POC (People of Color) in Video Games by @cappsoffgaming #BLKHistoryMonth #VideoGames #SegaGensis #StreetsOf Rage

Yes, it's the 80s/90s folks and I'm feeling anything that involves cartoons, comics, and of course, video games (still do lolz). To find people of color (POC) in both cartoons and comics wasn't really hard to find. Shows like for example, Thundercats, had a very strong, inventive POC (and he was!), Panthro. He built the Thundertank and also was an expert in martial arts, something that a lot of my peers were already into (Saturday kung fu flicks!). Later on, reading a comic book series called Spawn, which also had a HBO series, too. To see a black man have such a role in comic, next to Power Man aka Luke Cage, was a real treat, plus he didn't fit the stereotypes at the time (drug dealer/user, gangbanger, etc).

But through most of my early gaming (TRS-80, Nintendo, and Sega Master System), I rarely saw a character/protagonist that "looked" like me, thus why I created this video to explore the very first instants that I encountered POC in video games. Hope you like it, there's more to come so stay tuned! #cappsoffgaming

sincerely submitted, CappsOffGaming w/ Tecnish

For Bonus coverage: DATG TV linked up with CappsOffGaming #RD2

Benny The Butcher | #TanaTalk3 @BennyBsf @GriseldaRecords #GxFR

Often very critical of Hiphop business and the music that comes out. I can’t front tho the team out of Upstate NYC Buffalo to be exact is taking the listeners ears by storm. The trio of Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn & Conway are providing fans like myself an opportunity to listen to some hard beats that smack accompanied by some ferocious lyrics. For now thou it’s imperative that you get acclimated to the Almighty Griselda Records and the most recent project #TanaTalk3. You will do your ear drums justice if you are seeking that hard sh*t.

itunes: Benny The Butcher TanaTalk3

Below is the visual off “Rubber Bands & Weight” produced by The Alchemist

New Music from J Cole "Middle Child" #Dreamville @JColeNC @Dreamville

New music from one of my favorite artists in this era J Cole “Middle Child” was released Wed night. I am entertained by the Forest Hill Drive creator’s outspokenness, especially when it came to the song “False Prophet which was been on repeat since it was released. The first verse in the song False Prophet had many questioning and wondering was he referencing Kanye West.

Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this
Be like this, be like this
Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this

Yeah, life is a balance
You lose your grip, you can slip into an abyss
No doubt you see these niggas trippin'
Ego in charge of every move, he's a star
And we can't look away
Due to the days that he caught our hearts
He's fallin' apart, but we deny it
Justifying that half-ass shit he dropped, we always buy it
When he tell us he a genius but it's clearer lately
It's been hard for him to look into the mirror lately
There was a time when this nigga was my hero, maybe
That's the reason why his fall from grace is hard to take
'Cause I believed him when he said his shit was purer and he
The type of nigga swear he real but all around him's fake
The women, the dickriders, you know, the yes men
Nobody with the balls to say somethin' to contest him
So he grows out of control
Into the person that he truly was all along, it's startin' to show
Damn, wonder what happened
Maybe it's my fault for idolizing niggas
Based off the words that he rappin'
When come to find out, these niggas don't even write they shit
Hear some new style bubblin' up, then they bite the shit
Damn, that's what I get for lyin' to myself
Well, fuck it, what's more important is he's cryin' out for help
While the world's eggin' him on, I'm beggin' him to stop
Playin' his old shit, knowin' he won't top it, false prophets

Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this
Be like this, be like this
Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this
Be like this (False prophets)
Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this
Be like this, be like this
Somebody shoulda told me it would be like this
Yeah, false prophets

Well apparently and accordingly the internet is saying that this is a dis to “Kanye”, we shall see how this pans out. In the meanwhile let me know your thoughts below are the Lyrics to the song courtesy of XXL.

J. Cole's "Middle Child" Lyrics

Intro

"You good, T-Minus?"

Refrain 

"Niggas been countin' me out
I’m countin' my bullets, I'm loadin’ my clips
I'm writin' down names, I'm makin' a list
I'm checkin' it twice and I'm gettin’ ’em hit
The real ones been dyin', the fake ones is lit
The game is off balance, I’m back on my shit
The Bentley is dirty, my sneakers is dirty
But that's how I like it, you all on my dick"

Verse One

"I'm all in my bag, this hard as it get
I do not snort powder, I might take a sip
I might hit the blunt, but I'm liable to trip
I ain’t poppin' no pill, but you do as you wish
I roll with some fiends, I love 'em to death
I got a few mil;' but not all of them rich
What good is the bread if my niggas is broke?
What good is first class if my niggas can't sit?
That's my next mission, that's why I can't quit
Just like LeBron, get my niggas more chips
Just put the Rollie right back on my wrist
This watch came from Drizzy, he gave me a gift
Back when the rap game was prayin' I'd diss
They act like two legends cannot coexist
But I'd never beef with a nigga for nothin'
If I smoke a rapper, it's gon' be legit
It won't be for clout, it won't be for fame
It won't be 'cause my shit ain't sellin' the same
It won't be to sell you my latest lil' sneakers
It won't be 'cause some nigga slid in my lane
Everything grows, it's destined to change
I love you lil' niggas, I'm glad that you came
I hope that you scrape every dollar you can
I hope you know money won't erase the pain
To the OGs, I'm thankin' you now
Was watchin' you when you was pavin' the ground
I copied your cadence, I mirrored your style
I studied the greats, I'm the greatest right now
Fuck if you feel me, you ain't got a choice
Now I ain't do no promo, still made all that noise
This shit gon' be different, I set my intentions
I promise to slap all that hate out your voice"

[Refrain]

"Niggas been countin' me out
I'm countin' my bullets, I'm loadin' my clips
I'm writin' down names, I'm makin' a list
I'm checkin' it twice and I'm gettin' 'em hit
The real ones been dyin', the fake ones is lit
The game is off balance, I'm back on my shit
The Bentley is dirty, my sneakers is dirty
But that's how I like it, you all on my dick"

Hook 

"I just poured somethin' in my cup
I've been wantin' somethin' I can feel
Promise I am never lettin' up
Money in your palm don't make you real
Foot is on their neck, I got 'em stuck
I'ma give 'em somethin' they can feel
If it ain't 'bout the squad, don't give a fuck
Pistol in your hand don't make you real"

Verse Two

"I'm dead in the middle of two generations
I'm little bro and big bro all at once
Just left the lab with young 21 Savage
I'm 'bout to go and meet Jigga for lunch
Had a long talk with the young nigga Kodak
Reminded me of young niggas from 'Ville
Straight out the projects, no fakin', just honest
I wish that he had more guidance, for real
Too many niggas in cycle of jail
Spending they birthdays inside of a cell
We coming from a long bloodline of trauma
We raised by our mamas, Lord we gotta heal
We hurting our sisters, the babies as well
We killing our brothers, they poisoned the well
Distorted self image, we set up to fail
I'ma make sure that the real gon' prevail, nigga"

Hook 

"I just poured somethin' in my cup
I've been wantin' somethin' I can feel
Promise I am never lettin' up
Money in your palm don't make you real
Foot is on their neck, I got 'em stuck
I'ma give 'em somethin' they can feel
If it ain't 'bout the squad, don't give a fuck
Pistol in your hand don't make you real"

Outro

"Money in your palm don't make you real
Pistol in your hand don't make you real
Money in your palm don't make you real"

Questions to Former Self w/ Michael Maglio @mmaglio23 @marshfield_tc

I am very fortunate to meet some amazing people in the world of Sports from the amateur to professional level. Honesty is the best policy the more we can communicate with one another and have an honest dialogue the more we can learn from one another. When I Started Coaching XC I met the Marshfield Rams, their Head Coach & Student Athelte’s and their families for their support..I asked Former Captain Michael Maglio’s a few questions below are his replies

Name: Mike Maglio

Marshfield High School class of 2018

Attending Purdue University

Major: Industrial Engineering

 DATG: How Critical is confidence in your self to be successful ?                                                                                     

Mike Mags: Confidence is a huge key when it comes to being successful. A positive mental attitude goes a long way, whether it be academically, athletically, or in another field. Displaying confidence shows that you’re not afraid to do what you really want, and it also lets people know that you don’t fear failure. Without confidence, it’s impossible to get things done, and others will be less likely to trust you. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anybody else believe in you?

DATG: Reflecting back on the last 4-5 years, there are no regrets but what would you have done differently?

Mike Mags:Over the last 4 or 5 years, I wish I was more ambitious, and I wish I took more initiative to achieve what I want and be who I want to be. Anybody can be whoever they want to be, -you shape your own life- but if you don’t have the drive to be that person or to do that thing you’ll never change. Throughout high school, I was a pretty ambitious kid, but there’s always more you can do, and I wish I seized the opportunities I had and excelled further.

DATG: Besides Your parents who was someone you confined in and why ?

Mike Mags: I always confided in my brother, Nick. Growing up, I never realized how much it meant to have someone as close as a brother until I started having real issues and needed             someone to talk to. Although I know I can always talk to my parents, there comes a point where they just don’t understand. My brother and I have a very personal relationship; we  understand each other deeply and are always there for one another. Along with this, we have very similar interests and desires, and we always help each other to reach a goal or fulfill an interest.

DATG: What would you do to improve XC & TF in HS ?

Mike Mags:High school XC and T&F could be improved by encouraging more kids to give it a shot. A lot of great athletes who play sports like football or soccer are missing out on an opportunity to do something huge in the world of track. There are so many people who have natural talent and don’t even realize it. All it takes is a little encouragement to try something new for a world of opportunities to open up. During my freshman year of high school, I was unsure about doing indoor track, even after an exciting XC season. An upperclassman on the team named Reed drawed me in along with many of my friends. I can’t thank Reed enough for doing that, because that was the beginning of a long and exciting adventure through high school running.

DATG: Who was your HS Coach ? Was he instrumental in your growth as a person ?

Mike Mags: My high school coach was Dennis Sheppard, aka Shepp. He was definitely a huge part of my high school experience, and he helped me grow as a person. Shepp taught me the meaning of hard work, and he made me into a tough person. He taught me to reach for my goals, and he helped me every step along the way in achieving them. Shepp became a mentor for me, and I always wanted to make him proud. Whenever I had a bad race, instead of making a big deal out of it, Shepp would tell me to just put it behind me and start looking forward to the next one. This attitude stuck with me; I learned that life is going to have its low points, but the important thing is to let go of any negative feelings and to make a plan to bounce back. Shepp’s knowledge and motivational skills make him a great leader, and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me.

DATG: Toughest lost or disappointed race in HS where and when how did you bounce back ?

Mike Mags:There two specific disappointing races that really stuck with me. First was my during my sophomore year of outdoor track at the Division 2 Eastern State Championships. We ran the 4x800m relay that day, and we were eager for a title. The one team standing in our way was the boys from Wellesley High School. We watched as their anchor leg ran hard earlier in the day to capture the 800m individual title, and this boosted our confidence knowing that he would be running on tired legs. When it was our time to go, we raced hard and did all that we could, but came up just short to take second place. It was a tough loss, but I quickly realized that second at this high of a level was outstanding, and we were given the opportunity to go to our first All State experience. The next week at the All State Championships, we placed 6th and broke the 8 minute barrier for the first time, a huge feat. Little did we know that this 4x800m team would go on to terrorize the state of Massachusetts for the next year, winning multiple state titles and earning All American honors. // The other disappointing race that reverberates with me was my last trip to New Balance Nationals at the Armory track in 2018. We ran the 4xmile relay that day, with our hopes set high at placing in the top 6. We came in dead last that race. We were out of the race by the second leg, and I remember waiting my turn to run my last indoor race by myself. By the time the stick reached me, my motivation had greatly dropped, and I just wanted to finish the race. I was the anchor leg, and I remember at one point being the only runner on the track with still a lap to go. That race was disappointing, but I was still grateful for coming this far, and I had my mind set on my last outdoor season. While my final season didn’t go as well as I hoped, I enjoyed myself and still made the most of it.

DATG: What was your favorite race in HS and why ?

Mike Mags: Out of all my high school races, there is one that stood out more than any other. On March 11, 2017, I ran the in the championship 4x800m relay at New Balance Indoor Nationals. Our 4x800m team had a tremendous season, highlighted with meet records and a trip to the Millrose Games, but we still had one race left, and one goal in mind. To place top 6 in this race would give us All American honors, and we believed that we had a chance. As the lead off leg, I was very nervous of the competition I would be facing, but I kept my confidence high and ran with the big dogs. I remember feeling great with 300 meters left, and I began to pass runners and work my way up. I handed off the baton in third place to Joey Donovan who quickly attached to the leaders. He ran extremely well and took the lead going into the second hand off to Derek Holmes. Derek, per usual, ran an extremely gutsy race, and he was key to keeping us where we need to be. We knew there were some real studs on the anchor legs, and we only had a shot if we were with the leaders going into the last hand off. All eyes on James Condon now. James is a beast. He took off with ambition and grit, but the studs soon passed him. He held on tight up to the very last moment. I remember counting the order that we finished, I counted 7. We were so close, I thought we actually had a chance. But then I looked up at the results- I had counted wrong, we placed 6th. The feeling was overwhelming, and the rest of the week was filled with excitement and positive energy. It was the greatest race in my high school career, with a fairy tale ending.

-Mike

A Glimpse of the MLK Dream

Worldwide people celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. An apostle of peace, whose actions, whose testimony changed how the world views race relations. Your social media timelines should be flooded with meme's of Dr.King or images of the beloved civil rights leader. 

Today i am reflecting on how Dr.King's teaching and philosophies have impacted my life and hopefully the people around me.  On August 28, 1963 the famous speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and freedom. Dr King spoke to the audience and said " I have a dream that my four little children (well) will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". via I have dream Address  King Institute Standford University. 

I personally I am taken by the specific words from the speech " One day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sports is a powerful tool which transcends boundaries from age, gender, culture, unites people from all walks of life. I am very fortunate that I am in the world of running/track & field. I believe that serving as the BPS(Boston Public Schools) City Wide Head XC Coach, I have been put in a position to continue the legacy and the platform that I get to utilize is the sport of running one of the venues I use is Foss Running Camp. 

Salute to the staff of Foss Running Camp, first and foremost to founder  Coach Kevin Maloney, Head Coach of Notre Dame Academy in Hingham Rick Kates, Legendary Hall of Fame Coach George Rose & Coach Dennis Sheppard of Marshfield Boys & Girls Track & Field. Foss is a special place located in Strafford New Hampshire, the longest running XC camp in the New England Area. Over the last four years i have been honored to bring the BPSXC team, by attending Foss my student athlete's and myself have established a lifetime of memories and friendship to cherish.  For a week student athlete’s seeking to get a better perspective on their upcoming XC Season, but while we are away from our respective communities, the purpose of bettering ourselves is the reason why we come together. I preach that competition has no color, humility isn’t prejudice neither is the notion to have respect for you common man. By the end of the week I tend to have bittersweet emotions, the rural areas provide peace of mind as well as an opportunity to train. Walking around Camp grounds not worried about being racially profile, if anything I am engaged in conversations with campers and faculty.

After reflecting on the pictures and reminiscing on the times, I am taking by surprise how much ground these two programs have conquered in terms of race relations. Single Parent household isn’t unique to the urban areas. I have learned that kids will be kids no matter the median income of the neighborhoods or the, educational level of the parents. I am confident that I have been exposed to students from all walks of life courtesy to the beloved of Sport of Running, which allows me to get a glimpse into what King’s Dream looked like.

New Year but the Mantra stays the same: Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Daddy and Me Literacy Program | December Session | Dec 16th 11am-1pm

"We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading." - B.F. Skinner Fathers, Uncles, Brothers, Grandpa's: Please join us every third Sunday from 11am to 1pm, at the Hawthorne Youth Community Center, for the 'Daddy and Me' book club series. The purpose of this program is to instill the love of reading in our little ones, and to encourage fellowship among men of color. Target ages are from 3 to 7yrs, but all are welcome.

Although I don’t have a child of my own or a nephew or niece around this age, doesn’t mean this program doesn’t have value. I would highly recommend and urge anyone in the New England Area if you are occupied this Sunday, take a trip down to Roxbury MA. The founder of this program is the legendary Marzuq Muhammad, although he isn’t with us in the physical his work and ideals live on.

For more info: Check out the Facebook Group

@BpsXC_ at Frank Kelley Invitational 2018 Results

Rolling with the Punches ! 

We started the day off with Senior Captain Sarah Lawton running a personal best in the 3k with a 13:00.16  performance earning her top 17 placement and a medal in the Division 1 Girls 3k 11-12th. 

Next up a junior who is steadily improving each race in his first XC season. The goal was to break 20 mins, the harrier smashed his goals by 30 secs.. Cristian Novelle-Ruddy did it again with a 19:30.66 performance in the Division 1 open 5k 

For the Boys Varsity Team, we are rolling with the punches the goal was top 10 we finished tenth overall. With some amazing performances. Freshman Gemsley Cajuste ran a 17:17 an earned 25th place in the 5k Championship race. We will remain focus on the task at hand. 

Victor Baez jr, 52nd Overall 17:52.33
Joshua Joseph 53rd Overall PR 17:53 the goal was to smash 18:00 mins
Douglas Alvarado 54th Overall 17:54 Smashed personal record on the course of 18:22 last year.
Johan Sepulveda 63 Overall 18:10
Adnan Abdi Rahman 74 overall 18:17 
Ezra Taub: 19:27
​
Click Here to see the results

via: cityofbostoncrosscountry