NEW Video: The MURDER of Oscar Grant

PART ONE

NEW Video: The MURDER of Oscar Grant

PART TWO

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'

[Xem; August, 2007]

BART Riot in OakLand, California

Im suppose to be on HIATUS. However, I CAN'T IGNORE all of the News that is brewing at the dawn of our New Year.

A march protesting the killing of an Oakland man at the Fruitvale BART station on New Year's Day turned violent Wednesday evening as a group of marchers attacked a police car and lit a dumpster on fire.

An estimated 700 people gathered at the Fruitvale Bay Area Rapid Transit station Wednesday afternoon to protest the shooting of Oscar Grant III by BART police.

The group left the station and marched down International Boulevard in Oakland. Police were forced to respond to the crowd in riot gear after acts of vandalism and fires broke out.
Police marched down the street to confront protestors as the march got out of hand. There were unconfimed reports that police fired tear gas into the crowd.
At one point a police vehicle trapped in the middle of the crowd was jumped on by angry protestors. They hit the car with sticks, broke windows and another group of protestors pushed a burning dumpster towards the car. The officer was not hurt.
Protest organizers said a group of anarchists, who were not part of the original protest, attacked the police cruiser and set the dumpster on fire.

At about 6:30 p.m. a group of protestors started causing trouble at the intersection of 8th Street and Broadway.
At about 8:15 p.m. some protestors were seen trying to break restaurant windows in downtown Oakland. A car was also lit on fire in downtown Oakland at about 8:40 p.m. The car exploded before fire crews arrived at the scene.
For safety reasons, BART trains were bypassing the Fruitvale station, the Lake Merritt Station and the Oakland/12th Street Station while the protest was happening. Both the Fruitvale and Lake Marritt stations were reopened by 8 p.m.
A man who identified himself as Kazu, who said he helped organize the initial protest said about 700 people came to the Fruitvale station at 3 p.m.
He said a small group of people came to the BART station two hours later that were not affiliated with the peaceful protest at the station. He said that is when they seperated and started marching down the streets.
Around 8:45 p.m., Mayor Ron Dellums met a group of protestors on 14th Street in downtown Oakland. He spoke with the protestors and marched them down 14th Street towards Broadway near city hall. The mayor asked police to leave the scene and he assured the protestors that an investigation was underway and any proper charges would be filed.

The Oakland Police Department held a press conference on Wednesday evening. They said that they received a call from BART police that the protest was getting out of hand and the crowd was starting to march down the street at about 5 p.m.
Police said that at 8th and Madison streets about 150 to 250 people broke off from the march and they began to vandalize stores and vehicles. Officers followed the break off crowd and they tried to control the crowd.
Police said they used an unspecified gas to control the crowd.
Officers arrested 14 adults and 1 juvenile after that incident. One person was charged with assaulting an officer but no officers were injured.
Officers were expected to stay on the street through the night and they were also planning to be at a protest scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer who shot and killed Oscar Grant III at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland early on New Year's Day has resigned, BART officials said Wednesday afternoon.

BART spokesman Jim Allison said Officer Johannes Mehserle's attorney and his union representative submitted his letter of resignation at a meeting with BART investigators this morning. The officer himself was not present, Allison said. Mehserle had been scheduled to meet with BART investigators on Tuesday but his attorney on Monday canceled that meeting and requested to postpone it until next week, Allison said. BART investigators declined and instead rescheduled the meeting for Wednesday, Allison said. The investigators have not yet spoken with Mehserle about the shooting that killed 22-year-old Grant. Allison said BART has informed the Alameda County District Attorney's office, which is conducting a separate investigation into the shooting, of today's developments. BART investigators have urged Mehserle to meet with them and to cooperate with the investigation, Allison said.

I THINK that Im actually about to film a Video regarding this Issue and these Unforseen Circumstances....

The Prison Strip Search Scandal

Should Strip Search Procedures be Filmed in Prison?

The great debate that often times rocks the Legislature vs. Public Banter is the notion of Prisoners being Filmed and Photographed; often times AGAINST their will and knowledge thereof. Publicly, there are plenty of citizens who dont too much care regarding the rights of prisoners, or the integrity by which prison officials govern their facilities. HOWEVER, whats happening is that prisoners are being filmed during their Strip-Search and Courtyard activities, and the footage is being leaked to the outside. As a result, prisoners arent simply being exposed in regards to their immediate identity, but their physical privacy is invaded as well.

I am posting a collection of Strip Search Photographs as to PROVE just how Easy and Accessible it is to garner footage that is 'SUPPOSE' to remain PRIVATE and SEALED. So, What Exactly is STOPPING the federal government from filming and photographing US, secretly, in Public Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Dressing Rooms and other areas where we ASSUME no one is watching?

The Powers That Be can DEBATE, easily, that 'For Security Purposes' they need to SEE and RECORD public behavior at all times. More NOW than Ever, I am to believe that there ARE security cameras stored in the Bathroom and Changing Facilities of every major airport across the country.

...and isn't it quite INTERESTING that the Faces of the Prison Security Guards are Blackened for Privacy Purposes, and NOT those of the actual Prisoners who are being EXPOSED?....

Yeah...Yeah...Im SUPPOSE to be on HIATUS. I KNOW. I just could NOT resist Posting this Story.

...and Just for Your PERSONAL ENJOYMENT Socialites and Celebutantes, I want to Share with You All, One of My FAVE YouTube Clips of OMAR GOODING [Baby Boi;John Singleton], and a Scene of him being Strip Searched during a routine, Drug Testing Procedure.

His Commentary is HILARIOUS!

Wealth for Life in The New Year

As I flew from Baltimore to here in Los Angeles, over the weekend, I began reading the new, January 2009 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine. The ABOVE COVER is NOT the Latest Edition.

As I am in the process of reorganizing and stabilizing my finances for 2009, I thought it would be a great part of this initial plan to place myself on a path that is followed by many others who presently live financially comfortable lifestyles.

I wanted to share with ALL of my Socialites and Celebutantes, the 10 Step Principles created by The Editors of Black Enterprise, as a method of solidifying your Financial Futures.

The 10 Wealth for Life Principles

• I Will Live Within My Means
• I Will Maximize My Income Potential through Education and Training
• I Will Effectively Manage My Budget, Credit, Debt and Tax Obligations
• I Will Save at least 10% of My Income.
• I Will Use Homeownership as a Foundation for Building Wealth
• I Will Devise an Investment Plan for My Retirement Needs and Children's Education
• I Will Ensure that My Entire Family Adheres to Sensible Money Management Principles
• I Will Support the Creation and Growth of Minority-Owned Businesses
• I Will Guarantee My Wealth is Passed on to Future Generations through Proper Insurance and Estate Planning.
• I Will Strengthen My Community through Philanthropy.

Mychal Bell Shoots HIMSELF [Jena Six]

Mychal Bell, convicted in the "Jena Six" beating case, shot himself in the chest and was taken to the hospital yesterday, days after his arrest on a shoplifting charge.

Mychal Bell's wound isn't life threatening, fortunately. The 18-year-old used a .22-caliber firearm in the shooting around 7:40 p.m. I was still out with Shanae and Steeley when all of this went down.

People are speculating that Mychal was upset over media coverage of the arrest last week.

Mychal is one of a group of black teenagers who once faced attempted murder charges in the 2006 beating of a white classmate at Jena High School. The charges for all of the defendants were reduced.

The severity of the original charges brought widespread criticism and eventually led to more than 20,000 people converging in September 2007 on the tiny central Louisiana town of Jena for the largest civil rights march in decades.

My PRAYERS are extended to Mychal Bell and his Family as we ALL stand on the pulse of a New Year; 2009.

As one of My Celeb.u.Tantes and Leading Ladies, KIVA, would say...'MIRACLES & BLESSINGS'

2009 Tax Cuts for The Middle/Working Class?

As a part of Obama's Economic Recovery Package, Middle Class America could be seeing an Increase in their Net Pay as SOON as the first quarter of 2009.

While a $750 Billion Stimulus Package is being created to be ready for Obama's signature on January 20, 2009, he and his Economic Team are preparing to issue a Net Tax Cut for 95% of American Workers.

It has already been stated that one way to pull the Economy from the ledge, is to create Tax-Cuts for the Middle-Class. Its a Central Role in the plan and parcel of what is NEEDED when it comes to the Stimulus.

The LONG-TERM BENEFIT is that the Tax Cut will create a sense of fairness in the Tax Code.

The LONG-TERM BACKLASH is that the Tax Cut could increase already excessive consumption amongst the American public.

BASICALLY, We Spend More than We Make, and DONT $ave Enough to fund College Tuition, Mortgage, Computers for our Children, Retirement, or ANY of Life's Other MODERN DAY NECESSITIES.

The Obama Economic Team, in MY OPINION, needs to Encourage the sort of saving that will put the American consumer population on a more stable plateau.
IF Obama's 'MAKING WORK PAY CREDIT' is Approved; one of the centerpiece promises of his campaign, those making $75,000.00 or less, in annual income, will garner a payroll tax credit of $500.00 Individually, and $1,000 for Couples.

Either way, as Ive stated BEFORE, Obama is a bit Afraid to Increase Taxes for those making $250,000.00+. Hes going to wait until the dawn of 2011 to incite any increases...BECAUSE...'It Looks Good'.

Obama Appoints National Security Team

As we approach the official, January 20th Inauguration for President-Elect, Barack Obama, we must continue to envelop the thought and notion of a New Beginning. To overcome the plethora of challenges, struggles and circumstances that frame the 21st Century, we also stand at the dawn of new, American Leadership; ON THE SURFACE.

Though Barack Obama will be setting the foundation for Policy, as President, he also holds responsibility for the Vision that his Team-Players filtrate through to fruition. Obama's expectations are high, in creating a group to implement the Visions of his Presidential decisions.

As a result, Barack Obama has officially chosen The National Security Team that will back his Stance.

The National Security Team

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Secretary of State

ROBERT GATES: Defense Secretary

ERIC HOLDER: Attorney General

SUSAN RICE: Ambassador to the United Nations

JANET NAPOLITANO: Homeland Security Secretary

GENERAL JAMES JONES: White House National Security Advisor

In my opinion, Obama's picks for The National Security Team, suggests that he is mindful of his own relative inexperience. As noted, the majority of the six appointees have decades more experience in government than Obama. For those shockingly unfamiliar, Barack Obama is the former, ONE-TERM, Illinois Senator. Very Intelligently and Logically selected, the appointees and their status positions reflect Obama's long-voiced desire to welcome and envelop divergent viewpoints. This is ALL in PREPARATION to chart the BEST Course for This Country....I SUPPOSE...

The HIV Epidemic & Its Effect On Black Women

For years, MANY have labeled HIV as the 'HomoSexual' disease. Accordingly, MANY OTHERS have illustrated a Universal View of how HIV looks, in determining who has contracted the disease, and exactly who is living with it.

As 85% of my Lifelong Friends are BLACK WOMEN, I am honestly ALARMED and AFRAID for their well-being; as the most recent statistics state that Black Women represent 66% of new HIV/AIDS cases among Women globally, and 74% of Black Women contract HIV/AIDS from HeteroSexual intercourse. Part of what's staggering is that most Americans, including young women, and young Black women in particular, are unaware of these facts.

How we've reached this point here in the United States is the result of neglect in recognizing who's really at risk in this country. While 46% of Gay, Black Men are infected with HIV, the disease does not stem from or strictly effect Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender people.
Part of what's so shocking is the disproportionate increase in rates, and specifically among Black women, such that it leads to death.

Over the past few years, a wopping 53% of Black women who were surveyed claim that they believe there does exist a cure for the HIV virus. However, many of them are also convinced that the cure is being withheld from the lower-middle class and poor. As of right now, ATRIPLA; the one-pill treatment, is being used across the spectrum, and is working for nearly 85% of all HIV/AIDS patients. However, just as with many HARD DRUGS, the pill can cause both Liver and Kidney failure, and is not allowed to be used by pregnant, expecting mothers.

I feel that as a society who relies HEAVILY upon aesthetic, image and surface appeal in making prominent, lifelong decisions, too many of us have become comfortable with the notion of categorization. Whether it exists along the lines of Race, Class, Gender or Sexuality, a large sanction of society LOOKS for specific 'SIGNS' that will identify and differentiate between those who are HEALTHY and those who are Not[Infected]. Everyone who is infected with HIV/AIDS does not have sunken eyes or pronounced cheekbones, as the result of fat tissue loss. This EPIDEMIC that is wiping through the Black community, is doing so, SILENTLY. There are very FEW Public Awareness Campaigns that are geared towards Black Women, which encourage HIV Testing and Safe-Sex.

Living with HIV/AIDS can be an Isolating experience for ANYONE, despite their economic, social or cultural backgrounds. It's extremely IMPORTANT that we rally around our SISTERS, young and old, in keeping them Informed, Educated and Protected, as BEST we can. We NEED our Black Women in order to continue the Power and Legacy that exists throughout the Village.

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'

[Xem; August, 2007]

Barack Obamas Economic Plan

$700 Billion Stimulus Package from Congress?

As our nation struggles to emerge from the recession compounded by a credit crunch, President Elect, Barack Obama, is going to have to reach much HIGHER than the $175 Billion that he planned to request from Congress, during his Campaign.

Recently, Obama has urged New Congress to pass a quick economic Stimulus Bill, as he has also pledged to HELP the troubled auto industry. Obama recently ADMITTED that the economy is likely to get WORSE before it gets BETTER. With less than 60 days left before Obama takes his oath of office, he has also blessed the Bush Administration's bailout of the financial industry.

In a Nut-Shell, what ALL of this means is that Barack Obama IS still going to CUT taxes for the Middle Class. HOWEVER, even with his decision to RAISE taxes for those making more than $250,000.00 a year, he's going to ALLOW the Bush Administration's Tax Cuts to Expire, first.

BASICALLY, Obama isn't going to hit those in the Top Tier of Economic wealth until 2011.

It 'LOOKS GOOD' on the part of a Politician and His Party Not to Increase ANYONE'S Taxes until a minimum of two years following his appointment. Blah! Blah! Blah!...

Ultimately, I DO BELIEVE that Obama WILL create the 2.5 Million Jobs for Americans. HOWEVER, I Do Not BELIEVE it will happen by the end of 2010 as he estimates, nor Do I BELIEVE that the Majority of the positions will open in Environmentally Friendly Technology Trades.

Time Will Tell...

Obama has, indeed, released the Names and Titles of those who comprise the New Economic Team.

TIMOTHY GEITHNER: Treasury Secretary

LAWRENCE SUMMERS: Director of National Economic Council

CHRISTINA ROMER: Chair of Council of Economic Advisers

MELODY BARNES: Director of White House Domestic Policy Council

The 3 Major AutoMaker Groups recently asked Congress to APPROVE $25 Billion in Emergency Loan Money.

Do You Feel that the Allotment is Too MUCH?

VOTE in The Name of VICTORY!

HOPE. CHANGE. PROGRESS. OBAMA

written by XEM VanAdams-Lumumba

It's one thing to sit in an elementary school classroom, learning about American History. It's one thing to lay in a college dorm room studying it between the edited lines of a text. It's often times frustrating trying to understand it all; maintaining Dates, Facts and Circumstances to pass high school assessment exams.

Its another to actually LIVE and EXPERIENCE American History Unfold.

Its the Frame of our modern day existence and an Illustration of Societal accord.

What a Wonderful and Fulfilling, Once-In-A-LifeTime experience that our children have, to be able to watch a Black Man, Senator Barack Obama, stand on the eve of being elected as the 44th President of The United States of America. His prophecy has been guided in the direction of molding an entire generation of Naysayers, Quitters and those who have lost their Hope. Through Trial, Tribulation and Triumph, Barack Obama has already reshaped the outlook of Promise; one that for so long, had appeared so Dark and Dim upon the Horizons. He is a man who has taken on the stance of our contemporary savior; a political blend of social stature, cross-cultured influence and economic ease. He is a Leader of great Spirit, and for this experience, we are ALL, undoubtedly Grateful.

Today's Election is Historical in that for the FIRST time in the HISTORY of My GENERATION, a sense of Unity above Divide, has been restored in the Faith that people are carrying on their shoulders; Young and Old alike. I give praise to God for allowing me to see this day, alongside the presense of My Grandmothers, My Brother and Sister, My Parents, Aunts & Uncles, Lifelong Friends, God-Family and extended circle.

May we ALL, through Life and Limb, hold a Torch to Truth; receiving our Daily Breads of Fulfillment and Forward Movement. I shed tears in the knowledge and know-how of a GOD who is the only Spirit, in all of his Glory, responsible for this Day.

VOTE in the Name of VICTORY!

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'
[Xem; August, 2007]

New Video:DarlWyn DeVron [DRUGS & ADDICTION]

Please SUBSCRIBE to My Entire YouTube Video Collection IF you have not already. SUPPORT the journey completely. Its only a matter of visiting Emerald Eye Entertainment, via my YouTube Page. Take 5 Minutes, LITERALLY, to CREATE your own page, IF you dont already have one of your own. CLICK the Yellow SUBSCRIBE button.

Go HERE Now...

Another Step Forward...

This past Friday, October 9, 2008, The State Supreme Court ruled that Connecticut would become the third state, after the reigning decisions of California and Massachusetts, to ALLOW Gay Marriage. The court said Connecticut's 2005 Civil Union Law doesnt give Same-Sex Couples the SAME STATUS as married HeteroSexual Couples.
Unlike California, however, where November's referendum will decide whether to OutLaw Gay marriage, Connecticut Voters are being asked to consider ONLY IF they want a Constitutional Convention. If so, Convention Delegates would be appointed by the state General Assembly...which, By The Way, is LARGELY comprised of Democrats who are sympathetic to Same-Sex issues.

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]

RePost: ASSUME The POSITION

HyperMasculinity vs. HomoSexuality
...amongst Fraternity Men...

Written by

Za.XEM.bi

Where is the Line______ Drawn?

We live in a day and time where Fraternities, both Black and White, have become, more than ever, a cess pool for a Testosterone filled climate of Sex, Exaggerated Aggression and a Sacred rite of passage that says, its ACCEPTABLE and HETEROSEXUAL to...

'Assume the Position'

BareBacked and Bottomed Up

Amongst the mainstream fraternities that exist upon college campuses across the country, its widely known that the outward presense of Gay men, within the physical structure of the fraternity groups, is still a taboo existence. I know, and you know as well, that Gay men exist within every structure and threshhold of American society; though, not every structure acknowledges the presense. Many pledges are often times ostracized and kicked off line if their Homosexuality or Masculinity is even questioned by their 'Big Brothers', at large. To become a member of mainstream fraternity structures, representing the American cut of Masculinity and a Machismo Bravado is almost given as the first rule of thumb.

NO FAGS ALLOWED is the underlying motto, scratched beneath the codes of conduct and belonging that celebrate CHARACTER-BUILDING, HONESTY, SERVITUDE, STRENGTH and BROTHERLY LOVE. Yeah Right...

Over the years, HAZING and other acts of passage which segway interested, pledges and young recruits into Full-Fledged members of these kindred groups, has become an unspoken and exposed practice of initiation. EVERYONE knows that Hazing plays a huge and significant role in the pledging process, especially amongst the Alpha-Male fraternities who pride themselves on strictly selecting the Best, Strongest and Brightest men. The rituals are rarely spoken of, publicly, as most of the daily, climatic escapades are designed to create a 'Bond' of Brotherhood; breaking one down from who they are, and building them into Who the 'Brotherhood' says they should be. Interesting enough, a lot of these practices have become public knowledge, as the result of years of incidents where students are killed, injured and/or humiliated beyond their own self-recognition.

Having never pledged a Fraternity during my college years, or ever being interested in following the memorized values and ideals that set Fraternity men on a pathway 'Greater than My Own', I can not attest to absolutely knowing what goes on behind closed doors.

HOWEVER...I find it quite interesting that in 'Assuming the Position' of being labeled as a Greek, Alpha-Male, a large part of the Hazing activities, tend to pair Male-beside-Male, in acts that constitute Grotesque, Homosexual behavior. In many photos that I have elected to NOT post, pledges are found imitating sodomy and fellatio upon themselves and pledge brothers, as well. In mimicking and mocking HomoErotic behaviors, its interesting to see how these young men are selling themselves to belong to groups which blatantly demonize the existence of Homosexual men, on all levels. I think that society tends to dismiss the Nude Play, Jerk Off Circles, Ass Paddling, and other Sexual activity within the confines of these All-Male groups as HYPERMASCULINE FUN. Instead of examining these activities as an outpour of sexual identity issues, and/or a display of pent up attraction towards the same sex, the acts are desaturated, as to excuse the behaviors.

In several readings that I've done over the past year or so, specifically geared towards the Homoerotic behaviors of Athletes, Military Men and Fraternity Boys, as they Celebrate Victories and Passage from one stage to the next, I discovered several findings. It seems to be more prevalent in the White community, that pledges or rookies aren't publicly ashamed to photograph themselves or videotape themselves in compromising positions with other men. I found numerous photographs and information regarding a Hazing ritual known as The Elephant Walk.
Pledges are aligned in a circle and forced to become erect. Each pledge grabs the erect penis of their line brother standing behind them, and sticks their thumb into the ass hole of their line brother who is standing in front of them. Collectively, the pledges march in a circle, and are not allowed to let go of either private area.
In comparison, Ive found many stories of pledges who have admitted to participating in Circle-Jerk sessions, where each pledge must nut/cum on 2 single slices of bread. The last pledge/recruit to nut/cum, is forced to sandwich the cum soaked slices of bread, and eat them, in full.

The famous Sambia tribe of New Guinea, maintains a ritual of passage, transforming Boys into Men, where the young boys are taken from their mothers, and forced to perform oral sex on the Men. As the boys swallow the semen of the men, it is believed that the semen will Masculinize the boys. WOW!
In this day and time, could the Obsessive consumption of Budweiser Beers, Vodka and various Protein Shakes, forced upon the pledges and recruits, be the substitution for Semen?

It's Very DIFFICULT, at least it has been for Me, to find Stories, Facts and Information in regards to whether or not the above stated practices are actually instituted in the Hazing practices of Black Fraternities. The Black and Latino community happens to be the most HOMOPHOBIC ethnic groups that presently exist in American culture. Though its NOT Hard to believe that Black Fraternities practice a lot of these same Disgusting, Male-on-Male passages, performed by White Fraternities, it is hard to believe that No one is coming forward with the information.

How far do 'HETEROSEXUAL' men have to explore, practicing and playing, sexually with other men, before we acknowledge the fact that the behavior is indicative of negated HomoSexual Desires, and Not simply a HyperMasculine string of Celebration and Fun....?