Crews install Riverfront Boulevard signs in Dallas, marking end of era for Industrial | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News
Posted using ShareThis
Friday, November 06, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
my take on the alleged hazing incident at prairie view a&m university
i have been following this story since it first broke in the early part of this week. when i posted the first new story, i was somewhat wheary about the entire situation. there were general quotes in the story, but i figured it was fishy since the official university spokesperson had not yet been notified. well using my acquired journalism skills i got to work asking questions. the university then went on to release statements regarding the investigation, so then it was made official that something must have gone terribly wrong. i cannot imagine how the family of this young brother might be feeling with the sudden lost of him. overnight i spoke with a few people about the issue, and it seem to me that people are more concerned about all membership intake activities being suspended indefinitely by president george c. wright. that is not where the focus should be. i spoke with a friend who is a member of the organization in question just to be supportive, know they are probably catching it from so many ends. this morning i watch a clip on abc13 from a interview with the victim's father, which really alarmed me.
according to the victims father his son was very scared, and terrified of members of this "sorority" yes he did say sorority, and out of respect for his late son he never reported anything, however, for those of us that are familiar with hazing, if you are a active participant, you are just as guilty as the people doing the hazing. i personally could not imagine going to my mother and being terrified about anything and her not taking the initiative as a parent to do something, it blows my mind, and i find it hard to believe that his son was so terrified of members of this organization he would tell his father, and his father would just sit back and let nothing be done.
another issue that i have with this story is the fact the victim was just taken to Cypress, and dropped off at the hospital. what does that say about those that were with him, no matter what the circumstances are when you are with someone, and they become ill, or whatever the case may be it's you responsibility to contact the proper officials, and give statements to aid in the treatment of the individual. personally when i was going through the membership education process for my organization we were there for each other, as were the big brothers.
there comes a time when you just have to be real, and the time is now, pvamu is known for greek life, it's a part of the rich tradition of the institution dating back to 1968 when then president alvin thomas established the national pan hellenic council, however it's not the reason praire view exist, and i think people often forget that. prairie view was established to produce successful african-american students in the state of texas, when the unknown 8 stepped onto the grounds of the alta vista plantation in waller county, letters, and colors didn't exist. change can be hard but it's often needed, i think over the past few years the administration of prairie view have done a wonderful job at turning the image of the school around and we not attract some of the worlds brightest students, i would hate for this isolated incident to cast a cloud over all the good pvamu stands for. i am saying a special prayer for the victim's family and firends, and a prayer for the organization in question, justice will prevail, for i believe.
related links
university official response to students death
houston abc 13 coverage
houston
chronicle story
khou coverage
according to the victims father his son was very scared, and terrified of members of this "sorority" yes he did say sorority, and out of respect for his late son he never reported anything, however, for those of us that are familiar with hazing, if you are a active participant, you are just as guilty as the people doing the hazing. i personally could not imagine going to my mother and being terrified about anything and her not taking the initiative as a parent to do something, it blows my mind, and i find it hard to believe that his son was so terrified of members of this organization he would tell his father, and his father would just sit back and let nothing be done.
another issue that i have with this story is the fact the victim was just taken to Cypress, and dropped off at the hospital. what does that say about those that were with him, no matter what the circumstances are when you are with someone, and they become ill, or whatever the case may be it's you responsibility to contact the proper officials, and give statements to aid in the treatment of the individual. personally when i was going through the membership education process for my organization we were there for each other, as were the big brothers.
there comes a time when you just have to be real, and the time is now, pvamu is known for greek life, it's a part of the rich tradition of the institution dating back to 1968 when then president alvin thomas established the national pan hellenic council, however it's not the reason praire view exist, and i think people often forget that. prairie view was established to produce successful african-american students in the state of texas, when the unknown 8 stepped onto the grounds of the alta vista plantation in waller county, letters, and colors didn't exist. change can be hard but it's often needed, i think over the past few years the administration of prairie view have done a wonderful job at turning the image of the school around and we not attract some of the worlds brightest students, i would hate for this isolated incident to cast a cloud over all the good pvamu stands for. i am saying a special prayer for the victim's family and firends, and a prayer for the organization in question, justice will prevail, for i believe.
related links
university official response to students death
houston abc 13 coverage
houston
chronicle story
khou coverage
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
19 years later, still healing.....
When I was 16 years old I asked my grandmother
"Granny, what was it like to have to bury a child (my daddy)?" she simply replied "it's a feeling I cannot describe, and it's a feeling I would not want another mother to experience. Your father was my oldest, he could know I needed something and he would just appear. My late grandmother had a way with words when it came to my father. To be honest she was one of the only people I could talk to about my father, she would give it to me real, and for that I am forever grateful! My father is a subject I bring up every now & then, but I have noticed over the past couple years making the transition from boyhood into manhood, has been especially difficult for me. I often wonder how my life would be had my dad been present the past 19 years. Had he not walked out the door early that October morning.
The morning started normal, I woke up in between he and my stepmother, which is where I slept when I visited them, I had recently been diagnosed with asthma, so I was not feeling too good early in the morning, so he went to get me some medicine. He came home gave me the medication, took a shower, and as we were sitting in the living room, he said "I'll be back later or I'll see y'all later" I remember asking daddy can I go, he replied we will do something later this evening. The morning went on pretty normal, until my grandfather came by and took my stepmom into her room, and all I heard was a scream saying "Mr. Gilbert no......." my brother and I ran to see what happened, and she said "Y'all's daddy is gone" I don't remember much about the week following I just remember it was very emotional. As I fast forward 19 years later, I am now 24 years old, and I look at how blessed I am. I had people come into my life, I had a father figure, I had god parents, who stepped in.
People that have not experienced it cannot possibly understand the loss of a parent, even in my case where I didn't know him or recall very many things. I think the hardest thing is have to rely on what other people have to say, you often deal with a lot of things, like people that make them out to be perfect just becasue they are deceased, or the people that just give it to you, and call out whatever issues they had. As the years passed people stopped visiting the grave it became harder, even myself. So many things go through my head when I think of my father, and my own legacy. I think that is where my want for my own children and family come from. I would want my children to have that relationship I didn't have.
With death also come people's true feelings and motives. When I think of ways I have been treated by family members it give me the drive to be independent, support those who support me, and know I have what many want. My mother has been there for me, and to have a strong parent to step up and raise a son is not easy, so I am indebted to her for the rest of my life as well as my older sister for being like a second mother as well.
So as this day comes every year it's getting a little better with time, I still opt not to work, and just be to myself for the most part.... Thanks to everyone who has help me through this situation!
"Granny, what was it like to have to bury a child (my daddy)?" she simply replied "it's a feeling I cannot describe, and it's a feeling I would not want another mother to experience. Your father was my oldest, he could know I needed something and he would just appear. My late grandmother had a way with words when it came to my father. To be honest she was one of the only people I could talk to about my father, she would give it to me real, and for that I am forever grateful! My father is a subject I bring up every now & then, but I have noticed over the past couple years making the transition from boyhood into manhood, has been especially difficult for me. I often wonder how my life would be had my dad been present the past 19 years. Had he not walked out the door early that October morning.
The morning started normal, I woke up in between he and my stepmother, which is where I slept when I visited them, I had recently been diagnosed with asthma, so I was not feeling too good early in the morning, so he went to get me some medicine. He came home gave me the medication, took a shower, and as we were sitting in the living room, he said "I'll be back later or I'll see y'all later" I remember asking daddy can I go, he replied we will do something later this evening. The morning went on pretty normal, until my grandfather came by and took my stepmom into her room, and all I heard was a scream saying "Mr. Gilbert no......." my brother and I ran to see what happened, and she said "Y'all's daddy is gone" I don't remember much about the week following I just remember it was very emotional. As I fast forward 19 years later, I am now 24 years old, and I look at how blessed I am. I had people come into my life, I had a father figure, I had god parents, who stepped in.
People that have not experienced it cannot possibly understand the loss of a parent, even in my case where I didn't know him or recall very many things. I think the hardest thing is have to rely on what other people have to say, you often deal with a lot of things, like people that make them out to be perfect just becasue they are deceased, or the people that just give it to you, and call out whatever issues they had. As the years passed people stopped visiting the grave it became harder, even myself. So many things go through my head when I think of my father, and my own legacy. I think that is where my want for my own children and family come from. I would want my children to have that relationship I didn't have.
With death also come people's true feelings and motives. When I think of ways I have been treated by family members it give me the drive to be independent, support those who support me, and know I have what many want. My mother has been there for me, and to have a strong parent to step up and raise a son is not easy, so I am indebted to her for the rest of my life as well as my older sister for being like a second mother as well.
So as this day comes every year it's getting a little better with time, I still opt not to work, and just be to myself for the most part.... Thanks to everyone who has help me through this situation!
Monday, August 24, 2009
the weekly gay educkation
i have so many people that ask questions about the gay life and the community lingo so i have decided to do little weekly teases. let me know what you think
Q: What does what's the T mean?
A term used by the early gay community circa 1970-1989 that indicated some one was the "T"alk of the "T"own, hence the "T". The term was often used by female impersonators to describe a fellow impersonator that did an exceptionally good job on stage in a live lip syncopated performance which was talked about in the gay circles for long periods of time. The term grew to define any memorable person who's actions were or would soon be largely talked about in the gay circles. Also a person who was popular in the gay community would be talked about may have been referred to as The "T"
Have a wonderful week, and be sure to keep up with my "T" this week!
Q: What does what's the T mean?
A term used by the early gay community circa 1970-1989 that indicated some one was the "T"alk of the "T"own, hence the "T". The term was often used by female impersonators to describe a fellow impersonator that did an exceptionally good job on stage in a live lip syncopated performance which was talked about in the gay circles for long periods of time. The term grew to define any memorable person who's actions were or would soon be largely talked about in the gay circles. Also a person who was popular in the gay community would be talked about may have been referred to as The "T"
Have a wonderful week, and be sure to keep up with my "T" this week!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
houston is home for now....
in my personal opinion the united states of america is one of the best places to live. yeah the politicians in d.c. have some silly agendas, and they are silly individuals at times, but i would not trade my citizenship for anything. as a young and vibrant 24 year old artistic man, i often find myself wanting more out of life. i have flirted with moving everywhere from nyc to atl, to dc, to los angeles. how i ended up in houston was actually by accident. i went to pvamu in 2002, and after my freshmen year, i was careless (another story) after working in my hometown for one summer i knew small town living was not a option, so i decided to truck it to the closest major city, which became the most humbling experience of my life. i would not trade the public transportation nightmares, countless hours in traffic, crazy dates, fights in target and wal mart, and best food of my life for anything. i chose to call houston home simply becasue i fit in, it's in my home state a short drive from home, and when my sister relocated back to suburban houston that put the icing on the cake. i love other cities, and i most likely will end up elsewhere (DALLAS), but for right now i am content with houston. i wish the shopping was just a little better, and the humidity would go away, but it's not such a bad city if you are trying to find your way! and i guess when you decide to buy or build a house you're kinda stuck for a few years at least right? lol
Monday, August 17, 2009
getting to know TEA!
some people have a problem with my blogging and constantly changing my status, but i decided a long time to live my life privately, but make things simple where people could understand a somewhat complex individual.
my life for the most part has been a work in progress forever. when you deal with as much as i have in my 24 years on this earth you tend to stop and analyze things more deeply. i will say over the past year i have learned more about myself and others. i believe life is something that must be lived, you take experiences, and lessons from others to build your own character, and become a person of poise, grace, and style. growing up i never looked up to many people or wanted to be like anyone. i was not into sports figures, but i understood the importance to education, and being cultured. on the sunny morning of october 13th my biological father walked out of the door and the last words he ever said was "I will be back later", i never saw him alive again. despite the fact that was almost 19 years ago, i find myself at age twenty four constantly reliving those moments along with many more from my childhood, and other times of my life. my sister told me one time that death and money can pretty much be the roots of all evil, she said they will make you see things and sides of people that you never even knew existed.
i grew up without much direction, but with many talents, i knew i wanted to be successful, but i was not really devoted to anything fully, i didn't date much, i was popular, but due to my nature i didn't let people get real close to me. i would say in my middle school years i started to learn how people really see you and feel about you. friendship were hard for me particularly because i was unhappy with myself. high school was terrible, but i made it, and decided i wanted more that what was being offered that is what lit the fire under me to go to college, develop bonds and relationships with people that would be a positive force in my life. college taught me so much about myself. i learned how to use my voice, i met friends that i am happy to have in my life, i met people that came from the best of families, i met people that has never lived in a home, all of these meeting made me become more thankful for what i had and even the things i didn't have.
I decided to be real about myself, and surround myself with positive people, and that was one of the best decisions i ever made. over the past 4 years i have met some of the most influential individuals one could meet. i surround myself with a network of people that share visions, and goals for themselves as well as society. from my spiritual leader, to people that i admire, i am truly blessed to have people in my life that care, and know i am a great person.
as i become that african-american man that i wish i had all my life to look up to, it's great to have the support of so many people. and i just wanted to say thanks for getting to know me. as many of you know i have been doing graphic design, and photography for a while now, i am taking that to levels unseen. i have also decided to play a more active roles in causes that are near and dear to my heart. i will be joining the fight against HIV-AIDS right here in our own communities in america, starting with a HBCU tour where I speak to young students about HIV, understanding how serious this is in our community, and how we as a generation need to step up to the plate to fight in this war. i will also be working with youth support groups at texas childrens hospital, and md anderson cancer center. if i have tagged you please know you have played a vital role in my life, and i cherish the relationship we have. look out for me!
my life for the most part has been a work in progress forever. when you deal with as much as i have in my 24 years on this earth you tend to stop and analyze things more deeply. i will say over the past year i have learned more about myself and others. i believe life is something that must be lived, you take experiences, and lessons from others to build your own character, and become a person of poise, grace, and style. growing up i never looked up to many people or wanted to be like anyone. i was not into sports figures, but i understood the importance to education, and being cultured. on the sunny morning of october 13th my biological father walked out of the door and the last words he ever said was "I will be back later", i never saw him alive again. despite the fact that was almost 19 years ago, i find myself at age twenty four constantly reliving those moments along with many more from my childhood, and other times of my life. my sister told me one time that death and money can pretty much be the roots of all evil, she said they will make you see things and sides of people that you never even knew existed.
i grew up without much direction, but with many talents, i knew i wanted to be successful, but i was not really devoted to anything fully, i didn't date much, i was popular, but due to my nature i didn't let people get real close to me. i would say in my middle school years i started to learn how people really see you and feel about you. friendship were hard for me particularly because i was unhappy with myself. high school was terrible, but i made it, and decided i wanted more that what was being offered that is what lit the fire under me to go to college, develop bonds and relationships with people that would be a positive force in my life. college taught me so much about myself. i learned how to use my voice, i met friends that i am happy to have in my life, i met people that came from the best of families, i met people that has never lived in a home, all of these meeting made me become more thankful for what i had and even the things i didn't have.
I decided to be real about myself, and surround myself with positive people, and that was one of the best decisions i ever made. over the past 4 years i have met some of the most influential individuals one could meet. i surround myself with a network of people that share visions, and goals for themselves as well as society. from my spiritual leader, to people that i admire, i am truly blessed to have people in my life that care, and know i am a great person.
as i become that african-american man that i wish i had all my life to look up to, it's great to have the support of so many people. and i just wanted to say thanks for getting to know me. as many of you know i have been doing graphic design, and photography for a while now, i am taking that to levels unseen. i have also decided to play a more active roles in causes that are near and dear to my heart. i will be joining the fight against HIV-AIDS right here in our own communities in america, starting with a HBCU tour where I speak to young students about HIV, understanding how serious this is in our community, and how we as a generation need to step up to the plate to fight in this war. i will also be working with youth support groups at texas childrens hospital, and md anderson cancer center. if i have tagged you please know you have played a vital role in my life, and i cherish the relationship we have. look out for me!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Going to the Big Easy!
I have a deep affection for New Orleans. It is easily one of the nation's most distinctive cities -- a rich and charming cultural polyglot that refuses to succumb to the sterile sameness of the rest of the Sun Belt. The city is older than the nation.
On this hot and humid Houston day I sit here with so many thoughts running through my head. Those of you familiar with me and my posts should know, I rarely bite my tongue when it comes to my life. I have traveled more than most 70 year old people I know, but on the eve of my beloved fraternity's national convention in the Crescent City I am like a child waiting on Santa Christmas Eve.
My love for my fraternity dates back to 2003 when I first saw the brother in the lobby of my hotel during Houston Splash. It was the end of my freshman year at Prairie View A&M University. I considered other Divine 9 organizations, until I found it was one for me. I kept my mind on it, and finally became a member. I will say the past 21 months have been some of the best months of my life, thanks in part to my beloved fraternity.
It has taught me that some people have you best interest at heart while others just consider themselves. It's taught me the true multiple meanings of brotherhood. I have learned a lot about image, and a lot about people in general.
I found out our convention would be in New Orleans. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the WORLD. It has a special charm and unique feel, the city depends on tourism, so the people know how to treat you! The food is great, the drinks are even better! And with my brothers in town we are sure to shake the city up!
On this hot and humid Houston day I sit here with so many thoughts running through my head. Those of you familiar with me and my posts should know, I rarely bite my tongue when it comes to my life. I have traveled more than most 70 year old people I know, but on the eve of my beloved fraternity's national convention in the Crescent City I am like a child waiting on Santa Christmas Eve.
My love for my fraternity dates back to 2003 when I first saw the brother in the lobby of my hotel during Houston Splash. It was the end of my freshman year at Prairie View A&M University. I considered other Divine 9 organizations, until I found it was one for me. I kept my mind on it, and finally became a member. I will say the past 21 months have been some of the best months of my life, thanks in part to my beloved fraternity.
It has taught me that some people have you best interest at heart while others just consider themselves. It's taught me the true multiple meanings of brotherhood. I have learned a lot about image, and a lot about people in general.
I found out our convention would be in New Orleans. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the WORLD. It has a special charm and unique feel, the city depends on tourism, so the people know how to treat you! The food is great, the drinks are even better! And with my brothers in town we are sure to shake the city up!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Barbershop Talk....
So I went to my new barbershop to get a fresh cut since I finally found a good barber in the Humble-Spring area. The choice of conversation in a black barber and or beauty shop is alway interesting. Well this particular time they chose to dicuss the dynamics of a a same sex male relationship. I was thinking, are they serious? No really, we are still fighting three wars, it was the day a African-American man was shot dead while he was just doing his job at the Holocust Musuem in DC, and we wanna talk about this ish? So here we go....One of the barbers said "gay dudes are not going anywhere so we need to deal with them as long as they cool, while making eye contact with me the entire time." Followed by a customer saying "Well I just don't understand how two men can live together like that, I mean when they are getting ready for work are they standing next to each other shaving?" Considering I tip my barber on average $10 a week he felt the need to intervene. He says' " I don't think it's much different from straight relationships, hell we have ur problems, they have theirs, they work, we work, it's just about daily survival in the fucked up work and economy." He then went on to say he has never felt threatened by a gay man because he knows he's happy with his wife, and they often welcome all types of friends to their home, and the importance of their children being educated about all walks of life. Another woman says well I just don't understand it, but should I because I am not a man, and I am not gay. He turn to me and says T-Money what do you have to say.....Talk about putting me on the spot huh...I then go into my spill....
"Well considering I have been a serious same-gender loving relationship for a few years (on&off) I can give you my personal thoughts. I had to agree with the other gentleman about us just living, it's not different. We have the same issues, and we deal with them. When we get ready for work in the morning we take turns since that seems to be what everyone wonders. It's not about being gay or straight, it's about being human. It's kinda fun because we can talk about things that straight couples might not, like sports, cars, and electronics. We support each other, and deal with whatever life throws us...."
The lady looks at me and says "so you're gay?"......DAMN
"Well considering I have been a serious same-gender loving relationship for a few years (on&off) I can give you my personal thoughts. I had to agree with the other gentleman about us just living, it's not different. We have the same issues, and we deal with them. When we get ready for work in the morning we take turns since that seems to be what everyone wonders. It's not about being gay or straight, it's about being human. It's kinda fun because we can talk about things that straight couples might not, like sports, cars, and electronics. We support each other, and deal with whatever life throws us...."
The lady looks at me and says "so you're gay?"......DAMN
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Houston Splash Cookie LaCook
I found this, Cookie was a Houston Legend, and is missed in our community....
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
T.D. Jakes' Son Arrested for and Charged with Sex Crime
** Another case of a PK gone wild... Okay for those of us from Texas we have always heard that T.D. Jakes son or son(s) were gay, but now the proof is in the pudding....
Author: David Townsend
According to Dallas police, Jermaine Jakes, 29, the son of the pastor of the Potter's House, was accused of exposing himself in front of an undercover vice detective at a city park in Oak Cliff.
Here's the story. It includes a link to the police report, which includes some pretty straightforward language.
It's not clear why this encounter, which took place on the night of Jan. 3, is only coming to light now.
No statement yet, at least not that I'm aware of, from Bishop Jakes.
Jermaine Jakes' lawyer essentially had no comment.
"We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time," she said. "Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."
SECOND REPORT
The son of Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the Potter's House, faces a charge of indecent exposure related to an incident in a southern Dallas park last month, Dallas police said.
Jermaine Jakes, 29, is accused of exposing himself in front of an undercover Dallas police vice detective at Kiest Park, near West Kiest Boulevard and South Hampton Road, on the night of Jan. 3, police said.
He was detained at the scene and released.
T.D. Jakes is the founder of the Potter's House, a 30,000-member congregation in the Mountain Creek area.
Faith Johnson, Jermaine Jakes' attorney, said in a written statement Wednesday evening: "We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time. Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."
Ruben Limón, park coordinator, said today the park closes at 10 p.m. each night and is usually monitored overnight by Dallas police officers.
He said he was surprised to hear that a son of T.D. Jakes was involved in the incident.
"I wonder how that's going to affect the church," he said. "I doubt it'll affect us because the park isn't known for that sort of thing."
Author: David Townsend
According to Dallas police, Jermaine Jakes, 29, the son of the pastor of the Potter's House, was accused of exposing himself in front of an undercover vice detective at a city park in Oak Cliff.
Here's the story. It includes a link to the police report, which includes some pretty straightforward language.
It's not clear why this encounter, which took place on the night of Jan. 3, is only coming to light now.
No statement yet, at least not that I'm aware of, from Bishop Jakes.
Jermaine Jakes' lawyer essentially had no comment.
"We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time," she said. "Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."
SECOND REPORT
The son of Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the Potter's House, faces a charge of indecent exposure related to an incident in a southern Dallas park last month, Dallas police said.
Jermaine Jakes, 29, is accused of exposing himself in front of an undercover Dallas police vice detective at Kiest Park, near West Kiest Boulevard and South Hampton Road, on the night of Jan. 3, police said.
He was detained at the scene and released.
T.D. Jakes is the founder of the Potter's House, a 30,000-member congregation in the Mountain Creek area.
Faith Johnson, Jermaine Jakes' attorney, said in a written statement Wednesday evening: "We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time. Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."
Ruben Limón, park coordinator, said today the park closes at 10 p.m. each night and is usually monitored overnight by Dallas police officers.
He said he was surprised to hear that a son of T.D. Jakes was involved in the incident.
"I wonder how that's going to affect the church," he said. "I doubt it'll affect us because the park isn't known for that sort of thing."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)