The Host Committee and the Members of
Families United for Racial & Economic Equality (FUREE)
invite you to the premiere screening of
“SOME PLACE LIKE HOME: The Fight Against
Gentrification in Downtown Brooklyn”
A documentary by FUREE.
Narrated by KEVIN POWELL
Friday, December 5, 2008
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The Founder's Auditorium
at Medgar Evers College/CUNY
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
watch the trailer at
www.furee.org/film/premiere
The premiere screening of
“SOME PLACE LIKE HOME: The Fight Against
Gentrification in Downtown Brooklyn” is presented
in collaboration with The Medgar Evers College
School of Professional & Community Development
Performances & Reception
in The President's Conference Center
(following the screening)
Wine & Hors d’ Oeuvres will be served.
Limited Seating Available • Attire: Creative-Fabulous
Admission *
$50 General • $25 FUREE Members • $15 Youth
The first 50 who reserve their tickets will receive a FREE
“Stop Gentrification in Brooklyn” poster by Christopher Cardinale!
(Redeemable at the event)
We really need your support to continue
the fight for accountable community development!
Buy your tickets now and help us spread the word!
* Proceeds from this event will benefit Families United for Racial & Economic Equality (FUREE), a Brooklyn-based, multiracial organization that mobilizes low-income and working families to promote equality, improve economic conditions and build collective power to win systemic changes at the local, state and national level. Primarily led by women of color with an emphasis on community and family, FUREE uses direct action, leadership development, community organizing and political education to achieve our vision and goals to win exits to poverty.
For more information, tickets or to sponsor
this event, visit www.furee.org/film/premiere/
For more info, contact Valery at valery@furee.org
or call 718.852.2960 x301
Host Committee: Robert & Patricia Berger • Seth Borgos • Cinque Brathwaite • Caitlyn Brazill • Numi Deodee • John Gordon • Hugh Hogan • Sean Mallinson • Emily Metzner Kevin Powell • Lincoln Restler • David Rodriguez • Hasan Salaam • April R. Silver • Maya Wiley • Quito Ziegler • list in formation)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Byron Hurt Announces "Soul Food Junkies"
What’s up, Everybody?
Throwin’ down at the dinner table is on just about everyone’s mind on the eve of Thanksgiving. With that in mind, I thought I’d provide some food for thought: the announcement of my next film project, Soul Food Junkies. It's currently in the research and development phase. Click THIS LINK to watch a short tease.
Email me your thoughts, if you'd like, at info@bhurt.com. I'd like to get your initial reactions.
Lastly, I'd like to say peace and blessings to my indigenous brothers and sisters. As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving, I'd like to acknowledge their history and legacy - both painful and beautiful.
Have a great Holiday.
Peace,
Byron Hurt
www.bhurt.com
Sunday, November 23, 2008
My First Essay on Michelle Obama
Two Magic Moments:
Why We’re Praising Barack Obama
By April R. Silver | July 28, 2004
By Tuesday afternoon the build up toward Barack Obama’s keynote address at the Democratic National Convention had just approached overkill. The mass media machine heeded alerts from DNC spin masters and, in full concert, heralded Obama as the “new face of the Democratic Party.” After so much of it, I grew nervous for him. Who could live up to all this hype?
I sat cautiously, praying that disappointment wouldn’t visit here tonight. I perked up when Keep On Pushin’ (by The Impressions) started as the theme song. Then the magic unfolded. Obama was electric! This humbly confident yet powerful man seemed too good to be true. He did more for Black pride in one speech than some leaders do their entire political careers. And who knew, but there was more magic to come. After the speech and with a single gesture, Obama would ignite as much happy chatter in the community because of who he stood with, as what he stood for.
During the speech, however, I was convinced that Obama was worth supporting. Though I was familiar with his senatorial campaign in Illinois, I’d never heard him speak. After a little more research on the issues (noting his landmark legislative reform on the death penalty in Illinois, as well as his positions on domestic violence, reproductive rights, and racial profiling), I was clear that I’d witnessed the new poster boy for American political possibility. Even my brother, a staunch Bush-supporting Black republican was impressed enough to offer his support for Obama.
Obama spoke unashamedly of his African name (his first name Barack means “blessed”). He affirmed that folks in “inner city neighborhoods” know that “government alone can’t teach our kids to learn…that children can’t achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white…” He put forth that a “change in priorities” would give every child a decent shot at life. If that change in priority is a shift from America’s love affair with White men - a sacred union that politely tolerates others, but mostly crushes outsiders - then I’m on board. I appreciated him recalling the Declaration of Independence, with its praiseworthy values and truths: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because America’s long storied gross betrayals can blur one’s vision, it’s important to note that these values and truths are universal and pre-date the white men/founding fathers that organized them onto paper. One part of Obama’s speech, however, caused me pause. He claimed that “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America - there’s the United States of America.” That was too naïve for my blood.
Now the national African American political landscape has been jolted. Obama, a keeper, seems more genuine than Jesse Jackson, yet as crisp in his analysis as Al Sharpton. He’s all-embracing, but clearly distinctive; grassroots and polished…and financed. And I couldn’t help but think: “That’s a wrap for Jesse. Obama didn’t rhyme, not one time to get his point across.” The very energy that Obama unleashed at the DNC was once under Jackson’s domain…nearly two decades ago.
But Barack had more magic working and it had nothing to do with electoral politics or the fact that if elected, he would be only the fifth Black senator in US history (including from the reconstruction era). My heart soared highest when I watched Barack finish his speech and go over to hug this Black woman - of the darker hue. My brain almost short circuited! My rapid default response: That’s not his wife…maybe a campaign manager; but not his wife. Logic: He’s too polite to be a radical departure from the norm. Surely he would uphold the social order for men of his pedigree: successful Black man equals white woman on arm. Conclusion: This dark woman must be a top aide who wandered onto stage.
Then, as if in slow motion, all in the course of a mili-second, I came to see that this sister was indeed his wife! I jumped for the phones but couldn’t stand to miss this glorious moment for Black women. “Brown Skin Lady” (by Black Star) was all I could hum for the rest of the night! What a delicious 2-for-1: a powerful Black man that chose a partner for life who not only isn’t a white woman, but doesn’t conjure up images of them. That’s a profound significance that only brown skinned and darker women can fully understand. “Barack and Michelle Obama” is just as important a message as any.
About April R. Silver
April R. Silver is a nationally respected social entrepreneur, writer, and activist. She is also the editor of the critically acclaimed anthology Be a Father to Your Child: Real Talk from Black Men on Family, Love, and Fatherhood (Soft Skull Press). She founded AKILA WORKSONGS in 1993 - a leading communications agency that services artists, activists, advocates, and various institutions.
Silver received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Howard University. There, she helped lead the historic student protest of 1989. During her term, Silver also doubled as the founding president of The Cultural Initiative, Inc. (CI) and co-produced the nation's first hip hop conference. The groundbreaking annual event also ignited long-lasting changes in the positioning of hip hop within academia.
An active volunteer, Silver has or continues to serve on many boards and honorary committees, including the International African Arts Festival and the historic Hip Hop Nation exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. She also founded the artist-activist organization Co-Motion (in response to NYPD’s brutal killing of Amadou Diallo) and co-founded HipHop Speaks! (townhall meetings and performance showcases conceived by Kevin Powell). Ms. Silver has lectured, moderated, or facilitated workshops at over two hundred public schools, colleges, universities, and conferences across the country.
Her business leadership has bought her to the front cover of Network Journal and to the attention Essence, where she was profiled in 2002. She has also been featured, profiled, or quoted in or on CNN, BET News, Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Ebony, Ms. Magazine. NY1 News, and many other local and national outlets. Internationally, she has appeared in ADLIB and Black Music Review (Japan), Black Echoes (London), and on Radio Netherlands.
--
For speaking engagements, contact Drake R. Holliday at drake@akilaworksongs.com or call 718.756.8501. Visit the website at www.akilaworksongs.com or Facebook.com
Why We’re Praising Barack Obama
By April R. Silver | July 28, 2004
By Tuesday afternoon the build up toward Barack Obama’s keynote address at the Democratic National Convention had just approached overkill. The mass media machine heeded alerts from DNC spin masters and, in full concert, heralded Obama as the “new face of the Democratic Party.” After so much of it, I grew nervous for him. Who could live up to all this hype?
I sat cautiously, praying that disappointment wouldn’t visit here tonight. I perked up when Keep On Pushin’ (by The Impressions) started as the theme song. Then the magic unfolded. Obama was electric! This humbly confident yet powerful man seemed too good to be true. He did more for Black pride in one speech than some leaders do their entire political careers. And who knew, but there was more magic to come. After the speech and with a single gesture, Obama would ignite as much happy chatter in the community because of who he stood with, as what he stood for.
During the speech, however, I was convinced that Obama was worth supporting. Though I was familiar with his senatorial campaign in Illinois, I’d never heard him speak. After a little more research on the issues (noting his landmark legislative reform on the death penalty in Illinois, as well as his positions on domestic violence, reproductive rights, and racial profiling), I was clear that I’d witnessed the new poster boy for American political possibility. Even my brother, a staunch Bush-supporting Black republican was impressed enough to offer his support for Obama.
Obama spoke unashamedly of his African name (his first name Barack means “blessed”). He affirmed that folks in “inner city neighborhoods” know that “government alone can’t teach our kids to learn…that children can’t achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white…” He put forth that a “change in priorities” would give every child a decent shot at life. If that change in priority is a shift from America’s love affair with White men - a sacred union that politely tolerates others, but mostly crushes outsiders - then I’m on board. I appreciated him recalling the Declaration of Independence, with its praiseworthy values and truths: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because America’s long storied gross betrayals can blur one’s vision, it’s important to note that these values and truths are universal and pre-date the white men/founding fathers that organized them onto paper. One part of Obama’s speech, however, caused me pause. He claimed that “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America - there’s the United States of America.” That was too naïve for my blood.
Now the national African American political landscape has been jolted. Obama, a keeper, seems more genuine than Jesse Jackson, yet as crisp in his analysis as Al Sharpton. He’s all-embracing, but clearly distinctive; grassroots and polished…and financed. And I couldn’t help but think: “That’s a wrap for Jesse. Obama didn’t rhyme, not one time to get his point across.” The very energy that Obama unleashed at the DNC was once under Jackson’s domain…nearly two decades ago.
But Barack had more magic working and it had nothing to do with electoral politics or the fact that if elected, he would be only the fifth Black senator in US history (including from the reconstruction era). My heart soared highest when I watched Barack finish his speech and go over to hug this Black woman - of the darker hue. My brain almost short circuited! My rapid default response: That’s not his wife…maybe a campaign manager; but not his wife. Logic: He’s too polite to be a radical departure from the norm. Surely he would uphold the social order for men of his pedigree: successful Black man equals white woman on arm. Conclusion: This dark woman must be a top aide who wandered onto stage.
Then, as if in slow motion, all in the course of a mili-second, I came to see that this sister was indeed his wife! I jumped for the phones but couldn’t stand to miss this glorious moment for Black women. “Brown Skin Lady” (by Black Star) was all I could hum for the rest of the night! What a delicious 2-for-1: a powerful Black man that chose a partner for life who not only isn’t a white woman, but doesn’t conjure up images of them. That’s a profound significance that only brown skinned and darker women can fully understand. “Barack and Michelle Obama” is just as important a message as any.
About April R. Silver
April R. Silver is a nationally respected social entrepreneur, writer, and activist. She is also the editor of the critically acclaimed anthology Be a Father to Your Child: Real Talk from Black Men on Family, Love, and Fatherhood (Soft Skull Press). She founded AKILA WORKSONGS in 1993 - a leading communications agency that services artists, activists, advocates, and various institutions.
Silver received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Howard University. There, she helped lead the historic student protest of 1989. During her term, Silver also doubled as the founding president of The Cultural Initiative, Inc. (CI) and co-produced the nation's first hip hop conference. The groundbreaking annual event also ignited long-lasting changes in the positioning of hip hop within academia.
An active volunteer, Silver has or continues to serve on many boards and honorary committees, including the International African Arts Festival and the historic Hip Hop Nation exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. She also founded the artist-activist organization Co-Motion (in response to NYPD’s brutal killing of Amadou Diallo) and co-founded HipHop Speaks! (townhall meetings and performance showcases conceived by Kevin Powell). Ms. Silver has lectured, moderated, or facilitated workshops at over two hundred public schools, colleges, universities, and conferences across the country.
Her business leadership has bought her to the front cover of Network Journal and to the attention Essence, where she was profiled in 2002. She has also been featured, profiled, or quoted in or on CNN, BET News, Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Ebony, Ms. Magazine. NY1 News, and many other local and national outlets. Internationally, she has appeared in ADLIB and Black Music Review (Japan), Black Echoes (London), and on Radio Netherlands.
--
For speaking engagements, contact Drake R. Holliday at drake@akilaworksongs.com or call 718.756.8501. Visit the website at www.akilaworksongs.com or Facebook.com
Tulani Kinard's Big Announcement
November 2008
Dear Friend,
As a concerned citizen and resident of Brooklyn, I am alarmed at the continued neglect of my community, which is overwhelmed with failing schools, massive crime, and joblessness. I find the current political leadership lacking the vision to address these problems.
We are at a crossroads. With the election of Barack Obama, there is a renewed interest and pride in our community unlike anything that has been experienced in recent time. I have decided to run for a seat in the 41st City Council District, encompassing the communities of Ocean Hill, Brownsville, Bedford Stuyvesant and East Flatbush. At this critical juncture in history, I am willing to step forward to bring the change we want to experience. I have come to this decision after careful consideration with family, friends, and political advisors. To date, I have received tremendous encouragement from constituents who are particularly concerned about the direction of this council district. I seek your support as well.
As the City Council member, I will commit to fostering relationships in city government that will enable the passing of legislation to create and sustain an empowered community. I will service the needs of the senior citizens, youth and adults of this district. It is my intention to advance an agenda dedicated to creating an education hub, a new green industry, and a cultural arts renaissance.
Winning this City Council seat will require a broad base of financial support. While I realize the impact of the present economic climate, it is necessary that I embark upon a fundraising drive to raise $20,000 by December 31, 2008. I am asking you to make a contribution to my campaign. Any amount that you are able to give will be deeply appreciated.
I want to thank you in advance for your generous donation. It will assist and support my commitment to serve my community with vision, passion, courage, and power.
Sincerely,
Tulani Kinard
----------------
You may mail your contributions to:
Committee to Elect Tulani Kinard
593 Vanderbilt Ave
Suite 228
Brooklyn, NY 11238
----------------
Who Is Tulani Kinard?
“Tulani” means peace. All my life I have been committed to the ideal and presence of peace in one’s life. It is a state of mind and an outlook on life that is powerful and empowering. I believe that we, as a community, have the power to bring forth the change that we envision for ourselves, our children, and our loved ones.
As a mother, I know what it is to desire the best for my children. I know what it takes to work and create a safe and nurturing environment for them to develop into strong and confident people. As a wife, I have been married for 26 years to Stanley Kinard, a committed education activist, writer, and progressive force serving the Brooklyn community for over 40 years.
As an advocate, I was the leading force behind the legislation that became the New York State law governing the natural hair care license. This license was the first of its kind in the United States. I was an architect of the natural hair care industry that is still thriving nationwide because I believe that women (and men) must seize the power to define their own standards of beauty.
As a business owner, I founded Tulani’s Regal Movement. It was the first natural hair care salon in Brooklyn. It provided training and job placement for many young women in the community. Several of my students followed in my footsteps and now own an award-winning natural hair care salon.
As an author, I wrote No Lye - one of the first books to support women of color on the path of celebrating holistic health and natural beauty.
As a performance artist, vocalist, and composer, I have produced two CD’s and I am an alumna of the world renowned a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. My music has supported the ministry of best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant; been used as a theme song for a television show; and featured on Oprah. I also wrote the musical score of the Brooklyn-based student play The African Wiz.
As a minister, I am committed to peace, social justice, and I am grounded in African spirituality. I have served as a dean at The New Seminary. I also founded the Ase of Peace Fellowship, a place where people gather for inspirational performances, empowering words, and to celebrate life.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Why We Love JLove Calderon
Below is an Internet TV interview of author, educator,
and activist JLOVE CALDERON by New York Times
best-selling author LAURA FLANDERS. It will give you
a sense of why JLove is the one to watch!
Watch GritTV below.
For more about JLove, "That White Girl"
or her other writings, please visit
www.jlovecalderon.com
media and lecture management by
AKILA WORKSONGS at 718.756.8501
or pr@akilaworksongs.com
and activist JLOVE CALDERON by New York Times
best-selling author LAURA FLANDERS. It will give you
a sense of why JLove is the one to watch!
Watch GritTV below.
For more about JLove, "That White Girl"
or her other writings, please visit
www.jlovecalderon.com
media and lecture management by
AKILA WORKSONGS at 718.756.8501
or pr@akilaworksongs.com
BAF at Barnes & Noble; Show Your Love for Bronx Youth
and
The Learning Tree Cultural
Preparatory School (Bronx, NY)
welcome contributors from the
the critically acclaimed anthology
BE A FATHER TO YOUR CHILD
Real Talk from Black Men
on Family, Love, and Fatherhood
FRIDAY ≈ NOVEMBER 28, 2008 ≈ 3:00 pm
Barnes & Noble Baychester Plaza
290 Baychester Plaza | Bronx, NY 10019
JOIN
educator; award-winning
performance poet
MO BEASLEY
(a grandfather at 36 years old)
educator
KEVIN WILLIAMS
(his battles with the child support
system are way too commom)
screenwriter
AARON LLOYD
(once abandoned by, then
re-united with his father)
share their fatherhood stories at the
2nd Annual Book Fair for
THE LEARNING TREE CULTURAL
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
at Barnes & Noble Baychester Plaza
located at 290 Baychester Avenue • Bronx, NY 10475
FRIDAY ≈ NOVEMBER 28, 2008 ≈ 3:00 pm
Barnes & Noble Baychester Plaza
290 Baychester Plaza | Bronx, NY 10019
Books Will Be on Sale!
The Learning Tree (TLT) will receive a percentage of all purchases made this day, including books, music, DVD's, Godiva chocolate, magazines, and much more. Customers must mention The Learning Tree at checkout. TLT is a 501c(3) organization and has been serving the Bronx and surrounding communities for over three decades.
For more info or to request a complete schedule for the day, please contact Melissa Baker at 917.882.3035 or send an e-mail to tltparentcouncil@gmail.com.
For even more info about the contributors of the featured book, call 718.756.8501
or send an email to info@beafathertoyourchild.com
Visit Our Page on Facebook, too!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
We Discuss MICHELLE OBAMA on WBAI (Thu, 8a)
THE "F" WORD
A "Wake Up Call" Special
on
WBAI Radio 99.5 FM
Thursday, November 20, 2008
8:00 am - 9:00 am
join host
ESTHER ARMAH
in conversation with
APRIL R. SILVER
Social Entrepreneur, Activist, Writer
Founder of AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc.
MICHAELA ANGELA DAVIS
Cultural Critic & Creative Producer
LAURA FLANDERS
New York Times Best Selling Author
and Host of GritTV at www.GRITtv.com
Tune In
at www.wbai.org
(if you miss it, you can download it later
from the archives found on the website)
The Whore, the Enemy, the Competition, the Mammy, the Betrayed, the Abandoned, the Rejected, the Overlooked – and now the Prize. The "F" stands for female, and has sometimes been used as if it is a curse word. With Michelle Obama, whose history means she made it from the Big House to the White House, this political campaign is a special moment for black women. But not just black women. Females dominated this political campaign at various stages. Like the world of celebrity they too shall be known just by their first names: Sarah, Hilary and Michelle. Scrutinized, categorized, demonized, vilified – in one case virtually sanctified – but always much discussed and hotly debated. In this hour long, after election special, international journalist, playwright, author and radio host ESTHER ARMAH mediates a conversation that explores the impact of each of these women throughout the campaign, discusses their treatment by the media and gauges their global impact with guests that cross culture, color and sexuality.
The "F" Word is part of a multi-media project - a book and a radio project - featuring essays, interviews and short stories written by women who cross culture, color ,and sexuality about the women of this election campaign. The "F" Word is the vision of Esther Armah and Centric Productions.
A "Wake Up Call" Special
on
WBAI Radio 99.5 FM
Thursday, November 20, 2008
8:00 am - 9:00 am
join host
ESTHER ARMAH
in conversation with
APRIL R. SILVER
Social Entrepreneur, Activist, Writer
Founder of AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc.
MICHAELA ANGELA DAVIS
Cultural Critic & Creative Producer
LAURA FLANDERS
New York Times Best Selling Author
and Host of GritTV at www.GRITtv.com
Tune In
at www.wbai.org
(if you miss it, you can download it later
from the archives found on the website)
The Whore, the Enemy, the Competition, the Mammy, the Betrayed, the Abandoned, the Rejected, the Overlooked – and now the Prize. The "F" stands for female, and has sometimes been used as if it is a curse word. With Michelle Obama, whose history means she made it from the Big House to the White House, this political campaign is a special moment for black women. But not just black women. Females dominated this political campaign at various stages. Like the world of celebrity they too shall be known just by their first names: Sarah, Hilary and Michelle. Scrutinized, categorized, demonized, vilified – in one case virtually sanctified – but always much discussed and hotly debated. In this hour long, after election special, international journalist, playwright, author and radio host ESTHER ARMAH mediates a conversation that explores the impact of each of these women throughout the campaign, discusses their treatment by the media and gauges their global impact with guests that cross culture, color and sexuality.
The "F" Word is part of a multi-media project - a book and a radio project - featuring essays, interviews and short stories written by women who cross culture, color ,and sexuality about the women of this election campaign. The "F" Word is the vision of Esther Armah and Centric Productions.
Mama Africa Lives (In Honor of Miriam Makeba)
Last week, we learned of the passing of Miriram Makeba. As we reflect on the life and legacy of this great woman, and as we send up prayers for Odetta (who I understand is hospitalized in serious condition), I thought it important to share with you the words of our brother, Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele. His essay below is heartfelt and insightful. And for those who may not be familiar with Mama Africa, click HERE to learn more about her and listen to her powerful music.
Thank you Lumumba for sharing this with the Put On BLAST!™ family. This is the second essay we have posted of yours and we look forward to sharing more.
Miriam Makeba Lives
by Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele
The morning of November 10, 2008 I awoke to the news of the tragic death of Mama Africa, Mama Miriam Makeba. To many Africans in the Diaspora, Miriam Makeba was the voice of South Africa. Having accomplished so much as a vocalist, she went further to be the ambassador of the people of South Africa to the world. She helped bring vivid details of the beauty of the South Africa and its people and at the same time present the horrors of apartheid.
Working and living in the Black liberation movement, I along with many others, participated in the anti-apartheid movement. I spent many years on marches, rallies, boycotts, and other activities. The music of Miriam Makeba, and her ex husband Hugh Masekela, will forever be the soundtrack of that struggle. This music was our news reports on the lives taken as well as the victories won in the anti-apartheid struggle. Their music made the names Mandela, Sisulu, Biko, Tambo, etc. come to life for those of us across the waters. The theaters that she performed in became transformed to meetings for people to share and update each other on the movement to free South Africa.
Culture has always been central to the lives of African people. The marriage of culture and movement were clearly essential and effective in the struggle to end apartheid. Mama Africa’s role in creating this environment must never be forgotten. The boycotts were effective because the word got out. The calls for the release of Mandela were effective because the word got out; one of the carriers of the word was Mama Africa. She managed to spread the word with clarity and power without preaching.
Her voice, grace, beauty, vision, strength and commitment will live on. I feel honored to have been moved by the life of Miriam Makeba and thank the creator for allowing her to share her talent and vision with us. We have much to learn from her life. As many African traditions teach us, her spirit is now stronger than ever. Let’s Celebrate Mama Africa.
In the words of freedom fighter Sekou Odinga “If you are a poet make revolutionary poetry, if you are an artist, create revolutionary art!”
Long Live the struggle for a truly free and Independent Azania!
Long Live Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba!
Thank you Lumumba for sharing this with the Put On BLAST!™ family. This is the second essay we have posted of yours and we look forward to sharing more.
Miriam Makeba Lives
by Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele
The morning of November 10, 2008 I awoke to the news of the tragic death of Mama Africa, Mama Miriam Makeba. To many Africans in the Diaspora, Miriam Makeba was the voice of South Africa. Having accomplished so much as a vocalist, she went further to be the ambassador of the people of South Africa to the world. She helped bring vivid details of the beauty of the South Africa and its people and at the same time present the horrors of apartheid.
Working and living in the Black liberation movement, I along with many others, participated in the anti-apartheid movement. I spent many years on marches, rallies, boycotts, and other activities. The music of Miriam Makeba, and her ex husband Hugh Masekela, will forever be the soundtrack of that struggle. This music was our news reports on the lives taken as well as the victories won in the anti-apartheid struggle. Their music made the names Mandela, Sisulu, Biko, Tambo, etc. come to life for those of us across the waters. The theaters that she performed in became transformed to meetings for people to share and update each other on the movement to free South Africa.
Culture has always been central to the lives of African people. The marriage of culture and movement were clearly essential and effective in the struggle to end apartheid. Mama Africa’s role in creating this environment must never be forgotten. The boycotts were effective because the word got out. The calls for the release of Mandela were effective because the word got out; one of the carriers of the word was Mama Africa. She managed to spread the word with clarity and power without preaching.
Her voice, grace, beauty, vision, strength and commitment will live on. I feel honored to have been moved by the life of Miriam Makeba and thank the creator for allowing her to share her talent and vision with us. We have much to learn from her life. As many African traditions teach us, her spirit is now stronger than ever. Let’s Celebrate Mama Africa.
In the words of freedom fighter Sekou Odinga “If you are a poet make revolutionary poetry, if you are an artist, create revolutionary art!”
Long Live the struggle for a truly free and Independent Azania!
Long Live Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Iyanla Vanzant in NYC (Nov. 21)
Join speaker, author and Rev. Iyanla Vanzant, named one of the "country's most influential African Americans" by Ebony Magazine and The New York Times bestselling author, for a special workshop and book-signing. Her book, Tapping the Power Within and CD are included in workshop!
The Rev. Iyanla Vanzant is one of the world's most inspiring speakers, writers and teachers. It is her conviction that our real power lies in our holy encounter with our Highest Self, and that through breath, stillness and love, we can tap into the divine, unlimited power within us.
Come discover that you can surrender your fear, your guilt, your shame, and release all of the stories you tell yourself that keep you stuck in powerlessness.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary woman who has moved so many to break free of self-imposed restraints and to jump-start their lives.
JUMP-START YOUR LIFE!
Friday, November 21, 2008
7:30 - 9:30 pm
Community Church of New York
40 E. 35th Street | New York, NY
Hosted by
The New York Open Center
Space is limited. Register now!
Call 212.219.2527
or go to www.opencenter.org
Workshop Code: 08FPS58M
Workshop + Book-signing
and "Tapping the Power Within" book & CD...
All for just $30 per person!
Discounts available for groups of 5 or more with
pre-registration by phone. Share the love with your friends!
The Rev. Iyanla Vanzant is one of the world's most inspiring speakers, writers and teachers. It is her conviction that our real power lies in our holy encounter with our Highest Self, and that through breath, stillness and love, we can tap into the divine, unlimited power within us.
Come discover that you can surrender your fear, your guilt, your shame, and release all of the stories you tell yourself that keep you stuck in powerlessness.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary woman who has moved so many to break free of self-imposed restraints and to jump-start their lives.
JUMP-START YOUR LIFE!
Friday, November 21, 2008
7:30 - 9:30 pm
Community Church of New York
40 E. 35th Street | New York, NY
Hosted by
The New York Open Center
Space is limited. Register now!
Call 212.219.2527
or go to www.opencenter.org
Workshop Code: 08FPS58M
Workshop + Book-signing
and "Tapping the Power Within" book & CD...
All for just $30 per person!
Discounts available for groups of 5 or more with
pre-registration by phone. Share the love with your friends!
Hip Hop: Out, Loud and Proud III (at NJPAC)
Hip Hop: Out, Loud and Proud III
Curated and Hosted by Pandora Scooter
Saturday, Nov 15, at 8:00
Gay, straight, queer, lesbian, bisexual-how do you identify? Some of the scene's hottest new hip-hop artists (who collectively represent all orientations) come together to voice their views on one of life's hottest topics: sexuality. Curated and hosted by Pandora Scooter, the evening's performers include New York-based rapper and wordsmith Bry'Nt; hip-hop/R&B-influenced rapper Shorty Roc; the hip-hop/soul duo God-des & She; poet, performer and educator kay ulanday barrett and poet and spoken word artist Poetic Assasin. This cutting-edge spoken word performance will also incorporate an open forum for conversation. Presented as part of NJPAC's Alternate Routes Sacred Circle Café.
Please note that this performance contains adult/mature content and language. For sponsor credits and more information, visit njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC. NJPAC is located at One Center Street, Newark, NJ
Thursday, November 13, 2008
THINK BLACK! by The Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Join Us for this Special Inaugural Black Tie Event,
As We Honor Three Distinguished Agents of Change:
Terrie Williams
Gloria Carter
Anthony Killiebrew
featuring performances by
Elisabeth Withers
Kena Sage
Eric Turner
and Mo Beasley
Hors D'oeuvre and Cocktails | Formal Dinner | A Silent Auction
and more!
For more information, please email contact@wsacf.org
or call 646.701.1000
NEW! The Wall St Alphas Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce that Ms. Elisabeth Withers has been added to our already talented roster of artists for our THINK BLACK affair (details below). If any of you were able to catch the Broadway hit musical The Color Purple, then you will recall the phenomenal young woman who played “Shug Avery.” Elisabeth Withers played that role and she will be a featured artist at THINK BLACK! This acclaimed singer/performer’s extraordinary voice and fierce spirit garnered her a prestigious Tony Award nomination.
This special Black Tie event is created to benefit the Wall St Alphas Charitable Foundation and the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) program. You will find more detailed information, including a list of the other artists and our sponsors by clicking THIS SPECIAL LINK.
Please FORWARD to family and friends and please come out and support this worthy cause!
Your contribution will benefit the
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation's Mentoring Program,
ALPHA G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success)
Yvonne Bynoe on How Hip Hop Can Help You
Lessons Hip Hop Can Teach You About Thriving in Hectic Times
By Yvonne Bynoe
People are scared. Across the country folks are losing their homes—and even if you can keep your house it’s worth much less than it was several years ago. Jobs with liveable wages and benefits are rapidly disappearing. With the crashing and burning happening on Wall Street the value of many people’s retirement accounts has plummeted. Last, but certainly not least, affordable health insurance evades more and more Americans. It’s easy to be sucked into the collective fear that is spreading around the country. In Chinese the symbol for crisis is the same as opportunity. It’s therefore not surprising that even in the middle of this financial chaos there are people still making money and living large—and that’s been the case throughout history.
Recently I was listening to T.I.’s single “On Top Of the World,” featuring Ludacris and I started thinking about how successful people are different from the ones caught up in collective fear. Over the years rap artists have advocated boot-strap economics—a self reliance that emerged in the aftermath of being abandoned and ignored by the system. People hustle when they are hungry and they become complacent when they have extra money in their pockets. We all tend to forget that the economy, like life, is about cycles. If there is a boom period, there’s got to be a corresponding bust. While no man (or woman) is an island, it’s almost certain that the more that you farm out your financial decisions to other people, the more likely you’ll remain broke and fearful. I have put together 5 important lessons that Hip Hop has taught me about financially successful people:
1. They have a prosperity mind-set: Successful people refuse to focus on their fears. They are really determined that they are going to get theirs—no matter what. This means that they don’t spend a lot of time thinking that they can’t make it because they’re Black, Latino, female, uneducated/unqualified, too old, too fat, don’t live in NY or LA or too unattractive. There’s a big difference between saying that you want to be wealthy and actually believing that you can be. The success stories are made of up people who truly believed that they deserved the best that life had to offer. These folks also got off their rears and took concrete steps toward their goals. Successful person may play hard, but they also work VERY hard. These people are constantly in meetings, discussing deals and investigating new opportunities. Successful people also surround themselves with knowledgeable advisers who can help them to improve their game and fulfil their vision.. The folks with longevity such as Russell Simmons, Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Sean “Jay-Z” Carter, LL Cool L and Queen Latifah know that they are exactly where they are supposed to be—it’s not a fluke or an accident.
Action Step: List you top 5 reasons why you can’t get ahead. Read your list and determine why each one is a really just an excuse. For instance, if you say that don’t have enough education; you can go back to school, even if its only one class at a time.
2. They Take On New Challenges: Successful people believe in themselves and as a result they take career risks that allow them to learn and grow. Rap artist, Will Smith (DJ Jazzy J and Fresh Prince) agreed to star in the television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and then he made his film debuted in Six Degrees of Separation, playing a gay man. Will Smith went on to star in films such as Independence Day, Men in Black and Enemy of the State and is now a top Hollywood money-maker. Queen Latifah, who co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, which managed groups such as Outkast and Naughty by Nature also starred in the television show “Living Single.” She won acclaim for her acting in films such as Living Out Loud and Set It Off and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film “Chicago." Queen Latifah moved from rapping to singing on The Dana Owens Album (2004) and Trav’lin Light (2007). As a fashion designer, Sean Combs has not only racked up millions in sales, but in 2004 he beat out veteran designers Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors to win CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award for his sophisticated Sean John clothing line. We also can’t forget his addictive MTV reality shows, “Making the Band,” and “Who Wants to Be Diddy’s Assistant? The folks who keep stepping, even in tough economic times keep challenging themselves to reach larger and loftier goals.
Action Step: Think about 1 or 2 things that you’ve been scared to do and commit to doing it—put a date on its completion. It may be performing at the local open mic, applying for a higher position at your job or pitching your business to clients outside your community.
3. They own their own businesses: The reality is that if you work for someone else, you are always financially vulnerable. The company, not you decides how much money you can make, how quickly you can advance and whether you’ll even have a job next week. When the company decides to eliminate your job it’s irrelevant to them that you’ve got rent to pay, a car note that’s due or kids to feed. Although owning a business can be financially risky, it’s the only way that you can directly control how much cash flows into your wallet. Whether it’s rap music entrepreneurs or traditional business people, the wealthiest ones are those who own their own businesses: Jay-Z (co-founder. Roc-A-Fella Records); 50 Cent (G-Unit, an umbrella for several businesses); Sean Combs (Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group); Warren Buffet (Bershire Hathaway); Bill Gates (Microsoft); Jeff Bezos (founder, Amazon.com). Even for people who don’t want to be full-time entrepreneurs they need to have a second hustle that can tide them over if their main gig disappears.
Action Step: Make a List of 10 different low-cost businesses that you could start TODAY with the skills that you’ve already got. Research start-up costs, marketing/promotion expenses and what it would take to turn a profit.
4. They Watch Their Money: Despite all of the Cristal sipping and bottles of Patron that are consumed every weekend, the truly wealthy usually let someone else pick up the tab. It’s the wannabees who are going broke trying to impress the next man (or woman). Ironically the more that people make, the less that they tend to spend. Not only are the wealthy usually inundated with “comps” (Complimentary or FREE gifts/perks), they expect NOT to pay for their drinks or to get into a club. In comparison too many average joes simply spend more than they earn. While the rich buy appreciable items, such as recession-proof real estate in high-end communities, art work, or invest in their companies, the average janes buy/lease luxury cars and McMansions that they couldn’t afford. These average joes usually have closets full of designer clothes and accessories but not a dime in emergency savings. They are literally one pay check away from welfare. Getting on track financially means cutting back on all non-essential spending and putting some money in the bank.
Action Step: Determine what in your life are “needs” versus “wants.” If you don’t have at least three months of salary in the bank for an emergency---immediately dead the “wants” and bank the money. Think about selling your non-essentials clothes/gadgets on Ebay.
5. They Have a Life Plan: Most successful people have a good idea about what they want to accomplish in a given time period—whether that’s five years, one year or a month. They don’t wake up every morning and just wing it. This doesn’t mean that every move is written in stone—but they’ve got an outline. Sometime your desires, your circumstances or your industry change and you’ve got to embark on another course. As veteran music industry exec, Kevin Liles said in his book Make it Happen, “There’s a big difference between building an overall vision about what you want to achieve in a lifetime, and tying yourself down to one path.” The key point is not to live solely in the future. Do your best with the project or job that’s in front of you, but keep in mind how it fits into where you want to be tomorrow. An important part of having a viable life plan is being prepared—are you positioning yourself for new opportunities? Whether you want to own a record company, buy a house, become a rap artist, open a charter school or become an NBA player, you need to find out what takes in terms of education/credentials, money, time and connections. Granted, there’s no law saying that you’ve got to do it like everyone else. For instance, 19 year old Brandon Jennings is the first U.S. basketball player to play professionally in Europe straight out of high school. In the 1990s the Wu-Tang Clan changed the music industry by having a recording contract with Loud/RCA that still allowed members to record solo projects with other labels. However, you’ve got to be knowledgeable of the system before you can successfully buck it.
Action Step: Write down what you would like to achieve in the next 6 months or year. Figure out the major steps you’d need to take to achieve your goals.
There’s more to life than the paper chase, but don’t discount the importance of money. It may not buy happiness, but it can buy you a nice home in a safe neighborhood, a reliable car, health insurance, stellar attorneys, vacations, college tuition for your children and the ability to help your parents financially as they enter their golden years. It’s in these times that we’ve got to realize the regardless of who's in the White House, we need develop a “do it your damn self” mind set that will help us to adapt to a changing world. In this latest financial crisis the government ran to bail out Wall Street while people on Main Street are still suffering. The rich and powerful instinctively look out for their own interests. They’re no different from any other clique or crew. Lil’ Kim summed up how the system works on The Lox’s single, “Money, Power and Respect,” “First you get the money, then you get the power, after you get the f–in’ power, motherf—ers will respect you." The take-away is to begin to rely more on yourself and rely less on other folks to make sure that you and yours eat.
By Yvonne Bynoe
People are scared. Across the country folks are losing their homes—and even if you can keep your house it’s worth much less than it was several years ago. Jobs with liveable wages and benefits are rapidly disappearing. With the crashing and burning happening on Wall Street the value of many people’s retirement accounts has plummeted. Last, but certainly not least, affordable health insurance evades more and more Americans. It’s easy to be sucked into the collective fear that is spreading around the country. In Chinese the symbol for crisis is the same as opportunity. It’s therefore not surprising that even in the middle of this financial chaos there are people still making money and living large—and that’s been the case throughout history.
Recently I was listening to T.I.’s single “On Top Of the World,” featuring Ludacris and I started thinking about how successful people are different from the ones caught up in collective fear. Over the years rap artists have advocated boot-strap economics—a self reliance that emerged in the aftermath of being abandoned and ignored by the system. People hustle when they are hungry and they become complacent when they have extra money in their pockets. We all tend to forget that the economy, like life, is about cycles. If there is a boom period, there’s got to be a corresponding bust. While no man (or woman) is an island, it’s almost certain that the more that you farm out your financial decisions to other people, the more likely you’ll remain broke and fearful. I have put together 5 important lessons that Hip Hop has taught me about financially successful people:
1. They have a prosperity mind-set: Successful people refuse to focus on their fears. They are really determined that they are going to get theirs—no matter what. This means that they don’t spend a lot of time thinking that they can’t make it because they’re Black, Latino, female, uneducated/unqualified, too old, too fat, don’t live in NY or LA or too unattractive. There’s a big difference between saying that you want to be wealthy and actually believing that you can be. The success stories are made of up people who truly believed that they deserved the best that life had to offer. These folks also got off their rears and took concrete steps toward their goals. Successful person may play hard, but they also work VERY hard. These people are constantly in meetings, discussing deals and investigating new opportunities. Successful people also surround themselves with knowledgeable advisers who can help them to improve their game and fulfil their vision.. The folks with longevity such as Russell Simmons, Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Sean “Jay-Z” Carter, LL Cool L and Queen Latifah know that they are exactly where they are supposed to be—it’s not a fluke or an accident.
Action Step: List you top 5 reasons why you can’t get ahead. Read your list and determine why each one is a really just an excuse. For instance, if you say that don’t have enough education; you can go back to school, even if its only one class at a time.
2. They Take On New Challenges: Successful people believe in themselves and as a result they take career risks that allow them to learn and grow. Rap artist, Will Smith (DJ Jazzy J and Fresh Prince) agreed to star in the television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and then he made his film debuted in Six Degrees of Separation, playing a gay man. Will Smith went on to star in films such as Independence Day, Men in Black and Enemy of the State and is now a top Hollywood money-maker. Queen Latifah, who co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, which managed groups such as Outkast and Naughty by Nature also starred in the television show “Living Single.” She won acclaim for her acting in films such as Living Out Loud and Set It Off and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film “Chicago." Queen Latifah moved from rapping to singing on The Dana Owens Album (2004) and Trav’lin Light (2007). As a fashion designer, Sean Combs has not only racked up millions in sales, but in 2004 he beat out veteran designers Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors to win CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award for his sophisticated Sean John clothing line. We also can’t forget his addictive MTV reality shows, “Making the Band,” and “Who Wants to Be Diddy’s Assistant? The folks who keep stepping, even in tough economic times keep challenging themselves to reach larger and loftier goals.
Action Step: Think about 1 or 2 things that you’ve been scared to do and commit to doing it—put a date on its completion. It may be performing at the local open mic, applying for a higher position at your job or pitching your business to clients outside your community.
3. They own their own businesses: The reality is that if you work for someone else, you are always financially vulnerable. The company, not you decides how much money you can make, how quickly you can advance and whether you’ll even have a job next week. When the company decides to eliminate your job it’s irrelevant to them that you’ve got rent to pay, a car note that’s due or kids to feed. Although owning a business can be financially risky, it’s the only way that you can directly control how much cash flows into your wallet. Whether it’s rap music entrepreneurs or traditional business people, the wealthiest ones are those who own their own businesses: Jay-Z (co-founder. Roc-A-Fella Records); 50 Cent (G-Unit, an umbrella for several businesses); Sean Combs (Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group); Warren Buffet (Bershire Hathaway); Bill Gates (Microsoft); Jeff Bezos (founder, Amazon.com). Even for people who don’t want to be full-time entrepreneurs they need to have a second hustle that can tide them over if their main gig disappears.
Action Step: Make a List of 10 different low-cost businesses that you could start TODAY with the skills that you’ve already got. Research start-up costs, marketing/promotion expenses and what it would take to turn a profit.
4. They Watch Their Money: Despite all of the Cristal sipping and bottles of Patron that are consumed every weekend, the truly wealthy usually let someone else pick up the tab. It’s the wannabees who are going broke trying to impress the next man (or woman). Ironically the more that people make, the less that they tend to spend. Not only are the wealthy usually inundated with “comps” (Complimentary or FREE gifts/perks), they expect NOT to pay for their drinks or to get into a club. In comparison too many average joes simply spend more than they earn. While the rich buy appreciable items, such as recession-proof real estate in high-end communities, art work, or invest in their companies, the average janes buy/lease luxury cars and McMansions that they couldn’t afford. These average joes usually have closets full of designer clothes and accessories but not a dime in emergency savings. They are literally one pay check away from welfare. Getting on track financially means cutting back on all non-essential spending and putting some money in the bank.
Action Step: Determine what in your life are “needs” versus “wants.” If you don’t have at least three months of salary in the bank for an emergency---immediately dead the “wants” and bank the money. Think about selling your non-essentials clothes/gadgets on Ebay.
5. They Have a Life Plan: Most successful people have a good idea about what they want to accomplish in a given time period—whether that’s five years, one year or a month. They don’t wake up every morning and just wing it. This doesn’t mean that every move is written in stone—but they’ve got an outline. Sometime your desires, your circumstances or your industry change and you’ve got to embark on another course. As veteran music industry exec, Kevin Liles said in his book Make it Happen, “There’s a big difference between building an overall vision about what you want to achieve in a lifetime, and tying yourself down to one path.” The key point is not to live solely in the future. Do your best with the project or job that’s in front of you, but keep in mind how it fits into where you want to be tomorrow. An important part of having a viable life plan is being prepared—are you positioning yourself for new opportunities? Whether you want to own a record company, buy a house, become a rap artist, open a charter school or become an NBA player, you need to find out what takes in terms of education/credentials, money, time and connections. Granted, there’s no law saying that you’ve got to do it like everyone else. For instance, 19 year old Brandon Jennings is the first U.S. basketball player to play professionally in Europe straight out of high school. In the 1990s the Wu-Tang Clan changed the music industry by having a recording contract with Loud/RCA that still allowed members to record solo projects with other labels. However, you’ve got to be knowledgeable of the system before you can successfully buck it.
Action Step: Write down what you would like to achieve in the next 6 months or year. Figure out the major steps you’d need to take to achieve your goals.
There’s more to life than the paper chase, but don’t discount the importance of money. It may not buy happiness, but it can buy you a nice home in a safe neighborhood, a reliable car, health insurance, stellar attorneys, vacations, college tuition for your children and the ability to help your parents financially as they enter their golden years. It’s in these times that we’ve got to realize the regardless of who's in the White House, we need develop a “do it your damn self” mind set that will help us to adapt to a changing world. In this latest financial crisis the government ran to bail out Wall Street while people on Main Street are still suffering. The rich and powerful instinctively look out for their own interests. They’re no different from any other clique or crew. Lil’ Kim summed up how the system works on The Lox’s single, “Money, Power and Respect,” “First you get the money, then you get the power, after you get the f–in’ power, motherf—ers will respect you." The take-away is to begin to rely more on yourself and rely less on other folks to make sure that you and yours eat.
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