Mother

Agatha Christie said, “A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." In what ways does this quote relate to the relationship Sister Souljah has with her mother? How would you describe their relationship? What do you believe is the most important lesson Souljah learns from her mother? How do you believe Souljah is impacted by this relationship (the negative aspect and/or the positive aspects)? Remeber, your discussion must be supported by specific details from the text.

Nathan-Chapter 2

College is considered a "different world" for several reasons.  Although Nathan is referring to Woodson's text, Mis-Education of the Negro, when he tells Souljah, "It'll definitely open your eyes to whats going on in the world," this statement encompasses the experiences and exposure Souljah receives during her tenure at an institution of higher learning.  Having read chapter 2 of No Disrespect, discuss the underlying theme, as you have interpreted it, with evidence from the text.  
Remember you must respond to a peer's post to receive full credit.  Challenge each other's views.  Question each other's perspective.  Push each other to think deeply about the issues and concerns being raised.  

Mother-Chapter 1

Agatha Christie said, “A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." In what ways does this quote relate to the relationship Sister Souljah has with her mother?  How would you describe their relationship? What do you believe is the most important lesson Souljah learns from her mother? How do you believe Souljah is impacted by this relationship (the negative aspect and/or the positive aspects)? Remeber, your discussion  must be supported by  specific details from the text.  

A Note to My Readers--Reaction Response

In her text, No Disrespect, Sister Souljah seeks to dispel the generational root of confusion among minorities.  She believes, “it is a mentality that functions with or without permission, on both a conscious and subconscious level,” and since we fail to discuss the problem, it becomes “a problem rooted in a forbidden topic” (Souljah, xi).   Thus, the text is a candid and realistic retelling of Souljah’s life experiences at a time synonymous with our young people.  She offers a collage of mistakes, scars and smiles in hopes young people will gain an understanding of love and life and they will have a chance to save themselves the pain of ignorance.  It is a work of non-fiction that lets “parents see the real lives that their children must prepare for” (Souljah, xv).

After listening to her "Note" at the opening of the text, provide a reaction to some of the ideas she presents.  Be sure to proofread your response and do not forget to respond to a post from one of your peers.  Great job today in class! Ms. T 

Sistah Souljah

Before we begin reading Sister Souljah's No Disrespect, we need to spend some time getting to know the author.  Below you will find the bio that is on her website http://www.sistersouljah.com.  You will have to visit the site periodically.  For now, read the bio and post you reflection, comment or question as it relates to what you have read.  

AUTHOR***ACTIVIST***PROBLEM SOLVER Sister Souljah Status: Married - 22 Years Wife, Mother, Educator, Author, Speaker, Institution Builder, Thinker, Advisor!

Born in the Bronx, New York and raised in the projects, Souljah is a fighter who came up from the bottom. A graduate of Rutgers University, she earned a degree in American History and African Studies. She also attended the Cornell University Advanced Placement Studies, and studied abroad in Europe at the University of Salamanca. A global student, Sister Souljah traveled throughout her college years to England, France, Spain, Portugal, Finland, and Russia. Her academic accomplishments were reinforced with first hand experiences.  She worked to build a medical center for families in Bindura, Zimbabwe. She worked with refugee children from Mozambique. A major participant in  the international student anti-aparthied  movement, she helped to create a momentum, movement and fervor which liberated Nelson Mandela and brought about the divestment of millions of dollars from corporations doing business with apartheid South Africa. Her travels in Africa also included Zambia and South Africa. She believes it is essential that African professionals work together, invest in and help to save, shape and further develop our continent, resources, families, and children.

As a student activist in America, Souljah created, financed, and implemented the African Youth Survival Camp, a six week summer sleep away academic/cultural camp for 200 children of homeless families. With a skillful curriculum, which she designed, this camp ran for over 3 consecutive years and inspired major celebrities to start their own camps and schools, and to build charities and institutions to give back. As a community activist, Souljah organized against racially motivated crimes, police brutality, and the miseducation of urban youth. She produced and promoted several outdoor rallies and concerts, in Harlem NY, which drew nearly 30,000 youth each time, as well as the participation of top Hip-Hop and R&B celebrities. In the field of entertainment, Souljah has been on many platforms including radio and television. Before the political shutdown and attack on American 1st amendment rights, she was the young voice in NY radio that spoke to the hip-hop audience about politics, culture, business, and social organization. This includes being a featured speaker at the Million Woman March, appearances on Oprah Winfrey, Larry King Live, and the cover of Newsweek Magazine. As a Hip-Hop artist, Souljah's CD entitled "360 degrees of Power," sparked international debate over issues of race, culture, sexism, and politics. Additionally, the entire world awaits the release of her first film, The Coldest Winter Ever.

Today, Souljah is a 21st Century multidimensional woman. From 1995-2007 she was the Executive Director of Daddy's House Social Programs, the charitable wing of Bad Boy Entertainment. At Daddy's House Sister Souljah created cultural and academic programs which were offered to urban youth and housed at Columbia University. Souljah also created, designed and directed summer sleep away camps and international youth travel groups which have had a powerful impact on many youth in America.  She is the author of 4 national best sellers, The Coldest Winter Ever (Fiction),  Midnight, A Gangster Love Story (Fiction), Midnight and The Meaning Of Love, (fiction) and NO DISRESPECT. In 2008 within one week of the release of Midnight, A Gangster Love Story, Sister Souljah became a New York Times Best Seller entering the charts at #7. In 2011 Souljah remains a full time author, wife of nineteen years, mother and world class traveler. Many people attempt to silence, interrupt or alter Sister Souljah's powerful voice. An influential woman who has achieved so much yet remains down to earth, can be quite intimidating. Still she has been blessed to reach and touch those who are interested in adding to the good in the world, and not the evil.