Insight on Zambia

I had the opportunity of interviewing a journalist from Zambia and learning more about the country. I interviewed Sailas Ahmed Kafunda he is a journalist in Zambia that comes from a family of journalist. He currently works for Zam bloggers. We discussed how he got into journalism, how he views the United States, and the freedom of press of Zambia.

His passion for journalism started as a child, he had access to children's programs at NBC and he joined media clubs in high school. He says the freedom of press in Zambia is good and people are able to express themselves. The only thing hindering the freedom of press is the right to privacy. Some politicians are able to deem stories as unworthy to be public although the public might be interested. Journalist are pretty safe when reporting in Zambia but political cartels exist and they threaten journalist. The political cartels support a certain party and don't want negative views put out about their candidates. Zambia has the same social media platforms but the most common is Facebook. Instagram is used for social activities such as the things they do in their personal lives. People are also able to get their news from the newspaper, TV, and radio.

People in Zambia view the United States as what they see in movies. The people feel like the United States is the leader of greater opportunities. People follow the entertainers, actors, and musicians. The negative narrative of Africa can change by journalist showing more of the positive sides of the country. The journalist in Zambia aren't doing a good enough job by promoting their country. He likes how the United States shares the positive things that go on in the country.

Victoria Falls

Zambia is a developing country and the untied states funds them as far as their health and education. It is developing quickly and people are able to enjoy their tourist areas. Zambia has national parks people can visit and their population continues to grow. Mining remains as one of essential parts of Zambia. Zambia doesn't have enough resources for their journalist to thrive. Zamiba barely benefits from globalization because their are barriers on trade. People usually get their news from Facebook because it's faster to get. Social media is taking over although some news can be misleading. They are able to distinguish what news is actually authentic there. The most popular sport in Zambia is futbol different from the United States.

The media in Zambia can improve by the pluralism in the issuing of broadcasting licences. Minimal state interferance of media content. Amend the law of privacy and defamation to allow reporters investigate and publish stories that Matter to the public. Also, by lowering the price to access the modern digital signals to people willing to open a media house. 

Zambia ranks 119th out of 180 countries in the world press freedom. According to the article Zambia in Red on RSF 2018 World Press Freedom Index, “The 2018 World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reflects growing animosity towards journalists. Hostility towards the media, openly encouraged by political leaders, and the efforts of authoritarian regimes to export their vision of journalism pose a threat to democracies,” the RSF stated. Journalist have been attacked in Zambia and faced time in prison. The government tries to make it harder on journalist to publish news stories. Their freedom of press is known to be not free. Political propaganda does exist in zambia among their leaders and different political parties.

"Zambia is among 47 countries is in red on the 2018 World Press Freedom Index, denoting a bad performance in press freedom, as there is growing animosity and hostility openly encouraged by political leaders towards journalists." The journalist I interviewed stated that zambia's freedom of press was good and their journalist are safe. As I'm doing research on the country it is the total opposite. Zambia definitely has strides to make for their journalist and government to work cohesively. 

https://www.themastonline.com/2018/05/02/zambia-in-red-on-rsf-2018-world-press-freedom-index/ 

Podcast is on Apple podcast

Tune in to all the episodes. Don't forget to rate and leave reviews as well. Appreciate all feedback!

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-on-it/id1455061293

The Power of Music

During the tragic slavery era many different types of cultures, arts, and music came to light. Music is a form of art that acts as a symbol for culture, identity and above all it signifies the stories and the history that is behind the expression of different feelings depending on the creator’s state of mind (Washington, 2019). There are many different music genres that have an influence from the slave era today. Some of the most popular genres are hip-hop/rap and R&B. Many of the slaves would sing during their labor and activities. It initially started with spirituals and field hollers then evolved into singing, dancing, and instruments. As the slave era came to an end they thought it was best to leave spirituals behind and transition into new forms of music. Music artist started to use their songs to voice emancipation and injustices African Americans experienced on a daily basis. Also, it gave artists the platform to show the positive views African Americans shared about freedom.

Hip-hop in African American communities musical traditions has been influenced by slavery. Hip-hop is recognized as the genre with the closet relation with traditional slave narratives. The slaves music was coded in language they could only understand and based on their everyday life experiences. Also, rap has had a tremendous impact with hip hop and rap was known as a form of communication among the black youth in America. In the slave era, a griot was a storyteller they would tell stories during a rhythmic beat. Many of the artist that have used their music to bring awareness of oppression among the black communities are Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Common, and Nas.

Tupac was an artist that shared his views and opinion of what was going on in the world. He was relatable to a lot of African Americans in the community solely because he spoke about how difficult it was growing up in a white man's world. He felt this world wasn't made for African Americans to succeed. One of my favorite songs by Tupac is "Changes," he tried to make a political statement in many of the songs and encouraged African Americans to make changes from social norms.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/changes-feat-talent/310908362?i=310908514

"We got to start making changes learn to see me as a brother 'stead of two distant strangers. And that's how it's suppose to be, how can the devil take a brother if he's close to me." He is asking his community to become united in a brotherhood that is unpenetratable by corrupted whites. He voices his political opinion when saying, "We're not ready to see a black president", because the majority of young black men are in the prison system. He gives the impression that eventually the black community will be able to see a political upheaval, but it takes an acknowledgement of the problems that are currently confronting his community. He believes that change has to come from within, because the system is corrupt and they have no reliability, nor care about the responsibility owed to the destructed black communities. He makes a final plea for blacks to change their lives and recognize the problems, so they can be ameliorated."

It can be hard to truly understand what African Americans face on a daily if an individual can't relate. Tupac was important to encouraging artist to continue to use their voices to touch other people and spread positivity amongst the community. It led to other artists having a huge impact on this movement of conscious or "woke" music.

Lauryn Hill is someone I grew up hearing because of my mom, but it wasn't until recently where I understood the meaning of her lyrics. She received a Grammy for her album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," she voices her concerns about bringing change to the world. Her album "MTV Unplugged No. 2.0," also brings light to social issues. Her music is very eye-opening and conscious as she touches on social Injustices. Hill's music is similar to a griot, telling her story through her music. One of Hill's most powerful songs is "Mystery of iniquity," and iniquity means immoral unfair behavior.

"Do we expect the system made for the elect, to possibly judge correct? Properly serve and protect" -Lauryn Hill (Mystery of iniquity).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mystery-of-iniquity/192492278?i=192492981

"The birth and development of the American police can be traced to a multitude of historical, legal and political-economic conditions. The institution of slavery and the control of minorities, however, were two of the more formidable historic features of American society shaping early policing. Slave patrols and Night Watches, which later became modern police departments, were both designed to control the behaviors of minorities." -A Brief History of Slavery and the Origins of American Policing

This quote explains the lyrics of Hill's song, which compares some police to slave masters controlling African Americans. Although African Americans have freedom we are still trapped in a box that holds us back from blossoming and looked down upon. I also, believe we are feared upon because we are so powerful when we unite and move in the right direction.

"It's freedom, said it's freedom time now, It's freedom, said it's freedom time now ..Time to get free, or give yourselves up now, It's freedom, said it's freedom time" -Lauryn Hill (Freedom Time).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/freedom-time/192492278?i=192492685

It's time to release ourselves from social norms and trapping ourselves in our thoughts. We need to free ourselves from mental slavery and hold ourselves accountable for our wrongdoings. Hill voiced no matter what race you are everybody has some of the same issues and have some problems.

"Renounce all your thought, Repent and let your mind be re-taught, You'll find what you sought, Was based on the deception you bought, A perception of naught where the majority remains caught, " -Lauryn Hill (Mystery of iniquity). 

This line basically tells us to unlearn the “education” we receive in modern society, to open our minds to new knowledge and to realize that the material dreams we chase are empty figments, based on a lie. In one word: miseducation. We are so easily influenced by the things we see on TV and social media. It's funny because my dad tells me all the time to step outside the box of what society is trying to make you accustom to. For example, working a regular 9-5 he compares it to going to school from 8-3 and sitting at a desk and taking orders. So it's important to have other skills to build your own platform. Society wants to be complacent and not voice our own opinions against the social norms. 

Lastly, Kendrick Lamar is my favorite artist and he sheds light on the struggle of racial Injustice. In his songs he also talks about mass black incarnation and how an oppressive society can divide people as well as who they are loyal to.

"What you want you? A house or a car? Forty acres and a mule, a piano, a guitar"-Kendrick Lamar (Wesley's Theory).

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wesleys-theory-feat-george-clinton-thundercat/974187289?i=974187290

This quote alludes to what the slaves would be offered for reparations after the civil war. Many of the freed slaves were given false promises. Things would be a lot different if the slaves were actually given access to land because it would've helped them build on wealth and pass it down.

"Oh America, you bad bitch, I picked cotton and made you rich" -Kendrick Lamar (For Free).

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-free-interlude/974187289?i=974187295

During slavery an essential crop was cotton, which the slaves picked daily. The slave camps brought a lot of wealth and made productivity a lot faster. The slaves were tortured throughout slavery and production. Also, the metaphor alludes to America pimping out black people.

Our greatest leaders are always taken away from us when they spread positivity and the wrongdoings of the government. 

Washington, Ahmad Rashad. “Integrating Hip-Hop Culture and Rap Music Into Social Justice Counseling With Black Males.” Journal of Counseling & Development, vol. 96, no. 1, 2018, pp. 97–105., doi:10.1002/jcad.12181.

“A Brief History of Slavery and the Origins of American Policing.” A Brief History of Slavery and the Origins of American Policing | Police Studies Online, plsonline.eku.edu/insidelook/brief-history-slavery-and-origins-american-policing

Don’t put all your eggs into one basket, but, put all your eggs into one basket

People say “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” ...

Well when you do that, and put eggs or ideas in different baskets you’ll never be fully committed to that goal. So you’re always telling yourself there’s a fallback, and now you’re giving 75% because you know you can still go to plan B. If you put all your eggs in the basket you know there’s no fallback, this is 100% the route that you want to take. Now you can put maximum time and effort. You can’t give two things 100% of your effort and you can’t see the real results of your work unless you give something 100%. It’s hard to fail if you’re giving maximum time and effort to something. 

Set a goal and go for it, don’t second guess it because once you start second guessing you’re already one foot out. If you want to be a great athlete you can’t take weeks and days off. You can't have the mentality that you don’t want to do this and that today. You’ll never reach your full potential like that. An athlete needs to get in the gym and work on their craft as much as possible. Also, it's extremely important to take care of your body so you're able to give 110% everytime you workout or play. 

A male might have an interest in 5 women but really wants one. So you have the main and you're giving her 60% and everybody else 10%. You're trying to figure out why it's not working out. 

If you want to be a doctor, but not studying the human anatomy. You're out partying every week and getting a sub 3.0 now you’re sick because you’re not sure if you’ll get accepted into that doctor program. You're forced to settle for something less. So, exert all your energy and effort into whatever it takes to be the best doctor possible. It might take a lot of sacrificing, but if it helps you accomplish your ultimate goal it's worth it. 

If one wants to be a musician and expects to be as good as the top guys, but you’re not in the studio or writing lyrics every day you’ll never be your best. Nobody is great without putting in the time and work. So dedicate your time to being in the studio, writing lyrics, and networking with other artist. 

I believe it’s important to focus on one thing at a time. That way you’re giving that one thing all your attention, but if you don’t feel like it’s going to work out then you can start to try to work on your plan B. If you map it out correctly and give 100% you’ll get there and if not okay, let’s see what you can do to tweak your plan because you’ll still be closer to the finish line than if you gave 60%.

Monday motivation

 "Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people"

Everyone isn't going to love you, but focus on the ones that do. You might not be where you want in life at the moment; keep working because things will get better. We're human, so we're going to experience trials and tribulations. We're going to have good times and bad times throughout life. Certain people are going to make you happy, hate on you, and unfortunately hurt your feelings. It's all apart of life, but it's the strong ones that make it and don't let it break them. There's no perfect relationship or friendship, but find people who genuinely make you happy and want success just as bad as you do. Find friends that keep it real with you, are able to make you laugh, and always have a positive outlook on life. Always try to see the bright side of things, but I'm not telling you to take back a cheater. Everybody faces adversity and some of the most beautiful people have struggled numerous times. Be open to constructive criticism it'll benefit you in the long run. Whether you're being criticized on your craft or relationship use it to improve and be better.  

If there's anything you'd want in life go get it period.  

How I got started

I remember growing up and all the adults asking me who would win the games that night. The barbers at Our People in Carson, Ca would engage in sports convos with me just about every time I went in for a cut to hear my feedback and this started at a very young age. As a child, my favorite teams were the Patriots and Miami Heat. I really didn’t pay attention to other sports at the time. D-Wade aka flash was my favorite basketball player and Tom Brady was always my favorite football player. While other children were watching cartoons and what not, I only enjoyed watching Sports Center. I would sit there all day trying to retain as much information as possible. The sports I primarily focused on were tennis and basketball. Thanks to sports I’ve always been occupied and out of trouble. I can definitely say I wouldn't be the person I am today without the experience of playing with a team. I've met long-term friends and learned how to fight when times got tough. I've always wanted to start blogging and creating podcasts but would often procrastinate until recently. I'm now at that place of fulfilling my goals and I’m extremely serious about it. If there's anything you think you want to start and try in life, just go for it. Everyone is going to judge regardless if good comes out of it or bad. My cousin Illy is one of the funniest and most educated people when it comes to sports, music, and just about any thing life. I knew it would be perfect for us to do this together. My brother Nick also had a podcast before and he’s very creative so we’ve decided to put it all together by creating the “Speak On It” podcast. We never saw it developing like this, but it will have a great turn out. I'm curious to see what you guys think and I appreciate any and all feedback.

Monday motivation

Let's have a great day beautiful people. 

I know at least 99.9% of the world hates Mondays. Some feel Monday should be a part of the weekend. It's definitely a day you have to get mentally prepared and motivated for. Monday sets the tone for the whole week, so be great. It's a chance to start the week on a good note. Monday is a new opportunity to correct your mistakes from last week. I like to take advantage of Mondays because everything is fresh, you get to press a reset button and seize new opportunities. You’re able to set new goals and start forming good habits. Whether you're going to work on your craft in the gym, brainstorming a new business, or going to class give your best effort. Energy is contagious and you never know who might need it. Always give off positive energy in whatever setting you're in it'll make things more fun.

Reminder: Love you and take care of you. 

Failure is apart of success, keep going.  

Words of the day

Words that people should try to incorporate in their daily lives..    

Consistency- maintaining the same energy and effort in everything you do. You will be taken more serious if your actions (sticking to your word) are consistent. The more consistent you are in everything you do when you're striving to accomplish a goal, the easier it will become. 

Mindfulness- being present in the moment and aware. Stay in the present and know what's going on at all times. We tend to reminisce on the past instead of worrying about what we can control in the moment. 

Gratitude- Learning to be thankful. I feel like we tend to focus on the things we don’t have and forget to stay humble. We should be grateful for the things we do have because there are people out their that have a lot less.

No- it is important you can tell people no even your family members. Be able to say no without giving an explanation. Try to be as clear as possible that you don't owe anybody anything and don't beat around the bush. 

Happiness- the state of "living your best life". We all find happiness in different things whether it's accomplishing a goal, money, or social relationships. A lot of times happiness comes from dealing with hard times or discomfort. I believe you are in control of your personal happiness because you decide what you put your time and energy towards. 

Finance Friday

 SET A BUDGET.. 

It is essential to learn the importance of saving money. For some odd reason they don't teach you the importance of managing money in school. Here are a couple ways to save money:

1. Create a budget

A budget is a breakdown of how much money you have coming in and how much you have going out each month. Once you know your income and expense total; you subtract your expenses from your income. You should have money left over, but you should also still spend this money wisely. 

2. Save with a purpose

You should put a certain percentage of your income in your savings based on how much money you are making. Recognize what you can spend less on such as, dining out, entertainment, and material things.

3. Shop smarter  

Try to avoid impulse purchases by making a list, and sticking to it. Look for sales and compares prices of items. Be cautious not to buy more than you realistically need. 

Knowledge is power. Obviously no one is perfect when it comes to dealing with money, but it is important we are aware that managing your money could make life a whole lot easier. 

Speak on it

Podcast ep2

Here's our second podcast with many more to come. In EP2 we discuss our takes on what's been going on in the NBA, music, and our lives as well as our friend's. LeBron joining the Lakers and Drake's new album etc. We had two special guest and in the words of Future, "I'm good luv, enjoy."