As soon as I heard the beat by GHSTKNTE, I just started singing, “Ghetto no, no. Don’t let them tell you it’s ghetto no, no.” That was it; from there, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about. I just thought about all the times I heard someone say something was “ghetto” when it wasn’t. When it was a part of a culture that people just weren’t a part of so, therefore, they dismissed it. They wanted to change the narrative to make the world see people of African descent as less than. But on the flip side, they would take the culture and make it a “trend.” The number of times I’ve seen magazines and fashion ads with the very same thing they’ve called ghetto. When is enough, enough? F with cha heard because dear people of African descent, your culture is royal and vibrant af! Love…
I’ve started a children’s book series called The Reign, with “The Reign: Africa” being the first book of three. It’s a children’s book showcasing 20 different African ethnic groups. Press play to learn more!
There are not enough songs about feeling comfortable in your own skin if you compare it with the number of other song topics that are out there. I mentor multicultural girls, and I felt that especially girls and women of color need to be reminded that they don’t need the masses to cosign. It’s okay to be comfortable in your own skin, in your own traditions, in your own heritage, in your own culture.
Cuz girl you’re one in a million. They can’t compete cuz you’re different. You are truly one of a kind. You don’t need the masses to cosign. I’m telling you, I’m telling you that you got everything. Girl don’t you know, girl don’t you know that you’re a beauty queen!
I chatted with Ms. Tyeisha Cole about the journey that led me to start Pan African Think Tank. Follow the More To Black Podcast to check out and learn about not only what I’m doing, but what other Pan Africans are doing as well…
I became a published author in January of this year when I released American Presidential Parties: Their Relevance to People of African Descent. It’s a book detailing what American presidents, starting at George Washington and ending at Donald Trump, did and didn’t do for Americans of African descent. Having historical knowledge is important in terms of not repeating horrendous things; or simply knowing better in order to do better. I decided to do an audiobook for all the people that kept telling me that they don’t read, or are just too busy to read. I self-narrated the book because I felt there needed to be more “Southern accent” voices out there. Lol! Listen, and learn some history…
I got the chance to go on the Carlotta Chatwood Show and talk about my book, today’s climate and how my book relates to what’s going on, and the history that has led us up to this point. Press play on the podcast below and learn something with us! My first book released via Pan African Publishing House, American Presidential Parties: Their Relevance to People of African Descent is out now via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, etc.
I was 9 years old and I was heading to grab some food with my dad and brother at a breakfast joint when the cops harassed my dad in the parking lot. He clearly didn’t meet the description they were fishing for, other than he was a man of African descent. I was heated because I knew they were lying on some bullshit power-flex. I could tell it ruined my dad’s night. Same ol’ same ol’ for him that I wouldn’t learn about until years later.
I was 25 years old when my significant other left after the end of his shift and drove from the base to the city I was in to come to see me. It was a late-night drive. I noticed that when I opened the door, I wasn’t greeted by him in his usual tee and gym shorts. He was standing there in his Navy Working Uniform. We never spoke about it but I already knew him and knew what it was. He put himself in the best position in case a DWB situation occurred, feeling he’d get more respect if he kept his uniform on versus his civilian clothes. Protector of a country and that doesn’t protect him.
It was 2 years ago that my best friend and I were minding our own business as we were strapping two of our godkids in their car seats, and the police rolled by in an antagonizing way. I had literally never seen it in person before. It was like the policewoman the policeman was trying to square up with my best friend, talking shit and whatnot. Same ol’ same ol’ that he’s always clued me into.
And it’s not just the police, it’s society as a whole. It’s subtle things too. It was last month when I swung my nephew by GameStop. He got back in the car and I asked why didn’t he get anything. He informed me that there were others in the store, but when he walked in the store associate looked directly at him and decided to close the door to the stockroom. Something that my nephew shook off because sadly at only the age of 18, he must be used to it.
Racism, prejudice, and implicit bias are all burdens that a tiny ass continent imposed on the rest of the world. I don’t need history books, after going to 90+ countries…I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve personally haven’t experienced racism. I first experienced prejudice 3 years ago clearing customs in Melbourne, Australia. I won’t go into detail but know I’ll never go back and put money into that city. I experience implicit bias constantly from people of European descent when I travel because I mean, look at me, there’s just no way I could live the life I live; I must be what society portrays American females of African descent to be.
Men of African descent always sit in my subconscious. From patriarchs, brothers, nephews, uncles, godsons, cousins, best friends, significant other, packs of young men I see walking together when I’m out and about. Their safety is key. I see their smiles, I hear their laughs, I feel their love. But a mass population group has been trained to believe/see the opposite. Women of African descent are always in my thoughts because of the strength they have no choice but to have. The way they can’t be dainty, can’t have a viewpoint and be passionate without being deemed angry when they’ve had no choice but to be protective since they lack protection.
May the strength of the ancestors be with you. May you find peace in whatever higher being you believe in. And remember, unity and wealth are the keys. The people and the resources are already there. 💚💛❤️
“Irrelevant Completely” is one of my favorite beats by Magic, the producer of this track. Every single instrument was just dope and it epitomized the Urban Pop sound. It’s a song about letting a loved one know that you’ll always be around regardless of how far you go in life; and you appreciate them for staying true to who they are. I always wanted to go to Panama City, Panama. My dad was stationed there in the early 90’s and he would show me photos. I also had a layover in Panama City’s airport after leaving Colombia and I remember seeing the aerial view of the city. The view was so dope and I told myself that I was coming back to actually visit the city. Mexico City came into play because I have Mexican roots, my great grandfather, so I wanted to showcase Mexico as well. So many ignorant people (especially Americans) talk shit about Mexico, but I actually enjoy my time there. So continue traveling the world with me as Christin San Diego. Press play…
The GoFundMe is now LIVE! We. Need. Funds. We chose to hone in on 34 Pan African countries to have our forums in. We hit the ground running in January and February visiting seven countries, but we have 27 more countries to go. Pan Africa has business to tend to and we can’t do it without your help. So we’re asking for your donation, and if you can’t donate…please, please, please SHARE! We need to get the word out, we need to get the message out. We have from March 30th – December 30th to make it happen! We thank you in advance and hope that you watch the Overview Video below to learn more about what we’re doing and why the funds are needed…
Mission: To bridge the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora through Pan African forums that assist with research as a means to collectively advocate.
Vision: Africa and the African Diaspora as ONE.
Pan African Think Tank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that I formed. Having had the opportunity to study abroad twice, and venture to 79 countries during my sabbaticals, I recalled the many conversations I had with Pan-Africans from different places and all walks of life. But the word and the principles behind “Pan-African” never crossed my mind until my November 2018 trip to Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I learned not all schools taught History and World Geography. You can read more about it in my Pan-Africanism post. My thought of, “You can’t plan for your future and thoroughly understand your present, without knowing and acknowledging your past,” gave birth to Pan African Think Tank. My personal mission is to:
Have Africans and North Americans of African descent see themselves as one; no longer allowing the media to portray stereotypes with the intent to widen the division that they instigated.
Have more Afro-Latinos connect with the Diaspora and be proud of their African ancestry.
Stay connected with the Diaspora that resides in or plans to immigrate to Europe.
Raise awareness of the Diaspora within Oceania to build a sense of community.
Please go to PanAfricanTT.org, click on the continent were you reside and vote on an issue. If you don’t see an issue that you feel suits your continent, click “Other” and type one in. You can also donate! Everything is tax-deductible. And of course, if you click on the “Shop” link, there are Pan African Think Tank shirts for sell. Your pick! But at the very least, tell a friend to tell a friend about Pan African Think Tank. I’ll be heading to Southern and Eastern African in January 2020 to start the journey on spreading the word.
These volumes of “Christin SanDiego” have been a long time coming…and I’m starting ya’ll off with Vol. 1. I finally brainstormed a way I could intertwine my passion for music that I’ve always had since I was little, with my love for travel that I acquired in my 20’s. Carmen Sandiego is a fictional character that teaches kids world geography. She is a spy, but a good one, that retrieves stolen artifacts. Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? was a television show. My friends and family would/still always contact me and ask where I was/am in the world because for the most part, I’m always out of the country. Instead of vlogging my “Traveling with C.Nichole” videos, I decided to shoot visuals around the world, combine it with my Urban Pop sound, and come up with this Christin SanDiego project. BTW, Christin is my first name for those that didn’t know; that’s where the C. in C.Nichole comes in. “Christin SanDiego Vol. 1” EP comprises of 6 tracks, 2 of those are Chopped & Screwed versions. I’ve been writing songs for years and I never waste lyrics. The songs on this project were originally demoed from 2012-2014 at 21-23 years old and these songs still apply. I’m so ahead of my time lol! Anywho, I’m back with my C.Nichole melodies and straightforward lyrics as always. Also, I’m on a new mission to break into the African market, so if ya’ll know people over there or are over there…Share. Share. Share! 😄
“Warning Shots” was a song that was originally demoed in December 2012. The turnover rate in the industry is high so the song was never shopped around…or the label guy simply didn’t like it. Regardless, I never waste lyrics so I kept it for myself. It was first publicly performed at SXSW in 2016 which can be found here: C.Nichole At SXSW. Then lo and behold, in 2018 I felt “Warning Shots” would be the perfect first single for “Christin SanDiego Vol. 1” as I take audiences around the world with me through my music videos. Pre-Order “Christin SanDiego Vol. 1” and enjoy the Montego Bay, Jamaica scenery below!
