Naqyil Booker: Rest in Peace

I couldn't make the Homegoing service for Master Naqyil Booker yesterday.  He was the Son of my former student, Yolanda Floyd Booker.  He was diagnosed with cancer six years ago.  He passed away from this earthly existence last week.  Shawn and I got a chance to visit with Yolanda on Tuesday evening.  Whe was in great spirit and was prepared for her sons transition.  He was 16 years old.  The cancer had debilitated his body to the point where his vision was failing and he could not walk.  His father had been caring for him up until the time of his demise.

I met Yolanda back in 1985.  I was a young guidance counselor at Mercy Vocational High School and she became one of my favorite students.  She attended my wedding after I had consulted with her about the engagement ring I selected.  She has been a great friend ever since.  She has been married 15 years and is a great role model for people who have experienced the pain of losing a child.  I would have been crying all over the place.  Her son was very handsome and faced his ordeal with great courage.  Rest in Peace young Naqyil Booker.  Godspeed in your attempts to heal and recover from your loss Yolanda and Ron.

Philadelphia School District Budget Numbers Don't Add Up

I attended a rally this morning by Dr. Hite, Mayor Nutter and select members of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  State Senator Anthony Williams spoke and did not have much to offer except the statement that adults are to blame for the mess that has become the PSD budget.  State Senator Vincent Hughes, the Chairman of the State Appropriation Committee, was more informative with numbers and if it was up to him, we wouldn't have a budget issue.  $100 million could be diverted from the Liquor Control Board if privatization doesn't take place.  There is another $700 million that could be divided statewide but Philadelphia will not get the lion's share of this funding.  I didn't stay for the presentation by State Senator James Roebuck, Chair of the Education Committee, but I cannot imagine that what he said would have solved anything.

I was impressed walking up to the school by the volume and harmony of the music being played.  I thought I was going to a rock concert.  When I arrived in the basement, I was amazed to see a band of about 12 students intently playing drums.  The lead singer sounded promising also.  It is always good to see talented youth.  One of the casualties of the school district's latest budget difficulties would be music and most other extracurricular activities.  These are trying times for the School district.


The Mayor delivered a stirring if unrealistic speech.  He mentioned four things that need to happen to avoid a doomsday scenario.  First, the school district needs to receive an additional $60 million over and above what it has already requested.  Also, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is expected to kick in an extra $120 million to this underfunded budget.  In addition, the PSD is seeking $100 million in concessions from teachers and principals.  He spoke with much force about these concessions even though he has not settled a contract with DC 33 and 47 for going on six years.  Finally, he mentioned some statewide funding formula that needs to be implemented for Philadelphia to get an equitable share of school funding.  This reference was vague and with the majority of Pennsylvanians struggling, our city will not get much sympathy when we are not surviving without tax increases every year.

A casual observer of the current situation in Philadelphia would think that the budget woes of the PSD would be significantly eased with the closure of at least 28 schools.  The mantra of empty seats was addressed and there should have been some immediate relief.  All the people, including Black clergy, who thought that schools were being closed for developers to purchase should be asking, "Where's the Beef".
There is no apparent rush to purchase older buildings with expensive heating systems.  I think senior housing is always a great trend but that market could soon be saturated.  It seems like there is no end in sight for the need for more taxes and more concessions.

I just found out about the meeting this morning.  I know that my State Representative, Jordan Harris, bought passion and enthusiasm to the discussion this morning.  I attended because the meeting is on my way to work.  I hope that the public servants that spoke this morning realize that the budget situation might need an additional tax increase even though there is absolutely no appetite for that right now.  Where are we  in the election cycle again?  Some city council members were curious about the timing of the meeting.  After selling city property for advertising purposes, they are under the gun to address the shortfalls in the PSD budget while dealing with reduced funding from the federal government.  I await the results of today's public budget rally.  

Jason Collins' Announcement is Puzzling

The sports world is abuzz today because Jason Collins announced that he was gay.  It was reported that he was the first openly gay current player to come out.  I would have to disagree with that statement.  First of all, Jason Collins is an unsigned free agent.  Currently, he is on no one's roster.  He received a slew of congratulatory calls from the President and others.  Kobe Bryant, who was fined for making homophobic statements, tweeted.  Chris Broussard, of ESPN, condemned him to hell for immoral behavior.  I definitely disagree with his statements but I reiterate, Jason Collins is not signed to any team and is therefore openly gay, but not currently an NBA player.

I remember when John Ameche announced that he was gay.  He was living in London at the time and it was a safe decision.  Recently, Will Sheridan, who played for Villanova, came out as gay.  He had a real informative interview on ESPN and I applaud him for his honesty.  As a father of two children I have to be prepared for whatever announcements my children will make to me.  I will not be anti-anything honest and respectful.  I feel sorry for the person that has to live a repressed life that does not reflect who they really are.

There was a soccer player from the United States, Robbie Rogers, that announced that he was gay.  Even though he still had the skills to compete at the pro level, he retired at twenty five years of age.  I think that it is a shame that he feels that he could not continue in his sport.  I agree that gay women athletes have an easier time being accepted while still playing pro sports.  Megan Rapinoe, a professional woman soccer player announced and is still playing.  Sheryl Swoopes announced towards the end of her playing days.  Brittney Griner, the #1 pick in the WNBA draft came out and it was not a surprise to me.  I was shocked when Chamique Holdsclaw, who will probably go to jail, shot up the car of her former girlfriend.

I attended a training session on the experiences of LGBTQI individuals in recovery, resilience & self-determination.  The panel featured a transgendered person, a bisexual person a gay person and a lesbian.  Many in the audience were gay or questioning.  As I continue to work in the social service arena, I need to be aware of dealing with individuals of all orientations.  Most had used alcohol or drugs to ease the pain of realizing their true identities.  I am more understanding of the trauma many of these not so famous individuals have in trying to live fulfilling lives.

Having the athletic skill to compete at the professional level is a dream of many young people growing up.  Fame, fortune and adulation often accompany the association of your name with that high level of perfection.  I guess it is a shame to then be judged on your sexual orientation.  I wouldn't want my child to suffer the insults of whatever names people call you now.  I will not repeat anything I ever used when I was young.  As I have matured, I realize the error of my ways.  I just feel that in the situation of Jason Collins, he is taking advantage of his orientation, at the end of his career, in hopes of obtaining a pro contract.

Does Becoming Increasingly Islamic Automatically Lead to Bombings?

I am in a quandary on this blog.  I understand the influence of religion on some people's lives.  As a Christian, I try everyday to live up to the ideals of a God fearing person.  I am not perfect and it is a struggle to always keep the Gospel in the forefront of my life.  I definitely focus on the improvement that living a principled life can bring.  My difficulty is understanding the need for Islamic militants to take out frustration and anger on Americans.

We got hit hard on 9-11.  Almost 3000 people lost their lives and many more had their lives disrupted because of this tragedy.  It was discovered that Osama Bin Laden had organized this act of terror to punish the United States for crimes against Islam.  The Saudis, Yemenis and other bombers all held a strict allegiance to Islam.  I am wondering where in the Quran it calls for murdering innocent civilians?  The World Trade Center was the site of two attacks by terrorists.  Numerous other attacks have been carried out or foiled in the attempt.  The underwear bomber could have caused major havoc on the plane he was riding on.  He was a Muslim from Nigeria.

The recent bombing of the Boston Marathon was caused by suspects who used a growing belief in Islam to cause pain and suffering here in the US.  Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a shootout with police after he was identified by surveillance photos as a person of interest in the case.  He and his brother were seen walking with backpacks moments before the first and second explosions.  The younger brother was a naturalized American citizen.  Tamerlan claims he didn't have any American friends because he couldn't understand us.  He was married to an American woman with a child though.  The younger brother seemed to be a follower but his intentions and on-line rants were just as troublesome.


I could not have imagined growing up in Chechnya.  This region was involved in a brutal war with Russia that saw many casualties.  I remember an instance in which Chechens had taken over a school.  The Russians invaded and almost 300 school children perished as a result.  The Tsarnaev's were here as refugees because of that conflict.  One thing about them bombing us is confusing.  What did the United Sates have to do with that conflict?  During the Cold War, we were sworn enemies with the Russians.  We never murdered Chechen civilians though.  Why would the older suspects increasing faith in Islam lead him to institute a terror attack on us?  Regardless of his reasons, he paid for the attack with his life.  The bloodshed he caused left us bloodied but not beaten.

The younger brother probably doesn't understand the bed that he has made for himself.  It might have been better to go out guns ablazing.  He was found hiding in a boat after seeming to think he was going to get away with the crime.  He attended college classes on Tuesday and Wednesday and he tweeted like he didn't have a care in the world.  When the walls started closing in, he took off and ran.  Many questions are still left unanswered.  What else were they planning to blow up?  After New York and Boston have suffered bombings, can Philadelphia be too far behind?  As I finish this blog, I am not anti-Muslim.  I believe in God.  I just don't understand how as a person's faith grows, harming innocent people becomes an accepted course of action.

Bombing at Boston Marathon Will Make More People Avoid Large Gatherings

I watched with horror at the injured victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.  Before the pictures could be cropped, a man in a wheelchair had both of his feet blown off.  All one could see were his bones protruding below his knees.  What a terrible way to end what was one of the most historic days in Boston history.  Patriot's Day (or Patriots' Day) commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775. Patriot's Day is annually held on the third Monday of April.  It is a state holiday in Massachusetts and there are many festive events to celebrate our independence from British rule.

The Red Sox game begins at 11:00 AM.  Restaurants probably have drink and food specials.  One of the greatest draws of all is the Boston Marathon though.  The following facts explain the impact of the Marathon:

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by several cities in Greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts. It is always held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897, inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics,^[1] the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events. It is one of six World Marathon Majors.

Since 1897, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has managed this event.^[2] Amateur and professional runners from all over the world compete in the Boston Marathon each year, braving the hilly New England terrain and varying weather to take part in the race.

The event attracts 500,000 spectators each year, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.^[3] Though starting with 18 participants in 1897, the event now attracts an average of about 20,000 registered participants each year, with 26,895 people entering in 2011.^[4] The Centennial Boston Marathon in 1996 established a record as the world's largest marathon with 38,708 entrants, 36,748 starters, and 35,868 finishers.^[3]

^{People from all over the world come to participate.  I can imagine the economic impact on the economy of Boston.  Hotels are probable booked to capacity.  The airlines are busy for weeks.  Restaurants and bars benefit immensely from the influx of crowds and families of the participants.  I remember when Hurricane Sandy struck New York that Mayor Bloomberg was still going to try to have the New York Marathon held in spite of the devastation that the storm wrought.  The economic impact is great.  The bombings threaten people's psyche on one of the most historic days in our country's history.  No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing and investigators are working around the clock to uncover suspects.} 

^{I think that marathon runners represent the best of what humanity has to offer in terms of discipline and determination.  Anyone that has the tenacity to train relentlessly in preparation to run 26 miles is a hero in my book.  I am trying to maintain a schedule of four power walks a week.  Some of the runners have overcome adversity to be able to participate in this event.  There was a group of runners from Philadelphia that were formerly homeless and used running as a way to rebuild self-esteem.  I applaud all of their efforts to even compete in such a grueling event.  The person or group responsible for the bombing tried to squash a nerve of steel and determination in the participants.  Most people will refer to the American spirit for never giving up.  At my age, I am thinking about what other message that these perpetrators are trying to send.}

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by several cities in Greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts. It is always held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897, inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics,^[1] the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events. It is one of six World Marathon Majors.
Since 1897, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has managed this event.^[2] Amateur and professional runners from all over the world compete in the Boston Marathon each year, braving the hilly New England terrain and varying weather to take part in the race.
The event attracts 500,000 spectators each year, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.^[3] Though starting with 18 participants in 1897, the event now attracts an average of about 20,000 registered participants each year, with 26,895 people entering in 2011.^[4] The Centennial Boston Marathon in 1996 established a record as the world's largest marathon with 38,708 entrants, 36,748 starters, and 35,868 finishers.^[3]

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by several cities in Greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts. It is always held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897, inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics,^[1] the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events. It is one of six World Marathon Majors.
Since 1897, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has managed this event.^[2] Amateur and professional runners from all over the world compete in the Boston Marathon each year, braving the hilly New England terrain and varying weather to take part in the race.
The event attracts 500,000 spectators each year, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.^[3] Though starting with 18 participants in 1897, the event now attracts an average of about 20,000 registered participants each year, with 26,895 people entering in 2011.^[4] The Centennial Boston Marathon in 1996 established a record as the world's largest marathon with 38,708 entrants, 36,748 starters, and 35,868 finishers.^[3]

^{I am starting to become allergic to large crowds.  I loved going to Benjamin Franklin Parkway for fireworks or Unity Day activities.  I also loved the Greek Picnic and going to Belmont Plateau on Sundays.  I love outdoor concerts at Wiggins Park and used to enjoy going to South Street on warm summer nights.  I am shying away from South Street because of the insistence of young crowds on attacking innocent people.  I also would think twice about the Welcome America event coming up that will feature Beyonce on the Parkway.  Our anti-terrorism units will be working overtime but it seems like some factions are intent on causing harm to innocent people.} 

Most people would say that we cannot avoid these events that are causing loss of life and limb.  There was an explosion today in Texas at a fertilizer plant that killed and injured people.  It happened eerily close on the calendar to the Waco tragedy.  I don't think a cause was determined but I hope it wasn't another terrorist act.  I know we cannot hide when someone is intent on determining our fate for us.  But I can begin to enjoy public events from afar and not feel like I am losing out on anything.  I just wish continued safety to my fellow Americans and visitors for historic events.

Flash Mobs: What do they Reflect in our Society?

Some people, including myself, longed for the warmer weather of spring.  Even though it was not a particularly snowy winter, it was cold for long periods of time.  I couldn't wait to dust off my clubs and begin some spring cleaning projects.  Apparently, teenagers in Philadelphia had other ideas.  According to published reports, approximately 200 teenagers joined in a brawl in Center City yesterday.  This flash mob was spurred on by a fight between two teen aged girls.  On the corner of 16th & Manton Street yesterday, a street fight turned into a brawl that led to ten police cars and undercover officers showing up.  In Kensington, a young lady was shot and killed during a brawl there.  What in the name of Seasonal Affective Disorder is going on here?

We have had horrific instances of flash mobs in Philadelphia before.   In 2010, the New York Times reported on the following episode:

In a Feb. 16 melee, 150 teenagers spilled out of the Gallery shopping mall east of City Hall during rush hour and rampaged through Macy’s, knocking down customers and damaging displays.
The police arrested 15 of the teenagers and, according to one report, some had not been allowed to call their parents six hours after they were detained.
Clay Yeager, a juvenile justice consultant and former director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Pennsylvania, said he believed the flash mobs were partly a result of a decline in state money for youth violence prevention programs.

In 2011, despite efforts to provide outlets for teenagers to destructive behavior, our Mayor went to an African American church to vent about the following incident:

In one episode, teens knocked down passers-by on a Center City street and entered an upscale department store where they assaulted shoppers. On another occasion, hundreds of teens gathered in a restaurant district and menaced patrons, forcing some restaurant owners to lock customers inside temporarily for their own protection or to close early.

In the latest event July 29, about 20 to 30 youths descended on Center City after dark, then punched, beat and robbed bystanders. One man was kicked so savagely that he was hospitalized with a fractured skull. Police arrested four people, including an 11-year-old.

When I was growing up, these flash mobs were referred to as wolf packs.  Young men would surround an unsuspecting person and actually rip the pockets off of their pants.  We saw some people viciously pummeled for their valuables.  At an event on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a mob entered an ice cream truck and attacked the proprietor.  Was it for the money or the thrill of beating someone up?  I cannot say for sure.  These events occurred in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  Times change but the anger of our young people has stayed the same.

Fleeing youth in center city

I think part of it is due to the increasing inequality in wealth distribution in our society.  Teenage parents beget teenage parents and an endless cycle of poverty.  That sounds like a simplified example but instant gratification through sex, drugs or robbery leads to a lifetime of regret.  The students who were caught in the recent mod incidents probably wish they would have refrained from their criminal ways.  Trying to apply for a job with an aggravated or simple assault charge is hard to explain.  Apparently, there are many teenagers who feel like they have nothing to lose and act out their aggressions accordingly.

It is so unfortunate to be relaxing down town only to be attacked by hordes of aimless youth.  It has happened so frequently now that many people will begin to shy away from downtown.  It will take one of these youth to be hurt or killed to maybe have them think about their actions.  Those of us now working in the social service arena must be more creative when thinking of ways to deal with these individuals in our society.  Whatever they are watching or emulating is not leading to positive choices.  I hope we have a peaceful summer and that our young people would thin twice about acting on aggressive tendencies.  Ultimately, the question once again is: what do these mobs reflect in our Society?  Anger, fighting and hopelessness should lead us all to contemplate on why flash mobs occur.

The Assassination of Law Enforcement Personnel is a Bad Sign

I shudder to think that we might become like Mexico.  I say that because first journalists were the target of the lawless factions that rule parts of that country.  If you reported a crime or a murder, then you became a victim.  Even Internet reports were subject to retribution.  Then police officers were the targets for the ire of the cartels.  The officers, in many situations, have now become part of the criminal element.  It is better to stay alive and be slightly crooked than to the letter of the law and dead.  It's hard to believe I just wrote that but I live here in the United States. 

In Colorado, a prison Warden was murdered approximately two months ago.  It was discovered that he might have been targeted by a white supremacist prison gang.  In Texas, two district attorneys were recently murdered.  It is speculated that the same supremacist gang might be responsible for the awful murders.  In the second murder, the DA's wife was also killed.  Prosecutors, defense attorneys and all law enforcement personnel should be on alert.  There was a recent rampage in California by a former military enlistee based on the perception of unfair treatment in the court system.  That gentleman killed the daughter of his attorney and her fiance.  He also killed at least one police officer. 

In West Virginia this week, a Sheriff who had been cracking down on drug dealers was shot and killed.  The suspect was just arrested after a shootout with police.  The motives for the shooting are unknown at this point but the fear that some law enforcement personnel and attorneys must be feeling is real.  Lose a case that the defendant thinks should be won and suffer dire consequences.  It is perplexing that white supremacists, if that is the case, are targeting non-minority personnel.  We have suffered enough racial turmoil in this country but what signal are these murders sending?



The 24 hour news cycle has sensationalized murders and other tragic events.  I posted on Facebook that I refuse to watch Criminal Minds anymore because the crime and criminals are too real for my imagination.  I have begun to watch old episodes of Law and Order and I realize that there are some deranged individuals in the world.  I feel sorry for the families of those individuals affected by these recent actions.  i hope it is a trend that fades really quickly.  I also hope that, like CSI, the murders are solved relatively quickly.  We cannot descend into a lawless country like our neighbors to the south.

We used to have an issue with police brutality here in Philadelphia.  A suspect could suffer real abuse in a police van or in a holding cell.  I think police realize that they are being watched more closely and some govern their actions accordingly.  There was a recent acquittal of a police officer who punched a woman while being filmed but that is the subject of another blog.  I don't want to tunr the tide of vilence on police officers.  I still want them to be available should I need to call 911.