I’m starting to write/vlog my workout experience… Please pray for me, lol
Tag Archives: Black
It’s Important to Process, but don’t miss the moment of impact (That’s B.S…. I’m Talking About Privilege)
I started doing it again… Sitting/thinking/processing…. entering “Paralysis by Analysis” stages in certain aspects of my life.
I was reminded last week that I shouldn’t do that because too much analysis will bring in a culture of “political correctness” and uninteresting commentary, but later on there was an incident that reinforced my character-flaw:
That evening, I was enjoying time after a long day of work with my friends (of different races, profession, and relationship statues) at North Park before going to AMC to watch Marvels Ant-Man. Our last conversation was concerning race and the table next to us (two white young women) told us to “Shut the fuck up”… Maybe it was the saki bomb I just had, but I noticed most tables on the patio were monolithic- blacks were with blacks, whites with whites, and so on… As I looked at them, both my friend I was arguing with (who is white) and I were in sock; he was pissed, I was scarred (not of what they said, or what I wanted to tell them, but the effects/ramifications of my actions in Preston Hollow) that after all of the subjects we’ve talked about in 2 hours, they decide to comment (destructively) on race in America; this has another blog post that I’m working on… don’t want to go too far on this road for this post.
I have to continually think about my thoughts and actions: As an African-American man in America, 6 feet tall, larger than an average white person (as this is relevant to this discussion because our society is still controlled by white males and their influences), voicetrous, and can (and will) state my opinion on matters, so I can have an OPPORTUNITY to accomplish what I want. In this society, if I falter, I can easily be oust from the main population as a convict, trouble-maker, or even die. I’m sorry, but all of this goes through my head every time I make an opinion of something in public, or when I accidentally bump into someone I don’t know, or write a post that can ruffle feathers. In effect, this can cause me (and others like me) to error on the side of caution, or not even acknowledge it-which both are detrimental not only to my ego, but the healing of America. Do you have to go through these thoughts? If not, then you are privileged.
Back to the “topic” of this blog: Before you judge anyone, please be sure to walk in their shoes first. We all have things to improve on, meaning no one is perfect, and EVERYONE is flawed… So friends, If you don’t see anything new on my website, please feel free to reach out to me; it’s not because I don’t have anything to write, I may be processing things so much that I won’t express my thoughts. Shake me out of that, please? That’s how we all improve in this society.
Surround Yourself w/ Purposeful People
It’s around 11 p.m. and I’m on my laptop wrapping up some work. In the mist of completing my tasks, I reflect on my day… It was a GREAT day. Like, I’m still smiling type of day…. Like, I KNOW I need to get ready for bed because I have long day tomorrow but can’t because I have so much energy day. No, my stock didn’t spike at the right time, nor did I find a bag of money or hit the lottery, but the interactions I’ve had with people (my peers) really felt like a million bucks.
This normally doesn’t call for an extraordinary message post; I interact with people all the time (I’m an extrovert, this is what I do)… Today, however, was different because I’m not thinking solely on my interactions with the public, but am recognizing HOW I have people in my life; remembering where I was (and how I met them), knowing where I am currently (and how I can retain such great people), and planning on where I want to me in the future (and having the appropriate people mold me).
I had several observations in my interactions with people who positively influence me:
- They are from backgrounds that are FAR DIFFERENT than mine: I want to make this point because normally I’d like to go and find comfort in an environment that I have similar connections with… However, the more I expose myself to not only different people, but different places, cultures, ideas, etc., the more I see and appreciate things that are “not traditionally” my source of comfort. This is not always the case, but I’ve learned to open-my eyes to see the similarities we have w/ people instead of the differences.
- They had something that I can help them with: The assistance was a two-way street. I didn’t feel like I was wrongfully indebted, nor did they treat me like a charity case because they were able to help me, and I was able to help them.
- Their mission and goals involved improving society in one way or another: Though not the exact goal, most of the people I interacted with today wanted to help other people or systems.
I had at least a dozen interactions with people like this today. I’m so blessed to be in a position where I can learn from people that can positively motivate and inspire me. The moral of the story is to surround yourself with purposeful people. There will be plenty of people who wan to drain your energy, goals, and aspirations like a leech. They exist in your family, amongst your friends, and in strangers who haven’t met yet. Try to avoid paralysis at all cost; you don’t need to avoid them per se (we are in this world to influence others), but avoid their attempts to drag you down, and don’t stay in a prolonged period of time with them in their poisonous state.
Just as there are bad people, there are also good people who just need a good word or attitude to turn their attitude around. A constant interaction with people with a plan, goal, or aspiration will result in you improving your life. If you hang with purposeful people, influence them, allow them to inspire you, and evangelize to all people to become great, then we will make this a better place.
Black Or White: Who Cares, just be true to yourself…
Since early Friday morning, I’ve read the articles concerning Rachel Dolezal, the comedic memes questioning her true “blackness”, and the MANY texts/debates on her choice of action in the civil rights movement. While I have no issue of her, a caucasian woman, heading a chapter of the NAACP (if you know your history, this organization was not only founded bi-racially but had a mission of something that is much larger than what we are actually practicing today), I do have an issue that she disregarded her cultural background and totally “reinvented” herself, not for a person who supports blacks (White Chocolate) but a person who pretended to be black (A Macaroni Nigga…)
*Start at 5:00 mark
Though funny to some (and offensive to many), Paul Mooney makes a valid point; black people are one of the most replicated, exploited, unappreciated, and underestimated group of people on this Earth. This is not from happenstance. Black intellectuals, scholars, and leaders have to fight harder than their Euro-centered counterparts to make their points legitimate to American Culture because of our historic preconceived notions that blacks are ignorant and primitive, and should be confined to athletic and entertainment avenues to exercise our “expressions”, ones that can also be controlled and monitored by someone whose more capable to control (sounds familiar?…). In order for us to “conform”, several things can happen: we can disown our culture (as Dolezal did), and not acknowledge our past and assimilate to mainstream society, be an “Uncle Tom” to ensure the safety of our families and loved ones at the sacrifice of our self-respect, “shuck and jive” to entertain and distract our oppressors, which will provide comfort and stability to a struggling black family (an outlet that was necessary in MANY cases, but not sustainable in the long run), or we can rebel (which will DEFINITELY) oust us from society, either through media suicide, discreditation, or death.
SOME progress has been made the last several decades; but we (ALL Americans) still have a long road to travel before people are not only equal, but society will judge people on the content of their character, and not the color of their skin. Dolezal’s deception not only discredits a successful (and necessary Civil Rights organization), but it forces people to stop working on the improvement of race relations in America… and when we stop working on an incomplete project, we will digress and go back to square one. Rachael Dolezal, for her to be more impactful, should fully recognize, embrace, and articulate her past, continue to fight for people she wants to, and show that other ethnicities can enhance different cultures. It’ll be MLK’s dream realized and will allow our country to make a step forward. For her to disown her past, illustrates a denial of a piece of her life that needs to be addressed.
Again, I don’t have an issue with Rachel, but I am concerned for her mental health. It’s not healthy to disregard your heritage, create a new identity, and misdirect/misrepresent people on your history, your culture, or your intentions. Some blacks have tried that already… mission failed.
Life long learning
Thank you Phillip for writing this blog! It was great catching up with you and I love what you are doing w/ your family, your community, and uplifting people ensuring their financial stability. Keep up the GREAT work!
To look at his message, click on the link below:
My TRUE Frustration about McKinney… But First, An Amazing Message!
So……
I was about 150 words in concerning my position in McKinney and how frustrated I am at the situation, my region, and society as a whole… I’ve saved my thoughts and may reveal them another time. First, I would like to share this video clip of Jesse Williams discussing race issues in America and how people of privilege don’t want to change, because it insinuate that they have done something wrong; an idea I’ve thought about but never articulated quite like this…
What makes this piece AMAZING is not the aesthetics (yes, his pic will be my profile art so I can get clicks up this week, lol) but his content! He nails it!!!!!!! The frustration of a black man, the fight that oppressed people endure to survive, the “reality” that America shoves down our throat and how we react to it, the transparency and vulnerability of his situations in Hollywood… the whole package.
I have a new respect for this brother. BTW, he’s not my brother JUST because of the color of his skin, but the content of his character (remember that from history class… may be we should practice this more in our society).
Happy Viewing! I’d love to see comments so we can have a discussion…
A Letter To The TLH’s
Yesterday was a rainy Memorial Day in Dallas, Texas. As I watched a TV marathon of “Drunk History” on Comedy Central, several events happened:
1. My sister-in-law posted a beautiful pic of my brother holding their oldest daughter, Kenedi, honoring him and showing that he is missed (Thank you for doing that, Michelle).
2. I spoke to my sister as she and her family celebrates 14 years of marriage
3. My mom is with all of her siblings in Austin/San Antonio and I called to check on her…
After these things, I realized we are moving on with life; not saying we have forgotten about the two eldest men in our family, we actually live for them. There are literally different stages of morning, and we as a family, though you both are thought of and missed daily, are attempting to have productive lives.
I reflected on how I need to give both my dad and brother an update on how we are doing here on Earth. A lot has happened since 2007; emotions, events…. life has transformed how we (really I) interact with others, how I view myself, and my decisions that affects my future. Below are my letters to both TLH Sr. and TLH Jr.
Hey Tommy,
I know we didn’t get to interact much as we are 15 years apart, and it seemed like we couldn’t really form a close relationship, but I genuinely miss you. It’s apparent you received a lot of our gifts: You were intellectually smarter than us, had more physical attributes, yet was still a humble, personable person. The more I see people who know you, the more I admire who you were to family and friends.
Your daughters, Kenedi and Trinit, are beautiful, smart young ladies. Michelle is doing a great job making sure they are loved and know about you. I really appreciate her for that.
I’ve really received clarity on your “entrepreneurial” spirit the last several years. I remember growing up hearing everything you were trying to sell; whether it was Prepaid Legal, Kirby vacuum Cleaners, ACN, Telephones… you name it, you sold it, lol. I also remember seeing the frustration of dad as you pitched yet another great idea to get rich. Initially, I didn’t like this; which lead me to avoid sales in my professional life; a mindset that’s been holding me back. I also had an immature view of dad’s rationale; how you were using his contacts to “make money”. As I grow older, I realize that wasn’t the source of dad’s frustration; dad saw how smart you were, sees how you can sell anything that you can put your hands on, and how persistent you are in a debate/conversation when you believe in something. The dissonance occurred because of lack of knowledge transfer between you two (which is rampant across Black America-and is another blog entry) and his vision for you to pick up his businesses to make successful (which he understood was the true way of accumulating wealth, but situations prevented him from having that for you, which caused him to be more frustrated).
What I’m saying Tommy is that I misunderstood you; I didn’t take time to get to know you and I regret that. If I can turn back the hands of time I’d be more receptive to our conversations and try to relate to you so we can both benefit from our strengths… I love you bro.
Pops,
Yo Yo Homie… I missed saying that to you; Nat and I are continuing the salutations (and mom is still frustrated that we don’t speak English to each other) but it’s not the same as you created/perfected the saying. You are missed, both within our family and in the business community.
On the family front, Natalie and Irby are celebrating 14 years of marriage and your twin, Trey Hunter, is becoming more like you every day. They also have another boy, Thomas Logan Hunter, who they named and have the same initials to honor both you and Tommy. He’s a great musician who definitely likes to “eat cheese” with everyone he interacts with. No, I’m not married yet, nor am I close, lol, but I’m not worried, in due time. I’ve received my MBA and had a big graduation party- the time when you would probably approve of one since this academic achievement puts me at the same level with the rest of my siblings, lol (just kidding). In all honesty, graduate school helped me grow as a man.
Mom says I’m starting to do/say some of the same things you did and fears it’s because I’m trying to emulate you. That’s not it at all; I’m actually starting to understand what you went through as an entrepreneur (the good and the bad), at the Black Chamber, and with the city in general. You taught me to care about other people, but you also said be successful first; I didn’t realize trying to achieve both can be SO hard; you reactions/decisions you made were a direct result of your training in business, your care for an oppressed community, the “cards” you were dealt with, and your vision for a better tomorrow. As I take that journey, your decisions start to make sense to me and I see how you became frustrated, as society was not on the same page as you in terms of logical approaches to help ALL have the ability to succeed in business/life. I really need your guidance now…
In closing, I love you both… and miss you dearly. When you both died, I was in a very selfish stage in my life and regretted not being at the right place at the right time. As I live, however, I’m starting to realize past experiences and emotions (both positive and negative) can enhance your decision making for tomorrow. I’m no longer living in regret, but want to use my energy to make my world (and those who are in it) a better place.
Until we meet again,
Matthew Louis Houston (The caboose)
I’m Back!!
Hello blogosphere… It’s been nearly a year since my last post and a lot has happened in my life. I won’t bore you with the details in this message, but in later entries I will attempt to articulate emotions, reflections, frustrations, and possible lessons this season in my life. I’m realizing the importance of communicating not only verbally, but emotionally, and tangibly; it’s time for me to evolve so I can help impact the world!
I’ve owned this site for over 4 years and have not been consistent with my entries. There are a few reasons for this:
1. Apathy: I just don’t care to write sometimes. I’m more comfortable talking or showing you my feelings or intentions for change. This is how I naturally grew up; I wasn’t strong in English/Language Arts, and as a young boy, I was groomed not to express my feelings/articulate through words, but through actions. As I mature, I realize the importance of the written word and how writing helps you free your mind of apathy.
2. Lack of Time Management: To write effectively really takes a discipline and talent (which I don’t really have). So to compensate, I must be intentional with my entries; I have completed/drafts of journal topics accumulated from the past year that’s ready to be seen, but I have to be committed to consistently communicating (which I also struggle with in real life-yet another journal topic, lol)
3. Paralysis by Analysis: People get judged by their work; with social media, I have to be careful with what I put out in this space so it won’t come back and bite me.
4. (And most importantly) My insecurity: I’ve let fear control me, my thoughts, and my actions. Whether it’s insecurity to complete tasks in school, to the fear of rejection, to the fear of losing someone else in my life, I’ve let that spirit dictate my actions. That leads to apathy, being unorganized, thinking too hard, preventing me to do God’s Will for me; to be a walking testimony so I can influence.
So for the next few weeks I will pour my life out to you; you will hear my opinions of some current events, the frustrations of society as an African-American Young Professional who wants to teach and reach others, my viewpoint on how millennials can (and will) change society, some of the lessons learned from my experiences, and how to become influential in your personal, civic, and professional lives.
Until next entry…
Let’s Support The Arts!
Dallas proclaimed that April 7-14th was Arts Week here in the city. This is a time where we can illuminate the importance of art and culture and inspire citizens and businesses to give back and support the arts community in the same way that it supports each of us. I did not only support arts last week but I participated in it as well: having four gigs last week with a jazz quintet and a brass band. It was a great feeling.
As I was driving between gigs, I thought about how art influenced my life. I did not get a degree in music, nor did I ever aspire to attend the Julliard School or Berklee School of Music, but without music, it would not exist. My environment (parents, siblings, friends, community) acclimated me to the arts, whether it was listening to soul/R&B/gospel on our drives to Taylor or Giddings, TX, stealing my sister’s Blackstreet CD at a young age, or being “encouraged” by my best friend to try out for the band (btw: was one of the best “decisions” I’ve made), music and the arts grooms people to become well-rounded individuals who relates to people not only by words, but with their spirit and emotions.
With all this nostalgic pleasantries, I became disheartened. I then realized as an adult we, as young African-Americans, are not supporting the arts that helped shape and mold us in our developmental years. Of course there are a few pockets of action…. Quarterly we can go to the South Dallas Culture Center or listen to the Grits play on Wednesday night at The Prophet Bar, but there is a vast discrepancy between our investment of artistic culture and how the arts developed us directly and indirectly.
Now we can change that: I’m one of the chairs for the African American Museum Annual Gala and I want to call all of my friends to come and support this Historic Institution in Dallas. On May 18th, hundreds of people will be at this phenomenal event not only to financially support a great art institution in Dallas, but also having fun, looking good, and enjoying great entertainment. If you are interested, please contact the African American Museum at 214.565.9026 ext 328, or email jjones@aamdallas.org.
My DNC Experience, Day 1
Matt Houston gives his historical point of view of politics and starts a vLog of the Democratic National Convention.
Mr. Matt Houston 