Thursday, January 22, 2009

Hope over Fear...

...and cynicism.

I picked up my local paper yesterday...the day after history. The headline said: 'We have chosen hope over fear' (quoting from Obama's inaugural address).

I think we have. Hope + action = change.

For motivation to continue on the path of hope, I share these inspirational videos...



Davey D video - Michael Franti- Hey Now (Inauguration 2009-Dedicated to the Elders)

click link below to see video at YouTube.com

Michael Franti- Hey Now
Hey World..what you say..be sure to stick around for another day or two..don't give up on me and I won't give up on you..just believe in me like I believe in you...


LINK = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbQqrgWHUns




FROM DAVEY D:

Inspired by the song, I decided to flip things and make a video that includes many of the incredible elders I spoke to all week long. Many of the people shown here have rich histories that sadly may not ever be fully conveyed to the future generations. One is a pioneering entrepreneur who risked life and limb to make sure her community could vote. Another was a pioneering journalist who feels its necessary to come out of retirement and pen some things so others could benefit. Another was one of the first police officers to dawn a uniform on the UC-Berkeley campus. He did what Black officers should be doing and looked out over the Black students who were on the campus. He made sure that our experience with other police was minimized. Others had tales about growing up in the deep south...

In anycase, here's a video I put together to go along with Franti's song. Hopefully it captures the mood of the day. Enjoy and please pass along. This moment is bigger than us all and is dedicated to our mothers, fathers, grandparents and great grandparents.. Thank U for being there..



From Wikipedia: Michael Franti (born April 21, 1966, in Oakland, California) is an American poet, musician, and composer of African, American Indian, Irish, French, and German descent.[1] Franti is the creator and lead vocalist of Michael Franti & Spearhead, a band that blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. He is also an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues.




This theme was also demonstrated during the national prayer service sermon given by Rev. Sharon Watkins. Her sermon focused on the internal battle each person faces - and tells the story of two wolves to teach a powerful lesson:












People can be so poor that the only way they see God is in a piece of bread
- Ghandi

We are our neighbors' keeper.

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