Bonjour, 2009 is here and with it comes a new swagger. For starters, allow me to give a brief history of the blog. The concept of Fresh out the Box originated when I was approached by a close mentor, Francis L. Holland, during my junior year of High School. At the time, the idea of blogging seemed foreign to me but when Frank suggested I give it a try, it was hard to say no. My very first post was a history essay from class, in which I argued why black history should be extended beyond Black History Month. I have to admit that although my writing skills were not as refined as they are now, the very act of posting my work on a blog was a great feeling. That first essay set the tone for what Fresh out the Box would stand for in future posts.
Accordingly, it is 2009 and there have been many posts since the blog first started. I added some fun lists to blog and included links to the great Afrospear blogging group. In this New Year, my goal is bring Fresh Out the Box to a new level that is consistent with the ultimate goal that I once had for the blog-Addressing Societal Issues Through the Eyes Of the Younger Black Generation. Specifically, I am speaking of a stronger focus on the quotidian African American issues that readers can identify with. This is not to say that I look to single other groups out, but it is to say that I stride to raise awareness for issues that I can indemnify with as a young black man.
To put it bluntly, with President Obama in office, I believe more than ever that it is a great period of time to change the swagger and sincerely address African American issues. It is a new vibe so feel free to weigh in with what you plan to change in this New Year.
January 9, 2009
First Post of 2009
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1 comment:
Phil, thanks for the shout out!
I agree with you: This is a great period of time for us to step it up in a variety of ways. The increasing organization and collaboration among Black writers and activists is inherently a strong political move, that has coincided with the election of the first Black president of the United States.
Some of what seemed impossible to many people just two years ago has now become a fact of life. So, lets look at what seems impossible or improbable now, but that we will have conquered two and ten years from now? That's where we need to be going.
Personally, I'd like to see more official acknowledgement of color aroused disorder and more resources devoted to screening for it, diagnosing it and treating it, before more Americans go on color aroused murderous rampages.
I believe that both the 13 Binghampton killings at the immigration and naturalization center, as well as 33 killings at Virgina Tech were strongly influenced by color, and ethnicity and linguistic differences aroused alienation. Of course many people are content to dismiss that idea, but meanwhile 45 people are dead. We need to be willing to look at all reasons why, even if it challenges us to face color aroused ideation, emotion and behavior in the individuals murderers and in their environments.
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