Morphological Confetti

Obama's headed to Ghana

2009-07-10T10:09:00.007-04:00

US President Barak Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Sasha and Malia are set to arrive in Accra, Ghana late Friday evening. On Saturday, July 11, the Obama family is scheduled to have breakfast with Ghanaian President, John Atta Mills. Afterwards, President Barack Obama will address the Ghanaian parliament on development and democracy. The Obama family will then fly to visit the Cape Coast Castle (aka Slave Castles), which holds the dungeons that are connected to many African Americans and Africans in the Diaspora. It is the former headquarters of the British slave trade in West Africa.

So, this will be a very important trip for the Obama family. Yes, it is official US business, but a trip like this has to especially touch the First Lady, Michele Obama, who is a direct descendant of Sub Saharan Africa. I’m wondering how she will handle facing the horror that her ancestors faced with the Cape Coast Castle dungeons? There are many who have passed out in grief or simply sobbed at the sight of the place.

Well, nevertheless, this should be a nice trip for the president and his family. It will also be a great visit for the people of Ghana. They are very excited for the arrival of America’s first African family. Go see…

Historical confetti:

Here is a link to the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana.

Sources: ecadforum.com, thisislondon.co.uk, and theviproom.com

Michael Jackson: A Crook and a Memory

2009-06-26T12:26:00.007-04:00

I’ve had a "crook" in my neck ever since I heard the news about Michael Jackson's death. No, MJ’s news alone didn’t give me this "crook." After hearing about MJ, I got a call that an extended family member died of a heart attack as well and on the same day. I don’t know what hour, but the same day; I couldn’t believe it! The first news about MJ caused tension in my right shoulder as I listened to the report on CNN and I thought back over the past couple of months and remembered having thoughts of him dying. Don’t ask me why? My wife asked the same question, but I thought of MJ dying and how terrible it would be. Anyway, the tension and stiffness begin to ease a little as I watched his famous “Rock with You” video on BET – That song and video are both classics.

So, as I mentioned, I got the news about the extended family member yesterday as well. The news caused my head drop into my chest as tension went up the back of my neck. By the way, I distinguish him as “extended” family member because he wasn’t my uncle, but I felt kin. He grew up with my father and uncle and his mother used to bake homemade biscuits in her kitchen with fresh apricot preserves. She would feed me and tell me how she used to feed my father and uncle in that very kitchen. All of these things were part of my memory growing up in North Carolina -- Michael Jackson's music, Motown, Ms. Willie Anne's homemade buscuits, etc. Those memories and experiences helped to shape who I am today and they have inspired me to love, dream, and love some more. They are the reason that I love to write because through writing I am able to keep those memories alive. Meanwhile, despite this "crook" in my neck I'll have to do as Nina Simone suggested and "get busy living." I thank God for His mercy, grace, and life. Amen.

George Moses Horton: The Black Bard

2009-06-19T11:41:00.007-04:00

THE SLAVE'S COMPLAINT

Am I sadly cast aside,
On misfortune's rugged tide?
Will the world my pains deride
Forever?

Must I dwell in Slavery's night,
And all pleasure take its flight,
Far beyond my feeble sight,
Forever?

Worst of all, must Hope grow dim,
And withhold her cheering beam?
Rather let me sleep and dream
Forever!

Something still my heart surveys,
Groping through this dreary maze;
Is it Hope?--then burn and blaze
Forever!

Leave me not a wretch confined,
Altogether lame and blind--
Unto gross despair consigned,
Forever!

Heaven! in whom can I confide?
Canst thou not for all provide?
Condescend to be my guide
Forever:

And when this transient life shall end,
Oh, may some kind eternal friend
Bid me from servitude ascend,
Forever!

by: George Moses Horton (c.1797-c.1883)

Sources: poetryarchive.com and unc.edu, and ncarts.org

Happy Juneteenth Everyone!

Geoffrey Philp: Who's Your Daddy?

2009-06-17T10:42:00.004-04:00

As some of you may know, June is Caribbean Heritage month. Now, when many of us (Americans) think of Caribbean heritage or culture, we think of the festive carnivals, Reggae music, the phrase “Yah Mon,” a “Booze Cruise,” and let’s not forget Jerk chicken. This is especially true when it comes to Jamaican culture. How many times have we heard someone do a terrible imitation of a Jamaican accent? This is ususally followed with a stereotypical persona sometimes accompanied with locks/dreads, a Bob Marley or tie-die t-shirt, and lots of Marijuana. I like to call these types, “Fakin’Jamaicans.” Good or bad, this is a testament of Jamaica’s influence on the world. People love Jamaicans!

However, there is more to Jamaican and Caribbean culture than curried goat or tasty fruit drinks mixed with rum. Let us not forget the people of Jamaica who love, laugh, and cry just like everyone else. This leads me to the main subject of this post: Geoffrey Philp’s new collection of short stories, Who’s Your Daddy? Geoffrey’s stories speak on the very heart of Jamaican culture and heritage – the people. They are people in search for acceptance, success, and truth.

The collection opens with a story titled, “Third Time.” This story explores infidelity with a very interesting and humorous twist. In other stories like “First Love,” Geoffrey touches on the issue of homophobia in Jamaican society and the damaging effect that it can have on those suspected. One of my favorite stories in this collection was, “The Day Jesus Christ came to Mount Airy.” For me, the overriding theme in this story is faith. Set in Jamaica, this story has Jesus Christ, the savior of all, walking among us once again. As a Christian, I was a bit concerned when I first started reading that story, but in the end I was very pleased. Check it out for yourself and tell us what you think.

Overall, Who’s Your Daddy? is a great collection of stories examining the many faces and personalities of Jamaican culture. This is writing with a conscious. Other stories included in this collection is the title story, “Who’s Your Daddy?” “Fattie, Fattie,” and “Bobby Bijani and the Rolling Calf.” This collection has stories so humorous that they will make your belly shake. However, despite the humor or seriousness of these stories, they will all cause you to think and perhaps even take action. So, do you want to order a copy for yourself? You can do so by visiting Geoffrey Philp’s website or go to Amazon.com. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Plus, maybe you will learn a new Jamaican phrase or two besides “Yah Mon” or "Rude bwoy." Fiah!

About the author: Geoffrey Philp was born in rural Struie in Jamaica. He is the author of Benjamin, My Son, Uncle Obadiah and the Alien, Twelve Poems and A Story for Christmas, and four poetry collection, Exodus and Other Poems, Florida Bound, Hurricane Center, and Xango Music. He teaches English at Miami Dade College in Florida.

Youth Day in South Africa

2009-06-16T10:57:00.004-04:00

On June 16, 1976, 700 people, many of them children, were massacred for standing up for their rights as human beings. I want to dedicate my blog today to the memory of those students and others who have put their lives on the line for what should be basic freedom for everyone. I want to send a special thank you out to my wife, my brother Moorosi, and many others who were on the ground risking their lives for this basic freedom. Amandla!!!! Awetu!!!! Peace to everyone. Click here to learn more...

Source: sahistory.org

Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series 2009

2009-06-11T15:01:00.005-04:00

It just doesn't seem like summer without spending at least one summer evening at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast Washington, DC. It's a beauitful amphitheater and park set in historical Fort Dupont Park. The crowd is always nice and the shows are always a treat. The best thing about it besides the huge friendly crowds is that it is FREE! I've been going since I was a boy and the memories just keep builiding. Check out the 2009 line up listed below:

July 18th -- Original "P" featuring Fuzzy Haskins and Grady Thomas (Ken Staton and the James Brown Review)

July 25th -- Ray, Goodman & Brown (Formerly The Moments) ["Pookie Hudson's" Spaniels]

August 1st -- Radio "WPFW" Night W/Blue Magic and Force MD's & The Legends

August 8th -- Rose Royce (Julia Nixon)

August 15th -- Mother's Finest (Derek McKeith Featuring Alyson Williams)

August 22nd -- TBA Special Surprise Guest

Concerts are on Saturdays and they are free and open to the public.

Note: I hope that the Special Guest on Aug 22nd is the all time Ft Dupont Park favorite, Roy Ayers. He was always the highlight every year. What happen to you Mr. Ayers? Come back! :)

Source: nps.gov

The 2nd Annual Tavern of Creativity: My NY debut

2009-06-05T10:41:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday! Well, it's wet here in DC, but I am very excited to announce that I will be reading selected poetry from my new Blues-Inspired chapbook, Liquid Lunch. This will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Baha'i Center in New York City. So, if you are in or near the NYC area please come to check out what promises to be a great show, which will feature over 10 poets and artist.

I'd like to thank Cathy Delaleu for inviting me to read my work on stage in front of an live audience...whew! It is truly an honor. God bless you, Cathy.

Check out the flyer below:

Let the rhythm flow with spring fever at our fingertips. Come and enjoy this unique event you won’t want to miss. Poets, artist, and musicians are uniting in one special space to create magic.

Hosted by: Maurio Brown and Jean Valerus

Poetry reading starts at 6pm sharp.

Two open mics will be selected from the audience

Your $5 donations will get you a raffle ticket for a chance to win some cool artsy prizes!

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009

Time: 5pm – 9:30pm

Place:
Baha’i Center
53 East 11th Street
NY, NY 10003 US

Refreshments will be served

Featured poets will include:

(Founder of Tavern of Creativity) Published poet/author - Cathy Delaleu

The beautiful artistry of Maggie Delaleu (Art)

Music by NGOMA (Music)

For more information about this event, contact: Poetry@delaleuwritings.com or 212-545-4163.

Featured artwork by: Cathy Delaleu

Fast and Pray

2009-06-02T23:26:00.008-04:00

Mark 9:29 "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."

On June 2, 1899, African Americans observed a day of fasting called by the National Afro-American Council to protest lynching and racial massacres.

Source:blackfacts.com

Billy Preston

2009-05-29T12:38:00.001-04:00

Dance! It's Friday!

African Native American

2009-05-28T20:46:00.005-04:00

On May 28, 1830, the United States put forth legislation that would lead to the “Trail of Tears” in 1838. U.S. President Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson signed The Indian Removal Act of 1830, which eventually forced many Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole Indian tribes off their land in the southeastern United States. According information on PBS.org:

"By 1837, the Jackson administration had removed 46,000 Native American people from their land east of the Mississippi."

Interesting Finding: The African American Registry (aaregistry.com) says that “It is estimated that one-third of the members of these tribes involved in this removal and the ensuing trek to Oklahoma were of African descent.”

Note from Stephen: Listen, I know that many Afrian Americans feel that they are part Cherokee, Blackfoot, etc. and some may in fact be part Native American. However, the predominant truth is that most of us are genetically connected to Sub-Saharan West African. I'm saying this because I rarely hear anyone bragging about their African ancestry. So, it's cool to pay homage to that distant relative who roamed the great plains, but also don't forget those ancestors who hailed from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, etc. As a matter of fact, kiss an African today or just look in the mirror and kiss yourself. Peace~

Sources: PBS.org, African American Registry

American Tradition: The origins of Memorial Day

2009-05-21T20:41:00.003-04:00

African American History fact:

On May 1, 1865, more than twenty black carpenters and laborers, in cooperation with white missionaries, teachers, and Union troops, started the first Memorial Day Service in Charleston South Carolina. Read more…

Enjoy your weekend and remember those Union soldiers of African descent who gave their lives and made it possible for us to be here. God bless them.

Photo: African American Civil War Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Shabazz....

2009-05-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

From one proud African to the other.

Max Robinson: American Anchor

2009-05-13T09:50:00.005-04:00

On this day in 1979, Max Robinson became the first African American network news anchor for ABC's World News Tonight. Unfortunately, sometime in the mid 80s, Max Robinson was diagnosed with HIV. He would later succumbed to AIDS in December of 1988. Today, the Whitman-Walker Clinic’s Max Robinson Center, located in the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C., provides HIV/AIDS services to the predominantly African American citizens residing east of the Anacostia River. Max Robinson -- an American Anchor.

Sources: Bet.com and wwc.org

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T08:06:00.007-04:00

Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. I wanted to share a poem from my recently published chapbook, Liquid Lunch. This little poem goes back to Sunday mornings in North Carolina when I would wake up to sound of my grandmother singing church hymns in the kitchen. It was her way to give thanks to the almighty, while she prepared Sunday dinner. This poem represents one of my most cherished memories of her. God bless her soul. Enjoy your day everyone. Here is my poem:

Eunice Best

Faith

Sunday morning snooze

Sunday morning blues

Momma singing in the kitchen

Sunday morning news

Jesus is the top story

Faith is her morning glory.

Note: To purchase copies of Liquid Lunch click on the buy now button in the right margins (Hwy 125). Thanks.

Haiku #8

2009-04-27T12:33:00.003-04:00

I stretched forth my arms
to the sky as rich sunrays baked
my brown skin creation-black

Photo Source: Moonk 97 on Flickr

Title: Back to the Motherland - Day 72:365

Haiku # 7

2009-04-20T13:22:00.006-04:00

Water from the rooftop
Mixed with oil on the asphalt
created instant beauty

Photo: SBess

Atonement 76'

2009-04-15T12:30:00.005-04:00

Sometime back in the fall or spring 1976, I was just a boy at Washington Highland Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Well, one morning I was playing with some friends outside on the schoolyard. I remember that it was in the morning right before the bell. That morning we laughed and chased each other around the bumpy asphalt we called our playground. Back then, there was no soft foam or sand to play on in my neighborhood in Southeast D.C. There was just asphalt, rocks, and sometimes glass. While playing “chase” with another child, I accidentally bumped into a little girl and she fell facedown onto the hard asphalt. Initially, she did not make a sound and then she rolled over to her back and let out the most horrific scream. It was so loud that all the children stopped playing to look. I stood there amazed as I watched her older sister pick her up from the ground.

At that moment, I could see that her mouth was busted from the impact of the fall. There were front teeth missing and blood dripping from the mouth mixed with tears and saliva. I was immediately filled with terror and remorse for my carelessness, so I ran over to say that I was sorry for what I had done. The older sister looked at me in a way that I will never forget; her eyes seemed to express both sorrow for her sister and hate for me. Her eyelids squinted and expanded as she looked at me with a tight mouth and growing anger. Now, I know what my mother meant when she would say, “…if looks could kill.” I felt that she wanted to kill me that morning in 1976.

The little girl, with busted, swollen lips, lost her front teeth that day; Me? I was made to sit in the classroom for the rest of morning and afternoon recess to think about what I had done. This moment took place over 30 years ago and I’ve never forgotten. Sometimes, I wonder whatever happened to that little girl. If she is still with us and hasn’t fallen as prey to the cruel streets, I pray that God will bless her right now as I write my thoughts. Also, if she and her older sister still remember that remorseful little boy and that moment over 30 years ago on the asphalt playground, I pray that they have forgiven me. Peace~

MC Spotlight: David E. Patton

2009-04-08T11:41:00.006-04:00

Poetry entered David E. Patton’s life in September of 1968. It was in St. Louis, Mo. and the Civil Rights Movement in America was in full swing. David describes his first poem back then as “a sixteen line alternating rhyme of youthful discontent.” Now, 41 years later, David presents to us, The Trinity. The Trinity is collection of poetry and images all created by David Patton. When I first saw the book, my mind immediately drifted towards the Biblical reference of the Trinity: God, Son, and the Holy Spirit; However, David is referring to what he describes in his introduction as the “Body, soul, and mind, the trinity of the self.” So, The Trinity, to me, is an expression of self, and a bearing of one’s soul – open to the public.

I’ve been reading David E. Patton’s blog for a couple of years and I’ve always found his poetry to be not only interesting, but very raw and unprocessed. It’s the difference between canned fruit and picking it from a tree. This is what I mean – he seemed to speak directly from his soul. That’s not easy for many writers...including me. In reading David’s poetry over the past couple of years, I didn’t always connect with or agree with everything I read, but I could appreciate that it was “him.” I saw that same “him” in The Trinity; plus, I enjoyed what I read. In his poem, “Let me be the Bard of Neutral Nature” he says,

“Let me sing with a mouth full of hearty words meant to praise till I am dead
and done then let my poems now garrulous in the fever of my want to beg that she
make a tool of me, let them carry on my songs to the yet unborn.”

That's beautiful! Many of the poems in this book touch on themes of Nature and Creation. It also expressed strong spiritual overtones that appealed to me as well. The other poems in The Trinity include titles like, “One Black Man’s Heart is Worthy,” and “Angels are Painting Poems.” Overall, The Trinity was a great combination of words and images (40 pages, $10). I feel it is a great price for what you get in return. The artwork on the front cover is one of David’s pieces, which reflects the title of the book. The photograph on the back cover is by photographer, Marcia Ward.

About the writer:
David Patton’s writing has appeared in Mad Blood, The James White Review, Rocky Mountain Arsenal of the Arts, Bay Window, 7, and Guide. His chapbook, Milk Bowl Moon over St. Louis, appeared in 2003 from Persistencia Press. Also an accomplished painter and sculptor, Patton currently resides in his hometown of St. Louis. For more information on to order The Trinity visit David’s blog: Uncle David.

National Poetry Month

2009-04-03T09:34:00.005-04:00

April is National Poetry Month!

So, take out those pens, click on those keys or just finger them on the glass like you see in this poster. Hey write them in the sand if you're on the beach. As the R&B singer Charles Wright sang, "Express Yourself." I'm not going to attempt a poem everyday as I proclaimed last year, but just be on the look out. I will share my poetry from time to time on my blog throughout the month. Peace~

Poetry: Here’s the Situation...

2009-03-31T14:28:00.007-04:00

My old lady ain’t never been one to cut me no slack
If I tell her I’m going to the store
She wanna know what time I’m coming back
But that’s okay ‘cause papa ain’t salty

You might think that what I’m saying ain’t real,
but the president has to sign a bill
Just so I can spend a bill – I’m talking about a dollar!
Yeah, sometimes it makes me wanna holler
but that’s okay ‘cause papa ain’t salty

You see…

I messed up just a while ago
with this sweet, fine thing – age around 24
Man, I thought my game was tight
‘cause I never tried to spend the night

But one day…

I guess the time was around 4
That sweet, fine thing knocked on my front door
Well, she told my ‘ol lady everything including things I said
Meanwhile, I’m ducking and dodging the pots and pans flying at my head
Man, was I scared!

But that’s okay ‘cause papa still ain’t salty
I just wish my ‘ol lady would cut me some slack
‘cause I just met this sweet, fine thing – age around 29
that I been dying to get at

This is an excerpt from my new chapbook, Liquid Lunch. How do you order your own copy? Just look to your right margins and click the "Buy Now" button through PayPal. It's fast, it's safe, and it's the Blues. Thanks for your support.

John Hope Franklin dies

2009-03-26T13:17:00.008-04:00

John Hope Franklin (2 January 1915 – 25 March 2009)

"My challenge was to weave into the fabric of American history enough of the presence of blacks so that the story of the United States could be told adequately and fairly."

Mr. Franklin,

Thank you for your work and contribution to the history of African Amerians. Thank you most of all for your contribution to American history. God bless you. Rest now. Rest.

Photo Source: dukenews.duke.edu

Liquid Lunch Sample

2009-03-19T12:16:00.004-04:00

Check out Wordrunner Press for information on Liquid Lunch and just a sample.

Black Memorabilia: What does it Mean?

2009-03-17T16:54:00.006-04:00

I picked up this little piece of American history at a consignment shop for $1.91. Good buy, huh? I thought so. I was thinking about how expensive black memorabilia can be online, so I looked up this piece hoping that I had found a gem. I found it and saw that the print is sold for about $15. That's still a good buy. The piece that I have was copied on to metal, so it may be slightly more. As I thought about why I was attracted to this picture, I was reminded that nearly (if not) all black memorabilia was created by white folks.

This particular picture is by Nell Hott. Again, I wondered why I was so attracted to it -- this young African American girl with a big ol' piece of watermelon. The picture conveys that this watermelon is so good and sweet that the girl's eyes roll to the back of her head as she savors its taste. This is definitely looked upon by most as racist art, but I still like it. Besides, this image was created in 1924. It was weird when I saw it though; I was offended and thrilled at the same time. Anyway, I came to the conclusion that not only do I like black memorabilia, but I really love a cold piece of sweet watermelon.

Photograph: Cost and Time

2009-03-17T15:40:00.004-04:00

My co-worker took this picture of me. I'm trying to look like I'm really concentrating and working hard. Anyway, I love the background of the dry erase board because it shows a scale measuring cost and time. That pretty much sums up life -- cost and time. The cost is usually too much and there's never enough time.

Liquid Lunch: Take a sip

2009-03-12T20:51:00.015-04:00

Liquid Lunch has arrived! I was smiling ear to ear when UPS showed up with my chapbooks. I felt like a proud Papa; I am a proud Papa! Well, if you wish to purchase just look to your right. There is a "Buy Now" button to click ($8.00). It's easy and safe to use. If you don't have a credit or debit card, send me an email (for email address just click profile button). I guarantee excellent customer service. Meanwhile, please tell a friend or family member. We gotta move these chapbooks! Thanks for all of your support. *Big Smile*

Note: The above is not the actual book cover. The book cover is on a beautiful green linen paper with a black and white photo of my grandfather and his friend in WWII.

Picture: By Me (watercolor and pencil on paper)