I'm blessed. In spite of the stress from family, school and scrounging up moments for my creative process - I eat. I know that I'll never go hungry. I know that I'll always have a place to lay my head. Sometimes, I sleep well having these comforts, but I'm also tormented by that fact that so many people lack what many of us consider 'simple pleasures'. Food, clothing and shelter is not a given - it should be. Unfortunately, in our hypocritical, dream-selling, capitalistic 'democracy', we have an alarming number of disenfranchised people who have no idea where their next meal is coming from. This is where FTP comes in.
While many large nonprofit businesses hoard money and boast colorless directors, FTP is of and for the people. I've enjoyed being around the positive energy of these mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, artists, revolutionaries and agents of change. It's such an incredible feeling to hit the streets with a grassroots organization that truly turns thought into action.
My lyrics send intangible postcards To pseudo intellects and skin-deep revolutionaries “I wish you were here” Because I refuse to spit sacrificial rhymes in ya ear Which I release into space in the form of art And abandon when I get them off my heart I’m trying to reach beyond being a well-versed revolutionary And transform into a rehearsed revolutionary I’d rather turn my black back against the system Than floss a koufe yellin’ “Black is back son!” In the form of a souped-up poem Having rhyme but no reason Other than the fact that the notion of bucking the system is in season Like cats who like to wear their poems You know the type who find a cause and try it on Like those really earthy kids who think being socially conscious Is synonymous with wearing a multitude of buttons Transforming themselves into walking slogans So at best I can slap a skin-deep revolutionary on my bumper One who, like me, knows the system is still a virgin But don’t realize to get by we’ve got to do more than hump her with words We’ve gotta love her with verbs Love her until she bleeds justice and breeds equality And accepts the responsibility of taking care of our black babies I’ve gotta be more than a skin-deep revolutionary A pseudo intellect or a watered-down activist Taking advantage of words and neglecting action Like those who sub their bling with beads to prepare For their poems on Sierra Leone Because their revolution is only skin deep But I want my revolution to scream like me So this is my lyrical postcard, and “I wish you were here”
We were all flowing down Auburn Ave. on a current of positive energy. A blend of beautiful browns, tans and peach shades covered the streets to honor Dr. King. We marched in peace not only to preserve his memory, but to bring awareness to that fact that the dream still lives, and unfortunately, has not been fully realized.
I decided to march in the King parade with FTP yesterday b/c their movement reflects my own beliefs. Free the People. Fight the Power. Feed the People. Free the Prisoners. Etc. We exerted our energy for Jamil Al-Amin, Mutulu Shakur, Mumia Abu Jamal, Sekou Odinga, Kamau Sadiki, Veronza Bowers, Move 9 and Sundiata Acolim, among other political prisoners who are mere pawns in the game the system plays to keep US in line.
The view ahead is incredible, but there's still work to do. I was inspired in so many ways. If you missed the march, please enjoy the clip. Footage by Goldi Gold.
Troy Davis, a man who may well be innocent, has a 30-day stay of execution that is about to expire. No court has yet held a hearing on the new evidence of tainted testimony, yet they are willing to end his life. On May 19th, every person can help make a difference by participating in any activity, event or creative action that calls attention to the injustice of his case.
For those of you in Atlanta and around the Metro, the info for the Atlanta Rally is as follows:
Join Amnesty International USA and NAACP for a rally in Atlanta for Troy Davis. When: May 19, 2009; 6-8 pm City: Atlanta Location: State Capitol Steps 206 WASHINGTON ST SW Organizers: Amnesty International USA and NAACP Contact: Laura Moye, 404-876-5661 ex, emailto:troy@aiusa.org
Back in February, I was given the esteemed duty to write a press release for a March event in Baltimore. The event: An HIV/AIDS testing event hosted by the United Sisters Mentoring Program. As the market is saturated with freelance writers, it's rare to come by great projects when you're not looking for them. Fortunately, this release fell into my lap and gave me an opportunity to use my powers for good ;-) and connect with a positive sister, Grace Wiggins, who's doing amazing things in her community.
Grace sent me a couple of photos that I wanted to share with you all. I thought the graffiti wall was a great touch on an already cool and necessary event.
"60 people were tested and the panel discussion was healing. The guest speakers also found it delightful, as they rarely get to hear from the younger Generation. BIG UP to Callout Supporters ("With no village the children starve"). The performances were live and guest speaker Jill Cloud was keeping it real 101% of the time. I can honestly say that we learned a lot and had fun doing it," shared Grace.
And of course, Ms. Wiggins had kind words for yours truly.
"Thank you for composing hot press release for such a needed event. The HIV Callout was awesome and very much needed by the city of B'more. Your words helped us get a 3-minute spot on FOX 45. Girl... 3 WHOLE Minutes, which is like forever in T.V. time. It was so exciting. I have come to appreciate the power of [written] expression and those who have a gift for it."
A big you're welcome and thank YOU to Grace for organizing something so important.
We go for the complimentary Jack Daniels. We go for the amazing live music. We go because it's free. We go to view kick-ass urban art. There are ton of reasons to check out Art, Beats + Lyrics when it comes through your city, including the fact that it's organized by two very dope people, Dubelyoo and Jabari Graham. I had a blast in Birmingham a couple weeks ago and was also lucky enough to check out the show in Atlanta and Jackson, MS.
AB+L is a great event that highlights urban artists from all over the country, some of whom I have the pleasure of knowing personally, such as mr. soul (whom I frequently mention), Goldi Gold, Flux and Fabian, the Occasional Superstar. As a writer, I often pull from visuals for inspiration and AB+L showcases work that speaks to me and my generation. If you happen to hear that AB+L is coming to your city or a city a short drive away, I'd strongly encourage you to check it out.
Today the City of Ink will be kicking off their two-year anniversary with a socially conscious art show, "Enough Iz Enough: Artists United Against Police Brutality." My poem "Puck the Folice" will be hanging on the gallery walls tonight and the next 30 days. Please come out to support this very important message and check out some 30 artists who've artistically expressed their disapproval with past and current acts of police abuse. See you there! (Pics coming soon, hopefully)
One of my favorite bloggers turned 21 last Friday and I traveled to my hometown of Motown to celebrate. We had a blast with family and friends. I left my computer in the A and avoided work and writing for the entire weekend. Now I'm back in my sanctuary, encircled by the smoke of lavender incense and listening to Gil Scott-Heron, searching for inspiration. I had a short story deadline today that I decided not to meet. I really had hopes on entering a Creative Loafing contest but since creative writing isn't supposed to be stressful, I'll reach for the prize next year. For the rest of the day, I'll be working on a bio for my beautiful friend and photographer, TT Coles. I'll also be going to this event at Sugarhill tonight: (see you there?)
Looking forward to the artistic motivation I get this evening to usher in a creatively productive weekend that will set off an amazing week :-)
