Fela! on Broadway: Vibrant and Thrilling

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

I know you're dying to know. How was Fela! on Broadway? People, it was AMAZING. I laughed. I cried. I danced. I fell in love with the music.

Even if you don't win a free pair of tickets from me, I encourage everyone to go see Fela! on Broadway before it closes on August 4, 2012.

The reviewers haven't lied. The show is vibrant and thrilling. At one point, before the second act even, the entire audience was on their feet, dancing and singing with the actors on stage. If you love world music, a good story, and fabulous dancing, Fela! will satisfy.

But here's why I LOVED the show so much. Fela Kuti has a truly fascinating and important life story. His contribution to music, politics, civil rights and the Black aesthetic is so huge, I can't believe more people, myself included, don't include him in the same conversations with Malcolm X, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. He used his art as protest. But make no mistake, he was an innovative and groundbreaking musician first. Clearly the show on Broadway didn't get into all of the controversy of Fela Kuti's life, after all, it's about entertainment first, but nonetheless, they give you enough information to make you want to know more. To come home and find out for yourself who the man behind the music really was.

The other reason I loved the show was that there were just so many beautiful Black people on the stage.  The African aesthetic was on full display, from the brilliant costumes, to the set design, to the AWESOME hairstyles. Afros, dreds, braids, oh my! It made my heart sing.

So, dear readers, you have until midnight tonight to leave a comment on Monday's post to be entered in the drawing. Five lucky readers will win a pair of tickets for next Tuesday's show.

Good Luck!

Peace!

FELA! Back on Broadway: Free Tickets for Meltingpot Readers!

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

Today is your lucky day and mine. First, let's get it straight that Ms. Meltingpot loves a good Broadway show. After all, she named babygirl after her favorite character from the great White Way and though I've never really talked about it here, briefly entertained  the idea of a career as a great stage performer. Musical comedy was going to be my thing. But, alas, Ms. Meltingpot cannot sing worth a lick.

So, instead, I just enjoy as many shows as I can...and pray one of my children will have a voice that can take him all the way to Broadway. I'm kidding. Sort of.  But I'm getting so far away from the point. And the point is, tonight I'm going to see FELA! on Broadway! Yes, I mean the 2010 Tony-award winning show about the Nigerian musical genius and political activist, Fela Kuti. Yes, the one produced by Jay-Z, Will and Jada Pinket-Smith, and Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson from the Roots. Yes, the one that is back on Broadway for only six-weeks. Yours truly is going tonight.

And here's the thing. While I can enjoy most any good song and dance, coupled with an overly dramatic story line, I obviously have a soft spot for a show with a Meltingpot sensibility. Check out the following description of Fela! from Down Beat magazine and tell me this doesn't have Meltingpot written all over it.

" In addition to being visually and musically explosive, “Fela!” elucidates Kuti's politics and run-ins with the law. It contextualizes his convictions in relation to U.S. civil rights activism and illuminates African religion and culture. It also demonstrates how African rhythms, calypso, James Brown, John Coltrane, Chano Pozo and Martin Luther King Jr. all informed both his music and political stance."


I am so excited. And the thrill isn't only mine. I have five pairs of tickets for the 8pm evening show on July 17 to give away to you, my dear readers! If you want to see Fela! on Broadway for free, all you have to do is leave a comment here and tell me why you want to see the show. I will randomly draw five names on Wednesday (July 11) night at midnight. Winners will be posted on Thursday (July 12) morning. So check back on Thursday to see if you won and to collect your tix.


Here's a preview of Fela!



Be inspired.


Peace!

Independence Day, Freedom and One More Black Chef

Hercules
photo by Virginia.org

Happy Fourth of July, Meltingpot Readers!

I don't know about you, but as an adult, the Fourth of July just isn't as much fun as it was when I was a child. Growing up, the 4th was my favorite holiday. We decorated our bikes, participated in the neighborhood parades, played old-fashioned games at the park and ate ice cream. At night, it was a big family bar-b-cue followed by fireworks down by the lake.

Now that we live in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation, you'd think the 4th would be an even bigger deal, but somehow the thrill is gone for me. And part of the reason is that when we talk about celebrating our independence, the great hypocrisy of an independent nation with enslaved individuals as the backbone of the country's success, just doesn't sit well with me. What are we truly celebrating?

But, I'm not mad. I love this country and the independent spirit that defines it. And like I always do, I have found the way to honor 'my people' and their unique contributions to independence. So, instead of praising the founding fathers who saw fit to reduce their slaves to less than human status in their declaration of independence, I am celebrating the Black men and women who fought for their own independence, instead of waiting for it.

Since I have Black chefs on the mind and George Washington is kind all over the 4th of July holiday, I'm celebrating the life and courage of Washington's excellent (enslaved) chef, Hercules. Known only by his first name, Hercules ruled the presidential kitchen with an iron skillet, replaced the previous White chef because his culinary skills were just that good, and was a budding entrepreneur who enjoyed a respected status in Free Black society in 18th century Philadelphia. But still, he was slave and that didn't sit well with him. So he planned and executed a flawless escape. He fled on Washington's 65th birthday, never to be heard from again. Now that's freedom and independence I can celebrate. To read more about Hercules, and his culinary genius, check out this link.

And however you celebrate this day, make it a good one! BTW, we're having tacos for dinner before the fireworks. That's the Meltingpot way.

Peace!

For Colored Boys Who Considered a Wig When the Dreadlocks Were Too Much

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

Did anyone else read about the Black male flight attendant who works for Air France who is being forced to hide his dreadlocks under a wig? I was surprised but not shocked. I mean really, nothing in the world of Black hair can shock me anymore. But still, I have to say, forcing a man to wear a wig, made me do a double take.

Quite frankly, I think if I were a passenger on an Air France flight and I saw a man wearing a wig, that would be waaay more distracting than a man with a fine head of manicured dreadlocks, secured in a ponytail. What say you, dear readers? What would you rather see? Man in a wig or man with dreadlocks?

Let's take an unofficial poll. I'm so listening.

Peace!

A Black Man and A Mormon Walk into a Bar...

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

I'm sorry for not posting yesterday, but I'm in the middle of correcting final exams. And because I teach writing courses, my 'exams' are long papers and projects so, dear readers, the blog gets neglected. But I can't leave you without something to chew on this week. So, please take a peek at the following article peened by two AP writers on The Black Guy and The Mormon Who Want to Be President of the USA. That's my headline, not theirs. Their headline is a little more understated: "Race, Religion Collide in 2012 Election." But still, it's a good story. Check it out please and let me know.

What effect, if any, do you think Romney's religion will have on voters? What do you think is easier to 'ignore?' Race or religion?

You know I'm listening.

Peace!

The Meltingpot Remembers: Black Hair Icon, Yvette Smalls

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

It is with great sadness that I post about the passing of Yvette Smalls. For those of us in the world of Black hair, Yvette was a pioneer and an inspiration. She was a master braider, stylist and hair artist. She was also a filmmaker, an educator and a Black hair activist. Sadly, she was only 53 when she passed earlier this week.

I met Yvette over 10 years ago when my book Hair Story came out. As it turns out, Yvette's award-winning documentary, Hair Stories was debuting at the same time, so obviously we had to meet. Here I was thinking my co-author and I were about to educate the masses about the amazing history and significance of Black hair, and Yvette was already 10 steps ahead of us. She'd been sharing her knowledge way before we even realized there was something to say. We were fortunate to do some events together with her film and our book.

Yvette and I ran into one another far more once I moved to Philadelphia, because this is her home city. You can't say Black hair in Philadelphia without Yvette's name popping up. She wasn't just a popular stylist, she truly was the authority on the history, culture and beauty of Black hair. For Yvette, Black people and their hair was a passion. It was a calling. And she was always there to answer.

Please take a moment to read this memorial writing in Yvette's honor. And be inspired by her life and work.

Peace!
(photo courtesy of the Leeway Foundation)

In Honor of Black History Month: White People Who Write About Black People

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

You know I'm not a huge fan of Black history month. For all the standard reasons; Black history shouldn't be segregated, Black people's contributions to this country require more than 29 days to discuss, blah blah blah. But since the month exists, despite my and other people's exasperation, we might as well use the opportunity for good not evil. Right?

So in my infinite wisdom and since this is my blog and since I'm all about culture clashes, I thought I'd do something a little different this year for Black History Month. I'm going to use my posts for the month of February to highlight all of the White people who've gotten famous, made a name for themselves or otherwise have benefited by telling Black people's stories. In some ways this may sound jaded or even a little snarky. It is! A little. In light of the recent success of The Help, as well as the drama surrounding getting Red Tails on the screen, I figure, let's take a really good look at the White folks who tell Black folks' stories. Why do they do it? What is the public's response? How come some meet with success and other's meet with scathing criticism? Does their literary and/or cinematic output help or hinder the mainstreaming of the Black experience?

Please note, my goal is not to court controversy. I'm really hoping to highlight an interesting pop culture trend (a trend that pretty much began in the 15th century when this country was first integrated). Will I ruffle some feathers? Probably. But that's okay. If you have some suggestions as to whom I should profile during the month of February, let me know. I'm listening.

Peace!

For Dr. King

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

Believe it or not, today is my official first day back to work after my gloriously long maternity leave. (sigh) But my kids and el esposo are off working on a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. For you all, whatever you have to do today, work, play, or serve, just take a moment to remember the man and his dream.

Peace!

Hair Story 2.0: Add Your Voice to the Black Hair Revolution

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

You know there's nothing I like more than a good hair story. When I sat down to write my master's thesis in graduate school, almost 15 years ago, I was so excited to delve into the history and drama behind the relationship Black people had with their hair. Clearly my excitement was shared by many others, including my co-author Ayana Byrd and the thousands of people who have read our book and begged us for more information.

Well, it's been ten years since Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America debuted and even we think it's time for an update. Think of everything that's happened in the world of Black hair in the last decade. Willow Smith and her whipped hair. Don Imus and his nappy naughtiness, the entire world of online Black hair bloggers. Hello afrobella! And let's not forget the Sesame Street muppet who loves her hair.

We've written a proposal, we've done the research, we've planned the party even, but there's one little problem. Our publisher, St. Martin's Press hasn't quite gotten the message that there's a public waiting for Hair Story 2.0. Without going too much into publishing babble, the truth is, since the book came out so long ago, all of the publicists and editors originally attached to Hair Story no longer work with the company. So our little book that could is kind of an orphan over there. But just like that little red-headed orphan who charmed her very own Daddy Warbucks, we know we can prove to the head honchos at St. Martin's that this book needs an update (and a digital version too!). Because after all, the sun will come out....

And that's where you come in, dear readers. If you take a gander to the right of this post and scroll down a bit, I've added a facebook like button where you can 'like' our Hair Story 2.0 page. We're trying to get 10,000 likes by the end of November to show St. Martin's just how many folks are interested in the project. So, all you have to do is tap that little button and ask your friends to tap it too. And check out the page on the regular for updates on the campaign to get St. Martin's attention and for regular news bits, stories and fun facts about the world of Black hair. Here's the link for the page.

Thanks people, I appreciate it so very much.

Peace and Hair Grease!

Gone But Not Forgotten: African Americans in Saratoga Springs

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

I feel so lucky to have such amazing, talented and creative friends. I have friends who are writers, comedians, photographers, content providers for children's television... and all of them inspire me with their work. Really.

One of my friends, the one who brought me those delicious Saratoga Chips from Saratoga Springs, is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer who also grapples with issues of race and identity in her work. Her name is Yuko Edwards. When I first met Yuko, she was working on a documentary about Black American women who had moved to Europe in search of a better quality of life. So, you know we had lots to talk about. She's still working on that film but has done lots of other work, much of it photography, in the meantime.

As a transplant to Saratoga Springs, Edwards was struck by the lack of color in her new town. She discovered that there had once been an African-American community in Saratoga Springs, but somehow they slowly became displaced. So her response was to 'repopulate' Saratoga Springs with Black people in images. In her own words, here's how Edwards describes the photo series she titled The Homestead:

"I rarely see African Americans on the streets of Saratoga Springs, New York. Yet, I know that 1 in 6 Americans are black. Where are they? African Americans were an important and vibrant segment of this community at one time. Today, they seem to have vanished from town. I am forced to imagine them here. It is my nostalgia for this community that has motivated me to repopulate it with images of my own family. They evoke the former presence of African Americans and their energy, which has now faded. I am comforted by seeing my community at home."

Enjoy. And please feel free to leave a comment here with your thoughts about the photographs. And if you are so intrigued and want to learn more about the African-Americans who once called Saratoga Springs home, see if you can find a copy of this book, Lord Please Don't Take Me in August: African Americans in Newport and Saratoga Springs, 1870-1930.

Peace!

One Last Lesson from Wangari Maathai

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

If you recall, I posted here when Wangari Maathai passed away. I noted that her goddaughter, N., is the godmother of my children. Well, N. just returned from Ms. Maathai's funeral and memorial service in Kenya and passed along this beautiful story that Maathai liked to use to inspire people.

I hope it inspires you too.



Peace!

The Meltingpot Mourns a Hero: Wangari Maathai

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

Many of you regular readers know that I fiercely enjoy the meltingpot-ness of my life. The connections I have made through nature and nurture with people from all walks of life continue to amaze and inspire me. Case in point. I have two Kenyan friends. One I met in college. The other I met in New York City right after college. Let's call her N.

N. and I grew up together in our twenties, going to graduate school, falling in love, getting married, and deciding who we really wanted to be. We gave birth within months of one another and now we are the godparents of each other's kids. In other words, N. and I are family.

So, imagine my surprise when one day in 2004, when Kenyan environmental activist and super woman, Wangari Maathai -- the woman who planted all those trees in Kenya  -- was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and N. casually tells me, "Oh, yeah, she's my godmother."Excuse me? Yes, I know two Kenyans, and one of them is the goddaughter to Wangari Maathai! So, since I consider N. my sister, then Ms. Maathai, is like my family. My kids figured it that way too, and I let them. What better way to engage and connect them to the wider world? They especially got a kick out of the children's book about Ms. Maathai's life. They were like, "Hey Madrina's madrina is in a book!" (FYI: Madrina is godmother in Spanish.)

So, today we mourn because Wangari Maathai passed away today at age 71 from cancer. She will be truly missed. To read more about her remarkable life, you can read her obit in today's New York Times. Be inspired.

Peace!

America's First Black, Female Rabbi

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

In about half an hour I'm going to tune in to the NPR show, Tell Me More to hear an interview with Alysa Stanton, the nation's first Black female rabbi. I thought her ordination was recent, but in fact she's been ordained since 2009. Here's her story in a Time magazine article.

I've been thinking about writing a story about Black people choosing their own religion, especially after being raised in a traditional Black church and hearing about Stanton makes me want to pursue that story even more. And I'm not sure it has to be Black people, could be anyone who finds their own faith. I myself have been on a spiritual journey since college, 'trying on' several different religions, including the Bahai faith and Unitarian Universalism.

What about you Meltingpot readers? Any of you have your own conversion story you'd like to share? I'm listening.

Peace. And have a happy fourth of July too!

Monday Musing-- An Untold Part of Black History Gets Told in a New Book

Meltingpot Readers,

Today is the last day of Black History Month. As you know, I'm not a huge fan of the concept, but I heard this story today on NPR'sTell Me More about a new book, The Dark End of the Street, documenting the pattern of sexual assault against Black women during the Civil Rights Movement. I was so disgusted and horrified I knew I needed to write about it here. Please listen to the story and get angry. And then shed some tears and then tell me, what do we do with this knowledge?



Happy Black History Month.

Peace.

Links and Love to the People of Egypt

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

Sometimes I am just inspired and energized by the words, actions and passions of others. And sometimes, I think letting others speak is the best way to share.

Check out these bloggers who taste a lot like the Meltingpot:

Daily Dose of Diversity and Is That Your Child?. You've read their commentary here on the Meltingpot, but check out their daily musings and you won't be disappointed.

And for the people of Egypt -- even though I see a long road of struggle ahead of you -- what you have achieved deserves a celebration. So here's to you!



Peace!

MLK DAY: A Day Off or On?

Welcome Back Meltingpot Readers,

I've missed you. I hope you all have been well. I am getting back into the groove of work and writing and full-speed-ahead family life. Break time has been great and I've decided I should have been born a wealthy heiress because I enjoy being lazy far too much. We can all dream right...

And speaking of dreams, today is the day we celebrate the life and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And do you want to know what I"m doing on this day? I'm working. And going to the doctor. And making dinner and folding laundry and returning library books. Early this morning, the kids and I collected about 20 books to donate to a local school here that tragically burned down in a fire last week. We'll be dropping those off as soon as I'm done here.

For the last week I've been beset by guilt that I wasn't setting this day aside to participate in the many service projects taking place all over the city in honor of Dr. King. Now known as a "day on instead of a day off," we're all supposed to dedicate this day to helping our fellow man. And while I think this is such a wonderful way to honor Dr. King's legacy -- I took part in a great day of service last year -- I realized that I can't beat myself up for not being able to do service work on this one day.

I look at it this way. I have dedicated my life work to healing racial tensions and working towards equality and peace and justice for people of all colors. Whenever I have the chance to help others, I do so eagerly. Now, don't get me wrong, like most people I could always do more, but just like I don't wait until Valentine's Day to tell the people in my life that I love them, I don't think I have to save up all of my good deeds towards men for MLK Day. It's a great opportunity, but I'm not a bad person --and neither are you -- if you can't squeeze a service project in on this particular day.

I attended a church service yesterday that was dedicated to the memory of Dr. King. And just hearing the choir sing the songs of the Civil Rights era (and a few heart-tugging spirituals) inspired me to no end. I will continue to work for equality and justice and peace amongst all men, with songs in my heart. Just not today.

Here's one of my favorite songs of that era, that I hope will inspire you too.



PEACE!

Black is the New Green

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

I'm on deadline today, writing a story about African-Americans going green for a local sustainability magazine here in Philly called, Grid.

I am having a great time reporting the story, finding new ways to go green, talking to people who are making significant changes in their communities and in the city at large, and talking to people like author Dianne D. Glave, who argues in her new book, Rooted in the Earth, that African Americans have been green, "long before the birth of the modern environmental movement."

So, I don't have time for a full post here, but I wanted to leave you with a video about the coolest, most innovative way to tackle our carbon footprint and live in harmony with the earth. Be prepared to be inspired.



FYI, Earthships are coming to Philly, and I plan on living in one, some day. Seriously, I'm going totally green!

In Honor of Earth Day...Meet the Greenest Black Man on The Planet

I don't know about you but I worry so much about what we're doing to this planet. But I'm also still eating take-out from plastic containers and I enjoy long hot showers and Tide laundry detergent.

I recycle but I could do better. That's why it inspires me so much when I hear about amazing people like Will Allen. He's the man that is going to help the rest of us figure out how to really live off the land without exploiting the land. His vision and his work is amazing.

Check out his organization Growing Power, which happens to be in my hometown of Milwaukee, and tell me you're not inspired.

Not go out and plant something for Mother Earth.

Peace!

p.s. I know Earth Day was yesterday...

What Do You Know About Haiti?

I have deliberately refrained from posting about Haiti, because I didn't feel like I had anything substantial to add to the national conversation. I wept at the devastation and seeming injustice of natural disasters. I passed along information about my friend Rose-Anne's website, Curretns Between Shores, so if you were inclined to donate to relief efforts you could. But not writing about Haiti doesn't mean I don't care about it.

In fact, I've spent a lot of time in the last few days thinking and caring about this island nation. I've researched their history. Listened intently as pundits discuss the nation's dramatic past and potential for a better future. And I've reached out to all of my peeps who claim Haitian heritage. All told, I know a lot of people with connections to Haiti. My auntie married a Haitian. I have two Haitian friends from graduate school. Both of whom live in Europe. And, believe it or not, my publicist for Kinky Gazpacho is also Haitian. So, for me, I can't say the earthquake "hit home," but it was definitely very close to home. And because of that, I felt myself bristle with the way Haiti is portrayed as such an impoverished, hopeless place. I was listening to NPR when one of the experts said, Haiti is the only country with a last name, "the poorest country in the Western hemisphere." It's like you can't say Haiti without mentioning how horrible the place is.

Well, I'd like to open up the comments to hear what people have to say about Haiti in a positive light. I am one of those people who believes that focusing on the positive is always the best way to push through the darkness. Perhaps more people will stumble on this post and read about all of the positive images of Haiti we carry and be inspired, enlightened and more thoughtful in how they perceive this island nation.

And to kick things off, here's some things I know and love about Haiti.

1. Haiti is the birth place and setting for most of award-winning author Edwidge Danticat's books.

2. Haiti is the country that gave Black people hope the world over after their slave population successfully overthrew their French colonizers. It is the birthplace of the original Black Superhero, Toussaint L'Ouverture.

3. The artist, Jean-Michael Basquiat, although a nice mix of Haitian and Puerto Rican, pulled heavily from his Haitian heritage to fuel his work.

4. Haitian food is really, really good.

Okay. Your turn. What do you know about Haiti that doesn't begin with devastation or end with despair?

I'm listening.

Peace.

Black People Come in So Many Different Flavors

Thanks to the election of Barack Obama, people the world over are being forced to acknolwedge that Black people really do come in many different flavors. The Black experience does not always start in the ghetto and end in a)the ghetto, b)the 'hood or c)a southern fried kitchen lorded over by Big Mamma and Tyler Perry.

Debut filmmaker, Barry Jenkins is doing his part to broaden the landscape of the Black experience with his new film, Medicine for Melancholy. Reviewed in the New York Times yesterday, the film follows the 24 hours after a one-night stand between two Black twenty-something "hipsters" in San Francisco. It's as much about their budding relationship as it is about being Black in mostly White San Francisco. The movie tackles issue of race, class, identity and regionalism. From the review written by Dennis Lim:

" ...Medicine for Melancholy concerns the search for self-definition. But it stands apart for its forthright attention to the push-pull of inclusion and exclusion that comes with being a minority member of a subculture."

The movie opens in New York this Friday and looks like it will only have a limited release in select cities. So if you live in NYC, San Francisco, Seattle and/or Los Angeles, get thee to a movie theater quick.

Peace!