Monday, June 25, 2018

Wanda's Picks Special Broadcast: ABPsi at 50; Preacher Moss's Allah Made Me Funny; Susheel Bibbs, dir. Voices for Freedom - The Hyers Sisters’ Legacy.

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!
1. ABPsi members join us to talk about 50th Anniversary Conference
http://www.abpsi.org (Get ABPsi 2018 Convention app for phone)

Guests: Dr. Tony Jackson, Local Chapter President;  Dr. Patricia Maul-Jones, Local Chapter Vice President; Dr. Lawford Goddard, the National Convention Chair; Dr. Patricia Nunley, Member.
2. Preacher Moss's Allah Made Me Funny at HUB 925 in Pleasnton

3. Susheel Bibbs, Independent filmmaker/singer/actress and dir. Voices for Freedom - The Hyers Sisters’ Legacy

Show Link: http://tobtr.com/s/10850317

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Celebrating the Solstice @ 60

We are at the Russian River grooving to nature at the Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center. Rose early for an 8 AM breakfast and then to Qi Gung to awaken the chi and bless the world with its abundance. It is summer time, a time for heart-- love and grace and gratitude.

As I stretched I heard a humming over my head-- It was a hummingbird and a dragon fly. I didn't know what I was hearing but it felt special. I don't think I have ever been confused for a flower. Red kerchief and a red tank top, it was a special affirmation on a special day, the summer solstice.

Back in the Bay, there is a special concert tonight at Golden Gate Park, Botanical Gardens. Sly Stone, Gerry Garcia, Jefferson Airplane and other artists from 1968. The photosynthesis light show is also going to be pretty phenomenal as these artists rock the earth, shifting the axis towards good, harmony and peace.

We stepped into sacred space this morning--old growth redwoods 100s of years old, then on to other spaces strategically cultivated for peace and prosperity, the prayers blowing overhead-- the chimes accompanying whispered thoughts as they flew by.

The wind sounds like waves brushing against the shores not too far away-- Salt Beach and other places along the vast Pacific Northwest coast along Hwy. 1.

Sacred Circle 1

Umoja or Unity: Reaching for the light

Same Goal

Approaching the Grove

Retreat Center Offices

It's a Family Affair

Perfection

Solitude
Peeking through the doorway

Climbing through
Arriving on the other side

The Space Between

Strength

Reflection

Contemplation 2

Wooded Earth



Isn't she lovely


What shall I cook up? Hum.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Wanda's Picks Friday, June 14, 2018

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

1. Iya IfaSeyi Bamgbala, joins us to First Annual Ifa Yoruba Orisa Ancestor Commemoration in Birmingham, AL

2. Jo Kreiter, Flyaway Productions presents: Tender(n.). "A person who takes charge." https://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/grants/ArtistasActivistFellows_2017_jo-kreiter

3. Peres Owino, dir. "Bound," screening this afternoon at the SFBFF 2018.

4. Frameline directors: Dafina Roberts (Gving Me Life series) and Brontez Purnell (UNSTOPPABLE FEAT – THE DANCES OF ED MOCK) join us to talk about their work. Visit https://www.frameline.org/festival/film-guide/
                                                        



 Visit: http://tobtr.com/10833011

Wanda's Picks Radio Show Special Edition

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

Today's show focuses on the Frameline 42: San Francisco International LGTBQ Film Festival (June 14-24), the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the nation and perhaps world. Guest directors are highlighted in a season that looks at women directors. Visit https://www.frameline.org/


Paul Struthers Frameline Director of Programming and Exhibition: 7:40-8 AM prerecorded

8:30 AM Brontez Purnell (UNSTOPPABLE FEAT: the Dances of Ed Mock)


8:30 AM - 
9:00 AM Jamal Sims and Anthony Davis (WHEN THE BEAT DROPS)


9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Caroline Berler (DYKES, CAMERA, ACTION!)
https://www.dykescameraaction.com/

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Benin City: Conference of Elders




Benin City

Books for sale in the gift shop at the National Museum

Most Cities had such an arch with its name

Olukun

Tribute to Students and Education

Warrior Hero




Boys were sleeping on the monument


We are walking to the Palace





The King's Palace.

The gentleman I am standing with is in charge of security
Mr. Desmond is my host
The horse was rather thin
The gate is beautiful workmanship
Palace a bit closer. The design of this palace looked like that of the Ooni's of Ife,
except for the gate
The door looked pretty awesome. Reminded me of the massive doors in Mali made from wood.
I couldn't get the entire door. We were looking for the librarian, but the position is currently vacant. We had been instructed that we should seek on such person to give us the background of the palace and the king.
These women sold cloth and the coral beaded jewelry everyone wore.
They told me they could mak a garment for me. I told them, next time.
The king has on sunglasses-- "cool."
A lot of marketers put on public displays with music and speakers. People stop and listen. Across from the hotel where I was staying, a man with a loudspeaker was selling a product which was guaranteed to help with male sexual performance.
The is the national theatre complex. There is no show. It looks to be an impromptu market, rather squalid.However, as in other public places, the workmanship is superb. The art needs restoration, many of the statues are peeling.

National Theatre
This is one of my favorite public art pieces.