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Let's continue the conversation in our communities! Stop killing kids!

ALL LIVES MATTER! Now that McCarthy is out, what will we do now?

Why Black People Act The Way They Do Dr. Joy deGruy Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

This is a conversation everyone on the planet should have.
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save the uglies...

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Come See at The Black Star Project's  The Sunday University Sunday, November 1, 2015 2:30 pm  3509 South King Drive, Suite 2B Chicago, Illinois  FREE Movie and Discussion!!! Please call 773.285.9600 for more information. These five young Black teen-age boys were accused of raping a young White woman in Central Park in New York City in 1989.  They did not do it, but they all were found guilty and sent to prison for 13 years.  They were essentially "framed" by the New York City Police Department. New evidence had them exonerated and released.  They have won a $41 million settlement from the City of New York.   In 1989, Mr. Donald Trump paused in building his real estate empire to run a 600-word ad in The New York Times, The Daily News, The New York Post and New York Newsday, at a total cost of $85,000, under the boldfaced heading, "Bring Back the Death Penalty. Bring Back Our Police!''  Mr. Trump said he wanted the ''criminals of every age'' who were "accused" (not convicted or guilty, but "accused") of beating and raping a jogger in Central Park 12 days earlier ''to be afraid.''  Mr. Trump should at least contribute $85,000 to the settlement for his part in fanning the flames against these young men.   Harlem Fine Arts Show takes a stand on #blacklivesmatters Harlem Fine Arts Show takes a stand on #blacklivesmatters Civic and community leaders, artist tackle issues of civil, personal and social justice  The Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS), the largest traveling African Diaspora art show and sale in the United States, will return to Chicago's Merchandise Mart October 29 - November 1.  HFAS was launched in 2009 and held its first event in Chicago in 2014.  Since its inception HFAS has had over 60,000 visitors, traveled to more than 10 cities and showcased hundreds of artists and galleries.   During its run the HFAS has chosen to tackle the real issues facing African Americans today.  These include civil and personal rights and social justice issues. As such they will be hosting "Discussions by the Lake" on Saturday, October 31 from 4 - 6 p.m. This discussion is quickly becoming a staple of the Harlem Fine Arts Show, with the most recent event held in Washington, D.C. this September. The Forum engages people of all races, ages, colors, creeds, and sexual orientations in discussions about social justice and how they can make a difference in their communities. The topic "Where do WE go from here?" addresses the current landscape of race relations, police brutality and lack of living wages facing multicultural communities across the United States.  Recently Vanity Fair Magazine printed an editorial by Chicagoan and University of Virginia student Martese Johnson who was assaulted and arrested on March 18, 2015, by three white Alcoholic Beverage Control officers outside of a bar adjacent to the University of Virginia's grounds. Johnson recounts his feelings on becoming a trending hashtag - #justiceforMartese - in today's social media activism.  Moderating this discussion will be Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., former executive director of the NAACP and current head of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).  Panelists include Maudlyne Ihejirika, Chicago Sun Times reporter; Rev. Gregory Seal Livingston, president and CEO of the Coalition World (TCW); Arlene Coleman, president of the Cook County Bar  Association; artist Raymond Thomas and activist and radio personality Dometi Pongo.  "The HFAS is in line with the objectives of the Black Lives Matters Movement in being "committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension all people," says HFAS founder Dion Clarke.  We're pleased to engage in this conversation that will have a distinct Chicago focus." Other 2015 Harlem Fine Arts Show  sponsors include United Airlines,Country Financial,Toyotaand Morgan Stanley.   Half-price 'adult tickets' are on sale at Walgreens locations across the Chicagoland region and first time customers to the ride sharing app Lyft can receive a $20 credit by using the code HFAS2015. Visit http://bit.ly/HFAStix for more information or to purchase tickets and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #hfaschi. About The Harlem Fine Arts Show  First held in February 2010 in New York City, the Harlem Fine Arts Show has attracted more than 60,000 visitors since its inception. HFAS debuted in Chicago in 2014 and attendees include collectors, art enthusiasts, educators, students, and professionals. Over 80 nationally and internationally known artists, including Leroy Campbell, Paul Goodnight, Michael Escoffery, Frank Frazier,Woodrow Nash, Dane Tilghman, Brenda Joysmith, and Glenn Tunstull have been a part of the show, which also embraces the work of emerging artists.  In addition, highly regarded arts establishments including Louisville's E&S Gallery, Water Kolours Fine Art in Memphis, and New York's Savacou Gallery have also contributed works to the show.  D D. HENTON ARRANGEMENTS FOR APOSTLE DR. RICHARD D. HENTON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 LIE-IN STATE: 10:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.,  MONUMENT OF FAITH, 2750 WEST COLUMBUS AVE., 60652. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015~~HOMEGOING SERVICE: HOUSE OF HOPE, 752 EAST 114TH, 60628 WAKE: 9:00 A.M., SERVICE 10:00 A.M. REV. JAMES T. MEEKS, PASTOR  HotHouse's Old And New Dreams Festival OLD AND NEW DREAMS: HOTHOUSE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED Second Annual Two-Day Multi-arts Festival Features Array of Top Talent Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14, 2015  The second annual, two-day HotHouse Old and New Dreams Festival is a multi-arts event that celebrates the intersection of jazz and "world musics". Over the past thirty years, HotHouse has consistently been a cultural leader in Chicago, and this premiere showcase will highlight some of the key programming HotHouse has to offer.  The Old and New Dreams Festival will provide a mélange of talent complete with unusual musical pairings and long-overdue popular jazz appearances. The artists range from young up and comers newly emerging on the scene, to seasoned performers worthy of greater recognition. There will even be some sho' nuff giants that seldom come to town.  "The two-day Festival was launched last year to celebrate our own revival," said Marguerite Horberg, Executive Director of HotHouse. "Over the course of the festival, we endeavor to tell a comprehensive story that speaks to our own curatorial vision crafted over decades. It is a celebration of our work, the artists we admire and the community we endeavor to serve." This year we are thrilled to welcome a range of performers including two projects led by former homeboy Adam Rudolph. During the Saturday performance, Adam's debut projects - Moving Pictures and the Go: Organic Orchestra - will demonstrate the artful array of global influences that define his compositions. Greg Burk of LA Weekly wrote, "The music, performed by a large ensemble of wind and percussion players, rose like vines from hand drummer Adam Rudolph's written instructions and hand signals," in response to Adam's performance. "And it truly is organic -- a blend of gentle sustained dissonance, heaven-crashing rhythm jams, and individual improvisations. No joke: a startling and involving development in roots music, with more to follow." On Saturday afternoon, HotHouse will offer up free matinee educational events in the Logan Center penthouse "room with a view." Leading jazz critics will play their favorite LP's and they will offer their "spin" on the music that has moved them over the decades. Additionally, youth from the Black Lives Matter movement will share their insights on how to make art that responds to the moment.  Friday highlights will include the commanding performance of M.A.D.D. Rhythms' Supreme Love - a tap dance whirlwind interpretation of Coltrane's eternal hit record "A Love Supreme". Attendees will also have a rare opportunity to enjoy the performance of the 86-year-old, Philly-based sax man, Odean Pope, who will headline the evening's program.  The title of this years Festival - Old and New Dreams - pays homage to a cherished musical ensemble that featured many of the side-men in Ornette Coleman's bands from the 1960's. These artists interpreted the words Old - and - New - Dreams in a poetic and prosaic way that is representative of the organizational history and rebirth of HotHouse. Old and New Dreams promises to be spectacular multi-arts festival, that will be a heralded entry in every arts and culture fall calendar. HotHouse, founded in 1987, provides a forum for expression in the arts that extends the milieu of academy, high caliber and international arts innovation to underserved populations throughout the Chicago metropolitan region. Artist Bio's available upon request Tickets available: www.hothouse.net

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val gray ward

Q&A- VAL GRAY WARD

NDIGO: What inspired you to come home with a new play? WARD: I have always wanted to return to the Chicago area to perform again and the Logan Cen Like   Tweet   Preferences   Forward     VAL GRAY WARD NDIGO: What inspired you to come home with a new play? WARD: I have always wanted to return to the Chicago area to perform again and the Logan Center gave me the opportunity. This is not a new play. "My Soul Is a Witness" has always been the name of my one - woman show. NDIGO: What have you been doing since you departed Chicago? WARD: I never completely "departed Chicago." Francis and I moved to Syracuse, New York when he became a professor at Syracuse University. However, our children and grandchildren have always lived in the Chicago area and we visited them regularly. I also kept in constant contact with most of our friends in Chicago. Also, I have continued to do live performances and I also created a CD, "Rhapsody in Hughes 101." I do various interpretations of the works of Langston Hughes with excellent musical accompaniment from Baabe Irving and musicians under his direction. VAL GRAY WARD NDIGO: What is your One Woman Show about? WARD: "My Soul Is a Witness" is my dramatic interpretation of the works of various black writers, such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez. I also perform a segment from "The Life of Harriet Tubman" which Francis wrote for me many years ago. NDIGO: Are you writing a book? WARD: Not at the moment, but I would like to do a personal memoir and also a book on the Kuumba Theatre. My uncertainty now is only because of my health. NDIGO: How has Chicago changed since you left? WARD: I think it’s more vibrant, very much alive in theater and the arts. It’s changed in terms of the shootings and killings. We didn’t have that when I left. But there are so many new theaters and playwrights; 47TH Street is coming back – with galleries and restaurants -- and the house tour, art tour. Even though DuSable Museum needs our help, and eta probably needs our financial help too, they are very much alive. So is the South Side Community Art Center, the Black Ensemble. Oh, it’s so exciting. It’s good to be home. VAL GRAY WARD NDIGO: What was your thinking when you founded the Kuumba Theatre in 1968? WARD: I wanted to create an arts organization that would both teach and entertain. My vision was an organization whose work would make a radical departure from the prevailing Western concept of art for art's sake. Kuumba would fuse the basic ideas of the 1960's Black Consciousness Movement with the goals of the black freedom struggle. The Kuumba Theatre also did more than live drama. We also did major public forums on issues of great public importance and gave annual liberation awards to major public figures like Lerone Bennett Jr. and John Henrik Clarke in honor of their life's work. NDIGO: What are your thoughts on how the arts and culture in Chicago have thrived since you left the South Side Art Center on South Michigan Avenue? WARD: Chicago always had a strong tradition of artistic and cultural life, so it's no surprise that live theatre and other arts organizations are doing well. NDIGO; How is your family? WARD: Family members are doing well. We now have eight great grandchildren. VAL GRAY WARD NDIGO: What's your greatest achievement? WARD: I've had many successes over the years. If I had to pick one, it would be the great success of the TV show we created, "Precious Memories: Strolling 47th Street." After it first aired on WTTW in 1987, it won 21 Emmy awards for all the singers and musicians in the show. I won an Emmy for the stage direction. However, my greatest achievement has to be 50 years of marriage to Francis Ward and rearing five wonderful children. They eventually gave us four grandchildren which has now led to the eight great grands. Family life has always been our greatest joy and certainly the most cherished achievement. NDIGO: Would you consider moving back to Chicago? WARD: I've already moved back to Lynwood in south suburban Chicago. NDIGO: Where have your travels taken you? WARD: The Kuumba Theatre toured throughout the U.S. to cities like Louisville, Ky., New York City, Detroit, Atlanta, Springfield, Mass. and many other locations too numerous to name. We also toured internationally to Japan, Montreal, Canada, and to the World Festival of Black and African Arts (FESTAC) in January 1977 with one of our most important plays, "The Image Makers." This play was written by Useni Perkins as a satire on the blaxsploitation films of the early 1970's. We first did it at Kuumba in 1973 and toured with it later on. I also traveled to East Africa (Uganda and Tanzania), I believe in 1976. NDIGO: What book would I find on your nightstand? WARD: I've read good books all my life. My latest favorite book is "Between the World and Me," written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a memoir to his son.   "Like" us on Facebook and twitter © 2015 NDIGO | 1006 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago 60605 Web Version   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by Mad Mimi®A GoDaddy® company