The Mission

i am currently ABD (all but dissertation) in an Anthropology program.  While being a professor ain’t the worst of options, it certainly isn’t what i was sent here to do.

My mission is to complete my PhD by May of 2012 and become self-sustaining and prosperous off of my arts and talents.

What does that mean?

i am a writer, musician, and (young, Black) entrepreneur.  i dabble in a few other things and am searching for ways to continue to be able to do so while supporting myself and my family.

But how, dear brother?

i am currently developing several initiatives: Scattered People Arts, Black Power Media, Eloquent Scribes, Kamali Academy, and BlackStar Bangas (feel free to support freely).

Right. But why you wanna do this, man?

This is an exercise in self-determination. How can we claim to want Freedom for all Black people when we aren’t actively working on achieving it? i want us to be free. This is me positioning myself to make my greatest contribution to those ends.

So here’s the overview:

Goals:

-Complete my PhD by May of 2012
-Be self-sustaining and prosperous off of my arts and talents

Why make this mission public?:

-Accountability. Besides the fact that my ego hates being embarrassed and failing this mission would, well, be embarrassing as hell since i got all these folks watching, it serves as a constant reminder about the commitment i’ve made to myself and those who have chosen to accompany me on this journey. As of the moment i pressed “publish” on this post, there’s no turning back!

-i’ve been meeting more and more folks who share similar ambitions. Perhaps they can gain some insights, inspiration, or just ideas from my experience.

How you can help:

-Challenge me! Demand that i be specific with my intention, vision, and aspirations, particularly with the whats, hows, whens, and whys.

-Offer feedback, share resources, and extend general encouragement. It’s hard out here! A brotha need some assistance.

-Support this site and my others (Scattered People Arts, Black Power Media, Eloquent Scribes, Kamali Academy, and BlackStar Bangas) by spreading the word.

Finally, i just want to thank you for taking this time. You could’ve been anywhere in the cyberworld, but you’ve chosen to be here with me.  Let’s make this happen!

-amari