Tag Archives: My Black History

My Black History: Jeff McAllister

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School’s of Public Health all over the country lack one major thing. . . MEN.

Why do you ask? We all know that we will never make money. Clearly I am not a man hater but I think that says a lot about the career paths when you look at Social Workers, Educators (in general) and Public Health Practitioners.

That is why I always make it my business to know the status of all the men in my program. We [the woman] run down a quick list: are the men gay, married, dating, and then men of color. That really limits the pool to even “look at.”

I noticed Jeff pretty quick at the beginning of our program. . . Jeff and I have become really good friends. One the many qualities that I admire most about Jeff is his wit. Jeff tends to be very quiet in class but when he presents a project in class he goes ALL OUT. I have never seen such creative talent which really goes a long way when your focus is Communication and Marketing. Jeff really demonstrated his talents in his Social Marketing Campaign for DC Recyling. . .

Jeff in “Caught Recyled-Handed”Aside from his ability to connect on all creative levels Jeff is one of the most respectful men I have ever known. I would trust him at any time or any place. The man always makes me feel safe wherever we go. I appreciate feeling safe especially when it comes to times like dining-in at the Subway on U street where we had to contact MPD or when we were at Johnny Rockets and nearly had to contact MPD, I always know that when I am with Jeff things will work out. One other unknown fact for friends of Jeff at GW is his AMAZING tap skills! I was able to fully understand his skill Halloween 08. . . Jeff really has some fancy feet! Ask him about his talent he MIGHT treat you to a couple of his steps!

Thank you Jeff for always being a good friend to me. . .
All I ask is don’t forget the people from your past!
and PLEASE DON’T WEAR THE SUNGLASSES. . . . they are NEVER meant for indoor wear and never will be!

Jeff’s Brief Bio:
Jeff was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Linguistics from Princeton University. He is working to complete his Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Health Communication and Marketing at The George Washington University. Prior to coming to DC, he worked with the Pan American Health Organization at the field office in El Paso, Texas on a binational project concerning children’s health indicators. His professional health-related interests include editorial writing, copywriting, and health-focused narration.

My Black History: Jeff McAllister

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School’s of Public Health all over the country lack one major thing. . . MEN.

Why do you ask? We all know that we will never make money. Clearly I am not a man hater but I think that says a lot about the career paths when you look at Social Workers, Educators (in general) and Public Health Practitioners.

That is why I always make it my business to know the status of all the men in my program. We [the woman] run down a quick list: are the men gay, married, dating, and then men of color. That really limits the pool to even “look at.”

I noticed Jeff pretty quick at the beginning of our program. . . Jeff and I have become really good friends. One the many qualities that I admire most about Jeff is his wit. Jeff tends to be very quiet in class but when he presents a project in class he goes ALL OUT. I have never seen such creative talent which really goes a long way when your focus is Communication and Marketing. Jeff really demonstrated his talents in his Social Marketing Campaign for DC Recyling. . .

Jeff in “Caught Recyled-Handed”Aside from his ability to connect on all creative levels Jeff is one of the most respectful men I have ever known. I would trust him at any time or any place. The man always makes me feel safe wherever we go. I appreciate feeling safe especially when it comes to times like dining-in at the Subway on U street where we had to contact MPD or when we were at Johnny Rockets and nearly had to contact MPD, I always know that when I am with Jeff things will work out. One other unknown fact for friends of Jeff at GW is his AMAZING tap skills! I was able to fully understand his skill Halloween 08. . . Jeff really has some fancy feet! Ask him about his talent he MIGHT treat you to a couple of his steps!

Thank you Jeff for always being a good friend to me. . .
All I ask is don’t forget the people from your past!
and PLEASE DON’T WEAR THE SUNGLASSES. . . . they are NEVER meant for indoor wear and never will be!

Jeff’s Brief Bio:
Jeff was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Linguistics from Princeton University. He is working to complete his Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Health Communication and Marketing at The George Washington University. Prior to coming to DC, he worked with the Pan American Health Organization at the field office in El Paso, Texas on a binational project concerning children’s health indicators. His professional health-related interests include editorial writing, copywriting, and health-focused narration.

My Black History: Paul Crucial Thoughtz Spires

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From the first moment I met Paul at the DC Tobacco Free Families Conference in September of 2008 I knew that he was someone I needed to know. Paul has been showing his talent in many ways one of which by getting the word out that secondhand smoke KILLS! (Below is his PSA on the DC airwaves)

After I met Paul I went onto his Myspace and there were a few things that I wasn’t the most impressed with. . . I called him out on it, and he snapped back which was cool. I pulled back and let him do his thing. . . over the holidays I was “tagged” in a note on facebook, with this photo . . . I don’t know if I ever told Paul but it made me cry, ball like a baby:

MUSICAL MATURITY
December 20, 2008
The Current state of musical entertainment is childish men and women of all ages are listening to anything
We listen to wutever is catchy or sounds good.
Well now I’ve found a resolution….I will began to make everysong i write be a message to the audience in which it appeals to.
For example, the College song is a message to all students in every level of education from pre-k to seniors and also those who graduated and haven’t enrolled in a College or university.
It is songs like dat which will go a long way and i believe it will make other entertainers aware of how powerful our music is.
We tend to forget that Music controls the society(believe it or not).Here’s an example,in the Mid 1990′s most songs was about shooting each other and Beefin(tupac-n-biggie,all dat westcoast Gangsta Shit).In Result the Murda rate in every Maajor city Went thru tha Roof.
If Lil Wayne was to make a song right now saying i want you to have my baby, the teen pregnacy rate would probably skyrocket.
By this time next year Me, Paul Spires aka Crucial Thoughtz will be a well known National Artist.So now is da perfect time for me to set a standard in which i will go by and adjust my approach in compliance with The artsist developement strategy set for me during 2009.
Wish me Luck a please try to listen to MY songs and forgive me for i currently have some ignorant songs mixed in with life appreciating songs.Its like common said “we write songs about wrong cuz its hrd to see right”Lets Mature in Music

What Paul doesn’t know is that I am basically his biggest fan. EVERYONE in DC knows Paul. Wherever I go I am not gonna lie, I name drop “Crucial Thoughtz” all over the place. . . when I was Anacostia High School the other week and being accused of being an Undercover cop- all I had to do was mention that I knew Crucial Thoughtz/ Top Shelf and everything was “all good.” (sorry Paul if I have embarrassed you) Paul encourages other youth to go college through his music.
Below his hit- “High School” (PS. . Meechie, I just really want to meet you!)

Here is the bottom line, I could sugar coat the things that Paul has gone through but they will haunt me for the rest of my life. But he is “DOIN’ IT” The man is working hard in college, performed at an Inaugural Ball, and seriously there are people all over GW that are nearly fighting to be “one of Paul’s friends.” It is so great, because we are all “fighting” to see Paul succeed.

Paul, you are my HERO. I just wanted to let you know how much I care for you, and absolutely marvel at everything you are doing. You have the most amazing FAN CLUB. I know I am not “hip” or “fly” but I sure as HELL LOVE YOU PAUL! Keep doin’ what your doin’!

SUBSCRIBE TO Paul’s/Topshelf TALENT on YouTube!

My Black History: Paul Crucial Thoughtz Spires

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From the first moment I met Paul at the DC Tobacco Free Families Conference in September of 2008 I knew that he was someone I needed to know. Paul has been showing his talent in many ways one of which by getting the word out that secondhand smoke KILLS! (Below is his PSA on the DC airwaves)

After I met Paul I went onto his Myspace and there were a few things that I wasn’t the most impressed with. . . I called him out on it, and he snapped back which was cool. I pulled back and let him do his thing. . . over the holidays I was “tagged” in a note on facebook, with this photo . . . I don’t know if I ever told Paul but it made me cry, ball like a baby:

MUSICAL MATURITY
December 20, 2008
The Current state of musical entertainment is childish men and women of all ages are listening to anything
We listen to wutever is catchy or sounds good.
Well now I’ve found a resolution….I will began to make everysong i write be a message to the audience in which it appeals to.
For example, the College song is a message to all students in every level of education from pre-k to seniors and also those who graduated and haven’t enrolled in a College or university.
It is songs like dat which will go a long way and i believe it will make other entertainers aware of how powerful our music is.
We tend to forget that Music controls the society(believe it or not).Here’s an example,in the Mid 1990′s most songs was about shooting each other and Beefin(tupac-n-biggie,all dat westcoast Gangsta Shit).In Result the Murda rate in every Maajor city Went thru tha Roof.
If Lil Wayne was to make a song right now saying i want you to have my baby, the teen pregnacy rate would probably skyrocket.
By this time next year Me, Paul Spires aka Crucial Thoughtz will be a well known National Artist.So now is da perfect time for me to set a standard in which i will go by and adjust my approach in compliance with The artsist developement strategy set for me during 2009.
Wish me Luck a please try to listen to MY songs and forgive me for i currently have some ignorant songs mixed in with life appreciating songs.Its like common said “we write songs about wrong cuz its hrd to see right”Lets Mature in Music

What Paul doesn’t know is that I am basically his biggest fan. EVERYONE in DC knows Paul. Wherever I go I am not gonna lie, I name drop “Crucial Thoughtz” all over the place. . . when I was Anacostia High School the other week and being accused of being an Undercover cop- all I had to do was mention that I knew Crucial Thoughtz/ Top Shelf and everything was “all good.” (sorry Paul if I have embarrassed you) Paul encourages other youth to go college through his music.
Below his hit- “High School” (PS. . Meechie, I just really want to meet you!)

Here is the bottom line, I could sugar coat the things that Paul has gone through but they will haunt me for the rest of my life. But he is “DOIN’ IT” The man is working hard in college, performed at an Inaugural Ball, and seriously there are people all over GW that are nearly fighting to be “one of Paul’s friends.” It is so great, because we are all “fighting” to see Paul succeed.

Paul, you are my HERO. I just wanted to let you know how much I care for you, and absolutely marvel at everything you are doing. You have the most amazing FAN CLUB. I know I am not “hip” or “fly” but I sure as HELL LOVE YOU PAUL! Keep doin’ what your doin’!

SUBSCRIBE TO Paul’s/Topshelf TALENT on YouTube!

My Black History: Karl Malone, The Utah Jazz, John Stockton & Larry H. Miller

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Jr. Jazz (Boys & Girls Club rec team)


My first pair of really nice Nike's (& last)

In Utah “Stockton to Malone” and the “Mailman” have always been household names. Collecting cards is one of the fondest memories I have with my brother.  I spent an excessive amount of time organizing my cards first by team, then in alphabetical order it was OCD to say the least.

Karl Malone actually lived down the street from me. Now don’t go getting any ideas. This is why Utah is so great, the middle and upper upper class lived in peace and harmony. I think maybe that’s why Karl liked living in Salt Lake. He could go to the grocery store and no one would bother him, and in fact his kids were on the same swim team as me and I remember my mother always saying “DON’T BOTHER THE MAN.” I couldn’t help myself during the 97-98 playoffs I remember going up to him and saying “Good Games” (great grammar I know) and he said “Thank you for the support.” I thought I was pretty smooth. I am sure Karl thought so too.

You can’t really talk about Malone with talking about Stockton.  Who will ever forget Stockton’s short shorts?  Stockton and Malone were like PB & J. I can remember channel 14 “KJZZ” blaring from the front room or and my mom even let my brother and I watch a game while we worked on homework.  While I realize that I am not a sports reporter or analyst I did watch every Jazz game back in the 90′s and was known to have “Jazz Parties” with coordinating plates and napkins.

I had a horrible time trying to find one of my other favorites. . . Antoine “BIG DAWG” Carr. I think it was the glasses that did it for me or maybe it was because the media would always play “Who let the dogs out” he was just a real assest to the Jazz.

Another member of the Jazz, owner and personal friend, Larry H. Miller passed away from complications from Diabetes Type II last weekend. Larry was also my neighbor, my Sunday School Teacher and even though at times I didn’t agree with some of his decisions in the community I really valued his ability to bring the community together. Larry was honored when the Jazz beat the Hornets on Saturday where his courtside chair was illuminated with roses.

Type II Diabetes IS preventable. Please see the CDC’s website for information:
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/index.htm

Larry you will be greatly missed. The NBA from the 90′s you are also missed! Jordan, Robinson, Pippen, Barkley, Tim Duncan, Penny, Ewing, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Shawn Kemp, Anfernee Hardaway, Tim Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Isiah Thomas and so many other greats! Hail to the 90′s when there really was a LOVE for the GAME!

My Black History: Karl Malone, The Utah Jazz, John Stockton & Larry H. Miller

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In Utah “Stockton to Malone” and the “Mailman” have always been household names. I will never forget collecting basketball cards with my little brother. This was really the turning point at which my mother should have sought counseling for my OCD because whenever I would get a fresh new pack of upper deck cards I had to make sure they were organized not only BY TEAM, in alphabetical order, but also by alphabetical order of the player. Speaking of cards. . . my mother has my card with Karl’s signature in her safety deposit box, or so she claims. (I need to follow up on that) I am really putting myself out for embarrassment but I wanted to include a special photo from Junior High (a special time) of my Junior Jazz years (Boys and Girls Club Basketball)- I fouled out every game.

My first really nice pair of Nike’s (and last!)


Karl Malone actually lived down the street from me. Now don’t go getting any ideas. This is why Utah is so great, the middle and upper upper class lived in peace and harmony. I think maybe that’s why Karl liked living in Salt Lake. He could go to the grocery store and no one would bother him, and in fact his kids were on the same swim team as me and I remember my mother always saying “DON’T BOTHER THE MAN.” I couldn’t help myself during the 97-98 playoffs. . . I had to say “Good Games” and he said “Thank you for the support.” I thought I was pretty smooth. I am sure Karl thought so too. (Please be advised ADULT LANGUAGE IN VIDEO)

Who will ever forget Stockton’s short shorts? He just would have not been the same man without them? I think the key is that Stockton kept Karl in check. I wish I had a Stockton. It is funny how the play always worked- STOCKTON TO MALONE. Every team should have just planned on it. I realize that I am not a sports columnist, but I did watch every Jazz game back in the 90′s and was known to have “Jazz Parties” with coordinating plates and napkins.

I had a horrible time trying to find one of my other favorites. . . Antoine “BIG DAWG” Carr. I think it was the glasses that did it for me or maybe it was because the media would always play “Who let the dogs out” he was just a real assest to the Jazz.

Another member of the Jazz, owner and personal friend, Larry H. Miller passed away from complications from Diabetes Type II last weekend. Larry was also my neighbor, my Sunday School Teacher and even though at times I didn’t agree with some of his decisions in the community I really valued his ability to bring the community together. Larry was honored when the Jazz beat the Hornets on Saturday where his courtside chair was illuminated with roses.

Type II Diabetes IS preventable. Please see the CDC’s website for information:
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/index.htm

Larry you will be greatly missed. The NBA from the 90′s you are also missed! Jordan, Robinson, Pippen, Barkley, Tim Duncan, Penny, Ewing, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Shawn Kemp, Anfernee Hardaway, Tim Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Isiah Thomas and so many other greats! Hail to the 90′s when there really was a LOVE for the GAME!