The Importance of Becoming the "Village" That Helps Raise Black Children

"The Importance of Becoming the 'Village' That Helps Raise Black Children"

In the U.S alone, more than 21 million children are growing up in single-parent households. Among African American children, it's slightly more than 48 percent. There is a NEED for Black men and women both to step up and become that "village" that raises these children. We can do so be volunteering to mentor and helping out in the community. We are not goons & savages, we are the Kings & Queens of our future!!

Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old, 

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

The Value of Mentors

"The Value of Mentors"

A good example has twice the value of good advice. There are many people (including myself), that have had an idea of what it is that they want to do or accomplish, but don't know the correct way of going about doing so... My advice to those of you is to find you a mentor. According to Dictionary.com, a mentor is defined as a teacher, supporter, or a wise and trusted counselor. We all have dreams and desires, however; in order to make those dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of dedication, determination, and discipline. Visions are never fully formulated, they develop with time. Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow? Half of being smart is knowing exactly what you're dumb at. That's where your mentor comes into play! Mentor-ship is positioning your heart to receive God through a person. To succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to inspire you, something to motivate you.  YOU are the master of your faith and the captain of your soul! Be with wise men and become wise, be with evil men and become evil. The best way to become better, is to surround yourself with others that are doing better. Your life doesn't get better by chance, it gets better by change! No matter how long you've traveled in the wrong direction, you ALWAYS have the choice to turn around! When you work at your job, you make a living...but when you work on yourself, you make a FORTUNE!

Mentor. Inspire. Move forward together.

#AntiWeak! 

"Know I Got It All" - Chucky5

"Know I Got It All"

"Survival's only for the strong", says Louisiana's own 20-year-old Chucky5. Currently attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, his main focus is making a name for himself in the rap game. His rookie mix tape titled "Contradicting Failure" was recorded right in his closet! Check out his most recent project titled "The Beginning of Malcolm X" , which can be found on Datpiff.com. As of right now, he is working on his third tape "By Any Means Necessary". GMC is the team! Check out the video above and support this kid! 

"Gridiron" - a poem written by Louis Curry

"Gridiron"

I grind to stay on top,

cause if I don't grind then all else stops.

See, Football is a tool to my success,

it keeps me in line and relieves my stress.

Some people say it's a hard game,

but I believe I'm truly blessed.

Everyone cannot live out this dream,

so cherish the moment

 because in the end,

we all get seen.

Either as the man that embraced this wonderful game,

or one that quit on his team.

In the end, 

we all leave the game with different stories to tell,

and one thing's for certain...

I'ma keep grinding until y'all know mines real well!

Designer's Corner- CooleyUnivercity.

Cooley Clothing! 

Cooley Univercity is a lifestyle brand from Chicago, IL. The inauguration of the brand was held at Eastern Illinois University, where a group of friends decided to make more use of their spare time. With life's twisting and turning tribulations, the brand slowly transformed from a hobby to a lifestyle. We Grind to Live. We Live to Grind. We are Cooley Univercity. Follow them at instagram.com/cooleyunivercity  and support the brand!

"Chi City Youth" a poem by Jazmine Mckinney

"Chi City Youth"

A very powerful poem, to say the least. Jazmine Mckinney speaks on the children on Chicago and the everyday obstacles and battles that our youth fight to survive daily. At some point, we have to stand up and acknowledge the root of the problem when it comes to violence and Chicago murder rates. Is there any hope for our youth? Or will we continue to sit back and witness them kill one another off? Take the time to listen, be educated, and be inspired! If you don't do anything else, please share this video to help bring awareness to the everyday struggle of our youth today. #BeInspired!!

"Something Spiritual" -Supah ft. King Popo

"Something Spiritual"

 

Upcoming Windy City artist Supah starts the year off right with "Something Spiritual". The song depicts the true meaning of a woman and man finding a spiritual connect with intense lyrics. On the chorus is featured BandKamp's (Paris Bueller, Young Chop, etc..) King Popo who adds his own unique style to the song. Take a listen, this is just a preview of what's to come from Supah's mix tape "No Hype", which is scheduled to drop soon! Hope you enjoy!

"Cold World" - B.I.G ft. Dubb Blak

"Cold World"

 

 

 

Filmed by: Ja-wan Gardner

 

20-year-old B.I.G (Big Intelligent Guy) ,from the South side of Chicago, is currently  working on a mix tape titled "Too Official". Take a listen as B.I.G spits about his experience growing in the tough streets of the Windy City. This is just a preview of what you can expect in the near future!

"Kobe" Freestyle -Femdot

"Kobe" Freestyle 

Chicago's 17-year-old Femdot is back with a witty flow on Chief Keef's "Kobe".  His mixtape "Femdelacreme" drops later this summer. In the meantime, check out this track as one of Chicago's youngest spits bars. 

"Dreams" - a poem written by Chanel Johnson

"Dreams"

Believing that I can do the impossible, 

even when there are obstacles...

I believe in me. 

Never doubting, even when my vision gets cloudy,

when my opponents start shouting,

waiting on my defeat, 

I will be the dream of my mother, grandmother, and my father.

The influential daughter,

who was fortunate enough to dream,

 in a time when success only seems to be measured by who you impress, 

how you dress, how big is your breast?

The flat out bullshit we accept. 

No more aiming for an A+ , 

only plan B pills and how fast did you buss,

hopeless children with no one to trust,

looking for love but only finding lust.

Is this what we have become?

The lost generation,

but just be patient....

I have the courage of Angela Davis,

The intellect of Toni Morrison,

even the bluest eyes won't intimidate me 

because like Maya Angelou "Still I Rise"!

I will rise for the people that sat,

the single mother who didn't get her chance,

for the boy without a plan,

for those men who are being tossed in prison cells,

 faster than I can flip my penny into a wishing well,

cause they were only taught to give and sale.

So now this prison cell is what he will call home,

so the girl who sits alone will pick her head up,

and see her strength,

 her power...

her wit...

it still exists,

even when you can't see it yourself,

have no doubts,

you can achieve it,

whatever you desire to be...

you can become!

NO!

We are not dumb!!!

This is my declaration to become,

 everything they said we couldn't,

everything they said we shouldn't...

I will be!

I will never be to afraid to dream of better tomorrows,

or believe those who say I'm aiming too high,

What makes Oprah Winfrey any different from me?

Why can't I live out my dreams?

They say those things don't happen to people like us...

but who told you that you weren't good enough?

Because I mustered up enough courage,

to not give a fuck!

It won't be luck,

I will conquer my dreams!!

I'M ANTIWEAK!