAP.

“An emotionally abusive partner will systematically and intentionally try to separate the victim from their external network of support: friends, family, co-workers, clergy. This is designed to make the victim solely dependent upon the abuser and to decrease the likelihood that others will witness the abuse. The more a victim is isolated, the harder it is for them to be connected to the resources they need to escape the relationship.” ― Ferentz HUFFPOST

Recognizing the Signs: I’m not sure if anyone else picked up on this, but R. Kelly shows many signs that are common of an abuser.

Sign 1: He talked over King every time she spoke. This shows that he is used to controlling a conversation. Also, he stood up and started yelling, which is a sign of a verbal and emotional abusers. They use their dominance to show people that they’re in charge.

Sign 2: He wouldn’t take responsibility for any of his actions.

“It’s extremely rare for an emotionally abusive partner to take responsibility for his or her behavior. Their tactic is to project responsibility or fault onto their partner. They will deceptively twist reality, distort the truth or outright lie to make the case that their partner is to blame. The subject matter becomes irrelevant as the emotionally abusive partner sidesteps responsibility at all cost.” ― Carol A. Lambert, psychotherapist and author of Women With Controlling Partners HUFFPOST

I’m sure there are other things that I didn’t catch. If you can identify any other signs or red flags that you’re willing to discuss, comment below!

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Jordyn Woods Joins The Red Table Talk To Tell Her Story!!!

Jordyn Woods shares her story with Jada Pinkett Smith on The Red Table Talk.

Last week, a story broke out that Jordyn Woods and Khloe Kardashian’s boyfriend Tristan Thompson allegedly had an affair. Woods has denied all allegations; because of this, she has been called a liar by the Kardashian family and the public, along with receiving threatening messages to her and her family. With so much confusion revolving around the story, Woods tries to tell her story. Jada Pinkett Smith has known Jordyn Woods her whole life and has been close to the Kardashian family for some time. Jada voices that this has impacted all three families, but Jordyn needs to let the world know the truth.

After listening to the entire video, I have to say I believe Jordyn. Not saying that I can’t be wrong, but everything she says seems like something that could happen to anyone. She doesn’t make up some elaborate story to convince us. It is the most generic story, nothing to question or consider.

We all can agree, and Jordyn says it often that she shouldn’t have allowed herself to follow the other ladies to Tristan’s house. It was inappropriate, and she acknowledges that many times.

I do want to explore the comments on her being drunk, as all these blogs feel the need to pick at her for mentioning the alcohol. Let’s be clear; alcohol surfaces a lot of built-up energy or feelings that one may have. People are making it seem like she is making an excuse. That isn’t an excuse; It’s the truth. She describes her sitting next to Tristan and how their feet touched. Inappropriate, but this is the only thing that raises a red flag for me. It seems like Jordyn may have had a connection with Tristan before this event. Not something that would cause cheating but a feeling that possibly lingered in the air when they’re in the room together. Something that neither one of them really acknowledged or perhaps just ignored.

Jada Pinkett Smith says it many times that everyone has been in a situation like this or similar. I’m not saying that the Kardashians should forgive her. I’m just saying these kinds of things are more common than not. It doesn’t matter who you are. We only learn from them and move the hell on.

When someone tells their story, it doesn’t always have to be that they are looking for attention. Sometimes people make mistakes and want to make it known that they made a mistake. It is possible someone can be genuine. Again I don’t remember whether Jordyn Woods is lying or not, but I won’t dismiss her apology just because people feel she wants attention. If that’s the case, no one would come out and say anything they’ve done or been through because, unfortunately, the world we live in, people love scandals that will bring them attention.

For the trollers…with all of the cases of people committing suicide because of bullying, it’s also inappropriate to send someone messages stating things like “That’s why your father deserved to die” and “I hope you die.” Hateful rhetoric is disgusting, and no one should ever speak to someone like that, especially not because of an alleged affair. Let’s be frank the Kardashians don’t know half of you who are “defending” them. You aren’t getting your bills paid, and you’re not going to become their best friends. You’re just fueling an issue that, when you go home at night, has nothing to do with your real life. Grow Up! These people are hurting and don’t need your petty and childish insults.

NEW VIDEO: Chris Brown – Hope You Do

Chris Brown dropped the video for Hope You Do. The track is featured on Brown’s eighth album Heartbreak On A Full Moon. The video embodies a black and white old school feel. He remakes Donell Jones – Where I Wanna Be with his chorus.

Chris Brown said in a interview with Complex:

I thought Heartbreak On a Full Moon was a depiction of what my soul wanted to say. It’s funny because we’re doing a double album. I’ve done so many records, but all of the records, to me, are personal favorites and I feel like it gets what I want to say across. It gives a vibe. You get nostalgia or you get a sense of individuality.

Check out the video below:

(FULL INTERVIEW) BIANCA BONNIE TALKS HER MUSIC AND RELATIONSHIPS

O: What made you want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
B: Well, music was always my passion, since I was a kid. It’s just something I wanted to do since I was young.
O: What part of the entertainment industry do you enjoy the most?
B: I actually like creating the music the most. Just writing it and being able to deliver it in the studio.
O: Do you have a preferred place you go to, in order to write your music?
B: When I’m on the train or traveling [on] Amtrak or the plane. Anytime I’m traveling or in the car or riding for long distance, I come up with songs quick. Sometimes when I’m in the shower [it’s just] random weird places I’ll think of the music.

O: How did you becoming apart of the Love and Hip-Hop cast come about?
B: They actually reached out to me in a DM, so I guess [when they do that] their casting. They reached out to cast me.
O: Did you enjoy being on the show? Would you do it again?
B: As of right now, I feel like I want to continue to stay with the network, with the brand. Eventually I’ll branch off and do my own thing.

O: Has your experience on the show been positive or negative?
B: I wouldn’t say it has been positive, I’ll just say its [had an impact]. The show is good for gaining attraction and that’s what I want to do because after ‘chicken little soup’ people didn’t really know where I [went] with my career. The show helps me gain more exposure. I’m still growing and building as an artist so [its] just a stepping stone for my next big move.
O: Would you recommend reality shows to individuals that may be interested in reality television? Do you think it’s a good platform?
B: I can’t tell people what a good platform for them will be, they would have to want to do that themselves. It was good for me because the show gets you millions of views and followers every Monday. That’s good for me because the way I brand myself the things I do outside of the show collectively adds to that, but it may not be good for everyone and their brand.
O: Who has inspired you through your journey with music?
B: I can’t say anyone inspired me but just the struggle and poverty from where I [grew up]. Just being from Harlem from New York in the hood that inspired me. I have family and friends that I do this for. Its not about me. I do this because its way out of where I’m from and its something I’m good at. [I can also make a lot of money].

O: Are there any news you would like to give your fans?
B: Yeah right now [10 plus and Cherry Lounge my albums are] out. Its available for streaming and downloading all over the world; worldwide distribution. I’m working on a new mixtape which should be dropping the end of April early may called “Queen of Harlem Vol. 1”. I’m on a web series, which is really big called “Respect Life”. Basically, I’m going to be dropping some visuals for my fans.
O: Do you believe that society should embrace the other forms of romantic relationships?
B: To each is own. Everyone should just live life and be happy and do whatever they feel like doing. You can’t knock someone for doing what they want to do. I feel everyone should [be in whatever type of] relationship they want. Your only on this earth for a short period of time.
O: What are your view on cheating?
B: I feel like cheating should absolutely not be accepted but if you get in a relationship and you already know, like some men get into a relationship knowing this woman has a man and some women get into relationships know a man has a woman. So, you already know what you’re getting into, but if you get into a relationship and you have communication and understanding that yall together. I think that unacceptable. If you want to cheat you should just be single.
O: What do you want your legacy to be?
B: I’m still growing and building. I’m still very young. I’m not sure what I want my legacy to be. I have to get married, have kids all that stuff. My husband will be apart of my legacy. It’s just so many things that I have to do, that I haven’t done yet that I don’t even know that question yet.

 

Getting to know Basketball Wives Cristen Metoyer

Domonique From OnPointCelebz interviewed Cristen Metoyer, to get to know her more as a person. Ms. Metoyer is known, for being on the hit show “basketball wives” on VH1. She is currently dating basketball player Joe Crawford. During the show we find out that, she and Joe have a young daughter together. They are in a committed relationship, and hope this sealed the deal soon. Through out learning all of this, we still never learned about Cristen as an individual person. So we conducted an interview, to help solve any unanswered questions people may have about her. Personally, I enjoyed watching her on the show, and absolutely love what I learned about her. Throughout her interview, she was really sweet and attentive. Below, is the full interview. I hope you’ll enjoy it, just as much as I have. MuaH!!! 💋💋💋

P.s. This interview was done, a little while ago.

Where did you grow up? Where is your hometown? I grew up in LA. I actually grew up in West LA and Valencia California. And my hometown, i’m back-and-forth, I own a house in Detroit, well Michigan and out here in LA.

How did you meet Joe Crawford? We met through mutual friends. I was out with my sister, she was meeting up with one of his teammates. We didn’t know that we were actually with the same party, and we randomly started talking to one another. And that’s it!

How did you get into the basketball wife cast? Originally, to tell you the truth I’m a really private person. So when it was brought to us, it was brought to us through Asia. They had approached her on it and she said [to my other sister and I], “ I don’t want to do it by myself, Will you guys do with me?”. I told her yeah, I I will go on as your sister. Of course for the moral support. I have your back, and that’s all that really came about.

Do you think that the show, has had a positive or a negative impact on your career? To tell you the truth, it wasn’t negative in anyway. The only negative is the fact that, me and my sisters had a big falling out because of the show. Its actually been really positive. I’ve actually had the chance to inspire women, that are insecure with certain things about them self. To say fuck it, and just embrace everything about them. And if you want to change whatever it is, if you work hard enough you can do it. [Also] I look like a crybaby on the show… I am really sweet, but every time I check someone they didn’t [film] it. Me and the stylus had exchanged words and they didn’t [film] it. [I just said] well, I guess on the sweetheart next-door.

Do you have any business ventures, that hasn’t been released to the public yet? I’m actually a photographer, so I’m used to being on the other end of the camera, instead of in front of it. That’s my career that’s what I do. That’s what I was doing before I that on the show.

Did you start off with photography? And you realize that was your passion? I grew up, and a family of photographers. So I’ve been around in my whole life. I’ve always been the kid, that when everyone would go outside to play, I was curious to see how the camera works. The different lenses, I was a kid I went in a dark room. I took photography when I was in school, then I really put my all into it. I had a camera already, and I would do little shots by myself. Then one day he bought me a professional camera, and it took off from there.

Do you do photography for certain people? I’ve done it for a few socialites. I’ve done a lot of work in Israel. I do parties, I do events, weddings. I pretty much do it all.

How do you get involved in Israel, with your photography? Because of Joe, the city that we were in. Whatever he wanted or we wanted they gave it to us. There were a couple of restaurants that will turn into clubs. We were really close with the owners, so I will come and shoot [during that time]. That’s how, that Open doors for me.

Do you have interest in being a part of the entertainment industry, Apart from the show? I wouldn’t mind, my boyfriend always says you should’ve been an actor, because you’re a drama queen. He always says I’m good at acting. I wouldn’t mind television, I’m too short for modeling I have too much body.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years and the next 10 years?

Hopefully, in the next year I’ll be married. [Also] oh well known photographer in the states at least. Probably have another kid. I really throw myself into my work, I really just want to be known for my artistic side. There so many layers to me with that.

Could you see yourself doing another season of basketball wives?

Yes, just for my redemption. Just to say first of all ladies I can dress. I’m not no goddamn crybaby. No one will walk over me, this season. I wouldn’t mind, because the ladies were actually really nice. They were really warm and welcoming, so I wouldn’t mind giving it another round.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I just want to be a real inspiration to my daughter. For her to know, no matter what he can accomplish anything. That she sets her mind to. I want to be known as one of those people that went out and did it, that it done, and help other achieve the same goals. I want to be known as the person that always gave back.

Jay -Z ‘New York Times’ Interview

Rapper/Entrepreneur Jay-Z gets interviewed by Dean Baquet from The New York Times. Jay talks about the reality, we all try to avoid. He speaks honesty and the true that many people need to take in. Touches on how he has learned about himself and becoming a better person. He mentions a lot about his ‘obligation’ to this community. I have always enjoyed listening to Jay-Z music, but the way he speaks brings me happiness. I pray that people listen to this interview and actually leave with something valuable. Below is the full interview.

 

Getting To Know Tuesday Knight Interview

1. Where did the name Tuesday Knight come from?

So it's definitely not exciting as it sounds. I use to go by my government name Shane Jackson. I always thought it sounded plain and generic. I mean Jackson is the most common name ever. It doesn't sound too rapper-ish I guess. Before I put my first mixtape I needed a rap name that I was going to stick to. And I couldn't think of anything and it happened to be Tuesday night. I was in the studio with my manager and I was explaining what do you think about the name Tuesday Night? There's a bunch of metaphor ways I can play that name. He was like "yo that's kind of dope." So I just kept Tuesday Night. That's when I chose the right name.

2. Can you describe yourself in three words?

Creative, passionate, and humble.

3. What college did you attend and what was your major?

I graduated from Cornell University and I went The School of Hotel Administration. My degree is in Hotel Administration.

4. How long after working did you realize that you wanted to do music instead?

I was working him in Manhattan at Warner Brothers for 3 1/2 years straight out of college, after I graduated, December 31, 2016.

5. How long have you been writing and rapping?

For fun, I would say I started between 13 and 14 years old. But seriously tried to make it a career I would say, about two years ago.

6. Where did your inspiration for the album come from?

My recent album spoke about the transition from corporate to music. So definitely this album was straight pool of inspiration from my real life. I just want to share the thought process behind my decision. If anybody else is going through this and having to make a hard decision in life, just do what makes you happy and what inspires you. It's basically what the album is about.

7. Do you have a special place for your writing?

No, I never really write down my lyrics either. I just constantly think about my lyrics. Everything is in my head so I could be walking and I can see things. Like nature inspired me to [to write]. I can see something while driving my car and say I can make that a dope line. I'm just constantly fighting constantly thinking things that I can say at a later time throughout my career; where people would say that I'm smart because I went to school and be able to leave a memory. I used to remember everything that the teacher said. I never took notes or anything. I can come up with a rap in my head whenever. I don't know I just have a good memory.

8. Do you have an artist that inspires you? Who?

I always go back to Nas, just because that was my introduction to hip-hop. I was born in the early 90s and it was huge. I have two brothers and we was bumping his music. So I was really brought up on listening to Nas. I knew all of his tracks and I was like 5 or 6 years old. That's what inspired me to start especially my style is the way he told stories in his rhymes. Now is definitely the inspiration for me.

9. What's the difference between the corporate industry and the music industry?

The ability to be creative. Which was what was holding me back from falling in love with the corporate industry. You have a boss to tell you what to do and usually there's only one way to do it. I just tell you do it this way. With rap I can be creative, do things the way I want to do them and how I think they should be done.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?

Five years from now I just want to be making decent amount of money and music so I don't need another job. I'm real humble I don't care about being a millionaire and all that other stuff. If I could make $120 grand off of writing music even ghostwriting for other people. I would be completely content. Ten years from now I will be 36, I hope to take the rent money which is like entry level money and start investing in other things. Have my own businesses and have a family fortune, to include my family and friends and make sure all our bodies are good.

11. What do you want your legacy to be?

I want my legacy to be, that I was a relatable. I was able to make people feel what I was saying. I just want people to be able to relate to my music. And help them get through certain situations in life through my music. That's what I want my legacy to be.

12. Is there anything that your fans should look forward to seeing from you in the near future?

I'm currently working on two separate mixtapes. 2 to 5 track EP’s. There's a day vibe and a night vibe. I've already started working on my next album but who knows how long that's going to take.

Martin Luther King Jr. Speeches [Must Read]

I Have A Dream Speech:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.”

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. *We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: “For Whites Only.”* We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”¹

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest — quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

 

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

 

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

 

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

                Free at last! Free at last!

                Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!³

Martin Luther King Jr. opening address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival: 

God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create—and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations.

Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.

This is triumphant music.

Modern jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more complicated urban existence. When life itself offers no order and meaning, the musician creates an order and meaning from the sounds of the earth which flow through his instrument.

It is no wonder that so much of the search for identity among American Negroes was championed by Jazz musicians. Long before the modern essayists and scholars wrote of racial identity as a problem for a multiracial world, musicians were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their souls.

Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.

And now, Jazz is exported to the world. For in the particular struggle of the Negro in America there is something akin to the universal struggle of modern man. Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith.

In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.

 

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’s Erica Dixon Talks New Children’s Book and New Adventure

OnPointCelebz interviewed Erica Dixon and she talked to us about all of the wonderful projects that she is working on. On of which is called “Introducing Southern Bell”, the first in a 7 book series of children’s book available on southernbookseries.com and her website MsEricaDixon.com. In the book Erica displays the situations she dealt with as a child. With this book Erica hopes to touch the lives of other people that maybe going though the same situations. I read the book. I know this book could be a great tool for people, to begin to feel comfortable about bringing light to what they maybe going through.

Read on to get to know Erica Dixon more…

OPC: Can you describe Erica Dixon in three words?

E: Owww! Prosperous, Positive and Successful

OPC: What made you want to display your experience in “Southern Bell” the children’s book?

E: I felt like, you were only able to see snippets that were edited, of my life and I wanted to begin to tell my story, the way I lived it. So what better way to tell it than through a book? [The best part is that] it’s coming from the source. 

OPC: Did you feel as though some people would being skeptical about that type of situation being displayed in a children’s book?

E: No, I just wanted to tell my story and I wanted to do the children’s book. And I felt like me telling my story of when I was a child, was relatable. [There’s] a lot of kids that can relate to that situation. I just said I’m going to be open about it.

OPC: Do you think “Southern Bell” can be your motivation to start your own Charity?

E: Oh Absolutely! I’m leaning toward doing my own non-profit organization with my mom, gearing kids growing without their parents [in the right direction]. Being a voice and mentoring them, because I feel as though everyone needs somebody. That somebody I had was my aunt.

OPC: How do you think you could tell a child that is currently going through what you went through that, they will being moving away from their parents?

E: I think honesty is key. Letting them know like they did with us. “Hey you’re going to live with your aunt in New York, things are going to be a little different but you will eventually see your mom again”. It hurts, and of course their going to be scared. They’re not going to want to leave, but once I got there it was a different situation. It was actually a better situation. Basically I was like, “okay I can live with this I can deal with this” and I feel like it would be the same thing for any child. I’m not necessarily saying what their situation maybe, but hopefully it would be better situation. Being honest with them is the best thing, so they know what’s going on.

OPC: Has your daughter read “Southern Bell” and will she be a part of the project? Have you explained to your daughter the difference between having a privileged lifestyle and the life you once had?

E: Yes. I have exposed her to it. I did a [charity] with the radio station. We were out giving away boxes of food, it was a food drive and I took her with me. What shocked her was to see a few of her classmates come. They didn’t have food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. One girl was trying to hide because she didn’t want [my daughter] to see her. [My daughter] went up to her and said “I’m not going to tell anybody your business, I didn’t know, if you need something let me know”. This is coming from a ten year old. I do expose her to that so she does know that she is privileged and that everyone is not as blessed as she is. We are very very close, she ask me sometimes “I’m never going to be taken from you?” [I always reply] No, I’m fine I’m doing well but if anything were to happen to me, you will be with family that’s going to still take care of you the same way.

OPC: Is your fashion line something you always wanted? Or a project you picked up on your journey?

E: You just set goals and you accomplish them one at a time, [over time] you set them higher and higher. Definitely something I wanted to do and when the opportunity was presented, I took advantage of it and I’m still pushing that. That ties into me growing up and the things I went through. Dressing I always want to dress, and have all the hottest new stuff and the hottest new items. Just staying ahead of other folks not being a part of the trend.

OPC: Do you see yourself doing another reality show under your circumstances?

E: I would ask to take advantage of reality shows, more focused on me and what I have going on. I think it’s such an inspirational story for many.

OPC: How did you come about Model?

E: It came with the platform and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I did a couple of auditions when I was eighteen/nineteen. When it came to fashion week I was like, “Wow! They want me to walk at fashion week. OMG”, it was just amazing just being able to. You think when you’re younger, “I want to do this and I want to do that”. Then you get to the point where you know the things you said you want to do, you have so many. Just set your mind to one thing at a time and do it. You may not be able to do everything. I have been able to and it seems as though I’m still adding onto my list, that I want to do. When the opportunity presented itself I took advantage of it. I was excited!

OPC: Your hair is always laid? Was a hair line something you always wanted to do or was it a good idea when you found out fans ALWAYS love your hair?

E: You nailed it! The focus was always on my hair. What type of hair does she have? Look at her hair style! How are you able to do that? To the point where my stylist said, “I’m not taking any new clients”. At one point I got braids and they were like, “Can you do my hair Erica’s? I want to know how many braids she has” She was like ‘How many braids?” Who’s counting braids? It was crazy. I said you know what, I’m going to go ahead and push my hair. They’re always wondering what type of hair I have. How are you able to do this style and that style? I have a hair stylist that’s not afraid to make changes. I don’t have to sit in her chair and say hey I want this. She always wants to be creative, most people are always wearing the same hair styles. I took advantage of [the fact] that people wanted to know and I give it to them. I’m like yeah I’m rocking this hair and so forth.

OPC: How often do you get your hair done?

E: I get my hair done every two weeks. Season one was like every three to four days. I kid you not. I kind of was like okay this is ridiculous. It was the first season so you want to be cute and ONPOINT!!!

OPC: what do you want your legacy to be?

E: I don’t necessary have to have a legacy. I know my daughter is watching me, I just want to be proud of her mom. She is now, and says “Everyone loves my mom that’s my mom”. I just want her to continue to feel that way.

OPC: Do you think monogamy has become a thing of the past?

E: Yes, I do believe so. It’s the year for the side chicks for some reason, I don’t know where we went wrong but side chicks and side dudes too. It’s just accepted and it’s so wrong, but hey to each is own. It’s wrong in my eyes. I’m just not with it.

OPC: Can you be in love with more than one person?

E: Yeah if you put yourself in that situation. That refers to the last question. If you messing with someone then decide to mess with someone else you’re, juggling two people at the same time. They both may have different qualities that causes you to fall in love with both of them.

Check out Erica’s website MsEricaDixon.com

Instagram @MsEricaDixon

Twitter @MsEricaDixon

 

 

Idris Elba Talks Fatherhood & Challenges Of Playing A ‘Deranged Man’ In Rolling Out

We will be seeing see the sexy Idris Elba in a whole new light as he plays a deranged maniac killer in No Good Deed which hits theaters today, but as the sexual chocolate cover man for Rolling Out, he’s just a regular guy balancing being a daddy, DJ, and director.

Recently, Elba sat down with the Atlanta-based publication to talk about his new movie role, as well as share his love for his children (he has an 11-year-old daughter and 4-month-old son).

Here are a few highlights below:

What he’s found most challenging playing this character
“I don’t like the violence, as much … it’s difficult beating a woman [and] being in a fight with a woman. But, Taraji got some punches in once or twice,” he says laughingly.

On researching the psychology of criminals to prepare for the role
I wanted to find out from people who create these situations, what’s missing in their lives. You and I may have a conscious stop button, and we know what we’re doing is wrong … but this guy doesn’t have that. I wanted to research that psychosis to understand the people who are in jail for similar scenarios. My research involved looking into the mentality of someone like Colin, a troubled and anxious man on a mission. There are so many common denominators like their upbringing, neglected at child birth, abused as a child by their mum, dad or siblings, bullying, and they ended up having these similar personalities and didn’t have a conscience.

On what fatherhood is like for Elba in real life
I love, love children. I love being a dad; it’s one of the joys of life. In fact, you can take it all away from me tomorrow, but don’t take away my children.

The perception he wants his kids to have of him …
I just hope my children grow up saying my dad was my good friend and supporter … I was fair and just, helped them whenever they needed me to. And, that there was love. One thing I am very aware is that I love them and I love to embrace my children. My children know what it is to have a hug and a kiss, be cuddled and feel comfortable. My parents were not cuddlers or kissers, but I am.

On how he stays balanced:
I don’t pray. I don’t meditate. I do a lot of deep breathing whenever I get five or 10 minutes. It’s something great about oxygenating your body. It is a real good thing to do in moments of stress, weakness, tiredness … if you give yourself a little oxygen, fill your lungs to capacity and do it eight times, three to four times a day, it really helps. I am a multitasker. In my 24-hour day I am working 19. I get three to four hours of sleep, wake up and then I go again. I rejuvenate by drinking lots of water and doing my breathing exercises,” reveals Elba.

Via Necole Bitchie