Fulfilling a Resolution

This post was originally meant to be published the first of January

Hotep,

Looking back on 2K11, I can clearly see positivity – as well as mental, physical and spiritual growth – enveloped within the days of another year gone by.  Optimism is the magnifying glass that permits us to see the cup as half full.  And believe me, I live by that.  But how can one ever dismiss the occasional storms that flood our comfort levels or temporarily wipe out the power that generates the ambitions of a Go-getter?

Those rainy days of 2K11 will not sway my drive of becoming a much better writer in 2K12.  Truth be told; those storms will encourage me to take my life to the next level.  In fact, I’m making that my New Year’s resolution, for 2K12, “Taking my life to the next level.”  That’s what’s up!

Now, in order to accomplish this feat, I must cast away all uncertainties and allow my social barriers to become social magnets, which don’t necessarily require me to erase the scratch line of my personal space.  It simply means I should be intuitive concerning the favor of my Creator.  Na mean?

Accomplishing this grants me ample protection from the showering of frustration, despair, discouragement and envy.  The swirling winds of hate and pessimism are merely a trickle of a challenge as I stomp through the puddles of cynicism and vindictiveness. You see, these storms will only enhance the girth of my umbrella of favor.

Communicating with the masses from a death row prison cell has proven to be inspirational for some – but exasperating for others.  My life is currently in the state of a major transition.  Hate it or love it; a change is coming.  Feel me?

I only wish George Junius Stinney was alive to experience this movement of a Mann touching society from a judicial mausoleum.  Oh, forgive me; you may not know who George is.  He just so happens to be the youngest person ever executed in the US.  At 14, this Columbia, South Carolina youth was accused, tried and convicted of killing two white females.  With no physical evidence, an all white male jury convicted George in 10 minutes.  SMH.

1944 was a very dark time for this country.  Looking at the cup as half full, I’ d be inclined to think we’ve come such a long way since 1944, but then Troy Davis was executed by the state of Georgia 67 years later.  SMH.  More storms will come, for sure, but they won’t stop me from fulfilling a resolution in 2K12.  Word is bond!!

Keeping it 100,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

On the Move Volume 5: history in the making

Hotep,

As I document this 8^th week of my post-surgery recovery, it’s important that I mention the fact that the Racial Justice Act is being put to the test by a death row defendant.  This case will be the first of many to seek judicial relief in the form of racial justice.

Now, before I go into my personal journey, I’d like to acknowledge the possibility of North Carolina’s death row transitioning in a manner that will spare the bloodshed of wrongfully convicted defendants.  The Troy Davis story is an American tragedy.  Racial justice is the punctuation that can bring an end to the barbarity of capital punishment; like a period. 

It’s sad to say that it (racial justice) was no more than a comma in the case of Troy Davis.  SMH.  No one can predict the outcome of every trial we’ll ever face, but I do know this:  the wrinkles of today can be well pressed tomorrow.  You just have to keep waking up.  Feel me?

This 8^th week has been eventful for death row.  Another North Carolina death row prisoner had his death sentence vacated and is now serving a life sentence.  This particular prisoner was sentenced under the old law (before August 1995), so he’ll be eligible for parole in 2016.  Word is bond.

My recovery seems minute compared to these landmark life events taking place in a state that breeds racial divide; A state in which some politicians use emails to suggest that public lynching be restored.  SMH.  My Achilles heel is just a tendon that will heal, in time, but the Achilles heel of the N.C. justice system is racism.  And that, people has crippled generations of opinions on both sides of the capital punishment debacle.  Na mean?

On a much lighter note, Dr. C. told me that I no longer require the services of “Philly” (my boot).  I was examined on Wednesday (2/1/2012).  The good doctor assured me that the tendon is healing well, and I’ll be starting physical therapy in the very near future.

I feel that I’ve become too dependent on “Philly.” Walking without her just isn’t the same.  My balance is off, and the tightness in the tendon challenges my natural stride; especially when I’m using the stairs.  Real talk.

My weight training routine has picked up since I moved back upstairs.  I refuse to do squats until my balance is restored.  Na mean?  The Kunta Kinte Thing (running) is definitely not an option right now.  So I’ll just have to get it in with the upper body and lower back exercises until I can stand on my own two (pun intended).

The next “On the Move” chronicle will include some of the particulars of my physical therapy.  This recovery will be a painful journey.  My Achilles has been throbbing ever since I parted ways with “Philly.”  This recovery process is now a staple in my life’s history.  Seeking racial justice, getting out of prison or writing this blog, everyday is history when you’re living on death row. There’s no escaping the history you were meant to make.  Ya heard?

Keep it 100,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

On the Move Vol. 4: Back to the Block

“No running for 21 days.
May walk using the boot. 
Okay to use the stairs.
No standing on left leg for 21 days.
Return to the orthopedics in 3 weeks.”
-          Dr. S. 

Hotep,

I’m back on Pod 6.  It’s been 5 weeks since I went under the knife.  I was cleared to move back upstairs on Wednesday (1/11/12), but the actual transition didn’t happen until Friday (1/13/12).  Yeah, Friday 13^th.  Who knew?  SMH

Not everyone was pleased about my return to the upper tier, cell IU217.  Even though I can taste the tension like a cloud of smoke in the air; my mission remains the same.  You see, I’ve learned to thrive on the hate – whether it’s coming from inside this box or from the street.  Hate is my reality check.  It’s the telltale sign that I’m doing something right.  As long as my moves continue to breed positive results, I’ll deal with the hate like a pick working through a nappy afro; it might make you cringe, but the end result is almost always favorable.  Feel me?

The medical instructions at the top of this post are the words that concluded my downstairs hiatus.  As much as I wanted to come back upstairs – I enjoyed breaking bread with Hilltop, Jamil, Nasty Nas and Streets.  Hate doesn’t stand a chance with a supporting cast like this.  No doubt.  What it do Peoples?

Once I got settled in on Pod 6, I learned my man “Smoke Digga” was rushed to the prison hospital shortly before I came to the block.  He suffered a collapsed lung.  The latest report is his condition is stable, but he’ll remain in the outside hospital until his condition improves.  Keep on swinging and get back to the block Smoke Digga.  Pod 6 ain’t the same without you Dunn.  Real talk.

My youngsta Frost blessed me with a few packs of Picante beef flavored, Oodles of Noodles.  The smell alone takes me back to North Philly, 25 years ago to be exact.  An 18 year old MannofStat facing a bowl of noodles and two slices of white bread, contemplating my next move.  My life has come full circle blogosphere.  I may have missed my shot, but I rebound well.  Ya heard?

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann