Latitude 52 is an album centered on the narratives I've been exposed to in the past 4 years (2011-2015). In those 4 years, I've traveled many of roads to find understanding of what makes a more "complete" soul. Within Australia (Sydney & the roads of Parramatta), Canada (Edmonton & Vancouver), Louisiana (Baton Rouge) and the Golden State (Sacramento, San Francisco, & LA), I've search for a greater understanding of self. Latitude 52 is based on the cultural hubs of Edmonton (Latitude 53), the sounds of Sydney (and all that lingers around the Opera House) and all in-between.

As well, the narratives of the students I have been lucky to mentor, the staff I have worked with (the REAL TLC PROVIDERS), and the trust those of diverse backgrounds have given me has helped to mold a perspective where the narrative and not the "numerical data" is the strongest mechanism of change (with numerical data supplementing that success). People from disadvantaged, discriminated backgrounds cannot be solely helped based on numerical data-driven methods and those who say otherwise are typically those who do not work with the people within the systems of control. This I know is so much true with the current state of lurid affairs...

I find myself at a crossroads as to what my purpose, from this point, should entail...as someone who has reached some level of "success" where do I now belong? Media portrays those of similar complexions (if not darker or lighter) as the "outsiders" who are destroying a nation; yet, I have the level of "success" not easily obtained by those of my shade.

“They say that I am 2 much 4 the suburbs…2 much for the hood…2 much for the rural…2 much 4 their good…If I’m 2 much…4 all of these places…Where do I belong? Where do these dusty bones lay…When the flesh is gone? Where do these dusty bones lay…When the spirit’s called home?” (G~mile)

The questions of what does it mean to be "Black in America" and what makes a person culturally "Black" also is a narrative I've dealt with as one of the few Blacks in the majority of my classes and the town of my upbringing (Folsom). Though my familial roots are firmly placed in Louisiana, the question of authenticity exists amongst those who are not of the same shade and/or narrative. As well, the desire to meet a woman who brings the same fire and passion I do to the equations of salvation lurks behind the thoughts I keep behind the "veil."

We live in very "unsatisfied" times-people are not happy with their jobs, their homes, their lovers, their children, their nation, let alone their entire livelihoods. I meet unsatisfied women who complain about their relationships of convenience due to fears of "starting over" at 30 (not realizing how much power they truly possess)...unsatisfied men who complain about how their life is unfair (not realizing their fault in such an equation)...and all the while we search for a sense of being where we can feel "complete."

Latitude 52 is my attempt at adding one more piece into my state of completeness...I may never get there no matter the travels I experience, but the journey through sensory excellence has already been conditioned to be mint...


2: Craig Long, Dr. Tim, The Invisible Edward Hobbs, ColbKeats, All of the Crushes I Have Had Who Have Left Me Feeling Crushed & Empty=Ms. Segovia, Ms. Edmonton, and "Sirah" who's name is what you make it, my friends (never the acquaintances), co-workers (who are truly about the improvement of lives), my students (y'all are worth a damn...y'all are amazing), the Greene and Jarreau bloodlines (and all in-between)...


THANK YOU. My narrative is richer because of the memories and histories y'all have sketched into my being...