Hip-Hop Theatre Festival, Commonwealth, Black History's History, Social Atelier & TED's Sir Ken Robinson

Hip-Hop + Theater = Goodness

A month ago I was in church and a guest pastor was delivering his sermon. All in all he was pretty good but something he said kind of rubbed me the wrong way. He had a 5-8 minute monologue about language and more specifically how young kids have butchered the English language with slang. His examples (rather out-dated) were "bad meaning good", "dope meaning exceptional" and the phrase "sick, crazy dude" meaning a guy who is remarkably impressive. Funny, right? Some what. Although the entire church laughed and enjoyed his jokes about slang and his admittance to being out of the loop I realized that the entire church congregation was made of people at and over over the age of 40. Then something happened. When the pastor continued with another anecdote he said the word sucker-- "sucka" to be exact.

The inquisitive cultural observer and challenger of authority in me quickly pulled out my phone, got online and looked up the definition of sucker.

Sucker- A shoot which arises from an underground shoot or root of a plant. He didn't use sucker in that context. Here's the definition of sucker the pastor was referring to; Sucker- Slang: any person or thing.

I was shocked {and delighted} that the pastor who just finished passionately politicking about how we should denounce the use of slang and how we should come together as a country to reclaim our common language {which isn't really ours anyway much like everything else in this country} just dropped a big ole slang bomb without it even occurring to him he did so.

That's when it hit me. The issue wasn't with the use of slang, it was with the use and creation of slang words he doesn't understand. It wasn't a slang thing at all it was a generational thing. This chasm between my generation and the pastor's isn't anything new but I am impressed at how one organization in particular is bridging the generational gap in an artistic way-- the Hip-Hop Theater Festival. I know the theater may not be for every one but I would like to think that the number of potential theater-goers in my generation would increase if they knew depictions of relevant subject matter was being created and performed with them in mind. That's the beauty of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival.



I found out about this amazing initiative while watching Current TV {if you aren't watching Current by now you have missed the train} and my mouth hit the floor. I was so drawn to the connection this organization was making between hip-hip culture {CULTURE people not the corney "bling-bling, make it rain, rolling on dubs" simpleton antics crammed down our throats over radio stations} and performance art. To me the strength of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival is their understanding of their target. They work with and speak to members of the hip-hop generation while serving the young, urban communities across the U.S and around the world. Check out the website to learn more and if you have a short attention span jump over to the Hip-Hop Festival Current TV pod. Lazy rascal.


Commonwealth: Anything but Common

Anyone who knows me KNOWS I likes to look good which means I pay attention to clothes. All kinds. Personally I call my style "Project Preppy" because I switch it up from jeans and sneaks to loafers and a vest any day and pull it off everyday. Of course I stuck out like a sore thumb in my little small town and there really weren't too many places to shop so we all ways hit the malls up in VA. I wish Commonwealth was open then.




Commonwealth {owned and operated by cousins} is a fly retail space in downtown Norfolk, VA {not even an hour from my hometown} and they also have a spot in Washington D.C. If you value eclectic pieces, original design and underground street fashion labels then Commonwealth is the spot for you. In addition to dressing those who love to dress {including me in the near future} they also hold events so if you're in the area check them out. There is also a great interview of one of the co-founders {Omar Quiambao} written by Michael Bercasio with Inquiringmind Magazine. It's a great read so check it out and get your browse on at the same time.

VA stand up!!!


Black History's History

I, for one, don't relegate the accomplishments and contributions of my people to this country to 28 days {or 29 depending on the year}. I always find a way to celebrate Black history everyday. Hell, I even started the Black History Quiz Bowl at my high school {whether they continue it or not I don't know but your boy is to thank for that one *wink*}. Much to my surprise I was slightly disappointed and ashamed at how little I knew about the origins of Black History Month itself.

This is when my good friend Current TV {I told y'all don't sleep on Current} stepped in and gave me the rundown on the come up that was Negro History Day, then Negro History Week and eventually Black History Month. Check it out.




Social Atelier: Fashion as Change Agent

I've already confessed my affinity for fresh clothing {see Commonwealth} but the combination of fresh clothes and social change makes elbj a very happy boy. Social Atelier is a company that uses fashion to increase social awareness and increase change pertaining to key issues facing our culture(s) today like war, AIDS, global warming and poverty. The SA donates a portion of their proceeds to certain causes and this season's proceeds of SA sales will be donated to the Solar Cooker Project. "This project significantly improves the safety and survival of women in the refugee camps by alleviating the need for them to go out and seek cooking fuel, an action that puts them at severe risk for assault, rape, and even death. (http://www.socialatelier.com/Awarness.html)".

Check out video of Social Atelier's latest collection. Social Atelier is an example of social entrepreneurship and fashion at its best...that is until I step onto the scene. Y'all ain't ready for that yet.





TED & Sir Ken Robinson

I have to admit when I heard about TED I thought it was some dude who had an amazing ego and demanded people spell his name with all upper case letters. Don't ask where I got that from. Much to my delight TED is far from that. TED has been going on since 1984 and stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Since inception TED has been an organization and conference which brought bright minds from all three of those fields together to share their wisdom. Over the years what started as a humble conference has turned into a global powerhouse of intellectual, cultural, technological and inspirational resources. I really want to go to TEDAfrica later this year...hopefully a brother can get his pockets right. {Yeah I said it}.




Yesterday a good friend of mine {whatsup RoRo!!} sent me a link to someone who has the potential of being my next Man Crush {see last post}. A midst a daydream, reading about flood insurance and customizing my Legos Sir Ken Robinson {right} inspired me with his talk of children, creativity, intelligence and how we, as a people, teach the creativity out of our most precious resource. He was speaking my language and I watched his video 5 times in a row. It's the bomb but don't take my word for it. See for yourself. I may have to induct Sir Ken into The Genius Syndicate Hall of Fame.


If you are one who is motivated by insight and inspired by truth then you will absolutely enjoy what Sir Ken and the rest of the TED Talks have to offer.






Quote of the Day

“A fully functional multiracial society cannot be achieved without a sense of history and open, honest dialogue.”

-Dr. Cornel West

Barack Obama: My First Politican Man-Crush

A friend of mine helped me come to terms with what she called a "man crush" I have on Senator Obama. It never registered with me before but now in hindsight all the signs were there. I was just too smitten to take notice.

Everyday, for the past month and a half, I consciously spent at least 30 minutes reading articles on CNN.com, the NY Times.com and Reuters.com and listening to commentary about Barack Obama (his primary wins, endorsements from high profile Americans and campaign fund raising, strengths, weaknesses, appeal, etc.) and I can't help but get excited. Right now I'm flipping through a slideshow of the Obama campaign South Carolina primary win and its amazing to see the make-up of the crowd. Diverse in every way: age, gender and especially race. Its true that this man has managed to tap into the core of our generation and its beyond remarkable. I say all of this to say that Barack Obama is one of those majestic black men that we've heard about but never really seen in the public eye.

In the midst of "ambitious drug dealer turned music star", "the tragic hero ex-con", 'the marching civil rights celebrity", "angry brother man", "keeping it real dude", "black when it suites me" guy, "the professional athlete", the "I got mine so you get yours" black millionaire, "post millennium pimp" and other "characters" of black manhood I am ecstatic that Barack has elevated beyond the stereotyped limits of what a black man is "supposed" to be and has affixed himself (and those around him) to the blessing of what a black man may become. He's the manifestation of activated positive potential. This brother is bad.

Like Toni Morrison said, "In addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which, coupled with brilliance, equals wisdom."

Do your thing B.

-elbj

Okay enough pole riding. To see how B has managed to blanket pop culture to become the poster child of change agents, no pun intended, {you'll get it when you scroll down} check out what's below.

Roy Powell, 19, a first-time voter, called Barack Obama "humble and approachable."

Photo: Damon Winter/The New York Times

One of two Shepard Fairey designed posters of Barack Obama.
















Barack Obama designed Air Force Ones by Van Taylor Monroe. This kat seriously needs a store.









A Barack valentine card. Its sold out already so don't even think about trying to order any. Check out the Chicagoist for more Barack art or... "Barart".

Come on, you know it was coming.

One of many Barack themed tshirts over at Cafepress.com. No, I'm serious. There are over 13,000 designs and they're reasonably priced. Pick one up.

Shout out to Michelle O!

Kehinde Wiley, Free Rice, Best Cities for Young Professionals, Colin Munroe, Freezing Grand Central and Events 101

Kehinde Wiley: Remixing Fine Art

I first witnessed the amazing talent that is Kehinde Wiley when I was living in Brooklyn. He executed portraits of the honorees for VH1's 2005 Hip Hop Honors and each piece was displayed {as posters} at certain subway stations. I was blown away. I damn near missed my train because I was hypnotized by his attention to detail and his ability to add a new dimension to the black image via art and imagery. I also had a chance to see a real piece of his work at a First Friday function at the Brooklyn Museum. It was refreshing to see all types of people admiring Kehinde's "Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps" {below}.

Mr. Wiley has been featured in countless magazines and I was not surprised when I caught a pod about him and his art on Current TV. He's truly remarkable and I highly suggest you {friends, family, significant other, etc.} check out Mr. Wiley and his work if you have the chance. He's a gifted brother who is, truly, making art everyone can appreciate.



Free Rice...with some Vocabulary on the Side

I have to admit the first time I played this game I ended up donating over 2,600 grains of free rice to the United Nations World Food Program. Let me explain. Free Rice is a website that simply allows you to fight the plague of world hunger while building your vocabulary. It's your simple vocabulary guessing game that helps you step up your word game AND for every correct answer Free Rice donates 20 grains of rice to the United Nations. Real talk. Help people, around the world, eat and obtain prodigious palaver in the process. That's right, a brother has been getting his Free Rice on. Give it a try.




Young Professionals...move here.

In this order: New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Boston, Seattle, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Denver round out Forbes' list for the top 10 cities for young professionals. I can personally vouch for New York and Atlanta. "he list was compiled by tracking where the graduates of top universities across the country ended up 10 years after commencement, where the best business opportunities exist, which cities had the most young and unmarried people, and which cities paid young professionals the best. {Matt Woolsey, Forbes.com}. This is good information for any recent graduate/young professional to know but what about young professionals of color? Don't worry. I got you.

This may be a little unorthodox {and completely qualitative and subjective on my part} but I managed to find Black Enterprise's 2007 Best 10 Cities for African Americans to Work, Live and Play and decided to cross reference it with the Forbes list to give you an indication of the best cities for young professionals of color. Atlanta and Washington D.C are the stand out cities but if you {or someone you know} aren't feeling these cities look into Texas because locations like Houston and Dallas may be more your speed. No matter where you stay {or relocate} just make sure you put forth the effort to make it work for you. Your first city after school isn't, most likely, going to be your last city so put your best foot forward to make everyone know your name {in a positive way....please be in a positive way}.



Colin Munroe: The Dopest "Flashing Lights" Remix in the Game

Imagine my ding dang surprise when my brother told me that a white dude from Canada had the fliest remix of "Flashing Lights" {by Kanye West} out right now. Now before you go all "We are the World" on me I have nothing against white people but you have to admit that they have stepped up their swagger tremendously in the past 20 years.

I'm not talking about the corney Paul Walls or white people who try to imitate black culture. No, I'm talking about the people who are just effortlessly cool and manage to slide in and out of swaggerdom like sliding in and out of underwear {maybe that metaphor isn't as classy and it sounded in my head, no?} This is the vibe you get from Colin Munroe when you check out his version of "Flashing Lights" titled "I Want Those Flashing Lights".

To me, Colin showed a lot of these rap kats how to do a remix properly. Its more than just dropping your lyrics {however executed} over the existing beat. Colin made this joint his OWN and it's Hot....even the video is hot. You really can't be mad at him and his team. Toronto, Canada stand up!! To find out more about Colin and his music check out his Myspace page and check out the "I Want Those Flashing Lights" video while you're at it.


Freezing Grand Central

This is why I will always be madly in love with New York City. This is probably why people consider me an eccentric individual but I still think this is cool as hell. A group of people in NYC got together and decided to freeze in place for a short period of time in the middle of Grand Central Station. They didn't move at all. Not an inch. The whole thing shook some bystanders up and others were completely amazed. After the two minutes were up all of the frozen participants resumed to their prior activities as if nothing had ever happened. You have to see it to appreciate it. Check it out.





Events 101

Hopefully everyone had a banging New Year's celebration to welcome in 2008. Did you bring in the New Year in church? In an intimate setting with that significant other? A party? Most likely everyone was in some type of party atmosphere and there is one thing about a party that rings true...either it’s the bomb {remarkable} or a dud. Sure, when holding one there is pressure to organize and pull off a one-of-a-time kick-ass event but imagine if you had to do it on a weekly basis for a group of people who have come to expect the real deal and will call you out on your -ish if you 'effed up.


That's what today's Guest Genius, Lorna Pinckney {center}, does in Richmond, Virginia at Tuesday Verses: Open Mic Experience. By day Lorna is the CEO of Upside Promotions and Design by night she holds the creative and soulful heart of Richmond in her hands by giving musical and poetic artists the venue to share their passion and hone their craft in front of an amazing audience {all while eating banging food}. Lorna is going to give us the insight to creating, organizing, executing and maintaining a great event that resonates and inspires as well as entertains.

TGS: What was your inspiration for creating Tuesday Verses?

LP: I’m originally from Brooklyn and in Brooklyn culture and music is every where, like all on the radio, and I realized there wasn’t too much of that in Richmond. There wasn’t too much creative thought going on that actually helped people get through their day. And even if there was something like that going on in Richmond it was for the older crowd—nothing for the younger crowd and it was driving me crazy. I found myself complaining about it a lot and one day I was with my friends Paul and Rich and I said, “I’m going to create my own space.” Rich said, “You should. You do that every where you go anyway.” Soon after that we had Soul Kitchen at the Captain’s Grill. People came from Chicago, New York, D.C and Atlanta. The Fuzz Band eventually became the house band and John Goode {the traveling poet} put the word out about Soul Kitchen to all of his people and because of him I had people calling me from all over. The first night was crazy! We had poets from B-more, Cali, a young (very young) John Bibbs and people were lined up outside. A few of them didn’t get in. The mix of people was hot—young, old, black folks, white folks, Hispanic and especially Hispanic musicians. That was the only spot where so many different kinds of people came together. I did it for a year and it was packed every time. The spot ended up closing and I started getting calls from the owner of Tropical Soul. She was ecstatic about me holding an event at her place. Tropical Soul is smaller than the Captain’s Grill so I knew that I had to do something different for black people of all ages to hang out and be comfortable and that’s how I came up with Tuesday Verses.

TGS: How long has Tuesday Verses been running?

LP: 5 1/2 years. It’ll be 6 this August.

TGS: What steps did you take to ensure your event would be a success?

LP: To me there are two kinds of event planners/promoters—those who just want to make money and those who just love it. I’m the second one. I try to make experiences that others like me would want. It’s like a mutual fantasy. I want people to be amazed and committed. When you’re planning an event you want people to come and leave that way (amazed and committed). This only works if you love making events. When you use money as a priority it limits you. When you love events you try to be unique. It’s a vision you work hard to create just like music and art.

TGS: How important was it for you to understand your audience?

LP: In terms of getting to know my audience I went with my gut. You can find out all of the demo stuff but it’s not enough. You have to be out with the people for you to figure out what they’re lacking and what to give them. The event is still your personal creation but it can’t happen without the audience’s participation. Your vision is different from some others out there. What ever event you make it should provide people with what they are lacking. Some people go to parties because it gives them what they are missing. It’s all emotionally driven though. Tuesday Verses is based off of love. I can get up on stage and sing the ABC’s and they'll (the audience) be just fine with it.

TGS: On average, how many visitors does Tuesday Verses have a week?

LP: About 100 to 150. Those 50 can’t get in so they just stand outside.

TGS: Diverse audience or like-minded audience, which is better?

LP: Diverse. You can’t learn if everyone is the same. We {audience} all love music. Now I do want black people, don’t get me wrong but we need a place where people from all backgrounds come and get a long. That’s tough to get in Richmond.

TGS: Is location important to you? Why or why not?

LP: Location is key. It’s everything. It’s so important. You can’t have something at the end of the Earth and there must be enough parking. The venue has to support you 100%. Promotion is key. {Show} Format is key. Vision is key. Information of what to expect should be clear before someone arrives. No one should be guessing.

TGS: How has hosting and facilitating a weekly event affected your organization skills?

LP: I can pretty much handle what ever is thrown my way at this point. It’s like having a child. I have to feed it, nurture it and make sure it has enough money. I usually go in an hour and a half early to make sure everything is in order from lighting candles, seat arrangements, stacking fliers and newsletters.

TGS: How often do you rely on your people/client relation skills? Has your people skills/client relation skills changed since Tuesday Verses began?

LP: I’ve become very diplomatic. When you’re communicating your vision to people who may not understand it you have to work at being more patient and not snobbish. Patience is really important because when someone does something outside of your vision that can be a problem. You have to be tolerant. You have to make sure you have the right people on the right jobs. If it’s the wrong person then your vision is compromised.

TGS: In your words, what does the audience get out of a Tuesday Verses show?

LP: Love, inspiration, acceptance, camaraderie, intellectual growth and a drive to be better people in their own personal lives. We always talk about making growth in whatever area people focus on. We create a family structure where you have support and they always inspire you to keep going.

TGS: Describe how Verses has grown since inception and how you’ve adapted along the way?

LP: The responsibility of the venue has grown because it’s become so personal for me and others. I have people who drive from D.C and the Tidewater {Virginia} area twice a month and need for us to be there and they need for us to be open no questions asked. Tuesday Verses has changed from a place where they come to feel good to a spot you come before you flip out. We had a guy come in who was a thug and he never had anyone show him you can be a man without being a thug. He has grown as a person because of his participation with the event. It’s {Verses} become a spiritual platform. Men have proposed to wives there. People change their minds not to commit suicide and people have told me that Verses has helped them get a long. Verses has turned into a place where they can bring their issues, get it off their chest through song or poem. Every week I meet someone who says “I don’t’ know what I’d do if you didn’t hold this event every Tuesday.” It ends up ministering to people. There’s a spiritual piece it didn’t have before. I’ll go in with a plan and I have to change it immediately because I realize that people need to be inspired. I have to change my plan to give them what they are looking for.

TGS: Where do you see Verses in the next 5 years?

LP: I would love to tour. I want to hold a Tuesday Verses in surrounding states. I’ve heard that nothing like this even exists in this region and although there may be shows with similar formats they’re not the same. I want to put out an album of Verses music so people at home can experience what we do. I want us to get people to creatively fix their problems and not get too caught up in life and complaining about it. Instead of complaining I want people to express why they are upset creatively. Saying you hate your job isn’t going to change anything but if you can sing about it or write a poem about why you hate your job then that’s a whole different story and that’s something others can learn from. What you do can end up inspiring other people.

Thanks to Lorna for being today's Guest Genius and if you find yourself in the Richmond area on a Tuesday night feel free to check out Tuesday Verses at Tropical Soul, 314 N. 2nd Street Richmond, VA {804} 771-1605.

Quote of the Day

"If I told you a duck could pull a truck shut up and hook the muthaf*cka up!"

-Jerome from Martin