Saturday, April 23, 2016
Ishmael Reed says Marvin X is Plato teaching on the streets of Oakland!
photo Kamau Amen Ra
Marvin X as Plato
By
Marvin X
After stopping by Marvin X's
outdoor classroom at 14th and Broadway, downtown
Oakland, Ishmael Reed told the students gathered around
Marvin X, "He's the modern day Plato, teaching his
students on the street." Marvin told the people gathered
in front on DeLauer's bookstore, "Ishmael Reed is my
elder. He's always been supportive of my projects and I
deeply appreciate him for this."
Ishmael had come to the bookstore
/24/7 new stand to get a copy of the Sunday Los
Angeles Times which carried a review of his latest
book. He said the review cut him up as usual. He said
people cut him up for his views on Alice Walker and
other feminists, but according to Ishmael the most
critical review of Walker's Color Purple was by
Toni Morrison.
The people who stop at the open air
classroom include a cross section of Oakland's humanity,
including whites, blacks, youth and elders. David
Glover, director of OCCUR, stopped through to advise
Marvin to be a part of the cultural committee for the
Ron Dellums administration soon to take the reins of
Oakland.
A young sister stopped to say she
was in pain because her friends are being killed on the
streets for no reason. She has vowed not to be a victim
but she is traumatized at the loss of some many friends.
She is 19.
The police officer who works the
beat that includes 14th and Broadway, comes through
picking up litter. Seems a waste of time for the officer
to pick up litter when there are so many unsolved
homicides. The officer is known to post up at 12 o'clock
to listen to Plato talk with his variety of students.
A brother came by to challenge
Plato, telling him he didn't know anything, especially
since he wasn't from the south, New Orleans in
particular. Plato told him New Orleans was as much a
killing floor as Oakland, look at the recent deployment
of National Guard to stop the murders.
Another brother came through and
invited Marvin to speak with youth at a West Oakland
school. He agreed, telling the brother, "I recently
spoke with children at the Black Repertory Group's
summer camp. I was deeply impressed with their
intelligence. They asked serious questions, as serious
as any I've received from college and university
students across the country."
On Sunday, July 30, Plato was given
a book party in Richmond, another Bay Area killing
floor. But the party, hosted by Sister Shukuru, was
probably the most powerful gathering of black
consciousness people in Richmond history. The party was
attended by movement elders and organizers, including
Alona Cliffton, Phil Hutchins of SNCC, Margo Dashiel, Dr. James Garrett,
Dr. J. Vern Cromartie, Jim Lacey, Ann Lynch, Suzzette
Celeste, Richmond poet President Davis representing
conscious hip hop.
Poet Opal Palmer Adisa gave a
reading of her work that was as spicy and hot as a two
dollar pistol in South Philly.
The audience was enraptured by the
musical accompaniment of Elliott Bey Savoy, who backed
Marvin's reading and the audience discussion. A brother
showed a video of himself reading Marvin X's poem The
Origin of Blackness in Venezuela. He read in Spanish,
then English. The poem was originally written in
English/Arabic. Marvin then read an updated version on
the theme of the poem, Black History is World History.
Much thanks to Sister Shukuru, a great organizer,
formerly with Brooklyn's East.
* * * *
*
photo Pendarvis Harshaw |
posted 3 August 2006 /Chickenbones.com
Marvin X poem Apology to My Higher Self and Miles Davis - Time After Time (Live 1985)
Apology to My Higher Self
Oh, Higher Self
I apologize to you
Greater Self
Holy Self
Righteous Self
I seek to harm no one
but to glorify You always and forever
Have mercy on me
have mercy on myself
Oh, Higher Self
pleae forgive me for allowing my lower self to rule
Please have mercy on me Higher Self, Divine Self
If I will only flow in the flow of You
pick me up Higher Self
when my lower self comes to call
the whispering devil whispers into the hearts of men
and women and children
to take us all down under
to the thrashing floor
the road where wise men fear to tread
down in the dungeon
rat hole
I become the rat
associating with the rats
dwelling in the dungeon
of my mind
Lift me up Highter Power
let me dwell with You forever
in the Upper Room
surely I know truth from lies
surely I know fire from water
yet I walk into the fire
I am burned again again again
easy to lead in the wrong direction
hard to lead in the right direction,
the Elijah lesson teach us
And why do we love the devil
because he gives us nothing!
Take me Higher Power
into your loving hands
save me from the fire
whose fuel is men and stones,
Qur'an.
let not the weakness of my lower self
ontrol me
let me cast away illusions
a donkey is not a stalion
Oh Higher Power
catch me if I fall
take me forward faster
time after time
time after time.
--Marvin X
9/28/14
from Sweet Tea/Dirty Rice, New and Selected Poems, 2016, Marvin X, Black Bird Press, Berkeley CA, unpublished.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Marvin X Video Archives
Video #1: The President of Laney College, Oakland CA, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, speaks at BAM 50th Anniversary Celebration
BAM VIDEO # 3: BLACK ARTS/BLACK POWER BABIES inter-generational PANEL AT LANEY COLLEGE, OAKLAND, FEB 7, 2015
P-SPAN #413: Panel on Black Women Writers, at Laney College BAM 50th Celebration
Marvin X reads "Dope" by Amiri Baraka at Malcolm X Jazz/Art Festival, Oakland, 2014, with David Murray, Earle Davis and the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra
Marvin X Video Archives, Part Two: Reads #1 What If at Yoshi's, San Francisco, opens for Amiri Baraka and Roscoe Mitchell
RBG| WHITE SUPREMACY 2 -In The Crazy House Called America- Marvin X
Marvin X at University of Chicago Sun Ra Symposium Roundtable Discussion, May 21-22, 2015
Marvin X at New York University: An Evening with Poets Honoring the Lives of Poets Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka, 2014
Marvin X on Wall Street Part 1 WBAI Interview
Ancestor Amiri Baraka, BPP co-founder Bobby Seale, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Neo-BAM Director, Ahi Baraka, Marvin X
Marvin X- "Black History is World History" (poem written in the 80's)@Fr...
Marvin X at Memorial for Geronimo Ja Jiga Pratt, Defremery Park, aka Lil' Bobby Hutton Park, Oakland
RBG| WHITE SUPREMACY 2 -In The Crazy House Called America- Marvin X
Marvin X at University of Chicago Sun Ra Symposium Roundtable Discussion, May 21-22, 2015
Marvin X at New York University: An Evening with Poets Honoring the Lives of Poets Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka, 2014
Marvin X on Wall Street Part 1 WBAI Interview
Marvin X At the Black Caucus of California Community Colleges, Fresno City College
Marvin X at African American Museum/Library, Oakland
3 -One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X and Discussion on Art, Drugs and Revolution with Sonia Sanchez, Amina and Amiri Baraka, Sam Anderson, Elombe Brath, Marvin X, Sista's Place, Brooklyn NY, 1996, MC Omowale Clay
4 - One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X and Discussion on Art, Drugs and Revolution with Sonia Sanchez, Amina and Amiri Baraka, Sam Anderson, Elombe Brath, Marvin X, Sista's Place, Brooklyn NY, 1996, MC Omowale Clay
5 - One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X and Discussion on Art, Drugs and Revolution with Sonia Sanchez, Amina and Amiri Baraka, Sam Anderson, Elombe Brath, Marvin X, Sista's Place, Brooklyn NY, 1996, MC Omowale Clay
6 - One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X and Discussion on Art, Drugs and Revolution with Sonia Sanchez, Amina and Amiri Baraka, Sam Anderson, Elombe Brath, Marvin X, Sista's Place, Brooklyn NY, 1996 MC Omowale Clay
7 - One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X and Discussion on Art, Drugs and Revolution with Sonia Sanchez, Amina and Amiri Baraka, Sam Anderson, Elombe Brath, Marvin X, Sista's Place, Brooklyn NY, 1996, MC Omowale Clay
MARVIN X reading In the Name of Love, produced by Ahi Baraka
Super poem, even better presentation, combined pure artivity with
authority, plus the environment of my father and self. I cry in joy as I
hear this perfect self expression.--Stevon Williams, actor, singer
Hotep,
On January 19, the Oakland City Council passed legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. We thank them, especially City Council President Lynette McElhaney and Moveon.org. It is time for the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road to complete the 27 City BAM Tour ancestor Amiri Baraka suggested to continue our cultural revolution and united front of progressive people.
That's why I created a petition to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, which says:
"We call upon Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to support a benefit concert for Straight Outta Oakland, The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, featuring the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra. We suggest the benefit concert happen at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony performing with the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. "
Will you sign my petition? Click here to add your name:
http://petitions.moveon.org/ sign/straight-outta-oakland? source=c.fwd&r_by=15569191
Thanks!
On January 19, the Oakland City Council passed legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. We thank them, especially City Council President Lynette McElhaney and Moveon.org. It is time for the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road to complete the 27 City BAM Tour ancestor Amiri Baraka suggested to continue our cultural revolution and united front of progressive people.
That's why I created a petition to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, which says:
"We call upon Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to support a benefit concert for Straight Outta Oakland, The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, featuring the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra. We suggest the benefit concert happen at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony performing with the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. "
Will you sign my petition? Click here to add your name:
http://petitions.moveon.org/
Thanks!
Marvin X,
Producer/Director, Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour
Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Co-producer/director
Ancestor Amiri Baraka, BPP co-founder Bobby Seale, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Neo-BAM Director, Ahi Baraka, Marvin X
Ancestor Amiri Baraka, BPP co-founder Bobby Seale, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Neo-BAM Director, Ahi Baraka, Marvin X
Prince
Prince dead
no screams howls
from river bed
No purple rain
no name
no free slave
no gain
no am I black/white
no mama/daddy songs
prince gone.
--Marvin X
4/21/16
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Coming soon from Black Bird Press: Sweet Tea/Dirty Rice, New and Selected Poems by Marvin X, 2016
Sweet Tea/Dirty Rice
New and Selected Poems
Marvin X
Sweet Tea/Dirty Rice is raw, beautiful, painful, low-down and funky, uplifting like hearing Nat Turner has risen.--from the introduction, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, BAM Oakland, founder, Lower Bottom Playaz
He has always been in the forefront of Pan African writing. Indeed, he is one of the founders and innovators of the revolutionary school of African writing.
--Amiri Baraka
Marvin X is the USA’s Rumi...X’s poems vibrate, whip, love in the most meta- and physical ways imaginable and un-. He’s got the humor of Pietri, the politics of Baraka, and the spiritual Muslim grounding that is totally new in English –- the ecstasy of Hafiz, the wisdom of Saadi.
--Bob Holman, Bowery Poetry Club, New York City
His love poems will resound as long and as deeply as any love poems ever written by anyone: Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sonia Sanchez, Maya Angelou.
--Fahizah Alim
...This is more than poetry--it is singing/song, it is meditation, it is spirit/flowing/flying, it is blackness celebrated, it is prophecy, it is life, it is all of these things and more, beyond articulation....
--Johari Amini (Jewel C. Lattimore)
With respect to Marvin X, I wonder why I am just now hearing about him-I read Malcolm when I was 12, I read Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez and others from the BAM in college and graduate school-why is attention not given to his work in the same places I encountered these other authors? Declaring Muslim American literature as a field of study is valuable because recontextualizing it will add another layer of attention to his incredibly rich body of work.He deserves to be WAY better known than he is among Muslim Americans and generally, in the world of writing and the world at large. By we who are younger Muslim American poets, in particular, Marvin should be honored as our elder, one who is still kickin, still true to the word!
--Dr. Mohja Kahf, Professor of English and Islamic Literature, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
When you listen to Tupac Shakur, E-40, Too Short, Master P or any other rappers out of the Bay Area of Cali, think of Marvin X. He laid the foundation and gave us the language to express Black male urban experiences in a lyrical way.
--James G. Spady, Philadelphia New Observer Newspaper
Marvin X
photo Kamau Amen Ra
Contents
I Am John Coltrane
Christian Terrorists
The Negro Knows Everything
Little African Woman
I Am American
Party of Lincoln Sinking
To Mexico With Love
Don't Let My Son Look Like This
Talkin Ignut
What is Love
I Will Go into the City
For the Women
I Don't Want to Know Your Name
I Release You
Funny thing I Already Knew
Fly Like a Hawk
Oh, Mighty Kora
Poem for Unresolved Grief
You Don't Know Me
It is Fine to Dream
If Only You Knew How Beautiful You Are
African Blues Ain't Blue
Oh, Mighty Kora
Again the Kora
Empire
Don't ask, don't take
Something is Goin on up in here
Post Black Negro
Remembering Dad
And We Wonder
And then there are Angels
Cyberspace Dead
Memorial Day
Dream Time 2
If I Were A Muslim In Good Standing
Old Warriors
In the Temple of X
There Was an Island
A Street Named Rashidah Muhammad (Dessie X)
Poem for Clara Muhammad
Prayer for Young Mothers
This
Yes, it’s all there
When I think about the women in my life
Letter to dead negroes in cyberspace
We’re in love but you don’t know me
Growing up
In my solitude, for Duke
A Day we never thought
Mama’s bones
Love is for the beloved
Lesbian
Poem for unresolved grief
Song for Reginald Madpoet
Benazir Bhutto
Dis Ma Hair
Ancestors II
Facing Mt. Kenya
O, Kora, Elegy for John D
Who are these Jews?
For Jerri Jackmon
When Lemmie Died
And then the end
How does it feel to be a nigger
No black fight
Praise song for Askia Toure
Bank the Bankers
Don't dream bout ma man
Ah, air so fresh
I Am a Revolutionary
Do you want to see me tomorrow
Can you feel the spirit
My people were never slaves
Poem #3 for R
Poem #2 for R
O, Malcolm X
Fathers sing blues too
To Egypt with Love
Letter to my grandson, Jahmeel
Closure
Kamau
Don't Say Pussy
What If
Publication date: Late May, 2016. $19.95. Pre-publication price: $15.00. To pay by credit card, call 510.200.4164. Not available in book stores, order direct from publisher: Black Bird Press,
1222 Dwight Way, Berkeley CA, 94702.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Bay Area Living legends Marvin X and Fillmore Slim will perform together at SF Juneteenth Festival, June 18
perform together at this year's San Francisco Juneenth Festival. "Sure, we can perform together, Marvin X, Blues and poetry is the same thing!" Fillmore, now 81, stopped by Marvin's Academy of da Corner at the Berkeley Flea Market, Bay Area crossroads for North American Africans.
Clarence Sims, best known by his stage name, Fillmore Slim, is a blues vocalist and guitarist with five albums to his credit. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was also a highly renowned pimp in San Francisco, often referred to as "The West Coast Godfather of the Game" and "The Pope of Pimping".
photo Markel Archie
photo Markel Archie
photo Markel Archie
photo Markel Archie
Aside from some small video/TV gigs over the past several years, we haven't really seen Snoop Dogg in a big movie since Soul Plane.
Those of you who have been going through Snoop withdrawal will be pleased to hear that he's officially been hired to star in The Legend of Fillmore Slim, a biopic about the blue singer/guitarist/former pimp.
Hotep,
On January 19, the Oakland City Council passed legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. We thank them, especially City Council President Lynette McElhaney and Moveon.org. It is time for the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road to complete the 27 City BAM Tour ancestor Amiri Baraka suggested to continue our cultural revolution and united front of progressive people.
That's why I created a petition to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, which says:
"We call upon Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to support a benefit concert for Straight Outta Oakland, The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, featuring the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra. We suggest the benefit concert happen at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony performing with the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. "
Will you sign my petition? Click here to add your name:
http://petitions.moveon.org/ sign/straight-outta-oakland? source=c.fwd&r_by=15569191
Thanks!
On January 19, the Oakland City Council passed legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. We thank them, especially City Council President Lynette McElhaney and Moveon.org. It is time for the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road to complete the 27 City BAM Tour ancestor Amiri Baraka suggested to continue our cultural revolution and united front of progressive people.
That's why I created a petition to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, which says:
"We call upon Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to support a benefit concert for Straight Outta Oakland, The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, featuring the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra. We suggest the benefit concert happen at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony performing with the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. "
Will you sign my petition? Click here to add your name:
http://petitions.moveon.org/
Thanks!
Marvin X,
Producer/Director, Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour
Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Co-producer/director
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Abstract for Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
While in Philadelphia participating in the 60th Birthday Celebration for imprisoned journalist Mumia Abu Jamal,
Marvin X recruited a Dream Team of artists, activists,
educators and promoters for the 27 City Black Arts Movement Tour. The following are a few of the persons who tentatively
agreed to join the BAM Tour:
Dr. Cornel West, educator
Dr. Tony Montiero, educator
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, educator
Fred Hampton, Jr., activist
Preston Muhammad, promoter
Alfie Pollitt, musician, arranger
Elliot Bey, musician
Pam Africa, activist
Maurice Henderson, producer
Abiodun, the Last Poets
Umar Bin Hasan, the Last Poets
The BAM Poet's Choir and Arkestra performed at the Black Arts Movement Conference, University of California, Merced, Feb 28 thru March 2, 2014.
But more than the political and economic situation is the cultural condition, some of the reactionary values in hip hop culture, especially unconscious rap poetry, and even the socalled conscious poetry is, in the words of my daughter, an expression of the pseudo conscious, for words are not followed by the right action. As we know, talk is cheap! Sonia Sanchez would say the contradictions in hip hop were inherited from the Black Arts Movement contradictions. "Brothers talked Black Power but went home to beat their wives and partners. BAM children, i.e., the Hip Hop generation observed our behavior and emulated it."
Many times we heard Amiri Baraka speak about the need to reach our people in the 27 major cities we inhabit in large numbers—to reach out and touch them with healing Black Art that can restore our mental and physical wellness. In honor of ancestor Amiri Baraka, we propose to conduct a 27 city tour with concerts and wellness workshops to aid in the recovery of ourselves. Our special focus shall be on young Black men, although we cannot and will not ignore young black women, nor will we avoid adult and parental responsibility. Thus, this will be an inter-generational experience. Sly Stone told us, "It's a family affair!" And the O'Jays said it is a Family Reunion. When we come together as family and embrace with the words "I appreciate you!" the revolution is victorious!
BAM workers in each community will be recruited to participate and we would like to establish a BAM House or cultural center in each city, no matter if it is a 50 seat theatre as Amiri Baraka suggested. A staff of educators, mental and physical health workers must be a part of this project so that we more effectively deal with our wellness in a holistic manner.
National Advisory Board Members
Marvin X, Producer/Director, Straight Outta Oakland, Black Arts
Movement 27 City Tour
photo Pendarvis Harshaw
For information and/or booking, contact:
Marvin X
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
510-200-4164
Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor please give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!
Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, has been invited to perform at Oakland's Flight Deck Theatre on Broadway, downtown Oakland. Executive Director Anna Shneiderman emailed BAM Tour producer Marvin X: Hi Marvin. I'd love to see this concert happen at The Flight Deck. Please let me know if you think that makes sense and if so, what time of year you're thinking about.
Bests,
Anna
510-858-7383
www.raggedwing.org
www.theflightdeck.org
Members of the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra informed producer Marvin X they would like to initiate the tour in Cuba rather than end in Cuba as Marvin had planned. BAM artists from coast to coast have suggested Cuba first, so we shall see. Since the BAM icons are elders, their schedules and health will determine how many will be able to do the 27 city tour. Poet Sonia Sanchez, 80 years old, told the producer, "Marvin, the very idea of a 27 city tour makes me tired."
Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour is estimated to cost about 3 million dollars @ $100,000.00 per city, plus the Cuba Concert. We are seeking donations to make this tour a reality. What is the purpose? Ancestor Amiri Baraka would say, "It's about beauty and truth! It's about advancing the cultural revolution. It's about a United Front of all progressive people." For information or booking, email jmarvinx@yahoo.com. 510-200-4164.
Straight Outta Oakland
Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement
The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
The defining work of the Black Arts Movement, Black Fire is at once a rich anthology and an extraordinary source document. Nearly 200 selections, including poetry, essays, short stories, and plays, from over 75 cultural critics, writers, and political leaders, capture the social and cultural turmoil of the 1960s. In his new introduction, Amiri Baraka reflects — nearly four decades later — on both the movement and the book.
We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College.
Left
to Right: Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Marvin X, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf,
Laney College President, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Dr. Nathan Hare, Paul Cobb,
Publisher of the Oakland Post News Group
We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.
Sincerely,
Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Straight Outta Oakland
Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement
The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College. Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor can give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!
Left
to Right: Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Marvin X, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf,
Laney College President, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Dr. Nathan Hare, Paul Cobb,
Publisher of the Oakland Post News Group
We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.
Sincerely,
Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the
BAM 27 City Tour
Marshall Allen, 91 years old, now leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra (He said, "Marvin I'm not 91, I'm 19." Marvin X says, "And he plays like he's 19!" Danny Thompson and Marvin X at University of Chicago, Sun Ra Conference, 2015. They performed and discussed the teachings of BAM Master Sun Ra and their relationship with him as fellow artists. All three are dedicated to the teachings of Sun Ra. FYI, all of us BAM artists were/are students of Sun Ra, students and/or associates of Sun Ra, the POPE of BAM, AB the High Priest. David Murray and Francisco Mora Catlett performed and were infected with the Ra doctrine. RA RA RA!
The Gemini twins: Marvin X and Sun Ra. These "Latter Day Egyptian Revisionists" (Sun Ra term) worked together coast to coast. Marvin X worked with the Arkestra in New York, Philly and the Bay Area. Both men taught in the Black Studies Department at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72. The above pic is outside Marvin's Black Educational Theatre, San Francisco, 1972. Sun Ra arranged the music for Marvin's play Take Care of Business, aka Flowers for the Trashman. They produced a five hour concert (without intermission) at San Francisco's Harding Theatre on Divisadero. The production had a cast of fifty, including Marvin's actors, Sun Ra's Arkestra and the dancers of choreographers Ellendar Barnes and Raymond Sawyer, living legends of Bay Area BAM dance. See SF Sun Reporter archives for review. See Youtube for Sun Ra lectures at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72.
h
Many of the movement’s leading artists, including Ed Bullins, Nikki Giovanni, Woodie King, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Askia Touré, Marvin X and Val Gray Ward, remain artistically productive today. Its influence can also be seen in the work of later artists, from the writers Toni Morrison, John Edgar Wideman, and August Wilson to actors Avery Brooks, Danny Glover, and Samuel L. Jackson, to hip-hop artists Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Chuck D. SOS—Calling All Black People includes works of fiction, poetry, and drama in addition to critical writings on issues of politics, aesthetics, and gender. It covers topics ranging from the legacy of Malcolm X and the impact of John Coltrane’s jazz to the tenets of the Black Panther Party and the music of Motown. The editors have provided a substantial introduction outlining the nature, history, and legacy of the Black Arts Movement as well as the principles by which the anthology was assembled.
Dr. Cornel West, educator
Dr. Tony Montiero, educator
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, educator
Fred Hampton, Jr., activist
Preston Muhammad, promoter
Alfie Pollitt, musician, arranger
Elliot Bey, musician
Pam Africa, activist
Maurice Henderson, producer
Abiodun, the Last Poets
Umar Bin Hasan, the Last Poets
The BAM Poet's Choir and Arkestra performed at the Black Arts Movement Conference, University of California, Merced, Feb 28 thru March 2, 2014.
Abstract for the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
The mission of the Black Arts Movement’s
27 City Tour is to continue the cultural revolution we initiated during
the 1960s. This
cultural revolution is still needed because for a variety of reasons
the Black Arts Movement was aborted due to the radical nature of our
task which was the liberation of our people in harmony with the
political movement. Today, the need to address the
political condition is critical, yes, even with the election of a
non-white president, though this president has done little to address
non-white issues, especially the high unemployment of youth, the high
incarceration rate of 2.4 million and the deportation rate of two
million so called illegal immigrants since President Obama took office.
But more than the political and economic situation is the cultural condition, some of the reactionary values in hip hop culture, especially unconscious rap poetry, and even the socalled conscious poetry is, in the words of my daughter, an expression of the pseudo conscious, for words are not followed by the right action. As we know, talk is cheap! Sonia Sanchez would say the contradictions in hip hop were inherited from the Black Arts Movement contradictions. "Brothers talked Black Power but went home to beat their wives and partners. BAM children, i.e., the Hip Hop generation observed our behavior and emulated it."
But most important is the
overall lack of mental health wellness in our community nationwide, to
say nothing of physical wellness. The high rate of homicide among young
North American African men is symptomatic of a lack of manhood training
or the infusion of traditional values that inspire and motivate people
to be the best they can be, to give honor and respect to their elders
and ancestors.
The 50% or more
drop out rate of students in our schools is partly the result of our
dire mental health condition. Alas, it is said not only is there a
critical need for a positive curriculum and teachers with an undying
love for our children, but the mental health condition of our children
requires mental health counselors with radical values of
wellness based on a holistic approach to solving our
myriad psycho-social and economic issues.
We are dumbfounded to learn the USA (Bush and Obama) promised the young men in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere (except in the USA) three items if they stop their violence and pledge allegiance to the constitution of their lands: education, jobs and housing. Why not offer education, jobs and housing for the boyz and girls in the hood?
The BAM tour will address some of these issues through the medium of art, i.e. poetry, drama, dance, music, graphics. While art therapy has been used in traditional cultures, and was utilized in the Black Arts Movement, there must be a concerted effort to make use of art in the healing of our people. Throughout the years, we have seen the power of art in changing destructive personalities. We recall the production we did of Amiri Baraka’s play Dutchman in Fresno CA. The local pimp loaned us a wig for the female character Lula. When he viewed the play and saw her stab the young North American African male, Clay, this rocked the pimp’s world and he threw in his pimping towel, joined the Nation of Islam and eventually became an imam and made his haj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Thus we see the power of art to heal broken, self destructive and economically damaged personalities.
We are dumbfounded to learn the USA (Bush and Obama) promised the young men in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere (except in the USA) three items if they stop their violence and pledge allegiance to the constitution of their lands: education, jobs and housing. Why not offer education, jobs and housing for the boyz and girls in the hood?
The BAM tour will address some of these issues through the medium of art, i.e. poetry, drama, dance, music, graphics. While art therapy has been used in traditional cultures, and was utilized in the Black Arts Movement, there must be a concerted effort to make use of art in the healing of our people. Throughout the years, we have seen the power of art in changing destructive personalities. We recall the production we did of Amiri Baraka’s play Dutchman in Fresno CA. The local pimp loaned us a wig for the female character Lula. When he viewed the play and saw her stab the young North American African male, Clay, this rocked the pimp’s world and he threw in his pimping towel, joined the Nation of Islam and eventually became an imam and made his haj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Thus we see the power of art to heal broken, self destructive and economically damaged personalities.
Many times we heard Amiri Baraka speak about the need to reach our people in the 27 major cities we inhabit in large numbers—to reach out and touch them with healing Black Art that can restore our mental and physical wellness. In honor of ancestor Amiri Baraka, we propose to conduct a 27 city tour with concerts and wellness workshops to aid in the recovery of ourselves. Our special focus shall be on young Black men, although we cannot and will not ignore young black women, nor will we avoid adult and parental responsibility. Thus, this will be an inter-generational experience. Sly Stone told us, "It's a family affair!" And the O'Jays said it is a Family Reunion. When we come together as family and embrace with the words "I appreciate you!" the revolution is victorious!
We estimate the overall budget for this project will be 2.7 million dollars at $100,000 per city, including artist
fees, promotion, advertisement, rental of venues, insurance, security,
lodging, food,transportation and documentation. Since many of the Black Arts Movement
workers are elders, the timeline would be at least three years to
complete this project, including planning and production.
BAM workers in each community will be recruited to participate and we would like to establish a BAM House or cultural center in each city, no matter if it is a 50 seat theatre as Amiri Baraka suggested. A staff of educators, mental and physical health workers must be a part of this project so that we more effectively deal with our wellness in a holistic manner.
Sincerely,
Marvin X, Project Director
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Philadelphia PA
4/23/14
510-200-4164
National Advisory Board Members
Mrs. Amina Baraka
Sonia Sanchez
Askia Toure
Mae Jackson
Rudolph Lewis
Maurice Henderson
Emory Douglas
Troy Johnson
Kalamu Ya Salaam
Eugene Redman
Kim McMillan
Ayodele Nzinga
Geoffery Grier
Nefertiti Jackmon
Muhammida El Muhajir
Jessica Care Moore
Paul Cobb
Conway Jones
John Burris
James Sweeney
Fahizah Alim
Nisa Ra
Aries Jordan
Billy X Jennings
Sam AndersonMarvin X, Producer/Director, Straight Outta Oakland, Black Arts
Movement 27 City Tour
photo Pendarvis Harshaw
For information and/or booking, contact:
Marvin X
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
510-200-4164
Marvin X and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf
(FYI, that's spilled coffee on MX's shirt, aka Messy Marv)
(FYI, that's spilled coffee on MX's shirt, aka Messy Marv)
Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor please give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!
Black
Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra Producer/Director Marvin
X and Oakland Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan agreed to join their
talents in a concert. Let it be the Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City
Tour, benefit concert. We'll invite some of the BAM icons like Danny
Glover, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Askia Toure, Last Poets. For
sure, the Bay Area Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra will do
the BAM Thang!
photo collage Adam Turner
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Art Festival,
2014
Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Art Festival,
2014
Straight Outta Oakland
Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, has been invited to perform at Oakland's Flight Deck Theatre on Broadway, downtown Oakland. Executive Director Anna Shneiderman emailed BAM Tour producer Marvin X: Hi Marvin. I'd love to see this concert happen at The Flight Deck. Please let me know if you think that makes sense and if so, what time of year you're thinking about.
Anna
Anna Shneiderman
Executive Director
Ragged Wing Ensemble & The Flight DeckExecutive Director
510-858-7383
CUBA first stop on 27 City Tour?
Members of the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra informed producer Marvin X they would like to initiate the tour in Cuba rather than end in Cuba as Marvin had planned. BAM artists from coast to coast have suggested Cuba first, so we shall see. Since the BAM icons are elders, their schedules and health will determine how many will be able to do the 27 city tour. Poet Sonia Sanchez, 80 years old, told the producer, "Marvin, the very idea of a 27 city tour makes me tired."
BAM poet Sonia Sanchez
Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour is estimated to cost about 3 million dollars @ $100,000.00 per city, plus the Cuba Concert. We are seeking donations to make this tour a reality. What is the purpose? Ancestor Amiri Baraka would say, "It's about beauty and truth! It's about advancing the cultural revolution. It's about a United Front of all progressive people." For information or booking, email jmarvinx@yahoo.com. 510-200-4164.
Amiri Baraka, BAM Chief architect (RIP)
Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou doing the BAM BAM (RIP)
Graphic design by Adam Turner
Now
that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement
Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets
Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour
envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka. AB told BAM artists to tour the 27
cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread
radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a
fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic
freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement
The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
The defining work of the Black Arts Movement, Black Fire is at once a rich anthology and an extraordinary source document. Nearly 200 selections, including poetry, essays, short stories, and plays, from over 75 cultural critics, writers, and political leaders, capture the social and cultural turmoil of the 1960s. In his new introduction, Amiri Baraka reflects — nearly four decades later — on both the movement and the book.
BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
Oakland City Council
photo Adam Turner
Marvin X speaking at Oakland City Hall's Black History Celebration, Feb. 24, 2016
Marvin X referred to Madam President as African Queen!
Marvin X referred to Madam President as African Queen!
We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College.
Mayor Schaaf said she will
use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting
mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better,
Madam Mayor please give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the
Paramount with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and
Arkestra.
We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang! Let Oakland be the model for other cities. We ain't goin' into no town half stepin', we first class, that's the only way we travel. We represent Oaktown fada git down! You gotta git in town and outta town. We Straight Outta Oaktown!
We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang! Let Oakland be the model for other cities. We ain't goin' into no town half stepin', we first class, that's the only way we travel. We represent Oaktown fada git down! You gotta git in town and outta town. We Straight Outta Oaktown!
Black
Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra Producer/Director Marvin X and
Oakland Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan agreed to join their talents
in a concert. Let it be the Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour,
benefit concert. We'll invite some of the BAM icons like Danny Glover,
Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Askia Toure, Last Poets, et al.
We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.
Sincerely,
Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou doing the BAM BAM (RIP)
Graphic design by Adam Turner
Now
that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement
Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets
Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour
envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka. AB told BAM artists to tour the 27
cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread
radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a
fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic
freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement
The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
Oakland City Council
photo Adam Turner
Marvin X speaking at Oakland City Hall's Black History Celebration, Feb. 24, 2016
He referred to City Council President Lynette McElhaney as African Queen!
He referred to City Council President Lynette McElhaney as African Queen!
We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College. Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor can give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!
We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.
Sincerely,
Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the
BAM 27 City Tour
Askia Toure
Sonia Sanchez
Marvin X and Danny Glover
Nikki Giovanni
l
The Last Poets
Felipe Luciano, Last Poets
Haki Madhubuti
Mrs. Amina Baraka
Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra
Danny Thompson, Sun Ra Arkestra
Francisco Mora Catlett, Afro Horn
David Murray
FYI,
David Murray, Berkeley native, now living in Paris, France, invites
the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to a European tour
ASAP! Thank you, David! We be dare directly!
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
University of California, Merced
BAM 50th Celebration, 2014
Marvin X reading DOPE by Amiri Baraka (RIP)
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Arts Festival
Oakland, CA.
2014
Featured artists of the Bay Area
BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra
Tureada Mikell, Michelle LaChaux, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Tarika Lewis
Tacuma King
Paradise Jah Love
f
Choreographer Linda Johnson, Val Serrant, Raynetta Rayzetta
Destiny Muhammad
Earle Davis
Zena Allen
Aries Jordan
Marvin X
TOWARD THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT 27 CITY TOUR
University of Chicago
presents
Sun Ra Conference, May 21-22, 2015
l
Sun Ra
Marshall Allen, 91 years old, now leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra (He said, "Marvin I'm not 91, I'm 19." Marvin X says, "And he plays like he's 19!" Danny Thompson and Marvin X at University of Chicago, Sun Ra Conference, 2015. They performed and discussed the teachings of BAM Master Sun Ra and their relationship with him as fellow artists. All three are dedicated to the teachings of Sun Ra. FYI, all of us BAM artists were/are students of Sun Ra, students and/or associates of Sun Ra, the POPE of BAM, AB the High Priest. David Murray and Francisco Mora Catlett performed and were infected with the Ra doctrine. RA RA RA!
The Gemini twins: Marvin X and Sun Ra. These "Latter Day Egyptian Revisionists" (Sun Ra term) worked together coast to coast. Marvin X worked with the Arkestra in New York, Philly and the Bay Area. Both men taught in the Black Studies Department at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72. The above pic is outside Marvin's Black Educational Theatre, San Francisco, 1972. Sun Ra arranged the music for Marvin's play Take Care of Business, aka Flowers for the Trashman. They produced a five hour concert (without intermission) at San Francisco's Harding Theatre on Divisadero. The production had a cast of fifty, including Marvin's actors, Sun Ra's Arkestra and the dancers of choreographers Ellendar Barnes and Raymond Sawyer, living legends of Bay Area BAM dance. See SF Sun Reporter archives for review. See Youtube for Sun Ra lectures at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72.
Juan
Felipe Herrera, currently, US Poet Laureate, performed with the Black
Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra at the University of California,
Merced, 50th Anniversary Conference, produced by Kim McMillon and Marvin
X.
h
Poet Ginny Lim, member of The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Left to Right: Zena Allen, Kora player, poet Marvin X, Tarika Lewis, violinist
Linda Johnson, choreographer/dancer
Many of the movement’s leading artists, including Ed Bullins, Nikki Giovanni, Woodie King, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Askia Touré, Marvin X and Val Gray Ward, remain artistically productive today. Its influence can also be seen in the work of later artists, from the writers Toni Morrison, John Edgar Wideman, and August Wilson to actors Avery Brooks, Danny Glover, and Samuel L. Jackson, to hip-hop artists Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Chuck D. SOS—Calling All Black People includes works of fiction, poetry, and drama in addition to critical writings on issues of politics, aesthetics, and gender. It covers topics ranging from the legacy of Malcolm X and the impact of John Coltrane’s jazz to the tenets of the Black Panther Party and the music of Motown. The editors have provided a substantial introduction outlining the nature, history, and legacy of the Black Arts Movement as well as the principles by which the anthology was assembled.
Dr. Cornel West and Marvin X
Cornel supports and will participate in the
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
"Marvelous Marvin X!"--Cornel West
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