Neishas, Keisha, Ishas, and Quishas

My grandfather used to date this woman, her name was Pam. Pam had a daughter, whose name I can't remember. That daughter named her baby girl, Ironeisha. Ironeisha was born when I was 9 years old. At such a young age, I knew that baby would not go far in life. Her fate was determined by her mother, through her name. 

The layout of a resume is very strategic. If read from top to bottom, the first word an employer reads about you is your name. Forget that you went to Rice, graduated top of your class, and was president of Phi Delta Kappa, your name is Treykarion (yes, this is a real name). One look tells employers two things: you are black, and most likely from the ghetto. Needless to say, your resume goes into the last file...13. 

Beauty is in a name. It gives our children individuality and allows them to grow up with a sense of pride. Nevertheless, creativity should only go so far. Just because a word has a nice ring to it, doesn't mean it makes for a proper name for your child. Give your children a fighting chance at life. Don't just give a name, give a future. 

No-no Names: 

Compound names such as DaMarcus, Orangejello (pronounced Arangello), or Rainshower (I know, I know)

Isha Names such as Keisha, Meisha, Treyneisha, Mykeisha...I could go on and on

Keep Shawn as a simple name. No Dey-Shawn, La'Shawn, Keyshawn or other Shawn creations. 

The list could continue for years. My advice, go Biblical and leave Jesus out of it. 

Signing out!

Being outspoken always. 

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Back on Track

With a name like "Be Outspoken" you would think this blog would be more "outspoken". Truth be told, I haven't found much time to display my thoughts across the net....not that anyone really reads them anyway. Nevertheless, writing out loud is an outlet that I refuse to discontinue. 

So, since my last post my life has changed dramatically. I went from dating a guy to dating a ..... well, someone else, to talking marriage with another guy. I began my career (and I use that term loosely) as a 4th grade teacher. Lastly, I have begun my journey to financial freedom from debt. These three life altering actions have taken me on the wildest roller coaster ride that no college course could ever prepare me for. However, I'm so appreciative of these changes and their place in my life at this particular moment. You see, recently I had a little talk with a sister of mine. She helped me to see a few things more clearly. 

My sister, a very special sister, told me that I was attempting to create a tragic story for my life in order to compensate for achievements at such a young age. I was near a state of deep depression because I couldn't be proud of myself for the heights in which I have climbed. I wasn't happy to be me. That has got to be the biggest load of CRAP!

After that talk, I turned to a more spiritual advisor who told me to make a few changes in my life in order to prepare myself for my destiny. I learned that often times as humans, we want to create our own futures instead of relying on the one that has already been written for us. I am so optimistic (anyone who knows me knows this is NOT a character trait for me) about my future. Every time I think about what lies ahead, I get this feeling of security. 

I can't speak for anyone else, but....well, live your life. Screw those who try to alter your fate. Rebuke negativity and take pride in all you do!

And as always, 

WrITe OUtlOud!!!

MO 'GONE!

SO AS OF 3-18-09, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW ON 102.1 FM WILL BE CANCELLED. NO MORE BATHROOM TALK, NO MORE "WHAT YOU GON' DO NOW", NO MORE "AFTER THIS WEEKEND I WILL NEVER", AND NO MORE LAUGHS FROM MO-NIQUE, NIQUE, NIQUE, NIQUE, NIQUE IN THE AFTERNOON (ITS THE MO'NIQUE SHOW!)

IM SILENTLY CRYING. HOW WILL I GET THROUGH RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC? THIS SHOW BROUGHT BACK TALK RADIO. THOUGH MO'NIQUE WAS CLEARLY INEXPERIENCED IN THAT DEPARTMENT, SHE WAS DEFINITELY COMICAL AND ENTERTAINING. AND THOUGH THE SHOW DIDN'T LAST LONG, I WILL REMEMBER IT FOR A LONG TIME. 

NO MORE REAL, NO MORE LAUGHS, NO MORE LOVE.....

MO'GONE

So, I know its kinda late in the day, but I couldn't let this go by without saying a few words about this wonderful day. Today, the Obama family became The First Family. 

President Obama is fully aware of the hard work that awaits him during the first couple of years of his term. He has a lot of weight on his shoulders, most of which he took on himself. The American people are looking towards him for more than hope, more than change, but for a full reconstruction of this nation. 

I, on the other hand, look to Obama only for leadership in which the position holds. America has had its ups and downs and no one man has ever been responsible for either. As an American people, we must step up to home plate, swing, and hope for a grand slam! Obama is only one hitter. We all must do our part in order to make it home. 

Though I, like millions of others, are full of pride on this day, not only do I celebrate and rejoice, but I prepare to make conscious changes in my personal life. Obama set a goal for himself in which has has achieved. Now its time to set goals for myself and make drastic steps in the right direction to achieve those goals. Obama's road to success should be used as a template to reach the unreachable. 

As the Obama family retreats to their respective bedrooms in the White House, I will lay in my same ole bed and prepare for a new tomorrow. I hope you will do the same. 

Congratulations, President Barack Obama and the First Family for making history! 

Words cannot express how I feel at this very moment. On behalf of America, "Congratulations, Mr. President!" 

Today, November 4, 2008, history has been made. Current history books need be destroyed, for there is new text to insert. This very moment has earned the right to be apart of grade school and higher education curriculum. This day is much more important than just a historic election; it is a giant leap in a new direction for a country that has been status quo for hundreds of years. 

Barack Obama has promised changed. He cannot do it alone. It is the responsibility of ALL Americans to put forth true efforts for a better tomorrow, a better year, a better generation, and a better nation. 

"Let us summon a new patriotism"  -Obama

When the realities of today set in on my heart I will visit again. 

YES, WE DID!

Something For the Books!

Yes, George, hold your breath. A new tomorrow is near. 

With only hours left at the polls, millions of votes have been cast. Many Americans are anxiously awaiting for a new president that will lead this country out of chaos. For many, hope rests in presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama. And though blog aren't "supposed" to be biased, my money is on the Hawaiian native as well. 

I don't have many words to express on this day. I am slightly nervous and over-anxious to know the outcome of this important, life-changing race. My only prayer is that God shine upon this country by giving America a president who was born to lead. 

As my heart races and my palms sweat, I will remain hopeful for a greater tomorrow. 

There is change you can believe in. 

YES, WE CAN!

WTF?!? They are trying to take Beyonce!!!

Why in the hell does Beyonce look white in this new Loreal ad? I don't want to hear that this ad will sell more Loreal, because ANYTHING with Beyonce's name, face, or seal of approval will sell. There was no legitimate reason for her skin tone to lightened for this ad. 

Im sure a spokesperson for Loreal will probably come forward and say something like, "The lighting in the studio was overwhelming and the end result was a lighter complexion on Beyonce." Negative. That will not fly. I want my BLACK BEYONCE BACK NOW!!!