Diva Dialogue V

April is just about over! By now, everyone should have submitted their tax returns or at least have gotten an extension to file the returns. That would give you til October 15th to handle Uncle Sam's business. Hope he owed you instead of the other way around. Okay, that's it for me talking about other people's money till next year.

April saw a lot of loss. The month began with a tragic mining explosion in West Virginia. The total death count, when all was said and done, was 29 miners. The explosion which occurred at the Massey Energy Co was the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years. Another tragic occurrence was a plane crash which killed the President of Poland and a number of the country's top political and military personnel. 97 people died in the crash where pilots ignored the warnings of air traffic controllers to land at a different airport.

The African American community also suffered loss. Benjamin Hooks, most famous for boosting the NAACP to new heights, died on April 15th. Hooks became president of the NAACP in 1977, when the stature of the organization had diminished, membership was down, and the organization was in serious debt. By 1992 when he stepped down, the NAACP had a strong foundation and was viewed with far more dignity than years before and membership had significantly increased. Hooks' other accomplishments include being the first African American FCC Commissioner and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of this country's highest civilian honors. In short, Hooks, a lawyer, pastor and civil rights activist will be missed.

Dorothy Height, another Civil Rights activist died on April 20th at the age of 98. Height was a key player in pushing civil rights to the forefront of politics after World War II. She fought tirelessly for school desegregation, voting rights, employment opportunities, and public accomodations in the 1950s and 1960s. She headed the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years. Still highly respected, Height died of an undisclosed illness. her services will be held at the Washington Cathedral next week after several public memorials.

Finally, the hip-hop community took a hit when a founding member, Keith Elam aka "Guru" of the group Gang Starr, succumbed to a battle with cancer. Elam suffered a heart attack on March 2nd and lapsed into a coma. Guru attempted to keep his medical illness private. The formation of Gang Starr helped to define East Coast rap with socially conscious lyrics and jazz heavy samples. Guru partnered with DJ Premier to form the group which released 6 albums.

It has been a rough week and I am happy it's the weekend. I'm processing a lot of things. I feel like I have been a valley and frankly, I am ready for a mountaintop experience. Nothing like a feeling of needing to be filled to put you on your face in prayer and seeking the Lord's will for you. Also, I am kinda excited about the Census job. It will take me right through the children getting out of school and hopefully what will be a nice family vacation to sunny Costa Rica(Puerta Vallarta is also being considered). Wish me the best, I haven't adhered to a work schedule in over five years. Honestly, I love the freedom and opportunity is has given me to volunteer and to be able to do other things but I miss some things about working. I will let you all know how things work out. Training begins next week. Peace and blessings to each of you!

Copyright April 23, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe