December BGC: We're watching a movie!

"Night Catches Us"

Directed by Tanya Hamilton

BGC is watching a movie this month! We're meeting up Monday Dec. 19 @ 7pm at my place (facebook friends should check the group page or inbox me for address).

The cocktail of the night is:

Ladies Night
2 oz strawberry vodka
1 cup 7-Up® soda
... 3 oz fruit juice

11 women, 3 countries, 2 and half languages...

 2 and half languages bounced across the table in every direction; sometimes smashing into each other begging translation, sometimes communicating more with tone than content, and almost always adding to a growing sense of appreciation, respect and trust for the other voices and stories at the table. Unfortunately, the fervent exchange among the "sister leaders" had yet to arrive at a clear and measurable objective.

We had all come, some thousands of miles, taking a plane for the first time; some a train ride, leaving behind full-time jobs in underserved communities and graduate school homework assignments, to a small conference room in downtown Chicago to join in this "open space dialogue". This meeting was just one of many. We were taken to site visits to see successful Chicago NGO's, trained by skilled consultants and taught the basics of fundraising, but this seemed to be the pinnacle; our opportunity to develop a vision, a goal and a plan. Together, as leaders and sisters of "the struggle", we would create a group project (or two) that actually made a difference. If only we could get started...
Finally, I went into meeting facilitator mode, "We have two groups at this table with two different topics and project ideas. We have people who are interested in both and resources that we can share. I think it would be helpful if we can each say what it is that we, individually, want to get out of these projects."

An invisible microphone began rotating clockwise around the circle, amplifying each voice of conviction as we each expressed our own visions for the two projects (not yet named), how they might collaborate and how we might share resources within the group, I scribbled summaries and sound bites.


"fundraising, advocacy, social media.... workshops"


"I think we can tie our projects together... networking."

"I work with 800 families in my community. My ladies need to see results. I can't send my mothers to school and dey are worried about how dey are going to feed der babies."

"I am very passionate about all of these topics. We need to do curriculum development on all workshops on all of the topics."

"Estoy con Tiffanie tambien. She can work between the groups."

For those of you who have been asking where's Tiff... or what's that exchange program all about... below a brief synopsis of the program and the organization that is responsible for making it possible. Soon, I hope to tell you more about the projects I am helping to develop and the phenomenal women I am working with.

About Heartland:

Heartland International is a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Heartland International's programs target participants from a wide range of professions such as government officials, education administrators, NGO workers and leaders from diverse Sectors. Programs provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and best practices that empower participants to pursue their common goal - changing their communities one step at a time.

http://www.heartlandinternational.org/

About this exchange program:

Emerging Grassroots Leaders: Development of Grassroots Organizations for Women (An exchange program for Emerging Leaders in Nicaragua, Belize and the U.S.)

The participants will partake in substantive training on key topics that form the foundation of effective nonprofits through workshops and site visits; they will learn from each others’ experiences, share and adapt best practices to meet their needs, and grow together through the development of joint community-based projects. This theme addressing the programmatic areas of women’s empowerment, trafficking of women, women’s rights and domestic violence reduction which helps support just and stable societies is critical for the women in Nicaragua and Belize.



Chicago Exchange Program: Oct 29-Nov 19, 2011
Nicaragua and Belize Exchange Program: spring 2012

Currently, I am participating in the Chicago portion of the program along with 28 other grassroots women leaders. 8 of the women are from Nicaragua, 10 are from Belize, and 10 from the US.

We have just begun to develop our projects that we impliment in Nicaragua and Belize next spring. Using a process called open space technology we divided into 5 or 6 groups based on our passions and project ideas. I couldn't committ to just one topic so I will be splitting my time between the leadership development group and the economic empowerment group. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to put my ideas and leadership skills to use in helping develop projects around topics about which I am so passionate. But even more engaging than the content so far, has been the amazing women I have met and the cross-cultural experiences I have already be exposed to.

I am looking forward to introducing you all to these women and the work that we are doing together! Stay tuned!

October BGC Book

And I heard 'em say....

"If you missed the Art is Bonfire event at the Pointe Sunday, you missed some great poetry and an inspiring evening around a pit fire. The freestyling to the beat of the congo and the acoustic guitar was amazing as poets, et.al. entered and exited to an invisible MC. The poem "Black Smoke" which was punctuated by the poet tossing a full page Tribune color photo edition of Obama's Grant Park coronation into the bonfire was the most arresting. Watching the flames lick away at Obama's visage was not easy or comfortable which was undoubtably the point. "Best performance by a spoken word artist" went to our own Tiffanie who held the group auditorally and visually captive three different times. Her tribute to the bonfire event sets her apart as the emerging spoken word artist to watch in Chicago. No doubt!"

-Scott Chesebro, PHD
 

by the way...

Music Is…

Songwriting Is…

Dance Is…

Spoken Word Is...

Photography Is…

Art Is BonFIRE

Oct 2, 7-10 @ Promontory Point, Hosted by Tiff Beatty

Art is Bonfire- Oct 2nd @ Promontory Point

Art is Bonfire is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The August event was such a success that we have decided to do a "fall edition." This time the performers will be even HOTTER and the fire will be even BIGGER. This time around we will be encouraging people to bundle up, bring blankets, and don't forget hot apple cider!

Art is Bonfire is an alternative to the urban art and poetry scene that often takes place in private spaces within the boundaries imposed by industry gatekeepers, art administrators, business owners and even community partners.

Around a fire pit in a beautiful park on the South Side of Chicago, with the skyline as a backdrop, singers, poets, dancers, musicians and their friends come together to create, perform, and share energy without boundaries.

Art is Bonfire
Hosted by Tiff Beatty
Promontory Point
October 2, 2011
7-10PM

This is a free event. Donations are accepted.

Performing "Chicago Games" at the 1st Annual Poetry Set Reunion Picnic

Much <3 to The Chicago Poetry Alliance for putting this amazing event together!

September BGC book and cocktail of the month

September's Cocktail Selection: "The Upside of Life"

1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
... 1/2 oz vodka
1 lemon
1 tbspgrandilated sugar
1 tbsp pineapple liqueur
1/2 cup ice

AUGUST BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS Selection

August Cocktail: Love Potion #9
20 oz Kool-Aid® Cherry mix
8 oz vodka
...3oz white rum

Art Is Bonfire

BYOB

BYOArt

BYOS'mores

BYOSomething you want to burn in the fire!

Questions? Contact: tiffb.clarity@gmail.com

Truth

When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost
Joan Morgan

"Trying to capture the the voice of all that is young black female was impossible. My goal, instead, was to tell my truth as best I could from my vantage point on the spectrum. And then get you to talk about it. This book by its lonesome won’t give you the truth. Truth is what happens when your cumulative voices fill in the breaks, provide the remixes, and rework the chorus."

 intro.dress up, p. 26

BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS discussion last week of July!
Join us!

Where I'm From...253

Performing Strictly 4 My Bitches at Soul Restoration

Spoken Word Legend: Talaam Acey

Got the opportunity to see and meet this man last night at Soul Restoration.

"Spoken Word is the shit!"- Talaam Acey

Comedian Nate Jackson in Chicago (July 8,9)

Free Download: Not Enough Mics Vol 2

Free Download available at:

http://www.notenoughmics.com/



And catch up on Vol. 1 if you need to...


Free Download available at:

http://www.notenoughmics.com/

Poet's Quote of the Day:

"When I dare to be powerful and to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether or not I am afraid" -Audre Lorde

BGC July Book: When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost

Cocktail: Chicken Drop
1 part Jagermeister
1 part Peach Schnapps
1 part Orange Juice

Poet's quote of the day:

Many people have serious academic degrees but cannot find a job, and sadly their degrees are so limited that they cannot even think about how to create a job for themselves."
-Haki Madhubuti

The One: Dedicated to everyone who "came out" for Pride yesterday

Asylum Sundays is gonna be hott this summer!

Spoken Word: "Amateur Please"

This is me performing my poem, "Amateur Please" at Soul Restoration hosted by Deana Dean at Celeste. It goes down every Thursday at Soul Vegetarian East, 205 E 75th St 7pm-10pm.

Lenelle Moise is coming to the South Side

TUESDAYS at POW-WOW, Inc

Jeffrey Pub every Tuesday   

7041 S Jeffrey

8:00 - 10:30 PM 

$5 donation

Detroit: Save My City

Detroit: Save My City

Part 1 of the experimental documenty by Ivan Azaan

Check out the Save My City blog at http://www.savemycity.wordpress.com/ and more of Ivan's videos onYouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/IvanAzaan313.

Mixed-Race Presidents: The difference between Barack and I

“I think my dear brother Barack Obama has a certain fear of free black men,”  Cornel West says. “It’s understandable. As a young brother who grows up in a white context, brilliant African father, he’s always had to fear being a white man with black skin. All he has known culturally is white. He is just as human as I am, but that is his cultural formation. When he meets an independent black brother, it is frightening. And that’s true for a white brother. When you get a white brother who meets a free, independent black man, they got to be mature to really embrace fully what the brother is saying to them. It’s a tension, given the history. It can be overcome. Obama, coming out of Kansas influence, white, loving grandparents, coming out of Hawaii and Indonesia, when he meets these independent black folk who have a history of slavery, Jim Crow, Jane Crow and so on, he is very apprehensive. He has a certain rootlessness, a deracination. It is understandable.

Excerpt from:  http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_obama_deception_why_cornel_west_went_ballistic_20110516/

As an American of mixed-race (black and white) decent I have been dissapointed not only in President Barack Obama's lack of political fortitude on behalf of the underserved but also with his representation of his racial identity and honestly it wasn't until hearing Dr. West put his assessment of Obama's identity so bluntly that these dots connected so clearly for me.

On the 2010 US Census President Obama checked one box (black) for his racial identity and to me that said he wanted to portray his blackness first and foremost, but where/when did his "black" identity develop? Why not identify the African tribe of his father and the white class privilege passed down from his mother? Politics maybe?

I have read "Dreams From My Father" and though Barry told stories of playing ball with black homeboys in Hawaii and trouble dating a white woman in college,  not until he came to the South Side of Chicago to organize black people and eventually join them, at least in spirit, through the African-centered church he eventually "betrayed"on his way to the top (along with  Dr. West as he claims) did Barack Obama seem to learn the meaning of a collective black experience.

Growing up absent a Black American family, community, church.... in Hawaii, Indonesia, etc. I believe Barack did develop (and did not develop) certain tendencies and sensibilities that have gotten him to where he is currently, standing with the power based of our nation, old rich white men.

Personally, I have always known I was a "mixed girl". Growing up in racially integrated neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA, I knew my "black side" of the family and the "white side", and after my mom married my half-mexican step-father, I had the Spanish-speaking side that mostly lived down in California. I was never confused about where I wanted to eat Thanksgiving dinner, but it wasn't until I got to my predominantly white college campus and found myself leading the Black Student Union that I began seeing myself as primarily "Black." In that context, it was important for me to represent and promote "Black culture" because the campus was in desperate need of that leadership and I was seen by my peers as capable. I never would, nor could,  have taken on the presidency of our student body government. I left that task to my Samoan friend from Seattle, who I'm sure would admit felt more comfortable socially with the conservative white demographic, but even she struggled tremendously to find common ground. Unlike our nation's current president however, as student presidents, we had the humility and foresight to know we definitely couldn't do it alone. Cue college black female version of Dr. West to keep us in check (she knows who she is).

That experience taught me a lot about race, culture and my own identity as a mixed-race Black American. When I got to Chicago I picked up the rest from the art, poetry, sermons, and friendship of people like Jeremiah Wright, Jesse Jackson, Arvis Averette, Steven Saunders, Haki Madhubuti, Margaret Burroughs, M'Reld Green, and a brave Black brother I dated from Detroit.

Currently, I'm dating an amazing woman of European decent from suburban Michigan. My partner and I have challenging discussions about everything under the sun, including race, culture, and class but unlike Barack, my identity isn't threatened by the cross-racial relationship. I like to think it's beause really we're more similar than we are different. Maybe if Barack was more honest about his own identity, interests and fears, starting with himself, he would still have friends that challenged him like Dr. West and we could truly get to the bottom of this broken system.

WORD OF THE DAY: ASSIDUOUS

Assiduous [as·sid·u·ous] adj.  1. Constant in application or attention; diligent: "An assiduous worker who strove for perfection."  2. Unceasing; persistent: "Assiduous cancer research."

RIP Gil and Will

My God rest the souls of these two amazing poets and let their legacies live FOREVER...
Gil Scott Heron (1949- May 27, 2011) and Will Da Real One (?-May 29, 2011)

Are you not ENTERTAINED!?!!!!!???!!!!!!

Click to make larger

Strictly 4 My Bitches: Part 1 (Spoken Word Video)

May BGC Book: Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl

From Precious II For Colored Girls: The Black Image in the American Mind

April 26, 6:00pm Reception, 6:30pm Program
Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash, 1st Floor.
FREE


For the fifth year, the Institute partners with Rap Sessions: Community Dialogues, bringing a distinguished panel of scholars, journalists and activists for a townhall-style meeting addressing important issues in our communities.

Rap Sessions is led by critically-acclaimed journalist, activist, political analyst, and Institute Fellow, Bakari Kitwana.

This year's panel explores contemporary moments in popular culture and political debates where race, image and identity come center stage. Recent films like Precious, For Colored Girls, and TV shows like The Wire and Treme, as well as current political issues such as immigration and others, are among the hot button issues to be addressed in this context.

PANELISTS:
Elizabeth Méndez Berry (journalist and author, The Obama Generation, Revisited, featured in The Nation)
John Jennings (Professor, Visual Studies, SUNY Buffalo, and co-author of Black Comix: African American Independent Comix and Culture)
Joan Morgan (journalist, cultural critic, and author, When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost)
Mark Anthony Neal (Professor, Black Popular Culture, Duke University, and author of New Black Man)
Vijay Prashad (Director, International Studies, Trinity College, and author of The Darker Nations: A People’s History of The Third World).

Moderated by: Bakari Kitwana

What BGC is reading in April...

Buy it now at: http://www.amazon.com/Bitch-New-Black-Helena-Andrews/dp/0061778826

Join BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS. on Facebook today!

GRIPS Organization (Tacoma-based mentoring program)

Girls Reclaiming Individual Purpose in Society (GRIPS) Organization is a faith-based mentorship program that benefits teenage girls in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. GRIPS organization seeks to build self-esteem, academic acheivement and cultural experiences within young women who face unique challenges through mentorship, socialization, volunteer opportunities, cultural experiences and other resources.

Email:	gripswa@gmail.com

Check out the GRIPS website at: http://www.gripswa.org/

Add GRIPS to your friends on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100002304515473

Go here to "Like" GRIPS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Grips-Organization/208875742463978

WORD OF THE DAY: FALLACIOUS

Definition of FALLACIOUS

1 embodying a fallacy <a fallacious conclusion>

2 tending to deceive or mislead : delusive

— fal·la·cious·ly adverb

— fal·la·cious·ness noun

MC Lyte: Lyte as a Rock Lyrics

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 3X]

[Milk]
Do you understand the metaphoric phrase 'Lyte as a Rock?'
It's explaining, how heavy the young lady is
You know what I'm saying King?

[King of Chill]
Yes my brother, but I would consider 'Lyte as a Rock'
a simile because of the usage of the word 'as'
And now.. directly from the planet of Brooklyn
MC Lyte -- as a Rock!

[MC Lyte]
Must I say it again, I said it before
Move out the way when I'm comin through the door
Me, heavy? As Lyte as a Rock
Guys watch, even some of girls clock
Step back, it ain't that type of party
No reply if you ain't somebody
Get out my face, don't wanna hear no more
If you hate rejection, don't try to score
First base? You ain't got what it takes
You smile, you wink, you big fake flake
You're so pathetic you make my stomach turn
You beg, you borrow, now you have to learn

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 2X]

[MC Lyte]
Lyte as a Rock, or I should say a boulder
Rolling down your neck, pounding on your shoulders
Never shall I be an emcee, called a wannabe
I am the Lyte, L-Y-T-E
This is the way it is, don't ever forget
Hear the rhyme by someone else and you know they bit
All in the way, just little obstacles
Chew em up, spit em out, just like popsicles
Suckers out of my way, we're not on the same wavelength
I show stability, potential and strength
On the other hand, you are weak and unruly
Could never be a spy, cause you're just a plain stoolie

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 2X]

[MC Lyte]
I'm a slave, I'm a slave, I'm a slave to the rhythm
Def rhymes on the micraphone is what I'm givin
Yes I am a Rock and you are just a pebble
Milk turn up the base, and Rock adjust the levels
If a rap can paint a thousand words then I can paint a million
Wait, Lyte is capable of paintin a bazillion raps
So when I say it, this is what I mean
Audio Two an alliance on the scene
and I'd like to say whassup to my producer King of Chill
Party people are you ready, jam if you will
Never underestimate Lyte the Emcee; I am a rapper who is here
to make the things the way they're meant to be
The World Ultimate, I'm here to take the title
but I had a little trouble upon, my arrival
But I got rid of those who, tried to rock me
Lyte is here, no one can stop me

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 2X]

[MC Lyte]
There are Hip-Hop leaders, this you know
We also have, hip-hoppers that follow
By the tone of my voice, you can tell I am a scholar
I'm also the leader of the hip-hop followers
Now get this, I'm at a jam and I'm rockin it
Suckers like a checkerboard, when black is clockin it
The grace as I ease across the stage
Bars around the audience, sort of like a cage
They laugh, cause they assume I'm in prison
but in reality, they're locked in
Once again I'll state that I can't be stopped
cause yo, I am as Lyte, as, Rock!

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 6X]

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 4X]

I am the Lyte "a-a-a-a-a-a-as-as-a-rock" L-Y, L-L-Y-T-E
[repeat 4X to fade]

March's BGC is a classic: "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

This month we are reading Toni Morrison's first novel, the Nobel Prize winning "The Bluest Eye. Join BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS for more info and to participate: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=182945245061768

Purchase "The Bluest Eye" at your local bookstore or on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Bluest-Eye-Vintage-International/dp/0307278441/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300212791&sr=8-1

ALSO, its time to start making suggestions for April's book! Any literary work by a female author is welcome. ;-)

Judithe Hernandez: Adam and Eve Series

http://judithehernandez.com/adam_eve_new.aspx

This series is just a sample of many powerful pieces in the Judith Hernandez exhibit at the NMMA.

La Vida Sobre Papel

curated by Dolores Mercado

National Museum of Mexican Art

January 21 through May 1, 2011

Through the female figure, Hernández explores the themes of violence and femicide while making references to love, seduction, and Mexican popular culture. Since the late 1960s, she has been fundamental in the Chicano art movement, and was the only woman in the influential collective Los Four.

Gallery Tour & Conversation

Friday, April 15, 12-2pm at the museum.

Staceyann Chin's Poem About Equality & Our March

BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS is an international network of women dedicated to collectively reading and discussing the works of engaging female authors.

Here's how it works:...
1. Each month the members of BGC (invited via FACEBOOK) choose a book and correlating cocktail to post as an event on FB. Toward the middle to end of every reading cycle BGC members should post a suggested book (title and description) and correlating cocktail. The book for the next month will be chosen based on the amount of "likes" each post receives.

2. Each BGC member who joins the event should immiediately purchase and begin reading the book for that month and ALSO invite ALL of her female friends to the event as well as post a status and tag BOOKS.GIRLS.COCKTAILS.

3. As each BGC member reads the book they should post a statuses about BGC and the book (please tag the event: this will allow the post to be viewed on your page and news feed as well as on the page of the event.)

4. At the end of the month, local cohorts should plan a social gathering for more in-depth discussion and fun. (the event should include the book's "theme cocktail" AND lots of pictures to post!)

5. We will read 1 book every 30 days. It's not too late to start reading and participating!
*February's book is "The Other Side of Paradises" by Staceyann Chin our cocktail is Jamacian Fizz. The Chicago cohort will get together:

Thurs March 3 @ 7:000PMJa'Grill Restaurant and Lounge
1008 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Who's coming?!?

Any other regions planning to meet?

If you haven't finished (or started) the book, catch up! Make sure you've done your reading though because it will be a lively discussion and there will be a trivia with prizes to win.

ALSO, its time pick our book for March so we need all BGC Members to post a suggestion and vote on (like) your favorite choice! Remember the book just needs to be written by a female author.

Black History Month Video pick

song: "History" by Jay Z

Questions to my subscribers: Was  the election of Obama the beginning of a new era? Or maybe an indicator that we are post-race? What does black history look like today?

What kind of name is Che??!

More specifically, what kind of name is Che for a rapper?

Che "Rhymefest" Smith, named for the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, addressed the matter, stating:

"When you have a name, a real name, like Che, it's definitely something, whether you want to or not, something that you have to live up to. How could I be named Che and then do all songs about dancing in the club and who got the fattest ass? That would be an oxymoron to who I am. I think there's something very important in a name. So I think when we name ourselves and name our children, I think we have to think about what the future will look like. I named my son Solomon, and when people look at him they say, "Oh, Solomon, the wise king," and I think he's growing into that role. It's evident even in hip-hop. You see people who are Lil' this and Young that. What do they do? They act just like their name dictates."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhymefest

I had the pleasure of meeting Che Smith (who is running for Alderman of Chicago's 20th Ward) and some of his colleagues today at a panel discussion hosted by the Inner-city Muslim Action Network (IMAN) at the University of Chicago. The topic was Hip Hop, Spirituality and the Politics of Change, also featuring were Brother Ali, Cap D, Jacinda Bullie, & Suad Abdul-Khabeer.

It was a very enlightening experience about a  topic I think about often. It actually reminded me a lot of a speech I presented last summer at the Act Six National Conference, but the difference was that my audience and I were operating under a lot of Christian worldview assumptions. The guest speakers in this conversation all recognized and seemed to influenced by the Christian context of America  but identified as Muslim. This was a refreshing opportunity to think about how diverse America and the Hip Hop community is.

Hip Hop is a name like Che. It is well-known around the world and just as controversial as it is popular. It defines and is redefined by every generation to which it is passed down.

Where does your name come from? What will you name your children?

Far Away (music video)/It Gets Better (movement)

"Far Away"
by Marsha Ambrosius

The world is CHANGING and it calls for more COURAGE, LOVE, and UNDERSTANDING than ever before.

Personally, I really enjoyed Marsha Ambrosius' song and video! I was not at all distracted by the gay couple, but I have to recognize that the relationship and the consequences of intolerance toward it is something that many of us are not quite ready to embrace. A friend of mine posed the question if an openly gay relationship has ever been portrayed in a black American music video before??? Other than Lady Gaga, I don't know how much has been explored at all in the mainstream media on the topic...I expect this is only the beginning though!


It terms of activism, many of us know how big of a role Lady Gaga played in getting people involved in the movement to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell and ironically the "Black Lady Gaga," Nicki Minaj spoke out about suicide among youth with "alternative lifestyles" due to bullying in her album acknowledgments (yes, I'm a fan and I read the whole thing!) ;-)

The repeal of DADT was an inspiring step for our country, but as individuals we still have to do our part every single day to make this a more free world for everyone...

"Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them."

http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

Quote of the Day

"With it all, I cannot help being overwhelmed by self-doubts. I hope there is something worthy in my writings
and not merely the novelty of a black face associated with the power to rhyme that has attracted attention.”
-Paul Laurence Dunbar

Celebrate the King (Chicago MLK Weekend Options)

Just wanted to give my local peeps some info on options for celebrating MLK weekend. I'll be hitting the DuSable Museum and of course Asylum Sunday's MLK Slam (See previous post) so I recommend those but there's plenty to do so do something in the memory of our fallen leader. Post your events if you know some that aren't listed here:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Day Possible Events – January 2011

University of Chicago MLK Commemoration Service

Friday, January 14^th, 3:30PM

Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street

Free

http://event.uchicago.edu/maincampus/detail.php?guid=CAL-402882f8-2cc682dc-012c-cd83d292-000001d3eventscalendar@uchicago.edu

Celebrate Dr. King's legacy as the start of the University of Chicago's Black Heritage Celebration.  Keynote Address: Judith Jamison, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Reception to follow at Ida Noyes Hall.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast: "Fierce Angels: Women in the Civil Rights Movement"

Monday, January 17^th 8:30AM

Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 120

Free

studentaffairs.depaul.edu/cip | (773) 325-7759         

 Keynote address by Elaine Brown, the first female head of the Black Panther Party. Theatrical interpretation performed by the Theatre School.

        

All the "Beloved Community": Embracing GLBT Rights as Central to the Struggle for Civil Rights

Monday, January 17^th 10AM-2:30PM

DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005

Free

College of Law Diversity Committee | scho@depaul.edu | (312) 362-8082

An exploration of the intersection between gay rights and civil rights. Screening of "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin" begins at 10 a.m. Keynote addresses by Professors Darren Hutchinson and Russell Robinson begin at 11:50 a.m.

Taylor Park Dr. King Celebration

Monday, January 17^th 9AM-4PM

39 W. 47th St, 60609

$7

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/events.detail/object_id/69fa9fa4-5cca-4577-8eec-6e918d29ede4/instance_object_id/acabaf19-32af-4c36-96cd-f611a678bd68/park/BDDC8CF3-3327-4921-8EAF-00DC54DE688B.cfm

School is out and children ages 6-12 years can enjoy a daylong celebration featuring sports, games and performances.  This holiday honors the life and contributions of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality. The Chicago Park District offers a number of events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on this great nation.

Dr. King Celebration @ DuSable Museum

            Monday, January 17^th 10AM-5PM

            740 East 56th Place, 60637

            $10 for adults

            http://www.dusablemuseum.org/events/details/2011-dr.-king-day-celebration/

The DuSable Museum of African American History will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and The Civil Rights Movement during our annual Dr. King Day Celebration! The day will be filled with live performances, storytelling, films, food and activities for the entire family. The theme for the 2011 celebration is “COMMUNITY.”

MLK Day of Service with City Year Chicago

Monday, January 17^th 8:15AM-3PM

945 West 69^th Street, Chicago IL

Free

http://www.cityyear.org/chicago

This year make it a day on not a day off. Join City Year Chicago in renovating three schools in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood with murals, painting, and construction projects.

Check-in and Opening Ceremony will be held at The Salvation Army, 945 West 69th Street, Chicago, IL
You must preregister for event online at: http://www.cityyear.org/chicago_ektid1987.aspx
Lunch will be provided. Please dress for both service and the weather. We will be marching to the service sites from our Opening Ceremony location.
Positive can-do attitude a must!

           

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Evening Lecture: "In Defense of Our Boys"

Monday, January 17^th 6PM

St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave.

Free

Center for Intercultural Programs | studentaffairs.depaul.edu/cip | (773) 325-7759

Keynote address by Elaine Brown, the first female head of the Black Panther Party.

Looking Back, Looking Out, Moving Forward: A Ten Year (Retro)Perspective Of Black Life and Socialization

Monday, January 17^th 5:30PM-7:30PM

DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Concourse Level

Free

School for New Learning African Diaspora Committee | dtollive@depaul.edu | (312) 362-8199

An interactive discussion looking at the state of black life and socialization in light of the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Participants include three local leaders whose words and deeds have influenced people in Chicago, the nation and the world.

Thanks Jess Junke for compiling this list!

Competing in my first slam competition (this Sunday)

Word of the Day

ses·qui·pe·da·li·an

 /ˌsɛskwɪpɪˈdeɪliən, -ˈdeɪlyən/ Show Spelled[ses-kwi-pi-dey-lee-uhn, -deyl-yuhn]  

–adjective Also, ses·quip·e·dal  /sɛsˈkwɪpɪdl/ Show Spelled[ses-kwip-i-dl]  

1.

given to using long words.

2.

(of a word) containing many syllables.

–noun

3.

a sesquipedalian word.