I received a call from Olujimi. During our conversation, he informed me that jazz trumpeter Clark Terry won a Grammy the other night. Therefore, I will begin today's notes by saying, "Congratulations Clark Terry!" More about the great news can be found at http://www.clarkterry.com/
Clark Terry is the uncle of trumpeter Charles Hopkins, who is a member of the In The Tradition Jazz Band and appears on the new CD, "The Tradition Continues!" (I appear on Track 9 as the Spoken Word Artist who wrote and performed the poem "Yurugu" as a co-composer with Olujimi Tafataona).
Olujimi also informed me a few minutes ago, that he spoke with a DJ in New Orleans at WWOZ 90.7 FM and the cd "The Tradition Continues" is getting airplay. The cd has been sent to over 50 radio stations in the U.S.A and abroad. Many of them are college or independent radio stations. I'm really happy to hear that folks around the world have a chance to listen to the latest jazz release from a Detroit band!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Morning Coffee With Michigan Senator Martha Scott: Arts, Politics and Int'l Trade
This is an example of how Civic Literacy can assist you.
On February 1, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. I drove to a McDonald's restaurant on the east side of Detroit to meet with collegues and Senator Martha Scott regarding the availability of state funding for non profit arts and education programs, and, assistance, training and resources for small businesses that want to do international trade.
I shared with Senator Scott and her assistants that my collegues and I were active role models and mentors who are interested in teaching Detroit's youth how to become educated leaders. I also shared that I interviewed the United States Ambassador to the African Union, Amina Salum Ali when she visited Detroit during Africa Week last year and that she encouraged small businesses and educators to work with and in African countries. I stated to that I was aware that Governor Granholm encouraged larger businesses in Michigan, such as those connected to the auto or technology industries, to engage in foreign trade and positive business relations. I asked,"What kind of assistance or resources does the State of MI have for small businesses?"
Senator Scott informed us that the State of Michigan has made several financial cuts and we were directed to the MEDC to get more information. The MEDC is the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. At the local level, regarding afterschool programming, we were asked to call Robert Bobb, who is currently working with Detroit's school district.
To give an example of what kind of cuts The State of Michigan made concerning Arts, Libraries and History, please see the following link from MLive's Grand Rapids news:
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/07/gov_jennifer_granholms_executi.html
After the meeting with Senator Scott, an Asian woman introduced herself to me and said that she listened to me talk about international trade. She told me that she was a professor from Eastern Michigan University in the College of Business and that she and her husband worked with a delegation of educators that went to China. I Informed the professor that I graduated from EMU last year. She suggested that I contact student groups on campus to familiarize myself with exchange students' experiences and knowledge of their countries.
Senator Scott's aid gave me a directory of all of Michigan's legislators and suggested that we also contact representatives that work for Wayne County.
It is nice to know that Senator Scott takes the time to meet with the community. I learned that she has been having "Coffee with The Senator" meetings for about five years. It's a great way to discuss concerns, gain ideas, suggestions and network with those from and outside the City of Detroit.
Senator Scott meets every Monday from 8:30 am - 9:30 am as follows:
1st Monday of the month: McDonalds on Gratiot and 7 mile.
2nd Monday: Mainstreet Restaurant on Jos Campau in Hamtramck
3rd Monday: Caribou Coffee House on Main St in Royal Oak
4th Monday: McDonalds on Woodward in Highland Park
On February 1, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. I drove to a McDonald's restaurant on the east side of Detroit to meet with collegues and Senator Martha Scott regarding the availability of state funding for non profit arts and education programs, and, assistance, training and resources for small businesses that want to do international trade.
I shared with Senator Scott and her assistants that my collegues and I were active role models and mentors who are interested in teaching Detroit's youth how to become educated leaders. I also shared that I interviewed the United States Ambassador to the African Union, Amina Salum Ali when she visited Detroit during Africa Week last year and that she encouraged small businesses and educators to work with and in African countries. I stated to that I was aware that Governor Granholm encouraged larger businesses in Michigan, such as those connected to the auto or technology industries, to engage in foreign trade and positive business relations. I asked,"What kind of assistance or resources does the State of MI have for small businesses?"
Senator Scott informed us that the State of Michigan has made several financial cuts and we were directed to the MEDC to get more information. The MEDC is the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. At the local level, regarding afterschool programming, we were asked to call Robert Bobb, who is currently working with Detroit's school district.
To give an example of what kind of cuts The State of Michigan made concerning Arts, Libraries and History, please see the following link from MLive's Grand Rapids news:
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/07/gov_jennifer_granholms_executi.html
After the meeting with Senator Scott, an Asian woman introduced herself to me and said that she listened to me talk about international trade. She told me that she was a professor from Eastern Michigan University in the College of Business and that she and her husband worked with a delegation of educators that went to China. I Informed the professor that I graduated from EMU last year. She suggested that I contact student groups on campus to familiarize myself with exchange students' experiences and knowledge of their countries.
Senator Scott's aid gave me a directory of all of Michigan's legislators and suggested that we also contact representatives that work for Wayne County.
It is nice to know that Senator Scott takes the time to meet with the community. I learned that she has been having "Coffee with The Senator" meetings for about five years. It's a great way to discuss concerns, gain ideas, suggestions and network with those from and outside the City of Detroit.
Senator Scott meets every Monday from 8:30 am - 9:30 am as follows:
1st Monday of the month: McDonalds on Gratiot and 7 mile.
2nd Monday: Mainstreet Restaurant on Jos Campau in Hamtramck
3rd Monday: Caribou Coffee House on Main St in Royal Oak
4th Monday: McDonalds on Woodward in Highland Park
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Report On The Jan. 23rd Caribeat Event from Sharetta and Nigel
> Report on Jazz Caribeat Gala:
> On Jan 23rd 2010 the "Global Jazz Award" was presented to the family of Harold Mc Kinney and Dr. Teddy Harris for their life time service to People, Community, Nation and the World. The International Institute located at 111 E. Kirby Detroit was the site for the event. Time 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Guest Speaker was Mr. James Tatum from the James Tatum Art Foundation, who spoke on "Global Rhythm Harmony".
> People that matters in the community included Congressman John Conyers Jr, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood 111, Mr. Bill Foster, Mr. Charles Small (President of Don Bosco Hall) and Michael Julian (MC) from WDET FM Radio station. Sponsor for the Global Jazz Award was Don Bosco Hall, awarded by Nigel John from Grenada.
>
> The purpose of the Show is to use Jazz on a platform to bring about Global Unity to the World. The idea was conceived in 1997 by international acclaimed Steel drummer Nigel John and World renowned Jazz Master Harold Mc Kinney, who taught that by establishing ties with people of the African Diaspora can achieved this goal.
>
> "Sister's With Soul Circle - Sista circle" a women's organization paid tribute to recognized Nigel John Art/Music, a mentor of Harold Mc Kinney and Dr. Teddy Harris. Other purpose of the show was to established a continue education scholarship fund for Mr. John return to College to study Web Master Building, Computer Graphic Design, Animation and Video Games Concentration.
> In 1987 Nigel John were an International Jazz exchange student from Grenada to Detroit, in that same year he worn the Youth Jazz exchange competition at Hurt Plaza and recognition from the City of Detroit MI, Spirit of Detroit Award in leadership and dedication to improving the of life.
> The formal Jazz Caribeat Gala event included some of Detroit's best Jazz and Reggae performers. The Global Jazz Assembly highlighted the afternoon with rhythms and sounds from across the World. The band included Don Mayberry on bass, Richard Willis on keyboards, Grey Patrick and Gayelynn Mc Kinney on drums, Alfred Sields and Craig Hucklebee on congas, Nigel John on Steel Drums, Armand Jackson, Cheryl Warren and Michele Mc Kinney as vocalist. Other bands which performed were the Mariachi Mexican band, Gratitude Steel Band, Roots Vibration, Lorenzo Rhodes with his band included vocalist Cheri and Lagwynna Scott. Guest Artist- poetry Aurora E. Harris.
>
> Thank you for allowing me to send you this report.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sharetta Wellons
>
> Nigel John.
>
> Coordinators
>
>
>
> On Jan 23rd 2010 the "Global Jazz Award" was presented to the family of Harold Mc Kinney and Dr. Teddy Harris for their life time service to People, Community, Nation and the World. The International Institute located at 111 E. Kirby Detroit was the site for the event. Time 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Guest Speaker was Mr. James Tatum from the James Tatum Art Foundation, who spoke on "Global Rhythm Harmony".
> People that matters in the community included Congressman John Conyers Jr, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood 111, Mr. Bill Foster, Mr. Charles Small (President of Don Bosco Hall) and Michael Julian (MC) from WDET FM Radio station. Sponsor for the Global Jazz Award was Don Bosco Hall, awarded by Nigel John from Grenada.
>
> The purpose of the Show is to use Jazz on a platform to bring about Global Unity to the World. The idea was conceived in 1997 by international acclaimed Steel drummer Nigel John and World renowned Jazz Master Harold Mc Kinney, who taught that by establishing ties with people of the African Diaspora can achieved this goal.
>
> "Sister's With Soul Circle - Sista circle" a women's organization paid tribute to recognized Nigel John Art/Music, a mentor of Harold Mc Kinney and Dr. Teddy Harris. Other purpose of the show was to established a continue education scholarship fund for Mr. John return to College to study Web Master Building, Computer Graphic Design, Animation and Video Games Concentration.
> In 1987 Nigel John were an International Jazz exchange student from Grenada to Detroit, in that same year he worn the Youth Jazz exchange competition at Hurt Plaza and recognition from the City of Detroit MI, Spirit of Detroit Award in leadership and dedication to improving the of life.
> The formal Jazz Caribeat Gala event included some of Detroit's best Jazz and Reggae performers. The Global Jazz Assembly highlighted the afternoon with rhythms and sounds from across the World. The band included Don Mayberry on bass, Richard Willis on keyboards, Grey Patrick and Gayelynn Mc Kinney on drums, Alfred Sields and Craig Hucklebee on congas, Nigel John on Steel Drums, Armand Jackson, Cheryl Warren and Michele Mc Kinney as vocalist. Other bands which performed were the Mariachi Mexican band, Gratitude Steel Band, Roots Vibration, Lorenzo Rhodes with his band included vocalist Cheri and Lagwynna Scott. Guest Artist- poetry Aurora E. Harris.
>
> Thank you for allowing me to send you this report.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sharetta Wellons
>
> Nigel John.
>
> Coordinators
>
>
>
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Detroit, MI Discussion Page: What Folks Have To Say Jan 30; Local TV Project Bait
Saturday Jan 30 6am
What I want to know is why does anything that is educational concerning African Americans on television when most folks are asleep or getting ready to go to bed? As I type local consciousness program "Project Bait" is on with a brother talking about the history of Haiti and how their independence wasn't recognized until slavery was abolished in the USA.
Luckily I have been up since 5:30 am. Otherwise, I would have missed the show.
Happy 40th Anniversary Project Bait!
For an update on Project Bait, a broadcast celebrating 40 years of the show "For My People," check out Larry Gabriel's Article in this weeks Metro Times or go to Project Bait's website.
What I want to know is why does anything that is educational concerning African Americans on television when most folks are asleep or getting ready to go to bed? As I type local consciousness program "Project Bait" is on with a brother talking about the history of Haiti and how their independence wasn't recognized until slavery was abolished in the USA.
Luckily I have been up since 5:30 am. Otherwise, I would have missed the show.
Happy 40th Anniversary Project Bait!
For an update on Project Bait, a broadcast celebrating 40 years of the show "For My People," check out Larry Gabriel's Article in this weeks Metro Times or go to Project Bait's website.
Friday, January 29, 2010
2. Aurora's Reading Schedule February-March 2010
Last Saturday, I attended a Jazz Caribeat Gala that included tributes to local Jazz greats Harold McKinney and Teddy Harris at the International Institute. The event also included a fundraiser for Haiti and a continuing education concert for Nigel John, a musician and artist who is returning to his home in Grenada. Nigel invited me to read poetry. I read a three part poem for Haiti. Unfortunately due to the short notice concerning the event, I wasn't able to post it. The event was a packed house success! It was great to see many of the jazz musicians, a steel drum concert, and praise dancing. Tasty Caribbean foods were curried chicken, curried goat, rice and beans.
It was nice to see Representative John Conyers and Art Tatum- pianist, at the event. After I read, I was asked to present my Haiti Poem at another Caribbean event on Saturday, Jan 30 at the West Indies Carribean Club on East 7 Mile in Detroit at 2 pm. I will only be there for a short time due to other responsibilities.
A note regarding great memories: Teddy Harris, pianist and Victoria "Yava" Alexander, saxophonist and I used to perform together for an alternative Saturday Evening Worship Service called Saturday Night Central at the Central United Methodist Church twelve years ago. It was wonderful to be able to perform with them and I really miss them ( both are now ancestors.
The poem that I wrote called "YURUGU" was written for Victoria as she was battling cancer. She played on the music track called "Yurugu" that was inspired by the work of scholar Marimba Ani. A link to her work and book "Yurugu" appears on this blog site. The poem and music appear as track 9 on the In The Tradition Jazz Band's new Cd "The Tradition Continues." Band concert clips from our cd release party in December can be found on YouTube.
So far my reading schedule is:
Jan 30 at West Indies Caribbean Club in Detroit
Feb 6 From Chaos to Community for the National Lawyers Guild, Black Lawyers Guild at the International Institute from 12-5pm. See blog # 1 Aurora's readings for details.
Feb 25 I will be a guest poet for Professor Lolita Hernandez's class at the University of MI Detroit extention campus on Woodward near Mack Ave
It was nice to see Representative John Conyers and Art Tatum- pianist, at the event. After I read, I was asked to present my Haiti Poem at another Caribbean event on Saturday, Jan 30 at the West Indies Carribean Club on East 7 Mile in Detroit at 2 pm. I will only be there for a short time due to other responsibilities.
A note regarding great memories: Teddy Harris, pianist and Victoria "Yava" Alexander, saxophonist and I used to perform together for an alternative Saturday Evening Worship Service called Saturday Night Central at the Central United Methodist Church twelve years ago. It was wonderful to be able to perform with them and I really miss them ( both are now ancestors.
The poem that I wrote called "YURUGU" was written for Victoria as she was battling cancer. She played on the music track called "Yurugu" that was inspired by the work of scholar Marimba Ani. A link to her work and book "Yurugu" appears on this blog site. The poem and music appear as track 9 on the In The Tradition Jazz Band's new Cd "The Tradition Continues." Band concert clips from our cd release party in December can be found on YouTube.
So far my reading schedule is:
Jan 30 at West Indies Caribbean Club in Detroit
Feb 6 From Chaos to Community for the National Lawyers Guild, Black Lawyers Guild at the International Institute from 12-5pm. See blog # 1 Aurora's readings for details.
Feb 25 I will be a guest poet for Professor Lolita Hernandez's class at the University of MI Detroit extention campus on Woodward near Mack Ave
Monday, January 18, 2010
1. Aurora's Poetry Reading/ Event Schedule for 2010
I am celebrating my Civil Rights on this glorious Dr. Martin Luther King Day!
I will be reading at the following event in February.
This is the press release from the Michigan National Lawyers Guild:
On Wednesday, January 13, 2010, Michigan National Lawyers Guild wrote:
For Immediate Release January 13, 2010
Contact:
Bruce Peterson
National Lawyers Guild
Detroit & Michigan Chapter
P.O. Box 311458
Detroit, MI 48231
(313) 963-0843
michigannlg@michigannlg.org
www.michigannlg.org
>
> Title: Community Violence, Police Brutality and Political Incarceration
> Focus of Detroit Black History Month Event
The National Lawyers Guild and the National Conference of Black Lawyers
have teamed up to produce a free public awareness event to be held on
Saturday, February 6, 2010. The event, "From Chaos to Community," will be held to commemorate Black History Month and serve as a follow up to the "Police Brutality Panel Discussion and Public Forum" being held on January 14th.
The focus of the event will be on three issues people of color in the Detroit area continue to face; police brutality, political incarceration, youth and community violence.
The purpose is to raise awareness and to educate citizens as to their rights under the law and to offer alternatives to violence and police intervention.
From Chaos to Community will be held at the International Institute Hall
of Nations from noon to 5pm, and will include food vendors, music, poetry,
and political tabling.
Some of the initiators of the dialogue will include;
Attorney Jeffrey Edison-National Conference of Black Lawyers,
Ron Scott-National Lawyers Guild & Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality,
Cora Rene Mitchell- Mother of slain Robert Mitchell,
Raphael Johnson-Muhammad Mosque #1,
Joe Williams-Transition of Prisoners (T.O.P.),
Yusef Shakur-Community Activist & Founder of Urban Network Bookstore,
Kwasi Akwamu-H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Prisoners Elevate),
Sandra Hines-Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality
Attorney Julie Hurwitz-Goodman & Hurwitz, P.C. Attorney Jeffrey Haas-Author of “The Assassination of Fred Hampton,”
and many more.
Poets for the event include, Aurora Harris, Wardell Montgomery, Jr. and
Pitch Black with Ivy Riley and Millard Porter. The music will be provided by Khary Frazier. The short film, "Black Panther," will also be shown.
>
> #
I will be reading at the following event in February.
This is the press release from the Michigan National Lawyers Guild:
On Wednesday, January 13, 2010, Michigan National Lawyers Guild
For Immediate Release January 13, 2010
Contact:
Bruce Peterson
National Lawyers Guild
Detroit & Michigan Chapter
P.O. Box 311458
Detroit, MI 48231
(313) 963-0843
michigannlg@michigannlg.org
www.michigannlg.org
>
> Title: Community Violence, Police Brutality and Political Incarceration
> Focus of Detroit Black History Month Event
The National Lawyers Guild and the National Conference of Black Lawyers
have teamed up to produce a free public awareness event to be held on
Saturday, February 6, 2010. The event, "From Chaos to Community," will be held to commemorate Black History Month and serve as a follow up to the "Police Brutality Panel Discussion and Public Forum" being held on January 14th.
The focus of the event will be on three issues people of color in the Detroit area continue to face; police brutality, political incarceration, youth and community violence.
The purpose is to raise awareness and to educate citizens as to their rights under the law and to offer alternatives to violence and police intervention.
From Chaos to Community will be held at the International Institute Hall
of Nations from noon to 5pm, and will include food vendors, music, poetry,
and political tabling.
Some of the initiators of the dialogue will include;
Attorney Jeffrey Edison-National Conference of Black Lawyers,
Ron Scott-National Lawyers Guild & Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality,
Cora Rene Mitchell- Mother of slain Robert Mitchell,
Raphael Johnson-Muhammad Mosque #1,
Joe Williams-Transition of Prisoners (T.O.P.),
Yusef Shakur-Community Activist & Founder of Urban Network Bookstore,
Kwasi Akwamu-H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Prisoners Elevate),
Sandra Hines-Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality
Attorney Julie Hurwitz-Goodman & Hurwitz, P.C. Attorney Jeffrey Haas-Author of “The Assassination of Fred Hampton,”
and many more.
Poets for the event include, Aurora Harris, Wardell Montgomery, Jr. and
Pitch Black with Ivy Riley and Millard Porter. The music will be provided by Khary Frazier. The short film, "Black Panther," will also be shown.
>
> #
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Art and Activism: Learning From The Community
Jan 17, 2010. 10:30 pm
I have been invited to present my Masters project paper at the University of Detroit-Mercy in March. The title of my paper is " A Multicultural Exploration of Female Scholar-Actvist Artists In Detroit, Michigan." I documented the lives of Dr. Gloria House, Michele Gibbs (Russell), Lolita Hernandez, and Emily Lawsin. Dr. House, Ms Hernandez and Ms Lawsin will be a part of the panel discussion. Ms Russell will not be able to attend but I know she will be there in spirit! As soon as I receive the date, place and time of the presentation, I'll post it on this site and email everyone.
Ms Gibbs' work in Oaxaca, Mexico can be found at:
http://www.realoaxaca.com/from-the-field/
An interview of Dr. House can be seen at:
http://www.changingsociety.org/ChangingSociety/Podcast/Entries/2008/5/1_Gloria_House_interview_part_2.html
Info about Lolita Hernandez and her book "Autopsy Of An Engine" can be found at:
http://www.coffeehousepress.org/autopsyofanenginebio.asp
Info about Emily Lawsin can be found at:
http://emilylawsin.com/
I have been invited to present my Masters project paper at the University of Detroit-Mercy in March. The title of my paper is " A Multicultural Exploration of Female Scholar-Actvist Artists In Detroit, Michigan." I documented the lives of Dr. Gloria House, Michele Gibbs (Russell), Lolita Hernandez, and Emily Lawsin. Dr. House, Ms Hernandez and Ms Lawsin will be a part of the panel discussion. Ms Russell will not be able to attend but I know she will be there in spirit! As soon as I receive the date, place and time of the presentation, I'll post it on this site and email everyone.
Ms Gibbs' work in Oaxaca, Mexico can be found at:
http://www.realoaxaca.com/from-the-field/
An interview of Dr. House can be seen at:
http://www.changingsociety.org/ChangingSociety/Podcast/Entries/2008/5/1_Gloria_House_interview_part_2.html
Info about Lolita Hernandez and her book "Autopsy Of An Engine" can be found at:
http://www.coffeehousepress.org/autopsyofanenginebio.asp
Info about Emily Lawsin can be found at:
http://emilylawsin.com/
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