I was born in Delhi, India while my parents were in exile, working as anti-Apartheid activists for the African National Congress. I subsequently traveled wherever my parents’ work took them. I feel I still haven’t stopped traveling.
I live and work in Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m 39 years old and particularly appreciate good literature, be it prose or verse. I share my literary musings with my most strident critic: my 12-year-old at. Read More
I promised to share my eclectic music tastes with you. I love electronic rock, especially from Europe.
Depeche Mode has to be one of my all-time favorite groups. I love their Euro industrial electronic rock sound., But more than that, I love that their messages, so bold and so raw. The messages resonate with me.
I’ve been a big fan of Depeche Mode. I think their 1st album was Construction Time Again. I love almost every song on that album. I’ve been into Depeche Mode for a long time but recently, I guess because of my membership in Spotify, YT Music, and Pandora, as well as other music streaming services, I stumble on old songs that I used to love, that I almost forgot about.
I don’t listen to new music much at all. Anyway, there is a remarkably interesting story behind me rediscovering how much I love Depeche Mode.
This is a very short post that I just had to get out immediately. This is a calling.
I am moved by Stevie Wonder’s CALL TO ACTION yesterday, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, on January 18, 2021.
We just cannot go on as we have. Whether you can spit scriptures or not, regardless of the “book” you read, the message is one word:
Tomorrow, or late today, I will post a tribute to Stevie Wonder. He is of God if a man ever was. In this post, I will celebrate his incredible talent, brilliance, and elevated vibration. Stevie is a prophet to me. Against, popularity, profit, or fame, I can see as he sees, and express that which I witness, when most see nothing there.
Yesterday, Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) Soul Train Pass the Mic series showed up on my YouTube feed. It is probably because I have liked and subscribed to the Soul Train channel videos when selecting ones for prior posts.
I have especially fond memories of Soul Train. As a teenager, I always wanted to be a Soul Train dancer. I was once a dancer on a local television dance show in New Orleans, called Get Down.
When I watched a few Pass the Mic episodes, it brought me back to happier days. It accentuated how much we have digressed. I needed the feel-good part.
DJ Cassidy, the host DJ, keeps the show energetic and vibrant. It is great to watch various R&B stars from the 1980s sing to their hit songs in their homes. Cassidy Zooms from his home, switching from one hit R&B song and legend, to the next. He interjects words that encourage and keeps the crowd going. It is a wonderful experience, given that many of us are locked in.
This is a beautiful time. Let me, Kevy Michaels, explain to you why I feel this way.
First of all, in this very moment every living creature on the planet, in the universe, and even the stars recognize that we are in a change of season.
This is not unusual, except for us. We don’t normally recognize seasons, in the air, our minds, and spirits, as the animals, trees, and plants do because we are distracted. Well, now we do.
Also, every last one of us is experiencing a certain degree of uncertainty about what the new season will bring.
I’m pissed! I’m upset. I’m a bit angry. And I feel that I have every right to be.
I hope you can hear it in my voice. What I’m angry about is Black inequality and Black inequity. The way that Blacks have been treated in this country. It’s not fair. It’s not about morals. It’s not about God. It’s not about humanity. A
And this shit must stop. We must be made whole. We must honor our Constitution. We must honor God. We must honor humanity and Black people.
Most Black people piss me off. You should be angry like me. Some of you talk a good game and some of you even do things that appear to be helpful. But there are very few that are trying to uplift the spirits of our brothers and sisters, enable them to move forward. Most of your help is to make their poverty comfortable. Government cheese, food pantries, etc.
Continue reading “I Am Pissed! – To A Very High Level of Pisstivity”
I am reposting this in today’s more intense racial and political climate. Perhaps with the coronavirus lockdowns, more people will view and understand this message.
We are now in the revolution, whether you accept it or not. It includes all of the usual ingredients but mixed to a different recipe.
Though I believe that the initial action will require taking matters to the streets, ultimately, if we do things right, we can make this an economic revolution. This is what it must become.
We can stop supporting any entity that supports racism, directly and covertly.
I believe that our power in dollars is greater than our power in voting. Everyone understands money: Nonprofits, Conservatives, The Government, Blacks, Liberal Whites, etc. …Especially those who flaunt compassion and Jesus.
We will have to take matters to the streets as I have, and like others, namely, Millenials are doing. But, if we pull this off correctly, the revolution will evolve into an economic war.
We must stop giving money to those entities that oppress or distort being “for the cause of Blacks”.
I believe that a Trump win will really ignite real revolution. This will catapult real change.
I have decided to not vote at all, or to vote for The Lobster to keep things moving and allow history to repeat itself again, but much more vibrantly.
I will explain why voting for The Lobster will trigger really change, in a messy, but quicker way, than what Democrats have been doing ineffectively for over 100 years.
Kevy.
I consider myself to be rather introspective. I spend a great deal of time analyzing life and Life Seasons daily. I’m constantly searching for a deeper meaning. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, particularly when helping people, thinking that my service is a calling when it ends up becoming a curse.
Obviously, as an African American, I have been doing a lot of self-soul-searching and searching the soul of America, and the world. …The Joe Biden way. I’ve examined myself, friends, family strangers, and “leaders” to draw my own conclusions. I also do quite a bit of research to support my conclusions. I compliment my understanding with my spirituality, fortified through regular prayer and meditation. It is the best that I can do. I may still not always obtain the truth, but at least I don’t take any dish served to me without interrogation.
In this post, I thoughtfully examine why we are in Revolution 2020, right now. I’ll get all introspective with it too.
I have listed all of the ingredients that I believe contribute to today’s outrage. Some of my findings are strictly opinionated. But most are supported by fact and commonly accepted morals and beliefs. Common sense enters the room too in this evaluation.
I find that the fixings that created such an unprecedented outrage around the world were the perfect components for creating the toxic soup in which we now boil.
The New Orleans in me led me to see this recipe for Revolution 2020 as a metaphor for the ingredients that go into the perfect pot of New Orleans Creole gumbo. I included a reliable recipe at the end of this post. Remember, I am a New Orleans River Rat. I grew up 2 blocks from the river Tchoupitoulas Street
Tchoupitoulas Pronunciation
Like gumbo, adding only the right ingredients, letting them stew for hours, makes it pop.
America and the rest of the world have been stewing too, in a boiling pot of disparity, racism, and disregard for humanity. Adding George Floyd’s killing to the pot of other ingredients is now making this rebellion gumbo boil over.
“Revolution 2020 is an appropriate name because it is in this year 2020 that the world’s vision of humanity will become crystal clear to everyone”. – Kevy
White people, all people, prepare yourself for making significant changes in your approach to racism, Liberal White people especially. The world is fed-up! We’ve had enough!
White Silence won’t work in the state we’re in today. We’re in the midst of a revolution. Oppressed Blacks recognize that you are benefiting from an unpaid humanitarian debt every day that you enjoy your privilege.
Instead of approaching Racism, Inequality, and Inequity as though it’s awful, and that you must help these poor Blacks, approach your dilemma as though you have a spiritual debt that must be paid. You do.
Approach Black racism as though it impacts you, or a family member. It does. We are all brothers and sisters, under the God in which we supposedly believe.
Many Black are screwed up on racism too. I will post separately on this side of the equation.
But Blacks also clearly contribute to their own demise, by not using their most powerful weapons, money, and action. Black leaders often give the appearance of action, but just talk about the problem. There is money to be made in just talk. It keeps the Racism Industry vibrant and self-sustaining. Taking tangible action could eliminate it.
Others superficially wait on the Lord to do the work, though He gave us minds, free will, and discernment. Why put on The Lord what you can do yourselves? Still, others pretend to do the work but are simply sustaining their existence to keep grant and foundation funds coming into their coffers.
I know what I’m talking about. I’ve experienced each of these types, and I’ve had enough! I will write vigorously about it, but I will not write alone. I help people…many people, giving them tangibles from which they can benefit. …measurable and tangible benefits, not just talk and showcasing.
These two groups are more damaging to Black Inequity & Inequality than outright racists. The latter are resolute and clear. They take action. The former is deceptive and keeps Blacks, in the aggregate bound and tied.
For this reason, I have decided to vote for Trump, or not vote at all. I will also explain my reasoning in a separate post. Kevy
It’s time for you to “get off the pot or shit”, a New Orleans saying. “Shit or get off the pot” – Make a decision. This phrase is most commonly used towards a person or group whom the speaker feels are behaving indecisively. Often occurs in tense situations where the speaker believes a quick decision is necessary or urgent. Sometimes delivered as life advice.” – Urban Dictionary – Deome June 24, 2015
White Liberal Boomers are at a fork in the road and must choose a side. They can no longer ride the middle line as they have for years.
A tsunami of change is already here, and they will be most negatively impacted and left behind if they continue to surf the wave of indifferent, with little action. They can no longer remain neutral, indifferent, or impassionate on racism. They will be held accountable in the aftermath.
If they do not change their ways, they may lose friends, as I lost my friend Annie, their peace of mind, morality will trouble them, and they will be criticized for their inaction, “when shit hits the fan”. Well…Shit has hit the fan!
I just lost my White Liberal Boomer friend Annie last week. Change is happening within our circles and in those around us.
“When your conscience begins to bother you about your past actions, that’s your Soul wanting you to wake up.” – Andrea de Michaelis – Creating my own reality, one thought at a time
Another way of this statement is, White Liberals walk your talk. Stand up for the principals to which you have professed for years!
There are many reasons why I feel this way, but let’s first look at population numbers to gain a greater perspective.
I direct the statements above specifically to White Liberal Boomers (Born between 1944 and 1964 (approximately, don’t try to escape), currently between 56-76 years old – 76 million in the U.S. (or so) – Kasasa) because Generations X, Y, and Z are already on board and navigating this Revolution 2020. The Millennials are the ones igniting it. I admire their courage and determination. They won’t be stopped because it’s their future that they are fighting for in addition to fighting against racism.
I was told yesterday at a rally, by a young gay HIV-infected protester, “I know that it’s risky to protest with corona and all, but standing up against police violence and discrimination against Blacks is too important to ignore.”
At rallies this week, as I filmed tens of thousands of protestors, I had an epiphany that these young ‘rebel rouser’ are our future leaders. They dominate the population and demand change. …Look…
This post was a lot of fun, for me. It digs into the controversy of why Whites are annoyed by Blacks and vice versa.
Most people avoid discussing such touchy topics; I live for those discussions. I tend to gravitate to most things that ‘normal people’ avoid, even Black people. It’s because I’m a wise and knowledgeable man that knows that the root of most problems, especially systemic ones, lies in the touchy areas that we avoid. …the areas that strike nerves. I aim to strike nerves with this post, and provide a prelude to you to better understanding issues and planning your strategy for resolving them.
Many Whites are also annoyed by my discussions and views, as evidenced by several White former friends who ‘drop-kicked’ me because I expressed pure emotions on racial discrimination. I have others who subtly avoid me because they fear I may talk about racism. They make nice as though I don’t realize that they are skating around all the while.
In preparing this post about things that annoy White people about Blacks, and vice versa, as I always do, I will give you plenty of my opinions, but I will also provide the opinion of others. You are encouraged (as always) to discuss touchy topics like these. Don’t be like former friends who avoided discussing racism to the extent of ending friendships. If we are ever going to make significant progress, we must deal directly with any pressing humanitarian issues, especially with racism. …Okay Boomers, do you understand? I’m one too.
I’ve had enough of the superficial bullshit of pretending to resolve racial issues, but being overly careful to be politically correct. And, I won’t tolerate it for the good of humanity. That is total smoke and mirrors.
In my opinion, the city of Denver’s personality is very dynamically evolving before my eyes.
With the legalization of marijuana in 2013, the city is booming with new construction, progressive legislation, and appreciation for its natural beauty. Nearly 39% of Denver’s population is under 30 years old. The median age is 37 years!
Millennials really showed their true colors, passion, and creatively recently with the protests which are still active. They let my old ass know who’s running the future, them! The protests were filled with artists displaying their works. Additionally, there were concurrent art festivals occurring, as the protests were going on in the background. I have been changed by the art that I’ve seen. I have an energized appreciation for, but not for art in a museum. …Mural Art in the alleyways of the city.
Prior to the coronavirus, I used to visit the Denver Museum of Art regularly. Every first Saturday of the month it’s free. Many of Colorado’s museums are free periodically throughout the year. Due to the coronavirus, they are closed, without further notice.
Throughout the protest and pandemic, I have never been one to sit at home in fear, sickened by around-the-clock news. I am still not regularly watching the news and am handling today’s crucial times optimistically. I am out every day enjoying the scenes and sites of my beautiful city.
I am registered with Joe Biden’s campaign headquarters and therefore receive text messages and emails multiple times daily.
Today I realized that the messages and ads seem to flaunt Barack Obama more than in prior months. It makes sense. Though Barack is not running, “The Lobster” has made his campaign and administration about undoing Obama’s accomplishments and continually generates absurd conspiracies about him.
Obama was relatively low-key about “The Lobster’s” comments and only on occasion made public comments about him. But in recent commencement ceremonies and media appearances, Obama has been more vocal and critical, relative to “The Lobster’s” rhetoric.
It was clear that Barack would not stay out of this race for long. He laid low for a while but eventually heard duty calling and decided to step into the race to unify the Democratic party in hopes of securing the election. He is the person that nearly all party members view as the surrogate with the power to bring in the spirit of unity.
A few months ago Barack put his superpowers on full display when he endorsed Joe Biden, and praised Bernie (and his Millennial followers). He brought harmony to troubled relationships among the other presidential candidates, getting them to all bow out of the race to unite the party.
Though the Democratic party has internal differences, they are not stronger than their desire to put “The Lobster” in a boiling pot of water, like New Orleans crawfish. This endorsement dug Obama further in the race to beat, ‘what’s his name’. Now he is in it to win it, whether as an official candidate, or Messiah. This race, either way, is between “The Lobster” and Barack Obama.
I was aware of the history of Juneteenth, but not until recent years. That’s important to note for a few reasons.
First, I want to make it clear to non-African Americans, as you may be actively trying to “relate” to the Black experience during Revolution 2020, that it is not only you who must become familiar with African American history, some Blacks are foreign to much of it as well.
Secondly, Juneteenth may not be familiar to many Blacks (and most Americans) simply because, though it is a part of American History, it is really a direct part of Texas’ history.
Its relevance may not be as appreciated by states other than Texas. But during current times this celebration is becoming increasingly more important. There are demands to make Juneteenth a national holiday in honor of African American slaves gaining freedom. Continue reading “Today’s That Day – Juneteenth 2020 – Whatzup Wit Dat? – What Makes Denver Colorado’s Celebration So Special – The Mural Art Show Makes It Mo Betta”
I consider myself to be rather introspective. I spend a great deal of time analyzing life and Life Seasons daily. I’m constantly searching for a deeper meaning. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, particularly when helping people, thinking that my service is a calling when it ends up becoming a curse.
Obviously, as an African American, I have been doing a lot of self-soul-searching and searching the soul of America, and the world. …The Joe Biden way. I’ve examined myself, friends, family strangers, and “leaders” to draw my own conclusions. I also do quite a bit of research to support my conclusions. I compliment my understanding with my spirituality, fortified through regular prayer and meditation. It is the best that I can do. I may still not always obtain the truth, but at least I don’t take any dish served to me without interrogation.
In this post, I thoughtfully examine why we are in Revolution 2020, right now. I’ll get all introspective with it too.
I have listed all of the ingredients that I believe contribute to today’s outrage. Some of my findings are strictly opinionated. But most are supported by fact and commonly accepted morals and beliefs. Common sense enters the room too in this evaluation.
I find that the fixings that created such an unprecedented outrage around the world were the perfect components for creating the toxic soup in which we now boil.
The New Orleans in me led me to see this recipe for Revolution 2020 as a metaphor for the ingredients that go into the perfect pot of New Orleans Creole gumbo. I included a reliable recipe at the end of this post. Remember, I am a New Orleans River Rat. I grew up 2 blocks from the river Tchoupitoulas Street
Tchoupitoulas Pronunciation
Like gumbo, adding only the right ingredients, letting them stew for hours, makes it pop.
America and the rest of the world have been stewing too, in a boiling pot of disparity, racism, and disregard for humanity. Adding George Floyd’s killing to the pot of other ingredients is now making this rebellion gumbo boil over.
“Revolution 2020 is an appropriate name because it is in this year 2020 that the world’s vision of humanity will become crystal clear to everyone”. – Kevy
White people, all people, prepare yourself for making significant changes in your approach to racism, Liberal White people especially. The world is fed-up! We’ve had enough!
White Silence won’t work in the state we’re in today. We’re in the midst of a revolution. Blacks recognize that you are benefiting from an unpaid humanitarian debt every day that you enjoy your privilege.
Instead of approaching Racism, Inequality, and Inequity as though it’s awful, and that you must help these poor Blacks, approach your dilemma as though you have a spiritual debt that must be paid. You do.
Approach Black racism as though it impacts you, or a family member. It does. We are all brothers and sisters, under the God in which we supposedly believe.
Many Black are screwed up on racism too. I will post separately on this side of the equation.
But Blacks clearly contribute to their own demise, by not using their most powerful weapons, money, and action. Black leaders often give the appearance of action, but just talk about the problem. This is money to be made in just talk. It keeps the Racism Industry vibrant and self-sustaining. Taking tangible ction could eliminate it.
Others superficially wait on the Lord to do the work, though He gave us minds, free will, and discernment. Why put on The Lord what you can do yourselves? Still, others pretend to do the work but are simply sustaining their existence to keep grant and foundation funds coming into their coffers.
I know what I’m talking about. I’ve experienced each of these types, and I’ve had enough! I will write vigorously about it, but I will not write alone. I help people…many people, giving them tangibles from which they can benefit. …measurable and tangible benefits, not just talk and showcasing.
These two groups are more damaging to Black Inequity & Inequality than outright racists. The latter are resolute and clear. They take action. The former is deceptive and keeps Blacks, in the aggregate bound and tied.
For this reason, I have decided to vote for Trump, or not vote at all. I will also explain my reasoning in a separate post. Kevy
It’s time for you to “get off the pot or shit”, a New Orleans saying. “Shit or get off the pot” – Make a decision. This phrase is most commonly used towards a person or group whom the speaker feels are behaving indecisively. Often occurs in tense situations where the speaker believes a quick decision is necessary or urgent. Sometimes delivered as life advice.” – Urban Dictionary – Deome June 24, 2015
White Liberal Boomers are at a fork in the road and must choose a side. They can no longer ride the middle line as they have for years.
A tsunami of change is already here, and they will be most negatively impacted and left behind if they continue to surf the wave of indifferent, with little action. They can no longer remain neutral, indifferent, or impassionate on racism. They will be held accountable in the aftermath.
If they do not change their ways, they may lose friends, as I lost my friend Annie, their peace of mind, morality will trouble them, and they will be criticized for their inaction, “when shit hits the fan”. Well…Shit has hit the fan!
I just lost my White Liberal Boomer friend Annie last week. Change is happening within our circles and in those around us.
“When your conscience begins to bother you about your past actions, that’s your Soul wanting you to wake up.” – Andrea de Michaelis – Creating my own reality, one thought at a time
Another way of this statement is, White Liberals walk your talk. Stand up for the principals to which you have professed for years!
There are many reasons why I feel this way, but let’s first look at population numbers to gain a greater perspective.
I direct the statements above specifically to White Liberal Boomers (Born between 1944 and 1964 (approximately, don’t try to escape), currently between 56-76 years old – 76 million in the U.S. (or so) – Kasasa) because Generations X, Y, and Z are already on board and navigating this Revolution 2020. The Millennials are the ones igniting it. I admire their courage and determination. They won’t be stopped because it’s their future that they are fighting for in addition to fighting against racism.
I was told yesterday at a rally, by a young gay HIV-infected protester, “I know that it’s risky to protest with corona and all, but standing up against police violence and discrimination against Blacks is too important to ignore.”
At rallies this week, as I filmed tens of thousands of protestors, I had an epiphany that these young ‘rebel rouser’ are our future leaders. They dominate the population and demand change. …Look…
I am exhausted physically and emotionally but continue to participate in rallies with the Black Lives Matter Revolution.
I’ve cried often, both in joy and sorrow, lost my voice a few times, and have felt intense anger. I’ve spent 9 days and nights at protests, rallies, and marches. I have, as have nearly each of 10’s of thousands of participants in Denver, Colorado, USA, protested nonviolently.
I lost a white friend (Annie) who was infuriated by my expression of emotions about “white people” after I repeatedly watched the George Floyd crucifixion to prepare the video Black People – All People Just Want To Live. Her last words to me on the phone were ‘fuck you”, then she hung up.
It’s like I went to an emotional amusement park, where only some of the rides are amusing. But, I will return to blogging and vlogging this week as I regroup.
I am excited to share this post by Coloradopoet. In the post-Black People – All People Just Want To Live, I invited others to share their perspectives on all things racial. Coloradopoet answered. I am hopeful that Coloradopoet will share more posts in the future. I am hopeful that one day that you will be encouraged to share fresh or already published content, especially on racism. Can we talk?
We must not be like my friend Annie. I will write about her in a coming post.
White people must not get so defensive and must be willing to talk about the realities of racism. They must try to imagine how Blacks must feel in this revolution, then try to imagine again, on top of that.
Most of today’s Whites were born into the privilege of this hateful inhumanity, innocently. Most of today’s Blacks were born into the barbarism and disparity of this hateful inhumanity, innocently. But together we must change it, or it will destroy civilization as we ‘used to know it’. It is not the same anymore.
I offer the warmest gratitude to Coloradopoet for choosing discussion and engagement, as opposed to denial and anger. Kevy Continue reading “The Legacy of Slavery in the US – Coloradopoet – Guest Blogger – I’m Excited To Hear Coloradopoet Share Her Perspective”
