The Ms Miami Interview

Ms MIAMI - A Real Life Biker Boy (C)

A TRT 'On 2 Wheels' Exclusive Interview

By: "The Real" Jeff Stewart

As you can see this biker is no boy! I met Ms Ortiz, AKA Ms. MIAMI, the Latin Jefe (Boss) back in December 2008. This dude I’d ridden with a couple of times asked me if a young lady he knew could roll with me and the fella’s the next time went riding. She was somewhat new to the area, and was looking for bikers to cut corners with. Itold him no problem, but really I was
thinking I hope this chick can keep up! The day Dee (her nickname) and I met she went riding with my crew on her two month old Suzuki GSXR 750. What an introduction it turned out to be; she saw first hand me falling off my Busa – I crashed that day and she was right behind me. I thought that was the last we’d seen of her. My bike was in pieces and blood all over my jeans and boots from a hole in my knee, but she didn’t flinch. Oh yeah by the way, she can handle that Gixxer! She kept in touch while my bike was in the shop and she’s been one of the
crew every since. Dee is sorta quiet and laid back but also very interesting when she did open up. So I asked her if I could interview her for TRT’s ‘ON 2 WHEELS’ and to my surprise she said ‘cool’. Check her out . .

The Real Deal

The obvious first question is how long have you been riding?
“I’ve been riding for roughly 2 yrs now minus a 15 month deployment by the Army.”
How & when did you develop an interest in motorcycling?
“I think I developed an interest at a very early age when my aunt took me on the back of her bike when I was 11. I just loved the adrenaline rush of being on the road so freely. It wasn’t till about 11 yrs later that that interest resurfaced and I got more serious about actually getting one.”
How does your man (sorry fella’s!) feel about you riding, especially since he doesn’t own a bike?
“He’s cool with it. He actually wants to get one too one day, but times are tough and he’s in school. He’s more into the chopper scene though but it’s all good. I can’t hold that against him!”:D

You’re in the Army – What made you decide to enlist, how long have you been in, and how do your Army buddies and coworkers react when they find out you ride a sport bike?
“I joined because I thought that this was the life for me. I wasn’t going
to college and I didn’t wanna work at (fast food) for the rest of my life. I’ve been in for 6 yrs so far. Most of my friends react the same way anyone else would react when they find out a female rides. They gimme that look like “really?” - “Yeah really!!!”

Is this your first bike?
“This is actually my second bike. My first was a Kawasaki ZZR600 and even though I loved riding, I wasn’t really feeling that bike. So I traded it out for my GSX-R 750 which I love to death. He’s my boo! Johnny Goodlove, that’s what I call him.” (Hmm – Johnny Goodlove? sounds kinda corny!)

Do you feel there are any advantages or disadvantages of being a female biker?
“I don’t think of myself as being at an advantage or disadvantage cuz I’m a chick. I make rookie mistakes jus like any other rider but that’s the best way to learn.”

You ride mostly with guys – is this by choice or is it difficult to find women to ride with?
“I’ve found it really difficult to find other female riders. Most of the ones I have ridden with ride like ‘lil’ girls. I’m not down with that. I like to gun it with the guys.”
Do you feel female bikers in general have to prove they can ride with the boyz?
“That seems to be the stigma, but guys have to prove themselves too. I’ve ridden with a few guys that ride like sissies so it’s nothing new to me.”

You have ridden with females before though – so which do you prefer, riding with the guys or the girls?
“Definitely the guys! They ride more my style. I don’t like to ride like a pansy ass, like I’ve seen a lot of women ride. I don’t like to generalize but it seems to be the case more often than not.”

You attended your first Atlantic Beach Bike Week (also known as Black Bike Week) in Myrtle Beach in May 2009 – How was that experience?
“It was interesting but I wish they would have had more biker shit to do. It was a good experience overall, though.”

Unfortunately you had a front row seat when I crashed my Busa. What was going through your mind at the time; that is, besides trying not to run over me?
“Yeah that was a crazy experience. I just kept thinking “did that really just happen?!?!” It was all too surreal. It’s kinda funny looking back at it now. You came down real funny, kinda like you were praying to God. Maybe he heard you!”

Any crashes, falls, or near misses of your own you want to confess too?
“Other than the occasionally dropping of the bike and getting cut off but idiot drivers, I’ve only fallen once. I don’t think it was really a big deal. I was coming up on a red light and I started slowing down. As I was braking I hit a puddle and hydroplaned. Not even one second later I was laid out on the road. I wasn’t going fast at all so I didn’t cause too much damage. My frame slider came right off and I cracked the fairing and part of the engine case. All I can remember thinking was my poor bike. I wasn’t even concerned about myself! That was on my old bike though, and I traded it in 2 days later. Guess it was a sign to get rid of it.”
You were involved in a high speed chase involving the cops and you got caught – tell us about that incident.
“That was a $7,500 (fines and legal fees) mistake I’ll never make again. I (was speeding and) basically just gunned it when I saw those flashing lights. Didn’t think they were gonna chase me but they did. I came up on a red light and didn’t wanna chance it so I turned into a residential are. I had a red visor and it was nighttime so I couldn’t see if they were still behind me. So I pulled into a driveway, hoping they’d ride right past me but that didn’t happen. A few seconds later they were arresting me. That’s an experience I’ll never forget!”
Was there any fallout, either on the job or at home from that incident?
“I was definitely labeled a rebel child for that incident. My unit treated me
like the world’s worst criminal but they couldn’t really do anything since I hadn’t been to court yet. They just banned me from driving on post and gave me 45 days restriction. I kept pushing my court date back till I deployed so that really pissed them off. Everyone pretty much forgot about it by the time we got back” (15 months later.)

Any advice for a female who’d like to own a sport bike but maybe is a little apprehensive, or just plain scared?
“If she’s scared already then she’s getting off on the wrong foot. This ain’t a sport for the faint of heart. I think every rider has to have respect for the road cuz mistakes are that much more dangerous for us, but as far as advice goes; just get on and ride out. All that fear will go right out the window once you start having fun.”


Editor’s Note:
Dee, 25, is an Information Systems Analyst for the Army. She was born and raised by her Colombian mom in Miami, FL, along with her 2 siblings. (Her father was also from Colombia.) After doing 15 months in Iraq for Uncle Sam, she is currently stationed at Ft Hunter in Savannah GA. All the sport bike riders here in the 912 that have ridden with Dee know and respect her abilities on a motorcycle. She attends the local bike nights and goes everywhere the crew goes. She gets teased just like everybody else and can dish it out as well. Her goal is to attend UTI and become a certified motorcycle mechanic, then open up her own shop in her hometown of Miami. She also wants to learn to ‘stunt’ and build a stunt bike. Don’t get it twisted though; Dee is a lady and all women. But when she’s riding with the crew she’s just one of the boyz. And that’s FOR REAL!!

* Ms Ortiz and the staff at TRT Publications do not advocate speeding and trying to evade law enforcement. Dee admits it was a mistake and encourages all riders to abide by the traffic law of your state or county.

***Post Script***
On August 20th, 2009 around 9PM Dee was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident while riding on I -516 in Savannah, GA. Paramedics arrived within minutes but were unable to revive her and she died at the scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

This copywrited material my not be used without the expressed or written consent of TRT Publications. For more information contact “The Real” Jeff Stewart at trtpub@gmail.com

RGIII: A For Real Brother

 Robert Griffin III and Fiance Robecca Liddicoat

The Real Jeff Stewart                                                  2/6/2013

     Much has been made of successful African American men dating and or marrying non African American women. The latest to make the news is Washington Redskins rookie sensation quarterback Robert Griffin III, known affectionately as RGIII. As a lifelong fan of my hometown Washington Redskins, the non football related attention thrust upon RGIII caught my attention. Rob Parker, a black sports journalist and former ESPN First Take morning show guest wondered aloud on First Take if RGIII is a “real brother or a cornball brother”. He said when he goes to DC this is the feedback that he receives - that black folk in the Nations Capital are questioning his blackness. He pointed to his white fiancé and the fact the RGIII votes republican as part of his argument. To the latter I say if the republicans are the party that protects the wealthy, RGIII IS WEALTHY. (Parker was suspended and later fired by ESPN for his comments – here's the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdQL4aRSjPI). In an article written by Michael H. Cottman for Black Americaweb.com (Black Women: Is RG3 down With Me?) he recalled a conversation he overheard at Texas Stadium before a Dallas Cowboys game.

“Why is RG3 dating a white girl?” one angry black woman asked her girlfriend. “I guess black women aren’t good enough for him.” “I’m just tired of it,” said another black woman.

     So are successful black men abandoning their black sisters for white women? Maybe. But I’m going to make the argument that more often than not, that may not be the case! Let’s take RGIII, who graduated from Baylor University, where he met his fiancé. Of the approximately 12,000 students who attend Baylor, 65% are white, 13% are Hispanic and 8% are black. 54% are female and 46% are male. So in terms of sheer numbers there are about 500 black women versus 6,500 white women at Baylor. For every 100 women RGIII passed in the hallways and on campus, only 8 were black. He didn’t necessarily have to seek out white women, they were just there. Conversely, he just didn’t see that many black women. Now of course it’s true if RGIII had gone to a historically black college or university, those numbers would have been reversed and then some and I’ll address that later in this article.

     Now let’s talk about successful black men in general. What was the most their common path to their success? What type of individuals and social and economic settings did this path lead him through? My point is, as these men climbed the ladder of success, the “air up there” becomes whiter. So once these men become successful and they look around for companionship, what do they now see in their more successful surroundings, black folks or white folks? So why is he now looking for companionship AFTER becoming successful anyway – because we all know a black woman doesn’t want ‘no broke ass man’. But all kidding aside I feel a big part of this has to do with choices and opportunity. As people become more successful, they have more choices at their disposal. So as black men become more educated, more socially and financially successful they too have more choices. The world is not so big anymore. Career paths, major colleges and universities, etc that were out of reach are now attainable. Sure RGIII could have gone too a Historically Black College. It would have been a bonanza for a Howard University or a Grambling University, where by the way Doug Williams, the only black QB to win a Super Bowl attended. The difference is how many white schools even offered Doug Williams a scholarship as compared to RGIII. RGIII had more choices. And Baylor’s games were televised. Their home opener in RGIII’s last season was on prime time ESPN.

     I have to talk about Housewives of Atlanta. Here you have black women who are married to or divorced from successful black athletes and businessman. And yet it’s nothing for one of them to get into an argument in public setting or social gathering, dressed in formal wear, talking about “I’ll beat that hoe ass”. Granted it is a reality show, a sometimes over dramatization of situations black men know to be a fact. So if there was an argument that successful black men have abandoned black women and seek out white women, the perception that black women can’t leave the hood mentality behind once they reach a certain level of success may be a reason. I’m just saying.

Keeping it Real from The Real Jeff Stewart 
Of course RGIII is a “real brother”. Or more importantly what we would want a real brother to be like. Within the sports world, RGIII is considered mature beyond his years and a leader from day one who was named a team captain as a rookie. You don’t really hear much about RGIII beyond sports, and that’s a good thing – that he’s NOT in the news. So people like the Rob Parker’s of the world try to dig up stuff. As a matter of fact I’d question if ROB PARKER was a cornball brother – look how he dresses. By the way, I don’t know where Rob Parker hangs out when he’s goes to DC, but I know it’s probably not with ‘real brothers’, because real brothers ain't questioning RGIII’s blackness (as Rob Parker alluded too).  All we want to know is will the man who takes our breath away on the field be ready to play next season after having knee surgery.

The Real Jeff Stewart

Now 54 years old black I was born and raised in SE Washington and latter bought a home in Upper Marlboro, a suburb of DC. I'm currently living in Savannah GA. I vote democrat, am married with a grown daughter and teenage son, with all the trapping of an upper middle class life style. My past relationships with women were always good and I’ve never had a women break my heart (although some may argue the reverse is not true). I have no animosity toward black women, and I’ve never dated a white woman. For more information or permission to reprint this copyrighted article please contact me: therealjeffstewart@gmail.com.

The Krystal Rand Interview

MBMG Model Krystal Rand

By: The Real Jeff Stewart

                                                                            
10/1/2011 

Krystal, please introduce yourself.
“I’m a 26 year old mother of two from Memphis TN, with two beautiful daughters that are my pride and joy. I love being a mother as well as a model. Modeling is my desire. I want to be able to show my daughters a better look on life and let them know to follow your dreams.”

How did you get in to modeling, and long you been in the business?
“I’ve been in the modeling business a year, and I’ve had an interest in modeling since high school. But there were so many people telling me I wasn’t tall enough, or that models didn’t make much money…basically just trying to discourage me. So I went to school, got certified in medical billing, but in my heart I always wanted to try modeling.”

So with so many people trying to discourage you, who inspired you to become a model?
 “My family as a whole, but especially my daughter’s father was very instrumental. He’s always had faith in me and my abilities. Basically whatever I need, whether its moral support, helping me prepare for photo shoots or even just to watching our kids, he’s always been there.”

Who are some of your idols in the modeling business?
 “Tyra Banks of course and Kimora Lee Simmons.”

 What are the best and worst parts of being in the modeling business?
“The worst part is trying to determine who’s trying to ‘con’ you and who’s really trying to help you. The best part is seeing all of your hard work has accomplished”

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
“Actually what I’m most proud of is graduating from college. No matter what, I will always have that to fall back on!”

What do you think when you see shows like ‘America’s Top Model’?
 “There was one episode I watched that I could really relate to. One aspiring model was also a mother like myself, and throughout the show she began to realize how hard it was to be away from her child, but she also realized she was doing all of it for her child.”

How did you connect with the MBMG (Major Biznezz Music Group) and how’s that working out for you? “I was introduced to MBMG by a friend who is also in MBMG. It’s working out wonderfully for me and owner Nicole has been my biggest supporter!”

What are some of the things you are working on now?
“I’ve been working on my portfolio, doing photo shoots, and I have some modeling offers that I’m considering.”

Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years from now? “In a year I’d like to see my work in a magazine…in 5 years I’d like to be able to make my living as a professional model. Ten years from now I want to pursue other business ventures such as a clothing line or a restaurant. I’d also like to give back to the community by starting a program that would provide assistance to single parents who want to go to college and need help.”

 What advice would you give an aspiring model trying to get into the business?
 “Never give up, keep praying, and believe in yourself because if you don’t know one else will. You have to love modeling with a passion if you want to get anywhere in this business.” Any final words? “I want people to know how important modeling is to me. It’s not just a job, rather it’s something my heart truly desires.” 

You can check out Krystal Rand on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001492077391) or email her at mskrand@yahoo.com.

MBMG is a St Louis based artist & model mgmt group run by Nicole Rivers with over 100 models, artists under mgmt from coast to coast. If you are an aspiring artist, writer, model or producer and you got skillz, (or you think you do) hit up Nicole at stlmbmg@gmail.com

And if you want to get at me to put you down on paper like you see here hit me up…Jeff Stewart at therealjeffstewart@gmail.com. This copyrighted article and pictures contained within are the exclusive property of TRT Publications and may not be used without the expressed or written consent of TRT Publications. For permission to use republish or to contact TRT Publications email “The Real” Jeff Stewart at therealjeffstewart@gmail.com.





Jeff Stewart - The Real Times Publications

The Classy Affair

The Classy Divas 1st Annual Anniversary & Coming Out Party

Classy Divas Motorcycle Club, Charlotte NC

The Real Jeff Stewart for TRT Publications

Charlotte NC if you weren't at the Classy Divas MC 1^st Anniversary and Coming Out party you missed out on an awesome event. For a first anniversary event these ladiesdid it big. Clubs came from as far away as Philly PA (Royal Flush MC), Greenville S(Against All Odds, who came up on 2 wheels), Sumter SC (Death Dealerz MC) and even Georgia.

On Friday there was the traditional Meet & Greet at the Real Talk Ryderz clubhouse. There was FREE food and refreshments, music, and some folks got there groove on the dance floor. On Saturday the day started off with a scenic tour of Charlotte and "hood ride", lead by Road Captain's Mr. Rocc and N8torious.Then it was back to the American Legion where you were treated to a Bike Week style event. Outside the Legion the Divas created there own "strip" with several vendors in attendance. You had all the usual goodies; biker vests, armbands, patches and custom embroidery. There was even an airbrush artist and a tattoo artist, Tattoo John, who was busy the whole day. Hungry? No worries thanks to Grillmaster. Taz, Suga and Richard were throwing it down.

And the entertainment was spectacular! Inside you had DJ Black Ice tearing it up. Outside several artists performed. First up was R & B singer Deoni, who had all the ladies mesmerized with his silky soul sound. Next up was The Uprite Lions, who put on a show all by themselves.These dudes were four acts in one; they could, sing, dance, rap and do reggae! These cats already have a following and folks were couldn't wait for them to take the stage. Now that's whats up. We definitely going to be seeing more from these brother's. Then there was Knowledge and the IE Team. All you need to know is that at the end of their set the crowd did not want them to leave the stage and was chanting "encore, encore, we want more". When asked to describe there performance Classy Diva's Prez CJ "Busagirl" shaking her head in amazement she said: "where do I begin?…they put it down…blew the roof off and we were outside!"

By nightfall it was time for the main event…A Classy Affair, the Classy Divas Anniversary Party. I know it sounds corny but everyone truly was 'dressed to impress'. Guests were treated to chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries and other fruits including chocolate covered frozen bananas. There were jello shots, and the drink of the night, Diva Daiquiris's! And there were lots of freebies such as neon wristbands and gift bags. All in all first class. Oh yeah, and once again DJ Black Ice kept the crowd moving. And if that wasn't enough, there was an AFTER party back at the Real Talk Ryderz clubhouse, where the party continued into the night.

I don't know how these ladies are going to top themselves next year, but folks are already asking. And yes they ride, from Hayabusa's to Harley's. The Classy Divas MC members are:

CJ "BusaGirl" Jamison, President

Lady Dee, Vice Prez

Ms Mary, Sgt at Arms

Thick Madame, Sec/Trez

Supa Chic

China doll

Sunshine

You can get at the Classy Divas on FB or at busagirl1@tmo.blackberry.net.

You can holla at me at:
therealjeffstewart@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ThaRealJeffStewart

This copywrited article and it contents are the sole property of TRT Publications and The Real Jeff Stewart, and can not be used with the expressed or written consent. The Classy Divas logo courtesy of The Classy Divas.

What Had Happened Wuz . . .

A TRT "My Hood Story" Exclusive
Denise Milligan - In Her Own Words

Denise "Niecey" Milligan, 21 of Landover MD

By "The Real" Jeff Stewart

I come across a lot of interesting people in my travels and “Niecey” was no exception. With a chip on her shoulder, (make that a block of wood) this chick don’t play. I met Denise at Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, SC. We struck up a conversation because both our trucks had MD tags. I asked her what high school she had attended and she told me Fairmont Heights, located in a suburb of Washington DC. By coincidence The same high school 4ward Entertainment Mgmt CEO and my college classmate Rick Lee attended. I had gone to Largo Sr High in Upper Marlboro, MD; another DC suburb (many, many, many years ago.) Denise graduated from Fairmont Heights in 2006, and she started telling me stories of life for her in high school, and how much hell she raised. Now her two younger sisters were students at the same high school. They were having problems with some of the same cliques big sis had run-ins with when she was a student. So Niecey told me one day she decided to go up to the school and “set them b*tches straight.” Well, I’ll let her tell you “What Had Happened.” This is her story . . .

What Had Happened Wuz . . .
A True Tale from the hood By Denise Milligan

In January 2008 I got locked up on my mother’s birthday. What had happened was my younger sister called me up to my old high school, Fairmont Heights because some of the girls I had problems with when I was in school was picking with them. When I got to the school I wanted to talk to my old principal and ask her why after all these years these girls keep picking with my sisters? But she had me waiting too damn long. So I went down to the cafeteria to see if my sisters were in there and they was. When I walked in the cafeteria all you heard was "all sh*t Denise here." I spoke to some of the staff & students & asked them where my sisters were. I’m thinking to myself “let one of these b*tches pop off while I'm in here and I'm going to beat their banana asses today!” So I guess one of the girls I had problems with felt intimidated or should I say bold & started talking sh*t while walking towards me. I stopped & turned around to see who she was talking to and to my surprise it was me!

By then my sisters were standing by me. When (the girl) got close enough she found the balls to swing at me but she missed. How do you swing on somebody & miss!? So when she did that I just went into my mode (?) and saw red. Just as I was about to swing back at her my 18 year old sister just flew out the nowhere & caught her with a blow to the face and so did I. I guess these others girls felt like fighting my sisters so they jumped in as well. As I’m beating the first girls ass that swung on me I’m saying to her "yeah b*tch I got that ass now!"

By now people had their phones out taking pictures and recording it. Not one of her friends jumped in it. Then I started beating the 2nd girl’s ass and saying to her "so you want an ass whooping like your punk ass friend to huh!? All of a sudden I saw this big ass object coming towards me on my right side. When I realized that it was this big ass, no a HUGE girl I swear everything went into slow motion like in the movies. I’m saying to myself "noooooo." So I stopped on the 2nd girl and caught the big chick with a couple shots to the face. After a little workout with the 3rd girl – I was punching and kicking her big ass - I was saying to her "you f*cking b*tch, ain’t nobody tell your big ass to jump in" and I knocked her out.

Next thing I know me & my sisters are being grabbed by security. My principal was trying to get smart while I was in the security office so I said to her "well b*tch if you knew how to diffuse problems in your school then I wouldn’t have to come up here and beat b*tches ass." Next thing I knew one of the school’s female security officers that I respected and I was so cool with was like "I’m sorry to do this to you baby girl, but I need for you to remove this that and the 3rd". The whole time I was cool with the situation because she was doing her job & I did my job by beating up some of the girls I could not stand with a passion.

As I’m walking out the security room some of the students were like "damn Denise, they locking you up?" Me being me I busted out laughing and said "yeah they locking me up." So I guess that pissed the police officer off so he said me "so you think its funny?" and I said "hell yeah!” I went to jail and got processed but I didn’t have to take a picture and then I waited to see a commissioner. While I was waiting this female inmate was cussing out an officer and then she crapped and pissed on herself. I was like "OMG....no she didn’t just do that!” Then the inmate says to the officers "hey come clean my sh*t up & wipe my ass!" Everybody started laughing like crazy in the jail. But while I was waiting to be seen I was hungry like hell. They gave us these dry sandwiches. I looked at it and was like "what the hell am I going to do with this?” So instead I used the sandwiches as a pillow.

I was praying asking God please let the commissioner be a male and damn surely it was. So he let me off on PR (personal release) for those who don’t know what PR is. I didn’t get home till 12 midnight and was in the jail since 10 that morning. My main charge was 2nd degree assault but when I went to court twice for it my charge it was dismissed. My experience going to jail was wild but I damn surely DO NOT - I repeat DO NOT want to go back. I wasn’t scared at all but jail is not for me or anybody.

People say in life think before you react but if you’re in the moment like I was all that flies out the door. However pretty much don’t do something that might cost you to lose your freedom. So that’s what had happened . . .

* Editor’s Note *

When I first heard Denise’s story I thought this would make a funny hood story for the “What Had Happened Wuz...” section of TRT Magazine. I let a couple folks read the rough draft and one of the comments was how sad that situation was. “Damn it” I thought to myself; now I gotta take this funny sh*t and turn it into some kind of social commentary on the struggles people face everyday in the “hood”.
So the questions we should ask ourselves is why is this accepted as everyday life in some communities, how do we change that mindset and what is the aftermath when a situation like this occurs? Obviously I’m not going to solve such a complex issue here. I just want people to think about how this affects their community. I believe that for the most part people are victims of their environment and that a person is molded by their surroundings, their own experiences and those of the people around them. So how does someone living this life break the chain?
Denise appeared to be a bright, intelligent young woman who grew up in a difficult environment. The manner in which she told her story was funny and (unfortunately) entertaining. She definitely showed some skill in that area. I can only imagine what positive things four years of college might do for her. Although Niecey told her story with humor and honesty, she wants it understood that jail is no laughing manner. And while she pointed out the difficulty of making the right decision in the heat of the moment, she acknowledges the sometimes severe reality of not doing so. So in the aftermath let’s look at the negative impact these situations can have. Let’s take for example a typical job application. Every application has that standard question “Have you ever been arrested?” The choices we make… well you know the rest - and thats for REAL !

This copyrighted article, its contents and pictures are the exclusive property of TRT Publications and may not be used without its consent. For comments, questions, more information permission to use this material contact “The Real” Jeff Stewart” at trtpub@gmail.com. Subscribers to this site will be notified by e-mail when new posts are available.

My President is BLACK? (c)

“The Real” Jeff Stewart


Let’s get one thing straight. Barrack H. Obama is the President of the United States of America. He’s NOT the President of African America. Don’t get it twisted. Of course I think race relations in the United States will improve under his administration. Hopefully just his presence as our Nations leader will cause some people to revisit there way of thinking. At least I hope so, especially in the south where I live now.

I was born in Washington DC in the late 50’s. I lived in Southeast Washington with both parents until I was 17, when my parents moved to the suburbs of Prince Georges County. I went to college, and in 1990 I got married and remained in P.G. County until 2005, when my wife and I move to her hometown of Savannah, GA. There were several reasons why we moved “down south”. Mostly the stereotypical want of a better lifestyle; lower cost of living, less crime and stress. You know the deal. Well we’re still looking for that, and we may have to move back to DC to find it! Go figure. Anyway I’m not really into politics, but of course I was thrilled with the idea of having a legitimate African American candidate for President. I voted for the first time in my life, and I actually felt like my vote counted. Do I need to say I’m African American? Okay, I am African American.

So When Barrack H. Obama was elected the 44th President of The United States of America I texted several friends, associates, family members, etc asking how they felt about our new President. I got several responses, all positive. Everyone I texted was Black. However the response that was the motivation for this article was “I’m gonna get my grind on now. “ It was from a young lady, African American, unemployed and living at home in the suburbs of Washington DC with her mom and siblings. Now even at “fiddy” years old I understand urban slang, Ebonics, etc. But I thought to myself, what the hell does that mean? Is she going to look for a job now? Maybe be motivated to go to college? Get her own place? Get out of bed before noon? I mean, how does being Black, and having a Black President motivate someone who was unmotivated to be a contributing member of society? What, she didn’t want to work because ”W” was President? If John McCain had won would she not work for the next four years, or God forbid the next 8 years?

Listen up Black people. President Obama is not going to pass a law giving every African American a high paying job, good credit, a home, or 40 acres and a mule. Will non-blacks be more open minded to giving people of Color opportunities that they might not of in the past? I think so. But I don’t think anybody from the government is going to knock on your door and say “would you like one of them high paying jobs we giving out to Black people today?” You feel me homie? Hey but thanks Uncle Sam for the stimulus checks. Oh, forgot; you had to have a job and pay taxes and stuff to qualify for that and that came from “W” (George Bush) anyway. My bad. By the way, the Obama administration did knock on an associate’s of mine door and offered him one of those high paying government jobs. Wait a minute. My associate has a college degree, several, in fact, had been a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, and can pass a background and drug test. Hmm, details, details.

Here’s where it get’s interesting. I think Barrack Obama will benefit White America more than Black America as a whole. What? Let me explain. I think that the housing market and the stock will rebound under the current administration. Although I don’t think the turnaround will be strictly because of a Black or Democratic President. But Obama will get the credit for at least the start of the recovery. Companies are doing the things now they should have been doing all along. Streamlining their various operations, reducing staff through attrition and buyouts, closing or selling unprofitable businesses, and so on. Of course they are outright laying people off too. Since the housing market crash seemed to be the catalyst for this economic downturn, it will probably lead the recovery. So people buying homes now at the deflated prices, as well as those who maintained equity in their current homes will benefit. Also as the stock market rebounds, those participating in retirement plans such as 401k plans will benefit from the markets rebound as well. I know many retirement plans lost money, but I think only the most speculative accounts lost everything. Also many employers provide matching contributions, so you would have had to lose a whole hellava lot to lose yours and your employers match as well. Personally my 401k is down 18%; however my employer matches my contribution dollar for dollar so do the math. Okay I do it for you – I haven’t lost a dime of my own money.

So how can the African American community directly benefit from having an African American President? YOU CAN’T!! But you can benefit from the rebound in the economy when it happens. So the obvious question is how? Thought you’d never ask. First of all some business’s that will BE in business probably went overboard in cutting staffing. So as the economy rebounds, these same businesses will need to hire people. So the trick is to be hireable (is that a word? – spell check says not). Go back to school, take classes, or even just ask for more responsibility on your current job. Build that resume! If your employer offers a 401k plan, get in it. Everybody loves a bargain, and right now stocks and mutual funds are at rock bottom lows. There are many companies whose stock is 50% or more lower than a year ago. Do your homework because there are companies that are not only profitable but also flush with cash and when things turns around so will there stock prices. And by all means if you in the market for a home now is the time. There are some communities hit really hard by the depressed housing market. In Atlanta for example, there is a community of 4000 plus sq foot homes that 2 years ago were selling for between 400,000 and 500,000 thousand dollars. A house in that same community today can be had for a little over 200,000. I doubt that in five to ten years those houses will still be in that price range.

Now let’s look at some statistics. According to Infoplease.com, 72% of Whites own their own home versus 49.7% of Blacks and 49.7% for Hispanics. Also, 68% of Whites participate in 401k plans versus 53% of Blacks, according an analysis done by G. R. Springstead and T. M. Wilson. So what does that mean? It means you weren’t paying attention! Let me put it this way; when that train of economic prosperity starts to roll out from the station, a lot of “us” aint gonna be on it, you dig.


Of course, this is all just one man’s opinion, mine. I am not recommending or even suggesting that anyone do any of the things I’ve written here. I’m just giving everyone something to think about. Anyway, I gotta go cuz I gotta get my grind on! Peace.


This copywrited material, its content and pictures are the sole property of The Real Times Publications (TRT) and may not be used without its consent. For information, to comment or permission to reprint this article please contact “The Real” Jeff Stewart at trtpub@gmail.com

Hey Buddy You Drop this $$ ?

Hey Buddy, You Drop This . . .? (c)

By: ‘The Real” Jeff Stewart

“Hey buddy you dropped this?” came the strangers voice from behind me as I walked toward the exit. Instinctively, or possibly with the knowledge that my unorganized behind was always dropping something I turned around. Walking toward me was a middle-age white male holding a crumpled up ten dollar bill. “I think you dropped this” he said, almost as an affirmation more than an inquiry. As I reached out to accept the bill, I half expected someone else to lay claim to the abandoned ten dollar bill. But no one did. I thanked the gentleman and stuck the wayward bill back in my pocket, while clutching my sausage biscuit meal and sweet tea, the latter of
which I have become extremely fond of since moving to Savannah. Most likely I put the money back in the same place it fell from originally. Okay so I’m not the brightest bulb in the lamp – I get that. However The honesty of this total stranger reminded me of something that happened to me several years ago when I was in my late 20’s or early 30’s.

My friend Keith and I were attending the Washington DC Boat Show. We had climbed aboard this gorgeous Searay mini yacht that had a front and rear bedroom. As we waited our turn to look inside the rear sleeping area a young white couple emerged. I entered first,
followed by my boy Keith. I noticed something on the ground and I picked it up. It was a tightly folded twenty dollar bill, actually 2 or 3 folded bills, with the two zero clearly visible on the outside bill. Keith looked at me, (presumably waiting for his cut) but I walked past him and out of the rear cabin. The young couple was still inside the 35 foot long vessel, looking at another area of the boat. I asked the dude “did you just come from the rear of this boat?” He gave me this ‘whatever it is you gonna accuse me of I didn’t do’ look, so I said “I think she dropped this”, and handed her the bills. She felt the rear pocket of her jeans from the outside, then quickly put her hand inside the now empty pocket. She took the bills and said thank-you, as did the guy. I think hers was sincere; his more out of relief that he was not about to have an encounter in a small space with two thuggish looking Black males. Now they felt obligated to make small talk with us about the boat, of which neither group could afford. As they were climbing up the ladder leading to the deck and off the boat, the lady remarked “that was really nice of them.”

Keith, witnessing the event but not saying anything the whole time, finally said to me “I know why you did that”. Keith knew me well enough to know that Black White stereo types bother me no end, and I knew that chick in her wildest dreams would not have expected someone of my race doing that. THAT’S why I did it. Because all young Black African American males ARE NOT all thugs and hoodlums.

Which brings me back to my ten dollar bill. Before that sunny morning in the Golden Arches I had never met Mr. Michael Herold. Michael has a company called Fencecraft and as the name implies they install fences and related services. Now if Michael is that honest and courteous to a total stranger, imagine how he treats his paying customers. So if you ever need any fencing services in the Blufton, SC area reach out to Michael at 843-579-9111 or email him at fencecraft@homessc.com Tell him you read about him TRT magazine. I ain’t saying he’s gonna give you a discount; I’m just saying whatever you guys agree on will be money well spent. And that’s FOR REAL!

This copywrited material my not be used without the expressed or written consent of TRT Publications. For more information contact “The Real” Jeff Stewart at trtpub@gmail.com