Real Talk: The Death of a "Phenomenal Woman"

There are a lot of times where the idea for a blog entry hits me but I get distracted or busy and I don't end up posting until days, weeks, or even months later unfortunately. Today is not one of those days. Even though she's been somewhat out of the national spotlight, Maya Angelou's presence was truly a gift to our world. Going through what she went through early in her life (poverty, Jim Crow racism, sexism, molestations, etc.) being successful itself was quite an accomplishment. But even moreso, Angelou become a pillar of strength and dignity inside and outside of the poetry field that she revolutionized. She was recognized at the highest levels (chosen as poet laureate by Bill Clinton, etc) for her craft. But beyond that, what she meant to women - particularly women of color - was immeasurable. In my eyes, she was the ultimate role model and symbol of class and eloquence. In an age where there aren't enough positive role models for young women of color, losing one as influential as Angelou is even more sad. I'm a man but the poem "Phenomenal Woman" has stuck with me since I first read it some 15-20 years ago; I can only imagine what it meant to young girls. They say a library is burned down every time a wise elder dies; that phrase has never before
resonated with me as much as it does today. Rest in Peace amongst the other angels Sister Maya Angelou, you will be missed.

RIP Madiba Mandela: "Terrorist" turned prisoner turned International Symbol of Peace

Nelson "Madiba" Mandela passed away at 95 years old. I started this the day after his death but am finishing it today after seeing the movie "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" based on his phenomenal autobiography. As crazy as it sounds being overly sad at the death of someone almost a century old, it was very sad news for me when I heard it. My first memories of Mandela were learning of his election to the presidency of South Africa and the effect it had on his country and the world as a whole. As I learned more, the most amazing part of the man's story was his ability to forgive and truly push peace and reconciliation after being stripped of everything by the system of apartheid. But until recently (I'm grown now) I still never asked the question: what exactly was he imprisoned for? Not long before his death, I researched and learned that he was imprisoned for actions to sabotage that would be widely considered domestic terrorism against the establishment; such as bombing unmanned logistical targets to weaken government communication or resources. He started out pushing non-violent resistance but was pushed to take a more extreme position after repeated incidents of innocent Black South Africans (including women and children) being killed by Afrikaner soldiers. While in prison, the institution imprisoned and tortured his wife, Winnie, to the point where she took a more extreme position than he had; she was advocating all out war and murder of Black Africans who cooperated with the whites. By the time he was released, it was inevitable that all-white rule could not sustain much longer in South Africa. Violence was rampant, Black South Africans were looking for revenge and expected Madiba to be the military leader for the revenge effort beside his wife. But something unexpected happened in the hell that is prison, Mandela emerged championing forgiveness and reconciliation. This was not popular and drove him away from his wife; however he did what was difficult. And he did what was right. Gradually, the angry population, out of trust for Madiba, followed suit and have formed the much more unified nation. It was a lesson that the world could benefit from and he will always be seen as a foremost warrior for forgiveness and peace. He will never die in our hearts. If I could, I'd rename the Nobel Peace Prize after him. Rest in Peace Madiba.