Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Black History Month: Black Like Matt-Man

February may not be the warmest month of the year but it certainly is action packed.

We just had Groundhog Day. This Sunday is the Super Bowl and the birthday of yours truly. Also this month, we have Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, President’s Day, and…

On the 17th, Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent along with my 46 day long Breadless Journey for Jeebus, but there’s another big event going on this month.

It’s Black History Month, and Matt-Man is all over that like ebony on a Sri Lankan wood carving. Boo Yah and Word, Bitches.

My hometown of Bagwine, Ohio is rich and well-represented in the area of black history and culture.

Former World Featherweight boxing champion Davey Moore was a resident. Johnny Lytle, one of the greatest vibe players ever was a Bagwiner, as is current multi-Grammy winning recording artist John Legend.

But…

There’s a guy I grew up with who has made an enormous and lasting impact upon African-American culture and we to this day, remain close friends.

All through junior high and high school, one of my very best friends was a guy named Van Camp Jones, or as I call him, “Beans”.

We were close. I was close with his sister, Edwina as well. Their parents called her, Weenie. All through those glorious times, it was me, and Beans and Weenie.

We were like a tight knit Minstrel Show act, however the only black face I wore was when I was having sex with Weenie. Nothin’ like havin’ some hot weenie on Weenie action, but I digress.

Back to my original point and the significance of Van Camp Jones in black culture.

After High School, Beans got a job working at the local landfill in Bagwine. It was a good job. He inspected what people were bringing in to make sure nothing toxic got through.

It was during his tenure there some 26 years ago, that Beans would spontaneously originate a phrase that to this day remains a staple of the black and urban lexicon.

One Friday evening right before the dump closed for the day, a huge chick pulled up to the entrance. She was driving a big ol’ Electra 225 with the ass end of it straight up and wide open exposing the ton of old furniture and trash that was contained inside.

Beans stopped her at the gate.

The massive woman got out of her car, thunderously waddled over to Beans and said, “Tell me where to go to dump all of this old furniture n’ shit.”

Beans replied, “You ain’t dumpin’ all of that here today, ma’am. We’s gettin’ ready to close.” The corpuscular woman jumped up and down, and screamed…

“Why the hell won’t you take my trash?”

Beans, shouting in order to be heard over the quaking ground said,


“Cuz…there ain’t enough time today. You gots too much junk in your trunk, Bitch!!”

The infuriated woman drove away, but not before the urban phrase, “junk in your trunk” had been born.

To this day, Beans wishes he had known what he had set in motion, for he often thinks how grand his life would be today had he copyrighted that phrase some 26 years ago.

But it’s okay. We're still a two man posse. He even calls me his favorite nigga.

In fact, since I am off today,Beans and I are going to kick-off Black History Month together later this afternoon.

He and I are going to drink some Wild Irish Rose and watch the Tyra Banks Show with the sound turned down as we listen to my collection of Rick James CDs.

As for his sister Edwina? She’s still around too. She opened a restaurant near Bagwine that serves nothing but variations of hot dogs. It’s called, “Just Weenies”.

Yeah, I know.

Here’s to Black History Month, Bitches. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Cheers!!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

So THAT'S where that phrase comes from?? I may need to know that when I am on Jeopardy one day. LOL.

Schmoop said...

Lady: Ha. Damn Straight. Just remember to answer...

"Who is Beans Jones?" Cheers D!!

Jay said...

When I was a little kid. About 20 years or so before there was an internet, my mother really hated it when I cussed. So, to stay out of trouble, when something weird happened I started yelling "Dubya Tee Eff!?" Instead of "What The Fuck." Little did I know that I could have become a freaking gozillionaire if I had trademarked that phrase.

So, I can totally sympathize with Beans. But, at least you have Tyra.

Schmoop said...

Jay: Damn Dude...You'd be livin' like a rock star. That sucks that you didn't have the foresight to trademark that, but I feel your pain. When my mom would ask me what I wanted on my sandwich I would always say:

Lettuce Mayo And Onion.

Cheers Jay!!

The Covert Lover said...

I briefly thought about saying something clever like - I ain't never had no junk in my trunk, just weenies - but I decided against it.
Cheers!

Schmoop said...

Covert: Ha. Speaking of which...Beans and I have room on the couch if ya wanna stop by and celebrate with us. Cheers Covert!!

bobbybegood1 said...

I had no idea that John Legend is from Bagwine. Get out!! Anydoodles, right back at cha. Happy African American History.

Scott Oglesby said...

Great job Matt! I guess you scooped me to the origin of that phrase, especially since you were right there as history was unfolding. And you finally did what I had asked you about. And you did it well. And I laughed. Loved it my brother!

Rick James Bitch!

Schmoop said...

Bobby: Damn Straight. Legend and I even went to the same High School, albeit some ten years apart. Happy Hump Day, BBG. Cheers!!

Scott: Why thanks. What? Were talking about writing fiction? I was serious. CHeers Scott!!

Doc said...

Oh my... I have always wondered where that came from. Bless Beans for contributing this much needed term to the African american lexicon... and in then the rest of America's. Enjoy BHM Matt!

Schmoop said...

Doc: I'll pass on your sentiments and appreciation. Of course, that will make him all misty eyed...n' shit. Cheers Doc!!

Phfrankie Bondo said...

...I coined the phrase "ass-crack of dawn" back in the early seventies and look how far it's gotten me!...

Schmoop said...

Phfrankie: Hey don't fret. You'll be glad to know that that term is one of Schmoop's faves and she uses it often. Cheers P-Man!!

Lu' said...

Good picture; right on!

The corpuscular woman jumped up and down, and screamed… What descriptive wording, very uhm nice :)

Schmoop said...

Lu: I dig that picture, thanks. And thanks again, I have my more lucid moments when I write purdy goodly. Cheers Pal!!

Dianne said...

Tyra is black!?

Schmoop said...

Dianne: Does it matter? Cheers Di!!

bobbybegood1 said...

Just remember everyone -- African American History IS American History!!

Schmoop said...

Bobby: Ha.. I agree, but seeing you type that made me laugh. Cheers BBG!!