Arts Today vol. 5.6 by Arts Today Ezine

DANNY

MCGINNIST

FEATURED ARTIST pg #64

Vol 5.6

December 31, 2018

REPRESENTATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

View this and past issues from our website.

OPERA THEATRE pg #10

HON. JUDY DRAPER BLUITT PASSING JUDY DRAPER

pg. #18

VILLAGE CELEBRATION & ARTS TODAY

pg. #48

...OF PARENTING DR MALAIKA HORNE

pg.#164

GIVING YOU ALL THE LITTLE THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH RE BY

PINXIT

PHOTO

We're excited to get to l<now your family WE SPECIALIZE IN

Looking Forward to shooting Family Sessions Weddings Proposals Birth Photography and more

WEDD

Wedding Coverage $400/hr Cinema/Video avaliable Custom Italian Wedding albums as well email info@pinxitphoto.com for ;=��='more information.

WE LOVE

RT RA

T S

Mini Sessions $300 Full Sessions $600 The cml part is that there is no session fee, so the full amount you spend on the pachage goes towards prints, wall art, albu ms, etc

w 0

:,: w w 0

ff-

2 0

u 0 f-

0 0...

z 0...

WE HONOR

RT H

Bi rt h p h o t o g r a p h y Includes photographing the journey all the way to actual birth. We're excited to offer this amazing service to our clients Coverage starts at $1200

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

IN THIS

ISSUE:

...Listen people... Life is a giant, invisible scale with two sides; Good and bad You and your beliefs Are the weights The things you do each day Determine the balance Your conscience is a flawless Judge and jury; It only questions you when you're wrong...

The Temptations,

"You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth" (Regarding the last line of this quote from "You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth": "It only questions you when you're wrong" Sang by The Temptations on the recording. "The only question is what you want" Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD)

Established 2014 Volume 5.6 St. Louis, MO www.the-arts-today.com/ Layout/Design www.bdesignme.com

NOTE:

As the publishers of The Arts Today Ezine we take care in the production of each issue. We are however, not liable for any editorial error, omission, mistake or typographical error. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of their respective companies or the publisher.

pg.

This Ezine and the content published within are subject to copyright held by the publisher, with individual articles remaining property of the named contributor. Express written permission of the publisher and contributors must be acquired for reproduction.

in partnership with Infinite Scholars Program

The Moline Acres Police Department College Scholarship Program wishes to acknowledge some of students in our city that have accepted the promise of a college scholarship for accomplishing the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4.

95 percent school attendance 3.3 or better cumulative grade average IN THE NEWS 22 or better composite ACT score INT. TRADE No major discipline problems

Through our mentorship program with Infinite Scholars, the Moline Acres Police Department wish help fulfill the hopes and dreams of families in our community wishing to send their children to co The Infinite Scholars program uses it extensive nationwide network of 500+ colleges and universit find a college scholarship for students who achieve the criteria above. The Moline Acres Police Department is committed to helping our students accomplish these criteria. The motto for this pro is “Our Badges Create Scholars.”

NEWS Moline Acres is locatedOTHER in North St. Louis County, Missouri. To learn more, contact the Moline Acr Police Department at NEWS 314-868-2433 or Infinite Scholars at 314-499-6997. LINKS

16 OP / ED INFINITE SCHOLARS

22 COLUMBUS EXPOSED BERNIE HAYES

38 LIVE/WORK/PLAY CALENDAR

THE TROJAN HORSE... DR. JERRY WARD

Pictured are Moline Acres Chief of Police Colonel Ware, Police Officer Donaldson, and students Charmaine and Charles.

90 106

FEAT. PHOTOGRAPHER RON VESTAL

FEAT. CARTOONIST ALAN GRAY

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

IN THE NEWS

Export Opportunities in the Americas: Brazil, Canada & Mexico TIME | DATE | PLACE 8:00 am registration 8:30-10:00 am program Thursday, December 7, 2017 Please note NEW ADDRESS: World Trade Center St. Louis 120 South Central Ave. Suite 1200 St. Louis, MO 63105 REGISTRATION $20 REGISTRATION One-on-one appointments available following the program.

Learn about export opportunities in three major markets in the Americas region. Brazil is recovering from recent political and economic upheaval and reforms have seen growth in the energy and agricultural sectors in particular. Canada's economy has enjoyed greater than expected growth, outpacing all other members of the G7. Mexico continues to offer a wide range of opportunities for US exporters from industrial equipment and inputs to agricultural products. Speakers: Mr. Fabio Yukio Yamada Director, Missouri International Trade & Investment Office - Brazil Mr. Ludovic Ortuno Director, Missouri International Trade & Investment Office - Canada Ms. Gloria Garcia Director, Missouri International Trade & Investment Office - Mexico Click here to view speaker bios and learn more.

Contact John Hensley to schedule.

pg.

Your Source for Art Appreciation

Volume 2.1 March 4, 2015

St. Louis

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

ART OF BEAUTY | A.T.E.Z....................................................................... pg. 120 GLAM VS. CHIC | LENNY WHITE ......................................................... pg. 124

Please support our sponsors, many of-

fer events or programs with an emphasis on the arts and creativity.

AERIEL 7 PHOTOGRAPHY | CHRIS W. ............................................ pg. 134 ART OF FOOD | LENA JACKSON....................................................... pg. 146 ART OF FOOD | CHEF JON................................................................... pg. 156 ART OF HEALING | A.T.E.Z ................................................................... pg. 160 THE GREEN BOOK | BERNIE HAYES .............................................. pg. 176 OPPORTUNITIES | A.T.EZ .................................................................... pg. 182 CAREERS | A.T.EZ ................................................................................... pg. 184

#ArtsTodayEZ

Volume 5.65.6 Volume December 31, 2018 www.the-arts-today.com December 31, 2018

www.the-arts-today.com

OTHER

NEWS: FOR BLACK CHEFS...

VIOLENT PROTO-FASCISTS

FEMALE LAWYERS...

I'M A WNBA PLAYER...

ANTI-SEMITIC GRAFFITI

SUNKEN PLACE MURAL

WASHINGTON POST

THE ATLANTIC

BBC

HUFFINGTON POST

WASHINGTON POST

THE ROOT

"PROTECT Your Peace" Fox 2 News Station's Kim Hudson featuring Brother MPEROR

OLIVER NORTH PROMISES

UNITE THE RIGHT

STL COUNTY POLICE

NASA NAMES ASTEROID

THE NEW YORKER

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

FORTUNE

MLIVE

pg.

JACK WHITTEN'S JOURNAL THE ATLANTIC

AMOROSA LEAKED TAPES HUFFINGTON POST

HALL OF FAMER HATE MAIL NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

PRISON ABOLITION THE NATION

CYCLING 17 MILE... MEETUP

DONALD TRUMP AND ... NEW YORK TIMES

A BASEBALL PLAYER ... NEW YORK TIMES

DIESEL FUNK DISPATCH BLEEDIING COOL

LOUISIANA MAN SUES... THE ADVOCATE

PIONEERING PRINTS CBS NEWS

HALL OF FAMER HATE MAIL NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

THERE'S NO TIMELINE... PBS

ARE YOU A US CITIZEN? WASHINGTON POST

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OTSL website:

www.ExperienceOpera.org

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Announces

Representation and Responsibility, a New Four-Part Series of Community Conversations

Series launches Friday, October 26 at 7 p.m. with a panel event and reception to examine casting in the performing arts

St. Louis, MO, October 3, 2018 – Opera Theatre of Saint Louis announces a series of four community conversations to be presented with partners across the St. Louis community, examining representation and equity in the arts, entertainment, and media. Each panel event will address a different topic, including casting in the performing arts, leadership in film and television, opportunities within the music industry, and the voice of the media. The panels will feature Opera Theatre artists, prominent St. Louis arts and media professionals, and leading figures with a national perspective on these questions. The series strives to further dialogue in the St. Louis community about equity, making art, and the responsibility to reflect the rich diversity of our community.

The first event in the series is presented in partnership with John Burroughs School. Representation and Responsibility: Perspectives on Equity, Casting, and the Performing Arts in the 21st Century, will be held onFriday, October 26 at 7 p.m. at the Haertter Performing Arts Center at John Burroughs School, at 755 S Price Road, St. Louis MO 63124. The community conversation will be moderated by Adrienne Davis, Vice Provost and William M. Van Cleve Professor of Law at Washington University, and will include an audience Q&A and a reception with the four panelists: Soprano Julia Bullock Ms. Bullock returns to St. Louis in OTSL’s 2019 Festival Season as one of the stars of the world premiere Fire Shut Up in My Bones. A former member of OTSL’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program, which is now in its 29th year of providing college level voice lessons to high school students, Ms. Bullock has now given critically acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall, the San Francisco Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, the English National Opera, the Berlin Philharmoniker, and The Bolshoi.

Actor and educator Duane Foster Mr. Foster made his Broadway debut in the original cast of Ragtime in 1998 and enjoyed an extensive national career before returning to St. Louis and his alma mater in the Normandy School District to revive their drama program and chair the district’s fine arts program.

Christina Rios, Artistic Director of R-S Theatrics Ms. Rios’s St. Louis-based theatre company is now in its tenth year of producing St. Louis premieres of thought-provoking works that demand conversation, offering new productions of work by such important contemporary voices as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rajiv Joseph, and Stephen Adly Guirgis. She serves as casting director for R-S. As a performer, she has appeared in numerous St. Louis productions, including The Threepenny Opera, Jerry Springer: The Opera, First Lady Suite, and Into the Woods. Opera Theatre General Director Andrew Jorgensen Mr. Jorgensen assumed leadership of OTSL in July 2018 after most recently serving as Director of Artistic Operations and acting as Interim Executive Director at the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center. Highlights of his collaborations with WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello include the revised world premiere of Appomattox, the East Coast premiere of Champion, and the commissioning of six new chamber-length operas as part of the American Opera Initiative Program.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

The discussion will be held at John Burroughs School, 755 S Price Road. The panel will last approximately 75 minutes, with a casual reception immediately following. Tickets can be reserved online atwww.ExperienceOpera.org, or by calling the Box Office at (314) 961-0644

During Julia Bullock’s visit to participate in this event, she will also lead masterclasses for students at Southeastern University Illinois Edwardsville and John Burroughs School, her alma mater. She also appears in recital at The Sheldon Concert Hall on Wednesday, October 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets to the Sheldon concert are available at www. thesheldon.org. Subsequent panels in the series will continue through June, 2019, featuring filmmaker and producer Kasi Lemmons, composer and Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and New York Times columnist Charles Blow – all members of the creative team behind Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which opens Saturday June 15, 2019 as part of OTSL’s 2019 Festival Season. More information regarding later Representation and Responsibility discussions will be announced later this fall. Representation and Responsibility is made possible in part by the Fred M. Saigh Endowment at Opera Theatre and by the Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works, which provides support for contemporary opera and related community engagement activities. Leadership support comes from the Whitaker Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Fire Shut Up in My Bones is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and made possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. Major production support is provided by OPERA America’s Opera Fund. Audience development programming is made possible by PNC Arts Alive. ### About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is a spring festival featuring casts of the opera world’s most exciting singers accompanied by the acclaimed St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Each season, OTSL presents four inventive new productions in English during the months of May and June. In addition to presenting innovative interpretation of classics, OTSL is also committed to premiering new and relevant operas by prominent composers; since its inaugural season in 1976, 27 operas have premiered Opera Theatre. Opera Theatre’s competitive young artist programs foster the next generation of emerging American singers; these programs have been a springboard for countless artists to launch international careers. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is funded in part by the Regional Arts Commission, Arts and Education Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Missouri Arts Council, with audience building programs supported by The Wallace Foundation. Generous leadership support for the services of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is provided by the Taylor family and the late Jack C. Taylor.

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

The Tammi Holland Show

WATCH NOW!

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

OP / ED SECTION

Moline Acres Police Department College Scholarship Program in partnership with Infinite Scholars Program

The Moline Acres Police Department College Scholarship Program wishes to acknowledge some of the students in our city that have accepted the promise of a college scholarship for accomplishing the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4.

95 percent school attendance 3.3 or better cumulative grade average 22 or better composite ACT score No major discipline problems

Through our mentorship program with Infinite Scholars, the Moline Acres Police Department wishes to help fulfill the hopes and dreams of families in our community wishing to send their children to college. The Infinite Scholars program uses it extensive nationwide network of 500+ colleges and universities to find a college scholarship for students who achieve the criteria above. The Moline Acres Police Department is committed to helping our students accomplish these criteria. The motto for this program is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Badges Create Scholars.â&#x20AC;? Moline Acres is located in North St. Louis County, Missouri. To learn more, contact the Moline Acres Police Department at 314-868-2433 or Infinite Scholars at 314-499-6997.

Pictured are Moline Acres Chief of Police Colonel Ware, Police Officer Donaldson, and students Charmaine and Charles.

pg.

Editorial Rebeccah Bennett TRUTH: This is not the first time that this country has been run by a bigot. It is not the first time that we have experienced political isolation and social rejection. Founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC.

nd it is not the first time that we have had to figure out how to metabolize our grief and fear in ways that did not immobilize us, but caused us to actualize our power to change the world.

PERSPECTIVE:

Right

and forefathers lived through horrors that were generational in scope and scale. They persisted through times when there was little chance of a better tomorrow, much less a better life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not even for their kids. Yet they responded to their lot in life by creating resistance movements, aid societies, educational and religious institutions, banks and co-ops, art forms, innovations and spiritual practices that continue to make our lives

better today. Remember that their blood is our blood. Their strength is our strength. They are the ROOTS and we are their FRUITS.

PRAYER:

We call upon our ancestors, those upon whom the sky fell. We call upon our ancestors who experienced all manner of degradation, humiliation, violation and death. We call upon our ancestors, people who swung from trees and were forced to live on their knees. We call upon our ancestors, many of whom persisted, survived and endured without destroying themselves or others. May whatever it is that nourished and sustained them come more fully alive in us. Ashe.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Honorable Judy Preddy Draper Civil

udge Draper was appointed associate circuit judge on April 13, 2004 by Gov. Bob Holden.

She received her Bachelor of Science in labor relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977. She received her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1980 with Law Journal honors. Judge Draper was a law clerk to the late Federal District Court Judge Clyde S. Cahill and clerked for the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office of Administrative Judges, in Washington, D.C. She is a former prosecutor for the City of St. Louis and was the first female general counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. She served as a municipal judge for the municipalities of Northwoods and Berkeley, while in private practice in civil, criminal and domestic law prior to her appointment to the bench. She previously taught pre-trial law at Washington University School of Law.

Bar Association Law Foundation; National Association of Women Judges; Women Lawyers’ Association; Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis; Kansas City Bar Association; St. Louis County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Read more at the St. Louis County Courts website.

Judge Draper is married to Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III. They are members of Covenant Community Church.

Judge Draper has received the following awards and recognition:

Judge Draper is on the board of the St. Louis Transitional Hope House and is a former member of the boards of the United Way and the Korean American Association.

2011 Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award; Excellence in Service Award for Outstanding Women for Justice; St. Louis Metro “Yes I Can” - Jewel of the Community Award.

Judge Draper was appointed to serve on the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts Host and Program Committee in 2017, and convened a law forum on the Ferguson issue. She was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to serve as an American Bar Association delegate and appointed to the Missouri Task Force on the Future of the Legal Profession in 2016. She was selected to attend the National Judicial College Leadership Program in 2016 and 2017.

2012 Torch Bearer Award, Missouri Asian American Bar Association; National Council of Negro Women Community Service Award.

She was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to sit on the Education Committee for the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association. She served as a member of the Regional Disciplinary Committee for St. Louis County and as County condemnation commissioner prior to becoming an associate circuit judge.

2013 YWCA Outstanding Service Award 2013 YWCA “Judge Judy Draper Beating the Odds Award” 2014 NAACP Medgar Evers Legal Legends Award

Judge Draper is a founding member of the Missouri Asian American Bar Association and served as its president from 1999 through 2003. She is a member of the Mound City Bar Association; Missouri Asian American Bar Association; National Bar Association; National Asian Pacific American

2015 YWCA Metro St. Louis Leader of Distinction

pg.

Interview with Lewis DIUGUID: Award-Winning Journalist Uses Example of Father to Encourage Today’s Men

There is much discussion today about ways to stem the downward spiral of young African American men. Veteran journalist, Lewis DIUGUID, mines the past to offer hope for the future. TheVillageCelebration’s Vickie Newton talks with Diuguid about his book, Our Fathers: Making Black Men.

Listen to the Interview

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Columbus

Exposed How will you observe Columbus Day? Will you be one of the millions that will go shopping downtown or at a mall, taking advantage of the many holiday sales? Will you attend a parade or participate in any of the scores of celebrations around the nation? Or will you join the thousands of Native Americans to protest the holiday?

The statue of Christopher Columbus at the entrance to Tower Grove Park in the center of St. Louis has stood there for more than 130 years. There has been discussion recently about removing the statue after the removal of a Confederate monument in nearby Forest Park. Tower Grove Park announced a commission to study the statue of explorer Christopher Columbus statue commission term recommendations to the commissioners.

that it will form presence of a Columbus. The will issue longpark’s board of

Martin Gardner once wrote, ‘biographical history, as taught in our public schools, is still largely a history of ridiculous kings and queens, compulsive voyagers, and ignorant generals. The men, who radically altered history, are seldom mentioned, if at all’.

pg.

Cities have been named Columbus or Columbia in Connecticut, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, etc. We have a federal holiday informing us when we’re to celebrate Christopher Columbus’ birthday.” There are statues of Christopher Columbus all over America. His portrait has been on postage stamps. There is a huge figure of Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain towering above the ground floor rotunda of the California Statehouse in Sacramento. Our history books tell us that ‘In 1492, Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue’. Actually, Columbus never saw or set foot on the mainland of the New World until his third voyage 6 years later on August 5, 1498. Historians note that Columbus landed on the island of

Hispaniola, site of present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and the native people maintain that he was responsible for the systematic murder of nearly nine million indigenous people over the course of 40 years after his arrival there in the

late 15th century. They assert that in less than a normal lifetime, Columbus and his invaders destroyed a whole culture. Moreover, 1492 was not a good year! In the spring of 1492, the Moors were banned from Granada, and Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain expelled all the Jews from their lands, ending the largest and most distinguished Jewish settlement in Europe. The United States is a nation of immigrants. During the mass emigration from Italy during the century between1876 to 1976, the U.S. was the largest single recipient of Italian immigrants in the world, so naturally Columbus is a hero

the eyes of indigenous peoples. Two hundred Native demonstrators were arrested while protesting a Columbus Day parade in Denver, and educators and students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln staged a huge demonstration, as well as thousands of indigenous people across the United States, and in Central and South America. American Indian Movement insists the divisive Columbus Day holiday be replaced by a celebration that is much more inclusive and more accurately reflective of the cultural and racial richness of the Americas. They demand that federal, state, and local authorities begin the removal of antiIndian icons throughout the country, beginning with Columbus. They also want the elimination of statues, street names, public parks, and any other public object that seeks to celebrate or honor devastators of Indian peoples. Perhaps it would be better to celebrate the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci, the man America and South America was named. Most native people contend that to dignify Columbus and his legacy with parades, holidays and other celebrations is intolerable. ~Bernie Hayes

to the Italian community. Every ethnic group in America is proud of its roots. Race and ethnicity are subjects of great importance today throughout the U.S. and, indeed, throughout the world, but Columbus might be the wrong idol, particularly in Copyright ÂŠ 2017 - All rights reserved.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

THE TEARS OF MOTHER EMANUEL

John Jennings Associate Professor Visual Studies SUNY Buffalo tumblr: http://jijennin70. tumblr.com/

pg.

Due to unforeseen situations we have missed you for a few months. Included in this issue will be several synopsis' to catch us all up.

Thank you

for your continued support.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

QUICK REVIEW SEPTEMBER

Hit the theatre this Friday night to seeOKLAHOMA! at the Robert G Reim Theatre. OKLAHOMA! completely changed the face of American musical theatre over 70 years ago, and remains as fresh and vital today as it was then. A stunning blend of drama, music, and dance, this show will surely impress.

If you are looking to experiment with the delicious offerings of St. Louis, Food Truck Fest 2018 is where you need to be this Friday. Hosted at Laumeier Sculpture Park, this event includes free live music by the Facts O’Life and will feature numerous food truck favorites like Edg-Clif Winery, STL French Quarter Food Truck, MyBigFatGreekTruck, Sarah’s Cake Stop, and more..

Cedar Lake Cellars will host Boots, Blue Jeans & Boogie on Friday. The evening will feature a DJ and country line dancing with prizes for the evening’s best Western wear. Cedar Lake Cellars’ The Smokehouse also offers a wide selection of barbecue sandwiches and side dishes. Come dressed up and ready to hit the dance floor. South Grand Fall Fest returns to St. Louis on Saturday. During South Grand Fall Fest, businesses located on the boulevard will offer varying specials, discounts and entertainment. Craft activities will feature hands-on DIY activities from art experts like Artscope and Tower Grove East Prep Academy.

On Wednesday, join Maplewood as they offer the final installment of their Summer Concert Series with the sounds of the Midnight Piano Band. The Summer Concert Series brings community members together with music from local artists.

For a little rock/folk fusion, head to Picasso’s Coffeehouse in St. Charles on Saturday to see Tom Nugent and Nick Stika play the stage. Grab a delicious coffee and enjoy the sounds.

Stop by BB’s Jazz, Blues, & Soup on Friday to hear The Bel Airs light up the stage at their Funk Fest 2018. Food Truck Friday continues at Eckert›s Belleville Farm!! Stop in for

Join me at the St. Louis Art Fair to support independent artists, hear performances by amazing artists like the Jeremiah Johnson Band, the Wilhelms, and more, and experience many other fun activities. If you have a mega sweet tooth, stop by the Show Me Sweets Edible Art Show on Saturday. This expo brings the excitement and fun of a cake, cookie and candy expo to Missouri! This two-day event includes as-seenon TV celebrity cake artist, edible-art demonstrations and competitions, hands-on learning classes, booths with local and worldwide industry

reports of unexplained paranormal activity. Now, after months of research and investigation, the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society has gathered evidence supporting these claims are true!

St. Louis, the Strange Folk Festival this Friday through Sunday. Prepare your palate for tasty tacos and cold Exotico Tequila margaritas – Taco-Rita returns Saturday to The Grove STL between Atomic Cowboy and Firecracker Pizza & Beer. Snack on tacos from St. Louis’ top restaurants and sip tasty margaritas made with Exotico tequilas, while you enjoy live music on Atomic Cowboy’s outdoor stage. The St. Louis Theatre Expo will be held on Saturday at the LorettoHilton Center at Webster University. You can experience what the St. Louis theatre community has to offer, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and enjoy performances and demonstrations. Prepare yourself for October this Sunday with the traditional Oktoberfest experience. UCBC’s OktoberFest. Oktoberfest St. Louis will also feature the standard fare found at Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration, including pretzels, brats, currywurst, roasted chicken, and frikadellen. Popular Oktoberfest competitions like Masskrugstemmen (steinholding contests) and Fingerhackeln

Games will include outdoor favorites for attendees of all ages such as gigantic Jenga, life-sized Connect Four, jumbo Tic-Tac-Toe and more. There will even be live music from various performers throughout the event, so definitely stop by. On Sunday, the Found Footage Festival will open at Delmar Hall and is a one-of-a-kind event showcasing footage from videos found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout the country. Come and experience this unique festival. Beck will be performing alongside the Voidz on Sunday at theFabulous Fox Theatre for a show that will surely be remembered.

vendors and suppliers, Live Cake Battles, Sweet Taste competition, a photo booth and much more!

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race starts this Friday with the Balloon Glow. On Saturday, you can participate in the numerous festivities at the Balloon Race Big Sam’s Funky Nation performs at the Old Rock House on Friday. Big Sam’s Funky Nation is a high-energy mix of funk, rock & roll, hip-hop, and jazz melded together with brassy elements. Big Sam, the frontman, brings a lot of charisma to the stage and he will have you dancing the night away.

Learn some sweet moves at Tin Roof for Shake and Shout Wednesdays where you can enjoy free swing dancing lessons, followed by a vibrant swing dance party with live music by The Ambassadors of Swing! They sound pretty official, so stop by and shake it out. The Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival is happening and you can take in the sizzling sounds of Hispanic music starting on Friday in Soulard Park with live Latino bands playing a variety of music on the premier concert stage including salsa, merengue, latin rock, percussion, cumbia and bachata. On Monday, stop by the Compton Hill Water Tower towatch the sun set, see the full moon start to rise, and then relax to music. Visitors get a 360-degree, open-window view of the stars and sky. Stop by the beautiful and mysterious Grandel Theatre on Tuesday for the Grandel Theatre Haunted Tours presented by the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society. Throughout its 134-year history, the Grandel has been the site of several

pg.

a variety of delicious food options from wonderful local food trucks such as Mission Taco Truck, STL BLT, and Pie Hard and sit back to enjoy free live music. Grab your friends and enjoy a relaxing evening on our farm. MADCO, who’s powerful dance performance brings primal together with subtle and sophisticated, will show off their work at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, you will also have the opportunity to hear James Armstrong perform at 1860 Saloon. Armstrong pays tribute to the past with the traditional blues, and his unique songwriting skills. Using both slide and pick, James’ guitar playing is some of the smoothest in the business. Carondelet Park is presenting its 12th Annual Indie Craft Festival in

(finger wrestling) will make a return, as will a great line-up of polka

& oompah-thumping music.

The 12th Annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival will be held Friday to Sunday at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, MO. The festival features over 30 artists representing numerous genres such as blues, roots, folk, rock, bluegrass and more. Don›t forget to enjoy the delicious BBQ offerings from local and regional vendors.

Department of African & AfricanAmerican Studies at Washington University in St. Louis | One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1109, St. Louis, MO 63130

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

SEPTEMBER

QUICK REVIEW

continued

pg.

Women Students…..

Hold the date, Engage your friends, Register

Composing A Life…Women Inspiring Women A Speaking Event and Dinner

Young Friends of Dred Scott - 8th Annual Field Trip Saturday, October 20, 2018

WHO: Graduate and undergraduate women students of the University

This fascinating bus tour of the St. Louis area will tour and visually explore over 25 locations and memorials that connect to and honor the person and cause of Dred Scott's struggle for freedom. You will be surprised and delighted by the hidden gems around the St. Louis area that exist to recognize the significance of the man and his story. Lessor known art, sculpture and honors exist all around us; some which you may pass by everyday unaware.

DRED SCOTT FOOTPRINTS BUS TOUR 2018

Tuesday, October 23, 5:30 – 8:00 PM Emerson Auditorium, Knight Hall

WHAT: A lively, interactive panel of ﬁve women of diverse ages, career choices and interests, who discuss their stories and post-graduation choices. The Speakers Panel is followed by dinner and an opportunity for the students to visit with the speakers individually.

The tour begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m. There will be a drawing for the New Dred Scott TShirt and Mug during the tour.

Updated route for return tourists!

WHY: The goal of the evening is to prepare women for life beyond the University and to provide opportunities to interact directly with the individual speakers in a relaxed and informal environment….terriﬁc networking time for all.

Registration deadline is October 16, 2018 REGISTER HERE

HOW: REGISTER on line at: https://womenssociety.wustl.edu/composing-alife/rsvp/ RSVP Form Women's Society womenssociety.wustl.edu Join over 600 women making a diﬀerence in St. Louis and the Washington University community.

The tour will be narrated by a Dred Scott descendant. The allinclusive price of $75.00 includes: free secured parking at the starting site; modern bus with facilities, day long tour with many surprises, lunch at the iconic Blueberry Hill, information on national locatio ns where Dred Scott is heralded and honored, games, souvenirs, photo ops and special guests along the route. This fast paced tour has delighted young and old. Be sure to bring your camera! Wear comfortable shoes. You can board and disembark as you desire. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Department of African & African-American Studies

to be counted as attending and in the (free) dinner total

FiŌy Years of Black AcƟvism & Study

Physics of Blackness: Epiphenomenal SpaceƟmes and Diasporic Belonging

50th Anniversary New DirecƟons in Black Studies Speaker

Michelle Wright, Emory University

Tuesday, September 25th | Seigle Hall L004 @ 4:00PM

FILM SERIES Technofutures: Science Fiction Film and Modernist Design

Mondays, Sep. 17, Oct. 22, Nov. 12, 7p Tivoli Theatre, 6350 Delmar Blvd.

Explore the intersection of avant-garde art and early film in this series of three landmark sci-fi films of the 1920s. Each film will be introduced by Diane Wei Lewis, assistant professor of Film and Media Studies at Washington University, who will highlight the influence of modern art on film and set design.

Free and open to the public. Complimentary medium popcorn forKemper Art Museum members.

Michelle M. Wright is the Augustus Baldwin Longstreet Professor of English at Emory University. Her research focuses on literary, cultural, philosophical and political discourses on Blackness and Black identity in the Anglophone, Francophone, and Germanophone African Diaspora, from the 18th to 21st centuries. Professor Wright is the author of multiple well-recognized books. Her first project, Becoming Black: Creating an Identity in the African Diaspora (Duke UP 2004). Her second project, from which this talk is drawn, Physics of Blackness: Beyond the Middle Passage Epistemology (UMN Press, 2015) uses theories of time from lay discourses in theoretical physics, philosophy, history, and literature to show how theorizations of Blackness become more accurate and inclusive when we move from understanding Blackness as a “what” to a “when” and a “where”.

L'Inhumaine

France, 1924, 122 min. Directed by Marcel L'Herbier

Event is sponsored by the Department of African & AfricanͲAmerican Studies. Light refreshments will be served.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

QUICK REVIEW

Cardinals Nation is hosting another Family Night on Wednesday. Bring your family down to play games and win prizes, and kids eat free, too! Check out Beale Street Market in the Streets of St. Charles on Wednesday to see the amazing fresh produce, local products, and arts that their vendors have to offer. On Thursday, visit the Boo Cat Club to see the Pins and Needles Fashion Show in which designers show off their talents. Pins and Needles’ goal is to assist with the success of emerging designers such as those who have just completed their degree or working on their first collection.

The Oktoberfest activities continue on Saturday at Ballpark Village. The Oktoberfest Bar Crawl will bring Germany to you with beer, food, and live music. Butch’s Polka Kings will perform, and there is also a stein holding challenge, beard competition, keg toss, root beer contest and who knows what else! On Sunday, the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park hosts Cool Architecture & Hot Glass at Third Degree Glass Factory. Celebrating modern architecture and beautiful glass work, this event will showcase live glass-blowing demonstrations, a mid-century inspired silent auction, music by the 442s, and cocktails

The Clayton Education Foundation is hosting the Clayton Filmmakers Showcase Big Sonia Screening on Thursday. Clayton alumna Leah Warshawski and her husband will present their award-winning movie, Big Sonia that has won 18 awards and screened at many film festivals.

Saturday is Oktoberfest at Soulard Market, celebrating both the city’s and neighborhood’s German Heritage through two days of food, drink, live music, and entertainment. The 2018 event will feature an open-air plaza, wine garden, seven bands, axe throwing activities, stein holding competitions, and the return of OkTUBAfest (with St. Louis Low Brass Collective).

Faust Park is hosting a Night in the Cemetery. Governor Frederick Bates has been at rest for 193 years and now he is rested enough to visit with you at his graveside. Join Frederick and the other resident ghosts to hear them explain the mourning practices and superstitions of the period..

The Soulard Blues Band will be lighting up the stage on Monday at the Broadway Oyster Bar. This award winning band will bring their superbly balanced songs that will have you fading into the city’s rich blues history.

Titus Andronicus is back at Off Broadway on Tuesday with special guest, Ted Leo. Titus Andronicus is an American punk/indie rock band who has toured and opened for the Pogues, Bright Eyes, and Okkervil River.

Kids can stop in and spend time with some very good pups! On Tuesday, between 6:30 and 7:30 at the Six Mile Regional Library District in the Niedringhaus Building, kids K-8 can practice their reading skills by reading to a dog from C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs. The dogs get to practice their good behavior and kids can gain their confidence in

On Wednesday, take the Potions, Poisons, and Herbal Medicine Halloween Class in St. Charles. Learn about the historic uses and recipes of modern day common poisonous herbs, explore the folklore and ‘magic’ abilities surrounding these plants and how some of them turned into strong modern day medications.

Boneshakers.

The Science Spooktacular starts on Thursday at the Saint Louis Science Center for hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and free Halloween

and creative cuisine. On Wednesday, Molly’s in Soulard is hosting Paint Your Pet. You’ll take a seat in front of your canvas, pretraced with your pet, and will be walked through how to Paint Your Pet step-by-step.

The 2018 Compass Improv Festival starts on Thursday at the Improv Shop - STL and will celebrate the local improv community, exposing local audiences to national performers and promoting improvised theater as an art form in St. Louis.

OCTOBER

and live music from Crystal and the

On Friday, the Pageant and KSHE 95 are hosting Celebration Day: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. The show starts at 7:30 pm, so grab your tickets so that you can rock out at this show. Enjoy a History Hayride through Faust Park after dark on Friday. You can wander through candlelit historic homes, where refreshments and storytellers await. There will also be a campfire to warm up around. On Saturday, the Saint Louis Zoo hosts theirZootoberfest 2018 where you can enjoy a family-friendly Oktoberfest experience. Listen to the Good Times Polka Band, enjoy fall-related games and crafts, live entertainment and a plethora of German specialties like bratwurst, pretzels, and a variety of German beers (root beer for the kids).

Meet up at the Midwest Metalsmiths Art Show at theEthical Society of St. Louis on Friday so see the handmade metalworks created by 25 talented local artists. These works are made from silver, gold, copper, precious gemstones, media and more. On Friday, Artica 2018 MississipEpiphany will be held, where artists, musicians, poets, performers, and creative citizens participate in a multi-media, outdoor participatory arts festival. Artica provides the people of the St. Louis metropolitan area with the opportunity to come together as a community through creative selfexpression.

screenings Theater.

reading in a fun environment. It will definitely a pawsome time. On Thursday, destroythebrain. com presents its Horror Trivia Night at Moolah Theatre & Lounge. There will be five rounds of grueling terror and this event is free!

The Fenton Parks and Recreation/ RiverChase are hosting the 6th Annual Harvest Jam on Friday. Celebrating Thanksgiving, harvest time, and cooler weather, you can indulge in Chick-Fil-A, hot cider, dancing, and music from the Backstreet Cruisers for a night of Rock n’ Roll from the 50’s and 60’s.

pg.

The 3rd Annual Terror at Tower Grove Park will be held on Friday. This is a family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, drink booths, kettle corn, funnel cakes, fire pits, yard games, candy, children’s crafts, a costume contest, a Halloween film, and more. Costumes are encouraged so come in your spooky attire. On Friday, the City of Festus BBQ Cook-Off will take place at West City Park. Enjoy the great BBQ from the pros and backyard gurus

the

OMNIMAX

On Friday, the Missouri Botanical Garden is hosting Spirits in the Garden where you can celebrate All Hallows’ Eve while sampling tastings from local distilleries, wineries, and breweries. There will also be a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, dancing to spooky tunes, haunted tram rides, fortune tellers, fire performers and more! Pumpkin GLOW at Historic Main Street in Saint Charles happens on Friday. The shops will be open late, glowing in the light of hundreds of glowing pumpkins. Many stores will be giving away samples and doing demonstrations, and costumes are encouraged. The Event That Must Not Be Named is hitting the Family Arena on Saturday for a truly magical time. See magical creatures, learn about magic’s history, study herbology, take a potions class, and more. On Monday, the Alton History & Hauntings Walking Tour will be available for you to discover the history and hauntings of “one of the most haunted small towns in America.” Each tour is led by one of our trained guides and is based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor.

Tuesday

OCTOBER 23 • 7pm

Lee Auditorium • FREE

PRESENTED WITH

HateBrakers

WOKE at

WORK Subscribe

Past Issues

2018 PROGRAMS

Incidents of hate and discrimination in places of business regularly appear in headlines, both nationally and locally. This panel will explore how area companies are working to address these episodes and create welcoming places of work for both employees and customers.

Translate

Forest Park • St. Louis • 314.746.4599 • mohistory.org

View this email in your browser

Jamaa Habari

For Your Information Maafa Recognition and Healing Oktoba 12th

History and Background Maafa is in the Kiswahili language of East and Central Afrika and means “a bad happening or occurrence.” It has been further translated to mean “Holocaust.” The Maafa recognizes the advent of chattel slavery on Afrikans and the effects of this holocaust and continued discrimination on our people today. It is also designed to begin healing the wounds and cleaning our spirits of the “dirt” that comes from living in an oppressively racist and exploitive society. The Maafa is observed on or near “columbus day.” Oktoba 12, 1492 is the day european historians mark as the day christopher columbus set foot in the so called “new world.” This day has been selected in many places to observe the Maafa because columbus’s stumbling upon this land (that had already been occupied by civilized peoples) ignited a series of events which led to the mass murder and enslavement of Afrikans and the indigenous people of the americas. Afrikans were brought to the americas as free labor for struggling european colonies. The chattel slavery experience in the americas was unlike any system known to the world in its institutionalized cruelty, exploitation, and genocidal characteristics. Maafa memorials and observations have grown among Afrikan communities throughout the Americas, including South america and the Caribbean . These events acknowledge the horrors of slavery, the continued discrimination against Afrikans, and the work to heal the scars caused by this scourge of humanity.

How To Observe The Maafa: In many places, a wreath is placed at the sites of slave imprisonment or at places where a significant event related to the Maafa took place. This is done with words describing why all have gathered. The placing of the wreath or flowers occurs after these words. Other places build a public memorial to our ancestors who suffered during the Maafa and place fresh flowers upon it, in their honor. In some places, community conferences and gatherings are also held about ending oppression and racism. These collective activities are designed to heal us from the negative effects of the Maafa. In the home, the family can gather and place out a table with white cloth upon it. Flowers with a lit white or sky blue candle in a glass may also be placed upon it. This is done in honor of the strength of our ancestors during the Maafa. A white bowl filled with water may also be placed upon the table to ask for peace and blessings for our ancestors and the continued healing of our families. Prayers, libations, offerings, and songs can be offered to honor our ancestors and for our healing. All words stated should speak of the power of our ancestors to survive the farce of columbus “discovering” america and our resolve to end oppression. For more info, contact TEACH at 314-875-9277, visit TEACH Jamaa on Facebook or our website at www.teachsociety.org.

Campaign to re-prioritize the City budget. We've got an exciting event coming up this Monday, Oct. 22. The Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression is rolling out its campaign to Re-Invest in Public Safety. See below for event details.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

OCTOBER

QUICK REVIEW

continued

pg.

Tuesday

OCTOBER 16 • 6pm

Lee Auditorium • FREE

Sign Language interpretation will be provided.

2018 PROGRAMS

THE MEANING OF

McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green The 1973 US Supreme Court decision McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green was greeted as a potent addition to the fight against employment discrimination. During this multifaceted discussion, Professor Charles Henson (pictured) will review the case’s history and explain how it initially worked against discrimination. Henson will then discuss how the case ultimately failed as a tool to cure discrimination under Title VII and instead became the safe harbor for employment discrimination that it remains to this day.

Forest Park • St. Louis • 314.746.4599 • mohistory.org

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

QUICK REVIEW

The Nightmare Before Christmas playing on the big screen at Powell Hall this Friday through Sunday. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this Tim Burton Halloween classic with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performing the delightfully eccentric score live. Join up every Friday afternoon, at Bottleworks, for Schlafly Beer School. This free, interactive class will take you through a brief history of St. Louis beer and Schlafly Beer, the first new brewery/brew pub in St. Louis since Prohibition. Visit Brookdale Farms this Saturday to experience Lantern Fest. At Lantern Fest, thousands of revelers empowered with lanterns join together for one unforgettable night time spectacle. Before sundown, friends and families can enjoy food, live music, a stage show, princesses, face painting, s’mores, balloon artists and more.

This weekend if your last chance to catch the films presented at the St. Louis International Film Festival. Screened in venues all over town, Cinema St. Louis’ annual film fest always delivers a wealth of features, docs, and shorts, including awards contenders and locally made works. The 27th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF)continues to provide the opportunity for St. Louis film-goers to view the finest in world cinema — international films, documentaries,

Real Estate Solutions will be once again supporting the Charlie’s Angels Trivia Night on Saturday night. It›s always an amazing time! This is the 12th year that this dynamic family and friends have been raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

On Sunday, Alpha Brewery Co is hosting a Collaboration Chili Cookoff with the Modern Brewery. Enjoy unlimited samples of chilis from 12 local restaurants, drink great beer from the Modern Brewery and Alpha Brewing Company and listen to live music from 2pm to 5pm. One ticket will get you a beer, a porcelain collectible bowl and a metal spoon.

The Annie Malone Story - Celebrating the Power of Dreams will be featured at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. I›ll be there with the family on Sunday to learn more about this remarkable woman, and how she built her international business empire!

Street. On Friday night, The Urge will be performing at The Pageant, and there will be a tribute to Amy Winehouse at The Ready Room. For a unique and insanely fun experience, check out the Onesie Wonderland Ball that will be taking place on Saturday the 24th at the Chase Park Plaza. This 21+ event will feature a ball pit bar, photo booths, stilt walkers, performers, contests, music and more. Grab a group of friends and find your favorite onesie to enjoy the fun. Visit the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis this Wednesday to experience Ralphie Parker’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas in A Christmas Story’s return to The Rep in all its heartwarming and hilarious glory. Filled with delightful holiday vignettes and endlessly quotable lines (“You’ll shoot your eye out!”), this play is the perfect gift for the whole family to enjoy. The Fox Theatre will be hosting an unique experience this Friday the 30th. Just like the classic Nutcracker story, inThe Hip Hop Nutcracker Maria-Clara and the

American indies, and shorts that can only be seen on the big screen at the festival. Coming to the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade Prep School this Friday and Sunday, “Die Fledermaus” (The Vengeance of the Bat) is a charming operetta by Johann Strauss. After being embarrassingly stranded in a bat costume in the middle of Vienna and earning the nickname Dr. Bat, Dr. Falke decides to exact revenge on his friend Eisenstein at a costume party. Join me at Nightchaser- Under the Big Top for an amazing night of music, dancing, live art, street performers, magnificent aerialists and Firechasers in Grand Center! There will be 3 tented rooms of live and electronic music spanning multiple genres! I hope to see you there!

Center on Saturday for a wine and spirits tasting event that will delight the mind. At the Science Uncorked event, you will explore the chemistry and science behind the entire winemaking and distilling process. This event features over 80 wine & spirits for sampling, small plates, amazing science demonstrations & presentations, and live music by Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers.

On Saturday, the 17th, you might find me and my babies at The Missouri Botanical Garden kicks off it’s Garden Glow on with dazzling lights, new experiences and traditional favorites. There will be s›mores, festive drinks and an all around good time fun for all ages!

As part of its new In the Works programming, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis is producing a Saturday family matinee show titled “A Most Outrageous Fit of Madness” scheduled at 4 p.m. at the Grandel Theatre. Inspired by the mistaken identity hijinks of the Bard’s “The Comedy of Errors,” and written by

Also on Saturday, you can check out the 7th Annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, where the eclectic shops come alive with a variety of live music all day long!

Stop by the Saint Louis Science

NOVEMBER

from Detroit, will be at The Ready Room.

The Skatalites and Murder City Players will be at Delmar Hall for an irie god time on Saturday. Sunday marks the opening of the Graphic Revolution: American Prints 1960 to Now at the St. Louis Art Museum, which examines the transformational decade of the 1960s through the early 21st century, and the emergence of the creative synergies between the artists, publishers, printers, dealers, and collectors who have been critical to the development of American art during that time.

Lemp Legends: A Ghost Story Presented by PNC Arts Alive hits the stage at Edison Theatre on Friday. Come witness the infamous tale of the St. Louis family and brewery in the 1900›s, and learn the history behind the notorious haunted house tours. A special partnership with The Muny in Forest Park brings these characters to life on the stage with authentic costumes to complement the talented dancers of The Big Muddy.. The St Louis Classic Tattoo Expo celebrates tattooing in Missouri and highlights the boldest, the toughest, and cleanest. We stand on the shoulders of giants and will continue to promote and preserve the proud tradition that is tattooing in St Louis.

If you are looking for a little live music on Friday, O.A.R. will be in town and on stage at The Pageant on Friday for a Crazy Game of Poker. Also, the R&B styling of Queen Naija, hailing

pg.

local playwright Nancy Bell, the play is a story of resilience, identity and family.

Black Owned Black Friday Pop Up Market is a great opportunity to support black makers, artists, creatives and brands from our community. This event takes place at The Luminary on Cherokee

Nutcracker prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Through the modern, selfexpressive gaze of hip hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrate the magic of the entire holiday season on the most inclusive holiday of them all - New Year›s Eve, a time for new beginnings. You might want to check out 4 & 20, which is a tribute band to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. They will be performing at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The Third Degree Glass Factoryis hosting an event on the 30th that will surely get you into the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this year’s 5th Annual Holiday Spirits, featuring a variety of spirits from local, regional and worldwide distilleries. Guests will enjoy winter-themed cocktails, gourmet bites, live band and much more. If you love whiskey, check out Whiskey in the Winter: St. Louis Whiskey Festival that will be taking place at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. You will be able to experience unlimited tastings, whiskey seminars, cocktails, and food stations. You can chat up the distillers or local representatives who will answer questions and discuss their whiskies. Be sure to get your tickets in advance for this event, as there will be no tickets sold at the door.

Celebrating the Power of Dreams

The Annie Malone Story

Join us for an evening of award-winning and inspirational music, singing and dancing, as we proudly present from South Africa...

Saturday, November 10, 2018 Touhill Performing Arts Center UMSL Campus | St. Louis

8:00 p.m. Tickets: $30, $35, $45 & $60 VIP (includes private reception) For tickets or more ticket information contact: Touhill ticket office at 314-516-4949 or visit touhill.org. For event information, contact The African Heritage Association of St. Louis at 314-325-2291 or visit www.ahastl.org Funded in part by the Arts and Education Council.

Saturday and Sunday

General Chair Dr. Donna Spencer

NOVEMBER 17 and 18

2pm • Lee Auditorium • FREE

Honorary Co- Chairs Dr. Donald Suggs St. Louis American

Sign Language interpretation will be provided at the November 17 performance.

2018 PROGRAMS

Sunday is a perfect opportunity to try the new brunch menu at Café St. Louis on the Museum’s upper level. Brunch service begins at 10am and menu options range from $7–$14.

Mr. Michael McMillan, Urban League

Celebrating the

POWER OF

2018 Community Outreach Awardees

DREAMS

Mr. Keith Williamson, Centene Corporation Ms. May Reardon Missouri Lottery

PRESENTED BY

A Call to Conscience and the Annie Malone Historical Society

Sponsored By: Centene Charitable Foundation, Ameren Missouri, Missouri Lottery, Ken & Nancy Kranzberg, First Bank, Central Bank of St Louis, Major Brands, Granberry Mortuary Inc Purk & Associates, St. Louis American Newspaper Urban League Dr. Christy Richardson Kay Royster

A Call to Conscience in partnership with the Annie Malone Historical Society presents Celebrating the Power of Dreams, a retrospective look at the life of Annie M. Turnbo Pope Malone. November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Poro College Complex once located in the historic “Ville” neighborhood, which represented Malone’s fourth business expansion and the cornerstone of her international empire.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Images from the Missouri Historical Society Collections.

Forest Park • St. Louis • 314.746.4599 • mohistory.org Visit our website for more information

The Black Rep | 6662 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130

Thursday

NOVEMBER 15 • 7pm

Lee Auditorium • FREE

2018 PROGRAMS

PRESENTED WITH

CharacterPlus, a division of EducationPlus, and the St. Louis Area Restorative Justice Collaborative (STLARJC)

Restorative Justice, Community Healing, and Interrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Dr. Fania Davis

Join us for an evening with Dr. Fania Davis (right), a national thought leader, a restorative justice scholar and professor, a civil rights attorney, and an activist who has mobilized life-giving change in schools and communities through restorative practices.

Forest Park • St. Louis • 314.746.4599 • mohistory.org

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

LIVE WORK PLAY

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018 St. Louis

As we grow closer to the end of the year, it is a great time to reflect on our successes and the other things that we can learn from. I believe that it was Søren Kierkegaard who said that Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. Speaking of living life forward, there are some great ways to get out and live a beautiful life in St. Louis this month! Of course, I have a few suggestions for you to enjoy it. I hope that you'll join me!

DECEMBER

thru

DECEMBER

This evening will also be a good night to head over to the Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park. You will be able to enjoy the magical lighting displays by car or if you’re in the mood, you can jump on the carriage for a ride. You can also stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo’s enchanting holiday wonderland and enjoy 500,000 twinkling lights, illuminated animal displays, seasonal sounds and all kinds of festive fun at Wild Lights. Also, you can head downtown to The Stifel Theatre, as they host A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage! It is a fresh take on the timeless classic that gives the audience a completely new way of experiencing the storyline as portrayed by real actors who maintain the integrity and spirit of each Peanuts character. On Friday, the 7th, you can join the amazing organization, Paraquad, at their inaugural Garden Gallery exhibition, «ACCESS,» which will feature artists in the St. Louis area who are addressing ideas of accessibility in two- or three-dimensional works of art at the Bloom Café, Paraquad’s social enterprise restaurant. Also, on Friday, you can geek out at the St. Louis Science Center and learn the real science behind science fiction and mingle with others at First Fridays. It features a different theme, hands-on activities, pub-style trivia, engaging presentations, photo ops for showing off your costume, and food and drink specials. Of Course, you have to check out First Fridays in Grand Center where all the museums and galleries are free until 9pm! If you are looking for something to do on Saturday, the 8th, you can check out Urban Chestnut’s Wintermarkt, where you will be able to enjoy a traditional German market at their Midtown Brewery & Biergarten. You’ll eat, drink, and be Merry with over 30 venders on hand to help you welcome the holiday season, complete with live

pg.

Local Events DECEMBER

music, firepits, and more! Perhaps you would enjoy a stroll around theAnheuser-Busch Brewery for their 33rd annualBrewery Lights display on Saturday. You and the family can take a ride on the Brewery Express Train, play festive games, check out the Kids Zone and watch nightly screenings of holiday movies on the outdoor big screen. Also on Saturday, the 8th, you can head over to The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles to create some holiday magic inSanta’s Workshop! Decorate some tasty winter treats and assist Santa’s helpers in making your very own holiday-themed project. Make sure you’ve been nice this year as Santa will be taking pictures with all the good little girls and boys! You can join the tree huggers and beer chuggers on Saturday at: Forest ReLeaf of Missouri’s 7th Annual Young Friends pub crawl, this year, Crawl the Grove, is back and better than ever! Four fantastic bars in The Grove along Manchester will be hosting the crawl, each offering drink specials to all attendees! It kicks off at Urban Chestnut at 12:30!

On Saturday night, you can head over to the St. Louis Science Center for The Nightchaser 5 year Anniversaryfeaturing Francois K, DJ Alexis Tucci, Hal Greens and many more! I would definitely be there, but Cardina and I will be downtown at a great fundraising event, the Winter Royale Gala for the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Sunday will be a great day to head out to Chesterfield to The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House as it will be transformed into an enchanted land! Escape the cold and experience Winter Jewels at the Butterfly House. Visit a fierce dragon and noble nights at the Castle, discover tropical jeweltoned butterflies and fairy gardens in the Conservatory, and meet new friends in the Gnome Forest.

All month long, you can saunter around The Missouri Botanical Garden as they host to their annual Garden Glow where you can celebrate the season with a million dazzling lights in the beautiful garden. All month long, you can saunter around The Missouri Botanical Garden as they host to their annual Garden Glow where you can celebrate the season with a million dazzling lights in the beautiful garden. On Sunday, you might enjoy heading over to Webster Groves for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ presentation of A Christmas Story. Don’t miss out on the live presentation as Ralphie tries to convince his parents to buy him a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

LIVE WORK PLAY

On Tuesday, the 11th, you can check outCOCA’s upcoming bizSESSION Creativity Unbound: The Need for Urban Experimentation, Gabriella GómezMont will draw from her experiences leading the award-winning experimental arm and creative think tank of the Mexico City government—to address how we can reframe the role of government, citizens and businesses to encourage social, economic and political inventiveness for our urban futures. Friday, the 14th is the opening for Facing a new performance by Caitlin McCommis, produced by theTesseract Theatre at .Zack. Wilda has modeled her life after that of her grandmother: to be fearless and adventure down the same dirt roads. When she’s diagnosed with a debilitating illness, the vision of her future gets ripped away as she’s welcomed to a club that she never asked to be a part of. But when another club member goes through a crisis, Wilda is forced to look her worst nightmare in the eye.

DECEMBER

10 thru

DECEMBER

Also on Friday, you can head over to University City as COCA will be performing The Little Dancer: Livre Vivant. This year, the story comes to life in a new and fanciful way! Young ballerina Mary falls asleep reading her favorite book and to her surprise, she wakes up inside the book where she meetsDegas’ The Little Dancer, and the pair take off on an exciting journey through the streets of Paris. You can also catch the show on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the 15th, I can hardly wait to take the girls to The Grandel Theatreto check out The Metro Theater Company and their renditionWonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure! It is part theater, part rock concert and it features an eclectic mix of everything from classic rock to ska and punk as 7-1/2-yearold Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. Saturday will be one of your last chances to check out the fresh new staging and reimagined scenery of Les Miserables as it makes its return to theFabulous Fox on Dec 11-16. Also on Saturday, experience the beloved 1990s box office hit, Home Alone on the big screen with the SLSO performing John Williams’ charming and delightful score live. See what antics eight-year-old Kevin McCallister comes up with when he is accidentally left behind from family vacation.

Later on Saturday night, you’ll find me and my beautiful bride at the Ferring Jazz Bistro, checking out the jazz / R&B keyboard styling of Robert Glasper. On Sunday, you might find us at the Touhill Performing Arts Center to enjoy The Nutcracker as it fills the mainstage with spectacular sets & costumes led by the professional company of Saint Louis Ballet.

continued

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

LIVE WORK PLAY

A good time is certainly available on Monday, Dec. 17th, as you can head over to the 550 Music Center in University City for The 442s Holiday Spectacular. They will joined by Christine Brewer, Peter Martin, Erin Bode, Brian Owens, Montez Coleman, plus other surprise special guests! On Tuesday, the 18th, join the fine folks over at Techartista in the Central West End for their monthly book club. Read, expand your mind, make connections and discuss topics relating to business, entrepreneurship and creative thinking as this BYOB affair is open and free to all. This months book is: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. On Friday, the 21st, you can check out the Next Generation Theatre Company’s performance of It’s a Wonderful Life in Florissant at the James J. Eagan Theatre. The Fabulous Fox Theatre will be host to Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer Musical on Saturday, the 22nd.

DECEMBER

On Sunday, Powell Hall in Grand Center will be host to Mercy Holiday Celebration, which sure to make your season merry and bright! Gather for a performance filled with festive sounds of the season with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Santa Claus! Also on Sunday, the 23rd, you can head to Cherokee Street to Off Broadway to check out some amazing local musicians at the St. Louis Blues and Soul Revue.

thru

DECEMBER

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

LIVE WORK PLAY

On Wednesday, the 26th, you can head over to the Missouri Botanical Gardens to celebrate Kwanzaa Festival of First Fruitswhere you’ll enjoy an afternoon of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Thursday, the 27th might be a good day to head over to theFabulous Fox Theatre to check out Anastasia, which is a romantic and adventure-filled new musical inspired by the beloved films. On Saturday, the 29th, you might want to check out the Caffeine and Chrome event at Gateway Classic Cars where you can bring your collectable car or just check out the others in the showroom. Make your way over to .Zack on Saturday night for the 20th anniversary celebration of Phat Buddha Productions with a diverse lineup of performances. You’ll enjoy the afro-house styling of Hot House Sessions, along with the rap music of Scrub and Ace Ha & Fresco Kane, the rock rhythms of Decadent Nation, and the funk/rock jams of Brother Francis and the Soultones.

DECEMBER

24 thru

On Sunday, the 30th, you can enjoy an afternoon of culture, performances and tradition during the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Monday, aka New Year’s Eve, you can skate in the New Year at Steinberg Skating Rink in beautiful Forest Park. There will be party favors, noisemakers & 27,600 square feet of frozen fun! As you can see, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy St. Louis over the next month. I hope that you have a lovely holiday season, and a safe and prosperous new year! Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. All the best. -Nate

DECEMBER

30 continued

P.S. Here is the latest Housing Report for your review. Median sale prices are up 2.9% from October of last year, while the number of listings continue to drop. Let me know if you have any questions. We are also hosting the Keys to Homeownership seminar next month on the 15th of January. If you know of anyone that can benefit from the information, we’d love to see them! Thanks! Nate K. Johnson ABR,CIPS,CRS,GRI,SRES Real Estate Solutions Group Redkey Realty Leaders 314-575-7352 Direct 314-514-9600 Office nate@livingstl.com www.livingstl.com

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Charge the Officers - Cary Ball, Jr. Letter Writing Campaign On April 24, 2013, Cary Ball, Jr. fled police on foot after a car chase. Six eye witnesses saw Cary surrender his gun and watched as police fired 24 shots 1) Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/CaryBallJrFactSheet despite his surrender. Subscribe Past Issues Cary was killed instantly. Translate

2) Template Letter: http://bit.ly/CaryBallJrTemplateLetter

Cary Ball, Jr.’s family held a press conference on Dec. 20, 2017 demanding the Circuit Attorney’s ofﬁce reopen the case and press charges against SLMPD 3) Additional Information: ofﬁcers Jason Chambers and Timothy Boyce. One month later the Ball family Questions Police Shooting: http://bit.ly/2Kf98AF Assistant Robert had-Family not received a response. They contacted Circuit Attorney Steele who suggested a letter writingWilliam campaign. MothersJanuary from across the -Washington University Professor Harmening’s 12, 2016 country have written in. We need to add our local collective voices to the call: Force Analysis Report: http://bit.ly/2KdJ5tP. #JusticeForCaryBallJr.

Read Article Elaine Young Artist

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

The

Jazz

World

Suffers with Hamiet Bluettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passing

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was one of the most creative artists in jazz and has a body of work that is very substantial..." pg.

an 'Immeasurable' Loss

he YouTube video opens with a man massaging a drum, coaxing a rhythm from the snare. Before long, a bass player adds a steady beat. And, in the background, a saxophonist wearing a blue shirt, gray slacks, and full beard casually joins the session. Jazz enthusiasts around the world would recognize the unassuming musician as Hamiet Bluiett, one of the world’s best baritone saxophonists, who died earlier this month.“He was one of a kind,” said keyboardist and drummer Ronnie Burrage, who knew and worked with Bluiett. “He also played clarinet. And, his sound on any instrument was distinctly his. But, his baritone was amazing. He commanded this huge sound.” Although Burrage and Bluiett trace their musical roots to St. Louis, both men eventually headed to New York for its thriving musical scene. Bluiett, who was born in Brooklyn, Illinois, landed in the Big Apple in the early 1960s before joining the Navy where he played in the band. He returned to St. Louis after his military stint. During that time, he formed the Black Artists Group or BAG, a cultural alliance dedicated to music, poetry, and other art forms. Burrage explained, “Bluiett was already a well-known heavyweight in the jazz industry when I was coming up…and, I used to attend different shows BAG hosted. I come from a musical family, and my uncles are musicians. They got me involved in the Black Artists Group.” The President and CEO of Jazz STL, one of the country’s most well-known jazz venues, believed BAG played a key role in Bluiett’s early career. According to Gene Dobbs Bradford, “In St. Louis we have a real strong arts community, and it’s supported by really loyal and supportive patrons. I think that’s what happened with BAG. It wasn’t just musicians, it was poets. There was dance and other art forms. And, that’s probably what produced him.”

“You could talk to him about anything. He never boasted about how intelligent he was, but when you talked to him, he could talk about anything, And, he would have genuine guidance and knowledge. There’s a void because he was such a well-rounded person.” A towering giant in the jazz world, Bluiett passed away at age 78 after years of declining health triggered by a stroke. Media outlets around the globe carried the news of his death. “Bluiett demanded respect. He was a straight shooter. If he didn’t like something that was going down, he would speak on it. That’s what I loved about him,” Burrage said. “There was no pretension. He mentored a lot of musicians like that. He didn’t have time for a lot of musicians who didn’t respect their instruments, their music, or people as human beings.” At Jazz U, a mentoring program sponsored by Jazz St. Louis for high school students, Bradford said Bluiett served as its leader for a year. “He loved teaching,” Bradford recalled. “He allowed the students to find their voice.” “He’s not gone. He’s always with me,” said Barrage. “I hear his voice. I know what he would say in a situation and the strength he’s given me in terms of playing music and as a proud black man. And, so I just keep moving forward.”

By: Village Celebration and Arts Today

Bradford, an accomplished musician in his own right, described Bluiett as “one of the best baritone saxophone players ever.” “He was one of the most creative artists in jazz and has a body of work that is very substantial. His work with BAG, working with Charles Mingus, with the World Saxophone Quartet, and his own music really set him apart,” Bradford added. Burrage said his family and Bluiett’s had known each other for years. He has plenty of memories including the time the two toured in Canada and the Bluiett Barbecue Band which fused gospel. But, there will be a void in his life without his friend and colleague. “The void is because he was such a learned man,” he said.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

Zuka Arts Guild

ZUKA FRIDAY'S

Zuka Arts Guild Art Exhibition at 14th Street Artist Community The Zuka Artist Guild at the 14th Street Artist Community features a different visual artist every First Friday of the month starting 7 p.m. Zuka is a group of talented local artists with a history of producing collaborative artwork that dates back to 1974. ●

Every Friday @ 1 p.m. Live rhythm and blues with the band Renaissance

●

Bring your lunch and have fun!-FREE

Experience You Can Trust. Our products and services have helped millions of American families and businesses prepare for life’s major events and their related expenses. As a licensed agent,* I can help you: • Meet your everyday needs • Save for your children's education • Save for retirement • Preserve your estate • Prepare for the unexpected • Care for elderly parents

Frenchaire Gardner

Gateway Division Office 314-319-5405 frenchaire.gardner@mutualofomaha.com Insurance products and services are offered by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company or one of its affiliates. 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175 *In WA and OR: producer AFN41485_1014

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Available -

NOW!

on lulu.com and Amazon.com pg.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final speech

“I’ve Been to the

Mountaintop” January 17 I 7-8:30 p.m. Schlafly Library 225 N. Euclid Ave.

“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” was delivered at the Mason Temple Church of God in Christ on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, April 3, 1968. Professional actors will read the text of the speech from scripts and perform musical selections that depict the songs popular during the Civil Rights Movement. Audience participation in the sing-a-long will be encouraged. Images will be projected that depict various events during the era. A talk-back will follow the program.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

THE

TROJAN HORSE

[

IS VERY

WHITE

The Trojan horse is very white when Cassandra sings, and the Tribe of Trump sweats to clip your intellectual wings.

You may regret, sooner rather than later, the deadly effects and affects of so-called news, the flooding of our minds with spectacles, conservative and liberal cursing, and a spectrum of pure nonsense. Do not say I did not warn you if you awake in what you believed was the bed of democracy only to discover you have been sleeping in the cage of fascism. The signs are clear, but you must know how to read and how to read critically. Do not dismiss Kathryn Paige Harden’s New York Times op-ed “Why Progressives Should Embrace the Genetics of Education” (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/24/ opinion/dna-nature-education.html). Harden, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Texas-Austin, may be a Cassandra despite herself, a Cassandra speaking in tongues. Consider her pauseinspiring conclusion:

“Genetic differences in human life are a scientific fact, like climate change. Many progressives resist acknowledging this when it comes to education, fearing that it will compromise their egalitarian beliefs. But just like acknowledging the reality of climate change is necessary to ensure a sustainably habitable planet, acknowledging the reality of genetic differences between people is a necessary step for us to ensure a more just society.”

replicated in identical research on a different population of 1.1 million people and yield the same information about gene discovery and polygenic prediction? We ought to put the feet of science in its own fire! Do not dismiss Professor Harden. Ask instead whether through an invisible gesture she rejects Karl Marx in order to better embrace Leo Strauss. Harden makes a cloaked reference to the report “Gene discovery and polygenic prediction from a genome-wide association study of educational attainment in 1.1 million individuals from Nature Genetics (July 23, 2018 ------https://doi. org/10.1038/541588-018-0147-3 ), a report that provokes interest in the resurrection of eugenics and Social Darwinism in 2018. Don’t panic. Connect dots. You may see a global graph, which for all we don’t know, may be posted on the walls of the U.S. Department of Education. Don’t panic. Just bring social science and science to justice in the blacksmith shop of Esu Elegbara Aeschylus. Walk in the light of T’ai Chi. A sufficiently beautiful mind acknowledges where the epic narrative Sunjata is coming from and where the tragic drama of the Oresteia is going. ~ Jerry W. Ward, Jr.

Have we just read an example of how Trump-rhetoric, disguised as neutral or bias-free discourse, packages bad science in nicely executed social science prose? Does the word “ensure” mask the word “enforce”? Is a blurred fallacy present in equating the subject of climate change with the subject of genetic differences? Who are progressives? Who are regressives? Is “egalitarian” a vulgar, micro aggressive word? What is SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms)? How is it used by SSGAC (Social Science Genetic Association Consortium)? Can research on a population of 1.1 million individuals be

pg.

]

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Copyright ÂŠ 2017 - All rights reserved.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Taye Diggs and George Lopez Question American Justice in River Runs Red by C. Liegh McInnis In 1940, Richard Wright asserted that he wrote Native Son to scare the hell out of white folks by showing them what happens when, through their blind and willful racial schizophrenia, what James Baldwin also called “selective naïveté,” they create a community of beings who have no sovereignty, power, agency, and no hope of changing their condition. The result is a country of chaos and disorder in which Malcolm X’s perpetual chickens coming home to roost become the consequence of a land of lawlessness and injustice. Yet, what many people miss about Wright’s statement is that Native Son is a warning and not declaration of prophecy. Things do not have to end as they do with Native Son, but, like they ignored the Kerner Commission, many Americans have ignored Wright’s warning, which has led to this moment in American history in which racial war seems inevitable. It is at this juncture that River Runs Red attempts to refocus America not just to the present chaos but to the future destruction that can occur if the country fails to realize that it is creating a society in which a growing majority of its citizens feel unequal, unprotected, and unable to fashion a world legally in which they live in a just and righteous community. Usually, a film with major stars, such as George Lopez and Taye Diggs, is supported grandly by Hollywood. But, when that film challenges the very notion of what it means to be an American and who deserves the rights and privileges of American citizenry, that film, often, does not receive the backing it deserves. Yet, with powerful acting, insightful dialogue, women as its conscience, and a nuanced understanding of race, River Runs Red shows that the issue of police brutality may be the linchpin that explodes America into a full civil war. The two major strengths of River Runs Red are the acting and the insightful dialogue. Lopez’s performance as Javier Garcia—a man whose son is murdered by police officers—shows that his comedy comes from a true and insightful understanding of humanity, which enables him to channel and express an array of emotions. Through Garcia’s plight, who is a reformed gang member struggling to make a better life for his family, viewers are forced to consider if words, such as rehabilitation and redemption, are merely empty rhetoric designed to placate the masses while the country continues to grow fat from the flesh of the oppressed. Diggs, in his portrayal of Judge Charles Coleman, Sr., reminds viewers that his massive box office appeal is because he can be the everyman, especially in the manner that African Americans, entrapped in DuBois’ double consciousness, are always a perpetual challenge to America to fulfill its declaration that all men are created equal and are endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thus, for Javier and Charles Sr., two men of color unable to obtain justice for the murder of their children at the hands of law enforcement, River Runs Red raises the question of what happens when a good number of the country’s population realize that the country’s ideals are not meant for all its people. If the plot seems farfetched, viewers must remember that as recent as 2016 five Dallas, Texas, police officers were targeted and killed by a lone gunman, Micah Xavier, who was reacting to the murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by their local law enforcement. River Runs Red tropes Xavier’s actions by asking what happens when middle and upper class people of color also lose hope in America’s justice system? As James Baldwin asserted, it is not merely the African American in the streets whom whites must fear but the one in the boardroom, wearing the Brooks Brothers suits for he knows even more that no matter what he does he is never viewed as equal by his white counterparts. The additional strength of the story are the wives who serve as the conscience of the film, demanding (pushing and pulling) the men to be better than they are. Jennifer Tao, who portrays Judge Coleman’s wife—Eve Coleman, carries much of the film’s pain and anger of hopelessness. As pg.

an excellent device, since Eve Coleman is a first generation American, some of her dialogue with her husband regarding her pain and frustration with their inability to obtain justice is in her native tongue, which is presented in subtitles. As such, viewers are able to read her words, which have an even greater impact on the discourse of whether or not it is best for people of color to work within or outside the power structure to achieve first-class citizenship. When Charles Sr. states, “I am the only black judge this town has ever seen. I have to be different. I have to make them see me,” his wife responds with “Your black robe does not hide your black skin.” Of course, it is powerful to hear those words, but they are given even more power by being read as they seem to linger on the screen for all to see that no amount of accomplishment seems to make people of color safe from white supremacy. Equally as powerful is Mey Fernidad, who portrays Javier’s wife, Sonya Garcia. In contrast to Eve giving voice and face to pain evolving into anger, Sonya gives voice and face to pain that eats the soul of a household into a quiet death. Where Charles and Eve rage against the system, Javier and Sonya enter into an unsaid agreement never to speak of their child’s murder. Yet, not speaking of the murder does not heal them but functions to suck from them their zest for life where numbing contentment is substituted for happiness. When Javier askes, “How can you look at me as a man?” Sonya responds, “My only hope is that you come home to me every night.” Like so many people of color, this couple has been robbed of liberty and happiness, which makes their life an empty charade. Completing the emotional discourse is the wife of Officer Von, Marilyn—portrayed by Briana Evigan. Officer Von is the partner of Officer Rory who kills Charles and Javier’s sons. While Officer Von feels guilty, he is not willing to break the blue wall of silence and tell the truth. It is his wife, Marilyn, who symbolizes that America needs white people who are willing to face the truth about and confront white supremacy for the country not to end in a haze of chaos and destruction. When her husband is unable to report what he knows, she demands that he leaves her house, stating, “My husband is not a coward…It is not us and them; it is right and wrong.” Unfortunately, not enough white people believe as Marilyn believes, as shown by the thousands of acquittals of police officers charged with the murder of unarmed people of color. Furthermore, the film shows that this issue is exasperated by many people of color, such as AfricanAmerican Mayor Buddy Johnson, portrayed by Jou Jou Papailler, who is more than happy to sacrifice the sons of Charles and Javier for his own survival and selfish materialistic desire. Mayor Johnson may be worse than Officer Von because he is not just silent about the murders; he actively works to “cover up” the murders at the expense of the good name of Charles and his son. It is this aspect of nuance that provides even more weight to the film’s discourse. As Marilyn asserts that this issue about the murder of unarmed people of color by law enforcement is not just about black or white but about right and wrong, Mayor Johnson’s actions show that all forms of evil, including white supremacy, are allowed to exist when people confuse safety and survival with the desire for excess, allowing their selfishness to mold them into pawns for the machine. Whether it is the Africans who worked with European Colonizers during the slave trade or it is the Jews who worked with Germans during the Holocaust, Mayor Johnson is a symbol that no oppressed group has a chance of overcoming their oppression as long as they love life more than freedom and are willing to purchase their abundant lives on the backs of others. This is what gives weight and power to professional athletes and entertainers who use their popularity to bring attention to the struggles of others less fortunate than them. While much of the white power structure expects and demands that African Americans who have achieved a certain amount of success should just be thankful for that, many of these athletes and entertainers are rejecting the model of Mayor Johnson or current AfricanAmerican sports journalist Jason Whitlock who uses his position to uplift himself by taking every available opportunity to denounce any African-American athlete who dares defy and rebel against any aspect of white supremacy. As such, Charles Sr. is the perfect foil to Mayor Johnson, showing that dignity and integrity are worth more than any amount of silver coins one receives for being Copyright © 2017 - All rights reserved.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

RIVER RUNS... cont.

compliant to evil. Thus, for every Whitlock there must be a Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid who are willing to sacrifice everything for justice as Charlies Sr. and Javier do. By the end of the film, River Runs Red reminds viewers how Wright’s Bigger Thomas is created daily as Charles Sr. and Javier become neo-Bigger Thomases. By presenting an AfricanAmerican judge and a reformed Latino gang member who owns a business as captives of white supremacy, the film is asking, if these men are unable to be free, who can be free? Moreover, it is asking what defines concepts, such as freedom, justice, equality, manhood, and righteousness? Finally, it asks are white people the only people who have the human, inalienable right to demand liberty or death? Sadly, given the current state of America, one in which people of color are viewed not any more human than before the election of Barack Obama, many viewers will only see or understand one aspect of the film just as many only heard or understood one aspect of Malcolm X’s famed “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech. What will probably be missed is the nuanced discourse that River Runs Red is having about what happens when a country’s ideals are revealed to be myths at best and lies at worse. What will be missed is that the film is most concerned about asking its viewers do they truly understand words, such as citizen and democracy, which are so freely flung into what seems to be hollow space? Because it is a film that ends as an action movie with a seemingly sensationalized ending, few will hear the discourse of lacking justice and only focus on the presented consequence of hellfire punishment. Yet, it, then, is incumbent on those who understand this film’s message not to allow those who suffer from “selective naïveté” to frame the conversation or present the film as a manifesto in support of violence. Well-crafted art is rarely easy to digest, and art about highly contested issues are generally engaged emotionally rather than intellectually. Therefore, those who hear and understand River Runs Red will have a duty to ask the film’s detractors if American citizenship is only reserved for the Patrick Henrys of the world. If a white man can stand in the audience at a President Obama speech with a gun openly displayed on his side and a poster that reads, “Sometimes the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyranny” and not be arrested or even condemned, can not a work of art be allowed to question what happens when the liberty of certain citizens is perpetually lynched on the tree of tyranny? C. Liegh McInnis is an English instructor at Jackson State University, the former editor/publisher of Black Magnolias Literary Journal, the author of eight books, including four collections of poetry, one collection of short fiction (Scripts: Sketches and Tales of Urban Mississippi), one work of literary criticism (The Lyrics of Prince: A Literary Look at a Creative, Musical Poet, Philosopher, and Storyteller), one co-authored work, Brother Hollis: The Sankofa of a Movement Man, which discusses the life of a legendary Mississippi Civil Rights icon, and the former First Runner-Up of the Amiri Baraka/Sonia Sanchez Poetry Award. His work has appeared in The Southern Quarterly, Konch Magazine, Bum Rush the Page, Down to the Dark River: Anthology of Poems about the Mississippi River, Black Hollywood Unchained: Essays about Hollywood’s Portrayal of African Americans, Black Gold: Anthology of Black Poetry, Sable, New Delta Review, Black World Today, In Motion Magazine, MultiCultural Review, A Deeper Shade, New Laurel Review, ChickenBones, Oxford American, Journal of Ethnic American Literature, and Red Ochre Lit.

pg.

Jamaa Habari

For Your

iII nformation

Kwanzaa

Desemba 26 – Januari 1

Background and History Kwanzaa is a lively, enriching, seven-day celebration of the Black value system called the Nguzo Saba, a term in the Kiswahili language of East and Central Afrika that literally means “Seven Pillars.” It is further translated to mean “Seven Principles.” These Seven Principles are the foundations upon which Afrikan culture stands and are traced back to Afrikan antiquity. These basic Black values can still be found in Afrikan communities throughout the Afrikan Diaspora. This survival is despite the effort by european forces to destroy all remnants of Afrikan culture and identity through the period of chattel slavery. This effort of using racial differences to subjugate a people, called racism, still continues today, thus making the celebration of Kwanzaa a clear act of cultural self–determination and pride. Kwanzaa is in the Afrikan harvest celebration tradition and means “First Fruits.” It is celebrated from Desemba 26th through Januari 1st. Since its creation in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and the US organization, it is estimated that over 30 million people worldwide celebrate Kwanzaa today. The holiday is celebrated to heighten our recognition and commitment to those seven basic values, passed to us by our ancestors and to provide a reinforcing, uplifting cultural celebration for Black people. Kwanzaa is a non-religious and a non-heroic celebration.

The Nguzo Saba Umoja (Unity)- To strive for and maintain unity in self, family, community, neighborhood, nation race and world Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)- To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)- To build and maintain our community together and to make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems our problems, and to solve them together Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)-To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and profit from them together Nia (Purpose)- To make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness Kuumba (Creativity)- To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it Imani (Faith)- To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle

How it is Celebrated Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba. Activities of that day reflect the principle of that day. The basic items used for Kwanzaa are the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles-3 red, 1 black and 3 green), a Kinara (candleholder) for seven candles, a Mkeka (straw mat), a Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup) and Zawadi (gifts), given on the last day. The Mishumaa Saba are arranged in the Kinara–3 red on the left, 1 black in the middle and 3 green on the right. On each day of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit for that day. On the 1st day, the innermost black candle- Umoja– is lit and words are shared about Unity. Then, the Kikombe cha Umoja is passed to all present. Each person drinks from it and strongly says “Harambee!” meaning “We pull together!” On the 2nd day, the Umoja candle is lit, then the innermost red candle- Kujichagulia– then sharing about SelfDetermination. The next day, the previous candles are lit, then the innermost green candle- Ujima– then sharing. Continue outward each day, alternating colors, until all colors are lit on the 7th day-Imani. On the last day, a great celebration is held between many families called the Karamu (feast) . At the Karamu, the community comes together, eats and participates in activities centered on the Nguzo Saba. For more information, visit our website- www.teachsociety.org, our page on Facebook, call (314)875-9277, or at ww.teachorg33@gmail.com.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Would you like a printed copy(s) of an issue mailed to your home? Send your request to us by email **Remember to include the volume/issue** Cost may vary per issue.

pg.

BLACK COMIX RETURNS - African American Comic Art & Culture

A hardcover collection of art and essays showcasing the best African American artists in today's vibrant comic book culture.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Featured

Artist

Submission

BIO

es the eyes of most viewers and delivers an emotional characteristic that’s

Danny McGinnist Jr. is a professional

as unique as cartoons characters.

artist who uses vibrant and not-so-or-

McGinnist grew up tending to a fa-

dinary color schemes to make his work

ther who was battling cancer. They

come alive. Being born and raised in St.

didn’t have much, so learning to use

Louis, personal history and the history

what they did was the wisest option.

of others have really pushed the usage

In his early teens, living in different

of art as a form of expression. McGin-

places was necessary and made pos-

nist’s work ranges from paintings to

sible by family and friends. With this

graphic designs and the tools of choice

minor setback, he learned to utilize

vary from paint, charcoal, ceramic, pho-

gained knowledge of what occurred in

tography, found objects, and even fire!

the past and connect it to his life to-

Art is more than just the creation of

day. Jean Michel Basquiat became one

marks on a surface...it has inspired him

of his greatest idols due to an adoles-

to inspire others.

cent connection. In addition to Basqui-

McGinnist has been interested in art

at’s art catching his eye, the story of

since the age of four. It stemmed from

creating while being homeless for sev-

cartoon characters and continues as

eral years related to and inspired his

children inspire him to be honest and

further study of Basquiat’s past paint-

fearless with each artistic mark. The

ings. After seeing what somebody with

use of strokes in unusual colors catch-

a similar past is capable of accom-

pg.

Danny

McGinnist

Jr.

plishing, McGinnist knew doing more with his skill was possible. The beginning of McGinnist’s art pro-

Website:

cess usually starts with an idea or

www.dannystlartist.com

concept. After the idea and concept is mapped out by multiple thumbnail drawings or quick sketches; ideas

come to life with a completed project. While painting the final

PORTFOLIO Youtube:

project, it isn’t rare that the same https://www.youtube.com/ picture is painted over a dozen times

watch?v=j7CjoQCgHyQ

to get the perfect combination of lines and colors. Since 2015, when he began to paint and create graphic designs, stopping hasn’t crossed his mind. With this combination of history and pure talent, McGinnist hopes to inspire others to push forward with their goals and anything they want to do. He also wants to help community businesses grow and travel the world.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Featured

Photography Submission

pg.

Ron

Vestal

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

An artist's duty, as far as I am concerned, is to reflect the times. (Nina Simone)

pg.

100

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

102

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? (Nina Simone)

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

a h s r a

Live

n n Ca

is S y M at “

P s ’ ta

pg.

104

t t ie

u l tB

e i am

H h t i w

” e c la

Past Issues

Translate

View this email in your browser

Happenings at the Museum

www.the-arts-today.com

Join us for a special Howlin' Friday

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Featured

Cartoon Art Submission

pg.

106

Alan

Gray

#blackgodcomics My name is Alan gray, known as BlackGodComics on social.These are some of the latest ips in development for BlackGodComics. Details will come out over time, I want you all to receive this story in the right way. Follow @BlackGodComics on Instagram and other social media platforms.Â

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

108

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

110

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

112

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

#BlackDollsMatter

Buy Now!!!

Bring a sense of pride and strength to the extraordinary girl in your life. Madeline Delilah Doll and chapter book www.stagemotherproductions.com pg.

114

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

116

PRE-ORDER TODAY::

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King death. Here is my new book "My Mother. Barack Obama. Donald Trump. And the Last Stand of the Angry White Man," honest look at America 50 years later on race, sexual violence, guns, more.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Literacy Begins at Birth with the St. Louis Public Library! When it comes to literacy, too many children in our community fall behind their more fortunate peers. In response, St. Louis Public Library has launched Born to Read, an early childhood literacy initiative serving families of children birth to age eight. Services like Born to Read bags for newborns and programs like Read It Together open up a world of free resources. With a gift to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation, you can ensure a better future for our city’s children.

Give Today!

815 Olive St., Suite 100 St. Louis, MO 63101, USA

pg.

118

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

120

ART OF BEAUTY

Winter Skin Care

Tips

Water- drink 8 eight-ouce glasses of water daily Cleanse- shower or bathe daily using a cleanser/wash with little to

no perfumes. (note: water should not be extremely warm)

Moisturize- after showering/bathing, follow up with a lotion and/or oil to

damp skin to seal in the moisture. (natural oils like olive and coconut work well)

Screen- apply sunscreen when goint outdoors to protect from harmful UV rays.

Limit- the amount of time skin is exposed to the elements. No Scratching- skin tends to be dryer during winter months, avoid aggravating sensitive skin by not scratching.

Humidify- during winter months lower the thermostat and utilize a humidifier as heating systems can be drying to the skin.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

MLK 2019 Programs @Your Library In celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the St. Louis Public Library hosts several programs throughout January at various locations to recognize Dr. Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing accomplishments.

Sensory Storytime Stories, movement, music and sensory activity play. This program is ideal for children with autism, sensory integration challenges or who have difficulty sitting still. Ages 3-9. Nurture your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young mind by attending this Born to Read early childhood literacy program. January 15: Star Gazing Party Experience the night sky in a whole new way through one of the Library's telescopes! Get hands-on training from the St. Louis Astronomical Society. Then head outside and view celestial objects (weather permitting).

January 26: Central Writer's Group Central Writers Group provides an opportunity for authors to share their literary work with others and get usable feedback for how to improve their craft. Think of it as beta testing your novel, short stories, memoirs, poetry or essays.

St. Louis Public Library 1301 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103 314-241-2288 slpl.org

pg.

122

DISPLACED

&ERASED

The history of Clayton, Missouri's uprooted black community. emmakriley.com

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

124

Lenny

White

Glam

Chic

vs.

COLLABORATION

Designer: Nikki Blaine Couture Hair/Make-Up Style Team: Thierry Baptiste Photographer: Lenny White

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

126

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

128

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

130

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

132

Katherine Dunham Fellowship aims to diversify arts leadership

The Arts and Education Council (A&E) recently opened applications for the eighth annual Katherine Dunham Fellowship, which will be offered in the spring semester of 2018. This will be A&E’s first year offering the fellowship after seven successful and transformative years with the Regional Arts Commission. The Katherine Dunham Fellowship was created by Sara and Jack Burke to give AfricanAmerican men and women an opportunity to explore, gain experience and be mentored in arts administration, creating a more diverse pipeline of arts leaders. The fellowship is named in honor of legendary dancer, choreographer, educator and social activist, Katherine Dunham. Dunham, who was considered one of the most successful dancers of the 20th century, founded the Performing Arts Training Center (PATC) at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (an A&E grantee). Dunham taught dance, along with foreign language, cultural history and anthropology at the PATC. The fellowship was created and is funded by Sara Burke, who was the first white dancer to study under Katherine Dunham at the PATC. The Katherine Dunham Fellowship is open to African-American undergraduate and graduate students or recent graduates. The man or woman selected receives a $3,000 stipend, experience in all the critical skills needed to manage an arts organization – including fundraising, corporate relations, database management, fiscal and board management – and mentorship from current arts administrators and leaders. “It’s important that people in power are willing to share it and provide access and advocate for those wanting to get into the arts who are underrepresented,” explained Sara. “Until we share that power, we are never going to change the complexion of this city, much less the arts.” One goal of the Fellowship is to see a representation in the city’s arts institutions — large and small alike — of AfricanAmerican and other minority leadership at all levels.

Applications for the Katherine Dunham Fellowship are open through October 20. For more information and to apply, click here.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

134

Chris

& Aerial 7 Photography

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

136

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

138

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

140

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

142

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

144



HOLIDAY SALE

BUY TWO ITEMS AT FULL PRICE AND GET THE NEXT ITEM HALF OFF From Friday, November 23, 2018 – Monday, December 31, 2018

PROGRESSIVE EMPORIUM & EDUCATION CENTER (PEEC) 1108 N. SARAH

For more information call (314) 875-9277 or Visit Our Facebook Page “Progressive Emporium”

Extended Holiday Hours Beginning Friday, November 23 – Monday, December 31, 2018 Monday – Saturday - 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday – 12:00pm – 5:00pm This Sale Cannot Be Combined With Any Other PEEC Sale

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

146

ART OF FOOD

Take it

HOME I’ve learned a lot as a school chef. I know all the little tricks to get kids to eat their vegetables (which most of us know is a feat in itself). But the biggest challenge is having to look up, modify, create and spruce up countless recipes so our food isn’t wasted at the end of the day. I’ve done just that with my twist on a quesadilla sauce which tastes similar to the one at Taco Bell. It can be used on tacos, burritos, nachos, etc. and your dish doesn’t taste dry and has an added kick. Our school menu challenges me at times to be creative and flexible. Take for instance, The Southwest Chicken Wrap that appeared on the menu without a recipe, so I had to create one. Which, according to the students, turned out pretty tasty and seemingly was enjoyed by my coworkers. I shared what little leftovers we had with one of my best friends and her son and they devoured it. She even called me a few days later requesting the recipe. As a kid, I remember strongly disliking Shepherd’s Pie, probably because I didn’t eat a lot of beef. I remember solely eating the mashed Copyright © 2017 - All rights reserved.

potatoes and maybe the cheese off the top. So when I saw it on our lunch menu, I was immediately skeptical that the kids were going to eat it. Miraculously they did! So for the recipe below, I swapped the beef out with a popular vegan/vegetarian alternative. Sloppy Joe’s was another one of those dishes that I really disliked as a kid. I hated getting messy and I was not a fan of how it tasted. As I’m writing this, I’m finally realizing how much of a picky eater I used to be. I honestly still have not tasted a full Sloppy Joe. However, the from scratch sauce for the “filling” is delicious. I’m anxious to try this recipe out with some ground turkey when cooking with my nephews and godson. Enjoy these recipes & don’t be scared to tweak them to make it your own. ~Léna O. A. Jackson www.facebook.com/gspDore www.instagram.com/gspDore gspDoreinfo@gmail.com

Bon Appétit,

Doré

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

ART OF FOOD... cont.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie 2 tsp

Ketchup

½ tsp

Worcestershire Sauce

1 ea

Garlic Clove

12oz/1 pkg

Morning Star Crumbles

½ ea

Onion, chopped

¼ C

Carrots, shredded or diced

¼ C

Green Beans, cut

¼ C

Peas, optional

¼ C

Corn

~ 2 C

Mashed Potatoes

as needed

Daiya Shredded Cheese

7x5”

Baking Dish

pg.

148

Southwest Chicken Wrap

Taco Seasoning

10-12oz

Chicken Breasts

1 ½ C

Cilantro Lime Rice

2 C

Ranch Dressing

1 ¼ C

Salsa, chunky

1 ½ C

Black beans

12 ea

Tortilla wraps, warmed

½ C

as needed Shredded Cheese 1. Season cleaned/washed chicken with oil and taco seasoning. Bake in oven for 15 – 20 minutes at 350 F. Chop or dice chicken and set aside. 2. Next in a medium sized bowl, combine the ranch dressing, salsa and remaining taco seasoning together. Add your diced chicken and black beans & toss together until fully incorporated. 3. With your warmed tortilla, begin layering in your ingredients at will. Add the cilantro lime rice, chicken-sauce mixture and sprinkle the desired amount of cheese. Roll the wrap and serve warm. *Tip: Make sure your tortilla wraps are warmed. This will ensure that the wraps will not break when filling and rolling them. There are several options you can try to do this. I recommend separating them, laying them out on a (cookie) sheet tray and using a small amount of non-stick spray in between each layer. Place damp paper towels over the tortillas and let them sit at a very low temp in the oven for about 10 minutes.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

ART OF FOOD... cont.

Quesadilla Sauce 2 Tbsp

Mayonnaise

½ C

Sour Cream

1 tsp

Garlic Powder

½ tsp

Ground Cumin

½ tsp

Paprika

1/16 tsp

Cayenne Pepper

OR 1/8 tsp

Jalapeno Pepper Juice

¼ tsp

Salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use liberally inside your quesadillas or burritos.

pg.

150

Sloppy Joe Sauce 2lbs

Beef/Turkey/Vegan Alternative

2 ¼ C

Ketchup

¼ C

Brown Sugar

2/3 oz

White Vinegar

2/3 oz

Worcestershire Sauce

1/8 C

Yellow Mustard

½ Tbsp

Black Pepper

1 ¼ oz

Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients and whisk inside a large pot. Heat on medium-low for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cooked ground beef, turkey or vegan alternative to the pot and serve hot.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

152

CALL FOR ART “All Colors” OVERVIEW: “All Colors” is an invitational and juried arts exhibit featuring the art of approximately 100 artists and 200 pieces of art. The show takes place January 13 through February 28, 2018 at the St. Louis Artist Guild, 12 Jackson Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105. We expect strong attendance, as the “All Colors” exhibit is a fund raiser with art and related funds to benefit artist of all disciplines, small not for profit 501C3 organizations and community/neighborhood organizations. Clayton, and the surrounding region have long been supporters of the arts and Portfolio Gallery and the “All Colors” sponsors are committed to make this exhibit a successful fund raiser and to introduce the St. Louis Metropolitan region to artist that mainstream publications have overlooked. HOW TO APPLY: Online applications may be completed though Portfolio’s website at www.portfoliogallerystl.org Click the Call for Art link that will take you to the sign-up, upload and payment. Each application must include the requested uploaded images and an artist’s statement of 100 words or less explaining the artist’s creative process including specific information about technique and materials.

Submit your art now!

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

154

LABOR DAY SPECIAL!! ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR WEEKLY MEAL PREP, CONTACT INFO BELOW!

Meal prep plans, personal chef, and health coaching services available. Plans starting as low as $75.00- For limited time only!! For more information contact fabulouslyveganme@gmail.com and visit fabulouslyvegan.com!

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Grilling

Delicacy

The

Riding around in St Louis everyday there is a whiff of charcoal smoke in the air...so I got to thinking,grilling for me starts off as a ritual. I plan out what I’m gonna grill and what I’m gonna do for sides. Once I come up with my menu I shop then I arrive back home and begin my ritual.

1. I season my charcoal and add my raw onions to the fire

(it takes out the lighter fluid taste) 2. I season the meat with spices and olive oil. 3. Prepare my sides and get them prepped Get my music together (Prince) and beverage Once everything is prepped grilling commences. The taste of the chard meat is what keeps many americans love for cooking outdoors a million dollar industry. True grillers grill no matter what the weather is and I for one do also.

“If the weather is awwwwight I’m grilling tonight!” You can grill anything search recipes on the internet and go for it and be adventurous.

pg.

156

Delicacy

The

The Delicacy of Roasting

Roasting

Roasting your protein gives you the time you need to wind down after work and gives you time to complete the sides to finish off your meal. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a healthier way to enjoy your choice of protein. With just a little olive oil and your choice of seasoning roasting your food always comes out just right. Whatever you fancy from whatever you choose to be carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, etc...Roasting brings your food to the table in a flavorful, less hassle timely fashion. So go to the store...choose your meal, grab some aluminum foil, a pan, and put it in the oven at 275350 slooooooooooooow roast your meal! Enjoy!

By: Chef Jon of Dining Delicacies/Cj's Mobile Deli www.dineinhome.com jonenlow@gmail.com @diningdelicacies/fb @chefjon/fb

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Walking the Blue Line: A Police Officer Turned Community Activist Provides Solutions for the Racial Divide By Terrell Carter Bettie Youngs Book Publishers

$15.00 paperback

“As I recall my experiences, I find it incredulous that people in law enforcement honestly believe and say that a racial divide and racial profiling don’t exist. An officer’s mind is divided: first, between the police and the general public and second, between the police and minorities.”~ Terrell Carter Walking the Blue Line follows the author’s experiences growing up as a black child in St. Louis, MO, a racially charged city still trying to overcome its divided past, and his five year journey as a law enforcement officer which led him to reevaluate his views on citizens and police alike. Readers are taken on a compelling journey as he details personal stories of the challenges of navigating this new world, including how he had to testify against a former partner for falsifying a major drug arrest. Terrell details the thoughts and tactics of police officers based on their training in the police academy and lessons they learn on the streets and how this information can help citizens better understand why officers do what they do while still holding them accountable for protecting and serving their communities. Walking the Blue Line can be ordered from www.terrellcarter.net, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and traditional booksellers.

pg.

158

Shop Online Today at NOrepublicansNEEDED.com

Wear Your Disgust on Your Tshirt

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

ART OF HEALING Your Ad or Article could be here!

pg.

160

RICKKITA EDWARDS

CARDIO-CORE & MORE AT NORTH COUNTY REC. CENTER

TIMES: MON WEDS FRI 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

She teaches a class 2 Mondays a month at Faith Miracle Temple 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm. (ALL CLASSES ARE FREE)

COMING SOON! WAIST-NOT FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINING #GETWAISTEDBYRICKKITA

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

162

TEN

The Empowerment Network for Men facing Prostate Cancer From: iHEART COMMUNITIES w/ JADE HARRELL

Prostate cancer is not only an invader of the human body it is an infiltrator of the human spirit. Survivor, Mellve Shahid made a promise to God to support and serve other men battling prostate cancer when he was diagnosed ten years ago. He founded The Empowerment Network and has been changing lives and creating hope for hundreds of men ever since. Click here for the podcast.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

A CALL

FOR AN INSTITUTION OF

PARENTING

Most parents need more parenting skills, but what about focusing on those under duress?

Why

Malaika Horne is author of the recently published book: Mother

are

there

few

parenting programs or even

Wit – Exalting Motherhood While Honoring a Great Mother

an institution of parenting?

There are other institutions such as education, health, criminal justice, finance and so on. A novel idea it isn’t, but brought up periodically and just as quickly dismissed. Nevertheless, we continue to ignore this burning question at our peril, which fogs our vision and distorts our outlook about the most fundamental of institutions, yet nothing established or official. So, to the point: there ought to be an institution dedicated to parenting or the family. It deserves careful thought and analysis.

About a decade ago, a friend and family attorney encouraged me to write a book about Flora Dell Horne’s (my mother’s) parenting skills as she raised six successful children with little recognition, fanfare or support. I’d periodically mention my mother to her and as she learned more, she told me it was an extraordinary parenting story. This included a father with a strong work ethic but took little responsibility in child rearing. More common in mid-century America and still -- to some extent -- holds true today. As a child and as a young adult, I didn’t see my mother as extraordinary. Yet over time, as I ventured out into the real world, she distinguished herself more and more in that she was rather strict -- yet nurturing and loving -- no-nonsense but

pg.

164

listened, very resourceful and frugal and most importantly: one-pointed about her children’s education. Not to say, there weren’t similar parents in the Mill Creek community where we first resided. But to be frank, many were not. Mill Creek was a working-class Black neighborhood just west of downtown St. Louis. Harris Stowe State University, then Vashon High School, was at its epicenter, just to give you an idea of where it was. In the late 1950s, Mill Creek was blighted and slated for urban renewal, forcing more than 20 thousand African Americans to move. Like razing townships during apartheid South Africa for the express purpose of destabilizing entire communities, urban renewal was the witting and unwitting accomplice of oppressive policies and practices that dealt a terrible blow to an already struggling community. So, there were setbacks, but as they say: we persevered or as African American poet and writer Maya Angelou once said: You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.

To make a long story short: “Negro removal” as many African Americans put it, didn’t deter us. Blacks are famous for their play on words and fondness for humor mixed with customary misery and suffering. This was particularly over despicable and deplorable government actions. “Negro removal” was a wink and a nod to say: “We know what you’re doing – we’re on to you.” Notwithstanding, this is a poignant reminder of the strength of a mighty and complex ethnic group; that is to say, the ability to survive under seemingly insurmountable odds and moving on. Although, many persevered others encountered hard times, became defeated and further beaten down. This is very concerning and this is the group we need to focus on. To be sure, African Americans are not without deep and abiding struggles. A unique history of slavery, Jim Crow and continuing institutionalized racism has to some extent, defined, shaped and influenced a complicated worldview. Government backed economic forces have swept most Whites into the mainstream

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

A CALL... cont.

while too many Blacks have been left along the margins. This enduring struggle to simply make ends meet is the main reason why there must be more programs for parents, particularly parents struggling financially, to provide them with more knowledge, skills and abilities about more effective ways to thrive and rear children. Furthermore, as Ms. Angelou intoned: “… it may be necessary to encounter the

defeats, so you can know who you are.” This could be interpreted to mean that parents should be direct and honest about what children will encounter in the real world – the hard, cold facts. Another way of putting it: Talk to children directly and honestly about race bias; that education is the key to overcoming racism and reaching their potential. Parents, who aren’t properly equipped and left to their own devices, can face hardships to the point of hopelessness. Hence, authorities can take advantage, quickly interceding and many times worsening the situation. This can be devastating to families, akin to the “boiling frog problem.”

The frog is in the water tolerating hotter and hotter temperatures; it only jumps out when the water begins to boil and she or he can’t stand it anymore. Likewise, struggling families so beset by financial woes, stress and lack of support could well be overlooking signs and symptoms of their children’s failings. When the boiling water is no longer tolerable and families are at their wits end, they jump out (falling through the safety net as it were) right into the clutches of a callous and racist system. Thus, beginning a worsening downward spiral that could irreparably hobble and harm children’s educational future. It’s interesting that the government typically steps in when all else fails. Their only tool seems to be a hammer and everything looks like the nail of mass incarceration. † The problem is exacerbated when mothers lack childcare but must work. A recent report showed that childcare is now more expensive that rent. St. Louis is one of †

There are programs such as the nationally recognized program Parents as Teachers but it only serves parents with children prenatal to kindergarten.

pg.

166

those cities. One mother who comes to mind: She left her child in her car to go on a job interview. Authorities were called and she got entangled in the criminal justice system. Affordable childcare would have prevented her dilemma of having to leave her child unattended to seek employment; thus, avoiding the risk of putting her child in harm’s way. On the one hand, she’s demonized for not working while on the other; she’s punished for child neglect. She’s damned either way. It goes without saying that the number one aim of parenting is to protect children. Without protection, all else is for naught. The history of slavery is fraught with selling off children by mercenary slave owners and traders. So deeply imbedded in many Black families’ consciousness is the trauma of child separation. So much so that reports of the Trump Administration ripping children from the arms of their parents at the U.S.-Mexican border can be a chilling reminder of their pain and suffering back then. Hence, African Americans should be better informed about the intersection of racism, classism and sexism that saddle Black mothers with the onerous responsibilities of bringing up children in toxic, dangerous and violent environments. Take the term “the talk.” The conversation that many Black parents have with their sons about how to interact with the police. Most police officers are White even in predominantly Black areas. They seem predisposed toward practicing a form of “stop and frisk” in other words: racial profiling. These practices can land a young Black man with a promising future into jail or worse yet killed. No parent wants this, so equipped them with good tools for the parenting toolbox: from being more informed, preventing problems from getting out of hand, to knowing there are strong possibilities of Black bodies being over-policed. In other words, these parents should be armed with an arsenal of information, resources and support to ensure that their children will survive and thrive.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

Socks that heal broken a he a rts DONATE Socks for Courtney is a fund-raiser/Sock Drive in memory of Courtney Adavia Kemp

pg.

168

Hello, I would love it if you took a moment to check out my GoFundMe campaign: CLICK GOFUNDME LINK BELOW TO DONATE https://www.gofundme.com/black-archaeologist-season-4

Your support would mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!

- Michael Lambert

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

A CALL... cont.

Equally important is making sure children get the best education possible, including post-secondary education.

This was echoed during the Obama

Administration: Earning a post-secondary degree or credential is no longer just a pathway to opportunity for a talented few; rather, it is a prerequisite for the growing jobs of the new economy. Over this decade, employment in jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma will grow more rapidly than employment in jobs that do not; of the 30 fastest growing occupations, more than half require postsecondary education. With the average earnings of college graduates at a level that is twice as high as that of workers with only a high school diploma, higher education is now the clearest pathway into the middle class. Education: Knowledge and Skills for the Jobs of the Future. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/education/higher-education

No one doubts that parents want the best for their children’s future. If they’re children of color, then it’s even more critical they raise their awareness about gaining access to quality educational opportunities, encouraging their children to stay in school and graduate, as their quality of life will be greatly enhanced. The unemployment rate for Blacks -- as it currently stands -- is twice that of Whites, about eight percent compared to four percent. This gap cannot be overlooked as it points to chronic Black joblessness stoked by racial discrimination. Recent reports show that for every $100 of White family wealth, Black family wealth is an astoundingly low $5.04. This has not changed since before the Civil War. Yes, that’s correct – you read it right, it hasn’t changed in 200 years. What’s more, it’s not up to institutions alone to make sure children are properly educated and prepared for a 21st Century labor force. Parents should and must do more. For example, libraries are free – and it’s rather simple to get library cards, encouraging children to visit the library, check out books and read more. There are educational children’s programs and documentaries on TV that parents should encourage children to watch. Parents should read more to be better exemplars or role models. They should fill their homes with books, educational materials and games, including video games. They should instill the value and the joy of reading and learning. Parents should visit their schools and talk to their children’s teachers.

pg.

170

They should ask their children what they learned and read their report cards. They should have extensive discussions about the purpose of education, including asking: What do you want to be when you grow up? There is much more, such as, parents learning effective discipline and teaching children respect for authority. Additionally, exposing them to character education and/or religion. This is just a thumbnail sketch of what a parenting institution could entail. It could be organized by school systems or community groups; many could be parent-led. There could be incentives rewards and recognitions. If we believe that the family is the most fundamental of institutions to hold up all other institution and that motherhood is the foundation of the family, then this should be a no-brainer. The society can’t flourish without a critical mass of educated and productive citizens. While many low-income parents possess the wherewithal to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty, they still need assistance and others are just simply floundering. Fortunately, I didn’t have to take parenting classes, for one I didn’t rear any children. But if I did, I would have had one of the best parenting teachers around -- my mother. But when parents are lacking in parental skills, they should be identified and supported with dignity and respect. As the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass once said: “It is easier to repair strong children than repair broken men.”

Malaika Horne, PhD, is a book author, journalist and academic writer

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

What do I do? I help the college bound teens of busy parents write extraordinary college entrance essays. And, I provide perceptive leaders with trustworthy diversity & inclusion facilitation. My book, Chop: A Collection of Kwansabas for Fannie Lou Hamer, is available at www.femininepronoun.com

pg.

172

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

FEATURED

VIDEO:

- Micha

Black Arc

This Is America Parody This Is Black History - Childish Gambino pg.

174

ael Lambert

chaeologist.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

176

The Green Book -A History of Black American Survival!

he movie “The Green Book” according to Wikipedia, is a film named for the ‘Negro Motorist Green Book’ , a segregation-era road travel guide book to help African Americans dealing with racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws, such as white’s only garages, restaurants and hotels. That’s their version. Now here is the truth. These are quotes and facts from the publisher and from black people who lived through this period and considered the “Green Book” their second Bible. First published in 1936, the Green Book was the brainchild of a Harlem-based postal carrier named Victor Hugo Green. Like most Africans Americans in the mid-20th century, Green had grown weary of the discrimination blacks faced whenever they ventured outside their neighborhoods.

“Whites Only” policies meant that black travelers often couldn’t find safe places to eat and sleep, and so-called “Sundown Towns”, municipalities that banned blacks after dark, were scattered across the country.

The publishers were optimists. They had hope for the future and wrote “There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment.” The Green Book’s last edition was published in 1966, but so many of our parents, grandparents and ancestors yet struggle with the painful memories associated with traveling through the Jim Crow south, and with memories of “Sundown Towns” in this area and other Northern cities and towns. Sundown towns, as noted earlier, were those communities that systematically excluded blacks from those communities after dark. Please remember that this is a movie; and no matter how good the acting, remember that it is acting.

~Bernie Hayes

The “Negro Motorist Green Book” in their 1948 edition provided a rundown of hotels, guest houses, service stations, drug stores, taverns, barber shops and restaurants that were known to be safe ports of call for African American travelers. The “Green Book” listed establishments in segregationist strongholds such as Alabama and Mississippi, but its reach also extended from Connecticut to California, any place where its readers might face prejudice or danger because of their skin color. With Jim Crow still looming over much of the country, a motto on the guide’s cover also doubled as a warning: “Carry your Green Book with you because you may need it.”

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

178

Kevin Powell Autobiography Greetings! I pray you are well. A heads up that Simon & Schuster, my publisher, has passed along to me about 1800 HARD COVER copies of my autobiography, The Education of Kevin Powell, that are left in stock. I am looking for organizations/

institutions/schools/groups of all kinds to sell these books to immediately. As you know, generally hard cover copies of books disappear fast, and then it is just the paperback for the rest of that book’s life. I will PERSONALLY SIGN each and every book and ship them to folks, and also be willing to do something around the book with your young people, VIA SKYPE, after they have read and studied it, and with them also using this FREE study guide/curriculum created by a couple of education experts, which is for all age and education levels: http://www.kevinpowell.net/education.php

If interested in ordering 25 or 50 or 100 copies or more of the book please email my assistant, Katerina Nunez, and I as soon as you can, as we expect these PERSONALLY SIGNED HARDCOVER BOOKS to go fast: kevin@kevinpowell.net and katerina@kevinpowell.net

Finally, the autobiography deals with: •

race

•

gender

•

diversity and multiculturalism

•

leadership

•

activism

•

violence

•

domestic violence

•

self-esteem

•

manhood

•

parenting

•

history

•

hip-hop and pop culture

•

healing from trauma, both family and community

•

the transitions from youth to adulthood

•

forgiveness

•

self-love and love

And we are working very hard to have The Education of Kevin Powell adapted for the screen, so it remains very important to me that the autobiography is in the hands of as many young people as possible, of all backgrounds, all across America, and globally too.

Sincerely, Kevin Powell

Thank you so much for reading this, and certainly feel free to share with other educators as well in your networks.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

"Quiet Time" by: Lonnie Powell

"Cuban Dancer" by: Ed Johnetta Miller pg.

180

June 26, 2017 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Robert A. Powell 314-265-0432 Portfoliogallery@att.net,

Portfolio Gallery today issues its call for art, and invites visual artist of all disciplines to enter at:www.portfoliogallerystl.org The “All Colors” Fine Art Show will feature 100 artist and 200 pieces of art, both local and nationally known artists, collectors and educators to the St. Louis Region.

The “All Colors” exhibition will feature the art of invited artist Dean Mitchell, Charles Bibbs, Manuelita Brown, Ed Johnetta Miller, Lonnie Powell, Robert Hale, Sandra Smith, Cbabi Bayoc, Thomas Sleet, Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, Ronald Johnson and others. Our goal is to create an exciting art event that attracts a national audience. Sells income will support general operations of Portfolio, Inc. a not-for-profit 501C3 arts organization and further be used to provide grants to St. Louis artists, small notfor-profits and community based organizations. Please join the award winning Portfolio Gallery as it presents its 1st Annual “All Colors” Visual Arts Invitational & Juried Exhibition to be held January 13th through February 28, 2018, at the St. Louis Artist Guild, 12 Jackson Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105.

Portfolio Gallery is a member of The Alliance of Black Galleries

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

182

OPPORTUNITIES

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AD

The Bernie Hayes Show Talk and interviews about affairs of the day with a St. Louis slant. The Bernie Hayes Show can be seen: Friday’s at 9 A.M. Saturday’s at 10:00 P.M. Sunday’s at 5:30 P.M.

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

184

CAREERS

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 5.6 December 31, 2018

pg.

186

A big Thank You to our CONTRIBUTERS

Arts Today vol. 5.6

Articles inside

The Jazz World Suffers

Columbus Exposed