Fruit for Thought: the Intersection of Education, Culture, and Performance

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — February 9th, 2005 __________________________________________________________________________________ Straight Outta the Boondocks I'm not shocked, not taken aback nor am I even surprised that black folks question and criticize Aaron McGruder's The Boodocks. It's expected. I've been a loyal reader of the strip since it first hit the national scene as a member of the Universal Press Syndicate fam in '99. I've got all the books - well not the newest one Public Enemy #2 (I know, I am slakin') see what had happened was…never mind.  And I've been following the soap opera that was McGruder'...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — October 29th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Game Recognize Game… (Beboxing the theme to Mission Impossible)   This war on terrorism the U.S. is engaged in should be deemed G14 Classified: Mission Impossible. But it's okay, they say everything's under control; the terrorist cells will be destroyed, peace in the Middle East is achievable and attainable and Iraq will be restored to a sovereign, democratic nation in no time. Bush reassured the nation that it's "all good" during the debates. He even put to rest Daniel Farley's question about ...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — October 8th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Lace ‘em Up… Michael Buffer: Good evening and welcome to the Convocation Center on the beautiful campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.    (Applause and Cheers)   Tonight's debate is scheduled for 18 questions and is brought to you by the Commission of Presidential Debates, The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Of Florida and Miller Beers - the President of Beers - proud sponsor of the Presidential Debates.   Ladies and Gentlemen: LLLLLLLET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMMMBLE!!!  ...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — September 17th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ It’s Bigger Than… It doesn't matter if you lay the smackdown, rock it or die trying, as long as we as black folks get up, get out and vote. Dang, I sound like a politician. Am I telling you something you don't already know? Thirty eight million people between the ages of 18-36 not voting in 2000  is  a direct cause for the predicament the U.S. is in. This isn't nuclear physics, well with the ballot situation in Florida for the past four years it might as well be. They're trying to make it harde...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — September 10th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Hurricane "Hurricane, but you can call me slurricane   slurricane, strong enough to start a engine mayne..."   It's an E40 classic. If you don't know you're slipping because I am taking it back. I am talking 'bout going back to the 'nine-teen-ninety fin;' a time when hurricane was a drink that'll have you sluttering and what not. It had no regard for size or shape because when you least expected it, you're on your face. You dig what I say.   But that was nearly a decade ago, i...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — September 3rd, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ The Great Games Exhale,  everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. It was a great 17 days of the XXVIII Olympiad and what most feared never came to pass. After watching the opening ceremonies with the mesmerizing performances and firework display, Athens quickly put to sleep any notions of their architectural and preparation incompetence. The cost was only $8 billion (give or take a few million) and thousands of man-hours, but Greece pulled off a feat that left the faithless speechless. No worries, the ...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — April 9th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Why You Cele-hatin’ This is how it's going to be done:   My man Bill Maher is on hiatus, so I'll pick up the slack.   NEW RULE... Can a Brotha Get an Endzone Dance   As of next season, touchdowns are going to be so depressing. It's wasn't supposed to be like this. It used to be such a glorious event; the endzone is the holy land, heaven if you will. Everybody wants in, but only a select few get there. So, when the person we least expect crosses that threshold and sees the light (probably just f...