Monday, May 24, 2010

American Idle

Hotep,

I really enjoy watching American Idol. I think the show is inspirational and encourages us to believe that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. The show also reveals a deeply rooted sense of diligence in some of its contestants. These particular contestants have convinced me that the best way to become an idol is to not be idle. Feel me?

The show has launched the successful careers of Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Jordan Sparks, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and my man Reuben Studdard. But let’s turn our idol-ridden minds to some good old “blind justice,” taking place in North Carolina’s basement. (By the way, I’m riding with Crystal this season. The girl has got skillz. Ya heard?)

Michael C. Hayes went on a random shooting spree in 1988. He shot thirteen people, killing four. One was a 16 year old girl whom he shot five times. In 1989 he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Medical experts testified that he was drunk and high on illegal drugs. They also testified that his killing spree was a mission from God, to rid the world of demons. Real talk.

He’s been living at Dorthea Dix Mental Institution for two decades. He’s been allowed off the grounds of the mental institution without supervision for years. He fathered two children while in state custody. Some legal minds have referred to him as a “political prisoner.” Wow!

According to the medical experts, Michael hasn’t been prescribed any antipsychotic medication since 1989. He was just released from Dorthea Dix Mental Institution and will be living with his girlfriend, a former Dix patient and the mother of his two children. “Blind Justice,”indeed. Check out the Wikipedia on Hayes and let me know what you think? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Hayes_(spree_killer)

This is the same state that will sentence a man to death on circumstantial evidence and faulty instructions, by a judge concerning, “acting in concert.” Na mean?

This is America. So, in no way, shape, or form am I hating on second chances granted to anyone. My problem is with the lawmakers tipping the scales of justice for selective cases. In the meantime, they label me as “the worst of the worst” and expect me to be idle while it all goes down. Well, that’s not about to happen. Believe that!

Holla if ya hear me,

Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann

Monday, May 17, 2010

Real Life Heroes


Hotep,

Iron Man is back on the set. The long awaited sequel is attracting hordes of superhuman enthusiasts to the box office as you read this.

Now, to some extent, I think we’d all like to experience the superhuman capabilities of a superhero.

I mean, who never wished they could fly like Superman or travel the city like Spiderman jumping from building to building without the fear of falling? Holla if ya hear me.

I know I’m not the only one who has ever had that thought.

Fictional heroes can be entertaining, no doubt, but real life heroes are never forgotten.

e.g.: My older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. It was a frightening time for our fam.

My situation was a devastating blow to our family chain, but my sister’s diagnosis hit me harder than the judge saying, “May God have mercy on your soul," when I was sentenced to death.

1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in the US and 50% of cancer cases are prevented by early detection.

I was deeply moved when I read an article about a 4 year old girl, Alex Scott, who was selling lemonade to help cancer victims like her. This little hero died at the tender age of 8 in 2004.

Some former Eagles’ cheerleaders have come together to bring awareness to breast cancer.

The cheerleader alums recently participated in the ‘Susan G. Komen Philly Race for the Cure.” They’ve entitled this display of unity, “Ra-Ras for the Ta-Tas,” self-explanatory, indeed.

Mrs. Ann Grant, the grandmother of my homie, “Big Dogg,” is battling some strenuous circumstances concerning breast cancer.

In these troublesome times, we have to be reminded that faith the size of a mustard seed can move any mountain.

My big sis is living proof of that. I see her regularly and she is an inspiration to me and all of those around her.

So, keep your eyes on the prize Mrs. Grant, the prayers of your family and those close to your family, do not fall on deaf ears.

My big sis and other cancer survivors display an undying will to fight, making them Invincible in the face of adversity.

Their long term accomplishments are nothing short of Incredible and the obstacles they had to overcome makes their progression an amazing feat, ya heard?

Being a hero doesn’t have to be a fantasy. It’s a reachable goal, predicated on self improvement, and the ability to touch the lives of the people around you.

The art of heroism is not a discriminatory practice. Word is bond.

Cancer does not have to be a walking death sentence. Daily exercise, proper diet and regular testing can add many years to your existence, making you a hero for the ages. Na mean?

One Love,
Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Creator's Plan



Hotep,

The day of April 12, 2010 ended on a high note for me.

Now, considering my current situation, that may sound like an oxymoron to most of you in the blogosphere.

But, April 12, 2010 marks the day that the writing of my first novel was finished.

“Concrete Seeds: The Sowing Volume 1,” is an expression of love, hate, rage and pain.

In so many ways, this novel is my entire being, my life’s work in a nut shell.

Finalizing this project that I’ve worked on for years, leaves me with a monumental sense of achievement. Na mean?

I’m familiar with this sense of achievement;

The birth of my son, whose now 21 years old, (What’s up Daveante?)

The pitter-patter of my grandseed’s feet, stomping into this world 18 months ago, (What it do Lil’ Mann G-dad loves you),

Were monumental achievements in my life as well.

And let me tell you, the seed of a Mann is a beautiful thing. Word is bond!

But, this novel has a beauty of its own.

Writing it taught me that tragedy doesn’t always have to be an ending.

It can also be a beginning.

And, if it is a beginning, the remainder of your existence can evolve into a beautiful life story of accomplishment. Feel me?

I hate being in prison.

And trust me, I say that wearing a frown.

But, I’m beginning to see it as the manifestation of the Creator’s plan.

You may choose your path, but you will become what the Creator intended you to be. Na mean?

For me, understanding the Creator’s plan has been a lifelong journey.

Growing up in North Philly, my plan was to get a basketball scholarship to Georgetown University,

Becoming a 4-time All-American and a 2-time National Player of the Year.

My plan also had me graduating with a 3.8 GPA and a degree in journalism, but obviously that wasn’t the Creator’s plan.

My plan was to be the no. 1 pick in the 1990 NBA draft,

Having a prolific career playing point for my beloved Sixers (who could really use my wet jumper and ankle aching cross-over right about now),

I planned on teaming up with the great ‘Sir Charles’ and bringing championships back to my city.

The pinnacle of my existence would’ve been watching my number 44 being hoisted into the rafters of the Wachovia Center, joining the greats before me (Wilt, Billy C, Doc, Bobby Jones, and Barkley).

You see, my plan was to be the savior to my city’s championship woes.

But again, that wasn’t the Creator’s plan. Feel me?

My current placement is on death row.

No b-ball scholarship

No college degree

No NBA championships

Most definitely not my plan.

But, through divine intervention, I have a voice.

A voice that gives me the opportunity to be a Q-Tip to the ears of the masses.

Worthy Opportunities Reveal Diligence

The conclusion is simple. The Creator’s plan is for you Mannofstat to be all in your ear.

That’s what’s up!!

Be Easy,
Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Tribute to Moms


Hotep,

Happy Mother’s Day.

These words go out to all of the diligent moms.

Those who are with us in the blogosphere and those who have sorrowfully moved on to a much better existence.

And, to the soon to be moms, motherhood doesn’t start at child birth, it begins with conception. Feel me?

I wish I could send all of you a card, but since I can’t, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge some powerful mothers who have left everlasting impressions on my brief existence.

First and foremost, I love you Moms.

The greatest day of my pre-existence was October 14, 1937. No doubt.

To Ms. Betty (R.I.P), Deb, Aunt Nettie, Ms. Anita, Sharon, Norma Jean, Nana, Aunt Mary(R.I.P), Aunt Lena, Ms. Rosalie, Kizzy, Tonja, Aunt Cat, Ms. Brenda, Tweedy, Narvella, Jessica, Ms. Mary and the beloved Ms. Rissi(R.I.P).

Mothers.

What would we do without them?

I’m about to exhale people so hear my voice:

I have always been attracted to women and always will be.

My habitat was populated with aggressive females, starting with my Moms, the disciplinarian of our fam.

Growing up she was the protector of her 5 sisters.

Everybody from 19th street in North Philly knew of ‘Stingin B.’

The neighborhood boys feared her more than they did my grandfather.

Athletic, outspoken and heavy-handed,

A nightmare to the juvenile male ego, but a daddy’s dream indeed.

If you think I’m wrong, ask Richard Williams.

His daughters have captivated the tennis world for more than a decade.

Going against the grain and revolutionizing the sport of tennis has made Venus and Serena two of the world’s most popular female athletes…champions on and off the court.

Tennis has brought them a long way from their humble beginnings of Compton, CA,

But, Richard Williams has said on numerous occasions, that his daughters have done more for the sport that the sport could ever do for them. I agree.

These sisters owned Wimbledon and the U.S. Open became their backyard.

They are no doubt the mothers of the modern day tennis.

Their influence has bred an entire generation of aspiring youngstas.

These mothers of modern day tennis are beautiful black women, epitomizing success.

They’re athletic, outspoken and heavy-handed,

Qualities of a woman that should be celebrated not suppressed.

These qualities have nurtured generations of babies of all races. Na mean?

So, once again I say, ‘Happy Mother’s Day to all of the diligent moms.

I love you Moms, a.k.a., ‘Stingin B.’

You are the fruit of my world and a champion in life.

That’s what’s up!

Peace,
Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 By Leroy Mann