The People Speak with LUPE FIASCO . . George Washington University


“THE PEOPLE SPEAK COLLEGE TOUR will bring the film’s producers and cast members to eight universities across the country for live readings, clip screenings, and in-depth discussion!” . . . . and they did. Please excuse my late posting. Life has been a bit crazy! Didn’t Seal say something about not surviving unless we get a little crazy! I agree.

Yes it is true Lupe Fiasco was at GW. I was lucky enough to attain two tickets after I mistakingly saw the announcement for the event two days before. GW likes to hide cool events from people and then basically make it impossible to attend after you find out about said cool events. After basically begging via e-mail to attend the event along with one of my friends, Sharday. She is someone who I would hope I am somewhat of Mentor to, even though she has no idea how much I look up to her. Sharday graduated from Anacostia High School and is member of a local DC up and coming hip/hop group TopShelf Starz.

We were both quite impressed with Lupe’s candid appearance, his remarks and the up-close and personal nature of the event. (Is he single??!!) In fact, I personally wish it could have gone on longer so that I could have made my way up to the microphone to ask my compelling and down-to-earth question. The one that people are always saying “did she just say that?” It was amazing to me some of the “questions” that were filtered by the audience. I am not judging (well maybe a little) but it was as if some of these folks had never stepped outside their dorm room. While I appreciate the struggles in Iran, I can assure you the struggles in DC are right outside your door, literally. In fact inside the very room in which you are posing questions. STOP asking START doing. I thought about starting out my question with a little song from my favorite soundtrack clip in Sister Act II- “If you wanna be somebody and you wanna go somewhere you better wake up and pay attention!” I am constantly reminding myself of these very words on a DAILY basis.

Mr. Fiasco did admit that YES he is “PROUD to be an AMERICAN” and all I have to say to that is “AMEN.” So am I! He said that it was through the making of the movie “The People Speak” which I will put in the plug for the History Channel- (airing on December 13). It is because of The People and MY PEOPLE like my friend Ms. Sharday Jenkins (who attended the event with me), of Washington DC that I am proud to be an American. She is a constant inspiration of hard work, dedication and most importantly a GREAT ATTITUDE. This is an attribute that I was not blessed with however, I am of the opinion that it is one that can be attained.
So. . . for anyone looking for as I say “A FANTASTIC VOY-AGE” (said like Coolio’s hit) of service opportunities or simply something to raise your voice about in the District contact me I can filter you to the right person if you don’t already have something to say or do. But c’mon now, you got style you got grace (like the Nanny) “Democracy is NOT a spectator Sport!” (from The People Speak)

Get your H1N1 Flu Shot TODAY! It’s not all all about Miss Piggy! It is SERIOUS.


Last week I volunteered for the Department of Health at Wilson Senior High. I helped out by doing Data Entry for individuals that received their Swine Flu Shot. I know since I am in public health that I am suppose to call it H1N1, however the “Swine” just kind of stuck with me. At the end of the evening I was able to receive my own shot because I am in a high risk group because I have a low immune system with asthma. I didn’t feel sick the next day, however some people may, everyone is different. Please contact the health department with any major questions and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Check out the DC Department of Health Swine Flu/ H1N1 site for updated clinic’s all of the shots are FREE of cost!!!
Here is the link to the
DOH Swine Flu H1N1 and stay up on national information at: http://www.flu.gov/

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Check out their YouTube Videos!

If your Gonna Get it On- You Gotta Put it On Recap!

The day before Halloween my good friend Tunde and also President of the Black Public Health Student Network relived our Condom Outreach from last year by passing out around 4,000 condoms.

The key message is really about prevention. I would prefer that everyone wait for the “right one” but in the mean time we will engage in risk reduction.

We spent majority of our time at Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro Stop,where most of the YOT’s- youth of today hangout. We continued to hand out condoms on the metro and then we ended up on U street.

My favorite was the barbershop on U street- Edge’s Barber Shop. Great health promoters, friendly, friendly service and Master Barber and owner Donnie Ray even let me have a photo with him!! This is a great place to reach men! Thank you Mr. Ray!

If anyone would like to do their own outreach they can make little kits like we did- with materials and condoms from DC’s Department of Health.
Just click on this link to order some condoms to your home- or simply head in to the office and speak with Mariel or Latoya.
And if you would simply like to order your own and you are a DC resident here is the link for that too!! HERE

Like I said. . . If your gonna get it on You gotta put it on!!!