Empowering Ourselves And Others

This week , I am writing on a social issue that is coming to light from every direction at the moment.
I ask you, in what world is it okay for ANY type of sexual abuse? This includes sexual assault and sexual misconduct as well.
The reason that I pose this question is that I see different views on it and wanted to touch on this very personal issue.
In recent weeks we have been watching as sexual misconduct accusations are coming to light in all aspects of society. It is especially disturbing hearing so many cases being brought to the forefront. Suspicions and accusations have always been spoken about in regards to politics, Hollywood and high society. The reason why it is so hard to swallow is that it seems that lately, every day there is a new accusation. This to me is very disturbing and unsettling. What is more disturbing is the fact that I am hearing a lot of attitudes that are nonchalant or accusatory towards the victims.
Some people do not care. The reasons are their own of course, and it could be they are not directly affected by it that they have no say in the matter. I can both understand and respect that view.
Some people are critical of the victims. They are wondering why they have never stepped forward until now. In some cases it has been 30 years since the incidents have taken place. There are those that stand by the accused and have very ignorant remarks regarding the allegations. This is what has provoked me to write about this subject today.
Let us look at a different perspective. The perspective of the victims. So many factors are involved in remaining quiet that we cannot judge some one who does not come forward. Fear is usually the driving force. For others it is shame. There are cases of threats, physical abuse that keeps them quiet, blackmail (this is especially true in positions of power or affluence) and of course ruining someones life.
From a perspective of victim, terror is a huge factor. Being terrified and feeling stuck and full of shame, full of regret, full of self loathing. If this has never happened to you, you will never know what it feels like to be helpless and alone. And please do not judge someone for this either, they have enough to contend with.
Now, I am not saying that all accusations are truth. We are well aware of how deceitful people can be especially in regards to money and power. Some people have something to gain by destroying someone else's life. And this is just as disturbing as the cases that are legit.
One thing that we need to do is begin to empower ourselves. We need to help empower others so that they may find their strength. This is my reason for writing this.
Let us Stand Up! Let us Speak Up! Let us make it okay to tell someone when something bad happens to us so that we are not afraid or embarrassed. Let us make it okay For our normal reaction to tell someone and get help rather than hide in the shadows and harm ourselves by shaming ourselves. The people who harm others are the ones who should be shamed and the more that people come forward the better it will be in the long run, I truly believe this.
Let us stop shaming, stop hating.
Stand up for ourselves!
Stand up for each other!
Speak up for yourself!
Speak up for others!
Do not remain silent. Speak on the offenses right away, do not let time get away from you. Tell someone, there is always someone out there that will listen. There is someone out there who will care. Take it from me, there is help. There is hope.
Love wins!!!

Keeping Culture and the Arts Alive, Phoenix Style!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of accompanying my good friend Angelica aka RoseWax to the Heard Museum for the annual Artes Vivas Mercado de las Artes at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The featured artist was Martin Moreno who had some amazing pieces that were painted, sketched, mosaics and etched. He was so friendly and full of knowledge. He was so willing to tell the story of the pieces on display and what went into their creation. He is a true inspiration and stands for community development, education and culture. I had the pleasure of speaking with him in depth about his art and the processes that he uses to create his amazing work. I also had the pleasure of meeting Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. She is an amazing artist who recently had a gallery showing at the local Xico Gallery for her Growing Up Phoenix show. Her work is breathtaking and fills me with emotion and inspiration. Her work showcases the culture of Arizona as well and truly is a positive influence for our community. After speaking with the artists throughout the market, I meandered my way through the rest of the open air market. There was a fantastic performance by Samba dancers, they really had the crowd on their feet and shaking their tale feathers! We were treated to 2 different Mariachi performances by Mariachi Pasion and Mariachi Fuego de Phoenix. There was a wonderful Open Mic performance by Phonetic Spit which truly inspired the writer within myself. Rose Wax Vinyl Club and Siek held down the music with fantastic choices in between wonderful performances but the other entertainers at the event. The final set was done by local group Phoenix Afro Beat Orchestra. There were also activities for kids and adults, face painting and whistle making by artist Beto Perez (he even had to help me, my whistle making skills were amateur) and screen printing by Xico Gallery.
I am honored to be a part of this great city and all of the culture and diversity which is celebrated everyday. All you have to do is look around you and you will find numerous free events for the whole family that will celebrate diversity, the arts, music and community. Take a look on the web and see what you can find! You can look up the Heard Museum for other events coming soon. Thanks for reading!

Join Me In An Adventure To My Favorite Local Record Shop: Crates Records and Gear!

My most favorite record shop is in Sunnyslope, AZ. We now go to the North Mountain side. It is an amazing little shop packed with HUGE things. It is called Crates Records and Gear and it is owned by two of the coolest cats I know, big shout out to Serg and Todd!!!! I was blessed to meet these guys from my partner in crime. I walked into the shop my first time and immediately fell in LOVE. I was greeted not by just a mere hello, but by a hug by both of the guys! I knew that I would love it here. The walls are lined with wooden crates (yes, real Crates) full of records! The center of the store is filled with wheeled, portable crates. The back of the shop has a fantastic DJ set up! There is a studio as well! And a barbershop!! What more can you ask for, I mean really?? So in a brief synopsis.... a lovely record shop, art from local artists, a barbershop, a recording studio, a DJ set up, they have a radio station called Crates Radio run on Spreaker.com and so much more!! I mean, I really cannot put it into words but I will show you in pictures! It has been an honor to be a part of this family. They are informative, honest, fair priced and carry literally something for everyone in this store. Recently my partner held a Pop Up Art show before the Podcast that they put on called Slope Style Saturdays and it was a success. This is another great aspect of the shop. They believe in and support the arts, especially local talent. Local DJ's such as DJ Twist1, DJ Leidiom, DJ Rosewax, DJ Siek von Doom, DJ Darrell D, Durokski and much more! Not too many places have this much to offer. Stickers, Adult Vinyl Collectibles, Art, Model Trains featuring local writers, Clothing, Hats, Record Players, a barber (SNIPZ), a recording studio, a DJ set up (on which they let people play the records that they want to purchase if they ask nicely) and way cool events too. Their grand opening featured live music, live DJ's, live art and a cookout! I mean really this is the best place to hang out and add to your collection and have a great time! I always find hidden gems within the crates! I have found The Warriors sound track, Prince, Send Me an Angel (from the movie RAD) and original 2Pac. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun this place is. You really need to come and find out for yourself, you will not be disappointed. Stop in and see them, meet the guys, dig for hours and have fun! You can find them on Instagram - cratesrecordsandgear and on Facebook and of course give them a listen on Spreaker.com under Crates Radio. You will find the shop at:
Crates Records and Gear
8841 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hours:
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Tuesday through Friday 9:30am to 8:00pm
Saturdays 9:30am to 6:00pm