Part 1: Million Man to One Million or More Strong ....Reflections on Inauguration

Space Log:

January 18th we (Ali, one of my students and myself) arrived into National Airport around 11:00am on time. We deplaned. I had been last in my beloved National Airport back in August. In August I had only anticipated our victory and that Inauguration would be ours. It was 2 days before the big day and VICTORY was now ours. We took pictures with the "Barack" cut-out and headed down to get our luggage.

We retrieved our luggage, loaded metro cards and headed to the platform to wait for the train. We boarded with all of our luggage and headed out to the Branch Avenue Station on the Green Line.

We arrived into the station where our Ft. Washington, MD host picked us up. We got in and I immediately returned to the metro station to catch whatever I could of Sunday's Big Free concert. I will not bitch about the fact that tickets were needed to get to a certain area and in all of the texts I received from the PIC (bka Presidential Inaugural Committee), it was never communicated that tickets were needed.

I was soon able to sift out the rumors that if I continued walking toward the Jumbotrons I would still be able to enjoy whatever was left of the show. This information would have been more helpful before I rode all the way to Foggy Bottom GW Metro Station to get to the back side of the Lincoln Memorial where I could not access the show instead of hopping off at Smithsonian Metro Station and sitting down quickly to enjoy whatever was left of the incredible 2:30p concert.

I walked and I made it around to a screen and caught the close of what sounded like an incredible show. I had walked the perimeter of a large area hearing Bono, but unable to see him until I got in that night. I still haven't seen the whole concert and I hear John Legend and James Taylor smashed it. Everyone's got homemade DVD's. It will work out.

The plan was to meet up with my sister. Before meeting up with her I walked and walked trying to get a lay of the land for the Big Day. We have all planned and talked...talked and planned for months and weeks. Some friends had fallen back and decided not to make the pilgrimage to Washington.

Despite some financial challenges and yes some challenges at work. I decided to make the trip anyway. I surveyed the mall. I surveyed the not so jumbo jumbotrons. I checked out the American History Museum that was opening at 8:00am instead of 10am to accommodate anyone who wanted to stay in from the cold. I even met two local ladies who like me were surveying for Tuesday, as well. We called it a "practice run". For the record a lot of the DC locals were either trying to flee the city or not coming out. It was refreshing to meet these two "Auntie" aged women trying to figure things out.

I eventually met up with my sister near the American History museum where we got Empanadas and hotdogs. We exchanged gifts, love and hugs.


As we talked, used the restroom and walked a feeling came over me. The sun was beginning to set though it had barely risen this day. I'd been on the mall many times since October 16th, 1995, but I heard the Men of the Million Man March whispering to me. I felt the spirit of that day speaking directly to me. I, Black Woman, was there. Despite how inappropriate some may have thought it was, I had to bear witness to One Million Men on the Washington, Mall. The weekend before I had run into so many of my Skegee classmates at the local clubs and pubs who (Muslim or not) were in town to "march". There seemed to be Beautiful Black Men everywhere ! (I had to be there).

14 years ago Minister Louis Farrakhan convened Black America's Men to meet on the mall to talk about and demonstrate "leadership". There were many public reservations about the controversial American Muslim leader convening such a meeting. As a DC resident I just kept thinking "They're letting him have the Capitol Steps and the Mall...they can't be as afraid or uncomfortable as the media claims". I also reflected that Martin Luther King had gathered more than a few folks in 1968 so freedom of assembly had definitely rung over the years. I am not comparing King and Farrakhan, just reflecting upon "controversial" million (or not-so-million)-plus gatherings on the Washington, Mall.

I had not felt afraid in 1995 and despite the magnitude of Barack's campaign, I was not afraid of what would or could happen on January 20th. I also attended the speech in Denver at Mile High Stadium. I was not afraid there either. Fear of "what might happen" was just not on my radar.

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There were black folks who actually worried that there would be some "incident" at Inuguration. "You know how 'our people' are when we get together", reflected a friend's friend'; as though "our people" were the going to be the only people in attendance. It sounded idiotic to me. It was frustrating, but not my issue. I was more worried about say a threat on Barack's life than "Pookey" vs. "Quan" or even the Jena 6 vs. Arian Nation.

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While the Inauguration is a Federally supported event and the differences between January 20th, 2009, October 16th, 1995 and August 24th, 1968 are very clear, I still believe I heard whispers of love, support and triumph from those who had experienced those historic days. I felt the continuum. They seemed to say that the way has been made...run on.

History says there were 250,000 at the March on Washington. The Million Man March is said by the Nation of Islam to have been attended by 1,000,000 . The media and the National Park Service (Park Police) reported between 400,000 and 450,000. Farrakhan even threatened to sue the Park Police for the reporting those numbers. As an attendee I feel confident there were WAY more than 450,000, but after looking at the 1.5 Million helicopter shot on Obama's big day , I hate to break it to Farrakhan...We were "Strong" that beautuful day in October 1995, I am just not certain we were "One Million Strong" (please don't sue me).





Here's the thing...I am not certain if it matters anymore. I just know over this continuum we are "53 million plus" strong for Barack and its been a long time coming...like since slaves and abolitionist whispered for freedom long time coming...these things don't just happen over 2 or 3 years more like hundreds...

My reflections on January 20th, 2009 are these .. It was too cold to be out there; trying to see too many folk the night before I was disappointed at not having gotten up early enough to get out onto the mall space between the monument and the capitol (we made it to the nice space between the Washington Monument and the War World II Memorial which some consider "Mall Enough", I do); the swearing in was incredible (despite the HUGE disapointment of having to watch the whole thing on a jumbotron through a dead tree), but the stress (so many street and gate closures obstructing the walk to the mall that was already an inevitable 2 miles) of walking 2+ miles to get there was distracting to the moment for me (and a few others whose names have been protected for fear of "incredible moment" backlash); Ali was so completely fatigued from the walk that he slept through

swearing in (I still have guilt and nightmares about the walk to the mall for my 6 year old, I take full responsibility for the decision) ....I am still tired...I enjoyed Denver and the DNC way more....

Am I glad I was there ? Yes after a hard fought year of volunteering, campaigning, canvassing, phone banking and just daily debates I had to stand in the spot ordained for me in Washington, DC to witness HISTORY. I had to breathe DC's frigid air of HOPE, COURAGE and BEAUTY. Yes I had to be there !
















BTW....Good times did actually roll for me in DC on my beloved U Street...stay tuned for my next blog ...

We've Come This Far By Faith....Most Meorable Moments of the Campaign

When responding to the ladies of the Kitchen Table about the most memorable moments of the campaign ...my testimony went like this...

Dr. Harris Lacewell explained "she called it" when making a prediction on CNN in the 15 minutes of pre commentary preceding the Speech in Philly on Race...

"I called it" too and there are too many moments to name but when I learned that he won the Iowa Caucus I was returning to Los Angeles from Christmas Holiday in Birmingham, AL and I called my twin sister and simply said in a message (in my "Best Man" movie imitation of the pimp who comments "that fool 'bout to fall" as Taye Diggs character was being held over the balcony by Morris Chestnut's character) ....."This Fool 'Bout to Be President!"

(I couldn't believe I still had friends at this time about who to support in the primary)

My first time watching the Yes We Can Music/Speech Video ...a campaign that raised that level of artistry was Beautiful too me...I am musician who only played clarinet for 2 years (in middle school :-) but my parents exposing me to the joy of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder (and all things 70's soul) when I was YOUNG did something to me...music has for me filled gaping holes left by sorrow (the death of my mother when I was 11) and reading the excerpt of the speech used in the song brought me to tears and floored me all at once. I hold back the tears as I type because there have been so many moments personal and through the media that makes what I believe will be triumph tomorrow almost pyrrhic....I believe the joy of destination will be beyond measure, but this campaign... what a journey ...

We Have Come This Far By Faith...
Danna

Trying to get back to you....

(This was drafted last week 10/2)

Back with you .....catching up I sat our deceased bird outside trying to hold on for a burial. Her soul is already in heaven and I finally disposed of her earthly remains last Thursday (10/2). My son doesn't know, I will talk to him about heaven for animals in greater detail today....no I am not exactly sure what I will say. We don't have the African Finches yet, but we are trying. My son's father is trying to research a specific pet store. I am trying to give him reasonable nudges and he seems genuinely on the case.

Most days (actually everyday), I am unaffected by Ali's Father's presence on Earth since Ali's birth. I was shocked that he text me the other night to share that he was watching the Obama Channel on Dish Network(73) and did I know if it would continue running through the campaign. Civil conversation seemed reasonable given the nastiness that followed a July 2nd court date where I would not sign in support of the re-instatement of driver's license that was suspended because of the back child support he owes Ali.

Goin' off with hand on hip... I would not sign because it was predicated on an "awaiting" job for which I saw no material proof existed . Further it was a job for which wages would and could not be tracked therefore disabling the state's ability to garnish, which is how we collect the current pittance that does not resemble "child support". Those are however the words typewritten on the check. It was also based on his agreement to pay the courts $20 per month toward the balance of what he owes Ali and Ali's half brother who is 5 ( that I just learned about the day before July 2nd court date) in back child support. By the way...Ali is 6 years old.

Moving On... it's still been a blessed week...it was payday Tuesday. I am proud to have bought Ali new sneaks last night. Yesterday my order of my own creations arrived from my Cafe Press store, www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady. Its too pink, it didn't look that pink on the computer screen. When creating anything, it is hard to reckon what you want and hope it will look like with what it inevitably turns out to be when UPS drops it off. I also stayed up late last night figuring out and then teaching myself to make colors from the RGB color wheel. After making the perfect shade of purple and 3 different shades of Maroon, I felt like a Crayola god. It was a charge !!!!! I now need yellow ....

Marketing and Promotions.... My other stores: www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady ;

www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady2 ;

www.cafepress.com/InaugurateObama ;

www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing ;

www.cafepress.com/ObamaRoad (under construction but worth a walk through) ;

www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing2 (under construction, but worth a walk through)

Obama Road... I participated in a volunteer phone-bank for which I brought two Obama supporters over to the "yes" column for volunteering. We have at the high school where I work an activity called SSR (sustained silent reading) ,that used to be call DEAR, "drop everything and read". Last year I never read. This year I completed "Trying to Sleep in the Bed You Made" and I am on to a self published effort by a friend entitled "Through The Storm". I am a Math Maven by trade and a reader by great desire followed by great effort. This is huge for me.

At Work.... I spent my professional day frazzled by ordering text that I was hoping would arrive soon....my students are making it along without it but we are in fact under murky water and would like to come up for air....

I also had an amazing conversation with my boss today that made me feel like a member of the team...I am bench player of sorts this year trying to figure out my full contribution ...today was a step

In General...

I am striving to be the best mother I can to Ali so he and I can soar together

Big Saturday 5-17 (Piano and Parties)

It is Saturday and after a week of standardized testing....I am thrilled to report....I survived !
The week as always was full of highs and lows....HIGH I got T.D. Jakes book "Reposition Yourself" and I am. LOW...the death toll is rising in Burma and is now over 100,000...the earthquake in China...

High....I went to a Bowling Birthday Party for my good friend Ernest Skinner. I had the most awesome time ! My friend Teanne babysat Ali whom I usually take with me, but this year I wanted and needed a cocktail so I could just as the Omegas say "be out" and I was. Two cocktails, simple "vodka and crans"did the trick.

I bowled plenty of GUTTER balls and a couple of strikes. I had cake and a WONDERFUL time. It was awesomely awesome to be with friends Tosha Thomas, Leslie "Big Lez" Segar, Joyce Washington and Nikki Hannah. I reconnected with friend Mika Miller and soror Zhaundra Jones. I connected and hugged sooooo many ...too many to name. I saw my many faces from facebook and myspace like Amber Rasberry, Wendy Rose, Mayeen Bassey, Herb Bohannon and Birthday boy, Ernest himself (of course).

I made new acquaintences and just TRULY enjoyed myself...something I don't often get to do. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.

This saturday morning as I wrap this up ...I am proud to report that Ali's piano teacher, Mr. Lorenzo reported this is the best session/lesson Ali has ever had and gave him $5. We have been practicing and it showed. We started lessons back in October and Ali does well, but today was pretty awesome.

I only regret not bringing the camera which the little voice did say bring (the little voice said bring it to Ernest's party and I didn't I don't have on one of those easy greasy flat light wieght quick and dirty digital cameras...mine is fly but it works me with no handy hand or neck strap). Now that I sense how empty it feels to not have my own pictures I won't ignore the voice anymore.

I am proud to have my son participating in the arts...the practice is hard, but it was worth the teacher's smile and his enthusiastic approval of Ali's progress.
Beacause Ali is reading everything I expalined to his teacher that Ali is reading and singing the lyrics of the songs in the piano book. He sings with the music (the highs and lows of the notes) if you know what I mean.

As I grow more awake and aware (Eckhart Tolle-ism) I can see how meaningful this is to his development as a musician. His teacher was thrilled that he was doing this as well.

ALI GOT 3 STARS TODAY


PS: Ali also drew a fishbowl, he drew it in three dimensions....and drew bubbles from the fish's breathing ...SUCH DETAIL !!!!

More to come .....PICTURES !!!

all love
danna


GO OBAMA GO !!!!!!!!!! (I wear Obama t-shirts or pens everyday)

Life Is A Classroom....

And everyday I am getting schooled...since we spoke last Tuesday 5/6 (11 days ago) I have been schooled about a Chrysalis (a popular record label in the 70's and 80's) by my six year old who corrected me about the development path from catepillar to butterfly - egg, catepillar, cocoon, pupa/chrysalis, butterfly. Everyday though there is just something to learn about ourselves or life and it gets overwhelming if you find yourself awake for it all.

Ceelo Green is singing the theme for Kung Fu Panda. It is a lyrically updated version of "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas one of my favorite songs of the 70's next to "Rock The Boat" by the Hughes Corporation...like my friends know that I am a Raheem DeVaughn fan, some know I am on Ceelo Green's cheering squad as well. I have loved his voice since his Goodie Mobb days. I didn’t lift up the banner for him until after I got a taste of the Soul Machine, his sophomore solo release (I honestly DID NOT pick up on his first solo album, I tried to play it....but it was too far away artistically for me).

Soul Machine was in some ways a little busy for me, but I sooooooooo got it. All of that said, I will thrilled to be watching Nickelodeon or Disney with Ali and catch them running the music video with Ceelo prominently featured and singing with the pearliest white teeth I have ever seen "Everybody was kung fu fighting....." I immediately thought …who will care ? I called my friend Elsa in New York to share my excitement.

Well since last week Obama is now ahead in the Superdelegate race and for my money Hillary just looks sillier than ever. Hillary is also upset with News Reporters declaring Obama the winner and I got my May 19th Time Magazine in the mail with Obama's wide and beautiful smile...the title reads "And the Winner * is" and next to the asterisk below the striking and handsome photo it says "and we are really sure this time".

Since my work as a precinct captain, I had been an "Obama or bust" supporter. I had decided and discussed with friends that I would only vote Democratic if he was the nominee. A few months ago somewhere between the South Carolina Primary, the California Primary, the Texas Primary ; James Carville’s “Judas Iscariot” comment and Hillary’s smug comments after her Texas primary win (not delegate win) “the country is back”; I had allowed the Crazy a** Clintons to really repulse and disgust me.

I was going to vote for Ralph Nader or John McCain if Barack was not the nominee. I was however reading a Washington Post peace last week that said something like ‘George McCain would carry out a 3rd George Bush term’ and in reading it that way…I have loosened my grip on defection from the Democratic party if Barack is not the nominee. It also helps that the numbers, the people and the media are all in his favor. Like NBC said ‘unless Obama falls down or there is an act of God, this race is over’.

Facebook v. Myspace has recently become my debate. I feel like I work daily to find myself spiritually, personally and professionally. I have found myself in the last month or so “hanging out” at facebook. I have been “hanging out” there because it feels like I am in fact hanging out with friends, in particular long lost ones. I am posting “status” updates which as I began to read others posted by friends varied from the personal to the political to the public.

I have with everyday very recently felt a little lost. Yes, lost. It’s not just as simple as insecure or low on self esteem. I have honestly felt lost in finding my way to whoever it is I really am. My book group and I made it through 3 chapters of Eckart Tolle’s New Earth and as controversy spirals into people thinking Oprah’s building a new religion, I have simply found community at Facebook. I find myself anxious to see other status updates and continue explore the community.

I find myself dueling between the two because I was a member at Myspace first. Though your first can honestly be seen as a first draft, Myspace at its best is an extraordinary community artists, friends, tastemeakers, politicos and pundits alike. We can all get together. I somehow did not realize that the nuances that I so love on Facebook are on Myspace, as well. I have begun changing status and mood lately on Myspace, as well.

From my heart though, Facebook is winning. Myspace is more familiar, but something just feels so organized and clean at Facebook and I love "hanging out" there (for long periods).

On Thursday….I went to see a production of Romeo and Juliet set in Vera Cruz, Mexico in the 1540’s like the tale in fair Verona. While I found it enjoyable and reasonably well acted. I was stunned to understand that it was set in Mexico and the leads were Caucasian not Mexican. The cast was incredibly diverse and very entertaining, but I was just surprised that the leads were not Mexican. It just seemed a little supremacist to me.

On Friday the drama class that meets in my classroom finished their generous table read of my feature script. I needed it, but I am feeling the hard work, ahead. The storyline is considered cliché’ (a friend who came and listened expressed that concern) and with what has recently entered the romantic comedy marketplace, I am being beat up by the bat of cliché’…I am therefore nervous…I have worked on this script for quite a while.

Radio Show and quotables….”Life is a classroom”, the above title came from my rocking, rolling and rambling on air. While I wasn’t quoting anybody, I am sure that thought came from something, I read somewhere by someone.

Mother's Day was great and laid back. I did not make it to church. I took Ali to a screen test thing where they were encouraging me to get him involved in Television, Film and commercial work. We will continue to investigate. It has always been a prospect to help with the college fund I have started building recently.

I went to visit friends where Ali was given Thundercats Cartoon DVD's (there is a movie coming in 2 years...I can't wait). "Thunder ! Thunder! Thunder Cats ! Hooooooooooooooo !" Liono used to roar. We were also given a Speed Racer DVD with episodes of the original series. I then took Ali to the theater to see Speed Racer which was overwhelmingly colorful and bright. It was also too much for the eye. Ali sat reasonably still, but the car fight scenes were DIZZYING. It was however well acted and I am in love with the inspector who was a German actor I was not familiar with by the name of Benno Furmann.

I still want to talk about several areas so I will continue this blog later with more to come on...
Dreaming, Fareed Zakaria/Hub and Spoke/What I like about him, Encouraging Global thinking amongst 9th graders, International Tragedies, Ali grew up my 40’s, I am older than my, student’s parents, "they are all younger than I am with children older than Ali", The life of turtles…our turtle “tuck”, New sheets for Ali

I Can Do It At Work....Obama won North Carolina

I am happy to report that OBAMA took North Carolina and he is unfortunately trailing in Indiana (I am mad at Jeremiah Wright). I lead with this info because I went to bed worried that it wouldn't go like we wanted or needed...where we needed.

After my active class day was over I was anxious to get the info....when I went to my trusty CNN.com they were dealing with Indiana and it was bad news for me. They had no numbers or info on North Carolina. I went toYAHOO an hour later to retrieve an important email had a "breaking news" banner where I got the info I needed. "Obama Wins North Carolina !"

We are winning, but our momentum has taken a hit and we just need get steady again...we can and we will !!!!!

I entered this site through my job and found out that the filter is not too high and I can get in despite what I previously thought. It however is not my intention to spend the valuable time at work typing this blog....no matter how tempting....I am proud to be gainfully employed at a Charter School here in Los Angeles, CA and will not be risking me and my son's livelihood.

It is nice to know I can check it though. I also like to show my students the other possiblities of life on this side of higher education.

I just finished an afternoon tutoring session which unfortunately has become more of a hang out for my kids than tutoring. I am stil learning the system for and finding my rhythm inputting grades so my kids are actually doing well and I believe their geometry skill set may even match the grades they currently have in the system (lots of A's).

I struggle daily with focus issues. After a day of engaging and teaching students for 3 1.5 hour periods on a weekly block schedule it is all I can do to grade tests (which some teachers say I should have Volunteer TA do) and then input those grades to see if my kids are really learning.

A lot of them can return the information verbally, but they are all so distracted by what's on their ipod, who's chatting them on their sidekick or even some crazy video on You Tube.

It has however from September to May with 5 weeks left been a evolution of my growth as an educator and a person. With every new day their are tests and trials. I am a better person and striving to be the best mother for Ali through all of it.

I pray that I am not only teaching Geometry and Algebra, but touching their lives in other ways. I gave out Neopolitan Ice Cream today...what an experience. I don't think I will do it again. Some were so gracious and other ("bless their hearts") were so greedy.

Music has always been a flashpoint of connection for my students and I. I played my Raheem DeVaughn for them today. One of my students knew his single "Customer". I am always trying to bring in the closest thing to accessible real music. The competition is great when it comes to the music.

I also listened to a Superhero by the name of Fat Momma who visited the students today to talk to us all about bullying. She was great with her Doughnut superbelt. I will try to find a picture and upload it later.

I have a mountain of papers to grade and I am pushing for tomorrow. I struggle with focus after teaching. It is hard to settle down and stay energized. It has been teacher appreciation week. They have served breakfast goodies and lunch for us this week. Today we got travel mugs. I actually love travel mugs and was very proud and excited to get one. It's the little things that go a long way the older you get. I just christened it and I am taking it home to wash it among my mountain of dishes. I am however CONQUERING the mountain today.

Clearing trash and laundry is next.

I gotta stop hear........I am thrilled and exited to share with you !!!!

all love
djdannak

check me out at www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak

Diary of a Delegate: Caucus has Come and Gone

Sunday, April 13th....My day begin at 4am when I finally had a handle on my flyer for distribution at the Caucus at USC....Nikki, mother of Hannah (my son Ali's BF) took a look at my handy work on a program she offered to support me and the flyer process. I am a big fan of Microsoft Publisher for which I have created a newsletter/circular for shirts I used to sell. Let me back up, I was struggling with Nikki's program, but for the purposes of a campaign flyer her program turned to out to be easier.

After using one of my shiny forehead pictures from Spring Break in NY and fighting the Snap Viewer crop tool to crop it. I was almost ready. I put in text and by just after 6am I was done, but desperate like I am right now for a little sleep. I laid down and got back up and was out the door at or before 7:15am. Fed EX Knko's has a wonderful 24 hur location near Nikki's apt, but the computers are sooooo slow and then all of the USB drives weren't working. I was being charged .25/min but that can grow fast and between slow a** printers and slow a** computers I was just fit to be tied. I was in a rush and every minute actually counted.

I was back at Nikki's soon and I dressed Ali and bathed myself....We packed up our goog gobs of laundry that I did the night before and set off for the Friendship Center for a meeting....came home to another special meeting ....the attendees of my meeting wished me well for the caucus...Ali ate and we went out to the car and then he had to pee pee and boo boo and I had forgotten my cell phone which I had charging because my day would be sunk without it...Nikki and Hannah assured me they would come to USC and though unable to vote would support my endeavor...Wilma Kiel my aunt also assured me she would come out to vote (and she did) and so at about 1:20p instead 1:00pm mind racing, nerves fazzled ... Ali and I were off to USC with my pile of 40 dollar flyers ....black and white and color....side bar...color is expensive and I already couldn't afford it and so I made some color and more black & white and btw brought at least half back home....

well I have to get Ali and go to work...I was out on Friday ...but today is Monday and we have staff meetings and I was on the phone too much yesterday which I realize I am on the phone toomuch a lot so I am working on that....my second mom reminded me while on Christmas vacation ..."he is only acting out to get your attention" ... he voice rings in my head and I am beseiged with guilt all the time but I am working on balance and freedom (I stole that from Algebra Bassett's bio) ....but balance means I must make his lunch and his break fst right now as well as get out our toothbrushes.....with 35 mninutes before we must get out of here...I will pick with the details of sunday and hopefully add the pictures of the day which I have updated my space and facebook with

to be continued



danna aka djdannak

Diary of a Delegate: T'was the Night Before a Delegate Caucus

Not a creature was stirring not even....well this candidate for the 33rd Congressional District Caucus in Los Angeles, CA was up doing laundry and designing a flyer to give out tomorrow at USC while campaigning and caucusing for votes...I must be in Denver in August !!!!

Barack Obama must be named the Democratic Nominee and win the General Election in November...I will help him do it !!!!

My name is Danna Kiel and this is my first personal post to my blog spot....time is an amazing thing and I feel like I never have any. I am a full time teacher living here in Los Angeles, CA. While working as a full time Math Teacher I am also a full time Single Mother of a beautiful almost 6 year old son named Ali Daniel.

I am currently running to be a District Delegate for Obama to the Democratic National Convention from the 33rd Congressional District here in California. What a journey this has been? I have been keeping some video diaries which I wanted to upload to You Tube so we could count down together, but no time .... Tomorrow is however D-Day. So let the Caucuses begin....lining up starts at 2:00p at USC's Seely Mudd Hall. I am moving on to making a flyer as the sandman is dragging my eyes shut !!!!

The desire for self expression never rests. I ended up on the blog spot because I have chosen a new picture....a more recent picture of myself. The B & W attached to my profile was taken almost 6 years ago when Ali (my son) was 6 weeks old and I had just cut my hair back off from having grown dreadlocks for just over a year. I am beginning to feel guilty about the compliments regarding the maintenance of my youth. I am thinking "let's use the most current pic...not a 5 year old one".

While on Spring Break in NY I took pictures with the intention of updating facebook, myspace and even my blogtalkradio profiles anyway ...so no time like the present....

Ali will be 6 years old in April 25th and though God has blessed me to maintain a youthful spirit, beauty or in this case youthful good looks are in the eye of the beholder and so with this new picture...you guys behold....and do the math on approximately how old I am and you will see why I am spoiled by comments like "You look the same as when we entered Tuskegee ('86)"

Over the last few days I have done a tremendous amount of electronic campaigning and doing this blog while enriching my life is an electronic campaigning avenue....

From deadline last Wednesday April 2nd to today....Saturday night/Sunday morn the night before/day of ....it has cranked up from 0 to 60 in terms of campaining and getting the word out....so other than just being a proud american, a proud single parent and striving for excellence in the classroom... I would just say vote for me.....I am one of you ....I AM BEACUSE WE ALL ARE (Booker T. Wahington)