Tag: community

My Kinda Weekend

My Kinda Weekend

by Ranada ♥ 1 Comment

This is what weekends are made of.  I’ve been on a cultural excursion all weekend!  I’ll be back later to talk about them all, but here’s a taste.

It’s National Black Arts Festival week, and I took part of some awesome offerings.  Friday, I attended the screening of Soundtrack of a Revolution, which is a documentary that highlights how music played such an important role in the Civil Rights Movement.  Here’s a trailer.

After that, I rushed over to the Symphony Hall to see the To Curtis with Love tribute concert for Curtis Mayfield.  My favorite Curtis Mayfield song, “Makings of You” was performed by Dionne Farris.  My favorite undergroundish artists, Joi and Van Hunt, were there, along with Frank McComb, the Impressions, and Eddie Levert.  It was a great time.

Yesterday, I went to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which I really enjoyed. Then I went back to the Rialto to view 41st and Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers.  Man, it was really a wonderful, captivating documentary.  I have always admired certain aspects of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and I’ve looked up to some of its leaders, but I never even knew about Bunchy Carter, who was a really impressive man.  The documentary took us from the beginnings of the Southern Cali chapter of the Black Panthers to the disbanding of it. Here’s the trailer.

After the documentary, I was able to listen to a panel discussion featuring Chuck D, Kathleen Cleaver, Wayne Pharr, the producers of the documentary, and a couple of US organization representatives.  My favorite quotes of the night were from Chuck D:

“If you don’t identify your enemy, how the hell are you gonna fight?”

“Racism comes out every year like a new model car. We have to recognize it and know how to respond.”

So much more to read, research, and consider.  I’m so happy I was able to participate in this event.  My favorite quote in the documentary was

“If you want to be a revolutionary, you have to study revolution.”

Today (and on Thursday as well), I am volunteering for I Dream, a musical production about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As the weekend comes to a close, I appreciate all the mind-expanding, thought-provoking activities I have access to.  Didn’t I just say the other day how awesome my life is?  Happy Sunday, people.

Interesting Blog Post: Community Responsibility

Interesting Blog Post: Community Responsibility

by Ranada ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I read this, and I just wanted to share. http://freedomtweet.net/?p=203

Injustice – Once Again

Injustice – Once Again

by Ranada ♥ 3 Comments

The verdict of the Johannes Mehserle trial came in.  He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.  Guilty – yes.  Involuntary manslaughter – no.

For those of you who may not know, Johannes Mehserle is a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer who shot Oscar Grant in the back while lying face-down on the Oakland subway platform.  How is that involuntary?  Where is the justice?  Did the jury really believe this trained police officer’s story that he thought he had pulled his taser?  Even if it was a mistake (which I don’t buy), why would he have even needed a taser?

At some point, police brutality and misconduct needs to be addressed.  I firmly believe that police officers should live in the communities they protect and serve.  They should be community stakeholders and invested in the wellbeing of the communities.  They should not be people who react and respond out of malice or even fear because they aren’t in tune with those areas.

Now I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding Mehserle and his employment with BART.  I do know, however, that it’s a downright shame that a police officer can be caught on video shooting an unarmed man who is lying face-down on the floor in the back and not be charged or convicted of murder. This crime was indeed NOT involuntary.  It was reckless, unnecessary, and senseless.

I hope that in the aftermath of the Mehserle verdict, the riots cease and that community leaders, along with community members, start really considering strategic implementation of efforts to prevent such travesties.  We have to protect, not destroy, our communities. Reactionary, unproductive violence is definitely not the answer.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Jitney

Jitney

by Ranada ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This afternoon, a friend of mine and I went to the Alliance Theatre and enjoyed a great production written by the great August Wilson called Jitney.

Set in 1977 in a jitney stop (car service) in Pittsburgh, this production explored a range of topics still relevant to the black community, including the disconnect between generations, alcoholism, the role of men in households and families, love and forgiveness, the importance of communication between romantic partners, the effects of war on young soldiers, the lack of support for small businesses in some cities, and the list goes on.  This would have made for a great Reads and Reels discussion!

In addition to the  great music played between scenes (classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up”), I really enjoyed the light banter and surefire black lingo infused into the script. The characters were real to me because I could definitely hear my daddy talking like these guys were. Although the plot was very heavy overall, the production made good use of comic relief.

It made me smile to see so many black folk at the theatre, supporting the arts. If you haven’t seen it, make sure to put this on your list of things to do this month. Jitney runs through June 27.