Michael Jackson - Fame minus yourself

Recently as everyone paused for a day or two, Michael Jackson, perhaps the greatest performer ever, passed away. MJ was a sensation since a child and the world was fascinated by his stage charisma, consistent perfection and ability to mesmerize anyone who dared to listen or watch. It's no argument if Mike was amazing or not, however there is contention with what caused him to pass away.

At first glance it's sparkling clear. Mr. Jackson passed from being too skinny, or for taking certain medications - but I'd venture to say he was silenced by the same force that causes young black males to think school isn't for them... the same narrative that convinces young girls to be promiscuous against their wishes.

As a the KING of POP - Mike had to be a reflection of what "the people" or "society" wanted to see. In an attempt to entertain and please stadium crowds, Michael Jackson was called to carry the hefty burden of being perfect in the eyes of the masses. We can see this as Michael chiseled away at his facial features, or as he became increasingly lighter. We saw MJ attempt to be perfect by actively maintaining a small frame for 40 years. Michael Jackson dared to care about the expectations of a global society and tried to appease each one... I'll venture to say this was his true cause of death.

The quest for fame is intrinsically flawed because it is a assumed that to attain it you are willing to give up a piece of who you are. This is a linear relationship - the more fame you have the more of yourself, you are expected to due without. To my Ragamuffin Family - I say to you give fame an ultimatum - have me as I am or I don't need you. We should prioritize being ourselves and those who accept us are worthy of our company, but those who reject us can kindly turn the channel. Ragamuffin Clothing aspires to never confirm to want people think they want to see - but instead wants to be bold enough to display unpopular concepts that need to be seen.

Folks, be bold enough to BE YOU.

Rest in Peace MJ

Where did Bobby Brown, Obama and Ragamuffin Meet?

What does Bobby Brown and President Obama have in common with Ragamuffin Clothing? The answer is the UCLA Jazz and Reggae Festival. Last year as Ragamuffin debuted its Obama tee at the UCLA Jazz festival, Bobby Brown stopped by the booth and just couldn't resist our Obama tee.

Well this year Ragamuffin was at it again. We setup shop at UCLA Jazz Festival Memorial Day weekend. Our phenomenal salesman and woman, James and Desiree spent two eventful days introducing Ragamuffin's latest threads to thousands of attendees. The result: Over 60 shirts sold and a new Ragamuffin Classic. By the end of the first day, Ragamuffin had sold completely out of its latest design - Organic. Stay tuned for more events and exciting news. It's because of you that we are able to spread a positive message to the masses!

BE BOLD,

Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin at Stanford's Blackfest

Check this video out of Ragamuffin selling at Stanford University's Blackfest. Blackfest is a annual festival with arts, musical performances and all around fun for students and community members in the Bay Area. James, our California sales rep., Sean and Yahya represented Ragamuffin to the masses. The crowd enjoyed our newest designs, Organic and Figther! BE BOLD.

Follow this blog to watch us rise like yeast.

BIG SHOUT OUT to Terell and UpTopMultiMedia for putting this video together. Much Love.

Besides, I've been fighting all my life

From time to time a person is born who'll seek to redefine convention. Sometimes this person's efforts aren't coupled with the proper stage or circumstance to truly create change, and other times, as in the case of Martin Luther King Jr. the timing and world's gaze is just right. Before every great hero is a legion of others who have sacrificed, offered their lives and fought in the name of change. Jack Johnson is a soldier in that sacrificial army.

Ragamuffin Clothing has created one of our greatest designs yet, entitled Fighter. Fighter features Jack Johnson, the first African American heavy weight champion of the world. Mr. Jackson is special for many reasons, but is a legend because he fought to be himself in a time when demanding to be treated as a full human was unacceptable for a black person in America. Despite the constant threat of death, Johnson never coward away from doing as he chose. All and all Johnson chose to stand as a man and a full citizen. Ragamuffin created Fighter, which boastfully exclaims "Besides, I've been fighting all my life" not because we want anyone to mimic Johnson's life choices, but because we want you to pursue the fullness of your life without fear.

Imagine the freedom in waking up daily and following your heart. In choosing to outfight the obstacles that are in your way. The freedom of "doing you" as Russell Simmons would say. Jack Johnson was a champion but I ask you what will you champion? What will you conquer? What title is rightfully yours?

Jack Johnson fought way before the world was ready for black people to be considered equal, but he set off a trickle effect that we reap benefits from today. His fight caused people to question racism and discrimination. Johnson had the courage to challenge hatred and constantly forced people to confront him as a MAN. For this courage, Ragamuffin salutes him and asks you all to carry on the fight. BE BOLD.

Ragamuffin Presents its First Ragamuffin Hero

Heroism for the Soul

Written by: Nicole Celestine

The hero's of today are those who envision a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow. They must understand that people are more than character but products of the content and conditions that create character in order to help others envision what they do not believe is possible. Heroes are not just those who you can see doing the work, they are also those creating, organizing and developing platforms for change. Not merely changes you can see, but the changes one can feel.

Author Brandelyn Castine is heroism for the soul, mind, and heart. As an African American woman who’s educated, intelligent and profusely introspective, her writing manifests profound insight of inner thoughts by transcending them into emphatic experiences. Her works are intense and infused with depth and meaning. Reoccurring themes of freedom, love, and spiritual growth taps into readers' humanity aiming beyond the mind and shooting straight into the heart. She encourages, inspires, and challenges all who engage in her creations to be less of the expected and more of themselves. Castine critically addresses the standards of mainstream society without completely denouncing one's innate desires to want love and

acceptance, speaking to the universal in all.

Brandelyn Castine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2004. Her first novel Everybody Plays the Fool was released in 2005, followed by a book of prose and poetry Spoken Silence in 2006. Her latest novel, titled U.G.L.Y. was released in late 2008.

Where gives you the inspiration to write?

I write for myself. To get things off of my chest, to flush ideas out. I aim to change people’s minds about certain things and to bring things that may not be spoken about into the light.

What do your books lend the world?

My books lend positiveity, a voice for the voiceless. I talk about things that are considered taboo and expose them for what they are, common issues that everyone faces, but are often too timid to talk about.

When did you first discover your voice?

My first real poem was in 2002. I performed it at Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles. The reaction was incredible. That day I realized that I could reach people with my words.

In one line how are each of your works a change agent?

My works are an agent for change because they expose truth about everyday life that isn’t normally talked about and bring relief from those truths.

What is your concept of freedom?

Being able to use my creative gifts like painting, drawing, poetry, singing and of course, dancing in my living room lol. All of that keeps me balanced.

How long did it take to write your first novel?

9months

What is “real” to you?

Honesty is real. People being honest with themselves about what they want and what they want to do with their lives. All of what we want is possible but we must be real about what those things are, then strive to make them happen.

2 favorite songs?

Slowly surely Jill Scott, my personal anthem and my current feel good song is Yellow by India Arie, I love that song!

Where do you see yourself in 2 years?

Another novel out, a major publishing deal and still spreading positive messages.

What advice would you give aspiring writers and novelists?

Write! People often forget that detail. Sitting around thinking about what you want to do will only produce more thoughts. Artists stay motivated by creating. If you want to write, sit down get your pen and pad and make it happen! You must be passionate and keep pushing despite the hardships and adversities that come with the process because it is that much sweeter when you get to celebrate your success!

BE BOLD AND SUPPORT BRANDELYN CASTINE

HTTP://WWW.BEENCEE.COM

Til' Victory is Won

African American Youth and Ragamuffin President Get Keys to the City

Ragamuffin Clothing's charity, Berkeley Scholars visited Cambridge and Boston, MA last week to "be the change" they wish to see. There is an academic epidemic in America, where fewer than 15% of African Americans are attending four year Universities and the dropout rate among black students is near 40%. The Berkeley Scholars program is comprised of 20 African American 9th grade youth who are taking a stance against underachievement. These scholars boast a 3.43 overall GPA with over half of its members earning above a 3.5 grade point average.

The Berkeley Scholars were awarded the Keys to the City of Cambridge, MA along with the president of Ragamuffin Clothing (Leandrew Robinson). During a week long trip to New England the scholars visited several Universities (MIT, Harvard University etc.), took the Black Heritage tour and met the first African American State Supreme Court Judge - Honorable Judge Ireland.

This trip was made possible partly because of Ragamuffin's customers - as you know a portion of your proceeds goes toward supporting the Berkeley Scholars program. Thank you for helping to support such a noble endeavor... BE BOLD.

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