It is regular in the United States, especially in the inner cities where residents identify their addresses by “what hundred block” they live in. Baltimore, the city of my cultural concentration, is famous for block parties. Kids (minors) are entertained by their parents who team- up to bring some happiness to their charges; food, music […]
A Block Party in January Read More »
It was the end of racial discrimination by law in the United States. I took 400 years for African Americans to be considered equal at the ballot box. From this trunk, civil rights movements branched out like geysers. 2 years later KWANZAA was born. December 26, 1966, is the official date of the celebration’s beginning.
To watch them move with speed, balance and grace barefooted in the dirt is just magnificent. In many African villages girls reaching the age of marriage, practiced their dance styles in hopes of finding the “men of their dreams” at the special ceremonies. We have followed the history of this spectacular artform to North America,
CLICK, CLACK, CLICKETY CLACK! Read More »
I KNEW OF HIM, FROM LISTENING TO HIS VOICE ON RADIO, WEAA_FM (Morgan State University, Baltimore Maryland). The station started just about the same time I came to Baltimore. On one of my journalistic adventures in Baltimore, I met him, while he was advocating for a cause. I was shocked to know he had passed
A MUSICIAN WITHOUT AN INSTRUMENT Read More »
The new blockbuster movie, WICKED FOR GOOD, has a subtle inclusion, of which, I do not know how many moviegoers have gasped at, on realization, ELPHABA, played by Cynthia Erivo, is bi-racial. The WIZARD as portrayed was an alcoholic and had a relationship with Elphaba’s mother. They both loved to party with alcoholic beverages, a
THE WIZARD of OZ Had a Biracial Child Read More »
What comes to mind? Shakespeare was a famous white poet born in 1564. What would he be doing in Harlem in 2025? I was curious, so I went to see the play at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD. There was no Shakespeare, instead it was Langston Hughes. He was a premier black poet,
Shakespeare in Harlem Read More »
It happened in the second week of October, this 2025th year: a party bash on North Avenue between Charles and Howard Streets. This was once the epicenter of Baltimore Maryland; it divided the East side from the West side. The further one lived away from the center, the obviously poorer one was. Before car dealerships
An All-Inclusive Birthday Party Read More »
“To exist one need only let oneself be,but to live one must be someone”. (Antonin Artaaud) “I find the fragility of my flesh significantly precious” (Vivian Sobchack) These are some of the words that accompany an art exhibition now concluding this month at the NIGHT OWL GALLERY in Baltimore Maryland. The work features two artists
STANLEY JORDAN, Guitarist extraordinaire. What constitutes one to be called a musical wizard? One is left to ask, what are the key exceptional characteristics for one to be enshrined into such unique company? Research indicates: Research indicates: Someone that immediately comes to mind is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His Sonata No. 11 exhibits his endowed wizardry.
TO BE CALLED A WIZARD Read More »
Most of us who live in Baltimore Maryland and its suburban territories, know about Dundalk. Prior to 1968, it was racially divided, with almost 80 percent white. African Americans who settled in the area, came looking for work in the steel mills, Bethlehem Steel/Sparrows Point. This small, miniscule population of colored people lived in what
A HOLY SUMMER NIGHT IN DUNDALK, MD. Read More »
