The UPstander's Podcast with Dr. Omekongo: Recent Episodes
Dr. Omekongo Dibinga
An UPstander is someone who sees something and takes a stand. Here we will explore issues relating to social justice. Some posts will be motivational, some educational. Some times I may drop a rhyme or poem! The goal is to share stories and opinions that help us build a human family. Share your thoughts and share with others!
I appeared on Fox32 Chicago to discuss bigotry, bias, and my new bestselling book "Lies About Black people." One thing we discussed from my book is "The Rule of 7." These are 7 questions you should ask yourself, your community, your school, or your company to see how truly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion you really are. #diversity #diversityequityinclusion #'''''''''''''' #deibj #antiracism #liesaboutblackpeople #fox
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On "Roland Martin Unfiltered", I shared my thoughts on Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders getting rid of AP African American History. I speak about how teachers need to fight back, how non-Black parents should speak up before these so-called leaders come for them, and...I drop a few bars in between...because...it's what I do! lol. I share some of the poem called Critical Racist Theory" which you'll find in my book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters." #antiracism #antiracist #antiracisteducation #liesaboutblackpeople #criticalracetheory #diversity #proequity #arkansas @rolandsmartin #RolandMartinUnfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Now that Jamie Foxx has apologized, who is going to work to have the courageous conversations? Who is going to speak about what the story of Jesus means to Black people vs. Jewish people so we can better understand each other? We live in a society where outrage is an industry. It's easier to destroy than it is to build. Who wants to build together?
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Justice delayed is justice denied." It has taken too long for the family of Henrietta Lacks to get any form of justice. The settlement with Thermo Scientific brings her story to a new group of people who did not know her story but can her story be taught in some of our school systems like in Florida today under #desantis or in other states?
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.liesaboutblackpeople.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. #sayhername Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was so honored to be a guest on the "Lean to the Left" podcast with Bob Gatty. We had a very deep discussion about the Supreme Court decision and the themes in my book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters." He gave me permission to post this on my podcast. You can also watch the video of the conversation on his YouTube page.
upstander #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #dei #deib #deiba #affirmativection #supremecourt #unc
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Please share your comments on this important debate. Where do you stand on affirmative action? #affirmativeaction #upstander #jobob #joyannreid @jobob_
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I joined Jobob of Turning Point USA and Dan Perry (formerly of the Associate Press for a debate on 124 News about the fallout from the Supreme Court decision. Be sure to watch pt. 2! #affirmativeaction #supremecourt #joyannreid #i24news #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook. #upstander @jobob_
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
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No law can make a people committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this video I speak to the hypocrisy of both the #unc and #harvard decisions. In your company, school, religious institution, and your community overall, if you are committed to a world where everyone can be celebrated instead of tolerated and have equitable and equal opportunity, you should be energized by this treacherous decision to do more and fight more for an inclusive country! My book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters" also speaks to to the affirmative action debate. Let's GO!
scotus #superemecourt #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #upstander
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Take a look at my new book! In this video I talk about "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters" (foreword by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson). Check out the chapter titles so you know what's inside. I also talk about the poetry in the book, the interviews with everyday people about their antiracist journey, as well as the activities I share with you at the end of chapters for you to process what you just read. I also speak about all the hot topics of the day from critical race theory and housing to artificial intelligence and global anti-Blackness. Lastly, do know that this is a solutions-oriented book! We just don't talk about the problems. This is the book you need on your antiracist journey. It's the book your organization or school needs as well! Get your copy today! Let's GO! #dei #deib #deiba #upstander #diversity #diversityequityinclusion #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #deibjSTAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We gotta fight and pray the anti-gay away You can’t be gay You can’t be queer Schools supposed to be a place for comfort But for some students & staff, it’s all about fear How can we keep our kids in schools That wanna ban LGBTQ + the fact that they were never really welcome But many of us have tried Many of us fought for equality while our friends and fam felt the government lied They wanna ban the teaching of what they call a “lifestyle” Though some of our historical “heroes” were pedophiles Some even got statues… But we’re talking about consenting individuals who just wanna love each other And they could be your father, your mother, your sister, your brother Or you And if it’s you they’re coming for you too But we’re standing with you Demanding with you Understanding with you Upstanding with you Not as allies but as partners Fighting for equality, making your journey less harder Because being homosexual shouldn’t be a class B misdemeanor And being gay in class shouldn’t make society this meaner I’m so GLAAD for the Trevor Project who seeks better prospects for our youth And so many other groups that want our youth to live in their truth Schools should be a place of love and education But our so-called leaders are only focused on indoctrination So many things I thought we transcended But if you say your trans your career or school life might be ended? Not sure what happened to our Harvey Milk of human kindness Not sure how we’ve descended into this blindness But we’re not just gonna stay appalled at these attempts to Stonewall We’re gonna fight in every school board meeting and every city hall Because loving who you love should never be a crime And being who you’re meant to be in today’s world should be fine Learning about Marsha P. should be mandatory In our schools, campuses, and dormatories Our work just isn’t done in making America as good as its promise We must continue to stand up and move to real acceptance from intolerance!
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pride #pridemonth #pridemonth2023 #lgbt #lgbtq #dei #deib
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I sat down with i24 News to discuss the reparations in housing program in Evanston Illinois. I think as a measure of restorative justice, this country must really consider more reparations programs for descendants of American enslaved people. I would love your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I sat down with the host Ramon Ray for his show the "Rundown with Ramon." I really enjoyed sitting down with Black Enterprise to share some tips about how to build your speaking business as well as how to have a business committed to social justice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don't listen if you haven't seen the movie yet! Sharing my many thoughts on "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wrote this song called “Yeezus ain’t Jesus and Kyrie ain’t King.” Would love your thoughts! I think people falsely make @kyrieirving & @kanyewest to be in the same boat on #antisemitism & #antiblackness. That’s not accurate and I break it down in this song as well. Nuance matters and just because they’re both Black men doesn’t mean they should be lumped together, especially if Jeff Bezos will get no attention for still keeping those products Kyrie tweeted on @amazon The lyrics are also below if you prefer to just read it. #kyrieirving #kyrieirving #kanyewest #kanye #ye Yeezus ain’t Jesus and Kyrie ain’t King Listen to me close and the words that I sing Now Kanye & Kyrie, it ain’t the same ordeal It’s the reaction to the two that we gotta keep real Here’s the deal, Kanye ain’t being crucified Heard someone I love say that, I damn near cried Real talk, just because he made jesus walks Don’t mean ye walks on water, this is all his fault Thought he could say what he wants cause he got some chedda But billions can’t buy class, brother shoulda known betta Goin death con 3 on jew communities? Cool to be antisemitic cause you got money? Then you dis George Floyd may he rest in peace said BLM’s a scam and on YOUR neck is a knee? Y’all say I’m on the bandwagon? I’m a make it clear I been criticizing Ye for at least 7 years I played Kanye all day, gave the bro top clout Though I got a PhD I rocked with “College Dropout” But then you rolled with Trump gave the MAGAs voice Dissed Harriet, said slavery was a choice Then you disrespect Kwanzaa, and if that didn’t hurt You go to Paris with Candace in White Lives Matter shirts So I ain’t with Ye no more, cause this point is true Kanye was anti-Black before anti-Jew Y’all wanna ride with Kanye you showin’ your colors But for me you practice hate I can’t mess with you brother Now Kyrie is different though his tweet wasn’t cool And he doubled down in anger tried to take folks to school But Kyrie loves Black folks shown a lot of support For Black people all day on and off the court Paid WNBA salaries gave to charities Bought the Floyd fam a home after their tragedy Supported Moms of Black Boys for social change And so many more things there’s a helluva range The mistake Kyrie made with our Jew family He denied them the respect he wants for Black folks see So for those who compare him to MLK Kyrie’s nobody’s martyr though he called for change I don’t think he hates Jews but he made a mistake Because his tweet played into this climate of hate He shoulda recognized that way before the suspension Before the Nike deal got trashed, before all this attention He and Kanye are different but before I go on The book he tweeted is a bestseller on Amazon Spent this song callin’ out Ye and Kyrie both But the one who’s profiting from this is jeff Bezos So let’s condemn all hate and call out everyone And end anti-Blackness and anti-Semitism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I stand with everyone who is fighting anti-semitism and being an UPstander and not a bystander. We cannot condemn Kanye and Kyrie without also speaking to the industries and companies that have also promoted either anti-semitism and and anti-Blackness.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts on #kanye and his #antisemitic comments as well as his anti-blackness. 2 clips here from #rolandmartinunfiltered with @rolandsmartin. In the second clip, I’m talking about how @foxnews was defending #kanye and his antisemitic statements BEFORE they even read the statements he made. #foxandfriends @foxandfriends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I asked legendary educator and antiracist activist Jane Elliott on the Roland Martin show about her thoughts on The Little Mermaid controversy. She drops some wisdom! #rolandmartin #RolandMartinUnfiltered
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I appeared on Fox 5 with republican strategist Andrew King to discuss the midterm elections on "On the Hill" with host Tom Fitzgerald.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I appeared on Fox 5 with republican strategist Andrew King to discuss the midterm elections on "On the Hill" with host Tom Fitzgerald.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts on the ignorance, hate, racism, and hypocrisy to "The Little Mermaid" being played by a black woman. It is truly an opportunity to reflect on white portrayals of nonwhite people in film historically as well as an opportunity to reflect on creating a society where everybody can be celebrated and not tolerated! Let's GO! #littlemermaid #hallebailey #disney #diversity #equity #diversityequityinclusion #upstander
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts on the ignorance, hate, racism, and hypocrisy to "The Little Mermaid" being played by a black woman. It is truly an opportunity to reflect on white portrayals of nonwhite people in film historically as well as an opportunity to reflect on creating a society where everybody can be celebrated and not tolerated! Let's GO! #littlemermaid #hallebailey #disney #diversity #equity #diversityequityinclusion #upstander
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I spoke to to Faraji on The Black Star Network about the racism incident with Rachel Richardson at BYU. We also talked about Biden taking on the MAGA republicans and their racism. It was a great show. Check out "The Culture" with Farajii every weekday on The Black Star Network! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was honored to sit down with the founders of The Stereotype Project, Gian Franco and Liz Kim. The Stereotype Project seeks to deconstruct the way we learn about people and cultures while highlighting the gaps and illuminating limited and biased representations of social groups in the media. Learn more about them at https://www.thestereotypeproject.org.
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was so honored to sit down with Farajii on "The Culture" on Roland Martin's Black Star Network. Roland is really bringing great shows and content to the world and I was honored to be on this show. You can also catch me on Monday nights on #rolandmartinunfiltered. Let's GO!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this song, I share 3 different perspectives on bullying. This song can be found on all digital platforms and comes from my album, "What our freedom sounds like" - https://open.spotify.com/album/3LdHPxsEvZPZjIiSLVW6HZ. I. I just don’t feel nothing anymore School just used to be a bore but now I abhor It, wanna quit I just can’t take it Used to front like I was happy now I can’t fake it Hundreds of kids at my school but I’m alone Bystanders standin by like talkin’ on phones Math teacher wants to help but her hands are tied She can handles squares and tris but can’t deal with bi Wonder why I can’t cry like I did last year Live in fear when ears hear being called a “queer” Queer enough that’s the nicest thing I’ve heard all day Folks come up with the meanest ways to call me gay G-a-g-a sang today “I was born this way” But now I wanna die being torn this way Counselors and principals—no principles Hung me out to hang myself I’m invisible II. I know you think I don’t see you but my hands are tied I’m running this school but school’s runnin me I tried I got teachers wanna help but they need training But the district cut the budget I keep complaining Hard to watch what you’re going through it hurts to see Cause when I was young kids used to pick on me That’s really why I went into education To build a place where students could have safe haven For their dreams but it seems that you’re caught in the seems You have no idea how much I want to intervene But I got parents that’ll say that I’m pro-gay rights Church groups that’ll call me the antichrist Damn I’ll be damned if I plug this dam But behind the scenes I swear I’m gonna do what I can If you could just hold on for just one more day I’ll do my best to make you feel you belong OK? III. Got this kid at this school that I punched in the face Didn’t do me no wrong, he was just in my space Teacher didn’t care, didn’t gimme detention Kinda crazy cause really I just want some attention When I’m smackin’ up a kid I’m on top of the world When I stop I’m nobody, the boys and girls Don’t pay me no mind unless I’m spendin my time Callin’ kids names and playing tricks on their mind But does anyone wonder why I act this way? Just saw my dad punch my mom in her chest today Happened right on the street and no one said a word Guess hittin on people is just how you get heard So I’m a keep hittin ‘em til folks are hearin’ I’m Looking for some guidance, an intervention sign If you could just hear me when all the kids fear me Maybe I’ll stop bullying and see my life more clearly
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I’m thinking about the story of Corion Evans, the 16 year old who saved the lives of 3 girls and a police officer from drowning. The story is such a powerful lesson on humanity in the face of the racism and intolerance we face today so I wanted to spend some time reflecting on it. Thanks to #corionevans, a real life superhero! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The reaction to Rosita snubbing kids on Sesame Place is real. I explain why and how to move forward working with #sesamestreet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pt. 2! Sat down with former federal agent David Katz and former chairman for Fulton County Georgia Dr. John Eaves to discuss Black Lives Matter and police violence in America. This is part 1 of 2. Part 2 will be shared later this week!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sat down with former federal agent David Katz and former chairman for Fulton County Georgia Dr. John Eaves to discuss Black Lives Matter and police violence in America. This is part 1 of 2. Part 2 will be shared later this week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts on 3 things we should be doing right now to ensure Women’s reproductive rights are protected: 1) stop wasting time arguing w/our opponents and spend more time building with partners; 2) stop using their language in our arguments. They are wrong. They’re not “the right”. They are not “prolife” after a child is born; and 3) prepare to vote out politicians but NOW target politicians for a carve out on the filibuster and the codification of #roevwade (hey #susancollins) AND target corporate sponsors who support candidates who support this move! You ready #upstanders? Let’s go! #roevswade #roevwadeoverturned #abortion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lyrics
Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family!
Just a little something for the dads, I see you Just know that no one else can ever be you Only time you’re discussed is when it’s to demean you I see through media views that’ll leave you Feelin’ you ain’t worth a damn, yo I believe you For y’all who doubt don’t let the media deceive you Only talk about our absence but those of us there It’s like we’re Homer Simpson, yeah it’s time to compare Cause is it just me? Am I buggin’ because The strong men on tv are the uncle or cuz? I mean is it really me? Am I goin’ buckwild To see how they make us look like an extra child? And no shade to the moms, you deserve all the praises I’m just brining up some issues that fatherhood raises All praises due to real dads out there Hope the world sees that we got a story to share
Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family!
Now dads I know it’s tough when you take your kids To afterschool activities then back to your crib Know it’s tough when with your kid standin’ right there And teachers tell ‘em “talk to mom” like you ain’t right there! Know it’s hard when you decide to be the stay-at-home dad And the world sees you as weak or part of a fad Paid paternity leave ain’t here federally But we do what’s best for the fam, it’s necessary But in times like these I acknowledge your worth The world’s better with good dads walkin’ this earth So dads do your thing like you were meant to do Don’t worry about haters know your kids need you And if you ain’t seen ‘em in a while time to reach out too It ain’t never too late to tell em “I love you.” And if you got ‘em next to you just hug ‘em too And Let ‘em know nothing will ever come between you
Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I sat down with Areva Martin on "The Special Report" with Areva Martin to talk about Father's Day. I believe that we don't celebrate fathers enough so I was happy to be part of this interview. STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wrote this song to pay tribute to those slain in #uvalde, #buffalo, & #lagunawoods and to call YOU to action!
She woke up that morning with love in her heart To see her husband in a nursing home to check on his heart he went to grab snacks before the movie night start he guarded that store to make sure that trouble was blocked she moved to buffalo to take care of her bro she fed people down on their luck who might’ve been po beat aneurysms and cancer in her 65 years he went to get a birthday cake for his son of 3 years she fought to get guns off these violent streets he drove taxis to help people leaving Tops Mart see she was the life of the party brought the family together she was the substitute who will be substituted never he was a Taiwanese father of 4 in southern cali Way too many others in this song to try to tally This is everyday America, gets worse everyday With nra, apathy, and politics in the way.
You gotta be the change you seek, you gotta speak You gotta stand up for the future of our babies If change is meant to be, it’s up to you and me So what you gonna do to fight and save this country?
Their lives were robbed at Robb on a day of joy A beautiful day at Uvalde for the girls and boys A day of honor rolls for great kids on a roll Looking forward to summertime, such beautiful souls Stellar grades and good citizenship awards They loved video games and burning up dance floors He loved catching footballs thrown far and near They were saving up so she could go to Disney next year Her pictures said a thousand words but she’ll never speak again They were cousins who were also probably best friends She was so fast in races, friends couldn’t keep up They taught for over 20 years teaching kids to look up
At a brighter future and to face it with grace Taught those kids to always have a smile on their face America weeps for those slain but it can’t be in vein After our tears we gotta fight so there’s no future pain
You gotta be the change you seek, you gotta speak You gotta stand up for the future of our babies If change is meant to be, it’s up to you and me So what you gonna do to fight and save this country?
A baby formula shortage, babies crying “feed us” But some politicians only care about the fetus They’d rather keep the guns but ban abortion They’d rather ban books before they ban a gun They found money for Ukraine as we wanted them too But where’s the money for our roads, summer jobs and schools? Gotta vote more into office who will fight for our babies Gotta target sponsors who sponsor hate on tv Gotta fight for the truth to be taught in our schools Gotta stop blaming mental health and not provide the tools Gotta challenge our neighbors when we hear ignorance You might think that act is small but it’s significant If you don’t stand up to hate, don’t stand up to violence Then you’re almost just as guilty because of your silence 10 days in America’s any day of the week But together we can change this if we’re strong never weak! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts on the #buffalomassacre. We ALL MUST recommit to being upstanders and not bystanders in the face of ignorance and hate. Your silence is compliance. If you’re not part of the solution you are part of the problem. Whatever you’re doing to fight for peace and change is not enough. WE ALL need to do more and I’m calling on you to do more, be more, give more, FIGHT more to create the respect for difference and #diversity that we are all deserving of. Let’s GO! #equity #inclusion #upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this interview, I talk with i24NEWS about the battle over critical race theory. One of the things I stress in this interview is that we can't let Governor DeSantis and his followers frame the narrative. The fact is that critical race theory is NOT taught in K-12 schools. It is a field of study for law school students. The faux-CRT activism is simply the latest attempt to block the teaching of the story of non-white, heterosexual men. Nothing more, nothing less. #crt #criticalracetheory #diversity #diversityequityinclusion #desantis #disney #inclusion #blacklivesmatter STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I believe that those republicans and ultra conservatives who are seeking to take away women's reproductive rights, voting rights, #lgbtqiaplus rights, and more are winning because we who consider ourselves to be "progressive" got too comfortable. I speak more about it in this video, which is ultimately a call to action to us all. #upstander #abortion #prolife #prochoice #vote2022
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve Davis is a lifelong educator, diversity practioner, and athletic coach. During his 30 plus year career he has been an inspirational High School Principal, Diversity Director and Championship coach. Mr. Davis also played in the Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl Football Classics for Penn State University. He shares his thoughts on what it means to be a Black father today. STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This video is entitled "Will Smith was wrong, Chris Rock should apologize, and Jada Pinkett-Smith is a victim in all of this." Would love your thoughts! STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this video, I talk about the coverage of Ukraine in the media from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective. How does Michael Jackson play into this coverage? What about rap music? Missing white women syndrome? #blacklivesmatter? Yemen? Take a listen and share your thoughts! let's GO! #ukraine #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #music #inclusion
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm so excited to share this information with you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We gotta fight and pray the anti-gay away You can’t be gay You can’t be queer Schools supposed to be a place for comfort But for some students & staff, it’s all about fear How can we keep our kids in schools That wanna ban LGBTQ + the fact that they were never really welcome But many of us have tried Many of us fought for equality while our friends and fam felt the government lied They wanna ban the teaching of what they call a “lifestyle” Though some of our historical “heroes” were pedophiles Some even got statues… But we’re talking about consenting individuals who just wanna love each other And they could be your father, your mother, your sister, your brother Or you And if it’s you they’re coming for you too But we’re standing with you Demanding with you Understanding with you Upstanding with you Not as allies but as partners Fighting for equality, making your journey less harder Because being homosexual shouldn’t be a class B misdemeanor And being gay in class shouldn’t make society this meaner I’m so GLAAD for the Trevor Project who seeks better prospects for our youth And so many other groups that want our youth to live in their truth Schools should be a place of love and education But our so-called leaders are only focused on indoctrination So many things I thought we transcended But if you say your trans your career or school life might be ended? Not sure what happened to our Harvey Milk of human kindness Not sure how we’ve descended into this blindness But we’re not just gonna stay appalled at these attempts to Stonewall We’re gonna fight in every school board meeting and every city hall Because loving who you love should never be a crime And being who you’re meant to be in today’s world should be fine Learning about Marsha P. should be mandatory In our schools, campuses, and dormatories Our work just isn’t done in making America as good as its promise We must continue to stand up and move to real acceptance from intolerance!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You don’t know what you don’t know You can’t lead where you don’t go If you don’t read you won’t GROW I know It can feel hard to work together It can be hard to fight to make our lives better But it’s worth it We have so many hidden commonalities but we can unearth it If we choose to trust each other before suspicion If we choose to take America’s promise and give it a new rendition We can show the world how to multiply unity where there’s division Where people wanna subtract our culture, you can bring addition We can bring acceptance where there’s derision To lead or to follow, what’s your decision? We need to fight all forms of hate with surgical precision But we can only do that if we really want to heal To be upstanders and not bystanders kicking down doors of hate with our heels When I accept you and you accept me, I love how that feels So let’s commit to love and learn about one another for real
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wrote those during the early stages of the pandemic but the message still resonates today. You are not given anything that you do not have the capacity to handle. You have to set your mind to it and fight for what you want out of life. You got this! Let's GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This poem is entitled "Critical Racist Theory". Shout out to teachers committed to teaching our kids the truth and the parents who support them.
I guess we can’t teach why Native Americans shed tears on that trail I guess we can’t teach why Japanese Americans were interned in those camps and jailed I guess we can’t teach why Jews fleeing the Holocaust came to America and were forced to reverse sail I guess we can’t teach about those who had their rights stalled at Stonewall as they cried and wailed Too many in America caught up in ignorance and denial They’d rather have you forget history than learn about its tribulations and trials They’d rather NOT teach you the history so white folks don’t feel guilty They think white kids will only see themselves as evil and filthy But where were your laws when I was learning about me? When my history books taught I only came from Slavery? When my mathematic classes left out black contributions? When my science classes left out our contributions to evolution? When my classes talked about America’s hopes and intentions But didn’t lift my hopes by teaching me about Black inventions? You don’t think I felt guilty? Like 3/5 of a man? When y’all taught that I was only civilized when you brought me to this land? —Nubia— But I ain’t gonna be selfish, it ain’t just my history dismissed Cause I can talk about Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and Jewish Cause y’all wanna exclude the Chinese Exclusion acts from the books You don’t wanna know about all Latinos labeled as Chicanos…and crooks And even though there are white Muslims, that narrative won’t work Cause y’all wanna teach that Muslims are just terrorists who murder and hurt You don’t wanna teach Islamic contributions to science and math You don’t wanna teach about Native American soldiers present and past But maybe at the end of the day we’re all fools Arguing about something that isn’t even taught in schools But to me CRT ain’t Critical Race Theory It’s Culturally Relevant or Culturally Responsive Teaching…hear me? For teachers teaching and reaching for the truth, your efforts, I applaud it For the rest of y’all if you didn’t want history taught, why did y’all record it? But I digress, because my faith in white students is stronger than yours I know they can handle full history and all of its flaws They can learn the evils of some white people ’cause those evils were defeated And when we teach them the history they’re inspired to never repeat it I know that white kids aged 16-19 can handle 1619 Even white kids in elementary and pre-teens Because too many students get angry when they find out the truth About America’s complete history that wasn’t taught in their youth America can only be as good as its promise when we teach history in full So let’s support our teachers in teaching the truth in school! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just a reminder today to get out of your own way and live your best life starting today! Let’s GO!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com.#motivation #inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So last night I thought long and hard about the statement I was going to make relating to January 6th and the insurrection. I wrote this poem. It's called "InsErection." No typo. There's a triple entendre there. I wore red to honor those whose blood was shed like Capitol Police officers. It's not appropriate for me to ask you to share this video if you "like" it. I'll ask you to share if you think it speaks to the seriousness of this insurrection. The words are below and you can watch the video on my Youtube page, www.youtube.com/omekongo.
America’s got a hard on for violence America’s got its guard on for violence He gets aroused at the site of silence Looking for any opportunity to screw the compliant Don’t deny it, I know you tryin’ But to say America’s always been peaceful? Nah you lyin’ and there ain’t no denyin’ Violence penetrated this country deep to its soul From enslaved Africans, slaughtered Cherokees and Seminoles Antisemitism by those who can Nazi Jewish humanity without bullet holes American internment camps of Japanese American souls (NOT Japanese internment camps by the way) What a difference a name makes Uncle Sam but damn I digress Because today I’m talking about January 6th We love violence so much we call today an anniversary While we commemorate 911 Hmmmm…. What we celebratin’ today? Please tell me? The 50+% who don’t believe in democracy? The so called-leaders goin’ along with McCarthy’s hypocrisy? The lies Tuckered into Fix News to legitimate an insurgency? The shattered eye sockets of Capitol security? The barricades erected to stop the cock-block of an election? The fact that it came down to the V.P. for constitutional protection? An ex-President who said he’d fight with the traitors and went in the other direction? The politicians who tried to decertify showing their electoral dysfunction? The way we tried a peaceful power transition and got our face punched in? But damn, I guess in America this is just how it plays Afterall, the man that said “give me liberty or give me death” owned slaves This violence is all the rage Inserectionists tried to take down the world’s largest democratic stage Feces all up on the Senate floor Urine all up on Congress’ doors That white fluid dripping from their mouths and pores As they salivated over an ex-president bought and paid for A made for TV president who they think is heaven sent So much so that to overthrow the country, they’re hell bent Senators “on both sides” running for their lives America can always stand tall and erect when it’s time for freedom to die What we celebratin? Well today I’ll celebrate the guards who gave their lives I’ll celebrate those cops who made it home to their partners, husbands, and wives I’ll celebrate those officers who saved congressional lives I’ll celebrate the rest of us in America who believe out of this dust that we’ll rise I’ll celebrate the arc of the investigations that hopefully bend towards justice But without federal voting legislation, it could be just us To stop the on-going inserectionist coup attempt w/out federal help, the onus is “on us”. I’ll celebrate the Joe Madisons starving so America can taste democracy once again I’ll celebrate the #unfiltered truth seekers who keep it Roland I’ll celebrate journalists who Reid Out loud what we’ve all been sayin I’ll celebrate the Ken & Karen Hunters fighting disinformation I’ll celebrate when we pass the freedom to vote act and John Lewis legislation I’ll celebrate when the inserectionists can no longer perform And America’s promise can take its true form!
insurrection #january6th #insurrectionhasconsequences #trump #January6thInsurrection Roland Martin Joe Madison - "The Black Eagle"
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What it do in 2022! Happy new year! Happy new YOU! Don't drag yourself into the new year! Don't just be here in 2022. Conquer it! You got this!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wanted to post this video to share my thoughts on “Will” by @willsmith. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read in terms of his lessons on ego, work ethic, relationships, and parenting. Will has been a role model to me for my entire life which is I called him on one of my albums the greatest rapper of all time. Anyway, if you want some motivation on taking your entire life to the next level, see how he did it and see what you can utilize in your life. It’s also a great @audible listen too. Some great #motivation for you all. Thanks again Will! #willsmith #thefreshprince Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am happy for the family for the Ahmaud Arbery verdict but it should've never gotten this far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I had the honor of appearing on "Prime" with Charles Blow and Are Maxwell to discuss a New York middle school's attempt to have a conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion by separating students by race. I think the intentions are good but there are some problems. Would love your thoughts!
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The democrats need to get ahead of the curve on an education plan after Youngkin's surprising win in Virginia. It has now become a top platform issue for republicans along with the fake activism on critical race theory. Here are 3 ways they can take control of the education debate. #criticalracetheory #diversity #education #diversityandinclusion #election2022 #midterms #youngkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My thoughts on the Virginia governor's race and the Youngkin win, the fake critical race theory "debate", and how to fight the culture wars that seek to remove my story (and yours) from the American mosaic.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com.
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Like many, I was horrified to watch the treatment of Clifford Owensby by the Dayton police. I sat down with i24 News' "Global Eye" host Sarah Coates and news producer Amalia Roy to discuss this. #blacklivesmatter
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I sat down again with Julie Wright and Kidd of "Let's Talk Live!" to talk about the steps you need to take to overcome a bad breakup. Please share with anyone whom you think it will help! STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I joined this amazing panel on Areva Martin's "The Special Report" to discuss how companies are dealing with diversity fatigue. Panelists included Mary-Frances Winters, Dr. Angel Jones and Dr. Frank Dobbins. Are you experiencing diversity fatigue in your company? Let's talk about it!
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this video I talk about how you as parents can be involved in your child’s education even if you consider yourself too busy or don’t feel comfortable having school conversations with them because you’re not skilled in a particular subject or not an educator yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We can’t let nativism win. We can’t let ignorance win. It is hypocritical to say we need to help the people of Afghanistan and in the same breath say those people can’t come here. Furthermore, using fearmongering techniques is what brought Trump to power and we can’t stand for it. We must be #upstanders for peace and not #bystanders to hate!
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I agree that @dababy used homophobic language that should be condemned in pursuit of a potential teachable moment. Like @stylesp said, this should be about counsel and not cancel. Having said that, it’s hypocritical for anyone to condemn the homophobia but have NO problems with the misogyny directed at black women and the violence directed at black people. If we’re going to call it out, let’s call it ALL out. #hiphop #dababy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wrote this poem to speak about the tragedy of homelessness in America. I applaud Representative Cori Bush and all activists working to change this. Congress needs to do better. The Senate needs to do better. President Biden needs to do better. We must ALL do better! This poem can be found on my CD entitled "Reality Show" available on all digital platforms. STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just wanted to express my support for Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and all the black women out there who represent us to the fullest every single day. Don’t sweat the haters. We got your back and will continue to uplift you! #simonebiles #naomiosaka #olympics #olympics2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I commend the owners of the Cleveland baseball team for working to build a world where everyone is celebrated and not tolerated. I hope for those who think this is no big deal or that we have bigger issues to worry about that this video will enlighten you. #clevelandguardians #clevelandguardiansbaseball #cleveland #diversity #diversityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Macy Gray sparked a great debate about the need to change the American flag. It inspired me to write and record this poem:
Red, white, and blue, red, white, and blue What about that red, white, and you? What about that red, white, and me too? Do you see me when you look at Old Glory? Do those 13 stripes fully tell Mystory or HIStory? Is there any room for HERstory? And of course I’m talking beyond Betsy Ross Like Kochiyama, Sotomayor, Tara Houska, and Rosa Parks Can I still sing the Star Spangled Banner if black lives don’t matter? But back to the flag, I know that all races here fought for it I know that all religions here prayed for it I know that our Jewish family was anti-semitized for it I know that our Muslim family was 911’ed and despised for it I know that Native Americans endured a lot of pain for it I know that too many white people were slain for it I know that millions of black people were enslaved for it. I know that Asian Americans were interned for it I know that Hispanic Americans were deferred for it I know that men’s rights over women’s rights were preferred for it I know that differently abled family crawled up Capitol steps for it I know that our LGBTQ+ family loved in secret and wept for it But yet it still represents us all? So maybe that flag should really be overhauled Maybe it’s time to darken some of those stars Maybe those white stripes need to be off-white To reflect how in our search for purity, we didn’t always get it right Maybe the red stays to represent the blood of the slain So they wouldn’t have died in vain Maybe that blue stays to remind us to keep our skies blue So we can breathe fresh air as we embrace every hue And before you shout me down for writing this rhyme Remember that the flag has already been changed over 20 times When I look at America today, the flag seems outdated Might be time for our flag to show that all Americans are celebrated and not tolerated.
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Let's celebrate today and keep fighting for justice tomorrow. We represent the dream of our ancestors and this is what they want. They want us to fight and honor them and make the work better in ways they couldn't even imagine.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I've been so frustrated with the lack of coverage of the actual perpetrators of the massacre on Black Wall Street and all the Black Wall Streets in America. I was driving home and kept looping Rihanna's "Man Down" and as soon as I got home I just wrote all of this down that was on my mind. I literally just wrote it in the last hour. I didn't realize I had so much on my mind. It just came out. I hope it resonates with you. Peace.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all need to stand up against the anti-Semitic comments by Marjorie Taylor Greene. We need to be upstanders and or bystanders. Here is my response to her equating wearing masks to being in a concentration camp. It’s not cute. It’s not funny. It’s dangerous. This is how genocide starts and I won’t stand for it. Will you? #upstander #mentalhealth #ignorance #hate #antiracism #antisemitism #stopasianhate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Words matter. Today is NOT the “anniversary” of the murder of George Floyd. It’s a commemoration. I speak more on this in this video. #georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter #diversity #racism #antiracist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For my 100th podcast, I'm proud to share a song I wrote and recorded to pay homage to Malcolm X. I used Talib Kweli's beat "Listen." Hope you enjoy it. I wish more rappers would use their platform to honor the legacy of our legends! #malcolmxday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great to make sure that you're checking on yourself. Your health is your wealth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wrote this poem in tribute to all the survivors and thrivers who are working every day to live their best lives after their worst day (or days). I share this poem to honor all who work as upstanders to end all forms of sexual abuse, assault, and overall violence. You will win. WE will win if we never give in!
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I spoke with i24NEWS about the Derek Chauvin trial, defunding the police, and the future of racial justice in America. I had to also make sure I gave praises to Darnella Frazier for recording the video that shook up the world. Rest in Peace and power #georgefloyd #darnellafrazier #police #justice #blacklivesmatter #humanrights #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #derekchauvintrial #derekchauvin
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I’m happy for the verdict but when I think of all we had to do just to get here and how there is so much more to do, it’s frustrating but I will not quit. I know that WE will not quit because we stand on the shoulders of people who dealt with so much worse. Rest In Peace and power to George Floyd. #derekchauvin #chauvinverdict #georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I sat down with i24NEWS' Natasha Kirtchukto discuss the tragic and unnecessary killing of Daunte Wright. #blacklivesmatter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4 WNBA greats stepped into our Bikram Yoga Works & Cryotherapy studios to talk to me about the benefits of yoga and pilates in their lives. Alana Beard, Monique Currie, Crystal Langhorne, and Marissa Coleman share great life advice for all of us, athletes and non athletes alike!
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I spoke with i24News about the ongoing debate in America on reparations. I believe that reparations for black people in America need to be studied and implemented like the Illinois town we discuss in this interview. Would love your thoughts on it.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was so honored to be a guest on "The Special Report" with Areva Martin. On this show I was on an awesome panel with New York Times Bestselling author Frederick Joseph, author of "The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person" and Professor Susan Scafidi. Would love your thoughts on this important topic! What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation? Would love to hear them! STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was a guest on 1210 WPHT radio with veteran radio host and former classroom teacher Don Giordano. He heard the radio and television interviews I did with Sean Hannity and wanted to have a deeper discussion. I really enjoyed being able to have a civil conversation about such a controversial issue! This is the recording of the interview from WPHT. Would love your thoughts on it! STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I joined the Sean Hannity show to debate Dr. Suess alongside Leo Terrell.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was honored to be part of a great panel discussion with Areva Martin of "The Special Report" about the use of the term "nigga" or "nigger" in hip-hop and beyond. Guests included Aliah Luck, Mr. Midas, and Ian Bruce. Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I pride myself on being a continual student of life. I am always looking to learn more about what I do not know. I also know that if I am going to continue to do my work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I can never become too arrogant to think I have it all figured out. Enter the word BIPOC, which is a word I am afraid to admit I just learned about in 2020. I first thought it meant “BIsexual People of Color.” In what I have learned about this term, I have come believe that this term is problematic for several reasons and organizations especially should stop using the term immediately. According to the New York Times, the term first started appearing in social media circles in 2013. The term started to gain more prominence in 2020 in the wake of protests over the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others. Since then, the term has sprung up everywhere. Organizations such as the BIPOC project are centered on a mission to “build authentic and lasting solidarity among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), in order to undo Native invisibility, anti-Blackness, dismantle white supremacy and advance racial justice.” They also state that they use the term BIPOC to “highlight the unique relationship to whiteness that Indigenous and Black (African Americans) people have, which shapes the experiences of and relationship to white supremacy for all people of color within a U.S. context.” While I respect their mission and the sentiments of others who identify with this word, this term should no longer be adopted into our lexicon for the following four reasons. 1. The term “BIPOC” is like a double negative (or double positive if you prefer). 2. Black & Indigenous people don’t have that much in common. 3. Uniting around whiteness is not the way to go. 4. Why do white people just get to be white? I have seen so many terms used to describe nonwhite people throughout American history from Negro, colored, and Hispanic, to Indian, people of color, and LatinX. Now we have BIPOC. Throughout all of this, white people just still get to be called white. Not only is this annoying because, last time I checked, white is a color too, but also because the more terms we come up with, the more white people are viewed as being the original people and everyone else is colored into that white narrative of originality. Putting white people basically at the center of creation is not historically accurate. I have written more extensively about the broader problems the term “people of color” creates and why we should not use it so I will not revisit that here. I will just say that the more time we spend coming up with new terms to describe nonwhite groups, the more we actually strengthen the narrative of white Eurocentric dominance in America. At the end of the day, I do not have the right to challenge how any one individual chooses to identify with a culture or identity. I am speaking to the challenges that exist on a collective level when we continually create new terms for people who ultimately do not have that much in common, as we have done with the term “people of color.” I argue for us to be intellectually energetic enough to treat each group with the respect they deserve in the same way we do white people. Both white people and Native Americans owned slaves but no one has come up with the term WIPOC to express solidarity. Let us tell the story of Native Americans, black people, and all cultural or racial groups with the individual respect they deserve. This is crucial in your commitment to create communities where everyone is celebrated and not tolerated. Let’s GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this video I explain "Rule of 7" challenge to you on measuring how deep your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been. You can also read the article here: https://www.upstanderinternational.com/the-rule-of-7-testing-your-commitment-to-diversity-equity-inclusion/ #diversity #inclusion #diversityandinclusion #antiracisteducation #antiracist #blacklivesmatter #upstander #diversityequityinclusion #blackhistorymonth
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just spoke with i24NEWS in Israel about the significance of the #inauguration from a race relations perspective. It's important to always remember that the world is watching us and the example we set on issues specifically related to race. The Nazi and apartheid regimes used our racist path to craft their own policies. We have to continually work to set a better example. #diversity #antiracisteducation #antiracist #blacklivesmatter #globaleye #antiracism
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The year 2020 has been called the year of America’s racial reckoning by some. It’s been called a time where movements for racial and social justice exploded on the national scene. I have to be honest. I am not convinced. As a student of history, I have learned to analyze the difference between what activist Joe Madison calls a moment versus a movement. Was #metoo a moment or a movement? In my opinion, it has turned out to be a moment in history because I have not seen wholesale systemic change in how women are treated in the workplace beyond certain individuals like Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and others rightfully having their careers and fame challenged and more or less ended. I feel a similar vibe happening with the work of antiracism. I have been engaged in so many powerful trainings and talks with organizations on the issue of antiracism, defined by some as “the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance.” From the human resources to the executive level, I have been truly impressed by the sincerity by which these organizations have taken issues of racial or social justice head on. Below I am sharing three reasons why the antiracist efforts of your organization may not be working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We can’t talk about healing and unity without holding people accountable for the violence that happened starting with #trump and moving down to his enablers including the Republican Party, corporations, that supported him, and the supporters who sacrificed whatever morals they had or racial justice so they could get tax breaks and conservative judges. This also includes all the media outlets who put ratings over what’s right. #accountability #impeachtrump #impeachtrumpnow #impeachtrumpagain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy new you! If you don’t learn all the incredible lessons from 2021, if you forget everything we were taught, then it’s all gonna be for naught! Let’s GO! #newyear #happynewyear #happynewyou #happy #bye2020 #hi2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I agree that there’s a great deal of sexism w/the @WSJ article on #DrJillBiden. Conservatives just want to define her in relation to a man. The other issue though is the anti-intellectual culture we live in which was exacerbated by @realDonaldTrump, the biggest anti-intellectual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wrote this track to use hip-hop to raise awareness about the Congo. I remixed the track from Ludacris' "Welcome to Atlanta." STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greetings Upstanders! I hope this message finds you well. This holiday season, we must continue to search for reasons to be grateful and thankful. Some of us may have to search harder than others, given what we have experienced this year. Some of us are not allowed to see family members physically because of COVID restrictions and some of us like myself, who lost family members this year due to a myriad of reasons including COVID. Maybe there has been a job loss or you’re struggling with virtual learning. All of us are probably being tested in one way. One thing I learned from Dr. Willie Jolley is that there is a difference between life and school. In school you get the lesson and then you get the test. In life you get test and then you get the lesson! We are being tested now and we will pass this test. There are many lessons yet to be learned from this period of time we’re living in. We will win if we do not give in. Today count all of the things, opportunities, and most importantly, the people you have the honor of having in your life. Also remember that there could always be someone or some family in need right now so if you can, consider giving to an organization to help feed or clothe a family or anything else. Now more than ever, we need to spread love and pay it forward. Happy holidays to you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I do not believe that African Americans can appropriate African culture because African Americans are descendants of Africa. We can have a conversation about how African culture may be mocked or disrespected by African American artists and others, but you can’t appropriate what is naturally in your bloodline. Would love your thoughts! #beyonce #beyoncé #blackisking #blackisking👑 #blackiskingbeyoncé #disney #disneyplus #appropriation #culturalappropriation #culturalappreciation
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While I will always start by giving credit to black women for being the rock of the Democratic Party, I am frustrated that many act as if black men are doing nothing or betraying our interest. From Obama to Clyburne and so many more, black men have been intricately involved in this process and that can’t be ignored just because a small percentage of black men voted for Trump. This also takes the role white people have played off the table and they should not get a pass for supporting this president. There would be NO Trump without the white vote! #election2020 #election #bidenharris2020 #harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My kids live to see the first African American and Asian American female Vice President in Kamala Harris after seeing the first black president Obama AND the racist president Donald Trump got kicked out of office! To see this as young people is very inspirational for them and we're going to enjoy it before they just take it for granted! Lots of work to do but today is a GREAT day!
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I joined republican strategist Kodiak Hill Davis on i24 News in Israel to speak about Biden, Trump, the election, and where we are going as a country. Good conversation about where we are and more importantly, where we're going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's time to put up or shut up! Get out and vote! This is the lead single from my album "What our freedom sounds like" which is available on iTunes and all streaming platforms (link below). This instrumental was created by none other than Alisha "M'Jestie" Brooks, the writer of Rihanna's smash first hit "Pon de Replay." Recorded by Bomani Armah at Urban Intalek Studios. Let's go! Here is the song for streaming: https://music.apple.com/us/album/what...
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I talk often about finding common ground. To that end, I had a great conversation about the #election with Liquid Lunch John Tobacco, a major Trump supporter. What I love about the talk is that it's proof we can disagree w/out being disagreeable. STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s time we stop putting so much stock and faith in our black entertainers as leaders. The media needs to prop real black leaders and intellectuals. Maybe when I start seeing @taylorswift as a regular political contributor on these shows will I start thinking it’s ok to solicit the opinions of people like Charles Barkley. These entertainers do not speak for me and many within the black community. @50cent @icecube #50cent #icecube #upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It just is what it is. Let’s call a thing a thing. On #indigenouspeoplesday Trump chooses to once again disrespect our #indigenous community. Read for yourself here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-columbus-day-2020/?fbclid=IwAR0nUlhm_daGezj9FN2NRr1_AccTPUR0sGXSrp6xuxzluIzIW-GgA0YI0uI #upstander #indigenouspeoplesday #indigenous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The attempt by the Wolverine Watchmen to overthrow the Michigan government shows what happens when our so-called leaders at the top encourage violence as well as the intersections between politicians and law enforcement officials who either cozy up with these militia and white supremacists terrorist groups, but in some cases are members of these groups. We need to be UPstanders and never bystanders in the face of this hate and protect each other as we continue to work to find common ground in these uncommon times.
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I spoke with Natasha Kirtchuk of Israeli i24news TV about the latest updates on the killing of Breonna Taylor by the Louisville police who to date have yet to be arrested and prosecuted.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I pray for the officers who a coward attempted to murder and I hope he’s brought to justice. I also condemn those outside the scene of the shooting praying these officers die. I also hope that the media outlets that froze the video before the officers were shot (which is a good idea) would humanize black people and fo the same thing so we don’t have to see black killing on loop. Lastly, remember that we can’t associate all black people like these criminals with #blacklivesmatter without evidence. If white people don’t want to be associated or stereotyped with white nationalist terrorist then give us the same benefit of the doubt. #compton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here I share how some of my poetry was created after 911 and I share my thoughts on what we can do going forward to bring peace and unity to the world. #911 #911memorial #neverforget #neverforget911 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I shared this poem in tribute of my father, Reverend Dr. Dibinga wa Said, who returned home on August 14th, 2020. I recorded it on that day a few hours after he passed. Rest in Power Daddy! We got this! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today I share my first poem entitled “Act this way” which is a call to black entertainers to be more committed to our fight for liberation. The second poem is entitled “And I don’t even know her name.” This poem is a true story about the revelation that a cousin I didn’t know I had in Mozambique had AIDS and I didn’t know who she was. The poem is a tribute to her. Peace everyone. #ripjohnlewis #aids #aidsawareness @kingjames #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #africa #diaspora Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Yo I’m tired, I’m tired, but also inspired Time to vote folks out get these DAs fired Grandmas stand in front of cops defendin’ they kids Grandpops now the man of the house if they ain’t dead And I ain’t watching more videos of me getting killed Cause I see myself in every video that’s real And if I don’t see me I see my whole family My best friends, my students, my community If you don’t see yourself where’s your humanity? What you gonna do to stop this insanity? If you won’t stand up for you will you stand for we? Show that black lives matter, fight for unity? But I’m a let you know we ain’t waitin’ for you We gonna fight until “all lives matter” too Before the next one is murdered, we gon’ see this through And make change with the girls and the boys in blue Let me also point this out ’fore I continue to rock The McMichaels, Zimmerman and Roof ain’t cops So when they murder us in church or on the block They represent white supremacy and that whole flock And along with these cops they represent a system Designed to take a black man and convict and kill him Aligned to take a black woman and make her a victim Then put ’em both on trial to dehumanize them Then put ’em on TV to verbally brutalize them Then never share stories of these cops and brethren Then they let these killers prep the same story And rarely ever charge ’em with a felony The justice system doin’ what it was built to do Protect the cops at all costs no matter what they do But real change is gonna come it’s long overdue Cause we had something that we never had before…YOU! Jamar Clark, Breonna Taylor, Ousmane Zongo Cameron Hall, Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo Tamir Rice, Sean Bell, Jemel Roberson Eleanor Bumpers, Walter Scott, Fred Hampton Harith Augustus, EJ Bradford, Trayvon Martin Lajuana Philips, Antwon Rose, RaShaun Washington Daniel Simmons, Robert White, Tony Green Clementa Pinckney, Philando, Botham Jean Sandra Bland, Stephon Clark, Alberta Spruill, Nathaniel McCoy, Ronnell, Travares McGill, Suzie Jackson, Yvette Smith, Anthony Hill John Crawford, Danroy Henry, Emmett Till Yusef Hawkins, Michael Brown, George Floyd Jerame Reid, Kayla Baker, Rekia Boyd Juan Jones, Miriam Carey, Jordan Edwards Atatania, Ahmaud Arbery, Medgar Evers Acevedo, Danny Thomas, Linwood Lambert Marcus David-Peters, DeAntae, Michael Stewart Malisa Williams, Claudia Gonzalez, Tim Russell, Prince Jones, Anthony Baez Jordan Baker, Henry Glover, Tony Robinson James Brisette, Shem, Tanesha Anderson Shermichael Ezeff, Freddie Gray, Ronald Madison Oscar Grant, Ayana Jones, Dondi Johnson Raheim Brown, Victor Steen, Cedric Chatman Timothy Thomas, Aaron Campbell, Tarika Wilson Ajibade, David Raya, Steven Washington Nehemiah, Orlando, Patrick Dorisman Ramarley Graham, Terence Crutcher, Daniel Simmons Manuel Diaz, Alesia, Tamon Robinson And to all the Chris Coopers and the coulda-beens Could be you or me tomorrow, we must never give in!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hey Upstanders! In this week's episode, I perform the poems "Bush-whacked" and "What?" Bush-whacked was originally about President Bush Jr. but word for word I connect it to Donald Trump today. Would love your thoughts on it! "What?" is a call out to some of my brothers and sisters who think attaining the best form of western education makes them superior to other black people. Remember that you can catch this show live every Friday at 11 on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Live!
spokenword #spokenwordpoetry
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In this episode of "DECIPHERED! A spoken word series," I perform the poems "Hell" and "Changing the climate on climate change." "Hell" speaks about the state of the world post-911. "Changing the climate on climate change" is self-explanatory. I wanted to share this poem out of respect to our Sioux brothers and sisters, who won a big decision in the courts related to the South Dakota pipeline. The poems also speaks about fossil fuels and how banks lure Chase are working against climate change activism. Let's go upstanders and change the world! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I do an encore performance of "Signs of the Time," which is a poem I wrote shortly after 911 but is still extremely relevant today. The second poem is entitled "Rhyming with History" which speaks about the importance of learning the lessons from history.
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Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lyrics Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family!
Just a little something for the dads, I see you Just know that no one else can ever be you Only time you’re discussed is when it’s to demean you I see through media views that’ll leave you Feelin’ you ain’t worth a damn, yo I believe you For y’all who doubt don’t let the media deceive you Only talk about our absence but those of us there It’s like we’re Homer Simpson, yeah it’s time to compare Cause is it just me? Am I buggin’ because The strong men on tv are the uncle or cuz? I mean is it really me? Am I goin’ buckwild To see how they make us look like an extra child? And no shade to the moms, you deserve all the praises I’m just brining up some issues that fatherhood raises All praises due to real dads out there Hope the world sees that we got a story to share
Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family!
Now dads I know it’s tough when you take your kids To afterschool activities then back to your crib Know it’s tough when with your kid standin’ right there And teachers tell ‘em “talk to mom” like you ain’t right there! Know it’s hard when you decide to be the stay-at-home dad And the world sees you as weak or part of a fad Paid paternity leave ain’t here federally But we do what’s best for the fam, it’s necessary But in times like these I acknowledge your worth The world’s better with good dads walkin’ this earth So dads do your thing like you were meant to do Don’t worry about haters know your kids need you And if you ain’t seen ‘em in a while time to reach out too It ain’t never too late to tell em “I love you.” And if you got ‘em next to you just hug ‘em too And Let ‘em know nothing will ever come between you
Happy Father’s Day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you, no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family Happy father’s day to real dads out there Ain’t no one built like you no one compares Stand proud of who you are for the world to see But most importantly stand proud for your whole family!
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In honor of Juneteenth and our continued fight for social justice, I am sharing these two poems for this week's episode of "DECIPHERED." The first poem is entitled "Oz, can you save me" and the second one is entitled "The love that hate produced", which is inspired by the classic interview with Malcolm X entitled "The hate that hate produced." Please know the history of #Juneteenth and spread the word. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I dedicate this speech to the class of 2020. I appreciate and respect your dedication and your focus from COVID to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and so much more, you have persevered and pushed forward. We see you. We love you. We support you. You've worked hard. Your work is not done but know that we are working with you! Congratulations to you!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.
Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents.
Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo.
Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I spoke today with U.K. station talkRadio about the killing of George Floyd, We discussed everything from his killing and the protests to law enforcement training and racism. We also spoke about Antifa and white supremacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here are the lyrics to a song that I wrote that I will be recording later. It's called Breonna Bland Arbery-Floyd. Consider it a call to action.
Yo I’m tired, I’m tired, but also inspired Time to vote folks out get these DAs fired Grandmas stand in front of cops defendin they kids Grandpops now the man of the house if they ain’t dead And I ain’t watching more videos of me getting killed Cause I see myself in every video that’s real And if I don’t see me I see my whole family My best friends, my students, my community If you don’t see yourself where’s your humanity? What you gonna do to stop this insanity? If you won’t stand up for you will you stand for we? Show that black lives matter, fight for unity? But I’m a let you know we ain’t waitin’ for you We gonna fight until all lives matter too Before the next one is murdered, we gon’ see this through And make change with the girls and the boys in blue
Let me also point this out ‘fore I continue to rock The mcmichaels, zimmerman and roof ain’t cops So when they murder us in church or on the block They represent white supremacy and that whole flock And along with these cops they represent a system Designed to take a black man and convict and kill him Aligned to take a black woman and make her a victim Then put em both on trial to dehumanize them Then put em on TV to verbally brutalize them And never share the stories of these cops and their brethren Then they let these killers prep the same story And rarely ever charge em with a felony The justice system doin what it was built to do Protect the cops at all costs no matter what they do But real change is gonna come it’s long overdue Cause we had something that we never had before…YOU!
Jamar Clark, Breonna Taylor, Ousman Zongo Cameron Hall, Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo Tamir Rice, Sean Bell, Jemel Roberson Eleanor Bumpers, Walter Scott, Fred Hampton Harith Augustus, EJ Bradford, Trayvon Martin Lajuana Philips, Antwon Rose, Rashaun Washington Daniel Simmons, Robert White, Tony Green Clemente Pickney, Philando, Botham Jean Sandra Bland, Stephon Clark, Alberta Spruill, Nathaniel McCoy, Ronnell, Travares McGill, Cameron Hall, Yvette Smith, Anthony Hill John Crawford, Danroy Henry, Emmett Till Yusef Hawkins, Michael Brown, George Floyd Jerame Reid, kayla baker, Rekia boyd Juan Jones, Miriam Carey, Jordan Edwards Atatania, Ahmaud Arbery, Medgar Evers Deantea Farrow, Danny Thomas, Linwood lambert Marcus David-peters, Diante, Michael stewart Malisa Williams, Claudia Gonzalez, Ronnell Foster, Prince Jones, Anthony Baez Jordan Baker, Henry Glover, Tony Robinson James Brisette, Shem, Tanesha Anderson Shermichael Ezeff, Freddie Gray, Ronald Madison Oscar Grant, Ayana Jones, Dondi Johnson Raheim Brown, Victor Steen, Cedric Chatman Timothy Thomas, Aaron Campbell, Tarika Wilson Ajibade, David Raya, Steven Washington Nehemiah, Orlando, Patrick Dorisman Ramarley Graham, Terence Crutcher, Daniel Simmons Manuel Diaz, Alesia, Tamon Robinson And to all the Chris Coopers and the coulda-beens Could be you or me tomorrow, we must never give in!
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I sat down with Eliz Greene & Thom Singer of the Webinar Talk show to talk about one of my more requested speeches, "Finding Common Ground in Uncommon Times." Yes, we're talking politics, COVID, social justice, and more. It's my call to everyone to be an UPstander and not a bystander in the face of injustice. I hope this discussion is fruitful for you. Please share if you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This poem for Music Monday is entitled "Big Bid'ness" and it deals with the prison industrial complex. Thinking about the people in our prisons contracting COVID and not receiving the proper treatment and support is what led me to share this poem. It was originally published in my book "From the Limbs of my Poetree" and also on my second CD entitled "Signs of the Time." Both are available on Amazon and the poem is available on iTunes and other music platforms. Sometimes I share my art here instead of commentary because I like to show how we can use spoken word poetry and hip-hop to speaker about social justice and the importance of being an UPstander and not a bystander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I believe we will win if we don’t give in. We have to stop giving our power over to terms like “new normal.” This is not going to define us forever. Also be mindful that there’s part of the OLD normal that we don’t want to go back to relating to our hustle & bustle, no time for our families lifestyle. What do you think? We have to balance it out family! Let’s GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you see YOU or your family in the Ahmaud Arbery tragedy? If you don’t, I hope this video will help your get there because we need you to. Happy birthday Ahmaud. Rest In Peace Ahmaud. Rest in power Ahmaud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode I use the 4 principles from my book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! (Give, Release, Overcome, Win) that you can start to apply today to conquer the corona crisis! Let's go! I even share a special poem for you at the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I wanted to give you some motivation to start your week off right! You got this fam! You can handle anything life throws your way, otherwise it wouldn’t have been thrown your way! We will get through this together! Let’s GO!
STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I share 3 poems, "Hell", "Act This Way", and an encore performance of "Pulse of the Motherland" that deals with African media images. I shared it again because as I was about to close more people started joining so I gave an encore performance. "Hell" is a call to action for people to become more engaged in the world before it's too late. "Act This Way" is a call for black celebrities to be more engaged in social change and stop perpetuating stereotypes. Poems can be found on iTunes as well as right here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Limbs-My-Poetree-Om%C3%A9kongo-Dibinga/dp/0976005603/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=omekongo+limbs&qid=1586206619&sr=8-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oprah said that you get in life what you have the courage to ask for. What have you asked for out of life? Ask for it, demand it, and then go get it! Let's GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In my new series "Deciphered" I give a live performance and then break down my lyrics. In this inaugural episode, I break down my poems entitled "Signs of the Time" and "Pulse of the Motherland." The first deals with the world right after 911, and the second deals with African media images. We're doing this every week! Let's go! Spread the word! Poems can be found on iTunes as well as right here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Limbs-My-Poetree-Om%C3%A9kongo-Dibinga/dp/0976005603/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=omekongo+limbs&qid=1586206619&sr=8-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No matter where you are in life, the rest of your life can be better than any day before today! Whether you got off to a great start or had to climb up the rough side of the mountain or somewhere in between, it's never too late! Let's GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Now is not the time to shrink! It's time G.R.O.W. Give, Release, Overcome, and Win! Don't fall back during this coronavirus crisis. Go forward! GROW forward! Let's GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Remember family, amidst the #coronavirus outbreak, you don’t HAVE to stay home with your kids. You GET to stay home with your kids! Yes there will be cabin fever and all that but take advantage of this time to pass on stories to your kids or play games with them that you couldn’t do while at work. Even a 20-30 minute lunch with them may be time you couldn’t get with them during the weekdays depending on your job. Don’t let your phones, laptops, and tablets be the beneficiaries of all of your time during this time. Your kids will really appreciate it and so will you! Let’s GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all have some form of privilege. This post is based off of the "white privilege" essay contest that stirred up controversy in Connecticut. Would love your thoughts on it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The late Zig Ziglar said that fear is nothing but False Evidence Appearing Real. What have you prevented yourself from doing because of your fear? Now is the day that you must decide to no longer let fear cripple you. In order to be great, you have to leave fear in your wake! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Les Brown said "If you wanna keep getting what you're getting, keep doing what you're doing." What did you do today in pursuit of your goals. Are you working towards your dream or slowly moving away from your dream? Do you still have a dream? Wherever you fall on this spectrum, you and I both know that you can spend more time investing in yourself and your message and mission in life. Stop building up others at the expense of yourself. Start now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There is so much talk about the college cheating scandal going on in the news. There will be more conversations to come but this post is about celebrating ALL of you INCREDIBLE students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic status who work hard to get into college or pursue any other vocation. You are awesome and I celebrate your awesomeness! No quit! No surrender! Your time is coming. Stay the course! Those who game the system will get gamed by the system. Keep your head up and live by integrity always! We got your back and your parents rock too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve Duncanson said that whenever you stop fighting for what you want, what you don't want immediately takes over. As soon as you allow yourself to get distracted from your goals, you will find yourself in a position where what you did NOT want to happen will automatically occur. If you want to reach your goals, start by controlling your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This song compilation is designed to highlight the challenges our country faces with gun violence. The song was written by me. The music is by Bomani Arnah and the production is by Grammy-nominated producer Javon Gant from the song "Crew". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ask yourself, who are you when it's time to speak up and take a stand towards injustice? In my recent talk at the Bullis School in Washington, DC I shared 4-steps towards becoming an UPstander and not a BYstander. Whether in the workplace, school, or the neighborhood yoga class we have to work together to end all of the 'isms' in our societies. Change starts with YOU, lets G.R.O.W. (Give, Release, Overcome, Win)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode I discuss what you can do to make sure the black children in your presence grow to become confident adults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I share this poem often at many of my speeches and also at the end of my fitness classes. Many of you have asked for it so here it is. Feel free to share with anyone who needs it! Listen to it daily to pick you up as well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We spend so much time celebrating the successes of JAY Z while ignoring the fact that there are JAY Z's in your classroom right now being marginalized. In this post I share some strategies that you can use to reach them. Let's GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has been said that if you understand the "why" for living, you can deal with any "how". Have you found your "Why" yet? If not, stop searching until you find it! Let's go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This post can be helpful for any company dealing with workforce issues related to diversity and inclusion during the presidency of Donald Trump. Multiple reports show that the increased polarization in America has led to more tensions in the workplace. Here are some ways your company can deal with it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joseph Encinia spent the weekend teaching at our studios (www.bikramyogaworks.com). He sat down with me to discuss his life, his amazing journey, and share some incredible life lessons that go beyond practicing in the hot room! Enjoy and please share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Focus on keeping people around you who motivate you to be your best and forget the rest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As we have seen in this past election, our politicians are bent on highlighting what is negative about their opponents. They have forgotten how to compromise and bring out their collective good. You don't have to be like them! When you meet someone, do you first think of reasons why you can't get along or do you think first of your commonalities? I have learned in life that your relationships are prone to be more productive if you approach situations with trust before suspicion. It doesn't mean that you walk blindly into a situation, but it means that you should approach people from the perspective of what you can first build instead of thinking what you can do to tear one another down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing my thoughts from my article on the JAY Z deal with the NFL. You can read the article below. I support Kaepernick 100% but I believe that he can no longer be the litmus test for how black people move forward with the NFL. JAY Z's activism has earned him the benefit of the doubt. Let's see what happens! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The media is still killing Nipsey Hussle in two ways: 1) by painting his murder as only a gang issue as opposed to tying it to America's greater gun violence problem and 2) the continual airing of the killing of black people, which does not happen other people are murdered, like the white journalist who was murdered on air. TV networks said they didn't want to air it out of respect for the journalist's family but killings of black people stay on loop from Eric Garner to Nipsey. It's just wrong. We shouldn't be able to make playlists of black murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have spent the past few days shouting at each other about racism that we forgot how to talk to each other. This chaos is being led by President Trump but I believe WE have the ability to reclaim the dialogue if we stop listening to him and the media, which continues to fail us every day when it comes to conversations about race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Life is a battle for territory! As soon as you stop fighting for what you want, what you DON'T want automatically takes over so fight for your dreams! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
First Lady Melania Trump's "Be Best" program is a farce for the marginalized. It has made no significant stride towards improving lives of our youth on a large scale. In fact, in conjunction with the Department of Education and other departments, "Be Best" is actually working against the interests of the most marginalized youth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While what Russia did is wrong and must be condemned, I am more upset with Americans for falling for Russian trickery. Our inability as Americans to think critically think and analyze information is destroying us from within. This is worse than any missile Putin could have physically launched on us. He launched an intellectual missile, which is exposing us from within. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The arrest of an 11-year old African American student in Florida is the latest example of how the schools can set our children on a trajectory for mass incarceration. We can and must do better if we care for the future of all children. Do we? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have spent so much time in whataboutism about the incident with the Covington students. After all the partisan bickering is done, one question must be asked: what are we doing to raise a future generation that has respect for diverse cultures and perspectives? We all have a role to play and spending all our time arguing is not allowing us take advantage of several teachable moments from this situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Less than 2 hours after Rep. Ilhan Omar made her controversial comments, she apologized. It seems like every politician called for her to apologize or have bigger consequences but they continually allow President Trump, Reps. Steve King & McCarthy, and so many others to continually be made without being forced to apologize. Omar apologized and brings up real issues relating to lobbying. I believe she will help to build bridges and not divide as many republican leaders are doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Years after Charlottesville, I still find myself asking the same question: after your protests are done, what will you do to unite America? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tucker Carlson falsely equated democratic rhetoric with having the possibility of creating conditions similar to the Rwandan genocide. The fact is that it is extreme conservative republic rhetoric that is making America ripe for a genocide of Rwandan proportions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All of this talk about the fiscal cliff is driving me crazy! The media is working hard to keep us all in fear. It is truly quite tragic. You should focus on the things in life that YOU can control. Is your relationship with your mate or family falling off a cliff? Is your health falling off a cliff? Go into the new year focused on the real positive changes you can make in your life and leave the fear tactics to the media and politicians! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Willie Jolley says that procrastination is the biggest nation in the world. I've been wanting to podcast for SO long and now I'm finally ready! I hope you ride with me on this journey as we G.R.O.W. to OUR greatness! This week we are talking about...what else? Procrastination! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices