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?
2.17.2011
2.10.2011
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:
University of Chicago
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 diverseAmerica
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?
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 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
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?
1.20.2011
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/1.14.2011
1.13.2011
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:
Thanks Jess Junke for compiling this list!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Possible Events – January 2011
University of Chicago MLK Commemoration Service
Friday, January 14th, 3:30PM
Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street
Free
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 17th 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 17th 10AM-2:30PM
DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005
Free
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 17th 9AM-4PM
39 W. 47th St, 60609
$7
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 17th 10AM-5PM
740 East 56th Place, 60637
$10 for adults
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 17th 8:15AM-3PM
Free
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!
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 17th 6PM
St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave.
Free
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 17th 5:30PM-7:30PM
DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Concourse Level
Free
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!
1.11.2011
Word of the Day
ses·qui·pe·da·li·an
[ses-kwi-pi-dey-lee-uhn, -deyl-yuhn]
kwɪ
–adjective Also, ses·quip·e·dal [ses-kwip-i-dl]
1.
given to using long words.
2.
(of a word) containing many syllables.
–noun
3.
a sesquipedalian word.
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