National Black Arts Festival

Finally!! I have something in Black arts and entertainment that I can feel good about. Stepping away from the barrage of negative images and derogatory stereotypes that are propagated by both black and white media outlets hails the National Black Arts Festival. The festival began in 1988 and is now celebrating it's 20th anniversary! What was originally a bi-annual event has evolved into a year round institution. The festival is a cultural celebration showcasing our diverse artistic talents in the areas of: dance, music, theater, film, literature, and visual arts. Its mission is “to develop, expose and educate audiences to the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide diverse opportunities for artistic and creative expression.”

Being an absolute fanatic over all things "indie" and loving to see my culture depicted in the glorious and positive light that makes me ever more proud to be a Black woman, I will be in definite attendance for as many events that I can squeeze into my schedule.
I'm a bit dismayed that as I drive around my city and listen to the radio, I don't see very many advertisements posted nor do I hear much publicity given on the radio. It's a sad testament to our times when we are more apt to be exposed to culturally and racially demeaning images and words rather than those that are rich, uplifting and celebratory.

I'll be doing my part to practice what I preach, as regards helping to build more positive images of Black America by becoming a member and only financially supporting the media and entertainment venues that depict me in the light in which I wish to be seen. As I take my foray into the festival and all it has to offer, I will take time out to highlight many of the events that I attend by commenting/reviewing and yes, posting pictures of them here.

The National Black Arts Festival will take place in Atlanta, GA July 18th-27th. Mark your calendars!

Missy © 2008

myeishaspeaks@gmail.com

For more information please visit:

www.nbaf.org/

http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/national_black_arts_festival.html

http://www.atlantaheritage.com/commonHumanity.html



The Renaissance, The New Millennium, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA, Diaspora, art, festivals

Wrap It Up (1)

I hate, hate, hate to jump on the bandwagon! Unfortunately, everybody seems to be doing it, these days. It has come to be expected upon reaching certain blog pages. If it’s good for the goose, then, it must very well be good for the gander. Therefore, I present the first of many “wrap-ups”. I’ll make it a bit different by not so much wrapping up the events of the last few days, but, rather, simply adding a few thoughts to what has happened recently. OK – fine!! I’m jumping on the bandwagon!! There – I said it.

Impeachment – Like most of the country, I am all for the impeachment of G Dubya. If ever there was a person to whom I did not take a liking, it has been old G Dubya. Before we impeach Mr. Dubya, I think that we need to impeach someone else first – but quickly. That would be Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She has, in no uncertain terms, decided that there will be no impeachment of G Dubya – at least not until after the general election in November. Rep. Kucinich took the time and effort to present as many facts as could be garnered, presented his impeachment motion, and Ms Pelosi and the remainder of the House, including those who voted in favor of the motion, sent it to a committee that is known for “killing off” a bill, motion, or idea. We can question why we elect these people into office, thinking that they will do our bidding. A wiser question is “Why do we continue to allow them to remain in office, if they are not doing our bidding?”

Discrimination – Colt 45 is at it again. I don’t mean the gun manufacturers – I’m speaking of the other African-American killer, the other producers of weapons of mass destruction – the malt liquor company. In Philly, as may be the same elsewhere in the U.S., we have a ton of murals throughout the city, depicting historic eras, celebrities, politicians, and just “plain old folk”. The murals were designed as a two-fold venture – to stop the senseless graffiti which had plagued our city throughout the years, and to bring forth education through the huge renderings. One of my favorites is the two- or three-story depiction of Julius “Dr. J” Erving. It is so detailed that it actually looks more like a photograph than a painting, and one that constitutes a spitting image of the man. I consider myself to be “up” on my Black history, but, I have come to find that I learn something from nearly every mural that I come across.

Now that Colt 45 has decided to add their two-cents into the game, I have learned something from their mural, as well. The company has no qualms about selling a product that is not only counter-productive to society, but, also dangerous to the body, mind, and soul of a human being. They have plastered a huge mural on the wall of the well-traveled Girard Avenue, depicting graffiti-type characters wielding Colt 45 cans and bottles high in the air. Several community groups have already spoken out against this discriminatory practice, and, there is no doubt in my mind that the mural will soon be removed. The message on the mural? “The Tales Of Colt45.com . . . works every time”. In smaller print it reads “Yo, enjoy our frosty malt beverages responsibly”. Walk through any suburban community and you will be hard-pressed to find one small ad depicting the benefits of drinking malt liquor, much less a larger-than-life mural on every other billboard. The sale of malt liquor is designated as a ghetto product and is marketed there and there only. I said that I have also learned from this mural, just as I have the other positive murals: genocide comes in many forms.

Music – I have already given you “La Factoria”. I ranted and raved about them for forever. If you recall, I had no clue as to what their message was – their music is sung in Spanish, which I don’t speak. I also said that I refuse to translate the words because they sound good and I’d hate to find out that the translations don’t sit well in my mind. I still listen to them everyday, and I still do not know meanings of the words. I do know the meaning of the word “harmonize”. If you check your “down wit it” dictionary for its meaning, you will most definitely find a picture of K-Ci and JoJo. Slide on over to Free Napster, and step back into time, a time when harmony was at an all-time high. The album, as well as the song, was “Tell Me It’s Real”. O-M-G!!!!! Not since the Persuasions has there been such a coming together of the forces of nature. Don’t stray too far. The next album is “Love Always” and the song is “All My Life”. If you were never a fan, these two songs alone might make a believer out of you. Go ahead – believe.

Are you sill on the Free Napster page? Good for you, because you know that I would not leave you hangin’ like that. Your eyes are probably getting weary from all of this reading so, here’s a little something that will make you get up out of your seat and make you dance a jig across the room. Guess what? It’s jazz!! Who woulda thought, huh? The group is called Us3, the album is Rare Requests, and the song is Cantaloop. I personally guarantee that if you don’t get up outta your seat and start dancing, I will double your money back!! Unfortunately, unless you are a member of Napster, as I am, you will not be privy to the re-mix that I listen to. It is Bebop at its best and it has a slice of Rap thrown in, and is topped off with some very unique scat thrown in for good measure. While you check that out, I’m gonna check out, ‘til next time. Peace.

copyright © 2008 blackstarr

Blackstarr52@gmail.com

The Renaissance, The New Millennium, wrap-up, G Dubya, Nancy Pelosi, impeachment, Kucinich, Colt 45, racial discrimination, genocide, malt liquor, murals,anti-graffiti, music, La Factoria, K-Ci and JoJo, Us3

What, exactly, does it mean?

It never ceases to amaze me that many people who neither speak, read, nor understand Japanese go to great lengths to wear clothing inscribed with Japanese symbols. For all they know, the symbols could translate to “I am so stupid”, or, of course, something much worse. Well, today, I come before you as Mr. Hypocrite. Fortunately, for me, music is universal.

For the longest time, I have been enamored with a Latino group that goes by the name of “La Factoria”. Their music mesmerizes me to no end. It makes me want to get out of my seat and shake a tail feather (no – you don’t want to see that). The music is almost otherworldly in its ability to make one sing along, even though he or she has no clue as to what is being sung. Yes – I blast their music without knowing whether they are calling me out of my name or simply romancing me. The words are in Spanish and I do not speak, read, or understand a lick of Spanish. Meet Mr. Hypocrite.

I first encountered the group while skimming the ‘net looking for music videos that I hadn't seen. The first video that caught my eye was for the song “Perdoname”, featuring a singer by the name of “Eddie Lover”. I wrote “caught my eye”. It would be closer to the truth to say that it dragged me head first into its lair of beauty and sensuality. Being one who just loves the ladies, there was no way that I could just watch, shrug my shoulders and move along. Once I finally got past the sensuality, the music began to grow on me much like the moss that gathers on a non-rolling stone.

Although I had not grown tired of “Perdoname”, even after about a week of playing it nearly nonstop, I was finally ready to see if the group had any other songs that would hold my attention. There were quite a few songs from which to choose, but, two of the songs disrobed themselves and beckoned me to become their love slave - and I was all too willing to oblige. The siren-like songs that captivated me are “La Pagaras”, and “Como Me Duele”. I now have some idea as to how the ancient sailors managed to get themselves pulled into the rocky shores by those sweet sirens of the Grecian Islands.

I have three songs in my collection by La Factoria, and have not even considered checking out the other songs that the group has to offer. I am still too fascinated by the first three. I could very well solve my dilemma of being Mr. Hypocrite by looking up the translations to the songs that I currently enjoy without meaning. However, I intend to wallow in my ignorance for just a bit longer. I’m afraid that I may not like the words that I find with the English translation. I’m afraid that the attraction and captivation will vanish. Fortunately, for me, music is universal.

This is blackstarr saying "Vive la Renaissance". Peace.

The Music of La Factoria

Pernoname (the video)

copyright © 2008 blackstarr blackstarr52@gmail.com

music, La Factoria, blackstarr, La Pagaras, Como Me Duele, Perdoname