XXX

It’s not what you think.

There could be children reading The Chronicle!

Yesterday was a day for reflection.

Reflection about the unforgettable date, Tuesday, September 11th, 2001.

We all remember what we did before, during, and after those horrific atrocities.

I can’t even remember what I ate for lunch last Tuesday, but I sure do remember every move I made that day, sixteen years before.

Life was seemingly sweet in the summer of 2001. But in August, the first earthquake in my life was the death of Aaliyah. I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe it! A plane crash, what?! No, it couldn’t have been!

A few weeks later, as a freshman, I was excited to be an adult (in my mind) and I was ready to face the world. I was so not ready for September 11th. For the first time, I was really scared. My mom was my safety blanket, but I could feel she was shivering and wasn’t so sure that she would be able to protect my brother and myself like she always had. My father was catatonic with panic. I was even more scared.

Kendrick Lamar‘s XXX song was on my mind all day long yesterday. You are probably thinking to yourselves “hmmm… I don’t see the link between 9/11 and XXX”.

“America, God bless you if it’s good to you

America, please take my hand

Can you help me under…”

For me, I came to realize especially right now in 2017, America is so divided. Even yesterday, the President elect made this monumental date all about himself…

Kendrick Lamar’s Damn album is a wake up call about what is going on in this world.

The Bob Dylan of our time, or perhaps the Kendrick Lamar of our time is, by all means, the wake up call America needs. It is one of the best albums. Listening to it yesterday made me reflect of my life…. Before 9/11. During 9/11. After 9/11.

That day will never be forgotten, but neither can we forget what is going on right now.