CEDTalks

Over the course of 25 years, an epidemic has spread throughout North America and caused controversy all over the continent, primarily in the United States. It has caused a decline in creativity and individual thoughts, yet provided some of the funniest moments in recent history. Although it carries many monikers, it is known best as "Co-signing". For those unfamiliar, co-signing is the blind agreement of an action, statement, or trend without forming your own opinion. It is also associated with becoming a fan of a successful sports team without any previous affiliation. Urban legend states that co-signing originated in Lima, Peru, where two brothers close in age would travel the land together.  Young Peruvian Jose Pedro Morales would follow his older sibling LaMiguel (Spanish people have crazy names too) everywhere, even imitating his actions. It is said he would repeat his brother and imitate his actions, including signing LaMiguel’s name, which created the phrase “co-sign”...

Happy Holidays good people; I hope everyone was able to spend time with someone they loved. Grandma Andrews is visiting for the weekend, so I’ve been singing all the Christmas jams in my Smokey Robinson voice. In addition, I made lasagna (with ground turkey, because Malcolm doesn’t get down with the swine) and I feel it turned out well. Shaq and Shaunie, before reality  shows and auto-biographies.  Over the past few weeks, the news has been littered with stories of tomfoolery and chicanery, even more than normal.  While the Air Jordan shopping incident is by far the most absurd story, the most disappointing are the growing number of celebrities filing for divorce. The news resonates with me for a multitude of reasons: reportedly one of the divorces stems from infidelity issues and if finalized, the children of these families become products of a split-parent household. The biggest concern, however, is once again a high profile celebrity is accused of using his power ...

Yesterday was the 105th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the oldest Black fraternity in the land. It gives me great pride to be a member of the "Black and Old Gold"; I was singing like Young Jeezy (105! Yeaaahhhhh, Shorty 105!) When I look back (over my life) and I think things over, I can (truly) say...that I've been blessed; I got a testimooonnny! Sorry, had to finish the line. Being serious, it's great being an Alpha; the fraternity has provided me so many opportunities, networks, and memories that I cannot find the words to fully express my gratitude. Among the values I just listed, perhaps the greatest benefit is the addition of 10 great men to my immediate family. In the fall of 2007, 11 men marched the campus of the oldest Black College in the nation and capped off a long and arduous journey to a enchanting destination known simply as the "House of Alpha". For each of us, it took great sacrifice; Rob, who overcame the strug...