Wed., June 26, 2019, Wanda's Picks Radio Show

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. Alma Robinson, Executive Director of California Lawyers for the Arts

2. Cassidy Friedman and Eric Butler's "Circles" screening at SF Indie Doc Fest selection, Sat., May 1, 2:30 at the Roxie & Monday, June 3, 9 p.m. (Roxie). sfindie.com
https://www.circlesmovie.com/

3. Abdul Kenyatta, Speakeasy Storyteller Cafe  at SFIAF, 9:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, & https://www.facebook.com/abdul.kenyatta

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

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!

400 Year Commission

1. Michael Khubaka Harris is Regional Director, National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (www.njof.org)

Read about the 400 Year Commission: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1892/africanamericanhistorycommission.htm

John Templeton, historian, Sacramento Observer, http://sacobserver.com/2019/06/juneteenth-the-victory-of-black-courage-and-patriotism/

2. Ebony Iman Dallas, featured artist at Joyce Gordon Gallery, "Through Abayah's Eyes"
https://www.ebonyimandallas.com/about 

Ebony Iman Dallas is an award-winning artist, writer and founder of Afrikanation Artists Organization.  Through art, she combines rich and fiery hues with whimsical forms to bring the spirit and energy of her subjects to life. Her artwork primarily addresses social, political and cultural issues. With a focus on authenticity and progress, her artwork takes form organically where each line determines the shape and direction of the next.

Ebony received her BA Advertising and Art degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, then went on to work at Carol H. Williams Advertising in Oakland, California as an art director.

She earned her MFA Design degree from California College of the Arts (2009) in San Francisco, CA. Her thesis titled "Painted Bridges," explored ways to unify diverse populations within the African diaspora through art and design. This was an effort to promote collaboration and solution-finding to joint challenges amongst them. As a result, Afrikanation Artists Organization was founded as a non-profit, NGO based Hargeisa, Somaliland/Somalia and a 501(c)3 in the United States.

3. Rebroadcast interview with Oyafunmike Ogunlano (Mona) in Sankofa (1993), dir. Haile Gerima

Announcement

About Things Loved: Blackness and BelongingCal Conversations

May 17–July 21, 2019
“Can blackness be loved?”

—Fred Moten

Black culture and museum institutions have often had a negative relationship. Historically, this has included the theft of cultural objects, the appropriation of styles, and the devaluation of skilled practices, as well as the marginalization and exclusion of Black artists from exhibitions and collections. Museums have been implicated in antiblack practices that present racial difference as biological fact rather than social construction, and exclude, marginalize, and devalue Black art, Black artists, and Black life. Recognizing this, About Things Loved: Blackness and Belonging centers a diverse array of Black art in the hope of addressing these questions: To whom does blackness belong? Where does blackness belong? How can blackness belong within the museum?

This exhibition highlights the artworks and intergenerational relationships of Romare Bearden, Girma Berta, Chakaia Booker, Peter Bradley, Erica Deeman, Charles Gaines, Dan Halter, Lyle Ashton Harris, Mildred Howard, Margo Humphrey, Julie Mehretu, Kamau Amu Patton, Faith Ringgold, William Rogers, Betye Saar, Raymond Saunders, Lorna Simpson, Hervé Télémaque, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems, Charles White, and Fred Wilson. Most of the artwork was produced by Black artists from Africa and its diasporas, drawn from the permanent collections and archives of BAMPFA and the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology. However, crucially, this exhibition does not intend to define Black art or to limit Black artists to a single aesthetic. Rather, the exhibition foregrounds the richness and diversity that becomes visible when blackness is taken as the norm rather than the exception, proposing the museum as a space of care for relationships of justice, equity, and inclusion.

This is the third in a series of annual exhibitions, Cal Conversations, developed in collaboration with UC Berkeley classes.

Wanda's Picks Radio Show, June 14, 2019

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!

Mrs. Kathy Cotton, director

1.Kathy Cotton, director, "A Place at the Table: African American Pioneers of Silicon Vallery," screening at SFBFF XXI, 12 noon, June 15, at the African American Art and CultureComplex, 762 Fulton Street, SF  http://www.kathycottondigitalstoryteller.com/news

2. Nana Daffuor, SPRINT, June 20-21, 7:30 pm, $15-25 @East Bay Community Space, 507 55th Street, Oakland, CA https://www.sprintmovement.com/performance

Presented by Nana Duffuor and directed by Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes, Sprint is a powerful stage performance blending film, theater, poetry, music, and dance to tell the coming of age story of Nana—a queer black child of Ghanaian immigrants, discovering herself (and her dignity) in White America.

In the era of #BlackGirlMagic, Sprint begs the critical question: "What happens when magical black girls break?"

Nana Duffour

Based off an original screenplay and collection of written works, Sprint explores the writer’s experiences of anti-blackness and self-denial, sexual violence and self-destruction, healing and resistance. From Nana’s first act of resistance (urinating on the classroom floor of her detested sixth-grade teacher) to the letter she pens to her rapists ten years after the event, Sprint draws on Nana’s most hilarious and at times horrifying life lessons to inspire healing and empowerment.

Charles Curtis Blackwell 

3. Jeff M. Giordano, dir. "THE GOD GIVEN TALENT: THE CREATIVE LIFE OF CHARLES CURTIS BLACKWELL," screening tomorrow, June 15, 12 noon as a part of SFBFF XXI 2019, has been directing independent films since 2004’s "Among Garbage & Flowers". He has interviewed over 80 people for documentary productions. Giordano has completed 4 full-length documentaries. Most recently, "The God Given Talent: The Creative Life of Charles Curtis Blackwell" (2019): the 70 minute-documentary has its World Premiere at the San Francisco Black Film Festival XXI on June 15, 2019. 

Kulu Se Mama's Nephew (1024x1024)
by Charles Curtis Blackwell

Jeff M. Giordano Self-Portrait

In June 2019, Jeff completed a 47-minute documentary: "Making Up My Mind: Searching for Jimmy Lyons" following the musician/writer Jimmy Lyons through an ensemble of interviews. Giordano's next movie will be an Animated Documentary exploring: Individuality, partnerships and Community as it pertains to sexuality and technology: from an ensemble of freshly recorded audio interviews and original animated imagery. Pre-Production has begun.

THE GOD GIVEN TALENT: THE CREATIVE LIFE OF CHARLES CURTIS BLACKWELL
Charles Curtis Blackwell: the Oakland poet, painter, playwright and teacher -- takes us on an intimate journey into his past and present. From his challenging upbringing in both California and Mississippi, to his current creative life, we follow as he discusses loss, love, pain, and redemption -- all through the prism of his artistic endeavors.

Bio for Charles Curtis Blackwell (subject)

Charles Curtis Blackwell is a jazz poet, playwright, performance and visual artist. His published plays and poetry include: Is, the Color of Mississippi Mud, The Fiery Response to Love's Callings, among others.

Blackwell's most recent book is a collection of previously unpublished love poems: Past Fascination (edited by Jeff M. Giordan).

He has also produced three spoken-word albums in collaboration with jazz drummer Billy Toliver, including Catch the First Thing Smokin'.  His paintings/visual art have been been featured in The New York Times and on PBS television. Blackwell has conducted writer's workshops in California prisons such as Folsom and Soledad.

Currently, Charles Curtis Blackwell conducts writer's workshops at Youth Spirit Art Works in Berkeley, CA. There he MC’s ASE: a monthly evening of Poetry, Spoken Word, and Open Mic.


Charles' current project is a poetry-performance play about gospel and the blues -- he's working on getting the play produced for 2020.

Here's the info on Charles upcoming Poetry Reading:

1. Sleepy Cat Books, 2509 Telegraph Ave (a few doors down from Dwight), Berkeley, CA 94704. Charles Curtis Blackwell and Mary Loughran will read at 7 pm on Fri., June 14th, at Sleepy Cat Books, 2509 Telegraph Avenue, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. Book store phone is 925-258-9076. Free.

2. Youth Spirit Artworks Gallery Poetry Series (free), 3324 Adeline close to Alcatraz Avenue. June 22, 7 p.m. Guest Kim Shuck, SF Poet Laureate. 

http://tobtr.com/s/11379115

Wanda's Picks Radio Show, Friday, June 7, 2019

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. Audrey Candy Corn and Peter Manchini, Directors of the film, "Soar Torian Soar," screening at SFDoc 2019, 6/9/19, 2:30 PM at the Roxie Theatre in SF. Visit sfindie.com

2. William Rhodes, Artists, joins us to ta;lk about  JUKE CITY: A Harlem of the West Immersive Art Experience, June 13, 6-9pm at the African American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street; Artist Talk: July 25, 6-9pm at AAACC. 

3. Will Agee, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, "The Land of High Mountains," at SFDoc, Roxie Theater, 6/9, 12:15 p; 6/11, 7 p   https://www.landofhighmountains.com/

4. Bridgette Auger, Director/DP/Producer, "We Are Not Princesses," at SFDoc, Roxie theater, 6/9, 4:45 p.; 6/13, 7 p http://www.openartfoundation.org/we-are-not-princesses

Music: Zion Trinity, Opening Prayer for Elegba; Amikaeyla Gaston, Lovely Day


Show Link: http://tobtr.com/s/11368807

Wanda's Picks Radio, Wed., June 5, 2019

Lavar Munroe with his Gun Dogs at MoAD-SF
Photo: Wanda Sabir

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. Lavar Munroe, artist from Nassau, Bahamas, joins us to talk about his work in the exhibition: Coffee, Rhum, Sugar and Gold: A Postcolonial Paradox, May 8-Aug. 11, 2019 at the Museum of the African Diaspora in SF. Visit moad-sf.org

Lavar Munroe’s work functions as a reflection of the environment of his upbringing, and draws from memory the crude graffiti on the walls that surrounded his street. Munroe maps a personal journey of survival and trauma in a world of gang violence, drugs, murder, and self-discovery. Though inspired by the past, Munroe’s loud, energetic, and unapologetic visual language confronts contemporary society with the strained and difficult relationship between authority and those who are marginalized and oppressed by systems of power. As well as tapping his own experiences, much of Munroe’s practice comprises research that is informed by critical investigation and theories surrounding mythology and literature. Through his work, Munroe explores several social stereotypes to critique and challenge disparities that cut across gender, race, class, and age.

Lavar Munroe's Red Bone Series at MoAD-SF
Photo: Wanda Sabir

Five of Lavar Munroe’s sculptures from his Gun Dogs series will be on display. Made from cardboard, deconstructed Junkanoo (Bahamian Carnival) costumes, and found toys and objects, Munroe says of these works, “Throughout history, dogs have been used for various reasons ranging from farm work, to slave hunting, to law enforcement and personal protection. The black mind and body have endured extreme trauma in relation to these animals. Gun Dogs also served as the name of a prominent street gang in the Bain and Grants Town area (Nassau, Bahamas) in the late 80s, early 90s. [The dog] identified the menaces and outcasts from society who thrived on the notion of ‘survival by all means.’”

2. San Francisco Black Film Festival XXI, June 13-16 with a special tribute to Jeff Adachi, SF District Attorney, and panel on Prison Reform, June 12. Visit sfbff.org

3. Justin (actor) and Jeffrey Givens (director) join us to talk about their film selection, "Disparity," screening at the Special Tribute on June 12 and again later on in the Festival.

Meet Charlie, he’s white and has been arrested for selling cocaine. Meet Syd he’s black and has  been arrested for crack. Despite being caught with the same drug the disparity in their treatment will open your mind about race and class in the broken u.s justice system.Tag line: Same story, different endings.

4. "Soar Torian Soar" interview with co-directors: Audrey Candy Corn and Peter Menchini. Visit sfindie.org

Music: Meklit and Quinn

Link to show:  http://tobtr.com/s/11368805