whaatishaappines

(Source: synodik)

— Wally Lamb, She’s Come Undone (via hateshiploveship)

— Wally Lamb, She’s Come Undone (via hateshiploveship)

fer1972:

Amazing Landscape Photomanipulations by Dayva&Daniel

(Source: theblackworkshop)

misssugarbones

hopelesslydaydreaming

jron:

My work up at Radial ArtSpace in Atanta:
“The Form and Color of the Things About Him: Portrait of Frederick Douglass” carved cedar, 98”x32”

Buy this new song by Jena titled Discover: Show Me The Way 

Thank you! 

Today I received the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from The University of Rochester. I won because of my hard work last semester in an honors writing class where I addressed controversial topics regarding social injustice—mostly Mexican Immigration. I remember the piece I received most recognition for; it was titled Buscandome A Mi Miso  (or Searching for Myself). That essay was emotionally draining to write. I explored so much of myself through my characters and my devotion to find an answer to the question: what does it mean to be Mexican-American? I realized, through that essay, that it has no definition; Being Mexican-American means so many things—things that I’m still trying to figure it out. 

I think of my work in that class and I realize why I won. I won because I didn’t write my essays to be read. I wrote them for myself. Much like Frederick Douglass, I wasn’t looking to become a (semi) spokesmen, but I did it, I made it! 

I think of my younger self: the boy who did not speak much English, the boy who was left back in second grade, the boy who was made fun of for not being able to read properly, the boy who was in special education until 8th grade. 
I see myself now: a honors kid, a writer, a poet, a reader, an (acidental) activist.

I accept this award for several people:
First, I accept this for the young people who come to this country and are forced to reject their culture, reject part of themselves, and assimilate. To you I say: Be great but only for yourself. Learn English so you can call yourself bilingual, not just because the cultural racism is too much to bare.”You owe it to your self to (create or) recreate yourself.” -NG.
Second,  I accept this for the people who came before me. Thank you! You have taught me so much! 
And last, I accept this for all humans still discovering themselves. To you I say: Keep searching for yourself, you’ll be surprised what you find. Keep fighting, even silently, for your dream.

God is good,

Eli H. 

Hey Maika! I would love to review Vizcaya. You caught me in a perfect time; I’m transitioning books and I have time to read a new one. Please send me the PDF or book as soon as you can. My e-mail is eliazarh@hotmail.com if you would like to speak there. 
Happy to help,

Eli

P.S. Do you know the author of the book or are you just a big fan?
 

Okay, I’m just going to say it: I did not like this book. Michael Shaara is a talented writer, I mean just the work that he put into this—wow! As a writer, I can only imagine how hard it was to write this, but this book had no special calling to me. I feel sorry for students who are required to read this book. I could only take it because I love reading and Shaara grew up where I grew up, other than that, this book made me question the Pulitzer Prize. It must be for how much work Shaara put into this 300+ page book.

To be very critical, Shaara is so redundant, very slow, and often unbearable. But this book is believable. I’m sure some people would love it. Just because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean it isn’t a great novel. I just hope no one is forced to read this. I hope you find this book and want to read it—for American, for your history. 

(Source: elibooks)

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