Stephen's Own Domain 2008

It seems that every year around the summer, or leading to the summer season, yes schools (or most of them) will be out, and activities and events will arise. No question. But recently, I like everyone else read about the Riversplash incident that happened over the weekend. Me, I just shook my head. Why this festival? Knowing incidents like this aren't nothing new because of previous history regarding Juneteenth Day Celebrations, and I must say African World Festival. Recently, I listened to 1290WMCS this morning, and the topic was regarding Riversplash. As I listened to the conversation, it centered around the one thing of presence of individuals, dress, and behavior. Those three. The behavior part is mostly the number one issue in regarding to ruin a good time of events that have been planned for the city to enjoy. They say that one bad apple spoils the bunch.  Even with dress attire. The first time I passed through a Juneteenth Day Celebration, most of the young girls were dressed scantily clad almost. Have one pant leg and a cut off on the other with shirts. And knowing the boys, well let's just say it was "sagging city".  Glad I didn't stay that long. The thing that gets me about those who come to celebrations like Juneteenth, and mess it up, don't usually know about the history of how it came to be. A little synopsis: Juneteenth was established on June 19th, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. This was also the year that President Abraham Lincoln was assasinated months prior.  The day was also declared that slaves were free. As in free citizens no longer under Confederate Control at the tail end of the Civil War. See, this is real summary of why there is a day exists, but yes there are still someone out there wouldn't care and bypass it in a negative fashion. The same I can concure with those who always light illegal firecrackers around the Fourth of July and hang out and don't know what Independence Day really means. Time to re-educate here! For some reason, some call Juneteenth Day as the black version of Independence Day. Getting back to Riversplash, like I said I just shook my head in disbelief.  Riversplash? That's crazy. And now the Mayor and other officials declared that if the street festivals don't shape up with security needs, they're pulling the plugs on them. I hope every street festival, including Juneteenth got the message. If that really happened, there would complaints or questions from those who might ask "...why no riversplash and other street festivals? Oh because of some individuals who can't act right in public." Another might say "That's messed up, all because of people with no home training!"

Second Thought: What to do during the summer.  I've heard this comment over and over again: "School is out and there's nothing to do for the kids." Oh yes there is. When I was growing up there were two things the most looming every summer, Summer School and Summer Jobs. Flat out. My parents didn't kept me at home most of the time during the summer and waste up my energy over a couple of months. Nor got me in trouble. They kept me involved in Summer School, because of fine tuning my education. And yes, field trips were a factor. Another was Summer Jobs working for the church to earn extra money for school, and it was a safe supervised job of cutting and watering the grass, pulling weeds, planting flowers and performing some cleaning jobs on the inside by trash removal. And I also did tutoring in my teens to young children during six summers. Once again, odd jobs and even money to earn. They say there's nothing to do during the summer?  I challenge those to go the MPS Receation facilities to exercise, or the YMCA to get involved with different clubs. Including the Boys/Girls Scouts. I've said this on MySpace, despite of the gas prices, take the family to Noah's Ark one day and ride Black Anaconda. Have a good time at it. Summerfest and the State Fair has something for the kids. Go to either festival. Host or attend a Vacation Bible School session for one week, and that one week alone would set the tone of establishing positive aspects. Make something happen instead of waiting on hands and knees for someone else. Here's something: watch fireworks at a park. We know the dates, so have the freedom to pick and choose. Go to Lakeshore State Park and ride your bicycle around the Island area. It's free. They say there's nothing to do during the summer mostly for the kids in all? When I think about all the activities going around the city, these are some examples that can be family friendly.

To conclude yes, I know the keyword going out is safety. I always said that safety should the first, next and last thing on the list. Knowing me, when I go out, no matter what time of day, I go out and do whatever interests me and come home in one piece. However when problems arise, I just stay home. Not to be a error for social or hanging out, but just to stay safe without getting involved that is not doomed for me to get thrown in Jail, or lying six feet deep at Graceland Cemetery.  I know I sound like a old school hen, but I rather be a safe hen than a jailed or dead hen!

This is my take. Right or Wrong. Just my thought.