ALIM'S LIST

ALIMS LIST: 
BOOKLIST AND REVIEW FOR THE URBAN CRY LLC
THROUGH THE TUMBLR.COM EXT.(ARI'S CHRONICLE) & THE URBAN PLIGHT SHOW

ZION ANTONI: JOURNAL OF AN EASTERN CITY(PRESS RELEASE)

ZION ANTONI: JOURNAL OF AN EASTERN CITY

 

Freelance journalist/Recording artist Zion Antoni brings another effort on behalf of Amercian inner cities. The trials and blights that has shapeshifted a city called Camden NJ has been defining for years. As any American city, drug trafficking, Homicide, to issues of below the poverty line living creates seemingly perpetual conditions. Zion delves deep into Camden NJ streets to bring a format of virtues, and vices within the american inner city blights. As a journalist, he presents this Essay/Ebook as a labor of love, and as an insightful look at an America some, don’t know.

“Camden has been under siege for decades” Zion says. “The work of a journalist brings pictures, and the narratives of life to the people”.  Zion offers what most has considered, and what has been branded as a poster child of American inner cities, Camden NJ, Documented In Ebook form free to the public as an educational and insightful project, of struggle, and solution. This Ebook illustrates that Industries, people, ethnicity and economics all play a part of the triumph and tragedy of  this south Jersey city. Another installment from the Urban Cry LLC, Zion Antoni offers insight on a troubled landscape.

         

CLICK LINK

ESSAY: THE TRIAL OF A CITY: CAMDEN

 

THE STORY OF THE POSTERCHILD: THE LEGEND, THE CURRENT, AND THE FUTURE AT HAND.

 

"PEOPLE GET READY"-

CURTIS MAYFIELD

 

(click link )

THE HOUR OF TRAYVON: JUSTICE OR MOCKERY(COMMENTARY)

A solid question i pose to intelligent free thinkers:  young and old.  A trial of the moral arc; a child and a man with a firearm. This is the hour of Trayvon, where George Zimmerman brings his weight of the case to the judicial system: syndicated nationally.    The outrage in the dark evidence before this trial was sparked by the death of a young man, and his killer able to walk until his deliberation.  Now its here. those in tune post this murder, that symbolizes the conflict of African America, witness the expressions, language of law, the intelligence of the prosecution, the party of the defendant,   the body language of the council,  the propaganda of media and legal analysm, and the bare truth, vs the lie.  The sum up to date the defendants(Zimmerman's) testimony isn't adding up to the hard evidence of the prosecution, that speaks against Zimmerman. The general "incrimination" of Trayvon Martin  is not due to investigative reports. But Propagation, stereotype, and Fallicies.  Within this  trial there is a parody, where even some of the conducting of the trial  caters to "innocence" of Zimmerman. This creates the "mockery" that could possibly replace the justice, the Martin family and most, seek.  Without bribery, infiltration or manipulation let the people,  represented by jury be the judge.  Blood cries out. As a leftist freelance Journalist,  equality is my vehicle.  In the spirit of the ancestors, Sean bell, Diallo: let the gabble of divine justice fall, with, or without the American  judicial system.

Consciously Yours,

Z.A

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN: INSTITUTIONS. MIGRATIONS. LIBATIONS.

An installment of African peoples in America, and all social relevance.  Brief in its nature, diplomatic in outreach. A simple 21st century offering of the Diaspora-

zion(ari)

New ebook/essay by Freelance Journalist/recording artist Zion Antoni.
                
                 (click Link)

FOR DEANDRE: THE STORY CONTINUES

The deepest pockets of west Baltimore have experienced years being impovershed. Streets possesed by the seaport drugtrade: black tops, bluetops, processed opium with high street value. Out of town wars, hot blocks with residents, customers dying slow, the drug trade of Urban America; A synopsis of death, poverty, incareceration and profits that descend into percentages.As a grassroots advocate and co labourer, and in the wake of black history month post 20th century, I wanted to bring the life and times, and contribution of De andre McCollough; the youth who contributed the realities of  his daily in the early nineties to Baltimore writers to depict a war, a race between humanity, drugs, politics,  and inner city culture.  The result was a masterpiece entitled The Corner. It grew into a HBO series, and a landmark in pop culture: The stain, the ever re occurring realities we face coast in urban America.  A novel thick with an account of two dedicated writers, a Baltimore youth infected with the perpetual reign of his environment, and his peers.  I  re present  this testament, knowing all those that know the struggle, and know the tragedy can swear by the truth of  this modern day scripture.  De andre recently passed last year, 2012, toward the latter of the summer. I in my occupation, and my administration wont let the testament sit in vain, but rather let it burn through propaganda, and perpetual inner city destruction.  Baltimore, “charm city” this is your Unsung hero. Honor his life by honoring the future of Baltimore At-risk inner city youth.-

Consciously Yours,

Z.A

WEIGHED IN THE BALANCES: DRUGS, THE AFRICAN DIASPORA, AND URBAN AMERICA

NEW EBOOK BY FREELANCE JOURNALIST/RECORDING ARTIST ZION ANTONI. A FIVE ARTICLE DISCOURSE ON THE INFAMOUS DRUG TRADE AND URBAN AMERICA.

AVAILABLE AT PAYLOADZ.COM

(CLICK PICTURE)

THE SEKOU GENERATION EST. 2012

 

THE SEKOU GENERATION IS THE PERSON YOU ARE, AND THE PERSON YOU IMPART.

NEGUSWORLD: A CROWN AMONG THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

By fundamental, and ethical standard, and in spiritual dynamics, there is so much more, in a name. We bear name's, our children, our cultures, communities, societies,industries and the breadwidth of our governments. The general perspective is within a name given, it holds its purpose, and characteristics. Among homogeneous groups, culture is carried over, passed for its simple preservation. Culture, and sub cultures are birthed within urban settings. Mind, there are learned cultures(way of life)that is birthed out of what is condusive to economic survival, and urbanization. There are cultures, movements birthed out of social degradation. Presented is one of which. The mind, movement, the clothing line, and prescence of Negusworld. A word with direct origins from the east(east Africa)from the Amharic tounge, Monarchaic in its social address;Negus, the title of an ethiopian king, and Nigist(Queen), the title of his equal. Printed, designed and marketed, this profile of any face under a crown made of up elements of the struggles of our societies, and ethinic peoples, from a coin of the us mint, to the the slave chain that held captive an indigenous people, and their pshcological profile. As the late Poet, Educator, Melvin B. Tolson stated, Negusworld is the example of the "rightoeus mind". Progressive, Co founder and executive Johwell Baptiste states its not in what you wear. It is a state of being. Within Negus,this state of being is subsequent; the seat of a monarch, holding self worth, and purpose. To live with this mindset is to live with a consciousness, and this consciousness in a collective, is a movement. This is the understanding of Negus, and those who manifest it. To all advocates, participants and pupils..Negus/Nigist up.

　

www.negusworld.com

THE URBAN CRY LLC

CHAIRMAN/FOUNDER ZION ANTONI

www.zionantonispeaks.com

"THUGZ MANSION"(TUPAC COMMENTARY)

"AINT NO REST FOR THE WEARY"



An old aphorism. Driving through camden NJ one day on an errand i seen one of the many pictures/elements of america's struggling class system.Passing through one of camden's many drug sets i caught a glimpse of a handfull of youth, barely in their teens exchanging work hand to hand in a scramble, weathering the cold air. Couple days later i listened to Thug's mansion(acoustic original) in my home, and as that recent scene and the scenes of the harsh realities many share came to mind i thought of its relation to Pac's vision. That most in these situations and environments feel trapped by circumstance.


"A place where death doesn't reside"-
Nasir bin olu dara jones


A quote from Thug's mansion(NY) featuring Nas, probally states one of the main issues in our american inner cities.Thug's mansion conceptualizes heaven as a reflection our own culture. It houses amenities from flowing liquor, to visions of our ancestors and loved ones at rest. The only difference is Pac's vision paints it with two elements we lack: a perpetual state of peace and peace of mind. In the face of any harsh reality escapism, or the need to escape is normal. At least we have a gem to resort to for everlasting peace feels like. Thug's mansion. Good looks' Pac.

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

GENTRIFICATION: URBAN MIGRATION(ESSAY)

" Gentrification and urban gentrification denote the socio-cultural changes in an area resulting from wealthier people buying housing property in a less prosperous community.[1] Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size decreases in the community, which may result in the informal economic eviction of the lower-income residents, because of increased rents, house prices, and property taxes. This type of population change reduces industrial land use when it is redeveloped for commerce and housing. In addition, new businesses, catering to a more affluent base of consumers, tend to move into formerly blighted areas, further increasing the appeal to more affluent migrants and decreasing the accessibility to less wealthy natives."-


Wikipedia



"Ill never turn my back..ill give the slums a 'try"-


The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley O.M

Its no wonder to see inner city communities, from Chi-town, to Maryland, New York to the slums of camden and philly undergo serious transformation. Execptionally minorities have witnessed the elements of their communities change. From seeing the social conditioning of corrupt public schools, drug corners, speak easy's, number houses and community centers slowly become major million dollar food, clothing, and industrial chains. The slow burning process of gentrification didn't really hit me until i seen the shutting down and evacuation of some of the most corrupted housing projects in philadelphia, and the changes on some of the old blocks i spent time on as a child in washington heights, NY. The most recent i seen was the building of new complexes, and garages in Camden NJ, on and close to some of the more poorer surrounding neighborhoods, where some of the residents are in the process of slowly populating neighborhoods like Cherry hill NJ. The process of gentrification is always the same: prepared or not, the current residents eventually have to leave. In america, the saying is still true; among the powers that be" the richer get richer, and the poorer get poorer". From a bird's eye view of the culture, from talent, and business moves i couldn't see blacks, latino's, and other nationalities limited to section 8, housing projects etc. But putting their minds together, to secure their communities, and pursue entrepenuarship.

In american inner cities the "paper chase" is still real: and relevent to political monopoly. In most cities, through gentrification some poor regions are bought by the government, proprietors, and major businesses; while some of the poor sections stay the same, for years. These sections usually benefit corrupt law enforcement and politicians that make profits off the destruction of these communities through drugs. In my years of living in and understanding philadelphia's ghetto's, and studying the urban plight, Gentrification is one issue in the lineup that's relevent to minorities. I hope this essay encourages awareness to the American class system, the good, the bad and the ugly. Peace.

Consciously Yours,

Z.A

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

1994: ILLMATIC (COMMENTARY)

"Illmatic is the debut album of American rapper Nas, released April 19, 1994 on Columbia Records. Following his signing to Columbia with the help of MC Serch, recording sessions for the album took place during 1992 to 1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Its production was handled by Nas, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier. Stylistically a hardcore hip hop album, Illmatic features Nas's multi-syllabic internal rhyme patterns expressing inner city lyrical themes and narratives based on his native Queensbridge, New York. "-

Wikpedia

One Lp that hit NYC as a epidemic. Nasir olu dara jones of long island city (Queens NY), realeased illmatic at a turning point in hip hop. Between for walls, Qboro streets and the walls of Queensbridge houses, he wrote the album. Along with the right elements he took the weight of illmatic to NYC and abroad. There were many strong voices/mc’s/groups 94’. At the time of my generation, by social observation the album reintroduced/street conceptualized project life, the drug epidemic, the prison system, God, religion, the urban plight, the school system, family and the art of rhyming: all in one 10 song LP.

I think for many the Illmatic LP, though written from the grounds of Nas’ life help put the urban plight in perspective internationally. Illmatic is a stream of consciousness where everybody, past present and future can pull something from it. In reflection this commentary takes a break from the digital connections, fads, politics and propaganda of today's industry and pop-culture; to go back to grassroots essence: life, the mind, the pen and pad. Illmatic, brother Nasir, salute.-

Consciously yours

Z.A

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

IN HONOR OF 9/11

URBAN DISCOURSE P.III: PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

"Prisoner of conscience (POC) is a term coined by the human rights group Amnesty International in the early 1960s. It can refer to anyone imprisoned because of their race, religion, color...so long as they have not used or advocated violence.


It also refers to those who have been imprisoned and/or persecuted for the non-violent expression of their conscientiously-held beliefs."

American inner city Crime, politics and the prison industrial complex. This term “Prisoner of conscience” although coined under specific definition, I believe is relative to all in many ways. This term initially applies to many human rights collectives. One example is the plight and movement of pan-african socialists;(ie:artists Dead Prez, Black Panthers, people’s army) and black nationalist groups. The illustration of the political prisoner: M.L.K Jr, Huey Newton, Leonard Peltzer, those who demonstrated violent or non-violent resistance for social change. These examples and figures are known on a grand scale; but this term holds relation to all, especially in American inner cities.

In the inner city the criminal justice system deals with repeat felons to convicts; many times due to social conditioning, of class and race. From a bird’s eye view theory where you have a region that suffers poverty, it also suffers from under development, and is condusive to an environment of crime, an influx of narcotics and social unrest, and this becomes the culture of the community, generationally. Where the babies of yester-year easily replace those who ran the list of criminal function before. The prisoner of conscience is not only the socially conscious activist; he/she is the racially profiled individual arrested and charged with resisting arrest. He/she is the individual fighting a pending case of homicide in the event of self-defense. He/she is the individual charged with a crime they didn’t commit. All relative to conscientious decision. This essay is written in light that the prison industrial complex as stated, is not only an institution for offenders and potentially dangerous to society, but an industry..with people as the product and commodity; the prison industrial complex, is a business. An undertone of human capitalism. This fact is something to be conscious of in this modern day..of all nationalties in the urban plight, more exeptionally people of color, because systematic racism still exists. Even more with the exploitation of pop-culture; from remnants of the the upper middle class, middle to the lower. Prisoners of conscience is not a conspiracy theory, it is a reality in urban america and abroad. Peace.

Consciously yours,

Z.A