Hello Beautiful Ones,
To say the least, it has been a trying week with the verdict of the Zimmerman Trial. I feel like I’m in a scene of a Spike Lee movie, particularly the movie “Do the Right Thing”. In the middle of a heat wave, I am grappling with my “love” and “hate” of the U.S. legal system, the media depictions of African-American, and the value (or lack of) placed on the lives of black and brown people, especially our boys and men.
This situation doesn’t make me lash out at the system. I do believe we need people to lobby and fight to get laws like “Stand Your Ground” changed, and I will support it. For me, it means I must teach, strengthen and value my family and community in order to survive and thrive in this society. It means going back to the basics—faith, love, care and respect for ourselves, our families, and community.
I believe the murder of Trayvon Martin is a wake up call for many black people. For too long, we’ve been drinking “kool aid”… becoming self-absorbed and believing our own hype. With so many black people achieving heights we have never seen before, and our ability to become rich or famous overnight, we’ve become blind to what is going on around us. Maybe we are starting to wake up. More than ever, it is time to volunteer, mentor, lobby, boycott, march, protest, and help to shape our community, our block.
I’m still grappling and trying to make sense of all this, but I still have faith and hope for our future.
Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl
Fruitvale Station, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed by a BART police officer at the Oakland, California Fruitvale Bay Area Rapid Transit Station. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant. Forest Whitaker is one of the film’s producers. Fruitvale Station debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film. The film opens today in D.C.
Click here for showtimes in the DMV area.
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March on Washington Film Festival features a variety of inspirational documentary and feature films will be screened to celebrate and educate the public about our civil rights history. All films are free, however tickets are required.
July 19- 25
Throughout the District
Click here for the schedule and tickets
FREE
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The largest free public arts festival in the country! Artscape features 150+ artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and off site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography, live concerts on 4 outdoor stages; dance, opera, theater, fashion, film, experimental music, family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and more!
July 19-July 21
Mount Royal Avenue, Cathedral & Charles Streets, Baltimore, MD
FREE
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Purple Stank returns to the The Black Cat on July 19th. Minneapolis meets Atlanta as we bring you all the music and video from the Prince and Outkast.
Friday, July 19
Black Cat
1811 14th St NW
9PM-3AM
12 bucks
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Deep House Music at it’s finest. But how can you call it any one thing? It’s more about a vibe that thrills, energy that will rearrange your molecules, and energize your soul. You will dance yourself clean!
Friday, July 19
Tropicalia
2001 14th St NW
10:30PM-3AM
5 bucks
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A DC tradition, relax and enjoy the sounds of the tropics without ever leaving town at Linganore Winecellars’ Reggae Wine Festival!
July 20-21
Linganore Winecellars
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mt. Airy, MD
Noon to 6PM
20 bucks
Purchase tickets here
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Join author Renina Jarmon and the ladies of Mambu Badu Photography Collective as we celebrate the release of Jarmon’s new book, Black Girls Are From the Future: Essays on Race, Digital Creativity and Pop Culture. We will also be presenting work of some of the photographers featured in both volumes of Mambu Badu magazine, Memory and Open Call. There will be #BlackGirlsArefromthefuture Blog Trivia and Oyin Handmade grab bag giveaways so make sure you stop on by!
Saturday, July 21
Philanthropub
1926 9th Street Northwest
5-7PM
Get tickets here
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Senbeb Cafe After Dark is a can’t miss event with admission at only $15 which includes one Senbeb Cafe After Dark menu item!! Ka’Ba Soulsinger will provide a fusion of soul, jazz, traditional Black spirituals, Hip Hop, blues, spoken word and world music. Ka’Ba has opened for hip hop artists dead prez, Precise Science and Brother J of X Clan. His passionate, soul-drenched, humorous and energetic performances have thrilled audiences across the United States — from DC to New York, LA to Memphis, Atlanta, and more.
Saturday July 20
Senbeb Wellness Complex
6224 3rd Street, NW
7-10PM
15 bucks
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Brookland Jazz strives to make Jazz music fun and accessible to DC residents of all ages by presenting some of the finer bands on the scene in a family friendly and artistic venue. Most of our events are all ages, so feel free to bring the kids out to hear some top-flight improvised music! Every third Saturday of the month.
Saturday, July 20
Brookland Artspace Lofts
3305 8th St NE
Selman Gallery
Get tickets here
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The Midnite BBQ….13 years and running! Good Food, Good Drinks, and Good Music. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, cooler, tent, and of course, a positive attitude. This is a grown and sexy event. Tell a friend but please be selective. No one under 25! NO REFUNDS and early arrival suggested.
Sunday, July 21
13301 Cherry Tree Crossing Rd Brandywine, MD
Midnight – Until
ADMISSION/DONATIONS
$20 plus a Bottle or a 12 pk for the bar, and $40 without a Bottle. (Please no plastic bottles or WINE and bring something comparable to what you would normally drink).
FREE PARKING will be available on the premises
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You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! This Sunday we’re all going to be screaming for ice cream because BicycleSPACE will be leading a ride to The DC Scoop, a gathering of DC’s pre-eminent frozen dessert makers. The DC Scoop is an event that combines all your favorite frozen desserts including, sorbet, custard, frozen yogurt, and add in a dash of competition, music, great food, and of course the bicycle. We will be leading a short ride to Union Market to enjoy the festivities. We will provide secure bike parking, a nice roundabout ride to the Market, and exclusive line-cutting access to the tasting event.
Sunday July 21
Bicycle
1019 7th St NW
Noon-4PM
Free
Must RSVP here
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Turn the heat up and add some flavor to your summer. Sonic Diaspora presents Africana Endless Summer Series with positive vibrations and libations. Featuring DJs Itzi Nallah (Sonic Diapora/FEX, Chicago) and Brotha Onaci.
Sunday, July 21
Sankofa Cafe
2714 Georgia Ave, NW
2-8PM
FREE
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Enjoy partying to the sounds Of DJ Sixth Sense and playing all of your favorite games including Monopoly, Twister, Connect Four, Battleship, Uno, Chutes And Ladders, Pictionary, and many more! Pick your playground name upon entry. Be creative!
Sunday, July 21
Penn Social
801 E Street NW
10 bucks
Get tickers here
Online Ticket Sales Only. Tickets Will NOT Be Sold At The Door!
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Want to connect with other women who have big dreams for their lives and businesses? Join Rosetta Thurman and some of the most amazing happy black women in the DC area for positive conversation, authentic networking and mutual support. This will be a great opportunity to mix, mingle and make new friends with inspiring women who are committed to pursuing their goals! Space is limited at this event and your RSVP is required to attend.
Sunday, July 21
Eatonville
2121 14th St NW
6-9PM
RSVP here
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1 Eclectic Heart of Music starts off the summer music series with brings to you the beautiful, illustrious, intriquing April Sampe’. April’s voice alone is mesmerizing but her style is like no other. She will keep you enthralled and entertained. Come enjoy a night of live music, exquisite atmosphere, signature drinks and food. Choose the show you want to attend, we are offering 6:30 show and 9:15 show. The B Spot is primly located in DC’s Capital Hill area near the Eastern Market Subway Station. Spend your Sunday evenings with us relaxing to real honest music.
Sunday, July 21
B Spot
1123 Pennsylvania SE
6:30PM & 9:15PM show
10 bucks
Get tickets here
That Kellie Girl 