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Category Archives: Black History Month

Freedom Friday: Emancipation Day Weekend

Hey Good People!

How is everything going?

I must admit, I have had a great week.  And it all started out at the White House!  I had the honor and privilege to volunteer at the White House Easter Egg Roll.  We worked really hard and it was truly worth it.

Initially, I was assigned to the Press Team, but when my shift started, the First Family had already made their appearance, so the press was pretty much gone.  So I was promptly moved to the Jump Team.  And let me tell you, that is exactly what we did! :-)   Wherever we were needed, we jumped to it.  We looked for kids separated from parents to manning activities to being a human barricade during concert performances.  However, my favorite assignment was detail to Malia and Sasha Obama.  The First Daughters and their guests made an afternoon  appearance to see Janelle Monae perform.  Glad to see the First Daughters  and I have some similar musical tastes. :-)   My group had to stand between the First Daughters and the crowd.  I was right there with them!  It was cool to see them laughing, having fun and enjoying Janelle Monae’s performance.  If anything, it made me realize that they are just like the rest of us except that their father is the leader of the Free World. :-)

Next, the Jump Team followed the First Daughters and their friends to the obstacle course for some friendly competition.  Again. It was nice to see how well-adjusted they are to people gawking at them.  Malia was very friendly and gracious ny waving at attendees who said “hi” to her.

We also had an opportunity to see some celebrities– from Etan Thomas, Stephen A. Smith, Dougie Fresh, Forest Whitaker and The Harlem Globetrotters.  Unfortunately I couldn’t take pictures while I was volunteering. :-(

I met a lot of dedicated volunteers at the event.  Some of them have volunteered for over 20 years!  They talked about how this event means so much to attendees.  People come from across the country to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll, and will remember this event for the rest of their lives.  It also was interesting to find out that the Obama administration truly has opened this event to more people.  At one point, the event was more exclusive for Congressional members, staff and friends.  Now, the White House Easter Egg Roll hosts up to 3o,000 people starting at 7:30am and ending at 7:30PM.  And there were several activities: an egg hunt,  egg dying, arts and crafts, story time, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, yoga, and the egg roll.  And the White House staff did a great job at hosting an amazing and memorable event.  Shout out to our leader, Tess! I would encourage every parent to submit their name into the lottery to attend this event because it is truly worth it.

So from the Easter Egg Roll to Emancipation wDay weekend, there are so many great events going on just in time for a very warm weekend.

Also, be on the look out for the next ThatKellieGirl webisode!  It’s guaranteed to get the body moving. :-)   Have fun and be safe out there.

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

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Music Monday

Happy Monday Everyone!

Last week, the official video for Esperanza Spalding’s newest single “Black Gold” featuring Algebra Blessett befittingly premiered on the first day of Black History Month.  This is her first single from her new album Radio Music Society, out on March 20th.  Esperanza is coming strong on Radio Music Society with  top-notch guest musicians and collaborators such as jazz legends Jack DeJohnette and Billy Hart; guitar heroes Jef Lee Johnson and Lionel Loueke; an array of master vocalists including Algebra Blessett, Lalah Hathaway, Gretchen Parlato, Leni Stern and Becca Stevens; hip-hop giant Q-Tip (who performs on and co-produced two tracks); and two Portland-based musicians, Janice Scroggins and Dr. Thara Memory, who provided essential mentorship in Spalding’s youth.

So until March 20th, get a taste of Radio Music Society with “Black Gold”.   Receive a Free Audio Download Of  “City Of Roses” From Esperanza here.  Enjoy!

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Behold! A Dandy Lion

Last night, ThatKellieGirl attended the opening reception of the Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.  It was a wonderful evening honoring the style and sophistication of black men.  Emerging photographers and filmmakers presented refreshing images of young black men who challenge popular notions of urban black masculinity.

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Get Some Culture

Hello Good Folks!

Black History Month is starting off strong with some fabulous events kicking off today.

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MidWeekMixx

Hello Good People,

This week’s Midweek Mixx celebrates Black History Month.  Here are 20 jazzy, soulful, bluesy, funky, smooth tracks from artists who broke records and changed history.  From Micheal Jackson to Marvin Gaye to Etta James, it gives you an overview of black music throughout the years.

Download, listen and enjoy here!   Read the rest of this entry

Freedom Friday: Emancipation Day Edition

Celebrate our rich heritage, Celebrate Emancipation Day (Courtesy of Smithsonianmag.com)

Hello Good People,

April showers bring May flowers!  Remember that? :-)

I hope everyone had a good week, and I know you are ready for the weekend.

In honor of the of the emancipation of slaves of African origin, Emancipation Day is tomorrow (4/16).  Check here and here for Emancipation Day events. Take this opportunity to pass on our rich history to young people.

Filmfest DC ends this weekend.  I checked out a movie last Sunday called Transfer.  I love sci-fi so I was quite excited to view this movie.  It was about  a rich old couple from Germany who decides to buy the bodies of two black Africans.  The German couple regain their youth while the Africans ensures that their families get money. However, four hours every night, the Africans regain control over their bodies.  After a while, the African hosts and the German guests begin to communicate with each other.  As the story progresses, the “Transfer” isn’t as simple as advertised.  Sci-fi Blogger, Martin Wikner  reviews Transfer as revealing “the relation between the rich and the poor in the world. In this movie we see how Europeans exploit Africans to the degree that “we” take over their bodies. This makes it sci-fi, but is a good metaphor for how we make others give up their life for our well-being, without really knowing or considering the costs. The African couple do sign their contracts by free will, but the question is how free the choice really is.”  A stand-out performance from actor BJ Britt.  

The Annual Servathon event sponsored by Greater DC Cares is tomorrow (4/16).  It is a great opportunity to give back to the community.  It’s not too late to sign up.

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace and Blessings. :-)

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Freedom Friday: The Global Citizen Edition

Hello Good People!

UPDATE:  I am glad to hear that Beyonce donated the payment to perform for the Gadhafi family to Haiti relief efforts last year.  I hope the other artists will follow her lead.  Here and here.  Now she needs to do something about those pictures.

So I know you have heard about Beyonce in black face in honor of Fela Kuti and her African roots in a Paris fashion magazine. *smh*  It also has come out that Beyonce was paid by the Gadhafi family for private performances.  I believe that these incidents are indications of a lack understanding/ knowledge of our history.

As the adage says, if you don’t know your history, you are doomed to repeat it.  This is why we still see blackface images in the 21st century.  The Boo, who is African, felt that the image perpetuates the stereotype that all Africans are dark skinned.  She could have well-represented her African roots in her own skin color.  I believe the best thing she could do to honor Fela Kuti and her African heritage is to learn about the topics.  Pick up a book or even watch a documentary.  Or at least have an assistant do the research and give you a debrief. SHEESH!  Is it art? Is it offensive? Depending on who you ask, it is one or the other.   I just feel this could have been a great opportunity to bridge and represent the African diaspora in a more powerful and positive way to the world.  Beyonce should have declined the black face.

Now I was taken aback about her performance for Gadhafi’s son.  It is well documented that Gadhafi and his family flaunt their wealth while ruling Libya under a dictatorship.   Now, I will give Beyonce some credit.  Maybe she performed when Libya’s good standing was restored under President Bush, and then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first Secretary of State to visited Libya since 1953.  And there are others who have applauded Gadhafi as a African leader who promotes pan-Africanism.  So as you see, this isn’t a black or white situation, which is why I believe Beyonce was just ill-advised.

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Freedom Friday: The Legacy Edition

Courtesy of MNSU

Hello Good Folks!

Happy Black History Month!

As a child, I loved black history month.  I loved the talent shows, the “I Have a Dream” oratorical competitions, the black history month choirs and the dance recitals.  I loved singing the national black anthem,  hearing Sounds of Blackness sing “As long as you keep your head to the sky, you can win, be OPTIMISTIC!”, and  Denise Williams singing “Black Butterfly“.  I love all the pageantry that came with black history month.

Growing up, these activities occurred either at church or in an academic setting.  So as I have gotten older, I have to make a conscious effort to be a part of the celebration.  We easily get caught up in the daily routine or feel like we already know our history.  However, what we know is usually just the basics.   I encourage everyone to participate in a black history celebration because it offers a renewed sense of pride and thanksgiving of our culture.  It is inspiring and makes you appreciative of those who sacrificed so much for future generations.  As well as knowing your cultural history, learn and celebrate your family history.  It is important to know where you came from to understand who you are.  You might learn that the entrepreneurial spirit runs in your family, or becoming aware of some chains or cycles that need to be broken.  Either way, you are building a  legacy.  It is up to you to determine what that life legacy will look like.

Here is a list of some of the black history month programs occurring in the District.

Peace and blessings!

The National Geographic Museum presents “America I Am: The African American Imprint,” a touring exhibition celebrating more than 500 years of African-American contributions to the United States. The exhibit presents pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity through 200 rare historic objects, documents, photographs, and multimedia.

Feb. 2 – May 1, 2011

National Geographic Museum

17th and M Sts. NW

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Cheeky Sasso Entertainment Presents: Park Unplugged with Special Live Performance By Bilal.  If you are up for the crowd, it’s a great way to see some of your fav singers for free. Complimentary Admission until 10PM with rsvp to cheekysasso2006@gmail.com

Friday February 4

The Park

920 14th St. NW

3rd Floor opens at 7PM

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One of the best poets I have seen, Messiah will be hosting “Messiah & Friends”.  Check it out!

Friday, February 4

Cre8 Art Gallery

1314 9th St NW

7PM

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Klimaxx Ent. & East Coast Caribbean Events Present…Caribbean 1st Fridays / Fresh Fete

Friday, February 4

Liv

2001 11th St NW

10PM-3AM

Free before midnight

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Soul maven Patti LaBelle’s strong vocals and pop, R&B and gospel renditions have earned her two Grammys and numerous chart-topping hits like “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude” and “ If You Asked Me To.”

Saturday, February 5

Strathmore

5301 Tuckerman Lane Bethesda, MD 20852

8-10PM

Get tickets here.

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ESL & Lil SoSo Productions Present: The Sol Power-All Stars.  After an extra month off due to the new year, their residency continues. From here on out, Sol Power will be there the first Saturdays every OTHER month.

Saturday, February 5

ESL

1212 18th St NW

5 bucks before 11PM, 10 bucks after

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This Saturday, Adrian Loving and Jonah Brotman will be in the house. In The Cut offers something for everyone. We have taken over the entire second floor so we have space for you and your friends. This is the alternative, local legends, no out of town big names, no big lines, no hassles or egos, just great house music and great DJs.

Saturday, February 5

Mie N Yu

3125 M Street, NW

11PM

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Rescheduled due to the inclement weather on 1/26, Questlove will be deejaying on Sunday while you catch the game.

Sunday, February 6

Liv

2001 11th St NW

6PM-2AM

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Join I&I Productions on Sunday, February 6 for an all day Bob Marley’s Birthday Celebration (born Feb 6 1945) & Super Bowl XLV Watch party called TRENCHTOWN ROCK. It will start with a Jamaican Style Brunch, then a viewing of Rebel Music: the Bob Marley Story, then ending with the Super Bowl.

Sunday, February 6

Ras Lounge

4809 Georgia Ave. NW

Noon-2AM

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Enjoy the weekend!  Go BLACK & GOLD! :-)

Get Some Culture

I attended the first screening for the Nollywood Film Festival.  I recommend getting there early, because seats go fast.  Once the seats are gone, no one can enter the building.

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Nigerian cinema, or “Nollywood,” has become one of the largest film industries in the world. Documentaries and feature films highlight the production values and narrative content of this cinema on the rise. 

In Nollywood Lady (2008, 52 min, English subtitles, directed by Dorothee Wenner), Peace Anyiam-Fibresima — an impresario of showbiz and an impassioned spokeswoman for the thriving and innovative African film industry — is the “Nollywood Lady.” An ex-lawyer, producer, filmmaker, and the founder and CEO of the influential African Academy of Motion Pictures, she is reshaping the way Africans see themselves—and how the world sees Africans. Sharing her vision for transforming preconceptions about Africa and African images with filmmaker Dorothee Wenner, Anyiam-Fibresima takes viewers on an all-access tour to film locations, markets, and sit-downs with Nollywood professionals in the vibrant production hub of Lagos. Rounding out this insider’s primer to a dynamic $250 million industry are several clips from the more than 1,500 direct-to-video, mostly low-budget, culturally distinct and immensely popular Nollywood films produced each year.

Discussion with Peace Anyiam-Fibresima follows screening.

@National Museum of African Art

Lecture Hall, Sublevel 2

950 Independence Avenue SW

http://www.nmafa.si.edu/index2.html

FREE!

Screenings are every Thursday during Black History Month.

We Cre8 History

Everyone is invited to learn about black history through the oral tradition of storytelling.

 The district’s newest venue for arts and humanities, Cre8 Space Studio Gallery will host several African-American historical figures for a 2-day exposition of storytelling, music, dance and fun entitled “We Cre8 History”.

Emmy Award winning journalist, Jeff Kamen will present raw and touching stories of his experiences on the front lines of the civil rights war of the 60’s.

National Society of Black Engineers Executive Director, Carl B. Mack recaps on key components of black history in an electrifying “Black History… The Right Way!!!”

Vibrant and powerful works of art by award-winning photographer Jonathan French, and previous Youth Artist of the Year painter Moe will be showcased.  Both artists, who are local to the tri-state area, will share their personal “Journey of an Artist” stories.

The weekend kicks off on Friday February 19th from 6pm to 8pm, featuring a presentation tailored for kids and family enjoyment.

Saturday February 20th  from 8pm to 10pm, geared more towards adults, will wrap up with a private reception. Light refreshments will be served at a cash bar after both events.

@Cre8 Space Studio Gallery, 1314 9th St NW

Washington, DC 20001

Mt. Vernon Square Convention Center Metro

http://www.cre8spacestudiogallery-dc.com

Admission is FREE.

For the complete agenda and artist bios, go here.

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