Book Reflection: Vibrate Higher

 One of my most recent reads is the book, Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story, by Talib Kweli. If you're not familiar with Talib Kweli, he is a legendary hip-hop artist and host of the podcast, People's Party with Talib Kweli. The book is a memoir that documents Kweli's upbringing and career as an MC. The concept of "vibrating higher" is a theme that pervades throughout the book. It's all about being the best version of yourself, and recognizing the people, things, and environments that allow you to do that. In the book, Kweli traces his success back to the various people and places that allowed him to live out his career. We learn about his roots and how the New York hip-hop scene provided the training ground for him to develop his craft. He also acknowledges how failures and mistakes have played a critical role into where he is today. While reading, I appreciated the honesty and clarity with which Kweli wrote this book. He provides a great deal of social commentary on issues like gentrification, race, and politics. He talks about how he sees it as his duty to bring knowledge of these issues and the people's struggle into his music. The label of being a "socially conscious" rapper is something that he wears proudly and lives up to. Kweli writes about his experiences participating in the Ferguson protests of 2014 and meeting with President Obama to discuss mass incarceration. He does a great job of providing context and explaining these issues from every angle. Each story that Kweli tells makes you feel as if you were in the room. The book encourages you to reflect on the components of your life that help you vibrate higher. For me, I believe that is God, family, and exploration in regards to knowledge and experiences. I definitely recommend picking up a copy of Vibrate Higher, as it is a memoir that seeks to inform and inspire. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading! 

Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story: Kweli, Talib: 9780374283407: Amazon.com: Books

Reflecting on My Trip to Kenya!

During the month of May, I was privileged to participate in the Community-Based Global Learning program in Kenya through my university. I, along with fellow students and staff, traveled to the East African country for an exciting two weeks of experiential education and cultural immersion. The trip was facilitated by EDU Africa, an organization that provides "transformative learning journeys" in various countries throughout the continent. Our journey provided an array of opportunities for learning, as the EDU Africa team had numerous experiences in store for us. We engaged in activities that allowed us to build meaningful relationships and engage with the people and places that we visited. I wish that I could bottle up my experience and sell it to you, but for now we'll have to settle with this blog post. In the following paragraphs, I'll provide you with some of the highlights from this amazing trip.

Prior to our arrival, each member of our group was given service-learning placements with one of three local organizations in the town of Limuru. These incredible organizations were Limuru Children's Centre, Limuru Cheshire Home, and Plants for Life. I volunteered with Plants for Life, which works in reforestation and environmental conservation at the campus of Brackenhurst, an international conference and learning center. It was a pleasure to connect with such passionate individuals, who were able to teach me a lot about the local ecosystem and the amazing power of plants that have aided mankind for centuries. The area we worked in had tremendous biodiversity, with both indigenous and exotic species of plants. We assisted in gratifying and fulfilling work, such as the collection and planting of seeds, landscaping, and helping children at a nearby school create a butterfly garden. We also participated in a tree planting venture of over 500 trees in the Kereita forest, which provides a water catchment area to help the local community attain water. It felt special to know that the work I was engaging in would yield results long after I had left.

When we weren't at our service-learning sites, we were engaging in activities that taught us about the rich culture and history of the area we were visiting. One such experience was listening to speakers from the Lari Memorial Peace Museum. They spoke to us about the Mau Mau Uprising, which helped bring about Kenya’s independence from Britain in the mid-20^th century. Two of the speakers were involved in the conflict and were members of the opposing sides, one having been a Mau Mau Freedom Fighter and the other a British loyalist. They talked about the destruction that the war had caused and how it divided the people. Further, they discussed their efforts to bring peace and unity once the country gained its independence. In order to unite, they had to see the humanity in people that they had previously saw as enemies. It was important for them to honestly deal with the past and to start working together for a brighter future. Since, the Lari Memorial Peace Museum has sought to preserve this history and to keep future generations from repeating past mistakes. I found the account of peacemaking to be inspiring, and one that should be shared around the globe. Hearing such a powerful lesson made this one of the most impactful experiences from the trip.

During the trip, it was great to spend time in the town of Limuru and being able to gain a sense of what everyday life is like in the community. Through some of our activities, we had opportunities to interact with members of the community and learn more about Kenyan culture. We participated in a market challenge, where we divided into teams to see who could bargain for the best quality produce. We had a cooking lesson with host families, who showed us how to prepare proper Kenyan cuisine. We toured a local tea farm, where we learned about the history and production of Kenya’s largest export. We dined at The Lake House Tigoni, a beautiful estate that provided magnificent views of the area. The most special activity we engaged in was putting on a sports day for children at Limuru Children’s Centre. We organized stations of soccer, dance, coloring, and jewelry making for the children to participate in. It felt great to spend time with them for an afternoon of fun and laughter. Through time spent in the community, we were able to learn a lot and create some of our best memories.

Halfway through the trip, we departed Limuru and headed westward to the Maasai Mara. It was a long and beautiful journey that allowed us to see the countryside, including a view of the Great Rift Valley. In the Maasai Mara, we were spending a weekend on safari and learning about the Maasai tribe. We stayed at the Naboisho Camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, where we were provided a luxurious experience throughout our stay. We were led by Maasai guides, who possessed a wealth of knowledge about the land and the animals that inhabited it. I was amazed by the vast open landscape, which provided a great view of the sky and hills in the distance. While on game drives, we were fortunate to see a variety of animals and learn about their lifestyles and behavior. It was surreal, being so close to lions, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, and many other species. One of my favorite moments was seeing a hungry lioness hunting for her cubs. We didn’t see her succeed, but it reminded me of the strength that mothers of all species exhibit to care for their young. At times on the drives, we would step off to eat and admire the view. On our first night, we found a clear area and viewed the Moon, which looked brighter than I had ever seen it before. The safari was a thrilling experience and a wonderful opportunity to see nature in its purest form. Also, while in the Mara, we were fortunate to be received at a Maasai village. While there, we spent time in homes and learned about Maasai culture. The people there were very welcoming and taught us a lot about their way of life. On our last day in the Mara, we visited the Maa Trust. The Maa Trust is an organization that engages in projects to conserve the environment and assist families in the community. We met women producing Maa beadwork, which has helped provide an impactful source of income for women in the area. It was special to see how they were creating a better future for themselves by incorporating traditional elements from their culture. Our weekend in the Mara had a lot to offer and was definitely a highlight of the trip. It was a dream worthy excursion, that our group would talk about frequently for the rest of our time in Kenya.

On our last day in Kenya, we were reminded to recognize our trip as a real experience. It seemed incredible that we were able to build relationships, create memories, and learn so much in the short time that we were there. During our final group reflection session, we shared our biggest takeaways from the trip. The lesson I shared was about the power of cross-cultural communication. Through interacting with the people there, I was able to experience the impact of trading perspectives with someone that comes from a different part of the globe. When respectful and honest, these conversations can make everyone involved a more enlightened individual. I enjoyed my time in Kenya, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Community Based Global Learning program. This trip provided me with unique experiences and helped me further my education as a global citizen.

Book Recommendation: The Anatomy of Peace

My latest read is The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict  by The Arbinger Institute. The book, first published in 2006, uses a powerful narrative that provides you with the tools to combat conflicts at work, school, and in the home. Set at a teen rehabilitation center in Arizona, a group of parents dropping their children off engage in a moving discussion with the center's counselors. Through this discussion, the parents are challenged to re-evaluate their interactions with others, and to begin living in a way that promotes peace. One central idea in this book is transitioning from a heart at war to a heart at peace. It teaches how we often betray our human sense of compassion by treating others as objects instead of people. Further, it discusses how we seek to justify our self-betrayal by constructing boxes of better-than, need-to-be-seen as, and I-deserve complexes. The book uses several real-world examples to illustrate how both sides of a conflict can play a role in maintaining tension. A major lesson I learned from The Anatomy of Peace, is that we must evaluate areas where we need to improve before we can expect a change in others. By using a story, the concepts in this book are both relatable and easy to digest. By adopting the concepts in this book, I sincerely believe that we could begin to work through the many conflicts that exist in today's world. In general, we don't often consider how the opposing party of a conflict is affected by our actions. We tend to get so caught up in winning the conflict that we disregard the humanity of the other party. This book will help you take on a new perspective that both encourages you to consider the humanity in all people and to interact in a way that works in the best interest of all. I strongly recommend checking out The Anatomy of Peace. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-anatomy-of-peace-the-arbinger-institute/1107766563;jsessionid=F7DD404A59D1A6AEA9C62A43E9E123FE.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781626564312

Creative Quest Review!

My most recent read is Creative Quest by Questlove. The book was released on April 24, 2018 and is the fourth book by the author. As a four-time Grammy Award-winning musician, disc jockey, culinary entrepreneur, and more, Questlove offers readers an eye-opening perspective on creativity. He explores how we can identify the creative genius within ourselves and make the greatest use of that energy. The definition of creativity is broad enough that this book will connect with people from all walks of life. One of things I learned from this book is that we all apply creativity in some form during our daily lives. Questlove talks about finding that creative spark, dealing with criticism, the science of collaboration, and more in this thought-provoking book. Creative Quest introduces its readers to an array of concepts through stories from the music industry, anecdotes from renowned creative professionals, and enlightening metaphorical viewpoints. This book is especially valuable for young professionals looking to make their mark on the world. I suggest you keep a notebook as you read, to jot down some of the many jewels dropped throughout. Order your copy of Creative Quest using the link below!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07192GT9Z/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Illmatic Turns 24!

On April 19, 1994, Nas released his masterful debut album, Illmatic. The timeless ten-track project is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all-time. With hits like "N.Y. State of Mind" to "One Love", Illmatic certainly stakes its claim as a monumental project within the Hip-Hop community. Even outside of music, Illmatic has been praised in academia. The album was selected in Harvard's library as part of the institution's Hip-Hop archive. Likewise, Harvard has named a fellowship in honor of Nas. This rich body of work has shown how we can begin to view Hip-Hop intellectually. With vivid storytelling and poetic delivery, Nas invites listeners into his life as a youth in Queensbridge. Each time I listen to Illmatic, I can close my eyes and picture myself riding through New York. The album's complex subject matter and diction speaks to the wisdom and maturity that Nas possessed at this early stage of his career. Considering the album was released when he was twenty, Nas established himself as a truly unique artist with this debut project. Features include Az, Olu Dara, and Q-Tip. The production of the album gives you that early '90s east-coast vibe. Production credits include DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself. Illmatic in my view, stands as more than music. It's an experience that pulls you in, gives you knowledge, and allows you to appreciate the complexity of true Hip-Hop. I often listen to the album while writing papers, because Nas will spit out sophisticated words that I can use in my next sentence. If you call yourself a fan of Hip-Hop without having listened to this album, I have to say you've played yourself. On this day, tune in and listen to Nas as he graces the mic with "mechanical movement" on the masterpiece of an album that is, Illmatic. My favorite tracks are "The World Is Yours" and "Halftime". Thanks for reading!

Book Recommendation: Next Generation Leader

One of my recent reads is a book titled, Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials For Those Who Will Shape The Future. The book was written by Andy Stanley, and released in 2003. Reading this book has provided me with valuable knowledge of what it means to be a leader of virtue. In the book, Stanley breaks down five core principles that shape the effectiveness of a leader. These principles are competence, courage, clarity, coaching, and character. Out of the five, I was most inspired by the section on courage. Stanley does a wonderful job of explaining courage in a way that lights a fire in readers. "Courage is the willingness to move in a direction in spite of the emotions and thoughts that bid you to do otherwise." This quote is powerful, because we often believe that courageous people do not experience fear. However, the reality is to the contrary, courageous people are able to push through the fear they experience. I also enjoyed reading the section on character. Stanley explains the fine line between simply being a leader, and being a leader worth following. "Your gifts and determination may dictate your potential, but it is your character that will determine your legacy." This section of the book taught me the importance of living a life of purpose, and using my gifts to make a positive impact. One of the things that makes this book so profound, is that it incorporates the author's relevant experiences. Throughout the book, Stanley explains the many situations he's faced leading as senior pastor of North Point Ministries. The book is well-organized, and gets its message across clearly. I truly believe you can be positively impacted by giving this one a read. Feel free to order a copy using the link below.

https://store.northpoint.org/shop/books/next-generation-leader.html

Viewing Yourself as a Corporation: Structuring Your Personal Development

My mother is a woman of many creative thoughts and expressions. She gives great advice, and she's constantly offering me unique ideas to gain perspective on things. Recently, she introduced me to the idea of viewing yourself as a corporation. This perspective encourages you to analyze the many roles that you play in your personal development. Essentially, you're aligning these roles with the different parts of a business. This allows you to manage different areas of your life, and see which areas you can improve upon to optimize your potential. If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to improve as an individual. I've found this corporation perspective to be valuable, and I hope that you'll be able to learn from this organizational approach.

Sales- The sales team is the division responsible for selling a product or service. These are the people interacting with customers, and most directly related to generating revenue. Efficient sales teams set high, but realistic goals which they chase ambitiously. The business is only as good as its sales team, because it produces the results that drive the business forward. To manage your personal sales team, ensure that you're setting goals, and pursuing them aggressively. Assess whether you're doing the best you can to move your business in a positive direction.

Data Analysis/Accounting- Data analysts gather and investigate data, which they interpret to suggest the best direction for the company to go. Trends and statistics play a huge role in the decision-making process for businesses. The information yielded by data analysts can be vital in determining the formula for success. These analysts allow companies to measure their efficiency, and see what areas they can improve upon. These are people who "crunch the numbers." In similar fashion, we see numbers which represent very important aspects of our lives. Think about how you use numbers to measure your weight, income, age, etc. Just as businesses have a department to deal with managing numbers, you also have the capacity to manage numbers concerning your life. Such practices include time-management, budgeting, and weight management. Numbers are very impactful to our lives, and it is important that we organize them to better ourselves.

Marketing- The marketing department deals with the company's presentation. They are responsible for promotion, and introducing consumers to the company. Those in marketing are concerned with the company's appearance and managing its reputation. A successful marketing department requires excellent communication and plenty of research. To manage your marketing department, analyze how you are being presented. How are you, as a person, being marketed to the world? This includes your physical appearance, your resume, your social media, and your relationships. Do the necessary research to ensure that your are being marketed in a positive light. In our lives, reputations mean a great deal. A negative reputation can hinder your development, just as a positive reputation can propel your development.

Investor- Investors provide the capital to get the business running. They invest only into things of which they believe will provide a return on investment. Most businesses must seek investors through extreme effort and persuasion. Luckily for you, the investor of whom you seek is in the mirror. You can invest in your personal business in a variety of ways. This includes exercise, reading, meditation, healthy eating, and more. The basis of investment in this sense, is to place positive input in your life to receive positive output. Of course we are not perfect, and we make the occasional negative investment. However, it is important to manage your investment portfolio, to ensure that your overall investments have provided your company with the resources it needs to succeed.

CEO/Board of Directors/Owner- Each corporation has its executive personnel. The head of the company is tasked with the great responsibility of making crucial choices, which affect the company as a whole. Such decisions are made with careful consideration of possible outcomes, and require both wisdom and intuition. These people are well-compensated, and rightfully so. It takes character to be the face of a company, and to be responsible for its successes and failures. Just as the head of a company is tasked with decision-making and being held accountable for the company's condition, so are you responsible for making the major decisions that shape your life. Fortunately, you are the only person qualified for this position, and as long as you have your freedom, nothing can be done to remove your title. As the head of your corporation, ensure that you are making wise decisions and managing the various parts of your company effectively.

My aim in writing this is to inspire you to take a holistic approach towards improving as an individual. Our well-being consists of many dimensions, and it helps to take a step back to view the bigger picture. Through applying this principle, you will structure your life in a way that allows you to make specific modifications as necessary. If you see a department of your life that is lacking in efficiency, do a thorough investigation to make proper adjustments. Sure your business will experience wins and losses, but this is common of all corporations. Unlike most businesses, continual losses won't result in closure. As long as you are breathing, your business continues to operate with the potential to experience growth and prosperity.

Thanksgiving 2K17

There's something special about coming together with family members. You share genetics, memories, and traditions with these people, which produces a unique sense of intimacy. One of my family's most valued traditions is our Thanksgiving reunions. We all travel from our different locations to meet up at a family member's home. It's a time for us to catch up with each other and share details relating to our work, school, and other extraordinary life happenings. This year, Thanksgiving was hosted by my aunt in South Carolina. She did an amazing job to make things flow smoothly, and made sure everyone was comfortable. There was an array of dishes. The food was spectacular, of course. My favorite dishes were the smoked turkey and macaroni & cheese. I definitely overindulged, and had to resist a food coma for the rest of the evening.  After eating, it was time for the Slice of Heaven cooking contest. The contest is a family tradition that was established in 2010. My mother and her siblings compete to make the best version of a chosen food item. This year's food item was cake. We had four contestants this year, and four judges. The winner was none other than my mother. It was her first time winning, and bringing the trophy back home. While everyone was gathered at the conclusion of the contest, another cake was placed on the table. Only this cake was not another contest entry. My cousin and his wife were announcing a new addition to the family. They presented us with a gender reveal cake. It was a huge surprise that no one saw coming. The cake was sliced, and a pink frosting emerged. It was a legendary moment. We all rejoiced with the news that our family was growing. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and excitement. You wish that times like these could last forever. These times provide positive memories that stick with you for a lifetime. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving, and the day was filled with rich experiences. Just know that I did eventually succumb to that food coma, and didn't awake until around noon on Friday. For a visual representation of my family's Thanksgiving, check out my sister's vlog below. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your holiday season.