CAN WE GET AWAY? FOR TUPAC SHAKUR BY KYRA O. DAVENPORT

JUST A CONVERSATION WITH YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ORGASMIC. I UNDERSTOOD YOU A LONG TIME AGO,AS I LISTENED TO YOUR MUSIC I KNEW YOU LOVED GOD UNDERNEATH THE ABRASIVE LYRICS AND UNIQUE UPTEMPO BEATS. YOUR VOICE FULL OF TRUTH, REGRET, PAIN, JOY, AND PROPHECY. I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOUR VOICE . I WOULD DAYDREAM ABOUT MAKING LOVE WITH YOU HAVING YOUR ENERGY OVERWHELM ME. WHAT A PLEASURE!! YOU INSPIRE ME. MY POETIC SIDE HAS FLARED UP, YOU WERE NEVER AFRAID TO EMBRACE YOUR DEPTH OF SOUL, YOUR UNIQUENESS, AND YOUR INDIVIDUALISM. REVOLUTIONARY. ARTIST. LYRICIST.YOU HAD THE POWER TO CHANGE THIS WORLD. IF PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD YOUR GIFT, THE POWER OF LANGUAGE, THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE. YOU LEAVE ME INSPIRED, CURIOUS,AND WANTING  MORE. REST IN PEACE. I'LL BE LISTENING AND INDULGING IN YOUR ARTWORK, YOU CAN COUNT ON IT.

OH YEA ILL BE DAYDREAMING TO:)

ASCENDING....

ASCENDING

BY KYRA O. DAVENPORT

When you tell someone your getting ready to take a trip, they naturally usually as where are you going? How long will you be gone? And tell you to be safe. If you are traveling by plane, they sometimes ask, “Are you afraid of flying?” I honestly reply, No. Flying is spiritual to me. As I take my seat on the plane I free myself of inhibition, let my thoughts run wild! I think about life, GOD, my future, sex, the past, my future, and sometimes I don’t think at all I’m just plain sleepy . When I board the plane no need for attitudes or lack of smiles after all these could be the last people you see embrace them talk to them enjoy the momentJAs the plane takes off I feel invigorated, no need for fear, I am only closer to heaven, I can peer out at GODs sky and his world at least for a few hours. As the plane fly through the sky I think to myself how precious life is what I could have done better so much that I take a deep breath and exhale. Flying gets deep! I also ponder on how life can only get sweeter and better if I chase my DREAMS. I also thank GOD for all he has allowed me to indulge in. So the next time someone asks me “Are you afraid to fly?” I will take it a step further and tell them I am afraid not to FLY.

IT'S OKAY...MY WORLD

ITS OKAY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE IN MY WORLD  WHERE DREAMS BECOME REALITIES, WHERE EVERYTHING YOU SEE IN YOUR MIND CAN BE YOURS.
IT'S OKAY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE IN  MY WORLD WHERE LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL, FREE OF INHIBITION, AND UNIQUE.
ITS OKAY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE IN MY WORLD WHERE WE CAN  DRIFT OFF INTO A SPIRITUAL HIGH AND CONNECT WITH GOD ON INFINITE LEVELS.
ITS OKAY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE IN MY WORLD WHERE LOVE IS AT ITS PUREST FORM EVEN  MAKING LOVE/INTIMACY TURNS INTO A NOTHING BUT SPIRITUAL ENERGY  AND WE LISTEN  TO GOD AS WE EXPERIENCE SECONDS,MINUTES, HOURS OF THE PLEASURE HE CREATED.
ITS OKAY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE IN MY WORLD WHERE FRIENDSHIP IS A MUST, A PRECURSOR TO ROMANCE  RATHER THAN AN AFTERTHOUGHT .
ITS OAKY BABY YOU DONT HAVE TO COME IN I WOULDNT WANT YOU TO KEEP ME FROM HIM.
written by KYRA O. DAVENPORT 

AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH:DR.BENJAMIN CARSON

Dr. Ben Carson: African American Youth and the Sciences

By Kyra O. Davenport

Why are the African American youth choosing not to gravitate toward the sciences? The Journal of Negro Education, (a journal devoted to researching, analyzing, and finding solutions on issues involving black education) says, “inadequate career guidance in high school contributes to the under participation of African American students in science and mathematics. Community involvement and innovation can definitely change the future of African American youth representation in the sciences. Renowned neurosurgeon challenges the African American youth to engage in the sciences, and also challenges the leaders in the world of science.

Dr. Ben Carson believes the youth today need more challenges and motivation from their instructors. In addition, he says, “The early part of school for children (e.g. early elementary school and late middle school) math and science are basic and easy for most children, and it could be made more challenging and interesting by professionals in the sciences. However, the people in the world who can do this are choosing the high paying jobs, and they are not choosing to teach or have a teacher’s salary. For example, people who are retiring from Lockheed Martin could volunteer to teach a class once a week and the teachers should be inclined to allow this. It will simply take more creative work and creative solutions, and more educational coordinators. The children need inspiration.” The inspiration that the youth need will undoubtedly take strong role models to evoke change on the outlook our youth has on the sciences. Many of them are probably very passionate in exploring the sciences they just need someone to give them guidance and build their confidence”, says Dr. Carson.

The media is playing a detrimental role in the choices that children make in society and unquestionably shapes their career goals. As the old saying goes, “the television is raising our kids.” “The key thing or issue is that youth desperately need the right kinds of examples. Kids receive the wrong messages in the media, and these negative images become portrayed as the epitome of success. Furthermore, finding people who are successful in the science and mathematics (besides the teachers) putting them in front of the kids on a regular basis not just once a year, but on a regular basis will have a powerful influence”, says Dr. Carson.

A man of humble beginnings, According to John Hopkins Children Center Communications ,Director Kim Hoppe’s biographical synopsis, “Dr. Benjamin Carson was the first man to ever successfully separate Siamese twins joined at the back of the head in 1987and in 1997 first successful placement of an intrauterine shunt in a hydrocephalic twin in South Africa.” Today Dr. Carson is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for over a quarter of a century.”

 African American youth should not be intimidated it is the responsibility of the parents and the community to uplift the children. We must challenge them and build their confidence; it starts with what’s inside. “I want them to recognize from my life, if you really want it put forth the effort, recognize that it is more than a wish. Believe in God, and you’re going to be successful, it’s that simple, it will however take a lot of personal responsibility”, says Dr. Carson.

AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH DR.BENJAMIN CARSON CHALLENGES THE YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY!

Dr. Ben Carson: African American Youth and the Sciences

By Kyra O. Davenport

Why are the African American youth choosing not to gravitate toward the sciences? The Journal of Negro Education, (a journal devoted to researching, analyzing, and finding solutions on issues involving black education) says, “inadequate career guidance in high school contributes to the under participation of African American students in science and mathematics. Community involvement and innovation can definitely change the future of African American youth representation in the sciences. Renowned neurosurgeon challenges the African American youth to engage in the sciences, and also challenges the leaders in the world of science.

Dr. Ben Carson believes the youth today need more challenges and motivation from their instructors. In addition, he says, “The early part of school for children (e.g. early elementary school and late middle school) math and science are basic and easy for most children, and it could be made more challenging and interesting by professionals in the sciences. However, the people in the world who can do this are choosing the high paying jobs, and they are not choosing to teach or have a teacher’s salary. For example, people who are retiring from Lockheed Martin could volunteer to teach a class once a week and the teachers should be inclined to allow this. It will simply take more creative work and creative solutions, and more educational coordinators. The children need inspiration.” The inspiration that the youth need will undoubtedly take strong role models to evoke change on the outlook our youth has on the sciences. Many of them are probably very passionate in exploring the sciences they just need someone to give them guidance and build their confidence”, says Dr. Carson.

The media is playing a detrimental role in the choices that children make in society and unquestionably shapes their career goals. As the old saying goes, “the television is raising our kids.” “The key thing or issue is that youth desperately need the right kinds of examples. Kids receive the wrong messages in the media, and these negative images become portrayed as the epitome of success. Furthermore, finding people who are successful in the science and mathematics (besides the teachers) putting them in front of the kids on a regular basis not just once a year, but on a regular basis will have a powerful influence”, says Dr. Carson.

A man of humble beginnings, According to John Hopkins Children Center Communications ,Director Kim Hoppe’s biographical synopsis, “Dr. Benjamin Carson was the first man to ever successfully separate Siamese twins joined at the back of the head in 1987and in 1997 first successful placement of an intrauterine shunt in a hydrocephalic twin in South Africa.” Today Dr. Carson is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for over a quarter of a century.”

 African American youth should not be intimidated it is the responsibility of the parents and the community to uplift the children. We must challenge them and build their confidence; it starts with what’s inside. “I want them to recognize from my life, if you really want it put forth the effort, recognize that it is more than a wish. Believe in God, and you’re going to be successful, it’s that simple, it will however take a lot of personal responsibility”, says Dr. Carson.

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND LIBYA

Will President Barack Obama Stand by his Decision To Refrain from Sending Troops to Libya?

by Kyra O. Davenport

            Our nation is experiencing a multitude of catastrophic events. Japan has been devastated by the tsunami, Sudan is suffering genocide, and war has broken out in Libya. Most Americans are asking: what is the president going to do to aid these countries? Perhaps the number one question on Americans’ minds is whether our soldiers are going to deploy to Libya. The Washington Post headline entitled “Obama: U.S. will not send ground troops to Libya” speaks volumes to our curiosity and furthers our judgments about the President’s leadership ability, but first we must read on.

            The real question to be dissected is, Is social justice worth fighting for even when the injustice does not directly affect the United States? As a future officer it is my belief that social justice is always worth fighting for and, if ordered by my commander in chief, I would stand ready to accomplish that mission. Gaddafi’s greed has put Libya’s citizens into a state of destitution. “Gaddafi amassed vast fortunes during his 42-year rule. Much of the country’s income from oil, which soared in the 1970s, was spent on arms purchases and on sponsoring militancy and terror in the world. Once a breadbasket of the ancient world, the eastern parts of the country became impoverished under Gaddafi’s economic theories. Libya’s corruption perception index in 2010 was 2.2, which was worse than that of Egypt and Tunisia, two neighboring countries who faced uprising before Libya.”[1] Furthermore, Libya is under a state of Orwellian surveillance—the government’s watch is pervasive and ruthless. Of course this background on Libya only scratches the surface; following the recent uprising, the Gaddafi has unleashed extreme violence on his people.

            We now ask, what will President Obama choose to do or not do? As a leader, it is more directly put as what he will do or fail to not do? It is moments like these when those who believe in President Obama will stand by him and those who cringed when he was elected will anticipate his failure. Obama has made it clear that he will intervene and he will aid Libya. Obama stated, “This is not an outcome the U.S. or any of our partners sought.”[2] From Brazil he stated, “We cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people there will be no mercy.”[3] To further discuss this statement, Barack Obama believes in having a plan of action and we see this in the way he is handling the current conflict in Libya; he is not just reacting for the sake of having a reaction.

            Through my research I find that President Barack Obama desires to be slow and methodical in his approach to eliciting the military to defend and or protect. This may evoke outrage from politicians simply because it is untraditional. The actions desired are that Obama will notice conflict and automatically and vehemently activate troops to defend Libya. Recently a retired general mentioned at an Army awards ceremony I attended that, “you will always see a flock of seagulls together, but you will never see a flock of eagles. Eagles stand alone and eagles are powerful and strong. As a leader sometime you will stand alone.” President Barack Obama is certainly not afraid to do so.

---

[1] 2011 Libyan Uprising, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Libyan_uprising (last modified Mar. 28, 2011).

[2] Obama on Libya: This is Not What We Wanted, CBSNews (Mar. 19, 2011), http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/19/501364/main20045019.shtml.

[3] Quote for the Day, Daily Dish (Mar. 20, 2011), http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2011/03/quote-16.html.

La Comida Mexicana est deliciosa especially when its at ALEROS!

Written By Kyra O. Davenport
Chips, salsa and a magrita please! This would be a typical order at the mouthwatering Aleros Restaurant located at 1301 U Street N.W. suite 113 in DC(there also three other covenient locations in D.C.).The menu includes anything from fajitas, tacos, buritos, to chimichangas."When your here you feel comfortable, its for the people who want to come dine ,have some tasty drinks, and enjoy our Happy Hour, and its also a familial environment, you can bring your family and enjoy as well", says Host and Server Alejandro D Moreno. As you enter Aleros the stress of the day sunddenly melts away and your ready to eat and be merry! The ambiance and decor are decadent, while yor enjoying your sizzling fajta you can have a romantic candlelight dinner and view intriguing art that is displayed throughout the restaurant. Aleros literally has something for everybody. You can dine inside or outside its your choice, but no matter what you have to have the magarita!

HAVE A HEART, BUT NOT HEART DISEASE....

By Kyra O. Davenport 

Its gotten to the point where I feel guilty every time I pull into a McDonald's restaurant or drive thru. I sit in my car and tell myself to turn around and go to Subway or Panera  Bread, but then happens I look at the menu and remember how appetizing those famous Mickey D's fries are and how that Big Mac is so succulent with every bite, and who can forget that sugar so sweet, Iced tea. Why so much debate might you ask? Well of course its unhealthy, and it can cause so many health issues and fast, as we witnessed in the shocking, yet informative documentary "Supersize me", besides this I am a black woman and their is a silent killer that creeps up slowly on to Black women and Latina women more so than Caucasian women....heart disease.

When I was a fresh college grad and I received my first job working for the government, entry level, secure, and respectable salary, I didn't miss a meal, in fact I ate McDonald's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!!!! Was I out of my mind? Certainly not, but I was definitely walking on dangerous territory, well this all came to a screeching halt when I decided to get my cholesterol checked at my local CVS. The results were in and the doctor approached me with an odd look on her face as she asked me " Ms. Davenport how is your diet, what have you been eating?" I was stunned. When I returned home that evening and told my parents this disheartening news, they were furious, I warned you about your eating habits, you have to stop now! young people are not as invincible as they think they are!, says my father. He is absolutely right its habits like this that can lead to heart disease and an early grave, a tragedy.  The next day I exercised, cooked breakfast, and packed a lunch, I was afraid for this to get out of control, my cholesterol levels are normal today, I took action, I know my life is worth preserving as is yours.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004449 explains: "Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease." Here are a few ways to reduce risks  heart disease include getting rest, eating healthy, exercise, and do not stress!!! pray, find hobbies, indulge in your hobbies, talk to your family and friends about your problems, find solutions, do not stew and brew, it is very unhealthy and takes away from the quality of our lives.Not only will I challenge you to take control, but have the desire to take control, it is idolatry that can ultimately lead to destruction in our lives, take charge now!!!



QUICK FACT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseases.html#cat1 says, but heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. There are many different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It's the major reason people have heart attacks.

Sicke Cell Anemia: Howard University Triumphs.

                                                            By Kyra O. Davenport

According to Medine Plus, a website devoted to current health information, directly  assocaited with National Institute of Health says, "Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease in which your body produces ahbnormally shaped red blood cells. A genetic problem causes Sickle Cell Anemia. About 1in 12 African Americans has Sickle Cell trait. A blood test can show if you have the trait or the anemia." This disease is not discussed or publicized in the black community as much as disease such as Cancer and HIV/AIDS. It seems to be inadvertently swept under the rug, tucked away, silenced.Howard University Althletics Department was determined to put and end to that silence forever more.

Chondria Andrews, two time Howard University Alumna,B.A/M.A, and now a current employee of Howard University says, '"Our initial game plan was to contact the American Red Cross so that we could conduct our first a blood drive for Dc Residents and Howard University Students to serve two purposes, one to bring awareness, and two, their is a shortage of African American blood donors in the DC area as it relates to Sickle Cell Anemia, we wanted to make a contribution. After patiently waiting for a response we finally recieved word that they would sponsor us, well a fews days later we were taken aback when they informed us they would have to denied our requests because Howard students had shown low participation in blood donation."When is a lack of student participation a reason to give up on educating them abnd providing free testing? There is no such reason, you advertise and advocate stronger, you find a solution, and that is exactly what Ms. Andrews  and the other Athletics Department staff members did.

On February 16th after working tirelessly and effortlessly it was time to conduct The First Annual Howard University Sickle Cell Anemia blood drive hosted by the Howard University Athletics Department, Inova Blood Donor Services, and 30 other volunteer organizations had agreed at the 11th hour to participate/sponsor the blood drive. "We surpassed our original goal and we had a other services available at our event such as the National bone marrow registry and sickle cell testing." Nearly 100 students gave blood, we were so excited!says Andrews. African Americans deserve a chance to be involved, aware, and educated on diseases that directly affect our community, let alone all health diseases and issues in this country, it is appalling that the American Red Cross would give up so easily on the students. Leaders like Ms. Chondria Andrews who had the determination and tenacity to help black students gravitate toward health education and awareness could help the American Red Cross think twice about not sponsoring blood drives at historically black colleges or any college for that matter.

Bullying: "Is it fragile yougsters or a new culture of mean"as said by Radio Personality 95.5 Washington D.C.

8th grade is when I vividly remember a youg lady creeping slowly like a lion getting ready to pounce on its pray that is oblivious to the damage about to be caused. She took the gum from her mouth and stuck it in my beautiful hair. The questions I immediatedly asked myself, Why doesn't she like me? Am I weird? Or is she just plain jealous of me? These questions that plagued my mind all day, I went home and asked my loving parents to help me answer, instead of deeply internalizing, falling into depression, or further falling victim to the torment of bullying. They gave me ammunition to deal with the next day by communicating with me, explaining the importance of knowing who I am, and more importantly not ignoring my concern.

The foundation that young men and women have at home, will undoubtedly shape how they will face the world outside. The level of concern that parents have for their children plays a detrimental role to. No excuses, all adolescents do not cope well with teasing and taunting, obeserve your children, be more than involved, become immersed into your childrens lives. Secondly reassure them, of how beautiful or handsome they are, how intelligent they are, how special and how unique they are. EMPOWER THEM!!!How shameful it is for children, adolescents, and teenagers to walk around internally struggling, when those that love them, can emancipate them.

Is it really enough to believe that your child is strong? No. Parents should continually help strengthen their childs self-esteem. It is a dual blessing when the community, teachers, employers will do the same for your child, but essentially it starts with the parents or guardians.This is not to cast a snare on parents, it is to serve as a wake up call, that parents have a responsibility to their children to be the wind beneath their wings. Eventually as they become adults they will have to learn to cope and deal with stress and come into self love, however parents serve as a major compass on their journey through life. The eradication of bullying is possible everyday on the micro-level, help your child and other children around you and your child,Will you?

black women fear...EDITED

I KNOW WHY BLACK WOMEN ARE AFRAID TO LOVE….EACH OTHER.

By Kyra O. Davenport

We have the pleasure today of having one of the most profound definitions of what a black woman can become, our regal, brilliant, and charismatic first lady Michelle Obama. It is my personal beliefs that not only can a black woman become the first lady, but one sweet day she will be the President of the United States. Black women are very ambitious, I have no doubt in my mind that black women will continue to thrive and succeed, the doubt however sits at the center of my soul, when I ask myself,  “Will black women help each other succeed?”

Magazines such as Ebony, Essence, and Jet constantly scream to black women to love each other, empower each other, help in the cultivation process of young black women, but this may spark inspiration temporarily, but does it truly penetrate the hearts and minds of black women deep enough to provoke permanent change? The evolution or revolution cannot begin until black women look inside themselves, embrace their individuality, appreciate the essence of themselves, and become totally secure. It is in fact the insecurities that lie inside oneself that causes us to be intimidated, jealous, lack confidence, and makes us just plain unhappy.

As the soulful and prolific Lauryn Hill so eloquently states in her famous song “Miseducation of Lauryn  Hill”  “The answer  it was in me, I made up my mind to define my own destiny.” As aforementioned, I have no reservations when it comes to black women chasing success or becoming successful. “defining their own destiny”, but as Ms. Lauryn Hill says the answer to self-love and loving others, out intentions becoming pure toward each other lies, and becoming free of inhibition in our relationships with other black women, creating trust, starts with the Black queen in the mirror.

Love as God as God requires us to love one another.

I KNOW WHY BLACK WOMEN ARE AFRAID TO LOVE….EACH OTHER.

By Kyra O. Davenport

We have the pleasure today of having one of the most profound definitions of what a black woman can become, our regal, brilliant, and charismatic first lady Michelle Obama. It is my personal beliefs that not only can a black woman become the first lady, but one sweet day she will be the President of the United States. Black women are very ambitious, I have no doubt in my mind that black women will continue to thrive and succeed, the doubt however sits at the center of my soul, when I ask myself will black women help each other succeed?

Magazines such as Ebony, Essence, and Jet constantly scream to black women to love each other, empower each other, help in the cultivation process of young black women, but this make spark inspiration temporarily, but does it truly penetrate the hearts and minds of black women deep enough to provoke permanent change? The evolution or revolution cannot begin until black women look inside themselves, embrace their individuality, appreciate the essence of themselves, and become totally secure. It is in fact the insecurities that lie inside oneself that causes us to be intimidated, jealous, lack confidence, and makes us just plain unhappy.

As the soulful and prolific Lauryn Hill so eloquently states in her famous song “Miseducation of Lauryn  Hill”  “The answer  it was in me, I made up my mind to define my own destiny.” As aforementioned, I have no reservations when it comes to black women chasing success or becoming successful. “defining their own destiny”, but as Ms. Lauryn Hill says the answer to self-love and loving others, out intentions becoming pure toward each other lies, and becoming free of inhibition in our relationships with other black women, creating trust, starts with the Black queen in the mirror.

Black Sisters Armed Robbery.

Black Sisters get Life Sentence for Armed Robbery

By Kyra O. Davenport

Jan 17, 2011 marked the Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., and on this noble day comes the question that begs to be answered as we celebrate this prophet, Does racism still exists? Most of us would answer this with a loud and thunderous heck yeah!!! Furthermore we have blatant examples of racism to support our sentiments like the recent injustice in Mississippi.

Evelyn Rasco is the mother of Jamie and Gladys Scott has been attempting to emancipate her daughters from a life sentence due to an armed robbery they committed in which they stole 11 dollars in 1993.(As covered by USA Today). Naturally there is the inclination that most juries will/would feel that “if you did the crime you do the time”, but in this case it is evident, as it has been in many cases that we have all witnessed publicly, that your race determines how extreme your punishment will be. Now when we analyze this story let us not overanalyze the amount they stole, they did in fact commit an act of armed robbery, and no matter what race you are that is purely shameful and punishable.

 Moreover, It is rather odd that two African American Women who committed armed robbery are given life sentences as if they are animals that need to be caged forever, when there are (for example) registered sex offenders of all races who all free to roam the earth, with the unpredictability of if they will assault or rape a woman, man, or child again. The color of their Scott sisters black skin apparently made them more tainted and subhuman coupled with them committing an appalling crime. Did they even stand a chance in a state known for racism and hanging black bodies as Billie Holiday thought provokingly called the “strange fruits”? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. instilled in us as African Americans to hope for change be empowered by the dream, in this world today, we most certainly have to walk by faith and not by the sight of constant injustices. The Scott Sisters have been granted an early release if Gladys Scott donates a kidney to her sister Jamie Scott in need of a transplant. (As covered by Aolnews.com/Mara Gray).

To learn the latest on this story please read: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123002930.html

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and African-American Veterans

Troops Are Seeking Support

By Kyra O. Davenport

 Former Marine Christopher Wells, 25, now a D.C. National Guardsmen, did not expect to serve in  Fallujah, Iraq and return home with nightmares, sleep apnea, and alienated from his family. “I had a hard time sleeping; other soldiers were on medication” Wells said.

According to the examiner.com,( a website devoted to local news)  1 in 5 soldiers are returning home suffering from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress disorder.   

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is defined as an anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a violent or life-threatening ordeal, such as violent personal assaults, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat. Health practitioners say African-American veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not getting enough support. Assistant Primary Military Instructor SFC Charles Atkins Jr., 42, says, “African Americans are suffering more because we tend to underestimate the disorder and ignore the warning signs.

. On the bright morning of Veterans Day, Howard University Army R.O.T.C. cadets visited the Soldiers Home in Northeast D.C. When the cadets arrived they were asked to read heartfelt letters to our veterans, followed by a moment of silence for our troops who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following the ceremony cadets were instructed to disperse among the group and talk to various veterans. The veterans were eager to interact with the young cadets. Interaction is imperative for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as it is a coping mechanism. Atkins says “ I (was not) scheduled to come in to work today, but the least we can do as troops is pay our respects to those who have paved the way for today’s troops, and they appreciate our efforts to visit and spend time with them.”

Not only must soldiers endure psychological warfare during combat, but also homesickness, depression, anxiety, and racism. The Journal of Depression and Anxiety says African Americans suffering from PTSD may experience higher rates of depression, or anxiety than whites. Older troops understand the experiences the younger troops are having. Soldiers’ home resident and Veteran George Smith, 88, who fought in the Vietnam War, says, "I had a lot of dreams that would scare me to death.” He said most soldiers that go to combat will experience PTSD but they can overcome it with the proper treatment “Soldiers need an outlet,” Smith said, “if the community could provide PTSD meetings, soldiers could talk about the challenges they have faced.”

 The Department of Defense has released a “Mental Health App”, for android phones, which allows soldiers to enter information about their feelings of possible depression, anxiety or symptoms of PTSD, and have it assessed by medical personnel, to get a possible diagnosis.

 The African-American Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association, an organization devoted to public education and lending support to veterans, is available for veterans and their families. Community support for veterans could have profound effects on a soldier’s ability to cope with PTSD. For example within local neighborhoods there could be a “support our troops” meeting once a week. It is simple steps like this that can help troops cope with PTSD.  “Along with medical services, soldiers also have to find the strength to find peace of mind within themselves.” says Wells.

Women being Raped in the Congo (edited)

Congolese Soldier justify raping women

By Kyra O. Davenport

Congolese soldiers believe that as a means of survival they should behave like savages and dehumanize themselves, it is just another tool to be effective in combat. Even more appalling these soldiers believe that raping women is just a way of life, a custom of the average soldier.

The first medium I will discuss is a YouTube clip entitled “Congo soldiers explain why they rape” This short clip entails multiple reporters interviewing Congolese soldiers and each interview is more shocking than the other. For example one solider says “We know it’s not a good thing but what do you expect when a spend a long time in a bush and when we meet a woman and she resists us we have to take it by force.” Another soldier says “it’s all about control, before raping I make sure they are in good health, I can tell when they are weak and are not in good health. Comments like these make the Congolese soldiers appear to be none other than monsters.
Another short documentary that can be found on Youtube.com is entitled Congo: My life is just rape every day?” A woman expresses how she has been raped repeatedly and expects it to happen; she has tragically accepted rape as a way of life, culture. How difficult it would be for the average woman in the United States to imagine this brutality on a daily basis, for this to be natural to a woman is mortifying.

There is also an episode of Law and order Special Victims Unit, which had a character, a woman from the Congo who had been raped repeatedly and she was also shot in her Vagina by one of her attackers. Women in the Congo are being exploited, tormented, and this in turn causes long term psychological damage.  The questions now are who is fighting to stop the rape crimes in the Congo? What is really being done to eliminate this tragedy? What is being done to bring justice to the victims? It will not only take coverage on CNN, local news, blogs, (even mine), and the Clinton Campaign to fight rape in the Congo, it will take communities and individuals to take a stand, write the president, make it an issue in this country for change to come in the Congo. In the meantime as you search heart after reading this story, starting with a simple prayer for these women, and praying for the eradication of sexual violence in the Congo is a step in the right direction.

Women being Raped in the Congo.

Congolese Soldiers justify raping women

By Kyra O. Davenport

Congolese soldiers believe that as a means a survival they should behave like savages and dehumanize themselves, in their minds, it is just another tool to be effective in combat. Even more appalling these soldiers believe that raping women is just a way of life, a custom of the average soldier.

The first medium I will discuss is a YouTube clip entitled “Congo soldiers explain why they rape” This short clip entails multiple reporters interviewing Congolese soldiers and each interview is more shocking than the other. For example one solider says “We know it’s not a good thing but what do you expect when a spend a long time in a bush and “when we meet a woman and she resists us we have to take it by force” Another soldier says “it’s all about control, before raping I make sure they are in good health, I can tell when they are weak and are not in good health. Comments like these make the Congolese soldiers appear to be none other than monsters.
Another short documentary that can be found on Youtube.com is entitled Congo: My life is just rape every day?” A woman expresses how she has been raped repeatedly and expects it to happen; she has tragically accepted rape as a way of life, culture. How difficult it would be for the average woman in the United States to imagine this brutality on a daily basis, for this to be natural to a woman is mortifying.

There is also an episode of Law and order Special Victims Unit, which had a character, a woman from the Congo who had been raped repeatedly and she was also shot in her Vagina by one of her attackers. Women in the Congo are being exploited, tormented, and this in turn causes long term psychological damage.  The questions now are who is fighting to stop the rape crimes in the Congo? What is really being done to eliminate this tragedy? What is being done to bring justice to the victims? It will not only take coverage on CNN, local news, blogs, (even mine), and the Clinton Campaign to fight rape in the Congo, it will take communities and individuals to take a stand, write the president, make it an issue in this country for change to come in the Congo. In the meantime as you search heart after reading this story, starting with a simple prayer for these women, and praying for the eradication of sexual violence in the Congo is a step in the right direction.

HIV and STIGMA

HIV/AIDS STIGMA:

Howard University challenges the community to remove the stigma

By Kyra O. Davenport

“People look at me like I am garbage, a piece of trash when I tell them that I am HIV positive says Maryland Resident Sandy Blackwell, 55 Member of National Association of People with AIDS. The stigma of HIV/AIDS can prove to be detrimental to society. The stigmatizing nature of the disease can cause people to fall in to depression and it can also lead to suicide. There are many complexities involving stigmatization caused by being diagnosed with HIV. Howard University and the local community came together to bring awareness to this issue at the HIV/AIDS Stigma conference on World AIDS Day.

Upon arrival at the conference, I was confronted with compelling academic posters such the stigma of HIV positive pregnant women and “How the media affects the self-esteem of HIV positive black men”, these bright and eager students were ready to engage onlookers and educate participants on the damage stigma is causing and how we can slowly but surely eradicate it. As I continued to browse I ran into a poster by displaying HIV positive men with a voice, telling a story of how they are living with HIV today. Rodney McCoy Jr, 49 says, “This program was created for community mobilization, a concerted effort, we have a coalition NAPA. He also says it’s time to confront the Stigma, and I happen to be living with HIV myself, and a lot still needs to be done as far as community outreach, furthermore, there needs to be representation for both genders ling with HIV.” Another participant expressed feelings of underrepresentation, “A lot of the times people focus on men living with HIV/AIDS and let them go on in society, but women get treated as if we are nasty and we deserved what we have. The community needs to focus on women more because we are the population bearing the brunt, and we are not getting proper representation, there is a prejudice still out there.”  D.C Resident Yvette Lindsey55.

“The conference was very informative, they even covered stigma issues on an international level, stigma is not only about the gay population it’s about all of us” says N.W. D.C resident Linda Murph, 49.The conference was not only about stigmatization, while some participants were in workshops others were getting Free HIV testing Freshman Courtland Lacky, 18 says, “I was so nervous, definitely get tested it’s like a weight has been lifted! As the conference charged the community with supporting those who are infected, it also focused on HIV prevention.” “ Let’s get involved Go Get Tested!,” says Lacky.

The conference also held a series of workshops such as “Understanding Impact of Stigma on families and Us”, “The Layering of HIV Related Stigma within a community”, and “Faith, Spirituality and HIV”: Barriers and Facilitators to HIV prevention. In one particular workshop labeled “How Stigma and lack of Disclosure a young African American woman felt so liberated that she approached the microphone passionately and stated that  her family treats her as if they do not care for her and went on to say that she feels that believe if she use their toilets they may fear being infected, she continues by saying that, “ a lot of people do not want to disclose their HIV status, but the brave individuals on the panel at this particular workshop help her to get the courage to come before all these strangers,” says anonymous speaker. This is just one of many inspiring workshops that participants were encouraged to attend.

More community involvement and public education on HIV/AIDS will make for a better community, society, and world at large. Ignorance as to how the disease is spread causes many to ostracize people living with the virus. The main message that the professors, media scholars educators, activists, patients, and community members wanted to articulate was that people living with HIV are human they have feelings, they are leaders, and they are capable of making a positive  difference in society. There is the inclination that people fail to realize the impact stigmatization is causing, I am living with HIV and stigma says Blackwell.  

 

Nikki Giovanni:Busboys and Poets DC

Busboys and Poets host renowned poet Nikki Giovanni

By Kyra O. Davenport

The snow did not stop D.C. residents from attending the event entitled “The 100 best African American Poets, hosted at Busboys and Poets located at 5^th and K in Northwest D.C., Tuesday night,this is one of three locations. When Ms. Giovanni entered the room the crowd roared and clapped with anticipation as they dined. When she was finally introduced she began to greet the crowd with humor as she spoke about the road rage she experienced in route to the restaurant due to the snowfall. She then began to unapologetically discussed politics, racism, sex, money, voting rights, and other issues facing our country.

After her opening, she then began to discuss her latest work “The hundred best African American Poets.” “When I was asked to edit this book I said yes without hesitation, I viewed it as a great opportunity, says Giovanni. She shared one poem in particular called “ entitled “Train Rides” that had the crowd engaged because she also coupled the poem with a real life experience that inspired the poem, the crowd was immersed, and they drank their glasses of wine and hung on Ms. Giovanni’s every word.

The poetry session ended with a question and answer session and a book signing as one fan approached Ms. Giovanni, she yelled out Omar!! How have you been? It was her former student from her tenure at Fiske University. “It such pleasure to see my former professor, taking her course was truly an experience that I will cherish all my life!” says D.C. resident Omar Battle, 27.