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Viewpoint: Voices from an Urban Bush Sista!

By C. Imani Williams

Let me start by saying, 'Hello!' It has been a long time since we've connected. Two years have passed since I've inked here. So how are you? My journey has been eventful and I am sure yours has as well. The climate is changing everywhere. Although I now reside in sunny Long Beach, Calif., my heart is right in Michigan with some extra love for Detroit.
Much love to Haiti as they lean on their faith in God and somehow keep going when surrounded by unimaginable devastation. To my brother Wyclef, "Please don't mind the foolishness. We know the real reason behind the uproar is that a black man has been appointed by his country's leaders to guide the aid that is given and since this means directing millions of dollars some people in corporate positions frown. Your presence a position of leadership will direct money away from them. However, your God appointed life purpose includes bringing hope to those who have suffered so much and is far greater than anything the 'man' can put on you. We love and thank you. Your work and commitment to your country and people speaks for itself. We'll keep praying and sending blessings."
It is 2010 and as we regain footing from a recession that has pulled, pushed, tugged at us all, this is a great time to create and implement a new way of doing things. My journey over the last two years has taken me from Detroit to Tucson, Ariz. (A deep place!) Thank you to my Tucson sisters Sarita, Niki and Felicitas for helping me find a place for my activism and creativity so far from home. Your love for Jocelyn and I made Tucson's temperament tolerable. Just keeping it real!
California nurtures my creative side and the sun feeds my soul enabling me to plan, write and reach what I hope is a better me.
My eyes are still on the collective youth pulse and their plans for coloring the canvas as same-gender-loving individuals/allies in 2010.
My lens is wider and I see youth development in this country taking a more proactive turn. I'm so proud of the young people I see and talk with who are determined to work toward positive change. Change impacts how they see, move and relate to the world.
LGBTQAI and the rest of the queer alphabet are making long overdue strides as a movement. Within that movement youth are posing their own framework for dealing with racism, sexism, homophobia and disenfranchisement in an effort to survive. It needs to happen this way. The old way of doing things does not work, and hasn't worked. New kids bring new ideas. Supporting the development of youth serves us all in the long run by building community.
What are you going to do different this year? I challenge you to do something better. The beginning of a new year is always a great time to soul search and plan for the coming year. Where are you with things? I find that sometimes April just shows up and I'm still in February on my internal calendar. That running behind the eight ball tires quickly. We're all doing more with less and this includes having less time. I want to get as much bang for my buck as possible. That means better planning, organizing, sharing, delegating and, most important, being thankful for all blessings big and small.

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Topics: Opinions
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