Do you stand for something, or fall for anything?

What's important to you? I'm not asking what you are passionate about. I don't want to know that you love making music or art or dancing. I want to know what you want to see change or happen in the world around you. If that is connected to your passion, great, tell me about it. I am curious to know what would cause you to take action, to speak up, to rally the troops. Are there issues in the world that move you enough to want to do something about them? If so, what are you doing, or what are you willing to do?

I was inspired and proud of the Egyptians, and now the Lybians for taking a stand for justice. I thought that since the Egyptians took a stand and said 'no more' that other nations would follow suit, and Lybia did. But what about the U.S.? Are we so complacent and content with the way things are in this country that we no longer feel compelled to take a stand? I say no longer because once upon a time, we protested, picketed, held sit ins against things we thought were wrong. We watched thousands march on Washington, saw Dr. King arrested a number of times, boycotted buses and restaurants, witnessed students sitting in at Universities. But now, I guess all is well in the U.S.?

I've had no success getting people to sign petitions against violence against children, or even getting a discussion started about the education system. But I've noticed a bunch of people rsvping to parties and long discussions about the Grammys. I have very intelligent and compassionate friends so this is why I ask the questions. I do allow for the possibility that it is my topics and/or the way I present them that dissuade people from at least starting a discussion. So I would like to know, what would move you to speak up?

Many, in the past have said to me 'that's not going to work' or 'it takes more than just me'. Well the Egyptians showed that it could work (even though this country has a history of proving that itself), and what about the saying that it only takes one spark to light a fire? I am not content with the status quo in this country, and so I am rubbing my two sticks together to spark a change. I hope, with this blog, to at least illicit some thoughtful conversation or some solution oriented responses. I am not Dr. King, or Malcolm X, so perhaps I don't have what it takes to motivate the masses, but one of you does. But which one of you?

Tell the Children the Truth

Working with youth, I often need to fill in the blanks left by the education system, especially during black history month. Trust me, it's a big job. I am incensed to learn that there is even less black history being taught in schools today than when I was in school. Eighth graders have never heard of Marcus Garvey, don't know who Malcolm X is, and describe the underground railroad as 'tunnels for blacks who didn't want to be slaves anymore to use to escape,' as if there were blacks who did want to be slaves. Today, a student showed me a letter she had written to her principal asking why they weren't learning black history or at least having assemblies since it was black history month. The principal scribbled a note under her photocopied letter (the original probably going into her permanent file marked "agitant") telling her "Neither I nor the teachers can change the curriculum" and "you students are too behind for assemblies."  This made me wonder, is black history month hindering African Americans?

I am convinced that people of African descent in America have settled, and for too long, for a conciliatory 28 days of recognition from a country that was built on their blood, sweat, and tears. Africans have been in America for over 400 years. Since the first settlers were either too weak or too lazy to develop the land, Africans have been here as long as them. So Africans in America are as much a part of the history of this country (maybe more) as the europeans here. Why, then, are we content with the mere mention in the one or two paragraphs of Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington Carver in the history books? Don't take my word for it, look in your child's history book. (If he's allowed to bring it home)

Dr. Na'im Akbar is the author of a book called, Know Thyself. This book "lays out guidelines for establishing a genuine curriculum in self-knowledge and plainly identifies that the development of consciousness of oneself is a process that emerges from exposure to the fields of knowledge that help people to know their origins, their nature and their destiny. African people around the world remain in a state of semi-captivity because we have accepted a miseducation that teaches us the knowledge of other people's "self." Such a system empowers those who come out knowing themselves and handicaps those who have no knowledge of self. The miseducated are merely trained and remain under the control of the educated masters." * In other words, a euro centric education edifies and empowers europeans while leaving all others ignorant of who they are and ill prepared to succeed in a world that would have them under its thumb forever.

If our children don't know that they come from a heritage of intellectuals, scientists, philosophers, healers, and leaders, they are not likely to believe that they have within themselves what it takes to become those things. I realize that this information has been missing from the education system for so long that some of you may not even know to ask for it. But it is high time that we demand the truth and tell it to our children. The Jim Crow days are over. We no longer have to take the scraps handed to us on a dirty platter. This isn't just about African American children either. A euro centric education is just that, european centered. No Latino, Asian, Native, or any other American is adequately represented in the history books. A euro centric education robs the european child of the truth as well.

Marian Wright Edelman said, "Education is a precondition to survival in America today." Just to survive one needs education. To succeed, one needs the truth. I would gladly give up those 28 days for substantial pages of truth in the history books.






*http://www.aalbc.com/authors/naim_akbar.htm

In this great future you can't forget your past. ~ Bob Marley Part II

The Harlem Renaissance's influence spread not only across the country, but to Europe as well. When Marcus Garvey launched The Black Star Line Shipping Co., it enabled blacks to easily travel to Europe. Paris, France had its own Black Renaissance going on. African Americans who had remained there after the war, Africans who had migrated to Paris, as well as Africans born in France were creating works of art born of the same struggle to reclaim their African identity. From Martinique, another literary figure made (and still makes) history: Aimé Césaire (1913- present) . Born at Fort-de-France in 1913, he came to Paris to complete his education and meets Black students from Africa as well as Black Americans from Harlem. Léopold Sédar Senghor (1906-2001), then a student from Senegal, welcomed Aimé Césaire as would a big brother, at the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand where they both studied. They shared their feelings of a certain loss of identity in this Parisian new cultural environment. In order to express their anguish and their efforts to regain the sense of whom they were, they searched for a term that would express just that. Aimé Césaire coined a new word, "negritude" and soon this term became synonymous of a new movement in literature, the literature written in French about the Black Man and what he represents on the world, or global scene.  Negritude is a concept that celebrates "Black is beautiful."* Langston Hughes also travelled to Paris via a freight ship and there he wrote the poem A Negro Speaks of Rivers. It is of great significance because he mentions the Congo River, expressing his consciousness and longing for his African homeland and heritage.


There are countless more artists and activists from the Harlem Renaissance that I have not mentioned. All of these men and women stirred up a consciousness within African Americans as well as left a rich heritage of creativity, intellect, and pride for future generations. I love this era because it was the beginning of an African expression that is vital to survival and success. Know thyself, I always say. When ones know who they are, where they come from, and what they are capable of and build up pride within themselves, they are sure to succeed.

This creative and intellectual effort lives on today in many communities. I know of one such movement in California that I call the Urban African Renaissance. There are young painters, writers, musicians, dancers, and creators of fine art living among us who are keeping their heritage alive and blazing trails for future generations. They are conscious and aware and most of all, knowledgeable of themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of them. Please support them in their efforts to preserve their rich culture.

Ras Terms aka Terockatron, aka James Lightbuilder is self taught artist living in Oakland, Ca. His works are ethereal and substantial, colorful and lively, and full of philosophical subtext. You can find his murals all over the San Francisco Bay area.

Shania D aka DarShania, is a singer, rapper, producer, writer and activists living in Long Beach, CA whose life and work is devoted to service of her fellow man. Her music is conscious and lyrical, and she is currently writing a self help book. You can download her cd Hip Hop Honey on itunes. Her company Lovers Inc. does many programs and fundraisers for the community and particularly the youth. Lovers Inc.'s current project is Labor of Love Vol. 1, "a collection of inspiring artists have donated a song to help raise money for the cause of teaching youth art& music for free and to help serve in the community by preparing food for the homeless and various altruistic happenings of the sort."** 

 

Ashley-Dominique is a Booking Agent, Host, MC, Singer, Poet, Graphic Designer, Photographer, who loves to freestyle when ever a dope beat drops.*** This Renaissance woman does it all. You can find her spittin rhymes in Long Beach at the Basement. Her next show is February 12, 2011 where she will be headlining at The A.M.C. Gallery. You can also find her music at http://www.reverbnation.com/ashleydominique. Like all of these artists, Ashley Dominique is conscious not only about her heritage, but also the environment. She recycles bottle caps and makes them into earrings. You can purchase a pair or two at http://recyclethatcap.weebly.com/

Check her out at http://admuze.weebly.com/

Joseph Gell is a talented musician whose specialty is drums. He originally hails from Massachusetts and relocated to Los Angeles where he studied and performed Yoruban rhythms and songs with Nigerian Talking Drum master Francis Awe. **** He currently teaches drums to youth and frequently holds free drumming circles for all ages. He plays in the roots reggae band Jah Beloved. Find out about drum lessons from Joe at

http://joegelldrums.com/

I like Roz Kumari's self description best, "Artist, Mutha, Revolutionary, Soul Rebel, Goddess, Soul Mate, Earth!!" Roz Kumari is the owner of Kumari Visions and Kumari Universal. She is a photographer whose work captures the tribal spirit of her subjects. Her work depicts African American and urban life. She is famous (to me at least) for showing the strength and beauty of youth and families. Roz is also an accomplished jewelery designer, creating bold designs with tribal influences.

 

These artists are just a handful of the new trailblazers creating history in your community. Following in the footsteps of the Harlem Renaissance "New Negros," they are the voices of African/Caribbean Americans. I am proud to have experience their art, proud to have made their acquaintance, proud to call them friends. Take part in making history and support them. A new Renaissance is afoot!

*http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/French_Connection/page_4.htm

**http://www.facebook.com/#!/shaniad?sk=info

****http://joegelldrums.com/

In this great future you can't forget your past.~Bob Marley Part I

I have Black History (or African American History) on my mind everyday. But this month is the one chosen to celebrate so I have decided to pay homage to those who have blazed trails and made their marks on the world. The Harlem Renaissance has been my favorite era since I first learned about it in ninth grade. Let me paint a picture for you. Actually a picture alone will not do. When I think of the Harlem Renaissance and the artists, scholars, and activists who it consisted of, I see colors, I hear rhythms both musically and lyrically. I imagine the spirited intellectual debates that sprang out of the thirst for knowledge. Jazz, rhymes, philosophy, pride, negritude, and all with soul.


The Harlem Renaissance, or the New Negro Movement, as it was also called, was a cultural, literary, artistic and intellectual movement that started around 1919 and went on through 1935.  The movement brought to light many of the important issues affecting African Americans through various forms of literature, music, painting, sculpting, movies, and protests. These voices of protests inspired institutions and leaders who in turn served as mentors for aspiring writers. Though the movement started in Harlem, its influence was seen nation wide and beyond.


One of the things that I most like about the Harlem Renaissance is that it was a time when African Americans still saw education as the great equalizer. During this time, African Americans saw education to be extremely important and the key to success. Because New York prohibited segregated schools by law, African Americans looked at it an opportunity for a quality education.  Harlem attracted thousands of blacks from the south and the West Indies because of its economic and educational opportunities. Blacks in the south were also fleeing racist activities that threatened life and limb. Blacks also had a greater militancy and awareness that the promises for a better life after World War I had not been kept. West Indians who came to the U.S. seeking economic opportunity and prosperity had almost no illiteracy among them. They had great business minds and were said to have made up one third of the city's professionals, physicians, dentists, and lawyers. West Indians were not accustomed to the racial hostility and harassment found in America, and the same ethos that led some to become professionals, led others to become political radicals.


The most significant event regarding education during the Harlem Renaissance was the philosophical debate between  Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois regarding the most beneficial education for the needs of African Americans. Booker T. Washington, an educator and first leader of the Tuskegee Institute, believed that African Americans should have an industrial education, learning to be farmers, mechanics and domestics and providing much of the services and produce needed by white society. He felt history, mathematics and science was impractical for the Negro. He stressed that if African Americans wanted to be successful, there needed to be an economic foundation built from land ownership agriculture and industry. He also advocated building relations with whites and discouraged African Americans from leaving the south. W.E.B. Dubois, a scholar and a teacher, found Washington's views too narrow and economic in its objectives. He also felt Washington's views were disapproving of institutions of higher learning as well as too conciliatory of the south's destruction of African Americans political and civil rights. Dubois advocated an educational concept for African Americans labeled "The Talented Tenth." This represented a small number of educated professionals who were committed to improving race relations and civilizing, uplifting, and elevating the masses. Both ideologies had proponents, and both men certainly had many followers. Regardless of the vast differences in opinions, it was inspirational to see African Americans so spirited and engaged with educating themselves.


Renaissance means re-birth or revival. If you look up the word alone, it talks about a period in Europe from the 14th through the 17th centuries in which there was a rebirth of the arts. It was the time when Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo emerged. I look at the Harlem Renaissance as a time when Africans in American had a rebirth or revival of the gifts from their ancestors, a re-awakening of their heritage. An unprecedented amount of creativity from black writers emerged, inspired by the anger of discrimination and the anxiety of  culture lost, left in Africa. These expressions started as literary discussions that brought young black writers and intellectuals from around the country, the Caribbean, and Africa to Harlem. This movement gave rise to the likes  of Alain Locke, Marcus Garvey, and W.E.B. Dubois who all edited magazines or papers and served as inspiration to the literary masses.


My favorites are the writers. Among the poets, fiction writers, and essayists were Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Helene Johnson, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, and Jean Toomer. These artists were the New Negro. They were assertive, racially conscious, articulate, and in control of what they produced.

Heritage by Claude McKay

Now the dead past seems vividly alive,

And in this shining moment I can trace,

Down through the vista of the vanished years,

Your faun-like form, your fond elusive face.

And suddenly some secret spring's released,

And unawares a riddle is revealed,

And I can read like large, black-lettered print,

What seemed before a thing forever sealed.

I know the magic word, the graceful thought,

The song that fills me in my lucid hours,

The spirit's wine that thrills my body through,

And makes me music-drunk, are yours, all yours.

I cannot praise, for you have passed from praise,

I have no tinted thoughts to paint you true;

But I can feel and I can write the word;

The best of me is but the least of you.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes

I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the

flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.



Aaron Douglas



Palmer C. Hayden



Visual artists played a key role in creating depictions of the New Negro. Artists Palmer C. Hayden. James Van Der Zee, and  Aaron Douglas among others created stylized portraits of  the African American lifestyle as well as African Americans during this time.



James Van Der Zee



                         

Then, of course, there was the music. Musicians like Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, and Louis Armstrong took jazz to another level. They used music as a way to  express discontent with the treatment of African Americans as well as a musical expression of the soul of black people. Duke Ellington took jazz to new heights when he recorded Jazz music's' first two-sided, six-minute song in 1929 with his version of The Original Dixieland Jass Bands' "Tiger Rag" (part 1) and (part 2) in 1929 and began to push the limits of 78 rpm records (three minutes per side).

Looking for love

In the past week I have read and participated in a few discussions about relationships. It's funny how men and women think they have different point of views on the subject, but it all boils down to the same thing, relationships are hard and finding someone you want to be in a relationship with is even harder. Men and women are both looking for the same thing, to be loved unconditionally. That is, of course, a tall order since many people can barely do that with their relatives. Most of us also don't really know what that means. That can be witnessed by simply asking a man or a woman what he or she is looking for in a mate. Height, job, looks, beliefs, etc. all equal conditions.

Now I am by no means an expert on love or relationships, but what I am becoming an expert on is me. I have found that this is the first step to finding a loving fulfilling relationship, knowing thyself. Two of the questions I've heard lately are "where is the best place to meet a good man," and "what can a woman offer me besides sex." The answer to the first question is, anywhere. Good men can be found anywhere, on the Internet (with careful scrutiny), at a club (again, careful), at the mall, the grocery store, some say church.  A better question is, what is your definition of a good man?  I've heard some women say that a good man is one with a good job, who is God fearing, intelligent, funny, loves children, is willing to pamper a woman, is well endowed, and a good lover. Contrary to popular belief, a "good man" is not synonymous with a perfect man. Even if a man has all of these qualities, that doesn't mean he won't have his faults. Perhaps women should make a list of which faults she can tolerate in a man. Maybe then a man's good points will shine brighter for her.  I personally think that a good man is kind, considerate, respectful to all life, forgiving and thoughtful. He realizes his strength comes from within and is not afraid to show affection to his loved ones. He respects his mother, sister, daughter, and every woman he comes in contact with. He is slow to anger and quick to reason. He gives, not expecting anything in return, but because it is the right thing to do. That's not the definition of a good man, actually, that's the definition of a good person. It is not only what we should look for in a mate, but what we should look to be ourselves.

When a man asks a question like, "what can a woman offer me besides sex?" he has automatically reduced her to a sex object and so why expect more? The real question should be, "what can I offer a woman besides sex?"  This isn't a question about your net worth, though some women would argue that it is. If you go bankrupt, what will keep us together? Are you the definition of a "good man"? One should not expect to get from anyone anything more or less than what he or she gives. In fact, one should not expect at all. I had a tough time with this concept myself. But I realized that if I have been careful in choosing a man who is compatible with me in ways that enhance my life spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, I don't need to expect anything because it will already be there. All I have to do is enjoy.

The key here, I think, is looking within. I have learned that all problems in my life, just like all joys, begin from inside of me. Either my choices, attitude, behavior, or thoughts have affected my physical reality. Yeah, it's not as deep as it sounds. It's quite simple actually. If I look back on past relationships, I can see what I did ineffectively (I don't say wrong because with a different person it might have been right), what signs that the relationship wouldn't work that I ignored, or what I lacked to make the relationship succeed. Of course, love is a two way street, and the other person played his part too, but I can only control what I do, how I think. I think it is necessary to be the best that we can be in order to find the best person for us. There's good men and women all around us, but we place value on superficial qualities instead of what really counts. It's time we re-define "good man" and "good woman" and then hold the mirror up to see if we qualify ourselves.  

"If I'm dreaming, then just let me sleep"*

" As I Grew Older"

It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun-
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.
Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun!
~Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes and I have something in common, he was just as obsessed with dreams as I am. I've often wondered what will happen to the dreams that I have deferred. I know a couple sag like a heavy load, and maybe one or two are threatening to explode.  I've undertaken the task of trying to reach back and realize some of the dreams I've long held in my heart since childhood. A couple of my dreams trouble me. One I fear I've waited too late to realize, but both just may not be meant to be. This leads me to the question, should we give up on some dreams?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Some people say, "never give up on your dreams," but what if you dream of doing something that you are not capable of doing, or at least not doing well? Take American Idol for example. Most of us have seen and sometimes laughed at the auditions. Some people go on the show with a serious dream, for which they have prepared most of their life, of becoming a singing star. Yet, when they finally get their chance, they don't have the talent to make their dreams come true. Now, it is sometimes baffling because some people say they have the support and encouragement of their friends and families, while you wonder why others' friends and families didn't tell them that they didn't have what it takes, and save them some embarrassment.

I know it is hard as a friend or family member to risk crushing the dreams of their loved ones by telling them the truth, but is it showing love by allowing a loved one to waste years working on the wrong dream? I think real support would be pointing out some one's strengths and helping them figure out how to make a dream from there. Regardless, I think support is key in realizing one's dreams. It is better to be truthful than to ignore one's efforts completely. We may laugh at those contestants, but we have to respect them as well. They had a dream and went for it no matter what anyone else thought. But this is not about American Idol.

Some dreams just aren't meant to be. The problem is, it is sometimes difficult to know which ones aren't, as we can't predict the future. Is there a point at which we must wake up from some dreams? I've dreamed  of being a writer since freshman year in high school. I went to college intending on becoming a journalist when I discovered I was more interested in creative writing. I studied drama and wrote plays and spent six years working in television with the dream of writing a blockbuster movie. Then one day a friend of mine whose husband is a successful movie writer told me, "he writes his movies all day and when he takes breaks, he writes short stories." That's when I knew I wasn't a writer. Some days I could barely write a single sentence. So that dream was deferred. I would write a poem now and then, but I wasn't a writer. Ten years later, my Father, the Mighty King, has told me that I am a writer and has given me much to write about. Granted, no one may be reading what I write, but I write.

Writing is a dream I readily share looking for feedback and support, hoping to inspire, to touch someone, to find out if this dream is an attainable goal, or the stuff made in R.E.M. sleep. I have a lot of dreams. Some I've shared with friends, family and readers (all three of you, thank you), some I've kept to myself. I haven't really gotten much feedback or support with the writing. Some friends have read one or two things and told me I was a good writer, but they haven't read anything else. Most people just read the title of the link to this blog, but not the blog. Putting myself out there to be judged wasn't easy for me because like Erykah Badu says, "I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my shit." But I write to be read, so it is necessary. Other dreams, I am a little more trepidacious about revealing. Maybe I fear being laughed at, maybe I look at them like wishes, they won't come true if you tell them. Nevertheless, I will keep dreaming, so "don't wake me up until my dream is complete."*

*Christopher Williams











Want to support my dream? Read more at:


http://crowningwrites.blogspot.com/

Why the world so very very cold?

Why is the world so cold? Everyone seems so self adsorbed trying to do them and get theirs. People have become too busy or self important to greet each other, return a call, email, tweet, or even a smile. There are some people to whom I haven't actually spoken in over a year because they just text me. I even get birthday greetings on facebook now. In a world with so many people, I can see how someone could feel lonely.

Now, I never lived in one of those small towns where everyone knew every one's name and business.  I do know a few years ago when I moved to this area the first time, I would be walking down the street and people would smile and greet me. At first I thought my memory was getting really bad because I thought I must have known these people, why else would they greet me. Then I realized they just had a sense of community. I used to meet friends at cafes for coffee, tea, or lunch. We would spend hours on the phone catching up on the day's events. Now we message on facebook and pray that there are no spelling mistakes or misread tones that could  upset and maybe lose a friend.

I understand that people get older and gain more responsibilities. They have families and those families become their social lives. There's nothing wrong with that. But I do feel there was a certain warmth in my past experiences that has disappeared. I just read an article that listed  America's rudest cities(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40758837/ns/travel-news/?gt1=43001). It didn't surprise me that the city I grew up in and recently moved from was number 1. Apparently, it's not even a nice place to visit, let alone live. Why is that, I wonder. We get our examples from celebrities; no time for autographs, or pictures, or even to say hello. You can follow me on twitter and read what I tweet to other celebrities, but I won't tweet you back, I am much too important for that. 

Our youth seem to be getting their examples from them too. I greeted one of the students in my program today and she ignored me. Her aunt was with her and told her mom what she had done, and she made the girl come back and apologize to me. I asked her if she had  had a bad day, she said no. Last week she was my helper, this week she's my hater. At least her mother corrected her.

I have so many friends trying to "get their hustle on" whether it be their own businesses, school, or work. So much doing and not enough being. So we walk around in our little invisible boxes of ice, freezing the rest of the world out. .If I smile, it might invite you to speak to me, and I don't want that. No time for pleasantries, gotta go, gotta do. Yes, colder than before.