WTD: Article, Blog & Magazine Team

"Black Roses" (Written by. Christopher Thompson)

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:04:52 -0500

Written by. Christopher Thompson

Edited by. Connie Sprewer

Artwork by. Dumaine Reid

Presented by. WitnessTheDream Online Mag/Blog

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When the pain is everlasting they say darkness is only a matter of timing.

With pain comes everlasting grinding, searching, then finding long lost love.
Call it perfect timing but you can’t stay and it kills you.
You pray for forgiveness just wishing you never fall victim and then again it happens.
Heart break and dark fashions, black roses that splash them.
Caught in the line of fire of what has been.
It’s nothing like seeing and realizing what has been and then it happens.
Your broken and can’t be fixed.
Yearning for that quick fix, but there is nothing like that first hit.
Then you vanish.
Black roses made you understand the damage, but you never recognized that you needed to manage your contradictions.
Lost in the world’s conditions, a product of what you made, you and all of love’s wishes.
Love is gone and that’s what you made for yourself from your conditions.
Black roses a dozen, no missing hinges just principals of love.
No guarantees on happiness, it’s so unpredictable because you can’t stamp it.
It’s not caged in or even planned to happen, it just does, but you gave up and look what happened.
Another risk, another wrist slit; sickening but you ask love to kiss and make up.
Black roses to match the black makeup.
You’ve been going down hill for quite some time, it’s not fine but you accept it.
Lost in the world without love and all you ever wanted was a bit of acceptance.
You died inside looking for a reason to accept it.
Black roses, black diamonds, and red wine he is gone and you’ll never be fine.
Cross guided trying to find light of the situation, but face it there are no basics.
Love is love and it will make you do the craziest things.
This is why you’ve hurt your self trying to find something to void the emptiness; black roses covered her empty pit.
Her heart beat on but she couldn’t stomach the emptiness, black roses the shade of emptiness.
Heart broken, black roses devoured her emptiness.
He’s never coming back, just deal with the consequence.
Black Roses..the story of her emptiness..

Bullet To The Heart, Written By Chris Thompson

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:58:24 -0600

One heart, one chance, one bullet, one stance. Overshadowed by every emotion that was taken for granted, the feelings were reckless and over dramatic. Maybe this was something more, I couldn’t understand it. I guess I should of thought and under planned it. This was nothing more then what it could be, and nothing less then what it should be. Scared to death I might be but, love didn’t frighten me. Too deep in my mental to even be shook up slightly, I took a chance at being Spike Lee. I did the right thing, but then again who’s to say if I was right or wrong. So love sick, I couldn’t get this near mirror image of love out of my head. Did I want it gone, left to be dead? Real, lasting, friendships that took me places I’ve never gone. A bullet to the heart. Could this be my last sight or my last fight? I couldn’t get the words to release from my mind. Almost like it was my last song. I envisioned happiness, but at what price. Was it worth anything? Could love and death over price me? Could something so fulfilling sacrifice me? If only I could I be bullet proof for this last stance. I really didn’t think it would take more then one chance. This is one life and love can’t withstand that. I have put up more fights then should be, so feel free not to judge me. I once cared too and put the world on my back. How could you forget me? How could you just do me like that? One bullet is all it took me. I ended everything just like that…

Nightmares of a Fallen Soldier, Written By Chris Thompson

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:01:00 -0600

A long road to victory, but where is the history? Striving to make more of myself, so I laid my life down. Reaching for victory, making a way. Carving out my history running through fields of these war zones looking for pieces of myself. Something told me this would be my last tour and these would be my final farewells. I cried tears of Joy in pride before I said my final goodbyes. Only these thoughts tore me apart inside and mentally. I was no longer ready to care about this fight. I became a robot that worked on command. So detained from civilian life, every time I was home it was hard to sleep at night. Paranoid for my family with so much anger inside. Ready to shoot anybody suspicious on sight. I began to worry could my wife even stand me? Or did my family still worry about me? Was I a father who lived up to the word family? I had nightmares of dying, blood being shed and terrorist coming for my family. Not only that, but picture this; your only loved ones screaming for help and you can’t do nothing to stop the shit. These were my nightmares and I couldn’t stop them for shit. So lost this time around, I couldn’t think for shit. So caught in my nightmares, every night I awoke in cold sweats. So many tours I had served, ones that I could never forget. Paralyzed spiritually, I couldn’t come to terms with shit. Surrounded by inability in every aspect of living. Right now my darkest moments roamed. Right now my mind is wondering, ears alert, eyes focused and my heart on my sleeve. What’s to believe my instincts or heart? I’m so tired of trying and fighting nightmares of a fallen solider. My dedication to all my comrades fallen and standing. Bullets and memories, bullets and history, bullets and bloodshed. Looking at the pistol on my lap freshly loaded and ready, I simply bowed my head and prayed forgiveness. One bullet to the dome and my nightmares become my history. Fallen with no one to trust…

The Best Memories - Chapter 7, The Hill (Written By: Dumaine Reid)

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:25:00 -0500

The Best Memories – Chapter VII

The Hill

Fall 2010, it was my first year at Milwaukee Area Technical College, I was excited and nervous because of the opportunity I was receiving to play on the basketball team. Although I was red shirting, I was going to take full advantage of this opportunity. It was the first day of conditioning, we all hopped into the team van to head down to the lake. I had that nervous feeling in my stomach because I didn’t know what to expect. Our coaches told us we would be running sprints in the sand. Then we would be running the hill across the street. As I looked across the street I saw the UWM men’s basketball team running the hill, the hill didn’t seem that tough from looking at it but looks can be very deceiving. The hill was steep, had all types of rough points and really put pressure on your legs. Running that hill 5 times took every bit of energy I had. This past fall I went back to that hill, this time I was with my bro Babatunde. I knew what to expect when he told me that we’d be running the hill down at the lake. The first time I ran it, I’d have to say the hill got the best of me, but this time I felt amazing. Nonetheless from this day on I look at that hill and just think about how tough it was. It wasn’t just tough physically; it was tough mentally, just like life. When you’re running up this hill you ask yourself can you finish. Your body is tired, your legs are beginning to tighten up but getting to the top is the focus.

Look at where you are in life, look at where you came from and look at where you would like to go. Are you where you want to be? If you aren’t, what do you feel like you can do better? Sometimes it’s okay to look back at the past, sometimes it isn’t. We all have to go through this at some point in our lives. We’re trying to conquer this hill and at any given moment we can slip to the bottom. What happens then? Are you going to just sit there and give up? Or are you going to dust yourself off and try it again. Since the year of 2012 began my life has had more challenges that I could ever imagine, from my love life, to finances, being a CEO and so much more. One thing I am proud is the fact that I’ve started to build a stronger relationship with God. Understanding is something we all as people want out of life and with God, it comes a lot easier. Most of the time it can be tough to understand what God is taking you through but at the end of the day you just have to trust in His plan. Right now, I feel like my legs are tightening up on me as I run up this hill. I’m breathing heavy and it’s getting tough to finish. I pray every day and night for clarity but God is just testing my faith and patience.

That’s one thing our generation really lacks, patience. We’re so focused on what we want to happen at that moment we forget that everything takes time. At this point, I can admit I’m not content with my life. I’m grateful and appreciative for everything but it’s all just very tough. People may see me and I’ll still have a smile on my face, that’s just the type of person I am. I’m going to smile regardless but deep down, I see myself struggling to get up this hill. Struggles are a part of life and we all go through them, and those are times we have to cherish because those days of struggle keep us humble. It lets us know that no matter how good you think things are going they can be taken away from you at any given time. How close are you to the top of the hill? Don’t celebrate too soon, because when you least expect it, something can knock you down and you’ll have to fight back to get to where you were and fight even harder to get to the top. People will say life is “unfair” or whatever the case maybe but the truth is everything happens for a reason. It’s just up to you if you want to learn from it or not. These last few months haven’t been my best but I’m learning from them.

Lately I’ve just had to face the reality about a lot of things, after high school life really gets real. Don’t take this as me being “depressed” this is just understanding life a lot more. I’ve been blessed to see 21 years on this earth and I don’t regret anything that has happened. Mistakes happen; trials and tribulations make us understand what God’s plan for us truly is. It really pains me to see young men and women just going through life not seeking understanding, my pastor at church made a great point one Sunday in our Sunday school class. He said when young men say they don’t care, they really don’t. Every time I look up, young people are saying “Free” this person or “RIP” to this person. I just sit back and wonder do they realize that life has so much more meaning to it than what they are doing right now. Unfortunately, some of them will never understand, for others it takes something dramatic to change their lives and wake them up. It shouldn’t take all of that, our city is dying a little more every day. Our graduation rates are dropping, while teen pregnancy is rising. All of this hurts; all of this plays a part of me trying to get up this steep and rough hill. Why does it matter? Because I genuinely care about my city, so many people say negative things about Milwaukee and I can admit it’s not how it used to be a few years ago but it’s home. Overall, when you are preparing to run this hill of life, stay composed because there will be some rough points, but as long as you have God, a strong circle of friends, there’s no reason why you can’t make it to the top. I’ve been blessed to have both in my life, but if it’s one thing I’ll always remember is when my mentor and big bro DJ Willie Shakes told me “Everybody isn’t going to make it with you.” He told me this when Mission10Eleven first began, he was right. Back then I had a lot of “friends” but now the circle is smaller, that’s life. You have to move on; don’t hold grudges because as we all know life is way too short for that. People just grow apart and have different paths to follow. This aspect has probably been one of the toughest aspects I’ve faced due to the fact that I have such a big heart but some people just have different intentions. At the end of the day, remember that you are human and you’re going to make mistakes, don’t allow those mistakes to hold you back from the plan God have for you, get to the top of the hill and rejoice when you make it.

Color Me Ugly (Written By Chris W. Thompson)

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 11:58:00 -0500

Since birth I’ve been misjudged, abused, and confused. My father never could accept me, he just didn’t understand. Always so upset with me and how God wrote up his plans. From the jump, my mother was never there. So caught up in these dirty streets, she was confused. In and out of street beefs, using all of her will just to become a glass using junky. Misled and afraid. Confronted for being underprivileged like I asked for this. Who am I? I didn’t ask for this. Color me ugly, because beauty is only defined by every guy wanting to get with me right? Sharing my unspoken goods for a piece of feeling needed, wanted. Color me ugly, because my father never told me I was beautiful. Who am I? You ask this so angrily. I am the girl who’s afraid to look at her self in the mirror, because I’ve been conditioned to not see the beauty of me. Who am I? The little girl who grew so gracefully but yet insists on finding every reason to destruct myself. It is solely because you’ve called me the ugly duckling for quite sometime. I insist you color me ugly because I will never truly understand why this happened to me. So much hurt inside from my father beating and mentally abusing me. The pain from my mother no different, with her walking away and abandoning me. Color me ugly for which I do not know who am I? Can I love myself? Do I even trust myself? Torn between nightmares and reality, waking up looking in the mirror and not accepting me! Who am I? Color me ugly for every shade darker then my reality. Who am I? Color me ugly for wanting every reason to be accepted. How come this outer shell of mine can’t reflect my inner complexion. Dark skin, brown skin, white skin, all skin. I am every girl who’s afraid to love herself. Color me ugly for only wanting happiness and acceptance. Color me ugly, color me ugly, color me ugly. Never forget that all you really need to do is love you. Who am I? You ask this so angrily. I am the pain in the skin I’m in. I am the tears from misery. Color me ugly for not ever feeling beautiful. Color me ugly because I am every girl and every woman. I am fat, skinny, tall or small, whoever has just wanted acceptance. Color me ugly, color me ugly, color me ugly. But don’t you ever dare go forgetting me.

Just simply color me ugly

M.Y.O.B. – B.Y.O.B. (Written By Anthony Atkins)

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:57:39 -0500

The Keys to a Positive and Productive Lifestyle:

All too often these days, you can find people constantly complaining about the lifestyle they’re living. For example, some people like to talk about how their spouse “did them wrong”, how people are “fake” or how they are going to start living a more productive lifestyle by starting some productive habits or stopping some detrimental ones. Usually the people who find themselves in situations where they always have something to complain about aren’t doing enough to remedy their problems. One thing to remember: YOU CONTROL YOUR DESTINY, NOT “THEM”!

I find myself in a good situation in terms of living at this point. This is not because I live a perfect life; I have made my fair share of mistakes in life. Things go wrong for me on occasion just as much and the next man. One thing that I realize is that if something goes wrong in life, it should be because of you and what YOU did wrong. You shouldn’t be looking at how somebody “snaked” you nor did you wrong as an excuse to walk around angry and downtrodden. It is because you allowed them to. The equation is simple, somebody do you wrong, cut them off. No need for revenge, no need to hold onto emotional baggage, just let them go and continue on with control over your own life instead of giving the power to someone who has proven already that they don’t deserve it. Life is a show and it MUST go on one way or another.

I live my (happy, mistake-riddled, yet very productive) life by “The Code” which is “M.Y.O.B. – B.Y.O.B.” That means “Mind your own business” and (no, not bring your own beer) “Be your own boss”. For me, it’s a fool-proof way of living because it allows me to be in charge of what I can do to make sure that I am living life as I intend to.

Allow me to elaborate…

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

It is just as self explanatory as it sounds. Just mind your own business. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean be closed off from the world and not care about what goes on in the lives of those around you. Instead, it simply means to make sure that YOU, as an individual are taken care of before you go sniffing around in what other people have going on.

When you allow yourself to snoop around and be concerned about what others are doing, what they have, who they’re with, or anything of that nature, you are giving that person a little bit of control over you. Doesn’t matter who it is, it could be your best friend, when you begin to focus on the affairs of other people, you are only selling yourself short of the focus you should be giving to yourself to be the best person that YOU can be.

All too often, we find ourselves on other people’s Twitter accounts trying to see what’s going on with such and such. Now in some cases this is cool, but when it comes to any drama this must end! Everybody has their ups and their downs in life and I’ve seen all too many times when people are down, others looking to capitalize on that. INSTEAD OF MINDING THEIR OWN BUSINESS! When someone is down, look to help them up, instead people these days would LOVE to see you down, just to tell the next person “Damn, dude fell off!” anxiously wait for you to crack and laugh about it, internally if not externally. This is something that will never end so I advise you all to deal with your personal woes offline. People just don’t care unless they don’t like you, and that’s just to laugh and if they do care, they’ll be there with you in person and not commenting on your status/tweet like, “Sorry to hear that bro LOL”

Relationships are the same. Girls who like your boyfriend are waiting to see that tweet saying “I just don’t know what to do” just to move in for the kill. Guys do the same. It’s life. People are like vultures in a desert, waiting for you to drop dead from the heat and the pressures of life so they can feed off of the legacy you left behind.

One thing that I know for certain is that if I spent my time worrying about what the next person is doing, I am doing a disservice to myself because I am wasting my time worrying about drama in the next person’s life when I can be utilizing that time to become an even better me. Subtweeting. Why? Gossip. Why? For laughs? Something to talk about cause you lack enough substance to base a conversation off of your own wit and merit? Maybe. If karma didn’t get you yet, it will. Mind your own business.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Sadly, we live in a society where people are constantly looking to the next person to figure out our next move. We often emulate what others are doing just to feel acceptance or to impress others. Whether you like it or not, there is something THAT YOU DO OR DON’T DO because you are afraid someone is going to judge you. Here’s an example… Who still wears Reebok Classics or K-Swiss shoes? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. (I’d still wear Reeboks, BUT IM NOT because I don’t like getting ribbed.)

Seriously though, we often find ourselves in positions of weakness to other human beings. We have bosses at work; we have civil leaders, judges, government officials so we are always going to have someone in a position of power over us. With that said, on can still be the boss of what they can control. I feel that no man or woman should have to live a life where somebody else can control their life like a light switch. For example, take the people solely living off of welfare. Not only that, but they are so dependant that they aren’t looking for work. They are just cashing checks for a living. Then so easily, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker came into the picture working towards taking away those “benefits” from people who are dependant on them. Then you wonder, where those really benefits? Or were they crutches that people became so dependant on that they grew too lazy to provide for themselves? Now these dependant people have no choice but to change their lifestyle. Basically my point is that you should never be in a position where people can be able to change the way you live on the drop of a dime. Be your own resource!

Being a boss doesn’t mean tell others what to do. A true boss is someone who can look adversity in the face like “what’s good?” It doesn’t mean quit your job because you don’t like your manager, it actually means keep your job, swallow your pride and provide for yourself and your family. Who knows, doing such might even get you promoted. I’ve seen it happen before.

Try to have a car so you don’t have to depend on someone else for a ride. Try to ride the bus if you don’t have a car. I’ve done it. I’ve had my car stolen before because I let SOMEONE ELSE try to “watch” it instead of being my own boss. That was my mistake, letting someone else with nothing to lose in the situation have all the power in me losing something that was VITAL to my way of living at the time. Lesson learned. I’m not mad, the show goes on.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t about having a car though. This is about standing on your own two feet and taking care of YOUR business. If you fail or take an “L” (Because you will) make sure that it is because of something YOU did and not because you put it in the hand of someone else. Be your own boss. If you lose at it at least it was because of you and not someone else’s doing or lack thereof.

IN THE END…

Life is like one big television series. Every year is like a new season, the cast changes, the settings and surroundings change but the only thing that remains is you and GOD. People die and you just have to move on. You lose a friend and you just have to carry on without them. As hard as it seems, if you really want to live productively you will have to roll with the punches and allow nothing to hold you back.

Simple things are small victories. Those small victories will help mold you into a better person and as you become a great person, trophies (physical and mental) and accomplishments will start to fill up in the trophy room of your life. People react well to a positive aura. Make sure that that is what you give off to the world or else you will find yourself alone. Don’t go around talking about the next person and their flaws because honestly, that’s for little girls at on the playground at Hampton Elementary (My old school). Be an adult MYOB.

You know you are living well when people become angry with you not because of what you did TO them but what you didn’t do FOR them. Again, everybody has their ups and downs in life but the best of the best know how to get back up on their own two and stand taller and more proudly than they did before they fell. I fell down. I got back up. You can too. Don’t feel a need for a crutch; don’t feel a need to have to depend on anyone or anything because you don’t. You can do it yourself. BYOB.

When It Sets In (Written By. Christopher Thompson)

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:43:21 -0500

See when the rain falls and the pain comes the memories of a distant friend set in when the rain drops touch your skin…It’s real all the thoughts within, can love come back and are we still down till the very end? When it sets in can I call again? Can I tell you how I miss you and all your selfless ways? Distant lover how I miss us and our first time making love in the rain and when it sets in all I see is something to gain everything we ever did was for love and all it’s complicated ways…When it sets in mistakes were made but we fought for it and we played harder like we were Michael Jordan in the last shots I mean 4th quarter game wining last shot…See when it sets in our love was real it made me reveal how I truly feel but the real wasn’t enough see the truth is when the rain drops touched my skin I knew it was over so I knew the storm had to begin…See when it sets know the pain is deeper then that cut to the skin everything worth winning is everything I lost at the end…See when it sets in tell love I’m down to fight for it but I need to be sure I’m a win…See when it sets in and the rain drops touched our skin it was done I knew it was over with us because the storm began without letting the sun in but the question remains can love come back and are we still down till the very end? When it sets in can I call again? Can I tell you how I miss you and all your selfless ways? Distant lover how I miss us and our first time making love in the rain…See when it sets in your nothing but a distant friend lost in what used to be but know you’ll always be special because the rain won’t stop until I let you in…See when it sets in all I ask is love promise me that you won’t come back unless the rain drops stop and you promise me a win see I love you but I know the truth and reality is, it is what it is when the rain drops fall and touch our skin and this is pain when it finally sets in…Everything earned but nothing was gained when it sets in just call me pain…Everything but my fucking name

First Time Back, Written by Chris Thompson

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:31:54 -0500

Unreasonable doubt amounts to unmeasurable fear. What if I fail? What if I succeed? How will they feel? Will it matter that memories faded and love became jaded? What if all the possibilities I ever had become nameless? My first time back should feel shameless. I let my mind slip into a place that brought shame in & I lost focus and forgot the game plan. No reason to hate me now, just show me the same game plan. Every line written connected to something from within. I learned that the heart’s unmeasurable, heartbreak is unforgettable, but all pain is accepting. So it seems to me, you’re too busy trying to make count for sins when you can’t afford blessings. Remember you won’t get in, you have to remember that. If it really matters you will do it from within. Take pride in it being the first time back. When you understand your purpose in life, you deliver better understanding. Your purpose is right, if being you does not have to be an act. I let it loose, so now it is no longer a fight for me. It is putting up its best fight for me. No longer do I ask myself to define what art is; because every line written came from a heart ache, a pain that caused more than a heart break. See it’s simple, I want you to see what I see, hear what I hear, feel what I feel, and fear what I fear. And when it’s all gone, remember moment after moment and cheer after cheer. I did it from the heart & that’s what made it unfair. So now that I understand pain and it’s placement, my first time back is our first opportunity at greatness. Me & this writing has always been a unfair relationship. I hated this shit, I couldn’t come to her when I needed it. It’s just every word reminded me of time wasted. I look at you now and ask myself. “Damn will I ever miss the hatred?” It’s the first time back I hope you all learned a little something from that.

HOHD: Broken Dreams

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:31:00 -0500

Heaven On Hardwood Entry #6

5/23/12

“Broken Dreams”

Written by Charles Smith

Imagine having something that you love pulled from beneath you in a matter of seconds. Imagine having a pain that runs deeper than deep, patiently waiting for a dream that will never come true. Can you accept failure? Do you think you could wake up everyday to a deferred dream with a smile on your face?

I believe EVERYBODY has dreams and goals or have had them at some point in their lifetime. It takes a strong individual to carry that dream along and manifest it into reality. This individual must have a strong self-worth and must be very passionate in the area of what they want to do with that dream. They must constantly be aware of their surroundings and the company that they keep around themselves. I say this because some of us keep people around us that are of no good. These people or “Haters”, I should say, are living a nightmare so they like to shoot down the whole world dreams! It does not matter to them who it is. It can be a mother, brother, sister, cousin, etc. We are only as good as the company we hang around so if you hang around negative miserable individuals then that’s what you will become sooner or later. When you have the mindset of thinking that your goals and dreams are in reach, the enemy will come in and start a mental war with you. See it all starts in your head. You MUST remain positive through it all, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes we think too much on how far we have to go instead of looking at how far we’ve come and how closer we are to catching our dreams. Things will get better in due time. Even Jesus had to wear the crown of thorns before he got the crown of glory. Stay patient!

I’ve written all of this because a friend of mine and many others throughout the city of Milwaukee fits the description very well. His name is Chris Mixon. Or Mix as we would call him. I’ve known Mix for about 6 years and he has a passion for the game of Basketball like no other. Mix attendedRufus King High School where he served as the team manager every year while in school. You couldn’t nor can’t tell Mix to this day that he wasn’t on the team. He will set you straight in a heartbeat. There are many stories on him, but unfortunately, he had gotten in a car accident that hurt him drastically where he would require surgery. I’ve learned a lot from Mix because he has the most heart of anybody that I’ve ever seen and God as my witness. Every 6a.m. practice we had this year for MATC, he was there bright and early with his team gear on, ready to grind. Occasionally, he would be found joking with others, but when practice starts he has his game face on. One person asked him, “why didn’t he play in the Special Olympics?” and he simply replied “I’m a college ball player. Their level of competition isn’t strong enough.” Some might look at him weird, with some skepticism, but I understood where he was coming from. He doesn’t want to be labeled as a disabled person or slow, he just wants to live life like other student athletes. Even though his dream had seemed tohave become broken, he is still doing what he loves the most. Overall, Chris Mixon is just like all of us. He’s one of the most positive people that you’ll come across, especially when it comes to ball players from the 414. He hopes we all make it to play professional basketball. That’s the type of support we all should have when it comes to getting talent out of Milwaukee.

We all have dreams and goals that we live for. Some people carry those dreams on while others have let someone or themselves dictate their mindsets and that dream has shattered into pieces. Somewhere along the line I want to help others pick that dream up and catch it. Help them live life to the fullest and put a smile on their face while doing it.
I’m here to tell you that in spite of your hurt and pain………your stressfulness…… Your Depression……You are STILL HERE!!!!! Through it all, you made it through the moment. God is showing you that there is still hope. As long as you are alive a miracle is possible. For the bible in Jeremiah 29:11 states ” I have plans for you says the Lord. Plans of good thought and not of evil. To give you a hope and a future.” Don’t let your dreams go to waste while you’re still living. I’m pretty sure a few dead people would love to be in our spots right now.

The Formula (Intro to First Time Back), Written by Chris Thompson

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:02:50 -0500

All I see is value and all I hear is hunger. These are simply the sounds of what define you. Hard work and what having a grind can do. If you got a hustle, don’t ever let it define you. Don’t ever put the past behind you, always put it besides you. This is a reminder when its your time, that your roots made it through to shine too. The neighborhood, the block, and the streets can’t even define who? You. Making a way, is making way, for you to live tomorrow but remember the struggles of today. Staying committed and grinding sometimes leads to overtime pay. But who are we to say the rich don’t sleep and the broke can’t pay. Sometimes it’s the darker fantasies and deeper mysteries. Every problem won’t be solved and every solved problem ain’t always right. So don’t get discouraged when you can’t always sleep at night. Just remember every battle ain’t always worth every fight…The formula

"To My Future Wife Part III: The Players Prayer", Written By: Danonta Owten

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:34:00 -0500

Written By: Danonta Owten

”To My Future Wife Part III: The Players Prayer”

Love is probably the strongest drug known to man. It’ll make you do things you wouldn’t normally do. It makes you think and react a certain way. Your judgment and train of thought are affected in this process as well. Women don’t understand how strong their love is. They use it for evil instead of good the love of a good woman is something you don’t come across everyday; it should be handled with care and respect. I’m only 21 but I understand what love is because of a good woman. My future wife is my inspiration and motivation. She is the reason I am what I am today. Now I may be nothing to you but in her eyes I’m her protector, her Mr. Perfect, in her eyes I can do no wrong. Now love maybe a roller coaster but we are on this ride together. As we have heard throughout our entire life there is no “I” in team but there is one in eternity and that is how long I will love you. I have never been this passionate about a woman and that’s what love is. It brings out sides of you didn’t even know you had in you. Before I met you my head was in these streets but now my head and heart are at home and belong to you. I hope you understand everything I say is true. The mind and heart can tell lies and play tricks on you butt like I have said before love is more about your soul then anything else. I can’t even explain the thoughts that are in my head or in my heart. I do know that my life can’t be complete without you; you should know that you’re my angel. I honestly believe that you were in Heaven before God sent you because that’s the only way someone like you exist. If everyone were like you the world would be a better place. I feel like the chosen one because you chose me to spend your life with and that shows that you feel the same way about me. Love is a two way street and we are going 60 MPH on this road. One thing for sure is that losing you is out of the question. My partner, my right hand, and the mother of my children; as we move forward in this life God will be guiding us. You don’t ever have to worry about a thing because I got you. In the end I ask is that God please show me some love and listens to this Players Prayer.

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Tue, 08 May 2012 20:20:22 -0500

The Best Memories - Chapter 6, Remember Who You Are (Written By: Dumaine Reid)

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:32:08 -0500

The Best Memories – Chapter VI

Remember Who You Are

How do we remember who we are? What does it take for us to look at ourselves in the mirror and know exactly what we’re looking at without any questions in your heart? I’m only 21 years old but I feel older, because life has taken me through so many trials and tribulations. The title of this chapter is based off of one of my favorite movies of all time, “The Lion King.”

After Mufasa had passed away, Simba ran away from home. He tried to erase the memories he once had, because of the pain he felt from his fathers’ death. The baboon, Rafiki, helped Simba reconnect with Mufasa. He first told him to look at a pond; Simba became upset because all he saw was his reflection. Rafiki then touched the water with his fingertip and toldSimba to look harder. As he looked harder at the pond, it began to ripple and the reflection changed into his father. Not long after, the thunder began to strike, the clouds got thick and there he was, Simba’s father, the king, Mufasa. Simba had spent so much time having fun, that he had forgotten who he was and where he came from. Mufasa told Simba with his deep and proud voice “Remember who you are, you are my son and the one true king.” This part of the movie stuck out to me so much because I was able to relate to it. My father has always stressed to me that no matter what happens in my life, I always have to remember who I am.

Over Christmas break a lot of things happened, almost too much for me to get a grasp on. God was trying to tell me something but it had not hit me yet. Growing up I was a bit spoiled, my parents, big sister and other family members gave me what I wanted. Of course when I didn’t get what I wanted, when I wanted it, I would throw fits. What kid didn’t do this? The reality of having to grow up and start taking on responsibilities hit me when my parents started telling me I needed to get a job. Sure, I liked having money, but I truly didn’t want to work for it. I was stubborn. I didn’t understand the world just yet; I didn’t understand what was important yet.

All I wanted to do was kick it with my bros, play basketball and talk to girls. Little did I know that there was more to life than these things. After arguing almost every day with my mom about getting a job, I finally got hired. It was the typical job, that’s right, I worked at McDonalds. I hated every minute of it, I felt like I was “too good” to work there. I barely went, my checks were little or nothing and eventually I decided to quit. So here I am, back to square 1, no job and stressed out.

Senior year of high school was approaching and I honestly didn’t know what my future was looking like. I just wanted to play college basketball, but at the same time my grades weren’t the best. Senior year flew by; it felt amazing to graduate, seeing my family smile was all I wanted. Me and my bros went to club 618 that night, I felt like I was on top of the world. The rest of the summer of 2008 was fun as well; I was having the time of my life. 18 years old, just graduated, nothing could go wrong; Right? But, I was wrong and reality had once again slapped me in the face.

Two of my brothers had left town for college, my other brother started college here at UWM, and the rest were just doing their own thing. I felt alone, although I never admitted this, it was how I felt on the inside. Being alone was always one of my biggest fears, I loved being around people. I never realized how scared I was of being alone until this past year. After my great friend Eric passed in 2009 and the end of my last relationship, I was in a dark place. I really felt like I was alone. I didn’t know what to do; I would just stay up all night plotting on new things for Mission10Eleven. Although I kept busy, in the back of my mind the fear of being alone would always creep up. I feared more than just being alone, I feared the world. Over the last few years I’ve tried my best to ignore things that were right in front of me. I’ve been trying so hard to be the best person I can be, but somehow I’ve forgotten who I was at the same time.

During my 21 years on Earth, there have been a lot of people in and out of my life; from friendships to relationships and probably the most painful of them all, death. These 3 aspects have played a major role in my life due to the fact that I have always wanted to be liked. That was a problem I had, I cared too much about what people thought of me. As far as relationships go, well, let’s just say I ask for a lot of attention. I’m emotional, there’s no hiding that and I’m not afraid to show my emotions. Did I show my emotions to the wrong females? Did I care too much about things I couldn’t control? These are just a few questions I asked myself. I could never really find any answers to them, until now. Death, this component was probably my biggest fear of the 3. I had been surrounded by death so much, that the fear of it consumed me. My mind would drift off about how I would die and when I would die, as a kid we all think about this. The harsh reality of death is that we all have to go sometime. I didn’t want to face that reality but after Christmas and New Year’s, God had finally gotten a hold of me. He took all of these fears away from me and allowed me to live life to the fullest.

God has really tested me and showed me things that are very hard to explain, but all I know is that I feel him working on me. I’m far from perfect, I don’t want to be, I just want to be the best person that I can be.

The more I grow up, the more people say I remind them of my dad, especially the resemblance to him. When I was a kid he gave me so much advice, I never understood why he told me so many things but at this point I’m thankful that he did. He’s prepared me for life, even when I felt like I accomplished my biggest goals, he would keep me humble. He would be proud, but always challenge me to do better at the same time. At first I felt like he just didn’t care but if he didn’t care he wouldn’t have taught me everything that he did. To this day he still explains the importance of family to me, it is working. One day I do want to have a family of my own but I have to continue to be a man and prepare myself for that. Responsibility is another component that my father has taught me; since day one he has taught me to be responsible for my actions. In life we make mistakes and we try to blame others for them. Sometimes we simply just don’t want to accept the fact that we are wrong, I understand that now. I understand that I am human and I will make mistakes. God has taught me to live life one step at a time without fear, because fear is what holds us back from becoming what we are truly meant to be.

I don’t have all the answers to life and I am glad I don’t. That’s not how life works; we are supposed to learn new things about ourselves and the world. Life will take you to places that you don’t recognize, you will get lost, and you will panic and feel like nobody can save you. This is when you take a deep breath and ask God to show you the way; that’s all I’ve ever asked for. Life is not meant to be easy, but if we fight hard enough we will become strong.

My family has done so much for me, my big sister is amazing, and she has two amazing children. My 4 year old nephew Evan who is a mirror image of myself and my 14 year old niece who is becoming a woman right before my very eyes. My mother is a strong woman who won’t let anybody stop her from living life and being happy. I’ve lost a countless number of people, but I know God called them home for a reason. They are still here with me in my heart, guiding me to where I need to be in life. I pray that I can bring positive change to the city of Milwaukee. We truly need something here for our next generation to be able to get a hold of.

I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason and to never question Gods plan. I have put all of my worries, fears and stress into his hands, so that I can focus on what I can control. Do I remember who I am? Yes, somewhat. Will I ever be able to fully know? Maybe I will. The only thing that matters to me is that I’m happy with who I am and not what other people want me to be. I’m comfortable being me and I hope you can say the same. Thank you God for allowing me to remember who I am!

Joe Cool-I Wanna Sell Drugs

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:18:17 -0500

Joe Cool-I Wanna Sell Drugs

Do You Remember You Are? Written By: Christopher Thompson

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:00:13 -0500

“This cover represents me and my father, although the chapter is about me remembering who I am, it’s my dad that always taught me to live humble and never change. I remember who I am now bro. Let’s work.” - Dumaine

I had received this cover art and few words in a email not too long ago in the wee hours of the night on March 19th. I knew what I expected from Dumaine but I know what he expects from me as a writer, friend, and brother. So down below is the introduction into chapter 6 which has no set release date yet at the time but it is coming soon. Check out what I had to say about it!

Do You Remember Who You Are?

Written By: Christopher Thompson

With five chapters being done in his viral series of his book “The Best Memories” Dumaine had to pick up where he left off but where he left off is all part of a time table situation that none of us knew what was going on with him or the book. I remember right after chapter 5 was released he told me the title of chapter 6 which is “Remember Who You Are”; Dumaine has always had a stern belief in staying connected with your roots and the communities and places that have made you who are you today. He has a heart so big and a mind so illustrious he’s learned many of life’s lessons through a relationship with his farther somebody who is pretty much the essential key to his life in my opinion I’ve watched him have ups & downs with his parents but his farther is a factor in everything that Dumaine does.

I think in the back of his mind and always in his heart in every decision he makes it’s a part of him that says what would my dad do. His farther is who he is; he is who his farther is. In the major part of “Remember Who You Are” I think we’ll see a bit more personal flaw in self outlook in this chapter from Dumaine he’ll take part in speaking beyond glory, wanting the city to respect his mission, and what value does remembering who you are serve in taking nothing and making it into something play in his bigger goal which is Mission 10Eleven. As his friend, brother, and somebody he depends on I think this chapter will bring so much shock value to what really matters to him and what really matters in the development of him over a life span of time. Dumaine wants now, next, and forever. It’s your turn to the people why this is it, why nothing else matter in making nothing into something, and why you must always give thanks to remembering who you are Dumaine.

Don’t let the people down who look up to you the most Chapter 6 is coming people so until then I must say “Remember Who You Are”.

Big K.R.I.T.-Boobie Miles

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:14:00 -0500

Big K.R.I.T.-Boobie Miles

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Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:48:07 -0600

This one’s for @Ace_Owten

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:47:26 -0600

This one’s for @Ace_Owten

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Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:43:58 -0600

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Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:32:54 -0600