Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Sun Ra Mix Tapes

Last fall, Philadelphia Jazz Project developed a unique challenge for DJs, producers, electronic musicians, turntablists and anyone that understands the sampling sport. An open call was issued to this creative community to create instrumental tracks that could support vocals from singers, poets, and/or rappers, as well as solos by instrumentalists to honor the immeasurable imaginative genius of the late Philadelphia, visionary musician, philosopher, composer and band leader, Sun Ra [1914 to 1993] on the occasion of his 101st birthday May 22, 2015.


Read More about the project. http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?post=announcing-sun-ra-mixtape-series#.VXcDkTdX4pp

Listen to the mix tape at mix cloud.

https://www.mixcloud.com/PhilaJazzProject/
Philadelphia Jazz Project (PJP) works to inspire a network to support, promote, archive and celebrate the diverse elements within the Philadelphia jazz community, with the larger goal of connecting to the global community.

Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Painted Bride Art Center, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation.


Our mailing address is:
Philadelphia Jazz Project
℅ Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA  19103

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Marvin X meets his muse in Sacramento, Superwoman Fahizah Alim

 Marvin X and Muse Fahizah Alim

While attending the Sacramento Black Book Fair, Marvin X was blessed to have dinner with his longtime friend, student and muse, Fahizah Alim, editor emeritus at the Sacramento Bee. The two had dinner along with two current students of Mr. X, Aries Jordan and Prosperity Carter. Fahizah gave us a rare reading of her poetry, astounding Marvin and the budding writers. She gave many words of wisdom to the young women, including her analysis of the political personalities she's encountered in Sacramento. Gov. Jerry Brown recently appointed her Communications Director of a State Civil Rights Agency.

Prosperity Carter, Marvin X, Aries Jordan

Aside from reading their original poetry, Prosperity and Aries performed parables from Marvin's collection The Wisdom of Plato Negro, parables and fables, Black Bird Press, Berkeley CA. Aries did a dramatic reading of Parable of Woman on the Cell Phone, Prosperity choreographed his Parable of Woman in the Box. 

The Wild Crazy Ride Called the Marvin X Experience will participate in Juneteenth Festivals in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and possibly Fresno. 

Letter to Marvin X from the Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin,

  Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair.  You were the fire.  It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action.  You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence.  I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
    Dave Covin

Marvin X is available for readings/speaking engagements coast to coast. Call 510-200-4164. Send letter of invitation to jmarvinx@yahoo.com

Teaching While Black: Racism at Claremont MIddle School

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Teaching While Black: Exposing Institutional Racism at Claremont Middle School

Claremont Middle School is nestled in the affluent and predominantly white neighborhood known as Rockridge, Oakland. It is an open enrollment public institution consisting of a diverse socioeconomic population of students from all over the East Bay. Many parents send their children to Claremont in hopes of a better education, but something is amiss behind its school walls. There are talks of Claremont becoming a neighborhood school-welcome only to students found in the school’s backyard. To achieve this vision, the current administration is actively working to push out black students and teachers. In this year alone, the school has instituted inequitable student tracking, transferred and fired several black teachers, and eliminated a popular  Ethnic Studies program. “The school will be all white in 3-4 years,” states History and former Ethnic Studies teacher Kurt Kaakuahiuu.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the school administration is feasting off of a culture of exclusion and intimidation to achieve its end goal. Claremont has had a troubled history for many years due to a massive amount of administrative turnover. However this began to change when Reggie and Ronnie Richardson were hired in 2011. The Richardsons were co-principals who were turning the school around; so much so, they received local and nationwide press. However the Richardsons did not return for the 2014-2015 school year, accepting a position instead with a neighboring school district. Once again, Claremont was left in a state of transition. The staff at Claremont prepared to collaborate with new principal Jonathan Mayer and Vice Principal Tonia Coleman. Former Afterschool Site Coordinator Aries Jordan noted, “It was unfortunate when (the Richardsons) left but I stayed because I’m committed to the children… I wanted to support the students through this transition.”

Racially-Based Student Tracking

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 “This is all about race.”

When asked about the leadership style of the current administration, the consensus is it’s an epic failure, and openly hostile to minority staff and students. Eighth grade History teacher Mirishae McDonald asserts that the current curriculum ”negatively impacts learning outcomes for students of color.” When asked to elaborate, she discussed an eighth grade program called the “Leadership Academy,” in which the lowest performing students are pulled out of the general school population and put into a class for the entire school day. The vast majority of these students are black and they are taught by a white teacher. It’s known among many students as “the dumb class.” The Leadership Academy is a controversial and inequitable practice in the field of education. While the black students are in the “Leadership Academy,” the remaining youth (primarily white) are getting a more enriching education. Mirishae McDonald harshly criticizes it, “It’s another way of tracking, and it’s not good for the development of the students.” Student tracking is a way to fuel institutional racism and there seems to be other ways that racism surfaces in the administration’s practices.
Kurt Kaaekuahiuu witnessed this firsthand during  a teacher meeting in which Principal Mayer stated, “This is all about race. We know that the white kids will go to places like Stanford or Berkeley with or without our help. We would be lucky if black students at best graduated from high school and went to a junior college.” Another tracking program-“Math Intensive”- is happening concurrently in 7th grade. It’s a class designed for the more advanced students. Math teacher Alonna Haulcy teaches both Math Intensive as well as the traditional math class and notes, “I do think there are some (black) kids who are capable of being in Math Intensive. I’ve expressed that to the principal. He said he would have the department head look at their test scores and I never heard back from him.”

Demoralizing Teachers of Color

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“They’re not giving me my own voice.”

Another major problem is Principal Mayer’s top-down approach along with an outward hostility towards any staff member who attempts to question his methods. Kaaekuahiuu states, “From the beginning, Claremont was framed from a complete deficit model. They looked at everything that was wrong with the school without prior knowledge or asking teachers.That says a lot about who you are as a manager.” Kurt used to be the Ethnic Studies teacher until he received an email that the school would no longer support the class. A 7th grader at Claremont reflects on the cancelled Ethnic Studies program: “All the students were engaged because he went outside of the book. His whole class was decorated with Ethnic Studies quotes and pictures. They were torn down by the end of the year and I wondered why.” Alonna Haulcy also feels constricted, “They’re not giving me my own voice. She noted that she is the only veteran teacher who is getting five classroom evaluations; something that is only required for new teachers. When she inquired about it Mayor gave no explanation; but she’s the only black teacher on the list.

Aries Jordan also discusses her struggles working with the administration while coordinating the afterschool program which is “99.9 percent black.” Ms. Jordan had a difficult time running the program this year since the cafeteria burned down in February. Instead of the Claremont administration accommodating the program with unused classrooms in the school, they forced students to have their after school program outside despite cold weather conditions. Moreover,  Principal Mayer claimed that he wanted to make technology a priority in the afterschool program however, Jordan’s students weren’t allowed to use the computer lab or the 60 Macbooks and laptops owned by the school. “They recommended this technology program to us and then turned around and denied us access to the abundant resources available.” states Jordan. Finally, the administration conceded by loaning 4 outdated MacBooks to the entire program. Apparently the Claremont administration wants to institute a tuition policy at the after school program next year; yet another barrier to access students will be up against.

Removing Black Teachers1424190578_stretch
“Every person of color is leaving.” 

It started with Ms. Bebe, a staff member who challenged Principal Mayer’s thinking and also questioned his racial biases. Soon after, her position was consolidated and she was transferred. Mirishae McDonald was next. She continued to advocate for her students by questioning the administration’s tactics and was given a notice of non-reelect shortly afterward. A non-reelect is something that is possible for all teachers in OUSD to receive during their first two years of teaching. If a teacher receives a non-reelect, not only are they not allowed to teach in the school for the following year, but they are banned from teaching in OUSD. There is no due process and it’s left completely up to the principal’s discretion. According to Music teacher Vincent Tolliver-a teacher with 23 years of experience in OUSD,“Your evaluations are irrelevant. You can get good evaluations and it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, it’s become a tool that an administrator can use to eliminate someone and not do their job of providing adequate training.”

Tolliver is also a member of the Oakland Educator’s Association who will soon conduct research for a report that investigates the disproportionate number of Oakland’s teachers of color who are non-reelected. He sees OUSD’s stated desire to recruit more teachers of color as lip service. “If you look at their practices, they’re not conducive to recruiting and retaining them.” Afterschool Site Supervisor Aries Jordan, was also fired by the administration through intimidation practices, and now other teachers are choosing to leave because of the hostile environment. Kurt Kaaekuahiuu and Vincent Tolliver will leave after this year, describing the work environment as “severely damaged.” Kurt looks on this experience solemnly. “I loved Claremont but now I feel incapacitated; not from the work but the professional culture of Claremont. People are devalued. Every single person of color is leaving.” Alonna Haulcy’s plans are unclear but she does admit that, “this is the first time I’ve wanted to leave.”
Moving Forward
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“Classrooms are a political battlefront; being present everyday is a political act. Nothing is neutral.”
The New York Times recently published an article about racial disparities in the teaching field which showed that “despite the fact that minority students have become the majority in this country, more than 80 percent of teachers are white.” (Rich, 2015) The article cited this trend in major East Coast cities however, it’s something that extends into the city of Oakland. Claremont Middle School is not just an isolated incident of institutional racism fueled by poor leadership, it’s a microcosm highlighting the poor treatment of black teachers in the U.S public school system. It raises many questions regarding institutional racism, and if school systems truly believe in the ability and agency of black educators. When asked about his next steps, Kaaekuahiuu strongly states, “I needed a wake up call. I needed a grave reminder of the gross inequities and the systematic attack on black and brown communities. Classrooms are a political battlefront; me being present everyday is a political act. Nothing is neutral.” Aries Jordan reflects on her traumatic experience and remains hopeful and determined, “My goal is to connect my experience to what’s happening across the U.S. How many other educators of color are being pushed out?” Mirishae McDonald also remains courageously outspoken,  “I will not be bullied into silence. We need to come together and show that we are not afraid.”

The Marvin X Fan Club

This unidentified young lady told Marvin X she fell in love with him at the Sacramento Black Book Fair. She was impressed with what he said and how he said it. Then she Googled him and discovered more to make her love him.

Letter to Marvin X from the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin,

  Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair.  You were the fire.  It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action.  You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence.  I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
    Dave Covin



Monday, June 8, 2015

Black Bird Press News & Review: The Human Earthquake meets Dr. Nigger, poet Neal Hall, MD, author of the collection Nigger for Life

Black Bird Press News & Review: The Human Earthquake meets Dr. Nigger, poet Neal Hall, MD, author of the collection Nigger for Life

MUMIA IN THE NATION MAGAZINE

HiMarvin,


We are rising up for Mumia.  This past week we placed a full-page Ad in The Nation which calls for Mumia's freedom. 

Now, I'm calling on you to support us and help us as we cover the cost of the Ad.


We are doing this because we believe in Mumia's voice.  He reaches out to us, so we reach out for him.   Check out his new commentary "NSA Anyway" by Mumia Abu Jamal (2:12) 6-7-15

This Ad will act as a nation-wide catalyst for tens of thousands of people to join Desmond Tutu, Alice Walker and Cornel West by signing an Open Letter demanding medical treatment and freedom for Mumia.   


MARVIN X ADDS HIS NAME IN SUPPORT OF MUMIA.


Sunday, June 7, 2015

Black Bird Press News & Review: Berkeley Juneteenth, Sunday, June 21, 2015

Black Bird Press News & Review: Berkeley Juneteenth, Sunday, June 21, 2015

The Human Earthquake meets Dr. Nigger, poet Neal Hall, MD, author of the collection Nigger for Life


Black Arts Movement poet Marvin X and poet Dr. Neal Hall of Philadelphia attended the Sacramento Black Book Fair. When Dr. Hall came to Marvin's chatroom today, he asked the poet to read his classic Dr. Nigger, from his internationally acclaimed collection Nigger for Life. Dr. Hall travels to India on June 9, 2015. Marvin X says, "I am a Nigguh fa life!: Translated: I am a bad motherfucker and I will chop off yo motherfuckin head if you fuck wit me in the wrong way!"

The meeting of Marvin X and Neal Hall, Sacrament Black Book Festival

Several years back, I reached out to Mr. Marvin X via his Blackbird blog. Marvin was generous to promote me and my work, not only in a series of blog posts, but actually on the street corners of Oakland, California.  His favorite poem being Dr. Nigger. A poem that many have enjoyed/requested throughout my world travels.  Shortly thereafter, we became great email friends

After many years of corresponding, Marvin X and I met - face to face - for the first time at the Sacramento Black Book Festival. Needless to say during ”his” sessions to speak on his work, this giant of civil rights and activism took time to acknowledge me and my work before his audience. And if that was not enough, he called upon me to read Dr. Nigger before his audience; not once but on two separate occasions.  Such lead to extremely generous and heart-felt introductions to and accolades by other giants of civil rights and the black arts movement such as Prof. Eugene Redmond, Prof. Halifu Osumare and Poet, Gene Howell, Jr.

N

Neal Hall, M.D.
NealHallpoet.com



Saturday, June 6, 2015, The Black Arts Movement panel at the 
Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin X
Eugene Redmond
Halifu Osumare

Dr. Nigger on the Streets of Oakland



Dr. Nigger on the Streets of Oakland


When Oakland folks stop by Marvin X's Academy of da Corner at 14th and Broadway, crossroads of the East Bay, he let's them peruse Journal of Pan African Studies, Poetry issue--he was guest editor. The poems people like, they proceed to read aloud. To date, the most oft-read poem is Dr. Nigger by Philadelphia poet/physician Dr. Neal Hall, author of Nigger for Life, 2009.

Dr. Nigger

Dr. Nigger
Can you cure me without
touching me with nigga hands
Can you save my life
without changing my life
Can you dance soft-shoe while
humming those negro tunes
when my white life codes blue
Can you reach inside yourself
beyond the shit we put in you…
past painful moments we put in you…
past despair and hopelessness
we’ve put in you and
find that old black magic in you
to save my life without changing
all the shit we put in you
Dr. Nigger
Can you breathe in me
air free of nigga
from a nigger not free
to breathe in free air
Can you stay on the colored side
of the color line and reach across
without touching me with nigga hands
to restart my blue heart without
changing my cold heart
Can you reach past the life
we’ve taken from you to
save my life and not
let white life pass me by
Dr. Nigger
save my life
without taking my life
Cure me without
touching me with nigga hands
Dance soft-shoe while
humming negro tunes
while you save my life
without changing my life
when my white life codes blue
--Neal Hall, M.D.,
Copyright 2009




“…a warrior of the mind … a warrior of the spirit,
an activist, a poet.”
- Cornel West, Ph.D.

Neal Hall, M.D., graduate of Cornell and Harvard, ophthalmologist and poet, has published a critically acclaimed anthology of verse, Nigger For Life, reflecting his painful, later life discovery, that in “unspoken America,” race is the one thing on which he is “first” judged, by which he is “first” measured, “first”, against which his life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity, equality and justice. All of which have everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom in America.

It’s no ordinary muse that has Dr. Hall becoming as much a part of his poetry as his poetry has become a part of him. Rather it’s a deep sense of betrayal combined with a passion for life that shows through. He can’t help but bare his intelligence, his wit and his dreams. His anthology is as confronting as it is illuminating, as disarming as it is thought provoking.

Two notable and well respected minds best describe why Nigger For Life is important and timely: Cornel West, Ph.D., (Princeton University) said of the book “…his poetry has the capacity to change ordinary people’s philosophy on social and racial issues”.

Beth Richie, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago) stated the “ … images and issues addressed in Nigger For Life are tremendously important to our [African American] people and the academic field of African American Studies”

Nigger For Life’s candid, gut wrenching clarity gives it it’s tremendous power and impact to provoke both thought and honest dialog regarding race, racism, equality and freedom, not just in America, but throughout the world. The book’s unique ability to open minds, touch hearts and change philosophies of ordinary people is immeasurable.

The body of poetry is extraordinary … meaningful beyond black and white, worthy of – down through the ages – analytical and academic study for their compelling, empowering commentary. Nigger for Life should be read, studied and included amongst the great poetry volumes written.

Nigger For Life can be obtained at: www.surgeonpoet.com
Email: info@NiggerForLifeBook.com
Online Interview at: www.caribbeanbookblog.wordpress.com.
Conversations LIVE! Radio http://conversationslive.blogspot.com




Marvin X was guest editor of the Journal of Pan African Studies poetry issue

 


The Journal of Pan African Studies
works to become a beacon of light in the sphere of African world community studies and research, grounded in an interdisciplinary open access scholarly peer-reviewed construct, simultaneously cognizant of the multilingualism of our audience, and the importance of universal access in cyberspace; regardless of geography, economic, social or cultural diversity.
::More Information
::Editorial Board
::Contact The JPAS

::Instructions for submitting a manuscript









CURRENT ISSUE


Volume 4 • Number 2 • 2010
This special issue of The Journal of Pan African Studies is edited by guest editor Marvin X and dedicated to Dingane aka Jose Goncalves, the publisher and editor of the Journal of Black Poetry, which has published some 500 poets.

Groundation


JPAS: Dedicated to Dingane, Jose Goncalves
by Marvin X
[ view PDF ]

The Poets
by Marvin X
[ view PDF ]

Letters to the Editor
[ view PDF ]

Dingane Joe Goncalves, The Journal of Black Poetry & Small Non-Commercial Black Journals
by Rudolph Lewis
[ view PDF ] [ view PDF ]


In My Negritude


Shaggy Flores, Ras Griot, Phavia Kujichagulia, Chinwe Enemchukwu, L. E. Scott, Rodney D. Coates, J. Vern Cromartie, Dike Okoro, Neal E. Hall, Marvin X, Mohja Kahf, Ayodele Nzingha, Askia M. Toure, Michael Simanga, Amiri Baraka, Kalamu ya Salaam, Kola Boof, Louis Reyes, Rivera, Aries Jordan, Ptah Allah El, and Hettie V. Williams
[ view PDF ]

Teaching Diaspora Literature: Muslim American Literature as an Emerging Field
by Mohja Kahf
[ view PDF ]

Mother Earth Responds by Askia Toure
reviewed by Kamaria Muntu
[ view PDF ]

Tainted Soul by T. Ptah Mitchell
reviewed by Zulu King
[ view PDF ]


The Whirlwind


Tracey Owens Patton, devorah major, Anthony Mays, Bruce George, Jeanette Drake, Itibari M. Zulu, Renaldo Manuel Ricketts, Nandi Comer, Al Young, Ghasem Batamuntu, Mona Lisa Saloy, Eugene B. Redmond, Fritz Pointer, Gwendolyn Mitchell, Felix Orisewike Sylvanus, Rudolph Lewis, Kamaria Muntu, Ed Bullins, Mabel Mnensa, Kwan Booth, and Tureeda Mikell
[ view PDF ]

Poetic Mission: A Dialogue on the Role of the Poet and Poetry
by Rudolph Lewis (dialogue team: Marvin X, Jerry Ward, Mary Weems, and C. Leigh McInnis)
[ view PDF ]

The Poetic Mission: Art II: Reviewing a Life, A Calling
by Haki R. Madhubuti
[ view PDF ]


Amour of Ancestors


Everett Hoagland, Charles Blackwell, Jacqueline Kibacha, John Reynolds III, Darlene Scott, Jimmy Smith Jr., Sam Hamud, Opal Palmer Adisa, Amy ‘Aimstar’ Andrieux, Lamont b. Steptoe, Avotcja Jiltonilro, Anthony Spires, Benecia Blue, Neil Callender, Tanure Ojaide, Pious Okoro, Tony Medina, Dr. Ja A. Jahannes, Brother Yao, Zayad Muhammad, Nykimbe Broussard, Kilola Maishya, Niyah X, Adrienne N. Wartts, Greg Carr, Darlene Roy, Tantra Zawadi, Ishmael Reed, Quincy Scott Jones, Bob McNeil, Ariel Pierson, Marie Rice, Yvonne Hilton, Bolade Akintolayo, Latasha Diggs, Felton Eaddy, and B. Sharise Moore
[ view PDF ]


Reviews, News, Views
Medical Mythologyby Ramal Lamar
[ view PDF ]

Qaddafy’s Apology for Arab Slavery: A Dialogue Between Poetsby Rudolph Lewis, Sam Hamud, and Kola Boof
[ view PDF ]

Prize and Award: Chinua Achebe and Haki R. Madhubuti
[ view PDF ]

Two Poets in Oakland: Ishmael Reed and Marvin Xby Ishmael Reed and Marvin X
[ view PDF ]

A Pan African Dialogue on Cuba: From Black Bird Pressby Dead Prez, Carlos Moore, Pedro de la Hoz, and North American African Activist, Intellectuals and Artist
[ view PDF ]

Black Arts West Celebrates Amiri Baraka at 75a photos essay by Kamau Amen-Ra
[ view PDF ]

Amiri Baraka Entertains SF: ‘Lowku’ versus Haiku Revives Fillmore Spiritby Lee Hubbard and Marvin X
[ view PDF ]

For a print version of Journal of Pan African Studies, Poetry issue, contact Black Bird Press, 1222 Dwight Way, Berkeley CA 94702, 475 pages, $49.95. Your donation supports Academy of da Corner, 14th and Broadway, downtown Oakland.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Human Earthquake hits Sacramento suffering 95 degree heat


 Sacramento's North American African Mayor Kevin Johnson addresses Sacramento Book Fair

Mayor Johnson, President of the US Conference of Mayor's, received a call from President Obama after the Mayor  got US Mayors to endorse his trade agreement. UMass professor Bill Strickland blasted the Mayor for endorsing an agreement that is a secret. Professor Strickland is seated on the left.

Marvin X's memoir of Eldridge Cleaver, written in three weeks in Houston, Texas

The Human Earthquake hit Sacramento, adding to the 95 degree heat--with no breeze, something the Human Earthquake loves about the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area. But no breeze in Sac, the capital of California, as if the Human Earthquake is not used to the Central Valley weather, having been raised in Fresno where it used to be 113 degrees at midnight.

The Human Earthquake was not a stranger to Sacramento, having lived in the Oak Park District during his addiction to Crack cocaine in the 90s. For a time he lived on La Soledad Ave. with his Black Arts Movement mentor Alonzo Harris Batin. Alonzo Batin, a career criminal, recruited the Black Arts West Theatre crew into the Nation of Islam, including Duncan Barber, Hillery Broadous, Ethna Wyatt and Marvin X. BAW members playwright Ed Bullins and Carl Bossisere (cousin of Michael and Ted Lange) did not join but were also impacted by the BAM guru Batin, who'd spent time in San Quentin with Eldridge Cleaver, author of Soul on Ice, who Marvin X introduced to Black Panther co-founders Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. Eldridge, immediately joined the BPP and became Minister of Information.

Another Black Panther named Earl Anthony, aka, Earl the Squirrel, wrote a play about Eldridge and Alonzo Batin, produced off-Broadway by Woody King.

As per the Oak Park District, Marvin suggested it would be nice to name a street in honor of the Black Arts District. And if Sac wants to really honor the Black Arts District, rename Solidad Way Alonzo Batin Way. Again, he was the chief guru of the Black Arts West Theatre on Fillmore and Turk in San Francisco. Scholars will never honor a street criminal Muslim who recruited the Black Arts West Theatre into the Nation of Islam. Of course, BAW could not accept the NOI discipline, we know all Muslim artists drift toward the Sufi Way. BAW members read Hazrat Innyat Khan, Rumi, Gazzali and other Suffi poets, including the West African Sufi Masters such as Bamba. In the end, BAW members Duncan Barbar and Hillary Broadous became full fledged members of the Nation of Islam. Although Carl Bossiere, Hillary Broadous and Duncan Barber fled to the East Coast and connected with Amiri Baraka in Newark, they drifted into the NOI, although Carl resisted. He was Imamu Amiria Baraka's secretary while AB was associated with Karenga's Al Kaida cult.

AB's connection with Karenga ended with the murder of Alprentice Bunchy Carter and John Huggins in the BSU meeting room on the campus of UCLA. Baraka told Marvin X Karenga was with him when he got the message Bunchy and John had been assassinated. According to AB it was the end of their relationship.

Back to Black Arts Movement Guru Alonzo Batin

Batin had photographer Norman Brown photograph Marvin and Ethna Wyatt for an article that appeared in Muhammad Speaks on how BAM had gone coast to coast.

The Human Earthquake also has a plethora of cousins in Sacramento, two were present at the Sacramento Black Book Fair reception at Underground Books and the Guild Theatre, Stan Murrill and Michael Benjamin. Michael is a member of the Sacramento Black Arts Movement. He has produced and directed plays in Sac for decades, often working with Paul Carter Harrison. He is quick to let people know he and Marvin X are family!


Of course, he calls his muse, former Sacramento Bee writer Fahizah Alim, Lois Lane. But in fact she was Superwoman for Sacramento North American Africans. When in trouble, Blacks in Sac called Fahizah to voice their problems with white supremacy. She is a Marvin X student. He is accompanied at the Sacramento Black Book Fair by two current students mentored at his Academy of da Corner, 14th and Broadway, downtown Oakland, Aries Jordan and Prosperity Carter. Fahizah describes his writing as "orgasmic"!

After the reception at Underground Books, two panel discussions were held next door at the Guild Theatre; a panel on the Voting Rights Act with Professor Bill Strickland and Professor Pinderhughes and a panel on the Black Arts Movement with Professor Emeritus Eugene Redmond and BAM co-founder Marvin X, aka, The Human Earthquake. You've already heard Professor Strickland's remarks on the trade bill. In his conclusion on the Voting Rights Bill, the professor confessed he had to submit to the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad who said the white man is the devil!
Professor Pinderhughes essentially said the same, they are obstructionists, devious, diabolical, in the attempt to keep Blacks and other minorities from voting.

The Black Arts Movement panel began with Marvin X: in the words of Paul Robeson, we are artistic freedom fighters. Art and culture prompted the Black Power revolution of the 60s, thus the power of art and culture. He quoted Mrs. Amina Baraka, "Everybody who say they was in the Black Arts Movement wasn't in the Black Arts Movement."

Larry Neal said BAM was the sister of the Black Arts Movement. Marvin X said BAM was the mother of the Black Power Movement. He quoted Huey Newton: "Marvin X was my teacher. Many of our comrades came through his Black Arts Theatre, i.e., Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, Emory Douglas, Samuel Napier, et al."

He told of a recent speech by Virtual Murrell, representing Bobby Seale, who said at the 50th Anniversary of Peralta Colleges in Oakland, including Merritt College where Bobby Seale, Huey Newton, and Marvin X were students: "It was when Marvin X brought his play Flowers for the Trashman to Merritt in support of the Soul Students Advisory Council, that the Merritt student movement took off, powered by the Black Arts of Marvin X."

As a demonstration of how cunning and vile the addiction to white supremacy can be, Marvin X told the Sacramento folks that a white man seated at his table ($175.00 dinner) said to him after the remarks by Virtual Murrell, "If I'd known you were somebody important, I would have had a conversation with you!"

The audience  succumbed to the Human Earthquake. After his presentation, Marvin X was mobbed by the audience. A young married woman said she was in love with him. Marvin X told her, "If you are in love with me, leave your husband tonight and come with me." A 60 year old woman let him know she was ready to rock and roll with him. He told her, "It ain't about your age, it's about your energy. I know some 29 year old women who are tired and need to take some Geritol! A 23 year old woman told me, "I thought you was an old man!"

 Marvin X at his Academy of da Corner, 14th and Broadway, downtown Oakland, renamed the Black Arts Movement District. He claims his classroom is the most dangerous in the world. FYI, in was the site of the Oscar Grant rebellion, Occupy Oakland and Black Lives Matter. During Occupy Oakland, the poet was tear gassed.
photo Adam Turner

Graphics Adam Turner

We suspect Marvin X will be mobbed whenever he speaks Saturday and Sunday at the SAC Book Fair. SAC was inspired by the energy in his words, and the truth!


image
Blue Nile Press and Community Partners
invite you to the opening events for the
Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
All on Friday, June 5, 2015
6:00PMOpening Reception to meet and greet the featured writers
at underground Books,2814 35th Street, Sacramento CA 95817
6:45PMOpening Panel Discussion by the featured writers
at The Guild Theater
2828 35th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
(Next door to underground books)
9:00PMPost Panel Mixer
Live jazz, refreshments, and opportunity to converse with
featured speakers and participating authors
at the Brickhouse Art Gallery, 2837 36th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
Please RSVP by Sunday, May 31, 2015 to Faye Wilson Kennedy (916) 484-3749 or emailing:Faye at Faye@bluenilepress.com
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2015 Co-Sponsors/Community Partners:
African Research Institute
Black United Fund of Sacramento Valley
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Black Bird Press
The Black Group
Brickhouse Art Gallery
Blue Nile Press
City of Sacramento – Neighborhood Services Department
Friends of the Sacramento Public Library
Jtenterprise
Roberts Family Development Center
Sacramento Area Black Caucus
Sacramento City Councilmember Allen Warren
The Sacramento City Teachers Association
Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Hansen
Teichert Foundation
The Talking Drums News
Colonial Heights Library Affiliated Friends
Kakwasi Somadhi
Underground Books
Sacculturalhub.com
Drexel University Sacramento
Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,Eta Gamma Omega Chapter
Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Fred and Ruth Foote
ZICA Creative and Literary Guild
Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution, CSUS
Black Humanists and Non-Believers of Sacramento
Sacramento Section- The National Council of Negro Women
Mary McLeod Bethune Readers are Leaders Club
Tracy & Symia Stigler
Young Scholars –Calvary Christian Center
Sacramento Poetry Center
Sister to Sister Book Group
100 Black Men of Sacramento
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Felicia Armelin
Brenda’s Mane Event
Black Parallel School Board
Literary Ladies Alliance
The Merritt Law Clinic
Sisters Quilting Collective
NIA –Women of Purpose
Leslie Wilson Kennedy
Sacramento Chapter-Black Child Development Institute
Pam Haynes
Black Images Book Club
The Borden Family
OBBC (Book Club)
Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce
Allegro Book Club
Sacramento Public Library Foundation
The California Endowment
The Office of Campus Community Relations, University of California, Davis
Los Rios Community College District
Roy Kaufman
Sacramento Observer Newspapers
California Black Chamber of Commerce
 Endorsed by:
Mayor Kevin Johnson
Women's Civic Improvement Club
Oak Park United Methodist Church
Guild Theater
Sacramento City Unified School District
Sacramento Public Library
Assembly member Kevin McCarty
California Legislative Black Caucus
916Ink
Crocker Art Museum
Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS)
Thank you and join the celebration!!!


Friday, June 5, 2015

Family of Boston man murdered by terror investigators shocked

Family of man shot by terror investigators shocked by claims


Boston suspect's family says he wasn't inspired by ISIS 
 
Boston suspect's family says he wasn't inspired by ISIS
State of Baseball with Jon Heyman: 6/5
BOSTON (AP) — A man shot to death by terrorism investigators showed no signs of radicalization, and his family was completely shocked by allegations he planned to kill police officers, the family's attorney said.
 
Ronald Sullivan, a Harvard Law professor, said Usaama Rahim's family considered him "an energetic young man trying to make his way in this world" and saw no behavior or demeanor changes that would lead them to suspect he would espouse violence.

Surrounded by Rahim's brothers, mother and wife on the sidewalk where Rahim was shot, Sullivan said Thursday that they hope to work "productively and cooperatively" with investigators in a "joint effort to search for the truth."

"Let me be clear: The family is not making any substantive claims at this time about what happened in this case," Sullivan said.

The family and Sullivan met with Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley later Thursday and viewed video of the shooting.

In deference to the family's wishes, the video will not be released publicly until after Rahim's funeral, Conley said in a statement.
Conley promised a "thorough, impartial and unbiased investigation" into the shooting.
A Sullivan spokeswoman said in an email Friday that the family would not comment on the video.
Rahim, 26, was fatally shot Tuesday after investigators said he refused to drop a military-style knife as they sought to question him about "terrorist-related information." Police have said the video shows officers backing up and Rahim moving toward them before they fired.

Sullivan said Rahim's brother Ibrahim Rahim, a well-known imam in Boston, regrets posting a Facebook message based on incorrect, third-hand information claiming that his brother had been shot three times in the back.

"We now know we simply did not have all the facts at that time," Sullivan said.

Police Commissioner William Evans said Rahim had talked about beheading blogger Pamela Geller before deciding to target police officers. "There was some mention of that name," said Evans, who dismissed the idea as "wishful thinking" while speaking on the "Today" show.

A Muslim leader said Thursday that his killing by Boston police and the FBI was reckless and unnecessary. Imam Abdullah Faaruuq, who is close to the Rahim family, said he believes they wanted him dead.

"You can capture elephants, lions and tigers without killing them," Faaruuq said. "The intent was not to capture him and keep him alive."

Rahim will be buried Friday, but the family is keeping it private.
Geller is a combative personality known for provoking Muslims by campaigning against a mosque near the World Trade Center site, sponsoring inflammatory advertisements and organizing Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas.
"They want to make an example out of me to frighten the rest of the US into silence and submission," Geller wrote in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday. "This is not about me. This is about whether the US will stand for freedom or submit and cower before violent intimidation."

The FBI said Rahim and his nephew, David Wright, plotted to commit some kind of attack, and Rahim ordered three large knives on Amazon.com a week earlier.

The FBI said police confronted Rahim after he told Wright on Tuesday that he had changed his mind about beheading an out-of-state victim and instead planned to kill local police officers either Tuesday or Wednesday.
___
Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed to this story.

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