New Yorkers turned out tonight at the NYU tribute to ancestor poets Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka. A second room was opened after the first filled to capacity to hear poetic tributes to fire spitter Jayne Cortez and the legendary chief architect of the Black Arts Movement, Amiri Baraka, aka LeRoi Jones. They were praised as poets and revolutionary activists.
Askia Toure
Marvin X and bassist Henry Grimes
photo Joyce Jones
Amiri Baraka and Henry Grimes
Marvin X
photo Joyce Jones
Marvin X
photo Joyce Jones
Front row seated: Quincy Troupe, Ted Wilson, Rashidah Ismaili, Sandra Esteves
Standing: Arthur Pfister, Haki Madhubuti, Askia Toure, Marvin X, Henry Grimes
photo Joyce Jones
Askia Toure and Marvin X
photo Joyce Jones
Amina and Amiri Baraka
Poet/educator/city councilman Ras Baraka, next Mayor of Newark, NJ
Ras Baraka rocked the house reading a poem by his mother and one of his own. Other outstanding poets included Felipe Luciano who claimed Amiri Baraka as his father, as did Arthur Pfister and Marvin X. The audience praised him for the eulogy he delivered at his father's last rites.
Third World Press publisher Haki Madhubuti called for writers to submit material for his anthology dedicated to Amiri Baraka, poetry, prose, drama, fiction and non-fiction is acceptable.
The tribute was sponsored by the Institute of African American Affairs. Originally organized by Amiri Baraka, poet/author Rashidah Ismaili completed the project.
This Saturday, February 8, 7:30, Harlem's Schomburg Library will host a tribute to Amiri Baraka, moderated by producer Woody King and organizer Ted Wilson. The event is a benefit for the Baraka family. Marvin X will perform, again accompanied by bassist Henry Grimes who was outstanding at NYU.
Marvin X returns to the west coast next week to finish organizing the Black Arts Movement Conference at the University of California, Merced, Feb. 28 thru March 2. Participants include Askia Toure, Ras Baraka, Pam Africa, Ishmael Reed, Al Young, Dr. Nathan Hare, Sonia Sanchez, Umar bin Hasan and Abiodun of the Last Poets, Judy Juanita, Belva Davis, James Smethurst, et al.
Co-producer is Kim McMillan.
Marvin X Speaks in Fresno, Ca. at the Hinton Community Center and Fresno City College
Marvin X speaks at Fresno City College, Tuesday, February 24, 11am
Book Marvin X: 510-200-4164
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