When you watch the news it is not hard to tell that the nation is feeling the burden of the economic downturn, and for most it has hit home. But in this Baltimore, Maryland community the word "Recession" hasn't scared off these Restaurateurs.
They say, "Another way to save is to get more bang for your buck"
AFRO -American Newspaper reporter Paulette Simone has more.
(October 21, 2009) -It’s the congas drums, the base-line, timbale and hand-held cow bell that make “the beat” and create the rhythm felt by go-go, a genre of music uniquely produced and distributed in Washington, D.C.
Many outside of the District have not had the occasion to experience go-go first hand, but Kip Lornell and Charles C. Stephenson have brought the music to life in The Beat Go-Go Music from Washington, D.C.
The Beat does well to expand the knowledge of go-go music lovers and deepen the historical awareness of Black music connoisseurs. For the novice music aficionado, this book offers a trip by way of words and images through the past, present and future of go-go music.
Throughout history, literature, photographs and videos have provided future generations with an understanding of many Black experiences. Lornell and Stephenson have seen to it that the foundations of go-go music are not left untold. They have shared the sentiments of past storytellers burdened with the task of preserving the history of Black people.
Stephenson, a political and cultural activist and the original manager of band Experience Unlimited (EU), knows personally about the creations of go-go music. Having witnessed it evolve as manager of one of go-go’s first bands, he rallied to tell the genre’s story. Click here to read more on the AFRO.com
"Reinvest...Rebuild...Renew" was the theme of the Congressional Black Caucus' 39th Annual Legislative Conference. Thousands descended on Washington, DC's Convention Center over a three day period to mingle with fellow professionals. Among the distinguished guest present during the week were; Reverend Jesse Jackson, Gospel artist Yolanda Adams, and President and First Lady Obama.
Get your dance shoes laced and your best zombie costume out of the closet. Join thousands of people who will be fulfilling their childhood dream -performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller on a main stage. Members of Dance Baltimore, a performance troop here in Baltimore City and lovers of the dance video Thriller will be joining several groups across the U.S on October 24th at 8:30 p.m. to attempt to break the world record for the amount of people dancing the same routine at the same time.
Even though people do not take advantage of programs it does not mean they do not exist. Recently, I visited an energy assistance program expo in Baltimore, MD where I spoke with Ingrid Woods, Principle Community Relations specialist for Baltimore Gas and Electric company about BGE's commitment to low income households. I began to wonder exactly what the beef is with this company. Why are so many of us paying such high bills when the list of options for assistance is so long? Let me tell you How.I.See.It!!
Writer, Director, and Producer Preston Whitmore II, known for producing such films as: This Christmas, Crossover, and Lockdown has forever changed the lives of a few hard working men and women in the film industry. He has taken it upon himself to give a break to several talented individuals who otherwise would not have been given an opportunity. When we recently spoke, Whitmore discussed his program “Give Back Raise Up”, and his new feature film, Dough Boys.
Dough Boys which is coming to DVD June 16, 2009 from BET and Paramount Home Entertainment is Whitmore’s first release through his program “Give Back Raise Up”; an initiative designed to give opportunities to up-and-coming directors, actors, and filmmakers. While Whitmore has ignited his vision for the program by selecting scripts from his own library, scripts he knows will engage audiences from beginning to end, and brings them to life using talented people who are not typically afforded the opportunity. What an advantageous approach to giving back!
Dough Boys directed by the talented newcomer Nicholas Harvell, tells the story of four gritty young men who struggle to escape the pull of the streets. Arlen Escarpeta (We Are Marshall), Cory Hardrict (Gran Torino) Maurice McGrae (The King), and Lorenzo Eduardo (The Hammer) play four street wise friends who live by their own rules. While their dreams for more stretch beyond their neighborhoods, it seems the street breed friends’ circumstances often put those dreams out of reach. However, “The Dough Boys” believe they have discovered a way out, but it will come at a price; they will have to risk it all. The film also stars Wood Harris (The Wire), and Sticky Fingaz (Blade: The Series).
Dynamic, Innovative, and Inspirational times two. Urban Gospel Artist Mary Mary recently visited Fox Morning News and spoke with me about music, traditions, and family.
Now, more than ever groups like Mary Mary are needed in the world of music. Not only are adults benefiting from their words of encouragement, but children are also finding their music refreshing. Because it seems it has become more difficult to keep young people grounded and away from the distractions of the World, it is so important for adolescence to stay connected to positivism. Both Tina and Erica expressed to me the importance of some of the traditions found in Churches, and although, too many of today’s youth Church may seem mundane and unimportant, the foundations found there are a necessary fabric. They also stressed the magnitude of the relationship the Church should have with parents, and the work that should be done to keep kids wanting to learn more and continuing to coming back. While talking with me they both remembered fondly their Pastor and Youth Pastor being upbeat and making their experience at Church fun. Music is one way that the youth are able to connect, and Mary Mary’s music has done just that.
Last Edited: Monday, 20 Apr 2009, 11:07 AM Created On: Monday, 20 Apr 2009, 11:00 AM
-Paulette Smith
Exactly what we need; a thought provoking, socially conscious movie that entertains and manages to educate its’ viewers.
American Violet, a drama based on the real life story of Hearne, TX resident Regina Kelly tells the tale of a young African American woman who is severely affected by an illegal drug raid in her community.
New comer Nicole Beharie cast as 24 year old Dee Roberts plays the leading role in American Violet. Not uncommon to many African Americans living in urban neighborhoods, Dee Roberts’ community is constantly challenged by the town’s police system. While she is at work, her housing project is raided by the local police and the towns’ District Attorney. To her surprise she is arrested falsely and then later charged with distributing narcotics in a school zone. As a result of her court issues, Dee struggles with her ex-boyfriend played by rapper/actor XZIBIT. click here to Read more...
Senioritis (n.) - A less than moderate interest in school-related activities, especially academics that students usually acquire around the last semester of their senior year; symptoms include having a reduced attention to studies and extracurricular activities, making up excuses not to attend classes, sleeping during class and suffering from a severe fixation on partying. Although the entire definition does not apply let me tell you How.I.See.It...
- Anyone who has been privileged to hear Sister Souljah speak knows her soft spoken voice encompasses a power personified by knowledge and wisdom beyond her years. She spoke with me recently about her latest novel Midnight: A Gangster Love Story. Her newest novel a prequel to her best seller The Coldest Winter Ever tells the story of the strong male character from The Coldest Winter, Midnight. Souljah uses her knowledge and research of the Black male’s journey to speak through the story’s main character. Souljah told me her ability to write from Midnight’s point of view stems as far back as her childhood.
She grew up with an older brother and met many males throughout her youth and adolescents. She says she was never sheltered from men and their thoughts, and during the process of being an activist she learned about men and conversed with them in an effort to understand their thoughts and challenges.
In the first few pages of Midnight: A Gangster Love Story, the novel’s main character Midnight remembers a warning his father gave him as a child about the storyteller’s motives and agenda. As a storyteller herself, I asked Sister Souljah about her own agenda and the message coming out of her book. I wanted to know the story that she wanted to tell. She informed me that she believes a powerful story is for everyone. She went on to say, storytelling is an ancient art and it brings and keeps the family unit together.Also, children learn what to be cautious about through storytelling.
On April 1st, 2009, April Fools Day, the largest tax increase on cigarettes took effect. The per pack tax went from .39 cents to $1.01. Quit smoking hot lines have been maxed out and the government figures this will lead to more people quitting. I am not so sure...let me tell you How.I.See.It! visit: www.paulettesimone.blogspot.com
A study published by the Brittish Medical Journal found that Happiness is as contagious as a contagious disease and spreads quickly and easily from person to person. It's just that easy...let me tell you How.I.See.It
Paulette Simone is originally from New York, NY, by way of Harlem. She traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to attend Morgan State University, where she successfully majored in "Fun" and received all "A's" no doubt. Given the all important second chance she graduated May of 2009 from Bowie State University- Summa Cum-Laude!! Currently Simone works for Fox 45 in Balimore, Md, as well as The -AFRO American Newspaper. She is seeking her Masters in the field of Social Work from Morgan State University.
Paulette Simone credits God for all her many blessings and talents.
