Black
Lets agree on a broad definition:
Diasporic people of African descent (including Africans, Caribbeans, and all my Spanish speakers) wherever they are found.

That's an umbrella big enough for us all to stand under.

Nerds
If you are here, it's because this word, or its meaning, resonates with you in some way. Its time for us to reclaim this "N word." It's sad to see children in classes that we have taught over the years downplay their intelligence to fit in - so much hidden brilliance!

Is there room in our social fabric for us to acknowledge and celebrate the passion for learning, for politics, for a hobby or musical talent? What about knowing a second language, possessing natural eloquence in speech, writing or reading for fun? Thinking critically?

It's something like speaking a different language when you find that some one shares some of your offbeat tendencies or unusual interests. it has nothing to do with "good grades;" doesn't require you to have XX amount of degrees.

Far be it from me to claim only one definition for the word Nerd. If it's a concept you identify with, please join us in collectively redefining it.


Unite
The technology available today gives us the tools, for the 1st time, to link our private circles together. I remember having pre-internet all-night discussions with a circle of friends and thinking: we can't be the only ones in the world thinking like this. There has to be a bunch of folks in Texas, Cuba, Chicago, Lagos, Bahis, London, Oakland, Guyana, Johannesberg having this same conversation... but who are they? How would we find them? What is at the top of their agenda? How do we help each other out? How can our different perspectives complement each other?

I think of J. Edgar Hoover's fear of a "Black messiah;" that single photo of Malcolm and Martin shaking hands; the Black Panthers' breakfast programs being bombed; the splintering of our political and cultural movements all the way down to the shift that happened in hip hop in the early 90s - how the art suddenly changed from boogie down to the dogg pound - a billion dollar industry and no billionaires.

We need to take control of our international image.

It's not government puppets. It's not rappers or movie stars. It's us.

Lets shine
Together
Unite