A Mann’s Labor of Love

Celebrating two years of Word to the Masses 

Note from the Editor (Rochelle):

The Word to the Masses blog has reached yet another milestone.  On March 13, 2010, Leroy Elwood Mann launched his blog to share his voice and views on the realness and controversial execution of the death penalty.  Two years and 101 posts later, the blog has been visited by numerous people from 34 countries.  What his expression has become, in addition to an education on the perils of the death penalty practice, is a labor of love.  Love for his family, love for his friends, and his love for humanity. 

Leroy has given us a glimpse into the lessons life has taught him and the growth he has experienced as a result, through his words.  One thing that has stood out over the past two years is the love he has for his family.  With that in mind, I invited two of the most important young ladies in his life to share their voices with the Masses, on this milestone Leroy has reached. 

Leroy recently shared the love and pride he has for these ladies in his Realness 101 (http://word2themasses.blogspot.com/2012/02/realness-101.html) post.  Neither one of these young ladies are a stranger to W2TM.  They are faithful followers of the blog and fierce defenders of Leroy.  Please welcome Denyse Wilson and Jasmine Vaughn to the blog.  Congratulations on two years very well done, Lump. I never doubted what you could do.

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From Denyse Wilson (his niece)

I Salute You…

The assignment I was given was to write a post saluting my uncle’s achievements with his blog.  I felt honored not only to be asked to write a post but to write one for his 2^nd anniversary.  Wow!  The pressure is definitely on for this one.   As I sat down to begin writing I quickly came to the realization that this was not going to be an easy task.  But here it goes…

For the past 32 years I have been very close to my uncle.  I’m not sure if it was because we are close in age or if it was because my grandmother made me tag along with him when we were younger.  Either way, it has built a relationship that is not easily broken.  When I first found out he was starting this blog, I will admit I had my reservations.  I personally wasn’t familiar with the part of the Mann who would become the Mannofstat, but over the past two years I have become very familiar with him.  And, I love him as much as the Mann I’ve always known as Leroy Elwood Mann, aka ‘Lump.’

I see this blog as an outlet for him.  It’s a way for his readers to know that not every person in prison is the person the media or the government would have you to believe.  Over the last two years you will notice that I have commented on quite a few posts.  When commenting I try not to come off as if I’m defending him, because I feel that he can defend himself. 

When talking about the death penalty I just want to share things from my point of view.  I can give the readers an opinion from both sides of the issue.  I’m not just some disgruntled family member of someone on death row.  I see this blog as not only something for him to vent about day to day issues going on, but I’ve found it helpful for myself too.  I’ve talked about things on here that I haven’t said to anyone.  I think that it has allowed me to draw closure to something that I have been fighting with for the past 21 years.  

As we look back over the last two years this blog has introduced us to not only the Mannofstat, but also to others in his predicament (i.e Mr. Blue and Chris Gregory).  Not only has Mannofstat sounded off on this board but he has also passed the mic to others.  So I guess it’s my turn.  How am I doing?

 I want to take this time to congratulate the Mannofstat on a job very well done.  I know whenever something happens in my life you always have my back.  I know when no one else recognizes something that I have done; I can always count on you to lend words of encouragement.  Just know that no matter what, I got your back.  Congrats to you!

Love Nyse

Copyright © 2012 by Denyse Wilson 

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From Jasmine Vaughn (his cousin) 

What is the definition of a Mann?

A Mann is someone who supports his family through everything and is always the first one friends and family call on when they’re going through something.  

A Mann is trustworthy, honest, and a leader to all of those around him.  

A Mann's love for God is shown so bright through his actions and his words that people from all races and religions are drawn to him.  

A Mann always speaks words of wisdom, which means he thinks before he speaks.  

A Mann is truly a Mann when he can fall flat on his face with the whole world on his back, but he still can get up on both feet and give God the praises for it all.  

That is exactly who Leroy Elwood Mann (Lump) is. He is the real definition of a Mann. The world might look at him as just a number, but if they got to know him they would look at him like I do, as a Mann!  

I don’t remember touching my cousin, although he held me as a child and I never hung out with him outside of the box, but he has been in my life and supporting me since day one. When I was only a couple months old my cousin made it his duty to come see me and from then on he has been more of a big brother to me than a cousin.  

No, he might not be with me all the time physically, but he is definitely with me spiritually. He was the one who motivated me to pick up the ink and start writing scribes for the world to see. The world hasn't seen my profound works yet, but trust bro I haven't dropped that ink!

My cousin is my biggest supporter and is always there for me. He is one of the only people in this world who I trust. Whenever I have issues, I write my brother and he always helps me out. My cousin has done so much good with our family, even in the box and loves us all, even the nuts! Lol  

I guess what I'm getting to is that my cousin Lump is the strongest Mann I know! He has some family against him, friends he hasn’t talked to in years, loved ones who did him wrong, and doesn’t know when he'll get out, but he keeps praising God and pushing through it all.  

He is such a motivator and I'm so proud of him! I'm happy I can be one of those loved ones to say congratulations on your blog and for beating me at letting the world see your amazing words! Haha. Keep writing and NEVER drop ya ink. You know ya Philly Fam always got ya back, especially Nana. She is your biggest supporter!  

We love you and think about you all the time. I thank God he placed you in my life and for the relationship we have. I can't wait for your book and movie to come out with Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfery, Spike Lee, and I (Jasmine Janelle Vaughn) as directors and producers. Lol  

Love you bro!  

Jazzy

NP 4 Life

Copyright © 2012 by Jasmine Janelle Vaughn