This past Saturday I must say I felt low key like a Rock Star and Soul Child. LOL
Yes! I sure did. I was able to experience the lovely sounds of Rock and Soul. A sound which illuminated the creativity of collective like-minded conscious artist from various parts of life.
All this took place in Oakland! Let me just say Oakland definitely have some amazing artist. Who do what they do...while doing it well.
Shout Outs to the H.I.V.E & Goddesses of Sunday Brunch!
Maya Songbird- she is a gifted artist with much energy. I enjoyed her to the MAX. Her unique style along with her unique loving personality set off her performance.
Enjoyed her melodies...
A beast on the Bass.
**I didn't party like a rock star just felt like one. haha At the end of the night I was GONE!
Check out the H.I.V.E blog for upcoming events and latest news:
I thought this small paragraph was good enough for a certain essay I am currently in the acts of completing for a class... Unfortunately it does not meet the requirements.
Lol...
Moving to Oakland during the time of the Obama election and the murder of Oscar Grant was overwhelming. Especially when one is not fully educated about the politics of justice, integrity, beneficence, and non-maleficence (to do good and to avoid evil). I had to learn about all these things through various experiences. Experiencing Oakland in a revolutionary way taught me the politics of the streets, justice, integrity, to do good and to avoid evil as a means to grow in truth. I surrounded myself around individuals who were about community and activism. Individuals who possessed the ability to uplift me as a woman to move forward in such an overwhelming time of revolution in Oakland. My mind was young, not yet capable to mentally handle the circumstances and situations occurring around me. I took it upon myself to grow; I became hungry and thirsty for knowledge. Knowledge which encompassed the passage of African American history. This is when I truly began to accept my right as an African American woman and made it an obligation to take up my journey as a vehicle to embrace Oakland’s rich history in Black America. From there I blossomed, blossomed into a woman who was highly capable of not only being in the company of like-minded individuals older than I but I was able to tap into who I truly desired to be as a woman away from my nest.
Notice these women strength?
Do you see their dedication?
Family.
Life.
Work.
Their livelihood give them the strength to walk miles.
These women=hard work in a form of dedication.
"Never under estimate the hard work of discipline."
They possess qualities of discipline to tap into hard work.
I am coming across awesome blogs which focuses on the Black Community (Building a collective consciousness as a community) and blogs in general on the inspirational, motivational, uplifting tip. Something we as humans definitely need to surround ourselves with.
I am tracking or should I say counting down my birthday. I stated I will write an entry everyday about my day, encounters and so on...I kind of fell off track. However I still find time to post an entry about something interesting within the Black Community and the world I live in. 8 Days counting...21 around the corner!!!
Today I read an interesting online article from the OaklandLocal entitled "Built in West Oakland and they will come" by Tanya Holland a sista who opened her first restaurant on Martin Luther King Birthday in 2008. This article stood out to me because I have never took the time to sit and read an article dedicated to food, restaurants, or anything about the food/restaurant industry period. But what I find compelling about this article as I read through is the fact she shares about her life journey. She gave a brief biography and highlighted the significant aspects in her life. As a reader Iwas able to digest all she was sharing about. That was amazing! At least to me it was.
Not being a Native of the San Francisco Bay area I am quick to make judgement calls of a particular area. I am just speaking for myself. I am pretty sure there are plenty of you who may do the same thing. Any how in her article she gives numerous reasons as to why she decided to make West Oakland her location for for small restaurant which seats about 50 customers. (Small, cute, and LIVE) Her decision is basically smart. I would have made the same decision. Read her article to find out why she decided to make West Oakland her location and also you will also get a mini Black History lesson as I did. I rather not give it away.
Oh by the way just to let you all know. Oakland is full of rich culture. Oakland was once a strong pillar for Blacks still is. Can you say Black Wall Street! Yes every time I think of Oakland, all of the Black owned Businesses and Black folk striving...I think of the Black Wall Street. If you don't already Buy Black which basically means "start supporting black owned businesses"- let's build our black economic system as a people by the people for our people.
I'm Ericka...
Check out this amazing article Now!!! I hope you enjoy it. Be inspired.
Some encouraging words I want to share with you all. It is amazing how God works when you keep your faith in Action through him. I have been going through the motions with school. Financially, emotionally, and so on...God really steps in when you least expect it. But it is all about if we are willing to do his work and what he desires. I am learning through it all I must continue to give God all the glory and praise even if my situation is not the best. The devil/enemy will try to detour you...Lead you in a path of depression, shame, and loneliness if you allow him to do so. Yet you must keep your mind at peace in the things of Christ. I just thank God for all he has done in my life. I am a walking testament and I am not ashamed to say that I am an unapologetic follower of Christ.
Today I was blessed with a scholarship to help me pay for my last year of college. That is God. It is funny how God open doors for you when you least expect it. Even when you sit back and reflect upon your actions he is still showing his grace, mercy, and love. His love is amazing. He is the great I am. God in the flesh now seated upon the throne. He is my Jehovah Jireh my provider. There is nobody like Jesus. My sweet King. I just give him all glory and praise! I literally thought I was going to have to take a year off. But not so...When God knows the desires of one heart he fulfills them through numerous trails and tribulations only to make you stronger. We go through the wilderness to come out humble. Amen Amen Amen. Today I am ready for change. I am almost 21 years old and I will continue to serve my God for Life. He is amazing. How great is our God? :)
**Be Encouraged
Peter’s walk on water proves that Jesus will often call you to move forward when there’s NO WAY that what UR surrounded by can support you… But God’s word plus YOUR FAITH gives u a platform to stand on, when you shouldn't be standing.You’re faith has grown,
YOU’RE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT U USED TO BE…
Ray Murray
Focus Scripture:Mt. 14:28-29 (NIV) “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
Question: What do you do, when you all you’re trying to do is move forward and progress in your life, as God would desire, and you’re not getting the support you think you need to do so?
Think: There are times in your life where you will look at what surrounds you, and like Peter, realize that God has called you out at a time when you don’t have the support you need. SO WHAT NOW!
I know this sounds rough, but too often we allow ourselves to progress into a pity party and even depression, because people are not there the way we think they should be, or the situation is shaky, I fully understand…it happens, but your faith can still get you out of the same boat you’ve always been in…
Pay Attention: Jesus never asked permission of the other people in the boat, before he told Peter to come.He also fully understood that the water he asked him to step out on, was not designed to hold him up.What you’re surrounded by may not be able to support you.But All you need is God’s Word and your faith IN HIS Word!And that's all the support you're going to get...but it's also, all the support you'll need!
Be of good courage!
** Hit me back and let me know this message has reached you!
** For those of you who were with us at CB the experience, you already know God is awesome and we continue 2 expect great things!
STRENGTH!
Ray Murray
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Chainbreakers... MinistryWithoutWalls
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