Thinking back to the tragic events of September 11th…how I can remember
everything from that morning? Since that day, our world has most certainly
changed. Although the events of September 11th ripped the heart from all
people and stomped on it, I must say that there is a silver lining as a
result. I remember the weeks and months after the event going through every
address book that I have with the mindset that I was going to reach out to
my friends and family to let them know that I care. Just to say hello…for
no reason whatsoever other than the fact that I needed to hear that from
them. I found a new level of appreciation for people that I passed on the
street. Obviously music impacted me deeply prior to 9/11, however, this year
I have found deeper meanings lyrically and sonically in music, new depth in
songs that I have heard a thousand times over. In short, although the
events of the past deeply sadden me, I think that they had me find a new
level of passion for others and music. Peace be within the heart…share it
with everyone…create a chain reaction so that we don’t have to experience
the pain that we did a year ago.

Source: Amy Cox, Deep South Entertainment

1. Open Mic: 9/11 Reflections
2. Reflections
3. Eyes Open
4. The Flaming Lips Tapped To Open Chili Peppers West Coast Dates
5. Stephen Malkmus Tapped To Open For Radiohead

I have to say that this is the first time I have actually written down any of my thoughts about Sept. 11. If my thoughts seem a little scattered, I apologize. It’s been a hell of a year…….I am a New Yorker. Born in Queens, raised on Long Island, and this summer marks 10 years living and loving New York City. The morning of September 11, I was just jumping out of the shower, remembering how much fun I had the night before at Marc Jacobs Spring Show, how cool it was he had the event on Pier 54, where you could see amazing downtown NY, including the colossal Twin Towers. And then my life changed forever…

My mom worked in that building. My sister worked across the street. My boyfriend’s beloved brother, Brian, was FDNY all the way, considered one of the young stars of the FDNY’s best of the best, Rescue 1. My mom and sis, shaken to the core, made it out OK. But, we lost Brian – I have loved and lost in my life, but I have never experienced heartache like I did that day, and still experience a bit of each and every day since.

What has this year been like?? For me, my family, Matt (the love of my life), and his family (the indefatigable Sweeneys), this year has been spent in deep reflection, coupled with new sense of carpe diem, and a lot of forward thinking. We have been sad, angry, joyful (especially when Brian was finally brought home to us in November), enjoyed a renewed sense of family, and ultimately, a year later, are finally approaching a peaceful place with what has happened.

I was also raised Muslim, and while I am not practicing, I still have Mohammed as a last name, and have witnessed the sad bigotry that faces Islamic people in this country and worldwide. I would have thought that an event as abysmal as 9/11 would have served a little better in bringing people together, beyond the immediate reaction of ¸ber-patriotism, but the backlash has been oh-so-unfortunate. The Muslim-American men and women that I know are exceptionally loving and peaceful people; they are intelligent and are as sad as the rest of us about what has happened to THEIR country. I hope that we as a nation can overcome the hatred that has enveloped so many of us, but I am also realistic and know that this is a hope that peaceful minded people have had for many generations before mine.

And now in looking forward, I have resolved myself to live a life of consistent fulfillment. I strive to always better myself, because I know that when you are a good person and live a good life, you can ultimately change your environment. I live for my family and friends, and have realized all the amazing things they can teach me. I have FUN and live with no regret. I actually learned a lot of that in remembering care-free Brian, a man who always had a smile on his face, a brilliant one liner to drop to lighten any situation, and was happiest surrounded by friends, with a beer in one hand and his girlfriend’s hand in the other.

The Sweeneys, as a way to give back to amazing worldwide community that has come to their side in their darkest hour, have created the Brian E. Sweeney Memorial Fund, a charity to benefit children who are technology dependent. Brian’s love of children was the inspiration and the charity has enabled his family to feel a new sense of involvement, a new sense of seizing the day and making it better.

Brian was a hero, in the absolute truest sense of the word. I live in a glorious city full of heroes. I can only hope that in a blip-filled new world, we can hold on to just an ounce of that heroism as we continue to live our lives. If you want more information on the Brian E. Sweeney Memorial Fund, please visit them at www.briansfund.com.

Source: Sheneza Mohammed, Kinetic Records

1. Open Mic: 9/11 Reflections
2. 9/11 Thoughts – Sheneza Mohammed
3. Swastika Eyes Open Wide For Primal Scream
4. Reflections
5. Saul Williams Tapped To Open For My Morning Jacket