Remembering James Baldwin
His birthday was August 2nd. He was one of the greatest writers and thinkers of the 20th century. In his honor..and for our benefit....we should hear him ...in his own words.
If you have a free hour (lol), this is MUST watch video. James Baldwin's message in this and The Fire Next Time becomes even more powerful given today's political climate...and eerie in its accuracy (foreshadowing). All should really peep this...
http://mediacatalogue.blogspot.com/2008/08/debate-james-baldwin-vs-william-f.html
Get to know James Baldwin...and the understanding he communicate in the last few minutes is why he is so important to know...
“Take no one’s word for anything, including
mine – but trust your experience.” – James Baldwin
James Baldwin on What's Important
“Color is not a human or personal reality; it
is a political reality.” – James Baldwin
“This is why the most dangerous creation of
any society is that man who has nothing to lose.” – James Baldwin
“If we do not dare everything, the
fulfillment of that prophecy, re-created from the Bible in song by a slave, is
upon us: God gave Noah the rainbow sign,
No More water, the fire next time!” – James Baldwin
Excerpt of speech from my film James Baldwin Anthology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Of0Abi10A
in his own words...and for our benefit...if we listen.
“But it is not permissible that the authors
of devastation should also be innocent.
It is the innocence which constitutes the crime.” – James Baldwin
Who is the Nigger? -James Baldwin (clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0L5fciA6AU
We are capable of bearing a great burden, once we discover that the burden is reality and arrive where reality is. – James Baldwin
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
History Matters
History Matters...and in the last year we have lost three important truth tellers of the U.S. experience marking an end of an era: John Hope Franklin (March 2009), Ronald Takaki (May 2009), and Howard Zinn (January 2010). if you have not read their work, I recommend you do...and start today.
Read them in the order listed...those that know me will know why :-)
To evolve, we must take the baton from them...and run.
The Relaunch...You Got It!
I Know You Got Soul - Eric B. & Rakim
Apologies for the long hiatus. I hope to keep this blog active again, if not with essays like i did in the past, with at least short posts for contemplation that will hopefully generate ongoing dialogue. My FT jobs as mother and teacher keep me very busy, but i will try not to abandon this blog for such a long period of time again. I appreciate all the support and love :-)
Back Again....
Dilated Peoples- Back Again
it's the people....the people....the people...the people.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Citizen vs. Citizenship by Brandon Greene
Sharing a blog by Brandon Greene, Hip Hop Congress leadership council member.
The recent passage of the controversial legislation in Arizona along with the premiere of the History Channel series, America the Story of Us has gotten me to thinking about what exactly it means today to be a citizen in the United States.
From the beginning of our country we have depended on the talents of "outsiders" to make our country great. Long before there was an United States we were a community of immigrants. The gateway to citizenship in the context of the first years of our republic was simply hard work as expressed by a willingness to show a bravery and tenacity in seeking the very best life for one's family.
For full text:
http://changeworthbloggingfor.blogspot.com/2010/05/citizen-vs-citizenship.html
For full text:
http://changeworthbloggingfor.blogspot.com/2010/05/citizen-vs-citizenship.html
Saturday, March 6, 2010
SUPPORT THE URBAN TEACHERS' NETWORK (UTN)!
Please share with teachers, youth mentors , and arts education advocates!
We want all teachers, youth mentors, and arts education advocates to support the Urban Teachers Network!
LINK = http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Supporters:
1. Become a Fan of Urban Teachers Network FB page!
2. Spread the word!
UTN active participants:
1. Become a Fan of Urban Teachers Network FB page!
2. Spread the word!
3. Start or join a regional UTN network.
We will also need regional facilitators to organize UTN support groups in their communities.
Regional Organizers:
Contact us at UTN@hiphopcongress.com to express your interest in organizing a UTN support group in your community.
INFO:
Hip Hop Congress (HHC) is a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Corporation representing the merger of artists and students, music and community. The Hip Hop Congress mission is to use Hip Hop culture to inspire young people to get involved in social action, civic service, and cultural creativity.
As a national and international organization dedicated to its mission, Hip Hop Congress has chosen Education as a central initiative promoted by its artists, chapters, partners, and donors. As the educational system continues to fail American students (particularly low-income and students of color), alternative curriculum and solutions are needed.
From this emphasis, HHC is working to organize and support an Urban Teacher Network (UTN) where educators and youth mentors can form networks to share ideas, curriculum, and build after-school extracurricular and mentor programs for the youth they teach and reach. The UTN is also designed to be a space where teachers facing the daily challenges of their field can find comfort in the company and support of colleagues with similar experiences. UTN members will create regional support groups and meet regularly in order to build alliances and power in like-minded educators wanting to connect and build a movement to enrich the lives of urban youth inside and outside of the classroom.
Objectives include:
1. Creating an ongoing database of educators and mentors working directly with the youth in our communities.
2. Promoting urban arts education and hip hop pedagogy.
3. Sharing effective ideas: curriculum, extracurricular activities etc.
4. Creating digital classroom resources online where ideas can be shared with UTN members across the country.
5. Creating regional support groups where UTN members can meet on a regular basis.
6. Organizing UTN events outside of the classroom for
students’ enrichment and ongoing mentoring.
Our urban arts education and outreach program offers the following components:
1. Hip Hop History. Classes and workshops on Hip Hop history as well as the social and political importance of hip hop to youth of color and urban communities.
2. Media Studies. Classes and workshops on critical media analyses, examining the images of people of color and women in media, specifically the hip hop industry. In analyzing media carefully, educators teach youth to be more critical consumers of media.
3. Performances and Interactive Workshops - Hip Hop Elements. HHC artists perform shows for youth as well as offer instructive workshops in various hip hop elements (emceeing/rapping, poetry, deejaying, graffiti art, and break-dancing). Through artistic expressions, youth will learn to express themselves creatively and constructively through positive outlets.
4. Community Activism. HHC members serve as mentors to youth promoting community activism and involvement in social and political issues affecting their lives. As well, existing HHC chapters will serve as advisors to youth wanting to start HHC community chapters.
5. Urban Teacher Network. Educators and mentors of youth in urban communities can form networks to share ideas, curriculum, build after-school extracurricular and mentor programs for the youth they reach.
We look forward to working with all dedicated to youth in need of mentoring and an education relevant to their lives. We are sure the youth will not only be enriched by these programs, but will be inspired by the teachers and mentors organizing on their behalves.
Stay Black and Die - Listen to the Single!
NEW DLabrie single from upcoming MR NETW3RK- Stay Black & Die ft M1 of deadprez,The Jacka, Adisa Banjoko , Shamako Noble, SaikoDelic RADIO EDIT http://tinyurl.com/yhu6smt ALBUM http://tinyurl.com/yko64gu
Tour & Video Coming Soon
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Divide and Conquer Politrix: Malcolm X explains Liberals v. Conservatives
Last month I wrote two notes that are good reads for Black History Month.
Title #1: Wake Up Everybody! Seize, don't cede OUR Power...
link = http://www.facebook.com/no
Title #2: In Honor of A King: Keep on Keeping On
link = http://www.facebook.com/no
The second note was posted in honor of Dr. King on his holiday last month. In it I wrote about the efforts to pit Dr. King and Malcolm X against each other.
As we remember the assassination of Malcolm X 45 years ago today, i wanted to re-share a part of one note that highlighted the speech Malcolm X gave on liberals v. conservatives. While it is not one of his most popular speeches, I think it is one of the most relevant given today's political climate where the media continues to suck most into the traps of politrix.
Miseducation and the Divide and Conquer Strategy
Malcolm X and Dr. King Jr. were often (purposely) pitted against each other, forcing community members to pick a "leader" and "strategy". But the masses of our people loved both men because they recognized that both men loved them and wanted the same thing...our freedom.
When successful, this strategy of divide and conquer leads to a lack of focus where it becomes easy to be manipulated by political rancor.
This is no different than the tactics used to cause friction between Washington & DuBois and DuBois and Garvey...It is ironic that most who followed Garvey's philosophy believed BTW to be a sell out, when it was Washington's strategy that most influenced Garvey.
A friend of mine teaches in Black LA and most of her students know only the caricature of MLK Jr. the mainstream has created...They know "I have a Dream" MLK, but not "Stop the Vietnam War" MLK. And as incredible as it may seem, many don’t even know who Malcolm X is! One asked if he was an extreme sports star! We still do not know who our enemy really is...It reminds me of a quotation attributed to Black Panther Bunchy Carter where he explains that there should never be any hostilities between Black organizations because they are not our (BPP) enemy.
From Miseducation to Re-Education
Some may not have realized how similar MLK Jr. and Malcolm X were in their visions for our people.
I found this series and hope all will take a look:
1. Martin Luther King & Malcolm X: Striking Similarities Part 1 of 3
link = http://www.youtube.com/wat
2. Martin Luther King & Malcolm X: Striking Similarities Part 2 of 3
link = http://www.youtube.com/wat
3. Martin Luther King & Malcolm X: Striking Similarities Part 3 of 3
link = http://www.youtube.com/wat
It is very significant that Malcolm X reached out to MLK Jr. in his later years, going from calling MLK Jr. a pawn of white power structure to publicly recognizing that "Dr. King wants the same thing I want -- freedom!"
The Transformation:
Early Malcolm X = The "white man pays Reverend Martin Luther King, subsidizes Reverend Martin Luther King, so that Reverend Martin Luther King can continue to teach the Negroes to be defenseless."
but in one of his last speeches Malcolm X goes to Selma to speak in front of SNCC and says this:
MALCOLM X: And I think that the people in this part of the world would do well to listen to Dr. Martin Luther King and give him what he's asking for and give to him fast before some other factions come along and try to do it another way. (February 4, 1965)
Given the context of their shared vision, I am reminded of Malcolm X's description of liberals, and their need to control black leaders in order to control the black community. From a 1963 speech Malcolm said:
"The white liberal differs from the white conservative only in one way: the liberal is more deceitful than the conservative. The liberal is more hypocritical than the conservative. Both want power, but the white liberal is the one who has perfected the art of posing as the Negro’s friend and benefactor; and by winning the friendship, allegiance, and support of the Negro, the white liberal is able to use the Negro as a pawn or tool in this political “football game” that is constantly raging between the white liberals and white conservatives.
The white conservatives aren’t friends of the Negro either, but they at least don’t try to hide it. They are like wolves; they show their teeth in a snarl that keeps the Negro always aware of where he stands with them. But the white liberals are foxes, who also show their teeth to the Negro but pretend that they are smiling. The white liberals are more dangerous than the conservatives; they lure the Negro, and as the Negro runs from the growling wolf, he flees into the open jaws of the “smiling” fox.
The job of the Negro civil rights leader is to make the Negro forget that the wolf and the fox both belong to the (same) family. Both are canines; and no matter which one of them the Negro places his trust in, he never ends up in the White House, but always in the dog house. (peep that carefully...lol)
The white liberals control the Negro and the Negro vote by controlling the Negro civil rights leaders. As long as they control the Negro civil rights leaders, they can also control and contain the Negro’s struggle, and they can control the Negro’s so-called revolt."
Are white liberals controlling US and undermining OUR revolt? Are we serving OUR communities and uniting OUR people or are we falling into the same old traps?
By the look of things...i would say Politrix is alive and well.
Malcolm X Fought the Real War
The truth is we live now in a corporatist/fascist state where our "democratic elected representatives" are bought and sold, and without an active citizenry, this will remain the case. We also have to deal with the reality that even if we lived in a TRUE democracy where our representatives actually represented us and our interests, we live among a nation of millions that want to hold us back (PE).
Malcolm X's speech highlights the ongoing racial struggle in this country...the RACE WAR that has been at the center of this country from its founding to today.
With progress made, there is always backlash...
TO secure our freedom:
1. David Walker's Appeal (calling for enslaved Africans to secure freedom by any means)
2. Bacon's Rebellion (class based revolt)
BACKLASH:
1. racialization of slavery (from indentured servitude to slave for life)
2. black codes for non-enlaved AA
THEN WE:
1. Abolition movement to end slavery (from reform tactics like pressure though press and courts to radical revolts to moral religious tactics)..led to whole free state/slave state - congressional politics of representation 3/5 clause etc.
BACKLASH:
SECESSION
THEN to secure freedom we:
POST Civil War - RECONSTRUCTION ERA
1. Federal FREEDMAN'S Bureau
2. gains in education, land, and political representation
BACKLASH:
1. Domestic Terrorism, birth of KKK
2. Legalization of Jim Crow
THEN WE TRIED:
1. Booker T. - building institutions but not fighting racism,
2. DuBois - NAACP, tried reforming system, holding to its ideals,
3. Garvey - actually inspired by Booker T., self determination, building black institutions and economic empowerment with black money not white donors like Booker T. had
BACKLASH:
1. J Edgar Hoover hired first black agent to infiltrate UNIA.
2. Black leaders pitted against each other as tactic (Washington v. DuBOis, Garvey v. DuBois)
3. Internal strife (movements brought down from within/tactic used in revolts earlier too)
THEN we HAD:
1. CRM - Emmitt Till, montgomery bus boycott - masses organizing, SNCC, BPP, etc
BACKLASH:
1. COINTELPRO
2. MLK v. MALCOLM,take sides (tactic divide and conquer which Malcolm X later rejected)
THEN:
hip hop - voice for youth coming of post-CR era
BACKLASH:
commodified - frame one dimensional and sell for profit while reinforcing stereotypes..see BAMBOOZLED
THEN:
OBAMA is elected in this country...lol
BACKLASH:
1. tea party
2. "liberal" squabbling on politics instead of organizing actions (which i argue is very purposeful and again refer to Malcolm X speech on foxes and wolves..liberals and conservatives)
I write all this to basically point out...we have to make sure we know not only WHAT we are fighting for...but WHO we are fighting FOR, and who we are fighting AGAINST...because there have been many times in history we have been pitted against each other as a tactic when we could have united and been a powerful force for our own freedom...we can either learn lessons of history, or continue to repeat them...Malcolm X understood this and it is why Black Nationalism remained his strategy to achieve human rights for all. He understood self determination was not just a strategy...it was the ONLY path to freedom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)