As a another holiday weekend is upon us, so is the celebration of liberty for these United States of America! But in addition to the fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, sporting events, and perhaps a political speech or two, what freedoms are the most precious and valuable that carry you through the toughest of times, yet continue to make you proud to be called an ‘American!’

Recently I was in Los Angeles,Ca for the 2010 BET Awards. Can you say unbelievable because it was just that. Stars from film, TV ad of course the music industry were there in full force but there were 3 noticeable ones missing. I’m talking Grammy Award winners, chart toppers and idols for men, women and children. I’m speaking of Jay Z(Sean Carter) his wife Beyonce Knowles and Rihanna. The rumor last year was that if Chris Brown was to perform, all 3 would not attend. Needless to say Chris Brown didn’t perform and all 3 were in attendence. This of course stems from the domestic violence case Brown caught against his girlfriend at the time Rihanna. Sounds like a honest stand against violence right? Well this year Chris Brown did perform and those same 3 were no-shows. Last year Brown wanted to perform as a tribute to Michael Jackson but didn’t due to the obvious. That wasn’t the case this year when he gave a heart felt performance and hadgrown men like me in tears with his tribute to his idol. This is were I’m confused. Jay Z is known for rapping about his past life as a hustla(drug dealer) and a lot of other entertainers brag on their past transgressions but this 19-20 year old young man makes one mistake and you want to black ball him for life? How many families have crumbled due to there love ones becoming addicted to drugs, becoming prostitutes to feed there habit or in jail for robbing, killin and anything else to reach that high. I’m at no point saying what Chris Brown did is ok but just don’t act like your holier then thou. T.I. went to jail on gun and drug charges, Lil Wayne is serving time now, Gucci Mane gets out and we celebrate that with a big party and video. Now here’s where it gets really funny……the 1st thing some of them say when they get there award is…..I’d like to thank God!!!! Are you serious? Forgive and forget….heard of that? He who is without sin may he/she cast the 1st stone? If your preacher was to confess that he’s been unfaithful some of yall would forgive him/her without blinking an eye. Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s not a chix….. I’m just saying….Is it really a stand you’re taking or are you just a hypocrite? What are your thoughts?

According to “Billboard” Magazine, Michael Jackson’s most Popular song was “Say, Say, Say”, his mega duet with Paul McCartney. Although “Billie Jean”, stayed at number 1 longer, “Say, Say, Say”, stayed in the top ten longer, making it his most Popular song. R.I.P., Michael…

In addition to bringing in the summer season..June is the month we celebrate by paying tribute to the rich musical history and honor the many traditions African-American musicians, singers, and composers have made to the culture of our nation and to the world. Did you know that former President Jimmy Carter decreed on June 7, 1979 as the month to celebrate black music?! and other Presidents have followed including George W. Bush who issused a proclamation in June of 2005 (www.usgovinfo.about.com)  ****type in the search engine black music month proclamation**** 

Who are some of your favorite artists/favorite songs for the month that recognizes the powerful, moving, and soulful music that speaks to EVERY heart, lifting us in times of sorrow and helping us celebrate in times of joy!!

It’s summertime and the living ain’t easy, that’s fo’ sho’! Double digit unemployment, and very high among African-American teens. How do they get through the summer broke, busted and disgusted? Some will just choose to chill in the AC , play video games, watch tv and rob the refrigerator at will. Others may look for work and some might even find some. It is my prayer and wish that this summer, none of us fall victim of the realities of our economy. There are many ways to entertain each other and involve our children that don’t cost a lot of money. This summer, maybe you don’t get that vacation you want, but you can still vacate the premises (whatever happened to Sunday drives)? There’s always a close or distant relative to visit or a grandma to check up on. Hard times are supposed to bring families closer, so let’s do this. Get close to your loved ones this summer. Don’t cost you much, and the rewards can be even greater!

To all dads here and gone on to glory, I’d like to wish you a very Happy Father’s Day. I am so blessed to have my life influenced by Rev. Donald Stowe (R.I.P.). The spiritual values he instilled in all his children has helped us become better fathers and mothers to our children. Out of all the men of our generation that I could point to as a hero, my father was mine. I miss ya dad, and I know you’re up there preaching to Jesus (uhh, he’s Jesus. You don’t have to preach to him)!

Father’s Day…June 20th…is a day honoring fathers and celebrating paternal bonds, fatherhood, and the influence of fathers in society in general. It’s celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in 55 countries! The first observance  is believed to have occurred in June, 1910 after a parishoner, while listening to a sermon that honored Mothers, felt the same should be done for Fathers who deserved recognition. It took several years thereafter to make the holiday official, even with support from the YWCA, YMCA, and churches. The day even ran the risk of disappearing all together from the calender…as many people saw Father’s Day as simply filling the calendar with mindless promotions!  Dang fathers, you just can’t catch a break can ya?!?

Well here in 2010, celebrating the men making a difference in hour homes, churches, businesses, and communites, has never been more needed or crucial in a society where we hear ‘too’ many stories of ‘dead beat dads or just trifling men in general. Please take a moment to recognize those men who deserve to be honored…I’ll start it a ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to my dad…the ’step’ has long since been removed… Freddie and one of my ‘favorite’ uncles Walt and Royce, Sr.,.love you guys:) and to fathers everywhere from 97.1 QMG!

Enjoy the Midday Cafe with Shilynne..it’s up next on QMG!!

Monica did a FANTASTIC job singing the National Anthem at game 3 of the NBA finals!!!

We’re in the thick of the summer season and whether families are planning vacations near home or far away, or just finding the nearest swimming pool to ‘cool’ down during the heat of the season..the concept of summer vacation has been criticized by some because (some) students supposedly forget large amounts of information learned in the past year. On the flip side, supporters believe children need the 2-3 months off to relax and take a break from the heavy loads of schoolwork, homework, and the strees of peer pressure, bullying, and more!

The original concept of summer vacation was given as a time for kids to work on family farms for spring planting….my how times have changed! Where is YOUR stance on summer vacation? Whatever you and your child/children plan to do…be safe and of course spend it with your QMG family on the radio!!!!