Happy Friday!  If you’re like me, you’re super-excited about the 3 day weekend…that is if you have one.  A lot of things-some exciting, some boring, some completely ridiculous-have happened this week and have people reacting all sorts of ways. 

James E. Swann, Jr. requested a family visit this week with his father.  This may not seem like a big deal, but in 1993, Swann injured five people and killed four in Northwest DC.  Having the nickname the “Shotgun Killer“, a judge found Swann not guilty of the 32 charges he received by reason of insanity because he claimed he was forced by evil spirits to commit these killing in retaliation of the killing of Malcolm X.  James has been a patient at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital since 1994, and now his father, Swann Sr., is requesting to spend time with his son outside of the hospital.  This is a ridiculous request.  This man is a criminal.  That’s like Charles Manson asking for a leave request from prison.  Swann, Sr. stated he watched his son before the crimes and could watch him again.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but if he was watching his son before, then how did he commit these crimes?  Point blank, Swann, Jr. needs to stay locked up. 

Congrats to Fantasia for winning her Grammy on Sunday.  But I don’t know how I feel about her boycotting the awards show because she wasn’t asked to participate in the tribute to Aretha.  I know everyone would have enjoyed her kicking her shoes off and running around the stage and seeing her perform, but maybe the powers that be thought she would have been too much.  Some people think she was pouting while others salute her for standing up to what she believes in.  But I personally think that if she respects Aretha as much as she claims, she still should have gone to the Grammys.

Speaking of the Grammys, some people (read: Justin Beiber teeny-bopper fans) are PISSED that their little teen crush didn’t win the award for Best New Artist.  So who did?  Newcomer Esparanza Spalding.  Admittedly, I’ve never heard any of her music, but Prince loves her.  If she has the Purple One’s stamp of approval, she’s fine with me. 

Writer Tracy McMillan wrote this article that tells women why they still are not married.  Tracy pretty much tells every single woman on Earth the reason she’s single is because something’s wrong with her.  Yes, we may meet men who are shady and sheisty, but when it comes down to it, we’re the reason we’re still single.  While I agree with certain parts of the article, I don’t suscribe to all of it.  First, I’m still tired of people talking about single women (can we find somebody else to talk about?); second, I’m tired of people assuming all single women want to get married; third, her article was just poor taste (most of it).  Even though I’m an individual, I don’t think I fall into the categories that she mentioned, and I don’t think any of the single girlfriends do, either, well, except maybe one…but that’s a different story.  I’ve just come to realize that most people like to stir some ish up, and it seems like Ms. McMillan wanted to stir some stuff up and make a name for herself (I mean, who knows the writers on TV shows?  Not me, but now we all know about Tracy).

I hate to end on a bad note, but I just want to give you an update on Mitrice Richardson.  Eight bones were found near a ravine close to where her remains were found last year, and authorities believe they may belong to Mitrice.  It doesn’t appear that this case is going to get closed anytime soon, so just pray that her mother and her family get the solace they need and they find out who killed this girl soon.

I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable weekend.  Feel free to comment on anything I’ve shared or share your own bit of news.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Today’s Black History Fact:

On this date in 1688, the first protest against slavery took place.  The Germantown Protest was organized by a group of white Quakers in Germantown, PA where they denounced slavery and the slave trade.