Tuesday, September 28, 2010

If the kids don't play then who will?

On NORD Reform
By: Cornelle D. Carney
September 28, 2010

In the civilian world, I am the youth liaison at the Greater New Orleans Afterschool Partnership (GNOAP), a nonprofit intermediary organization that promotes out-of-school activities for young people. Before I deployed in January 2010, I spent the last four months of 2009 promoting the 10 for 2010 platform. This platform includes ten reform initiatives that GNOAP and the out-of-school community wanted the next mayor, now Mitch Landrieu, to adopt. One of those reform efforts was the restructuring of NORD into a public-private partnership venture which purpose would be to bring the NORD facilities and programs up to standard. An example of this standard comes from neighbors in Baton Rouge—BREC. This reform effort has moved from the idea stage to possibility.

As I did in 2009, I still stand behind this reform effort which is coming up for vote. Some of the critics of this plan are skeptical of it because they are concerned that community input and interests were not present during the idea-to-possibility stage process. This concern is valid and I wholeheartedly adore the commitment to preserving community interest by including them in all major planning process. Consistent with this commitment, I assure the community that their interest were included. For one, GNOAP engaged youth, including me, in this process by having them research other recreation departments in cities similar to New Orleans. We were tasked with figuring out what differences and similarities were there any why. Numerous meetings and conversations were held with parents about this initiative explaining this issue. This issue was discussed with parents, students, educators, business people, politicians, and other public interests at the January 5, 2010 mayoral forum at Walter L. Cohen High School.

Furthermore, this initiative was supported by hundreds of youth and adult allies at the Super Youth Saturday Rally which was held on January 23, 2010. As you can see, much effort has been made around obtaining community input. I call upon the community to move this initiative forward to bring quality back to our children. Our young people are no less deserving than their peers in other cities but we are treating them like second rate, undeserving citizens. As the Army is always preaching to soldiers “Do the Right Thing!” Who Dat for Kids?

I invite you all to read this op-ed I wrote regarding this: http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2009/11/between_school_and_home_a_gap.html





Between school and home, a gap to fill: A guest column by Cornelle Carney
www.nola.com
Young people possess an innate curiosity to explore the city and learn new things. But in my opinion, there aren't enough positive venues for New Orleans youth to explore and foster their curiosity. Often, youth like me are criticized for our choices, behaviors, styles and interests. Well, I am old ...
Share

-D.Carney

Just another day in N.O.


A New Orleans second-line parade is a traditionally festive event that brings out hundreds of families and friends. Music plays loud for the dancing crowds. Lately this marvelous event has been the symbol of how far violence and ignorance has crept into our society. On Sunday September 26, a two year old boy was killed by a stray bullet. The boy was in the backseat of his mother’s car as bullets rang out from the cars ahead. As a result, bullets went flying into the car and the young boy was struck. I personally feel engulfed in rage. The reason I’m so mad because people simply don’t get it. Why do people bring guns to times of celebration and happiness? What posses someone to kill another for prides sake? When it comes down to it, that’s all it really is. One person kills then another follows then revenge comes into play then groups who hate others and on and on. This cycle never stops, and it is a cycle that has painted my city as the “Murder Capital of the World”, “Ya Herrdd ME”!


On a brighter note, yours truly has officially been classified as a Senior with the arrival of his class ring. A lot of stories in the works so stay tuned! Also the blog is doing so well. The blog has been viewed over 1200 times this month alone. We will be doing our best to keep it that way. Remember we are open to many suggestions and your own sent in post! Lastly a Big Shout Out to my cousin Verlin Dix! His Birthday was yesterday and we celebrated it on Sunday with gumbo,cake, and football! Great Combo! Hopefully he continues to live his life to the fullest. Peace!

-J.Washington

Saturday, September 25, 2010

I AM RACIST AND SO ARE YOU

On Race Relations
By: Cornelle D. Carney
9/25/10

My name is Cornelle D. Carney, and I am a racist! Racism not only involves oppression and prejudicial acts toward a race, but it also includes promotion and preferential treatment of a race as well. Per this definition, if it is valid, I am a racist.

Some of my minority leaders and I started a conversation around race relations. The conversation was interesting in that it took us to different extremes, some of which I never knew existed. Just accounting for the A.D. period (2010 years), slavery and oppression just recently started to subside around the 1960s to 1970s. In that, oppression of the black man in particular had been happening for some 1,960 years.

This race math was presented by a staff sergeant who displayed a certain feeling, almost like he wanted to and start crying. He went on to question how can society fully expect black people to assimilate after having a slave-like mentality (this should be a discussion for another time) for almost 2,000 years?

The conversation then turned to a conversation about how some white people just have the need to oppress other individuals (to me, some blacks and browns have this same trait as well). Another soldier asserted that the need to oppress might be genetic—passed down from earlier generations. This spawned the conversation around success.

In America, whites have always been the most successful race. Blacks, Hispanics and Asians are playing catch-up; but, ultimately whites still control most of the economy and policy. Their successfulness is a matter of opportunity. Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outlier, declares that most success is based on opportunity. What distinguishes the successful folk from individuals that are not as successful is the number of opportunities they have had. Since the whites in America have always had more opportunities than any other race is this the measure of their success?

The Uncommon Common Ground (2010) cites that according to the United States Census Bureau there will be no majority race in America in the year 2050. Is America ready for this transformation now? What steps should we be taking to become prepared to accept this new reality?

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fly Minds Co. prepares to take flight with Corrupt Society Clothing



The Fashion industry is one of the hottest venues right now and there are many new fashion lines coming up everywhere. I sat down and talked to the founder of a company that’s getting a lot of buzz before it has even been released.

What is Fly Mind Co. ?

A Fly Mind is the name for an individual that steps outside the box with innovative thinking to improve the world we live in. We are the founders of a transformation of the normal thinking person. Every one has to take the study of higher learning in order to graduate flight school to become a Fly Mind. In other words you have to be yourself and create your own swagger to be a Fly Mind. This includes using your talents in a creative way to make a difference to the world. The Fly Mind company is the brains behind the Corrupt Society clothing line and works to create new ways to expose it.

The Fly Mind Team

The Fly Mind team is always growing. Torin Hurst is the creator of the name Fly Mind and the idea of the logo. I, am the artist responsible for creating the company based on the idea. Jacob Washington is also a great partner of the company. He uses his Fly Mind to reach out to his peers and provide them with insightful information through “ All Things Censored”. My name is Brandon Bartley and I am a proud founder and artist of Corrupt Society clothing and also a columnist in the “All Things Censored “ blog-spot .






What is Corrupt Society clothing ?

Corrupt Society clothing is the line presented by Fly Minds Co. The name Corrupt Society has been taken from everyday situations in life that are represented as corrupt . One of the many characters on the Corrupt Society graphics is the Corrupt Monkey . As the founder , the monkey is one of my favorite animals considering its genetics and structure is the closest to human form. This monkey will appear in various situations and will often times feature quotes that add to the meaning that the shirt contains.

This is a brief introduction to the upcoming line Corrupt Society which is soon to come with graphic t -shirts, embroidered sweatshirts, beanies, stickers, key chains, Good Wood accessories and more. These pieces will have fun designs that males and females can enjoy wearing in their everyday uniforms and outfits. This line is all about introducing creativity in art that can give off interesting , humorous, clever and just a fly design that different people can relate to . None of these images are intended to send negative messages. They are strictly to appeal to different audiences . Welcome to the Fly Mind world. Coming Soon! Corrupt!

-D.Robinson
-J.Washington

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Stupid Is as Stupid Does






Stupid Is as Stupid Does:
A Collaborative Analysis by Jacob M. Washington and Tracie L. Washington


Today, by a vote of 56-43 Senate Republicans blocked an effort to repeal the law banning gays from serving openly in the military. I think this has to do with more than just “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the military. Based on recent Congressional history, this democracy is totally screwed up because our legislators are allowing things to become personal. In other words, bills aren’t passed because of who is supporting or not supporting them, not because of the substance of the law.
So here we are…fighting several wars…thousands of lives at stake…and our paid employees, i.e., Congress, won’t fund the military because our legislators want to continue to discriminate against non-heterosexuals.

We all understand that everyone has their own personal opinions, or even religious views, but there has to be a time when legislators realize who they work for. According to what I saw on Rachel Maddow’s show tonight, even 65% of Republicans believe Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell must go. That leads into my next hypothetical question, but a shockingly feasible one which is, how do those 43 nay-Sayers explain to that percentage of non-heterosexuals that voted them in, that they (legislators) basically repudiate their way of life AND their safety from foreign aggressors – like Al Qaeda all at once? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. And so what’s next? If they find out there’s a vast homosexual population in schools, will these same legislators decide not to fund education?

As a civil rights lawyer and human rights advocate, I just can’t get over the fact that we’re having this debate. It’s insane. Even our kids know it’s insane, yet we expect them to respect our leaders. Seriously?



This is another analyisis done by..


Setting it STRAIGHT?: Republican senators block repeal of DADT, democrats allowed
By: Cornelle D. Carney
9/22/10

Childish and selfish are the senators who refused to repeal the ban on the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that has been in effect since Bill Clinton’s administration. As a people we should not be here. This problem is deeper than just allowing gays to serve in the military. It is an infringement upon civil liberties; some of the very ones that which this country was founded, to included the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution.

Some critics are concerned about how heterosexual soldiers would feel living and bathing in close quarters with gays. This is a valid concern; however, policies are already in place that protects soldiers from sexual harassment, etc. If a soldier legitimately feels harassed then he or she can report it up the chain.

Bottom line is we simply cannot deny employment with the military based on sexuality. Equal opportunity policies are in effect presently for this very reason. What makes the military immune from this process?

For goodness sake, let ‘em in!



-J.Washington

Where's Waldo!





Where's Waldo. The child hood book that made little girls tear there hair out and created little cheater and quitters. I truly believe Waldo is the reason I get lazy sometimes. See while using up all my energy to NOT find him, I would've been saving for now. Waldo was to many of my peers, the McDonald's of children's books and I spy was Burger King. Along with Waldo, I was always looking for Carmen Alexis, and trying to past Jump Start so my mom would buy me the next grade. Games when I was little where the best.




Never did I think where's Waldo could become a movie and while it probably will not be, this video trailer is amazing. It attracted all my senses and memories. Ahhh the good times! Enjoy!

One Step!

There has been quite a buzz about The One Step Program, so i have decided to find and pull their info for you. Enjoy.




Get Involved, Be Heard …Take One Step!
One Step is the first Post-Katrina grassroots organized effort to engage the collective community in crafting a vision of excellence in public education. A lot has changed in public education Post-Katrina. One STEP is broad campaign to engage the community in crafting a vision for public education. Over seven months, through working groups members of the New Orleans community will discuss key topics such as teacher quality, school and community partnerships, improving high school graduation rates. Working groups will make recommendations on each topic and collectively frame a community vision for quality education.

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 8am-3pm, four strategic partners, Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN),Connect2Educate (C2E) Collaborative, Early Childhood & Family Learning Foundation (ECFLF), and Central City Renaissance Alliance (CCRA) will host “ONE STEP,” a unique and historic educational event for all New Orleans children, families, and individuals.These partners have joined and are inviting the entire New Orleans Community to take “ONE STEP TOGETHER FOR OUR CHILDREN.” Young Audiences will provide many activities for children in the afternoon.

One Step Saturday is the launch of the first Post-Katrina grassroots organized effort to engage the collective community in shaping the future for public education.

8:00–11:00am: Dryades Street YMCA, 2005 Philip Street: The day will begin with a Community Summit to Craft a Common Vision for Public Education, the kick-off of OPEN’S 7-month campaign to convene the community in a respectful community-wide dialogue to craft this vision. “It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been very involved in public education and have taken fifty steps or if you’ve never been involved…we can all take ONE STEP Together for the future of children and our city” says OPEN’s Deirdre Johnson Burel.

11:00-12:00am: Music-led Parade to Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood & Family Learning Center, 2405 Jackson Avenue: As the Summit concludes, a marching band will lead attendees and various schools and community organizations down Jackson Avenue to community partner Mahalia Jackson Center, where a brief program and entertainment will welcome them to the afternoon’s events.

12:45-2:30pm: Public school professionals (teachers, board members, school leadership and others) will participate in the C2E Collaborative’s Connect2Educate Event, which spotlights organizations that offer resources and programs to public schools and child care centers. All attendees will receive the 2010 Connect2Educate Notebook, a community resource guide and empowerment tool for public schools.

12:00-2:30pm: All New Orleans children and families are invited to enjoy Mahalia Jackson Center’s Family Day, where the Center’s 15 onsite service providers, including Central City Renaissance Alliance, and also community partner Young Audiences will offer family-friendly activities, prizes for individuals and schools, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Mahalia Jackson Center’s partners work together to meet the needs expressed by Central City residents themselves, making Mahalia Jackson Center a convenient, welcoming “one stop shop” for these holistic health needs of local children, their families, and neighbors. In addition to quality early childhood education programs, the site features a pediatric health clinic; a New Orleans Public Library branch; family literacy, job training and placement programs; a computer resource center; fitness and nutrition facilities and classes and much more.

2:30-3:00pm: Closing Remarks and Grand Prize Giveaways!

http://onestepnola.org/

-J.Washington

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Film & Love


I am a big sucker for Documentaries and Films. I really love the high quality picture aimed at a real person with a truly amazing story. Today September 16,2010, I was on YouTube looking for short films to watch before I work on Homework and found a short film that touched me. The funny thing is that it wasn't until half way into the film did I realize that the film had taken place in my city New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of the film was to know what people wanted by the end of the day and some of their answers will last for more than just a day. Benjamin Reece who conducted this film has gone multiple places surveying people and you can find them on YouTube.The Second film is of a personal friend of my families and a big role model of mine and the last one is a film about secrets(very funny and mind blowing). Enjoy!



Evacuteer: The Judge from Benjamin Reece on Vimeo.



value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mAQtbTqDefw?fs=1&hl=en_US">

-J.Washington

Monday, September 13, 2010

Kanye's repeat performance minus Taylor Swift



My Late Night spliff! VMA's tonight was nice, not the best but what ever. Anyways I did really like the Kanye West performances...well really just the song. So here it is check it out.

P.S. Was that red outfit curious to you too?

Runaway - Kanye West feat. Pusha T - Runaway (CDQ) by ITSTHEMANSION

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Not just another artist

To be a great musical artist you need at least three important characteristics. First you should actually have an artistic talent. Second you must have the motivation to keep going and thirdly you must have a personailty to attracte fans. This doesnt mean you have to be the nicest person in the world though. I have a couple of favorite artist but I am always running into people that I become fans of. A guy I've heard of and then recently ran into again goes by the name of Phill Wade.



This guy is hilarious. I've watched many of his video's and he is truly a funny person. Here are two of his best video's in my opinion. The first video is Wade's Trey Songz impression followed by his Rick Ross B.M.F. Remix. I don't have much to say except watch and enjoy.



Battle of the 7th Ward!



The Souuulll Bowl is what it was called last night, but for many, one of the biggest rivalries in New Orleans is known as the St. Augustine vs. McDonogh 35 High School football game. Since Katrina, this game has been one of the highest attended regular season games that takes place in the metro area. For many family, friends, teachers, and alumni, it's that always big historic game. For the younger crowd, however, it’s a social anomaly, that is, the first of many fashion showcases, unannounced but always known.

As for me, this year I didn't go all out, but I did break out the new kicks (of course): Black/Varsity Red-Stealth Jordan Spizike's to be exact.



The new kicks, plus a simple shirt with simple shorts, a tin of Altoids and 5 Gum – Yeah, we young one's call it swagga and we like it. As is my usual routine, I met up with the crew. We sat for the first part of the game waiting for the stadium to fill up, and then we walked around. I saw many friends, who share with me so many stories and experiences. I even saw (or tried to see) those friends who will share new stories and times with me.

In the crowd: people of all shapes and sizes, all colors, and from different corners of our small city. The amazing thing is that we all came together for one purpose, that is, to support our teams, to see our friends, and to people watch! Yes, the games have their eventual scares due to childish people fighting (once or twice a game) but, for the most part, that three hour event bonds everyone and the outside world is put on pause.

Now yes, of course, my school won the game, and I am amazed that this rivalry didn’t end with any bad blood. For that I am actually proud. To end the night we marched out with our real New Orleans mentality. We went in to party and we left…to party some more! How? Second-lining out of everything.!
The hot 8 brass band- We are one by luaszz

-J.Washington

Saturday, September 11, 2010

DADT


Can’t Ask, Won’t Tell
By: Cornelle D. Carney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cornelle.carney

Recently, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the military’s controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy is unconstitutional. This judge wrote a four score opinion on the matter saying that is contradicts the First and Fifth Amendments of the supreme law of the land.

For gays and lesbians that have been denied or revoked service in any branch of the military, this is a win for them. For me, a current member of the military, this is also a win for me. Not saying that I am gay or anything, but as a person that is not homophobic and is against violence this is a win. This policy, which was enacted under President Bill Clinton’s administration, has caused soldiers their lives. One soldier in particular was literally beaten to death because of rumors that started about his sexually. Those soldiers who committed those deadly acts against their own battle buddy were jailed; however, this policy is still in place and is literally wrecking the lives of solider members.

One of my battle buddies, Hefridge, is gay. Our chain-of-command knows this but cannot approach him about this because of the DADT policy. Rumors have been going around that he has been having sexual intercourse with other men while on this deployment and a lot of animosity towards him has manifested. He does not deny being gay. I am concerned about him. What if someone reaches a tipping point and begin to assault him? What if he reaches a tipping point and harms himself?

The purpose of the DADT policy is ultimately to keep a strong, masculine-like military. The real question here is: will allowing gays in the military eliminate the masculinity that is normally associated with being in the military? Furthermore, will fighting alongside a gay make me less capable of doing my job? The answer for me is obvious. I would like to get some outside opinions on this matter however.

If you would like to participate in this discussion, you can do so by replying directly to this blog posting.

C. D. Carney



Cornelle CoCa Carney
Share
United States Army
Grand Canyon

"Hide Cha Kids" Midnight Spliff


So I'm anxious to take the ACT tomorow morning, and my anxiouty medication is to watch funny youtube videos and more. Now media works in very funny ways and the internet can take something small and make it a hit across the world.

I came across one of the biggest internet hits as of now which is known as "Bed Intruder". Antoine Dodson started out as just a mad guy from the Lincoln Park projects but now he is a celebrity. My only question is for how long? So any way I will allow you to watch some videos I found for you and hope ypu enjoy.









Its crazy how many videos they had on youtube!!! Crazy. Good Night Beautiful people.

-J.Washington

Monday, September 6, 2010

Beauty far from seen



The worlds mysteries and unknowns present themselves in many different ways. As an American, I don't see what other countries face because they may not be news worthy. After traveling to South Africa last spring break I saw a more extreme version of segregation that the American community wasn't even close to seeing.


While I was there I traveled through the townships of Cape Town. Probably one of the hardest sights I've had to encounter. People where washing clothes in dirty rivers, smells filled the air, lambs dissected on the side of the road and people staring at the 18 ft tall bus in the middle of their land. So we got off the bus and went into one of the new constructed houses and it was quite nice. The interesting thing was when we got out the house and a crowd of civilians were all around us. They were taking pictures and found a great interest in us. As far as their situation, I was overall hurt. They had stores in backyards, dirt gardens, and also had barber, beauty, and cell phone shops in crates(picture below). I have a lot to say with little time so check out the pics and also this nice tyga remix to B.M.F. that happened to be in the same townships I visited.



Photobucket



-J.Washington

New Orleans Lives


"If you hear any noise, it's just me and the boooyyss, tryna have a good time." - Parliment
Happy Labor day to all. The writers here at All Things Censored have been quite busy but this Labor day weekend I have personally constructed quite a bit of personal insights on what goes on in my life. Yesterday I spent the day cleaning then the boys came over and we played some B-ball. Typical way to hang out. Pick teams, battle it out, complain, point fingers, call others names, laugh, show off, sweat, and win or lose. My performance was better than usual, you know J.Wash always makes a presents. Anyway after ballin for a few we were surprised by a mountain of sandwiches and cold drinks. So for about two hours we chilled on the front porch listening to Finally Famous Three next to a porch fan and just sharing stories. While we were siting there cracking up over any and everything it hit us that these will be the days we remember when we are old and have kids and grand kids.
I always wonder if our habits are the same as those in Texas or in New York but the more I think the less it matters because none of those places are New Orleans. When I say New Orleans I mean the real one! Not the party only city. I mean the one where you know everyone, and where on wrong move can result in disaster. Yes its a shame that my high school games are infested with violence and my legendary secondlines, parade with bullets and trumpets but, that just comes with the territory. It's the people that make it that are the strong ones and the one's that are killed are the blessed ones because someone needed them somewhere else more than we did. Scientist say that the Earth revolves around the Sun and everything on each mass stays in place but everything revolves around New Orleans.. Point blank.
-J.Washington