Let's Get it Together! By L.S.G.

A New Column – “From the Soul of an Outsider”
From The Soul of an Outsider is a new Soul Pitt exclusive column by Lakeda Summes-Giles. This African-American female, originally from Atlanta, talks about Pittsburgh and its community from the perspective of an out-of-towner who has been in the city since 2001 and her analysis of it. Send comments/questions to outsider@thesoulpitt.com

Let's Get it Together!
By L.S.G.

Not only should we get it together, but when we go after prosperity and success as a community and "Let's get it together". I was asked to write an article, that was based on a realistic perspective about the City of Pittsburgh, from an outsider's experience, which I happen to be. We should begin a new challenge for ourselves, let's break the "Willie Lynch" syndrome together ya'll. There is simply not enough cooperation and unity, and not just in this city. But Pittsburgh has got the 'disconnection thing' down pat, and that's pretty bad. How many of us can we find, regularly complaining about an encounter with someone within our community, that has behaved in a fake, inconsistent, or shady fashion? I find that this often sets the social scene within this city. Even in business, is that why the Pittsburgh Black Economic Structure is so unstable. What if a similar crisis occurred like we witnessed with Katrina? Will we be able to help our own community, seeing that the Government has such a slow response, especially when assisting the poor black community in crisis? Well this column is not about the faux pas of the system, but about our community's accountability for itself.

Pittsburgh has the potential to do as well as other largely black populated cities. Me, being an Outsider finds that because of the social disorder that rest within the black community here currently, prevents the true reflection of our potential from manifesting itself. I used to be very social at my arrival into the city, but as I witnessed the dismissal of what good I was bringing to the table, by a certain group of select individuals, and you know who you are, along with the accentuation of negativity surrounding me, openly and subliminally telling me, " we don't want you here outsider, go!" I began to stay in hibernation to draw strength from this rejection. And I did leave here many times, bravely returning because God brought me here, and I love a real challenge. Most say that they are 'gettin money', and all that is cool especially when we share it with each other, but I have mainly encountered only "Individualist", who feel if they make it that is improving the image of our community, but still the poor black underprivileged suffer.

I believe our poverty is due mostly from the lack of knowledge as many wise persons have said, and not because we lack the resources, material things, or money. Do me a favor and increase your awareness by reading the "Willie Lynch Letter", which was regarded highly during the times of slavery, by the slave owners of this country. It helps to begin the challenge that I mention in the start of this column, and thank you, those of you who are brave enough to begin it. It would also be nice if we had a business district here with the show of financial support for the same things we buy in other communities. It would be nice if Pittsburgh's Black Community wouldn't be so competitive against itself, but more supportive toward it's artist, so that there could exist a strong list of industries here, since Pittsburgh is known for being an industrial city. The one thing that I consider a strong attribute to Pittsburgh is that, though it is a vast city; it is also like a small town, because everyone knows one another. That's all good but make way for the outsiders to come in and bless you with their jewels also.

I have been very blessed cause I'm a fighter and I don't give up, and I believe that the negativity will be overcome, in time, with more of a universal mind state. This can be easily be gained by learning the right things that will improve and give new meaning to Life, for everyone. Pittsburgh has been under this negative spiritual cloud for so long, like our community blames and refuses to forgive itself for something, well I'm the messenger brought to shed some sunlight on you and allow a true beautiful reflection to be revealed. We are forgiven of our insecurity, let's stand together in this great light and love each other, cause I swear if you do the research you'll see we just might all be family. Pittsburgh stop the hardcore drug selling, stop the homicidal gun violence, be a strong example the whole world can point at and recognize the greatness of. Be respected by respecting yourself and each other. If you begin something stay until it's finished, to the people starting families or anything positive.

With that being said let's talk about mating and meeting in this city, in our community. What I see is a lot of bitterness between the sexes. I believe in taking things slow, especially since we have AIDS in epidemic proportions here in our community. Love is a process, one which should be encouraged to engage in, especially between man and woman. We need to replenish our seed with black men, who have also been dying with little or fuss being made, within the city. Pittsburgh, see where I coming from, to where we could be going? Stay tuned for more from this outsider and of course "Let's get it together!" L.S.G.

About the Author

Lakeda Summes-Giles is originally from ATL, moved to the 'Burgh in 2001, has a thing for writing. And is also an entrepreneur of the "Truly Natural Self Care Botanicals Systems". Check it out at www.mytrulynatural.com

Send comments/questions to outsider@thesoulpitt.com