CHAPTER ONE POETOGRAPHY, " HEAR ME THOUGH ".

[Kevin Fulton]

 

POETOGRAPHY
" HEAR ME THOUGH "
by. Kevin Fulton
____________________

CHAPTER ONE




Contents:

Acknowledgements:

Dedication:

Preface:

Introduction: The Therapeutic Value of Poetry and Song.

Part One: My Life Story Shared Through Poetry.

Part Two: An Essay of Soul-Searching.

Part Three: Seven Tracks From My Mind ( collection of inspirational lyrics ).

Part Four: The Short Story. FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER.


CHAPTER TWO



Part Five: Chapter Two ( ya'll still listening though ).

Part Six: Twenty-Three Poems / A Song.

Part Seven: See The Truth - Get The Picture.

Acknowledgement
_________________


To My Mother, The Late Mary Floyd-Fulton
and My Father Donald D. Fulton, I Love You.

To All My Relatives, Family Friends, And
Inspiring Supporters, Thank You For The
Love And Encouragement. I Am Grateful.
To My Daughter Latoya M. Fulton and Her Mother
Andrea M. Carter, Thanks for the Unconditional
Love And Support.









May Gods Grace Be With You All.
_______________________________

Dedication
_____________

I Dedicate This Literary Collection To " THE WILL OF GOD,
MY FAMILY, and FRIENDS ". This Soul-Searching Journey Has
Contributed to My Life And Living Experiences. " THANKS ".

Preface
_______

Poetography, ( pronounced, poet-og-raphy ), and subtitled, " Hear Me Though ", is a collection of literary works written as a personal method of therapy from the life of Author & Poet Kevin Fulton. This book represents the spiritual experience of a man who sought out to find freedom from the trials and tribulations of life growing up in a dysfuncional family system.

In this two chapter seven parts collection of literary works you will read some of the most sincere aritcles of my life via way of poetry, an essay, songs, letters, posted blogs, and the exclusive interview with the author about how writing has become a life savior with the therapeutic value of daily recovery and peace.

POETOGRAPHY, " HEAR ME THOUGH "
BY. AUTHOR & POET KEVIN FULTON 2007.

Introduction.

The Therapeutic Value of Poetry and Song.

This is a collection of literary works written in a two chapters seven parts book which includes poems, an essay, letters, inspirational song lyrics, and posted social website blogs that reflect on the life and of a man who against all odds fought for spiritual growth and changes.

The author writes about his personal life and shares some of his soulsearching experiences through the written voice of poetry and song lyrics. The readers and listeners will be introduced to the story of a man who writes and speaks about his childhood and those rebellious adolescence years that contributed to his dysfunctional life style. Utilizing the methods of personal inventory he started to write, finding himself via way of self-analysis. He fought within himself taking responsibility for his life. The desire to remain treatable and teachable kept him striving for the solution towards self-healing. Through Medical and Behavioral Health Care Services he began to address major concerns and found some truth about his conditions. With a new perception of life, he could now face his past and move towards the healing process. The therapeutic task of creative writing has nurtured positive growth and development as he continue to live in the solution of the life of a changed man.

" Writing about my life, although painful at times, has been the driven force behind overcoming obstacles. It is my hope and prayer that the therapeutic value will contribute to positive growth, and will allow me to achieve freedom of the mind. "

Author & Poet Kevin Fulton .




" THE MAN WITH THE UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT "

2008.
_____________________________________________________




Part One

My Life Story Shared Through Poetry.


(1)

Hear Me Though

Hear Me Though ! although i have written nights when i drifted into my own little world.
Comprehend ! clearly the message in poetry submitted hoping that you'll understand.
Life's Purpose ! seems to be from my actions a state of confusion a man with no plans,
to have been lost don't mean i am a loser, i've discovered the power,
a true believer, I Can, I Can !

Hear Me Though ! although changes have been many and results from the changes show nothing is different from your point of view.
Jude Me Not ! all obstacles are moments no question or doubt look forward to that quality which is new and approved.

Hear Me Though ! although i've made mistakes, although i've been confined in the mind and space, although i've used and done so much wrong, enlightened from it all, my potential is strong.

Hear Me Though ! recognize my worth, there is truth being told, my life an example, the path that you take could very well lead you to the life of self-destruction, corruption, corruption, corruption.

Will You Please Listen ?
Will you Please Learn ?
Will You Please Believe ?

Although It Is I That Ask For You to " Hear Me Though ".

kdf. 2007.


(2)

Voices of A Poet

Voices echo through the back of my mind recording messages,
experiences of a lifetime.

No determination, low self-esteem, deteriorated thoughts,
destruction of a dream.

Torture of a nightmare screams aloud, HELP !
Voices of a poet soul searching seeking self.
Creating, motivating allowing the mind to desire,
usage of time before time expires.

Wisdom acknowledged and the understanding is born,
creativity recognized, the voices of a poet it's his words in mourn.

kdf. 2007.


(3)

Denial of The Pen

pen of the peasant denied, against the pen of equality justified.
enlight of the truth that has been withheld,
the pen of the peasant fails.

beyond the shadow of doubt, law of equality fails to law of clout.
aggressive oppression has won, they salute to a fight, " well done ".
the verdict fought and prosecuted with lies, no acknowledgement of
the pain, tears or cries.

pen of the peasant denied, against the pen of equality justified.
enlight of the truth that has been withheld,
the pen of the peasant fails.

however, this pen will continue to fight so recognize,
the pen of the peasant will rise.

kdf. 2007


(4)

Traveling Storms

Just another walk of a convict some may say. Who is he to talk when he can't even live his life the right way? Maybe so, your negative remarks supported lacking positive facts. My actions are past experiences, i am human, subject to fall, i am not exempt from being capable to slip through the cracks. Doomed for life a lost soul, sinner to the highest degree. Who gave you the right to label me ? After all i've been through, i have the right to still believe in me and hold on to a positive point of view. I can clearly and objectively acclaim my point from spoken words based on the suffering and pain, because i am somebody, my life is not a game.

kdf. 2007.

(5)

A Father and Son

How can i define a father and son in my life ? Is it something i lacked ? As a child was it something i missed ? What is the duty that exist ? The relationship, the teachings, what really goes on ? Do you know ? What are the actions of a father and son ? How do i deal with the daughter that has become a child without her father in presence like i experienced, can you tell me ? What would it have taken for me to experience the beautiful essence of being responsible, committed and blessed ?

I am hoping that i am not to old to learn how to be a good father/son.
Even though it may sound strange from a grown man,
" I MISSED YOU and SHE MISSED ME ".
From a son to a father, from a father to his daughter,
where did it all go wrong ?

kdf. 2007.

(6)

Thanks For Giving

you've gave so many things in life i've taken it for granted.
much undeserved, but given, because that's the way you planned it.
growing up when my choices became decisions, i've failed you lord,
doing the wrongs over the rights, still though, you forgave me.

breaking all the rules of life, going against your will for me, living with no spiritual principles as guides, i failed to see. i've cheated, i've stole, i've lied, causing harm from my actions. i even lost the will to live at one point wishing i would just die.

allowing my life to just pass me by, i escaped the route of the learned way, because getting high was my only reality. still though, you gave me unconditional love and protected me from myself and my evil ways in those days. WHY ?

i am not sure, however, i am grateful, for your will not mind be done.

kdf.2008

(7)

Poetic Salute

Special Dedication to the Gifted, God Inspiring, The Poets.

The views from the uplifting verses, my dreams are to have
the collection of writings as " phat ", as The Poets.

I truely idealize the lines from the minds spoken deep,
with meaning i can relate to.

The glorious poets with the gift to write well taking mind over matter with a style in a world where words live and flow with such grace. The visions of the unseen, views of intellect are formed.


The pen to the paper like diamonds to a glass, razor sharp, feel the words cut deep and fast, as if you don't know, " A Poetic Flow " !!!

kdf. 2008

Comments: Part one consist of seven poems for publication in my book.





K-Robbs Essay of Soul Searching," featured in Poetography: Hear Me Though:

The subject matter in this literary piece represent the message in the title. It is my intentions to free my mind via way of the journey into my past, through the trials and tribulations of my life experiences. My motives are to find myself using these self-analysis tactics aimed at identifying the two personalities in my character. One character lived in self-will allowing negativity to be the guide of life. The other character fought the good verses evil within because of his desire to change. K-Robb and Kevin, those are the names of the double personality man who against all odds, fought to rise up above the conditions he lived.

Soul searching will serve as a strong contributing factor for the solution of find peace. Looking into my past will help me identify with the defects of character, and will provide me with an attitude adjustment that will assist me towards a change in behavior and in my lifestyle. I have spent countless years living in the problems associated with suffering from substance abuse, family issues, job problems, and even before things got this far, it was the issue of childhood that I experienced school problems and living issues. In my quest for answers, I will address my questions in regards to my problems and issues, with hope that I can be honest and objective.


The original story was written in the form of an Essay, about the two personalities within me. Briefly I would like to share parts of this story. Kevin and K-Robb are one person with two different lifestyles. They struggled among themselves fighting within their soul, one wanting to be the man living in the will of God, as he understood, and the other, living in the world of street dreams without any concern in regards to the rights over the wrongs. Raised in a dysfunctional family system, he had no real foundation of the teachings of life. From early childhood years of addiction to crime and punishment, Kevin became self-taught about life. The choices he made as a pre-teen, teenager, and young adult created a manchild living a life without a clue, eventually leading him to repeated mistakes and periods of failure. Experiencing some moments in life during these self-teaching times where life had become better, Kevin would seem to have made it past some trials and tribulations that put him in harms way. However, for some reasons he would just float back into the negative thinking pattern and allow K-ROBB, to take control. The worst in character would re-surface and old behavior patterns would return.


After getting seriously frustrated over these set backs in life, Kevin decided to work on himself in a way he had never done before. Taking responsibility for his life and actions meant looking at the personal inventory of his life and going deep into the root of the problems associated with Kevins and K-Robbs behavioral issues. The results produced a real desire that led to the action steps towards change. Living in the solution, Kevin knows this is a continuing battle for life and, "STAYING FOCUSED", is just part of the solution that will provide him with the "SELF-HEALING", needed to live in changes.


An Essay of Soul-Searching.




Part Three

Seven Tracks From My Mind
( collection of inspirational lyrics )

By. Kevin Fulton. 2007.




1). Changing I

2). Youth Healing

3). The Plague - ( Spoken Words ).

4). Hear My Prayer

5). Promises of Going Astray

6). Signs From The Light

7). Seven Tracks From My Mind.



CHANGING I

(Hook) Why should I........................have to apologize.
Feeling I'm.........................going to be less than I.
For serving God.....................knowing I really cry inside.
For some peace......................I wanna earn cause i'm qualified.

(verse 1) Thinking about the years that pasted and the style in a way i lived.
Giving nothing to this world or to myself because of the way i've lived.
Outside of my original self doing things i would've never imagined.
What happen to my childhood dreams, they were lost in these world passions.
NO! Homey, i don't wanna be down, God knows i gotta change my ways.
Keep it real if you're really my friend and pray to God i'll never go astray (Hook)

(verse 2) It's true love the things we've been through were many times felt with pain.
Although we made it through, most of all our problems are the same.
Trapped in a world of selfish desires our causes brought harm by actions.
Many times we cried together, but those tears brought no satisfaction.
Somethings missing love it's time we find it, whatever it suppose to be.
It's greater than you and i, we just gotta have faith and believe.

(Hook)

(verse 3) No doubt i'm most certain i gotta step off...
Gang-Bang'en and slang'en with dreams plotting for the ultimate rip-off...
Feed'en off the input of 40ounces with the blunts of da-weed...
Da lust, envy, deceit and da freaks with da greed got me craving da disease...
Distorted thinking my whole life's sinking i'm isolated in darkness..
Deaf, Dumb, and Blind I can't see, cause I really don't wanna...
Operating on non-sense rhetoric, reacting on ill emotions...
Death struck in the world without a clue nightmare sleep walking...
Crazy madness whispers from a voice within, it's not me really talking...
I'm hearing screams and seeing things like my body going down from the shots just a pop'en...
Another Murder's going down, turn around and look it's you, now I realize...
God knows, God knows, like this I don't wanna die...

(Hook)

(Chior) I'm changing I, I'm changing I, with the will of God...
Praying for that change, Praying for that change...
I'm tired of crying, crying deep inside...
Don't have to be this way, Don't have to be this way...
Prayer works, Prayer works, clap clap ya hands...( repeat ).
Gotta have faith, faith and believe... ( repeat ).
Striving for that change, stri-striving for that change...
I don't like living this way, I don't like living this way...
That's why, I'm changing I, I'm changing I...


Youth Healing

(Hook) God heal the youth............................. from corruption and violence.
Youth violence................................. needs a healing from youth. (repeat).


(verse 1) No question or doubt about it. We need to be healed from corruption and violence.
We face a very serious plague. So many of us are being misled.
Please help us Lord take a stand. Provide us with that master Plan.
And free us from those evil deeds.

(Hook)

(verse 2) We got to voice ourselves in this world, to bring about unity.
We got to show love for one another, and open our eyes so we can see.
These senseless crimes have no meaning, so think about it before you do,
something you will regret later, because you acted out being confused.
Know that you will reap what you sow, so plant and sow a righteous seed.
Keep the faith and know God will deliver, and free us from those evil deeds,

(Hook)

(lead) Some say that crime and drug abuse. (chior) Comes from preasure from friends wanting to do.
(lead) All these crazy thangs. (chior) Saying it's on like that homey join the gang.
(lead) They say vows like no question i'm with you. (chior) My word is bond, ain't all it's supposed to be.
(lead) There's only one you can rely on. (chior) When you call on him in sincerety.
(lead) No question or doubt about it. (chior) He'll provide us with that master plan.
(lead) To bring about unity. (chior) We gotta voice ourselves in this world and be.
(lead) God fearing children. (chior) Please help us Lord take a stand.
(lead) We need to be healed from corruption and violence. (chior) God got it on like that, the powers in his hands.
(lead) He'll heal all the youth. (chior) Believe and sow that righteous seed.
(lead) Keep the faith God will deliver. (chior) And free us from those evil deeds.
(lead) Crime prevention is definitely needed. (chior) So come together and support the community.
(lead) Have faith God will deliver. (chior) He's on like that the powers in his hands.
(lead) Youth just gotta believe. (chior) To be free from those evil deeds. (repeat 5x's).

(chior) Youth just gotta believe............To be free from all those evil deeds..........( The End ).


The Plague
( Spoken Words )

A nation of children in the world going astray doing things that's hard to believe.
God will you please give us your helping hands your miracle power is what we need.
It's time we come together and take a stand raise our girls and boys to be women and men.
Knowing how it can be when you're in the streets, from things we've done, from things we've seen.
Makes our heart plead for your everlasting love, so we bow our heads to send our message above.
We seek refuge in only thee, cause we believe, yes lord we believe.
That's why we speak spoken words to you, because we know that through you, we'll make it through.
Our faith in you will never leave, with all our heart we speak the plague to thee.

My brother not long ago, I was living in the life of the hood, up to no good, bad deeds were many.
Concieved in mischief my sins are plenty. Then one morning it dawned on me, homeless was i walking
through the streets. No one would put up with me, because of the way i used to be.
When i had it going on, sure they was around. When i fell off, no one would dare to be found,
with me, cause i was in the grease mixed with the dirt down in the streets.
This flashed through my mind as i walked the streets, god knows no more do i wanna be,
homeless and high with know place to go, cast upon me a blessing lord and save my soul.
Please set me free, God i believe, i believe lord i believe.

God and good go together like a hand in glove, its all good love, peace and harmony.
No questions or doubt about it, prayers are answered through faith and belief.
That's why i'm speaking spoken words to you, because through you i'll make it through,
days and nights when times get rough, you'll give me the strenght so i can hang real tough.
If you wanna be free from all those crazy ways, and make them all the days of the past,
plant and make sure the seed you sow, is sowed in faith and watered with prayer.
Remain steadfast in your belief, get real with God, make prayer and believe.
Things will happen for you, because they happened for me.
No more do i run the streets, looking for something to eat or a place to sleep.
That's no life for you, nor a life for me.
Committed to the bad thinking it's all good is just adding to the problems up in our hoods.

The message is my mission so let me share this message of experience, strenght, hope and for prayer.
To this Nation of children in the world going astray, doing things it's hard to believe.
Little do they know they're heading for the danger zone, some won't live long enough to see,
the road ahead, cause life in the streets is full of greed lust envy and deceit. Wake up ya'll.
The message is our mission, it's the wake up call, believe and trust in thee.
We've all been down one way or another, and we've all had to call on thee, seeking those miracle
powers of healing, because we trusted and believed, that when we put it in the hands of God almighty,
results will show he will set us free. Peace !!!


Hear My Prayer

As i lay back.. alone in this four corner room.

I think about the things i've done.
I wonder how it was that i went wrong.
My mind flashes through my past.
God knows the road i traveled was so fast.
Was running wild lost but know i found.
Been near to death from times i hung around.
Swinging in the streets, streets, streets.
Still God spared me.

I often drift into my past, soulsearching to find a solution.

To overcome my obstacles, to one day make it possible.
Proving to myself that i, have potential cause i'm qualified.
To live a better life one day, pleasing God so i can Hear God say.
This man truely believe, believe, in me.
Keep water on your seed.

God you know, the many things i've done.
With or without intentions to be wrong.

Please god hear my prayer. I pray that i will make it there.
The changes in my life i'll make. so one day i will celebrate.
That day when this world will end. To be among the righteous friends.
Who've truely submitted to the Will, the Will of Thee.
Praying down on my knees.

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHhhh.... God spared me.. Keep watering your seed.
Pray and Believe.......He will set you free.
Stop swinging in the streets. He'll make it possible.
For you to overcome those obstacles.
So that when the world will end, you'll be among those righteous friends (2x's).

Who've truely.....submitted..to the will, the will of Thee.............


Promises of Going Astray

Coming out of the darkness faith and belief shined the light.
You made the sacrifice to do Gods Will and you lived right.
No question about it, there was a glow on your face.
Walking with the believers spiritual growth flowed with grace,
fear of the lord manifested in actions, daily rememberance made you
grow from the light...but you went astray........

_______________________________________________________________________________
( hook )
Don't you wish you would've stayed, stayed, stayed...in accordance with your
Lord and master, your arrogance and pride, would have never captured, your mind
making wrong seem right in ways, those are the promises of going astray,
astray, astray...O Ye who believe, get it right, come back to God in Prayer.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Understand you made a mistake, move on.
Realize you can not forsake, almighty God.
Repent and make that change, be strong.
Because that day of judgement, will come.
Enjoin what's right, forbid what is wrong, and you won't have to worry
when thwey say......................................( hook )..........

Remain firm on the path... grow on. Towards doing Gods Will.
And it shall be done. Seek Gods help and be patient.
It won't be long. Before you see the changes God has made,,,,
On your journey back ... from going astray, astray, astray....
O Ye who believe, get it right.. no matter what's been said.
Have faith and believe in God, come back to God in Prayer...


Signs From The Light

When you ask how i know... how i know. My experience has shown me..
from the things i've been through. in this life i've cried so many times.
from reasons being known..from all been through.. i'm still here to show.
my lord protects me.. some say ,my life should've ended years ago.

( hook )
i know he's real... he's real... my lord and master keep shining that light
that light. Showing signs of guidance..guiding to that place called paradise.
( repeat 2x's )

i keep getting these signs, as my wake up call..
whispering to my mind..telling me to wake up now.
and everythang will be alright.



optimism will give you...a better perception of life..
when you put God first.. make the steps and sacrifice..
have faith and believe God will make thangs change.

( hook )
(2x's)
please give it to me...paradise i want it please God give it to me (2x's).

( close it out )
Please God...............give it to..................................Me.


Seven Tracks from My Mind

How would it sound,,with my thoughts wrote down. Recorded, undistorted,
quoted, with a flow of a breeze,,inspired by me, intended to be,, a message
in a way of a dream,, how my life can be,, or how it's been......
This is the orginal message my friends.

SEVEN TRACKS FROM MY MIND..POETICALLY INCLINED, PROVEN TO ME, AAHH YEAH,
I CAN BE ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT I WANNA BE...........( the hook).

As i drift and toss..from my inner most thoughts,
Some say that i'm crazy..some say i'm bugging out.
WHY OH WHY OH WHY ?..Cause i'm not about, to just set back and lay..
while i'm doing this time, And be content with myself..doing nothing
for my mind. i'm gonna find myself a way..to raise up out of this condition.
Brothers and Sisters please listen, i'm here on a mission.
To better my condition...................................( sing the hook).

I'm gonna do this and achieve..blessings from thee.
The most Merciful One..who's worthy to be, praise and praise alone..
cause this is his world. Please deliver this message..
to the young boys and girls.. I pray they take heed, and learn from me..
You can't beat the streets...............................( sing the hook).

Got to share my strenght and hope..with a generation trying to cope.
In this society..where murders have increased.
Youth crime is on the rise..now they realize.
Throughout communities..there's no special place to be.
It's spreading everywhere.." THAT'S RIGHT - IT'S EVEN OVER THERE ".
( sing the hook )

Let the message flow.................dedicated to the dollars..
dedicated to the smarts of the scholars..to the universities..
dedicated to the schools that need to see....the rules for prayer change..
dedicated to the brothers and sisters lost in the streets..
Dedicated to the poets like me..striving hard to change, it's a struggle
in this game doing my thang. Dedicated to the sisters, to all our female
listeners.. you know,,the Mothers home alone, raising her kids all alone.
Dedicated to the Programs..NO PROPS FOR THE PRO-SCAMS.

It has got to be real. Our people have hurted for years. Blood, Sweat, and
Tears, we are all cried out, no fears...............................PEACE !


Author & Poet Kevin Fulton

PRESENTS
_____________

Poetography, Hear Me Though.

Part IV.


FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

This is a short story based on the topic of community discussions aimed at seeking a solution in regards to youth violence and the spread of gang activities across America. The increased numbers of violent crimes among our youth are alarming. The murder rate within the African-American Communities throughout many cities are rising due to the increased numbers of gang actiivities in our neighborhoods. It is up to us all. to seek a solution, and find the way to address our concerns, and establish a plan of action.

" Forum For The Community Center ", is a story about how the unity of our youth worked together with other youth organizations, to address the kids that are falling victim to the peer pressure of joining gangs. It is their mission to reach those that are influenced by the streets, and encourage them to change their perception. This four part story will inspire it's readers and touch the hearts of many, especially when they read the famous community speech made by T.T., one of the youth organization leaders.

The message in this story is very much needed. " Whether you live in the, HOOD or HOLLYWOOD, we all are affected by the crime and events of our children. From the inner city streets to the suburbs, we must get involved and seek a positive solution. Prayer Works ! It is up to us to show our youth they just have to believe ".





Author & Poet Kevin Fulton. E-Book Released 2008.

Tags: inspirational, message, networking, positive, promoting, marketing





FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER. © 07.

BY. KEVIN D. FULTON © 07.

PART ONE.

Crime has reached a critical level and threatens the existences of our community. The negative lifestyle of the streets are effecting the youth. Our kids are being influenced by some peers, and are now in danger of pursuing the lifestyle of gangs. It is time for us, the parents, teachers, siblings, positive peers, to all act as citizens and be up for the challenge to save our families and community. This is a matter where Crime Prevention Programs can work, as long as we are the ones willing to do our part in saving our neighborhood. We must focus on developing a plan of action to attract our youth and encourage them to want to learn how to do the right thing for the right reasons. We must go after all of our resources with the intent back by actions. " FAITH WITHOUT DEEDS ARE DEAD ". May our objectives to rebuild the Community Center be the all out afford to establish Educational and Recreational Programs designed with life enhancing goals for our kids. Inorder for us to make this a successful task, we must eliminate the problems and become a part of the solution. With that being said, this Meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for being present tonight.

Those were the words spoken to an audience of Residents and Community Leaders at the Morningside Housing Community Center. The staff of the Center sponsored a Community Forum to address the compliants of those residents and members of the surrounding community. It was a very large crowd attending the Forum tonight. Normally it would have taken some kind of tradgedy to bring this many citizens out for a Community held Meeting. Tonight, however, this was not the case. The reason for this event was the actions of two youth organizations that had a positive vision of hope on how to attract those peers who had gone astray in some cases, and to help those less fortunate, because of the living conditions or family matters that prevent them from having a chance at the life they desired. The team of youth came from all kinds of backgrounds. Together they came up with a mission to raise money to rebuild the Morningside Housing Community Center. The goals and objectives to some Community Leaders seem to be an illision. However, these kids were backed by the unbreakable spirit of being a part of the solution, willing to challenge themselves. This was the start of a community task that brought unbelievable results for the Center and Neighborhoods city wide.

The opening statement sound like the usual political rhetoric voiced with concern. Those were the words of , seventeen years old Tina Thomas, known to her peers as T.T. T.T., is the founder of Youth Assisting Youth, an organization that started with a few local students from different parts of the City. Their aim was to help educate kids in the neighborhood on the importance of Education. They had established themselves through the local Library, making homework and testing preparation assistance the Mission Statement.

After two years, " Y.A.Y." ( Youth Assisting Youth ), had grew and became the resource aiding kids from, six years old to eighteen. The organization had established its own Board members with the original Team Members electing among themselves leaders. Going into its third year, they all agreed on inviting other Youth Organization Members and City Government Officials, along with Crime Prevention Task Force Officers, Proffessional Athletes, and two community raised Business Men to the Forum. This was the Event of the Century!!!


FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER © 07.

BY KEVIN D. FULTON © 07.

Part Two

Many questions were being raised about the increased violence and the presence of gang activity throughout the City. The Forum would be open to address all concerns in regards to the issues and compliants from the residents of the Morningside Housing Community and the Neighborhoods surrounding. In fear of the Gang Bangers making threats, it was rumored that the residents would not come out to the Forum. However, to the surprise of many, the turn out was overwhelming. The Event was held without any disturbing incidents. There was a Police presence along with Community Activist, City Council Members, Court Officials, and the promising guest appearences that happen to be Professional Athletes, who are locally raised. It was with the help of those individuals and a community raised Developeer that the Event tonight would shock those in attendance.

Youth Assisting Youth had combined its resources with the Morningside Youth Against Youth Crime Organization, ( a local based group that used the Center for After School Prgrams ), and the Youth Committee on Youth Violence Organization, which was founded by Mustafa Shakur. Together with the remarkable fund raising and leadership of Carl Black, the Activity Coordinator and Youth Choir Manager, the Forum for the Community Center was about to get the news from the enthused group of youth leaders, that the Center rebuilding project had raised the funds collectively among themselves. Over a period of one year, the Youth Assisting Youth Organization had expanded the mission and started to reach out to those caught up in the grips of peer preasure. After meeting with Mustafa and Carl, TT decided it would be worth the challenge to focus on developing a message that can inspire the youth in need of a positive direction. Therefore, the groups held a brainstorming meeting among themselves, and came up with the idea to establish a format aimed to reach their peers. The focus points would be to implement spiritual principles with creative entertainment allowing the youth to voice themselves through Speeches, Inspirational Songs, and continue the Educational and Recreational objectives being the foundation of hope.

The new objectives were added to the Mission Statement. A plan was established with all the key players ready to take on the challenge of some very serious roles. The Forum was not only a meeting, it had also become an Event aimed at sending the message that our youth was ready to be heard. The project was well on its way to solutions.



FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER

BY KEVIN D. FULTON © 07.

Part Three

The success of the Community Forum would be recognized throughout the City. During the meeting citizens from all over the County came out to address the issues and concerns. The message of hope from the youth had inspired many supporters. The restoration of Faith and the motivation of the Youth Organizations brought about a sincere belief among those attending the meeting. The best was yet to come.

Can we have everyones attention please ? Carl Black, known to the kids as, " BOUNCE", because of his enthused expression of bouncing to the rhythm of inspirational music, was about to address the audience. Tonight on the behalf of the Youth Assisting Youth Organization and all the invited Youth Organization guest, we would like to thank you all for being here. We do appreciate the views and concerns addressed tonight. As you know we have a special announcement to make concerning the Fund Raiser for our project. Without further delay, please welcome Ms. Tina Thomas, and Mr. Mustafa Shakur to the stage.

Thank you all for being here tonight. My name is Mustafa. Nearly two years ago I was approached by a group of teens at the library and asked if I could assist them in establishing new objectives that will help them transform the Youth Organizations Mission inorder to address the problems associated with teens facing Community peer preasure, and gang violence. I was presented with a format developed with a plan of real action designed by the group, " Youth Assisting Youth". The work they had already done in the Communities with the two years of Educating their peers through a Tutoring and Mentor Program Organization was very impressive. Therefore, I had know second thoughts about offering any help. After six months of meetings and developing a format allowing them to conduct and perform what it is they wish to do, I became very much convinced that we have a group of kids, teens, and young adults on a mission to be part of the solution. It is a great pleasure for me to introduce to this audience the leaders of tomorrow, our Youth Organizations from various parts of our City, accompanied by the Spokes Person for the Youth Assisting Youth Organization, Ms. Tina Thomas.

The applauds and cheers from the audience shook the room with a loud explosin of the High School Drumline, as the Youth Organizations began to shout, " Y.A.Y., Y.A.Y., Y.A.Y. ".


FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER

BY KEVIN D. FULTON © 07.

Part IV

CAN YOU FEEL USSSSSSSS!!! Those were the words of T.T., Tina Thomas, as she approached the platform. This was the begining of a Speech no one attending the Forum would ever forget.


THE SPEECH

____________

First, I would like to thank the Residence, Invited Guest, and most of all, my Peers for making this Event possible. We are here tonight to address our concerns with hopes we can be a part of the solution to a major issue in regards to the lives of our " YOUTH ", and the deterioration of our " NEIGHBORHOOD " and surrouonding " COMMUNITIES ". I am the youngest of three generations born and raised in our area. The brief History of our Community as I have learned, is something I would like to share. There is a need for us to restore the family values and rejuvenate the spiritual principles inwhich this Community was built upon.

Built in the sixties, this Housing Developement was designed to help the low income Residence of our Community. Our Neighborhood was a Community surrounded and known for its rich African-American Heritage. We had some of the best Educational Institutions around, from Elementary, Junior High, ( renamed Middle Schools ), and a High School and University known for its contributions to our Community and the surrounding Neighborhoods. In addition to that, they both had Sports and Musical Programs recognized Nation wide. During my Parents years we hear of stories about how generations followed one another to be a Graduate of the Community High School, because that was a norm in our Community, " which speaks of our academic statis during those years ". Teachers knew the students family line almost immediately. Now days we don't hear much of the legacy of Community Education or the unified involvement that once was the foundation of a healthy Community. Our Neighborhoods have fallen victim to the greed of the developers, while the population growth expands, leaving some areas out there to fend growth and developement for themselves. Community Churches and Programs aimed to enlighten spiritual principles are forced to keep silent among the struggling youth in our divided and lost School Systems. WHAT DID YOU EXPECT ? PRACTICING SELF-WILL, " EASING GOD OUT ", MAKING AN ISSUE OVER PRAYER AND MEDITATION IN OUR SCHOOLS ? Now we are faced with a generation of kids gone astray. Tonight we are here to speak some truth and focus on doing what it will take to attract our young brothers and sisters, our peers, with hope that we can provide the lost children and adults in our Community with the message needed to restore FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE in the Souls of our Peers. Tonight with the help of The Morningside Youth Choir and The Youth Assisting Youth, we would like to perform for the audience, so sit back and relax, and let the, " MESSAGE IN OUR MUSIC OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!

The Speech brought about a silence throughout the room. The stage was set and the curtains was pulled back, revealing a large Youth Choir with kids ranging from the ages six to eighteen. The first selection started as the crowd looked upon them in silence.

( the lyrics began to flow )

A Nation of children in the world going astray, doing things thats hard to believe, God will you please give us your helping hand, your miracle power is what we need. It's time we come together and make a stand, raise our girls and boys to be women and men.........................................................................

The Choir was very much into the lyrics, and the audience began to feel the powerful presence of the " SPIRITUALITY ", slowly filling the room.

They performed the songs, " Changing I and Youth Healing " . By now there wasn't a dry eye in the room. The message of the Forum combined with the call for help from the performances made the event a success. The solution came about from our youth assisting and achieving goals aimed at being part of the solutions.

THE END

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