Music & Entertainment

Arts & Culture, Community Spotlight, Events, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Youth

Wake Up the City! Official Wake Up the Earth After Party May 5

Spontaneous Celebrations, Voices of Liberation, Scope Urban Apparel and the Grassroots Grind Group Present: Wake Up the City! Official Wake Up the Earth Festival After Party Saturday 5/5/12 Cinco De Mayo! Doors Open 7:30 Cover: $10-20 Sliding Scale (Proceeds go to the Wake Up the Earth Festival) @Spontaneous Celebrations 45 Danforth St. Jamaica Plain RSVP on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/270109576409971/ Featuring: The Wonder Mics http://thewondermics.tumblr.com/ Sweatshop http://sweatshopband.com/ Retrospek http://originalretrospek.com/ Dagha & Project Tree http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dagha/10031627857 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Tree/112475782106719 Dom LaColla http://www.facebook.com/DomLaColla Charmingly Ghetto http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charmingly-Ghetto/239115726174312 Mark Merren http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Merren-Music/153107458064163 GreyScale http://www.facebook.com/TheGreyScaleSound Daniella Cassius the 5th http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassius-the-5th/246334452049292 Notoriety http://www.facebook.com/NotorietyMusic MeTaL http://scopeurbanapparel.com/metal O.T.O http://pswethebest.com/ http://scopeurbanapparel.com/oto Pause http://pausekid.com/ http://scopeurbanapparel.com/pause Sofia Snow Magno Garcia http://www.facebook.com/Mag.uh.No Hosted by: Miss JayDee of Beats Rhymes & Life on Unregular Radio http://www.facebook.com/BRLQueenBees Sounds by: EvillDewer http://scopeurbanapparel.com/evilldewer Presented By: Spontaneous Celebrations http://spontaneouscelebrations.org/ Voices of Liberation http://voicesofliberation.org/ Scope Urban Apparel http://scopeurbanapparel.com/ Grassroots Grind Group http://grassrootsgrind.com/

Arts & Culture, Events, Music & Entertainment, News, Thangz-2-Do, Youth

“THANGZ-2-DO!!” (April 2012)

“THANGZ-2-DO!!” (April 2012) Welcome to the 2012 “Thangz-2-Do!!”, the monthly e-newsletter providing information of cultural arts (poetry, theatre, comedy, etc.), as well as several other info to keep people in the loop that includes a link for daily Black History facts. (http://www.yenoba.com), R.I.P. for those that passed away and a B-Day shout-out to those born in March. This time around, “Thangz-2-Do!!” has moved from Yahoo! to G-Mail. Hopefully this will help out a lot easier for folks to view the list of events. Also, Boston’s longest-running open mic gathering commonly known as VerBaLizAtiOn is here for National Poetry Month. The gathering is every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, bringing the community some more poetry and stuff. Our featured poet on April 10th will be TONI ROSE and on April 24th is an extravagant poetry cipher. Details below. Enjoy the list and have a blessed day!! Peace, VCR   R.I.P. – LOUIS REYES RIVERA (legendary NY poet) – JIMMY ELLIS (lead singer of The Trammps, “Disco Inferno”) – TRAYVON MARTIN (17-year old murdered) BELATED R.I.P. – ROLAND BAUTISTA (original guitarist for Earth Wind & Fire)   APRIL B-DAY WISHES: Myriam Ortiz, Lisa Simmons, Desiree Rivera, Ernesto “Eroc” Arroyo, Dana Gilmore, Elie St. Brice, Crystal Johnson, Neiel Israel, Irina Martinez, Joanne Pena, Ramona Lisa Alexander, Djenny Lobo, Tara President, Greta Douglas, Sherra Lodge, Sasha Smith, Tito Jackson (Boston City Council), Michelle McGruder, Lori Caiby, Zandile Williams-Fontenot, Natasha Mason-Walker, Pat Williams, Wyatt Jackson, Michelle “Blakxena” Cook, Scherazade Daruvalla King, Enisoto Adkia Ekunsirinde, Justin Springer, Mawakana Onifade, Cole Rodriguez, Big Brother Sadi, Rebecca Cornwell and Iyeoka Okoawo   POETRY/OPEN MIC EVENTS: Every Sunday Night LIZARD LOUNGE SUNDAY NIGHT POETRY JAM w/The Jeff Robinson Trio @ The Lizard Lounge 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (between Harvard Sq. & Porter Sq.) Doors at 7:30pm – $5.00 cover 21+ w/ID required April 1st – The Blue Rose Amazing Women Poetry Showcase April 15th – Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam Team Finals For info visit www.poetryjam.org   Sunday, April 1st & Friday, April 13th 2012 LOUDER THAN A BOMB! The largest teen poetry festival/slam competition that emphasizes self-expression and community via poetry, oral storytelling and Hip-Hop spoken word. Sun., April 1st – Semi-Finals @ MIT Lecture Hall Room 32-123 (Bldg. 32) 32 Vassar St., Cambridge MA 11:00am – 1:00pm First Semi-Final Bout 2:00pm – 4:00pm Second Semi-Final Bout Fri., April 13th – Finals @ Villa Victoria Center for the Arts 85 West Newton St., Boston/South End Doors open at 6:30pm 7:00pm – 7:30pm Youth Showcase featuring Performer 7:30pm – 9:30pm LTAB Massachusetts Championship Bout Sunday, April 29th 2012 THE POET’S CORNER Come and chill out for some live mellow music and inspirational poetry to get you motivated for the next work week @ Darryl’s Corner Bar & Lounge 604 Columbus Ave., Boston/South End 7:00pm – 11:00pm (open mic starts at 8:00pm) $5.00 admission / Proper crowd only Hosted by Iguehi and Herby F.     Every Monday Night SoulKore Productions presents GRAB THE MIC MONDAYS @ Bossa Nova 290 Main St., Malden MA (near Malden Center Station and bus routes 104, 105, 106 & 99) 6:30pm – 10:00pm / Free 2 enter Come early for open mic sign-up All forms of talent welcomed Sign up early – space limited (5 minutes each) Free parking / buffet and full menu Hosted by Essex Music by DJ Nomadik For more info contact info@soulkore.com or 857-205-2706 Monday, April 2nd – Monday, April 30th 2012 C.R.A.K. POETRY: YOUTH SPEAKS C.R.A.K. Poetry (Creativity Revolutionized Around Knowledge) brings you a 5-week poetry program for young inspiring artists. @ Dudley Branch Library 65 Warren St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq. Week 1 -Mon., Apr. 2nd: Open Mic (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Week 2 -Thurs., Apr. 5th: Workshop (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Week 3 -Mon., Apr. 9th: Poetry Reading (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Week 4 -Thurs., Apr. 19th: Talent Showcase (5:45pm – 7:45pm) Week 5 -Mon., Apr. 30th: Poetry Slam (5:30pm – 7:30pm) For more info log onto www.facebook.com/crak.poetry   Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday VerBaLizAtiOn @ Hibernian Hall 184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq. (next to fire department & barber shop) 7:00pm start (doors and open mic sign-up at 6:30pm) Free 2 The Public / All ages are welcomed Hosted by VCR April 10th – Toni Rose & friends April 24th – Boston Poetry Reunion 4 more info. contact VCR at 617-480-7663 or bloodskinland@yahoo.com Every Thursday Night ART IS LIFE ITSELF @ The Haley House Bakery & Café 12 Dade St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq. (off Washington St. – next to Tropical Foods) 7:00pm – 10:00pm / No cover charge Hosted by Nina LaNegra & Fulani Haynes For more info call 617-445-0900 or visit www.haleyhouse.org/cafe Thursday, April 19th 2012 Ellite Promotions presents POETRY COVE Live Spoken Word by Talented Poets & Musicians @ Byblos Lounge & Restaurant 2 Washington Sq., Worcester/Union Station 8:00pm – 11:00pm $10.00 cover charge / 18+ mature crowd Dress code: business casual Live music by Be Heard Cash bar and $1.00 garage parking available If you are a poet or musician and are intertested in performing, register with efua at 508-615-1149 or e-mail at elliteartistpromotions@gmail.com Also log on at www.ellitepromotions.net * Poetry Cove is every 3rd Thursday of the month   Saturday, April 7th 2012 Butterfly cafe presents STREETLIGHT Live Talent & Art Showcase @ Butterfly Cafe 1420 Tremont St., Roxbury (inside MBTA Roxbury Crossings – Orange Line) 8:00pm – 11:00pm Featuring vocals by Tavonna Miller and Hip-Hop by Arafat Akbar     COMMUNITY EVENTS: Friday, April 6th 2012 JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN Community Town Hall Forum: The Attack On Black Men & Boys History: On February 7, 2012 there was a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on Senate Bill 661 (SB-661) and House Bill 1568 (H-1568). This is a “Stand Your Ground” bill for Massachusetts – the same law in Florida that the killer of Trayvon Martin will use for his “defense”. There is a blanket “extension order” for this bill (and many others). @ Hibernian Hall 184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq. (next to fire department &

Arts & Culture, Education, Focus on 3 Strikes Law, Justice, Police, Crime, Law and Public Safety, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics, Youth

Springfield, MA Artists make album on 3 Strikes and more from Blackstonian

Springfield Artists Kyreem Tabar, Shellz, Rell & Intel deliver a hard hitting LP blasting current proposed 3 strikes legislation, police brutality, wrongful incarceration and the many injustices of the criminal justice system. Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com Kyreem Tabar, Shellz, Rell & Intel bring together “Mass Incarceration” LP, a TRU collaboration and not the last, reflecting on the injustices as well as the evils that we never usually pay attention to in the communities of our own cities. From Police brutality, Innocent prisoners, prison reforms & bills, This project HITS ALL aspects of POSITIVE! For Inquiry leave a message at: (413) 342-1344

Archie Bunker Award, Arts & Culture, Economy & Business, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics, Youth

Mar. 30 racist comedian John Valby to perform Wilbur Theatre

On March 30th “comedian” John Valby aka “Dr. Dirty”, is scheduled to perform at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston’s theater district. Valby’s career has spanned decades and is famous for his brand of “humor” and its racist, sexist, anti-semetic, homophobic, obscene and vulgar content. He has rewritten famous songs like “Strangers In The Night” remaking it to “Niggers In The Night” and is well known for his own original improvisational nigger jokes. He frequently uses terms like nigger, coon, spook, jigaboo, to sold out crowds received with roars of laughter and applause. The only way in which Valby does not discriminate is in the fact that his racist attacks have something to offend all. He targets African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Jews, Muslims/Middle Easterners, Italians, Irish, Polish as well as the LGBT community. Valby consistently and viciously attacks race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and gender. Many elected officials in Boston have worked hard to move away from Boston’s turbulent and racially charged past. Many of these elected officials, from the State House to the City Council and the Mayor have touted “a new Boston”, one that highlights its diversity and promotes Boston as a cosmopolitan city welcoming all. The demographics of Boston have changed making it a majority so-called “minority” city and we have a wide range of people from every corner of the globe who work, raise families and attend universities in our city. It is unconscionable that in 2012, the Wilbur Theatre, in the heart of the theater district, a hub of Boston tourism, would find it appropriate to book an “artist” of Valby’s ilk. His “humor” is Archie Bunker-esque and is a throwback to the Boston of a not so distant yesterday that no right thinking person wants to return to. Imagine this: A couple visiting Boston from Europe, Japan or Africa, visiting the theater district as tourists in our city, who, while looking for something to do one evening stumbles into the Wilbur Theatre for John Valby’s show, which has no publicized disclaimer or rating that would make you aware of the vicious hate speech that they would be subjected to if they attend. Is this the image of Boston we would want a visitor to take away? Many proponents of free speech will rightly exclaim that John Valby has the right to say whatever he wants. Having the right to say something does not make what you’re saying right. In a free market society businesses have a right to choose whom they do business with and the public has a right to choose where they spend their dollars. Patronage of the Wilbur Theatre is a privilege bestowed by the public in good faith. The Wilbur Theatre should book acts responsibly and stay away from performers whose speech in any other setting could be constituted as hate speech and/or violates State discrimination laws. We call upon the Wilbur Theatre to reconsider their decision. We call upon the Mayor of the City of Boston, Boston City Council and the Department of Arts and Tourism to publically condemn Valby’s scheduled performance. His brand of “comedy” has no place in the “new Boston”. As we are moving forward, Valby’s performance seeks to set us back to times best forgotten. *JOHN VALBY BIO ——————————– John Valby (born November 22, 1944 in Staten Island and raised in Rochester, New York) is a musician and comedian who plays in barrooms and college campuses up and down the East Coast. He has recorded over 40 albums. Using an old-fashioned piano, he creates comedic, obscene parodies of classic songs. He can always be found performing in his classic white tailcoat and black derby hat. Valby lives up to his nickname “Dr. Dirty”. His songs and shows focus mainly on sex and racial slurs, with a mix of current and historic people and events. * VALBY’S WORK INCLUDES ——————————– Niggers In The Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbbc2Vb7r5E Leroy the Big Lipped Nigger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6XMoP_Ligs and more… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYRnf6gAfeg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi14-r6jX8w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66B8F77OIfs * JOHN VALBY OFFICIAL SITE ——————————– http://www.johnvalbynation.com/ * WILBUR THEATRE PRESS RELEASE ON JOHN VALBY ————————— http://thewilburtheatre.com/content/press-release-john-valby-wilbur-theatre Press Release: John Valby – Wilbur Theatre Contact: Andrew Mather (617) 248-9700 For Immediate Release: JOHN VALBY HEADLINES WILBUR THEATRE ON MARCH 30th Boston, MA- John Valby set to perform at The Wilbur Theatre on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 10:00pm After spending an evening with John Valby, Audiences find themselves wanting more and more of him. What makes Valby so unique and entertaining is his uncommon rapport with the audience and his ability to mix his musical Talent with a mad-cap variety of “Dirty Ditties”. Few people can resist laughing at songs that would have earned them a mouthful of soap when they were children. Valby’s repertoire is composed of popular songs, limericks, classical arrangements and his own original creations. Valby has made a career out of poking fun at his audiences, stretching the limits of free speech and accepted good taste and satirizing current events from behind the piano. When he’s not playing and singing, he yells obscenities: the audience yells back and everyone has a good time. The best way to describe John Valby is to blend the following performers together, Allen Sherman, spike Jones, Lenny Bruce and Weird Al Yankovic all topped off with the Dirt of Redd Foxx, only better. Mr. Valby wears a white tuxedo, derby and black bow tie, while supporting the grin of a Leprechaun. He sings a slew of “DIRTY” songs, complete with Fraternity references to Genitals & intercourse. Nothing and no one is sacred around Dr. Dirty, but he accomplishes his act with ease and finesse.” You have to look clean, and smile a lot; “Mr. Valby once remarked few entertainers have such a one-to-one relationship with there audience. He doesn’t target one group in particular. He smiles with them, laughs with them, jokes with them, and makes everyone laughs at themselves. Mr. Valby has recorded & produced over 30 CD’s & Lp’s which bear such titles as: compact Dirt, Sit on a happy

Community Spotlight, Events, Health & Wellness, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics, US National News, Youth

4th Annual National Feed The People (FTP) Weekend 3/24-3/25

4th Annual National Feed The People (FTP) Weekend Message from FTP: First, let me say that we are greatly appreciative of all those who have supported our Feed The People Program since its inception in 2004!!! The Feed The People Program has spread and served over 150,000 meals and care packages in places such as Los Angeles, San Diego and parts of Canada to name a few. Care packages that include –toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant and various feminine hygiene products. In an effort to cover more ground and reach more people in need, the FTP Movement is calling on all Comrades, Family and supporters around this country to lend a hand and a heart. On March 24 & 25th 2012-we will launch our 4th Annual National Feed The People Weekend!!! If you are interested in participating or sponsoring in your area please email defendingthepoor@yahoo.com *Note-this is not just an FTP Movement affair, we welcome all organizations and individuals to participate, we do ask that for the sake of solidarity that if you plan on being involved in your area to let us know so that we can either include you as a contact or put you in touch with someone that is already doing it…Be on the look out for our upcoming press release…. RSVP on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/353612851335358/ Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psnNSQjSluQ

Community Spotlight, Economy & Business, Education, Events, Health & Wellness, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics, Youth

Operation Prom Dress

Operation Prom Dress The time is here! Operation Prom Dress is full speed ahead! 1. If you have a prom/formal/bridesmaid dress that you no longer want, please donate to Operation Prom Dress. 2. Taking all other donations such as formal shoes, accessories and gift cards. 3. Student must live in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain areas. Please inquire about all other eligibility requirements. 4. 10 lucky girls have the opportunity to win hair and makeup by submitting an essay. Please inquire about eligibility requirements for grand prize. 5. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE spread the word! If you have any questions please email us at: operationpromdress2012@gmail.com Like the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/OperationPromDressBoston If you do not live in the Boston area, please send all donations to: United Sistas of Color PO Box 240483 Dorchester, MA 02124 As young girls we remember how important Prom Night was for us. It was the last big event before graduation that capped off our 4 years of work. We ran around excited about who was going to ask us to the prom. We spent Saturdays with our friends and parents dress shopping. With todays economic crisis, a lot of families are unable to do some of the “extra” things for their children. There will be some young girls who dreamt of this night all senior year yet are unable to attend their prom because of the financial strain. This is where OPERATION PROM DRESS comes in! United Sistas of Color, a organization dedicated to rebuilding bridges between Black and Latina women through active community involvement, needs your help to make OPERATION PROM DRESS a success! We are asking for the public’s assistance to donate prom dresses. These dresses will then be set up in a “store” like setting for the young girls to view and pick out any dress they want. WHAT WE NEED FROM THE PUBLIC: – Prom dresses (modern/up-to-date and DRY CLEANED) – Shoes (lightly worn) – Accessories (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, purse/clutch, etc) WHAT WE NEED FROM THE YOUNG GIRLS: – An essays of 500 words or less on: “A nation can rise no higher than its woman” What does this statement mean to you and how can you apply it to yourself? (Ask your parents for help if needed). ***Go to general information to find COMPLETE DETAILS on the essay and its criteria*** WHAT WE NEED FROM THE PARENTS: – A CONFIDENTIAL email stating why your daughter(s) is a good candidate for Operation Prom Dress. – Helping your daughter(s) with the essay if needed. All black and Latina students living in the Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Roslindale and Hyde Park area are eligible. You must be going to a prom THIS SCHOOL YEAR. WE HAVE A SURPRISE FOR 10 LUCKY GIRLS! General Information *Essay entry begins: March 4, 2012 *Essay deadline: April 1, 2012 @ 5PM (No entries will be accepted after 5PM) ***CRITERIA FOR ESSAY TO BE ELIGIBLE*** Answer the following essay question: “A nation can rise no higher than its woman” In your own words what does this statement mean to you and how can you apply it to your life or future? 1. Submit essay by due date, April 1, 2012 by 5pm. 2. Essay is to be typed, double spaced only. 3. Essay should be 500 words or less. 4. Applicants must be attending their prom this 2012 school year. 5. Any Black or Latina student living in the Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain area can apply. 6. Most recent report card MUST be submitted with application. 7. Applicant MUST include contact and parent’s info; name, phone, email in the essay submittal. 9. Parents MUST consent applicants participation in contest and photos/video footage. 10. Submit all essays to operationpromdress2012@gmail.com by deadline April 1, 2012 @ 5PM. 11. One entry per applicant. ***ANNOUCEMENT OF ESSAY WINNERS*** ALL ESSAY PARTICIPANTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO PICK OUT A PROM DRESS GRAND PRIZE WINNERS (10) will be announced on Touch 106 and via Facebook, email on April 9, 2012. ***These 10 lucky ladies get a special prize in addition to a prom dress*** (To ALL applicants please make sure your contact info is CORRECT AND COMPLETE) ***DONATIONS FOR DRESSES*** All donations for dresses will be collected on the following Saturdays: March 17, 24 & 31 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm ( Locations TBD) Girls will pick out their dresses on: Saturday, April 21, 2012 1:00pm – 5:00pm (Location: TBD) Email operationpromdress2012@gmail.com

Arts & Culture, Events, Music & Entertainment, News, Youth

Sat. March 10 BOMBARDED! feat. Jessica Care Moore

GYP Entertainment, BloodSkinLand Productions, Hibernian Hall and Ashley Rose presents BOMBARDED! A Fiery Evening of Poetry & Music RSVP on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/302145706506752/ Featuring Detroit’s legendary poet/author JESSICA CARE MOORE Jessica Care Moore is an internationally renowned poet/ publisher/ activist/ rock star/ playwright and actor. She is a five-time Showtime at the Apollo winner; has featured on hip-hop mega-star Nas’ “Nastradamus” album and was a returning star of Russell Simmon’s HBO series “Def Poetry Jam”. After her legendary win on the Apollo stage, jessica Care moore was approached by several book publishing companies, but in 1997, she paved her own path and launched a publishing company of her own – Moore Black Press. Which has released her first book; “The Words Don’t Fit In My Mouth,” and several thousand copies. A few years later, she followed up with her second collection of poetry and essays, “The Alphabet Verses The Ghetto.” Moore Black Press proudly published famed poets, Saul Williams and Shariff Simmons; Def Poetry Jam’s co-founder, Danny Simmons, NBA basket-ball player, Etan Thomas, activist and poet, Ras Baraka and former Essence Magazine editor and author, Asha Bandele. This bold and electric artist has shared the stage with the late Ossie Davis, CeCe Winans, Gregory Hines, Anthony David, Norah Jones, Amiri Baraka, Patti Labelle, Roy Ayers, Mos Def, The Last Poets, Sonia Sanchez, Talib Kweli, Nikki Giovanni, Steve Harvey, Maya Angelou and many others. In 1999, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Harvard Black Men’s Forum. She is among the few poets who can attract more than the usual eclectic artsy crowd; bringing people from all backgrounds to fall captivated by her lyrics, verses and the universal raw truths in her poems. This Detroit bred natural born entertainer fuses a rock band with hip-hop and poetry. Her band, Detroit Read (pronounced “red”), fuses soul rock ‘n roll sounds inspired by Prince, Betty Davis, Janis Joplin, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. The performance is a combination of heart-pounding rock, acoustic guitar, house and raw hip-hop mixed with jessica’s soulful raspy voice as lead vocalist. jessica Care moore voices herself as a strong warrior in the fight against AIDS. She has performed for the United Nations World AIDS Day Commemoration two years in a row. She also organized the successful Hip-Hop-A-Thon Concert in (San Francisco), which helped increase AIDS education in the Black and Latino Bay-Area communities. She has performed at several AIDS WALK Opening Ceremonies in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Florida and Atlanta. Her innovative and inspiring take on literacy among our nation’s youth landed her opportunities to produce several art programs, concerts, and workshops for the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, and worked as a facilitator for The Langston Hughes National Poetry Circle Project. As an internationally respected author and poet she has rocked stages all around the world from Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Berlin, Paris, Holland, England, Scotland and many others. jessica Care moore teamed up with Impulse recording artist, Antonio Hart on the album “Here I Stand,” and collaborated with Big Cat’s rap artist, PBT, and also featured on The Last Poets Tribute Album. Her talent does not stop at poetry, jessica featured in “Hugh’s Harlem Dream” (STARZ), and starred in the award-winning independent film, “His/Herstory.” She also captured the lead in the independent film, Under The Gun, which co-stars Umi and M1 of Dead Prez. She had a cameo appearance in the award-winning film, “Slam,” and is one of the stars of the documentary, “Slamnation!” She is the producer, writer and star of the poetry and music themed show, “SPOKEN!” aired on the Black Family Channel, produced in association with Moore Black Press and directed by CEO, Robert Townsend. She is one of the featured artists in the PBS special; “I’ll Make Me a World.” She is the playwright and author of “There Are No Asylums for the Real Crazy Women,” a one-woman stage production that reveals the true life story of Vivienne Eliot, the late first wife of famous poet T.S. Eliot. Fusing her contemporary poetry, hip-hop culture, feminist thought and language, jessica offers a moving and innovative portrayal of an English woman born in 1888. She also authored and performed in the one-woman stage play “AlphaPhobia,” a semi-autobiographical sketch about a female poet who believes the alphabet is trying to kill her. Her literary work has received wide exposure, and her poems featured in several major anthologies including; “A Different Image,” (U of D Mercy Press, 2004), “Abandon Automobile,” (WSU Press, 2001), “Listen Up!” (Random House, 1999), “Step Into A World,” (Wiley Publishing, 2001), “Role Call” (Third World Press, 2002), “Bum Rush The Page: A Def Poetry Jam” (Crown Publishing, 2001). She is the youngest poet published in the “Prentice Hall Anthology of African American Women’s Literature,” by Valerie Lee, alongside literary greats, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Octavia Butler Maya Angelou and many others. Jessica was also featured in Essence, Blaze, Source, Vibe, African Voices, Bomb, Mosaic, Good News, Savoy, One World, BE, Ambassador Magazine and others. The poet/actors return to the “D” has been met with much buzz, gracing the covers of The Metro Times, African American Family, The Detroit News, and The Detroit Free Press. This talented powerhouse was commissioned by The Apollo Theater to debut her new multi media solo theater show, “God is Not an American”. Her show sold out the Apollo Theater Salon Series in April, and after a return from touring in France and Amsterdam, she will bring the show back to NYC for encore performances in Brooklyn and Harlem in July 2009. @ Hibernian Hall 184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq. (next to fire dept. & barber shop) Doors at 8:00pm $10.00 admission With performances by ARTHUR COLLINS ASHLEY ROSE HARLYM 1-TWO-5 JAMARHL CRAWFORD NEIEL ISRAEL NICOLE ‘COLE” RODRIGUEZ VCR Music by DJ MOE DEE

Arts & Culture, Economy & Business, Events, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics

Thur. March 1 Chris Faraone book release for “99 Nights with the 99%”

Chris Faraone book release for “99 Nights with the 99%” Thursday March 1st 2012 Good Life Boston 28 Kingston Street, Boston, MA 02111 featuring a slide show DJ On&On will be spinning… LOTS MORE INFO HERE (where to buy online, stuff like that): Locally, you can buy the book at Brookline Booksmith, Trident Booksellers, Tres Gatos, UGHH, Harvard Book Store, Lorem Ipsum Books GOOD LIFE PARTY PAGE HERE FB PAGE FOR BOOK HERE (with all media links) Peace, Chris Faraone

Community Spotlight, Education, Events, Health & Wellness, Music & Entertainment, News, Organize The Hood, Politics

Sat. March 3 – Facing Love V

FACING LOVE is a TV talk show- style symposium exploring the intricacies and dynamics of the Black/Latino Male-Black/Latino Female relationship. The THEME of Facing Love V is : HOW DOES EDUCATION/MISEDUCATION CONTRIBUTE TO THE DYSFUNCTION IN BLACK/LATINO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES? “How you behave is dependent upon what you THINK of yourself…… What you think of yourself is dependent upon what you KNOW of yourself… What you know of yourself is dependent upon what you have been TOLD…” -Prof. Runoko Rashidi This fundamental principle speaks to EDUCATION and to what degree it has affected/is affecting Black/Latino people’s existence. Facing Love V will explore not only current perceptions of the educational process in America…but will also delve into the pitfalls of MIS-EDUCATION and how it has shaped Black/Latino perceptions of ourselves as a people and inter-genderally. Facing Love V will be anchored by a presentation from the dynamic, and renowned UMAR ABDULLAH JOHNSON who is a PSYCHOLOGIST, ORATOR, POLITICAL SCIENTIST, EDUCATOR out of Philadelphia. More guests and performances to be announced! *Free buffet! *Free Giveaways! *Dollar raffle for KEITH SWEAT concert tickets! *Facing Love tees, I Love Black People tees and Facing Love V CDs will be on hand and available. RSVP via Facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/126002964175512/

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