Freedom

"They did not ask to be accepted but declared themselves the Americans that perhaps few others recognized but that they had always been deep within their hearts." Isabel Wilkerson, Warmth of Other Suns.

This is the last "official" part of her book and it is inspiring. Everyone deserves freedom, despite what society wants them to believe. This is why African american's as a group are so strong. We have endured such unbelievable struggles. From slavery, to Jim Crow, to segregation, to the "equality" that we face today no other race has endured what we have. We deserve freedom just as crucial as people want us to believe that we don't.

As a group we deserve our "Forty Acres and a Mule" and it's sad that we'll never get what we deserve.

"Don't Go to Howard to Find a Man."

Since a young child we are told that we’re going to marry our College Sweetheart. Well, how about when the ratio of girls to boys is 14 girls for one boy? Do you still have that happy ending? At Howard there are nothing but thirsty girls desperately vying for the attention of at least one “man”. Let’s face it, with the ratio on their side none of them are looking for a serious relationship. Seeing a couple on campus is just as rare as seeing someone not dressed up for class; it just doesn’t happen. Howard doesn’t have the happy wedding ending where the couple gets married after graduation and living happily ever after. It’s not what you come to Howard for.

I’m not saying that I’m looking for a relationship, because I’m really not. I’m just curious, where am I supposed to meet my knight in shining armor? The chances at Howard just suck.  

God's Grace

Let me tell you what God just did for me. Last night I was up late studying for my SOC Orientation Final that I took at 8:10 this morning. I didn't get into bed until around two this morning. With the combination of this late night, plus all the previous late nights my whole room didn't get up. We didn't even wake up when the combination of ten alarms that we have set sounded at 6:50 this morning. We slept through everything.

Then, at 7:45 God woke my roommate Keyona up. We were able to get up in time to take a quick shower, brush our teeth, and run out the door to class.

I can't stop praising him and thanking him for waking her up because we would have failed if we missed this final. I can't thank him enough for all the blessings he has bestowed on my life. God is amazing, and I wouldn't have made it this far without him. I honestly don't know what I would have done if he didn't wake Keyona up, I can't praise him enough for what he did.

Women in Society

Women have always been considered "sub-par" compared to men. During Slavery women were in the field picking cotton alongside their male counterparts. Yet, during the Great Migration women were back at the bottom of the totem pole. Some of my classmates stated that women are still in this below zero position , and personally I believe that women have more power than we are aware of. 

I believe that women are born with the gift of persuasion. Once we are out the womb we know how to phrase things to get what we want and sometimes need. Women know how to say things with such fines and eloquence that men don't have the ability to do. My father always tells me that "women think with their emotions and men think with logic". Which is why women can easily get what they need. The ability to speak how you feel in such an emotional way so that you get what you need is one that most men, don't have the brain capacity to accomplish. 

This gift that our gender has been blessed with is often not used because of the negative connotations that come with it. These connotations include 'jezebel', 'loose', and 'gold digger'. When often it is only women getting what they deserve. If a man persuades his boss to give him a raise it isn't a problem. If a women does it then she's greedy and is sleeping with the boss. Why can't the women be hardworking and be getting paid below their rightful salary?

Women should use the power of persuasion not to sleep their way to the top, but to get what they're trying to deny us of it.  

Miss Evers' Boys

Tonight I saw the play Miss Evers' Boys in the SOLD OUT Ira Aldridge Theater. It was an AMAZING production. The actors were filled with such emotion that the crowd often butted in and answered their questions as if they were onstage. The atmosphere of opening night was amazing. The crowd was amped, the actors where hyped, and the room was packed.

The play I feel was yet another subtle hint from Howard of all the wrongs that whites have done to our race throughout history. The Government purposely let these men ride out the effects of Syphilis just to see what would happen. But, what I can't wrap my head around is the portrayal of Ms. Evers who was supposedly there to help them and look out for their well being.

I think that her actions are similar to millions around the world. Those who know something is wrong yet do nothing, then try and justify their actions later.

If something is wrong, why don't people speak up?

Lynching

Currently my english class is reading The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson which included one powerful quote by James K. Vardaman that I will never forget.

 "If it is necessary, every NEGRO in the state will be lynched."

After slavery "ended" I believe the life of the southern African American became worse. Yes, they weren't sold yet they still had no privileges or rights that even the lowest white on the totem poll had. They couldn't stand up for themselves if a white citizen spit on them and disgraced their existence. Blacks at this time were treated worse then animals. They were treated worse then the dirt beneath their feet.

What my ancestors endured has never been introduced to me. As a freshman in college I am JUST being introduced to the Great Migration and what it meant to my people. I am only beginning to learn about my past and what Negros lived though so that I can have the privileges that I do.

The Mecca , So Far

Well I am three days into Freshman Week at Howard University and it feels like I've been here for years already. Most of the people on campus are extremely friendly and in my dorm hall the doors are always open. I have to admit though that I am the thing that I am anticipating the most is the official start of classes. I'm a loser I know, but there is something about being taught by an AFRICAN AMERICAN who is one of the most notable persons in the field that intrigues me. I can't wait to hear stories about how America used to be, I am excited to gain knowledge that a PWI just can't offer me. I'm excited to learn.

Thanks for the Support!

THANK YOU! I'm still getting countless texts from people telling me that they are supporting me and that they just brought my book. I'm truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life and if you haven't brought my book yet SHAME ON YOU!

Click the link on the right for buying information.

Holst: The Planets

Classical music does what modern music cannot. It takes you to place without clouding your judgment with words. When groups of people listen to classical music they each paint a different picture in their mind. Of course the composer helps guides your way with the arrangement but each person’s final interpretation is different. Currently my classical addiction is Gustav Holst’s  ‘The Planets’, I adore this suite. For me this arrangement takes me to a science fiction picture, where all I see are characters of Star Wars fighting it out. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t heard it to go listen to it, whether you are a classical fan or not. It’s a must hear. 

In Four Days

It is just now hitting me that I am leaving home in 4 days. That’s it. I have four days left as a permanent residence of my childhood home. That’s it. I have four days left to bask in the joys of my family as we gather together for jokes and laughs about Alana’s basketball career and my horrible card giving skills. That’s it. I have four days left to spend time with my friends whom I have countless jokes with. That’s it. I have four days left to stare at my orange and pink walls and peek out the door to see my sister watching basketball. That’s it. I have four days left of pestering my parents to check the mail as I wait in angst for a letter from my Howard campus pal. That’s it. I have four days left to enjoy “childhood”. That’s it.

Once I officially become a college student my mindset will be forced to change. I will have to go from do I really want this candy to do I really want these extra pounds. I will have to go from do I want to get up and go to my friends house to how long is it going to take me to get to the library.

I feel as a college student you have to change, it’s a part of life. The purpose of college is to expand your horizons as an intellectual thinker and that requires change. It requires change of an environment, it requires change of mind, and finally it requires a change of spirit. With all these changes that I must make to succeed I know that I will need a deeper connection with God. I know that I must seek him completely and he will give me the desires of my heart. I know the task before me isn’t going to be as easy as I wish it was. I know that the devil will try and tempt me with drugs and wrong friends and things that will kill me but I must resist temptation. I must do what Eve could not. I have to succeed, because in four days I’ll either sink or swim. 

It's A Tuba Thing!

It's a Tuba Thing!

She has her copy. Do you have yours?!

Goals

Today I was talking with my sister about law school. I’m thinking about going, I was thinking about going to become an entertainment lawyer. But after I did some research I found out it is just as boring as all the other lawyers. Now, I’m going to stick with being a publicist and developing my writing craft. I am still considering going to get an MBA in business management or something along those lines because I know that eventually I will own my own business and I want the training.

My only for sure goal that I have is to become a New York Times bestselling author. I will do anything to make this goal happen.

These are my goals for my freshman year

1)   Get a 4.0 GPA

2)   Obtain an Internship for second semester of Freshman year

3)   Score the Summer Disney Internship

My goals for Howard so far (more to come)

1)   Graduate Magna Cum Laude

2)   Get “It’s a Tuba Thing” in the Howard Bookstore by the time I graduate

3)   Graduate with a job and entrance into a Graduate program

It's A Tuba Thing!

I have mine! Do you have yours?!

Strength in Smiling

What is strength?
Is the power to lift tons?
Or is it the power to look your love on in the eye and break their heart?
How about the power to live through all your troubles?

The definition of strength takes on many forms. To some it is the power to overcome all "weak minded" individuals and take everything that they worked for. To others it's the ability to get up and go to a job that they despise just to put food on the table for their children.

To me it is smiling when something deep inside me is wailing like they were just beat. To me having strength is being able to smile. I can smile! I CAN SMILE! People have called me this, that, ugly, pretty, broken my heart, stabbed me in the back, kicked me when I was down, and the list continues to go own. But I, can smile. I am STILL smiling! The strength that I gain from smiling is stronger than any human or machine on Earth. My strength comes from God.

Nothing the devil has done or will do will get me down. Because I can smile. I am smiling. I will smile.

One of my favorite Kirk Franklin songs is off of his new album "Hello Fear". The song is entitled "I Smile" and every time I hear the song it warms my heart.

I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile..
It’s so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see you give up now.
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.

These lyrics are so empowering to EVERYONE. You can smile, through the hurt, the pain, the trials, and the rain YOU CAN SMILE!

So smile

(:

Lifestyles

My friends and I often use the phrase "She's not about that lifestyle" or a more ratchet phrase of "You ain't about that lifestyle". This phrase has become more applicable to my daily life as I am finding out that some of the people that I will be surrounded with for the next four years are "Not about the lifestyle".

How are you going to be in the PRESTIGIOUS John J. Johnson School of Communications and you CANNOT COMMUNICATE? You are not about that lifestyle honey. Just because you are in a new environment doesn't mean that you should shut down. I understand that you're nervous but dang! You should be able to handle new situations, with new people. That's something that you need to be able to do.

You AIN'T About That Lifestyle.

Late

One of my biggest pet peeves EVER is being late. I just can't fathom how a person can be so inconsiderate to make someone they supposedly love late to something they care about. I can't process how rude and heartless you have to be to make someone THIRTY MINUTES LATE to an event that they've been talking about for months. I don't understand how you can do such a horrendous thing and see no fault in your actions. How do you live with the knowledge that you ruined something? How do you live with yourself?

I know you're thinking it's not a big deal, but it is. How can you look your "loved one" in the eye and truly not care that you made them monumentally late to something they care about? Where is your soul?

 I have the answer, you never loved them in the first place. To break someone's spirits like that requires hate, and hate and love cant dwell in the heart at the same time. 

Heaven and Earth

I was inspired by a friend of mine to listen to the new Kelly Rowland album and while listening, one song struck my soul. "Heaven and Earth" is absolutely beautiful. It is hands down the best song on her new "Here I Am" CD.

My favorite part of the song is

Finally realized that you just don't know (no)
You're not capable of loving me like you should
And you won't be until you grow
And losing me
Is proof that you reap
That what you sow

So
No more feeling sorry for myself
Cuz' I know my worth
Oh oh
I will no longer settle for whatever
Cuz' I know I deserve
Heaven and Earth (yeah)
All that's worth, oh, Heaven and Earth

I'm just getting to a place where my recent break-up is okay with me and this song just broadcasts everything that I want to say. The song is amazing, I love it. "I deserve Heaven and Earth".

Friendships and New Beginnings

We all have those people that have been there from jump street. You know, those friends that you've known since the beginning of time and somehow through all the arguing, fighting, and petty drama you still somehow make it through the fire? Well, I've been blessed enough to have two of them.

I met my best friends in the whole entire world, in band. I was in the same section with one and I met the other through mutual friends. Our amazing friendship started on our band trip to Disney World and through  God's grace it blossomed into this beautiful eternal rose.

These two chicks have always been there for me since then. And I'm blessed to have them in my life, because let me tell you sometimes I'm not the easiest person to get along with. But, they stuck by me. As other friendships and boyfriends dwindled we were always there for each other. And as I take my voyage to Howard in 15 days I will miss them terribly.

That's one of my greatest worries at Howard. I want and desperately need to find some new down to ride girls. My perfect friend? Someone who is goofy, intelligent, foolish, hyper, and chill all in one. I need to find some Howard girls that I can brag about how legit they are to all my other friends.

But really, I just want some friends.

Howard University

HOWARD UNIVERSITY STAND UP!!

18 days until I get to D.C. and I am ecstatic.

I can't wait to get to this next stage in my life. I'm blessed to be a part of the prestigious Howard University Class of 2015 and I can't wait to uphold the high standards of the Mecca. 

I Am Howard University. I Am Successful. I Am Blessed. 

I don't die

I don't die
You can beat me
Taunt me
Kick me
Curse me
Do what you like,but I don't die

I don't dwindle at the hiss of your venom
I don't coward at the thought of your presence
I don't despise looking at you
I don't die

I won't fear you
I won't be scared 
I won't leave the room because you are here

I don't die. 

Powerful Quotes

Two of my favorite scriptures are 2 Timothy 1:7 and Philippians 4:13. 2 Timothy 1:7 states "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Philippians 4:13 let's us know that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me."

These two scriptures are extremely powerful. What can you do with God? EVERYTHING! 

I'm a new author, with a new book, and no audience. But I know I can achieve my dreams of becoming a New York Times best selling author. I know I can do this daunting task. My best friend recently told me "Nobody reads anymore Alyssa." This is very true, but I know I can write something so amazing that will make people want to read again.

I can sell these books, I know I can achieve my dreams. I have confidence in myself and in my abilities. But, most importantly I have trust in my God. If I put in hard work, and continue to improve and sharpen my craft I will accomplish my dreams. Because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Wait and see.

It's A Tuba Thing In Stores Now!

It's a Tuba Thing: The newest novella from Alyssa Heard!

Skyler Hart is a tuba extraordinaire at the urban Henderson High. She's smart, sexy, and exceedingly sarcastic. Skyler has everything a girl could hope for: an amazing wardrobe, awesome best friend, and a seemingly perfect life. However, Skyler still has yet to learn how to navigate her way between the low notes of love. As her world comes plummeting down in successions of minor chords and major break-ups Skyler learns heart breaking lessons that will synch any heart out of tune.
GET IT NOW

My Dreadful Blues

Roses are red
Our love is blue 
I still love you
But you don't know me, do you?

Once we were mates
Way back in our prime
Now everything I love
Has been placed on the line

We will never be the same
This is for sure
But how will I move past
My dreadful blues