beantownbrown

Occupy Boston to March with Unions, Students

2011-10-10T11:49:00.000-04:00

Today at 1:30pm students from BC, BU, Harvard, MIT, Tufts and others will gather at the Band Stand on Boston Common for a march to Dewey Square. At 3:00pm they will join with members of Occupy Boston, MASSUniting, several labor unions and other community allies in a rally for good jobs and a fair economy.

For the day’s full agenda visit http://occupyboston.com/calendar/

Reblogged From: Occupy Boston

Don't Forget Amnesia

2011-09-24T00:51:00.000-04:00

Given the lineup of artists listed on this flyer, I know exactly where I'll be on the evening of September 29th. If few or none of these are names of artists you recognize, be sure to stop through Hibernian Hall for Amnesia so that you can get familiar with truly incredible talent and vision.

Berklee BeanTown Outdoor Jazz Festival

2011-09-18T14:18:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite festivals in Boston each year because it draws such an incredibly diverse crowd of people from all over the area, from all walks of life and because it a celebration of really good music. This year's festival (which is held on Columbus Ave. in the South End) falls on Sept. 24th and "celebrates Global Music and Nature, featuring musical styles and artists from around the globe in an outdoor setting." For more details and the full weekend schedule check out the BeanTown Jazz Festival website.

First Draft of Yao Ming's Retirement Speech

2011-09-16T11:50:00.000-04:00

Boston is home to a number of amazing poets. Our slam teams consistently perform well at the National Poetry Slams. Artists from the Bean are known far and wide for their lyrical dexterity and thoughtful flows. Poets from Boston are also known for knowledge dropping and slipping social consciousness into spoken word without being heavy handed. Giles Li is one of my favorite poets (in general, not just in Boston) because he is a master of such thought provocation. As evidence, I submit the first piece from his new film project (made with contributions from members of the ever talented Boston Progress fam). Keep dropping gems Giles.

Fashionably Late

2011-08-30T13:02:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking about going to NYC for Fashion's Night Out this year, but I've also been thinking that it would be cool to stay home and check out FNO in my own beloved city. While not (yet) known as a fashion capital, and currently stereotyped as the worst dressed city in the country, it's hard to imagine FNO being any fun in the Bean, but I'm thinking that between FNO and Boston Fashion Week, the month of September might be the time to change Boston's bad image.

Newbury Street will be closed to all traffic for the first time in history. Stores will be open late into the night for shopping, cool events and profiling in your best threads. I'm thinking that Boston may indeed be the place to be for FNO this year, but some of the events on the NYC FNO listing are kinda tempting as well.

I'll make up my mind in the next few days, but in the meantime, is anyone else thinking about exploring the fashion world late into the night on Sept. 8th? What events have peaked your interest and more importantly, what/who will you be wearing?!

Best Bargins in the Bean?

2011-08-19T12:27:00.000-04:00

As a budget fashionista in the Bean, I tend to frequent consignment shops like Second Time Around for quality designer pieces at a serious discount (like the green Givenchy A-line midi skirt I was drooling over at the 324 Newbury Street location), chains like H&M for trendier pieces or basics, and TJ Maxx or Marshall's for bags and shoes (don't sleep on their housewares section either). I find that by mixing budget items from chain stores with discounted designer items and the collection of funky accessories I've accumulated from around the world, I can create a look that's all my own. There are also a lot of cool local shops like Bodega (if you haven't been in the store, you must go ASAP, as just walking in there is an ill experience in and of itself) and Laced where you can cop t-shirts and kicks unlike anyone else on the block.

So where are your go-to places in Boston to get geared up on a budget?

(Re)Fashioning Boston

2011-08-16T15:35:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that Boston is home to some of the greatest talent and creativity in the world. With more colleges and universities per capita than anyplace else on earth, with a plethora of museums and galleries and with an eclectic mix of historical and contemporary architecture, it's no wonder that Boston has been the birthplace of incredible creativity.

How is it then, that this city is known as an intellectual capital, it isn't known as a fashion capital? Let's not discuss the fact that GQ named Boston the worst-dressed city in the country (we'll save that topic for another day). Whether or not the average Bostonian knows how to put together a chic ensemble, the Bean is in fact home to some fantastic art, design and fashion schools, as well as a ton of raw undiscovered talent, making me wonder why we have yet to secure a solid spot on the fashion map. I tip my hat to the founders of Boston Fashion Week for attempting to shine a spotlight on the design talents of our city.

That said, a few local designers have certainly made an impression on me over the years:

House of Nahdra

Selahdor by David Chum (Project Runway Season 9 contestant)

Kréyol - Joelle Fontaine

So, who are your favorite local designers? Whose designs would you like to see on the catwalks of Boston Fashion Week this year?

Beantown is slammin'

2011-08-10T15:54:00.000-04:00

First off, I have to admit that I am not a fan of poetry slams. I think the idea of scoring other peoples' poems is inane. It's especially silly because the judges are selected at random and the judging itself is COMPLETELY subjective. If you changed up the judges in a given bout, you could easily have a completely different result. What kinda sense does that even make? That said, I love to hear poets do their thing. Correction, I love to hear good poets do their thing. Bad poetry is like nails on a chalkboard to me, but that's a discussion for another day.

Anyway, each year amazing poets from around the country converge on one lucky city to share their talents at the National Poetry Slam (NPS). This year, the Bean gets the blessing. While I hear that most of the NPS 2011 events are sold out, if you arrive early you may still able to get tickets at the door so that you can get a taste of what the nation's slam poets have to offer. If you're not able to make it out to any of the events this year, remember that the greater Boston area is host to a lot of dope ongoing poetry events, like Sundays at the Lizard Lounge, Poetic Escape on the 4th Wednesday of every month, and the East Meets Words open mic on the 2nd Friday.

For a full listing of NPS 2011 events and more info, check out the NPS 2011 website.

Mac who?

2011-08-08T15:37:00.002-04:00

I still don't know who Mac Miller is. I suppose that a quick search of Google or YouTube could easily solve the mystery for me, but I have to say that after walking through Boston's 2011 Urban Music Festival which he headlined, I have little to no interest in finding out. My lack of interest stems from the vibe his (apparently abundant) fan-base was giving off. Some might try to attribute the negative energy coming from the crowd overflowing city hall plaza to race, or age (the crowd was predominantly white teens, from the suburbs of Boston), but I saw it more as a misguided representation of HipHop culture. It was like walking through a crowd of people who had seen a few too many Wiz Khalifa videos and the BET awards on television and then came out to imitate what they'd seen in a group re-enactment (to any teens reading this who are now angry, I say with affection, Hi Haters). I was also turned off by the amount of cigarette smoke. Since when do Boston-area youth smoke like they were extras on the set of Mad Men? I digress. In the past, this music festival has had old-school HipHop headliners like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim. The event drew some of the most wonderfully diverse crowds (in terms of age, race, gendre, class, etc.) I've seen in the Bean. I have witnessed everything from spontaneous b-boy battles, to family reunions at these festivals, but somehow this year's event took a serious wrong turn. This city is often hesitant to host HipHop events, conflating race, rap and violence. Apparently though, there was quite a bit of violence at this year's festival (and none to speak of at the recent show featuring Jill Scott, Doug E Fresh and DJ Jazzy Jeff which brought out most of Black Boston), so let's take the race card off the table going forward, shall we? Again, I digress, but I hope that the city gets its act together for next year's fest (I hear Lauryn Hill is touring and performing a lot these days...HINT).

On the real though, on behalf of my city, sincerest apologies to Goapele. We'll have to bring you back to Boston for a real show sis, packed to the gills with your Beantown fans who steady rock with you.

Jill Scott on the Block

2011-07-26T17:24:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a good block party? Remember that epic one Dave Chapelle threw a few years back? Hopefully Jilly from Philly knows how to throw down like Dave does. Looking at the lineup, which includes Mint Condition, Anthony Hamilton, the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and host Doug E. Fresh, I'm guessing it's going to be a good night. Oh, and I also hear that there are free appetizers over at Morton's from 6-9PM so that you can get fueled up for the festivities. It doesn't get much better Boston. See you at the show!

The Night is Still Beautiful

2011-07-13T16:24:00.001-04:00

Apparently, I haven't mentioned the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park (held in Franklin Park throughout much of July and August 2011) since 2008, so it's high time for a reminder about this historic series. Anyone familiar with Boston knows that there are regular concerts and free movies on the Hatch Shell, Shakespeare in the Park in Boston Common and an array of festivals and concerts throughout the city during the summer months. What a lot of people don't realize, is that there are also events happening in Franklin Park. The Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park has a great lineup of events this summer:

Tuesday evenings at 6PM

July 12th - E-Water Band (your favorite dance music from the 70s, 80s, 90s)

July 19th - We Jazz Up: Frank Wilkins & Friends (great jazz for a summer night)

July 26th - Zili Misik (all women's Afro-Caribbean jazz)

Tuesday morning shows at 11:00am -dance, drums, and music for summer camps and families.

July 12th - Stajez Dance Company

July 19th - Marcus Santos' Grooversity drummers

July 26th -Estrellas Baton Twirlers

August 16th - Children's Festival from 10-2

August Movies on the Big Screen at Dusk (about 8PM)

August 9th - Latino Movie Night!

August 16th -Mayor Menino's Movie Night: Toy Story 3

I'm definitely going to try and at least check out Zili Misik on July 26th because those women are amazing. Hope to see you in the park!

2011-06-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

Image: Office of Governor Patrick

I just saw a tweet from Discover Roxbury announcing the grand re-opening of the Melnea Cass Recreation Center in Roxbury. Details are below if you're interested in checking out the event:

Melnea Cass Recreation Center Grand Opening Celebration

2PM Thursday, June 30, 2011
Melnea Cass Recreation Center
Washington St & MLK Blvd, Roxbury

Boston Race Amity Day Celebration on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

2011-06-12T11:38:00.001-04:00

One of the first Race Amity Conferences in the nation held in New York City in 1930 by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New York City and the New York Urban League

First off, be sure to check out this article from the Boston Globe on the excited National Race Amity Conference that happened this weekend at Wheelock College. There were a cavalcade of amazing speakers and presenters and the discussions were inspiring and informative. The challenge will be to continue to take the knowledge and insight gained through this experience and to broaden the scope of the amazing work that is already being done to try and achieve true race amity in the nation and in the world.

Next, if you didn’t have the chance to attend the conference, but would like to get in on the love, check out the Race Amity Day Celebration happening today:

Boston Race Amity Day Celebration on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

After passing of the Joint Resolution of Congress and Presidential Proclamation establishing National Race Amity Day an inaugural celebration will be in Boston on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on June 12, 2011. An overview of the event is below:

Sunday Morning – Race Amity Sunday morning services at Old South Church and other places of worship in Boston and the metro area.

Race Amity Day Celebration Begins - Rose Kennedy Greenway
1PM – 6PM

Vice President Joe Biden

Governor Deval Patrick

Mayor Thomas Menino

Musical Performances

Drumming

Dancing

Foods of a Thousand Tastes

Spoken Word

Children's Theater

"What is Race?" Exhibit

Hip Hop

Art Exhibits

Amity Games

In addition to the fun and joy of inspirational messages, enriching entertainment and culinary experiences, the Greenway event will have a singular, simple objective:

To encourage attendees to seek out a person of a racial or ethnic background different from their
own and commit to some form of future interaction.

The interaction can be by

Cell or telephone

Twitter

Facebook

Text messaging

A shared coffee

Lunch or dinner

Home visit

Or other personal rendezvous within two weeks of the celebration on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

This request will be widely publicized before and during the Greenway celebration and asked of men, women, and children. Participants will be asked to use the website, www.Greenwayamity.org, to register their shared actions.

May the Fourth be with you…

2011-05-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

As a child, I was fascinated by Star Wars, and by Darth Vader in particular. I dressed as Vader for Halloween on a couple of occasions, I played with my Ewok Village and Luke Skywalker action figures incessantly and I just knew I was cool when I rocked my hair parted down the middle with a bun on either side of my head. In spite of the fact that the franchise has had only sparse representation of people of color, the films engaged and entertained me, as true fantasy knows no race or ethnicity.

Let’s take a moment though, to celebrate a couple of the brown faces that did appear in Star Wars films. First and foremost, that smooth talking Baron of Cloud City, Lando Calrissian.

You never quite knew if Lando would sell you out or save you. When he kissed your girl’s hand, you never knew if he was being a gentleman, or if he was trying to make moves. His continuous displays of Cassanova-esque charm and charisma is part of what makes the casting of Billy Dee Williams so classic and appropriate. At the end of the day, Calrissian managed to strike a balance between business and activism, a position more men might strive toward.

Next up, Mace Windu, O.G. Jedi.

Unlike with Billy Dee Williams’ iconic portrayal of Lando Calrissian, the second wave of the Star Wars franchise did not make full use of Samuel L. Jackson’s abilities as a character actor. Jackson is well known for playing a bad mother-shutyomouth. Casting him as a Jedi master was an incredible opportunity to bring some serious pimp game to the force. Alas, his talents were mostly wasted, but it was still cool to see a Black man master the ways of the force.

Let’s hope that the future brings fantasy flics that are more representative of the diversity of our world (I see you Star Trek and Matrix). In the meantime, I will meditate on the words of Yoda, whose advice transcends color, ethnicity and planetary origin:

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.”
“Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”

“Wars not make one great.”

"Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."

“Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.”

“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter!”

Happy NerdFest 2011, AKA Star Wars Day.

It's Denim Day Boston 2011

2011-04-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

Nope, Denim Day is not just about fashion, it's about rocking your gear with a purpose! The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence is taking the lead on this international campaign to take a collective stand against domestic violence:

Denim Day Boston is an anti-rape, anti-violence, and anti-victim blaming campaign for all peoples of the Boston area. It’s a time to remember that all people have the right to live life without sexual violence and without the fear of sexual violence, that we all have the ability to fight for that right.

I'm glad to know that today, my jeans have meaning.

Live News from Japan

2011-03-11T12:54:00.000-05:00

Video clips at Ustream

I'm praying for everyone impacted by this devastating situation. You can watch Japanese news coverage above to stay informed.

Reflections on my Baha'i Fast - Day 2

2011-03-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

A good way to start the day (at 5am).

During today's fasting, I've been thinking a lot about ignorance - both the ignorance of others as well as my own. As an educator, I work to combat ignorance by giving my students access to information and, more importantly, by trying to teach them to think critically and independently, to question and to always seek the truth for themselves. I frequently quote Public Enemy to them saying, "Don't Believe the Hype."

So, when I am faced with the overwhelming ignorance left to be conquered in the world, like this article about a Park Slope neighborhood's attempt to ban rap at a local establishment, or the comments in this article about the death of young Bostonian, I am tempted to try and intervene by educating. I'm working on understanding that I cannot and should not try to teach everyone. Rather than trying to address every instance of ignorance I come across (and wear myself out in the process by fighting many small battles), I need to focus my energies on battling the big boss, addressing ignorance where I can be most effective: on my students and most significantly on myself.

2011-03-02T06:19:00.004-05:00

March 2011
Boston, Massachusetts

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

Sunrise: 6:21am
Sunset: 5:32pm

2

Sunrise: 6:19am
Sunset: 5:34pm

3

Sunrise: 6:17am
Sunset: 5:35pm

4

Sunrise: 6:16am
Sunset: 5:36pm
New Moon: 3:47pm

5

Sunrise: 6:14am
Sunset: 5:37pm

6

Sunrise: 6:13am
Sunset: 5:39pm

7

Sunrise: 6:11am
Sunset: 5:40pm

8

Sunrise: 6:09am
Sunset: 5:41pm

9

Sunrise: 6:08am
Sunset: 5:42pm

10

Sunrise: 6:06am
Sunset: 5:43pm

11

Sunrise: 6:04am
Sunset: 5:44pm

12

Sunrise: 6:02am
Sunset: 5:46pm
First Qtr: 6:46pm

13	DST Begins

Sunrise: 7:01am
Sunset: 6:47pm

14

Sunrise: 6:59am
Sunset: 6:48pm

15

Sunrise: 6:57am
Sunset: 6:49pm

16

Sunrise: 6:56am
Sunset: 6:50pm

17

Sunrise: 6:54am
Sunset: 6:51pm

18

Sunrise: 6:52am
Sunset: 6:53pm

19

Sunrise: 6:50am
Sunset: 6:54pm
Full Moon: 1:11pm

20

Sunrise: 6:49am
Sunset: 6:55pm

21

Sunrise: 6:47am
Sunset: 6:56pm

22

Sunrise: 6:45am
Sunset: 6:57pm

23

Sunrise: 6:43am
Sunset: 6:58pm

24

Sunrise: 6:42am
Sunset: 6:59pm

25

Sunrise: 6:40am
Sunset: 7:01pm

26

Sunrise: 6:38am
Sunset: 7:02pm
Last Qtr: 7:08am

27

Sunrise: 6:37am
Sunset: 7:03pm

28

Sunrise: 6:35am
Sunset: 7:04pm

29

Sunrise: 6:33am
Sunset: 7:05pm

30

Sunrise: 6:31am
Sunset: 7:06pm

31

Sunrise: 6:30am
Sunset: 7:07pm

What is this all about you ask? Well, this is that time of the year when Baha'is all around the world fast from sunrise to sunset for 19 days. So, I thought I'd throw up the sunrise-sunset times for the month for all my Boston Baha'is and for anyone in the area who wants to join in the spiritual rejuvenation through physical sacrifice. You can also get a calendar with the times for your city here. I'm going to TRY to do a blog a day for each of the 19 days of the fast. Please feel free to share your fasting experiences (from any faith), to offer spiritual motivation and to not talk about food in the middle of the day! You can also ask any questions. Check out some more detailed information about the Baha'i Fast.

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY - February 28

2011-03-01T10:44:00.000-05:00

On February 28, 1984 Michael Jackson won an incredible 8 Grammy awards. That is a feat in and of itself, but check out this video above with the nominees for Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male). These are some of the illest songs of all time! The competition was fierce in this category. It's too bad that music has largely taken a turn for the worse. This year's nominees paled in comparison to those from 1984 (yeah, I see you Bieberheads. Your boy is no MJ). I miss Michael Jackson, but am still inspired by his talents and accomplishments.

So that concludes the Today in Black History posts (for this year anyway). Some went up late (like today), but I got them up and I've learned a lot. I hope someone else has too. I'm about to start a new series of posts on March 2nd though, so stay tuned...

Speaking of Black History...

2011-02-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

Ida Keeling is making Black history even in 2011, setting a world record for sprinting at the age of 95. Now excuse me while go I take my puppy outside for a quick jog. Mrs. Keeling is making me look lazy!

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY - Feb. 27

2011-02-27T12:10:00.000-05:00

As a young dancer (and amateur figure skater, lol), I had (and still have) only a handful of professional young Black women role models in the field. So, the incomparable Debi Thomas is one of my heroes. She brought a strength and athleticism to the ice that, in my opinion, is unparalleled and on February 27, 1988, she become the first African American to win a medal in the winter olympics. Watching her is still inspiring and even now I cheer for her when I check out these old videos. Go ahead girl!!!

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY - Feb. 26

2011-02-27T11:52:00.003-05:00

On February 26, 2964, the legendary boxer known as Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali as part of his conversion to Islam. Check out the video above which includes interviews with Ali about his conversion.

This is a great interview with Cassius Clay before he converted to Islam in which he talks about his birth name.

This classic interview also includes brother Malcolm X.

2011-02-25T16:17:00.001-05:00

O Daedalus, Fly Away Home

(For Maia and Julie)

Drifting night in the Georgia pines,

coonskin drum and jubilee banjo.

Pretty Malinda, dance with me.

Night is juba, night is congo.

Pretty Malinda, dance with me.

Night is an African juju man

weaving a wish and a weariness together

to make two wings.

O fly away home fly away

Do you remember Africa?

O cleave the air fly away home

My gran, he flew back to Africa,

just spread his arms and

flew away home.

Drifting night in the windy pines;

night is laughing, night is a longing.

Pretty Malinda, come to me.

Night is a mourning juju man

weaving a wish and a weariness together

to make two wings.

O fly away home fly away

--Robert Hayden

Poet Robert E. Hayden passed from this life on February 25, 1980. Hayden was the first African-American to be named Poet Laureate (The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress serves as the nation's official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans. During his or her term, the Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry. The Poet Laureate is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress and serves from October to May.

Here are some wonderful links to articles about Robert E. Hayden:

Robert Hayden: Baha'i and first black Poet Laureate

Robert Hayden: Poet of Highest Honor

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY - Feb. 24

2011-02-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree on February 24, 1864. Check out this biography of her life and work.

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY - Feb. 23

2011-02-25T15:39:00.002-05:00

On February 23, 1965, Constance Baker Motley was elected Manhattan Borough president. At the time, this was the highest elective office held by a Black woman in a major American city.

"Judge Motley was the first black woman to serve in the New York State Senate, as well as the first woman to be Manhattan borough president, a position that guaranteed her a voice in running the entire city under an earlier system of local government called the Board of Estimate.

Judge Motley was at the center of the firestorm that raged through the South in the two decades after World War II, as blacks and their white allies pressed to end the segregation that had gripped the region since Reconstruction. She visited the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in jail, sang freedom songs in churches that had been bombed, and spent a night under armed guard with Medgar Evers, the civil rights leader who was later murdered.

But her métier was in the quieter, painstaking preparation and presentation of lawsuits that paved the way to fuller societal participation by blacks. She dressed elegantly, spoke in a low, lilting voice and, in case after case, earned a reputation as the chief courtroom tactician of the civil rights movement."

(NYTimes)