2015

  During the fall of 2015 I went through an "evolutionary period" (hence the reason why I call 2015 an evolutionary year). Out of all the things that happened this year I would like to thank three major factors: two professors and the album To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar. Besides the rememberable people I will say that this was one the best years of my existence. We as a nation and a society have come a long way since than.  

  Although I had four courses there were two that stuck out and had a positive impact on me.

   One of the courses was an Early African Civilizations class. Waking up early in the morning I often felt optimistic and empowered knowing I was in store for something new. The professor was a black man from Ghana. He was a mid-aged man standing at an average height, and was bald. The accent he carried was a little heavy but the words that came out of his mouth were nothing but gold. For instance, one time the professor made a statement regarding the true identity of Jesus by saying "I'm sorry but Jesus was not white." Myself and others in the class were either holding back laughs or in some form of shock. It was thanks to this professor's character and ability to be upright that made me want to dig deep into myself and become better. I passed this course with a straight A.  

   The second course was a critical think class (CRT 100). Going to the main building (199 Chambers Street) I would often get excited like a kid going to Six Flags. The professor was a white lady that originated somewhere below the tri-state area. She was chubby but not plumb. Her height was the average for a woman. I give this lady credit for one thing: her open mind. One time during class I remember mentioning the fact that most of the signers of the U.S. Constitution had owned slaves (which helps openly justify racist behaviors). Although the professor claimed that it was a "human document" (which it is) she still was willing to hear me out. A B+ was my final grade (you know I was proud of it).

   Every person in this class was cool in his/or her own way. we may have had our disagreements but everything was kept casual and respectful.  

   Since the late winter to early spring of this year Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly was getting some major exposure. The songs that made my neck sprain were Alright, Wesley's Theory, Hood Politics, and You Ain't Gotta Lie. For those that already know this was the album that made Kendrick the artist that he is today. I been a fan of Kendrick since his verse on Control.  

   In addition to education and music literature was another factor that sparked my ambition. Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between The World And Me is a ground-breaking piece of art indeed. I finally picked it up after seeing it on the shelfs four times. Reading it once made me want to get the book as a Christmas gift (meaning that I read it twice in one year).  

   On a late December afternoon I'm sitting on the 5 train reflecting on this semester. My finger's are smudging Coates' words as my destination reels closer (which is Baychester Av). It was a rough year for me but through the grace of God and some self-determination I made it. Getting off the train I know that they are challenges that I'm facing. However, the challenges that lay ahead are unknown.