A few days after his 25th birthday extravaganza and his “Sail Your Soul” video shoot in Miami, Curt Cohiba released the sequel to his “Frutti Di Mare Freestyle” he dropped on New Years day. The Quarter Century Freestyle (Will) speaks on his angle of life up to this point. He wants to teach in ways that might be subliminal. Life gems and lessons are jam packed in this track if you truly listen.
The surprise track speaks on his journey to 25 and later a play on the word “Will.” Towards the end of the song he speaks about his niece and nephew and his living will. Wanting privacy and properties for his niece and how his nephew will inherit if all if he has the “will” to take it all over. The ending is actually a play on Godfather 3 when Michael Corleone eventually grew old and had to put his nephew Vincent in charge. Also, Calling his nehphew, his “Will” as if Cohiba will be an Uncle Phil life figure in the future. As usual, another Cohiba track that is a little too deep for the times.
The clever Quarter Century Freestyle was engineered by Goo Kaliq, mixed down by Jay-El of the Freshmen in Atlanta, and produced by Jay B who screwed the 7 minute Jay-z and Big L freestyle instrumental that was screwed and slightly chopped for the sequel.
The Youngest Judge to Ever Be Appointed or Elected in U.S. History
Jasmine was appointed position of Associate Judge of the municipal court for the city of Easley, South Carolina in August 2015. She currently presides in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
We have to make sure we let our living legends smell their roses why they still can. A proud black woman became the youngest judge appointed in American History. (that is the end of this sentence, as in period.)
She is the oldest of 4. Jasmine was born and raised in Greenville South Carolina. Jasmine attended College of Charleston for Political Science. She is somewhat of a small town girl leaving a larger than life footprint. She came from a no nonsense household where TV during the week was unheard of and summer breaks just meant more time to study.
“I believe in using my platform to uplift, motivate, and inspire. Because if I don’t who will.” – Judge Jasmine Twitty
Judge Twitty’s Core Value are “Self-Discipline, Gratitude, and Lifting as You Climb.”
Her Legacy
“It’s important for my court to serve as a resource. – Judge Jasmine Twitty
Humility. “It’s so easy to judge everyone by their actions but everyone has a story. My court is a resource to those who have had lessor or unequal opportunity.”
She is living proof and American history. The average age of a judge is 50. Jasmine was appointed at 25. The first woman to be a municipal judge was in 1921. The first African-American Woman to be a judge was in 1932. At the age of 25, Jasmine Twitty became the youngest judge in the history of America. (period, that is the end of this sentence.)
According to Jasmine, she is just ” being Jasmine.” Only until recently she noticed the magnitude of her accomplishments. It was when she found out she was being featured by the very same school book company that she use to do elementary work out of when she was a little girl. Being in student text books all around the country allows her to be at a plethora of schools at one time without even being there.
Our Liberty
“I realize my journey and purpose are so much bigger than myself.” -Judge Jasmine Twitty
Freedom. “There are so many man made systems that hinder our people.” Jasmine is working on an out reach initiative with her colleague to enhance literacy and educate the youth about our judicial system. “Imagine how many kids we can all impact!”
“My purpose is to pass on information. I get excited to meet other judges that look like me and there are more sprouting up around the country. Everyone doesn’t understand my experiences and it’s good to have someone.” Jasmine is opening up doors and leaving them ajar for her people. Just her image alone can inspire a nation.
Your Honor
“Life is one big transition.” – Judge Jasmine Twitty
To that young black girl who listens to Beyoncé, looks up to Serena, but one day wants to be like Judge Twitty: “Learn from my experience, go fourth into the world and make even a greater impact.”
In conclusion, drink water, stay inside, and don’t judge unless they call you “Your Honor.”
Mama Oroki Rice has been a thespian paying her dues since adolescence.
She snagged the role of Mary in her second grade Christmas pageant which later led to her 2nd role given to her by her eighth grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Marva Collins in West Side Story.
Healing Through Art: Honoring The Genius of Mama Oroki
She wrote and performed plays while a student at Lake View High School.
She was a member of Northern Illinois University’s Black Theatre Ensemble. Oroki has had the privilege of ongoing coaching by Dr. Baron Kelly at the University of Wisconsin’s Odyssey Project since 2007.
Mama Oroki has had the privilege of ongoing coaching by Dr. Baron Kelly at the University of Wisconsin’s Odyssey Project since 2007.
“I’ve paid my dues to get to this place”
All these experiences led to her founding the Black Olive Community Theatre in 2018. This leaves the door open for young black actors, directors, screenplay writers, producers, optics, musicians, (pretty much the good folks of L.O.T.T.O. ENT.)
Words of Wisdom From Mama Oroki: “Don’t let anyone define you. Don’t be scared to be different. You are the product of those who came before you, thus honor your elders and your ancestors”
A Raisin In The Sun: Live @ Black Olive Theatre
June 28th-29th Open @ 6pm
Come celebrate Mama Oroki Rice in the Sun with us THIS FRIDAY!
Shy Richards: Certificate in Race, Equity, and Leadership in School @ Harvard University
” I want that little black girl who may read this 20 years from now to never let anyone tell you you can’t do something you are passionate about”
Shy oversees and develops educational programs for high school students in the Chicago-land Area that include college applications, college tours, FAFSA, scholarships, student jobs, social justice and cultural exposure.
Shy has obtained 3 degrees from Loyola University Chicago: Psychology (BS), Sociology (BA), Clinical Social Work (MSW)
She attended Ball State University where she earned her Masters Degree: Applied Behavioral Analysis (MA)
And now has taken her talents to Harvard
Shy’s Affirmations Below
Pysch: I got into analysis so I can better communicate
Policy: “I got into policy because I do not need a middleman, I want to be connected so I can make the final decisions that reform our education.”
Politics: I am observant. I am creating a plan for myself and my community by sitting at the right tables.
Peace: I just want to make sure that the youth know they are loved.
Power: * See above and Repeat the last 4 affirmations to yourself
The heart & soul of Learn Only To Teach Others (Charmonique Tims N.M.D.) is taking her health, wealth, and talents to the big screen. She is educating us all on Black Resistance in America’s Health Care system during segments of Tariq Nasheed’s latest film”Hidden Colors 5.”
Concordia Professor and Leader of Yale Equity Efforts Marquita Taylor, (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Leadership for the Advancement of Learning & Service in Higher Education
Certificate Recipient, Race & Equity
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management, Political Science
Concordia Professor, Dr. Marquita Taylor is a living testament of excellence, grit, purpose, and resilience. She wakes up with a trail blazing mission to inspire women and girls around the world to pursue higher education while building non-cognitive, entrepreneurial leadership.
Hailing from an impoverished area in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Taylor is a rose growing through concrete. She overcame the adversity of her environment with will, consistency and a loving support system at home.
Dr. Marquita Taylor: Founder of “The Woman Doctor”
“I had great parents, one thing they always instilled was the importance of education. Growing up I didn’t know we were poor. But I remembers walking home from school passing drug dealers, I once saw someone get killed. My parents found a way. I didn’t know I would be at an Ivy League School.”
The odds are against her not only as woman, but as an educated woman of color in America. The Woman Doctor encourages people daily that they are enough. In a society where the dollar rules, she believes her craft, brilliance and excellence makes her wealthy in abundance.
Professor Taylor is all too familiar with the word sacrifice. “Before I became a professor, I told schools I’d work for free.” The law of returns is how she received all her blessings back in abundance. She dedicated hours and hours of community service confident that her dream of enlightening others professionally would come to fruition. With a clear vision of her purpose, she stated that she balanced multiple jobs, philanthropy and her studies. “I went to school and worked 4 or 5 jobs. It was a test of grit.”
The Woman Doctor was honored at “The Chicago 300 Black Women in White” event in the fall of 2017. This event celebrates African American Women in the Chicago area celebrating women of color and all their extraordinary accomplishments. She stated that not only does she have to overcome obstacles as a woman, but even more so as an educated woman of color. It is a responsibility for America to understand the power and significance of educated women. “Sew into our black women. When you educate our women, you educate the nation.”
Dr. Taylor also founded a mentorship program serving women currently enrolled in a degree granting program entitled “The Woman Doctor (U)niversity.” The purpose of this program is to allocate support in the capacity building of its participants and the fostering of non-cognitive skills leading toward successful degree attainment.
Dr. Taylor’s words of wisdom for the New Year
Her efforts to reach her goals and to continue to strive for greatness was not just for her own benefit. “My success is a blessing but it is not all for me. I was selected by God to do this work and my purpose has always been bigger than me.”
Moving forward into a new chapter and fresh start of the year, her mindset of progression is something everyone can learn from. One may have to suffer on their journey to greatness. However, that pain is temporary. Sacrifice and hard work pays off. “The body and mind heals itself if you give it time.” She inspires women to manifest their own destiny and get it done regardless if they say yes or no.”
To learn more about Dr. Marquita Taylor visit thewomandoc.com
Howard University Alumnus Summer Brown shares a gift with her students that she has found refuge in since she was a little girl. It was her first black teacher, Ms. Wilson, who made painting intriguing to her when she was just in the first grade. Professor Brown now awakens the minds of young adults in her classroom teaching painting at her alma mater.
Hailing from Massachusetts, Summer graduated from Howard University with a BFA in Drawing and Painting and would later get her Masters Degree in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design.
The most exciting part of teaching her students how to paint is using art as the foundation of learning. She stated that there is nothing like the first day of class when students say they can’t draw and then watching them progress over time.
“There are so many tools in terms of learning,” she stated. Just like the youth can recite and pick up behavior from the simplest of rap lyrics, she feels that her students can uncover hidden truths about themselves through painting. She also thinks that music and art are synonymous for these reasons.
Paintings from Professor Brown’s Students @ Howard University
Paintings from Professor Brown’s Students @ Howard Universit
Her advice to all artists: Be inspired by your peers and know what your niche is.
Learning through art is not only effective, it is therapeutic. “Use art as a meditative process.” Professor Brown uses her craft to shape the minds of young black men and women at Howard University. There is enough pain, sorrow, and negativity in the world. She provides an outlet for her students with embedded lessons through her own passion. That is a dream come true. Painting a piece of mind.
“If GOD gave us this Earth, you’d think she’d expect us to treat it right….or nah?”
“bottle water says ‘contains calcium chloride’… but I’m not swimming.”
These are just two excerpts from poet, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist REAL T@LK. One might say a professor from Princeton could have his students write a dissertation on the ideologies of the two statements above.
REAL T@LK’S anthology entitled “(She Calls Me) Mr. Write” is a genius reflection of black progression, wisdom, love and could also be used to teach economic sustainability.
He uses clever words through the art of poetry to serve as a voice of some of the common inner thoughts black men and women have in America. He also makes it easy for people who are trying to understand the growth within the hidden struggles of being black in America more tangible by painting a lyrical picture that is humanistic to all.
The book is 149 pages of stories, short poems, phrases, dialogues and motivational quotes. It is an amazing way to spread peace while reflecting on self identity of a culture while awakening the people in it. Just like it’s cover….after you read it you will feel growth.
Curt Cohiba is known for his subliminal controversial music that is usually embedded in a live nostalgic sound. His agenda is so embedded that he attracts a diverse following. Since Commencement, his first single arrived in stores, it was clear that he was an advocate for young people of color through education and art. He is taking a picture getting arrested in front of Chicago Public Library with a cap and gown on. (SEE BELOW)
This time around Cohiba isn’t so subliminal. His new single “Black Quarterback” featuring Kellogg on saxophone is direct. “The world don’t like Black Quarterbacks.”
Cohiba stated, “The Quarterback position is the most prestigious position to have in American sports. Since the beginning of sports Black Quarterbacks have arguably been under a microscope more than any other form of athlete.”
Cohiba compares black men who run their own businesses, families and makes tough day to day decisions to Black Quarterbacks while metaphorically paying tribute to Colin Kapernick and the NFL protest.
But the blogs were not feeling Cohiba’s new controversial song.
One of the blogs reviewed: “..almost sounds like a podcast of a poet. almost no beat and hard to define as a hip hop tune. european here, so football means some diff here, and doesn’t mean anything culturally to me. Best”
However, the song has been out for two weeks and it is Cohiba’s most played song on Apple Music. Everyday people who struggle, hustle, fight for freedom and represent the hardworking gritty class that America seems to neglect…..LOVE THE SONG!
You be the judge.
It’s not about disrespecting a flag. It’s about shedding light on the changes that need to be made in a peaceful way.
