7/19/2006 09:56:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Two shooting events that occured early last Sunday morning have dominated the headlines this week. One involved an apparent carjacking attempt where Dallas Cowboy safety Keith Davis was shot twice as he drove his Impala along 635. The other was a fatal shooting that occured at Club Angel in downtown Dallas. Two people died and 4 were hurt in what apparently ended up as a beef between rival gangs. Throughout the week media outlets have speculated on both incidents. In the case of Davis, some have found it odd that anyone would attempt a carjacking speeding down LBJ Freeway. The sports talk shows have been skeptical, in part because Davis was shot outside of a Dallas strip club in 2003. Though Davis was hospitalized due to the injuries suffered in shooting, he is expected to be ready to go for Cowboys Training Camp. Sunday mornings shooting at Club Angel has spawned a number of debates. On Radio Station "Heaven 97", 970 AM, I heard two former gang members discussing why so many young men choose to be part of the gang life. They speculated that whoever did the shooting considers it a game, and probably went to the playground laughing about the crime he committed. Dallas Morning News Columnist Steve Blow, with the help of the Dallas Police Department, took the discussion to a new level with his rant Still Believe It's Harmless Music? Blow indicted rap music as the driving force behind the malee that broke out. He based this indictment on information he received at a Dallas Police Department news conference on Monday. He basically suggested a warrant for the arrest of Lil' Jon and The East Side Boyz as being the main culprits in the senseless murders that occured at Club Angel. DPD says all hell broke loose when the DJ decided to spin Lil' Jon's " Put Yo Hood Up." According to police, this apparently ended a truce the rival gangs had struck at the beginning of the evening. In any isolated case, individuals must be held accountable for the choices that they make. Those who choose to disharge their weapons must be procecuted, that's a given. We can gossip about whether Keith Davis' story adds up, or debate the role that "rap" music played in the deaths on Sunday. But in order to try to prevent either incident, I think we should step back and look at the big picture here. We are seeing the fruits of America's second most prevalent addiction (President Bush states that Oil is #1). America is addicted to guns. There's no way around it, there are too many guns floating around available for any and everyone. How do these people even get guns? I'm fully aware that 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights expresses the right of the people to keep and bear arms . The NRA would be quick to remind us that these rights shall not be infringed. But the rights were never meant for carjackers and gang members. I've never understood the hardline positions of the gun toting community and why they refuse to give in to this point. Among industrialized countries, American far and away exceeds other nations when it comes to gun related fatalities. Take a look at the number of gun deaths in other countries first: Death By Firearms (1999) Country, Deaths (Total Population) Great Britan, 68 (59 million) France, 255 (59 million) Germany, 381 (82 million) Canada, 165 (30 million) Japan, 39 (126 million) United States, 28,874 (280 million) By 2001 the number of deaths due to firearms in the US had risen to 29,573. Of those 16,869 of those deaths were due to suicides, and 11,671 were due to homicides. Can you blame all these deaths on Lil' Jon? Could rap music be the blame for the deaths of nearly 30,000 Americans each year. Gun violence is in no way a new phenomenon, what is new is those perpitrating the crimes and how they carry out those crimes. D0 you remember the commercials for the Time/Life Old West Book Series? Besides glorifying the personas of western gunslingers, they perpetuated myths like Billy the Kid shooting a man "just for snoring too loud." The legends of Billy "The Kid", Frank and Jesse James, Belle Starr and others were built on marksmanship, and furthered by murders. There are hundreds of books and websites that look fondly on the era. The 1920's and 30's brought Al Capone, as well as Bonnie and Clyde. Scores of books, movies, and museums all buy glorify the ruthless lifestyles of these promienent historical figures. Blame Rap Music? How about Hollywod's contribution to this addiction. The Godfather movies are considered an American Classics, some of the best movies ever made. Many list The Godfather I and II among their favorite movies, along with Scarface (say hello to my lil' friend) another movie with a high fire arm factor. I think about Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which focused on the marital problems of two cold-blooded assasssins, using the dozens that they shot down throughout the movie only to further the love story. America needs to look in the mirror, and stop looking for scapegoats. We should be truthful about the history in order to gain a better perspective on the present, and create solutions for the future. Looking at those telling gun death totals should strike a cord with anyone, and lead to the conclusion that something is horribly awry. The first step to overcoming any addiction is to admit that you have one. I suggest something like..."Hi, I'm the United States of America, and I am a Gun Addict." That would be a good start.|W|P|115336686486606043|W|P|No Guns, No Glory|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/18/2006 09:42:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Tuesday's Dallas Morning News had an interesting article entitled: In Dallas, a new era in black politics . The article highlighted the fact that council districts 4, 5, 7, and 8 will all be up for grabs in the March 2007 election. The terms of Maxine Thornton-Reese, Don Hill, Leo Chaney, and James Fantroy are all about to expire. So change is inevitable; or is it? When I look at the list of candidates who will contend for these council seats next spring, there are a number of familiar names who have made a varying levels of contributions to the political scene in Dallas. Names like Dwaine Caraway, Betty Culbreath, Ron Price, and Mr. Al Lipscomb would not be my idea of change. There are however a number of fresh faces in the running including Eric Wilson who sits on the Dallas City Planning Commission. Mr. Wilson will be vying for the District 8 seat being vacated by James Fantroy. The young black populous in Dallas is awakening, and it is high time. The fact that this awakening coincides with the high number of expiring council terms can only be seen as a plus. Michael Davis who publishes the blog Dallas Progress , wrote a great article entitled Dallas Needs a Revolution at DallasBlog.com. In his article Davis ascerts that generation X is already in the process of consensus building. Since the beginning of this blog I have been contacted by a number of 30 somethings who are ready to up their involvement and increase their contributions. Dallas is searching for its own version of Ft. Worth's Donavan Wheatfall , who was elected as one of the youngest city council members of a major U.S. City. The fact is, Dallas may be on the verge of finding multiple Donavan Wheatfalls' (although there is truly only one Wheatfall, a contemporary of mine at Texas A&M), and I say the more the merrier. The residential projects Dallas has focused on in the last few years cater to young, educated urbanites who want to be close to the action. Right now the action is at City Hall... we'll see how this plays out in November and March.|W|P|115328567488691724|W|P|Shifting Black Dallas Politics|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/15/2006 02:13:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|

I believe that we have lost our sense of struggle. When I say we, I mean my peers, Generation X, and the group older than us that is sometimes referred to as "Tweeners." Our parents, grandparents, their parents, everyone who came before us struggled so that we wouldn't have to. And yet the trials that lie before us call for just that. This country has led us to believe that there is no longer a need for us to "sacrifice for the cause," especially those of us who are able to read an outlet such as this. I recently hadthe opportunity to meet someone who has for years fought the good fight in the battle for justice and equality, and continues to challenge the system today. Someone who is an example of the energy and passion that is lacking in these important times. A few weeks ago, Cheryl Smith hosted a Bowling Fundraiser that benefited students in State Senator Royce West's Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Internship Program. Our church put together a team to bowl in the benefit, and needing someone to fill out the roster I was more than happy to oblige. This was actually an enjoyable event, and unbeknownst to me the guest of honor was Dick Gregory . About halfway through the night, I exited my lane (I'm sure after bowling a strike or spare) and noticed that everyone's attention seemed to be focused to my immediate left. Turning in that direction to see what was going on, I nearly walked right into Mr. Gregory. Admittedly I didn't recognize him right off, but I soon realized I was face-to-face with greatness. Out of nowhere, surprising me still today, I was awash in feelings of pride, honor, excitement, and awe. At that very moment my mindtraveledd back to my first knowledge of Dick Gregory, which was Jet Magazine's coverage of one of his hunger strikes. Mr. Gregory then extended his hand towards me, and I shook his hand. His eyes told a story of a man who despite many years in the trenches, was still yet holding on. Dick Gregory is not a physically imposing man, yet there was grandness about him, something that seemed even statuesque. However, his casual dress and beaming smile seemed like he would at some point pick up a ball and start bowling with us. I generally try to play it cool around celebrities, often to my own detriment, and searched for something to say. This occasion deserved any level of respect that I could quickly pull together. "Thank you," I said, wanting to keep it brief, knowing hundreds of others were waiting to meet him as well. "Thank you for all you have done for us." Mr. Gregory also posed for a picture before shaking my hand once more. Those brief moments seemed like hours, as I have rarely been moved to that extent. The evening which seemed to have briefly stood still now moved forward. The man who is referred to as comedian, writer, activist, nutritionist, andentrepreneurr continued to make his way down the lanes; graciously shaking hands and taking pictures. I went back to the business of strikes and spares, thankful for my chance encounter with Mr. Dick Gregory.|W|P|115299187836273079|W|P|Living Legend in Dallas|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/12/2006 11:05:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Since Laura Miller announced that she will not seek re-election as Mayor of Dallas, a number of potential replacements have surfaced. The Morning News had a lineup of wannabe mayors, ten men who would be mayor of the nation's 9th largest city. I must admit I thought it odd to see so many men without the sign of a female contender. But in the Wednesday paper a list of four women, including the wife of former mayor Ron Kirk, were added. From what I've seen so far: Not impressed This will be the first election that my wife and I will cast our votes as citizens of Dallas. I never felt connected to the Grand Prairie political scene, I can't even tell you who my councilman was. I've attended a number of meetings at Dallas City Hall, including City Planning Commission Meetings, and Trinity River Master Plan Hearings. I've already attended a meeting my councilman, Ed Oakley, held regarding the 1.3 billion dollar bond project Dallas citizens will vote on in November. I'm hoping that other candidates will emerge, or at least I'll be moved by some of these folks who I haven't heard much from thus far. I plan to be involved in the process, and will blog quite a bit about voting in the weeks and months to come. I feel the local level is the only place where voting matters most; but the debt that we owe our forbearers for what they endured for our right to vote makes it imperative that we honor their sacrifices. So check in, as I will be asking you to participate in the process as well. I can't remember an election my grandmother missed...traveling to the polls well into her nineties. My mother and uncle work the polls at every election, an art that has been lost on our generation to this point. But I believe that a change is coming.|W|P|115276479906085850|W|P|November is Approaching|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/11/2006 07:41:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Have you heard of Joppa ? My travels visiting friends and family often take me to the Illinois/Overton portion of town. Upon the completion of said visits, I generally head east on Illinois, and catch Interstate 45 heading south. Sometime last year I began to notice the construction of a bridge just to the east of the interstate, with a sign pointing in that general direction reading Linfield Road. I must admit, I wondered if this was akin to the proverbial Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska. It was upon reading an article in the Dallas Morning News that I understood the significance of the bridge, and the community that it lead into: Joppa. Joppa is one of the few remaining freedman’s towns left in Texas. Recounting the history of Joppa is not my intention today, but rather to recount my first visit to this notable community. I was invited to a house blessing in Joppa by the Byrd Family. The Byrd’s relocated to Dallas from New Orleans with other members of their extended family. It had been nearly a year since I met them on the heels of Hurricane Katrina. That night, they simultaneously sought shelter, and searched for family members who they had yet to hear from. I spent their first night in Dallas with them, as our church unknowingly opened one of the first relief centers in the city. But this was a much happier occasion; the Byrd’s would soon be part of the Great American Dream, Home Ownership. My son and I were headed out on a typical hot sunny day in Dallas to celebrate with Mr. and Mrs. Byrd and their family. We headed up Interstate 45 taking the Linfield/Illinois exit and for the first time headed east on Linfield. As we drove over the 5.6 Million Dollar Bridge I thought about how many residents must have waited over the years to cross this busy train intersection to get home. My mind pondered the fire trucks and ambulances that were unable to get into Joppa, yet again delayed by train traffic; however that was not the case on this day. Driving into Joppa reminded me of other freedman’s towns that I’d been through. The same signs were visible; vacant lots, stray dogs, gathered brush, and dead-end roads. I must have seen 10 churches within a 4-block radius. It felt as if I had left Dallas completely, and was now out in an old country town. As I neared my intended destination, I began to view seeds of hope sprouting from the ground in the form of new homes being constructed. I neared the new Byrd residence, beautiful yellow home with a tree in the front yard and a wide front porch reminiscent of prior days. We had missed much of the celebration, but Mr. and Mrs. Byrd greeted us as only New Orleaneans could, taking us on a tour of their dwelling. I was glad we could share such an important occasion with such a great family. The prospects in Joppa are looking up as Habitat for Humanity plans to build 50 such houses in the community. The Trinity River Project, which is actually moving forward is destined to affect Joppa, to what degree remains to be seen. Bike trails, an equestrian center, and retail projects will someday join the wetlands area that is nearly constructed just north of Loop 12; on what used to be a golf club. History must be preserved, but not at the expense of progress. The Byrd’s will be right in the middle of whatever happens. Hopefully they’ll have me over to check on the progress and just maybe, Mrs. Byrd will have a bowl of her gumbo waiting for me.|W|P|115262241359559582|W|P|Joppa|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/11/2006 11:17:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|My wife's family is from there and we have spent a great deal of time visiting.7/10/2006 08:35:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Yesterday I went downtown with the community at our church which ministers to the homeless, whom we call VIP's. I can't say that I get out there as much as I should, maybe 3-4 times a year. We pulled up to a shelter known as The Bunkhouse, where a line of 70 or so people where waiting for food that was being passed out. The Bunkhouse is located on the Southeast quadrant of downtown, which is the predominate gathering place for the city's homeless population. As I got off the bus and looked into the faces of these individuals, I reflected on the rhetoric I hear whenever the politics of the homeless comes up. The city has a homeless czar who is supposedly charged with helping to remedy "the problem". All I could think was that these are people man, THESE ARE PEOPLE. And what is even worse is that many call the City Hall their residence, as they sleep on the lawn there after hours and on the weekend. So when they ask "what do we do?" my response would be, "you could start by walking out the front door and talking to people." I invited individuals in line to church where we would allow them to hear a word and receive a hot meal. But again, the eyes were speaking to me louder than any voice that I heard. Sixty-five to seventy percent of those waiting for a meal were Black Men. To add the number of black men potentially living on the streets to those who we know are in prison, the situation becomes even more dire to say the least. The eyes spoke of wanting to get out of a situation, but not knowing how, or not willing to take the chance. God must be praised for those who go every week to speak positive words into the lives of these souls, who somehow through it all allow themselves an occasional smile or even a laugh. I saw men and women were loading their personal cars with folks from the line, taking them to their place of worship. I can't say what the answer is, but it must include mental help for a community who is much more likely to affected by phychological disorders than the general population. Until then, the contributions of individuals are invaluable as the city focuses on it's other priorities. The city has a homeless shelter scheduled to open in the next year or so. As the decision is made where the shelter will be built, council people are playing a game of "Not In My District." But if dollars is an indication of priority, then what does it say when the Animal Shelter was allocated more funding that the Homeless Shelter? I think you know.|W|P|115254016524132954|W|P|Without a Place to Lay Their Heads|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/06/2006 10:06:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Dallas Mayor Laura Miller has decided not to run for re-election next May. She has sighted a desire to spend more time with her children as her reason for leaving City Hall. I think many of you, especially citizens of Dallas, would like to join me as I push back my seat, stand to my feet, look towards the east and say: Good Riddance!!! I personally look at Laura Miller - the woman - and think that it's a shame that someone who is so obviously intelligent, can be so politically inept. Mayor Miller was extremely unpopular in Southern Dallas. The South single handedly defeated the strong-mayor propositions to spite Miller, and to ensure that she would never wield increased political power. Politicians, like athletes, are judged by wins and losses. Therefore, Mayor Miller's term at this time must be viewed as a failure. The scorecard reads as such: WINS Love Field deal with Ft. Worth Getting Police Chief Terrell Bolton Fired Pushing out Ted Benevides, City Manager LOSSES Dallas Cowboys stadium Strong Mayor Initiative Stronger Mayor Initiative 2003 Bond Packet 2006 Bond Proposal Land Swap/Tax Deal with Ray Hunt Much of this is about perception. Mayor Miller is perceived now as a supporter of the Trinity River Project, however her past objections muddied the waters so that it's hard to give her credit for a well played flip-flop. Dallas City Hall is perceived as a place bogged down by in-fighting and discord, due in large part to Miller's decade plus as mayor and councilperson. It's easy to bash Laura Miller; those who are as critical as she are always open to criticism. But there were good things about her tenure; including extending the OU-Texas deal at the Cotton Bowl, her support of a ban on smoking in Dallas restaurants, and the aforementioned deal between Dallas and Ft. Worth on Love Field flight restrictions. In the end, Madame Mayor couldn't see the forest for the potholes, as her focus on the little things detracted from her willingness, or her ability to set forth a vision for the city. It's time for a change, but my concern is that the next leader has yet to emerge. Whoever that may be, it will be impossible for them accrue to the poor record with southern Dallas voters that Laura Miller had. But that is no longer her concern. The mayor will now be cheering at baseball games, picking up her kids from school, and involving herself in the politics of her local PTA. Good Luck With All That.|W|P|115224176186946662|W|P|Laura Miller Calling It Quits|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/07/2006 12:41:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|She totally blew the Cowboys Stadium deal in Fair Park. She's not my mayor, but I am still pissed at her for messing that up.7/07/2006 09:24:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|I have no view of her either way, in part because she is not the mayor of Fort Worth. I can say I learned a lot from reading your Blog.7/08/2006 07:44:00 PM|W|P|

Wax Poetic|W|P|Demetrice,

Good to hear from you. Please share this site with your friends.7/15/2006 09:34:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|I strongly believe Jerry Jones never wanted to build his stadium in Dallas. If a billionaire wanted to build his stadium in the Trinity River bottoms it would be built in the bottoms with tax money. Laura Miller had very little to do with it. I don’t think one can blame the Cowboys not coming back to Dallas on her.7/06/2006 06:43:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|

I had an interesting conversation in Houston on Monday. A sister approached me to sign a petition that was floating for the Children's Defense Fund. When she saw that I was from Dallas, she mentioned that she had visited our city a few weeks prior. The young lady went on to tell me how much she enjoyed her visit, but identified one particular destination as the highlight of the trip. "My sister took me to Brooklyn," the young lady exclaimed, "and I loved it." Brooklyn Jazz Cafe is not only a nice place for locals, but has solved a dilemma I have faced for a number of years: Where do I take my friends when they visit from out of town? With this being a black owned business, the decision is now much easier when deciding on a dinner spot. In our conversation, the young lady in Houston outlined 3 qualities that she enjoyed and that I feel have made Brooklyn so popular, even through its transition from Bishop Arts District to the Cedars (Southside). Those attributes can be summed up by the following: Atmosphere I began visiting Brooklyn soon after they moved into Oak Cliff. It did not take long to realize that this was unlike anything Dallas had ever seen. This spot was not as commercial as Sambuca, nor as stuffy as Strictly Tabu from years past. The intimate setting in the Bishop Arts area has made way for a much larger, more inviting space on Lamar. When you walk in the door, you know immediately what is going on and there's a feeling that you are amongst friends. And did I mention that it is black owned? Music What good would a jazz cafe be without jazz? The sounds are always enjoyable, whether it be recorded music at lunch or live music in the evenings. There were times when the live music was intrusive at the previous location, but with more places for the sound to travel, it now envelops you. My favorite featured performer is Martha Burks and the band; I will never forget the rendition of Happy Birthday that she sang at a party held for my wife at Brooklyn. Food This is the difference between Brooklyn and a lot of other places that have come and gone: not only is it a cool place to hang out, not only do you hear nice tunes, but the kitchen stands on its own two feet. The menu is very extensive for a spot noted more for its music. Whether it be brunch, lunch, or dinner, there is something for everyone, and IT'S (literally) ALL GOOD. My favorite items are the Jamaican Beef Patties, and Spicy Crab Cakes. So check out Brooklyn if you haven't already; but get there early because the secret is out. There's a long story behind why they moved, but Bishop Arts' loss was truly Southside's gain. And by the way: Brooklyn is Black Owned.|W|P|115218811144039925|W|P|Brooklyn in Dallas|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/06/2006 12:07:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|If they are open for lunch, then I suggest some of us meet there and experience the wonderful review you just posted. You got me interested so let's put it on the calendar. You know how to reach me.7/05/2006 07:54:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Congratulations to DeSoto for being named an All-American City by the National Civic League. Some of my DeSoto brothers had already asked where the love was at. MORE ESSENCE MUSINGS Strangest Non-Bobby Brown Concert Moment Jamie Foxx near the end of his 45-min set inexplicably knocked over his mike stand and dropped his microphone, catching both before they hit the floor. He was so tickled, he pretty much laughed through the rest of his song, and right off the stage. Most Gracious Celebrity: Mo'Nique Mo'Nique took pictures and signed autographs for fans long after her scheduled time in the Reliant Center. Celeb with the biggest ego: Shemar Moore Who else would it be? Most Welcomed Sight: High Profile Baptist Pastors showing much love as they introduced Minister Louis Farrakhan before his address on Monday afternoon. Old School Rappers who didn't look old: MC Lyte/YoYo Both holding it down, Lyte in her 3rd decade of rhyming. 1st Place to give you a COMPLETE Essence Festival Update: Dallas South Blog!!!!!!! |W|P|115210546729184480|W|P|DeSoto Receives Honor/More Essence|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/04/2006 12:49:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|

This year's Essence Festival was definately a different experience than those held in New Orleans; the topic was on everyone's lips. But I believe there was more substance to the event held in Houston, than those of New Orleans. The so called "Party With A Purpose," was short on party and high on purpose. In contrast with the Crescent City where the party comes to you, one had to go looking for a party in the Bayou City. With the concerts and seminars all at Reliant Park, we never left a small stretch of I-610 and Hwy. 288. Susan Taylor The main deliverable to come from this year's festival was the launch of Essence Cares "A Call to Action to Heal Our Youth." At the Saturday Night concert, Essence Editorial Director Susan Taylor and the Essence Staff introduced the initiative that calls for the community to help reverse the negative trends that are plaguing our African-American Youth. A moving video featuring admonitions from the likes of Harry Belefonte, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, Spike Lee, Mariah Carey (yes Mariah Carey) encouraged black folks to grab hold of a child, involve themselves in the political process, and the shaping of public policy. Finally, Ms. Taylor unveiled "A Pledge to Rescue Our Youth" written by Maya Angelou. The pledge was recited throughout the weekend. Saturday's concert featured Mary J. Blige, Earth Wind & Fire, and L.L. Cool J. ... I'm sorry I meant Todd Smith. I thought L.L. was good, Earth, Wind, & Fire was great, and Mary J...., well she's just Mary. She took the crowd on a roller coaster ride that never seemed to come down, ending with showstopping performances of "No More Drama," and "MJB da MVP."

Mary J. Blige and Todd Smith aka L.L. Cool J Saturday July 1, Reliant Stadium Sunday's seminars started with a church service led by Pastor Donnie McClurkin that was surprisingly full considering the concert didn't let out until after 1 a.m. Again, with so many great speakers lined up there just wasn't enough time for everyone to get into their message. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the only member of Congress to vote against the U.S. military operations in Afghanistan following the attacks on 9/11, was on tap for the afternoon as well as Iyanla Vanzant, Jamie Foxx, and Danny Glover. Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League spoke on how the powers that be in New Orleans are doing everything they can to change the racial makeup of the city as it rebuilds. From knocking down all public housing, even those not damaged by Katrina, to laying off teachers and closing schools, there are many issues yet to be resolved in New Orleans. One of the more interesting moments of Sunday's seminars was probably comedian Mo'Nique's attempt to clarify comments that she made in Essence Magazine regarding her "open marriage." Mo'Nique spent the better part of her 20 minutes trying to sell the audience on how it is better to be honest with your spouse when you have the desire to be with someone of the opposite sex, than to lie to them while cheating behind their backs. Rev. Marcia Dyson, host of the afternoon seminars and wife of writer/author Michael Eric Dyson was not convinced. Mrs. Dyson made it clear, that if she saw anyone stepping to her man, there would be consequences and repercussions.

Michael Eric Dyson

Sunday's Concert began with an uninspired performance by Jaheim. After using most of that time to check out Reliant stadium and a couple of the lounge acts, we made it back to our seats in time to catch New Edition, featuring a reunion with the Bad Boy of R&B (or the King of R&B if you are Whitney Houston) Bobby Brown. New Edition ran trough classics like Can You Stand the Rain, N.E. Heartbreak, and Mr. Telephone Man, as well as Bell Biv Devoe Hits. Bobby joined the group for two numbers before running off stage. That's when things got crazy. For some reason, concert organizers gave B. Brown 30 minutes of solo time and well, Bobby was Bobby. I don't have enough space in this blog to tell you everything that Bobby said and did that was weird, inappropriate, or just plain crazy. But let's just leave it at the fact that they had to close the curtains on the man while he was performing nearly an hour after he took the stage. However, Bobby being Bobby, slid under the curtain and led the crowd in an acappella rendition of My Prerogative, before his microphone was cut off. The night ended with the Pioneers of Hip Hop and appearances by The Sugar Hill Gang, M.C. Light, Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, and Slick Rick.

Monday was a special day for my wife and I, as one of our close friends was able to hook us up with backstage access to the seminars. All afternoon we mixed and mingled with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Ray Nagin, Common, Jill Scott, Shemar Moore, South Dallas' own Min. Jeffrey Muhammad and Min. Robert Muhammad Jennifer Holiday and others. I spoke with Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who has to be one of the nicest women in America, about her trip to Dallas a few months ago. The highlight of the day and possibly the entire event was the closing address given by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Fortunately, time limits do not apply to Minister Farrakhan and he went off for an hour and a half addressing the needs of our people, and urging us to heal our minds, and our bodies, and our overall image. Much of the ministers' message came from Bible, both Old and New Testaments, even asking the question "Was Moses an integrationist?"

Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan and Jill Scott

Farrakhan urged the sisters in the audience to take more care in the way that they dress, and to not refer to themselves as being sexy, as it promotes the wrong mindset. Min. Farrakhan also chided rappers who call women bitches and hoes, then upon winning an award, take the stage and say "I'd like to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ." As an orator, Farrakhan has no peer, at times hammering the lectern as he brought home a point, and at other points he was barely audible, such as describing how his mother tried to abort him on three separate occasions.

The 3 Days I spent at the Essence Festival seemed like a week, as there was plenty of great music, exciting speakers, and important information. I do look forward to the day when Essence can once again call the Superdome home, if for no other reason than for better acoustics at the concerts. I do promise to follow the ESSENCE CARES initiative, and encourage all of you to sign up as I did this morning. It's not time to get to work, and we will have to succeed one person at a time.

|W|P|115203542052735122|W|P|Essence Festival Goes Down in Houston|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com