Rape and Mythology
The recent rape of the young lady at Richmond High School reveals the urgency of my monograph The Mythology of Pussy. Yes, the title may be abhorrent and offensive to many, but the content is essential manhood and womanhood training that speaks directly to how youth can become socialized beyond the patriarchal mythology that is totally dysfunctional in the global village—a socialization that breeds animal and savage behavior in men and often women who are taught values of domination, ownership,violence, emotional and verbal abuse.
Rape is the ultimate expression of the patriarchal or male dominated society wherein the female has no value other than as a sexual animal that must serve men at every turn, willingly or unwillingly. So how can we be shocked when we know this society was founded upon rape, kidnapping, murder—the total exploitation of human beings. America is the place where women had their bellies cut open and lynched along with men during our enslavement.
Even as we speak, America is raping, torturing, murdering and exploiting poor people around the world, from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan. She is endorsing such behavior throughout the Americas, in Mexico, Guatemala, and Columbia. All for the profit motive, for the glories of capitalism.
Yet, little Johnny is supposed to behave peacefully in the hood—he is supposed to act civilized in spite of his poverty, ignorance and disease. His ghetto life is the culture of violence—and it is merely a reflection of the larger society of violence—violence in the news, movies, books, sports, and yes, sex. America cannot tell little Johnny not to rape when she goes around the world raping!
But we cannot only blame America because such animal behavior is worldwide—even as I write, women, men and children are being raped in the Congo, Sudan and South Africa.
They were raped in the Balkans, Iraq and all wars throughout history. Women are called “the spoils of war” or “booty.” Every soldier knows women are the prize they get for killing “the enemy.”
The youth in Richmond were acting out the same behavior we did as teenagers when I grew up in Fresno. As teenagers, my friends used to gang rape every Sunday at the show—every Sunday girls were taken behind the movie screen while we sat eating popcorn and watched the white man kill Indians—and in our ignorance, some of us cheered the slaughter of the Native Americans, even while many of us had Native American blood in our veins. And if the girls were not gang raped behind the screen, they were raped on the train yard as we crossed the tracks going home to the projects. We called gang rape “pulling a train” on the girl. The boys lined up to wait their turn—just as in the Richmond case, nobody said stop, this is wrong, this is criminal, this is somebody’s sister. This was our culture, thus normal behavior. If you didn’t engage in this behavior you were considered a “punk.”
Gang rape was thus part of expressing manhood—it was the only mythology we knew. Violence was not only toward women, but toward other men as well. We went to the show to fight Mexicans because few whites came to our theatre—we wanted to fight the whites but the Mexicans were a reasonable facsimile. We went to the dance and concerts to fight Mexicans and brothers from “the country,” since we considered ourselves “city nigguhs.” Yes, we were city nigguhs who picked cotton, cut grapes and pitched watermelons almost as much as the so-called country nigguhs.
Violence against woman and men will not end until we deconstruct the mythology of the patriarchal or male dominated culture globally—rape is happening worldwide—it is an epidemic in South Africa. Even before the Richmond incident, a brother told me how the young women are raped in hotel rooms downtown Oakland. He pointed out to me the girls walking pass my outdoor classroom at 14th and Broadway—he said all of them have been given drugs in drinks and then raped.
As long as the mythology of world culture (including the religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, African traditional religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, et al) promotes the domination of women, rape shall the ultimate expression. As long as men are taught women are chattel or personal property, rape will persist, along with domestic and partner violence, verbal and emotional violence.
We must understand rape has nothing to do with sex—rape is an act of violence! It is an expression of power, control, authority, domination. Religion perpetuates such violence by promoting male authority and ownership. The religious community must be prepared to make radical and revolutionary changes in its theology, mythology and ritual. It must rid its theology of women as chattel or personal property of men. We are descendants of slaves, yet our relationships are the embodiment of slavery with the resulting partner violence, verbal and emotional abuse.
The sad truth is that the religious community or leadership cannot advocate changing traditional values because to do so would decrease the power of leadership, a leadership that is often guilty of the same said violence, rape, domination and exploitation of females—and often males!
The only solution is radical and revolutionary manhood and womanhood rites of passage, wherein young men and women evolve to see themselves as spiritual beings in human form. I will end with a quote from a poem by Phavia Kujichagulia, “If you think I am just a physical thing, wait til you see the spiritual power I bring.”
I encourage the reader to obtain a copy of my Mythology of Pussy: A Manual for Manhood and Womanhood Rites of Passage. Go to www.marvinxwrites.blogspot.com.
I just returned from a national tour promoting this monograph—I dropped seeds in Texas,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Newark, NJ, and Harlem, NY. It is indeed sad to return home to the Bay Area and learn of the incident in Richmond. We must stand up from animal to divine—from bestiality to spirituality—there is no other way! –Marvin X
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Program for Amiri Baraka Celebration at Jazz Heritage Center, SF
Program for Amiri Baraka Celebration at the Jazz Heritage Center
November 9, 2009, 3-7PM
Jazz Heritage Media Center (1330 Fillmore), San Francisco
Musical Interlude
Augusta Collins, Rashidah Mwongozi, Phavia Khujichagulia
Welcome Charlie Walker
Invocation Suzzette Celeste
Libations Mutima Imani
Words of Praise (2 min. max) Bay Area Writers
Facilitators: Art Sheridan, Ayodele Nzingha
Invited Writers:
Angela Davis
Al Young
Art Sheridan
Conyus
Devorah major
Opal Palmer Adisa
Paul Cobb
Bobby Seale
Emory Douglas
Charlie Walker
Geoffrey Grier
Wanda Sabir
Cecil Williams
Janice Miritani
Naru
Cecil Brown
Jerri Lange
Michael Lange
Avotcja Jiltonilro
Andriette Earl
Tarika Lewis
Dr. Julia Hare
Dr. Nathan Hare
Duane Deterville
Adam David Miller
Peter Labrie
Dorothy Tsuruta
Oba T'Shaka
Wade Nobles
Chinaka Hodge
Roxanne Hanna-Ware
Paradise
Introduction of Amiri Baraka by James Sweeney
Amiri Baraka
Panel Discussion on Black Studies and Community
“Black Studies Went to College and Never Came Home!”—Ptah Allah El
Amiri Baraka, Abdul Sabry, Mary Lewis, Rev. George Murray, Ptah Allah El,
Cecil Brown
Moderator: Marvin X
Q and A
Reception at Lush Life Gallery (1320 Fillmore)
Organizers, Supporters, Sponsors:
Post Newspaper Group (Paul Cobb, Jack Naidu, Conway Jones, Gene Hazzard, Adam Turner, Maxine Ussery), Jazz Heritage Center/Lush Life Gallery (Peter Fitzgerald), Black Dialogue Brothers (Aubrey Labrie, Abdul Sabry, Duke Williams, Saadat Ahmed, Al Young, Marvin X), Black Bird Press, San Francisco Recovery Theatre (Geoffrey Grier), Lower Bottom Playaz (Ayodele Nzingha), Dr. J. Vern Cromartie, James W. Sweeney, KPOO radio (Terry Collins, JJ), Afro-Solo (Thomas Simpson), Charlie Walker, August Collins, Khalid Waajib, Kamau Amenra, Kenneth Johnson, Paradise, Phavia, Raynetta Rayzetta,Ptah Allah el, Elliott Bey, Tony, Eugene Allen, Hunia, Rehema Ba.
November 9, 2009, 3-7PM
Jazz Heritage Media Center (1330 Fillmore), San Francisco
Musical Interlude
Augusta Collins, Rashidah Mwongozi, Phavia Khujichagulia
Welcome Charlie Walker
Invocation Suzzette Celeste
Libations Mutima Imani
Words of Praise (2 min. max) Bay Area Writers
Facilitators: Art Sheridan, Ayodele Nzingha
Invited Writers:
Angela Davis
Al Young
Art Sheridan
Conyus
Devorah major
Opal Palmer Adisa
Paul Cobb
Bobby Seale
Emory Douglas
Charlie Walker
Geoffrey Grier
Wanda Sabir
Cecil Williams
Janice Miritani
Naru
Cecil Brown
Jerri Lange
Michael Lange
Avotcja Jiltonilro
Andriette Earl
Tarika Lewis
Dr. Julia Hare
Dr. Nathan Hare
Duane Deterville
Adam David Miller
Peter Labrie
Dorothy Tsuruta
Oba T'Shaka
Wade Nobles
Chinaka Hodge
Roxanne Hanna-Ware
Paradise
Introduction of Amiri Baraka by James Sweeney
Amiri Baraka
Panel Discussion on Black Studies and Community
“Black Studies Went to College and Never Came Home!”—Ptah Allah El
Amiri Baraka, Abdul Sabry, Mary Lewis, Rev. George Murray, Ptah Allah El,
Cecil Brown
Moderator: Marvin X
Q and A
Reception at Lush Life Gallery (1320 Fillmore)
Organizers, Supporters, Sponsors:
Post Newspaper Group (Paul Cobb, Jack Naidu, Conway Jones, Gene Hazzard, Adam Turner, Maxine Ussery), Jazz Heritage Center/Lush Life Gallery (Peter Fitzgerald), Black Dialogue Brothers (Aubrey Labrie, Abdul Sabry, Duke Williams, Saadat Ahmed, Al Young, Marvin X), Black Bird Press, San Francisco Recovery Theatre (Geoffrey Grier), Lower Bottom Playaz (Ayodele Nzingha), Dr. J. Vern Cromartie, James W. Sweeney, KPOO radio (Terry Collins, JJ), Afro-Solo (Thomas Simpson), Charlie Walker, August Collins, Khalid Waajib, Kamau Amenra, Kenneth Johnson, Paradise, Phavia, Raynetta Rayzetta,Ptah Allah el, Elliott Bey, Tony, Eugene Allen, Hunia, Rehema Ba.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Marvin X and Fresno State University, Forty Years Later
From: Ali
To: jmarvinx@yahoo. com
Sent: Sun, October 25, 2009 12:14:45 PM
Subject: Concerned CSU, Fresno Student!
Dear Mr. Marvin X,
I am a current Fresno State student. You should know that we had one of the largest protests on campus last Wednesday, October 21 in opposition of the unfair treatment of students at the hands of administration. Over 600 students marched in solidarity! Among the many problems we are facing is the risk of loosing many if not all ethnic and gender studies programs at Fresno State. Since you played a critical role in bringing ethnic studies to our campus, we thought you should know. In this time of academic crisis on our campus students need all the allies we can find.
You should also know that our protest forced President Welty to meet with students on November 3, 2009 to negotiate a list of demands put forth by students. This negotiation meeting will take place at the Peace Garden on campus. We would really like you to visit our campus sometime very soon.
I look forward to your reply!
Sincerely,
~Ali Espinoza
Reply by Marvin X to Ali
I would be honored to visit your campus ASAP. Tell your president Welty to bring Marvin X on campus and honor him for fighting for justice at FSU. In fact, fighting for justice for Fresno. Retired police sargeant Jack Kelly, founder of the Afro-American Museum, says, "When Marvin X fought to teach at FSU in 1969, he made things better for all of us, not just students. Black police couldn't patrol the white neighborhoods until he fought at FSU." Tell the president my fee is five grand plus fare and lodging. This is partial compensation for setting me up for assassination on the orders of Gov. Ronald Reagan, "Get that nigger off campus by any means necessary."
Peace,
Marvin X
To: jmarvinx@yahoo. com
Sent: Sun, October 25, 2009 12:14:45 PM
Subject: Concerned CSU, Fresno Student!
Dear Mr. Marvin X,
I am a current Fresno State student. You should know that we had one of the largest protests on campus last Wednesday, October 21 in opposition of the unfair treatment of students at the hands of administration. Over 600 students marched in solidarity! Among the many problems we are facing is the risk of loosing many if not all ethnic and gender studies programs at Fresno State. Since you played a critical role in bringing ethnic studies to our campus, we thought you should know. In this time of academic crisis on our campus students need all the allies we can find.
You should also know that our protest forced President Welty to meet with students on November 3, 2009 to negotiate a list of demands put forth by students. This negotiation meeting will take place at the Peace Garden on campus. We would really like you to visit our campus sometime very soon.
I look forward to your reply!
Sincerely,
~Ali Espinoza
Reply by Marvin X to Ali
I would be honored to visit your campus ASAP. Tell your president Welty to bring Marvin X on campus and honor him for fighting for justice at FSU. In fact, fighting for justice for Fresno. Retired police sargeant Jack Kelly, founder of the Afro-American Museum, says, "When Marvin X fought to teach at FSU in 1969, he made things better for all of us, not just students. Black police couldn't patrol the white neighborhoods until he fought at FSU." Tell the president my fee is five grand plus fare and lodging. This is partial compensation for setting me up for assassination on the orders of Gov. Ronald Reagan, "Get that nigger off campus by any means necessary."
Peace,
Marvin X
Black Panthers Celebrate Bobby Seale's 73rd Birthday at Laney College
Today, Saturday, November 24, surviving members of the Black Panther Party gathered at Oakland's Laney College to celebrate the legacy of the BPP and co-founder Bobby Seale's 73rd birthday. The Laney College forum was filled with elder Panthers, social activists, students and youth, seeking the meaning of the legendary Black Panther Party that shook up Oakland, America and the world. Panther leaders included Bobby Seale, Emory Douglas, Big Man Howard, Melvin Dixson, Rev. Dixon, Frank Vellum, and others. Activists present were Yuri Kochiyama, Greg Morozumi, Ann Williams, Wanda Sabir, Refa 1, Clarence Thomas et al.
Bobby Seale was the keynote speaker and he gave a detailed history of the BPP, but letting the people know it was the rank and file who did the hard work, the many brothers and sisters history has forgotten or never knew who gave their sweat, blood and tears, indeed, their very lives in the cause of black liberation from American oppression.
In a conversation with a Laney College BSU member, Marvin X called for BPP elders and other senior activists to form the Elder's Council to address community issues, especially problems of street and partner violence. Why not set up an 800 number that people can call to for conflict resolution, rather than call 911 or resort to senseless violence. Let the elders meet to reconcile the matter. Youth should be able to call upon the Elder's Council for advice and wisdom. Elder Terry Collins noted that every elder should be assigned five youth to mentor and they should accompany elders in their daily round.
If elders made their presence felt on the street it would cause a decrease in violence, but too many elders are afraid of their own children so they say nothing for fear youth will disrespect them. We must cast away our fears and help our children. A youth passed me at my outdoor classroom downtown Oakland. His pants were sagging and I started to say something to him, but he apparently read my mind because before I could say anything he pulled up his pants and continued down the street. Sometimes it only takes a thought!
It was good to see Bobby Seale's mind is sharp as ever and his memory is impeccable.
We thank Billy X Jennings of It’s About Time and Melvin Dixon of the Commemorator for organizing the two day event.
--Marvin X
Today, Saturday, November 24, surviving members of the Black Panther Party gathered at Oakland's Laney College to celebrate the legacy of the BPP and co-founder Bobby Seale's 73rd birthday. The Laney College forum was filled with elder Panthers, social activists, students and youth, seeking the meaning of the legendary Black Panther Party that shook up Oakland, America and the world. Panther leaders included Bobby Seale, Emory Douglas, Big Man Howard, Melvin Dixson, Rev. Dixon, Frank Vellum, and others. Activists present were Yuri Kochiyama, Greg Morozumi, Ann Williams, Wanda Sabir, Refa 1, Clarence Thomas et al.
Bobby Seale was the keynote speaker and he gave a detailed history of the BPP, but letting the people know it was the rank and file who did the hard work, the many brothers and sisters history has forgotten or never knew who gave their sweat, blood and tears, indeed, their very lives in the cause of black liberation from American oppression.
In a conversation with a Laney College BSU member, Marvin X called for BPP elders and other senior activists to form the Elder's Council to address community issues, especially problems of street and partner violence. Why not set up an 800 number that people can call to for conflict resolution, rather than call 911 or resort to senseless violence. Let the elders meet to reconcile the matter. Youth should be able to call upon the Elder's Council for advice and wisdom. Elder Terry Collins noted that every elder should be assigned five youth to mentor and they should accompany elders in their daily round.
If elders made their presence felt on the street it would cause a decrease in violence, but too many elders are afraid of their own children so they say nothing for fear youth will disrespect them. We must cast away our fears and help our children. A youth passed me at my outdoor classroom downtown Oakland. His pants were sagging and I started to say something to him, but he apparently read my mind because before I could say anything he pulled up his pants and continued down the street. Sometimes it only takes a thought!
It was good to see Bobby Seale's mind is sharp as ever and his memory is impeccable.
We thank Billy X Jennings of It’s About Time and Melvin Dixon of the Commemorator for organizing the two day event.
--Marvin X
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Soulbook Editor Makes Transition
Mamadu Lumumba (Ken Freeman) was among the students at Oakland's Merritt College who came into black consciousness and sparked the black liberation movement in northern California during the early 1960s. He was a classmate of Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Ernie Allen, Carol Freeman (his wife), Ann Williams, Richard Thorne, Isacc Moore, Sunni Shabazz, Marvin X and others who gathered on the steps of Merritt College, then located on Grove Street in the Oakland flatlands. Like most of the others, Ken was a member of Donald Warden's Afro-American Association, a black nationalist organization. He became the west coast editor of Soulbook, one of the major radical publications of the radical 1960s. Soulbook was associated with RAM or the Revolutionary Action Movement, spearheaded by Robert F. Williams and Max Stanford (Muhammad Ahmed). Ken also started the first Black Panther organization in the Bay.
For Mamadu Lumumba (Kenny Freeman)
Old warriors
go home to the sun
each day
we get the news
no longer shocking
we wipe our eyes
go about our work
it is lonely at the top
who can we visit
who can we call
have a drink at the bar
rap on the corner
smoke a joint
even women friends
join the sun
there is no escape
for anyone
only the line
to the sun.
--Marvin X
10.21.09
For Mamadu Lumumba (Kenny Freeman)
Old warriors
go home to the sun
each day
we get the news
no longer shocking
we wipe our eyes
go about our work
it is lonely at the top
who can we visit
who can we call
have a drink at the bar
rap on the corner
smoke a joint
even women friends
join the sun
there is no escape
for anyone
only the line
to the sun.
--Marvin X
10.21.09
Friday, October 16, 2009
Open Mike and Panel Discussion at Baraka 75 Celebration
Lush Life Gallery, 1320 Fillmore St., San Francisco
Monday, November 9, 3-7pm
Open Mike for Amiri Baraka75
There will be an open mike for writers/poets to express their love for
Amiri Baraka--two minute max! Open mike will follow 3pm photo shoot.
Invited writers include:
Al Young
Art Sheridan
Angela Davis
Bobby Seale
Emory Douglas
Tarika Lewis
Cecil Williams
Jan Mirikitani
Reginal Major
devorah major
Opal Palmer Adisa
Paradise
Ptah Allah El
Wanda Sabir
Cecil Brown
Ishmael Reed
Avotcja
Peter Labrie
Oba T'Shaka
Dr. Wade Nobles
Dr. Julia Hare
David Hilliard
Mayor Willie Brown
Charlie Walker
Alice Walker
Jerri Lange
Dr. Lige Dailey
Khalid Abdullah Tariq Al Mansur
Ula Taylor
Deborah Day
Duke Williams
Aubrey Labrie
Rashidah Mwongozi
Geoffrey Grier
Ayodele Nzingha
Tureeda MIkal
Jerri Lange
Michael Lange
Phavia Khujichagulia
Reginal James
Panel Discussion: Black Studies 40 Years Later—A Dialogue on
the Past and Future
Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 4pm
Place: Gallery, adjacent Yoshi's San Francisco
Invited speaker: Dr. Nathan Hare
Invited Panelists: Mar’yam Wadai, Angela Davis, Dhamera Ahmed, Bobby
Seale, Amiri Baraka, Abdul Sabry
Moderator: Marvin X
This discussion will be followed by a reception/celebration of Amiri
Baraka's 75th birthday. All Bay Area writers, artists, activists are invited to a photo shoot at
3pm.
Calling All Bay Area Writers: Let’s Salute Amiri Baraka on His 75th
Birthday
Marvin X, West Coast co-founder of the Black Arts Movement, is calling
upon all Bay Area writers and artists to celebrate the 75th birthday of
Amiri Baraka (aka LeRoi Jones), co-founder of Black Arts Movement, the
most radical literary and artistic movement in American history. Through
the creativity, energy of such writers as Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki
Giovanni, Ed Bullins, Askia Toure, Larry Neal, the Last Poets, Haki
Madhubuti, Woody King, Ron Milner, June Jordan, Avotcja Jiltonilro,
Marvin X and others, the Black Arts Movement was established nationwide.
This movement or BAM was inspired by the writings and organizing of
Amiri Baraka and co-workers, working in tandem with the black power or
black liberation movement to raise the cultural and political
consciousness of North American Africans.
The East coast celebrated and honored Amiri Baraka for his leadership in
BAM. Now it is time for the West coast to show its love for our greatest
living poet, playwright, essayist, musicologist and political organizer.
We are calling together all writers and artists to honor and celebrate
Baraka’s 75th birthday when he arrives in the Bay Area on November 6.
Marvin X is organizing a special event for writers on Monday, November
9, 4-7pm, sponsored by the Post Newspaper Group, Black Dialogue
Brothers, KPOO radio, and Charlie Walker. Lush Life Gallery, 1320 Fillmore St.,San Francisco, next door to Yoshi's. Call 510-355-6339 for
information.
BAY:
Sat 7 Nov 7pm EastSide Cultural Center : reading/panel on Black music;
an exhibit & birthday party
Sun 8 Nov 1pm SF Public Library: A talk on Obama
Sun 8 Nov 7pm Black New World: reading/ video
Mon 9 Nov 3-7pm Bay Area Black Writers Celebrate Baraka's 75th at the Lush Life
Gallery, 1320 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, next to Yoshi's
Call Marvin X if you want to be listed as a participant:510-355-6339
Mon 9 Nov 8pm AB performs w/Howard Wiley Trio at Yoshi's SF
LA:
Wed 11 Nov Esowan Books: book party, Leimert Park
Thu 12 Nov 730pm Beyond Baroque, Venice
Fri 13 Nov 830pm Still Waters Lounge/Dream Center, Carson
Sat 14 Nov 7pm Echo Club, Sunset Blvd Echo Park
Monday, November 9, 3-7pm
Open Mike for Amiri Baraka75
There will be an open mike for writers/poets to express their love for
Amiri Baraka--two minute max! Open mike will follow 3pm photo shoot.
Invited writers include:
Al Young
Art Sheridan
Angela Davis
Bobby Seale
Emory Douglas
Tarika Lewis
Cecil Williams
Jan Mirikitani
Reginal Major
devorah major
Opal Palmer Adisa
Paradise
Ptah Allah El
Wanda Sabir
Cecil Brown
Ishmael Reed
Avotcja
Peter Labrie
Oba T'Shaka
Dr. Wade Nobles
Dr. Julia Hare
David Hilliard
Mayor Willie Brown
Charlie Walker
Alice Walker
Jerri Lange
Dr. Lige Dailey
Khalid Abdullah Tariq Al Mansur
Ula Taylor
Deborah Day
Duke Williams
Aubrey Labrie
Rashidah Mwongozi
Geoffrey Grier
Ayodele Nzingha
Tureeda MIkal
Jerri Lange
Michael Lange
Phavia Khujichagulia
Reginal James
Panel Discussion: Black Studies 40 Years Later—A Dialogue on
the Past and Future
Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 4pm
Place: Gallery, adjacent Yoshi's San Francisco
Invited speaker: Dr. Nathan Hare
Invited Panelists: Mar’yam Wadai, Angela Davis, Dhamera Ahmed, Bobby
Seale, Amiri Baraka, Abdul Sabry
Moderator: Marvin X
This discussion will be followed by a reception/celebration of Amiri
Baraka's 75th birthday. All Bay Area writers, artists, activists are invited to a photo shoot at
3pm.
Calling All Bay Area Writers: Let’s Salute Amiri Baraka on His 75th
Birthday
Marvin X, West Coast co-founder of the Black Arts Movement, is calling
upon all Bay Area writers and artists to celebrate the 75th birthday of
Amiri Baraka (aka LeRoi Jones), co-founder of Black Arts Movement, the
most radical literary and artistic movement in American history. Through
the creativity, energy of such writers as Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki
Giovanni, Ed Bullins, Askia Toure, Larry Neal, the Last Poets, Haki
Madhubuti, Woody King, Ron Milner, June Jordan, Avotcja Jiltonilro,
Marvin X and others, the Black Arts Movement was established nationwide.
This movement or BAM was inspired by the writings and organizing of
Amiri Baraka and co-workers, working in tandem with the black power or
black liberation movement to raise the cultural and political
consciousness of North American Africans.
The East coast celebrated and honored Amiri Baraka for his leadership in
BAM. Now it is time for the West coast to show its love for our greatest
living poet, playwright, essayist, musicologist and political organizer.
We are calling together all writers and artists to honor and celebrate
Baraka’s 75th birthday when he arrives in the Bay Area on November 6.
Marvin X is organizing a special event for writers on Monday, November
9, 4-7pm, sponsored by the Post Newspaper Group, Black Dialogue
Brothers, KPOO radio, and Charlie Walker. Lush Life Gallery, 1320 Fillmore St.,San Francisco, next door to Yoshi's. Call 510-355-6339 for
information.
BAY:
Sat 7 Nov 7pm EastSide Cultural Center : reading/panel on Black music;
an exhibit & birthday party
Sun 8 Nov 1pm SF Public Library: A talk on Obama
Sun 8 Nov 7pm Black New World: reading/ video
Mon 9 Nov 3-7pm Bay Area Black Writers Celebrate Baraka's 75th at the Lush Life
Gallery, 1320 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, next to Yoshi's
Call Marvin X if you want to be listed as a participant:510-355-6339
Mon 9 Nov 8pm AB performs w/Howard Wiley Trio at Yoshi's SF
LA:
Wed 11 Nov Esowan Books: book party, Leimert Park
Thu 12 Nov 730pm Beyond Baroque, Venice
Fri 13 Nov 830pm Still Waters Lounge/Dream Center, Carson
Sat 14 Nov 7pm Echo Club, Sunset Blvd Echo Park
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Comment from the Philly Locs Conference
From: Kenyalyn M. Makone-Anunda
To: jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, October 5, 2009 10:59:14 AM
Subject: Feedback: Locs Conference October 3-4, 2009
Dear Marvinx,
It is not often that I write commentaries but you asked for some feedback.
You will not remember me because so many people must have come by your table. However, the title of your book dis-stablized me so much so that I returned on Sunday - drove all the way from Delaware to purchase the $5 mythology series. I strive not to use graphic language in my speech so it is jarring to see it in text. I strive to avoid most graphic communicative language as much as possible, so I was surprised to find myself intrigued and captivated by the boldness of the title. It was awkward experience to visit your table. Perhaps because I am researching female circumcision in Africa which was a rite of passage ritual for me at age 9.
We are a people coming to the truth too late. We have taught each other that one can only stand guard over their own soul and that we are unable to be our communities keeper . I speak to my daughter and two sons about the choices available to them today. I tell my children that they have absolute freedom of choice to do whatever action they desire. But I also tell them that what they do not have is the freedom to chose the consequences of those choices whether deliberate or unintentional. The laws of the universe; the laws of nature; and also the laws of society determine the consequences of our choices. I tell them the truth not so much that they will change the world but that they can protect, guard and armor themselves. Ultimately, we are all individually responsible for whatever choices we make.
Slavery and its aftermath did not happen in a vacuum. In Africa, Africans sold Africans into slavery; colonialism was only able to flourish because African chiefdoms worked against themselves and each other (then and now); its African women who accept and engage in polygamy (then and now); its African women who circumcise the girl child (then and now); it’s a black women beauty industry that mutilate ’s African hair (then and now); and the list could go on…... It’s not that I am without hope but it’s a lonely place to be when one can see past the rhetoric. Traumatized and broken we are a people coming to the truth too late. In many, many areas of our lives the “horse has already left the barn.”
Perhaps there should be a Mythology Eight that attempts to address what could be done after the horse has left the barn…..?
Kenya
Kenyalyn Makone-Anunda
Assistant Director
Institute of Global Management Studies/CIBER
Temple University - Fox School of Business
506 Alter Hall 1801 Liacouras Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122
T: (215) 204-3671
F: (215) 204-1662
E: kmakone.anunda@temple.edu
www.fox.temple.edu/ciber
To: jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, October 5, 2009 10:59:14 AM
Subject: Feedback: Locs Conference October 3-4, 2009
Dear Marvinx,
It is not often that I write commentaries but you asked for some feedback.
You will not remember me because so many people must have come by your table. However, the title of your book dis-stablized me so much so that I returned on Sunday - drove all the way from Delaware to purchase the $5 mythology series. I strive not to use graphic language in my speech so it is jarring to see it in text. I strive to avoid most graphic communicative language as much as possible, so I was surprised to find myself intrigued and captivated by the boldness of the title. It was awkward experience to visit your table. Perhaps because I am researching female circumcision in Africa which was a rite of passage ritual for me at age 9.
We are a people coming to the truth too late. We have taught each other that one can only stand guard over their own soul and that we are unable to be our communities keeper . I speak to my daughter and two sons about the choices available to them today. I tell my children that they have absolute freedom of choice to do whatever action they desire. But I also tell them that what they do not have is the freedom to chose the consequences of those choices whether deliberate or unintentional. The laws of the universe; the laws of nature; and also the laws of society determine the consequences of our choices. I tell them the truth not so much that they will change the world but that they can protect, guard and armor themselves. Ultimately, we are all individually responsible for whatever choices we make.
Slavery and its aftermath did not happen in a vacuum. In Africa, Africans sold Africans into slavery; colonialism was only able to flourish because African chiefdoms worked against themselves and each other (then and now); its African women who accept and engage in polygamy (then and now); its African women who circumcise the girl child (then and now); it’s a black women beauty industry that mutilate ’s African hair (then and now); and the list could go on…... It’s not that I am without hope but it’s a lonely place to be when one can see past the rhetoric. Traumatized and broken we are a people coming to the truth too late. In many, many areas of our lives the “horse has already left the barn.”
Perhaps there should be a Mythology Eight that attempts to address what could be done after the horse has left the barn…..?
Kenya
Kenyalyn Makone-Anunda
Assistant Director
Institute of Global Management Studies/CIBER
Temple University - Fox School of Business
506 Alter Hall 1801 Liacouras Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122
T: (215) 204-3671
F: (215) 204-1662
E: kmakone.anunda@temple.edu
www.fox.temple.edu/ciber
Comment from the Philly Locs Conference
From: Kenyalyn M. Makone-Anunda
To: jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, October 5, 2009 10:59:14 AM
Subject: Feedback: Locs Conference October 3-4, 2009
Dear Marvinx,
It is not often that I write commentaries but you asked for some feedback.
You will not remember me because so many people must have come by your table. However, the title of your book dis-stablized me so much so that I returned on Sunday - drove all the way from Delaware to purchase the $5 mythology series. I strive not to use graphic language in my speech so it is jarring to see it in text. I strive to avoid most graphic communicative language as much as possible, so I was surprised to find myself intrigued and captivated by the boldness of the title. It was awkward experience to visit your table. Perhaps because I am researching female circumcision in Africa which was a rite of passage ritual for me at age 9.
We are a people coming to the truth too late. We have taught each other that one can only stand guard over their own soul and that we are unable to be our communities keeper . I speak to my daughter and two sons about the choices available to them today. I tell my children that they have absolute freedom of choice to do whatever action they desire. But I also tell them that what they do not have is the freedom to chose the consequences of those choices whether deliberate or unintentional. The laws of the universe; the laws of nature; and also the laws of society determine the consequences of our choices. I tell them the truth not so much that they will change the world but that they can protect, guard and armor themselves. Ultimately, we are all individually responsible for whatever choices we make.
Slavery and its aftermath did not happen in a vacuum. In Africa, Africans sold Africans into slavery; colonialism was only able to flourish because African chiefdoms worked against themselves and each other (then and now); its African women who accept and engage in polygamy (then and now); its African women who circumcise the girl child (then and now); it’s a black women beauty industry that mutilate ’s African hair (then and now); and the list could go on…... It’s not that I am without hope but it’s a lonely place to be when one can see past the rhetoric. Traumatized and broken we are a people coming to the truth too late. In many, many areas of our lives the “horse has already left the barn.”
Perhaps there should be a Mythology Eight that attempts to address what could be done after the horse has left the barn…..?
Kenya
Kenyalyn Makone-Anunda
Assistant Director
Institute of Global Management Studies/CIBER
Temple University - Fox School of Business
506 Alter Hall 1801 Liacouras Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122
T: (215) 204-3671
F: (215) 204-1662
E: kmakone.anunda@temple.edu
www.fox.temple.edu/ciber
To: jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, October 5, 2009 10:59:14 AM
Subject: Feedback: Locs Conference October 3-4, 2009
Dear Marvinx,
It is not often that I write commentaries but you asked for some feedback.
You will not remember me because so many people must have come by your table. However, the title of your book dis-stablized me so much so that I returned on Sunday - drove all the way from Delaware to purchase the $5 mythology series. I strive not to use graphic language in my speech so it is jarring to see it in text. I strive to avoid most graphic communicative language as much as possible, so I was surprised to find myself intrigued and captivated by the boldness of the title. It was awkward experience to visit your table. Perhaps because I am researching female circumcision in Africa which was a rite of passage ritual for me at age 9.
We are a people coming to the truth too late. We have taught each other that one can only stand guard over their own soul and that we are unable to be our communities keeper . I speak to my daughter and two sons about the choices available to them today. I tell my children that they have absolute freedom of choice to do whatever action they desire. But I also tell them that what they do not have is the freedom to chose the consequences of those choices whether deliberate or unintentional. The laws of the universe; the laws of nature; and also the laws of society determine the consequences of our choices. I tell them the truth not so much that they will change the world but that they can protect, guard and armor themselves. Ultimately, we are all individually responsible for whatever choices we make.
Slavery and its aftermath did not happen in a vacuum. In Africa, Africans sold Africans into slavery; colonialism was only able to flourish because African chiefdoms worked against themselves and each other (then and now); its African women who accept and engage in polygamy (then and now); its African women who circumcise the girl child (then and now); it’s a black women beauty industry that mutilate ’s African hair (then and now); and the list could go on…... It’s not that I am without hope but it’s a lonely place to be when one can see past the rhetoric. Traumatized and broken we are a people coming to the truth too late. In many, many areas of our lives the “horse has already left the barn.”
Perhaps there should be a Mythology Eight that attempts to address what could be done after the horse has left the barn…..?
Kenya
Kenyalyn Makone-Anunda
Assistant Director
Institute of Global Management Studies/CIBER
Temple University - Fox School of Business
506 Alter Hall 1801 Liacouras Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122
T: (215) 204-3671
F: (215) 204-1662
E: kmakone.anunda@temple.edu
www.fox.temple.edu/ciber
Schomberg Library in Harlem Celebrates Baraka's 75th
The Schomburg Library in Harlem Celebrates Amiri Baraka’s 75th Birthday
The celebration included Mrs. Amina Baraka, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bullins, Sonia Sanchez, Louis Reyes Rivera, Dr. Tony Medina, Miguel Algurin of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, John Watusi Branch of the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, David Murray, Oliver Lake, Chris Harris, Eugene Redman, Sam Anderson, Aishah Rahman, Herb Boyd, Bob Law, Woody King, and Producer/ publisher of the anthology Let Loose on the World: Celebrating Amiri Baraka at 75, Ted Wilson. The anthology is 475 pages of writings by writers expressing their love and honor of our greatest living poet, playwright, essayist, musicologist, historian, organizer, husband, father, lover, mentor, raiser of consciousness of the black nation and Pan African world.
Little noticed was our greatest historian Dr. Ben who was in the lobby trying to get in, but was not allowed in because the event was packed beyond the fire code. Dr. Ben was holding a walker and a little thirsty. Marvin X gave him a bottle of water from his walker.
Imagine, our greatest living historian was denied entry to this historic event! But there were similar happenings when other key movers and shakers were denied entry, no matter the VIP list. Marvin X, on a national tour of his controversial pamphlet Mythology of Pussy, said he experienced ignorance in Mississippi and there is ignorance in Harlem as well! Let us be clear about this. But the revolutionaries, led by sister Amina Baraka, said “We must be compassionate with the workers, the security people and others. They want to go home. They are trying to do their job by holding the crowd to the fire code. We must not be angry with them or insult them because some of us VIPs weren’t allowed into the after party. We as revolutionaries should respect the workers and not try to be here all night. Let’s get out and let them go home.”
Also in the audience was revolutionary nationalist Dr. Muhammad Ahmed of Temple University, former head of the Revolutionary Action Movement or RAM. Also Ed Spriggs of Black Dialogue Magazine and of course Director of the Schomburg Howard Dotson, who promised Marvin X a night at the Schomburg with the Black Arts Movement. Marvin X envisions a night with BAM key players, including Woddy King, Ed Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Jayne Cortez, the Last Poets, Haki Madhubuti, Askia Toure and Marvin X, with music by Milford Graves and others from BAM.
On this night at the Schomberg, there was great music by our black classical musicians, including-–first I must mention the African drum processional and the Fusha Dance Company. Harlem became Africa in an instant, the urban jungle transformed into Africa, the drummers and dancers took us there—we were no longer in Harlem but transported to somewhere in Africa, beside Lake Victoria, the Nile, the Congo, the Niger, we were there as the drummers came upon the stage, and then the dancers, taking us back down memory lane, the forgotten path of long ago, the dance, the grind, the mask, the shout and moan, the cry of time past when we were pure and holy.
The black classical musicians included Reggie Workman, bass, Onaje Allan Gumbs, piano, Andrew Cyriulle, drums, Bradford Hayes, sax, Lil Phillips, vocals, Vijjay lyer, piano, Pheeroam Aki, drums, Billy Bang, violin, Dwight West , vocals.
There were young poets Jinad Blake, Ariana Gibbs, Autum
Ashante, Ron Jaye.
We only know this, “When Harlem loves you, you are truly loved.” Harlem showed its love for Amiri Baraka who launched the Black Arts Movement in the cultural capital of Black America.
The celebration included Mrs. Amina Baraka, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bullins, Sonia Sanchez, Louis Reyes Rivera, Dr. Tony Medina, Miguel Algurin of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, John Watusi Branch of the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, David Murray, Oliver Lake, Chris Harris, Eugene Redman, Sam Anderson, Aishah Rahman, Herb Boyd, Bob Law, Woody King, and Producer/ publisher of the anthology Let Loose on the World: Celebrating Amiri Baraka at 75, Ted Wilson. The anthology is 475 pages of writings by writers expressing their love and honor of our greatest living poet, playwright, essayist, musicologist, historian, organizer, husband, father, lover, mentor, raiser of consciousness of the black nation and Pan African world.
Little noticed was our greatest historian Dr. Ben who was in the lobby trying to get in, but was not allowed in because the event was packed beyond the fire code. Dr. Ben was holding a walker and a little thirsty. Marvin X gave him a bottle of water from his walker.
Imagine, our greatest living historian was denied entry to this historic event! But there were similar happenings when other key movers and shakers were denied entry, no matter the VIP list. Marvin X, on a national tour of his controversial pamphlet Mythology of Pussy, said he experienced ignorance in Mississippi and there is ignorance in Harlem as well! Let us be clear about this. But the revolutionaries, led by sister Amina Baraka, said “We must be compassionate with the workers, the security people and others. They want to go home. They are trying to do their job by holding the crowd to the fire code. We must not be angry with them or insult them because some of us VIPs weren’t allowed into the after party. We as revolutionaries should respect the workers and not try to be here all night. Let’s get out and let them go home.”
Also in the audience was revolutionary nationalist Dr. Muhammad Ahmed of Temple University, former head of the Revolutionary Action Movement or RAM. Also Ed Spriggs of Black Dialogue Magazine and of course Director of the Schomburg Howard Dotson, who promised Marvin X a night at the Schomburg with the Black Arts Movement. Marvin X envisions a night with BAM key players, including Woddy King, Ed Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Jayne Cortez, the Last Poets, Haki Madhubuti, Askia Toure and Marvin X, with music by Milford Graves and others from BAM.
On this night at the Schomberg, there was great music by our black classical musicians, including-–first I must mention the African drum processional and the Fusha Dance Company. Harlem became Africa in an instant, the urban jungle transformed into Africa, the drummers and dancers took us there—we were no longer in Harlem but transported to somewhere in Africa, beside Lake Victoria, the Nile, the Congo, the Niger, we were there as the drummers came upon the stage, and then the dancers, taking us back down memory lane, the forgotten path of long ago, the dance, the grind, the mask, the shout and moan, the cry of time past when we were pure and holy.
The black classical musicians included Reggie Workman, bass, Onaje Allan Gumbs, piano, Andrew Cyriulle, drums, Bradford Hayes, sax, Lil Phillips, vocals, Vijjay lyer, piano, Pheeroam Aki, drums, Billy Bang, violin, Dwight West , vocals.
There were young poets Jinad Blake, Ariana Gibbs, Autum
Ashante, Ron Jaye.
We only know this, “When Harlem loves you, you are truly loved.” Harlem showed its love for Amiri Baraka who launched the Black Arts Movement in the cultural capital of Black America.
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