When 'Straight Outta' Matters

The recent opening of a new movie called “Straight Outta Compton” certainly had a lot of people on edge.  Many movie theaters took extra precautions with additional security and the local law enforcement on alert if something happen.  No one knew what to expect and how it would be received.  But to everyone surprise the movie was a big hit: no disruptions, riots, outrage and disorderly conduct.  But nothing happen!!!

Universal Studios took the risk to produce this movie based on the rap group N.W.A from the 1980’s.  And now it is reaping the rewards and after just two weeks the movie has been at the top of the box office in US ticket sales with over $112 million so far.  What a gamble, since the last such movie based on a singing group the “Four Seasons” released by Warner Bros. and called the “Jersey Boys” did not fair that well.  Was it a matter of good timing, good marketing and promotion or an understanding about where we are in our national discourse about race in America?        

To me the movie was more than just looking at the rise of rap group that exploded upon the national scene, gained a following and launched the future careers of some of its member to unparalleled success in music, production, directing, TV and in movies.  But they were able to capture the real life struggles of those living in the inner city.  It also included issues in personal relationships, hustles, black-on-black gang violence, poverty, crime, justice, drug trade, street survival and mistreatment by law enforcement.  Many of the things they spoke about and lived through continue to resonate even today. 
   

Even the media critics saw the strength, message and the mission of the movie.  In so many ways the movie captured a period of uncertainty and downward spiral within many Black communities.  It also exposed the linger gap in community leadership, meaningful employment and the abandonment of those living in the inner city of America. To my surprise the interest and acceptance of this move by a younger generation of African Americans also reflected a growing need to take a serious look at history, the roads taken and paths walked.  We all are   “outta” some place...if we claim it or not.  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When Hip Hop Matters

I know that the founding fathers of our great country did not see this coming...not at all... and perhaps they would be just as lost as many of us baby boomers are today in understanding and embracing the world of “Hip Hop.”  It is not just the music; but it is a culture all to itself.  I know what you are thinking and I am with you... as a baby boomer myself, I find it hard to put my hands around this new culture at times, its style, flavor and message...and that is putting it mildly.

What began as an organic cultural expression that has its roots in other music genres of African Americans including slave songs, Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock and roll, soul, funk, and disco; “Hip Hop” continues to evolve.  Just like the musical genres that preceded it, “Hip Hop” has become more than just a musical expression; it has become a way of life for a newer and younger generation.  It has affected us all.  
  

What a phenomenon!  Its growth and expansion has become so big that it has sparked a new movement and created a cultural shift that continues to shape and reshape the way things are viewed, marketed and remembered.  It has changed our music, language, technology, dress codes and now generates more than $10 billion per year.  Hip Hop is not just an African American thing; it has impacted the entire nation, future generations, but also the global community.  It has moved beyond its musical roots of rap, rhyming speech that is chanted, DJing/scratching, break dancing and graffiti writing.  It has transformed into a dominant and ever increasingly lucrative lifestyle.  It’s a lifestyle that has sparked the creation of new industries within fashion, accessories, foods, hair styles, cars, houses and new technologies.    

For those who see this “Hip Hop” culture as a bad thing and at times some of it has been destructive, but I see something more...much more.  Before this “Hip Hop” culture passes the torch to the next musical genre era... it has also becoming a movement that is inspiring people to vote, become active in civil rights, politics, economic development, better housing, expanded health care for all, improving the quality of education and most of all... it is helping to build some self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth.  It one thing to become rich from this moment in the movement... it’s another thing to help others to improve the quality of their lives before it ends.    What do you think?             

When Leadership Matters

 It is truly amazing that most people have a hard time in acknowledging true leadership when they see it before their very own eyes.  Many are quick to point out the qualities of what should be in a “good” leader, their habits, passion and vision.  They can also point to what are the qualities of a “bad” or “poor” leader.  The real point is that there are leaders all around us; we see them every day, for leaders are people who lead other people with a purpose. 

The real problem is that we have a difficult time really understanding what leadership is and what it takes to be a so call “good” leader.   Leadership has difference meanings because of   situations, cultures and by career.  In some aspects a person can be seen as a leader due to their role within a certain community, context, event, and job or during a crisis.  In some unique situations, leaders and leadership takes various forms that are reflective of the needs of that organization, company or group of people.  And with all the issues we are facing within law enforcement, education, health care, social services, and housing; we need true leadership.   

Today, the greatest need for our nation is to have men and women to become effective leaders in communities, cities and across the nation. This includes having leaders at every level of our society, regardless of their age, race, ethnic background and religious faith.  We need leaders who are transformational, authentic, path finding and servants.  It is one thing to rise to the top of a company, a CEO, an Executive Director, manager, or an elected Official; but it is another thing to become a the leader when it matters the most and the quality of life for others is at stake and their lives do matter. 

In my view, true leaders are not known by what they say, but rather by what they get done.  And that is where we are falling short, we have a lot of people “saying it loud and saying it proud,” but where are the results or the noteworthy outcomes?  Some people are in leadership for their own personal gain and pretend to lead when helps them to look good.  I also know that leadership is without easy answers and that someone has to be in charge to take the credit or the blame.  But I believe that real leaders always emerge from the crowd when the stakes are high and failure is not an option.  What do you think?             
 

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

 

When Justice Matters

Just like a page out of US History, we are witnessing and reliving events that reveal an ugly truth about our nation’s past... “Some people's lives do not matter.” With each passing day, another incident grips the headlines and shockingly exposes what so many of us already know that our criminal justice system needs an overhaul.  And soon, if not already there, we are coming to an impasse of what to do about it.  Clearly, what is going down is not working.   

Today, many see our criminal justice system as being flawed and out of balance... especially when you consider that people of color are disproportionately paying a higher price when it comes to charges, length of sentences and incarceration.  And it does not stop there, even after paying the fines, serving time and reentry back into the community there is an ongoing stigma that comes along with being involved with the criminal justice system.  For many the nightmare never stops and getting back to some kind of normal life is an ongoing battle. 

Not only are we wrestling with the social impact of a broken system, we are also dealing with a system that is becoming overwhelmed with the sure volume of societal problems that are “out of sight” and “out of mind.”  And with the emergence of videos by “John Q Public” being produced via cell phones and shared on the internet has opened our eyes to the good, the bad, the ugly and the just awful in real time.  These “game changer” videos have added to the need for more system reform and a challenge to the status quo. 

Let’s get real about it; many of our problems are deeply rooted cultural biases that continue to create barriers to reforming our criminal justice system.  At the center of it all is the troubling fact that “racism and poverty,” are major factors.  Additionally, it’s seems that more “gray” areas are now appearing, where there are unknowns and it keeps us asking the question, “How can we make the system better for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status?”  I don’t know about you, but it’s time for a change and where all lives matter.  And in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  What do you think?